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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob DeLorenzo, Chairperson; Lisa Fenton; Scott Roberts; Anthony Antoniello; Constantine Constantinides; Kevin Dolan; Mark Sandham. ALSO PRESENT: John Hallin, Paul Lemieux, Barbara Fox, Dan Hoffman -- Affordable Housing Trust; Norm Paley, Scituate resident.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairperson Bob DeLorenzo in the Town Library.

2. Mr. Roberts made a MOTION to accept the agenda, Ms. Fenton SECONDED the motion and the vote was unanimously in favor 7-0.

3. Affordable Housing Trust Presentation
John Hallin, Paul Lemieux, Barbara Fox, David Hoffman
The Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) is CPA- funded; $1.4 million is in the bank, none has been spent so far.

The AHT presented a proposal to build three single-family homes on Stockbridge Road: Habitat for Humanity would construct one home, for a Scituate resident; Homes for Our Troops would put up one home for a wounded veteran built to that veteran’s needs, who is not necessarily a Scituate resident; and another would be put up by the AHT. Homes would be sold and held in perpetuity as affordable housing. Plans of the site were presented to committee members. A common driveway would be needed. The Town owns the property; if the Selectmen choose to release the land it would be voted on at Town Meeting. Each lot would have at least 50 feet of frontage. Abutters would be invited to a meeting after the survey. Ms. Fenton said that early enrollment of the abutters would be important. Mr. Sandham suggested trying to put more properties on the large parcel of land, but Mr. Hallin said that in the past this approach had not worked. Mr. Lemieux said that it is important to build quality homes and “do it right” to pave the way for future projects. A sewer line runs by the property, however, a sewer hookup would require approval by the Selectmen. Taxes would be paid by the homeowners as with any other residence in Town. Survey and wetland delineation is to be done prior to meeting with the abutters and with the Selectmen. AHT expects to spend $225-250,000 on building and they would recoup some of the cost upon selling the house. They would build a two story three bedroom home of c1800 square feet in keeping with the type of home that Habitat for Humanity builds. AHT is also looking at other parcels in Town; this large parcel was chosen as the best opportunity to begin.

At 2007 TM citizens voted to spend CPA funds on a feasibility study of affordable assisted living at Central School housing; Phase I is now complete. Twenty-one units could be added. Such a project could be eligible for $4-5 million from HUD, including operating expenses.

4. FY2011 Budget
A. Timetable. Mr. DeLorenzo said he met last night with Erik Penanhoat and Town Administrator Patricia Vinchesi on how the process will be conducted this year. Ms. Vinchesi has provided a detailed timeline and set of guidelines for the Process (B). The full budget package will be given to the AC by December 11. The Selectmen will review the budgets before the AC but they will not vote on them. The Selectmen will vote the budget in its entirety toward the end of February, when they have a better idea of what the State will be providing. There is a question about keeping track of changes made to budgets during the process. Mr. DeLorenzo went over the timeline he prepared for the AC based on Ms.Vinchesi’s timeline. A public statement about the budget may be released ahead of time.

C. Liaison Assignments. Mr. DeLorenzo said he feels that focus should be on the departments that make up the largest portions of the budget:
Public Safety: Mark Sandham
Schools: Karen Connolly, Kevin Dolan
Employee Benefits: Scott Roberts
Enterprise Funds:
Golf: Scott Roberts, Lisa Fenton
Transfer Station: Bob DeLorenzo
Sewer: Scott Roberts
Water: Anthony Antoniello
Waterways: Constantine
Cultural and Recreation: Lisa Fenton
Capital Planning: Maura Curran, Anthony Antoniello

Mr. DeLorenzo said he will initiate a conversation with Dr. Martin, Superintendent of Schools, regarding the process for the Schools budget.

CPC: Ms. Fenton will speak with Mr. Bulman about process and timeline for articles, budgets.

5. New Business. Next meeting: Mr. DeLorenzo will work on a meeting schedule.

6. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin