Table of Contents
Members in attendance: Board Member Jennifer Schaeffner; Board Member Bill Kuker; Board Member Terri Tauro; Board Member Jean Eldridge; Board Member Kristin DuBay Horton (arrived at 3:50 p.m.); Executive Director Cathy Sheehan
Public Comment
A tenant stated: “My comments are in regard to codes of conduct and ethics.
I feel that some types of communication between the MHA can feel like retaliation, intimidation and harassment. The impact of which can cause psychological or physical harm due the anxiety that it creates for the tenant.
I asked that when the board of commissioners are made aware of these instances, that they investigate whether MHA is in compliance with Federal and State laws (such as the Fair Housing Act).
I also asked them to speak with the tenant that continues to smoke. Marijuana stinking up the hallway when I enter the building and exit my apartment that I have spoken about and sent emails to housing on several occasions.
Marijuana is still a controlled substance. And even if it's medicinal, there is supposedly a non-smoking policy in place”
A female tenant asked whether new tenants are informed of housing policies and stated that she has noticed they are not being followed.
A male tenant stated that he has been working on getting a crab apple tree planted, but it is still in its planter and the roots cannot grow. He also asked about the best location for the tree.
A female tenant stated that notice for a meeting to discuss the rental lease arrived at 5 p.m. Friday for a Monday 9 a.m. meeting and was too late.
A female tenant made several comments:
• Tenants need follow-up from their requests to the board along with executive director support. She stated this is not happening.
• A chronic mud puddle behind the Roads School was brought up months ago and is now attracting mosquitoes.
• She stated there was still no robocall for the meeting.
• She stated that the board said it would not respond during public comment and would instead address issues later on the agenda. She stated that wood flashing has been in disrepair for months and asked what the MHA will do.
• She stated that heritage trees have a dozen or more squirrels nesting in them and hollowing them out. She stated they have been pruned so branches do not fall on cars and that compost is regularly placed on the roots.
• She stated that dog litter, especially at the Roads School, continues to be a problem from both community members and tenants. She stated that tenants have raised the issue many times. She stated that Elaine works on three gardens at the Roads School and is constantly cleaning up dog waste. She stated that tenants would like signage or another solution rather than banning dogs. Later in the meeting, Sheehan stated that signage would not help.
A female tenant stated that there have been complaints in the past about tenants parking on the lines and taking up more than one space. She stated that there are currently not enough spaces for everyone.
A female tenant suggested that maintenance place a sign on improperly parked vehicles.
Executive Director’s Report
Sheehan reported that there are eight projects in motion, 100 applications pulled for Champs and eight vacancies.
In response to comments about dog litter, Sheehan stated that the issue is not manageable or enforceable, is out of MHA’s hands and that she is confident it is not an ongoing issue.
Sheehan reported positive feedback regarding managers being visible in the community.
Sheehan stated that robocalls were sent but may not have reached everyone. She stated that anyone who did not receive one should contact the office because the same list is used for urgent calls.
Sheehan announced the June 28 250th celebration and stated that all are invited. She stated that the Council on Aging will make its bus available with a reservation.
Sheehan stated that meeting minutes are summarized unless individuals submit their own comments.
Commissioners’ Comments
Tauro stated that people are receiving robocalls. Sheehan stated that the office does its best to issue robocalls and that participation has not been affected. She encouraged anyone not receiving robocalls to check with the office because the system is also used for urgent updates.
Tauro and Horton stated that they will work on collecting stories from tenants for inclusion in the appropriate time capsule.
Kuker stated that there is a lot of fear among tenants.
Discussion took place regarding whether the authority should or could coordinate with monthly meetings held by State Rep. Jenny Armini at the Council on Aging.
New Business
Kuker again raised concerns that utility usage and costs are very high.
Horton suggested installing water collection systems from gutters.
No new information was reported regarding Broughton Road.
The next scheduled meeting will be June 16 at Marblehead High School Cafeteria as an evening meeting.
