TOWN OF HANSON
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes – July 18, 2012
Start Time: 7:04 pm
Members Present:
Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, John Kemmett (7:17pm), Patty Norton, Bill Strait, Allan Clemens, and Bob Sears
Absent: Bill Clay, Joe Gamache, Bob Overholtzer
Guest Present: John Norton and Phil Clemons
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Approval granted for June Minutes as prepared by Bob Sears.
Patty Norton (1st) Bill Strait (2nd); approved 5-0-1.
Chair Report: x
Outstanding Bills: x
Approval from Committee was granted for Laura to submit a bill for the cost of the creation/registration of the CPC website (Weebly Website) for $89.95. Bob Sears (1st); Patty Norton (2nd) approved 6-0.
Open Forum:
Town Forest Committee Pre-Application (Phil Clemons, Guest)
Phil Clemons presented to the committee a pre-application to request funding for a survey to be acquired for the Town Forest (now known as Veteran’s Town Forest – “VTF”). An estimate last year, placed the cost at under $8-9k, but could be more since this is an old estimate.
Currently there are no legal boundaries and the Town Forest abuts the skate park, baseball field, private property, etc. and clear boundaries need to be determined/recorded. This would be specific to lot 11 which has 30-35 acres.
Since five areas where offered to the town already (skate park, baseball field, etc.) Bill Strait asked if after the survey and boundaries are determined, will the VTF be looking to get those properties back; Phil stated that the committee is not looking to do that ~
The documentation and criteria was motioned for approval to move forward with the CPC application process; Laura (1st) Patty (2nd) 5-0-1 approved.
Phil stated that the paperwork should be submitted by August.
Archive Town Documents Project – John Norton, Guest
John Norton discussed with the Committee the possibility of pre-applying for funds in order to help pay for the collection of archive data for the Town of Hanson. He received two bids and would like to reach out for more so that a better estimate can be determined. The total cost is estimated around $30k. This would include the software, maintenance, cross training; the town would also own the copyrights.
Laura asked how the payments would be made – incrementally. John stated yes, since they would not pay for the entire amount until the job is done, which is expected to last 2-3 years.
Motion was approved to move forward with pre-application. Bob Sears (1st) Allan Clemons (2nd) Approved 6-0.
Book/Document Scanner Proposal – John Norton, Guest
John Norton presented a book and document scanner proposal to the committee for the construction of this scanner to be used by the Town of Hanson (Historical Society, Library, Town Clerk, etc.). The estimated cost would be around $1,300 or more.
Once built, the scanner can be used at a cost for other towns to use. The security and location of the camera’s for the unit was discussed and perhaps a cabinet type design could be drafted and submitted. (TBD)
Motion was approved to move forward with pre-application. Bob Sears (1st) Allan Clemons (2nd) Approved 6-0.
Old Business:
Thomas Mill Signs
The sign can be ready for installation, but discussions on the landscape/maintenance took place and the decision was made that the town is responsible for maintenance and not CPC. Also discussed was the unveiling of the sign and how it should coincide with a town sponsored event sometime in the fall.
Housing Authority
Laura asked if there was any word or follow-up with Karen Reilly in regards to a housing pre-application that was discussed in a previous CPC town meeting. No further information was supplied and deadline for applications is ending soon.
Camp Kiwanee Firehouse Project
Bill Strait informed the CPC that the Friends of Camp Kiwanee business plan was accepted but moving forward has been difficult. Laura suggested that a consult be brought in to work with all members so that improvements can be made and that at the next meeting a representative from CPC will be present; Eileen to coordinate with Ann Marie on getting CPC on their agenda.
Bonney House Project –
Allan Clemons stated that he has connected with a contractor, Richard Friberg, in E. Bridgewater and needs to set up a formal meeting. More information to come; however, he did point out that the lot was recently mowed and looked nice.
New Business:
Plymouth County Hospital
Laura will be meeting with Rene Reed to discuss the current status on the project. Bob Sutter, who spoke to the CPC in June proposed that the committee assist in funding this project which is to develop assisted living housing in the town and have 19 acres set aside for recreation which would be overseen by the Conservation Commission. Before Laura meets with Rene, she wanted to ensure CPC was committed to moving forward with this project. CPC stated that they were on board – Laura to set up meeting.
Phragmites
John Kemmett mentioned that federal funding has been announced to help chemically get rid of the phragmites that plague the conservation lands/wetlands. Project is just being started and the rough estimate is about $4k.
Laura Kemmett mentioned that he should contact Stuart to confirm data/information, and more discussions to take place at next meeting.
Community Preservation Org – Website
Bob Sears referenced the Community Preservation website and how it has recently been updated (http://communitypreservation.org). Funding for CPC has been increased to $25m, which may include recreation maintenance. Laura suggested that the committee take a look at the webpage and think about the impact.
Bob also mentioned that he thinks the Community Preservation annual meeting will be in October-November.
This link will be included on our town webpage.
Administration:
PR Brochure – another revision to the brochure will be made so that it’s consistent with the design/feel of the CPC website.
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 in May. Eileen is working with the printer and needs to redesign the banner so that it can expand into a larger format. More work to be done.
Website Update: Website has been designed and any updates should go to Laura by Saturday morning since it will be publicized this coming weekend in The Boston Globe. Eileen to work with Merry on updating the town website with new contacts, new website link and minutes posted.
Documents Distributed at Meeting:
- Agenda and June Town Hall Minutes
- CPC Website
- CPC Pre-App Documentation – Town Forest Committee
- CPC Pre-App Documentation – Book/Document Scanner for Town of Hanson
Next Meeting: August 15, 2012 – 7pm
Adjournment: 8:40 pm – Bob Sears (1st), Allan Clemons (2nd); 6-0 approved.
Minutes submitted by: Eileen Burke
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