HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-21 Affordable Housing Trust Minutes
North Andover Affordable Housing Trust
Meeting Minutes
June 21, 2022
Present: Laurie Burzlaff, Christopher Jee, George Koehler, Roger Lawson, Richard Vaillancourt, and Robert
Bernardin
Absent: Joan Fitzgibbons
Meeting was called to order at 5:32p.m. Chair Jee read the following statement:
Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted via remote means only.
Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or
parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the Town’s website, at
www.northandoverma.gov. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch the meeting may do so
on their televisions by tuning to Comcast Channel 8, Verizon Channel 26, or online at
www.northandovercam.org. Every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the
proceedings in real time, via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so, despite best efforts,
we will post on the Town website an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of
proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting.
Approve minutes of April 19, 2022
Motion made by George Koehler, seconded by Richard Vaillancourt to approve the minutes of April 19, 2022, as
presented. Motion approved by roll call vote 6-0.
MHP loan updated on Fountain Drive
Mr. Bernardin explained that the Housing Authority was awarded a grant from Mass Housing Partnership for
$35,000 to be used for technical assistance with Fountain Drive. MHP will be a great resource for the project as
the Housing Authority will need guidance on procurement issues, financing, etc. The Executive Director of the
Housing Authority spoke with Cambridge Housing Authority about consulting on this project as they have done this
in the past for other housing authorities. She should have a proposal by the end of the month. Mr. Bernardin
asked about the process for getting grant funds. Ms. Burzlaff stated that the grant agreement for the $50,000 was
signed and they will need a new grant agreement for the additional funds that were allocated. The Housing
Authority will submit the invoice to the Town and once the chair of the Trust approves the expense, it is submitted
for payment.
Update on Down Payment Assistance program
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Ms. Burzlaff stated they have their first closing on June 30. The amount of assistance is $17,790, which is ten
percent of the purchase price.
Trust positions (chair, treasurer, secretary, etc.)
Mr. Jee asked the Trustees their thoughts about creating a secretary position and appointing new members to
serve as chair and/or treasurer. Mr. Vaillancourt stated that there are no term limits but the Select Board
encourages all the boards to rotate roles as it is a good chance for other members to gain experience. Ms. Burzlaff
stated she is fine with remaining as secretary and thinks Mr. Jee should serve an additional term as chair. It is her
belief that it takes time to actually figure out the role and a second year would be beneficial to the Trust. Mr.
Bernardin wondered if members should try to rotate off after a certain amount of time to allow new members. Mr.
Jee suggested the trustees may want to amend the bylaws to allow additional members to serve. This would
require a vote at Town Meeting. The trustees will discuss further at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Laurie Burzlaff, seconded by George Koehler, to adjourn the meeting at 6:13PM. Motion
approved by roll call vote 6-0.
MEETING MATERIALS:
Minutes of April 19, 2022