2014-09-25CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: September 25, 2014
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, Third Floor Conference Room B
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Pearl — Chairperson, Heather Richter, Marilyn
McCrory, John Thomson, Robert Buchsbaum & Henry
Pizzo
MEMBERS ABSENT: Leland McDonough & Darien Crimmin
OTHERS PRESENT: Environmental Planner Amy Maxner, Finance Director
Bryant Ayles, Parks & Recreation Director Bruce Doig;
Ward 1 City Councilor David Lang; Ward 4 City Councilor
Scott Houseman; Executive Director Beverly Main Streets
Gin Wallace; Members of the Ryal Side Civic Association
Joan Gallagher, Mike & Lisa Curtis, Dyan Karstens,
RECORDER: Amy Maxner
Pearl calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pearl asks that everyone go around and introduce themselves
Pearl turns attention to discussion with Bruce Doig on updates relative to the CPC's request for
additional information. Doig notes that he has been working to update the budget for the Lynch
Park bathroom renovation and waiting to hear back from a couple vendors on pricing for exterior
treatments, but does not have anything definitive to offer this evening. Pearl notes that the
Historic District Commission met last week and indicated that it would support the use of cement
clapboards.
Pearl asks representatives for the Obear Park Pavilion project to provide an update based on
discussion at the last meeting. Joan Gallagher provides a hand out of an updated price list for a
larger pavilion than originally contemplated, noting that the original CPC funding request would
remain at $47,699.00. Doig notes that the Lynch Park Trustees are supportive of this and he
believes they would offer funding toward the project. Discussion ensues as to the elements of
the budget that may require supporting documentation. Lang notes that the labor and cement
pour estimates were obtained from local Beverly contractors.
Discussion ensues as to the applicant's ability to carry out the work and how the City DPW
would play a role in the undertaking of the project.
Williams moves to award the original funding request at $47,699 based on the new design/size of
the pavilion as presented this evening, contingent upon the applicant obtaining written
commitment from the City to take responsibility for the project as well as written demonstration
of other funding commitments. Seconded by McCrory. All in favor the motion carries 7 -0.
Pearl notes that the next project for discussion is Ellis Square redesign. Ayles takes a moment to
recap the FY14 and FYI budgets and reviews a 5 -year pro -forma for bonding this project.
Discussion ensues as to the pros and cons of bonding and the CPC's overall strategy for how to
utilize bonding in project funding.
Pizzo leaves the meeting for the evening.
McCrory moves to fully fund this project outright at the CPA fund request of $177,633.
Seconded by Pearl. All in favor the motion carries 6 -0.
Pearl notes the Historic District Commission would like a chance the review this plan since Ellis
Square is within the National Historic Register District, and asks Wallace if that would be
problem. Wallace states that she would be happy to present the plan to the HDC and gain their
input.
Williams moves to add a condition to the award requiring that the HDC review the project
proposal. Seconded by Pearl. All in favor the motion carries 6 -0.
Ayles explains that he will work with Maxner to write the appropriate language for the City
Council Orders on each of the approved projects and submit same for the October 20 City
Council meeting. Members thank Ayles for his time and assistance.
Pearl turns attention to discussion on the Harborlight project. Thomson recuses himself and
leaves the room. Discussion ensues as to the status of the project and the various sources of
funding that may or may not become available as well as the timing for such. Maxner reads a
draft letter from Andrew DeFranza that the CPC could perhaps provide to show State sources
local support for the project, which seems to be the most critical need to advance the application
on the State level at this point. Members discuss how the CPA funding amount request has
changed, but the State application is still in flux
Buchsbaum moves to award the Harborlight project $20,000.00 contingent upon State funds
being secured. Seconded by McCrory. All in favor the motion carries 5 -0.
Thomson returns to the meeting.
Pearl and McCrory provide a brief recap of their meeting with the Mayor, Aaron Clausen and
Kevin Harutunian last week, which was essentially allowed the Mayor to catch up on the CPC's
deliberations and decisions up to that point in time.
Brief discussion ensues as to the Beverly Housing Authority's funds for capital projects. Pearl
reiterates that the State does provide capital project funding but dictates how those monies get
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spent based on its own list of priorities it considers critical projects, roof replacement being very
low on the State's list.
The September 18, 2014 draft meeting minutes are reviewed. Thomson moves to approve the
minutes as written. Seconded by Buchsbaum. All in favor the motion carries 5 -0.
Pearl briefly reviews possible agenda items for the next meeting which members agree to
schedule on Thursday October 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
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