Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 17 2008
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a meeting in the Mural Room, Lower Level of the Town Hall on Thursday, January 17, 2008 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Chairman Holly Morris, John Bear, Lynne Devnew, Tony Kelso, Pat Loring, and Sarianna Seewald. Brendan Keohan was absent. Also present were Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator, George Wadsworth from the Planning Board, and Frank Mangione from Fiscal Advisory Committee.
PUBLIC FORUM
No subject was brought forward.
CONGRESS STREET LAND SWAP
Mr. Grady explained the proposed land swap which is to exchange a piece of the abutter’s land with town-owned land (parcel #020-500-006) where portion of the abutter’s driveway and dwelling is located. The Town has drawn the plan for the town land and the abutter is having a plan drawn for the portion of his land (parcel #020-039-003) being exchanged. The Town Meeting article does not include any associated costs for the project such as legal, title exam or recording fees. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Seewald.
Motion: to use the administrative operating budget to pay for the legal fees and associated expenses to complete the land swap with the understanding that no funding is being requested at the Annual Town Meeting.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
Mr. Kelso arrived to the meeting after the vote at 8:45 a.m.
CR – STEWARDSHIP (LORING & NUDD PROPERTIES)
Mr. Grady reported that there was not enough money left in the Town Meeting articles for the Loring and Nudd purchases to pay the invoice totaling $16,522 from Wildlands Trust for the stewardship of the three conservation restrictions on the properties. The CPC discussed whether to pay the outstanding balance of $4,913.90 from the administrative budget or from the Conservation Fund. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Kelso.
Motion: that the stewardship fees totaling $16,522 should be paid from the balance in the Loring and Nudd Town Meeting article accounts with the remaining $4,913.90 portion of the invoice being paid out of the Conservation Fund with the approval of the Conservation Commission.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed.
PROJECT UPDATES
Island Creek Fish Ladder – Mr. Grady reported that the State had stocked the creek with herring last year.
Tarkiln Plans & Specs – Dr. Devnew reported that the latest construction cost estimates were higher than originally anticipated. The architect will be reviewing the difference between the two estimates. The Historical Commission is to discuss funding options at its next meeting. Mr. Kelso asked if the project goes out to bid how long the bid is valid.
CPC FUNDING REQUESTS
Homeownership Assistance Program – The CPC agreed more information was needed before it could vote on this request.
Rescind Unused Money – Ms. Loring indicated that there were still questions regarding the O’Neil Farm title insurance so that account should remain open until the insurance issue is resolved.
The CPC discussed the timetable to vote on the funding requests and Town Meeting articles and decided to add two meetings on January 24 and March 6 to its schedule.
The CPC reviewed finance sheets on the CPA Fund prepared by the Finance Director.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The CPC reviewed the administrative budget expenditures to date and discussed upcoming expenditures associated with the proposed land acquisitions. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Dr. Devnew.
Motion: to pay the invoices #13423 and #13425 for Town Counsel’s legal services regarding land purchases for a total of $3,817.50 from the administrative budget.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
Mr. Kelso made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Loring.
Motion: to pay invoice #13424 for Town Counsel’s legal services regarding conservation restrictions from the administrative budget.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
The CPC discussed a request by the seller of one of the land purchases for a deposit of $5,000 at the signing of the purchase & sale document. This money would be deducted from the purchase price. Ms. Seewald made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Loring.
Motion: if a $5,000 deposit becomes a requirement of the Camp Wing purchase & sale, the CPC agrees to pay the deposit from the administrative budget with the understanding that the amount would be deducted from the purchase price.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
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