Link back to Community Preservation Committee Meeting Minutes page
Members Present: Chairman Bill Reardon, Dan Coughlin, Jim Watson, Gary Tondorf-Dick, Phil Edmundson, Sarah Dewey, John Kelleher
Absent: John Riley, Sally Weston
Chairman Bill Reardon called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
The minutes from the February 17, 2010 meeting were approved as amended: Mr. Reardon would not vote on project proposals unless needed to break a tie; Jim Watson recalled that when the DPW cleaned out the stream at Foundry Pond years ago, disruption to the stream environment caused a serious decline in the fish population.
Administrator’s Report
The Administrator had no new information to report.
General Discussion of CPA Grant Proposals for FY 2011
Bare Cove Fire Museum - Restoration
Project Manager John Kelleher said that he and project proponent Lisa Andre worked together to get clarity around the proposal. He provided a handout showing various options to complete the work needed, and the costs associated with those options. Phil Edmundson said that the “phased” project option should be eliminated, and that it makes more sense to do the project at one time based on cost. He went on to say that Town Meeting can decide whether to spend $250,000 or not. Gary Tondorf-Dick pointed out that when the contract documents are written, the 15% overhead and contingency for doing the full project at one time would most likely be reduced. He also pointed out that asbestos removal sometimes runs higher than estimated. John Kelleher discussed the “limited” option, explaining that it would only address the leaky north wall. Gary Tondorf-Dick said that over time it’s a better value to replace the concrete block with brick because it does not have to be painted or sealed as a block would.
The merits of the proposal were discussed: The project would preserve an historic structure (associated with WWI, WWII, and the Korean War), preserve the assets in the museum, and the museum is used by the community. Dan Coughlin asked if there are other sources of funding available. Lisa Andre responded that there is a $50,000 endowment in a zero coupon bond, but there are restrictions on the endowment. Jim Watson asked if any of the fire engine manufacturers are still available to contribute to the endowment. Ms. Andre said that the companies are no longer around. John Kelleher said that the museum’s income in 2009 was $13,000; expenses were $18,000. Income includes dues and occasional donations. Phil Edmundson asked, since this is a town-owned building is discussion of finances really necessary? Bill Reardon responded that although the building is town-owned, the collection belongs to the museum. John Kelleher stated, if the museum ceases to exist, assets go to the town as well as $20,000 from the endowment.
Further discussion revealed that the building may be under a 90 day termination agreement and there is a deed restriction. When the Department of the Interior transferred the land to the town, there was a 90 day agreement. Since the town owns the property, the 90 days may not apply.
Gary Tondorf – Dick pointed out that this is a non-profit organization that is keeping Hingham’s history intact. The apparatus, helmets, uniforms are all Hingham.
Vote
A motion to recommend up to $252,000 from the Community Preservation Historic Preservation reserve for restoration of the Bare Cove Fire Museum was seconded.
Vote – Unanimous approval
Transfer to Administrative Fund
Mr. Reardon explained that the Administrative Fund is used to pay for such things as property appraisals, attorney’s fees, annual CPA Coalition dues, supplies, and the administrator’s salary. The Committee’s practice has been to request a transfer every 2-3 years. The last transfer was approved at ATM 2007. The current balance in the fund is projected to be about $19,000 on June 30, 2010. Expenses have been running at approximately $27,000 annually.
Vote
A motion to recommend a transfer of $50,000 from the Community Preservation General Reserve to the CP Administrative Fund was seconded.
Vote – Unanimous approval
Fort Hill Street Veterans’ House
Chairman Reardon reviewed the status of the project, saying that the meeting that would provide an opportunity for discussion for the project stakeholders was postponed to Monday, March 8, 2010. He said that there is a lot of misinformation being circulated, including a rumor that there would be costs to the town. Dan Coughlin stated that there are no capital or operating costs to the town. He also said that communication before and after the fact is important. Father Bill’s/MainSpring is in the process of scheduling public meetings with abutters and other interested parties to respond to the public’s questions. Phil Edmundson suggested that Mr. Reardon write a letter for the paper to explain the process and debunk confusion and rumors.
Mr. Reardon agreed to do so.
Mr. Edmundson reported that he approached the Capital Outlay Committee to see if there was anything on its list that would qualify for CP funding; but there was nothing that could be funded under the CPA.
Meeting Attendee Tom Patch recommended that any agreement with Father Bill’s/Mainspring should build in controls to ensure the safety of the town, such as the right of first refusal, quarterly reports, etc. He said that there should be a legally enforceable mechanism, such as a restrictive covenant, to protect the town. Mr. Edmundson suggested talking to Town Counsel to find out what is possible and how it could be done.
Chairman Reardon discussed presentation at the Advisory Committee meeting on 2/25/10. The Chairman will present an overview of CPC’s process to date. Project managers will present the projects, with project proponents responding to questions as needed. Because several CPC members are not able to attend, the following assignments were made:
Bill Reardon – Administrative Fund, Foundry Pond, Time Capsule
Gary Tondorf-Dick – Memorial Bell Tower and the Fire Museum
Sally Weston – Thaxter Park Boilers
Mr. Reardon reminded the committee that the last article on the AdCom agenda is discussion of the proposed article to reduce the CP surtax.
The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Reardon adjourned the meeting at 8:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Young
Administrator