2016-10-27-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2) Cotton Farm Conservation Area Improvements- Jordan McCarron reviewed the request seeking $300,403 in FY18 CPA funds for improvements to the Cotton Farm Conservation Area. He noted that a number of in -house improvements were already performed by the conservation stewards but CPA funds would be needed to address long -term goals for the property. Proposed improvements to the space would include removal and naturalization of a major portion of the existing driveway and parking area, relocation and construction of a new expanded parking area and installation of an ADA accessible trail and pond viewing platform. Mr. Hornig disclosed that he would not participate in the discussion because his father owns property across the street from the Cotton Farm Conservation Area. The CPC discussed various aspects of the project, including the pending conservation restriction on the property, extinguishing the Cataldo family's easement for use of the existing driveway and impacts of the new driveway on the conservation land. Mr. Wolk suggested that a further break -down of the associated costs for the project would be helpful. The CPC voted in a straw poll to support the project (8 -0 -1) but also voiced concern about the lack of cost break -down. Mr. McCarron agreed to provide a more detailed cost estimate for the project. 3) Willard's Woods and Wright Farm Meadow Preservation- Mr. McCarron also presented the FY18 request for $40,480 for preservation of two meadows. He briefly reviewed a past funding request approved by the CPC and Town Meeting which provided funds for similar preservation at Hennessey Field and Joyce Miller's Meadow as part of the multi -year Conservation Meadow Preservation Program. The FY18 phase would preserve, restore and protect approximately 20 acres of conservation meadow at Willard's Woods and Wright Farm. The CPC recognized this project as being a capital request rather than maintenance (the latter not allowed under the CPA statute) but questioned some aspects of the application, including the annual mowing expenses ($1,600) and construction costs ($35,200). Mr. McCarron confirmed that annual maintenance costs were not built into any part of the request. He also explained that construction costs referred to the actual work being performed- clearing of the land and removal /grinding of debris. Ms. Fenollosa asked if it was possible to break -down the cost further but Mr. McCarron and Ms. Mullins believed it was already broken down as much as possible. The CPC voted in a straw poll to support the project, 9 -0. 4) Annual Town Report- After a motion duly made and seconded, the CPC voted (9 -0) to approve its section of the 2016 Annual Town Report, as submitted. 5) CPC Needs Assessment- Ms. Fenollosa reviewed the process for the Needs Assessment document and mentioned the public hearing would be held sometime in December to receive comments on the report. Sections were distributed to the appropriate members for updates. 6) Members Concerns- Mr. Pressman questioned the way in which yearly debt service payments were allocated to revenue sources. In referencing the FY17 debt service approved by 2016 Annual Town Meeting, he mentioned that the Wright Farm debt service was paid from the Open 2