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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 1 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 2