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Present for the Community Preservation Committee and attending the meeting were: PersonNameAndy Goldman, Chairman, PersonNameBill Randol, Karin Wetmore, PersonNameWarren Doty, Janet Weidner, Jane Slater and PersonNameChuck Hodgkinson. Also attending were Clarissa Allen and Mitch Posner. Russell Maloney was absent.
The meeting came to order at 7:00 PM.
1. CLARISSA ALLEN AND MITCH POSNER DISCUSSION: Mr. Goldman welcomed and thanked Clarissa and Mitch for taking the time to meet with the Committee. He summarized the Committee’s purpose and past Community Preservation Act (CPA) funded programs. He added that while it is not the Committee’s primary responsibility to initiate CPA programs for voter consideration, it has from time to time presented concepts to the Town such as the stone wall restoration program and the public view clearing efforts.
The Town’s Master Plan recognizes Chilmark’s rich farming heritage and culture as an important part of the Town’s history, character and economy. The Committee wanted to discuss the possibilities of using CPA historic resources funds to help preserve this part of the community.
The guests had several suggestions such as preserving the Town’s agricultural vistas just as done with the public views of the Town’s coastal ponds or, providing grants for farm machinery such as a portable milking unit. The Committee discussed possibly modeling an equipment assistance program along the lines of the existing mortgage interest assistance program for housing. The need and benefits of sponsoring a series of education lectures on farming were also discussed and thought to be another exciting possibility.
Mr. Doty suggested possibly creating an Agricultural Trust Fund with the mission of providing farming initiative seed money for deserving and qualified Chilmark farmers. An oversight committee would be formed to review applications and concepts with the authority to decide the distribution of funds.
The Committee asked Chuck H. to research CPA funding regulations and options for a farm assistance program designed to help preserve this important part of the Town’s culture.
2. MINUTES: The 7/11/07 meeting minutes were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes with a minor correction was made, seconded and unanimously approved.
3. NEXT MEETING: The next CPC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 28, 2007 @ 7:00 PM.
With no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted, PersonNameChuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
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