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10/6/2022 AC Minutes 3 LexHAB has determined that the best way to change its organizational structure would be to file a home rule petition with the State legislature for a special act that would codify the change. The special act would also transfer the deeds for LexHAB’s current properties to the new organization, saving the expense of refiling all these deeds. LexHAB’s mission and structure would remain the same. Once the special legislation is passed by the State, LexHAB would file articles of incorporation and bylaws with the Massachusetts Secretary of State. These documents would detail the organization’s mission, structure, and operating procedures. Additionally, as a non-profit organization LexHAB would be required to file annual Form 990 disclosures that would help to maintain operational transparency. The purpose of the organizational change is to eliminate LexHAB’s quasi-municipal status, which currently binds it to the State’s procurement regulations. At a minimum, this separation would require that the Select Board no longer nominate the LexHAB board. As with many other 501(c)(3)s, the LexHAB board would nominate and approve its membership. LexHAB would also independently control its property portfolio, in accordance with its mission. However, LexHAB values its connection to the Town and plans to maintain a high level of coordination by forming committees that could have Town elected officials and staff on them, as well as having official liaisons. LexHAB’s future plans would be guided by its strategic plan and implemented under guidance of internal Development and Public Relations committees. LexHAB would seek Select Board, Community Preservation Committee, and Planning Board representation on these committees. Additionally, LexHAB is looking to work closely with the CPC and Affordable Housing Trust for financing of its developments. As with any private developer, LexHAB would be required to conform to local zoning laws and permitting regulations, and to pursue any desired zoning change via either the Zoning Board of Appeals or Town Meeting. The STM motion would authorize the Select Board to file a home rule petition with the State Legislature. This article is on the warrant for this Special Town Meeting so that the home rule petition can be filed by the start of the next legislative cycle. It could take up to two years for the special act to come to a vote. The Committee did not vote on either Article 12 or Article 14 but when queried the members had no negative comments. Minutes of Prior Meetings No minutes were ready to be approved. STM Report and other STM Articles Mr Parker briefly discussed the use of Wdesk with the Committee. Mr Bartenstein asked Ms Kosnoff about the timing on getting final information on the Town budget adjustments to be made under Article 4. The final numbers are not ready at this time, as some of them are dependent on the final amount of new growth in the tax levy. The Assessors Department new growth number may be available by end of next week. At this time the Reserve Fund replenishment may be limited to $500,000, due to the availability of funds. Ms. Kosnoff informed the Committee that Mike Cronin’s presentations for Articles 5 and 10 have been posted on the Town Meeting webpage. The funding for the proposed work under Article 5 is requested to come from the CPA; the CPC’s vote on this article is on its October 20 meeting agenda.