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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-19-HPB-min Meeting Minutes for January 19, 2023 Attendees: Cindy Arens (Sustainable Lexington liaison), Harriet Cohen (Clerk), Jeri Foutter (Chair), Charles Hornig (Planning Board liaison), Paul Linton, Wendy Manz, Joe Pato (Select Board liaison), Melanie Thompson, Betsey Weiss, John Zhao (COA) Absent: Sarah Morrison (LexHAB liaison), Bob Pressman, Maureen Rynn (LHA liaison), Guests: Abby McCabe, Planning Director, Margaret Heitz The Housing Partnership Board (HPB) meeting was chaired by Jeri Foutter and minutes were taken by Harriet Cohen. 1. Call to Order: Housing Partnership Board Meeting Ms. Foutter called the meeting to order at 7:01. The roll was called. 2. MBTA Communities presentation Ms. McCabe provided an overview of the zoning regulations that will be proposed to Town Meeting by the Planning Board to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act. Ms. Weiss moved that the HPB support of the Planning Board zoning regulations as presented at this meeting, noting that the HPB would review its support if the zoning regulations change materially prior to presentation to the Select Board. Ms. Cohen seconded the motion. In favor: Ms. Cohen, Ms. Foutter, Mr. Hornig, Ms. Manz, Mr. Zhao. Ms. Thompson, Ms. Weiss Against: none Abstain: Mr. Linton 3. Affordable Housing Resource Working Group Ms. Heitz reported on the work that the AHR working group had done to understand the responsibilities and benefits of a Town housing specialist. The working group approached the Town about funding the position. Unfortunately, the Town has decided that there will be no new staff positions this year so that the Town will not fund the position. The HPB commended the working group for the excellent work they have done in researching and proposing a 4. HPB Charge Working Group Ms. Cohen reported that the Select Board had asked several questions as to why the Charge membership was being expanded significantly and whether the liaisons had confirmed their participation. The meeting membership increased from 9 to 13; 3 of those additional members were the conversion of liaisons to members and the last was to ensure an odd number of members. All liaisons except the Commission on Disability had confirmed. After the COD did not reply to multiple requests, they were removed from the liaison list. 5. CPC Update (Pressman) There was no update. 6. SPRD Presentation Ms. Weiss gave a presentation on the SPRD zoning proposal. 7. Land Acquisition This discussion was tabled until the next meeting. 8. Working Group to write HPB accomplishments, 2003-present There was no update from this working group. 9. Board Member Updates Planning Board: Mr. Hornig: The Planning Board has been focused on the zoning bylaw in response to the MBTA Communities Act. Mr. Hornig requested that HPB members come to the Planning Board meeting on Feb. 1, the public hearing for the proposed zoning bylaw. A discussion of the SPRD bylaw is planned for Feb. 8. Discussion of a citizen’s petition is planned for the Feb. 15 meeting. SPRD: Ms. Manz asked the HPB to review the presentation that has been provided in preparation for a discussion and vote of support at the next meeting. The goal is a different sort of neighborhood with smaller houses. Ms. Weiss said she welcomed any questions prior to the next meeting. LexHAB: There was no update at this meeting. Lexington Housing Authority: There was no update at this meeting. COA: Mr. Zhao reported that aging-in-place needs accelerated during the COVID pandemic, particularly regarding home safety modifications. The town counsel believes it is feasible to provide support to aging in place needs without risk of Town liability. The COA will continue to investigate how support for aging in place might be provided to seniors. Affordable Housing Trust Study Committee (AHTSC): no meeting since the last HPB meeting. Ms. Foutter encouraged anyone with an interest in becoming a trustee to submit an application. Sustainable Lexington: Ms. Arens reported on the event last month to raise awareness of LexHAB residents regarding assistance with utility payments and the Town’s Community Choice Aggregation program. The administrator for the fuel assistance program reported that the fuel assistance program has had a significant increase in applications due to the information sessions. Sustainable Lexington is working with the LHA on a similar awareness program for occupants of LHA housing units. Ms. Arens will send a link to a survey regarding Town sustainability. Sustainable Lexington is also working with the Town to perform outreach regarding utility assistance for those Lexington residents who do not live in LexHAB or LHA properties. There is a Town meeting article to adopt a specialized STRETCH code. The requirements apply to new construction with fossil fuel usage. CPC funding for AHT: Ms. Weiss reported that CPC preliminarily supported funding for the Affordable Housing Trust. 10. New Business Mr. Linton reported that Bob Bicknell, who founded the HPB and who was instrumental in the Avalon Bay project, has recently experienced some health problems. Please keep him in your thoughts. There was no new other business. 11. Approve Minutes from December 1, 2022 meeting Ms. Weiss moved approval of the minutes of December 1, 2022 and Ms. Cohen seconded the motion. In favor: Ms. Cohen, Ms. Foutter, Mr. Hornig, Mr. Linton, Ms. Manz, Mr. Zhao. Ms. Thompson, Ms. Weiss Against: none Abstain: none 12. Set Next Meeting Date The next meeting will be on Feb. 21 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. 13. Adjournment Ms. Weiss moved adjournment; Mr. Linton seconded the motion. In favor: Ms. Cohen, Ms. Foutter, Mr. Hornig, Mr. Linton, Ms. Manz, Mr. Zhao. Ms. Thompson, Ms. Weiss Against: none Abstain: none The meeting adjourned at 9:01 pm.