12/07/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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11 Board of Selectmen Minutes December 7, 2020 NEW BUSINESS Discussion and Approval of Termination of Memorandum of Agreement with Mashpee Housing Authority for Mashpee Housing Assistance Program II: (continued) Selectman Andrew R. Gottlieb indicated that he believes the Mashpee Housing Authority is in violation of the Agreement where the Town of Mashpee complied with the terms of the Agreement by making the funds available for the Housing Assistance Program. This is a much needed program, and a cold and heartless action at a desperate time of year. Selectman Gottlieb who also serves as Chair of the Community Preservation Committee, the initial funding source for this project recommended the Mashpee Housing Authority be placed on Notice that this is not the way things such as this should be handled. Motion made by Mr. Richardson to terminate the Memorandum of Agreement between the Town and Mashpee Housing Authority for the administration of the Housing Assistance Program II, sending a letter of disappointment for their decision to end this program. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 7-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Mr. Isbitz,yes Mr. Richardson,yes Opposed, none Discussion and Approval of Authorization for the Town Manager to Solicit Quotes, and to Negotiate and Execute a Memorandum of Understanding or other Agreement Relative to Prospective Administration of The Mashpee Housing Assistance Program 11: In an effort to revitalize the Housing Assistance Program II funded through June 30, 2022, the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust agreed to move forward to solicit quotes for the administration of the program. Models from area Cape communities were reviewed. In the Town of Mashpee the Housing Assistance Program gives priority to Veterans and to those who live and work in Mashpee. It is necessary for the Town to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for services to be rendered for the administration of the Housing Assistance Program II. Discussion followed with regards to this service and of the services provided to neighboring communities. It was noted the local Housing Assistance Corporation(HAC) administers this program successfully. There is a dire need for assistance especially with the impacts of COVID-19. The program would provide funding for those who have fallen on hard times requiring mortgage assistance for short term as well as short term rental assistance. Due to the scale of the economy HAC has reduced their administrative fees to 5%. The funding process would remain consistent with past programs requiring a thorough eligibility review process with funding to go directly to the landlord or to the mortgage holder. Trust member Alan Isbitz indicated the Mashpee Affordable Housing Committee is concerned with this growing problem. All members of the AHC are working diligently on this issue and are available to assist and to keep the Town informed.