Thursday, December 8, 2005, 7:30pm Meeting with CPC at Twon Hall

Important meeting at Town Hall at 7:30pm to express support for the use of CPA funds for the restoration of Morses Pond.

"On November 5, 2002 Wellesley residents demonstrated their commitment to open space, historical preservation and community housing by passing the Community Preservation Act (CPA). As approved by Town Meeting, the local funding source for the Act in Wellesley will be a surcharge of 1% on the annual property tax bill assessed on real property, with certain exemptions, commencing in fiscal year 2003. The Wellesley Community Preservation Committee (CPC) was formed in December, 2002 to make recommendations to Town Meeting on how to utilize the funds raised through the surcharge and the State match (CPA). CPA funds may be used for projects in the areas of open space, recreation, housing and historical preservation. Community Preservation funds originate from two sources: a one percent surcharge on the local property tax bills and State matching funds. For the two years ending June 30, 2004, the Town raised $1,071,000 through the surcharge and there have been two State matches bringing the total CPA funds to $2,142,000. It is anticipated that the FY 2005 surcharge will provide $590,748 and unless the State Legislature amends the Community Preservation Act , the Town can anticipate another 100 percent match from the State in October 2005."

From http://www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/cpa/Web/CPA%20in%20Wellesley.htm:

The Community Preservation Act (MGL 44B) is statewide enabling legislation to allow cities and towns to exercise control over local planning decisions. The CPA provides new funding sources which can be used to address major concerns in Town. The core concerns addressed:

• Acquisition and preservation of open space and land
• Acquisition and creation of affordable housing
• Acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes

The restoration of Morses Pond clearly falls within the mission of CPA fund use. CPA funds can be used only for "capital" projects and not for ongoing maintenance, but that would still allow funding of at least half of the total Plan. Because CPC has already contributed $75,000 to the development of the Plan, it seems doubly important for the Town to see CPC leading the way with funding for the Plan itself.

Although it is not necessary to speak at the meeting, those who wish to will be accommodated. Please come and show your support!

Meeting Minutes

Several people attended this meeting and spoke to the CPC about the benefits of Morses Pond to the Town, Morses Pond's current state, and our support for helping in the restoration and management of Morses Pond.

After the meeting, CPC announced that they will fund a new harvester, $250,00, providing the overall comprehensive management plan ($2.26 million) passes Town Meeting in March of 2006.