HomeMy Public PortalAboutAffordable Housing Trust -- 2023-03-02 MinutesBrewster Housing Trust
March 2, 2023, S:OOpm Meeting
Housing Trust Members Present: Donna Kalinick, Tim Hackert, Vanessa Greene, Ned Chatelain,
Paul Ruchinskas, Madalyn Hillis -Dineen
Absent: Maggie Spade -Aguilar
Others Present online: Robert Tobias, Finance Committee Liaison
1. Call to Order: Chair Hackert called the meeting to order at 5:O0pm, read the required
notice, and declared a quorum.
2. Citizen's Forum: Chair Hackert read the Citizen's Forum description and recognized
Glenn Casey online. Mr. Casey, 288 Fletcher Lane, asked about the status of an updated
proforma for the Millstone development. He also inquired about the sources of the
funds identified in the Trust Financial Plan for the proposed Millstone development and
the status of these funds if not used as projected. Mr. Casey questioned the need for
affordable housing in Brewster.
3. Millstone Affordable Housing Property update: Ms. Kalinick stated that POAH & HAC
have entered the comprehensive permit hearing process with the Zoning Board of
Appeals (ZBA). Next ZBA hearing date is Tuesday March 14t". Ms. Kalinick answered Mr.
Casey's question about the source of funding for the projected $1 million dollars in the
financial plan. It is estimated that $750,000 would come from Trust funds and $250,000
from Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. Ms. Kalinick noted that there have been
no specific requests to the Town for funding, this is just an estimate. The money in the
Trust must be used for affordable housing; the creation, preservation, or support of
housing as laid out in the Housing Trust bylaw. In the packet, Ms. Kalinick included a
memo on recent affordable lotteries and local preference. The Select Board has until 3
months after an issuance of a comprehensive permit to make requests regarding local
preference. Ms. Kalinick expects that the Select Board may ask the Housing Partnership
and Housing Trust for input on a potential local preference request. The memo will also
be provided to the Housing Partnership and the Select Board. Mr. Chatelain thanked Ms.
Kalinick for the memo and noted that all affordable units are subject to lottery and a
town may make a request for up to 70% local preference for folks who live or work in
the town or have a child in the school system. In both Brewster Woods and Serenity,
100% of those local preference slots were taken by folks in the local preference pool.
Chair Hackert thanked Ms. Kalinick for the information.
4. 212 Yankee Drive project update, discussion, and vote to expend funds on septic
repairs: Ms. Kalinick shared that demolition is complete- the interior is down to the
studs. This is the first step in getting the house rehabilitated. They did have to go back to
do more cleaning because the mold test was still too high. Meanwhile, Ms. Kalinick is
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meeting with our rehab consultant and rehab specialist and a plumber to look at the
plumbing system. The rehab specialist will be working on a Scope of Work for the rest
of the preservation work. Based on information from the Board of Health and Accu
Sepcheck, the current septic system needs to be brought into compliance. The septic
system, installed in 1994, is lower than what is currently allowed and needs to be raised
to the correct height. Additionally, Ms. Kalinick shared the options to address the
damaged septic tank: 1. Remove roots and reseal the two-piece tank 2. Replace the
existing tank with a 2 -piece tank or 3. Replace the existing tank with a one -unit tank.
After conferring with the Health Department, Ms. Kalinick's recommendation is to
replace the tank with a one -unit tank, put in the new D -box and put in risers for the
leech pit. This would be $6,981. Thus far the Trust has spent or allocated approximately
$1,000 for the septic inspection, $38,125 for the mold and infestation remediation,
$27,500 for the contract with HAC and TRI for project oversight, and about $5,000 in
legal expenses for a total near $80,000. It's not known what the total rehabilitation
costs of walls, floors, bathroom, and kitchen fixtures, etc. will be. Ms. Kalinick thanked
Asst. Health Director Sherrie McCullough for her assistance and expertise. Mr. Chatelain
asked about the Health Department's reasoning for a new tank. Ms. Kalinick replied
because of the age and style of the two-piece tank, there is concern that the roots could
damage the tank again. Ms. Kalinick noted the minimum needed to bring the system
into compliance with the health requirements. Mr. Chatelain stated he was comfortable
bringing the system into full compliance. Mr. Ruchinskas noted the purchaser will be a
first-time homebuyer and supports Ms. Kalinick's recommendation for a new tank
reducing the risk of a future problem. There are trees around the perimeter of the home
which provide a buffer to the school and baseball field. The DPW removed one tree
close to the home, but this was not related to the septic. Chair Hackert noted that a
small differential of cost can minimize a possible future expense for the homeowner.
Madalyn Hillis -Dineen moved to authorize up to $7,500 for the septic work (As listed on
the price quote: Option 3 -New tank- & 4 -New d -box, 5 -Riser septic tank outlet, 6 -Riser
d -box ,& 7 -Riser leach pit), Vanessa Greene second. A vote was taken. Motion carried
unanimously. Donna Kalinick-Yes, Vanessa Greene - Yes, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Ned
Chatelain-Yes, Madalyn Hillis -Dineen -Yes, Chair Hackert-Yes.
5. Discussion of part-time Housing Program staff and funding by the BAHT and
possible vote: Ms. Kalinick stated that there is a lot going on in the housing program
and it has grown beyond the work of one person. Conversations have taken place with
the Town Manager and the Housing Coordinator(HC) about the need for additional
staffing. The 5 -year Housing Financial Plan includes a 19 -hour -a -week part-time position
that would be tasked with more of the programming piece. The part time person would
be supervised by the HC and work with the Trust. In the last couple of months, the Trust
has brought a lot of ideas forward: looking at other municipal land parcels, buying land,
looking at other programs. There isn't capacity for these ideas currently. It has been
difficult for Ms. Kalinick to carry the program with the HC out on leave and with her
other Town responsibilities. Ms. Kalinick requested that the Trust consider funding the
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part-time housing position (up to 19 hours) beginning July 11t, 2023, for the FY24
budget. It might only be 15 hours. The process would be for Ms. Kalinick and the HC to
work with the HR Director to develop a job description, rate the job, and determine the
pay. The position would report to the Town but be funded by the Trust. It would not be
a benefitted position. This would be part of the FY24 Town budget but paid for by the
Affordable Housing Trust. Ms. Hillis -Dineen stated it was a great idea and would take a
load off of the HC and Ms. Kalinick. Mr. Ruchinskas agreed and believes the position is
justified. Chair Hackert added that it would help the workflow and improve the Trust's
outcomes. Donna Kalinick made a motion for the Trust to fund a part-time housing
program assistant position for up to 19 hours a week starting July 1, 2023, for the FY24
budget. Seconded by Ned Chatelain. Unanimously approved. Donna Kalinick-Yes,
Vanessa Greene - Yes, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Ned Chatelain-Yes, Madalyn Hillis -Dineen -
Yes, Chair Hackert-Yes.
6. Discussion of BAHT oversight of Buydown Program and possible vote: Chair Hackert
noted that this agenda item was discussed last month and will be discussed further
when the Housing Coordinator returns next month. The goal is to have a CPC grant
application for the CPC July 11t deadline.
7. Discussion of request to CPC for annual funding for BAHT: Mr. Ruchinskas, CPC
representative, likes the Trust's procedure of asking the CPC for funding for specific
purposes. This gives an opportunity to show Town Meeting exactly what the Trust is
doing. It also makes sense to ask for an acquisition fund. Looking at the financial plan,
the potential 1.2 million balance in the unallocated fund could be put toward
acquisition, this is a minimum to get a property for a rental development property.
Looking at CPC financing for this, with the May Town Meeting proposed projects there is
still over $750,000 of unallocated funding available. FY24 unallocated funding will also
be available for future projects. Mr. Ruchinskas is not aware of major CPC requests for
the fall. The Trust could ask for a total of $500,000 for the buydown and acquisition
fund. A substantial housing ask for fall town meeting would be warranted and could fit
in the overall 5 -year percentage goals of the CPC. Chair Hackert confirmed that a
$500,000 total request would be split between Buydown and acquisition funds. Mr.
Ruchinskas suggests recommending a buydown amount, then the remainder for
acquisition. Ms. Kalinick noted that she expects POAH/HAC to bring a funding request to
CPC for the fall town meeting. The Trust needs to weigh out whether this is the time to
ask or in May 2024 when expected housing requests will be the Housing Coordinator
position and to examine whether more rental assistance funding is needed. While CPC
articles are voted on at Town Meeting, the Trust has the authority to fund programs
through the Housing Trust guidelines at any time. However, any amount over $50,000
needs approval from the Select Board, this is a unique aspect of the Brewster Housing
Trust bylaw. Chair Hackert clarified there is a May 2023 Town Meeting funding request
for HC. Mr. Ruchinskas shared the additional May 2023 TM CPC Housing requests:
Orleans 14 apartments-HAC $55,000, Juniper Hill Wellfleet-POAH/ CDP $55,000, Dennis -
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FORWARD $125,000. The POAH/HAC Millstone request was not considered in the earlier
discussion for Fall 23 funding. Ms. Kalinick noted that in other towns where affordable
housing developments are further along, the town funding is between $1 and $2 million
dollars per project. Mr. Tobias wondered if funds for a buydown and acquisition could
be a combined fund. Mr. Chatelain noted that this sounds like getting a CPC allocation
every year without specific program requirement. Chair Hackert believes that the Trust
needs to state what the Trust plans to do with funds. Ms. Kalinick added that the Trust is
different than other applicants as the Trust can't necessarily accomplish tasks in 2-3
years. Thus, no matter which way the Trust proceeds, either asking for individual
projects or a lumpsum amount, we need to look at the timeline. The Trust has had to go
back to the CPC for funding extensions as projects can take a long time, for example 212
Yankee Drive. Part of the reason why Trusts have authority to act is because if
something becomes available, the Trust needs to be able to act right away. Further
discussion is needed, including Mr. Ruchinskas following up with the CPC. Brewster
made its own Affordable Housing Trust Bylaw which includes representatives from the
CPC, Housing Partnership, and Planning Board. This has benefited us with relationships
with the other committees. Mr. Ruchinskas noted that 2 years is the typical length of
CPC contract but doesn't see increasing this time frame for a specific Housing Trust
project as a problem. Mr. Ruchinskas will follow up with the CPC for next month's
meeting.
8. Housing Coordinator update: Ms. Kalinick is working with DHCD on another SHI home
that was foreclosed. Some of the required repairs have been made. The Trust paying for
the home appraisal was extremely helpful as it enabled us to tell DHCD and the bank
what must be done to bring the home to livable condition. The mortgage company has
submitted a list of the work completed; we are waiting for documentation. DHCD will
set the resale price, then HAC will be the agent for the affordable resale. Further repairs
may still need to be done. The new homeowner would be able to apply for CDBG funds
if further work is needed. As the lead community, the Town has submitted a FY22/23
regional CDBG application for $ 1.7 million. The CDBG and Rental Assistance Program
reports will be included in next month's Housing Trust packet. Ms. Kalinick has received
approximately 45 requests for housing assistance or information in the past month. So,
a high number of inquiries continues. Many of the calls are from people looking for
housing and who do not necessarily live in Brewster. Housing is a problem throughout
the Cape. Many of the folks at one point lived in Brewster but they were not able to stay
here because it became unaffordable, they lost their place, or some other circumstance
happened. Brewster Woods is fully leased up and people are moving into apartments.
The lottery was held for 14 Yankee Drive, a resale property with buydown funds, and
they have a buyer. With both 14 Yankee and Brewster Woods, people that Ms. Kalinick's
kids grew up with, folks who grew up in Brewster but don't necessarily live here
anymore, will have homes in Brewster. It's nice to see a cross section of people: people
who live here now, people who lived here in the past, and people who just need a place
to live moving into these homes. Brewster is an inviting community that wants people to
be able to live and thrive in the community. Mr. Ruchinskas inquired about the number
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of households in the lottery. This is not yet known. Chair Hackert thanked Ms. Kalinick
for her great report.
9. Cape Cod Sea Camps updates: Chair Hackert reported that Audubon presented
potential programing at the Pond Parcel during the Pond Committee meeting. The Pond
Parcel video will be released shortly. Signage is in process. Spring programing includes a
Kayak trip. A Public Forum is scheduled for May 20th. Mr. Chatelain noted that the Select
Board held budget meetings and housing was a consistently shared challenge, especially
from public safety. The Sea Camps parcels were specifically brought up in reference to
housing. As for the Bay Parcel, a vision session was held with the consultant, Reed
Hilderbrand. The committee is finishing plans for an anticipated, residents only, pool
opening this summer.
10. For Your Information: Chair Hackert included material on transfer fee enabling
legislation, this would allow the option, if adopted on a local level, for an up to 2%
transfer fee to be used on affordable housing. This is information for folks to be aware
of what is being discussed in several local towns. Mr. Ruchinskas asked if there would
be a future discussion and possible endorsement of this legislation. Chair Hackert
replied yes. Ms. Kalinick asked if this was also brought up at the Housing Partnership.
Ms. Greene shared yes it was. With the multiple impacts of this legislation and needed
involvement of numerous boards and committees, Ms. Kalinick will run this by the
Finance Team. Chair Hackert agreed that this is not just a Housing Trust issue. Secondly,
MA legislation has been introduced to address year-round workforce housing. Again,
this is also state enabling legislation that could be enacted on the local level. Ms. Greene
clarified that these are both proposals and could change in the process. Ms. Kalinick
noted that, thus far, the communities that have adopted this have done it through
special legislation. Mr. Chatelain is excited about the innovative workforce housing deed
program. As for possible endorsements, it would be helpful to have someone share
about the coalitions and what they have done. Chair Hackert offered to follow-up on a
possible presentation. Ms. Kalinick noted that the Select Board voted to turn the 'Covid
Relief Fund' into a 'Good Neighbor Fund'. It will now be available for more uses.
11. Any other business not anticipated: None
12. Approval of Minutes from February 2, 2023: Mr. Chatelain moved to approve the
February 2, 2023 minutes with technical comments from Chair Hackert, Madalyn Hillis -
Dineen second. A vote was taken. Unanimously approved. Donna Kalinick-Yes, Vanessa
Greene - Yes, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Ned Chatelain-Yes, Madalyn Hillis Dineen- Yes, Chair
Hackert-Yes.
13. Next Meeting: April 6, 2023 at 5PM
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14. Adjournment: Ned Chatelain moved adjournment at 6:12 PM, Madalyn Hillis -Dineen
second. A vote was taken. Unanimously approved. Donna Kalinick-Yes, Vanessa Greene -
Yes, Paul Ruchinskas-Yes, Ned Chatelain-Yes, Madalyn Hillis Dineen- Yes, Chair Hackert-
Yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator
Meeting Packet: Packet BAHT 03.02.23 [laserfiche.co
Approved: April 6, 2023
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