Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 2, 2003
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a meeting in the Mural Room, Lower Level of the Town Hall beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Chairman Holly Morris, Diane Bartlett, Jody Hall, Tony Kelso, Arthur Vautrain and George Wadsworth. Also present was Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator. Pat Loring was absent.
PUBLIC FORUM
The only subject brought forth was Mr. Grady reporting that there may be a request to decrease the Community Preservation Act surcharge % at a future Town Meeting. Mr. Vautrain noted it was important for the CPC to know the financial status of the CPA Fund.
BUDGET
The Committee reviewed the proposed operating budget for Fiscal Year 2005, which was based on the 5% allocation of the surcharge receipts. The Committee discussed justifications for the increase in the budget request from the FY 2004 budget. It was noted that the Committee would have to revise its budget figures if the CPA percentage was reduced. Mr. Wadsworth made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Hall.
Motion: to request for the FY 2005 operating budget $10,000 in salaries and $37,500 in expenses for a total of $47,500.
Vote: 6 - in favor; 0 -opposed. Motion passed.
UPDATE ON HOUSING RESTRICTIONS
Ms. Morris, Ms. Bartlett, and Mr. Grady reported on the CHAPA Housing Workshop they attended.
Ms. Morris reported on a meeting with the Housing Authority regarding the housing restriction on the Delano Property. It was suggested that a meeting be arranged for all the interested parties (CPC, Housing Authority, Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, and Town Counsel) to discuss the housing issue at the Delano parcel.
Ms. Morris reported on the status of the housing restriction for the Merlet property.
WRIGHT BUILDING RFP
Ms. Morris reported she is working on the Request for Proposal (RFP).
FALL TOWN MEETING
It was reported that the Board of Selectmen would be scheduling a Special Town Meeting in November. The CPC agreed to sponsor a Town Meeting article to request the funding for the stewardship endowment for the Delano, Merlet, and Hamadeh conservation restrictions. Mr. Kelso asked about the stewardship endowment for the Swanson parcel that was recently purchased. Ms. Morris will contact the Wildlands Trust to prepare a stewardship estimate. At the next meeting, the CPC will decide the specifics for the Town Meeting warrant articles. Mr. Vautrain noted it would be helpful if the CPC had the current balance sheet for the CPA Fund.
DUXBURY BAY MANAGEMENT STUDY
Ms. Morris reported she received an invitation to attend two workshops sponsored by the Duxbury Bay Management Study Committee for October 9 and 16. Since she is unable to attend the Oct 9 meeting Mr. Wadsworth will represent the CPC that night.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The CPC reviewed the draft minutes of the meeting for 9/18/03. Ms. Hall made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Bartlett.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 9/18/03 as written.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed; 1 - abstention (Morris). Motion passed.
The CPC signed bills for reimbursement of travel expenses for Ms. Bartlett and Mr. Grady to attend the CHAPA Housing workshop. The Committee also signed a bill for legal expenses ($205) associated with the Merlet property.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Ms. Bartlett asked if the Committee would sponsor a proposal to set aside a specific amount of money from the CPC Fund for affordable housing. Mr. Wadsworth commented that the policy of the Committee is to respond to proposals that are brought before them by others, rather than initiate proposals. It was suggested that Ms. Bartlett discuss the proposal with the Community Development Committee (CDC) and that as a future agenda item representatives from the CDC meet with the Committee to discuss what the Committee has learned related to housing.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
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