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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-09-CPC-min Community Preservation Committee August 9, 2006 Attending: Joel Adler, Norm Cohen, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendy Manz, Richard Pagett, Sandy Shaw, Betsey Weiss, Dick Wolk Not attending: Leo McSweeney The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. 1. Review CPC projects for possible Fall 2006 Special Town Meeting: a. Douglas House Betsey introduced the project by noting that she had spoken with Sandy Hammond and informed her that the project was too big to properly evaluate for Special Town Meeting and that it should be deferred until the Spring 2007 Town Meeting. She also spoke with Rachel Dorr, attorney for the project, who informed Betsey that she would still be submitting it for consideration. Norm advised that he had similar conversations with Ms. Dorr at the Selectmen’s meeting the previous evening, and that Ms. Dorr confirmed that delaying review would not compromise the project. Norm noted that to consider this important project now would distract from the limited purposes of the Special Town Meeting. Wendy noted that given the Town’s continuing need for affordable housing, the amount of the request ($901,000) and the number of new affordable units (15) seemed like a worthwhile project. Dick suggested that the CPC consult with an expert in this kind of project as part of the Committee’s review. He suggested that the CPC contact Marshall Derby in this regard. Richard suggested that all committee members should review the proposal carefully by the next meeting and circulate questions that the CPC could pose to the developer and Mr. Derby. It was moved, seconded and agreed that the CPC would defer consideration of this project until Spring Town Meeting (CPC deadline: November 1). In the meantime, the CPC will study the proposal and develop questions. Betsey will contact Mr. Derby, requesting his assistance, and advise Ms. Dorr of the CPC’s decision. b. Hancock-Clarke House historic structures report Norm stated that this project is very small ($25,000) and that the CPC had made an informal commitment to consider it if the Town had a Special Town Meeting. Marilyn noted that these funds were requested to match a Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) grant, and per MHC conditions, the project was on a tight time schedule so that earlier consideration would be beneficial. Wendy noted that the MHC letter announcing its grant was conditional on the Legislature’s approval of the funding. She suggested that the CPC request confirmation that this indeed had happened. Richard noted that the MHC grant was also conditional on raising matching funds and wondered what would happen if the CPC and Town Meeting did not approve of the CPC funding. It was assumed that the Lexington Historical Society would seek other funding elsewhere, as the project is already underway. It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed that the CPC should hold a public hearing on this project, subject to confirmation of MHC grant funding, with a view to proposing this project to Fall Town Meeting. Betsey will so advise Ms. Bennett. cDepot Square Building elevator . Richard noted that this, too was a small request ($44,000) and that we should consider it for Fall Town Meeting. Marilyn recognized the important role that the Depot Square Building plays in providing space for community events. Norm wondered whether the Lexington Historical Society does, indeed, charge a nominal fee for usage. Betsey confirmed that it does. Dick suggested that we should keep a running total of the amount of CPC funds that have been approved or proposed for each of the CPA categories. Betsey announced that for Historic Preservation, March Town Meeting approved $100,000 for the police station, $100,000 for the Fire Station and $60,000 for the vault at Cary Hall, or $260,000 total. Of the $2,300,000 CPA funds received in FY 07, at least $230,000 must be spent on Historic Preservation projects. Since no projects had been proposed for the other CPA purposes, the required funds had been placed in a reserve account. It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed that the CPC should hold a public hearing on this project, with a view to proposing this project to Fall Town Meeting. Betsey will so advise Ms. Bennett. d. Cary Hall Archives shelving 2 Betsey advised that Donna Hooper, Town Clerk, did not receive the anticipated NEH grant and therefore was requesting this funding for the town archives project for which Town Meeting had approved partial CPC funding last spring. Richard stated his strong support for this project, noting that it had been discussed for many years but there had never been sufficient funding in the town budget to do it – precisely the type of project for which the CPA had been enacted. Joel wondered whether the use of microfilm – discussed in the project description – was appropriate, given its obsolescence as an archiving technique. He suggested that alternative preservation techniques be investigated. Joel also wondered what would happen if the total cost of the project came in below the amount funded. Norm assured him that only the amount spent would be funded. Wendy suggested that in making funding recommendations, the CPC should propose amounts “up to” a certain level. It was moved, seconded and unanimously agreed that the CPC should hold a public hearing on this project, with a view to proposing this project to Fall Town Meeting. Betsey will so advise Ms. Hooper. e. Other projects Betsey announced that the individuals requesting information about a possible grant to purchase an easement on the Busa farm would not be submitting a proposal due to the high cost. Dick confirmed that the Conservation Committee is discussing options with the Busa family, noting that the Town has a right of first refusal should the Busas decide to sell their property. 2. Review Needs Assessment Report Drafts/CPC Website Betsey distributed packets with the various component parts of the Needs Assessment Report; Wendy will circulate her section by e-mail. Betsey requested that each CPC member review for discussion at the next CPC meeting. She also requested members review the CPC website, now believed to be substantially complete except for the posting of forms for the seniors’ exemptions 3. Vote on CPC Administrative Expenses Norm noted that despite the excellent job that the Tax Assessors’ Office is doing in administering the new CPC surcharge, nevertheless certain complicated trust structures have necessitated consultation with Town Counsel to determine whether the trusts would be eligible for the senior exemptions. He suggested that it would be an appropriate use of CPA administrative funds to compensate Town Counsel for this extra review. The CPC members agreed that this would be appropriate and agreed to consider it. 3 4. New Business Joel submitted a form that Andy Friedlich is circulating, asking town residents to indicate if they would have changed their vote on last Spring’s override components if the CPA had been approved at the lower 1% level. 4. Upcoming Meeting dates Public Hearing -- The to review Fall Town Meeting projects will be held on Thursday, October 5, at 5:30 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Betsey will reserve the room and post a notice in the Minute-Man. regular CPC meeting -- The next will be held on Thursday, September 7 at 5:00 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Betsey will reserve the room. adjourn 5. It was moved and seconded to . The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Fenollosa 4