Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES October 18, 2023 5:00 Location: Zoom video and in‐person at Shepherd Conference Room Those in Attendance: Phil Cacciolla, Veteran and Chair; Vinnie Loffredo, Vice‐Chair; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Atty. Seb Giuliano (attempted remotely, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House, Phil opened the meeting at 5:00.. Minutes Vinnie made a motion to approve the September 20, minutes. Larry seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by all. Occupancy Two prospective tenants have been approved for occupancy by DeMarco and the housing authority. We are waiting for the apartment inspection by Nutmeg. Once that is completed, these two tenants can occupy the intended units. Carl reported that Takysha reports that there are two other prospective tenants that have completed the DeMarco process and are moving onto the housing authority approval process. Larry asked about the consolidation of the background investigation between DeMarco and the Housing Authority. Carl reported that still remains a work in process, along with posting of a phone number at main foyer for interested parties seeking information when there is not a staff person on the property. We also are working on a dedicated day to help prospective tenants with completion of their applications. CVH relationships Vinnie reported on public act 23‐121 regarding the CVH advisory council which the mayor appoints committee members. This committee is specific to clients from CVH being released into the community. Vinnie proposed that if interfacing with CVH staff does not improve we might talk to our legislators about modifying the charge of the CVH advisory sommittee to add housing to their charge. Sub‐Contracts Seb and Vinnie are not satisfied with the wording of the agreement with our service contractors. There is general agreement that the DeMarco agreement is much better written, though there is a concern as to whether the insurance obligations are adequate. Seb who had technical problems connecting this evening, wrote that the St. Vincent document is inconsistent in the identification of the parties. Carl agreed to reach out to the partnership lawyers to make revisions to the agreements. Next meetings Next meeting rescheduled for November 8, 2023. Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer