Date: 09/29/2010
Location: 3rd Floor East Room, Hingham Town Hall
Called to order: 7:03 pm
Attendance: Gretchen Condon, Gary Ludwig, Kevin Connelly, Blake Auchincloss, Jim O'Brien, Tim White and Susan Crowley; Laura Burns joined the meeting at 8:13 pm.
With a quorum present, Gretchen Condon opened the meeting.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Jim O'Brien and seconded by Blake Auchincloss to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 8, 2010, as presented. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. [See motion to reconsider and new motion below.]
Treasurer's Report: Discussion followed regarding water service at 80 Beal Street. Service has been shut off, and Laurie Zivkovich will call Aquarion Water Company regarding meter removal. A motion was made by Susan Crowley and seconded by Tim White to approve the payment of the invoice of Community Opportunities Group, Inc. in the amount of $1,566.85. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. A motion was made by Susan Crowley and seconded by Blake Auchincloss to approve the payment of the invoice of Aquarion Water Company in the amount of $675.75. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. A motion was made by Susan Crowley and seconded by Tim White to approve the payment of the invoice of Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP in the amount of $510.30. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Lincoln School Apartments: Jim O'Brien provided an update regarding a recent meeting with the residents which included an architectural presentation regarding window replacement. Discussion followed regarding the number of windows to be replaced, various window style/type options, window treatments, fire department concerns, an architectural study, financial considerations, a possible timetable, and the architectural significance of the new building and its connection to the older pre-existing building. It was also reported that the boiler replacement bids were received but will be rebid later this winter. Jim O'Brien also provided an update on funding availability for debt service and capital improvements, his recent meeting with Ted Alexiades regarding the current bonding, the option of rerunning the bonds, the option of State House Notes, and the intent to continue discussions with Ted Alexiades to resolve the bond issues. No formal action was taken.
Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Law Discussion: Gretchen Condon reported that Jim Watson was invited to the meeting but was unable to attend. Mr. Watson has proposed that the HAHT support opposition to ballot item #2 for the repeal of Chapter 40B. Discussion followed regarding the recently released report by the UMass Donahue Institute, the merits of 40B, and the numerous area projects developed under 40B. A motion was made by Tim White and seconded by Susan Crowley that the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust enters on the record its opposition to the repeal of Chapter 40B, sends a letter regarding the issue to the Hingham Journal, and puts the Trust's name on www.VoteNoOnMAQuestion2.org. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. Discussion followed regarding attending a panel discussion on affordable housing policy/the 40B referendum at the Kennedy School on October 19th.
Discussion of Latest Affordable Housing Finance Programs: There was no discussion on this item.
80 Beal Street Design and Permitting Proposals: Jim O'Brien and Gretchen Condon provided an update on the status on the selection of a proposal, noting that the Trustees independently submitted his or her ranking to Judi Barrett, who in turn completed a composite ranking and submitted it to Betty Foley as the Town Procurement Officer. The ranking indicated Strekalovsky Architecture as highly advantageous. The price proposal was opened and approved by Ms. Foley in the amount of $70,040. Discussion followed regarding the Proposed Fee for Services, working on phasing the release of monies, the status of 40B, and the benefits of proceeding at this time with architectural services and some engineering. Laura Burns joined the meeting.
A motion was made by Jim O'Brien and seconded by Blake Auchincloss to award the Proposed Fee for Service Contract to Strekalovsky Architecture Inc. and to identify stages of release and to schedule a meeting. Discussion followed. Jim O'Brien amended the motion to award the Proposed Fee for Service Contract to Strekalovsky Architecture Inc. in the amount of $70,040, subject to reaching and executing a mutually agreed upon contract with terms including, but not limited to, phases of payment and services. The amended motion was seconded by Tim White. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion as amended passed. Discussion followed with a general consensus to invite Strekalovsky to the next meeting.
A motion was made by Tim White and seconded by Kevin Connelly to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of August 11, 2011, as presented, regarding the 80 Beal Street proposals. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. A motion was made by Tim White and seconded by Blake Auchincloss to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of September 8, 2011, as amended, regarding the 80 Beal Street proposals. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Next Meeting: The next meetings will be at 7:00 pm on October 20, 2010 and November 3, 2010.
Motion to Reconsider Approval of Minutes of September 8, 2010: A motion was made by Tim White and seconded by Susan Crowley to reconsider the motion made earlier tonight to approve the meeting minutes dated September 8, 2010 as presented. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. A new motion was made by Tim White and seconded by Susan Crowley to approve the meeting minutes dated September 8, 2010, as presented, with one change to add the submission of a letter of resignation from Fred Copeman. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed.
Discussion followed regarding the number of trustees currently on the Board and the By-Law provision that requires not one specified number but a number not less than five nor more than nine. The general consensus was not to request an additional appointee at this moment.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Jim O'Brien and seconded by Tim White to adjourn the meeting. A vote was taken and all were in favor; the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 pm.
Respectfully submitted by: Laurie Zivkovich, Administrative Assistant
Approved on: October 20, 2010