Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES February 8, 2023 5:00 Location: Zoom video and in-person Those in Attendance: Vinnie Loffredo, Vice-Chair; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Veteran Larry Riley, Retired, Atty. Seb Giuliano, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House, Takisha Bryant, DeMarco Management Vinnie opened the meeting at 5:00. Minutes were approved for the January 11 meeting Takisha Bryant – Property Manager Takisha Bryant was in attendance introducing herself as the new property manager at Shepherd Home. She worked at Waters Edge and for DeMarco for the past 14 years at Liberty Commons. Ralph provided a history of Shepherd for Takisha. Formerly transitional housing operated by Mercy Housing and Shelter and most recently vacant for a number of years. With leadership by the Mayor’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office, the City was able to get the property turned over to the City and then Columbus House for veteran housing. The veteran preference has been maintained since the opening of the property. Takisha noted some issues she is working on getting the lighting to be adjusted in the community room, security at the porches and the dumpster from the roof project removed from the ground. Occupancy There have been two units filled (one on January 16 and the other on February 2). That leaves two vacant units. Both have prospective applicants being reviewed by the housing authority. We discussed CT United, recent funding that is available for tenants having difficulty paying their portion of the rent. Takisha will make eligible tenants aware of the program. Seb expressed concern about the time it takes to get a tenant approved, especially when considering the age of the building. We discussed the issue that both DeMarco and the MHA conduct separate criminal records check which takes time. Larry agreed to discuss the matter with Bill Vasiliou and report back. CVH Meeting Any members who were available to join a meeting with Lakisha Hyatt to continue our discussion on possible collaboration on February 22 were encouraged to join. Agreements with DeMarco and St Vincent Ralph recommended a beginning and end date, dropping the MOU reference, and the condition to terminate. Seb encouraged open grounds to terminate by either party. Thirty days to four months were discussed as possible termination clause time frames, with the provision that providers stay on board for up to an additional 120 days to help with the transition. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting is March 8 at 5:00. Carl Rodenhizer Financials The income report finished the year’s end with $385,000 in revenue and $368,000 in expenses. We are waiting for the first draft of the budget for 2023. Facility issues Elite Roofing has completed the roof replacement as of January 5. There were no issues with the removal and installation. Sean Donadio from Northeast Collaborative Architects supervised the replacement and was satisfied with Elite’s performance. Open items include: • Solar lights on the flag pole • Ramp by Southern Porch o A unit was discussed and available that will be an inexpensive option that all agreed to pursue and test its viability. • Security at Porches Open work orders were reviewed. Additional information is to be added to their presentation to include dates and when items are closed. Memorandums Agreements with DeMarco and St Vincent DePaul are to be revised and monitored to assure contracts are current and there are provisions for adequate insurance. Property Manager Takisha Bryant, Christine’s replacement, will be invited to attend the February meeting to be introduced to the committee. Next meeting, February 8, 2023 Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer