HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-17-REPSC-min Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee (Ad Hoc)
Friday,August 17, 2018
Hudson Room, Cary Memorial Building
Meeting Minutes
Attendance:
Mark Andersen, Chair; Vicki Blier; Howard Cloth;Thomas Whelan; Sara Bothwell Allen;
John Zhao. Guest Bob Pressman; Keith F Whitman
Mr.Andersen called the meeting to order at 8:05am.
Mr. Zhao volunteered to record the meeting minutes.
Public Comments:There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes: The committee reviewed the minutes of the 7/27/18 meeting, and made few
corrections, and approved the minutes.
Economist Roundtable Planning
Ms. Blier reported she needs to work out a date with Peter Enrich and other economists given
everyone's availabilities. Mr.Andersen commented that it is fine if not everyone can attend. Mr.
Andersen also suggested preparing handouts and writing down questions for the economist roundtable
like the ones for the broker roundtable. The committee members came up with the following questions:
• What are the potential impacts of Means-Tested Exemption and Residential Exemption? What
are the differences?
• What would be the impacts on rents in a tight rental market if the town implements the
exemptions?
• What could be the unintended consequences?
• How would the exceptions impact on migration?
• Any relationship the exceptions may have with short term rentals and Airbnb?
• What effects of the exemptions will have on property values?
• How to approach fairness around the exceptions and what are the fairness issues you see?
Ms. Blier called out the economist will need demographic data for Lexington. We need to ask what kind
of data they may want so we can prepare in September time.
Senior Means-Tested Exception Working Group
Mr. Andersen distributed an updated handout covering the Means-Tested policy examination and
proposed to form a three committee members subgroup. The group will study policy aspect of Means-
Tested exemption such age requirement, as John Bartenstein would not make policy choices. Ms.
Bothwell Allen said, not trying to slow down the process,the subgroup wants to share and discuss policy
choices with the full committee before working with John. Ms. Blier said that the committee should
look at the differences among the four types of Means-Tested exemptions. Mr. Zhao commented that
since John is not be available in September, the subgroup and committee could complete the
comparison of the four models and come up with key policy recommendations. Ms. Blier added that
John is smart on policy and his experience in this area is invaluable as well.
Ms. Blier, Ms. Bothwell Allen and Mr. Cloth agreed to form the subgroup.
1
Residential Survey Proposal
The updated survey was distributed for the discussion. Mr. Andersen said the hope is to have 200
survey samples, and the town's Recreation Committee asked to add three questions. Ms. Bothwell
Allen updated that Bicycle Advisory Committee already did its own survey and RE committee could use
their survey questions. Commenting on Mr.Zhao's question, Mr.Andersen said the residential survey
will be conducted under the name of the Town of Lexington. Mr. Whelan suggested putting RE
questions before the demographic ones. The members brainstormed the measuring words for the level
of stress on monthly housing costs in Lexington and discussed whether to have a question on how
people hear about the survey in addition to different URLs. Mr. Pressman said he and his wife talked to
30 or so people about the housing cost. They are all seniors, and some have left the town. He added
that it would be good to know why younger people leave the town as well. Mr.Andersen commented
that committee members could try to send survey links to people who have left the town.
Next meeting September 7, 8:00am.
Mr. Andersen adjourned the meeting at 9:39am.
Respectfully submitted,
John Zhao, acting secretary
2