Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES April 14, 2021 5:00 Those present: Deputy Mayor Vinnie Loffredo, Veteran Larry Riley (chairperson); Col. Phil Cacciola, Retired; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House; Christine Garriga, Property Manager and Wanda Purell, Regional Property Manager, DeMarco. Larry called the meeting to order at 5:00. A roll of those present was completed. Seb Guiliano and was excused from the meeting. Minutes Phil asked that the March 10 minutes be corrected to note Tom Goglia’s correct spelling. With that adjustment, Vinnie made a motion for approval and Ralph seconded, the March 10, minutes were approved as presented. Alternate veteran housing Patriots Landing and Victory Housing in Newington were discussed as alternate housing for tenants whose experience is not a good match at Shepherd. Wanda noted that they offer similar independent living experiences. Christine noted that the VA is assisting tenants whose lease is not being renewed. Health Christine reported that twenty-three tenants have been vaccinated, with the help of a vaccination clinic. We continue to encourage vaccines, but Christine reported we cannot require vaccinations as a condition of tenancy. Vinnie noted that Wesleyan was requiring students returning in the fall are to have vaccines. Christine noted that two tenants came down with Covid-19, but they contracted the disease in the hospital. One of the tenants who came down with Covid also had cancer which was the cause of his eventual death this past month. A remembrance group will be help for the client. Occupancy We may have four units open by month’s end, between moving to a nursing home, the death and evictions. Christine does maintain a waiting list and needs to exhaust the waiting list before she takes new applicants. Two of the units will require some repairs before they’ll be ready for occupancy. Security Inappropriate behavior is no longer happening, other than noise complaints have subsided. Drinking and fighting which we had previously experienced has subsided. We agreed to raise the issue next month as to the need for continued security. Christine may discontinue earlier if she feels comfortable. Building issues Still waiting for roof repairs to be scheduled with JPCarroll. Carl confirmed that the contract is between DeMarco and the vendor. Wanda will check with DeMarco’s finance office for specifics. Larry requested an update on the scheudule Adjourn Vinnie moved to adjourn, seconded by Ralph. Motion approved unanimously. Next meeting May 13, 2021 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer