TOWN OF HANSON
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes – May 23, 2012
Start Time: 6:55 pm
Members Present:
Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, John Kemmett, Patty Norton, Bill Clay, Bill Strait, Allan Clemens, and Bob Sears
Absent: Ken Lawson
Guest Present: Paul Nicol from the Hanson Food Pantry
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Approval granted with the agreement that one edit be made to April Town Hall minutes. Also, March Town Hall with Open Forum minutes approved. Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett (1st) Patty Norton (2nd); approved 7-1-0.
Chair Report:
Outstanding Bills: None
Communication:
Laura with the assistance of Merry created a job description to replace David Harris which was locally publicized. There is one candidate, but Laura would like to wait until we receive a pool of applicants so that a more thorough search can be conducted.
Old Business:
Thomas Mill Signs – no updates
Housing Authority – no updates
Camp Kiwanee Firehouse Project – An application will be resubmitted to CPC for funds to help with the firehouse project. Bill Strait stated that when Laura attended the recreation meeting, the members were impressed and pleased with her enthusiasm. Discussions on the town spending $25k on project through Capital Improvement Committee and whether or not the funds could have gone through CPC – non-issue at this point. Next priority will be gatehouse.
Bonney House Project –
Bill Clay referenced that we may reach out to Paul on the interior repairs needed at Bonney House.
Allan stated that he wanted to get the exterior completed before approaching or moving to repairs for the interior of Bonney House.
New Business
PR Brochure – first draft completed and distributed to members who will review for edits.
CPC Banner – decision on purchasing a banner ($150) for CPC representation at town events was motioned and approved. Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett (1st) Patty Norton (2nd); approved 7-0.
Website Update: Continuing project – no update.
Timeline Discussion – no update – was discussed at prior meeting.
Other:
Vision – Laura discussed that one of her main objectives for the CPC was to have a clear vision and plan so that CPA gets recognized and accredited for projects completed and ongoing projects. First way the board could do this is by being proactive and takes a lead in the Plymouth County Hospital (PCH) project. Laura explained how it would be a great opportunity to work with the historic, open space, housing, etc. committees.
Prior estimated costs to tear down PCH were $1M. Where CPC has $450k not spent, it could be used towards this incentive with help also from other town departments, and state monies. Laura asked for feedback on the thought on this topic.
Bob: right now its economically cheap to try and get help due to economy and its definitely something to consider and costs could now be under $1M. Committee will need to go to selectman first so concerns should be brought up now.
John – concerns about how this is or could be an analysis/paralysis process. More research needed from historical department on removal of building. Laura agreed.
Allan – when town bought it, studies were done; oil tanks and asbestos were removed.
Bill Clay – Referenced studies were done and plans submitted. Open Space Committee has usage plan completed. However, more focus on Camp Kiwanee is needed – received email for need of more soccer field space. Laura stated that this project could be part of that solution.
Bob – preliminary talks were done already on this property and no leases would be considered until it’s cleaned up.
Patty – believed cleanup will cost more now and once building is torn down, another report or study will need to be done.
Allan – buildings are ok, except for hospital building.
Laura took this as a leeway to introduce Paul from the Hanson Food Panty (HFP) and asked him to give us an overview of what he does for the town.
Paul – HFP has $21k cash and another $21k from the Firestone Foundation. Union workers/volunteers are free so there is ability to fix building. Also, Brownfield money is available. Suggested sectioning off PCH so that work can begin and smaller clean ups can be done around the other buildings, which everyone (town committee members, citizens, etc.) can begin to see the improvements and be more aware. Believes many volunteers will help and also mentioned BCBS will donate volunteers. Issue continues to be asbestos but that can be fixed by covering it up and sealing it rather than trying to pry it away – it will spread. Total of 103k can be allocated, but that will leave 25k short of estimates; could be something that CPC can be part of and place their name too.
Patty Norton left meeting: 7:45pm.
Bob – Started by thanking Paul for coming in and sharing his comments to the committee. Also told him that the HFC has a terrific reputation and thanked him for all the work he’s put into it; asked if building was considered historical.
Allan – yes, built in 1915.
Paul – the building is co-exists with the ‘bee-keepers’, a private group/company; however, never see them there.
John – made reference to a building in Braintree/Department of revenue? Allan stated that we could consider the funds to go for window/door improvements.
Bob – need a better understanding and to ask questions; referenced the Hanover project gone through CPA.
Laura - mentioned that there are probably many examples on the CPA organizational website.
General talks continued, repeating a lot of what was already discussed. Paul mentioned how the property could be a continuing walkway/trail; Laura recommending the parks/fields be involved for soccer space; asked if citizens would have concerns about the land and chemicals. Allen stated that there are no chemicals; that it is clean.
Laura – let’s all think about it and circle back next month for further discussion/decisions to be made. Thanked Paul for his time and suggested he submit an application. Laura also asked that Paul continue to communicate with her (keep her in the loop) and he agreed.
Paul left at 8:25pm.
Bill Strait – apologized for not being at the Earth Day event and suggested more talks and organization next time there is a town function because there were a lot of people at the event.
Laura asked Eileen to help look into a banner and table for these events, possibly using Webster printing as a resource for the banner.
Documents Distributed at Meeting:
- Agenda
- April Town Hall Minutes
- March Town Hall/Open Forum Meeting Minutes
- Draft of CPC Brochure
Next Meeting: June 20, 2012
Adjournment: 8:30 pm - Allan Clemons (1st motion), John Kemmett (2nd motion); 6-1-0 approved as Patty left early.
Minutes submitted by: Eileen Burke
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