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CPC backs draft warrant for Engine 25 restoration; approval contingent on grant agreement and affidavit protecting town interest
Summary
The Community Preservation Committee agreed to advance a warrant article seeking CPA funds to restore historic Engine 25, with approval conditioned on a grant agreement and an affidavit specifying stewardship and return of CPA investment if the truck is sold or the association dissolves.
The Community Preservation Committee on March 5 voted to advance a warrant article seeking $300,000 in CPA funds to restore historic Engine 25, an antique fire truck that the Southborough Firefighters Association intends to use as a showpiece and for limited community events. The committee's approval is contingent on a grant agreement and an affidavit that define long-term stewardship and protect the town's investment.
Applicant Nate (Southborough Firefighters Association) provided a statement of intended uses: public displays at parades, Memorial Day and other town events, educational open houses and funerals for past and present members. Committee members requested clearer language about public access and ownership. "Ownership will stay with the Southborough Firefighters Association, and they pay the insurance and maintenance costs," the applicant stated; committee members asked this be coupled with terms that require return of CPA funds to the town if the truck is sold or if the association dissolves.
Committee members also asked for a sunset/timeline for project completion and discussed appropriate contingency language and insurance documentation. Staff planned to draft a grant agreement that would be available for public review before Town Meeting and stated the agreement would specify that, if Engine 25 is sold, the town must be reimbursed the full CPA investment or an agreed formula for return of proceeds.
On a motion to accept the draft warrant language as discussed and to include an affidavit and grant agreement terms protecting the town's interest, the committee recorded a roll-call vote: Ben Smith (yes), Kristen (yes), Brett (yes), Grant (no), Ellen (yes), Lisa Braccio (yes). The motion passed with a majority in favor; one member voted no. Committee staff will work with town counsel to prepare a draft grant agreement and affidavit, and the applicant agreed to provide additional documentation including a letter from the fire chief supporting the project and evidence of fundraising efforts already undertaken.
