Community Preservation Committee
January 24, 2011
Minutes
Members present: Frederick Keator (FK), Chair, Catherine May (CM), Joe G. Strauch (JGS), Suzanne Pelton (SP, Jim Sorrentino (JS) and Olga Weiss (OW).
Dia Trancynger and Ken Fowler absent.
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
FK opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
JS said he did not attend the last meeting and asked for clarification regarding the library bond issue. FK explained that the Town Treasurer attended the last meeting and offered an update on the library bond. The library bond was a fifteen year issue. The bond includes a buy-back provision and the bond can be repaid early. The CPC will need to discuss this option.
SP asked for clarification regarding the potential to rescind the CPA. She would like to know how many people have contacted the Town Clerk regarding the procedure to rescind the CPA. FK said he believes that the point is that the CPA is not perpetual and can be eliminated. During these difficult economic times residents might look for ways to save money. The CPC must be responsible with the CPA funds.
SP made a motion to approve the January 10, 2011 minutes. Seconded by CM and the committee voted 6-0 to approve.
FK asked for input regarding the library bond. JGS said that at this time he favors staying with the fifteen year bond. However, he said the CPC should review the FY ’12 applications and have a discussion after the project presentations. FK is concerned that town residents expect the library debt to be paid-off in ten years. SP said she questions the advantage to paying more in interest. OW wants to ensure there are CPA funds for other projects. She is especially concerned about affordable housing. If the committee puts too much emphasis on repaying the library there will not be funds for affordable housing.
JGS asked about the status of reserve funds if the CPA is rescinded. FK said the town is obligated to collect funds to pay-off the library. If there are funds in the reserve accounts the CPC would need to review projects and make recommendations. However, no new funds would be collected.
FK noted that the responsible course of action is to save money in these difficult times. SP is concerned that if the CPC does not fund projects there will be a lack of support for the CPA. Discussion of the library ensued. Members agreed that the library was an important project. However, it was noted that some people have been critical of the purchase because they supported the CPA as a tool for acquiring open space. FK said that CPA is still a new concept and needs to be nurtured. OW said that communities throughout the Commonwealth have used CPA funds for great projects. The consensus of the members was to revisit this matter after the project presentations.
FK asked for questions regarding the applications. MA said that she has scheduled the presentations as follows.
February 7, 2011
7:10 PM - Peter Property Study
7:20 PM – Berkshire Scenic Railway/Town of Lenox
7:40 PM – Historic Street Signs
February 28, 2011
7:10 PM – Curtis Porch
7:30 PM - Lenox Housing Trust
8:00 PM – Saw Mill Brook Affordable Housing Property Purchase
JGS said he would like to see maps of the Peters Property Study area and the Berkshire Scenic Railway. JS asked if the Peters property is on the market. MA said she believes the project is on the market and Dennis Welch is the broker. She does not know the asking price. Discussion ensued regarding the need for $55,000 to conduct a feasibility study. Members felt this was a lot of money for a feasibility study. MA said she believes this includes engineering work. Members are concerned that if they fund this study and the results are not positive the $55,000 will be wasted.
Members discussed the concept of wants vs. needs. All of the applications are great ideas. The CPC must determine if the projects are feasible especially in these difficult economic times. CPA cannot be the only funding source for a project. OW said that the CPC can always recommend less funding.
CM questioned the concept of funding recommendations based on anticipated funds. FK said that we know we have approximately $521,000. Greg proposed that the CPC consider $420,000 in anticipated revenue. The CPC can be conservative and recommend $521,000 or it can consider anticipated revenue. OW suggested that it is very likely that the economy will improve and there will be more CPA funds for future projects. She stressed the fact that the CPC has a good record.
SP suggested that the Historical Commission should offer input regarding the historic preservation proposals. FK said that the Historical Commission plays an important role and should consider preparing a 5 year plan for projects. He compared it to the Capital Improvement plan. SP felt that was a good idea and will discuss this concept with the Historical Commission.
CM asked about the Public Hearing. FK responded that the Public Hearing is an opportunity for all interested parties and citizens to offer input regarding the FY’12 applications.
Discussion ensued regarding the need for affordable housing. OW and MA explained that most affordable housing project received some type of public funding through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). DHCD is focusing on the development of housing units for persons who are considered very low income. Currently, DHCD is not funding ownership projects. OW and MA offered information regarding the Comprehensive Permit process and the Lenox Housing Production Plan.
At 8:15 p.m. JS made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by JGS and the committee voted 5-0 to approve.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: 2/7/2011
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