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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 1 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. 2 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 3 (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 4 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 &#3). 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 5 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 6 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