HomeMy Public PortalAboutAffordable Housing Trust -- 2023-08-03 MinutesBrewster Housing Trust
August 3, 2023, 5:00pm Meeting
Housing Trust Members Present: Donna Kalinick, Tim Hackert, Ned Chatelain, Paul Ruchinskas,
Tony Freitas, Maggie Spade -Aguilar (remote), Vanessa Greene
Others Present: Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator
I. Call to Order: Chair Hackert called the meeting to order at 5:02pm, read the required
notice, and declared a quorum.
2. Citizen's Forum: None
3. Millstone Affordable Housing Property update: Jill Scalise informed the Trust that the
Comprehensive Permit for the Millstone property had been recorded and the Town
applied for and received certification of the Housing Production Plan. This means from
June 14, 2023- June 13, 2024 the Plan is certified and Town is in safe harbor. This
provides the Town with more decision making control in the comprehensive permit
process. The Town was actually in safe harbor during the 0 Millstone Road
comprehensive permit process. Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and Housing
Assistance Corporation (HAC) have applied for a $500,000 CPA grant. Ms. Kalinick
added that this is the third time that Brewster has received certification of the Town's
Housing Plan since 2018. This is a sign of how committed the Town has been to
improving housing choice in the Town. There are only 9 certified communities in the
Commonwealth. The Town's Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) has increased to 7.2%
since 2017. Ms. Scalise explained that the 2020 year round housing census data was just
released. The 2010 census reported that the town had 4,803 year round housing units.
The 2020 census data reports that the Town has 5,170 year round housing units, an
increase of 367 units. This impacts the number of affordable units needed, an additional
37 units, to reach the mandated 10% SHI. In the 2017 Housing Plan there were 250 units
on SHI, now the Town has 372 SHI units. This shows the hard work and commitment of
the Town. Looking at the challenges with the Cape Cod housing market climate, without
this the effort, Brewster would be in a more difficult position maintaining the
community character. Chair Hackert thanked Ms. Scalise and Ms. Kalinick for their hard
work. Ms. Kalinick noted that a name for the property should be set by the next
meeting. Ms. Scalise responded to Mr. Ruchinskas asked about the naming process.
POAH and HAC make the decision in coordination with the Town. Members of the
Brewster Historical Society have done some research on the area. Ultimately, for safety
concerns, the Fire Department must approve any driveway or street names.
4. 212 Yankee Drive Discussion and Possible Vote on bid to preserve home: Ms. Kalinick
highlighted the memo and updated spread sheet in the packet. On July 191h bids were
opened. Two bids were received, one was disqualified for lateness. Pearl Company had a
bid of $240,672. Pearl Company attended the walk through, submitted questions, and
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had very positive references. The Trust needs to vote to recommend the Select Board
award to contract to Pearl Company. The Select Board will take this up at the August
10th meeting. The contractor has 90 days from obtaining building permits to complete
the work. After meeting with KP Law, legal counsel has determined that because of the
extent of work that needs to be done to preserve the home, almost all of the work is
CPA eligible, except for the inspections that took place. The spreadsheet has been
updated with the information. Legal counsel needs to do more research about the use
of any proceeds from the Barbie dolls. The dolls will be moved to a secure location. Ms.
Kalinick responded to Mr. Chatelain's question about several spreadsheet numbers and
went through and explained the listed costs and authorizations. The total expected to
be spent is $360,000 not including the refrigerator and stove. However, it is not unusual
to have change orders with additional costs. Ms. Kalinick recommends authorizing
$250,000 for the work. Ms. Scalise noted that the Trust has a $500,000 CPC grant to
preserve homes on the SHI. $300,000 of this grant is in the Affordable Housing Trust's
account, the additional $200,000 may be requested from the CPC when funds are
expended. It is expected that the home resale price will be between $240,000 and
$250,000. So, the ultimate cost to the Trust will be the difference between all costs and
the amount recouped at closing. Mr. Chatelain noted that the net cost to the Trust will
be approximately $120,000. Mr. Ruchinskas added that any CPC funds recouped will be
returned to the Housing Trust. Ms. Kalinick shared that the final expenses and funding
will be reported to the CPC. Mr. Ruchinskas inquired if the Trust needs to request the
rest of the CPC preservation funds. Ms. Kalinick will check the financial report and see if
additional funds are needed. Mr. Ruchinskas asked several questions about the bid.
While supportive of moving forward, Mr. Chatelain expressed concerns about the total
cost and noted the importance of monitoring and oversight of SHI homes. Ned Chatelain
made a motion that the Housing Trust recommend awarding the contract to Pearl
Construction Company for $240,672 and authorize spending from CPC and Housing
Trust funds. The Select Board is also requested to waive applicable fees. Second Vanessa
Greene. A roll call vote was taken: Tony Freitas- yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim Hackert-
yes, Vanessa Greene- yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-
yes.
5. Housing Program Assistant Position update: Donna Kalinick shared that a job
description has been developed in coordination with Susan Broderick, Human
Resources; Jon Idman, Town Planner; and Jill Scalise. The job position is expected to go
out in the next several weeks. The interview process will start after that. Ms. Kalinick
noted that the Housing Program has greatly benefited from Town Planner Idman's
knowledge and involvement. There is an excellent sense of team.
6. Buydown Program CPC funding application update: Jill Scalise shared that the
Buydown Program CPA application was submitted and accepted by the CPC as complete
and appropriate. It has been forwarded to Brewster Housing Partnership for further
review.
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7. Rental Assistance Program: Discussion on Request for Quotes (RFQ) responses and
possible vote on contract award: Paul Ruchinskas recused himself from this agenda
item. Ms. Scalise stated that the Town received responses to the Rental Assistance RFQ
from Harwich Ecumenical Council for Housing, Homeless Prevention Council and
Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC). All responses met the submission requirements
and all three organizations possess the experience and qualifications to run the
program. The lowest bid was HAC for $7,500, 5% of the total amount of funding. Tim
Hackert made a motion to recommend that the Town award a 3 -year contract to HAC
for management of the Rental Assistance Program. Second Ned Chatelain. A roll call
vote was taken: Tony Freitas- yes, Tim Hackert-yes, Vanessa Greene- yes, Ned Chatelain-
yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna Kalinick-yes. Ms. Scalise noted that HAC has been
managing the program and recently shared that one current Rental assistance
participant has qualified a Section 8 housing voucher. With this voucher, the resident
will be leaving the Brewster program. This is the program working as designed. HAC
encourages folks to apply for Section 8 housing vouchers.
8. Housing Trust Guidelines and 2024 Priority Initiatives -Initial Discussion: Paul
Ruchinskas returned to the meeting. Jill Scalise introduced the background information
provided for the FY24 priority initiative discussion. Material includes the BAHT
Guidelines, status chart of FY22-23 priorities, and Housing Production Plan
Implementation Strategies status chart. Ms. Scalise observed that there were a lot of
priority strategies for FY22-23 and noted that the Trust has accomplished a great deal
over the past two years. Chair Hackert suggested that each Trust member bring top
priorities to the September meeting for discussion. Ms. Kalinick shared the Select Board
will have their approved Strategic Plan Housing goals prior to the next Housing Trust
meeting. Mr. Chatelain shared about the Select Board Strategic Plan retreat. The Select
Board is looking to have fewer goals that are higher level goals. Ms. Spade -Aguilar asked
about the highlighted key priorities. Ms. Scalise clarified these 3 key priorities were
identified as the most important and had task groups to address those priorities.
9. Housing Coordinator update: 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. Another affordable home is for sale at 6
Sachemus Trail, application is due by August 11th. There will be an information session
on Local Preference on August 171h at 7PM. The August CDBG monthly report noted 6
Brewster, 8 Dennis and 6 Wellfleet households have been assisted this year. 80% of
households included seniors. 27 children have received childcare assistance. This
includes 13 children from Brewster, 13 from Dennis and 1 child from Wellfleet. Mr.
Ruchinskas asked if anyone shows up for open office hours. Ms. Scalise replied that
people used to show up for open office hours; however, now people show up or call
anytime. Ms. Spade -Aguilar asked whether there is a local preference for the Habitat
homes and whether the committees will be taking a vote on local preference at the
information session. Ms. Scalise replied that the Town, at Habitat's request, received a
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veteran's preference from EOHLC for one home with the caveat that if there is not a
veteran's preference the home would revert to a local preference. The Local Preference
session is informational. Historically, the Housing Partnership has sometimes provided a
recommendation on local preference. The Select Board makes the decision and request
to EOHLC for any local preference. Brewster has been intentional in their decision
process. Ms. Kalinick added that the Select Board will take up the local preference
decision at their August 21St meeting to meet the 90 day time frame request
requirement. The forum will provide a shared information base, then the Select Board
will discuss and possibly make a local preference request.
10. Cape Cod Sea Camps updates: Ms. Kalinick stated that the second community forum
will be on August 5th with three one-hour sessions from 1-4PM. The forum will address
both properties, include preliminary concepts based on the initial data, and provide
opportunities for public feedback on the concepts. Several buildings will be open for
viewing on the Bay property. A second survey will follow the session. Additional forums
will follow. Mr. Ruchinskas asked about the number of concept plans. Ms. Kalinick
shared that there are multiple concepts as well as flexibility for the public to provide
feedback and break down concepts into different subparts. Mr. Hackert commented
that the Pond Parcel Committee had a long discussion about the preliminary concepts at
their last meeting. Ms. Kalinick added several upcoming Sea Camps events: movie night,
Pan -Mass Challenge "Da Hedge" cheering, and pool drop in day. The Pond held two
walking tours and they hope to have more in the fall. Mr. Chatelain is no longer on the
Bay Parcel Committee. Ms. Spade -Aguilar noted that the Bay Parcel items had already
been covered.
11. For Your Information: Chair Hackert highlighted several articles for general interest
including a mailing flyer from a local construction company about creating ADUs. Ms.
Kalinick requested an ADU bylaw update from Planning Board member Freitas at the
next meeting. Ms. Scalise noted the hybrid Lower Cape Peer Group meeting on
September 141H
12. Any other business not anticipated: None
13. Approval of Minutes from July 6: Deferred until next month.
14. Next Scheduled Meetings: August 17th Local Preference Information Session at 6PM and
Trust meeting September 7, 2023 at 513M
15. Adjournment: Ned Chatelain moved adjournment at 6:10 PM, Paul Ruchinskas
seconded. A roll call vote was taken: Tony Freitas- yes, Paul Ruchinskas-yes, Tim
Hackert-yes, Vanessa Greene- yes, Ned Chatelain-yes, Maggie -Spade -Aguilar -yes, Donna
Kalinick-yes.
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Respectfully Submitted,
Jill Scalise, Housing Coordinator
Meeting Packet: 08.03.2023 BAHT Meeting Packet [laserfiche.com�
Approved: October 5, 2023