2/8/2007 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Minutes

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i! • Mrs. Botsford received notice from our rep at DHCD that he has finished his review of our budget and is passing it on to Housing Finance for final review and hopefully approval. • Mrs. Botsford stated that she just got a listing today from Tom Fudala regarding the properties in town that are deemed suitable for affordable housing. She hasn't had a chance to review it yet, but enclosed a copy of the list in all members' packets. We can discuss it at next month's meeting. OLD BUSINESS: Asher's Path update: Mrs. Botsford stated that she doesn't have too much to report. She has been in frequent contact with Betsy Collins at E.A. Fish. There has been a small glitch with the funding they applied for through the Cape Cod Commission. It seems that the property is located in the Otis Air Force Base Accident Potential Zone#2, so there is some question about whether or not the Cape Cod Commission board will fund this application. This money is a very small portion of the budget, and Betsy will take care of that. Mrs. Botsford stated that she would keep the board posted on everything. NEW BUSINESS: Client Code of Conduct Policy: Mrs. Botsford stated that she had mailed a draft of this policy last week to all board members for their review. There was a discussion about the policy wording and the enforcement of it. Mrs. Botsford explained that, for housing authority tenants, the lease does state that they cannot harass employees of the housing authority but"harassment"is not defined. This policy clearly defines what inappropriate behavior is and lays out an action plan. This policy is not just for tenants but for all clients that do business with the housing authority— i.e. recipients of housing assistance (MRVP and Section 8), applicants, landlords, and also tenants of the housing authority. Mrs. Botsford drafted the policy after several different ones she found from other housing agencies. Attorney Grace did review it and thought it was fine. Mr. Homeyer moved that this item be tabled for next meeting. Mr. Peoples stated that he thought it was fine and he just assume move it. Mr. Peoples stated that the policy is setting some ground rules so that should an issue arise, Mrs. Botsford has something to go on. Mr. Homeyer stated that he hasn't had a chance to review it. There was no second to Mr. Homeyer's motion. A motion was made by Mr. Peoples and seconded by Mr. Laporte to adopt the Client Code of Conduct Policy as drafted. Mr. Homeyer was apposed. The motion carried Mr. Laporte asked if Mrs. Botsford would be notifying clients of the new policy. Mrs. Botsford stated that all clients would be notified of the policy. A copy of the policy would be provided to all applicants when they get a receipt for their application. Mrs. Botsford stated that it's very rare that she has a problem, but when she does she documents It in writing. This policy will give her and her staff more of a guideline on how to handle issues if they arise. Breezy Acrgs Expansion: CPA funding: Mrs. Botsford stated we received notice from the CPA committee that it was voted to send our application (for Phase I) to Town Meeting in May for funding $225,000. Mrs. Botsford stated that a copy of the letter was in each member's packet. Mrs. Botsford stated that she contacted Joyce Mason about filing an application jointed for funds offered under Priority Development fund so that we could hire someone to work on the feasibility and cost of tying in with the High Schools'septic treatment facility (this application cannot come from the housing authority alone— the town must file it). Mrs. Mason contacted Mrs. Botsford to let her know that the septic treatment issue does not look like it`ll be solved any time soon. This means we need to proceed with the development including a plan for a traditional Title V system. Mrs. Botsford stated that she contacted the development department at DHCD, informed them about the CPA committee's notice that they will fund part of the Breezy Acres expansion project. They want to give it another month or so for things to"settle down"after the new administration finishes its reorganization of DHCD. It is unlikely the Mass Housing Partnership is interested in helping with the financing since they don't like to do anything under five units. Mrs. Botsford did contact them and asked them to let me know if they can help us out, but we have not gotten a response. DHCD may be able to getting some funding money, but would really like to have Phase II funded, because it's easier to build two buildings at the same time than to do one at a time. Mrs. Botsford will keep you posted. Copies of all related correspondence were provided to all members. Page 2 of 2