2023-11-30-HPB-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Lexington Housing Partnership Board (HPB) Meeting Minutes for November 30, 2023 Attendees: Cindy Arens (Sustainable Lexington liaison), Nanette Byrnes, Harriet Cohen (Clerk), Jill Hai (Select Board liaison), Margaret Heitz, Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Samita Mandelia, Wendy Manz (Chair), Sarah Morrison (LexHAB), Bob Pressman, Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss (Vice Chair), John Zhao (COA). Absent: Paul Linton Guests: Carol Kowalski (Assistant Town Manager), Linda Prosnitz (Affordable Housing Trust), Alexis Porras (Lexington Residents Reimagining Public Safety Committee), Tom Shiple (Lexington Residents Reimagining Public Safety Committee) The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Wendy Manz and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom teleconference. 1. Call to Order: Housing Partnership Board Meeting Ms. Manz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The roll was called. 2. Welcome to new HPB member – SB meeting appointment Nov. 27th Ms. Manz introduced Samita Mandelia. Ms. Mandelia was appointed to the HPB by the Select Board on Nov. 27. She is a member of Town Meeting and has served on a number of Town committees. 3. Tom Shiple’s report on the proposed Police Oversight Committee Mr. Shiple is representing the “Lexington Residents Reimagining Public Safety Committee”. He is joined by his colleague Alexis Porras. The committee will request a study committee to explore whether a Community Advisory Board should be established. The request for a study committee is based on feedback from the community on the need for transparency and communication with the Lexington Police. Traffic stop data analysis indicates that rate of traffic stops and the rate of written warnings are statistically different by gender and race, another indication of the need for better communication and transparency. After it has completed its work, the study committee will present recommendations to the Select Board. 4. Update on SB Nov. 27th RETF presentation Ms. Cohen summarized her presentation at the Select Board. She also reported that Mr. Pato agreed to draft a letter of support on behalf of the Select Board. Ms. Heitz will be attending meetings of LOHA to help with regional efforts to pass RETF legislation. 5. GBIO RETF Ms. Byrnes advised the HPB of two upcoming meetings, one with Senator Cindy Friedman on December 6 and one with Senator Mike Barrett on January 10. Several state representatives will also attend those meetings. The meetings will focus on funding for public housing, the RETF, and helping to improve housing for returning citizens. Ms. Byrnes encouraged members of the HPB to attend the meeting with the senator representing their precinct.