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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-08-CPC-min COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Legion Room Thursday, May 8, 2008 4:00 p.m. Present: CPC Chair, Betsey Weiss, Joel Adler, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendy Manz, Leo McSweeney, Richard Pagett, Judy Pearson, Sandy Shaw and Dick Wolk. David Kanter, CEC Liaison was also present. Absent : Norman Cohen CPC Chair, Betsey Weiss called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. She first thanked the Committee and then proceeded with the agenda as follows: 1. Suggestions for changes for next year – municipal, school and land projects? The question of how much information is appropriate for project applicants to share in order for an application to be accepted was asked. In general, the Committee felt that applications in this year’s application process and cycle were presented with inadequate information and back up. More detailed rationale for projects and substantive justification is needed with each application, as are actual estimates and/or copies of appraisals. With regard to municipal projects, the Committee also agreed that each project should be submitted on its own individual application form with one project only per application. There was some discussion concerning the integrity of the Committee. Some expressed the feeling that the CPC is seen as a housekeeping unit. The conclusion one made, from the Town Meeting process, is that Town Meeting will approve any project that is budget relieving. Is the CPC Project Application form itself helpful? Does it seek all the necessary and pertinent information? The Committee felt it was and that in addition to the CPC’s general application form, it will continue to accept the Town’s general Capital Improvement Projects request form but that all elements of the CPC application must be included on the Town form. A breakdown of budget and requested funding must be explicitly defined with written estimates of cost. The consensus of the Committee was that the CPC should discuss these matters with appropriate Town personnel in June so they have ample time to respond accordingly to the CPC project th application deadline of October 15. Other matters of concern mentioned, and to be discussed, were the follow-up on projects and the overall procurement process. Some to be invited to a June meeting, although not complete, are Rob Addelson, Mary Ellen Dunn, Pat Goddard, Bill Hadley, Karen Mullins, Dave Pinsonneault, Karen Simmons, and Carl Valente. 2. Working with Town Counsel The CPC desires a more direct route to Town Counsel and believes such approach could expedite the process and minimize legal fees. In general, the concern is that Legal Counsel’s interpretation of project eligibility is translated through a third party and the CPC has little, if any, opportunity to dialogue directly with Legal and/or incorporate legal jargon into summary responses and write-ups. David Kanter suggested that the CPC prepare a document for Town Counsel from which Town Counsel could review and then respond. 3. The Needs Assessment – annual review Betsey shared that the Needs Assessment requires an annual review. To do such and to be completed by September, Betsey appointed sections as originally assigned and as follows: ?? Leo McSweeney to review community housing J. Pearson, 2008-05-08-CPC-min 1 ?? Dick Wolk to review open space ?? Marilyn Fenollosa to review historic preservation ?? Sandy Shaw to review recreation ?? Wendy Manz to review the tables, appendices and accompanying documents In addition to the above, Betsey appointed Joel Adler to review the CPA Questions and Answers document and herself to review the CPC Project Application Summary Form. 4. Land Acquisition update Dick Wolk stated that the amended appraisal was short of the agreed upon sale price noting that there is some question as to the various values assigned in the appraisal. Consequently, the Conservation Commission is seeking two additional appraisals in order to further validate the land value. It was agreed, that in the future, a written appraisal would precede an offer. The CPC also suggested asking Stuart Saginor, Executive Director of the Community Preservation Coalition, to comment on land parcels and th required appraisals in relation to land acquisition at the June 5 training workshop. th 5. Suggestions or questions for Stuart Saginor on June 5 th Questions, in addition to land parcels, that would be helpful for Stuart to address on June 5 were discussed. The CPC thought questions regarding open space, project oversight, as well as CPA impact on local Assessor’s offices would be helpful. Betsey will share this list with Stuart. 6. Complete projects Judy handed out a spreadsheet outlining completed CPA projects. A motion was made and supported unanimously to close out the New Boiler and Oil Tank for Buckman Tavern project and return the unspent surplus balance to the Community Preservation Fund financing source from which the appropriation was funded (Historic Resources Reserve). Another motion was made and supported unanimously to close out the first item in the Cary Hall Restoration and Rehabilitation project and return the unspent surplus balance to the Community Preservation Fund financing source from which the appropriation was funded (Historic Resources Reserve). Judy will work with the Town accountant to close out these projects and to return any surplus to the appropriate fund prior to the close of the current fiscal year. 7. Other th The date of Monday, June 9 was identified as the date for a meeting with Town department heads and personnel. Betsey will contact the appropriate parties and confirm the date. In doing so, the CPC will work to obtain an electronic copy of the Town Capital Improvement Project form. With no further business, CPC Chair, Betsey Weiss adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Judy Pearson Administrative Assistant to the CPC J. Pearson, 2008-05-08-CPC-min 2