HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-15 Community Preservation Committee Minutes
Approved 10/20/22
Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of September 15, 2022
Present: Chairman Brian Roache, Terrance Holland, Rick Green, Tim Tschirhart, John Simons,
John Mabon, Tracy Watson, William Callahan,
Call to Order 7:05
Immediately prior to calling the meeting to order at 7:05 PM, Brian Roache read aloud a
statement regarding the conduct of virtual meetings and public access.
Committee Leadership Chair & Vice Chair. Nominations for Chair took place, T. Watson
nominated Brian Roache for Chairman. Mr. Roache accepted the nomination. A roll call vote was
taken.
MOTION T. Watson made a motion to nominate Brian Roache as Chairman, seconded by T.
Holland. A roll call vote was taken. W. Callahan-yes, T. Watson yes, T. Tschirhart yes, J.
Simons yes, J. Mabon- yes, T. Holland- yes, R. Green Yes. Motion passes unanimously.
MOTION T. Watson made a motion to nominate William Callahan as Vice Chairman,
seconded by T. Tschirhart. A roll call vote was taken. W. Callahan-yes, T. Watson yes, T.
Tschirhart yes, J. Simons yes, J. Mabon- yes, T. Holland- yes, R. Green Yes. Motion passes
unanimously.
Adopt Bylaws - Adopting the bylaws was discussed a the June meeting resulting in Bill Callahan
volunteering to put together some draft bylaws which are included in the meeting packet. It was
discussed briefly at the August meeting, but no vote was taken. The bylaw was reviewed by
members. T. Tschirhart questioned who the at large members are and who does it represent?
The at-large members of the committee are T. Tschirhart, B. Roache, B. Callahan, and R. Green.
Members that represent various constituencies would be J. Mabon, representing the
Conservation Commission, no one currently from the Historic Commission, J. Simons
representing the Planning Board, T. Holland represents the Youth and Recreation Council, and T.
Watson represents Housing. Under General #4, one of the provisions discussed is that the
Committee Chair would only come from those four at-large members. The thought behind that
is for independence. Those members appointed by a committee are there to advocate for the
best interest of that committee. The thought is that the Chair should be independent of that,
limits because we cant control what comes from any other committee. Especially the Select
Board as they are the appointing authority. Sot that portion was struck from the bylaw. J. Simon
expressed concern regarding term limiting. He explained that under the Town bysix
ex-officio members and only three at-large members, and that this is an existing problem. One
of the three slots is supposed to go to the Open Space Committee. If this is corrected, then there
would only be three members eligible for Chair and Vice Chair. He expressed concern about
members participating extensively in such a committee, but have no ability to be the Chair.
Feels it is too limited and will deter members knowing they can never be the Chair. Members
agree. B. Roache remindedall that the bylaws are not specifically written for these committee
members, but all members going forward and that that portion can easily be struck.
Number 9 under General regarding the specific CPC town meeting warren article. The provision
is that whatever is presented to the Town on the warrant article will be decided in that meeting.
vote on it at that time. J. Simons commented that in certain instances there may be a need for a
separate article. Especially in instances of purchasing land and bonding it or borrowing. He
would not want create the regulations so narrowly that it precludes some flexibility. B. Roache
suggested rewording it from the Warrant to the Report of the CPC. The change would be The
Report of the CPC to be participated in the Town Meeting Article.
T. Watson asked for clarification regarding the conflict of interest section. B. Roache explained
that it provides people with the process and the mechanism to clear up any conflict of interest
question. T. Watson asked for clarification regarding the membership and quorum section. If
meeting. B. Roache explained that with one member down, he believed they had a quorum.
After further clarification, he realizes they did not. The definition of quorum is now addressed
under Section 3B. W. Callahan spoke about the conflict of interest section, and the difference
between a member disclosing affiliation with another group and recusing themselves. Direction
from Town Council was that it is covered under Mass Conflict of Interest. A vote will be taken at
the next meeting.
CP-3 Reporting Every approved project that is submitted is added to the State data bank and a
today for FY23, so he will follow up for updates once the deadline has passed. The
Communitypreservation.org website shows every project that has been approved through CPA
from the beginning.
Grant Agreements B. Roached id execute the grant agreements that came through over the
summer and copies are in the meeting packet.
CPC Financials - All projects will be reviewed at the October meeting.
FY 2024 Meeting Schedule A copy of a draft calendar is in the meeting packet. B. Roache
reviewed the tentative meeting dates listed and encouraged all to spread the word regarding
the guidelines and deadlines for submission.
Approval of June 9th, 2022 Meeting Minutes.
MOTION R. Green made a motion to approve the June 9, 2022 minutes. Seconded by J.
Simon. J. Mabon & T. Watson abstain. Motion passes 6-0-2.
MOTION J. Simon made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by R. Green. T. Watson- yes, W.
Callahan-yes, B. Roache Yes, T. Holland Yes, J. Mabon-yes, R. Green Yes, J. Simons yes,
T. Tschirhart yes. Motion passes 8-0.