10/06/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Select Board October 6, 2025 Minutes Chair Wyman-Colombo asked when and why Falmouth pursued this model. Sparkes said he was unsure but would follow up and report back. Selectman Cotton supported further investigation, noting that such a designation may enable private donors to contribute more easily. He also noted that Falmouth reportedly has multiple affordable housing trusts or committees accessing funding from different sources. Richard Klein asked whether the current Mashpee Affordable Housing Trust had used its tax-exempt status to acquire properties. Sparkes clarified that tax exemption under 501(c)(3) only applies when the nonprofit, not the town, owns the land. Selectwoman Kelley-Wilson asked about governance, and Sparkes replied that legal counsel would be required to establish the structure, define board composition, and address ongoing administrative and filing requirements. Sparkes emphasized the importance of pursuing multiple approaches to affordable housing and expanding the town’s capacity to attract land and funding. Greg McKelvey suggested researching the benefits Falmouth has experienced and why they chose this model. Town Manager Rodney Collins recommended that the next step be to consult with legal counsel to outline parameters. Selectman Weeden noted that past discussions surrounding the Affordable Housing Trust lacked a clearly defined mission. He suggested that exploring the 501(c)(3) designation could help clarify both the Trust's intent and implementation strategy. He emphasized the importance of first identifying the Trust's initiatives and objectives in order to determine the most appropriate organizational structure. Chair Wyman-Colombo proposed that this could be the beginning of creating a mission and vision statement for the trust and suggested that the town manager begin discussions with legal counsel. Selectman Weeden recommended inviting a representative from Falmouth to share their experience. Chair Wyman- Colombo concluded that there is a clear path forward—beginning with legal consultation, followed by outreach to Falmouth for further insight. Discussion of Possible Recurring Town Meeting Appropriation to the Affordable Housing Trust Michael Sparkes opened the discussion by suggesting that the Affordable Housing Trust be positioned to act more quickly on small land parcels or opportunities as they arise. He proposed establishing a recurring appropriation—separate from the Community 7