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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-08 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of February 8, 2024 Present: Chairman William Callahan, John Simons, Terrance Holland, Rick Green. Tim Tschirhart, John Mabon, Adam Bagni. Ron Rudis (remote). Absent: Tracy Watson Staff: Zach Melcher William Callahan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and read the guidelines for the remote meeting. Formal Application Review— 1836 House Historic Preservation —Stephanie Harrington and Gary Martin spoke representing the Friends of the 1836 Meeting House regarding the preservation project. They reviewed the various parts of the structure that require repair and preservation. J. Simons supports the project, but expressed his concern about putting it forward this year as there are many legal hurdles. Ms. Harrington explained the legal separation of the 1836 Meeting House from the church. W. Callahan confirmed that they would need to involve legal counsel to analyze the project. T. Tschirhart asked about the legal ownerships/titles/relationships between the church and the Friends? Are they separate organizations? Ms. Harrington explained that as a 501c3, her understanding is that it is its own entity. Deb Putnam spoke that there is no separate deed. J. Simons asked about a conservation restriction. J. Simons suggested looking into the restriction regarding the envelope of the building. A. Bagni reviewed other potential funding sources. T. Holland is not comfortable funding this project because similar projects were denied. He would like a legal decision. W. Callahan will continue the conversation, will consult with Town Council and the Community Preservation Coalition and come back with an answer as they work through this cycle. Open Space and Recreation applications - Lake Cochichewick Lake Access Restoration -Ted Kelly of 214 Sutton Hill Road spoke about this application for funding of the construction portion of the project. They are in the process of permitting. Eight different permits need to be obtained. They will be going out to bid for a contractor next. W. Callahan gave an overview of the project to date. Mr. Kelly reviewed the overall plan and timeline. CPC Memorial Park— Leslie Frasier of 24 Cobblestone Circle represents the Friends of Memorial Park, a subcommittee of the North Andover Improvement Society. Recent storms have caused much damage to Memorial Park. Memorial Park is in need of a comprehensive evaluation of the damage that was done and a plan of what to do. Two arborists looked at the property and provided estimates. They work with the DPW to maintain the park, but they would need to hire a private company to do the tree maintenance or removal. The Town will plant five trees, and they have funds from the Improvement Society and Garden Club for almost half the needed funds. They are applying for CPC funds for the remaining $19,000 needed. W. Callahan reviewed the financials of the application. The total cost would be $33,000 over the next few years. Initial outlay of$21,000, and approximately $2,000 per year. They are asking for $19,000 from CPC for this year. J. Simons confirmed what the funds would be used for. Pruning and treatments to keep the trees healthy. He questioned if this qualifies as a CPC expenditure. CPC can't fund maintenance activities. T. Tchirhart asked if the project could be carved out between what is maintenance and what might be eligible for CPC funding. Perhaps taking down the trees and replanting could be covered, and overall maintenance would be provided by other funding. Discussion took place regarding how to potentially make it work. W. Callahan stated that the committee will study the application and get back to Ms. Frasier. Perhaps making some revisions and adjustments to the application before they vote in March. Stevens Memorial Library Outdoor Space Phase II - R. Rudus recused himself for this application review. Kathleen Keenan, Director of Stevens Memorial Library thanked the committee for previous funding. This application is for the actual construction and development work. The project is to make the unused triangle space in front of the main entrance into a space that people can use for many different things. They met with neighbors and are all in support of the project. R. Green questioned the cost and site distance onto Main Street. John Borgesi, Town Engineer met with Kathleen and looked at the design and offered to be involved with the plantings to ensure safety. R. Green asked if there was a way to do this in phases or an opportunity to use Patriot Park for some of the programs. Kathleen spoke with the landscape architect inquiring if this could be broken down into phases. This could be done in two parts, but we wouldn't delay doing the second part. The majority of the money is to go in and do the ground work like addressing drainage and contouring the ground. This is when the patio would be put in because the contouring will be gone if you wait a year to put in the paving stones. Some things could maybe be delayed but the big cost items would need to be done together. J. Simons expressed his concern for the cost of the project. T. Holland agrees that the cost is excessive. Perhaps reduce the cost. If the fence is not needed, maybe eliminate it for this year. J. Mabon asked if Kathleen could have the cost estimator re-evaluate the finishes on the project. Perhaps alternative materials to the granite and pavers on the walkways. It might be helpful for the committee to look at alternative materials. W. Callahan inquired what extent does the capital planning of the town apply to the library? The library is in very good state structurally. They have replaced many windows, replaced the rooftop AC units, restored the flat roof. They have used grant funding to replace the lighting fixtures. Steve Foster has been a great help to maintain the building. The town is funding the heat, electricity, staff, and materials. The town is now providing ARPA funds in the amount of$480,000 to buy a bookmobile. The town has been very supportive of the library needs. She reviewed other funding sources. W. Callahan reviewed meeting schedule and sees the need for an additional meeting to hear the remaining applicants. Meetings were tentatively scheduled for February 151", March 71" and March 14t" W. Callahan gave a brief review of Schofield Mill. The FY21 budget included $200,000 for the Schofield Mill. The building has been closed since 2019 due to safety concerns. Per the Town Manager, the project is on hold due to safety concerns. A new long-term plan is need to preserve the structure. They are talking with the Historical Society to see if they can assist. Stan Lampert of 43 Stonecleave Road and a member of the Board of Directors for the Historical Society confirmed that they have been speaking with the Town Manager about taking over the responsibility of the Schofield Mill. The building is one of the most historic building in the community. Discussions have taken place to transfer the funds that the CPC provided to the Historical Society to do renovations. The building has been condemned. Plans are to address the building needs in FY25. The Historical Society fees strongly that the building needs to be preserved. Mr. Lampert gave a brief history and significance of the building. Financial Report -W. Callahan reviewed the financial reports. Currently have a fund balance of$17 million. Approximately $10 million is encumbered for specific projects or purposes. There is approximately $8 million in revenue coming in and interest income. He projects approximately $9.5 million will be available for this fiscal year. There are some very large projects in front of them this year, so consideration must be taken for what funds are available to determine what can be funded this year and what might need to wait. J. Simons spoke about the potential of some large open space projects that might be coming up in the near future. J. Mabon suggested getting a list of priority parcels ranked to define what is remaining and what our goals are. Something that can be reviewed by the public and commented on. MOTION — R. Green made a motion to accept the January 11, 2023 Meeting Minutes. Seconded by T. Holland. All in favor,vote 8-0. MOTION - R. Green made a motion to adjourn, seconded by T. Holland. All in favor, vote 8-0.