Sam Feda

The regular Board meeting included the election of officers, resulting in the unanimous approval of Commissioner Ostuw as Chairman and Commissioner McKoy as Vice Chairman. The Executive Director reported on strong community support during the holiday season, noting significant donations for residents, especially the elderly. The Chief Executive Officer announced that Mr. Ben Barnes will join the agency as Chief of Staff in January 2026. Key resolutions passed included the two-year extension of the Yardi Consulting Services contract with Wise Consulting Services, not to exceed $150,000, and the selection of BRD Builders to perform mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) upgrades at Stamford Manor, approved not to exceed $2,496,670.

The meeting included updates from various committees. The Human Resources Committee discussed recruitment, benefits, and employee engagement activities. The Operations Committee reported on completed maintenance projects, relocation updates for Oak Park phase 1, and permit parking applications. The Finance Committee presented quarterly financial reports, procurement updates, and audit updates. The CEO provided a strategic overview on House Bill 8002 regarding affordable housing development.

The meeting included committee reports from Human Resources, Operations, and Finance. The Human Resources Committee provided updates on recruitment, employee medical benefits survey results, and employee engagement activities. The Operations Committee reported on Q2 2025 updates, including PIC scores, work orders, resident activities, and portfolio occupancy. They also discussed the completion of annual LLF training, updates to pretermination notices, progress on the Building Refresh Initiative, and the HCV leadership transition. The Finance Committee presented the revised Written Information Security Program (WISP) and discussed the selection of Environmental Systems Corporation (ESC) to implement Stamford Manor's Blue Light security system. They also reviewed tenant accounts receivable and provided an update on the annual audits for COC and Scofield Manor. The Executive Director presented a power point presentation on the recent Yardi staff survey, and the Chief Executive Officer provided an update on the ongoing federal government shutdown and its effects on the affordable housing sector. The Board reviewed the 2025 Midyear Progress Report meeting. Resolutions were passed regarding the adoption of the updated WISP, awarding the safety security system contract for Stamford Manor to Environmental Systems Co, and authorizing Rippowam Corporation to engage in the redevelopment of the Oak Park Property.

This document outlines the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for Charter Oak Communities (COC), detailing its operational framework for administering the public housing program in accordance with federal law and HUD requirements. The plan's core purpose is to provide safe, affordable housing and human services to Stamford residents, fostering resident self-sufficiency and strengthening neighborhoods. Key focus areas include applicant eligibility, waiting list management, tenant transfers, grievance procedures, and compliance with all applicable regulations. COC's vision emphasizes resident health, wellbeing, and independence, aiming to create community assets and promote thriving residents through collaborative partnerships.

This strategic plan outlines the major goals and objectives for Charter Oak Communities, functioning as a five-year rolling plan. It addresses seven key organizational components: Asset Management, Development & Redevelopment, Leased Housing Programs, Supportive & Resident Services, Organizational Administration, Entrepreneurial Activities, and Transformational Activities. The plan prioritizes enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring financial sustainability, modernizing technology, developing affordable housing, providing comprehensive resident support, fostering community engagement, and strengthening organizational capacity to serve low-income families and the broader Stamford community.