Lakeville CPC asks select board to consider Massachusetts Housing Partnership presentation; seeks formal role in appointing housing representative

The Town of Lakeville Community Preservation Committee on Sept. 18 voted to send an amended memorandum to the select board asking it to consider information provided by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership about a proposed housing trust and to invite a presentation at a future select board meeting.

The committee also approved a separate motion asking the town manager's office to draft a memorandum that would permit the committee's proposed language—allowing the committee to make recommendations to the select board on appointments—without immediately amending the bylaws. Committee members made approval contingent on negotiating the memorandum before warrant review; if negotiations fail, the committee voted to proceed with placing the proposed bylaw language on the warrant for town meeting.

Susan Spiel, member at large of the Community Preservation Committee, and other members said recruiting volunteers to serve multiple boards is challenging. The committee discussed clarifying in advance that an applicant for the housing seat may be expected to represent the CPC on the housing trust. Acting Chair noted the committee is short one housing representative and members discussed whether temporarily filling the seat with a member at large would affect the town's representation on the trust.

Robert Stefanian, member at large, urged the select board to "consider the information provided to them by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership," language the committee incorporated in the amended memo. Noel Rillo, parks representative, said a presentation to the select board "would answer questions" the board may have and could prevent confusion later.

The committee voted unanimously to send the amended memo and unanimously approved asking the town manager's office to draft the memorandum; both votes were recorded for the minutes. Committee members agreed to pass the minutes and the amended language to Michelle McCurchin (absent) to transmit to the select board and town staff for follow-up.

The committee also agreed to monitor the town's warrant review schedule; if the memorandum cannot be completed before warrant review, the committee will pursue the bylaw language at town meeting.