CPC meeting minutes from 2-18-2021 -FINAL-APPROVED Community Preservation Committee
February 18,2021 Meeting Minutes
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CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE: N/A
DATE: February 18, 2021
LOCATION: Remotely held meeting through Google Hangouts Meet
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Heather Richter, Vice Chair Derek Beckwith,
Robert Buchsbaum, Thomas Bussone, Christy Edwards
John Hall,Nancy Marino, Marilyn McCrory, Wendy Pearl
MEMBERS ABSENT: N/A
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Michael Cahill; Catherine Barrett, Director of
Grants, City of Beverly; Emily Hutchings, Assistant
Director, Planning and Development Department;
Daniel Perinchief,Veterans Agent; Bruce Doig, Director,
Parks and Recreation Department; Jon Paddol, Assistant
Director, Parks and Recreation Department; Denise
Deschamps, Economic Development Planner, Planning and
Development Department and CPC staff person.
RECORDER: Sarah Scott-Nelson
Call to Order
Heather Richter calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Richter reads the virtual meeting
guidelines and notes that the meeting is being held in accordance with temporary Open Meeting
Law adjustments due to the State of Emergency associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Deschamps takes roll and confirms member access. Richter asks the other attendees to introduce
themselves.
Approval of Minutes
The Commission reviews the draft minutes and offers edits. Beckwith moves that the Committee
accept the minutes for the January 21, 2021 meeting as amended. Seconded by Pearl. Deschamps
takes a roll call vote. The motion carries 9-0.
Review of Round 8 CPA Funding Applications
Dodges Row Cemetery pplication to National Register of Historic Places and Preservation Plan
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Richter invites Mayor Cahill to speak. Mayor Cahill asserts that this project is worthy of the
funding and has been scaled back some, relative to the original concept. He recognizes that the
preservation of other cemeteries and other projects are also worthy of the funding and
acknowledges the Committee's challenging task of evaluating where to allocate funding. Mayor
Cahill also comments that he is present for any questions about this proposal. Robert Buchsbaum
comments that prioritization, as provided by the city, is helpful and has been helpful to this
committee since the beginning of the process. Mayor Cahill comments that this cemetery is not
necessarily a higher priority than the other cemeteries owned by the city and is not necessarily a
higher priority than other historic preservation categories, but that they have tried to make
requests incrementally and modest while the city has larger conversations about prioritization.
Emily Hutchings,Assistant Planning Director, Planning and Development Department
comments that this project would also serve as a case study to apply the process to other
cemeteries and promises to demonstrate in further detail why this projects is high priority.
Emily Hutchings then responds to questions posed by the CPC members, regarding the project,
at a previous CPC meeting as Deschamps reads the questions. Hutchings states that she received
quotes for different components of the plan, the national register nomination, and the
preservation master plan, and the quotes were as expected. Deschamps asks, if the project does
not receive a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, would the project be able to
proceed, and what alternative funding sources are available. Hutchings states that the applicant
would reevaluate which grant opportunities may be available. A few other grant options will
likely be explored anyway, but once the property is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, it will likely be eligible to apply for additional grants. Hutchings reports that quotes have
been submitted for both aspects of the project. Deschamps asks if any type of historic resources
receive greater emphasis in the plan. Hutchings replies that some historic resources may be
prioritized for preservation, namely those at the greatest risk, but no resource will be emphasized
to the detriment of others.
Beckwith asks about the expertise of Martha Lyon. Hutchins replies that Lyon specializes in
historic cemeteries, comes highly recommended by local preservationists, and has worked with
the city on previous projects. Pearl asks about the timing of the MHC grant. Hutchings replies
that the application process would conclude in May of next year. Pearl asks who will spearhead
the vegetation removal and when. Hutchings reports that they are looking at whether they have
the resources for vegetation removal internally as well as other options. Hutchings clarifies that
expending funds to prepare and submit the National Register nomination this year would qualify
the project for the MHC application this fiscal year.
Louis and Donna Di Lillo, abutters to the cemetery, express that their main concern is improving
the access road which is impassable by cars, causing everyone who visits the site to use their
driveway. She also asked that signage be placed at the entrance of the access road. Mrs. DiLillo
also comments that there is a tree which she would like to see remain on the cemetery site but
expresses concern about the health of the tree and the damage it could cause to their property if it
should fall. Hutchings comments that these are valid concerns, reaffirms that access is a main
problem and comments that she has taken note of the tree, as this is not something which she
previously had noticed. Mayor Cahill asks that the Di Lillos email those three concerns to him or
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Hutchings. Catherine Barrett, Director of Grants for the City, adds that a Dodge family member
noticed that the site needed some preservation and is supportive of the project as well.
Richter asks for clarification as to whether the cemetery is private or owned by the city.
Hutchings clarifies that it is owned by the city. Buchsbaum asks if there is a public path to the
open space behind the property. The Di Lillos clarify that there is no public path and citizens
cross private property to access the open space behind the cemetery.
Richter thanked all parties for their participation and introduced the next topic of discussion.
Conversation with Applicant Proposing Cabot House HVAC Upgrade
Richter asks that Deschamps read the questions that had been posed by the CPC members
regarding the project at a previous CPC meeting. Deschamps asks whether the CPA-funded
heating system installed in 2019 is functional and whether it will be integrated into the new
system. The applicant, Susan Goganian, the Executive Director of Historic Beverly, responds
that it will be integrated into the new system and will work much better than the previous system.
Deschamps asks the applicant to describe the reason or reasons why a new HVAC system is
required for the entire building as opposed to just those areas where the historical items are
stored or displayed. Goganian replies that there are historical collections on every floor and this
improvement will also aid ventilation as a response to COVID-19. Deschamps asks if the study
conducted tracked humidity levels for one year. Goganian confirms that the humidity has been
tracked for four years and she can provide a longer time log if the Committee requests it.
Beckwith asks the applicant to describe where the CPA funds will be allotted within the larger
project. Goganian replies that it has not been broken down since the whole building is being
done and the CPA funds would be a percentage of the total. The applicant did not break it down
by percentages on each floor, but is purely a percentage of the total expenses which do not break
down well by room or floor. In response to a question from Pearl, Goganian clarifies that CPA
money will only go towards HVAC, but it will not cover the entire cost of the new HVAC
system.
Richter asks CPC members or others if they have any additional questions. Hearing none,
Richter concludes this portion of the meeting and introduces the next topic.
Initial Review of Application submitted by the City of Beverly's Recreation Department Relative
to Wentworth Drive Tot Lot
Jon Paddol, Assistant Director, Beverly Parks and Recreation Department, explains the project,
stating that a Tot Lot is targeted towards use by 2-5 year olds. Paddol reports that the lot
equipment has not been renovated since was installed and would greatly benefit from
renovations. In response to Richter's question, Bruce Doig, applicant and Director of the Parks
and Recreation Department, confirms that the private funding identified in the application is
from local fundraising efforts. Doig states that the lot is not used much because it is not up-to-
date and the goal for renovations is to update the lot and make it more exciting for the kids.
McCrory asks about the accessibility of the playground. Doig responds that it will be designed to
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be accessible according to regulations. McCrory questions whether this best fits in the creation
category (as is identified in the application). Doig responds that new elements will be added and
existing elements will be renovated. Marino asks about the timeframe for this project. Doig
replies that it is a short project,projecting about 2 weeks of construction time and 6-8 weeks for
parts to arrive.
Richter asks if the CPC members or others have additional questions. Hearing, none she
concludes this discussion and introduces the next topic.
Beverly Housing Authori . (BHA) Relative to Elevator at Garden City Towers Apartment
This is the first time the full application is being reviewed by the CPC. Deschamps clarifies that
the applicant was not requested to appear this evening. They will be invited to attend the next
meeting. The Committee discusses the project and compiles a list of needed clarifications from
the applicant. McCrory seeks an explanation about how modernizing elevators fits the
preservation category. Pearl and Bussone state that their interpretation is that without an elevator,
you don't have housing because the building is a high rise. Beckwith suggests that it would be
helpful if the applicant could point to other CPCs' funds going to an elevator. McCrory notes
that other CPC's funding of an elevator still does not mean that it is an eligible project.
Buchsbaum comments that he thinks the case is convincing but suggests asking the statewide
Community Preservation Coalition for their advice rather than individual CPCs.
Pearl notes that this applicant has come to the CPC previously with well-planned and articulated
proposals. Bussone comments that he will pass on Pearl's thoughts to the staff there as they will
appreciate the recognition. Bussone also asserts that this applicant knows that they are tangibly
helping the public, which is a main goal of the CPC.
Richter asks if the Committee has information on how long the elevator will last as compared to
the lifetime of the building. Buchsbaum raises the issue of a regular maintenance schedule.
Bussone reports that the elevator is past the point of productive repair and needs to be replaced.
Beckwith comments that he supports this project but has a question on some of the wording on
the milestone section of the proposal. Bussone comments that this might be the date for the
ending of the budget timeframe.
Mayor Cahill asks about the balance of the budget as well as past Beverly Housing Authority
projects which the Committee has funded. Pearl states that some clarifications are needed from
the applicant before voting on this project. Richter suggests voting on all of the projects at next
month's meeting.
Richter asks if members or others have additional questions. Hearing none she asks that
Deschamps review the Coalition's website in search of other projects that fund elevators in
affordable housing and also relay any CPC questions to the BHA so they will have an
opportunity to review and respond before the next CPC meeting.
Richter introduces the next topic.
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Congress Street Pocket Park
Deschamps reports that she sent several questions collected at the last meeting to the applicant.
Darlene Wynne, Director of the Planning and Development Department,would like to be part of
the discussion around the pocket park project but was not available this week, so the
conversation was postponed to the March 2021 meeting. Deschamps also reported that the City
Solicitor's Office, as was discussed at the last meeting,is working through some issues related to
the project, particularly use of the right-of-way. Pearl adds that the city may want to more
clearly define ways in which greater public access to the water may be facilitated via the streets
that terminate at the water. Having the end of those streets classified as parkland would make
them eligible for CPA funds. Having the city develop a policy to address these scenarios would
be helpful. Mayor Cahill asked that Pearl's thoughts on the matter be forwarded to him.
Richter ask if CPC members or others had any questions or comments. Hearing none, she
introduced the next topic.
Open Proiects Status Update
The CPC reviews the list of active projects. Richter highlights that the next MOU to expire will
be for the Greens Hill Trail project, and it expires on July 31, 2021. Deschamps states that the
list provided to the Committee is self-explanatory so she does not feel the need to elaborate.
Other Member Items
Richter asked if there were other items the members wished to discuss. Beckwith reports that
Laura McNeill at NSCAP is working to gather information on inquires and applications for the
Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Beckwith also notes that the state's backlog with the
RAFT and ERMA programs is a barrier for people to apply to our program for assistance, since
applicants making 50% of AMI or less must first apply to receive assistance from RAFT, and
those making 80% of AMI can apply to ERMA, and need to either be turned down or reach
maximum assistance levels.
Adiournment
Richter invited a motion to adjourn. Bussone moves to adjourn at 8:48 p.m. Seconded by
Marino. Deschamps takes a roll call vote. The motion carries 9-0.