HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-14 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of November 14, 2024
Present: Chairman William Callahan, John Mabon, Terrance Holland, Rick Green. Tim Tschirhart, Adam
Bagni, Ron Rudis.
Absent: Tracy Watson, John Simons
Staff: Zach Melcher
William Callahan called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Public Meeting
W. Callahan reviewed past CPC projects and funding. All projects are completely community based,
using the boat ramp project as an example. W. Callahan spoke about the committee members, other
boards and commissions they are on and how they greatly contribute to CPC. He spoke about the four
categories of the CPC; Open Space, Historic, Recreation and Housing and explained how funding can be
spent on each. He reviewed the CPC process and calendar. Members spoke about how applications
should be submitted.
Stan Limpert of 43 Stonecleave Rd. asked about a contingency grant based on other events occurring?
He asked about possibly submitting an application for the Schofield Mill. J. Mabon suggested contacting
town council and the Community Preservation Coalition for guidance.
Steve Nugent, NAHS Athletic Director, and Greg Landry, Director of Personnel and Operations spoke
about the need to improve the tennis courts at the high school. They will be submitting an application
for completely new tennis and pickleball courts using the same footprint. W. Callahan suggested
including public access information as part of the application.
R. Rudis spoke about the potential application to be submitted from the Historic Commission for the
Historic Preservation Master Plan.
W. Callahan closed the public meeting.
Johnson Cottage—Joanna Collantine Kerr, Executive Director at the North Andover Historical Society
and Antoine Trombino-Ponte, caretaker of the Johnson Cottage gave a brief history of the Johnson
Cottage and Founders Hall. They would like to request to use remaining funds allocated for other
projects on a heat pump which has failed. They would also like to submit another application for the
window restoration and the shutters at Founders Hall. T. Holland stated that if the use was not in the
original application, it can not be used for other projects. J. Mabon suggested financing it through the
organization and apply for the funds in this cycle. It may not be eligible as it is a maintenance project.
W. Callahan suggested that Joanna get in touch with Stuart Saginor, Coalition's Executive
Director, Community Preservation Coalition for guidance.
Stevens Library project update—W. Callahan updated the Committee on the Library Stairs project. The
drainage is improved, the building is more secure in terms of being waterproofed, and the project
should be finishing up fairly soon.
CPA Plan —W. Callahan met with Stuart from the Community Preservation Coalition about some of the
projects that will be coming up. Having a CPA Plan is a required by law, but North Andover does not
have an official plan. All the elements are there, but putting together a plan is needed.
NAHA seat—The Housing Authority seat is currently held by Tracy Watson, Chair of Housing Authority.
She has been unable to attend much of the CPC meetings. W. Callahan spoke with Tracy and she
suggested that perhaps Adam Bagni can fill the Housing Authority position. A. Bagni feels a
representative from the Housing Authority position needs to be filled. Either he can represent the
Housing Authority and open a space for someone else but there should be 9 members on this
committee, one which represents the Housing Authority. W. Callahan will discuss with Tracy and Select
Board.
Financial Reports— Not much has changed on financials. There is approximately$10 million available,
and all approved project funds are encumbered. T. Tschirhart asked that the 1836 Meeting House
project be moved from Community Housing to Historical Restoration. Zach will ask accounting to
correct.
Meeting Minutes—
MOTION made by R. Green to approve October 10, 2024 meeting minutes, seconded by T. Holland. J.
Mabon-yes, T. Holland-yes, R. green-yes, W. Callahan-yes, T. Tschirhart and R. Rudis abstain. 5-0
vote.
MOTION - R. Green made a motion to adjourn, seconded by T.Tschirhart . All in favor, vote 7-0.