Community Preservation Committee’s 2010 Annual Report
The Community Preservation Committee is pleased to submit its annual report of activities for the fiscal year ending 2011.
Overview
The Town of Randolph’s Community Preservation Committee is comprised of citizens-at-large and members representing various boards and commissions as follows: Brian Howard as appointee for the Conservation Commission, Richard Sass representing the Board of Recreation, Don Laliberte on behalf of the Planning Board, Mary West for the Historical Commission, Ronald Lum for the Housing Authority and citizens-at-large: Michelle Tyler and Gerry Good (Business Community).
The Committee wishes to extend thanks to former member Roger Kahan for his service to the community and to Richard McCarthy, former Town Planner for his support and guidance.
Randolph’s fiscal year 2011 CPA revenue of $625,427 was matched by the state at 27.20% providing a total of $170,140 new revenue for funding projects meeting the established core principles:
• Acquire, create and preserve open space
• Acquire, rehabilitate, restore and preserve historic resources
• Create, preserve, and support community housing
• Acquire, preserve and utilize land for recreational use.
Recommendations
1. Crawford Square Improvement
The Committee recommended the approval of $250,000 to support the redevelopment of Crawford Square for Phase I improvements.. Funding from Community Preservation is allocated for historic lighting and landscape enhancements leveraging a $2 million state Public Works Economic Development grant and allowing the project to include additional public safety components.
2. Powers Farm Development – Phase I
Following the 2009 acquisition of Powers Farm for conservation and passive recreational purposes, CPC recommended the approval of $696,905 for the initial development of the property for use by the community. Funding is allocated for the services of an environmental engineering firm to develop conceptual designs, the acquisition and installment of such design details as walking trails, signage, parking, lighting, play space, lavatories, benches, picnic tables, etc.
3. Town Planner
The Town Planner/Community Preservation Planner Position was recommended for funding for the 3rd year of a three year commitment made by the CPC. This position is responsible for assisting in the implementation of and leveraging of the Town’s community preservation program working in collaboration with the CPC, Planning Board, Town Council and other boards/commissions. The Committee recommended the approval of $78,000 for salary and expenses to support this position critical to the future development of Randolph.
4. Fire Alarm Master Boxes
This project replaced the fire alarm master boxes at the three public housing sites under the management of the Randolph Housing Authority. The alarm system in place at the time of request was put into service April 13, 1900 and no longer met alarm reporting capabilities or overall reliability of alarm transmissions to the Fire Department. The Committee recommended the approval of $15,000 to improve public safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs of the antiquated system.
5. Bond Payments
The Committee recommended a series of bond repayments as a result of borrowing conducted for purchasing property including: $215,000 for repayment of Stetson Hall improvements, $126,500 – the first payment of 10 installments for Powers Farm, the Rent and Van Beal properties.
Summary
In the past year, Randolph has recognized significant changes to our community, our form of government and the financial support we receive from the State. As such, the Community Preservation Committee must change to continue meeting the needs of the community. In the coming year, the Committee intends to implement a more robust application and approval process – looking for applicants to seek matching funding, grants, donated services, etc. to develop a stronger community consensus and stretch financial resources to support a greater number of projects.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tyler
| 
