CPC Meeting - Virtual
Chair Gary Sorkin called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
Membership & Thank You’s
Gary Sorkin introduced David Mead-Fox as the probable replacement representative from Planning Board now that Andrew Freeman has left that board to join the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chair Sorkin recommended sending a thank you letter to Mr. Freeman for his service to the Community Preservation Committee.
Janis Plaue moved to send a letter of appreciation from CPC to Andrew Freeman for his service on the committee. Geraldine Ramer seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
Minutes
Janis Plaue moved to approve the minutes of February 12, 2020. Thomas Siggia seconded, and the motion carried 5-0-1.
Impact of Town Meeting Postponement to October
Executive Assistant Courtney Butler confirmed that Annual Town Meeting plans are for October 5, 2020, but the Town is still making arrangements for how it will be held. Any additional Warrant Articles will need Select Board approval by their August 25, 2020 at the latest. Elaine McIlroy asked for verification that the Select Board would accept new applications for the Warrant.
Gary Sorkin and Elain McIlroy reported on a recent Lower Cape Emergency Housing meeting which focused on ways to help keep people in their homes and other projects the have the potential to provide jobs for unemployed locals. CPC grants now and with a long-term view for repercussion from the COVID-19 pandemic are an important source of help. Gary Sorkin stressed the importance of providing more Community Preservation fund support now rather than waiting another year for the next found of grants. Gary Sorkin said that approving Community Preservation money for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund would be a good way for the Housing Authority to provide help with mortgages and rental assistance programs.
Deadline for New Projects for October Town Meeting
CPC members agreed that the July 15, 2020 deadline for new projects would allow time for applicants to prepare their requests, CPC approvals and Warrant Articles written for inclusion in the Annual Town Meeting.
Michael Fisher moved to open a new grant round with a deadline of July 15, 2020 for Community Preservation funding for Fiscal Year 2021. Janis Plaue seconded, and the motion carried 6-0.
CPC representatives will report the additional round to their boards and committees. Gary Sorkin recommended word of mouth publicity, and there will be advertisements in the local newspapers and on social media.
Money Available for Projects
The Committee reviewed the money in the Community Preservation Fund Balance that is available for additional projects. Approximately $900,000 was not allocated for the open space, housing, historic preservation and recreation projects that had been proposed for the Annual Town Meeting that has been postponed. Elaine McIlroy said that she and Gary Sorkin had spoken with Stuart Saginor of the Community Preservation Coalition and learned that he expects a higher distribution of CPA funds this fall. That money would be available for Community Preservation Articles on the 2021 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Administrative Funds July 1 to Town Meeting
CPC Coordinator Mary Rogers expressed some concern about the Administrative funds available from July 1, 2020 until Town Meeting October 5, 2020. She said that her salary accounts for about one half of the account, but she will not seek a raise in pay to be sure ends meet. She is interested in having a few paid holidays to compensate her.
Existing Project Concerns & Updates
Mary Rogers had heard from Recreation Director Becky Rosenberg that the Baker Field pavilion will be installed on June 4, 2020. The Recreation Director expects it to be constructed very quickly. Ms. Rogers reported on the solar panel installation planned for Preservation Hall, but CPC received a more up-to-date report from Historical Commission representative Tomas Siggia. He said the issue of the historic preservation of the slate roof had not yet been resolved, but the Preservation Hall attorney was working with KP Law, Town Counsel, to resolve the matter. Elaine McIlroy said that the two Habitat homes at Durkee Lane are ahead of schedule and will be ready for occupancy in June. When the volunteers were not able to continue, the professional construction crew stepped in to complete the two houses. The Housing Authority newsletter will feature the story, and there will be a virtual opening celebration. Ms. McIlroy also called attention to the Housing Authority’s Helpline, which can be found in the COVID-19 announcement section on the home page of the Town website.
Courtney Butler said she would be in Town Hall and could check for any mail in the Community Preservation Committee’s file. Any other mail has been e-mail, according to Mary Rogers.
Further Discussion of New Application Round Publicity
David Mead-Fox suggested emphasizing the potential of Community Preservation grants for helping with housing and creating employment opportunities. He recommended that the information be disseminated widely and repeatedly. Gary Sorkin suggested seeking greater newspaper coverage and asked about Facebook and Instagram postings. Mary Rogers said she planned to advertise on Facebook. Courtney Butler suggested checking with Mia Baumgarten about setting up a Wellfleet CPC Instagram account to reach a younger demographic of the town. Janis Plaue will submit the press release to the Wellfleet Elementary School for possible coverage in the school’s weekly notices to parents. Michael Fisher cautioned that the press releases should not create a misunderstanding that individuals should apply directly to CPC for rental assistance or other housing subsidies.
Next Meeting Date & Agenda
The next CPC meeting will be held July 22, 2020 to examine applications submitted on July 15, 2020.
Adjournment
Janis Plaue moved to adjourn. Geraldine Ramer seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
CPC approved these minutes at the meeting held 7/17/2020.