EASTHAM COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting: December 1, 2005
Attendance: Elliott Carr, Chairman, Brewster Community Preservation Committee,
guest speaker; Martin McDonald, Glenn Collins, David J. Skiba, Dianne O'Neill, Cheryl Gayle, Peter McDonald, Kathryn Sette, Sue Horton, and Elizabeth Simmons, Committee Members; and Mary Elizabeth Burgess, Town Planner
Minutes of November 10, 2005, meeting were approved.
Next meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2005, at 5:00 p.m.
I. Elliott Carr spoke regarding the first public meeting to be held.
He mentioned involving other subgroups such as the Open Space Committee and dealing with conflict of interest problems as they arose.
Brewster announced the first public hearing and notified all local agencies with about 40 people attending including Habitat for Humanity. The meeting was a weekday evening.
Elliott emphasized the need to distinguish projects that were allowable with the use of Community Preservation Act funds from those that are not such as acquisition of open fields and acquisition of existing housing for affordable housing versus maintenance projects and stadiums, the latter of which are not allowed. Elliott suggested that fees may be appropriate for applications to cover start up costs and emphasized the need for project applicants to include strict budgets and schedules. Elliott suggested an initial application date deadline and perhaps a rolling schedule of application dates thereafter.
With specific regard to the first public informational meeting to discuss the needs, possibilities and resources, Elliott indicated that in Brewster he introduced the CPA concepts and fielded questions, together with handouts including the application and a two page description of the Act. Elliott emphasized the need to inform the public and encouraged local newspaper coverage.
He also concurred that projects may be pursued directly by the Community Preservation Committee and that the prospect for having actual proposals ready for the May Town Meeting is a difficult one based on present time constraints.
The Committee greatly appreciates the input and assistance from Elliott Carr.
II. The meeting continued with Mary Elizabeth Burgess advising that a Chairman and Vice Chairman were preferred rather than Co-Chairmen so it was voted by the Committee that Glenn Collins be the Chairman and Cheryl Gale be the Vice Chairman.
The CPC acknowledged that for the May 6, 2006, Town Meeting at a minimum a proposal to set aside or spend in the proportions of 10/10/10 for community housing, open space, historic preservation should be anticipated.
Glen and Mary Elizabeth indicated that a Needs Study Plan should be provided on an annual basis with input from various committees throughout the Town.
The members decided that the first public informational meeting to explore "the needs, possibilities and resources" should be attempted for Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. The availability of the room and publication shall be pursued. Glenn and Cheryl shall attempt to obtain coverage in The Cape Codder.
Discussion of the Application Form prepared by Peter McDonald was favorable with some minor technical changes and corrections for presentation at the next meeting.
It was determined that applications for projects on the first round shall be due January 30, 2006. Initially there shall be no application fees; however, fees may be imposed at a later date if circumstances warrant.
Mary Elizabeth shall pursue further information on prospective funding from the Town Accountant/Treasurer.
Dianne O'Neill shall prepare a memo for the December 21st informational hearing to decimate to Town Boards and other interested parties.
Glenn shall check with Sheila Vanderhoff, Town Administrator, relative to availability of financing for matters such as newspaper publication.
Mary Elizabeth distributed policy guidelines regarding minutes and posting of meetings; the Open Meeting law; and the Town Accountant's statement on available funds as of November 30, 2005, for the Community Preservation Act.
Respectfully submitted,
David J. Skiba, Clerk
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