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Tuesday February 12, 2009
Hingham Town Hall
7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Phil Edmundson, John Riley, Judy Sneath, Bill Reardon, Sarah Dewey, Jim Watson, John Kelleher, Sally Weston, AdCom Liaisons Lizzie Eldredge and David Ellison
Members Absent: Gene Babin
Chairman Phil Edmundson called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M.
The minutes from the February 3, 2009 Open Session were approved as written.
Administrator Update
Andrea Young distributed an updated project list reflecting the withdrawal of Troop One’s application and the elimination of two Housing Authority projects, both of which were not eligible for funding under the CPA. The Housing Authority’s requests for funds to paint the interior of Thaxter Park and to install gutter screens are considered maintenance, which is not an allowable expenditure of CPA funds. The Administrator then mentioned Sarah Dewey’s article about the Cushing property that appeared in the Hingham Journal. All agreed that it was an excellent description of the historical and aesthetic significance of the property and buildings.
¬Project Presentations
Veterans’ Home – Gail Neibaur from the Hingham Housing Authority discussed the proposal to turn the house at 111 Fort Hill Street into 6-units of affordable housing for veterans. The house, which formerly housed DMH clients, is zoned for 8 or 9 units. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Plante, originally planned for their disabled son to live in the group home, but he is unable to do so; therefore, the Plantes wish to sell the multiple unit property. Ms. Neibaur explained that the plans call for a clean and sober house that would provide 5 units of affordable housing plus one unit for the house manager, who is already in residence. Section 8 assistance will be attached to the house so that each tenant would pay 30% of his or her income; the Federal Government would pay the rest. Each tenant would be screened by a committee, and would have to sign a lease. Preference would be given to Hingham Vets. She said that the Housing Authority is in the process of establishing a board and tax exempt status.
Steve Kelly, house manager briefly explained the rules of the house. He has 10 years experience working with Veterans in transition. He contacted the Northeast Center for Homeless Veterans, which will provide services for the Fort Hill Street tenants. Veterans Agent Mike Cunningham talked about the need for affordable housing for veterans in Hingham. He has already had several referrals.
Chairman Edmundson clarified that the Housing Authority’s request for $350,000 represents the purchase of the house only; Ms. Neibaur confirmed. She added that Section 8 rents would pay the operating expenses. The Chairman explained that there are many worthy projects this year and the CPC does not have the resources to fund them all. When asked by Mr. Edmundson, the Plantes said they would accept and installment sale.
Further discussion focused on whether or not the project is ready for funding. Chairman Edmundson said that the Committee would have to see a detailed operating plan and an appraisal of the property before it could give further consideration to the project. Selectman Riley suggested that the Housing Authority also seek funding from the Housing Trust, which is able to borrow money and obtain a mortgage. He suggested that the CPC might be able to supplement a shortfall. Bill Reardon commented that the Housing Trust did a great job of putting together the numbers for the Lincoln School apartments and that the more parties that come together to support a project, the better the chance of success. John Riley added that the multi-unit zoning is hard to obtain and that the CPC should support the project. The Committee voted to approve up to $1,500 for the Housing Authority to obtain an appraisal on the house.
Chairman Edmundson closed the discussion by asking that the Selectmen advise the CPC whether this project should be financed by CPC or the Housing Trust, or how else this could work.
Beal Street Wetlands Delineation – Gail Neibaur explained that this study is needed to prepare for the construction of affordable housing on Beal Street. The Committee discussed this matter briefly. They established that it is necessary to define wetlands as a first step in the construction process. There were, however, questions about the scope of work and what such work should cost. Chairman Edmundson recommended further discussion at the next meeting, when project liaison Gene Babin might be present.
Thaxter Park Boiler Replacement – Gail Neibaur explained the Housing Authority’s request for funds to replace boilers, saying that Thaxter Park revenue hasn’t changed, they have been level-funded by the State but costs have gone up. She said that State engineers have documented the need for new boilers. All 16 boilers are 36 years old, and are in bad shape. They run 24/7 from September to June, and have all been repaired repeatedly. Ms. Neibaur explained that frail elders are at risk. When there is no heat, they must be moved to temporary housing until repairs are completed. The request is for 8 boilers @ $8,000 each and 8 boilers at $3,000 each. Chairman Edmundson said that if the CPC funds the $88,000 for the boilers, the Housing Authority would have to bid out the purchase and installation.
Open Space – Peter Rosen and Mike Pollard from the Open Space Acquisition Committee reviewed the facts about each property. They prioritized the properties putting Cushing first, Bennett second and Noonan third. The Cushing and Noonan properties have an agreed-upon price. Due to unforeseen circumstances, negotiations on the Bennett property have not moved forward. The Committee confirmed that Mr. Cushing would be willing to accept payment for his land in installments and determined that under that scenario the CPC takes title to the property.
Discussion/Vote
Before opening discussion on the projects, Chairman Edmundson asked if either of the Advisory Committee members present wished to comment. David Ellison said that given the economic situation, the CPC should “spend what you have and not more that what you have”. He also reminded the Committee about the warrant article to reduce the CP surtax.
Chairman Edmundson asked Bill Reardon how much money was available in the fund for use on this year’s projects. He reported a total of $1,100,000.
Following a review and discussion of each project, the Committee approved the following:
Old Derby/Old Ordinary Structure Reports - $60,000 approved; 7 for, 1 against
Historical Commission Grant - $62,500 approved on the condition that the Historical Commission reports expenditures to the CPC annually in January; 7 for, 1 against
Conservation Fund - $100,000 approved on the condition that the Conservation Commission reports expenditures to the CPC annually in January; unanimous
Cushing Property Acquisition - $700,000 approved for the purchase of 4.14 acres with possible consideration for an installment sale; the transaction to include a gift to the Town of 5 acres and a preservation restriction on the property and buildings; unanimous
Thaxter Park Boiler Replacements - $88,000 approved; unanimous
No vote was taken on the following projects:
Bennett property acquisition
Noonan property acquisition
Beal St. Affordable Housing wetlands delineation
Fort Hill Veterans’ House
CPC Administrative Expenses
The CPC will meet on Thursday 2/26/09.
The CPC will discuss its recommendations at a joint meeting of the Selectmen and Advisory Committee on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.
Chairman Edmundson adjourned the meeting at 10:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Young
Administrator