Minutes
Lincoln Community Preservation Committee
Oct. 30, 2007
Present: Rayna Caplan, Susie Collins, Craig Donaldson, John Koenig, Colin Smith, Bill Stason, John Valpey, Bryce Wolf
Absent: Peter von Mertens,
The committee first heard from Susan Brooks regarding proposal 2009-04 - Town Archives Stabilization and Expansion Project, or “Archival Survival.” The project would increase the library’s archival storage capacity from 170 to 700 linear feet. The project would help protect both cultural and civic records of the town. It is anticipated that the library will also include in its budget increased hours for an archivist, from 2.5 to 10 hours per week in FY ’09.
The committee the heard from Peter Sugar, who presented an update of the library’s phased fire suppression plan. Phase 1 is under way with CPA funds approved at Town Meeting in 2007. Four additional yearly phases totaling $349,545 in current dollars were summarized. The cost to actually complete each phase is anticipated to increase by 5-6% per year until completed.
Rayna Caplan discussed the proposals submitted by the Housing Commission. No. 2009-02 -
Community Based Housing - is being handled by The Lincoln Foundation and is withdrawn. No. 2009-03 - Affordable Housing Conversion is also being withdrawn.
The housing Commission is submitting a new proposal for $25,000 for Capital Improvements to 65 Tower Road (2009-07). A town-owned building, the house is in need of replacement or repair of carpets, linoleum floor, paint, sinks, heating system and refrigerator. The committee expressed concern that the described work appeared to be mostly in the nature of repairs, and thus likely not fundable by CPA funds.
The Housing Commission is also submitting a proposal for $20,000 to update the Consolidated Housing Plan (2009-08). According to the proposal, the town’s consolidated housing plan was last published in 2003. The proposed updated would be intended to help the town meet its affordable housing needs through 2025. The committee questioned the ability for a plan to forecast needs 18 years into the future, where the existing plan is only 4 years old. The committee also requested information as to how this plan fit into the Comprehensive Long Range Plan work currently being undertaken.
The Committee briefly discussed the other pending proposals before it:
2009-01 - Paul Marsh proposal to provide a guide to the historic preservation easement agreement on his house. Colin Smith reported that the Historic District Commission has already determined that it does not need such a guide, feeling that the existing models are sufficient in themselves. Considering the lack of support from the HDC, the committee is inclined to pass on this proposal.
2009-05 - Conservation - Conservation Fund replenishment. The committee discussed the advantages of funding the Conservation Fund to allow the Conservation Commission to act quickly on possible purchase opportunities.
2009-06 - Conservation - Invasive Plant Management. The committee reviewed the additional materials submitted by Tom Gumbart, limiting the prior proposal from more general protection of conservation lands to a specific focus on management of invasive plant species. Included in the materials were summaries of CPA projects approved in other towns for similar work.
The committee unanimously approved the minutes from its September 18, 2007 meeting.
The committee briefly discussed the possibility of other proposals not yet submitted, such as the Affordable Housing Trust, Codman Farm, conservation land, Town Buildings and the Pierce House. An updated fund balance spreadsheet prepared by Colleen Wilkins, Town Accountant and Finance Director, indicates a CPA fund balance at the close of FY 07 of $1,508,000.
Submitted By: John L. Koenig
Approved: 11/13/2007
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