Minutes
Housing Authority - Minutes - May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES May 8, 2026 1 The regular meeting of the Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut was held on May 8, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Cook at 8:00 a.m. In attendance were, Vice-Chair Fleet, Commissioners, Joyce McKusick, Amber Abbuhl, Pradeep Bajaj, Executive Director, Christine Winters, Housing Administrator, Lori Lubetkin, and BOS Liaison Mike Paine PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. PUBLIC AUDIENCE There were four residents from VCR in Public Audience; Marsha VanVorce, Elisabeth Johnson, Gladys Perrone and Richard Brown. Each resident spoke of their length of residency at VCR, how much they enjoy it here, how helpful the staff are and wanted the Board to get a “full picture” of what is happening with some new residents that have moved in and making things a little unsettled. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes of the April 10, 2026 Board Meeting were reviewed by the Board. Commissioner McKusick made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Abbuhl. All voted in favor, motion carried. BOARD OF SELECTMAN LIAISON REPORT BOS Paine spoke about the Budget and the possibility of monies towards SHA’s Budget for Security Alarm System and PILOT. A discussion of the Town Manager’s Proposal ensued. No actions were taken at this time. RESIDENT COMMISSIONER REPORT Commissioner McKusick reported on some residents were upset with some issues with what has been reported and feedback on some of the unsettled issues of the Community Space in the Lounge. She also spoke of some issues in the laundry room. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT The Executive Director gave an update on the vacancies. • Lori, the Housing Administrator holds a “Keeping Your Balance” Class twice a month. This is very well attended. • We held our 50’s themed Diner event on April 17th. It was a success! Some residents dressed in character! It was a fun time with Milk Shakes too. • Jerry Perkins, a historian, was here to discuss “Women in History” on March 25th. • Chair Yoga is held three times a month. • Crafting with Valerie & Margaret (Aging & Disability/Garden Club) was on April 1st. • “Bunco”. The residents really enjoyed this and will now be held once a month. • Our Chef Manager holds a “Food for Thought” program once a month. • Cindy & Edyta (SALSA) hold a “Treat & Chat” each month. • Dr. Tencer, a podiatrist, comes every ten weeks to see residents. • St Mary’s Church holds Mass at VCR every third Wednesday of the month. UTOPIA is currently providing services to 18 residents (44%). COVID – No issues to report. COMMUNICATIONS HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES May 8, 2026 2 The Chairman of the Board shared communications she received. RESIDENT ISSUES/CORRESPONDENCE There has been some community concerns, resident challenges and housing issues. OLD BUSINESS • HUD Grant They will be assisting us in completing additional information into DRGR and hopefully will have this completed soon. One of the items is the “Part 58, Environmental Review” which has to be completed by our municipality. I have been in contact with Tom Roy and are waiting for his completion of the form. We also asked about using some of the funding for the “Alarm” system at DOLMA, and they stated we could. NEW BUSINESS • I did apply for a grant through “HAI” Group for the fire alarm system. I’m not sure how long it takes for review and notification, however, I will keep you updated. • The Budgets were submitted to DOH & CHFA on April 24th. CHFA has approved the Budget for DOLMA, however, DOH has to approve the funding for this and we are waiting to hear from DOH on VCR. • As requested, a survey was sent out. The results are in your package. There was discussion of the results. We will be investigating installing a “Key Fob” entrance at the dining room door, as this was an issue of concern as well as some other items/suggestions that were brought up in the survey. • Cindy has attended Mental Health Training, and Lori has attended Fair Housing Training, both through CONN-NAHRO. • Lori is working on finishing the process for the Notary designation and should have that completed by EOM. • On the Agenda is the Discussion regarding the Town Managers Proposal. • There was an “Investigator” on the property behind Apt #47. He gave Kent his card, and was taking pictures. I have reached out to see what it is about, but have not heard back. • Small Housing Authority Rental Expansion (SHARE) Program Flyer is attached. This is the Development Engagement Process (DEP) we spoke briefly about in March. It’s for “Middle Housing”, which is for developments of (20) units or fewer. • We have received information on the Simsbury Police Department’s “Citizen’s Police Academy”. They asked that we share with our staff and residents. It is enclosed for you as well. I do know a few residents have taken this in the past. At 9:38 am, a motion was made by Commissioner Abbulh to enter into Executive Session, seconded by Chairman Cook. At 10:43 am a motion was made by Vice-Chair Fleet to exit Executive Session, seconded by Commissioner Abbuhl. No Actions were taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Commissioner McKusick, seconded by Vice-Chair Fleet to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m. Respectfully Submitted by, Christine Winters - Executive Director/Secretary