Community Fairs and Family Days for Residents
Window Replacement Project Underway for Residents
New Housing Vouchers for Foster Youth Transitioning to Independence
The Fall River Housing Authority held its meeting on July 13, 2026, chaired by Chairman Long. The board began by unanimously approving the minutes from the June 8, 2026 meeting, along with the monthly vouchers, management reports, and the financial reports for May 2026. The Executive Director provided a comprehensive update, announcing the hiring of a new legal liaison and a truck driver. He detailed upcoming resident services, including community fairs at Sunset Hill on July 16th and Father Defario Village on July 23rd, and summer-long "family days" which began that day. Modernization efforts include an ongoing window replacement project scheduled for completion in late fall. A significant new initiative is the Foster Youth for Independence (FYI) program, which will provide 15 housing vouchers to young adults aging out of foster care. The director also reported on a meeting with the Fall River Police Department to integrate the housing authority's security camera systems with the police station, allowing for live monitoring and faster response times. This integration is pending the police department's budget approval. Lastly, he informed the board that the authority was one of six randomly selected for an audit by the State Auditor's office, which had just concluded its three-day on-site review. The board then moved through several contract-related items, approving two tree removal contracts totaling $76,400 with Chestnut Tree and Landscape ($56,900) and Paul Nunes and Sun Inc. ($19,500). They also approved a credit change order of $2,710.29 for an elevator project, an increase change order of $9,132 for a panel and fire alarm replacement, and a $25,178.50 contract for a trash compactor replacement with Plum Creek Environmental. The board approved several certificates of substantial completion for various projects and passed an updated memorandum of understanding with the Fall River Joint Tenants Council, with one member abstaining, before adjourning.
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City Officials
Public / Other
You call a meeting to order at 4:35, I guess.
0:09Roll call.
0:11Chairman Long here.
0:12Vice Chairman Underh Hill here.
0:14Commissioner Burns is absent.
0:16Commissioner Bentley present.
0:17Commissioner Medeiros here.
0:21Councelor, open meeting law, please.
0:23Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The language for the open meeting law is as follows.
0:27Persuent to the open meeting law. Any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium.
0:35Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unpersceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.
0:45Thank you. Do we have anybody here for citizen input?
0:50Seeing none, do we have anybody here for resident input?
0:57Next order of business is minutes of uh our last meeting held on June 8th. I'll uh entertain a motion to accept.
1:09I'll make a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 8th, 2026.
1:15Second.
1:16Motion made and seconded. Any discussion? All those in favor?
1:20I opposed.
1:23Bills and communications vouchers.
1:29I'll entertain a motion to accept the vouchers as presented.
1:34I'll make a motion uh to accept the vouchers.
1:37Second.
1:38Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
1:42All those in favor?
1:43I opposed.
1:48Management reports. of applications.
1:52Occupancy reports, attendance accounts receivable, work order reports, monthly section 8 voucher activity report, monthly personnel count report, director of monization monthly report, bank investments and bond debt balance reports.
2:10I'll entertain a motion to accept the uh management reports.
2:15I'll make a motion to accept the management reports as listed.
2:21Second.
2:22Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
2:26All those in favor?
2:27I opposed.
2:30Financial reports. Monthly financial reports May 2026.
2:37Detain a motion to approve.
2:40I'll make a motion to approve the monthly financial reports through May 2026.
2:47Second.
2:47Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
2:51All those in favor?
2:52I opposed.
2:55Update from our executive director.
2:59Thank you, Chairman Long. Good afternoon, everyone. Uh, a few things.
3:04Um, we hired a new legal liaison and a truck driver uh to fill uh some vacant positions.
3:14Um, under resident services, our community fairs will be kicking off on um the 16th. Uh, that's where we have uh numerous social service vendors. They set up booths and tables uh for the community and our residents and the uh neighbors in the uh in the area. Um the 16th will be at Sunset Hill and then again on the 23rd at Father Defario Village. So um usually the police and fire are there. We have uh it's a
3:50cookout, popcorn, different games for the kids. So it's it's a nice event.
3:56Uh we've also uh starting today uh we kicked off our uh family days. Uh today I believe was at Benny Costa Plaza. Um there's a cookout and uh activities for the kids. Uh Joey Dilva does a great job with that and that will run uh throughout the summer.
4:17Uh modernization. Um this building in particular um we've started the window replacement uh project here um and that is on schedule to be concluded uh sometime in late November uh late fall.
4:36So we've started on the rear of Whipple Street and the contractor will be working their way around. So we're happy about that. Uh the residents here have been waiting a long time and very patiently uh for some new windows.
4:55Um also under our housing choice voucher program um we received funding. Uh it's a relatively new program. It's called FYI, Foster Youth for Independence.
5:12and we were um funded for 15 vouchers and it's a very good program. So as uh children in foster care age out um it helps them transition into the community and uh to self-sufficiency. So they get a voucher. Um I think uh it's good until they're 26. So, it gives them, you know, a few years to get on their feet. But, um, I was not aware, but, uh, statewide there's quite a few,
5:52I still would refer to them as children.
5:54They may be turning 18, but, um, now they're no longer eligible for for uh, foster. Um, so it's a good program. We've contracted with um uh Department of Child and Family Services uh for 15 vouchers. So, they usually have contact with uh these children that are coming out of foster care. So, um we have that. Uh a couple of miscellaneous things. um our deputy Tim McCoy, uh Ed Majuski, and Dart
6:33Souza, our security camera technician.
6:36We met with the Fall River Police Department. Um, and it was always a goal of ours was to integrate all of our camera systems into the police station so they're able to view our cameras at our sites for any potential crime or or criminal activity um immediately. Um so they're waiting for an approved budget um to do some um work on their end and then we'll be working with them uh for that
7:12integration. Um I think right now currently the New Bedford Housing Authority has that with their local police department. So um we're we're excited about it. We met it was a very good and positive meeting. So, um that will be happening soon.
7:32Um the last thing I have, um the state auditor's office, uh if you're aware, there's been some back and forth over the past year. The state auditor's office wants to interview uh audit several uh state agencies and um one of the state agencies is EOHLC.
7:58part of that audit uh six housing authorities were randomly selected throughout the state for this audit. So guess who was selected as one of the randomly just randomly right?
8:14So uh they were here um last week. Uh two auditors were down for two days Thursday and Friday and they concluded uh today. Um Nell uh Souza our director of finance uh provided all the information. Uh Deputy McCoy provided some information. So um once I get some feedback from this audit, I'll I'll inform you. uh it should be before next month's meeting. So, but um they were here for three days. So, and that is it.
8:53Thank you.
8:54Uh director, when you will you talk about the cameras and the police department monitoring, is that live monitoring or is that like if something were to occur there, they have access to go back and review?
9:11So they can they can check they will have the ability to to to look at the cameras live.
9:19So um and then our systems some are uh whole recordings I think for 30 days some may be 60 days depending on the DVR the type of DVR but so if there's information or word of of a potential crime or some say drug activity they can go into their video room and check the cameras to see uh live and I believe they'll have the ability to go back. Um, and uh, what they're excited about with
9:57some of this new new technology and the assistance of the AI, if there's a potential suspect and they have a description, they can plug that in and the cameras will will identify all people that have a a red shirt on and white pants and a black hat that are 5 foot 10. Um, so they stressed it's just a a tool to help them um address potential crime or crimes much much faster without the need to
10:36contact us, get a second shift or a third shift there, get into our facilities to view the cameras. They have access to our cameras now remotely.
10:47Uh, not remotely. they would just contact us, come in and they have passwords where they can view the cameras. This will just they'll be able to do it from the police station.
10:57And all of our sites are equipped with cameras.
11:00Uh we have uh a project in the queue for Maple Gardens. Um we put some in some uh troubled areas, but not a full camera project there. And Corkiro over here, we don't have any. there's no uh office building or community rooms, so there's really nowhere to put the equipment.
11:24Okay.
11:25But they we mentioned that to them and they they said they have ample coverage with other locations that have cameras to cover that area.
11:34Could I if I could add one thing? Uh uh, Commissioner Medeiros, the um so you're I the again that the rapid response is the is is the real thing.
11:46So, you're right. A lot of they're arguably not going to have someone in sitting in a room and watching this stuff, but if something severe happens, unlike the antiquated old days where you're calling somebody at 2 in the morning or whatever, they can instantly go on and now you got the DVR aspect, but the live stuff, which is which is interesting, is let's say for some reason in the vicinity there's a bank
12:07robbery, they can go live immediately on ours if they get a description of the vehicle or the plate or the individual.
12:14And as Kevin said too, this software that allows for AI to come into their flock cameras or whatever, it's quite amazing what they can what they can pick up. You know, it'll actually pick up.
12:27Don't ask me how obviously, but it'll actually pick up, you know, driver had a blue blazer on.
12:32Yeah.
12:32Whatever. And it can kind of, you know, it quickly sifts through like they don't you don't have a plate, but you kind of got a color of a car and a driver with a blue blazer and somehow it could we can pull that information out. Yeah.
12:44You know, also, so it's it really and it was kind it was an incredible interview the how advanced it is to help with with law enforcement, but you know, there's not somebody in a room launching.
12:55Okay.
12:56You know, live all day or something like that, you know.
12:58Thank you.
12:59I I just have a question. Do we have flop cameras at our sites or nearby? The ones the the license plate readers?
13:06That's what the city is going to have everywhere. But they're going to integrate and use the software, I guess, when they're when they're integrated with our cameras. Again, I I can't explain it from a tech aspect, but they're waiting for the budget to close out and meaning FRPD because right now they're in their budget discussions and trying to get that finalized, but they already have cameras in use all over the
13:31city, you know. Yeah, we have we have some on campus that we put so it can sync with our onwa or whatever the what whatever the the whatever type it is, you know.
13:40So this um integration does it require us to add cameras or it's just an integration of our system with their system?
13:50It's it's it's just the exterior cameras. Um, we are looking in some of our locations to add like in our high-rise buildings. We want to add more in the hallways.
14:06Uh, sometimes there's activity going on in the hallways. Uh, we have some at Cardinal Medeiros that's assisted us with people attempting to commit crimes and stuff. Um, Defario just completed a camera project.
14:23Yeah. So, I we don't we don't h we only have cameras on the exterior and some of that cover some of the common areas that are internal. Um but we would like we will be doing more like in hallways and in areas that we don't have coverage that unfortunately people find out and then they start doing things.
14:49Yeah.
14:51Thank you.
14:51Thank you. Can I ask one question on the FYI program? The vouchers, are they going to be uh like a section A voucher?
15:01Yeah.
15:01So, they can be you and are they going to be targeted to any particular development or building?
15:08No, the voucher they go into the community, they find the So, they don't have to go into house.
15:13Not in public. Okay.
15:15No, the voucher program. You have the voucher.
15:17Right. I just wanted I just didn't know if it was specific for the housing authority these vouchers.
15:25You know what I mean? I know they can move into uh public housing, right?
15:31Not with the section.
15:31Not with the section. Okay. So, all I wanted So, the section 8 voucher they find their own apartment.
15:37Yeah. Just like a normal section that you will administer the program. Okay.
15:42Coming out of the four. Yep. Just wanted to be clear.
15:47That's it.
15:48It should be interesting as we go forward to see how that uh all pans out.
15:52Yeah, I think it's a uh worthy cause.
15:56Any other questions?
16:00Moving on to uh modernization contract award for site improvements tree removal project at the Stanley and Ray Streets 689-5 number 095202 and Corky Road number 705-2 number 095208 four bids were received for site improvement tree removal at Stanley Streets and five bids were received for site improvement and tree removal at Corky Row on June June 10th, 2026.
16:31The uh recommended action is to award the contract to the low bidder chestnut tree and landscape in the amount of $56,900 including three bid alternates contingent upon final approval by EOHLC for Stanley and Ray Street and award contract to the low bid of Paul Nunes and Sun Inc. in the amount of $19,500 contingent upon final approval by EOHLC for the Corki Row.
17:03I'll make a motion uh to award contract to low bidder chestnut tree and landscape in the amount of 56,900 including three bid alternates contingent upon final approval by EOHLC for Stanley Ray Streets and award contract to low bidder Paul Nunes Sun Incorporated in the amount of 19,500 contingent upon final approval by EOH HLC for Cork.
17:34Second.
17:36Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
17:39All those in favor?
17:41I opposed.
17:44We have a change order number two for elevator modernization at the George H.
17:48Catel Heights, Mass number 6-10.
17:53Change order number two is a credit in the amount of $2,71029 to the contract. There's no change in the contract time. I'll have to take a motion to approve.
18:06I'll make a motion to approve change order number two for elevator modernization at Catel Heights. It's a credit change order with no change to the contract time.
18:19I have a second.
18:20Motion made and seconded.
18:22Any discussion?
18:25All those in favor?
18:27Opposed?
18:30We have a certificate for substantial completion for site improvement and tree removal at Maple Gardens 200-2 number 095203.
18:40Um, also Elmer Corbett Streets 689-1 number 095205 and Bulock and Oakrove Avenue, excuse me, 689-4 number 095207.
19:01General contractor for Maple Gardens Regal Regal Tree and Shrub Experts LLC substantially completed work on June 11th 2026.
19:10The general contractor for Elmer and Corbett Street Regal Tree Shrub Experts LLC substantially completed work on June 25th, 2026.
19:22And the general contractor for the Bulock Oak Grove Avenue, Jill Den, Inc.
19:26substantially completed work on June 11th 2026.
19:32I'll entertain a motion for approval contingent upon final by EOHLC.
19:43I'll make a motion to accept the certificate of substantial completion for tree removal at uh Maple Gardens uh Elmer Corbett Street uh and Bulick and Oakrove Avenue by the various contractors.
20:02Second motion made second. All any discussion all those in favor I opposed We have a certificate of substantial completion for electrical infrastructure upgrade at the Edward F. Duelan Apartments number 662. The general contractor at MV Electric, Inc.
20:25substantially completed the work on June 9th 2026.
20:31Entertain a motion for approval.
20:34I'll make a motion for approval.
20:37Second.
20:38Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
20:40All those in favor? I I opposed.
20:44We have a change order number two for the Federal Pacific panel replacement and fire alarm system replacement at the Chawbishop Eid Apartments number 667-3 at Bates and Oswwell Street number 689-3 and Stanley Ray Street 689-5 number 095180.
21:07Change order number two is an increase of $9,132 due the contract. There is no increase in the contract time.
21:18I want to entertain a motion for approval. I'll make a motion uh to approve the change order uh number two of an increase of $9,132 um to the uh Federal Pacific panel replacement and fire alarm system and fire alarm system replacement at Core Bishop Joseph E departments uh Bates Orswwell Street and Stanley and Ray Streets.
21:46Second.
21:47Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
21:50All those in favor?
21:52I opposed.
21:55Procurement trash compactor replacement project at the James A. O'Brien Senior Apartments. Three bids were received and reviewed on July 8th, 2026.
22:09We're looking for approval to award the contract to low bidder Plum Creek Environmental in the amount not to exceed $25,178.50.
22:1750 cents.
22:19I'll make a motion to award the con trash compactor replacement project at O'Brien Apartments to the lowter plum creek environmental $25,178.50.
22:36Second.
22:37Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
22:40All those in favor? I I opposed.
22:46Miscellaneous.
22:47We need to have a vote on the uh updated memorandum of understanding between the for Housing Authority and the Four River Joint Tenants Council, Inc.
22:59Need to take a vote. I'll entertain a motion for approval.
23:04I'll make a motion to approve the updated memorandum of understanding between the Fall River Housing Authority and the Fall River Joint Tenant Council uh Incorporated.
23:16Second.
23:17Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
23:20All those in favor?
23:21I I Mr. Chairman, I'm going to abstain from that vote.
23:26Okay.
23:30Motion made seconded. All those in favor?
23:33I I opposed.
23:37And I think that's it, right? to do both.
23:40I'll let detain a motion to motion.
23:47Okay.
23:48Second.
23:48Motion made and seconded. Any discussion?
23:53All those in favor? I opposed.
23:56Nice. Have it.