Minutes
Lincoln Community Preservation Committee
September 29, 2009
Members present: Mesdames et Messieurs Peter Braun, Susie Collins, Craig Donaldson, Bill Stason, John Valpey, Peter von Mertens, Ruth Wales, Bryce Wolf
Guests: Anita Schiepers, Colleen Wilkins
The meeting was called to order by Co-Chairman Stason at 7:30 PM in the Donaldson Room, Town Office Building
1. Minutes from the August meeting were reviewed and approved
2. Report of CPA finances
Colleen Wilkins presented a history of CPA funding since FY 2003, with a detailed review of FY 2009 and 2010. Annual CPA revenues (from the 3% tax surcharge and an estimated 35% state match) are projected at $768,439 for FY 2010. 10% of this total must be reserved or spent on each of the three major categories (open space, community housing, historic preservation) each year. Combining revenues with previous unspent fund reserves less expenditures leaves an estimated $1,131,992 for FY 2010 allocations.
3. State House Hearing on CPA
Susie Collins attended a hearing on September 29 at which Senate Bill 90 was presented proposing that the state increase its CPA match to 75% of local revenues, with funding via increases in deed registration fees. One of the motivations behind the bill is to encourage wider participation in the CPA, which now includes only 140 of the state’s 351 municipalities.
4. Review of 2011 Proposals
2111-01 Town Offices Renovation $1,190,000
Anita Scheipers presented background on Phase 1 funding for renovation to improve accessibility, upgrade utilities and add meeting and storage space to town offices. Concerns were raised regarding a) the extent to which the CPA historic preservation mandate might be applicable to the project (as distinct from general capital funding from the town) b) strength of political support among townspeople to move the project forward c) adequacy of FY 2011CPA funds for the Phase 1 proposal and d) appropriateness of funding Phase 1 in FY 2011 in light of significant uncertainty whether financial conditions will enable a debt exclusion to be proposed for Phase 2 construction funds in FY 2011. It was suggested that a citizens’ advocacy committee be enlisted to
help educate and mobilize the town. It was also suggested that the project be broken into sub-projects to deal with the most pressing issues, such as accessibility and utilities, and that the need for meeting and storage space be reconsidered in light of the potential availability of other town buildings for these purposes. The proposal will be returned to Mr. Higgins for consideration.
2111-02 Library Fire Suppression-Phase 2 $220,000
This proposal is a continuation of phased improvements to the library, passed over last year. It will fund extension of fire suppression capability to the attic and installation of a standpipe in the middle of the building. Discussion raised concerns about the project’s rationale and magnitude of CPA library expenditures in recent years. Library staff will be invited to an upcoming CPC meeting.
2111-03 Vital Records 1754 Preservation $4500
A book containing the town’s earliest vital records is in need of care and preservation. Concerns were expressed regarding projected needs for staged funding for similar restorations in future years. Reference Librarian Jeanne Bracken will be invited to an upcoming CPC meeting.
2111-04 Municipal Affordable Housing Trust $200,000
This proposal would add $200,000 in FY 2111 and $200,000 in FY 2012 to the current unspent Trust balance of $488,000 in anticipation of funding acquisition of 6 units of affordable housing (at $150,000 each) to meet the 10% Chapter 40B threshold anticipated to be required as a result of the 2010 census. Renel Frederiksen will clarify this proposal at the next CPC meeting.
5. Updates from Liaisons
Conservation-Peter von Mertens updated the committee on recent activity with regard to two large properties in town.
Fin Com-Peter Braun reported that the Finance Committee has nearly completed its recommendations for rebalancing the FY 2010 budget, and he gave a preliminary assessment of the potential challenges regarding development of the FY 2011 budget in light of possible significant additional state aid reductions.
Historical Commission-Ruth Wales reported on progress on the historic housing inventory and the 1900-1930 building project, as well as upcoming plans for inventory of modern (post 1930) houses.
Housing-No report in Renel Fredriksen’s absence
Recreation-No summer news reported by Susie Collins
6. Other Business
It was suggested that the CPC educate the citizenry and solicit proposals via an article in the Lincoln Journal this fall.
7. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday October 27 at 7:30 PM in Town Offices
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