HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-29 ad Hoc - Community Preservation Act Study Committee MinutesIVED
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Town of Reading TOWNCLERK
Meeting Minutes READING, M
Board - Committee - Commission - council: 2924 JUN 12AM 7:33
Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study
Committee
Date: 2024-05-29
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Kick-off Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:30 PM
Location:
Select Board Meeting Room
Session:
Open Session
Version:
Final
Carlo Bacci, Sarah Brukilacchio, Joe Carnahan, Eric Gaffen, Sandy Matathia,
Martha Moore
Members - Not Present:
Margaret Donnelly Moran
Others Present:
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, RHA Executive Director Kathryn Gallant
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 pm
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis opened nominations for Chair. Enc Gaffen nominated Joe
Carnahan for Chair, seconded by Martha Moore. With no other nominations, Joe Carnahan
was unanimously elected Chair by a vote of 6-0.
Joe Carnahan opened nominations for Vice Chair. Martha Moore nominated Sarah
Bmkilacchio, seconded by Eric Gaffen. With no other nominations, Sarah Brukilacchio was
unanimously elected Vice Chair by a vote of 6-0.
Mr. Kraunelis reviewed information provided by the former Economic Development Director
about the steps to take to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The Committee
discussed potential opportunities to bring the CPA to the voters: 2024 November
presidential election, Annual Town Election in spring 2025, or on the special election ballot
for the Killam School anticipated in spring 2025. However, CPA might have to be on the
ballot of a normal election cycle, which would preclude it from the special election.
The Committee discussed the importance of educating the community about the allowed
uses of CPA funds, the match component, and possible exemptions. They also discussed
the timing of the vote, and not undermining the upcoming Killam School project, and senior
center project. Other discussion points included: the impact on residents' taxes; the
difference between CPA and the other projects, as there is a match; the funds could
supplement and expand the operating budget with dedicated funds, which will allow other
projects to happen.
The Committee will ultimately come up with a proposal and a recommended percentage.
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Discuss Future Meeting Schedule & Meeting Dates
The Committee agreed to schedule meeting dates: Tuesdays, June 11th, June 25th, July 9t^,
and July 2V. All meetings will begin at 7:30 pm.
For the next meeting, the Committee will make a connection with the Community
Preservation Coalition who can answer questions and steer the Committee in the right
direction.
On a motion by Martha Moore, seconded by Eric Gaffen, the ad hoc Community Preservation
Act Study Committee unanimously voted 6-0 to adjourn at 8:29 pm.
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