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Home My WebLink About2026-09-10-LHA-minLEXINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING — SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 MINUTES . ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 8:33am by Chairman Richard F. Perry. MEMBERS PRESENT Richard F. Perry Melinda Walker Nicholas Santosuosso *Mark McCullough arrived 8:45am MEMBERS ABSENT 2. MINUTES Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 20, 2026 OTHERS PRESENT Caileen Foley Jenna Milne (zoom) Maureen Rynn Upon a motion made by Nicholas Santosuosso and seconded by Richard F. Perry, the Board voted to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 20, 2026, all members having received copies. Commissioner Walker abstained, as she was absent from the August 20, 2026 meeting. The roll call vote was as follows: YEAS Richard F. Perry Nicholas Santosuosso NAYS NONE ABSTAIN ABSENT Melinda Walker Mark McCullough 3. PUBLIC COMMENT A resident offered observations regarding the July 21, 2026 Countryside Village resident meeting with SV Design. The resident stated that it would have been helpful for the architects to introduce the firm, summarize its relevant experience, and explain its role in the planning process. The resident also noted that the meeting appeared to repeat portions of the resident survey and expressed concern that repeated references to an undetermined project budget could give the impression that planning and prioritization could not move forward. The resident emphasized the importance of evaluating and prioritizing building -wide needs, including structural conditions, building systems, roofing, drainage, windows, siding and other long-term capital needs, while also considering residents' interior concerns. The resident noted that feedback from the Asian community was particularly valuable in identifying cultural and health-related preferences, including flooring and laundry -related issues. Executive Director Foley explained that the HUD repositioning/financing process is proceeding in tandem with the architectural work and that final project funding has not yet been established. She clarified that the July meeting was intended as a high-level opportunity for residents to discuss survey responses in their own words. She agreed that future meetings should provide more background on SV Design's experience and role. She further explained that the capital needs assessment will identify existing conditions, 1 useful life and priorities for the project, which will then inform how available funding is allocated. 4. FINANCIALS Approval of Bills and Checks Paid in August 2026 The Board reviewed the August 2026 bills and checks. Upon a motion made by Melinda Walker and seconded by Mark McCullough, the Board voted to accept the Bills and Checks as presented for August 2026. The roll call vote was as follows: YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT Richard F. Perry NONE NONE NONE Mark McCullough Melinda Walker Nicholas Santosuosso 5. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT Executive Director Foley reported that interviews with two individuals who expressed interest in the open resident Board Member seat are scheduled for the following week. Foley, Chairman Perry and Commissioner McCullough will conduct the interviews and a candidate will then be forwarded to the Select Board for consideration. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. FY2027 Budget Presentation and Approval Jenna Milne, of Milne, Shaw & Robillard, PC, presented the FY2027 operating budget for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Ms. Milne explained that EOHLC issued its budget guidelines approximately two weeks earlier and that the new state budget software remains in implementation. Board members will receive electronic certification forms once the software process is functioning properly. Ms. Milne reviewed the following major budget assumptions and changes: • State public housing operating funding is level -funded for FY2027; however, authorities may provide salary increases if existing resources can support them. • The proposed budget includes 3% increases for applicable administrative staff. • Section 8 administrative fee funding is projected at approximately 86% of the established fee amount, which is lower than the prior year. • Maintenance wage rates reflect previously approved DLI rates effective April 1, 2026. Overtime and snow -removal funding remain conservatively budgeted. • Legal expenses were reduced based on low usage and strong rent collections; audit costs were increased modestly based on current costs. • Heat -pump maintenance is included in the operating budget pending clarification from EOHLC regarding whether the expense will instead be funded through capital projects. • Workers' compensation costs decreased, while retirement and health insurance costs increased only modestly. 2 • Approximately $200,000 is budgeted from federal reserves for repositioning work with Cambridge Housing Authority. No vehicle purchase is included in FY2027. • Solar net -metering revenue continues to benefit the state program, with approximately $256,000 projected for FY2027. Ms. Milne reviewed projected reserves across all programs and stated that the Authority remains in strong financial condition. Federal and state reserves remain above required minimum levels, and the Authority's other programs are also projected to remain financially healthy. Upon a motion duly made by Melinda Walker and seconded by Mark McCullough, the Board voted to approve the FY2027 Budget as presented. The roll call vote was as follows: YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT Richard F. Perry NONE NONE NONE Mark McCullough Melinda Walker Nicholas Santosuosso Ms. Milne then reviewed the Executive Director salary calculation. The proposed FY2027 salary reflects a 3% increase, from $135,000 to $139,050, consistent with the state calculation and the proposed budget. Upon a motion duly made by Melinda Walker and seconded by Nicholas Santosuosso, the Board voted to approve the Executive Director's FY2027 salary of $139,050. The roll call vote was as follows: YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT Richard F. Perry NONE NONE NONE Mark McCullough Melinda Walker Nicholas Santosuosso B. FY2027 FMR and Utility Allowance Approval Executive Director Foley presented HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rents (FMRs), which are used to establish payment standards for the Section 8 program. The Authority has historically adopted the FMRs at 100%. The FY2027 amounts reflected relatively minor changes from the prior year. Upon a motion duly made by Mark McCullough and seconded by Melinda Walker, the Board voted to approve the FY2027 FMRs at 100%. The roll call vote was as follows: 3 YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT Richard F. Perry NONE NONE NONE Mark McCullough Melinda Walker Nicholas Santosuosso The Board also reviewed the FY2027 Utility Allowance Schedule prepared by a new consultant. Most utility allowance amounts remained unchanged because changes did not exceed the applicable adjustment threshold; oil -heating allowances increased to reflect higher costs. Upon a motion duly made by Melinda Walker and seconded by Nicholas Santosuosso, the Board voted to approve the FY2027 Utility Allowance Schedule. The roll call vote was as follows: YEAS NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT Richard F. Perry NONE NONE NONE Mark McCullough Melinda Walker Nicholas Santosuosso 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. DISCUSSION The Board discussed the North Street development and recent EOHLC funding awards for other Lexington housing initiatives. Executive Director Foley stated that the Authority currently anticipates seeking a North Street application funding round in late 2027 or early 2028 and plans to seek predevelopment funding from the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust this fall. The Board discussed whether any zoning or other local approvals may be required for the North Street parcels. Executive Director Foley stated that the development team, including Cambridge Housing Authority and project consultants, is reviewing those requirements. She also confirmed that the current plan is to seek funding from the Affordable Housing Trust rather than directly from the Community Preservation Committee. 9. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:32am. A true copy attest CAILEEN FOLEY, SECRETARY 4