HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-10 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of March 10, 2022
Present: Chairman Brian Roache, Terrance Holland, Tracy Watson, Rick Green, John Simons,
William Callahan,Tim Tschirhart, CJ Gangi,John Mabon, Daniel Beckley (Staff Planner)
Call to Order
Immediately prior to calling the meeting to order at 7:05PM, Brian Roache read aloud a
statement regarding the conduct of virtual meetings and public access.
Review of Fiscal Year 2023 Funding Applications-
Johnson Cottage Restoration - - Brian Howard gave a brief overview of the project and spoke
about the proposed use of the property. Renovation and restoration of the cottage to bring it
back as close as possible to the original as-built appearance. Mr. Gangi questioned the
protection currently on the property. No Conservation Restriction currently on the building.
Mr. Howard sees no problems with the Society providing a CR on the building. J. Simons
questioned if there will be additional phases beyond this request in regards to the Master Plan.
The Society intends to see through the recommendations in the Master Plan as regards to the
preservation of the structure. R. Green questioned the cost for the interior painting. The
quoted price is the going rate. Mr. Howard wants to insure a safe, functional and close to
original facility as possible for the public to use.
Stevens Library Outdoor Space— Kathleen Keenan reviewed past improvements funded by the
CPC as well as the current project request. For this request, Phase I is to do a study based on
the concerns of the community. If the study reveals it is appropriate, then they can come back
for funds for Phase 11. J. Mabon questioned whether it was historic or open space as the
important interest. K. Keenan explained that the neighborhood is historic and must follow
historic guidelines and the project is also use of open space. T. Watson shared neighbors
concerns that there would be available WiFi accessibility 24 hours a day. K. Keenan explained
that the WiFi could be on a timer to be disabled and would go off during closed hours. T.
Holland expressed concern that if tables and chairs are available, it would become a hangout
place after hours. K. Keenan would address all concerns to be a good neighbor. B. Roache
questioned the four phases of the project. K. Keenan explained that if they get through Phase 1
and 2, they would move on to Phase 3 and 4.
Cross Country Trails—Steven Nugent and Bill Varney reviewed the project. The cross-country
team currently uses much of the existing trails, particularly the Half Mile Hill trails. They are
looking to have a start &finish at the Ousler parcel and upgrade existing trails. J. Mabon
reviewed the details of the project and the needs of the cross-county team. All members agree
that it is a great project. T. Tschirhart questioned the year three $10,000 annual maintenance
cost. Funding for maintenance will come from a different source. No erosion control should be
needed for this project. Douglas Howe, resident of 665 Osgood Street expressed concerns
regarding his safety and privacy. Requested to consider eliminating the bridge and trail on the
west side of stream.
400 Great Pond Road Acquisition -B. Roache explained that at the last meeting, the Committee
met in Executive Session and open session to discuss this project. Melissa Rodrigues was not
able to attend the meeting but supplied the memo that is in the packet. The committee will
hold off further discussion until they vote.
Financial Reports—
Current state of the fund. As of the end of February the fund balance is approximately$13
million with an additional $10million that is encumbered. Net balance of$3.4 million.
Anticipating additional revenues of$3.4 million to bring the total to $6.8 million available to
fund. The request of all applications totals $5.7 million.
Vote on Fiscal Year 2023 Funding Applications.
MOTION made by B. Callahan to approve the application for$656k for the Town of North
Andover to purchase 400 Great Pond Road, seconded by T. Tschihart. J. Mabon - Yes, B.
Callahan- Yes, T. Tschihart-Yes, C.J. Gangi- No, R. Green- No, T. Holland-No, J. Simons-No, T.
Watson-No, B. Roache- Yes. Motion does not pass 5-4.
MOTION made by R. Green to approve Cross Country trails application, seconded by J. Mabon.
Motion Approved 9-0.
MOTION made by B. Callahan to approve FONAT application for extension of boardwalks.
Seconded by J. Mabon. Motion Approved 9-0.
MOTION made by J. Simons to approve Johnson Cottage Restoration and Preservation
application as submitted with the addition of a preservation restriction on the building.
Seconded by C.J. Gangi. Motion Approved 9-0.
MOTION made by B. Callahan to approve the Lake Cochichewick Boat Ramp Restoration,
seconded by T. Tschihart. B. Callahan amended the motion to approve the application for the
boat ramp in the amount of$89,300 for concept design,field investigation, and 75%design.
Seconded by T. Watson. Motion Passes 9-0.
MOTION made by T. Tschirart to approve the application for$100,000 for the Affordable
Housing Trust for a design study for$100,000. Seconded by T. Watson. Motion Passes 9-0.
MOTION made by B. Callahan to approve the application for$1,100 to FONAT for 635 Osgood
Street(Ousler) Trail Bridges. Seconded by T. Holland. Motion Passes 9-0.
MOTION made by T. Tschihart to approve the application for$50,000 for Stevens Library
Outdoor Passive Recreation Space Design. Seconded by B. Callahan. Motion Passes 9-0.
Stiles Street-Boston Hill Road Land Acquisition for 4.4 million dollars -Chairman Roache
explained that there is an issue with this application in that there is no land steward partner
along with it. If we were to vote to approve this application, there would be no one to actually
maintain and take custody of it. CPC can not move forward with the application.
MOTION made by T. Watson to deny the application as ineligible for funding through CPC.
Seconded by J. Mabon. Motion Passes 9-0.
MOTION made by J. Mabon to approve the application for Weir Hill Trail Fencing. Seconded by
B. Callahan. No Discussion. Move to vote- J. Mabon Yes, B. Callahan Yes, T. Tschihart Yes, C.J.
Gangi Yes, R. Green Yes, T. Holland Yes, J. Simons Yes, T. Watson No, B. Roache Yes.
Motion Passes 8-1.
MOTION- J Simons motioned to allocate$50,000 for administrative expenses, Seconded by T.
Watson. Motion Passes 9-0.
MOTION by J. Simons to allocate the appropriate amount to the reserves for the historical
preservation and affordable housing based on an analysis of how much we fund it and how
much comes in as required. Motion Passes 9-0.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
MOTION made by T. Watson to approve meeting minutes for December 9, 2021. Seconded by
T. Holland. T. Holland-Yes, T. Tschihart-yes, B. Callahan-yes, T. Watson-yes, B. Roache-yes.
Motion Passes—5-0 unanimous.
MOTION made by T. Watson to approve meeting minutes for February 10, 2022. Seconded by
T. Holland. Move to vote-J.Simons- Yes, B. Callahan- Yes, T. Tschihart Yes, C.J. Gangi- Yes, R.
Green- Yes, T. Holland- Yes, T. Watson- Yes, B. Roache- Yes. J. Mabon abstain. Motion
Passes 8-0.
MOTION made by T. Watson to approve meeting minutes for February 16, 2022. Seconded by
T. Holland. Move to vote- Move to vote- . J.Simons Yes, B. Callahan Yes,T. Tschihart Yes, C.J.
Gangi Yes, R. Green Yes, T. Holland Yes, , T. Watson Yes, B. Roache Yes. J. Mabon abstain.
Motion Passes 8-0.
MOTION made by B. Callahan to adjourn the meeting at 8:50pm. Seconded by T. Watson.
Motion Passes 9-0.