Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Annual Report 2013: Housing Authority


BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on April 8, 2013.
George A. Danello, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
Mark A. Teehan, Assistant Treasurer
John R. Padula, Commissioner

Commissioner Peter L. Brunelli and Commissioner John R. Padula have served on the Board for many years. During their service, they were instrumental in assisting the housing authority receive five ‘Outstanding Agency Awards’ from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials MassNAHRO), including the most recent for obtaining a duplex for the affordable housing of single, low-income persons in the Franklin area. Both Commissioners have been highly respected for their diligent work in providing safe and affordable housing to persons of low income.

Commissioner Brunelli left the Board after serving 18 years and Commissioner Padula left the Board after 22 years of service. Sincere thanks to both from the Franklin Housing Authority.

Diane Padula-O’Neill has been sworn in by the Town Clerk as a new commissioner for the housing authority. We look forward to working with Commissioner O’Neill in the upcoming year.

FHA STAFF
Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director
Candice Day, Administrative Assistant
Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant
Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer
James Brunelli, Maintenance Groundskeeper
Anne Ayotte, Service Coordinator

Three highly regarded staff members retired from their positions in the past year. Melva Jackson worked as Office Clerk for 12 years. Diane Lamoureux worked as Office Assistant then Administrative Assistant and retired after 16 years. William Pizzi work as Maintenance Laborer for 10 years. The best of health and happiness is wished for their retirement years.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A Contract for Funding Assistance from the Department of Housing & Community Development for the purpose of repairing components of the aged agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. Several projects were completed using this very timely and important funding including the following: 667 development - roof replacement, catch basin repairs, electric panel replacement, installation of GFCI outlets and common room furniture replacement. 200 and 705 developments – roof replacement, concrete repairs and drain repairs. 689 development received new appliances.

Also, Franklin Housing Authority was awarded $22,500 in Health & Safety funds for the placement of the community room floor, foyer floors and stair treads. The Auditor’s Office did an audit of the modernization and procurement activity since 2010. After 3 months of review, no mistakes were found.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low income Family Housing and an 8-unit Group Home. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to reside in a residential neighborhood.

Additionally, Franklin Housing Authority is hoping to develop another Chapter 689 housing facility. Chapter 689 housing is reserved for mentally challenged adults and will be overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. We have secured a suitable site for this development on Plain Street. Approval has been granted from the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals and the Design Commission. We anxiously await funding for this very important development.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
• Rotary Club members served their annual spaghetti dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Commissioner John Padula was the head Chef and also provided some entertainment. Rotary members cooked, served, entertained and picked up after. Rotarians always comment that the smiles and the kind words of appreciation received make their time and efforts very rewarding.
• Boy Scouts of America – Troop 126 - Eagle Scout Candidate Lucas Barrett constructed an agency sign and went on to achieve Eagle Scout status.
• Franklin Youth Hockey League – Under the supervision of Ryan Jette and parents, the Franklin Youth Hockey League raked and removed leaves from the FHA Senior property. About 60 volunteers worked to remove over 100 bags of leaves.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
• The Clergy, a continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
• Franklin Senior Association Members:
Suzanne Wade, President
Linda Doonan, Vice President
Joyce Hutchinson, Treasurer
Evelyn Pelletier, Secretary
Evelyn Mucciarone, Member at Large
This Association plans pizza parties, holiday gatherings, morning coffee and donuts, card parties and many more events for the enjoyment of all Franklin Seniors.
• Chairman Bob Vallee and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jeffrey Nutting and his staff for their continued support and assistance.
• Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.
• Franklin Police Department, Chief Semerjian and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
• Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief Gary McCarraher and his department are always professional and respectful.
• Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Jeffery Roy, U.S. Congressmen Joseph Kennedy III and Senators Elizabeth Warren & Edward Markey for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our residents at heart.
• Governor Patrick for his support of Massachusetts public housing.
• Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Michael Bellotti for including FHA in their inmate community service program.
• Dean Bank for the donation to our Senior Community Hall and Senior Tenants Group.

Through the years, the community and the housing authority are finding ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a great, safe and affordable community living opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa M. Audette, PHM, Executive Director

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

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