TOWN OF HANSON
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
The regular meeting of the Community Preservation Committee was called to order at 7pm on 1/18/12 in the Town Hall by Laura Fitzgerald-Kemmett.
Members Present:
David Harris, Allan Clemons, Bill Strait, Ken Lawson, Laura Fitzgerald-Kemmett, Bob Sears, John Kemmett, Patty Norton and Eileen Burke (clerk)
Absent: Bill Clay
Guests Present:
Karen Reilly – Executive Director of Hanson Housing Authority
Jack Maller – Member of Marshfield Housing Partnership, previously served on the Housing Board in Halifax, Brockton, Quincy and now consultant on Marshfield.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from last meeting were tabled until the next meeting. Any member who took minutes from March 2011 to present, will forward to Laura for consolidation and posting on website.
Open Forum – Bob Sears invited Karen Reilly and Jack Maller to discuss and educate the committee on affordable housing and how to get it up/running within Hanson.
Introduction given by Bob; Laura handed out agenda items, asked that committee refer to page 2 of the Community Preservation Coalition document.
Jack started off by stating that there are two driving forces behind what can be an emotional and pressing need: ownership and rental of property. Spoke of Marshfield and the community who strongly opposed affordable housing two years ago. Since it has been past 94 units have added and very beneficial to the community. Marshfield has 80% residential occupancy and taxes at a rate of 3% for housing; compared to Hanson with 1.5%. Marshfield uses a ‘lottery system’ to decide who ultimately gets a chance at affordable housing.
Laura asked where grants come from? Jack stated that money flows through Marshfield CPA by housing partnerships. Marshfield Housing Authority acts as the agent for assets since they are able to do asset verifications. Onus is up to recipients to apply and provide information. Once approved by committee, recipient has four months to look for and try and purchase a home. Extensions are granted on approval.
Jack strongly suggested that the committee look into hiring a consultant to create and move the project along and one who can create/monitor an affordable housing plan/timeline, especially now since the market is low, rates are low and the town just completed a census. A consultant was hired for Halifax and proved successful. Cost is estimated (by Jack) at 16K. Laura, Jack and Bob voiced it sounded like a great idea, even as far as helping with the communication of such a project to the town/community.
John Kemmett asked if the plan was being used properly – who monitored it from the Town? Jack responded that the town administration and housing authority control it, but the plan can also be utilized in any town project going forward. Also suggested engaging the idea of a housing coordinator who would act as a project manager.
Laura inquired about where the funds are stored (check made out to)? Jack replied that the funds go to the general pool and then are allotted out. Jack mentioned that on Thursday 2/2 in Marshfield hearing room #2 at 7pm there is an info session to the public on Marshfield’s affordable housing and how to apply; encouraged all to go. Many outside communities have copied what Marshfield has done (Westboro, Easton, Foxboro, etc.).
John asked if there was a plan should anything go wrong such as occupiers leave. Jack stated that that has never happened yet and the project is successful. The owners of the building are responsible for upkeeps, legal matters (foreclosure) etc. after the purchase is conducted. The committee however does reserve the right to not assist in purchasing the property should there be an inspection/structural problem with the property chosen. Reference was made by Bob about 140b housing at “durum? Farms”. One unit is up for sale but due to restrictions process has not gone that well. Karen has helped tremendously, but still challenging.
Laura asked the committee for any questions. No questions. Jack and Karen dismissed at 7:47pm.
A. Chairperson’s Report
Herring Stone Property: Discussion took place between Laura and Neil Merrit(?), Hanson Water Superintendent throughout the past month in regards to Herring Stone (?) Preservation is not on the top of the departments’ priority list without grant money. Neil did call Laura to let her know the deadline for grant money has past. Owner appears interested in selling, however has not completed an application yet. Estimate of property is 210K. Laura then asked John to review with Conversation committee. He said it was on the plan, but needs to talk to open space committee: Phil Clemons, Bob Dillan, West ____ and ____. John will invite the committee to meet with CPA and follow up.
PR/ Brochure: Bill Clay has submitted a basic template for the CPA brochure. Laura has given this to Eileen to review/edit. Will be a good instructive tool to begin working with for the committee.
David Harris requested a motion to do the public open forum for CPA on 3/21/12. Patty Norton second. Motion approved by Laura; 8-0 vote. Eileen to work with Laura/Merry/Becky to get notification published in newspapers, cable, etc.
Dictation Machine: John Kemmett asked about a dictation machine for Eileen and committee to use. David Harris stated that the motion was approved long ago and budgeted about was around $300 (max); Eileen to do some analysis and report back to Laura.
Budget: Laura handed out to the committee the newly formatted CPA Budget reports for review. Committee liked the new format; recommendation was made to close out accessor ____. Bob will review and circle back to the committee on that item.
Prof. Arch. Doc and Aff. – Document which was presented by Patty Norton at last meeting was brought up. Patty has a ‘webmaster’ that is currently in Seattle and has not gotten back to her on the various questions. Next meeting she will have an update.
Historical Society – information was discussed on the fact that property within Hanson could be deemed ‘historic’, thus bring in more funds for initiatives. However, many residents are reluctant to do so in fear that perhaps restrictions will be placed on them as far as how the property gets treated. Examples: Nantucket, Yarmouth, Main Street-Hingham.
B. Old Business
Assessor’s Project – (LFK) committee just got the bill and it will be submitted for payment.
Bonny House Project – Allan stated that the roof is being worked on and if weather continues to cooperate, the clap boarding should be completed soon. TBD.
C. New Business
Memo regarding Nathaniel Thomas Mill from the conservation Commission was distributed – John Kemmett has outstanding question with Joe Healy(?); has not heard back but will follow up again. The unveiling this as a PR bang in spring was discussed. Questions surrounding putting a sign up was discussed and John will put it up since prior Allan had no problems getting permission, he originally was running the idea by Rene Read. Within the document, it made referenced to attached minutes from April 13th, 2011 which was not attached; Laura to send out that document to committee. Decision on whether to attend the Conservation Commission meeting on 3/7/12 is TBD.
Project Funding Timeline (Oct 2012) was distributed by Bob Sears. Good source of material to keep track of dates/deadlines (does not mean that applications cannot be submitted any time throughout the year).
Discussion on when to conduct the open forum was brought up by Laura – March 21st town hall meeting was approved. How to publically communicate this was discussed. Website can be designed for all CPA information. Ken volunteered to assist in building it and cross train Eileen for maintenance thereafter.
2012 Community Preservation Coalition Dues Notice – Laura motioned to pay it. Committee unanimously approved 8-0. Bill Sears second motion.
Committee Contact Information – John requested that all pertinent information and to include Eileen’s information be updated and distributed. Laura will send information out in the near future. Patty asked for Eileen’s email which was provided (ec2214@yahoo.com). Reminder: Allan gets a hard copy mailed to him.
Documents Handed Out in Meeting:
- Agenda
- Community Preservation Coalition – Is Our Project Allowable
- Town of Hanson – Budget Analysis
- Project Funding Timeline
- 2012 Community Preservation Coalition dues Notice (with W-9)
- Nathaniel Thomas Mill memo from the Conservation Commission
Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm by Laura and second by Patty. The next general meeting will be at 7:00 pm on 2/15/12 in Selectman’s Meeting Room in Hanson Town Hall.
Minutes submitted by: Eileen M. Burke
Approved by: ________________
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