2012-07-24-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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David Kanter explained the financial implications of the changes in the legislation. The new legislation includes a $25 million transfer to the state’s CPA trust fund available for distribution in Fall, 2013, approximately doubling the current trust fund. The precise amount available for allocation to the CPC trust fund depends on the collections of the Registry of Deeds. After a period of decline, the past three month’s collections are showing nearly a 20% rate of growth. Allocation of the trust fund will be though a 3-level distribution, two of which favor communities with small population and low average property values, i.e. unfavorable to Lexington. Mr. Kanter’s analysis suggests Lexington will fare slightly better than we have in prior years, bearing in mind that the actual outcome is largely dependent upon activity in the real estate market. Expenses f Ms. Manz reported thatiscal year end administrative expenses included payment for the Wright Farm appraisals and Community Preservation Coalition annual dues. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the November 21, 2011, December 5, 2011, December 19, 2011, January 9, 2012 and January 18, 2012 meetings, as well as the December 19, 2011 public hearing were approved with minor corrections by a unanimous vote of those present on a motion proposed by Mr. Cohen and seconded by Ms. Fenollosa. Policy Discussions Relating to Land Acquisitions Formal input from stakeholders prior to BOS designation of land use to be included in CPA funding application Ms. Manz discussed a proposal to require the Selectmen to include consideration of the four CPA purposes (i.e open space, recreation, housing and historic resources) for each land purchase request with CPA funds. She suggested that all interested parties have the opportunity to present their preferred use to the Selectmen and that these formal proposals be attached to the subsequent application for CPA funding to ensure documentation of the reasoning for the recommended land use. Reaction among the members was mixed, suggesting the need for further discussion. Designation of a portion of land acquisition for general municipal use. Ms. Weiss suggested that a portion of each municipal land purchase using CPA funds be designated for general municipal purposes. Such a set aside would effectively provide a safety valve to accommodate uses not initially considered at the time of purchase and Town Meeting approval. There was interest in investigating how such a proposal could be implemented.