Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Litchfield Housing Authority accepts financial reports and notes completion of Bantam Falls rehab
Summary
At a March 25 special meeting, the Litchfield Housing Authority accepted its year-end and January–February 2026 financial reports, approved minutes with one abstention, heard that the Bantam Falls rehab is complete after a March 10 DOH inspection, and received updates on CHFA SSHIP application and bathroom remodels.
Sandra Becker, chairperson of the Litchfield Housing Authority, called a special meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. on March 25 in the Bantam Falls Community Room. The board recorded Commissioners Francesca Kracht, Michael Lyn Cappello and Jean Adams (tenant commissioner) as present; Kate Orr was absent.
The board approved corrections and accepted minutes from the Oct. 28, 2025 regular meeting as amended. Commissioner Francesca Kracht moved to accept the minutes; Jean Adams seconded. The motion passed with one commissioner recorded as abstaining.
Executive Director Jim Simoncelli Jr. reported that the Bantam Falls rehabilitation project funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is complete and that the state Department of Housing (DOH) performed the final inspection on March 10, 2026. Simoncelli also said one bathroom at Bantam Falls has been remodeled with a new walk-in shower, new floor, vanity and light under a Seherr-Thoss Foundation-supported effort, and that two additional bathrooms are scheduled for remodels.
Simoncelli reported the ConnApp for the State-Sponsored Housing Improvement Program (SSHIP) funding has been submitted to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). He said the next step is to respond to any questions CHFA raises during its review.
On operational items, Simoncelli said heating in the theater room has been repaired and that staff will pursue options to remove sand from the Bantam Falls parking lot. He also reported that the first-quarter 2026 pilot payment has been made and that the 2025 year-end pilot will be paid after the 2025 financials are approved.
Gwen Burgess of CGT Financial Services joined Simoncelli in presenting the year-ending State Report for Dec. 31, 2025, which included an interim statement of operations and budget-versus-actuals. Commissioner Michael Lyn Cappello moved to accept the state report as presented; Jean Adams seconded and the motion passed.
Cappello likewise moved to accept the January 2026 and February 2026 financial reports as presented; both motions were seconded (January by Francesca Kracht) and passed.
The board received a draft Patio/Porch and Storage Policy for review at the next meeting. There were no updates on creating a 501(c)(3) or on Breezeway/grounds work at Wells Run. Previously tabled items—rental deposits and a potential solar project—were noted as having no new information. The board considered review of year-end bonuses as an executive-session topic but did not enter executive session.
Michael Lyn Cappello moved to adjourn at 5:22 p.m.; Francesca Kracht seconded and the motion passed. Minutes were signed and submitted by Executive Director Jim Simoncelli Jr.
