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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-20 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of March 20, 2025 Present: William Callahan Chair., John Simons, Marsha Finkelstein, Terrance Holland, Rick Green, Adam Bagni, Tim Tschirhart, Ron Rudis. Absent:, John Mabon Staff: Zach Melcher William Callahan read guidelines for a remote meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. W. Callahan explained the process for reviewing and voting on current applications. FY26 Applications— Affordable Housing Affordable Housing Trust for $100,000—J. Simons questioned the application submission date. The application was discussed prior to deadline, but actual submission was after the deadline. The application is for home repair projects through Habitat for Humanities. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— no. Vote 7-1 in favor. Fountain Drive Expansion Project for$200,000—There will be conditions added to the application; Funds are specific to Fountain Drive and there will be a report back if they were not used for that purpose. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. Historic Preservation— 1836 Meeting House for$270,000— Discussion took place regarding use of previously approved funds and the total cost of the project. J. Simons would like to see an assessment done of the entire project which would provide an overall scope and cost for the project. R. Rudis spoke about how the steeple project can be done with previously approved funding. Total project budget is over a million dollars. They received $480,000 last year, and asking for $270,000 this year. R. Rudis would like to see a comprehensive presentation that breaks down all of the needs. MOTION made to approve the application, William Callahan —no, Marsha Finkelstein—no,Terrance Holland—no, Rick Green—no,Adam Bagni —no,Tim Tschirhart—no, Ron Rudis—no,John Simons— no. Vote 8-0 not in favor. Parson Barnard House insulation for $23,452.00— Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. Johnson Cottage insulation for$31,332.00. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. Schofield Mill for$55,000—This revised amount is more reasonable. T. Holland questioned if the CPC can give money to the Historical Society for this project if they don't own the property. The Town should use the CPC funding that was already allocated since they own the property. T. Tschirhart questioned what additional assessment is needed. More investigative work is needed to determine additional costs. R. Rudis asked what the overall thought of the board is to support additional requests for funding. R. Rudis reminded all that the CPC already allocated $300,000 so they are now talking about using some of that amount to get a more accurate picture of what it would cost. This project should be a no vote, but with the condition that the amount that has already been allocated should be used for this project. The funding was for preservation of this building. Stan Limpert spoke about his conversation with the Town Manager. The thought was that the town would return the $200,000 to the CPA and that the Historical Society would submit a separate application for funds. However, the Town Manager is supportive of spending the previously allocated funds for this project. MOTION made by T. Holland to deny this application and support using the funds that exist. To stay consistent,the motion is withdrawn and a motion will be made to approve the project with conditions. MOTION made to approve the application, William Callahan —no, Marsha Finkelstein—no,Terrance Holland—no, Rick Green—no,Adam Bagni —no,Tim Tschirhart—no, Ron Rudis—no, John Simons— no. Vote 8-0 not in favor. John Simons stepped out of the room. Historical Grant Program Pilot for $25,000—John Simons is the applicant on behalf of the Historical Commission. Funds would go to the Historical Commission. R. Rudis is not in support of this application and feels CPC funds should not be given to private citizens. T. Tschirhart spoke about the safeguards that are needed to do something like this. W. Callahan spoke about the limited scope of projects that would be approved. We can follow the guidelines of other communities and see if this pilot program works. A. Bagni would like to understand the guidelines before approving the funding. R. Rudis suggested putting on a condition that the guidelines that are developed by the Historical Commission have to be approved by the CPC. W. Callahan will include a condition stating that the Historical Commission come back with the guidelines for the CPC approval and reporting of program status. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes. Vote 7-0 in favor. John Simons returned to the meeting. Cochichewick Lodge for$30,000— R. Green requested the condition that the Joseph Herman Youth Center be allowed access to conduct programs at a minimum of two afternoons per week. J. Simons would also like conditions stating that if they sell the property, funds would be returned for a 10-year period. He would also like Steve Foster to asses the property. J. Simmons would also like a right of first refusal to buy the building. T. Hololand suggested having the Building Inspector inspect the property for safety of allowing children from the Youth Center conduct programs in the building. The conditions that will be applied to this project are; The Youth Center uses the building as agreed upon with the YS Director, CPC gets a claw-back within 10 years, that there is a safety inspection done, and the right of first refusal. MOTION made by A. Bagni to approve project with the four conditions discussed. Seconded by R. Rudis. William Callahan - no, Marsha Finkelstein -yes, Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes, Adam Bagni -yes,Tim Tschirhart - no, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons—yes. Vote—6-2 in favor Ridgewood Trustees for Atkins Gate for$250,000—W. Callahan explained that he separated the two projects submitted by Ridgewood. Atkins Gate and Old Burying Ground are two separate projects. A. Bagni questioned how much the CPC has given to Ridgewood Cemetery over the last several years? Somewhere between 4-5 million dollars. J. Simons gave a brief history of the Old Burying Ground. John Smolak gave a brief overview of the public function provided by Ridgewood and explanation of the project. A. Bagni spoke about his disapproval for the Atkins Gate project. $250,000 is a lot of money that could be spent elsewhere. Joe Pelich spoke about the quote submitted for the gate repairs. W. Callahan would like to put in a condition not to fund paving as CPC guidelines specify, approximately $10,000. MOTION made by W. Callahan to change the amount to $240,000. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes, Adam Bagni -yes,Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes, John Simons—yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. MOTION made to approve project for$240,000 with the condition that the CPC have a clear understanding that all funds are going to the historic preservation as following the guidelines. Guidelines will be provided in the grant agreement. William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes, Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni - no,Tim Tschirhart-yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons—yes. Vote 7-1 in favor. Second Burial Ground for $975,000— R. Green reviewed the quote provided and agrees with amounts and feels it is important to restore the tombs. T. Holland agrees and would like to be guaranteed access to the property. W. Callahan would like to see a condition that explains the cost breakdown and that CPC would receive periodic review status. Joe Pelich suggested including a condition that Ridgewood produce an AIA contract with a scope of work and the contract would be a blended guarantee maximum price. That way the CPC has a clear scope of service and cost. MOTION made to approve $975,000 for Second Burial Ground. William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes, Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni - no,Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons—yes. Vote—7- 1 in favor. Ron Rudis stepped out of the meeting Historical Preservation Master Plan Implementation for$35,000. T. Tschirhart spoke with Peter Benton regarding this project, and he feels it is not enough funds but supports the project. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes,J. Simons—yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes, Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes,Tim Tschirhart-yes. Vote 7-0 in favor. Ron Rudis returned to the meeting. Stevens Estate Carriage House Stabilization Project for$450,000—A. Bagni questioned how the building will be used. T. Holland gave summary of several town uses. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. 470 Johnson Street Property Acquisition for$1,196,000—Calzetta Farm property to be used for Open Space and Recreation. This is subject to an appraisal; the town cannot pay more than what the property is appraised for. The appraisal is underway. J. Simons suggested to vote subject to bonding. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes,Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. High School Tennis & pickleball Courts for $750,000—The conditions of this application would be hours of public use be clearly posted and agreed. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes,Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. Windrush Farm signage for hunting for$15,000—A condition will be included stating that the signs will be put up in North Andover only. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial for$36,000—This memorial would be at the Memorial Park. W. Callahan's only concern is that historic preservation cannot create new memorials. This is listed under recreational preservation. Have we approved prior memorials? W. Callahan does not see the Vietnam Memorial as being funded by CPC. This is at Veteran's Memorial Park, appropriate for veteran memorial. Approval subject to approval by Town Council and is within scope of CPC funding. Motion made to approve application, William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland -yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes,Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons— yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. Motion made by T. Tschirhart for$50,000 for Administrative Purposes to be included in the Community Preservation proposal. Motion made to approve funding,William Callahan -yes, Marsha Finkelstein -yes,Terrance Holland - yes, Rick Green -yes,Adam Bagni -yes, Tim Tschirhart -yes, Ron Rudis—yes,John Simons—yes. Vote 8-0 in favor. There are currently two meetings scheduled in April, 3rd & 171". W. Callahan will go to the Select Board with a presentation and present to the Finance Committee in April. This committee can then go through the Town Meeting presentation prior to Town Meeting. W. Callahan would like to schedule a meeting day of Town Meeting, one hour prior to Town Meeting at the high school in case they need to review anything. MOTION - R. Green made a motion to accept the March 6, 2025, meeting minutes. Seconded by M. Finkelstein. W. Callahan abstain. All in favor 7-0. MOTION — M. Finkelstein made a motion to adjourn, seconded by A. Bagni. All in favor,vote 8-0.