Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
11-16-21 MPIC
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Master Plan Implementation Committee Meeting November 16th, 2021, 7-8:30 pm (Zoom) • Present: Master Plan Implementation Committee Members: Lisa Lopez (Select Board), Emilio Mauro (Finance), Kathy McCormack (Planning), Mike Nourse (Historical), Alan Rapoport (Economic Development), Sean Robinson (Citizen at Large); School Committee Non -Voting Alternate: Maureen Moran; Staff.. Laura Smead, Town Planner; • Not Present: Bob MacDonald (Conservation), Kristian Merendo (Schools) • Capital Planning Committee Members Present: Dave Emhardt (Chair), Christopher Deck MINUTES Introductions • See list of those present above; • Lisa is now the Select Board representative, and the CCPC has been asked to nominate a new representative. Discussion of Master Plan and implementation process • Laura showed the Canton Master Plan Implementation Committee FAQ and described its background and importance. • Laura also described how the overall Action Plan had been broken down into a strategic framework for the next S years. • These documents are attached. Discussion of shared priorities and capital projects with CPC • Laura described the summary Capital Planning Committee and Master Plan shared priorities. See document attached. • Laura mentioned that Capital is not the only funding source for these initiatives, but could be an important resource. It's the hope of the Master Plan Committee to keep the Master Plan top of mind when evaluating projects, and to think of the Master Plan as a way to help prioritize projects. • Lisa Lopez reinforced this description as the Master Plan as a strong guiding document for decision making. • Dave E. said funding will be a big challenge, that all those coming before Capital Planning are asked to prioritize their projects, so he hopes we are reaching out to staff and other boards/committees as well. He encouraged the MPIC to look at other sources of funding/volunteer work as well, especially for trails, such as the Scouts. He described a number of project types that the Scouts have accomplished in Town. • Emilio, a member of the Finance Committee, described how both the Capital Planning Committee and the Finance Committee do an excellent job of working together to vet projects for the budget, and he thanked the Capital Planning Committee for their thoroughness that also assists the Finance Committee in making their recommendations to Town Meetings.
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• Feedback from the Town staff and boards/committees was what helped form the Master Plan in the first place, and then the draft was vetted with them as well. • Master Plan Implementation Committee members are currently liaisons to various town staff/boards/committees to continue the conversation, update priorities, and make sure the Master Plan stays on their radar. Update on Route 138 MassDevelopment assistance • MassDevelopment did not reward us technical assistance this year. • Laura suspects that we should try again if/when the Rte. 138 re -zoning is done. • The Town also continues to advocate for road infrastructure improvements to be completed. • There is hope that the passing of the Federal Infrastructure bill presents a great opportunity for further advocacy, visibility, and sense of urgency to advance the Town's goals on Route 138. • The Committee would like to work with Milton and Stoughton and local representatives to further advocate for Rte. 138 infrastructure improvements as a priority. • Laura suggested also engaging with the Suburban Mobility Working Group as a local advisory and advocacy group. • There was a question on whether there is a need for any additional traffic lights in the corridor. • Laura said that New Boston Drive might warrant an additional signal, but several other intersections warrant safety improvements; New traffic counts will probably need to be taken. • There is a new commuter shuttle that has launched that runs to the commuter station, and another slated to launch this winter as ridership builds. • There may be an opportunity for an additional Community Connections grant, and some interest among businesses for a shuttle on Route 138. • Alan asked if there have been any traffic complaints related to the new Amazon last -point distribution center, and Laura said no, at least to the Traffic Committee. Discussion of Top Master Plan Priorities — Strategic Framework • Alan Rapoport is still working on his updates to the status of action items related to Public Health and Economic Development. • Mike Norse is still working on his update to the status of action items related to Historic Commission, although he has updated the Commission on the work of the MPIC, and said the Paul Revere Heritage Site has great potential. • Laura mentioned the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery & Innovation Master Plan presentation will be Wednesday November 17th
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• Lisa gave an update on the Housing Trust work, they will be receiving RFPs for a housing consultant on Friday the 191"to update our housing plan; work take place from January to June 2022. • Municipal Energy Aggregation RFP is being developed, and received feedback from the Sustainability Committee. Letters of Support for CCPC projects • Laura described the Housing Trust request for a housing coordinator position, in lieu of a regional housing office availability (see attached material). • Laura shared the list of Canton Community Preservation Committee Applications and Master Plan Overlap summary, and described each item (see attached material); the MPIC discussed each one. • Mike Norse made a motion that the MPIC send a letter of support to the CCPC for a housing coordinator position, and Kathy McCormack seconded the motion. The motion passed, 6-0-0 to recommend to the CCPC the housing coordinator position. • The committee discussed the Conservation Commission's land fund request for $25,000. Mike Norse made a motion that the MPIC send a letter of support, seconded by Kathy McCormack. The motion passed, 6-0-0. • Laura and Lisa suggested that the Housing Trust support the Housing Authority's ask for CCPC funds. • Lisa suggested sending a letter of support for the Paul Revere permanent restrooms request, and the Committee discussed and agreed. • Mike Nourse made a motion to send a letter of support for Paul Revere Heritage Site restrooms, and Kathy McCormack seconded. The motion passed, 6-0-0. • Letters of support are fine to submit to the Community Preservation Committee into early to mid -December, and perhaps even January. Acceptance of Minutes • The Master Plan Implementation Committee voted to accept the September 9, 2021, meeting minutes, Mike Norse made the motion, and Alan seconded. The motion passed, 6-0-0. • The Master Plan Implementation Committee voted to accept the October 14, 2021, meeting minutes. Lisa Lopez made the motion, and Alan Rapoport seconded. 3 accepted, 0 declined, with 3 abstaining. Proposed next meeting date(s) and next steps • The Finance Committee will be the planned guest for the December meeting • The committee brainstormed a list of potential future guests with the Conservation Commission, Economic Development Committee, Historic Commission, Traffic Committee, and Public Health identified as important boards to meet with going forward.