HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-11-LEXHAB-minLexHAB minutes Mar 2015
LexHAB
Minutes of meeting held on March 11, 2015
The meeting opened at 7:05 A.M. at the offices of LexHAB at 1620 Massachusetts
Avenue in Lexington.
Present were Bob Burbidge, Gerry Howell, Bill Hays, Martha Wood and Lester
Savage.. Also present were Norman Cohen, (LexHAB's liason to the Board of
Selectmen), Susie Barry (new member of the Board of Selectmen), Bob Pressman and
Pat Nelson (LexHAB's counsel).
Bob Burbidge as Vice Chair presided.
1. Minutes:
The minutes for the January meeting were unanimously approved. It was noted that
no meeting was held in February. •
2. Financials:
Gerry Howell noted that the spread sheets now highlight expenditures for re-
habilitation and repair that are higher than normal. These were discussed.
Gerry also noted that despite the substantial balances maintained in our checking
account at Citizens Bank, the bank persists in charging us monthly fees. Following
discussion, it was resolved that we ask Maryann to investigate other banking options
The financial statements were then unanimously approved and accepted.
3. Busa Project:
Lester reported that the Selectmen at a recent meeting determined not to accept Peter
Kelley's offer of fill. Neighbors raised questions and the Farm Group expressed concern
that the gift soil might have a negative impact on the projected crops to be raised on the
farm.
Lester commended Norman for his strong statement at the meeting in behalf of the
affordable housing component included in the Busa project.
It was noted that as soon as Metro West has completed the application to DHCD, the
Board of Selectmen should receive a copy and be asked to endorse the proposal, this
being a pre - condition to submission of the plan to DHCD.
The farm group will hold its Annual Meeting next week; Lester plans to attend in our
behalf He noted that the farm group has tried to separate its position statements with
respect to housing from those of the neighbors.
4. Fairview:
Several last minute glitches have emerged with Metro West and DHCD. We think
that these have been resolved and that the building permit should shortly issue.
It was noted that several neighbors have inquired about the date for commencement
of construction. The need for ongoing involvement of the neighborhood with our plans
was suggested and seconded.
5. Parker Manor:
Pat Nelson reported that the new roof has proven tight during the recent storms. She
also noted that a budget for the condominium has been discussed and adopted.
6 Litigation:
Pat Nelson reported that a meeting was recently held on the matter of responsibility
for legal action required from time to time in support of the Town's restrictions on
owners at Muzzey and also against Muzzry tenants who are seriously delinquent in
payment of their rents.
Pat recommended that responsibility should lie with the Board of Selectmen and
Town Counsel, but that the Selectmen should be kept informed of our efforts to enforce
and to collect.
7 Conflicts:
Bill H. noted that for some time, Pat has labored under a severe handicap in
representing us in those situations (Fairview and Buss) where she also has
represented Carter Scott's company. He proposed that LexHAB in these situations be
separately represented.
It was on motion duly made and seconded voted that John Farrington be approached
as LexHAB's counsel in these cases of conflict -of- interest.
8. Wright Farm:
Lester reported that it has emerged that the Conservation Commission as the major
party in the planning for the Farm has agreed to commit approximately 17,000 square
feet of land on the east side of the site for affordable housing.
There is a garage on the site. It was noted that the garage is in serious disrepair. The
consensus was that the garage should be torn down. The house on the site, on the other
hand, has real possibilities and could be rehabbed for addition to LexHAB's inventory of
scattered -site rental dwellings.
9. Next Meeting:
The next meeting of LexHAB will be a 7 A.M. on April 22nd at the offices of
LexHAB at 1620 Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington.
10. Executive Session"
The Vice -Chair then proposed that the Board go into Executive Session to
consider possible legal action against tenants with substantial rent arrearages, stating that
consideration of same in open session could have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of a semi- public body, namely LexHAB, and might also affect adversely the
privacy rights of tenants and that the Board not return to open session at the end of
Executive Session.
The members of the Board were then individually polled; each member then voted in
favor of the Vice - Chairman's proposal.
The time was then 8:07 A.M. '
Respectfully Submitted,
Secretary Pro Tem