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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-25-LEXHAB-minLexHAB Minutes of Meeting on April 25, 2013 All members of the board were present as were Norman Cohen (Board of Selectmen liason to LexHAB), Pat Nelson (LexHAB's counsel)- and Bob Pressman (visitor). The meeting opened at 7:08 AM. The Chairman presided. 1. Minutes The minutes for the meeting on March 21" were unanimously accepted as presented, 2. Financial Statements Gerry Howell commented on the spreadsheets, noting that we will shortly find in the monthly spreadsheets a break -down of any abnormal maintenance expenditures. The Treasurer reported that the May 1' inventory of bank balances is not yet available. The spreadsheet reports were unanimously, accepted a9 presented. J. Fairview Project The new plan was discussed. Under the plan, there would be but one new building, consisting of two 2- bedroom units and a single l- bedroom unit beneath. The footprint for the new building would be the same as for a duplex and the profile for the new building from any direction would likewise be the same. The new plan includes a car port which could be omitted. There was no consensus as to whether this feature should be included. There was, however, consensus that the project should move forward toward a , presentation to the Board of Selectmen, preceded by an update report to the neighbors. Bob will notify the neighbors that a third meeting will be held at his home at 7 PM on June S to be followed by a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on June 17 provided that the agenda for the Selectmen's meeting on June 17' will accommodate our appearance.. Bill H. reported that a meeting of the Fairview Task Force will be hold at the Town Hall on May 2ad at 9AM, probably in Room G -15. Lester and Dave indicated that they will attend as will Bill; the Chairman will not be able to do so. Other members of the Board are invited. 4. Busa Farm The new plan was discussed, calling for two buildings, each including two 2- bedroom units and one 1- bedroom unit, offering the same advantages described above for the Fairview project. The parcel to be dedicated to affordable housing has not yet been finally 'defined by the Board of Selectmen but is expected to be about 180 feet (frontage on Lowell Street) by 120 feet (depth). Karl Oldenberg has viewed the new plan as submitted by Carter Scott and has made several suggestions, most of which have been incorporated. Bob Pressman reviewed for the Board the action of the Selectmen taken at its meeting on July 20 of last year. There followed discussion as to what should next occur. It was the consensus of the Board that in view f the Selectmen's considerable involvement in this project, the new plan as endors by LexHAB should be set before the Selectmen in the near fature, but that first the n, 'ghbors should be informed of . developments to date. It was proposed and unarwnously approved that a letter should go out to the neighbors outlining the above and informing them of our intention to present the plan to the Selectmen and that simultaneously we should seek a slot in the Selectmen's early Fall meeting agenda for our report. Bob will work on a draft of the letter; Bill K will schedule the meeting with the Selectmen. He will also see whether Aaron Henry representing the Planning Department might speak at the opening of the meeting with the Selectmen to frame the Busa Project as a key element in the Town's policy to expand the Town's inventory of affordable housing units while we are still ahead of the DHCD threshold for the SHE list. 5. Parker School Dave outlined the steps that the Association has taken to alleviate the drainage problem. The question remains: how much of the damage will be covered by insurance. There has been some indication that a special assessment may be needed to cover repairs not insured; Pat is not at all sure that this will be the case but will explore further the extent ofLexHAB's possible exposure. 6, Tenant Documents Pat Nelson commented on the draft of a proposed Handout that would supersede the material we have generally used in tenant interviews. The pets exc lusion policy was le ft in place, subject of course for the allowance of medically required animals- of�assistance. I There was discussion whether the asset ceiling ought to be increased. It was the unanimous conclusion ofthe Hoard that the asset cap for units under LoxHab's control should be increase to $75,000. , The requirement for an annual inspection of all rental units was unanimously approved. The requirement for a CORI check and as well for a general credit check as a prerequisite for award of a unit was unanimously approved. There was Author discussion of lease terms to be included in the handout: should we not provide that maintenance of vehicles including oil changes is prohibited as well as the presence on property ofunregistered vehicles? This prohibition was unanimously approved. It was also unanimously agreed that tenants should' be required to leave heat thermostats at not less than 50 degrees F. ' It was left that the extent of LexIIAB's pubsidy (which is to say, the determination of the rent for a unit) should be left for inclusion in the Interview Form. 7, Annual Goals Should we articulate goals beyond the introduction of affordable units at Fairview and on the Teary and Busa sites? Bill Kwill articulate our goats. S. Audit Dave reported that the Ryan firm is able to continue'to provide financial statements for our enterprise but cannot at the same time be our' auditor for Town purposes. He has spoken to Carl Valente and requested a figure for an audit report from the firm which p rovides same to the Town which is Melanson & Heath who estimate that their bill to us will ho around $10,000 per year. There discu ssion about the arrangement durmg which it was observed that this cost estimate is not out of line. It was then voted that Dave be authorized to enter an agreement with Melanson & Heath on the terms proposed. 9. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held at the offices ofLexHAB at 7 AM on May 23, 2013. Martha will bring the coffee and adjuncts. 10. Executive Session The Chairman then proposed that the Board go into Executive Session to consider tenant issues without return to open session, declaring that consideration of same in open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of a public body, namely: LexHAB and night also affect the privacy rights of tenants. Closing The members ofthe Board were then polled. Each member voted in favor of the Chairman's proposal.The time was then 8: 52AM.