Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES March 13, 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 (we had technical issues with accessing Seb), Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House, Phil opened the meeting at 17:00. Minutes of the February 14, 2024 meeting were approved. Financials The profit and loss statement for the 2023 calendar year showed a $16,000 operating deficit. Carl talked to Mat Fontaine, DeMarco CFO, and he believes by correcting the vacancies and a resolution of the HVAC repairs, we should have sufficient cash flow to erase the operating deficit. Rents in 2024. The housing authority has indicated their willingness to authorize a 5% increase. With advice from Matt, Carl asked if the housing authority would approve an 8% increase. The increase could be supported to avoid any slippage of Shepherd’s rents as measured against the HUD fair market rental rate. In 2003 rents were about 92% of FMR. With a 5% increase, we would slip to 88% of FMR. The higher rate is being presented to Bill Vassiliou for his consideration. Occupancy. There remain two vacancies. One complete package has been presented to the housing authority. That package has yet to be approved by the housing authority nor have they asked for an inspection of the available unit. We have four applicants that are vying for the remaining unit and are in the process of assembling documents. CVH Relationship. Vinnie reported that he had a discussion with Sen. Matt Lesser regarding our relationship with CVH. He appeared amendable to helping how CVH and Shepherd can work together. Vinnie asked Carl to follow up with a call to see if there can be a solution to helping CVH resources meet Shepherd tenant needs. Building issues. $2500 has been identified to come from available security deposit funds. So DeMarco will be asked to enter into an agreement with Elite Roofing to repair the roof, with the following tasks: • DeMarco’s senior facility manager will assess whether the quote is reasonable.  • Confirm with Elite that this repair will address all the copper flashings that remain. • DeMarco will conduct an accounting of what tenants lost access to their deposits and why. • Two additional quotes is unnecessary as this repair will violate the warranty from the replacement job. • DeMarco will handle getting an agreement with Elite and get the job started. 5th year Anniversary A tenant committee is working on a picnic to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of the Shepherd Home opening. Plans are still in the early stages, but the committee is looking at May 11. More to follow. Outstanding issues DeMarco will be asked to pursue: • Conducting a survey of tenants to determine tenant needs and tier satisfaction. • Expediting unit that has a defective dishwasher, and either replace it with a used one form an empty unit or get a new replacement installed. • Connect with South Fire to advise and assist with utilization of the AED • Ask South Fire for advice on stove top fire extinguishers. • Install a third clothes dryer in laundry room with recent $800 donation Next meetings Next meeting scheduled for April 10, 2023. Submitted by, Carl Rodenhizer