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HomeMy Public PortalAboutAffordable Housing Trust -- 2020-06-04 Minutes Brewster Housing Trust June 4, 2020 5 : 30pm Virtual Meeting Present : Ben deRuyter, Paul Ruchinskas, Donna Kalinick, Tim Hackert, Maggie Spade -Aguilar, Madalyn Hillis- Dineen , Sarah Robinson , Jill Scalise Absent : None Citizen Present : A comment was emailed to housingmeeting@brewster- ma . gov from Blaine Smoller re : Millstone Road Housing discussion . 1 . Call to Order : Chair deRuyter called the meeting to order at 5 : 30pm and read the required notice for virtual meetings . Chair deRuyter explained how the virtual meeting process works for participation of members and the public . 2 . Citizen 's Forum - One comment was submitted from Blaine Smoller and read during the Millstone Housing discussion . 3 . Financial Report : Ms . Kalinick included the latest expense report for the Trust and noted that $ 300, 000 of the $ 500, 000 CPC funding, approved at the November town meeting has been transferred to the Trust, but does not appear in the report . Mr . Ruchinskas asked for the breakdown of CPC versus non - CPC funds . Ms . Kalinick did not have it, but said she would include it in their next meeting packet . 4 . Millstone Community Housing Property : Follow-up from Community Engagement Session March 10th, discussion of conceptual sketch survey & next steps = The last session was held right before the Pandemic emergency closing and was well attended . Subsequently, the Trust put out an online survey to vote on the concepts in May . Ms . Scalise said there was information in the packet that provided an overview of the process and background . Ms . Scalise invited the Trust to comment on how they felt the last session went . Ms . Scalise went over the survey results . There will be an additional document that aggregates the comments from survey respondents . The survey results were very similar to the in person results . There were 350 respondents to the survey, but not everyone registered a vote . Barrett Planning provided the results from online and in person , both together and separately . It was clear that Concept One with the two larger buildings was the least favored in voting . Concept two which is similar to Melpet Farms, smaller buildings on the north side of the property, 50 rental units and received the highest votes . Concept three which is a combination of four buildings of rental and homeownership received votes very close to concept two . The ranked scores slightly favor concept two . Ms . Spade -Aguilar made the point that when you figure the numbers across the board , you have to consider the ranking system and when you look at the numbers more closely, combing 15t and 2 "d choice, concept two is 82 % versus concept three at 71 % . Mr . Hackert said it could really be concept two or three, but concept two seemed preferred and would be easier for a developer . It would also be less work for the Trust as there would not need to be two separate RFP' s and it more directly addresses the need for rental housing . The only known respondent for building single family homes would be Habitat for Humanity and there might be properties, including legacy properties that are more suitable for a Habitat project . Mr. Ruchinskas said that concept two is more desirable from a living and character standpoint, but it would also be the most expensive option . Mr. Ruchinskas noted the difference in cost between recent developments in Sandwich versus Yarmouth based on more buildings versus less . Ms , Kalinick noted that concept two spoke more to the abutters but the Trust will have to consider putting more funds into the project in order to keep the cost per unit lower. Chair deRuyter asked if there would be further analysis from the consultant . Ms . Scalise said there is one more graph and the comments that were submitted . Chair deRuyter said we could wait until our next meeting to digest this information and get additional information . Jill Scalise said she spoke with Laura Shufelt from MHP and that the Trust could also have a sub-group meeting between now and the July meeting . As long as the Trust makes a decision in July, then Bohler can put together a master plan to present to the Trust in September, then move to RFP in the fall . The Trust would also provide guidance to Bohler beyond just the preferred concept . Chair deRuyter asked that all the information regarding Millstone be collated and sent to the Trust to go over before their next meeting and posted in the packet as well . Ms . Kalinick read the email from Blaine and Suzanne Smoller. Ms . Spade-Aguilar commented that if we did two separate RFP' s would there be two developers and would they develop in turns . If they are, it would create a longer building time frame and more disruption for the abutters . Ms . Kalinick said it would be more complicated and would be a phased process . Ms . Kalinick thanked the Department Heads who submitted thoughtful comments that are in the packet . Mr . Hackert said we would have to consider the infrastructure piece if there were two different phases as rental would likely be done first then home ownership . Ms . Scalise wrapped up the discussion by reviewing the next steps document . Next steps include providing additional guidance to Bohler to complete the feasibility study and then the creation of Request for Proposals . The Trust will have oversight of the process . Mr. Ruchinskas and Laura Shufelt will both be assets in this process as they have a lot of experience . Mr. Ruchinskas noted that it will take a couple of months to go through RFP criteria and selection process . We will probably realistically be at April 2021 when we select a developer. Chair deRuyter noted that there would also be in further steps that include local funding and a comprehensive permit process, both which involve public input . 5 . Potential rental assistance and/or emergency rental assistance program , discussion and possible vote - Ms . Spade -Aguilar presented the overall distinction between regular rental assistance and emergency rental assistance . When the Trust last met, we were considering a regular rental assistance program . The sub -group of Tim , Jill and Maggie had been putting the final touches on the BRAP program before COVID19 hit . A lot of discussion has taken place amongst housing folks about what the need for the rental assistance is now, They have subsequently put together a plan of action for emergency rental that would address expected needs when unemployment benefits and the emergency moratorium is lifted around housing , Jill has attended a lot of discussions with other towns and across the State about rental assistance programs and need . Mr . Hackert feels that we were ready to ask for final approval on the Brewster Rental Assistance Program and are closer to implementation . He thinks we would be serving the same cohort either way and there are other emergency rental assistance programs that are available right now . Ms , Spade -Agullar responded that the BRAP is much cleaner but COVIDI9 has changed the climate and some of the parameters, like eligibility levels and monthly subsidy have to be re-considered . Mr. Hackert said that it took us 4 to 6 months to get to this point and it is important to get a rental assistance program into the community sooner than later . Chair deRuyter thanked the group for their work and flexibility and asked Ms . Scalise to talk about what is occurring on the regional level , Ms , Scalise said that across the State, rental assistance discussion has been around Best Practices . The moratorium is on foreclosures and evictions but is set to expire in August . Ms . Scalise has been involved in the Lower Cape Emergency Rental working group and represents Brewster on it . There is an expectation that the greater need will be in August and beyond when unemployment benefits and the moratorium expire . We have a challenge with the funding the Trust has and how we want to use it . There is about $ 75 , 000 available from the original CPC funding of 100K . We cannot fund both and CPG wIII not be accepting applications again until December for a May 2021 town meeting . Our May 2020 town meeting was pushed to September due to COVIDI9 . The Lower Cape Emergency Rental Group is meeting weekly . They expect to finish the guidelines by the beginning of July with a program in place by August . They have worked to identify what is available now and where are the gaps to meet the need , Housing Assistance Corp . is also running a workforce housing fund and is the administrator for the RAFT funds on the Cape . Chair deRuyter asked what funding mechanisms the regional work group is looking at, CPC, fundraising . There is still discussion on whether there would be one pool or by town . Ms . Spade-Aguilar noted that the workforce housing fund seeks to address those at the higher AMI , up to 100% because RAFT funding is only up to 50% of the AMI , It is important not to duplicate efforts of existing programs . Ms . Robinson noted that there are other sources for emergency funding . Ms . Scalise noted that the hot spot is those in the 80 to 100% AMI . The RAFT funding through the Cares Act is supposed to go up to 80% of the AMI . Homeless Prevention and LCOC are assisting with funding from the Major Crisis Relief fund . Ms . Robinson said we need to be aware of the other sources for emergency funding . Mr . Ruchinskas noted that the estimate to run the program over the 3 years is about $ 198, 000 and we need to keep finances in mind regarding long term CPC funding and projects on the horizon , like Millstone , Other Trusts have been contributing in the million dollar range for development . Ms . Kalinick noted that we had intended to have a joint Trust-CPC meeting to talk through the long term funding issues . If we are going to do a long term rental program , we need to put an application in this December to fund a three year program . Ms . Kalinick said she would like to see us work on dual tracts and discuss this in July when we have more details from the regional group . Ms . Kalinick said she believes there will be short and long term impacts from COVID19 and encouraged residents to reach out to Jill about programs that are available for assistance . Chair deRuyter summed up the discussion and said we will work on getting a joint meeting with CPC on the calendar and that we work on dual tracts and hear back on the regional approach at the July meeting . Ms . Scalise asked that the working group continue to meet and work on this process for the July meeting . 6 . Housing Coordinator update : including COVID49 response and Brewster Woods- Ms . Scalise gave her update . The Town COVID response has been looking to provide support to residents, working with the Council on Aging, the schools and the community . The Town has established a COVID relief fund , Ms . Scalise will be reaching out to our residents in subsidized housing to provide resources available to them . Ms . Scalise said the CPC voted to allow a portion of the Brewster Woods funds to be used to match the MassWorks grant . She thanked CPC and POAH for their work on this and other housing in Brewster , The Barnstable Home Consortium will be voting at their next meeting on an award for Brewster Woods in the amount of $ 250K . The state funding should be announced in July and then we would move forward with the infrastructure piece . Ms . Kalinick thanked Jill for efforts around assisting residents during this crisis . Ms . Scalise said Habitat is still on schedule for Paul Hush Way . We also expect to hear about the CDBG Rehab funds in July . One of our units on Sean Way that was foreclosed on is moving forward with some work and then will be resold . Mr . Ruchinskas asked if the rehab work for Sean Circle will be funded by the Trust and where we stand with Yankee Drive , Ms . Scalise said that Fannie Mae will be funding the rehabilitation and we have not done any work on Yankee, but now that the CPC funds have been transferred , she will start work on that . 7 . Housing Trust appointments- Ms . Kalinick said that the bylaw addresses the terms the initial term was for two years, expiring on June 30, 2020 . The re - appointments are that the members appointed from specific committees, like the Select Board are for one year and everyone else is two years . Ms . Kalinick said as a Trust we have come a long way and are almost at the finish line with some programs . Ms . Kalinick said if you are appointed from a Committee, you are welcome to go back to that committee to discuss re- appointment . Chair deRuyter said this Trust is unique and has coalesced and has programs coming to fruition ; he hopes to be re-appointed from the Select Board , Ms , Hillis- Dineen , Ms . Robinson and Mr. Ruchinskas all said they will discuss with their Boards but would like to continue . Ms . Spade-Aguilar asked about the resident at large appointments . Ms . Kalinick said they would be re-appointed if they desired ; if not, we would go through the solicitation process that we went through the first time . Please contact Donna about the re-appointments . Ms . Spade-Aguilar and Mr. Hackert both indicated that they want to continue on the Trust . At the July meeting, we will need to have a discussion about re- organization . 8 . Any other business not anticipated : Ms . Kalinick provided a letter to the Trust about support for a Municipality Vulnerability program grant which would assist with community outreach around emergency preparedness which would be important, particularly for our housing authority properties as well as camps, businesses and residents . Tim Hackert moved that we authorize Donna Kalinick to sign the letter on behalf of the Trust, Madalyn Hillis- Dineen second . A roll call vote was taken and the vote was unanimous . Madalyn Hilils- Dineen -Yes, Maggie Spade -Aguilar- Yes,, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Tim Hackert-Yes, Sarah Robinson -Yes, Donna Kalinick-Yes, Chair deRuyter-Yes . Mr. Hackert noted that he is the Trust representative on the COVID19 relief fund committee . 9 . Next Meeting , Trust members agreed that July 2 "d would work for them if the scheduling for the town works . 10 . Approval of Minutes from March 5 , 2020 : Mr. Hackert moved to approve the minutes of March 51 2020, Madalyn Hillis- Dineen second . Mr . Ruchinskas had one edit regarding the CPC agreement . A roll call vote was taken as amended . Madalyn Hillls- Dineen-Yes, Maggie Spade - Aguilar-Yes, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Tim Hackert-Yes, Sarah Robinson -Yes, Donna Kalinick-Yes, Chair deRuyter-Yes . 11 . Adjournment : Chair deRuyter thanked Jill and Donna and the Brewster staff for their efforts during the COVID9 crisis . Mr . Ruchinskas moved adjournment at 6 : 58pm , Mr. Hackert second . A roll call vote was taken as amended . Madalyn Hillis- Dlneen -Yes, Maggie Spade -Aguilar-Yes, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Tim Hackert-Yes, Sarah Robinson -Yes, Donna Kalinick-Yes, Chair deRuyter-Yes . Respectfully Submitted, Donna J . Kalinick Assistant Town Administrator Public Packet details : Packet Available For Download at httr) : //records . brewster-ma , 00vNVebLink/O/fol/ l 16185/Row1 . aspx Approved August 13 , 2020