TOWN OF HANSON
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes/Open Forum – March 21, 2012
Members Present:
David Harris, Laura FitzGerald Kemmett, John Kemmett, Bob Sears, Patty Norton, Bill Clay, Bill Strait and Allan Clemens
Absent: Ken Lawson
Guests Present:
Open Forum, including: Sean Kealey, Mrs. Louise Scott, and Ms. Tracy Sealy
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes, with modifications:
Motion to Accept by David - Second by Patty. 6-0
Communications and Updates:
Review of two emails (copies distributed to committee):
- Open Meeting Law AG Opinion from Rene’ J. Read, Town Administrator; (reminder that not to correspond in detail via email).
- Robbins Property – Potential Donation to Town from Scott MacFaden to Phil Clemons (potential of Regina Robbins donating parcel to the Town of Hanson).
Chair Report:
Address Finances – none
Budget – not discussed
Outstanding Bills – none
Other Chair Report Items – none discussed
Old Business:
Thomas Mill Sign – John still looking into it; recommended before brochure that sign be in place.
Housing Authority – nothing critical to discuss
Camp Kiwanee Firehouse Project – Laura asked the committee if Camp Kiwanee needs additional funds, since there are some funds still budgeted for it. Bill Strait will look into this and get back to us.
Re-roofing Bonney House Project – Allan mentioned how the Eagle Scouts with 50 volunteers helped clean up the fields (stumps cleared). Inside of Bonney House is being worked on – need building permit which Allan will oversee. Laura mentioned that the committee should do a walk through at some point.
New Business:
PR Brochure – Bill Clay and Patty Norton forward to Eileen Burke town pictures. Eileen to draft a brochure and forward to committee for edits/commits; hopefully the brochure will be completed by next meeting 4/16/12. Eileen to look into local printers when brochure is finalized for costs.
Website – to be completed after brochure.
Timeline Discussion – Applications will open in August, deadline in November, 2012 for approval by the May 2013 town meeting.
Other New Business – Potential of Congressional Church applying for funds to help in repairing the roof – historic property. Good ‘PR’ for CPC if granted.
Next Meeting: 4/16/12
Adjournment: Motion to Adjourn by Bob – Second by Patty. 7-0
Minutes submitted by: Eileen Burke
Open Forum Minutes – March 21, 2012
Members Present:
David Harris, Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, John Kemmett, Bob Sears, Patty Norton, Bill Clay, Bill Strait and Allan Clemens
Absent: Ken Lawson
Guests Present:
Open Forum, including: Sean Kealy, Mrs. Louise Scott, and Ms. Tracy Seeley
Discussions:
Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett began meeting with overview of what CPC:
- The town adopted the state’s Community Preservation Act in 2008 at a 1.5 percent assessment rate on the real estate tax — about $75 per homeowner in town paid in two installments per year. How the funds, matched by the state through the registry of deeds, are spent is determined at the October special Town Meeting each year.
- State budgeting during the recession, the match has been reduced in recent years. It’s down to 22 percent but has been as high as 36 percent and many towns are beginning to clamor for a higher matching rate and works out to $125,000 per year for Hanson to use on community preservation projects, but with limitations: Historic preservation, open space/recreation and housing are the three areas where the funds can go. CPC membership includes representatives from the town’s conservation, hosing, historic, parks and fields and recreation boards.
- Examples of successful CPC projects where given:
- Bonney House roof repair on High Street
- The “two-holer” and hearse house on the grounds of the Historical Society building on Main Street also had roof repairs done with CPC funds.
- Funds had been used to help preserve historic records in the assessor’s office, which were deteriorating to the point where public access was becoming a problem.
- Thomas Mill was also purchased with CPC funds. ($74k).
- DPW property, a piece of the property adjacent to spring well and other town owned properties was purchased; now all property surrounding town water is protected.
- Firehouse property.
- In relation to housing, money has yet to be spent; however, CPC is researching the topic. Recently the committee had representation from the Town of Marshfield Housing Authority at a meeting to discuss how the process works and operates within the town.
- Bob Sears gave an in-depth overview of the Hanson Housing Authority and how it operates.
- Laura discussed how people can apply for CPC funds and suggested that residents go to: http://communitypreservation.org to complete a matrix that would tell you if you prequalify to apply for funding.
- Laura and Bill Clay reviewed some future projects involving the cap’s historic buildings in regards to Camp Kiwanee:
- The gatehouse could be refurbished, but would committee would need an application to consider.
- Allen referenced the bathhouse needing repair
- Patty noted that the Historical Society noted that Camp Kiwanee itself was National Historic Register which would allow them to be considered for grants.
- Bob stated the $58k is earmarked for affordable housing programs in town, including projects such as Habitat for Humanity.
- In closing, Laura thanked everyone for coming, informed the residents that they could reach any committee member via the Town of Hanson’s website (http://www.hanson-ma.gov/Public_Documents/HansonMA_BComm/Comprecom). Patty also mentioned that the committee has regular town hall meetings on the third Wednesday of each month and that all are invited.
EOM – 7:55pm
Next Meeting: 4/18/12
Adjournment: Motion to Adjourn by Bob – Second by Patty. 7-0
Minutes submitted by: Eileen Burke
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