Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Minutes of Meeting
Monday, June 11, 2007
A regular meeting of the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund was held on Monday, June 11, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the 3rd floor Room 313 at 120 Washington Street.
Members present were Kathleen Burke, Mary Dennesen, Mary Lauby, Michael Northcutt, Leonette Strout, Jennifer Raitt, and Councilor Matthew A. Veno. Also present were Lynn Goonin Duncan, Director of DPCD, Julie Quinn, Housing Coordinator, and Jennifer Kolodziej, new Housing Coordinator.
Members absent were Mayor Driscoll, Councilor Lucy Corchado, Councilor Jean Pelletier, Chad Colarusso, and Heather Picard.
Vote on Chair and Vice-Chair
Councilor Veno nominated Jennifer Raitt for the position of Chair of the Trust, seconded by Mary Lauby and approved, (7-0).
Leonette Strout nominated Michael Northcutt for the position of Vice-Chair, seconded by Councilor Veno and approved, (7-0).
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board meeting held on May 14, 2007 were presented for approval. Two edits were noted on pages 1 and 3. Mary Lauby moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Jenny and approved, (7-0).
Priority Discussion
Trustees discussed their top two to three priorities as a starting point for outlining the long- and short-term goals of the Trust.
Mickey Northcutt stated that he envisioned the goals/roles of the Trust to be production of new affordable housing, either through rehabilitation or new construction, supporting CPA, and advocacy/speaking out in support of controversial projects.
Mary Lauby added that she saw the Trust’s priorities as building community support and educating the community on affordable housing needs.
Jenny Raitt agreed that the Trust could use data to help inform the public. She further noted that the Trust could help supplement the First-Time Homebuyer Program and other programs the City in order to take advantage of existing staff resources.
Councilor Veno pointed out that the Trust should have a role in keeping affordable units from expiring. He felt that the Trust should advocate for policy changes and be able to call attention to housing issues on the horizon.
Additional Potential Areas of Need
Jenny noted that the elderly population deserves a closer look. Mary Lauby agreed that the housing needs of the elderly should be a focus of the Trust and suggested that other unique populations, such as battered women, could drive the particular kinds of housing the Trust considers.
Leonette Strout expressed desire to develop “workforce” housing or housing for the “working poor”. She explained the focus to be on households with an income between 80% and 120% of the area median income. Further noting that this population may include municipal workers, such as teachers.
Mary Dennesen then pointed out that there are different levels of affordability and that some people do not make enough money to afford some “affordable” units. She noted that this points to a need for more diverse affordable housing opportunities – including those for lower-income people.
Trust Documents
Drafts of the Declaration of Trust and Rules and Regulations were reviewed and discussed. Clarification was needed regarding the City Treasurer’s role in the administrative procedures of the Trust. Mary Lauby, Councilor Veno, and Jennifer Kolodziej volunteered to act as the sub-committee to seek clarification and edit the documents.
Community Preservation Act (CPA)
Trust members expressed a strong desire to go on record in support of CPA.
Councilor Veno stated that he thought working to support CPA would be a good way for the Trust to get on the map without spending any funds and that advocacy would be a good role for the Trust. He noted that a Public Hearing is to be held at City Council’s next meeting on the evening of Monday, July 9, 2007.
Mary Lauby motioned that the Trust recommend that City Council adopt CPA at the Public Hearing as recommended by City Council as a whole that is a 1% property tax surcharge with exemptions (including low-income, senior housing, and the first $100,000). Motion was seconded by Kathleen Burke and approved, (7-0).
Kathleen Burke motioned to have written testimony to be read at the Public Hearing that supports CPA, seconded by Mary Dennesen and approved (6-0). Councilor Veno abstained from the vote. Mickey volunteered to attend the Public Hearing and deliver the letter supporting CPA on behalf of the Trust. A draft of the statement will be circulated at the next meeting for approval. Jenny Raitt and Mickey Northcutt will work together to draft the letter.
Overview and Discussion of Beverly Affordable Housing Development Example
Deferred to next meeting.
Discussion of Next Steps
Deferred to next meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business a motion was made by Councilor Veno to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jenny Raitt and approved, (6,0). (Michael Northcutt needed to leave at 10:30 a.m.)
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
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Jennifer Kolodziej, Housing Coordinator
Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund
AHT06112007
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