07/22/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

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*DRAFT*Board of Selectmen Minutes June 17, 2019 NEW BUSINESS Discussion and A roval of Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Mash ee B o and of S electmen and the Mashpee Housing.Authority, Board of Commissioners: In accordance with the mandates of the May 2019 Town Meeting article authorizing CPA funding for the Housing Assistance Program, a Memorandum. of Understanding(MOU)was developed between the Board of Selectmen and Mashpee housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Mashpee Housing Authority Executive Director Leila Botsford and MHA Board of Commissioners Chair Fran LaPorte were in attendance to review the terms and conditions of the draft MOU. Prior to the start of discussions Town Manager Rodney C. Collins expressed appreciation to the Mashpee Housing Authority for submitting timely quarterly reports from the previous funding allocation. Mr. LaPorte indicated the draft MOU appears to address the issues of concern that are necessary without violating any issues of confidentiality, and the quarterly reports also adhere to confidentiality requirements. Mr. LaPorte indicated it is crucial to maintain consensus, and to execute the agreement between the referenced parties as soon as possible to continue the much needed Housing Assistance Program in the Town of Mashpee. The Board of Selectmen Chair requested the Housing Authority provide the criteria for the selection of awardees, and the criteria for determining when assistance is ended as well as criteria that determine eligibility for the program.. Being mindful of the matter of confidentiality, it was recommended the Human Service Director Gail Wilson be the Town of Mashpee designee who would have full access to all records. It was also recommended that deadlines for reporting to include an annual program performance with the Board of Selectmen with the criteria and timeliness of the reporting. In the event the Board of Selectmen deems the criteria have not been followed or if the reporting has been late or deficient, the Board shall suspend the release of any subsequent funds. Upon written notice the parties may reserve the right to seep amendment to the provisions. The selection process for this program was reviewed and involves several meetings with perspective candidates reviewing individual goals and current income status. If requirements are not met, available funding would be considered for the next applicant on the wait list, Fran LaPorte indicated priority is given to veterans and to residents of the Town of Mashpee. The most needed aspect is ongoing short term rental assistance (12-24 months). The maximum assistance an individual would receive assistance is capped at 24 months. This is temporary assistance and it is not considered a subsidy. The program pays approximately 30% of the-rent with payments made directly to the landlord. Approximately 30 individuals are on the wait list for funding. The program also encompasses one-time assistance for first/last/security deposits, one-time emergency assistance for rent(1-3 months) and mortgage assistance for short term(1-3,months) Discussion followed with regards to reducing the allocation to 12-18 months maximum with new applicants. Most of the applicants receiving housing assistance are on short term for one year. However, at times there are veterans and residents who require the full 24 months for sustainability, and an end cap is not always the most favorable solution. 11