CPC Minutes
Truro Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of Meeting of December 9, 2016
Truro Town Hall
Members Present: Co-Chair Deborah McCutcheon, Co-Chair Mary Rose; Maureen Cronin, Ricard Larkin, Robert Lowe, Bonnie Sollog, Peter Herridge, Jane Petterson
Absent: Rex McKinsey
Co-Chair Deborah McCutcheon called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and gave some background information on the number of applications and available money. She said the planned date for the public hearing is Tuesday, January 17, 2017 and explained the process of bringing a project to Town Meeting.
Minutes of 12/1/16
Maureen Cronin moved to approve the minutes of December 1, 2016. Robert Lowe seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.
Review with FY18 Applicants
Puma Park Restoration
Disabilities Commission Chair Susan Howe presented request of $201,720 for the restoration project for Puma Park. Much of the ground cover has disintegrated, and a newer surface would be safe and accessible to not only children but all ages and those with disabilities. The “bouncy” surface is the biggest expense, she said. Artificial turf is another option that is less expensive. A new proposal was for multi-generational activity stations. Pre-installation preparation services available by community volunteers.
Deborah McCutcheon said that repair of dilapidated equipment was considered maintenance. She also said that Puma Park had been built on Town land, which was not considered appropriate for CPA funding at the time. Chair McCutcheon suggested that the activity stations could be considered for new funding. Ms. Howe said the Disabilities Commission had considered the surface replacement as an improvement for handicap usage. She also commented on the numbers of users at the park. Mary Rose asked that Ms. Howe look at the purpose of the new surface.
Highland House Museum
Richard Larkin recused himself from deliberations and voting on the Highland House Museum.
Director of the Historical Society Jim Summers, Helen McNeil Ashton, Vice President in charge of the collection, and Susan Howe, President of the Historical Society, came forward to explain their request for $248,617.57 for the Phase 2 historic restoration of Highland House Museum. Mr. Summers said the lease for 20 years with the Cape Cod National Seashore is almost complete. He explained the tracking of the lease from Cape Cod to Philadelphia to Washington. Mr. Summers addressed a question about the climate controlled area, which is a part of the Phase 3 plan. The most valuable pieces go to the Library during the winter, he said. Ms. McNeil-Ashton commented further on the importance of the climate controlled space.
Mr. Summers reviewed progress on Phase 1 of the project. He said the elevator was planned for a future phase. He reported on the fund raising efforts for the museum. This included pursuing grants, a Facebook fund raiser and their campaign to obtain matching funds.
25 & 25A Pond Rd. – $150,000
Truro Conservation Trust President Fred Gaechter and Meg Royka, Recording Secretary for the Trust, explained the project. The CPC had included the CC Times editorial in the meeting packet. Mary Rogers conveyed a message of support from Elizabeth Bradfield. Mr. Gaechter described the 10-acre parcel of land, the remaining twine field on the Cape. He described the public interest in the project, which would be of benefit to North Truro. Fred Gaechter said the Conservation Trust plans to put benches and a walking trail with signage explaining the historic significance of the twine fields. He said there were contiguous Conservation lots to the property. There is a subdivision plan that exists for construction of homes, but the potential developer is giving the Trust additional time to raise money for the purchase of the land. Mr. Gaechter reported on money that is being sought for the project in addition to CPA money.
Mr. Gaechter answered a number of questions including: protecting the aquifer, passive recreation, an update on funding, fund raising efforts, development of trails with AmeriCorps and Cape Cod Compact assistance, a permanent conservation deed restriction to be placed on the property, and provisions for stewardship should the Conservation Trust ever were to be dissolved.
Edgewood Farm
Castle Hill Executive Director Cheri Mittenthal, Rob Silverstein, Vice President, and Attorney Bruce Bierhens came forward to explain the request for $158,683. Cheri Mittenthal said that they had come back this year with the remainder of the request that they had submitted last year. Attorney Bruce Bierhens reported on progress on the deed restriction that is required. Cheri Mittenthal gave a report on activities at the Castle Hill. Ms. Mittenthal answered questions on public availability of the facilities. She detailed repairs that need to be made to the three buildings. She answered questions about discounts and scholarships to Truro residents, their free Seniors program, and open house events for guests. She explained the housing for visiting artists and teachers. Ms. Mittenthal reported on the donations that had been made so far. She said the Depot Road property, owned by Castle Hill, is currently for sale.
Great Hollow Extension
Ann Courtney and Mary Ellen Kimball explained the amended grant request of $250,000 for a Phase 1 acquisition of one lot at 2 Kill Devil Rd. The property is for open space and historic use of the beach and sunset viewing area. Ms. Kimball said this is a very popular area that will be lost if a house is constructed on the lot. Their expectation is for the Town to hold title to the property. The Open Space Committee stewards all vacant lots. There would be no maintenance required for the project. Funds that the group has raised so far is being held in escrow by the Truro Conservation Trust at this time. The applicants will be seeking grants from the state. They discussed closing costs for the sale of the property. Deborah McCutcheon asked about the house that abuts the property. She asked if there was private interest involved that would not play well at Town Meeting. Ms. Kimball said that development of the property would close out access to the Great Hollow beach. She anticipates support for the project. From the audience, Ms. McNeil-Ashton offered her support for keeping access to the beach. Chair McCutcheon said she needed information on voters’ support. Ms. Courtney discussed further the use of Great Hollow parking for the beach and for sunset viewing. Ms. Kimball said that receiving some money would help them get started with their project when questioned about a fuller plan. Joellen Farley said Truro residents are more likely to go to the beach than walk on a nature trail. Jack Farley asked about benefit to Truro residents. Disclosing that he works for the Beach Department, Mr. Farley stated that people come to Truro for the beaches. Ms. Kimball estimated that there was approximately $40,000 pledged so far. Jim Summers asked about approaching the seller to allow more time for the project to come together.
Deborah McCutcheon moved to adjourn. Richard Larkin seconded, and the motion carried 8-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Mary Rogers, CPC Administrative Consultant
CPC approved these minutes at the meeting held 12/15/16.
Public Records Material of 12/9/16
Dec. 7, 2016 Cape Cod Times article on Truro’s twine fields
All applications are filed in CPC permanent records.
Materials on Great Hollow