Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of Meeting Held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014
7:00pm, Selectmen’s Hearing Room, Hudson Town Hall
Members Present: Absent from Meeting:
Peter Breton Minot Wood
Arthur Redding
Robert D’Amelio
Linda Ghiloni
Jennifer Burke
John Parent
Joseph Durant
Scott Duplisea
7:00pm Public Hearing – Community Preservation Plan
Ms. Burke directed individuals to the Community Preservation Plan document. She stated that this document gives information on the function of the committee, the establishment by the Town, guidelines/criteria for funding, spending controls, as well as information of projects funded over the past years. Annually the Committee updates the plan to reflect new projects funded and/or potential projects brought to the attention of the committee.
Discussion of Potential Purchase of Land Protected Under Chapter 61
Mrs. Gerwick and Mr. Mazmanian were present. Mr. Mazmanian stated that they needed more time to look at the appraisal since they only received it last Friday. He is questioning the calculations for the road and tear down of the house on 10 Old North Road (not part of the 26.88 acres). Mr. Bussink stated he contacted the appraiser, but could not get information since he was not the individual who contracted with the appraiser. Mr. Mazmanian indicated that he assumed the appraisal was based on certain development assumptions, then backing out cost of road and building a new house.
There were questions regarding public access and the possibility of an easement over 10 Old North Road. Mr. Mazmanian stated that was a possibility. Further discussion was held regarding access from Main Street or over gas easement and SVT land.
Mr. Verrault asked several questions for clarification from the committee – one of which was could the purchase be completed within the statutory time frame. Ms. Burke indicated that she requested a clarification on that issue from Town Counsel.
Several neighbors spoke in favor of the Town preserving the land.
Mr. Siminski from SmartHomes was present to inform residents that the development project was a Design Home 2014 project that would be featured in a Boston Magazine article gaining the housing project wide advertising for the energy efficient development.
A poll of the Committee was taken regarding the purchase and preservation with information at this point as follows:
Mr. Redding – No Mr. Durant – Yes, but more information
Mr. D’Amelio – needs more information Mr. Parent - No
Mrs. Ghiloni – Yes Mr. Duplisea – needs more information
Ms. Burke – Yes Mr. Breton – needs more information
According to the rules relating to 61 properties the landowner now has 30 days to seek an additional appraisal if they so desire, or accept the one that was provided by the Town. Mr. Mazmanian requested more time and would like to meet again next week.
The Committee scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 7:00pm to discuss this land preservation further.
Presentation – Town Hall Project – Michelle Ciccolo and Kerin Shea – Community Development Department
Ms. Ciccolo stated that the project is to provide the Town with a full assessment of the building envelope of the Town Hall. The Town Hall is on the State Register which qualifies it for historical preservation funding. There are significant leaks in several areas of the roof both on the shingled portion and slate areas, repairs may be necessary to the wood clad dormers, soffits and fascias and the remaining brick masonry may need some repointing. Simultaneously with the assessment they plan to perform an energy audit to seek information on the need for installation of insulation.
Ms. Burke stated that she contacted the Community Preservation Coalition regarding this project and they did state it was an allowable use and a great CPA project.
Ms. Ghiloni motioned to approve $31,464.00 from Historic Preservation from FY14, seconded by Mr. D’Amelio and carried…
Ms. Burke indicated that using FY14 fund would allow them to start the project immediately after approval from the May Town Meeting.
Vote: 8-0 in Favor
Presentation – Digitizing Historical Clipping File – Trustees of Hudson Historical Society
Mrs. Harrity. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Reid were present. Mrs. Harrity explained that the application was for additional digitizing of the 14000 paper documents currently within the museum. This application includes software, installation and a contracted person to scan the documents.
Questions arose over the actual amount to install the software on the application. It was unclear what that actually involved.
Since the Committee is meeting again on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 the CPC members suggested that the Society members come back with more information on that date.
Adjourn:
Mr. D’Amelio motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45pm, seconded by Mr. Durant and carried….
Vote: 8-0 in Favor
Motion to Adopt: Mr. D’Amelio
Second: Mr. Durant
Vote: 5 in Favor
2 abstained (Mr. Davis and Mr. Longtine) – July 29, 2014
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