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5 <br /> <br />Pressman commented that in the past, Town Counsel approved painting when serving the <br />purpose of preventing the deterioration of a structure, and shared that appliances are <br />approvable when part of a full renovation. Mr. Pressman added that appliances not part of a <br />full renovation need to show the age and condition of the current appliances. Mr. Pressman <br />also asked for clarification on the aim of the support of community housing pertaining to <br />LexHAB’s rent subsidies. Ms. Morrison explained that LexHAB’s rents are very low but are not <br />sustainable if LexHAB were to try and expand their capabilities. Mr. Pressman shared that he <br />views the support funding request as a way for LexHAB to serve people at lower incomes and <br />still have the ability to perform their normal operations and other projects. Ms. Morrison added <br />that this funding would be one way to ensure LexHAB’s financial stability going forward. Mr. <br />Pressman expressed agreement with Ms. Morrison and commented that he thought LexHAB’s <br />request is very modest. <br /> <br />Mr. Linton left the meeting at 5:40 PM. <br /> <br />Mr. Creech asked if the support for community housing pertaining to rent would be an annual <br />request. Ms. Morrison commented that it could be, but that it would be dependent on a <br />number of factors, including new funding streams accessible once LexHAB becomes a 501(c)(3). <br />Ms. Morrison expressed concern that support for community housing pertaining to rent may <br />not be sustainable and also shared LexHAB’s priority of diversifying its funding sources. <br /> <br />Ms. Beebee asked about the status of LexHAB’s transition to a 501(c)(3) and asked how <br />LexHAB’s costs might change once the transition is complete. Ms. Morrison shared that the <br />petition is currently at the state legislature and that LexHAB testified about the transition <br />during the summer. Ms. Morrison also shared that LexHAB is working on a memorandum of <br />understanding with the Town in preparation of the transition. Ms. Morrison explained that <br />development cost will go down after the transition due to LexHAB’s ability to receive state, <br />federal, and private funding, in addition to local funding. Ms. Beebee asked about LexHAB’s role <br />in development of affordable housing projects identified by the Town. Ms. Morrison shared <br />that the transition would allow LexHAB to do more development and has worked with the AHT <br />and the Town on their role in affordable housing development. <br /> <br />Ms. Krieger expressed the importance of maintaining the current affordable housing inventory <br />in the Town. Ms. Walker asked how many units there are at the Muzzey Condominiums and <br />asked if the Section 8 vouchers consists of the federal government paying the difference <br />between what the tenant can pay and the fair market value. Ms. Morrison confirmed there are <br />12 total units, some of which are covered by Section 8 vouchers, which subsidizes the rent. Ms. <br />Morrison also noted that among LexHAB’s 80 total properties, there are only 13 Section 8 units <br />and one unit with a Massachusetts Rental Voucher. Ms. Walker expressed concern for the <br />legality of funding rental assistance. Ms. Morrison commented that she does not view this <br />request as rental assistance but rather a make-up of the lost funds from LexHAB’s own rental