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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-09 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of March 9, 2023 Present: Chairman Brian Roache, John Simons, Terrance Holland, Rick Green, Tim Tschirhart, William Callahan, Ron Rudis (remote) Absent: Tracy Watson, John Mabon Immediately prior to calling the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, Brian Roache read aloud a statement regarding the conduct of virtual meetings and public access Call to Order 7:07 B. Roache discussed the guidelines and expectations of the meeting as well as voting logistics. There are 17 applications in total. Financial overview Currant fund balance is just over $15 million., an additional $9.5 million in encumbrances, leaving a balance of approximately $5.8 million. Projected revenue is anticipated to be $3.3 million in receipts for a total of just over $9.2 million projected available in the fund after encumbrances. With the 17 applications and the administrative reserve hold, there is just over 2.7 million in projected applications if all applications were to be approved. Phase II Lake Access Applicant is Ted Kelley. This is a continuation from last year. MOTION made by W. Callahan to approve lake access proposal, seconded by R. Green. No discussion. Brian Roache-yes, John Simons-yes, Terrance Holland-yes, Rick Green-yes, Tim Tschirhart-yes, William Callahan-yes, Ron Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0 B. Roache recused himself from the following four applications. W. Callahan took over as Chairman. Sutton Pond Rail Trail project Applicant is Black Swan Realty Trust for the amount of $184,000. Discussion J. Simons has many questions regarding this application and is not in favor at this time. R. Green shares J. Simons concerns, struggles with the timing of the project. T. Tschirhart is in favor of this project. Feels it fits into the Master Plan of the Town. T. Holland is not sure if the engineering study will be relevant when the town is ready to move forward. MOTION made by J. Simons to recommend unfavorable action and not fund this project. Seconded by W. Callahan. J. Simons-yes in favor of motion, T. Holland yes in favor of motion, R. Green yes in favor of motion, T. Tschirhart-no, not in favor of motion, W. Callahan-no, not in favor of motion, R. Rudis-no, not in favor of motion. Vote is 3-3. Motion does not pass. Parson Barnard House Restoration Project Applicant is the North Andover Historical Society for the amount of $131,610. No discussion. MOTION made by T. Tschirhart n to approve the application for the Parson Barnard House Restoration in the amount of $131,610. Seconded by R. Green. R. Rudis-yes, J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes. Motion approved 6-0 Historic Artifact Preservation Applicant is the North Andover Historical Society for the amount of $61,600. No discussion. MOTION made by R. Green to approve the application for the Historic Artifacts Preservation for $61,600. Seconded by T. Tschirhart. R. Rudis-yes, J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes. Motion approved 6-0. R. Rudis recused himself from the Library Stairs application. Stevens Memorial Library Stairs Applicant is the Trustees of the Stevens Memorial Library for $182,754. No Discussion. MOTION made by T. Tschirhart to approve the application for the Stevens Memorial Library stairs for $182,754. Seconded by T. Holland. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes. Motion approved 5-0. Brian Roache returned as Chairman and Ron Rudis rejoined the meeting remotely. Historic Preservation Master Plan MOTION made by R. Green to approve the Historic Preservation of the Master Plan for $30,500. Seconded by T. Holland. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0. Stevens Coolidge Ballroom Mural MOTION made by T. Tschirhard to approve the restoration of the mural at the Stevens Coolidge Estate for the amount of $59,600. Seconded by W. Callahan. Discussion J. Simons believes this application is similar to the Neil Painting application. Two questions, 1- Is the value of the Mural equal to the value of the money being spend? - Is there going to be any direct benefit to the Town? B. Roache mentioned that he sent an email to the Trustees asking about public access. Jared Bowers, Property Director for the Estate, confirmed receiving the email from B. Roache and wanted to address the three issues mentioned. 1- Having dedicated programs for school groups to showcase inside the house. This was already being worked on by the Trustees, hiring a new education coordinator to work with schools and the community. 2) Having school administrators use the space for meeting. The Trustees are very open to doing this. 3) Welcoming the North Andover Youth Center to use the facility. The Trustees would very much like to continue working with Rick Gorman to invite the youth groups to use the facility. T. Holland has spoken with the School Dept. and Youth Services and they would like to expand their access. The Trustees are planning to do so. J. Simons suggested including a statement of intent in the grant agreement. J. Simons questioned the value of the mural. Mr. Bowers If we feel it is worthy of saving and keeping, the actual value of it may not be as relevant. Discussion took place regarding the wording in the grant agreement to allow the schools and youth services access. MOTION made by T. Tschirhart to approve the applications for the Stevens Coolidge Ballroom Mural for the amount of $ 59,600 with the contingencies including youth center, education and other Town community administrative matters so to be written into the warrant. Seconded by W. Callahan. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis- yes. Motion approved 7-0. Ridgewood Cemetery Second Burial Ground MOTION mad by W. Callahan to approve the funding of the application from Ridgewood Cemetery Second Burial Ground in the amount of $225,000. Seconded by R. Green. No Discussion, move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis- yes. Motion approved 7-0. Ridgewood Cemetery for the Preservation of Historical Records in the amount of $25,000. MOTION made by W. Callahan to approve the restoration of historical records by the Ridgewood Cemetery Association in the amount of $25,000. Seconded by R. Green. No Discussion, move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis- yes. Motion approved 7-0. Ridgewood Cemetery withdrew the application for the Artillery Piece. Preservation of the Barn at 419 Johnson Street for a reduced amount to $305,000 from the original application focusing exclusively on barn. MOTION made by W. Callahan to approve the application for the preservation of the barn at 419 Johnson Street made by the Ridgewood Cemetery Association in the amount of $305,000. Seconded by R. Green. Discussion T. Holland questioned what benefit the Town will get. Field use would not be best for the town. W. Callahan stated that it is the preservation of the barn that is in front of us currently. A specific use is not being determined today, only preservation of the barn. The committee received some questions from the public regarding future use of the property which were turned over to Ridgewood as they are the property owners. R. Rudis discussed that the Historical Society voted unanimously agreeing back in front of the CPC next year with more defined public uses, and is the building in fear of collapse? Joe Pelich of Ridgewood Cemetery spoke about the barn structure. There are holes in the roof, but otherwise structure is good. Mr. Pelich discussed that Ridgewood would use the barn for storage. B. Roache reviewed the breakdown cost of the application. MOTION was made by W. Callahan to amend the original motion and to fund $205,000 with the stipulation that the Town gets an historic preservation restriction on the barn structure. B. Roache explained what the preservation restriction on the barn would mean. Seconded by T. Holland. Move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0 with the amended amount of $205,000. Ridgewood Cemetery Restoration of the Boundary Wall in the amount of $275,000. Motion made by W. Callahan to approve funding of the Boundary Wall at the Ridgewood Cemetery Association in the amount of $275,000. Seconded by R. Green. Discussion - T. Tschirhart questioned the funding being for restoration versus a new wall as well as storage of materials on the property. Mr. Pelich reviewed the proposed wall project. J. Simons questioned funding a new wall? No further discussion, move to vote. J. Simons-no, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-no, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 5-2. Stevens Estate Carriage House/Stablesin the amount of $150.000. MOTION made by W. Callahan to fund the Stevens Estate Stables in the amount of $150,000. Seconded by R. Green. Discussion W. Callahan stated that if nothing is done, the structure will probably fall down. Move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0. David Neal Painting Restoration in the amount of $50,000. MOTION made by W. Callahan to approve the application to improve the restoration of the David Neal Painting at the Stevens Estate as proposed by the Town Manager in the amount of $50,000. Seconded by T. Tschirhart. Discussion- J. Simons questioned the value of the painting compared to the money being proposed to restore it and why the current management of the Stevens Estate is not funding the restoration. He also questioned the historical significance of the painting. No appraisal was received. J. Simons does not believe the painting is worth anywhere close to $50,000. W. Callahan understands the historical significance of the painting in regards to it being part of the Stevens Estate history but would like to see more homework done on the piece. Would like to better understand the value and historical significance. No further discussion, move to vote. J. Simons-no, T. Holland-no, R. Green-no, T. Tschirhart-no, W. Callahan-no., B. Roache-no, R. Rudis-no. Motion 0-7 does not pass. Affordable Housing Trust Grant in the amount of 10% of the allotted funds. MOTION made by W. Callahan to approve the funding of the Affordable Housing Trust made by the Affordable Housing Trust in the amount to the 10% threshold. Seconded by T. Tschirhart. Discussion - J. Simons would like to make it clear that it is being done this year because of the circumstances and that the Housing Trust would not be automatically getting 10% every year. Move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0. Acquisition of Zero Bradford Street MOTION was made by W. Callahan to approve the acquisition of zero Bradford Street by the town Manager and Essex Greenbelt for open space in the amount of $515,000. Seconded by R. Green. No discussion, move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan- yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0. Trinitarian Church Ceiling Restoration in the amount of $195,867 for reimbursement of the restoration of their Sanctuary ceiling. MOTION was made by R. Green to deny the application for $195,867. Seconded by T. Holland. Discussion- B the bylaws whether or not we can fund a project after the monies have been expended. It is not a requirement of the state law that monies have not been expended, so we would have the opportunity to do so if the committee wishes. 2) The request is for interior restoration. 3) Concerns with the Anti-Aid Amendment. W. Callahan suggested providing further clarification about what will be funded and what would not regarding religious properties. No further discussion, move to vote. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion to deny 7-0. Administrative Dollarsin the amount of $50,000. Motion made by T. Tschirhart to fund the Administrative Dollars in the amount of $50,000. Seconded by T. Holland. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0. The revised allocation is $2,197,864. CPC Financials no questions or comments. MOTION to approve February 9, 2023 meeting minutes made by R. Green, seconded by W. Callahan. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis- yes. Motion approved 7-0. MOTION to approve February 15, 2023 meeting minutes made by W. Callahan, seconded by R. Green. J. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis- yes. Motion approved 7-0. B. Roache reviewed the process going forward. He reviewed the Power Point presentation that will be presented to the Select Board and the key discussion points. How would the committee like to handle the presentation going forward? J. Simons defers to B. Roache. All members are comfortable with the Chair and Vice Chair coordinating the presentation. Transition of the Chairman position. B. Roache explained that he is currently a candidate for elected office unopposed so will be sworn in at the end of March and will no longer be a member of the CPC Board going forward. He and Bill will present to the Select Board and Finance Committee. At the next meeting, they will need to vote on new Chair. and Vice Chair. MOTION made by B. Roache to adjourn, seconded by T. Holland. Simons-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. Green- yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, W. Callahan-yes., B. Roache-yes, R. Rudis-yes. Motion approved 7-0.