The Fall River Housing Authority Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting remotely on February 8, 2021. Following roll call and public input praising recent snow removal efforts, the Board approved minutes from the January 2021 annual meeting, financial vouchers, routine management reports, and quarterly financial statements. Director of Finance Melissa Mello presented the authority’s financial condition, noting that programs were running operating surpluses with the exception of the 689 program, which experienced higher maintenance costs, and confirmed that COVID-19 expenses were being tracked for CARES Act reimbursements.
Executive Director Timothy Barrow provided updates regarding a $142,000 Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) grant renewal, potential HUD technical assistance for the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, upcoming supervisory training, and authority-wide COVID-19 developments. He announced an upcoming vaccination clinic on February 11, 2021, partnering with HealthFirst Community Center and hosted at Our Lady of Light Band banquet facility, which registered 150 elderly residents aged 75 and older.
The Board addressed numerous procurement, modernization, and personnel matters. Commissioners approved a 179-day no-cost change order extension, certificate of completion for Bates Towers exterior repairs, multiple bid advertisements for modernization and safety projects, and a three-year integrated pest management contract awarded to A&D Professional Pest Control for $355,680. Additionally, the Board ratified COVID-19 emergency security guard coverage with Best Security, approved waste container services with Republic Services, authorized bid advertisement for a John Deere snow removal tractor, and ratified various appointments and job postings.
Topics discussed
- 2:03 · Public Comment – Snow Removal — approved
Resident Mary Patrick Higgins commended housing authority maintenance staff for snow removal at Executive Towers on Robeson Street. - 2:42 · Minutes of January 2021 Annual Meeting — approved
The board reviewed and approved the minutes of the previous annual meeting. - 4:40 · Vouchers and Bills — approved
The board approved monthly vouchers and communications as presented. - 5:18 · Monthly Management Reports
Staff submitted monthly management reports detailing tenant accounts, applications, Section 8 voucher usage, and modernization progress. - 8:54 · Quarterly and Monthly Financial Statements — approved
Finance Director Melissa Mello reviewed budget performance, CARES Act COVID-19 expense tracking, and the Maple Gardens Gateway grant. - 11:47 · FSS Grant Renewal
Announcement of the receipt of a $142,000 Family Self-Sufficiency grant renewal supporting resident savings and homeownership goals. - 12:38 · HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Technical Assistance
Discussion of HUD’s offer of free technical assistance to explore transitioning public housing sites to Section 8 project-based assistance. - 16:42 · COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic and Case Update
Overview of employee infection rates and coordination of a vaccine clinic for 150 residents aged 75+ at Our Lady of Light Band hall. - 26:26 · Physical Needs Assessment — approved
Staff explained the five-year architectural and engineering evaluation of housing properties for capital planning and RAD feasibility. - 28:43 · Change Order Extension for Contract — approved
Approval of 179 calendar days added to a contract period caused by COVID-19 work shutdowns without any monetary adjustments. - 29:51 · Bates Towers Envelope Completion — approved
Approval of the Certificate of Completion Consolidation for exterior envelope repairs Phase 2 at Bates Towers. - 30:30 · Boiler Upgrades at Cardinal Medeiros Towers — approved
Authorization to solicit bids for boiler replacements and upgrades at Cardinal Medeiros Towers. - 31:16 · Multi-Site Modernization Bid Advertisements — approved
Approval to advertise five separate modernization bid packages including alarm replacements, ADA bathrooms, roof work, and electrical panels. - 33:24 · DHCD Lead-Based Paint Compliance Certificate
Action authorizing execution of the annual DHCD lead paint notification compliance certificate for FY 2021. - 35:20 · Emergency Security Guard Services — approved
Board ratified COVID-19 security coverage through February 20, 2021 with Best Security at $22.64/hour up to $26,509. - 40:03 · Pest Management Services Contract — approved
Award of a three-year pest control services agreement to A&D Professional Pest Control for $355,680. - 42:15 · Dumpster and Bulky Waste Disposal Services — approved
Contract award to Republic Services for 30-yard dumpster rental and bulk waste removal at 201 Eddy Street. - 45:28 · Snow Removal Tractor Procurement — approved
Approval to advertise for the purchase of an additional John Deere subcompact tractor for snow removal and salting. - 48:10 · Personnel Appointments and Postings — approved
Board ratified the appointment of an office coordinator, three maintenance mechanics, and authorized postings for clerk and custodian roles. - 48:38 · Ratification of the appointment of Tammy Carneiro as Modernization Office Coordinator — approved
- 49:21 · Ratification of in-house posting and outside advertising for Inventory Asset / Data Entry Clerk position — approved
- 50:02 · Ratification of appointments of Michael Calvelo, Stephen Samson, and Ken Landy as Maintenance Mechanic 1 / Floaters — approved
- 50:40 · Ratification of in-house posting and outside advertising for Warehouse Maintenance Custodian position — approved