A key topic of the meeting was the potential sale of the Baptist Church, a historic landmark in the community. The committee members discussed the need for the town to be involved in the sale process, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Various suggestions were made regarding the future of the church property, including its potential use for affordable senior housing or as a community event space. These ideas aim to meet local needs while preserving the historical form of the church. Concerns were raised about the reluctance of town officials to invest in older buildings.

The committee also deliberated on the clock face project associated with the church, where the rules governing the application of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds came under scrutiny. The discussion centered on whether a preservation restriction is required for the clock face since CPA funds were utilized for its rehabilitation. It was clarified that while funding was allocated for the clock tower, no exterior preservation had occurred on the church itself.

The financial struggles of the Clean Lakes Committee were another focal point. The committee expressed concern over the Clean Lakes Committee’s ongoing search for financial support, highlighting that this issue should be addressed comprehensively rather than by multiple departments. A member noted that without intervention, the problem of lake management would persist and worsen.

The committee also examined the allocation of funds collected through a tax surcharge, focusing on open space and recreation. There was a consensus on prioritizing funding for open space acquisition rather than ongoing maintenance. The committee discussed the definitions of terms related to funding, such as “preserve” and “rehabilitate,” and noted that rehabilitation is permissible under certain conditions, particularly for land acquired with CPA funds. The members emphasized the importance of using available funds for long-term protection, such as purchasing land, rather than spending on rehabilitation and maintenance.

The challenges of managing community preservation funds, particularly in the context of invasive species management, were discussed in detail. There were differing opinions on whether such actions constituted maintenance or rehabilitation, with the latter being restricted under the CPA guidelines. The need for a clear vision moving forward was articulated, especially when faced with multiple applicants. The committee agreed that the focus should be on acquiring and preserving open space, as mandated by community preservation legislation.