Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held a meeting in the Mural Room, Lower Level of the Town Hall on Thursday, September 30, 2010 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Members present included Chairman Holly Morris, Tony Kelso, Brendan Keohan, Pat Loring, Sarianna Seewald, and Norman Tucker. John Bear was absent. 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 forth.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – POTENTIAL LAND ACQUISTIONS
At 8:06 a.m. Ms Morris made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Kelso 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: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
At 9:08 a.m. Ms. Morris made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Kelso.
Motion: to reconvene into open session.
Vote: A roll call vote was taken: 6 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
2011 FUNDING REQUEST APPLICATIONS
Cemetery Gravestone Restoration – Ms. Betsy Stevens, Cemetery Trustee updated the CPC on status of hiring a consultant to determine what gravestones required restoration. It was reported that three preservation consultants from Preservation Massachusetts Consultant Directory were contacted and all three indicated no fee would be charged to survey the cemeteries. Only one consultant was available to meet the deadline of October 15.
Affordable Housing Trust – The Local Housing Partnership (LHP) submitted a new funding request for $300,000 to be added to the Affordable Housing Trust for the first time home buyer program. As part of this application the LHP requested that the Housing Recycling Program, in the amount of $100,000 be relinquished.
Old Town Hall Restoration – Mr. Doug Dondero presented a detailed summary of the proposal.
Tarkiln Parking & Landscaping – Ms. Morris reported she had reviewed the Community Preservation Act, particularly the definition of “rehabilitation” in section 2 of Chapter 44 B, and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. Based on her review, Ms. Morris feels the proposal would qualify for CPA funding.
PROJECT UPDATE
Grange – Mr. Keohan reported the LHP is working with the architect to finalize plans.
Camp Wing/Temple Street Housing Project – Mr. Keohan reported the LHP is waiting for final architectural and engineering plans. Mr. Wadsworth noted that the project needs to go through the Chapter 40B process, however, if Chapter 40B is repealed in the November election then the project may have to go back to Town Meeting for zoning changes.
Camp Wing Barn - Mr. Grady reported a draft historical restriction has been forwarded to Town Counsel. Ms. Loring noted that the work on the foundation may start at end of October.
Crowell Bog - Mr. Grady reported he is working with Peter Mackin, Water Superintendent regarding the possible well site.
PROJECT CLOSEOUTS
Mr. Grady reported that he is waiting to hear from Town Counsel regarding title insurance before closing out the Berrybrook and Camp Wing land acquisitions accounts.
The CPC discussed closing out the artificial turf project account. A letter is to be sent to P.R.I.D.E advising them that the CPC is in process of closing out old projects and that the committee is anticipating returning unused funds back to the Community Preservation Fund on a specified date.
OTHER BUSINESS
Signs – Ms. Loring reported the Open Space Committee asked if a sign could be put up at the Isaac Keene Mill Foundation.
Ms. Loring reported on the other sites she visited to determine if signs were needed. She noted that the Hamadeh property, which is backland, abutted other conservation land that fronted on Congress Street and asked if a sign could be placed on Congress Street identifying all the acreage.
Ms. Seewald will report on her site visits at the next meeting.
Mr. Keohan left the meeting at 9:55 a.m. before the administrative matters.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
The CPC reviewed the draft minutes of the meeting on 9/16/2010. Ms. Loring made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Tucker.
Motion: to approve the minutes of the meeting on 9/16/2010 as presented.
Vote: 5 – in favor; 0 – opposed. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
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