Link back to Community Preservation Committee Meeting Minutes page
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Hingham Town Hall
7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Chairman Dan Coughlin, Bill Reardon, Bob Curley, Sally Weston,
Bruce Rabuffo, Gary Tondorf-Dick, Jim Watson
Vacant Positions: 2
Chairman Dan Coughlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
The minutes from 11/30/11 were approved as amended.
Prior to starting the Project Discussions, Chairman Coughlin reminded the members and the project proponents present that there are many worthy projects this year and that the amount of CPC funds available is cannot fully fund each project. He reinforced the importance of seeking additional funding sources and reviewing the scope of work and cost estimates for each project proposal.
Applications for 2012 Funding
Chairman Coughlin asked Project Managers to report on their respective applications and to highlight any new or revised information.
Whitney Wharf
• Mr. Reardon commented that further review of the requirements for each funding category indicated that the project should be considered an Open Space/Recreation project. A discussion with the Community Preservation Coalition confirmed that construction of the bridge would qualify as a recreation project.
¬Bel Air Road Property
• Chairman Coughlin stated that there has been no further information forthcoming from the proponents of this application, and will contact them to determine the disposition of this project.
Ames Chapel
• Larry Linder provided additional information on the potential uses for the chapel when it is restored and reiterated the Cemetery Corporation's interest in applying for Greenbush Trust funds
Heritage Museum
• Tentative total project estimate is $3.2M; the amount of the Historical Society's request is for half of that amount, $1.4M
Head House
• Mark Thorell said that the Rec Commission has decided to reduce the amount of the funds they originally thought, based on the results of the feasibility study, they would need to request in order to carry out the project. The Rec Commission is requesting $252,628 to do the work necessary to preserve the building. The remainder of the project may be done in stages; but that will be decided when it is determined whether the Rec Department will be moving or remaining in its present location. Mr. Thorell reported that Roger Fernandes thinks there may be an opportunity to complete the preservation work for less than estimated.
Liberty Plain Cemetery
• Gary Tondorf-Dick reviewed the status of an earlier CPC funded project to assess and conserve grave markers. The new project will focus specifically on Veteran's markers.
• Project request is $50,000
¬Preservation Projects Fund Grant
• The Historical Commission provided an accounting of the uses of the previous block grant awarded in 2009.
• Mr. Reardon said that he was surprised that the Historical Commission provided additional funds for the Hingham Centre Cemetery fence, when that was not specifically identified as one of the potential uses for the grant.
• Andrea Young will meet with Mr. Reardon to provide further detail on the expenditures.
• Mr. Curley said that it is important to have funds available for preservation of the town's assets.
Historical Collections Project
• Project is currently being overseen by the Historic Archives Task Force.
¬Hingham Centre Cemetery Fence
• The project is to continue fence in most visible areas first. The request is to fund 100 ft. of wrought iron fence to replace the current chain link that runs along the boundary of the cemetery and the Tree and Park Barn.
•
¬Tree and Park Barn
• The project is to paint the entire exterior of the building and to make necessary repairs.
The next CPC meeting is on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
The Committee determined that discussion of possible property acquisitions required meeting in executive session. Each member voted individually to convene in executive session and not to reconvene in open session.
Chairman Coughlin adjourned the meeting at 9:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Young
Administrator