FINAL
Present for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and attending the meeting were: Jane Slater, Chairman, Pam Goff, Bill Rossi, Tim Carroll, Andy Goldman, Allen Healy, Warren Doty and Chuck Hodgkinson. Also attending were John Best, Robert Riemer and Joe Schroder. Karin Wetmore and Janet Weidner were absent.
The meeting came to order at 6:05 PM. Ms. Slater welcomed Mr. Doty as a new member representing the Park & Recreation Committee and opened the public hearing at 6:06 PM to review proposed CPA funding applications for the October 20, 2014 Special Town Meeting and the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting.
For Possible Winter Special Town Meeting
- Appropriate from the Community Preservation Affordable Housing Reserve Fund the sum of $20,000.00 for deposit in the Molly Flender Affordable Housing Trust Fund. A transfer of $20,000 from the Community Preservation Undesignated Reserve Fund to the Affordable Housing Reserve fund would be required to fund this request.
Mr. Carroll explained this is to cover the unbudgeted NStar expense for bringing power to the four Nab’s Corner Homesite Housing Lots.
April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting
- Appropriate from the Community Preservation Parks & Recreation Reserve Fund (sub set of the Open Space Reserve Fund) the sum of $32,000.00 as Chilmark’s share of the estimated $300,000 fund raising goal to re-build the MV Regional High School running track. This is estimated to be 50 percent of the total cost to finish the project.
Mr. Best introduced Robert Riemer and Joe Schroder to the Committee and explained they are meeting with all six island CPC’s. He added the funding amounts requested of each town is based upon the accepted 50/50 formula and said Chilmark’s revised request is for $33,390 based upon the current data. He added this fund drive is just the beginning and will complement a private fund raising program. The High School has approximately $72,000 of available funds for this project from a previous track maintenance budget.
He read a letter from Superintendent Weiss stating he fully supports the CPA fund raising program for re-building the High School running track.
Mr. Goldman added the Park & Recreation Committee reviewed the request and voted to endorse the project and application.
- Appropriate from the Community Preservation Historic Resources Reserve Fund the sum of $3,500.00 to restore the remaining slate gravestones from the late 1700’s and the 1800’s in Abel’s Hill Cemetery.
Ms. Slater commented on the success of this summer’s slate gravestone restoration project and added this is a request from the Cemetery Commission. The Historical Commission also endorses the plan.
- Community Preservation FY 2016 estimated annual reserve funds: $32,287.00 for Open Space Preservation Reserve; $32,287.00 for Historic Resources Reserve; $32,287.00 for Affordable Housing Reserve; and $226,007.00 for the Community Preservation Budgeted Reserve.
Chuck H. explained these are the required reserve amounts for FY 2016 based upon the estimated CPA tax surcharge and state matching funds. He added the Town just received the FY 2014 state matching funds of $141,695 which is a 66.5 % matching level. The match is much higher than the state average because Chilmark was the thirteenth town to adopt the CPA legislation.
With no further discussion or public comment a motion was made to close the hearing at 6:40 PM. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
The Committee discussed all of the proposed CPA fund requests. A motion was made to recommend the $20,000 of Housing Reserve Funds as outlined for voter consideration at the possible winter Special Town Meeting. The motion was seconded and with no discussion passed unanimously with seven in favor.
A second motion was made to recommend the High School track $33,390 of CPA Parks & Recreation funds for voter consideration at the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting. The motion was seconded. There was discussion of how this type of project should be funded from the High School’s operating and capital improvements budget. Chilmark has always supported its school assessments. The motion came to a vote and passed with six in favor and one abstention (Mr. Doty).
A third motion was made to recommend the gravestone renovation $3,500 in Historic Preservation Reserve Funds for voter consideration at the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting. The motion was seconded and with no further discussion passed unanimously with seven in favor.
A fourth motion was made to recommend the FY 2016 CPA Fund reserve amounts as outlined for voter consideration at the April 27, 2015 Annual Town Meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with seven in favor.
ADMINISTRATION
The September 17, 2014 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as presented by consensus.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 6:00 PM if needed.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
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