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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - CPC - 09/30/2019 CPC Meeting Minutes 9/30/19 APPROVED MINUTES COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 TIME: 7:00 PM LOCATION: TOWN HALL, SELECTMEN'S OFFICE IN ATTENDANCE: Russ Bonetti, Chair Tom Reardon, Member Sue Wadsworth, Member Kari O'Donnell, Member Dr. Paul Shubert, Board of Selectmen Designee Eric Eisenhauer, Conservation Commission Designee ABSENT- S. Sardina, Member Eric Potter, Member Richard Karoff, Member Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM 7:05 PM: Committee Reorganization — Postponed to next meeting Motion: Chair Bonetti, Second: Dr. Shubert, Vote 6-0 Unanimous 7:10 PM: In attendance to represent agenda item: Lenore Jenkins, Vice Chair, Water Department Documents presented to support agenda item: Request for Preservation Act Funding filed by Jason Federico, Cohasset Water Department The Water Department is requesting $86,000 in Community Preservation funds for clean-up and revitalization of Elms Meadow. Despite clean-up events and other maintenance, trash is still being dumped there and invasive species are becoming overgrown and need to be cut back or removed. Any hazardous materials being dumped could leach into the water. Ms. Jenkins suggested a fence around the perimeter and removal of benches on Cushing Road to discourage dumping and signage to discourage dumping by imposing a fine. She is more concerned with removing the trash than the invasives as some species provide benefits for the water supply. Member Reardon asked why the Water Department couldn't provide maintenance where it involves wetlands and a water supply but Ms. Jenkins said they don't have the manpower or the funds to handle the maintenance. Dr. Shubert feels that the $86,000 cost is high considering that the Conservation Commission, DEP and other local and state entities are impacted. Chair Bonetti asked how quickly the project could be started if the funds were made available but Ms. Jenkins couldn't target a specific date. Chair Bonetti suggested tabling the item until Spring 2020 Town Meeting so the Water Department can provide more detailed information to better assess this request. 7:30 PM: Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) — Discussion — Funding for Projects In attendance to represent agenda item: Steve Gaumer/Vice Chair, Affordable Housing; Cindy Matheson, Tom Meade/AHT Members; Diane Kennedy/Chair, Board of Selectmen; Tom Meade; Paul Kierce/Elder Affairs, Affordable Housing Steering Committee Steven Gaumer, who serves as the AHT fiduciary and financing agent, is requesting $150,000 in CPC CPC Meeting Minutes 9/30/19 funds to help push existing projects forward. The AHT holds their assets within a trust and to date have received or requested no funding from the town. Having CPC funds allotted would allow greater flexibility for implementing projects and that any monies not used by the AHT would go back to the CPC. Mr. Gaumer stated that some of the money could go towards 40B housing in Cohasset and could help in devising more creative solutions to 40B housing that don't impact the town with traffic and density. Chair Bonetti feels it's time for the CPC to address Affordable Housing. Member Wadsworth asked if$150,000 is enough and Chair Bonetti feels that if AHT finds they need more there could be a floor motion at Town Meeting. It was noted that this transfer could be voted prior to the Spring Town Meeting by the Advisory Board. MOTION: By Member Shubert to recommend a warrant for Special Town Meeting to transfer the sum of$150,000 from the Community Preservation Committee to the Affordable Housing Trust. SECOND: Member O'Donnell VOTE: Passes 6-0 7:45 PM: Public/Member Comments Paul Smith of Energy Consulting Solar asked if there is a need in Cohasset for a renewable or alternative energy. Chair Bonetti explained that any proposed or request would go through the town. With no further business to discuss, motion to adjourn made by Member Wadsworth, seconded by Member Reardon and passed by a unanimous vote of 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.