Medford Housing Authority

The meeting included a review of the Agency Wide Operating Statement for October and November 2025, noting that audits are ongoing and reserves are in good condition. The Executive Director's report covered updates on vacancies due to construction completion at 121 Riverside Avenue, the introduction of new staff members in Maintenance, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Resident Services Opportunity (ROSS), and Leased Housing departments. Discussion also addressed the Leased Housing Department's voucher total falling below 900 and the receipt of renewal awards for the FSS Program. New Business involved several resolutions: Resolution No. 2026-001 authorized a contract for Generator Replacement at Weldon Gardens; Resolution No. 2026-002 approved a contract for Construction Administration Services for the Phase I Redevelopment of Walkling Court; and Resolution No. 2026-003 authorized a three-year contract for pest control services. The discussion regarding the Procurement Policy was tabled, and updates were provided on Community Preservation matters.

The new business items for the meeting include authorization for the Executive Director to enter into negotiations and subsequent agreements with Cambridge Housing Authority regarding ongoing consulting services, detailing specific Task Orders. The agenda also covers the approval of a contract totaling $83,000.00 with Kitchen and Floor Décor for flooring and painting at Phillips Apartments, approval of a revised service contract for Section 8 Case Management Services with Chelsea Housing Authority, and approval to adjust the longevity benefit for Administrative staff to match the Maintenance Department benefit effective January 1, 2026. A discussion item is also listed regarding the Community Preservation Committee.

Key discussions during the meeting included a review of the year-end financials for the period ending September 30, 2025, in preparation for the annual audit. In the Executive Director's Report, it was noted that tax credits were fully allocated for the Walkling Court project, though the contract for design services with Dietz Architects was mutually terminated, requiring a new RFP. Staff will relocate back to 121 Riverside Avenue on January 21, 2026. Concerns were raised regarding the Leased Housing Department's voucher total reduction and potential funding shortfalls that might necessitate voucher terminations. Promotions within the Maintenance Department were noted, and several court cases resulted in the collection of rent arrears. Furthermore, the Board unanimously voted to remove the 'Public Input' section from future Board Agendas to mitigate risks regarding the Open Meeting Law. New business involved authorizing negotiations and subsequent agreements for ongoing consulting services with the Cambridge Housing Authority (Resolution No. 2025-051 and 2025-052), approving a contract for flooring and painting at Phillips Apartments (Resolution No. 2025-053), authorizing a revised service contract for Section 8 Case Management Services with Chelsea Housing Authority (Resolution No. 2025-054), and approving the replication of the Maintenance Department longevity benefit to Administrative staff effective January 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 2025-055).

This document outlines the Medford Housing Authority's Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (ACOP), detailing policies for eligibility, fair housing, income and rent determinations, verification, reexaminations, and specific rules regarding pets, community service, transfers, and lease terminations. The plan also incorporates changes related to the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA) Sections 102/104, aiming to ensure consistent program operation in accordance with federal and state regulations, provide affordable and safe housing, and promote resident self-sufficiency and fair housing principles.

The Medford Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review the Authority's Proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2026. The Annual Plan includes the Capital Improvement Plan, Maintenance and Repair Plan, Operating Budget, responses to the Performance Management Review (PMR) findings, housing authority policies, and waivers from governing regulations. Residents and the general public are invited to review the Annual Plan and submit public comments.