Board of Selectmen
October 30, 2007
Chairman Whitcomb called the meeting to order at 4:00PM with Ms. Connors, Mr. Bergstrom, Mr. Summers and Town Manager William Hinchey present.
Ms. Connors moved the Board of Selectmen approve the minutes of the October 23, 2007 Board of Selectmen’s meeting with the addition of a clarification that she wanted to say she wanted to know where the connector would be to volunteer Park from the Bike Path. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.
Public Forum
Mr. John Hallgren read a verse he had written welcoming Mr. Hinchey back from his vacation.
Citizens for Home Owner’s Insurance Reform
Ms. Paula Aschetinno attended this meeting representing the organization Citizens for Homeowners Insurance Reform. Ms. Aschetinno said her organization has just celebrated their one year anniversary. The grassroots group of Cape Cod and Coastal Massachusetts homeowners are searching for solutions to the current insurance dilemma by working with legislators and representatives at the State, National and local levels to effect change by reducing the premiums charged homeowners under the FAIR plan.
Ms. Connors moved the Board of Selectmen vote to support and sign the initiative as a Board of Selectmen. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously in favor.
Summer Residents/Affordable Housing Committee Recommendation
The Board of Selectmen held discussion on the two CPC applications described by Town Planner Terry Whalen, representing the Affordable Housing Committee and supported by the Summer Residents Committee.
The first application proposed is for funding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide a mechanism for Chatham to be more responsive to potential opportunities to create affordable housing. The total amount of the application is $250,000.
The second request in the amount of $60,000 is for the creation of a technical assistance program to help interested property owners develop affordable accessory apartments, complete paper work, find potential sources of rehabilitation/wastewater grants and monitor compliance with afford ability requirements.
Mr. Summers felt the Town would be creating a position for a program that is not being used. Others felt this would give homeowners a chance to have assistance when considering affordable apartments. Mr. Bergstrom ask for assurance that these monies would not be added to current salaries. Mr. Hinchey said that it would not. Mr. Hinchey also said these fund may not be fully expended, but would allow for a consultant as needed and to educate the public about the program.
After debating the merits of these proposals, Ms. Connors moved the Board of Selectmen vote to support the $60,000 application for technical support. Mr. Summers seconded the motion. The Board voted three in favor and one opposed (Mr. Bergstrom supports the policy of not acting on CPC applications before the Committee reviews them). The motion passed.
Mr. Bergstrom moved the Board of Selectmen vote that the application for the Affordable Trust Fund is consistent with the Board of Selectmen’s goals towards affordable housing. Ms. Connors seconded the motion. The Board voted three in favor and one opposed (Mr. Summers). The motion carried.
Middle Road Affordable Housing Proposal
Town Planner Terry Whalen presented a proposal for the creation on three lots on Middle Road to be donated to a non-profit agency to be used for affordable housing.
Mr. Bergstrom said it appears the town will be re-zoning more land than will be gifted. Mr. Summers said he does not want to re-zone for municipal purposes only. He is in favor of incentives for private developers. Mr. Summers also said he is finished with supporting the Town giving away any more land since he does feel it makes sense to use the land bank on one hand to protect land and then give it away. Mr. Summers does not feel it is productive to have people own houses with deed restrictions because it does not allow equity to provide for their senior years.
Mr. Bergstrom said the proposed housing is consistent with what is in the area but he would like to see the houses spread out along Middle Road leaving the back area as open space. Ms. Connors agreed, saying she is inclined to support the proposal if it is reconfigured.
Mr. Whitcomb said he would support this proposal with less land being re-zoned. Mr. Whitcomb noted a letter from Mr. Peter Wiseman opposing the use of the land.
Mr. Whalen will come back to the Board on a future agenda.
Other Business
Ms. Connors said she would like an update from the Planning Board.
Mr. Bergstrom said he would like to have Mr. Keon give an update on North Beach and discuss the upcoming meeting with Orleans.
The meeting adjourned at 5:40PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ramona M. McDonald
Recording Clerk
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