Northampton Housing Authority

The meeting included public comment regarding outstanding property maintenance issues, such as ventilation repairs, buzzers, intercoms, and mini-split arrivals, resulting in a commitment from management to follow up. The Executive Director's report highlighted a commendably low bad debt write-off amount. A significant portion of the discussion involved a detailed presentation by the Holyoke Housing Authority on their successful property development strategies, including leveraging grants (like Hope 6 and Mass Works infrastructure grants) for large-scale modernization and new construction projects, achieving both rental and home ownership units, and addressing low home ownership rates in their community. Authority members expressed significant interest in applying lessons learned from Holyoke's proactive development approach to future Northampton initiatives, particularly concerning leveraging Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and exploring development opportunities like increased density on existing lots. New business included the approval of a contract award for roof replacement at 256 State Street, approval of the Federal FY26 Budget Place Holder, and the approval of a 45-day extension of the Holyoke Housing Authority's management agreement per EOHLC directive.

The meeting included new business items requiring Board approval. These actions involved approving Resolution 2025-17 concerning the Contract for Financial Assistance 5001 (Capital Plan CFA) #14. Additionally, the Board approved a Certificate of Change Order for FISH #214106 in the amount of $500.00 for extra plywood, a Certificate of Substantial Completion for the same project (Payment #1) for $43,429.25, and a Certificate of Final Completion (Payment #2) for $2,285.75. The Board also approved the low bid of $350,428.38 for the replacement and removal of Federal Pacific Electrical Panels at the McDonald House, and the low bid of $6,800.00 for the fall cleanup across all sites. Prior to adjourning into an executive session to discuss a third-party investigation of complaints against a public official, a Commissioner read a formal statement objecting to their exclusion from previous and current executive sessions.

The meeting addressed the suspension of the public comment section due to an ongoing investigation, citing advice to maintain the integrity of the process. Key discussions involved the approval of tenant account write-offs totaling $33,366.00 as quarterly bad debt. New business centered on the approval of the Certificate of Final Completion (CFC) for the Hampshire Heights Window Replacement Project, which led to a detailed discussion regarding the timeline and scope of larger capital improvement projects affecting Hampshire Heights, including water mitigation and road work. The Board also approved Resolution 2025-04, authorizing the Executive & Interim Director to sign necessary documents for reimbursement, and Resolution 2025-05, approving an amendment to the EOHLC contract for financial assistance. Finally, Resolution 2025-06, concerning State FY25 Budget Revisions for Program 400-1, was approved despite a Commissioner's abstention, which included funding related to a management contract during the interim executive director period.

The primary focus of the meeting was the approval of Resolution #2025-17, which appointed the Chief Accounting Officer to the Acting position of Executive Director, per directive from EOHLC regulations. Commissioners expressed gratitude to the individual stepping down for their service as Interim Executive Director since March 2025, noting their professionalism, stability provided, and tenant-centered leadership. Discussions also involved the transition plan for the acting director, including setting up an introductory meeting for the incoming individual. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.

Discussions during the meeting included tenant feedback regarding the difficulty in accessing the meeting link and issues with the recorded phone message. The Salvo LTO reported on their recent re-election results, submission of a new budget proposal and bylaw revisions, planned activities, and ongoing security measures. Key agenda items involved awarding the contract for rubbish removal to USA Waste Removal for two years at a total cost of $227,739.97, significantly lower than the competing bid. The Authority also approved the FY25 Year End Financials Certification, including the Top 5 Compensation Document and Lead Paint Notification Compliance Certification, with detailed explanations provided regarding operating reserves, maintenance expenses, and potential vacancy penalties. Additionally, approvals were granted for a 45-day management agreement with the Holyoke Housing Authority and the Certification of FY2025 Section 8 SEMAP.