10.8.2026 Housing Authority

The Fall River Housing Authority met on October 8, 2026, and handled several routine administrative and modernization matters. During resident input, Ed Gagnon of the Fall River Joint Tenants Council reported on the Massachusetts Union of Public Housing annual conference in Marlborough, noting that Vice Chairman David Underhill was reelected as chairman for an additional two-year term, and highlighted a forthcoming no-cost computers-for-seniors initiative. Following public input, the board approved the prior meeting minutes, bills and vouchers, eight monthly management reports, the August 2026 financial reports, and the state quarterly operating statements for the period ending June 30, 2026.

The Executive Director provided updates on recent internal staffing promotions, the rollout of seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics across elderly housing sites, and preparations for the annual plan submission to HUD led by Martha Gallagher. In modernization and procurement business, the board approved a certificate of substantial completion for tree removal and site improvements at Stanley and Ray Streets by Chestnut Tree and Landscape, and approved Change Order No. 6 for $8,322.56 covering panel replacements, fire drill controls, and monitoring extensions at Chor-Bishop Eid Apartments, Bates and Orswell Streets, and Stanley and Ray Streets. The board also awarded a contract to Empire Ford for a 2026 Ford Transit cargo van in the amount of $55,224.25.

Before adjourning, the board voted to approve the HUD public housing flat rent schedule effective October 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027, as well as the updated HUD Section 8 payment standards and fair market rents taking effect on December 1, 2026.

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