Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES May 11, 2022 5:00 Location: Shepherd Home Conference Room or Zoom video Those in Attendance: Col. Phil Cacciola, Chair; Deputy Mayor Vinnie Loffredo, Vice-Chair; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Larry Riley, Veteran; Christine Garriga, DeMarco; Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House Phil opened the meeting at 5:00. Minutes of the April 13, 2022 meeting were approved as presented. Occupancy Christine reports two vacancies and she is working on applications. She has been working on one unit (302) which has 403 sq ft. Her problem continues be getting adequate documentation which delays the process. Tenant issues Christine noted that there was an effort to meet with the tenant complaining about noise. That that meeting was canceled due to a scheduling problem. It was decided by DeMarco decided not to reschedule the meeting, as the noise is being created during the day and does not cause a legitimate violation. He has been offered to move his apartment, but he has refused the offer. Tenant who fell behind in his rent was caught up in rent based through a payment by United CT. The tenant is making some additional payments to get caught up. A second tenant has a payment plan that he is making payments on. This tenant has refused offers of additional resources. Larry and Phil suggested looking at Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund. They can typically help. An intoxicated tenant who was found sleeping in the hallway. He is on a month to month lease, and is suppose to be going to services in the community. At this time he fell in retail mall off Saybrook Roadty and is currently at Yale New Haven. His VA worker is exploring having him going into rehab. We had problems with this tenant previously whose trouble with alcohol lead to intervention issues regarding his behavior and apartment cleanliness. Christine will continue to monitor. Monthly financials The March financials were reviewed. Christine noted that the housing authority had approved a 4% increase in rents. Rents will be increased based upon tenant’s annual recertification dates. Potential tenants typically refuse the apartment because of the unit size and the location. Program Report • Elks has resumed their kayak program at Lake Beseck and can transport up to five tenants. • Tenant meetings are being resumed. • Memorial Day parade on the 30th. There is a ceremony at Cavalry Cemetery.  • Flags are being placed at gravesite at 9:00 on Saturday, May 28 and flags removed on June 4th at 9:00 AM. • SVDP assessing willingness to get the bicycle repair program started. Yanita Aguda, the new SVDM case manager popped in, was introduced to the membership and she has just started to meet with the Veterans. . Maintenance • Did not receive any bids. We are putting bids out for resubmission. Development Vinnie noted that the Mayor has been in touch with the CVH CEO. She encouraged that we direct our interest the Commissioner. Efforts are underway to set up a meeting. Tenant complaint Phil and Vinnie mentioned that the tenant who had complained about the noise, complained about security issues especially on the weekend. Carl talked to the individual after the meeting, but he focused his complaint about the noise. Carl gave him his cell phone number, but he has yet to follow-up. Christine reported the primary complaint of this Veteran is the noise. She says he has raised the security issue, because he was not getting satisfaction around the noise. Christine said that she will hold a tenant’s meeting this month to see if other Veteran’s share his concern. Meeting adjourned at 5:45. Next meeting, June 8, 2022 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer