Town of Sharon

Community Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes of 6/26/08

Amended and Approved on 8/28/08

Committee Attendees

Corey Snow - Chair	Allen Garf
George Bailey - Treasurer	Arnold Kublin
Arnold Cohen  - Clerk  - absent	Susan Rich
Peg Arguimbau

Guests

Jane Desberg

Jennifer Goldson

Public Hearing

A Public Hearing was set for June 26^th at 7:00 PM to review the Draft Community Preservation Plan which had been under development for approximately one year.  Chair Snow read the legal ad that was placed in the Sharon Advocate on 6/6 and 6/13.

The Town of Sharon Community Preservation Committee is pleased to present the Final Draft Community Preservation Plan at a Public Hearing on June 26, at 7:00 Pm in the Selectmen’s Room at Sharon Town Hall, 90 South Main Street, Sharon MA. The CPC will consider adoption of the Plan following the Public Hearing.

The CPC developed the Plan to provide guidance for the utilization of the Town of Sharon’s Community Preservation Act funds over the next five years. The CPC is grateful to the scores of citizens and town board and commission members who participated in the development of the Plan.

The Final Draft Community Preservation Plan can be downloaded by going to www.townofsharon.net , clicking on Boards and Commissions, then on the Community Preservation link. Hardcopies can also be made available by contacting Rachelle Levitts at sharoncpc@yahoogroups.com.

Corey Snow, Chair

Community Preservation Committee

Jennifer Goldson, the consultant who helped to develop the plan provided an overview of the plan as well as a status. She stated that the goal is to adopt a final plan. The process was started to create a 5 year plan to guide future CPC projects to Town Meeting regarding the use of CPC funds. The plan was developed by fact finding and doing financial analysis. Citizen input was solicited at a June, 2007 meeting. A wish list of goals and projects was created and citizen input obtained by meeting with 13 boards/commissions in the summer/fall of 2007. Priority goals and project possibilities helped to develop a draft plan. Citizen input was received during the public comment period of the spring of 2008 and was incorporated into a final draft plan which led to tonight’s public hearing and approval of the plan.

The Plan establishes guiding principles for the CPA program in Sharon overall as well as goals specific to each of the four project categories, as determined through the planning process. The Plan also describes Sharon CPA activities to date, revenue projects, existing resources, and eligible project possibilities in each of the project categories.

The next step is that the committee adopts the final plan and at a later point, the committee can review the selection criteria to make sure it agrees with the goals. The   CPC should review the Plan yearly at a Public Hearing for five years at which time a new plan should be adopted or updated.

Mr. Kubllin stated that each goal is consistent with what CP requires for funding. Our focus is consistent with what the legislation dictates. Ms. Goldson said that we have been careful with understanding eligibility and what is allowed. Mr. Kublin added that some projects were turned down because they did not comply with rules and regulations for spending. He wants everyone to have a clear understanding that the goals set are based on criteria.

Mr. Garf commented that it was an open project. The product was well thought out thanks to Jennifer Goldson. Mr. Snow said that it was cooperative process and we received input from outside committees. Ms. Rich said that Ms. Goldson was great. Mr. Kublin added that with Jennifer’s guidance the committee has reached out. There has been a strong serious effort to develop the plan largely due to the efforts and direction of the consultant.   Mr. Bailey commented that the recereation portion may be subject to change based on new legislation. Ms. Desberg stated Ms. Goldson had a good relationship with stakeholders, the comments were looked at, and she feels comfortable with the results as they relate to the Housing Partnership.

Mr. Bailey said we have to set an annual time for review. Mr. Garf commented that in terms of operations, the plan should be able to be changed as needed. Mr. Kublin commented that the plan is a guide. The committee has an option to consider other things that may come up; it is a living document.  Ms. Arguimbau said that changes to the plan should be inserted as addendums.

Mr. Kublin moved to accept the plan as amended to ensure edits to the maps are consistent, remove the informal notes, insert a map on page 27 and add the word  create regarding trails.  Mr. Garf seconded the motion and the committee voted 6-0-0 in favor of adopting the CPC Plan.

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:45 PM.

Ms. Goldson will provide the committee with bound hardcopies as well as an extra copy for the library. Beyond that, the document will be available on line. She will also provide the committee with a disk containing the Microsoft publisher.

CPC Members

Mr. Arnold Kublin announced his retirement from the committee and that Jane Desberg would be replacing him.

Mr. Kublin stated he asked the Town Clerk when the commission for each of the members three year terms expired and she stated there was no specific date. Mr. Kublin asked that committee to consider adopting a policy/bylaw to set 6/30 (for consistency of terms) as the expiration date for members three year term.

Chair’s Report

Mr. Snow reported that Michael Bossin requested eligibility requirements and may submit a project for the Horizons for Youth Property.

Mr. Snow mentioned that the CPC website had been updated with changes suggested by Mr. Bailey. Mr. Bailey moved to accept the application date as stated on line for project submission to be 7/15/08 and 12/15/08. Mr. Snow seconded the motion and the Committee voted 6-0-0 in favor.

Mr. Snow stated there were bills submitted by the Selectmen for legal services associated with the Glenview Property in the amount of $14,000. He researched the issue and determined CPC is not allowed to pay this out of administrative funds because the services were not directly provided to the committee.

Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Bailey reported that next year the commitments are to spend $115K for open space (bond payments) and 26K for community housing. $23K is allotted for administrative costs. Next year we would have $56K for preservation, $100K for a pumping station and $30K in housing funds available. $233K would be available in 2009 if we do not spend anything.

Mr. Bailey reported that Ms Goldson had 6.25 additional hours that he wanted her to be reimbursed for. Mr. Bailey motioned to pay Ms. Goldson an additional $625 for her services. Mr. Garf seconded the motion. The Committee voted 6-0-0.

111 Pond Street

Ms. Rich stated that neighbors were getting together to gain community support for the purchase of 111 Pond Street; which could become another project. It was the first house on Pond Street on the Historic Register. Habitat for Humanity thinks it can be restored. This house sits on Temple Israel property and they want to keep owning the land. No one to date has come forward with a plan. Mr. Kublin said that it may be inappropriate for the committee to interject ourselves in this issue. Ms. Desberg said it was an issue with Habitat for Humanity.

New Applications

Ms. Arguimbau provided an overview of the Camp Gannett application that was just received by the Committee. She stated that Mr. Puritz will call Mr. Snow or Mr. Bailey regarding the amount of CPC funding needed. She commented that the gist of the situation is the town is buying a Conservation Restriction. This is a joint venture between the ConComm and the Selectmen. She said the hope is to act by the Fall Town Meeting. ConComm, Selectmen, and Greg Meister will do the negotiations with the Elizabeth Peabody House. The Town is buying the ability to have access and protect the lake. 

Historical Inventory Presentation

Ms. Rich provided an overview of the project. Phase one was obtaining a general idea of the properties that existed in the town. Phase two was that research was done to give the Historical Commission a sampling and present a draft inventory form. Phase three was to conduct research of the properties selected against the National Register criteria and develop a numbering system for inventory. Phases 1-3 should be completed by 7/4/08.

CP Coalition

Mr. Bailey discussed membership dues paid to other organizations as compared to what the CP is asking for. He suggested making a $150 donation for their services. He said he wants to be fiscally prudent.

Ms. Rich said there are other things to consider besides the amount of the dues. It is a state wide organization to see all committees can preserve their resources. She feels it is a bad idea not to join. She feels it is a good vehicle for committees to work together and a mistake not to join.

Ms. Arguimbau thinks it is a resource to have access to and we are better off as a committee to join.

Mr. Snow does not see that we are getting any value in joining. He stated the same services can be obtained by the DOR and would rather put $1,500, the cost of CP dues towards projects.

Mr. Kublin suggested trying the organization for a year.

Ms. Desberg advocated the benefit of joining.

Ms. Arguimbau made a motion to join the CP Coalition. Ms. Rich seconded then motion. The Committee voted 3-3-0. As this was a tie vote, no action is taken.

Meeting Minutes

Ms. Arguimbau moved to accept the minutes of 4/24/08. Mr. Bailey seconded the motion and the committee voted 4-0-2 (Rich, Snow)

Ms. Arguimbau moved to accept the minutes of 5/22/08. Mr. Garf seconded the motion and the committee voted 5-0-1 (Kublin)

Bylaw Wording Changes

Mr. Bailey requested that the committee hold off on this discussion.

Town Meeting

Ms. Arguimbau moved to ask for a placeholder article for Fall Town Meeting as relates to the administrative budget. It mirrors article 13 from the 2007 articles. Mr. Bailey seconded the motion. The Committee voted 6-0-0. Ms. Levitts to let Ms. Thaler know.

Next Meeting

7/24 – Arguimbau and Desberg will be absent.

Meeting Adjournment

Mr. Kublin moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 pm and Mr. Garf seconded the motion. The committee voted 6-0-0.