FAIR RENT COMMISSION

Click here for Minutes from meeting on February 7, 2002
Click here for Minutes from meeting on April 3, 2002

Click here for Minutes from meeting on May 1, 2002
Click here for Minutes from meeting on May 15, 2002
Click here for Minutes from meeting on June 5, 2002

Click here for Minutes from meeting on August 7, 2002

Click here for Minutes from meeting on October 2, 2002

Click here for Minutes from meeting on November 6, 2002

Click here for Minutes from meeting on December 4, 2002

Click here for Minutes from meeting on January 8, 2003
Click here for Minutes from meeting on February 5, 2003

MARCH 5, 2003

 

ATTENDANCE: Richard Booth, Chairman; Martin Bernard, Wendell Simms, Izora Ebron, Richard Stumpf, Ben Guerrero

STAFF: Larry Patterson, Field Representative

CALL TO ORDER

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 5, 2003

The following corrections were made:

Page 1, second line, February 4, should be February 3, 2003.

Last paragraph removed the last sentence. Replace with "Money for a

new copier was requested at the Board of Estimate and Taxation meeting,

as well as another staff position. Both were denied.

Page 2 Exhibit 4 should read "units of …."

Paragraph 5, last line should read "the units" remove them.

Paragraph 6, insert the before building’s windows

Page 3, 1st paragraph second to last sentence, add "due to the ice" after foot.

2nd paragraph reports should be singular

3rd paragraph, 1st line, remove to his report; insert newer before double

hung windows. Remove parking lot in last sentence and replace with

property.

Page 4, 3rd paragraph, 2nd sentence remove Mr. replace with He.

5th paragraph 2nd line replace is no with are recycling bins for paper, cans

or bottles.

Page 5, Finding 13 add in writing to end of sentence

Page 6, Mr. Roberts should be replaced with Bernard in the motion to authorize

the chairman.

** MR. BERNARD MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH CORRECTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2003.

** MS. EBRON SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Mr. Booth informed the commissioners that Mr. Simms has been re-appointed and Mr. Ben Guerrero has been newly appointed to the Commission. Mr. Guerrero gave an overview of his activities in the City and his interests.

Mr. Booth noted articles in the paper regarding the building of 300 units by Avalon in Norwalk. He stated that a plant at Muller Place will be converted into housing in the City as well. Mr. Booth brought pictures of Ms. Devitt’s going away party for all to see.

Mr. Roberts will continue in an advisory position with the Commissioners if there are enough to conduct a hearing without his active participation to assist with some of the legal issues that arise.

FIELD REPRESENTATIVE/ DIRECTORS REPORT

Mr. Patterson commented that only two items had come in during the last month. He stated that the cases have been a strain on the two remaining staff members in the absence of the Director. He asked that the Commissioners acknowledge Irene’s calls for meetings so that attendance is secured. She will e-mail individuals, but is unable to track a response and asked that all let her know if the message is received to attend by calling in.

Mr. Patterson mentioned that he took a fall on the ice during an inspection and that has slowed down his participation in Fair Rent activities.

Mr. Patterson reviewed the Client Activity Report. He said that the figures indicate that the amount of calls and activity has not lessened since the staff has been reduced. He said that he notes on the calls whether the individual is a Section 8 recipient or a housing resident.

Mr. Booth commented that he had sent a letter to the Mayor requesting information on replacement of the Director. He also gave a report on the staff and its performance that is continuing to assist citizens with their problems.

COMMISSIONER’S POTPOURRI

There were no comments.

ANY NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Bernard inquired whether there would be any workshops this Spring. Mr. Patterson responded none are planned at this time. He may be able to prepare one for April.

REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF EACH OPEN CASE

Mr. Patterson reviewed the cases.

The following cases required no action or motions:

1489-02, 1490-02, 1490-02, 1493-02, 1495-02, 1496-02, 1495-02, 1496-02, 1497-02, 1499-02, 1500-20, 1501-02

PRESENTATION OF NEW CASES

** MR. BERNARD MOVED TO HEAR CASE 1504-03 – MIDDLETON

** MR. SIMMS SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MR. STUMPF MOVED TO HEAR CASE 1505-03 – BUTLER

** MS. EBRON SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Patterson commented that there is some lack of clarity with the complaint for case 1506-03 - Lopez. There is some debate as to what the problem is with repairs. This case is pending and requires no action at this time.

** MR. STUMPF MOVED TO HEAR CASE 1507-03 – CHARLES

** MR. BERNARD SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Patterson discussed case number 1467-01 and 1470-02, 101 Woodward Avenue owned by Mr. Maleh. It was noted that there are repairs still outstanding. Bartoli Electric would not continue working until a check was received. The Fair Rent Commission authorized issuing a check from escrow so that Bartoli would begin work again. The wall switch for the unit with a pull chain has been put in place and the light fixture on the front porch has been corrected. Mr. Bartoli has been agreeable in submitting his bills by making adjustments so that he can continue to be paid and close out the job. The last bill came to $459.00 with a reduced three-hour labor charge saving $90 off the total bill. Mr. Patterson asked for a motion to make this last payment.

** MR. STUMPF MOVED TO PAY THE LAST BILL FOR BARTOLI ELECTRIC NOT TO EXCEED $500.00.

** MR. BERNARD SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Patterson continued by saying that he had spoken to the landlord about the storm windows. He found that Home Depot had changed distributors for the windows they supply. On February 11, 2003, three windows came in, but Mr. Maleh canceled the back order on the windows. Mr. Patterson informed him that he should not have done so, as it was a part of the decision for resolution of the case.

The landlord stated he could not secure a plumber to change the heating system to supply boosters and thermostats for the tenants. He said the plumbers were busy and could not perform his request.

There is supposed to be a local phone number for the tenants to call in complaints and repairs and this has not been supplied to the tenants. The exterminator has only been in the building one time and has not returned.

Mr. Patterson commented that a letter should be sent from the Chairman of the Commission to the landlord’s attorney informing him of the adversity by Mr. Maleh. Mr. Patterson would draft a letter and have the Chairman review and sign it to assist in closing out this case.

Mr. Booth suggested that the escrow of rent continue. He also suggested that the attorney be the contact to assist in resolving this year and one-half old case.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

** MR. SIMMS MOVED TO ADJOURN

** MS. EBRON SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alvina L. Richardson Decker

Telesco Secretarial Services

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