01/28/2021 HOUSING AUTHORITY Executive Session

Home Browse Search

that office to alleviate some of the director's workload. Ms. Allen suggested hiring a temporary staff person to assist with some of the administrative duties. The matter will be readdressed at the March meeting. Legal Counsel Contract Review---Mrs. Campos stated when she and the fee accountant were preparing the budget, he discussed the consulting contract that was negotiated between the board and Mrs. Botsford prior to her retiring. Mr. Joy thinks the contract should be rewritten between EA Fish Asher's Path, LLC and Mrs. Botsford because the current contract as written classifies her as a Mashpee Housing Authority employee rather than a consultant. Mrs. Campos noted that the first monthly payment made to Mrs. Botsford was written from the Mashpee Housing Authority Operating account but moving forward, the fee accountant feels she should be paid from the Asher's Path operating account. fie is concerned that when the authority is audited, the check that was written to her in.November from the authority will be flagged because she retired at the end of September. Mr. Joy stated he would contact Mrs. Botsford to inform her that a new contract would have to be written and presented to the board for signature. Mr. Joy also questioned whether or not DHCD had approved Mrs. Botsford contract. Mrs. Campos told him she wasn't sure if DHCD had approved the contract. Mr. Joy questioned whether the contract meets state procurement laws and suggested the authority have an attorney review the contract. Mrs. Campos asked the fee accountant whether Mrs. Botsford is still eligible :for health insurance under the Group Insurance Commisison because as part of her contract, her health insurance is being paid by the housing authority. Mr. Joy suggested that Mrs. Campos confirm with the Group Insurance Commission that Mrs. Botsford is still eligible for health insurance benefits through the Group. Mrs. Campos contacted the Group Insurance Commission and was informed that Ms. Botsford is no longer eligible for health insurance through them. Mrs. Campos contacted an attorney who specializes in procurement law. He informed her that it is not uncommon for housing authorities to hire a retired E.D. as a consultant or to offer fringe benefits as part of an agreement. He would like to review the document to be ensure it was drafted legally. Mrs. Campos is hoping once the contract is reviewed, alternate arrangements for health insurance can be made. Mr. Shackett and Ms. Allen stated they did not realize health insurance was being offered to Ms. Botsford. A brief discussion ensued. Ms. Allen entertained a motion to allow Mrs. Campos to sign the legal contract with Driscoll and Driscoll to review Mrs. Botsford's consultant contract. Mr. Shackett moved, Ms. Meizinger seconded to allow Mrs. Campos to sign the legal contract with Driscoll and Driscoll to review Mrs. Botsford's consultant contract. The motion carried. 3-0-0. Executive Session Adjournment: A motion was made at 5:35 PM by Mr. Shackett and seconded by Ms. Meizinger to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene in Open Session. The motion carried 3-0-0. Roll call vote to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene in Open Session—Mr. Shackett—yes, Ms. Meizinger—yes, Ms. Allen—yes. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2021 at 5:00 PM. A brief discussion transpired regarding the board's vacancies, Mrs. Campos will contact the town clerk about filling Mr. Halpern's vacated seat until the end of his term. She will inform the members of the town clerk's response. Page 2 of 3