Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
Min-20161102112359
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Town of Canton, Massachusetts COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Minutes of June 20, 2016 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm in the Aldrich Meeting Room at the Canton Public Library. Committee members in attendance: Lisa Lopez, George Comeau, Bob Panico, John McSweeney, Michael Mitcheroney, Deb Sundin (arrived at 8:00 pm) Guests: Stacey Gorman (who has been selected as the Parks & Recreation Commission's representative to the CCPC, but who has not yet been appointed by the BOS), Debby Stein Sharpe Minutes Motion to approve minutes of April 25, 2016 by John McSweeney, seconded by Michael Mitch- eroney, approved 5-0-0. Treasurer's Report The Committee reviewed the Treasurer's Report (attached hereto). Motion to approve the Treasurer's Report by John McSweeney, seconded by Bob Panico, approved 5-0-0. Review Ongoing CPA Projects and Requests for Funding Extensions Proponents of several projects funded in FY 2016 provided status reports and requested funding extensions for another year. First Parish Unitarian Universalist —Steeple and Spire Restoration The project proponent requested a funding extension. The Historic Preservation Restriction is being reviewed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC). Upon approval by this agency, the restriction will need to be signed by the Board of Selectmen. Restoration activity can commence upon execution of the signed restriction. G. Comeau stated that MHC generally takes 3 months to fmalize their review. The Committee directed K. Phelps to follow up with MHC staff for a status update. Tilden House Restoration G. Comeau noted that the historic structures report had been finalized and the construction portion of the project will go to bid shortly. Work could begin by late August/early September and he expects the building to be weather tight by winter. A funding extension was requested. Firefighter's Memorial Bell Restoration The Fire Chief submitted a project update and request for funding extension. The bell is with the vendor and should be restored and returned by September in time for the annual Firefighter's Memorial Sunday. Page 1 of 4 CCPC Minutes of June 20, 2016
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Martha Howard Petticoat Restoration and Preservation This project is complete; however, final bills have not been submitted for payment by the Historical Society. An extension is needed only to allow for reimbursement to the Society. Historical Documents Master Plan Library Director, Mark Lague submitted a project update and request for funding extension. The Master Plan is nearly complete. A final meeting with the consultant is scheduled for late June and the Plan should be finalized shortly thereafter. Canton Corner Cemetery — Phase I Kathi Keith submitted a request for a funding extension in May, noting that the conservator working on the project had been delayed due to weather and personal scheduling conflicts. She expects that the gravestone restoration work will be completed by late summer/early fall. Canton Corner Cemetery —Receiving Tomb & Vaults (Design and Specifications) Historical Commission Chairman Sepp Bergschneider confirmed that the project was complete but in need of a funding extension to finalize bills. Motion to extend funding until June 30, 2017 for the above projects by George Comeau, seconded by John McSweeney, approved 5-0-0. Town Meeting Recap The Committee discussed their perceptions of the Town Meeting process vis-a-vis their funding recommendations. Points raised during this discussion follow: Public information night and information documents are effective methods for disseminating information and maintaining a transparent process Human element works to generate support; find stakeholders who are willing to speak at Town Meeting as to how proj ect(s) will impact them Community housing projects remain controversial; need to expand education efforts in this area CCPC Leadership — Nominations and Elections Current CCPC Chair, Lisa Lopez, polled the members present regarding their desire to serve in a leadership capacity. She added that she had spoken with members not present at the meeting. Based on this discussion, L. Lopez made the following nominations for FY 2017 CCPC officers: George Comeau — Chair Lisa Lopez — Vice Chair Deb Sundin — Treasurer John McSweeney — Secretary Motion to approve the slate of CCPC officers as nominated by Bob Panico, seconded by George Comeau, approved 6-0-0. Page 2 of 4 CCPC Minutes of June 20, 2016
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Community Preservation Plan — Discuss & Plan for Comprehensive 2017 Update L. Lopez stated that the last two updates of the Community Preservation Plan have been limited in scope and noted the need for a more comprehensive update in the coming year (5 years out from development of original plan). The Committee discussed ways to enhance outreach and expand input for the 2017 Update. Suggestions included: distributing a CPA questionnaire at Summer Concert Series and Fall Coffee Houses; adding a feedback field on the CCPC website; sending requests for input to residents through water bills; coordinating with churches/civic organizations to have a presence at their major events; and installing word walls at Town Hall and Canton Library. Community Housing — Formation of Study Group to Research Funding Options L. Lopez noted the need to obtain additional subject matter expertise in the area of Community Housing. K. Phelps has attended two housing seminars this year and reported that most of the communities who have had success in creating new affordable units have done so through a municipal affordable housing trust. Mass Housing Partnership is willing to provide information sessions related to the creation and operation of housing trusts. L. Lopez suggested the formation of study group led by Ms. Phelps to expand the groups working knowledge in this arena. I McSweeney agreed to work with K. Phelps in researching new approaches to the community housing issue. The Committee also suggested that Ms. Phelps collaborate with the new Town Planner in pursuing this research. FY 2018 CPA Projects — Discuss and Plan for Soliciting and Assisting Potential Applicants The Committee discussed strategies for reaching out to potential CPA applicants. G. Comeau presented a workshop for potential applicants last year and suggested that video from this presentation might be available from Cable 8 to post on the CCPC website. Application materials will be distributed to past applicants and other parties and a press release sent to the local papers. CCPC members suggested pulling a paid advertisement in the Canton Citizen and asking the library to highlight the open application period on their scrolling message board. Trails Committee member Debby Stein Sharpe was present at the meeting to inquire about an application from her group for a Town Trail Map. The Committee encouraged her to pursue a CPA application for this project and K. Phelps agreed to attend a future meeting of the Trails Committee to review the application process and assist as needed. Update on Discussions with Potential Conservation Restriction Holders for Paul Revere Heritage Site L. Lopez and K. Phelps met with the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) about its ability/interest in holding the required Conservation Restriction (CR) on the CPA -funded open space at the Paul Revere Heritage Site. NepRWA does not hold any CRs at this time, but it is willing to be the holder of last resort. K. Phelps stated that both the Trustees of Reservations and Mass Audubon declined to hold the CR. G. Comeau suggested reaching out to the Natural Resources Trust of Easton as a potential holder. Based on conversations with these organizations, it is likely that whichever party holds the CR will require a payment in the $15,000 range to cover associated costs (baseline documentation, monitoring, insurance, etc.). These costs are eligible for funding as a CPA project. Page 3 of 4 CCPC Minutes of June 20, 2016
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On a related note, L. Lopez stated that Paul Revere Heritage Site Building Use Committee member John Bonnanzio is willing to approach the Revere Copper Company to see if it would be willing to assist in providing a copper roof for the Rolling Mill. The Committee indicated its support for efforts to broaden awareness and attract private support to the Heritage Site, particularly by a company that might have its own interest in marketing its support of the site. Committee member Bob Panico volunteered to work with J. Bonanzio to make the "pitch" to the Revere Copper Company. L. Lopez added that the Paul Revere Heritage Site Open Space Committee will hold a public meeting on June 30, 2016 to reveal the draft landscape plan for the site. Motion to adjourn at 8:23 pm by John McSweeney, seconded by Bob Panico, approved 6-0-0. Respectfully submitted by Kristen Phelps c Page 4 of 4 CCPC Minutes of June 20, 2016