EASTHAM AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST
MEETING MINUTES
Small Meeting Room
November 18, 2015
Members Present: Eileen Morgan, John Knight, Peter Wade, Bill Burt, Jim McMakin Staff Present: Paul Lagg, Town Planner
Others Present:
Scott Kerry, Kerry Insurance Agency, Inc.
Susan Roettig Executive Director HECH and Nicole Moniz HECH
Meeting was called to order at Noon by Chair, Eileen Morgan
Approval of Minutes of the October 14 Meeting
John Knight moved that the minutes of the Oct. 14 meeting be approved, Jim McMakin made the second, minutes approved 5-0
Insurance Policy Review
Scott Kerry returned and provided the Trust with further information on the insurance coverage for Trust owned properties at Wampum Lane, Stellwagon Way, Massasoit Rd. and Dory Lane. This included a copy of the master insurance policy for the Bracket Landing Properties held by Vermont mutual, and he provide the Trust with two potential scenarios for tenant property insurance. Trust members discussed having this type of insurance as part of renter agreements and also discussed adding loss of rental income to policies.
Rental Assistance Program
Susan Roettig and Nicole Moniz from the Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless (HECH) provided the Trust with an overview of how the renter insurance program has proceeded to date. Assistance is provided to families who are at 60% or below median family income.
A subsidy of up to $350.00 is paid to the landlord depending on the need. Family must pay their share of the rent on time and attend periodic counseling sessions with the Homeless Prevention Council. Susan stressed how much the program has meant to those receiving assistance and how important and successful the counseling component has been. The agency has assisted 19 families to date. Initially starting with 12 families…several graduated early from the program….others moved out as circumstances changed. New members have been added. There was a discussion on use of the funds not yet expended. Could those funds be used to continue assistance for the families with just months into the program or carried over etc.? Usually unexpended funds go back to the CPC. Bill Burt suggested that the Town
Administrator or Town Counsel provide guidance on how those funds may/if possible be used.
Monthly Report
Paul Lagg presented his monthly report.
Property Status:
60 Dory Lane – Exterior painting estimate came in at $1,800 to do uncompleted areas.
Bill Burt moved, Jim McMakin seconded to approve $1,800 for the painting work. Motion passed 5-0
17 Dory Lane – Deed has been recorded and Trust owns property. Lawn issue still needs to be resolved. Attorney Dutton will work with Developer to find solution.
6 Dory Lane – Lawn installation complete – invoice for $2,874.
Sprinkler sysem installed – invoice $825
Bill Burt moved to authorize the chair to sign off on the invoices to be paid. Jim McMakin made the second. Motion passed 5-0
Summary of Current Expenses & Income Account Balance
Paul Lagg provided the Trust with a summary of the Trust’s Rental income account.
Presently: $12,306.30
With approved payments for Lawn & Sprinkler installation 6 Dory; Driveway upgrades at 4 Stellwagon and 60 Dory and the painting at 60 Dory, the remaining balance will be $5,937.30
Outer Cape Housing Workgroup Update
Paul Lagg provided an overview of the first meeting of the workgroup. Next meeting will be Tuesday, December 8.
EAHT Data Base
Paul Lagg has worked to develop an online database for Trust property information.
He indicated he will email Trust members a link to the site.
Housing Production Plan Update
Paul Lagg told Trust members that the town has contracted with Karen Sunnarborg to update the HPP. Karen worked on this for Eastham in 2010. Timeline indicates submission to DHCD in March 2016.
Auditors Report
Paul Lagg provided each Trust member with a copy of the Trust’s Audit report for the year ending 2014. Trust members will review.
Other matters
Trustee Peter wade presented members with a breakdown of the Financial Analysis of the Rental unit acquisition/expansion program. Total Costs of ‘acquisitions’ $1,517,377 with an average $221,325 ‘all-in’ cost per unit. He thought this was high, but recently learned that statewide average was well in excess of $300K.
Trustee Jim McMakin indicated that the Housing Authority would like to meet with the Trust.
It was decided to hold the next Trust meeting in conjunction with the Housing Authority at 4PM on December 10.
Trustee Bill Burt provided Trust members with a copy of the Vision Plan adopted by the Trust in 2011.
Executive Session
Chair Eileen Morgan indicated that having a discussion about a potential real estate purchase in an open session may be detrimental to the Trust’s negotiating position.
Therefore, John knight made a motion to go into executive session and not to return to open session for the purpose of discussing a potential real estate purchase. Jim McMakin made the second. Role call vote indicated all approved 5-0.
Regular Meeting Adjourned 1:40PM
Respectfully submitted – William Burt, Clerk
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