HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-01-LEXHAB-min (2) R :' wE IV :U
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LexHAB Meeting Minutes
"iroMIN CLERK
December 1, 2021-7:00 am—Conducted via Zoom.
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Call to Order
A meeting of the Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB)was called to order at 7:10 am. LexHAB members
present were Bob Burbidge (Chair), Lester Savage (Vice-Chair),Tara Mizrahi, Henry Liu, Gerry Howell, Bill Kennedy and
Robert Phelan Also, present were Pearlene Varjabedian (LexHAB Housing Director), Regina Brown (Financial
Administrator), Robert Pressman (Housing Partnership Board). LexHAB Board Member Donna Leary was absent.
Minutes review of November 3,2021 Meeting
A motion was made and seconded to approve meeting minutes of November 3, 2021 and was approved by a roll call vote.
Tenant Selection Plan Discussion
Henry Liu provided the Tenant Selection Plan which was developed by the Policy and Procedures Task Force.
Motion to adopt the Tenant Selection Plan for LexHAB Units was made and seconded. The motion was approved by a roll
call vote.
Financial Review
Gerry Howell (Treasurer) reviewed the Third Quarter Financials.
For information only.
Vine Street Discussion
Lester Savage provided an update on the proposed development at 116 Vine Street.
• Bill Kennedy, Lester Savage, Bob Burbidge, and Bob Phelan attended a CPC meeting to discuss the Vine Street
project. Lester Savage reported that the current estimated cost of the development would be about$5.3 million.
Supply chain issues and availability of labor were both cited as reasons for the higher than anticipated costs.
• Bob Pressman reported that the CPC approved funding of $237K for preservation projects and rehab for nine
units. Funds would be available July 1, 2022.
• Bill Kennedy shared a letter to the Select Board the letter requesting funds that included $155K for design funds
and $875K to potentially purchase a home that may become available for purchase.
• It was reported that Colin Smith was collaborating with Pam Lyons regarding potential landscape design.
• Bob Pressman indicated that the guidelines that CPC has for considering LexHAB projects - $700K per unit need
to be reconsidered given the rapid and recent increase in real estate values in the Town of Lexington.
For information only.
Marketing Initiative Reviewed
• Bob Burbidge, Lester, and Bill Kennedy met with Kristen Elworthy. Lester will be interviewed in the upcoming
week.
• A draft of the mailer will be sent out after January 1, 2022.
• 139 town residents responded to the recent survey, which will help frame the messaging of the upcoming
campaign.
• Kristen Elworthy (Seven Hills Communications) is working with Sean Dugan (Public Information Director for the
Town of Lexington) to determine the best method for accepting donations via an on-line portal.
For information only.
Task Force Updates
Solar Power Development was discussed. Lester Savage reported that he might have access to about 25 solar panels that
could be donated by a local resident. Installation would not be included and a potential LexHAB recipient property has not
yet been identified.
For information only.
Executive Director Discussion
Bill Kennedy reported that initial interviews with two potential candidates were scheduled for the upcoming week.
For information only.
Board Member Recruitment
Given that LexHAB currently consists of eight members, it was agreed that an additional board member should be
presented to the Select Board for approval. Members were encouraged to solicit potential candidates and agreed that a
resident with a legal background would be preferred.
For information only.
Motion to Adiourn Open Session
The Chair moved to adjourn the Open Session and go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as
an Open Meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the LexHAB and to discuss tenant matters that
if considered in Open Session might adversely affect privacy rights of individuals. The motion was seconded.
The motion was approved unanimously by a roll call vote.
The next meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday,January 5, 2022 @ 4:OOpm via Zoom.