HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-09 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of November 9, 2023
Present: Chairman William Callahan, Tim Tschirhart, Rick Green,John Simons.
Absent: Tracy Watson, Ron Rudis, John Mabon, Terrance Holland
Staff: Zach Melcher
Tim Tschirhart called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm and read procedures for conducting a virtual
meeting. All meetings will be recorded and the public will have access.
W. Callahan stated that they do not have a quorum tonight. Realizing that there are many people in
attendance for this public meeting, to make good use of their time, he suggested that anyone with a
proposed project come up and explain their project and discussions regarding each project will take
place at the next meeting. This meeting will be a listening session only.
W. Callahan gave an overview of the committee and the process for submitting an application. He
explained the categories of funding; Open Space, Recreation, Historical Preservation and Affordable
Housing and spoke about past projects. He asked that applicants submitting applications for Historical
Preservation start with the Historical Commission showing that the property is deemed as historic value
to the Town. Examples of past projects in each category were given. He explained that the CPC does
not put forth applications. Applications are submitted by citizens, nonprofit groups, or interested
stakeholders in town. If an application is not submitted, it does not get considered. A Notice of Intent
period has been added to the application process. This would be due December 1st. Applications would
be due Feb. 11t. This includes cost estimates and rationale. Committee will vote on projects in March or
April. The CPC then votes to recommend project for Town Meeting. All projects are presented to
Planning Board, Select Board and Finance Committee who recommend favorable or unfavorable action.
Projects are presented at Town Meeting in May. Funds for approved projects would be available July 11t
for the following fiscal year. A Grant Agreement with all project conditions and funds awarded would
be issued. Anyone can apply for funding. What makes a successful application is when there is a clear
public benefit, a wide group of engaged community stakeholders, a clear mission and purpose, and lots
of outreach early.
J. Simons explained that applications are submitted for projects that will benefit the community long
term and not covered by the town budget. It's important to explain the proposed project clearly and
completely. R. Green explained that public access is very important and be clear on who will be the
custodian for property. T. Tschirhart spoke about the need for applicants to do their homework on
larger multi-year projects.
L. Burzlaff, Assistant Town Manager/ Director of Operations for the town, spoke about what the Town
Manager's Office will be requesting this year. The first project is to build a stage/band stage at the
Common. We have the cost for design and a rough estimate for building. Cost is greater than
anticipated, but would be handicapped accessible, and have a roof. Cost would be just under $200,000.
The second project is the Stevens Estate stables. They have had the structural engineers in and the
design done. They now need to have the hazardous substances removed which they are working on
now. They would like to go out for bid to get the interior structure repaired. Most of the masonry
needs to be repaired because that is were the water intrusion is coming from. The rough estimate for
that work is $175,000. Looking at a three-step process. They would like do two of them this year, and
the masonry is what they would be coming to the CPC for. Then hopefully it would be ready to decide
how the building will be used. The most important thing right now is to stop the water from getting in
and getting it stabilized.
Stan Limpert of 43 Stonecleave Road, President of North Andover Historical Society, spoke about
submitting two projects. One for funding the preservation and restoration of the Hay Scales building at
the corner of Osgood and Andover Street. The second is funding to strip the brick building that is part of
the Johnson Cottage complex back to its original state which is red brick. They do not have an estimate
at this time.
Stephanie Harrington of the North Parish Church spoke about structural issues that need to be repaired
at the North Parish Church. The church was built in 1836. There is spire damage creating leaks seeping
into the roof. Their project manager, Gary Martin, has explained to them what the issues are. There is
much preservation work to be done. They have a bid for$750,000 which includes clapboard siding,
repairing some of the spires, staging and other work that needs to be done. Since they received the
original proposal, additional damage was found. They received another bid which would add another
$125,000. This work is essential. They have been fundraising. They would submit an application as The
1836 Meeting House, which is a non-profit. They would like to ask CPC for about $500,000.
W. Callahan adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm.