FINAL
Present for the Community Preservation Committee and attending the meeting were: John Flender, Chair; Molly Flender; Andy Goldman; Warren Doty; Phil Smith; Karin Wetmore, Rusty Walton and Chuck Hodgkinson. Absent: Bruce Bartels.
Mr. Flender opened the Regular Meeting at 7:30 pm with the following agenda:
- Old Business: Answer two questions from 11/23/04 meeting; Approve minutes of 11/23/04 regular meeting.
- New Business: Review “Step 2” status of priority projects from 11/23/04 meeting; Review CPC fund status; Review fiscal 2006 budget; Schedule next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
The follow up answers to the two questions raised at the last meeting were discussed:
1. What percentage of the total monthly rent is subsidized by the CPC rent subsidy program? A handout explaining the formula used to calculate the amount of a recipient’s rent subsidy was reviewed. The rent subsidy percentage for the current four recipients ranges from 36% to 50% of the total monthly rent payment.
2. What is the rent increase agreement between the Housing Committee and the rent subsidy landlords? Molly Flender explained there is no formal agreement between the landlords and the Housing Committee. She went on to say that on December 1 the Housing Committee sent a letter to each of the landlords receiving a rent subsidy payment explaining that a rent increase would significantly threaten the ability of the Housing Committee to continue subsidizing their monthly rent payments. To date, no replies have been received from any of the landlords.
The Minutes of the November 23, 2004 CPC meeting were reviewed. Andy Goldman made a motion to approve the Minutes as presented. Phil Smith seconded. The Minutes were unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Priority Projects: A report titled “Act to Preserve Your Community Step 2” was reviewed and discussed. The committee agreed to proceed with all of the projects as outlined. The following provides specific comments from the discussion.
Rusty Walton reviewed the details of a comprehensive four-phase program designed to eliminate the Phragmites infestation along Doctor’s Creek. Phil Smith asked if there are other rare plants in the Chilmark Pond area. Rusty Walton said there were and that a complete rare plant survey will be conducted as part of the plan.
Mr. Doty asked if the Nature Conservancy has performed controlled burns as outlined for this project. Mr. Walton said yes. Mr. Smith continued and asked if the herbicide has documented evidence that it will not affect shellfish. Mr. Walton responded by saying the pond habitat must be protected. He continued by pointing out the pond is much smaller than it used to be and that it is not a great habitat for shellfish. Mr. Doty commented that the water quality in Chilmark Pond is of utmost importance and continued by stating all Chilmark Pond property owners must give their approval before the project is executed. Mr. Smith commented that DDT was supposed to be safe and recommended that the proper reports documenting the herbicide’s affect on the total pond habitat be available at the Annual
Town Meeting.
The committee agreed it would be prudent to hold a public hearing on all of the proposed CPC projects before the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Doty suggested Monday, April 11, 2005.
Mr. Flender asked Mr. Walton if he is confident with the accuracy of the cost estimate. Mr. Walton said he was and pointed out that he would be donating his time to oversee the project. Mr. Smith asked if Tim Simmons was consulted about the burn technique. Mr. Walton said he was and that he felt it was a good idea. Mr. Doty asked who generally pays for other burns on the island. Mr. Walton responded with the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Doty then asked if we are eligible for any grants.
Mr. Flender then pointed out that the plan is comprehensive and seems to be larger than the Doctor’s Creek area. He recommended that the project label and description accurately represent the true scope of the project. Mr. Flender continued and proposed the funding for the project be limited to the CPA, Abel’s Hill and Chilmark Pond Associations.
Mr. Goldman then asked if the CPC should fund the entire project or propose matching any other contributions made toward the project. Mr. Walton mentioned that the Abel’s Hill Association and Chilmark Pond Association might be willing to pay for some of the cost. Mr. Doty suggested that any contributions outside the CPC allocation should be made directly to the respective contractors. It was agreed to draft the Warrant in a way that requests funding “up to $23,000”.
Peaked Hill Overlook: Mr. Doty asked if the Landbank would pay for some of the pruning costs because it is the most expensive of the three scenic overlook projects. He then suggested that perhaps we do not have to prune a complete 360-degree view and leave the view to the east as it is. It was agreed to discuss the Landbank’s participation in the project when they are contacted with the abutter letter of intent.
It was agreed to mail the abutter letters of intent for all projects in January 2005.
CPC Fund Status: A projected CPC fund status of reserve and appropriated funds was reviewed with the assumption all appropriations were approved at the Annual Town meeting in April 2005. There were no comments.
Fiscal 2006 Budget: The proposed fiscal 2006 budget was reviewed. Phil Smith made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Warren Doty seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Next Meeting: It was agreed to hold the next CPC meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 7:30 pm.
Warren Doty made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Molly Flender seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor.
John Flender adjourned the meeting at 9:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Chuck Hodgkinson, Administrative Assisitant.
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