Tracy Blackwell

The meeting included the acceptance of the Executive Director's and Finance Expenditures report for November 2025, which detailed end-of-year operations, maintenance project status, and a temporary pause on using a contractor for unit turnovers pending procurement review. An update on the RAD redevelopment project confirmed guidance from HUD for financial plan submission and discussions with City representatives regarding the cooperation agreement. New business involved a detailed RAD update, noting the validity of the environmental review and the intention to proceed with the second-lowest responsive bidder, Pac Group, LLC, for general contracting, with a construction budget around $57 million. The Board also reviewed and approved the projected 2026 operating budget, which anticipated a net income of $98,975 and detailed revenue assumptions for various programs, balanced against expense increases including labor, utilities, and insurance. Resolutions were approved for the submission of the 2026 Project-Based Federal Low Rent Operating Budget and ratification of a one-year ground lease option for Phase II of the Mount Pleasant RAD project.

The primary discussion item involved the approval of Resolution #25-017, which authorizes the amendment of the contract with Censere Consulting LLC. This amendment is for Censere Consulting LLC to perform a comprehensive agency management review (AMR) for the Housing Authority at a fixed fee not to exceed $120,000.

The meeting addressed numerous public concerns primarily focused on safety, maintenance, and resident communication. Specific issues included persistent maintenance problems like ceiling leaks, challenges in forming a tenant council, repeated front door break-ins, and package theft due to unsecured delivery locations. Staff was directed to follow up on inspections, review security footage, and propose solutions for package security and parking enforcement. Operational updates included the temporary shutdown of a building due to heating system failure, eviction proceedings for unauthorized occupants, and progress on roofing and siding improvements at Kennedy Apartments. New Business included advancing the RAD project timeline, and the approval of resolutions establishing the 2026 housing choice voucher program payment standard at 100% of HUD's FMRs, revising flat rent rates, and amending the contract with Censere Consulting LLC for legal services related to the Mount Pleasant Redevelopment project.

The meeting addressed resident concerns regarding plumbing issues, particularly in one unit, and committed to prompt repairs. A new Board of Commissioner was introduced. Updates were provided on building maintenance, capital projects, and the status of the Kennedy Apartments roof replacement and siding installation at Oval Grove Apartments. The Authority is reviewing Standard Operating Procedures to improve work order tracking and unit turnovers. The RAD Project received final funding for redevelopment at Mount Pleasant and Bond Street. The agency will apply for tax credits for Phase I and Phase II of the project. A resolution was approved to write off uncollectible rents. An executive session was held to discuss personnel-related matters.

The Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions and updates on the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, the Center of Excellence, and the Resident Council. The board addressed concerns regarding the property manager's responsiveness and took corrective action. The Executive Director provided updates on grant applications and the exploration of off-site locations for administrative offices, including a potential site at 389 John Downey Drive. The board approved writing off uncollectable amounts, authorized cooperation agreements and acceptance of funds from the City of New Britain for the Mount Pleasant Phase I Redevelopment Project, authorized a contract for vinyl siding and soffit installation at Oval Grove Apartments, and authorized an application for the Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) Capital Improvement Program Grant for the Mount Pleasant Phase I Redevelopment Project.