Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES December 8, 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, DeMarco; Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House Phil opened the meeting at 5:00. Minutes of the November 10 meeting were approved as presented. Bus Transportation Thanks to Vinnie recovering an email from the transit administrator at the time, we appear to be all set. Christine and Carl have met with transit personnel. The current administrator has restored the original arrangement where on an “all case” basis, the transit bus will pull up in front of the main entrance at Shepherd. Christine reports that the arrangement appears to be working for tenants. Occupancy Christine reports there is only one vacancy currently. Christine noted that we had five vacancies last month. The vacant unit has a potential tenant identified, whose paperwork is being processed. Christine also noted we have three females, two are veterans and the third female is the spouse of a veteran. Ralph noted the value of being patient in filling vacancies to keep our veteran preference. Tenant issues None to note. All reports are that the community is quiet. We have some individual issues related to substance abuse, but the community-wide problems have ended. Program report Middlesex Health will be holding a clinic on December 15th. There will be a Christmas dinner at 3:00 on the 17th dinner. The donated television is being raffled off. Christine is working on food and gift card donations. Captain Wallace from CHC is working on some donations from CHC. Phil encouraged committee members to attend. Larry noted the Wreath Across America on December 18 at 12:00. Christine will distribute a flyer to encourage tenant participation. Middletown Health had Covid-19 boosters given to tenants. Gilead Scott Enright engaged tenants with a meeting with pizza since our November meeting. There was no follow-up since that community meeting. But it was noted that Building issues Specs are still being developed for the roof. One of the units needs a part for their heating unit. Back-up units have been ordered to expedite the repair/replacement process. Phill asked about inspections. Christine noted that we do not get diversity inspections, but the housing authority contracts with a third party to inspect all units upon turnover and has an annual building inspection. National Equity Fund, our equity funder, and CHFA has an annual inspection through a third party. Middlesex Health Mayce reported before the meeting that relationships are excellent with Middlesex Health. Mayce noted that a tenant who was working with the VA for problems, the physician available to us through the clinic identified a broken hearing aide and had the issue addressed. Other development Carl has contacted state officials as to our ability to develop unoccupied properties to our north. No response yet. Ralph proposed the buildings to the north as possible micro-offices if housing proves not to be viable. Possible profits could be relayed to Shepherd to help with veteran programs. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting, January 12, 2021 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer