Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a meeting in the Mural Room, Lower Level of the Town Hall on Thursday, February 28, 2008 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Chairman Holly Morris, Lynne Devnew (who arrived at 9:05 a.m.), Tony Kelso, Brendan Keohan, Pat Loring, and Sarianna Seewald. John Bear was absent. Also present were Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator, George Wadsworth from the Planning Board, and Frank Mangione from Fiscal Advisory Committee.
PUBLIC FORUM
Ms. Loring reported on information from Stewart Saginor, Community Preservation Coalition regarding when CPA funds are available. Ms. Loring also corrected an article in the Duxbury Clipper that implied this year’s land purchases were the end of open space purchases; she noted land acquisition is ongoing.
LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP – Article 26
Diane Bartlett and Mathew Walsh from the Local Housing Partnership and Christine Stickney, Planning Director were present for the discussion on Article 26 – Homeownership Assistance Program. The CPC asked for clarifications on some of the specifics of the program. The program places a deed restriction on the property; a Request for Proposal will be required for administration oversight of the program. The CPC asked if the LHP knew success rate of other communities with similar programs.
Ms. Devnew arrived at 9:05 a.m. during the discussion with the Local Housing Partnership.
Mr. Kelso made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Keohan.
Motion: to recommend to Town Meeting the funding of the Homeownership Assistance Program in the amount of $500,000 from the community housing portion of the CPA Fund.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
CPC FUNDING REQUESTS / TOWN MEETING ARTICLES
The CPC reviewed the Town Meeting articles. The CPC previously voted on articles 17 and 18.
Article 19 – Rescind Unused Funds
Dr. Devnew made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Keohan.
Motion: to indefinitely postpone this article.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
It was noted that the Finance Director indicated unused funds can be rescinded without going to Town Meeting. Mr. Mangione suggested that the CPC could report any rescinding in the Annual Report or in a news article.
Article 20 – Land Swap
Mr. Grady reported that the land surveyor determined that the abutter’s dwelling was not on town property, only his driveway. The land swap is not necessary, but an easement for the driveway would be required. Ms. Loring recommended that concrete bounds be placed on the property. Ms. Seewald made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Keohan.
Motion: the CPC recommends to Town Meeting that the Town grant an easement for the driveway on parcel 020-500-005 pending review by Town Counsel.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
Article 21 – Tarkiln Reconstruction
Dr. Devnew reported the Historical Commission is considering phasing the project and has asked the architect for cost estimates if the project is completed in phases. The CPC postponed action on this article until after bids are received with the cost of the total project without phasing.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The CPC signed bills for the Town’s portion of the title insurance at the O’Neil Farm and a bill for the land surveyor’s plan for the proposed Camp Wing land acquisition.
The CPC reviewed draft minutes for the meetings of 1/31/2008 and 2/14/2008. Mr. Kelso made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Keohan.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 1/31/2008 as presented.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed; 1 – abstention (Loring). Motion passed.
Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Kelso.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 2/14/2008 as presented.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed; 1 – abstention (Seewald). Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
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