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Templeton CPC grants two-year extension for Dwelling Farm project, readies open-space funding push
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Summary
At its April 9 meeting, the Templeton Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved a two-year extension for the Dwelling Farm restoration grant, reviewed library and park project funding, and instructed staff to create a town open-space email so members can pursue a state grant before the April 30 deadline.
The Templeton Community Preservation Committee on April 9 unanimously approved a two-year extension for the Dwelling Farm restoration grant and reviewed a slate of project updates ahead of Town Meeting.
Chair opened the meeting and moved to accept the minutes from March 12; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The committee then heard an administrative update from Jessica, who reported that the Templeton Select Board appointed five residents to a new Open Space Committee at its March 23 meeting with one-year terms through June 30, 2026.
The committee reviewed CPA fund balances. The Chair said the CPA administrative expense account stands at $10,000 and other project funds roll over from year to year. He noted two Boynton Library project lines (one showing $53,935 remaining and another $60,000) and an $8,000 balance in the conservation fund earmarked to support an open space and recreation plan.
The North County Land Trust requested an extension for the Dwelling Farm restoration award (originally approved at ATM 2023). The Chair moved to grant a two-year extension through June 2028; the motion was seconded by Dennis and approved by roll call, with committee members voting yes. The Chair said the extension will allow the trust additional time to complete invasive-species work hindered previously by contractor availability.
The Chair also reported that the Gilman Way Softball Fields project (approved at $120,000) went out to bid and that the Houghton Ballpark project (budgeted at $125,000) remains contingent on securing a park grant. Jessica said she forwarded park-grant training information to Parks & Rec administrator Molly Brooks so the department can pursue the grant opportunity.
On smaller projects, the Chair said the Grain Chall kitchen rehabilitation (budgeted at $20,000) has about $4,000 remaining after recent invoices, and Carrie Novak reported that the senior center community garden expansion has purchased beds and trellises and is preparing plot plans with the cemetery commission for siting.
Carrie Novak raised an urgent logistics issue: the state open-space grant application site requires certain account types, and using a personal account would restrict some functions. "I would hate us to lose that opportunity," Novak said, urging the committee to create a town-managed open-space email account so applications and required functions can be completed. Jessica agreed to set up an open-space email (open space@templetonma.gov) and to assist Novak with the application before the April 30 deadline.
Finally, the Chair moved, and the committee approved, canceling the CPC's May meeting; the next scheduled meeting will be June 11, and the July meeting will handle reorganization.
Votes at a glance - Approval of March 12 minutes: motion moved by the Chair; seconded; approved by roll call. - Dwelling Farm restoration: motion to grant a two-year extension through June 2028; seconded by Dennis; approved by roll call (unanimous yes votes recorded). - Cancellation of May CPC meeting: motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.
What’s next The committee will pursue the town open-space email and assist committee members with the state open-space grant application ahead of the April 30 deadline; Town Meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 6 p.m., where three CPC articles will be presented (an appropriation article, a heroes project article, and a request to fund an open space plan).
