Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a meeting in the Mural Room, Lower Level of the Town Hall on Thursday, November 6, 2008 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Chairman Holly Morris, John Bear, Lynne Devnew, Tony Kelso, Brendan Keohan, Pat Loring and Sarianna Seewald. Also present were Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator, Frank Mangione from Fiscal Advisory Committee, and George Wadsworth from the Planning Board.
PUBLIC FORUM
No subject was brought forward.
2009 APPLICATIONS
Representatives for each of the funding requests were present for the discussion. Ms. Morris began with an introduction on the finances of the Community Preservation Fund and how much was in each account.
Sidewalk & Bike Path – Chairman of the Sidewalk & Bike Path Committee, Jeff Lewis explained the proposal which was for funding of design plans for a sidewalk/bike path along Route 3A between Chestnut Street and Depot Street in the amount of $56,000. Mr. Lewis noted that easements over several private properties would be necessary. The CPC asked about cost of construction and how the Committee would pay for construction of the path. Mr. Lewis indicated that there are several federal and state funding opportunities that may be available for construction money. Ms. Loring had a concern about spending CPA funds without knowing if there was any money available for construction.
Camp Wing Housing Plan – Chairman of the Local Housing Partnership, Diane Bartlett explained the project which was a request for $50,000 for site development and engineering plans for the Camp Wing housing parcel.
Recycling of Houses Program – Ms. Bartlett explained this proposal which was a request for $100,000 to create a fund for moving existing houses donated to the Town. Ms. Bartlett reported the LHP is also looking into town-owned parcels to where the houses could be moved. Ms. Bartlett indicated the program is modeled after a program in Nantucket and would get a copy of the Nantucket program to the CPC.
Housing Property Acquisition – Since this is a land acquisition proposal it was discussed in Executive Session after the presentation of the other funding requests.
Historical Landmark Survey – Norman Tucker from the Historical Commission explained this funding request for $9,000 to continue the survey of historical properties in the town.
Tarkiln Community Center Restoration – Tag Carpenter from the Tarkiln Study Committee explained the project which was to restore the building back to a useable state. The CPC had questions about the operating budget once the building is reopened, the septic system, and parking issues. It was also recommended that proposed plans be reviewed by the Building Inspector for compliance with the building codes.
Conservation Fund – The Conservation Administrator, Joe Grady explained the funding request is for $77,450 in order to replenish the Conservation Fund to a level of $100,000.
War Memorial – The Chairman of the War Memorial Committee, Joe Shea was unable to attend so Ms. Morris explained the proposal. The funding request is $105,000 to restore the World War I Memorial in front of the Old Town Hall. Mr. Bear asked if the War Memorial Committee had asked for private donations, but Committee members indicated that was beyond the scope of their work. It was recommended that the Committee look into finding someone to assist in private fundraising.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – POTENTIAL LAND ACQUISTION
At 9:45 a.m. Mr. Kelso made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Loring to go into executive session.
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 10:10 a.m. Mr. Kelso 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.
Ms. Loring noted that the CPC needs to apply project criteria to each of the funding requests. Members were assigned which funding requests to apply the criteria.
PROJECT UPDATE
Mr. Kelso asked about the status of the artificial turf field project in light of the Newton court ruling.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Morris updated the CPC on the town budget meetings. Mr. Bear asked if the Finance Director could attend the next CPC meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The CPC reviewed draft minutes of the meetings on 9/25/2008 and 10/23/2008. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Kelso.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 10/23/2008 as presented.
Vote: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed; 1 – abstention (Bear). Motion passed.
Mr. Kelso made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Seewald.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 9/25/2008 as presented.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed; 2 – abstentions (Devnew, Loring). Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
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