01/27/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes (2)

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5 Select Board Minutes January 27, 2025 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Introduction to the Community01ortunities Group,wInc.and Mashpee Housing Rehabrhtation Proam Fppftg,under the Massachusetts Communi1, Development Block Grant Wa rne_Darra h The Select Board met with Wayne Darragh, consultant of the Community Opportunities Group, Inc. to assist with the facilitation of the Mashpee Housing Rehabilitation Program. With the support of Assistant Town Manager Wayne E. Taylor and Select Board member Michaela Wyman-Colombo and others,the Town received a Community Development Block Grant to provide critical support to eligible homeowners by addressing health, safety, and accessibility issues within their properties. Mr.Darragh has secured a small office in the Mashpee Town Hall to facilitate the management and implementation of the housing rehabilitation program in Mashpee to ensure compliance, and maximize the program to meet the needs of the community. The Mashpee Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP) is intended to provide 15-year 0% interest, declining balance, deferred payment loans for general rehabilitation and grants up to.S25,000 per unit. To qualify for assistance,properties must have at least(1) code violation. Single family and multi-family (up to 4 units)residential properties are eligible. This is exclusive for owner-occupied units. If multi-family, owner must live in one of the units. Property taxes and water/sewer payments must not be delinquent. And, at lease 51%of the units in the structure must be occupied by low- or moderate-income households as defined by HUD. Code issues that would qualify,but are not limited to; a leaking roof, lead paint, asbestos,handicap accessibility, connection to sewer, energy efficient measures, and life-saving measures such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. In discussing the conditions, it was recommended to establish an open application period. Applications received by the deadline would be placed in a lottery. Projects of immediate need would be taken out of order for repair work. The guidelines of the program will be given to the qualified applicants to ensure the process is explained fully. For economic development, it was suggested that preference be given to the local contractors to support small businesses. The process includes,advertisement,the bid invitation, and the requirement for a contractor to be fully insured, attending the bid disclosure to fully detail the scope of work. Dates and information regarding this program will be highlighted on the Town's website.