Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES November 10, 2021 5:00 Location: Shepherd Home Conference Room or Zoom video at Those in Attendance: Col. Phil Cacciola, Chair; Deputy Mayor Vinnie Loffredo, Vice-Chair; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Atty. Seb Giuliano Veteran Larry Riley, Retired, Christine Garriga, DeMaro; Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House Gilead Scott Enright presented Gilead efforts to provide support for tenants’ mental health needs. They are funded by a gift from CVS to provide services to veteran as with mental health and substance use disorders. Shepherd Staff is working with Scott to increase trust and interaction with tenants. Gilead has had difficulty in starting a group and get tenants to travel to Gilead’s facility. Occupancy Of five previously vacant units, three move-ins have occurred. There is one application that is with the housing authority for approval. The fifth unit had a proposed tenant, but he decided to select an opportunity in Bristol. Bus Transportation Vinnie has identified municipal and transit personnel to present the desire to restore transit transportation to include pickup at Shepherd’s front entrance. Carl and Christine will follow-up on those contacts to explore resumption. Building issues Unit inspections are to be initiated on November 10 and 17. There is roof leakage on the 4th floor. Efforts are underway to secure specs for roof replacement and seek bids. Health care Middlesex Health started their on-site clinic earlier in the month and a follow-up clinic is scheduled for November 10x. Student restriction Information about tenant restrictions has been distributed. Entrance plaque The plaque has been installed in the spring to reflect the use of the facility. Adjacent Development Ralph asked if there was any movement on the development of the properties to the north of Shepherd. Those properties were raised when Shepherd was being considered and the state said they had other plans for them. Carl noted that no effort has been initiated, but we’ll get some action there to determine the potential interest Next meeting, December 8, 2021 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer