Watertown Town Housing Authority

The meeting agenda included the election of officers, the Chairwoman's report, and discussions concerning the opening of the Watertown Housing Authority Waiting List. Old business focused on the Grievance Policy and the alarm system for Truman Terrace. The Property Manager's report addressed a variance request for placing a bench, current unit availability across Country Ridge, Buckingham Terrace, and Truman Terrace, and a pending discrepancy in appliance billing from the previous month. The Resident Commissioner highlighted ongoing tenant complaints regarding low morale and poor communication from the authority, which the Chairwoman addressed by confirming updates on a new maintenance employee and the upcoming interview process for a Resident Service Coordinator. Several new business items were approved, including adding building letters to Truman Terrace and Buckingham Place, installing phone charging stations in community centers, and placing signs designating 'WHA Visitor Parking Only' areas.

The meeting included a review of paid bills for February 2026, the approval of a scope of work for a new alarm system at Truman Terrace, and a tabled discussion on opening the waiting list. Management presented a proposal to replace the current laundry machine vendor due to service issues and discussed updates on the Small Cities State Grant, including potential capital projects like roofs and sidewalks. The Resident Service Coordinator provided updates on community engagement, budgeting activities, and wellness checks. Public participation topics included requests for meeting improvements, maintenance inquiries regarding plumbing and electrical issues, parking concerns, and exterior repairs.

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to interview two Resident Selection Commissioner (RSC) candidates. Following an executive session dedicated to these interviews, the Commission discussed and subsequently voted to approve the hiring of Candidate B for the salary previously approved during the budget meeting held in December 2025.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer/Secretary. Key discussions in new business centered on the Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) waiting list, specifically tabling the decision to reopen it pending better counts of existing applicants, and establishing a policy where a second refusal of an apartment results in name removal from the list. In old business, a grievance hearing officer was discussed, with Commissioner Denise Russ accepting the position. Action was also taken to table the discussion regarding the Alarm System at Truman Terrace to allow the manager time to prepare a scope of work for bidding. The Property Manager reported progress on grant money release contingent upon Radon testing results at County Ridge apartments.

The primary meeting discussed several key items. In new business, the Commissioners debated the process for opening the WHA waiting list, ultimately tabling a decision pending a better count of existing applicants and establishing a policy regarding tenant refusal of offered apartments. Under old business, Commissioner Denise Russ accepted the role of Hearing Commissioner for tenant formal grievances. Further, action on the Alarm System at Truman Terrace was tabled to allow management to prepare a scope of work for bidding. The Property Manager reported that grant money release is pending the results of Radon testing at two apartments in Country Ridge. The attached documents also reference minutes from a Regular Meeting on February 11, 2026, and a Special Meeting on January 23, 2026, as well as accounts payable review for March 2026.