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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-14 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of March 14, 2024 Present: Chairman William Callahan, John Simons, Rick Green. Tim Tschirhart, Adam Bagni. Ron Rudis, John Mabon, Terrance Holland (remote) Absent: Tracy Watson Staff: Zach Melcher William Callahan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and read the guidelines for remote meetings and receiving comments from the public. CPC Financial —T. Tschirhart reviewed the 5-year bond procedures. R. Green spoke with the Town Manager regarding a possible 10-year bond. J. Simons expressed his concern regarding the ability to fund future large projects. There is pending litigation on the approval of the planning board of the Special Permit but the Town has the option to move forward at-risk, which is the position the town is taking right now. Discussion took place comparing 5-year bonding vs 10-year bonding. MOTION- Motion made by T.Tschirhart to approve the Recreational Center/RecPlex application of $5,914,748.00 to be bonded, recommended bonding period of 5 years but no more than 10 years. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan-yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T. Tschirhart-yes,A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Open Space— Town Common Band Stand —Application from the Town for$210,000 for renovation of the band stand. W. Callahan spoke with the applicant L. Burzlaff. They agreed the size should be capped at 600 sq. ft. and no roof. J. Simons questioned the cost and suggested the project be reviewed by a committee and perhaps come back next year. W. Callahan prefers move forward with this plan. T. Tschirhart reminded that the project will be reviewed and be approved by the Old Center Historic District. J. Simons would like to see a citizens committee formed and review the project. T. Tschirhart feels that the Old Center Historic District Committee would be appropriate to do such a review. T. Holland spoke about previous playground projects that were funded prior to final design being constructed and worked out very well. MOTION — Motion made by T.Tschirhart to approve the application for the Town Common Stage in the amount of$210,000 subject to a formation of a Citizens Committee to help with the design of the stage and subject to the approval of the Old Center Historic Commission to assure the stage is no larger than 15x40 or 600 square feet. Also subject to the location remaining the same and no roof. Seconded by R. Rudis. W. Callahan-yes, J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T.Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Christine O'Connor, North Andover Town Counsel, gave a brief overview about the application submitted by the North Parish Church. Past applications from places of worship have been denied based on Acton, but this particular application can be distinguished from the Acton decision. The CPC felt it was appropriate to fund the proposed work, you are within your rights to do so. A. Gangi asked about previous applications that were denied. B. Callahan spoke about past church applications and how they were different than this application. Town Counsel did submit an opinion on previous applications. This is a structural renovation of historical significance. No interior work is being done. T. Holland gave his opinion of not funding this project this year. He would like to announce the new ruling and give the opportunity for others to apply. T. Tschirhart spoke about the great effort the applicant provided to put forth their application. J. Simons would like to go back to other churches to give a better explanation of the criteria and that the committee is open-minded about funding projects going forward and not showing favoritism. We need to get a message to the other churches stating that we're going to treat them all fairly going forward. We should let every church know that if they've got an historical structure, they too can apply for CPC funding. A. Bagni would not want to hold up this application for another year. The applicant proved the three criteria. T. Tschirhart suggested including information in the Town warrant commentary section addressing this issue. People should know that a lot of thought went into this very difficult decision and they passed the test and perhaps others can as well. We want the funding to be available to everyone if they fit the criteria. J. Simons would like to see an extension of the conservation restriction that exists on the property. Christine O'Connor stated that after the committee decides the projects they want to fund and support, that she reviews the grant agreements and can get them back to the CPC promptly. We want to make sure whoever is receiving the grants is in agreement with the terms and that we're all on the same page. She would also like to discuss at another time the deed restrictions. MOTION —Motion made by T.Tschirhart to approve the application for the 1836 Meeting House External Preservation Project for$480,000 subject to conservation restrictions, historic preservation restrictions and with a recommendation that the Chair of the CPC include wording in the Warrant relative to this application and the process for the purpose of letting others know availability of funds if they meet the criteria. Seconded by R. Rudis. W. Callahan-yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T. Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes, J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland - no (remote). Vote 7-1. Library North Lawn — R. Rudis recused himself from this application and stepped out of the meeting. R. Green feels the project cost is too high. He would prefer they come back next year with a reduced scope of work. Discussion took place regarding members desire to see a less costly plan. MOTION — Motion made by T.Tschirhart to approve the application for the Stevens Memorial Library Outdoor Space Project Phase II for$768,683.49. Seconded by J. Simons. W. Callahan-no,J Simons- no, R. Green-no,T. Tschirhart-no,A. Bagni-no,J. Mabon-no,T. Holland - no (remote). Vote unanimous against 0-7. Ron Rudis returned to the meeting. Patriots Memorial Park— MOTION — Motion made by A. Bagni to approve the project for the Preservation of 1922 Patriots Memorial Park in the amount of$21,385. Seconded by R. Rudis. W. Callahan-yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes, T. Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Lake Cochichewick Lake Access Restoration— Discussion took place regarding the history of this project. This is year 3 and they are asking for$983,000 to complete the construction. R. Rudis questioned the cost. The project is much more than just a boat ramp, it's an improvement of the entire area. MOTION- Motion made by T. Tschirhart to accept the application for the Lake Cochichewick Lake Access Restoration Year III for the amount of$983,900. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan-yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T. Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Historic Preservation Projects - MOTION-T. Tschirhart made a motion to accept the application for the Digitization of Citizens Records for the amount of$15,000. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan-no,J Simons-no, R. Green- no,T. Tschirhart-no, A. Bagni-no, R. Rudis-no,J. Mabon-no,T. Holland - no (remote). Vote unanimous against 0-8. The project was not funded because it does not qualify for CPC funding. Stevens Estate Stable for$150,000. T. Tischirhart is unsure of the future of this building.J. Simons believes if the money is put into the building it will be a tremendous asset to the town. R. Green believes Youth Services is interested in using the property. As well as the cross-country team. There is a multi-use master plan.This is phase I. J. Simons feels the historic building is worth preserving. It's part of the Estate. Although the future use is not determined, there is an ovrall plan in place. MOTION — Motion was made by T.Tschirhart to approve the Stevens Estate Stable application for $150,000. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan-yes, J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T. Tschirhart-yes,A. Bagni-abstain, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). vote 7-1-0. Historic Bell —The Historic Commission met and does not have enough information. They are not sure if the application would qualify for CPC funding. Once they know the history it can be discussed further. MOTION — Motion made by A. Bangi to approve the Historic Bell Display in the amount of$30,000. Seconded by J. Mabon. W. Callahan-no,J Simons-no, R. Green-no, T.Tschirhart-no, A. Bagni-no, R. Rudis-no,J. Mabon-no,T. Holland - no (remote). Vote unanimous against 0-8. Affordable Housing— MOTION — Motion made by T. Tschirhart to approve the Folds Terrace and O'Connor Heights Standby Power Supply Systems for$300,000. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan-yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green- yes,T. Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes, J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Motion made by T. Sschirhart to correct previous vote. Motion is to to approve the Folds Terrace and O'Connor Heights Standby Power Supply Systems for$75,000. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan- yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes, T.Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes, T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Affordable Housing Trust Bread and Roses Housing— 14-16 Brown Court. Total cost is $2,734,600. The application for CPC funding is for$500,000. Four affordable housing units in total. MOTION — Motion made by R. Green to approve the project for 14-16 Brown Court for$500,000. Seconded by A. Bagni. W. Callahan-yes, J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T.Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes,T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. MOYION —Motion made by J. Simons to approve $50,000 for administrative funds. Seconded by R. Green. W. Callahan-yes,J Simons-yes, R. Green-yes,T. Tschirhart-yes, A. Bagni-yes, R. Rudis-yes,J. Mabon-yes, T. Holland -yes (remote). All in favor, unanimous vote 8-0. Next meeting is scheduled for April 11t" to review what will be presented at town meeting. MOTION - R. Green made a motion to adjourn, seconded by J. Simons. All in favor,vote 8-0.