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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-09 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of December 9, 2021 Present: Chairman Brian Roache, Terrance Holland, William Callahan, , Tim Tschirhart, Tracy Watson, Daniel Beckley(Staff Planner) Absent - Rick Green, John Mabon, CJ Gangi, John Simons. Chairman Brian Roache called the meeting to order at 7:15PM. The meeting was televised. Mr. Roache read a statement before the meeting started (referencing the opening statement off the Agenda) "Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2021 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L.c 30A, Section 18 and Governor's March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Community Preservation Committee will conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible". Public hearing on community preservation needs and goals. Mr. Roache explained the process and opened up the meeting to members of the audience to speak. He welcomed questions, projects or ideas regarding the Community Preservation Committee. Theodore Kelly, 214 Sutton Hill Road. Presented a project to repair the boat ramp and retaining wall on Lake Cochichewick for consideration for CPC funding. Mr. Callahan suggested getting estimates for design and permitting advice. Then proceed the next year with contractor quotes. Year 1 would be an exploratory year. Year 2 project would be presented with actual numbers. Mr. Holland questioned if there was another location for a ramp. There is not. Mr. Roache explained that it would most likely qualify as a CPC eligible project as recreational land. Anticipating the ramp itself to cost $30-$50 thousand range. Mr. Kelly suggested phasing the two projects separately. Mr. Tschirhart suggested that the permitting process would be the greatest challenge. Mr. Kelly inquired about getting design estimates done. Mr. Callahan explained that the role of the CPC is simply to recommend funding of the project and suggested talking to consultants to get a real price for the project. The CPC would then present the project and amount to Town Meeting. Mr. Tschirhart suggested contacting Jean Enright for more information regarding getting estimates and the Planning department's role in the project. Brian Howard, Executive Director of the North Andover Historical Society reviewed the history of the Historical Society and buildings. Mr. Howard explained the need for repairs and upgrades to the Johnson Cottage located at 153 Academy Road. They want to make strategic investments to make the building safe and fully accessible to the general public. Ten years ago he CPA funded an architectural survey of the cottage. Recommendations were made and they have implemented some, others are still in process. They are now looking for funding for accessibility initiatives. Creating fully accessible restrooms, building a fully accessible entrance, and enhancing entrance to original cottage. The original structure is in need of work including the floor, chimney repairs, as well as restoring original windows and shutters in the Founders Hall. The Historical Society is also responsible for preserving the collections of artifacts. They will need to make an investment in digitizing of archives, scanning of photo collection and preserving the Town history. Mr. Roache asked if the Society will be coming forth for funding this year. Yes. Mr. Howard wants to make sure the projects would be eligible for CPA funding. Mr. Roache isn't sure if all the aspects would be eligible, but will review the criteria. Long term the Society would like to bring the Founders Hall back to what it used to look like when it was first constructed including shutter restoration and removal of paint from original bricks. Mr. Howard will pull together some numbers. Willow Cheely— member of North Parish Church and John Lanoff who is dialed in belong to the Academy Road Group and reviewed the needs for Parking on Academy Road. Ms. Cheely would like to find out how CPA works and how the design study of this project fits in. Would the project fit into the CPA criteria? Mr. Roach suggested that possibly a recreation component to it. CPA has limits on capital improvements for parking. Ms. Cheely explained that it would be used by many interest groups and is part of the character of the Old Center. Can CPA possibly fund a design study? Mr. Roach explained that funding a design study for a project that is not an allowable use of CPA funds may be difficult but he does not have a definitive answer at this time. Ms. Cheely has spoken with Jean Enright & Dan about the project. Mr. Roache will look into how the CPC can help in any way with a design study. Kathleen Keening, Director of Stevens Memorial Library presented overall repairs needed at the library. The library currently would like to come forward with a proposal for improvements to the triangle lawn which abuts the steps. It is already being used for people to access the WiFi, but would like to make it a more formal space. They would be coming forward this year with a proposal with pricing for design and concept for a three-season outdoor room. Mr. Roache reviewed the CPA criteria. Potential as open space and recreation. Mr. Roache asked if there is any historic landscape of the property? Ms. Keenan explained that the brick pathway used to be a driveway. Amy Maxner, Conservation Administrator and Taylor Andrews, Conservation Field Inspector presented the concept of an invasive species management plan. Perhaps they could look at an open space that was acquired with CPC funds and do an invasive species survey of the property and make a multi-phase efforts to remove, manage and replant with native species for an ecological improvement. They could then provide signage to educate the public to native plants and why invasive species are a detriment to the environment. They are in the early stages, but wanted to bring the idea to the CPA. Mr. Roache reviewed the CPA criteria. For it to qualify as rehabilitation of open space, the property would need to have been acquired using CPC funds. They would need volunteers, perhaps college students, or paid internship who could gain the experience and the Town would gain the help. Funding would be needed for the survey, and plant materials. Mr. Roache explained the process for submitting an application for funding. Steve Nugent of 35 Hollow Tree Lane, Director of Athletics at the High School. Mr. Nugent explained that the current cross country team runs and competes at Harold Parker in Andover. Parents pay, students need to be bussed and there is no home field advantage. It has been suggested to him to put a proposal forward funding trail enhancements. They are prepared to put a proposal forward to fund trail enhancements and trail access. In particular the Ousler property near the Stevens Estate. Mr. Holland agrees that this is an ideal property, it is flat, dry and easy to maintain. It suits the entire town very well, several access points, and can put in parking to be used town wide. Mr. Roache asked how long of a course would be needed. Between 2.8 to 3.1 which could be looped through to connect with other existing trails. They would need two foot bridges. They have reviewed with conservation and everything seems to be ok and would need to be approved by conservation. They have already gone over with the FONAT. Very supportive of the project. Motion was made by Mr. Tschirhart to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Mr. Callahan. Vote was unanimous to close the public hearing. Motion was made by Mr. Callahan to approve the November 4, 2021 minutes, seconded by Ms. Watson. Vote was unanimous to approve the minutes. Mr. Roache reviewed the financial report. Mr. Tschirhart questioned if any projects should be closed out. In particular ones like Rolling Ridge dated 2011, 2013. How do we know they shouldn't be closed out? Mr. Holland explained that For Rolling Ridge, the boundaries were changed which held up the project. All projects on this list were reviewed by the Committee a few months ago, but projects should be reviewed again. It will be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Update on Academy Road parcel —The Town Manager met with Center Realty Trust (CRT) this week regarding changes to this parcel including putting a parking lot on it, and improving public access. Next step is to meet with CRT on the property prior to our next meeting. Mr. Roache suggested himself, Mr. Callahan & Ms. Watson meeting with the Trustees of CRT on site and report back to the committee. Update to Community Preservation website. Mr. Tschirhart is anxious to help update, clean up and consolidate parts of the website. He spoke with Brian and Dan about exporting the existing information to an updated version of the GIS system. Adding pictures to the map information. Adding the approved project plan. Making a comprehensive and complete database and making the status of existing projects more transparent is a priority. Dan has made all parties aware that the application due date is February 41h. Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Watson, seconded by Mr. Holland. Vote to adjourn was unanimous.