Westport News

 

Minutes of Meeting: Approved February 22, 2010 February 18, 2010 Affordable Housing Trust Meeting – Town Hall – 2nd Floor

Members: Dianne Baron

Elaine Ostroff

Brian Corey, Jr.

Catherine Williams

Craig Dutra (absent)

Alternates: Liz Collins

Warren Messier

Guest: John Montano (Chair, Planning Board)

Note taker: Louise Parsons

Meeting began at 11:50 a.m. Elaine volunteered to conduct meeting for the first two items on the agenda, the Introduction and Meeting Process.

1. INTRODUCTIONS:

Each Trustee, the two alternates and guest gave information on their background as well as current projects relating to their involvement in Westport and in housing.

2. MEETING PROCESS:

Elaine made a proposal that Alternates and Trustees would participate in discussions with the intent to have consensus, and then the Trustees would vote on issues. The proposal was put in the form of a motion by Brian, and 2nd by Elaine. The motion was: Both the appointed Trustees and alternates be allowed to participate fully in the discussion of Trustee business and when a motion is made and seconded, only the Trustees and an alternate serving in the capacity of an absent Trustee will vote. Discussion: Question by Dianne about consensus was explained as outcome may not be unanimous but with full participation by both Trustees and Alternates. There was a question if the Bylaw allowed Alternates, if the state bylaw did not specify Alternates. Alternates can vote in place of a regular member who is absent. Liz will vote today in Craig’s absence. The vote was called and passed unanimously.

3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Elaine referred to the Municipal Housing Trust Guidebook to list the positions that should be filled: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Clerk. She announced that she is not available for any officer’s position, but is willing to help. It was noted that Craig had stated that he is not available to be Chair.

Elaine then nominated Dianne for Chair and the nomination was 2nd by Catherine. Dianne explained that she is not available for the next few meetings. She questioned the duties of the Chair, and after explanations and discussions, she accepted, and the vote was unanimous. 2

Elaine nominated Catherine for Vice Chair, Brian 2nd the motion. Catherine accepted without discussion, and the vote was unanimous. There was discussion on the Office of the Treasurer and the Clerk. Since the Committee has only five members, and four positions to be filled. It was agreed that that both positions could be held by one person. Brian was nominated by Elaine, 2nd by Catherine. After discussion and clarification of the duties and stipulations that it will be a temporary position until new Trustees are appointed after Town Meeting and that no money handling will be necessary, he accepted, and the vote was unanimous.

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Elaine explained that volunteer note takers have been secured for all five meetings through March 8. After that, Betty Slade who has volunteered to take minutes and/or find additional volunteers, is expected to be back.

4. TRUST DOCUMENT

Elaine distributed three documents relating to the Trust document. These will be reviewed for discussion by the Trustees at future meetings and include: Sample Trust Document prepared by Kathleen O’Donnell; the Sudbury MA Trust Document, and the Westport Affordable Housing Trust Bylaw. The final version will be reviewed by an attorney and then recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Warren noted that the award from CPC would cover those expenses.

5. AMENDMENTS TO THE HOUSING TRUST BYLAW

There was initial discussion of amendments to the Bylaw that should be proposed at the Annual Town meeting. The increase in number of Trustees to match the state legislation was noted. Discussion about other amendments that might be proposed concluded that there was no need to add a limitation on borrowing limits. No action was taken.

Discussion continued on the following items: the meeting of Jan 14; future funding sources; Jennifer’s future participation by phone on Feb 22 and will attend the March 8 meeting, with a draft of the CPC proposal that will include an action plan and budget. Also discussed were the importance of involvement with planning board and zoning board; the need for architectural and historical guidelines; and the influence of 2010 Census as it will reflect the growth in town and the number of affordable units needed to reach 10% of the total housing stock.

The Chair asked members to review packet received from Elaine, and be ready to discuss at next meeting: February 22, 11am-12:30pm.

Brian made motion to adjourn, 2nd by Elaine.

Meeting ended at: 1:15 pm 3