Alexis departs; Tom Dowski elected chair as Orleans housing trust reorders officers

The Orleans Affordable Housing Trust reorganized its leadership at the meeting as Alexis recorded her final session after seven years on the trust. Trustees nominated and elected new officers: Susan was reappointed clerk, Fran was elected vice chair and Tom Dowski was elected chair by roll call.

Trust members offered tributes and thanks to Alexis for her longstanding service. "This is my last meeting," Alexis said; she later thanked staff, volunteers and trustees and described the trust’s work as a significant part of her life. Trustees noted staff changes coming in July (the minutes taker, Jennifer, was said to be retiring) and discussed how the clerk/minutes functions will be covered going forward, with a contracted minute-taker and continued agenda preparation by town staff.

The trust also discussed recruitment for open seats (trustees said three openings are expected as terms expire and a member intends to step down) and agreed to circulate a recruitment card to solicit applicants. Members set a tentative schedule change for regular meetings from the second Tuesday to the third Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m., subject to clerk confirmation and required public notice.

Next steps: staff will publish officer changes in meeting minutes, circulate the recruitment card draft and notify the public of any official schedule change after confirming with the clerk’s office.