June 14th, 2021 Board Meeting

The Gloversville Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners met at its monthly meeting that was held at the Gloversville Housing Authority, 141 West Street on June 14, 2021 at 6:00p.m.

Board Members Present:

• Brenda Leitt, Chairperson
• Lashawn Hawkins, Secretary
• John Poling, Commissioner
• Raymond Yorks, Commissioner
• Patricia Van Slyke, Commissioner 

Others Present:

• Anthony Casale, Authority Legal Counsel
• Bryan Goldberger, Authority Legal Counsel
• Jason Mazur – Executive Director

Chairperson Leitt called the meeting to order at 6:01p.m. All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence.

Chairperson Leitt conducted a roll call memorializing the presence of the above-named individuals.

Chairperson Leitt opened the floor for public comment. Jennifer Richmond, tenant at DG said that with Jessee out, new tenants are not receiving notices that they need to have – information about where to park, noise control with motorcycles, children’s motorcycles racing on the property, kids out making noise past 11pm. Right now the biggest problem is motorcycles…24/7 there are cars parked down the road illegally…the fire department can request that the police issue tickets ….potholes: patching does not work and we do not know until October about repaving…..I’m going blind. My neighbors are both handicapped. We cannot see the line (parking spaces)…There are bicycles in the driveway, the vehicles need to drive around the bicycles. ….Recycling and garbage: One of the dumpsters is in the parking lot. Dumpsters are not labeled. Lids are closed and overflowing….people are smoking on the property and throwing the cigarette butts on the property, and these are toxic ….There is also broken glass ….New tenants: nobody is getting fliers telling them what they can and cannot do, no information about lease violations. Chairperson Leitt indicated that some of these issues will be discussed later tonight and Mr. Mazur will look into the rest….

Chairperson Leitt having opened the floor for announcements of commissioners, and with there having been done, the board proceeded with the agenda

Chairperson Leitt having opened the floor for Communications received, and with there having been none to report, the board proceeded with the agenda.

Chairperson Leitt having opened the floor for Old Business and for discussion about the Tenant Relations Assistant position. Chairperson Leitt advised that a discussion would be held later in the evening in executive session.

The Executive Director’s report was provided by Jason Mazur. We have begun looking into a major paving project. It is part of the 5 year plan. Repainting the lines is part of the project. We are in the process of doing the surveying and engineering components to make sure that the project is done the right way…Memos are going to tenants – a reiteration of the rules and obligations under the lease. Your point is duly noted (to Ms. Richmond in the audience ).

Chairperson Leitt having opened the floor for board committee reports, and with there having been none, the board proceeded with the agenda. Commissioner Poling asked Mr. Mazur if he noticed any irregularities in the check report and Mazur indicated he did not.

Chairperson Leitt having opened the floor for new business. Chairperson Leitt presented Resolution 810 regarding the audit of disbursements for May 2021. A motion to adopt said resolution having been made by Chairperson Leitt and a second having been made by Commissioner Hawkins, the resolution was adopted by a vote of 5-0 in the affirmative. Commissioner Poling noted that the finance committee had not met to review the audit…….Chairperson Leitt having presented Resolution 811 accepting the resignation of Commissioner Marcia Weiss, with a motion to adopt said resolution having been made by Chairperson Leitt and a second having been made by Commissioner Poling, the resolution was adopted by a vote of 5-0 in the affirmative…..Chairperson Leitt having introduced Resolution 812 appointing Lawshawn Hawkins as Secretary of the Gloversville Housing Authority, with a motion to adopt said resolution having been made by Commissioner Leiit and a second having been made by Commissioner Vanslyke, the resolution was unanimously ratified by a vote of 5-0 in the affirmative. Commissioner Poling asked if she would now be added as a signor to the checkbook and Chairperson Leitt confirmed that yes she would be added. Chairperson Leitt also reminded all present that two signatures are required on all checks.

Commissioner Hawkins advised all present that an event will be held tomorrow. Several agencies will provide information about services available. Information from Planned Parenthood; GPD; GESD; NYS DOS among others. The event is from 3pm-5pm in the front parking lot.

Commissioner Yorks announced that Farmers Market coupons will be available on July 1st.

Chairperson Leitt opened the floor for discussion about the filling of vacant units. Director Mazur reported that occupancy rate across the board is 88%. We are moving in the right direction. Commissioner Poling added that filling the Tenant Relations Assistant is a crucial piece.

A motion was made to go into executive session pursuant to Public Officers Law, Section 105(1)(f), said motion having been made Commissioner Poling and a second having been made by Commissioner Hawkins, said motion carried by a vote of 5-0 in the affirmative. The Board, Director Mazur, and Attorneys Casale and Goldberger commenced said executive session at 6:35p.m. A motion was made at 7:31pm to conclude said executive session, said motion having been made by Commissioner Poling and a second having been made by Commissioner Vanslyke, the motion was carried by a vote of 5-0 in the affirmative. The executive session concluded at 7:31pm.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Commissioner Poling and a second was made by Commissioner Vanslyske, with said motion having carried by a vote of 5-0 in the affirmative.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:32p.m.