Community Preservation Committee
October 21, 2013
Minutes
Members present: Frederick Keator (FK), Kate McNulty-Vaughan, (KMV), Joe G. Strauch (JS), Catherine May (CM), Eugene Chague (EC), Anthony Patella (AP), Channing Gibson (CG), Olga Weiss (OW) and Albert Harper (AH).
Also in attendance: Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
FK called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Minutes
OW made a motion to approve the September 23, 2013 minutes. Seconded by CG and the Committee voted 7-0 to approve the minutes. FK and AH abstained because they did not attend the meeting.
FY’ 14 CPC Process & Potential Projects
Discussion ensued regarding the development of a project review checklist. The concept of a checklist was introduced at the September meeting. Neither FK nor AH attended this meeting and both shared their concerns regarding a standardized checklist. OW defended the checklist concept and suggested it will improve the project selection process. FK suggested that the CPC mission statement outlines the factors to be used when reviewing applications. AH agreed with FK’s comments regarding the mission statement. AH also explained the legal concept of exclusion alterius. The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another. KMV disagreed with AH and FK. EC said he prepared suggestions for a checklist as voted on at the last meeting. He will use his checklist to
review projects. OW stressed the need to provide new members with an organized method for the review of applications. CG suggested a policy regarding matching funds – specifically pledges. KMV suggested that the CPC members have a good working relationship and there is strong difference of opinion on this matter. She suggested that the CPC table this matter and revisit it at a later date. FK tabled the discussion of a project review checklist.
The Committee discussed the 2013/14 meeting schedule. AP asked if there was a better meeting date and time. The consensus of the Committee was that Monday was the best meeting day. There was discussion regarding the meeting time and the Committee agreed to be flexible regarding the meeting time. FK asked the Committee to review the schedule and contact MA regarding conflicts. The Committee will finalize the schedule at its December meeting.
FK reminded the Committee that starting this year; the state will distribute the CPA Trust Fund match in November instead of October. FK said that in recent years the state match has been around forty percent. OW asked the source of this information. MA said the Community Coalition website has the CPA Trust Fund distribution data. MA will email the link. She suggested that member to review the Lenox information as well as information for others cities and towns in the Commonwealth.
The Committee discussed potential new projects. AP said that Kim Graham plans to request CPA funds for the rehabilitation of the Community Center basketball court and the restoration of the Town Beach. EC asked about the status of the Peter’s property. CG said the Town had an appraisal prepared for a portion of the property and the family is not interested in the selling the property for the appraised value. KMV asked CG if the Village Improvement Committee will be filing an application. CG said no. FK suggested that all Town projects should have Board of Selectmen approval prior to submission.
OW asked about the status The Curtis and the role of the Lenox Housing Authority. CM said that earlier this year the Patrick administration was considering the consolidation of housing authorities as well as privatization of some properties. This concept had very mixed reviews. She has not heard anything about this plan in the last couple months.
FK asked if there was any new information regarding the Sprague’s property. AH said he lives in that neighborhood and attended a neighborhood meeting. It is his understanding that the house that is located on north side of Under Mountain Road is in foreclosure. The family hopes to work with BNRC regarding the 150 +/- acres of farmland that is located to the south of Under Mountain Road. There might be an opportunity for the Town to work with BNRC on the preservation of the farm but he does not think there CPA application in the near future.
Existing Projects
OW and AH offered an update an the Church on the Hill Cemetery project. They reported that the project is going very well under Jeff Vincent’s leadership. OW suggested a tour. A tentative date of November 1, 2013 @ 10:00 AM was suggested. MA will send a confirmation email. The Historical Commission has not decided if a FY’15 CPA application will be submitted.
The next meeting will be December 9, 2013 at 7:00 PM.
Motion by AH and seconded by CG, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: December 9, 2013
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