Granby Select Board Discusses Housing Authority Funding and Maintenance
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
07/22/2024
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Recording Published:
07/23/2024
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Duration:
29 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Granby
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent meeting of the Granby Select Board, the primary focus was on the financial report and the impact of possible increased costs on the budget, particularly concerning housing authority funding. The board approved the financial report from June 17th, 2024, and discussed the completion status of the final financial report. In addition, there were updates on various housing projects, including apartment occupancy and maintenance issues, as well as the suggestion of policy changes regarding advertisement requirements and the hiring of new staff.
The financial report presented to the board detailed the current fiscal situation, noting that the final financial report was still in the process of being completed. The board was made aware of the pending bills under the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for modernization, which had not yet been processed. The financial implications of these pending bills were of particular interest due to their potential effect on the overall budget. Furthermore, the board was encouraged to consider the implications of an increase in funding for housing authorities if certain legislative requests were to be approved. This topic was significant because it directly related to the quality and availability of housing for residents.
In addition to the financial discussions, the meeting provided updates on the housing units’ status. The board received news that a maintenance laborer, Steve Lemlin, had agreed to take on the role. There was also a notification of a maintenance issue involving a fallen tree leaning against one of the buildings, which had been promptly addressed. The director reported the acceptance of a tenant for the Bacon apartment and the upcoming move-in of tenants for two other vacant apartments. This report underscored the ongoing work to maintain and manage the housing units effectively.
The meeting also touched on the building two roof project and the well project at Hillside, which are critical in ensuring the structural integrity and resource availability of the housing units. Such updates are important for the board to monitor as they have direct implications for residents’ living conditions and the long-term sustainability of the housing projects.
The board was informed that the kitchens’ revamp was not yet complete but would be finished by the end of the week. This update was part of a broader maintenance report that included a review of the 3-day off rule policy, which had already been addressed prior to the meeting. A recommendation to change the policy about advertisements was brought up, suggesting a specification for “two different Medias” rather than just two newspapers, therefore widening the scope for public notices.
Staffing issues were also discussed, with one new hire and another position being debated due to budget constraints. These personnel decisions were noteworthy as they directly affect the capacity of the board to carry out its functions effectively.
Public comment included lighter moments, such as a member bringing cupcakes to celebrate a former board member’s birthday. However, practical concerns were also voiced, with one member commenting on difficulties accessing the medicine cabinet and suggesting the installation of a shelf or replacement of the cabinet to better serve the residents’ needs. Additionally, the contributions of the Boy Scouts to the community were acknowledged, praising their work in providing flowers and benches, which enhance the communal spaces and contribute to the locality’s aesthetics.
Finally, the meeting included deliberations on organizing a community event—a cookout. The details of this event, including date, time, and menu, were discussed.
Christopher Martin
City Council Officials:
Richard Beaulieu, Crystal Dufresne, Glen N. Sexton, Cathy Leonard (Assistant Town Administrator), Dayle Clark (Selectboard Clerk)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
07/22/2024
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Recording Published:
07/23/2024
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Duration:
29 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Granby
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