HomeMy Public PortalAboutAffordable Housing Trust -- 2023-07-06 MinutesBrewster Housing Trust
July 6, 2023, 5:00pm Meeting
Housing Trust Members Present: Donna Kalinick, Tim Hackert, Ned Chatelain, Paul Ruchinskas,
Tony Freitas, Maggie Spade -Aguilar (remote)
Absent: Vanessa Greene
Others Present: Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator
1. Call to Order: Chair Hackert called the meeting to order at 5:04pm, read the required
notice, and declared a quorum.
2. Citizen's Forum: None
3. Reorganization of the Affordable Housing Trust: Donna Kalinick welcomed Tony Freitas,
new Trust member appointed from the Planning Board, and shared the roles for
reorganization. Tim Hackert expressed interest in being chair. Paul Ruchinskas asked
Maggie Spade -Aguilar if she still had interest in remaining Vice Chair. Ms. Spade -Aguilar
stated she did have interest in remaining Vice Chair. Mr. Ruchinskas nominated Mr.
Hackert for Trust Chair. Mr. Chatelain second. A roll call vote was taken; Tony Freitas -
yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim Hackert-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -
yes, Donna Kalinick-yes. The meeting was then turned over to Chair Hackert. Donna
Kalinick nominated Maggie Spade -Aguilar for Vice Chair. Ned Chatelain second. A roll
call vote was taken; Tony Freitas- yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim Hackert-yes, Ned
Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-yes. Ms. Kalinick nominated
Ned Chatelain for Clerk. Mr. Freitas seconded. A roll call vote was taken; Tony Freitas -
yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim Hackert-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -
yes, Donna Kalinick-yes.
4. Millstone Affordable Housing Property update: Jill Scalise informed the Trust that at
their June 13th meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved a Comprehensive
Permit with conditions for Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Housing
Assistance Corporation (HAC) to develop 45 units of affordable rental housing on the 0
Millstone property. No appeals were filed, and the decision will be recorded. Ms. Scalise
commended the ZBA for their work and the responsiveness of POAH and HAC to the
questions and concerns raised by the ZBA and residents. An updated Millstone
Affordable Housing timeline is included in the packet. This timeline was originally
introduced prior to the 2018 Town Meeting and has been updated repeatedly over the
past five years. Ms. Kalinick requested that a copy of the Comprehensive Permit be
included in the next meeting packet. Special thanks to Jon Idman and Ellen Murphy for
their work on the Permit. Mr. Chatelain extended his gratitude to Donna and Jill for their
work over the past five plus years. Ms. Scalise noted how Town Planner Idman laid out
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the Comprehensive Permit to tell the story of the process of how the housing program
for 0 Millstone Road has developed. This memorializes the work that the Trust has done
over the past years. Mr. Ruchinskas extended his thanks and noted that this is another
Lower/Outer Cape comprehensive permit that went through the comp permit process
relatively quickly and without an appeal. Ms. Scalise added that after the
comprehensive permit is recorded, the Town will request certification of the Housing
Plan. If approved, Ms. Kalinick noted that will be the third time the Town's Housing Plan
has been certified in the past 5 years, demonstrating the commitment of the Town. This
housing is making an impact in the community, providing folks with safe and stable
places to live. Chair Hackert added his appreciation for the work. Ms. Scalise shared that
POAH and HAC requested a letter of support from the Housing Trust for their CPA
application for $500,000 to support the Millstone affordable housing development. A
draft letter was included in the packet. Chair Hackert and Ms. Scalise read some small
changes and additions to the draft letter. Ms. Spade -Aguilar made an editorial
comment. Mr. Chatelain asked if it has been past practice to include the amount being
requested. Ms. Kalinick noted that in the past the Trust has not put the amount in the
letter. The actual application has not yet been submitted. Additionally, an application
for Trust funding is also expected. Chair Hackert suggested the Trust not include the
amount of the request. Ned Chatelain made a motion to approve the proposed letter
with said changes and authorize Chair Hackert to sign the letter on behalf of the Trust.
Paul Ruchinskas second. A roll call vote was taken: Tony Freitas- yes, Paul Ruchinskas-
yes, Tim Hackert-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-yes.
5. 212 Yankee Drive project update, including Invitation for Bids (IFB): Ms. Kalinick said
that the IFB has gone out and the Town had a walk though of the site on June 26th
Representatives from The Resource Inc were present. One addenda has been issued and
a second addenda is planned; the bid opening has been extended from July 12th to July
19th. The Trust will be able to vote in August for an award. The award recommendation
will then go to the Select Board for a vote as this will be over $50,000. During the
remediation work, several boxes were discovered. Ms. Kalinick shared her surprise and
emotion upon finding that these boxes contained Barbie dolls. The dolls will be
inventoried for their value and then the Trust will determine what to do with the dolls.
Ms. Scalise brought three of the Barbie dolls to show the Trust. Mr. Ruchinskas asked if
the Town now owned the Barbie dolls. Ms. Kalinick replied yes. There are rules around
items that have value, this may need to go to the Select Board. Ms. Spade-Aguiler asked
if this was under the purview of the Trust or the Town. Ms. Kalinick stated because the
property is under the care, control, and custody of the Trust, she thinks it up to the
Trust to determine what to do with the Barbies. However, legal counsel will need to be
consulted about the use of any funds obtained. Ms. Kalinick wants the outcome to be
respectful to and honor the previous owner of the property. Mr. Ruchinskas asked
about interest in the property on the walk though. Ms. Kalinick answered that the
interest was not high, it's a niche project.
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6. Housing Information provided at June 51h Select Board Meeting: Ned Chatelain shared
that Donna Kalinick and Jill Scalise provided the Select Board with an informative
snapshot of the current housing program initiatives. The Select Board was grateful to
learn more about what is happening and would like to see updates on a more regular
basis. Ms. Kalinick suggested a biannual basis. The Select Board will be involved in
decision points several initiatives such as 212 Yankee Drive bid, local preference request
for 0 Millstone Road affordable housing, potential CDBG funding, and Buydown
program. Mr. Chatelain added that housing interest emerged in the Sea Camps Forum
and survey. Mr. Chatelain and Chair Hackert thanked Ms. Kalinick and Ms. Scalise for the
presentation to the Select Board. Ms. Scalise noted that the Select Board update was
one of the Trust's priority initiatives.
7. Housing Program Assistant Position, discussion, and possible vote: Donna Kalinick
stated that while the Trust took a vote to fund the position salary, initial start-up costs
such as a desk and computer were not addressed. The financial plan carried $42,000 for
FY24; this is enough to fund the position for up to 19 hours. A vote needs to be taken to
allow start-up costs to also come out of these identified funds. Ned Chatelain asked why
the funds don't come out of facilities. Donna Kalinick explained that the facilities budget
does not carry start-up expenses in the budget. If the facilities budget can support doing
something in an office, it will, for example, purchase Ms. Scalise's new chair. However,
usually a department has budgeted funds for supply line, startup costs are additional.
The Housing Office doesn't have its own budget as it's funded through CPC for salary
and the Town for benefits. Mr. Chatelain made a motion that $5,000 of the prior
authorized Housing Program Assistant funds be available for start-up costs. Tony Freitas
second. A roll call vote was taken; Tony Freitas- yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim Hackert-
yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-yes.
8. Buydown Program CPA funding application and new FY23 HUD income limits: and
possible vote on proposed terms- Jill Scalise shared that the Buydown Program CPA
application is included in the packet and will be submitted tonight. The guidelines, with
the updated 2023 HUD income limits, are included as Attachment A. Ms. Scalise noted
that the income limits have substantially increased.
9. Rental Assistance Program: Request for Quotes (RFQ): Ms. Kalinick stated the Rental
Assistance RFQ for a program administrator went out last Friday. Responses are due July
28tH The current program administrator contract expires in August. The RFQ was sent to
Housing Assistance Corporation, Harwich Ecumenical Council for Housing and Homeless
Prevention Council as well as posted on the website. The bid documents can be taken
directly off the website. Ms. Scalise noted that the guidelines, which were approved by
the Trust in May, were included in the RFQ. There is no longer a Covid relief component
of the program. There is now an ability to serve up to 15 households with up to
$500/month assistance. The current rental program quarterly report is included in the
packet. This quarter 11 Brewster households received $42,034 in non -Brewster financial
assistance. In addition, 7 households are participating in the Brewster Rental Assistance
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(B -RAP) program. 5 are senior households. 2023 Fair Market Ren t(FMR) for Barnstable
County has been released. For example, FMR for an efficiency/studio is $1,401, a one -
bedroom is $1,553 and $2,044 for a two-bedroom apartment. These are the allowable
amounts for a mobile, Section 8 voucher and tend to be less than the rents currently
seen in the county. This demonstrates the challenge between residents' income and
local rents. Almost all B -RAP participants are below 60% AMI. As part of the program, B -
RAP participants also apply for Section 8 vouchers. The current wait is approximately 3
years. Ms. Spade-Aguillar asked about the size of households applying for the program.
Ms. Scalise replied that it is a mix of singles and couples applying for assistance.
10. Housing Coordinator update, including Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw timeline: Ms.
Scalise highlighted a couple items from the Housing Coordinator update including the
Habitat for Humanity home applications. One home is eligible at 60%AMI and one at
80% AMI, this is consistent with the Town's Housing Production Plan identified needs.
The Phase Two affordable apartments at Serenity at Brewster opened almost one year
ago. A required yearly report is expected shortly. Special thanks to Donna Kalinick and
Tim Hackert who staffed the Housing Office table at the Council on Aging's Health and
Wellness Fair. There will be a forum on Local Preference on August 17th at 7PM. The
Planning Board is working on amending the Town's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
bylaw. The packet includes a timeline and a June 28th Planning Board presentation by
Town Planner Jon Idman about ADUs. This is revisiting the ADU bylaw, looking at what
has worked well and what could be done to streamline the process. Tony Frietas,
Planning Board member, noted he is looking forward to the work on ADUs.
11. Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP): Housing Building Block & Action Plan Discussion- Ms.
Scalise shared that the packet includes the LCP housing building block and action plan.
The Vision Planning Committee (VPC) welcomes comments on the plan. The VPC will be
at Conservation Day with the current draft plan. Ms. Kalinick noted that the Housing
purposes and actions have not changed drastically since the first draft. The biggest
change is aligning the goal of reaching 10% Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) by 2029,
mirroring other documents. The housing section aligns with the Housing Production
Plan.
12. Select Board Strategic Plan discussion- Mr. Chatelain shared about the Select Board
Strategic Planning Session. The Select Board looks at two fiscal years. Last year's
strategic plan, and a cover letter asking for feedback, is included in the packet. The
Select Board welcomes feedback on the strategic plan goals. Ms. Kalinick went through
the housing goals as several goals have Housing Trust responsibilities. Residents are also
invited to provide plan feedback and suggestions. The first housing goal is to develop a
five-year financial plan for the Affordable Housing Trust and determine if additional
funding streams should be explored to support housing initiatives at a range of income
levels. This was tasked the Housing Trust and the Finance Team. The five year financial
plan was created. The second part about funding streams may need to be better
defined. The Trust is tasked to support up to 80% of the AMI, with CPC funds available
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up to 100%AMI. There has been discussion about whether a special legislation trust is
needed for another income level, for example 80% -200% AMI. Additional questions
include whether the Trust will engage in other areas like year-round deed restrictions.
These are policy discussions. Some towns have two trusts, this also requires the funding
of both trusts. Mr. Chatelain noted that transfer tax and a standing appropriation for
housing acquisition have come up in Trust meetings. Chair Hackert commented on the
separation of trusts for different AMI levels. Ms. Spade -Aguilar asked about the
possibility of creating an 80-120% AMI housing trust. Ms. Kalinick noted this is a policy
decision for the select Board and Town as this would be special legislation brought
forward by the Select Board and voted at Town meeting. A year-round deed restriction
program could not be administered by an affordable housing trust. Ms. Kalinick aimed
to compile Housing Trust feedback to provide to the Select Board for their strategic
planning process. Mr. Ruchinskas identified looking at the Town to support various
policies and funding streams that will raise more money to support housing. Ms. Scalise
highlighted the Housing Production Plan Strategies #8 (5 year financial plan) and #9
(funding opportunities). Strategy #8 was completed. Now, strategy #9 can be addressed.
Ms. Spade-Aguillar asked if the Trust could support a project with a spectrum of
incomes up to 120% AMI provided the majority were below 80%. Mr. Ruchinskas
believed that it is possible as ranges of incomes are found in different programs. The
Trust would have to use Trust financial support at the income levels below 80%. Ms.
Kalinick noted the Wellfleet project has some income levels above 80%AMI. The Trust
can't support programs like the year round deed restriction program, programs that
exceed the Trust's allowable AMI. Ms. Spade-Aguillar asked if the SB is planning to
address the seasonal workforce. Mr. Chatelain responded that this is outside of the
Trust jurisdiction but could be addressed on a resident level. Goal #2, Begin
implementing HPP implementation strategies. Ms. Scalise stated that this second goal
could be listed as continue implementing Housing Production plan. Ms. Scalise identified
the Housing Production Plan high priority implementation strategies. Strategy #8,
developing the financial plan, was completed. Strategy #1 on ADU bylaw is being
addressed. The Planning Board is looking at several zoning issues. Town Planner Jon
Idman wrote a grant request to examine the Town's current zoning bylaw for multi -unit
and mixed residential zoning (Strategies #2 ). Another higher priority is #11 develop
criteria for addressing a property's suitability for housing, something discussed with the
Trust. Also, developing a collaborative education plan (#14) & evaluating CPC funding
initiatives (#21) are both processes addressed by the Trust this year. Ms. Kalinick noted
that zoning is a key need that needs to be highlighted in this goal. Mr. Chatelain would
like the Select Board to look at zoning changes. Ms. Spade-Aguillar fully supports looking
into zoning changes. Ms. Kalinick noted that the ACDU would be addressed as mixed-
use, top of the shop housing. Ms. Kalinick moved on to Goal #3. Continue to provide
support to residents. Last year there was an initial discussion about pre-school childcare
vouchers, outside of CDBG. This will be discussed this year as numerous parents have
inquired about childcare stipends. Ms. Kalinick thinks these support programs are very
important. Chair Hackert noted an article about small amounts of funding to keep folks
in their home versus the high cost when households lose their housing and become
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homeless. Ms. Kalinick asked if the Trust would like a statement in support of childcare
stipends. Mr. Chatelain was apprehensive about widening the Trust's mandate. Mr.
Freitas indicated the Trust could state: support programs that help keep people in
housing. Chair Hackert mentioned the Good Neighbor fund and how it helps assist
people. Ms. Kalinick suggested the goal could be to continue to provide and expend
support programs. Mr. Ruchinskas asked if Brewster residents had applied for CDBG but
were denied because they were over income. Ms. Scalise stated that people had been
turned away because they were above income. Ms. Kalinick read Goal #4- Advance
Millstone Road Community Housing Project and suggested it remain but be rewritten.
Mr. Ruchinskas suggested adding and develop a strategy for the next affordable housing
development. Ms. Spade-Agular agrees with this statement. Chair Hackert added that
septic concerns and fertilizer use need to also be addressed and, as a resident, the Chair
will share these concerns with the Select Board. Mr. Chatelain noted that coastal
management and water resources are building blocks for the LCP and Strategic Plan and
will be discussion points. Ms. Scalise observed the consistency of the Trust's discussion
on many of these strategic plan goal topics over the past months of Trust meetings.
Chair Hackert concluded that Ms. Kalinick will compile her notes from this discussion
and provide them to the Select Board.
13. Cape Cod Sea Camps updates: Ned Chatelain shared that as Select Board Chair, he is no
longer on the Bay Parcel committee. The pool is open and the Committee is working
through the data from the first forum and survey. Ms. Kalinick stated that the next
Forum will be on August 5th with three one-hour sessions from 1-4PM. This will include
input on preliminary concepts based on the initial data. The forum will address both
properties. The Bay parcel has a couple community events this summer and the pool is
going very well. Chair Hackert stated there had been a long discussion about the key
item list, including housing near Route 137, on the Pond Parcel. Chair Hackert
summarized the discussion and sent it to the consultants. Ms. Kalinick added that both
Parcel committees will be at Brewster Conservation Day.
14. For Your Information: Chair Hackert highlighted several articles for general interest. Ms.
Scalise noted additional items. Mr. Ruchinskas noted three Cape Cod housing initiatives
were funded by the state. Ms. Spade-Aguillar appreciated the article on social housing in
Vienna. Mr. Chatelain stepped out of the. meeting at 6:52pm.
15. Any other business not anticipated: None
16. Approval of Minutes from May 11, 2023: Paul Ruchinskas moved to approve the May
11, 2023 minutes with technical edits from Chair Hackert. Maggie Spade- Aguilar
seconded. A roll call vote was taken; Tony Freitas- abstained, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim
Hackert-yes, Ned Chatelain-absent, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-yes. Mr.
Chatelain returned at 6:54pm.
17. Next Meeting: August 3, 2023 at 5PM
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18. Adjournment: Ned Chatelain moved adjournment at 6:57 PM, Donna Kalinick
seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Tony Freitas- yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim
Hackert-yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator
Meeting Packet: 07.06.2023 BAHT Meeting Packet f brewster-ma.gov)
Approved: September 7, 2023