HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-23 13-321 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION
Item No. 13-321
Date: September 23, 2013
Item/Subject: ORDER, Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with Community Housing of Maine to Make Available Project -Based Shelter Plus
Care Vouchers
Responsible Department: Health and Community Services
Commentary: This Order will authorize the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with Community Housing of Maine (CHOM) which will allow the City to use
Shelter Plus Care Vouchers at its proposed new CHOM development at the vacant school house
in Brewer. The City of Bangor's Health & Community Services Department is one of two Shelter
Plus Care Providers in Bangor. Shelter Plus Care vouchers provide permanent housing and wrap
around support services to adults and families impacted by mental health, substance abuse and
HIV/AIDS.
This has been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Government Operations
Committee on September 17, 2013.
Manager's Comments:
Associated Information: Order, MOU
Budget Approval:
Legal Approval:
Introduced for
x Passage
_First Reading
_ Referral
Department Head
W01 -go, tCity Manager
Page _ of _
Finance Director
Solicitor
13-321
SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
Assigned to Hawes
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Order, Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Memorandum of
Understanding with Community Housing of Maine to Make Available Project -Based
Shelter Plus Care Vouchers.
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR:
BE IT ORDERED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with Community Housing of Maine, a copy of which is attached.
IN CITY COUNCIL
September 23, 2013
Motion made and seconded for Passage
P ss
CITY OrERK
13-321
SEPTEMBER 23, 2013
Memorandum of Understanding
by and between City of Bangor
and Community Housing of Maine, Inc.
The mission of the City of Bangor's Health and Community Services is to provide for the public
health and welfare in an atmosphere that recognizes and encourages self-respect and self-
reliance. The Shelter Plus Care Program is a division of Bangor Health and Community
Services. With a mission to serve those facing these significant challenges, the Shelter Plus Care
Program provides subsidized housing vouchers to homeless families and individuals in the
greater Bangor area. The program also requires participants to receive case management
services specific to their needs to aid them in achieving greater self-determination through
gainful employment and acquisition of mainstream entitlements.
Community reintegration and assimilation remain the primary goal for Shelter Plus Care
Participants. Special priority is given to applicants who are chronically homeless and have
experienced many episodes of homelessness either on the street or in shelters.
Community Housing of Maine ("CHOM") is a 501(c)(3) private non-profit affordable housing
development organization that has been in operation since 1993. Headquartered at 309
Cumberland Avenue, Suite 203, Portland, Maine, CHOM focuses on acquiring, developing, and
rehabilitating housing, while partnering with service provider agencies whose expertise is to
provide support to tenants living in this housing.
This Memorandum of Understanding commits the City of Bangor to working over the next two
years to provide an opportunity for CHOM to project -base twelve (12) Shelter Plus Care rental
subsidies for the residents of the affordable rental apartment complex to be located at 131 State
Street, Brewer, Maine.
CHOM commits to fulfilling all the customary responsibilities of the General Partner in a
development project of this type, including, but not limited to, obtaining site control,
environmental review, market studies, all necessary permits, financing, regulatory approval, and
syndication of tax credits. After construction completion, CHOM will continue to be involved
through CHOM Development Corporation in the supervision of on-going property management
and in the relationship between the management company, the permanent lender, Maine State
Housing Authority, and any limited partners for the duration of the project. CHOM commits to
working with various service providers in the Bangor area for referrals of long-term homeless
populations and the provision of support services adequate to allow the success of each of the
referrals in this housing complex. CHOM commits to maintain the property as decent, safe, and
affordable to the population targeted and to work closely with the City of Bangor to serve
homeless, disabled, and/or special needs populations pursuant to the guidelines of the Shelter
Plus Care program. CHOM will collaborate with all involved with a goal of success in housing
for each of the tenants.
The City of Bangor and CHOM, and its designees, including any management company that
CHOM may retain, commit to close interaction and regular communication to resolve any
problems or issues that may arise. Issues will be promptly addressed to the satisfaction of all
parties involved. CHOM agrees to consult with the City of Bangor prior to all significant
decisions affecting the project, including but not limited to: (1) selection, retention, and
supervision of the project management company and individual property managers assigned by
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13-321
Memorandum of UnderstandingSEPTEMBER 23, 2013
by and between City of Bangor
and Community Housing of Maine, Inc.
project management company; and (2) conditions in the building affecting the quiet enjoyment
of the residents participating in the Shelter Plus Care program. CHOM and its property
management company agree to discuss tenant issues regarding Shelter Plus Care recipients,
including but not limited to potential evictions, with the City of Bangor prior to taking any action
so that a mutually satisfactory outcome can be attained. The City of Bangor and CHOM
acknowledge that clients referred for housing in this new affordable rental housing project must
meet MaineHousing, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Section 8, and/or
Internal Revenue Services income and eligibility requirements.
Seen and Agreed to: This date:
CITY OF BANGOR COMMUNITY HOUSING OF MAINE
By: Catherine Conlow By: Cullen Ryan
Its: City Manager Its: Executive Director
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