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CPC to inventory old projects and standardize signage after finding missing required signs
Summary
The committee discussed a backlog of CPC-funded projects missing permanent signs, agreed to compile an inventory, contact current property stewards, and consider ordering temporary construction vinyl signs and permanent plaques to close out accounts.
Members of the Southborough Community Preservation Committee reviewed a series of older projects that lack the permanent signage required by CPC grant agreements and discussed options for completing signage and closing project accounts.
Committee members reported that some projects dating back to about 2010 still lack the required signs. A committee member said that the typical temporary construction sign is a 2-by-4 vinyl panel that costs about $100 from common vendors such as Staples, and that more permanent signage varies by site. "The applicant was supposed to fund and put the signs up. Didn't happen," a committee member said, noting that in many older applications the applicant either no longer exists or the project steward has changed. Committee members agreed that the CPC should assemble a list of missing signs, identify who currently manages each property (town department or private owner), and then decide whether the CPC should order signs directly or provide a ready-to-purchase package to applicants.
Committee discussion emphasized two constraints: purchase orders and accounting controls on CPC funds, and property stewardship. One member explained that a purchase order placed on a CPC account shows funds as encumbered and only the CPC can release those encumbrances; another warned that the committee cannot simply place signs on private property without permission from the current property owner. The committee also discussed the administrative burden of tracking down old applicants and recommended inviting town departments (for town-owned sites) to a September meeting so the CPC can coordinate installations with the responsible steward.
The committee set these next steps: compile an inventory of open projects missing signage and post it to the CPC Dropbox; contact town staff for town-owned properties; develop a simple sign template and vendor list to present at the September meeting; and consider using remaining project account balances to pay for signage where the funds were originally allocated for that purpose. The committee did not vote to expend funds at this meeting; members said any use of project account balances would be coordinated with the project steward and the town’s accounting procedures.
