Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 7, 2003
The Community Preservation Committee held a meeting in the Mural Room, Lower Level of the Town Hall beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Jody Hall, Tony Kelso, Pat Loring, Arthur Vautrain and George Wadsworth. Diane Bartlett and Holly Morris were absent. Since the Chairman was absent, Vice-Chairman George Wadsworth chaired the meeting.
PUBLIC FORUM
Carl Hillstrom, Superintendent of the Water Department reported that the Water Department is interested in purchasing a 1.35- acre parcel adjacent to the Mayflower Well I that is being offered to the Town by Carl O'Neil and the Estate of Edward O'Neil. He was interested in using CPC funds to purchase the property. The Committee questioned the asking price and asked that Mr. Hillstrom work with Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator to negotiate a lower price since there are wetlands. It was suggested that he review the last few years tax bills. Mr. Vautrain made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Hall.
Motion: The CPC is interested in purchasing the property assuming the price is reasonable.
Vote: 5 - in favor; 0 - opposed. Motion passed.
STEWARDSHIP FEES FOR DELANO, MERLET, AND HAMADEH PROPERTIES
Ms. Loring recused herself from the discussion, but was available to answer questions. The Committee reviewed the proposed stewardship fees from the Wildlands Trust for maintaining the conservation restrictions on the Delano, Merlet, and Hamadeh properties. It was reported that the Wildlands Trust Board of Directors has accepted the conservation restrictions contingent on approval of the stewardship fees. Mr. Vautrain noted that the proposed fees do not factor in the varying degrees of monitoring required at each parcel. It was suggested that the Committee have a working session with the Wildlands Trust to review the figures. Mr. Kelso also suggested that the Conservation Administrator, Joe Grady review the figures and note which tasks can be accomplished by the Conservation Department. Information that
would be helpful for future discussions include a comparison of other lands in Duxbury under similar stewardships; review of boundaries to determine how much abutting properties are town-owned and whether that effects encroachment; determination as to whether the endowment fund retains a separate identity; the Town's commitment from the Conservation Department; and an example of a Memorandum of Understanding. The Committee also discussed how to pay for the stewardship fees. The sense of the Committee was that a Special Town Meeting vote would be necessary and that the fees could not come from the current administrative operating budget. Town Council would have to determine the wording for the Town Meeting warrant article. Mr. Wadsworth asked that the discussion on the stewardship fees be continued to the meeting on 9/4/03.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:20 a.m. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Vautrain.
Motion: to go into executive session to consider the taking, purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property which, if discussed outside of this session could have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the governing body.
Vote: A roll call vote was taken; 5 - in favor; 0 - opposed. Motion passed.
The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Frank Mangione was asked to stay for the executive session.
At 9:45 a.m. Mr. Vautrain made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Loring.
Motion: to reconvene into open session.
Vote: A roll call vote was taken; 5 - in favor; 0 - opposed. Motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Loring asked about the status of the Wright Building Request for Proposal and there was nothing to report.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The Committee reviewed the draft minutes of the meeting for 6/26/03. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Hall
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 6/12/03 as written.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m.
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