Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES February 14, 2024 5:00 Location: Zoom video and in-person at Shepherd Conference Room Those in attendance are Phil Cacciola, veteran and chair; Vinnie Loffredo, vice chair; Larry Riley, veteran; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Atty. Seb Giuliano, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House, Takisha Bryant, Shepherd Property Manager ( Sherrie Garner, Vice-President of Operations, (DeMarco) Phil opened the meeting at 17:00. CVH Relationship Alaina Lasnier was unavailable but was unable to propose any collaborative activities ar CVH (letter attached). She said that CVH services are restricted to residents of CVH. She would explore further but did not appear optimistic. A similar situation exists with River Valley Services, but there service recipients must be clients of RVS. Vinnie said that we should discuss the matter with state representatives to explore whether exceptions can be legislatively approved. It was suggested to start with Budget Carl proposed that he would try to get Matt Fontaine, DeMarco CFO, to the March meeting to review the financial figure. Sherrie Garner indicated that we might be able to get a greater increase than 3%. Sherrie noted that the state residential assistance program has provide 8-12% increases, with provided substantiation. Occupancy There are two vacancies in the facility. One complete application was submitted to the housing authority on February 9 awaiting approval and submission of a apartment inspection. There are five applications that are being processed. The first complete application will be submitted to the housing authority. Building issues. A quote for $2500 has been offered to address flashings that have deteriorated and causing a leak on the third floor. It is a corridor leak and is not impacting any apartment units. The flashings appeared to be in good condition when the roof was replaced. The architect told the roofer to maintain the copper flashing out of respect for the historical perspective. Unfortunately the flashing are not now failing. Ralph asked that the roofer determine whether other copper flashing are in danger of failing. There was a discussion about getting a different roofer for quotes. Ralph felt that any roof warranty would be void if a different roofer completed the repairs, Sherrie offered to get a second quote to validate the current quote. Donation. There was agreement to spend the recent $800 donation to facilitate a third dryer to improve the laundry space. This was based on a recommendation of one of the tenants. AED. The automated external defibrillator (AED) that is currently installed thanks to the Elks is potable. Phil suggested we connect with So Farms Fire to help with training. Fire extinguishers. Sherrie reported about the insurance companies recommendation for stove top extinguishers. The building has extinguishers in the common space every fifty feet we are inspected annually. We’ll ask South Fire for their recommendation. Needs. • We discussed conducting a survey to determine tenant needs. • Phil raised the issue of a defective dishwasher. Sherrie suggested offering switching a dishwasher from an empty unit. Next meetings Next meeting scheduled for April 10, 2023. Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer