Acushnet Housing Authority Aims for Grants and Recognizes Juneteenth
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Meeting Type:
Housing Authority
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Meeting Date:
05/15/2024
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Recording Published:
05/15/2024
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Duration:
11 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Acushnet
- Meeting Overview:
The Acushnet Housing Authority is seeking substantial grant funding while also updating its policies to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday. During the recent meeting, the Authority discussed the pursuit of grants for energy improvements and maintenance, tenant survey results indicating above-average satisfaction, and the integration of Juneteenth into the employee handbook.
The Housing Authority is in the process of applying for a High Impact Low Administrative Cost (High laac) Grant of $75,000 and another energy-related grant amounting to over $120,000. These grants are aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of housing provided by the Authority.
Additionally, the results of the tenant satisfaction survey, with 37 out of 60 surveys completed, were shared, showing that the Authority rates higher than most small housing authorities.
A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the discussion of recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. It was clarified that although Juneteenth is a federal holiday and all federal holidays are typically observed by housing authorities, a formal board vote was necessary to include it in the employee handbook officially. After some discussion, a motion was made and passed to legitimize the observance of Juneteenth.
Moreover, the Authority reported on the status of vacancies and their ongoing efforts to ready apartments for new tenants. There was mention of day-to-day activities and the management agreement with Swansea, which included apartment inspections and maintenance.
The meeting also covered the decision to contract Mosquito Squad for the upcoming year to provide all-natural, organic spraying. This decision was made with the safety of the tenants and the environmental impact in mind, specifically noting that the chosen organic option should not harm bees.
Lastly, the meeting addressed scheduling conflicts due to the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, leading to the possibility of skipping the June meeting unless matters arise that require a board vote. The next scheduled meeting was set for July 17th, unless circumstances necessitate an earlier convening.
James Kelley
Housing Authority Officials:
Rene Racine, Robert Brown, Andrew J. Gomes, Stephanie Vonjess, Gerome Smith, Lynn Berube (Executive Director)
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Meeting Type:
Housing Authority
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/15/2024
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Recording Published:
05/15/2024
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Duration:
11 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Acushnet
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