Minutes
North Stonington Affordable Housing Committee
February 27, 2014
In Attendance: Tim Pelland, Mary Ann Ricker and Jim Scaramozza
Absent: Kristen Comstock and Tina DuBosque
Guests: Juliet Leeming
Location: Wheeler High School Media Center
Meeting was called to order by Co-Chairman Tim Pelland at 6:16 PM. By motion, minutes from the January 23, 2014 meeting were reviewed and ratified.
No public comments were made.
It was reported by Mary Ann Ricker that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the anticipated rehabilitation loan program had in fact been posted and, we received two responses, one from “ECHO”, a principal of which being Mr. Peter Battles, and the other from Lisa Low & Associates, Lisa Low being the contact for that company. An interview with both respondents was going to take place, if at all possible, the week of March 3rd, with a few members of the committee, one selectman from the Board of Selectmen (BOS), Juliet Leeming and hopefully David Fink of the Partnership for Strong Communities (PSC) comprising the interview committee. Once a company is selected, a notice will be posted of a public hearing to take place (held by the BOS) concerning this program and the intended, possible uses of any
moneys that may be awarded in conjunction with the program. The Committee next reviewed a survey prepared by Mary Ann and Juliet that is to be posted, seeking the input of our Town’s citizenry as to for what rehab housing purposes any such awarded moneys (if so awarded) might be used. This survey was approved by the Committee to be posted. Lastly, various attendees of tonight’s meeting were going to confirm references given by the companies and do some additional due diligence based on information supplied by these companies.
A brief discussion next took place as to the recently awarded moneys (the pre-development grant) and what the next steps may be. Juliet indicated she would turn her attention to this as soon as she could.
Concerning Meadowcourt, the only recent development involved a potential “title issue”, recently discovered but reportedly thought to be rectifiable. No details were known as to the exact nature of this title matter.
The majority of the meeting was spent on discussing the March 1st White Board event, to be sponsored by the Committee, and assisted by PSC. Mary Ann discussed who is expected to participate; particulars to set up; and provision of refreshments and some sundry breakfast items. After the event is done being taped, PSC will provide to the Committee a disc that Tim Pelland’s producer of Tim’s (and Dave Lewis’) local/regional talk show will edit for us. This naturally led to a discussion about the means by which the final product will be “aired” throughout our Town. The Committee wishes to advertise this by the previously discussed traveling display. To that end, Mary Ann showed what she and Juliet had found on line as possible equipment and devices to be used for
these purposes. The Committee further approved the budgetary request, to be presented to BOS, for $1,000 to cover costs for the purchase of such equipment, taxes, shipping and handling and other ancillary costs.
Lastly, a brief discussion took place as to Jim Scaramozza’s upcoming formal resignation from the Committee, his last formal attendance to be at next month’s meeting. Remaining Committee members have already begun seeking replacements for Jim and Michelle Brophy who resigned effective as of last month. The Committee is making serious headway on several fronts and it will be imperative that this energy, accomplishments and commitment be supplement with new membership as quickly as possible.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Wheeler High School Media Center.
There being no other matters in which to discuss, a motion was made to dismiss the meeting, which was seconded and approved, at which time Tim Pelland dismissed the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
James Scaramozza
Recording Secretary
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