HomeMy Public PortalAboutCrosby Property Advisory Committee -- 2022-09-20 Minutes MINUTES OF THE CROSBY PROPERTY COMMITTEE
DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 2022
TIME: 11:00 AM
PLACE: Remote Teleconference
PARTICIPANTS: Diana Lamb (Chair), Cate O'Neill, Peter Lombardi,
Andy Evans, Mark Flaherty, Richard Archer
Agenda Items
1. Call to Order - Chair Diana Lamb called the meeting to order at
11:03 AM.
2. Declaration of a Quorum - Diana declared that a quorum is
present.
3. Meeting Participation Statement - Diana read the participation
statement.
4. Recording Statement - Diana read the recording statement.
5. Approve Old Minutes - A motion to approve the August 2022
minutes was made and seconded. Approved unanimously. There
were no public comments.
6. Property Manager's Report - Richard Archer discussed the
following issues:
a. The expanded summer tour schedule was very successful. They
were well attended. There were about 2000 people over the
summer although the final numbers are still being worked out.
b. Attendees readily offered the suggested $5 donation. Many said
they had wanted to get in to see the mansion for years.
c. The high numbers seems to have spurred rental interest. Richard
has been getting inquiries about events and there might even be
a few small events this November.
d. Cottage rentals went well. Richard received notes in
appreciation. The cottages are about 90% booked for next
summer. There was some discussion about raising the cottage
rents. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
e. Private tours are $20 per person.
f. There was some discussion about parking issues. The self park
on the front lawn seemed to work. There are some concerns
about parking too close to trees. If possible, for some events the
parking will be shifted to the lower lot.
g. Crosby Friends group is going well. There was some concern that
the four hour shifts for docents on tour days seemed too long
and so they will be shortened to two hours next year.
h. The small gift shop selling notes, mugs, postcards, etc. was
successful. No new supplies were purchased. The shop will
remain small but will be expanded next season.
i. A mansion window was broken and a repairman has been over
to look.
j. A cottage window was also broken and a temporary fix is in
place.
k. A question was asked about the recent occasions when trolleys
carrying wedding parties have stopped for photos. There have
been some minor issues with litter and the use of restrooms.
The mansion is on state parkland and the rules allow pedestrians
to walk the grounds and take photos. But could we not ask for a
donation? Richard will look into this.
I. The fall cleanup is in progress.
m.The CPC grant has issued a one year extension to get work done
on chimneys. Richard continues to have trouble finding a mason
capable of the work.
7. How Crosby Finances Work - Peter Lombardi gave an overview of
how the finances have worked over the last few years.
n. A revolving fund is maintained separate from the town's general
finances.
o. Typically yearly revenues are between $70,000 to $80,000. This
largely comes from rentals and events - primarily the cottages.
p. Expenses typically total about the same. The largest portion is
the salary for the properties manager but also include utilities.
q. The pandemic upset the typical numbers. The federal ARPA
(American Rescue Plan Act) money was used to cover about
$35,000 of the salary and this makes the 2022 FY expenses look
small. Also, during the transition from Brian to Richard there
were some personnel savings.
r. More rentals (in particular - more weddings) would make a huge
difference.
s. Another source of increased revenue could come from the third
cottage.
• It could be a duplex with two small units or a six person place.
• It might well need $100,000 or more of work.
• A committee tour might be a good idea.
• A loan from the town could be paid off with the rental income
over the first four or five years.
• Realistically the third cottage will not be available for rental
until the summer of 2024 at the earliest.
t. Large capital expenses are not included in the revolving fund.
For example, the chimney repair is not.
u. There is a separate and much smaller account for donations that
is used for Friends expenses. Richard estimates that $9500 came
in this summer and this is much higher than in the past.
v. The donation requested is $5 per adult. There was discussion
about whether this amount is too low. On the one hand, $5 is a
very reasonable price and the tour is "worth" much more. On
the other hand, a low price builds community goodwill and
that's worth something! And of course the real money is in
cottage rentals.
8. Haunted House Planning - Richard is working in conjunction with
Brewster Recreation and the Nauset High Players to stage a
haunted house in the mansion during the last two weekends in
October. More details will be made available for the October
meeting. For now:
w. This is a multi-generational community based activity with local
professionals helping.
x. Timed tickets are sold online but those who show up with cash
will not be turned away. Purchasers will select which of the
three hours they'd like to begin their tour: 5:30 to 6:30, 6:30 to
7:30, or 7:30 to 8:30.
y. The Brewster police will be on hand until 9 PM.
z. Parking will be in lower lot and the entrance will be at the north
side of the function hall where tickets are collected and groups
assembled. Then groups of 10 or 12 will go around to the front
door of the mansion to begin.
aa. Groups will be separated by 5 or 6 minutes. The route is
mapped out and timed in such a way as to avoid groups crossing.
bb. Richard will send posters and details.
13. Friends 'Report - These items were covered in the Property
Manager's Report.
14. New Business - none
15. Next Meeting - October 18, 2022 at 11 AM
16. Adjournment - The motion passed at about 12 noon.
Respectfully submitted, Mark Flaherty