Katie Sadlier

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in honor of Philip L. Shea, a former chairman and friend of the board, following his recent passing. Key discussions included personnel updates, specifically announcing the resignation of the Chief Admissions Officer and welcoming Tracie Morgan as the new Head of the Department. The Executive Director reported on preparations for an RFP to secure qualified affordable housing developers for a project involving at least 23 affordable housing units on 0.5 acres of transferred land. The Chief Financial Officer provided the monthly financial update for the period ending November 30, 2025, noting concerns about reduced operating subsidy funding (reduced to 86 percent from January through May by HUD, representing a 16 percent cut). The board accepted the finance report despite the noted budget cautions. The Management/Facilities Director provided an update on vacant apartments, noting 15 units were leased during the period, reducing turnover to 24 units, while the waiting list remains robust at approximately 11,000 applicants. Discussions also addressed the reasons why applicants decline offered units, citing factors such as location, transportation needs, and amenity preferences. The board approved an amendment (#18) to the Contract for CFA 5001 Financial Assistance, increasing the total funding to approximately $7.2 million for capital improvements. Additionally, the board approved Change Order #2 to increase the contract with New England Builders & Contractors, Inc. by $11,150.00 to address unforeseen water infiltration and resulting joist rusting in the elevator mechanical room at 198 South Street.

The meeting covered several critical operational and financial topics. A proposal was presented to transition the distribution of Board packets from physical copies to electronic delivery via email to improve efficiency and reduce costs, given the increasing length of monthly materials. The Executive Director provided updates on the Julian Steele project site advancement through Trinity, noting necessary legislative and development plan amendments had received final approvals, allowing for the submission of a pre-application. It was also announced that the Secretary of Housing, Ed Augustus, is scheduled to visit the Authority on December 16th. In finance reports, finalized fiscal year 2025 operating statements were presented, showing an authority-wide net income of $7.5M, which includes $6M in capital funds. Reports confirmed a zero percent vacancy rate for state/multi-family properties and 1.9 percent for federal properties. Key votes included authorizing the reaffirmation of the Section 18 Disposition Application for the 39 Quimby Avenue lot, contingent upon receiving the required Mayoral support letter. The Board also authorized the Executive Director to explore RAD conversion or Section 18 Disposition for AMPs 1, 2, 3, and 4, conditional upon conducting a Capital Needs Assessment. Furthermore, the Board approved an amendment to the Five-Year Capital Plan (2025-2029) to incorporate a $241,975 security grant for cameras and doors at specific developments. Other approvals included participation in the Massachusetts State-Aided Property Insurance Program, adoption of the 2025-2026 Out-of-Town Payment Standards and Fair Market Rents, awarding a $1,362,000 rehabilitation contract to New England Builders & Contractors, approving a $13,100 change order to Homer Contracting for cabinet replacement, allocating $100,000 via change order to Stewart Electrical Contracting for City View Towers work, and approving a $69,200 contract amendment to Waterfield Design Group for site improvements on Colwell Ave.

The meeting included updates from the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, and a report on vacant apartments. The board discussed and approved an amended development plan for the River's Edge on the Concord project, authorized the Executive Director to submit a Section 18 disposition application for a vacant lot on Quimby Avenue, and approved the 2025-2026 flat rent for the federal housing project. They also authorized the Executive Director to explore RAD conversion for Highland Parkway Development. Additionally, the board approved an advance of funds to RENU for an audit and tax preparation services, a contract award recommendation to CBIZ CPA's P.C. for auditing services, and a contract award recommendation to Hank & Sons for lock supplies. A change order was approved for electrical redistribution at Highland Parkway, and the close out of the Mercier Center HVAC replacement contract was also approved.

The meeting included updates from the Executive Director, including the hiring of a new Capital Asset Director and the awarding of an Emergency Safety and Security Grant to install security doors and cameras at the Temple Street and Cobalt Street properties. The Chief Financial Officer provided a financial update, noting increases in net income for federal AMPs and the Concord River Mill Program. Discussion focused on vacant apartments, tenant screening processes, and concerns about criminal activity. An update was given on the Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) and efforts to assist residents at risk of homelessness. The board addressed concerns about guest policies and potential violence, tasking the Executive Director and legal counsel with developing recommendations to notify residents of compliance requirements.

The meeting included roll call and discussions on various agenda items, including residential correspondence, resident organization, subcommittee reports, and finance and audit reports. An announcement was made regarding the scheduling of board meetings in August. The board ratified the selection of Trinity Financial as a development partner for the Merrimack Street Corridor Development. There were no motions from board members, executive director announcements, or new business items. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.