11/12/1998 HOUSING AUTHORITY Minutes

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y that the cost of the water cooler was running app ro ornately$328.00 per year. The water cooler is not used much and the expense is unnecessary. She suggested getting rid of the grater cooler and just keeping a gallon of spring water in the refrigerator. The Board agreed that this would be a good way to save some money. Mrs. Botsford then reported that she was unhappy th the answering service being used. Many people have complained that they are rude and turn people array from leaving messages, even in emergencies. The cost of the service is running at a cost of over$1,200.00 per year. Mrs. Botsford suggested a more user-friendly and affordable service such as an answering machine with voice mail. Mrs. Botsford stated that she carries her pager viten her at all tires, so if there is an emergency she can be reached when the office is closed. A discussion ensued and members of the Board voiced a concern for having unit that would operate if the power went out. Mrs. Botsford stated that she would investigate the alternatives available in answering machine systems and report back to the Board at the net meeting. OTHER BUSINESS: BOAST. Mrs. Botsford reported that representatives from DHCD wer-e at ileiA on October 28 and 30 to conduct a BOAST review of the authority. The first part of the review, financial, went well. Although the overall rating was deficient it was due to the poor management ent and collection from October 1997 through March 1998. The auditor made mention that collections are much better since April which brings our rating up a bit. These facts will be pant of his report. Mrs. Botsford rep rted that all work orders are now computerized, making tracking very easy. DHCD was very pleased at this accomplishment. The second part of the review has not been completed. John Gannon from DHCD will call to schedule a date and time to finish. Qrug Task Force Relationship: Mrs. Botsford reported that several housing authorities on the Cape are meeting with the Drug Task Force on a regular basis to share information on known or possible drug dealings living in subsidized housing. The meetings will be taking place about once a month or so. Holiday Flans: A discussion ensued regarding the planning of a holiday party for the residents. Mrs. Botsford will plan a party and send invitations out. Mrs. Botsford will also look into to generating Christmas Cards from the computer for landlords and other social service agencies. Mrs. Botsford reported that the seminar hosted by IIIA on October 30 was well- attended with approximately 45 people present. Ms. Rudd stated that she would like to re-visit the donation being made to Attorney Pa Grace to help defray her office expenses. Ms. Rudd stated that she felt we should contribute the amount requested of$225.00 since Ms. Grace's services were used quite a bit by the MHA and we've always paid the requested amount. A motion was made by FIs. Younger and seconded by FIs. Finton to increase the donation t $225.00 for Attorney Grace. The motion carried.