2020-03-19-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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03/19/2020 AC Minutes additional appropriations for Farmview. Thus, LexHAB is planning to use its own funds to complete the project, despite its limited resources. Projects for additional new housing are desired but not reasonably attainable in the near future. Mr. Burbidge added that$111,000 would not go far towards building/purchasing new units. Meanwhile, there are existing affordable units that need renovations/upgrades, and the current motion for Article 19(d)requests that the Brookhaven funds be appropriated from the Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund for such projects. Mr. Burbidge noted that if the funds aren't appropriated for this purpose,repairs may be delayed and/or LexHAB would use its own funds and end up in a strapped position financially. He noted the importance of maintaining the properties, some built in the 1980s or even earlier. Mr. Michelson expressed his opposition to this use of the Brookhaven funds because the intent of the agreement was that the funds would be used to increase the supply of affordable housing in Lexington. Mr. Padaki added that old units always need attention and using Brookhaven funds for this purpose sets a precedent for the use of future Brookhaven funds. He noted that there had been an assumption that those funds would build up until they were adequate for building/purchasing a new unit. In response to a question, Ms. Kosnoff said that it was unlikely that the Brookhaven funds could be used to service debt if property were purchased. Other members of the AC noted the importance of maintaining existing units and felt comfortable with using the Brookhaven funds for capital expenses, consistent with the current proposal, but not routine maintenance. There were suggestions that LexHAB create a strategic plan,perhaps incorporating a different funding model, or seek legislation that would ease the financial pressures on building affordable housing efforts. It was also suggested that next year LexHAB should explore applying for CPA funds for the purpose of preserving the units that it currently owns. Mr. Burbidge agreed that these ideas might be explored but said that the current coronavirus crisis has created an emergency for many of the affordable housing residents, and the current focus is on assisting them. Mr. Parker reported that the Capital Expenditures Committee voted 3-2 in favor of supporting Article 19(d) at its meeting held this morning. The Select Board supports it unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to re-vote on recommending approval of Article 19(d). There was a roll call vote. The motion passed. VOTE, including Ms. Yan's vote in the affirmative at the last AC meeting: 6-2 Article 25: Purchase of Land/Eminent Domain: The Town has reached an agreement to purchase property that carries part of the municipal parking lot that is situated along Edison Way and currently owned by the Lexington Historical Society. Although the Town has been using this property for parking, the purchase is viewed as necessary for proceeding with a project associated with the Grain Mill Alley. There were two appraisals of the land; the appropriation request is for$177,000, a value midway between the two appraisals, to come from the general fund. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of Article 25. There was a roll call vote. The motion passed. VOTE: 7-0 Mr. Parker expressed appreciation for the material and edits submitted for the report. He added that, because of the COVID-19 virus, the Annual Town Meeting (ATM)has been postponed until 2