2019 10-17--CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

of the project, then to increase the request to $100,000 when more information is known. Mr. Pato brought forth a motion to increase the amount of the request to $100,000 for design with or without the Hosmer House. The Committee voted in a straw poll to support the project (8-0). FY21 CPA Funding Request LexHAB- Farmview Supplemental Number 2- Mr. Kennedy requested $323,097 in supplemental CPA funds to support the completion of the Farmview Affordable Housing project. 2014 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) appropriated $1,284,653 in funding and further appropriated $1,400,000 in funding at the 2018 ATM to build six units of affordable housing on the Lowell Street property previously known as Busa Farm. Mr. Kennedy explained that Triumph Modular has been contracted to build the six units and the project is expected to be completed by mid-winter 2019-2020. The remaining work includes final paving, landscaping, appliances, and solar panel installation. Occupancy is anticipated for summer of 2020. Ms. Fenollosa asked Ms. Kosnoff if there are any agreements between LexHAB and the Town regarding Farmview. Ms. Kosnoff explained that there is an agreement in place that LexHAB would supplement all funds over the Town appropriations for additional work. She also explained that if the supplemental funds from other sources were not available it is her understanding that LexHAB would not come to the CPC for funding. She further stated that she was not anticipating this request. Mr. Kennedy stated that LexHAB has explored supplemental funding through MassHousing but Farmview is unable to meet the $350,000 per unit threshold. Ms. Fenollosa asked if the FY21 funding request is outside of the Town's agreement. Mr. Pato stated that it is his understanding that there would be no further use of Town funds. Mr. Kennedy explained that if CPA funds are not available then they will seek alternative ways to fund the project. Mr. Pressman explained that if LexHAB had to fund the request themselves it would leave them roughly$368,000 of useable funds. He stated that amount in reserves is not adequate for maintenance of over 70 units of housing. Ms. Krieger suggested an annual request for funding. Mr. Kennedy explained that an annual request would be very difficult because of tenants.The Committee voted in a straw poll to support the project (5-1-2). Review of Open CPA funded projects& Balances- Ms. Fenollosa informed the Committee of communications that she had with Ms. Kosnoff and Town Manager Malloy regarding open CPA projects. At the suggestion of the Town Manager Ms. Fenollosa contacted Town Counsel to inquire about the Committees ability to rescind past appropriations for projects that have stalled or have had little progress. Mr. Hornig suggested calling in departments who have outstanding appropriations that are five years old or older or have had little progress to explain their status and justify why the funds should not be rescinded. Ms. Kosnoff stated that it has been an effort of the Finance Department to clean up capital articles and that she would support the Committee if they were to place an article on the Town Warrant to rescind the appropriations, and that it should be done every year as an act of good housekeeping. The Committee identified the projects that they are interested in discussing with the departments 3