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Board Meeting Minutes, December 19, 2017 Revision A (Reformatted only)

1/14/2018

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Words to Ponder: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." —Mark Twain – Read by Andy

Attended by: John Braun, Jeff Manney, Dick Malley, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, and Andy Salamon.

Absent: Jenna Watson, Shaun Williams, Dave Pearson, Chris Heintz

Call to order—by Andy at 6:30 pm.

A motion to approve minutes of November 14, 2017 by John and seconded by Paul. They were unanimously approved.

Resource Development
Dick led this discussion

Fund Raising – Essential that between now and our next meeting that we each carefully review the plan – which is based on a construction plan. At that meeting, we will be asked to amend the plan and to approve it so we can commence making plans for construction, a budget, and for securing the funds need to implement the construction plan.
We each need to consider the level of support we personally will commit. Included with the plan is a list of people and organizations to solicit. Please review the list and consider who should be added. Town Budget Support—Andy will contact individually as none of the people involved were present. Jeff Manney – Rutland – was not at this part of the meeting Shaun Williams – Castleton - absent Chris and Dianne - Wallingford – not present.

Castleton University – We have applied for an intern. We are late, so we might not get one. If we do, it would be an average of 10 hours a week. There are paid and unpaid interns. I would be unpaid, but work-study funds could be used to compensate the intern. The intern would work closely with Alicia. (The description is pasted in to the end of these minutes).

College of St. Joseph – Andy and Dick attended a meeting for all groups that hosted CSJ volunteers during the 1st semester. CSJ contributed 150 hours to Habitat – the most of any non-profit.

REDC – Lyle Jepson has arranged for Andy and Dick to attend a meeting on March 20th meeting. The members of this group are the most involved and invested community members – includes John Russell. Having this group know about and support our five-year plan is key.

New England Habitat Affiliate Regional Conference, March 26 & 27, 2018 in Sturbridge,MA
We discussed this and agreed that we should pay for the lodging of two people to attend. Further, we hope that one of the two people will be the next board president.

Dick has designed a card that board members can use to write personal notes thanking people for their contributions. The card was met with approval. Each month, a list of recent donors will be distributed and board members will be asked to pick out people to whom they will write personal notes.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Andy reported on the meeting with the neighbors and other interested parties, including all members of the Johnson family. Drugs in the neighborhood are clearly a big challenge. Dick reported that Dave and he have monthly conference calls with ODC consultant from Habitat – to stay on track with our commitment and to get ideas.

Intern
Andy reported that he is very impressed with Alicia and that he hopes the day will come soon when we can formalize the arrangement to have her or someone else handle the administrative affairs of our office.

Treasurer’s Report including Finances
John led this discussion

John asked that we use John Braun brawnyj@yahoo.com – not his VAC email address. John’s report – (see attached)

Executive Session- means that detailed notes of this part of the meeting are not to be published. John made the motion, Andy seconded it.

Fair Haven issues;
Stonegate issues;
Financial Reporting;
Accounting and issues.

We learned that Cathy Solsaa is an accountant and could be helpful to us down the road.

Finance Committee
John has seen various iterations of finance committees. We will define the role very carefully before forming a committee.

John and Andy agree to meet with Skip Ableson of the Building Committee to get his chart of accounts for use with QuickBooks.
John will work with this to set things up to produce the reports in the way that we need.

We need to review all our donations and to make sure that we have a clear distinction for restricted and unrestricted contribution. We tithe 10% of our unrestricted gifts to HFHI in support of international construction. The SOSI fee is calculated on either the Rutland County population (would be $5,000) or a percentage of contributions reported on our 990 Form. (John will check with Dave to get the exact percentage.)

John reported that we are required to pay for two roads to be paved in front of our Stonegate properties. We have been sent the bills – but no one has seen them. We need to make sure we get documents from the HOA of Stonegate. Upkeep for the Stonegate property – grounds – mowing the lawn etc. John suggested we ask the department of corrections to have the Sanctuary House clients care for these properties (for a modest charge).

Site Selection
Discussion led by Dave and Andy
4 Royce Street
HFH needs to meet with Rutland City soon after the holidays to discuss the tax situation. If we accept the gift, we will have to fix the roof immediately.

Building Committee
Discussion led by Eric, Dave, Andy, and Dick
Cleveland Ave update report Minor Home Repair – Dick read the statement from the letter which should serve as our policy (HFHI requires affiliates to have a policy for the sake of consistence.) See the end of the minutes for the application and criteria. Mary Recoulet-roof repair status (Brush with Kindness) Eric and Jeff are going to review the needs and determine what is within our financial capability (We have received $1,900 grant (John will deposit this in a proprietary account) from VSHA for this purpose.) and within our volunteer capabilities.) Once they have completed their assessment, a formal written agreement will be signed by us and Mary. That needs to happen before we cash the check and commence any work. Phyliss Callahan 773-7274 is also interested in applying for a repair job.   Eric will contact her. Jeff and Eric will complete a home visit. Our next build Project (Planning) 5-year Build and Financing plan

Volunteer Committee
Discussion led by Andy

Perspective Board Members
Andy spoke about the process of nominating new board and committee members. He is clear that we should speak directly and in pairs with possible candidates to explore ways they might like to become involved and to NOT start with an invitation to attend a board meeting. It is very important that each board member is clear about his/her niche is on the board and has the time to take it on.

Don Richardson has already been invited by Paul and will be invited to attend our next board meeting.

Dick will interview Chris Cockey for a story he will write about Chris and his family are living in the last home built by the previous Rutland Habitat affiliate. He will report back on what he believes would be a good role for Chris.

Family Selection Committee – Below is the content of the separate Handout at our meeting from Chris

Family Selection Committee Report
Dec. 9, 2017

The Family Selection and Support Committee met on Dec. 7, 2017
Family Selection for Stonegate Properties. We have had a total of 19 inquiries for possible HFHRC homes. Each were sent our initial information packet with selection criteria and process information. We will be following up personally with each of these families to see if they are interested and able to take the next step in the process and complete a pre-application. We will be writing and distributing a press release advertising the availability of these properties and seeking potential families. (Please see attached draft) Critical Home Repair and Brush with Kindness: we will be writing and distributing a press release second current homeowners who are in need of such repairs. Chris has followed up with Phyllis Callahan (773-7274) in Proctor. She will be ready to have someone visit in two weeks. I told her that Eric or Jeff would follow-up to set up the appointment. The Johnsons: we are checking to see that they have paid money into an escrow account to cover closing costs and first year’s insurance. Melissa Fournier: paperwork for the Town of Fair Haven has been procured and passed on to her for her to sign. We are hopeful that a new Family Selection brochure might be developed soon. We discussed the concept of offering our own Home Owner financial literacy course as a way of developing future partner home-owners.

Discussion:
Fournier’s Water & Sewer bill
Melissa has signed the Fair Haven City document so that all bills for water and sewer will come to her. We need to be reimbursed for the bills that we paid. Likewise, we have been covering her property taxes and insurance bills because her escrow account was not properly set up. We need to recover those funds – but agree to be flexible in terms of how quickly she will repay us. Chris and John agreed to meet with Melissa. Andy will call Chris Heintz to set up this meeting.

Executive Session – means that detailed notes of the discussion will not be part of the minutes. Andy moved and Paul seconded the motion.

Johnson Family for 42 Cleveland Avenue
Andy stated that the Johnson’s sweat equity and interactions in the community must be role models—Andy Andy will contact Chris and will convey our concerns to the Johnson family. He will ask to be part of the meeting that Chris will have with the Johnsons and their support partner, Jessica Cecot. 9:00     Adjourn

Next meeting – Tuesday, January 9, 2018

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors November 14, 2017

1/13/2018

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Directors present: John Braun, Jenna Watson, Shaun Williams, Jeff Manney, Dick Malley, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, Dave Pearson, and Andy Salamon.

Dave called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

Andy read words to ponder from Mother Teresa and Dave read words to ponder from Albert Eisenstein.

John made a motion to accept the meeting minutes as written from our last meeting on October 10, 2017. Paul seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed.

Building Committee-42 Cleveland Avenue
Discussion led by Eric and Dave
After a discussion, Dave agreed that the Purchase Order procedure is progressing in a positive direction. Vendors will be told to reference the Purchase Order Number (PO#). Dave led a brief discussion on Competitive Bids. Dave discussed a new volunteer, Gordon Cheyne. Gordon will be an asset to our next project as our first Project Planner. Gordon is a retired building trades project planner with many years of experience. Dave will call Gordon to invite him to our next Board meeting to meet the Board. 42 Cleveland Avenue Wiring and Plumbing are continuing. Sheetrock will be delivered this week and will be stored in the house. Mary Recoulet Project Jeff will call Mary and find out what stage this project is at. This will involve a repair job. Al Williams Roof Eric will look into having Habitat help complete Al’s roof repair before the snow flies. Al is our site foreman, a senior citizen, and has an injured leg that prevents him from climbing ladders. 4 Royce Street This is a property that has been offered to HFH located between Main Street and Strongs Avenue in Rutland City. This is a gut and rehab project. Initial work will include tarping the house, followed by a new roof. Simultaneously the yard will be cleaned up and junk removed from the house. Then this project would be put on hold until further notice.   We will only take on this project if all back taxes and legal fees are forgiven and there are no liens on this property upon us accepting the title.

Dave made a motion and Paul seconded it that we negotiate with Rutland City that all back taxes and legal fees be removed on 4 Royce Street. Dave will inform the owner of the conditions under which we will accept this property.

Dave discussed a Home Builder’s Blitz program from Habitat for Humanity International. We cannot take advantage of this program since we have to find builders willing to commit to this program in the greater Rutland Area. Dave and Andy met with Brennan Duffy, Executive Director of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority to discuss Dick Malley’s Imagine Document as it applies to 60 & 62 Cleveland Avenue properties. Brennan like the plan, but thought that with the recent move of the Methodist Church, that their vacated church property would be more desirable.   Dave and Andy explained that we are not completely sustainable at this time and rely heavily on new projects such as Stonegate and that most likely Stonegate will be next year’s project. Stonegate Dave is in favor of doing two houses at one time. Dick will draft a grant to VT Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) for either one or two houses. Dick would like to see a plan on paper with “if…then…” statements to justify realistic possibilities of building one or two houses. That should include a build schedule, amount of skilled labor needed, and monies likely needed. This planning and estimating should begin before Cleveland Avenue is complete. Andy will call Chris Heintz about identifying a candidate to nominate for one of the Stonegate houses at our January Meeting.

Resource Development
Dick led this discussion
Dick set up a workstation to sign letters by board members to donors and volunteer that they personally know. This signing should be done by Thursday, November 16.

Dave made a motion to officially appoint Alycia Ales as an Intern for Habitat For Humanity of Rutland County focusing on Volunteer Coordination and Fund Raising. Paul seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.

We need to use only unrestricted funds as a basis to pay our tithe to HFH International. John and Pam will look into our unrestricted funds and identify exactly what exist and then define our tithe pool. Once that is done then Dick and Dave will work as needed to make sure our tithe is correct and paid in a timely manner.

Treasurer’s Report
John led the discussion
Finance Reports must change. John will revise/restructure our finance report structure and explain to Pam what is needed, so that this is simplified and user friendly for the board. Dave spoke to HFHI about Stewardship and Organizational Sustainability Initiative (SOSI) and all our past financial position regarding this issue is now understood by HFHI. This resulted in restatements and our final position is we now have a credit and we are in good standing with HFHI. John will investigate the Fair Haven Taxes Payments and what is required, if anything. The VT Homestead law may come into play as well as the Town of Fair Haven tax bills.

Family Selection
Chris Heintz submitted a written report dated November 13, 2017:

The Johnson Family met with the committee on October 16th, to review Sweat Equity Hours and Home Owner Financial Education. Kim Washburn checked and recounted hours worked for the Johnsons’s. they have a total of 203 hours and 50 minutes. They are aware of their commitment to work 300 hours and they are confident in meeting that commitment. They have completed Home Buyer Financial Education with NeighborWorks.

Mellissa Fournier has been informed of her responsibility to switch ownership records with the Town of Fair Haven. HFH has paid its portion of the water bill for that property. Dave Pearson has communicated this with Mellissa.

Future Families: to date we have received more than 15 inquiries for partner home buyers. We are waiting for direction before we send pre-applications for the Stonegate Properties. Andy will call Chris Heintz about identifying a candidate to nominate for one of the Stonegate houses at our January Meeting. We have had an initial conversation with a woman in Proctor who is in need of critical home repair. She asked us to wait until her son and his girlfriend have moved out before we visit her. Follow-up will be soon.

Note: If possible, all task groups/committees should email Andy an executive summary of next month activities by
December 5th.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, December 12, 2017 @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors October 10, 2017

1/13/2018

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Directors present: John Braun, Jenna Watson, Shaun Williams, Jeff Manney, Dick Malley, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, Dave Pearson, and Andy Salamon.
Guests: Kevin Loso of the Rutland Housing Authority
                  Steve Spatz of Efficiency Vermont
Dave called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

Hickory Street Redevelopment Project
Kevin Loso made a presentation about the Hickory Street Redevelopment Project, a HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) Project. After the introduction, he described the history of the Rutland Housing Authority. This project began by removing 75 housing units and replaced them with new housing. When complete there will be 78 units consisting of multiple family units in each building. This is mixed income housing with fair market rate rents. Rents are paid to the Rutland Management Agent of the Rutland Housing Authority. Rutland Housing Authority reports to Rutland City.

There is vacant land available that could support 2 to 3 single- family houses. It is this property for single homes that Kevin was describing that he is offering it to us sometime in the future, 2 to 3 years from now (so it fits our build schedule—timing is not an issue but sooner is preferred to later). This land has a high water table with clay soils so each house will be built on a slab. Sewer hookups are already installed.

We should propose a planning and construction timetable to Kevin Loso for these 2 houses (maybe 3).

Kevin supplied us with an external elevation drawing of a house designed by a Burlington Architect, Duncan-Wisniewski Architecture, that has been built in Burlington as a suggested design for us to consider. We explained that we have an Architect to works with us and we will review all options.   Square Footage = 1200 to 1400sq ft.

Phases 1 & 2 are complete with a wait list. Phase 3 has not complete and it has a wait list as well.

Paul made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from the September 12, 2017 meeting, Revision A. Shaun seconded the motion. There were no comments.   The motion passed unanimously.

Building Committee-42 Cleveland Avenue
        Discussion led by Jeff and Steve Spatz
Steve Spatz discussed a new heating system, An EVR – Energy Recovered Ventilation System with a heating system. The house heating plant consist of a heat exchanger and ventilation system. The ventilation system provides fresh air to the house and a Panasonic Heat Exchanger will provide heat. Bill Lohsen Plumbing and Heating is experienced with this system and will install this system in our house. It is undecided if Lohsen will complete all other plumbing work in the house. Costs that include getting the hot water heater spec’d to meet the house needs and working with Panasonic, Green Mountain Power, and Lohsen to arrive at a total work cost for this new innovative system. Steve Spatz and Jeff Manney will work together on this.
Eric and Dave led this discussion
George Spanos donated two 50 gallon drums of 2-part, mix-together, spray-in insulation product. Eric will let Dick know the cost of this product and Dick will write George Spanos a Thank you note.
Paul made a motion to accept OSHA Safety Cards, that identify the individual and the safety training he has passed. This safety training Card may exempt further safety training on our construction site. Anyone, a student or a trained professional tradesman may present these cards with proper dates and if possible expiration dates or retraining dates. Eric Seconded this motion. It passed unanimously.

Eric made a motion to accept the price of $3,100.00 cost of the Kitchen Cabinets and Counter Tops. (The Family selected the colors.) John seconded this motion. This motion passed unanimously.

Dave reviewed the Purchase Order Procedure. Dave reviewed the Competitive Bids structure.

Mary Recoulet Project
Jeff led this discussion
Update to the Mary Recoulet estimates.   The construction estimates have been sent out to Jane Dougherty of the Vermont State Housing Authority. Jeff will follow up on this project. Scraping and painting will be done by the Council on Aging.

Administrative— Board Executive Committee Discussion
Andy Led this discussion
Andy will continue as Co-President and maintain his previous Board Secretary position. Jenna will be the back-up Secretary in the event that Andy cannot attend a Board Meeting. A discussion about the Treasurer’s Position being vacant.

Paul made a motion that John Braun be our Treasurer. Eric seconded this motion. A brief discussion was conducted. This motion Passed Unanimously.

Thank you Jenna and John—the Board.

Finances
John led the discussion
John reviewed our Bank Balance Our taxes for FY 2017-2018 are not due till November. John and Pam will gather all the information required and complete a 990 EZ Form and file it. Kevin Markowski, CPA will review our financial records. Kevin is giving us a discount on his work for this.
John, Dave and Dick led this discussion
Stewardship and Organizational Sustainability Initiative (SOSI) from HFHI is a yearly fee that affiliates pay to Habitat For Humanity International. We are reviewing our past payments and current payments to make sure we did not pay too much or missed such a payment. And looking ahead to our next payment. Pam is working with Dave, Dick, and John in researching our records. Dave is to receive details from Pam.

Volunteer Coordination
Shaun led this discussion
Shaun has decided to step down as Volunteer Coordinator, but he will remain on the board. Shaun’s position at Castleton University is becoming more demanding and it limiting his time to coordinate our volunteers. According to Dick, Alica Ayles will be the new Volunteer Coordinator.

Site Selection
60-62 Cleveland Avenue has been a property that the Rutland Housing Authority thought could be two rehab houses. Our assessment is that one is a teardown and the multifamily home could be converted into a neighborhood community center. At this time, we are not anxious to jumping into this project. Dick has passed along an “Imagine” document that describes what could be for a community center and an adjacent playground.

Paul made a motion that Stonegate be our next build site. (It is not determined at this time whether we build both houses simultaneous or one at a time next year or just one per year over the next two years). Jenna seconded this motion. It passed unanimously.

Family Selection
Chris Heintz is heading up the family committee and is still a board member through this calendar year.   FYI: The Family Selection Committee will be meeting with the Johnson family on sweat equity hours and financial management training.

Note: Next meeting the reports will begin with Resource Development first.

Note: If possible, all task groups/committees should email Andy an executive summary of next month activities by
Nov 7.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, November 14, 2017 @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors September 12, 2017 Rev. A

1/13/2018

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Revision A: The motion to elect Interim Co-Presidents is corrected. The motion was made by Paul and seconded by Shaun.

Directors present: Chris Heintz, John Braun, Shaun Williams, Jeff Manney, Dick Malley, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, and Andy Salamon.
Call-in: Dave Pearson.
Absent: Jenna Watson.

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM.

Paul made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from the July 11, 2017 meeting. Shaun seconded the motion. There were no comments. The motion passed unanimously.

Finances
Chris and John led the discussion
John indicated that going forward, Pam, our Bookkeeper, will identify monies spent and what for. John will work with Pam on this new procedure.
Paul made a motion that we enter an executive session, Shaun seconded it. The Board agreed unanimously.
We entered executive session and returned to the general meeting.

John handed out an example of a Five-Year Budget that Dick had prepared for our review. Some of the financials were actuals and others were place holders. This type of document will be needed going forward to enable HFH-RC to apply for grants and better manage our organization. Chris indicated that this is a good start that will demonstrate transparency. One of our goals in the coming months is to put together a “real-as-possible” 5-year budget. Thank you notes should be written in a timely fashion to donors received in the mail. Dave indicated that he would put together a flow diagram for donations received, so that all proper details are carried out from opening mail, to depositing the checks, to writing thank you notes. John will check the mail several times a week, checking for donations, and contact Dave and Pam about these. Carry over from previous meetingsà Ed Eno of the Hertitage Federal Credit Union has been in contact with Dick and John. John will approach Ed to become a member of the Finance Committee. Per former Board member Rob Geisler—Chris and Rob discussed financing through a local Credit Union as HFH Ithaca, NY does. Dick will bring information on this subject. For a discussion at our next board meeting. Presidential Transition
Chris led this discussion
Chris discussed this meeting as his last meeting as Board President.
Paul made a motion that the board approve of the election of Dave and Andy as Co-Presidents for a limited term of six months. Shaun seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the Board.

Chris will return the HFH-RC Checkbook to the office. Chris will meet with Dave and Andy to complete this transition. Dave and Andy will be sharing the President Position.

Resource Development
Dick led this discussion
Dick indicated that the Resource Development Committee needs help soliciting donations. Board members should be soliciting resources for HFH-RC. An example is that currently we have two towns that will contribute to HFH-RC, Proctor and Killington, the amount of $500 each/year. After the initial year this donation is nearly automatic, each subsequent year a status letter of our HFH-RC organization is required to be sent to the Town. That letter will become public record and another $500 will be donated every year a letter is received. Please see Paul or Andy on how to accomplish this fund raiser in your town. Andy reported that the LookOut for Each Other Golf Tournament was a success. This was the 16th year that the Lookout Tavern raised money for charity. We were recipients of a portion of proceeds. We should expect a donation next week of $3000 to $4000 from the LOOKOUT Tavern. Andy will write a Thankyou note upon receipt of the donation. I recommend that if you want great comfort food in Killington, dine at the Lookout Tavern and Introduce yourself and thank them for their generosity. www.lookoutvt.com/
Construction Committee
Eric and Jeff led this discussion
Mary Recoulet, an elderly person in need of home repairs so she can obtain home insurance contacted Chris. Jeff and Eric surveyed the type of repairs needed. The repairs needed are replacing rotten siding, and installing gutters and other miscellaneous repairs. Jeff’s material estimate is $2,000 to $3,000. Jeff will speak to Mary Recoulet about obtaining a load for the materials. We will supply free labor. Jeff will contact the Council on Aging to see if they can coordinate this effort and we will do the work. We are stretched with our administrative ability at this time because of our on-going Cleveland Avenue Project. Dick Suggested that material-donations that can be used on Cleveland Avenue be the only material-donations we accept. Chris agreed with Dick and denying material-donations at this time is understandable. A Purchase Order (PO) system will be worked on and put in place.
Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:05pm.

A special thank you to Chris Heintz for his years of leadership at Habitat For Humanity-Rutland County.
You will be missed.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, October 10, 2017 @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors August 8, 2017

1/13/2018

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Directors present: Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, and Andy Salamon.
Call-in: Dave Pearson.
Absent: John Braun, Shaun Williams, Jenna Watson, and Jeff Manney.

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM.

Dave made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from the July 11, 2017 meeting. Paul seconded the motion. There were no comments.   The motion passed unanimously.

Buying and reimbursement System
Chris/Dick/Eric/Dave led this discussion
A formal Building Supply payment procedure must be put in-place, i.e. Purchase Orders (PO) should be used to reconcile bills to PO’s. Al Williams should be responsible for having all materials on-site for the current build day and have all materials ready for the next build day. Eric will speak to Al about this. The Build Team is cost-conscience but it is better to have a Construction Budget in-place. This will enable the board to manage its general operating budget.
President’s Succession Plan for Replacing Chris
Chris/Andy/Dave led this discussion
Andy and Dave will assume the President’s duties as Acting Leaders until a Full-Time President is identified, Shaun may help out as Acting Vice President. Chris will hold several Transitional Meeting to develop plans to make this a harmonious hand-off. Chris will ask John Braun and Dick to put together a HFHRC 5-year financial plan/budget. Chris will call a Construction Budget Meeting that utilize a Billing & Purchase Order. This meeting will include John Berryhill, Dave, John Braun, Chris, and Eric. Chris will hold a meeting with Dave, Andy, and Shaun to discuss a transition process and best how to manage the next months until a President has been installed. Note: Chris’s last meeting as President is September. He will resign as President on October 1st, 2017. Chris will remain on the board until January 1st , 2018.
Construction Committee
Eric led this discussion
Carryover from last meetingà Chris will contact Jeff about this àMary Recoulet, an elderly person in need of home repairs so she can obtain home insurance contacted Chris. Jeff and Eric surveyed the type of repairs needed. The repairs needed are replacing rotten siding, and installing gutters and other miscellaneous repairs. Jeff will contact the Council on Aging to see if they can coordinate this effort and we will do the work. We are stretched with our administrative ability at this time because of our on-going Cleveland Avenue Project. Eric to meet with Pam to discuss the Tool/Equipment purchases and what dollars remain of the original $5,000 budget. Eric will take inventory of what is stored in Rebecca Woodard’s Storage Garage and identify what can be used at Cleveland Avenue.       Dick Suggested that material-donations that can be used on Cleveland Avenue be the only material-donations we accept. Chris agreed with Dick and denying material-donations at this time is understandable.
Finances
Chris led the discussion
The Financial statements were reviewed. Carry over from last meetingà John will work with Pam, our book keeper, / or work by himself, to restructure the statements and streamline the paperwork during this Summer and Fall. Ed Eno of the Hertitage Federal Credit Union has been in contact with Dick and John. John will approach Ed to become a member of the Finance Committee. Chris spoke to former Board member Rob Geisler—Rob was impressed with Cleveland Avenue Build Project. Rob discussed financing through a local Credit Union as HFH Ithaca, NY does. Chris will designate time at our next meeting to discuss this.   Dick will bring information on this subject.
Resource Development
Dick/Andy/Chris led this discussion
Andy discussed the upcoming Lookout Tavern and Restaurant Golf Tournament being held at Green Mountain Nat’l GC on September 11th—Registration is 11:30am. Tee off @ 1pm. Cost is $100/person and it includes: Greens Fees, Cart, Lunch, and Dinner. Andy will be at the Registration Table to field questions about HFHRC. HFHRC will be one of the recipients of the charity gifts raised by this event. We will field a six-person Golf team including Chris, John, Shaun, Andy and two friends from Killington. All other teams are 5-person teams. Ask your friends to support this activity. If they can’t play golf, then make a donation.   We need 6 Tee Shirts to give the LookOut and our 2 Killington team mates: 5 shirts size XL, 2 Large , and 1 small or medium. Please give them to Chris.

The Heritage Family Credit Union is happy with HFHRC. They will make an annual minimum-donation over the next 5 years of $1,000 min. Dick received this information from Carrie Allen-Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. Dick discussed a Cleveland Avenue neighborhood meeting. It should be run by the local residents –Not HFHRC. Dick is working with the organizers. Chris will sign up HFHRC to join the Rutland Chamber of Commerce. Dick will contact Rev. Tracy Weatherhogg of Grace Congregational Church to see if she will join our board or be involved with HFHRC Resource Development.
Volunteers
Dick led the discussion
Volunteers are needed at the build site. Dick will contact Alecia Ayles and Kim Washburn about helping Shaun with lining up volunteers for the next month’s build days.
Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:50pm.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, August 8, 2017 @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon
Please note: I will be on vacation from August 18th-September 10.

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors July 11, 2017

1/13/2018

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Directors present: Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Jeff Manney, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, John Braun, Shaun Williams, Jenna Watson, and Andy Salamon.
Absent: Dave Pearson.

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

Chris introduced Jenna Watson to the Board. Jenna is a new board member. She joins us from People’s United Bank in Rutland. She looks forward to helping HFH – Rutland County grow during her tenure.

Paul made a motion to accept the meeting minutes from the June 13, 2017 meeting. Andy seconded the motion. There were no comments.   The motion passed unanimously.

Finances
John led the discussion
We reviewed the financial statements. John will work with Pam, our book keeper, / or work by himself, to restructure the statements and streamline the paperwork during this Summer and Fall.
John will be inquiring to find a CPA to conduct a review of our finances as a regular course of good financial record keeping.
Dick indicated that grant applications rely on accurate accounting that follows proper accounting practices. The Federal Home Loan Bank Grant from the Bank of Boston application acceptance time-period is the same every year, from July 17th to September 17. We will apply for this grant in 2018 for our Stone Gate Properties.
Ed Eno of the Hertitage Federal Credit Union has been in contact with Dick and John. John will approach Ed to become a member of the Finance Committee.
Resource Development
Dick and Chris led this discussion
Dick discussed that our HFH needs more exposure in the community and solicited help from the board to explain the HFH activity in Rutland County. The following board members said they would like to help out with this public education program: Jenna, Paul, Shaun, and Andy – Dick will head-up this program.
Jenna will continue to work on Social Media to advertise HFH.   Chris encouraged all that are on Facebook to visit our HFH Rutland County site and indicate that you “like” the site.
Dick suggested that we should be a member on the Rutland Chamber of Commerce. Dick will look into this effort in regards of costs and time. Andy will look into the costs of joining the Killington Pico Area Association (Killington Chamber).
Andy gave Dick a copy of the Donor List from the Weston Play House for his reference.
Construction Committee
Chris and Eric led this discussion
Mary Recoulet, an elderly person in need of home repairs so she can obtain home insurance contacted Chris. Jeff and Eric surveyed the type of repairs needed. The repairs needed are replacing rotten siding, and installing gutters and other miscellaneous repairs. Jeff will contact the Council on Aging to see if they can coordinate this effort and we will do the work. We are stretched with our administrative ability at this time because of our on-going Cleveland Avenue Project.
After considering various sources and their discounts, Noble Ace Hardware will be sell us our tools. This covers most construction tools such as ladder and power tools. Paul did the comparison shopping of us.
Dick Malley made a motion that we authorize the building committee $4000.00 Maximum to spend on purchasing tools for the Cleveland Avenue project. Paul seconded this motion. After a brief discussion and changing the motion from $3500.00 Max to $4000.00 Max, the vote passed unanimously.

42 Cleveland Avenue
Eric Led this discussion
Dick and Paul met with Joe Giancola to see if he could help out with the construction project. Joe indicated that he could give us an ~20% discount on excavating work at the site. He also thought that the design of the front porch should be changed and the addition of shudders to the windows would be a nice touch.    Since John Berryhill knows Joe Giancola Eric will ask John to discuss the porch change and the additional shudders with Joe.
Eric indicated that the construction is going well. Footings are installed; layout of utilities for the slab will be beginning.
Volunteers
Shaun will begin contacting groups of Volunteers to schedule them for certain Saturday’s and possibly Wednesday work. There are fifteen groups signed up to work.
We can start Volunteer Saturdays in late July, perhaps July 25th.
There is also a 100-person group from the Heritage Family Credit Union that would like work on the house for a five-day period. We are looking into accommodating this effort during the third week in September, Sept. 18 thru Sept 22 or a week earlier or later. To accommodate this effort some planning and preliminary project set-up may be needed. Eric and Shaun will coordinate this effort.
It was realized that vacations could interrupt the work at Cleveland Avenue, because there may be no authorized person available to sign checks.
Andy gave Shaun two business cards of professionals that want to volunteer. One a licensed Electrician from Rutland and a licensed Architect from Pittsfield, VT.
Paul made a motion that we authorize John Braun to be an additional signatory for our checks going forward. Jenna Seconded the motion. It passed, John abstained.

Summer Vacations
Dave will be away June 17-25, July 1-12. Andy will be away July 20-24, August 17-Sept 12. Chris will be away July 15-29. Paul will be away in late July and in August for a few days.
Family Support
Chris led this discussion
        Alicia Ayles will work with families of HFH Homes—including current homes and during in-construction Homes.

Board President’s Resignation
Chris led this discussion
Chris discussed his resignation per his letter of resignation he sent to board members dated July 7th.   He has been the leader of HfH-Rutland for seven years, beginning with applying to become a HFH Affiliate to now building our second house. His time table is to step down as President on October 1, 2017 and stepdown from the Board on January 1, 2018. He will consider serving on a committee after leaving the Board.

Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:30pm.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, August 8, 2017 @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors June 13, 2017

7/15/2017

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Directors present: Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Jeff Manney, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, John Braun, Dave Pearson, and Andy Salamon.
Absent: Shaun Williams

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM.

42 Cleveland Avenue Ground Breaking
Chris led the discussion
The Ground Breaking Ceremony on Saturday June 6th, 2017 was a grand affair. It was terrific. Cabot Orton of Vermont Country Store; John Russel III of Russel Construction; and Dave Allaire, Rutland City Mayor all spoke to the crowd as WCAX TV recorded the moment. They were pleased with this neighborhood revitalization project.

Paul made a motion to accept the meeting minutes (Revision A) of May 9, 2017. Dave seconded the motion. It unanimously was approved.

Finances
Chris led this discussion

A discussion of the financial statements. Because of a bit of confusion, John will begin reviewing our statements on line and revise them as needed to enable easier understanding.

Chris will work with John and Pam (our bookkeeper) so that John gain entry to our computer system and Quick Books as well.

John was concerned that our properties may be over-valued for Non-Profit Accounting best practices. John will review our statements for potential changes needed.

Resource Development
Dick and Chris led this discussion

Dick and Chris interviewed Jenna Watson, a local banker at People’s United Bank for a position on our board. She is a Customer Service Representative at the bank. They describe their interview with Jenna to the Board.

Paul made a motion that the Board, based on Dick and Chris’s input from the interview, to accept Jenna Watson as a new Board of Directors Member. Eric seconded that motion. It was unanimously approved.

Chris will contact Jenna and let her know Board’s action to accept her to our Board.

Dick has a list of 96 Greater Rutland HFHI donors that are not in our database yet. Although we cannot solicit donations from them, we can invite them to work with us on build projects or other volunteer opportunities.

Dick will be working on a grant proposal to the Vermont Housing Authority. Funds from this grant will be used for our next house build, not 42 Cleveland Avenue.

Chris indicated that every chance we have we should be compiling all individual donor contact information.

Chris and Dick met with Bruce Rogers from HFHI-Revitalization. Chris suggests that we review Bruce Rogers graphics to see where we fit in and how we can build connections at our build site to the immediate neighborhood. Perhaps we might host a BBQ event at our build site to build better connections and friendships within the Cleveland Avenue area.

Also Eric suggested that we should have a BBQ for our Board and the Committees members. So we can see and meet each other. Perhaps this might be held at the Build site on a non-building day.

Dick and Chris suggested that we have a site greeter to welcome all and give high-level directions to get people started on the paperwork needed to work at our site. Or just to inform what we are doing and what we are about to local neighbors with the idea that perhaps they would indeed join our effort. This building on local assets.

Chris discussed the HFH-Rutland County Golf Tournament on Friday, May 26. Not only did everyone enjoy themselves, we were able to raise approximately $3,000.

Construction Committee
Chris and Eric led this discussion

So far we have received $2,000 from Fair Haven Rotary Club and the Rutland South Rotary Club toward purchasing a construction trailer.

Dick made a motion that we purchase a Construction Trailer (new or used) to Eric’s specifications. The cost not to
exceed $5000 including taxes and registration. Paul seconded this motion. It passed unanimously.

Dave reviewed the insurance policies we need in place for our build project, our organization, and for all our other properties. Costs will be just shy of $1,488 for the remainder of this year.

Paul made a motion that we purchase this insurance for our Board and property insurance including build sites and dormant land. Andy Seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.

42 Cleveland Avenue, Rutland City
- Eric indicated that a Build Schedule exists measured in hours. It is not by dates.
- June 24th is the anticipated first volunteer date. This will be to build the tool shed.
- Eric will discuss with Al Williams, our site Foreman about his salary and insurance.

Chris was in contact with an elderly lady that needs her house repaired. She lives in Rutland’s Northwest District. Chris did not know the extent of this repairs required. Chris told the lady that she would have to apply for her home repairs just as applicants purchase a HFH home.

Eric and Jeff will contact her and stop by to access the work required.

Summer Vacations

Dave will be away June 17-25, July 1-12.
Andy will be away June 14-28, July 20-23, August 17-Sept 12.
Chris will be away July 15-29.
Paul will be away the week of July 4.

Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:25pm.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, July 11 @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors May 9, 2017 Revision A

7/15/2017

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Revision A: Added to Finances Section: Dick added: “Once at or over $500,000 the audit is required by HFHI. Right now, it is my recommendation at we get a firm to perform a review.”

Directors present: Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Jeff Manney, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, Dave Pearson, and Andy Salamon.

Absent: Shaun Williams and John Braun

Others present: Don Woods from Greater Rutland Catholic Community Outreach (GRCCO) was invited by Dave Pearson. Don Woods was a member of the original HFH-Rutland, 20 years ago and wanted to attend our meeting as a representative of the GRCCO and learn about our board. He is a self-employed VT Professional Engineer. He business is called Woods & Company Civil Engineering.

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM.

Dick made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of April 10, 2017. Paul seconded the motion. It unanimously was approved.

Finances
Chris led this discussion

Chris read an email from John. John indicated that he will work on the financial statements to make them “user-friendly.”

John will also be setting up a yearly budget for us.

We have ~$36,000 in the bank. There were no questions about the financial statements that were presented.

Our bookkeeper, Pam, recommends that we hire Kevin Markowski, VT CPA, (Phone 802-775-3221 ext. 107, Email mgakevin@sover.net of McCormack, Guyette & Associates, PC CPAs) to file our Tax Form 99 this year.

Chris will pass information on to John Braun to discuss Pam’s suggestion and if appropriate, have John contact Kevin.

Dick mentioned that sometime in the future, when our assets are at ~$500,000 that an audit will be required by HFH-International and Kevin Markowski might be the person to conduct that task.

Dick added: “Once at or over $500,000 the audit is required by HFHI. Right now, it is my recommendation at we get a firm to perform a review.”

Report from VT Affiliates Meeting
Andy discussed the need to have “back-up” board members for our current board.

This was discussed by the Middlebury HFH VT Affiliate. Middlebury HFH experienced that 66% of their board resigned from the board in a short period of time. This was by coincidence, never-the-less, Middlebury’s board was faced with trying to fill in the spaces. No one knew what to do as they tried to fill in. No one knew about procedures and filing minutes, documents and their locations or computer files.

There will be a follow-up on this in the future.

Resource Development
Dick led this discussion

The Neighborhood Revitalization Pledge document was discussed and considered for signing. This document was offered to us at last month’s meeting by Bruce Rodgers from HFH International. Since we are working with Project Vision on this in Rutland and our 42 Cleveland Avenue project is part of Rutland’s Northwest District Revitalization area. It seemed to the board that signing this pledge was appropriate.

Dave made a motion for the Board sign the Neighborhood Revitalization Pledge. Paul seconded that motion. It was unanimously approved.

Chris will sign the pledge and contact Bruce Rodgers to let him know that it is signed.

Dick discussed pending grants that we are waiting to be awarded to us.

VT Housing Conservation Board Grant = $27,000
VT Country Store Grant = $20,000
Neighbor Works Grant = $40,000---we expect to learn the outcome of this grant by mid-May

Dick discussed future grant that we have not yet applied for.

VT Ronald McDonald House Grant. This grant is for affordable housing for families that have children. Dave has information on this grant that he will forward to Dick.
Affordable Home Grant from The Bank of Boston = $30,000
Affordable Home Grant from Peoples United Bank = $20,000

Dave discussed the up-coming HFH-Rutland County Golf Tournament on Friday, May 26.

All board members should try to attend the outing or join-in for dinner. There are plenty of prizes.

Golfers and Golf-Teams are needed.

Dave mentioned that Barry Cohen might consider being a Board Member. Dave—more information on this is needed.

Construction Committee
Chris and Eric led this discussion
Chris met with our Lawyer and our Lawyer is fully “on board” with our projects.

30 West Street, Fairhaven, VT (Project #1)
Chris Led this discussion
Closing on this property is currently in the hands of our lawyer. Once all papers are ready to go, we will close on this property.

42 Cleveland Avenue, Rutland City (Project #2)
Dave led this discussion
A Quick Claim Deed Agreement must be signed.

Dick made a motion that Chris sign the Quick Claim Deed Agreement. Paul seconded this motion. It was unanimously approved.

Chris signed the Quick Claim Deed Agreement.
Chris will deliver the signed Quick Claim Deed Agreement to our Lawyer. Our Lawyer, in turn, will deliver this signed document to Rutland’s Mayor/City Lawyer.
Chris will follow-up with this legal activity.

At this point of our meeting, Don Woods was excused before we reviewed the Family Selection Committee Activity.

Family Selection Committee
Chris led this discussion of the home owner candidate.

Paul made a motion based on our discussion to accept this family for home ownership at 42 Cleveland Avenue. Dave seconded the motion.   It was unanimously approved.

Chris will inform the Family Selection Committee that the Board has approved the family for 42 Cleveland Avenue.

In turn, the Family Selection Committee and/or Chris will inform the Family that they were selected.

Construction Committee Continued
Eric, Chris, and Dick led this discussion

A discussion followed about when to start our 42 Cleveland Avenue Project. The discussion centered on when the construction committee was ready and how much money do we need to begin this project.

Dick made a motion that building at 42 Cleveland Avenue will start upon, HFH has complete ownership of the property, i.e. the Quick Claim Deed is signed by Rutland City and filed with the city; and we have the sum of $80,000 comprised of committed Grant funds and cash. This motion passed unanimously.

According to the President of the Fair Haven Rotary Club, Cindy Ehmann, the Greater Rutland Rotary Clubs were ready vote on purchasing a Construction Trailer for us. They will be in touch with Chris.

Three volunteers from the Construction Committee will be attending Site Safety Training. The attendees are Skip, Al Williams, and Kim McGee. The training will span two 8-hour days. HfH-Rutland will pay the costs for Skip, Al, and Kim to attend. Dick will coordinate the invoicing.

Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:40pm.

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, June 13th @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors April 10, 2017

6/4/2017

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Directors present: Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Jeff Manney, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, Dave Pearson, and Andy Salamon.
Absent: Shaun Williams
Others present: Bruce Rodgers from HFHI-Neighborhood Revitalization

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM.

Guest Speaker
Dick introduced Bruce Rodgers, an Organizational Development Consultant, working with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), specializing in Neighborhood Revitalization(NR). Bruce met with Scott Tucker of Rutland’s Project Vision(PV) today accompanied by Chris, Dave, and Dick. Scott Tucker described the mission and work that PV is involved with and it prospects for the future.

Bruce presented a PowerPoint Presentation describing the mission and benefits to local HFH Affiliates.
There are a host of opportunities in Rutland. An example of one of these opportunities is revitalization of Rutland’s Northwest Area’s where housing is occupied by mostly renters. Only 38% of the homes are owner-occupied in the NW area.   PV’s goal is to improve that percentage from 38% to 51% home ownership within the next several years. Bruce suggested that HFH-Rutland County might consider renovating an older home that was converted to a multi-family rental property and return it to its original single family home grandeur. Also another possible opportunity for HFH-Rutland County is to make home repairs that keep home owners in their houses and increase their quality of life. Bruce addressed the ABCD’s Principles:
   A         B              C                     D
Asset-Based Community Development Principles. Focused on positives--not negatives. These include skills, talents, and assets. Bruce reviewed HFHI-NR resources, i.e. benefits to HFH-Rutland Human resources—Connections with other NR HFH Affiliates. Financial resources Technical resources To gain these resources, our board will have to sign a pledge to HFH-NR. Our pledge is a statement of our sincerity and willingness to work in the area of NR.
Chris indicated that our board will consider signing HFHI-NR’s pledge at a future meeting.

Paul made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of March 20, 2017. Dave seconded the motion. It unanimously was approved.

Finances
Chris led this discussion
Several questions were asked about the financial statements, mainly seeking clarity. All questions were satisfactorily answered by Chris and John.

Resource Development
Dick led this discussion
Dick gave an encouraging talk on all the avenues we have to develop resources. He focused on situations that board members could chat or make formal presentations about HFH-Rutland to others to gain their fianancial support or enlist them to participate in HFH activities, i.e. working at the build site, gift-in-kind supplier, or volunteering on a HFH committee, or consider joining the Board of Directors.
We are an all-volunteer HFH—we have no paid staff.

Andy brought up the Construction Trailer that may be provided by several Rotary Clubs in Rutland County. Andy received conflicting information from the new President of the Wallingford Rotary Club. To clarify this activity, Cindy Ehmann, President of the Fair Haven Rotary, is our single contact and lead person from all Rutland County Rotary Clubs involved in this activity.  Andy will send an email explaining that to the Wallingford’s new President.

Construction Committee
30 West Street, Fairhaven, VT (Project #1)
Chris Led this discussion
Closing on this property is currently in the hands of our lawyer. Once all papers are ready to go, we will close on this property.

42 Cleveland Avenue, Rutland City (Project #2)
Dave led this discussion
Dave checked with Rutland City to find out what we need to take possession of this parcel. We need a Quick Claim Deed. That paper-work is currently resting on our Lawyer’s desk.

The Board went into Executive Session led by Chris.

The Board exited Executive Session and resumed our regularly meeting.

Chris will meet with our lawyer in the near future to discuss both properties in regards to the importance of the essence of time.

Family Selection Committee
Chris led this discussion
The candidate family has completed the Pre-Approval Application. The Family Selection Committee completed a Home Visit and all Committee Members were satisfied that this family should move onto begin the Official HFH Application for home ownership at 42 Cleveland Avenue, Rutland City. Once that activity begins it has a 30-day running clock to complete and review the application by HFH.

Building Committee
Eric led this discussion
Eric met with rkMILES, a Building Materials Supplier, located in Manchester, VT and reviewed the build process with them. Eric is seeking that rkMILES become a “Gift-In-Kind” supplier to HFH. Dick mentioned that rkMiles is used by HFH-Bennington. rkMiles will not be our sole-supplier. Eric feels that a May start is possible at 42 Cleveland Avenue. Eric met with Al Williams and is pretty sure Al will work with us again as site coordinator at 42 Cleveland Avenue. Chip Abelson is on-board as well. The first task is to compact the ground at the build site.

Reminder for those people attending the HFH-Vermont Affiliates meeting: will be held on April 29th, in Manchester, VT @ 9:15am @ Zion Episcopal Church, 5167 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255, 802.362.1987

Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, May 9th @ 6:30pm.

Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon

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Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors March 20, 2017

6/4/2017

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Directors present: Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Jeff Manney, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, and Dave Pearson.
Absent: Andrew Salamon, Shaun Williams
Others present: John Braun

Chris called the meeting to order at 6:38 PM.

Chris introduced John Braun as a prospective board member. John is CFO of the Vermont Achievement Center, a 501 (c ) 3 organization. John has been instrumental in turning the organization around and putting them on a stable financial basis. He will bring financial and organizational skills to the Board and the finance Committee.

After some Q&A, John left and the Board discussed his acceptance as a member.

Paul moved to approve John as a Board member with a three year term and as Finance Committee Chair. Dave seconded and the vote passed.

Chris presented a financial report showing we have approximately $34,000 in the bank. Dick then presented the Resource Development Committee report. We received $2,500 from Berkshire Bank however, Citizens Bank declined a contribution. Dick stated that the start of construction at 42 Cleveland Av. will depend on having enough money on hand to complete construction. Dave commented that is a very strict condition and it would be more reasonable to have enough to cover initial construction and be confident that ongoing fund raising efforts will be sufficient to avoid work stoppages. That level is not yet determined, but is more than we currently have and will be subject to further discussion. Dick went on to say that we are awaiting word on several grants.
Neighborworks is awaiting news on a very large grant in which we are listed as a partner and will receive $40,000 if it comes through. We expect to hear by the next Board meeting. We are also looking for a $27,000 grant from VHCB. This could come in payments of approximately half before June 30, (the end of their fiscal year), and half afterward. In addition, they still owe us $2,500 in hold backs from the Fair Haven house.

Dick then covered neighborhood revitalization. Bruce Rodgers of HFHI is willing to attend the next Board meeting to talk about becoming an official NR Affiliate. This would allow Bruce to provide consulting for us and would open the door to additional grant opportunities. We agreed that Bruce should attend the next meeting.

Dick also discussed safety training that is being encouraged for this year by HFHI. It will be mandatory next year. This would be state wide training for two eight hour days and most other Vermont affiliates are on board. The cost is $100 per person. We believe it will be necessary to have a trained person on site each day during
construction and this person would have the authority to stop work. We will want two or three people trained. This should include the site supervisor and two others. Eric will follow up to see if Bob, Skip and Al can attend. Dick suggested we host the event as a central location and we discussed possible venues including Castleton, College of St. Joseph and Stafford Tech. We should expect 12-20 people. Dick suggested May 30-31 as dates.

Eric reported for the Construction Committee and believes we can continue with Al as site supervisor. Another possibility will be Steve Stiegerwall. The committee is working on a construction budget for 42 Cleveland Av. now that we have a design. Dick will be setting up a meeting with Joe Miles to discuss lumber requirements & costs.

Chris reported that Family Selection is looking at a potential family for 42 Cleveland Av. and may have a recommendation by the next meeting. In regard to Family Support, a resolution is needed to allow the Board officers to sign necessary legal documents to close on 30 West St. in Fair Haven.

Paul moved to support this and Dick seconded. The motion passed.

Under Site Selection, Dave reported we are waiting for Jeff Guevin to provide a quit claim deed for 42 Cleveland Av. to Rutland City listing HFH of Rutland Co. as the new owner the city will approve and then that property will be ours. In addition, Dave reported a contact with Kevin Loso at the Rutland Housing authority and a suggested meeting with him to discuss HUD properties on Hickory St. Dick and Dave will look to meet with him next Tue.

Under other business, Dave reported on initial activities for the golf tournament. He and Paul will be soliciting for further sponsorships and prizes.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Dave Pearson.

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