High Marks for Housing Authority

Franklin Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met at the Community Hall Monday, April 4, 2022 4:30 PM

After quickly approving minutes, The Board voted to move the presentation on financials to the start of the meeting, specifically including a presentation by Richard Shaw from Milne, Shaw & Robillard, P.C. Certified Public. Accountants.

Shaw, referencing a budget summary document in the hands of the Commissioners, provided a “macro” view on the prior 11 months, through February. Some of his points included:

• Rents have gone up leading to $36,000 more in income for the Authority.
• Management services provided to the Norfolk Housing Authority netted Franklin $15,000
• Of the 70 housing authorities he provides services to, Franklin is in the top 5 financially. {If you have to replace a boiler it is no big deal because your financial situation is so good, he added]
• When the state requires the money be “restricted” it is because a housing authority has problem. Franklin has not had that issue since the 1990s
• Franklin has run a surplus for at least 10 years.
• Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is allocating $6,000 for legal expenses for the Authority.
• DHCD also allotted about $1200 for printing and scanning equipment for the Authority
• The Budget recommended by Shaw includes a 15 percent increase for utility costs.
• A 4 percent increase in salaries has been approved by the state. That is the total for the budget. The director and Board have some discretion in how much of an increase is provided to specific employees.
• Member compensation has been increased.
• The Budget provides the option of funding a new truck and lawnmower.

Shaw complimented the organization on good fiscal management. “You started with good reserve and now have $70 k surplus,” he said, adding, “It is amazing what happens when good directors do what they do…. everything looks excellent across the board.”

Following the presentation, the board voted to approve the budget in two separate votes.

Director Lisa M. Audette then delivered a brief director’s report. She said there are currently 9540 on the waiting list, 318 of whom are local. She said the fire damaged building is now repaired and is coming back into service.

She noted that Commissioner Diane Padula had recently resigned and that a Tenant Representative would be appointed this summer.

Member Chris Feeley was asked to provide a report on the Community Preservation Committee. He said there was nothing to report since the next meeting was Tuesday evening. However, he asked to comment “on a related matter.” Given permission by the chair he noted the potential surplussing of the Old South Meeting House by the town and that private individuals had been asked to submit letters of interest, potentially to refurbish the structure into housing. He suggested that the Housing Authority consider doing the same. By consensus it was agreed that an approach would be made to the Town Administrator and a walk through of the building scheduled.

Feeley said he thought it could be converted into two housing units while still retaining its historic character.

In other matters, Audette mentioned an encroachment onto Housing Authority property had been identified and she stated that she was working with the town administration to rectify the situation.

She reported on “FISH” contracts for installation of a new boiler in an elder housing property. These two actions were approved by the Board.

The last item discussed was a request for support by developer Joel D’Errico who is proposing a 60-unit apartment complex consisting of six buildings. A portion of the ground-floor units will be leased at affordable rates as defined by the town.

Audette noted that “affordable” is still far more expensive than what Authority tenants can afford but she noted, more housing units would help with the overall housing shortage. That logic appealed to the board and the approved writing a letter of support for the project.

The board also voted to retain its existing membership and roles.