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