CPC Minutes

Meeting date: 
Wednesday, October 26, 2022

 

Community Preservation Committee

Minutes of Thursday, October 26, 2022

Virtual Meeting

                                                                                                             

Attending: Gary Sorkin, Chair; Michael Fisher, Rhonda Fowler, Jim McAuliffe, Elaine McIlroy, David Mead-Fox, Janis Plaue, Geraldine Ramer, Fred Streams

Also Attending: Selectboard Liaison Barbara Carboni

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

Minutes of 9/7/2022

Michael Fisher moved to approve the minutes of September 7, 2022.  Jim McAuliffe seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.

Finances for Fiscal Year 2024

Gary Sorkin gave an overview of money that will be available for the new projects.  He intends to do further planning with the Town Accountant before the numbers are set.

New Applications

The new grant applications were organized by category for a first review of the proposals and monetary requests.

Historic Preservation Application

Town Seal Replacement Contest

Ryan Curly, pending approval by the Wellfleet Selectboard, submitted a request of $1,000 for a contest to design a new town seal.  There were questions about applying for a Cultural Council grant instead and whether or not CPA money could be used for a contest.  The application was deferred until the Selectboard decides if they wish to pursue to proposal.

Open Space Application

Open Space Conservation Fund

The Wellfleet Open Space Committee requested $150,000 to set up an Open Space Conservation Fund.  The Department of Revenue approves use of these funds, and many towns in Massachusetts have them.  Contributions may be made from CPA and other sources. The Conservation Commission would handle the trust fund since the Open Space Committee is an advisory group.  Having money available for land acquisition, conservation restrictions and other land conservation efforts would give the groups more flexibility to act without waiting for town meetings.  There were questions about this method taking decisions away from the Selectboard and voters.  

Gary Sorkin moved to have the Open Space advocates come to the November 30, 2022, CPC meeting to present and further discuss the proposal.  Elaine McIlroy seconded, and the motion carried 8-0. (Michael Fisher recused)

Outdoor Recreation Applications 

Access at Ponds and Bayside Beaches

The Commission on Disabilities proposed Mobi mats at several ponds and bay beaches.  The grant request is for $32,780.   CPC members had questions about the timing of use, the life span of the mats, Conservation Commission approvals, DPW involvement in yearly installation and removal.  There was also a question about the recycling status of the already recycled material at the end of their service.  There was an objection to use of CPA funds for something that might be paid for by Beach revenue or other Recreational funds.

Rhonda Fowler moved to invite Suzanne Thomas to the November 30th CPC meeting to present more details and discuss the plans for the improved beach access.  Jim McAuliffe seconded, and the motion carried 8-1. 

Adult Community Center Landscape Enhancements

Friends of the Council on Aging/Adult Community Center requested $9,890 to redo the garden surrounding the ACC building.  The budget included provisions for flower bed enhancement, weed control, plant replacement, mulching, and irrigation upgrades.  CPC made it clear that Community Preservation money cannot be used for maintenance, but restoration and replacement of plants is allowable.

Gary Sorkin moved to invite the Friends of the COA representative Wayne Clough to the November 30th CPC meeting to further discuss the proposal for the landscape enhancements at the ACC.  Rhonda Fowler seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.

Awning for Bandstand on the Pier

The Recreation Department submitted a request for a new cover for the bandstand at the end of the pier.  The request for a pavilion with a contingency percent is $63,843.60.  No one from the Recreation Department was available to speak, and CPC members had several questions about approval from the Conservation Commission, an approval in writing from the Harbor Master, getting a second quote (local if possible), and the choice of a structure.

Rhonda Fowler moved to invite Recreation Department Director Becky Rosenberg and Assistant Director Angel Robinson to the November 30th CPC meeting to discuss the project. 

Community Housing

The Lower Cape Housing Institute

The Community Development Partnership (CDP) made their annual request for Wellfleet’s contribution to the Lower Cape Housing Institute.  This will be their 7th year of offering community housing seminars to town officials and other interested parties.   Twenty-six people from Wellfleet have participated in the workshops and attest to the value of the program.  The committee decided that this application could be voted on immediately.

Gary Sorkin moved to approve the grant request of $7,500 as Wellfleet’s contribution to the 2023-2024 Lower Cape Housing Institute.  Rhonda Fowler seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.

Down Payment, Closing Cost & Repair Assistance

The Wellfleet Housing Authority would like to offer another paydown opportunity for first time homeowners in Wellfleet.  The grant request is for $100,000.  Elaine McIlroy spoke about the five first-time home buyers who have already been helped and the ability to include up to 100% Annual Median Income (AMI).  Although the program was favorably received, the committee was willing to wait to consider the request at the next meeting because of the other large requests for Community Housing projects.

Gary Sorkin moved to have the Housing Authority give a presentation on November 30th at the CPC meeting.  Jan Plaue seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.

Juniper Hill – 95 Lawrence Rd.

The Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and the Community Development Partnership (CDP) are requesting $1,500,000 for the construction of the 46 units for a range of household types at 95 Lawrence Rd., Wellfleet.  Because of the large request from CPA funding for the $32,128,643 cost of development and because of the requests for regional support for major community housing efforts in Provincetown and Orleans, CPC members will need to decide how to approach funding. 

Gary Sorkin moved to invite the POAH and CDP representatives to the November 30, 2022 meeting to discuss 95 Lawrence Road plans and financing.  Michael Fisher seconded, and the motion carried 8-0. 

3 Jerome Smith Rd., Provincetown

Jerome Smith LLC and the Community Builders, Inc. submitted a request of $500,000 towards the construction of 65 units of mixed-income housing at 3 Jerome Smith Rd. in Provincetown.  Katie Bosse, representative from the Community Builders, discussed reaching out to other towns for funding, construction costs, local preference allowances, and competition for state money.  CPC members contemplated the present situation of the Lower Cape towns trying to finance their own major housing projects while being asked to support community housing in other towns.  CPC members determined they needed more time to consider what to do about reciprocal contributions. 

Gary Sorkin moved to invite representatives to the November 30, 2022 CPC meeting.  Michael Fisher seconded, and the motion carried 7-1.

Orleans Cape Cod 5 Housing

Pennrose LCC resubmitted the request they made last year for a $100,000 contribution towards the 62 rental units being created through rehabilitation of the Cape Cod 5 office complex and new constructions at 19 West Road in Orleans   The circumstances have now changed with Wellfleet’s own Lawrence Road housing effort underway.  The Wellfleet CPC needs to decide upon a policy of showing support, perhaps at a lesser amount than the requested $100,000, or concentrating on Lawrence Rd.  Gary Sorkin commented on how there are now three similar projects underway in Orleans, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.  He suggested, and the committee agreed, to defer any decision on the Cape Cod 5 Housing project for now.  CPC had a full presentation last year. 

Project Reports/Concerns

Cape Cod Habitat for Humanity received the court decision in their favor for the four houses planned at Old King’s Highway.  The appeal period is in effect for 30 days, but Habitat is optimistic about moving forward.  WES Principal Mary Beth Rodman announced the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new school playground.  CPC will be invited to the event scheduled for Saturday, November 19th at 10 a.m.

Next Meeting

CPC’s next meeting will be held on November 30, 2022, at 9 a.m.  The meeting will be via Zoom.

Adjournment

Jan Plaue moved to adjourn.  Michael Fisher seconded, and the motion carried 8-0

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Rogers

CPC Coordinator

 

Public Records material of 10/26/2022 meeting

*All grant applications are on file in the CPC permanent records.