HomeMy Public PortalAbout20131017 - Community Preservation Committee - Meeting Minutes1
TOWN OF HOPKINTON
Community Preservation Committee
MINUTES OF MEETING
October 17, 2013
A meeting of the Hopkinton Community Preservation Committee was held on Thursday,
October 17, 2013 at Town Hall, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Members
present: Henry Kunicki, Jeff Doherty, Ken Weismantel, Eric Sonnett, Bob Ionta and Al
Rogers. The Affordable Housing, Conservation Commission and one of the At-Large
seats remain vacant. Also in attendance: Andre and Christine Navez of 223 Pond Street,
David Goldman of HALT, Christa Collins of Sudbury Valley Trustees
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Kunicki called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM in Room
211.
CITIZEN COMMENTS: Mr. Navez referred to 203 Pond Street, which is being
considered for open space acquisition, as a link between a wildlife sanctuary and the Upton
State Forest and advocated for the parcel’s acquisition. He reported that the state is
appraising the land and that state funds, as well as private donations, may contribute to the
purchase price of the property.
PUBLIC HEARING: MOTION by Mr. Weismantel to open the public hearing to
consider Community Preservation Act funding requests for Fiscal Year 2015 SECONDED
by Mr. Doherty. VOTE to Approve: Unanimous. NStar/Berry Acres: Mr. Weismantel
reported strong support for the acquisition of three parcels, including support from the
Conservation Commission and the Planning Board. He anticipates that NStar’s asking
price may be reduced. A Conservation Commission representative will be asked to
address this request at the next hearing. Town Clerk Records Storage: TABLED until
November 14. Mr. Weismantel said a recommendation from the Historical Commission
with regard to this request is in order. HALT Signage: Mr. Goldman said his request for
signage advances an effort by HALT to identify open space properties throughout
Hopkinton. Mr. Weismantel noted that the parking area for Cameron Woods/Whisper
Way needs to be clearly identified. Endowment for Cameron Woods and Whisper Way:
Mr. Goldman explained that this request is to enable a contingency finance source in the
event that the Open Space Preservation Committee is unable to produce funds for the
endowments. He said the endowments pay for baseline documentation, trail signs and
stewardship in perpetuity. Mr. Weismantel suggested setting a placeholder for an
Elmwood Farm CR/endowment. Claflin Fountain Restoration: Jeff Furber had two
estimates for repairing the fountain, one of which entails shipping the fountain to Alabama.
Two separate appropriations totaling $80,000.00 had been approved at Town Meeting for
this purpose. Some $77,000+ of this remains unspent. It was agreed an effort should be
made to have the fountain repaired in time for the Town’s 300th anniversary celebration.
203 Pond Street Land Acquisition: Mr. Doherty said OSPC will bring this request forward
if other funding sources to offset the price are confirmed. Wyckoff Property: The Upper
Charles Trails Committee will request a parcel south of Granite Street to advance the
Center Trail to connect with the Milford Bike Path. Town Common-WWII Memorial:
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Mr. Sonnet said elements of the memorial need to be cleaned and repaired at an estimated
$6,500.00. Terry Farm Silo: The Board of Selectmen has engaged a consultant to
examine the structural integrity of the silo, as the contractor for the barn is concerned that
the silo may damage new construction there. Other requests were tabled until the
November meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
MINUTES: September 19, 2013 – MOTION by Mr. Weismantel to approve the meeting
minutes from September 19, 2013 SECONDED by Mr. Sonnett. VOTE to Approve:
Unanimous.
ADJOURN: MOTION by Mr. Weismantel to continue the public hearing to November
14, 2013 at 7:15PM SECONDED by Mr. Sonnett. VOTE to Approve: Unanimous.
MOTION by Mr. Weismantel to adjourn SECONDED by Mr. Doherty. VOTE to
Approve: Unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:40PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth Aghababian, CPC Administrative Assistant
Documents Used:
1) CPC Meeting Agenda
2) Invoices to be approved for payment
3) Minutes from 9/19/2013
4) CPA Funding Applications