Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES June 9, 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 Larry called the meeting to order. A roll of those present was completed. Elections: Larry raised the matter of new officers for the new year. Phil Cacciola was nominated as chair. Vinnie Loffredo was nominated as vice-chair. Nominations were approved as presented. New officers will begin serving at the June 14 meeting. Minutes Vinnie asked that minutes of May 13 to be approved. Minutes were approved as presented. Building issues Repairs where we had experienced slates material blowing from the roof have been completed. We are submitting requests to replace the entire roof with some working capital funds that were left over from the construction budget. A construction specialist linked with the project investor needs to approve our request. The roofing material will be specified before we replace. Seb felt we may be able to just replace damaged units. Vacancies Christine reported that we have four units that are empty and not income producing. She has two applications which are being processed for approval by the housing authority. She has additional applications which she is reviewing for consideration. There is a fifth unit where the tenant has a conservator and is currently being temporarily housed in a hotel. He was causing problems in the community and needed to go. Once he gets permanent, alternative housing Christine will need to deal with filling that unit eventually. Security Christine has suspended the contracted security personnel as these vacancies are the result of removing some tenants who were causing problems. The community is calmer now and we’ll continue to monitor the ability to operate without security staff. . Opening up activities A soft opening of program activities By Mayce has started resume and the community room has been used occasionally. Use is low at this point and there has been no formal announcement of availability as of yet. Health Department Coordinated with the health department a small health fair on the grounds. Flags are up on the poles and tenants have been informed to leave them up and don’t take them down. Additional development Discussed the potential interest of state property to the north of Shepherd. We agreed to look into the houses there for additional veteran housing. We believe they may have some plans, but there has not been any active use. American Cares Act Vinnie referenced that American Cares Act to see if we me might be able to use funds to help with Shepherd. Adjourn Vinnie moved to adjourn seconded by Ralph. Motion approved unanimously. Next meeting July 14, 2021 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer