CPC Minutes

Meeting date: 
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Community Preservation Committee

Minutes of Meeting December 14, 2016

Wellfleet Town Hall Hearing Room

                                                                                                                      

Present: Peter Hall, Andrew Freeman, Rhonda Fowler, Robert Jackson, Elaine McIlroy, Geraldine Ramer, Thomas Siggia, Gary Sorkin,     

Regrets: Edward Simpson                                                                                                                                               

Vice-Chair Gary Sorkin called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Presentations by Applicants

This year CPC received six applications for funding.  Representatives were in attendance to present their proposals and answer questions from the Committee.

Cemetery Restoration – Phase 2

Cemetery Commissioners Nancy Vail and David Agger explained the request of $75,000 for the third phase of historic restoration of Wellfleet cemeteries.  They distributed more information on progress so far and explained some of the methods used to restore gravestones and the average cost.  They answered questions regarding use of Perpetual Care interest, sale of plots and donations from families.

Governor Prence Residences

CDP Representative Abigail Chapman presented information on the rental units planned for Eastham.  The CDP request to the Town of Wellfleet is for $100,000 to help the regional effort to construct 50 units with 44 reserved for Affordable rentals.  If the Town contributes to the project, qualified residents and workers in Wellfleet would be eligible for Local Preference in the selection lottery. Ms. Chapman answered questions on the lottery system and income qualifications.

Historic Plan & Form B’s

Historical Commissioner Tom Siggia said that their request for $25,000 is to compile a comprehensive historic plan, to nominate a historic district for Pamet Point Rd. and to continue updating the Wellfleet historic properties Form B registrations.  The state recognizes 75-year old houses as historic, he said.    Registry of Pamet Point Rd. as an historic district, Form B’s and Historical Plan would be the order of priority, he said.  The old Form B’s are historic in their own right, Elaine McIlroy said.    Tom Siggia answered a question on support from townspeople, which he believes they have.         

Town Green

Trudy Vermerhen and Tim Callis of the Arbor Committee outlined their plans and the request for $147,750 for an enhanced Town Green.  They distributed new renderings of the plan.  The application is categorized under Recreation since it would improve the available space and handicap access to the Town Green with new plantings and new configuration of the Town Hall front lawn.  It would also improve safety for the area besides make it and inviting, communal space.  A single conifer tree would be moved in during the holiday season for the annual lighting ceremony.  Bench donations for the green would be solicited.  Additional sitting area would be provided with a new retaining wall.  Former Town Administrator Harry Terkanian discussed how the current evergreen trees obscure the façade of the historic Town Hall.  He also discussed the damaged tree in the front area.  He supports the efforts of the Arbor Committee.   Trudy Vermerhen discussed other fundraising ideas.  She said they also have DPW support for the project.  There is no value to offering the existing trees for sale.  From the audience, Selectman Janet Reinhart said she was in support of the project. 

Gary Sorkin asked about support from the Board of Selectmen and having the project request in the Capital Budget.  He asked about an amount of CPC money that would be helpful to get the project started. 

Remainder of Funding for Housing Rental Assistance

Elaine McIlroy reviewed the Wellfleet Housing Authority’s application for the remainder of the Housing Rental Assistance request. They received $54,162 at Fall Town Meeting and are now seeking $101,838.  Elaine McIlroy explained the income and time limitations of the program. 

Housing Trust Fund Replenishment

Elaine McIlroy said that a replenishment of the Housing Authority’s Trust Fund would allow them to move forward with projects, particularly additional Buy-Downs, without having to wait until Town Meeting.  The Housing Authority requested $250,000 because they have committed their existing funds to the Gull Pond Housing project.  The Housing Authority anticipates other needs that are funded from the Trust Fund.

Voting Grant Amounts for Projects

Committee members discussed distribution plans for the requests, which exceed the total amount of money available for the proposals.  The Committee looked at the merits of the proposals to determine what money could be granted.

Geraldine Ramer moved to approve $20,000 from the Historic Reserves of FY17 for the Historical Commission’s request.  Peter Hall seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.

Elaine McIlroy moved to approve $34,162 from Historic Reserve funds for the Cemetery restoration project.  Tom Siggia seconded.   There was further discussion of use of the plot sales funds.   The motion carried 7-0.

The Committee discussed the Governor Prence Residences but needed clarification on a number of issues on their timeline and the forward commitment.  Elaine McIlroy said she considered the project a well-planned project, but she wanted to know what the real buy-in time would be.  The Committee supports the concept, but needs clarification on the lottery process, the timetable and the permitting.  Peter Hall suggested giving a small amount with contingencies as a token of interest.  CPC is supportive of the project but will request a letter providing further clarification.  The item was tabled for now. 

Committee members discussed the Town Green project.  There is money available in Town funds, but CPC had further questions.  There might be a token amount to support the project to show that CPC is receptive to the proposal.  Another suggestion was to establish a matching grant.   There was consensus that the Town Green is a Town Administrative responsibility and should be a Capital Budget item, but CPC would offer supplementary funding.   

Andrew Freeman moved to approve $40,000 for the Town Green project.  Peter Hall seconded, and the motion carried 7-0.

Geraldine Ramer moved to approve $101,838 for Rental Assistance application.

Rhonda Fowler seconded, and the motion carried 6-0.

Rhonda Fowler moved to approve $150,000 for replenishing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Geraldine Ramer seconded, and the motion carried 6-0. 

Agenda for Next Meeting

Agenda for the January 25, 2017 meeting will include proposed Warrant Articles and further consideration of Governor Prence Residences.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:35 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

           

_________________________                            ________________________

Mary Rogers, CPC Coordinator                            Gary Sorkin, Acting Chair

                                                                                   

 

The Community Preservation Committee approved these minutes at the meeting held 1/25/17.

Public Records Material of 12/14/16

All applications and supplementary materials are on file in the permanent CPC records.