Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES August 11, 2021 5:00 Those present: Deputy Mayor Vinnie Loffredo, Veteran Larry Riley, Col. Phil Cacciola, Retired (chairperson); Atty. Seb Giuliano, Atty. Ralph Wilson, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House; Christine Garriga, Property Manager We had communication issues in our attempt to have a hybrid meeting with some members in attendance at Shepherd and some through zoom. As a result, we had an abbreviated meeting and will work to troubleshoot what went wrong over the next few weeks. Occupancy Christine reports that we still have four vacancies. She has veterans applying for the slots, but they do not have all their military paperwork in place. There also are applicants who want to bring a pet. However, here too, they do not have documentation of their pets being a service animal which is an expectation of Christine. There was some discussions about broadening the occupancy requirements. Ralph objected to revisions, and there was agreement by others that would be a slippery position that could have adverse consequences. We agreed to hold the line and work with applicants to secure the necessary paperwork to support their veteran status. Phil said he would relay available occupancy with his veteran groups to spread the word about availability. Phil questioned the potential eviction of a full-time student. Christine noted that the tax credit program preclude a tenant from being a full-time student for more than five months in a year. Phil encouraged that we ask for an exception and work for options to retain the tenant. Health Christine reported that Middlesex Health has agreed to staff a health clinic on-site one day a month. They'll focus on physical health issues. This was made possible through advocacy by the staff at St. Vincent Health Security Christine reported that our problem tenants had been removed from the facility, and the security guards have been removed. Building issues Carl reported that the roof damage had been repaired. We wish to replace the entire roof before winter. We have identified an account left over the construction funding. We are in the process of securing approval to access those funds and proceed with replacement over the fall. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 5:30. Next meeting September 8, 2021 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer