Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 17, 2003
The Community Preservation Committee held a meeting in the Mural Room, Basement of the Town Hall beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Chairman Holly Morris, Diane Bartlett, Jody Hall, Tony Kelso, Pat Loring, Arthur Vautrain and George Wadsworth. Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator and Christine Stickney, Planning Director were also present.
PUBLIC FORUM
No one brought forth any subject to the Committee.
HARRINGTON PROPERTY
Ms. Morris reported on her discussion with Board of Selectmen Chairman, Betsy Sullivan and Ms. Loring reported on her meeting with the Finance Committee. The issue on this parcel was cost and timing. Mr. Wadsworth commented that discussions regarding this property should be in a public forum. Both Mr. Wadsworth and Ms. Bartlett thought the parcel should be discussed with the entire Board of Selectmen at a public meeting and that it was important to have the review of any Chapter 61A parcel go through a public process. Ms. Loring reported that she and Mr. Kelso are meeting with the Board of Selectmen on another matter and that maybe the Board of Selectmen could review the Harrington parcel at that meeting. Mr. Vautrain commented that the price for the Harrington parcel is too high and that there may be
better housing alternatives to apply CPC funds; he also felt there was not enough time to bring this parcel before the Special Town Meeting scheduled for May 5, 2003.
3. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Ms. Bartlett reported a house that abuts the Housing Authority property on Chestnut St. is for sale. The Committee discussed whether to pursue it and agreed to do further research.
Mr. Grady reported that the Town of Stowe is looking into creating a CPC fund for housing, similar to the Conservation Fund that would enable the Town to purchase existing housing stock.
Ms. Stickney reported that the Board of Selectmen is creating a new Community Development Committee and described the Committee's responsibilities. Ms. Hall suggested that a member from the Historical Commission should be included on the Committee.
The Committee reviewed two handouts regarding the Soft Second Loan Program and the Municipal Homebuyers Program. Ms. Morris recommended that at a future meeting the Committee should discuss whether to concentrate on purchasing properties or the mortgage buydown programs. Mr. Kelso commented that the Town should make sure that participation in any mortgage program be credited towards the 10% affordable housing count.
Ms. Loring suggested that it would be helpful for the Committee to map the Chapter lands and set a priority for parcels that come on the market.
4. UPDATE ON CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS FOR DELANO, MERLET & HAMADEH PROPERTIES
Ms. Loring reported that the restrictions are moving along, but are not final.
Mr. Grady reported the Water Advisory Board had determined the extent of the Water Department portion of the Delano property. The site plan can now be finalized and submitted to the Planning Board. The Assessors are working on a value for that portion of the site.
5. UPDATE ON KING CAESAR HOUSE AND PROPERTY
Ms. Morris reported that the work at the King Caesar House is scheduled to begin on May 1 and that the Town Manager indicated the DR&HS would have the funds by that time; however, the restriction document has not been signed.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The Committee signed a bill for legal services.
The Committee reviewed the draft minutes of the meeting for 4/3/03. Mr. Wadsworth made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Bartlett.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 4/3/03 as written.
Vote: 7 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:35 a.m. Ms. Hall made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wadsworth.
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; 7 - in favor; 0 - opposed. Motion passed.
At 9:55 a.m. Mr. Wadsworth made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Bartlett.
Motion: to reconvene into open session.
Vote: A roll call vote was taken; 7 - in favor, 0 - opposed. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:56 a.m.
| 
