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Minutes
Lincoln Community Preservation Committee
Oct. 28, 2008
Present: Susie Collins, Craig Donaldson, Pam Gallup, John Koenig, Bill Stason, John Valpey, Peter von Mertens, Bryce Wolf
Absent: Colin Smith
The committee approved the minutes from its September 23, 2008 meeting.
The committee reviewed the funding proposals received to date:
2010-01 Library - Fire Suppression System - |
$607,067 |
2010-02 Pierce House - Pierce Pond - |
$90,000 |
2010-03 Cemetery Commission - Wall Restoration - |
$97,650 |
2010-04 Codman Farm - Barn Restoration - |
$25,000 |
2010-05 Historical Commission - Survey |
No $ amt yet |
2010-06 Library - Eleazer Brooks Scrapbook - |
$5,000 |
2010-07 Housing - Policy & Procedure Manual - |
$12,000 |
2010-08 Housing - Minuteman Tech Consultant - |
$15,000 |
2010-09 Housing - Lincoln Woods Report |
$25,000 |
2010-10 Housing - Afford House Trust - |
$500,000 |
2010-11 Bemis Hall Roof - |
$150,000 |
2010-12 Pierce House Basement Walls - |
$30,000 |
TOTAL |
$1,556,717 |
It was noted that of the 12 funding proposals received, 8 are related to historic and 4 are related to housing.
The Committee discussed the need to review the proposals in light of the current economic conditions, and the declining state match. With funding tight all around, the review should include an analysis of the criticality of the project. With reference to the criteria adopted by the Committee in its first year: (i) what is the threat to the resource if the project is not funded, and (ii) will there by an adverse impact if the project is not funded in this budget cycle. In other words, where does the project fall in the spectrum between necessity and luxury, need to have versus wouldn’t it be nice to have.
With respect to 2010-01 Library - Fire Suppression System, the Committee noted that the more critical fire suppression and notification needs of the Library have been met with prior CPA funding, no other town buildings have fire suppression, the fire department has new equipment and extra personnel on staff. The Committee also noted a sentiment that the historic archives vault is more in line with the CPA mandate than fire sprinklers. The Committee would like to get a better idea of all other town facility projects that are in the pipeline.
With respect to 2010-02 Pierce Park pond restoration, Peter von Mertens stated that this project will be mandatory in the very near future, given the state of the pond and the flooding that has occurred in recent years. The $90,000 request is a rough estimate, which will need further refining. The Committee wonders how much of this project could be handled by the DPW. The Committee also questioned whether this project is CPA eligible.
With respect to 2010-03 Cemetery Commission - Wall Restoration, the Committee would like to know why this project is being requested know, given that the cemetery wall appears to have dilapidated for some time. Also, how much of this project could be handled by the DPW.
With respect to 2010-04 Codman Farm - Barn Restoration, the Committee would like more information on the status of the National Trust grant process. The funding could be made contingent upon receipt of the NTHP grant, depending on the nature of the work that could be undertaken without that grant. The Committee would also like the Selectman’s input.
With respect to 2010-05 Historical Commission - Survey of 1900-1930 houses, the Historical Commission has not yet responded to the request for additional information.
With respect to 2010-06 Library - Eleazer Brooks Scrapbook, the project appears to be critical in nature.
With respect to 2010-07 Housing - Policy & Procedure Manual, Pam Gallup reported that current estimates are that the Town’s affordable housing stock will be short by 5 - 8 units when the 2010 census is reported. The Town has added 9 units in this year. As the Town appears to be on track in this regards, the need to update the Housing Plan is lessened, and the need for the Housing Committee to have procedures in place to be a landlord are greater. The $12,000 amount requested is simply a guess. It was suggested the Housing Committee could start by using other existing manual, such as from Lincoln Woods. The Committee also questioned whether funds from the Housing Committee’s revolving fund could be used for this purpose. The Committee also questioned whether this
project is CPA eligible.
With respect to 2010-08 Housing - Minuteman Tech Consultant, Pam Gallup discussed the background of this request. The $15,000 amount requested was proposed by Gary Taylor. The Committee questioned whether this project is CPA eligible.
With respect to 2010-09 Housing - Lincoln Woods Report, Pam Gallup told the Committee that what is at stake here are 125 units of affordable housing. The Lincoln Woods trust fund is broke, meaning that the association cannot afford to buy back units from owners. The Committee noted that this is a big project that goes beyond being just a CPA issue. The Committee also questioned whether this project is CPA eligible.
With respect to 2010-10 Housing - Afford House Trust, the Committee discussed the status of the Hollingsworth property, which is another funding source for the Housing Trust. The sale of that property is being delayed by limitations being requested by FOMA and the Historic Commission.
With respect to 2010-11 Bemis Hall Roof, the Committee would like to know the long-term plan for Bemis Hall, and what effect, if any, that might have on the roof, and also would like to know when it was last replaced, and how critical the need is.
With respect to 2010-12 Pierce House Basement Walls, the Committee would like to know the basis for the $30,000 request, who will do the work, and how critical the need is.
John Koenig reported that the state match has been announced and Lincoln will receive a match 81%, based on a first round match of 68% for FY 2008. Current projections for next year are for a first round match of only 35%.
Submitted By: John L. Koenig
Approved: 12/9/2008
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