HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-20 Affordable Housing Trust Minutes
North Andover Affordable Housing Trust
Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2021
Present: Laurie Burzlaff, Christopher Jee, George Koehler, Joan Fitzgibbons and Robert Bernardin
Absent: Richard Vaillancourt and Roger Lawson
Meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m in the Select Board meeting room at Town Hall.
Approve minutes of September 21, 2021
Motion made by George Koehler, seconded by Robert Bernardin to approve the meeting minutes of September
21, 2021, as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Treasurers Report
Robert Bernardin provide the latest financials. The Trust has a balance of $869,268.18.
Update on Fountain Drive-possible vote to approve funding study
The North Andover Housing Authority is requesting funds from the Trust to pay for a more comprehensive
feasibility study of the Fountain Drive development. Ms. Burzlaff indicated that the Housing Authority Director was
not optimistic about getting funding for new construction through DHCD, but that they should not have a problem
with getting permission to build on the land. Mr. Jee questioned whether it was prudent to spend the money if
funding the project was going to be an issue. Mr. Bernardin spoke about availability of tax credits and other ways
to fund. Mr. Koehler suggested they reach out to Chelmsford as they have done projects like this. Ms. Burzlaff
suggested the Trustees meet with the Housing Authority after the study is complete to talk about next steps and
funding sources.
Motion made by Laurie Burzlaff, seconded by Joan Fitzgibbons to approve the disbursement of $4,950 to fund a
study of Fountain Drive per the proposal of EBI Consulting. Motion approved 5-0.
Discuss Down Payment Assistance Program-final documents and questions
Mr. Jee explained that the note and mortgage they use for the Haverhill program was used as a template and then
he made changes to make it consistent with North Andover’s program. The Trustees discussed the late fee and
what interest rate should be charged. Since there is only one payment due (when the property is sold, etc.) the
standard late fee language of 3% per month did not make sense. The Trustees agreed to 18% per year. Mr. Jee will
make the revisions to the note and mortgage and present at the next meeting for approval.
Ms. Burzlaff received a question from Yesenia regarding the first application that was received. The buyer has a
bankruptcy on their credit report which will be removed in March, 2022. They wanted to know if the Trustees
would encumber funds for this buyer even though they could not get a pre-approval from their mortgage lender
until March. The Trustees did not want to change or waive the requirements but discussed the possibility of
providing additional funding in the spring should the demand be there.
Motion made by Laurie Burzlaff, seconded by Robert Bernardin not to waive the requirement for a mortgage
preapproval. Motion approved 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Robert Bernardin, seconded by Laurie Burzlaff, to adjourn the meeting at 6:45PM. Motion
approved 5-0.
MEETING MATERIALS:
Minutes of September 21, 2021
Proposal from EBI
Down payment assistance program note and mortgage