Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
CPA-5-6-13
Saved text from 3 of 3 source pages. Transcription and OCR may contain errors; verify figures and wording against the original.
Source page 1
Town of Canton, Massachusetts COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes of May 6, 2013 After due notice, a meeting of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) was held on Monday, May 6, 2013 at the Canton Public Library, beginning at 7:10 pm. Committee Members in attendance: Alfano, Comeau J., Comeau G., Golledge, Lopez, Sundin, and Pannico. Observers: none Absent: Bogue & McSweeney Review and approval of minutes of April 1, 2013 meeting MOTION : To accept the minutes of April 1, 2013 by Jeremy Comeau and seconded by Bob Golledge. VOTE : 7-0-0 CPC’s Town Meeting warrant articles A general discussion ensued as to the importance of the ATM. The Chair will present to the body of the ATM a basic educational report. The CPC will request that the articles be bundled – with the exception of the budget item that may have to be taken up with the municipal budget. Also, the Chair will present a brief overview of the progress of the “working-groups” so that the community has a clear understanding of the development of the CPC. The CPC indicated that the hope is that the Economic Development Commission will support the article centered upon the $100,000 exemption. The articles for the 2013 ATM as requested by the CPC are as follows: $100K exemption for commercial/industrial property; $20K/5% budgeted reserve for administrative expenses; 10% set asides for open space, historical preservation and community housing & undesignated budgeted reserve for balance of FY14 CPA funds. Reports from working groups, discussion and next steps Governance – George Comeau briefed the CPC on the research of towns that have strong governance documents. Both Wellesley and Northampton have been held out as good models. There was discussion that centered on the legality of “Citizen’s Speak.” The subcommittee plans to meet and review their work towards moving forward a draft governance document for the next meeting of the CPC. – Page 1 of 3 minutes_050613_final.docx
Source page 2
Project application & process – Kathy Fox Alfano presented information whereby the group reviewed applications, which they found online. In particular the group looked at Norwell as well as a few other examples. One form had particularly good information for pre-applications for applicants. The Town of Easton had a particularly good application process. There was discussion regarding “special applications” for such projects as last-minute land acquisitions. All of the processes included building in timelines for inclusion prior to ATM. A discussion ensued in which the CPC discussed the possible ways to judge and weigh the various priorities and initiatives. The working group will bring back a draft application and application process, which will include the following documents: P rocess, Pre-Application, Standard Application and Special Exemption. Community Preservation Plan – Deb Sundin reported on a series of plans that had been gathered from other communities. In looking at existing plans within the Town of Canton, the group reviewed the 2004 Canton Master Plan, and the 2005 Housing Action Plan. The group felt that the CPC should reach out to several community boards and non-profits – including among others the Historical Society, Friends of the Blue Hills, CABI, Mass Audubon, sports leagues, Nep RW A and several other potential proponents. The group proposed two public workshops/hearings for September. Also, discussion about a website was briefly mentioned as well as solicitation of comments and conducting a survey. The group reports that a preliminary plan could be assembled by October and completed by November. Jeremy Comeau reported that a professional plan would cost $9,000 - $14,000. The CPC found that excessive and felt that this work could be done within the CPC and thus saving the community the expense. The working group will work to gather surveys from other communities for consideration. Plymouth Rubber Site Update Discussion about whether the CPC should weigh in on the proposed uses of the Plymouth Rubber site. Bob Golledge felt that individuals should express their personal views as opposed to having the CPC express a collective view. Kathy Fox Alfano felt we should partner with various boards to remind them that we are available as a resource. Deb Sundin expressed her feeling that the CPC should be more proactive in reaching out to allow citizens to learn more about the types of projects that could be funded through the CPC. George Comeau felt that the CPC acts in the capacity much like the “World Bank” in funding projects that fit within rubric of the CPA and that we take a more restrained role in getting involved in such projects. There was general discussion, no action was needed or taken. Other business The Chair updated the board on a discussion with a local attorney representing a developer who wished to present a proposed zoning change to the ATM. The Chair – Page 2 of 3 minutes_050613_final.docx
Source page 3
took advantage of the opportunity to “disabuse him of the notion of what the CPC was about.” The CPC stands firm on not being the group in charge of maintaining affordable housing levels within the Town of Canton. The Chair reiterated the fact that the CPC would not take position on the zoning article. The CPC supported the Chair in her handling of the matter. MOTION : Motion was made by George Comeau to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 pm. Seconded by Deb Sundin. VOTE : 7-0-0 Next Meeting: Monday, June 10, 2013 at 7:10 pm at the Canton Public Library. A true record. George T. Comeau, Esq., Clerk – Page 3 of 3 minutes_050613_final.docx