2014-07-31CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: July 31, 2014
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, Third Floor Conference Room B
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Pearl — Chairperson, Heather Richter, Marilyn
McCrory, Leland McDonough, and Robert Buchsbaum
MEMBERS ABSENT: Darien Crimmin, Henry Pizzo, Lincoln Williams & John
Thomson
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner - Environmental Planner; Beverly Housing
Authority Staff: Kevin Ascollilo — Executive Director, Sue
Carlton — Deputy Director, Deb Roy — Clerk of the Works,
Jim Valley; Harborlight House Executive Director —
Andrew DeFranza; Councilor At -Large — Matt St. Hilaire
RECORDER: Amy Maxner
Pearl calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
O & A, Discussion with the Beverly Housing Authority — Essex Street Family Housing Roof
Replacement Proiect
Pearl welcomes staff from the Beverly Housing Authority (BHA) and thanks them for attending
the meeting to answer the CPC's questions relative to the BHA's roof replacement project.
Ascollilo provides an introduction to the BHA, noting that it is one of the largest in the State
with 650 units, including 450 Section 8 voucher units. He notes that the BHA chose this roofing
project because it is simple, straightforward and is a great need for these Essex Street units.
The CPC's questions are reviewed and discussed:
➢ Why is the estimate for a roofing project so high? Is it based on public bidding law or other
recent project costs? How accurate is it? Sue Carlton provides handouts including a cost
estimate, DHCD's design specifications and standards and a copy of synopsis of the
Prevailing Wage Law. She explains that the cost estimate was prepared by architect Ray
Guertin, who has worked with the BHA on many projects, and was based on the required
State design specifications and standards. She explains that for projects over $10,000
Prevailing Wage Law comes into effect. She also explains the state requires a 50 -year
shingle, which is a recent change not reflected in the CPA application.
➢ More detail is needed relative to funding sources for capital projects. Aren't capital projects
planned and forecasted into the operating budget? Roy explains that the state requires
Housing Authorities to keep in excess of $1 million in reserves, but the BHA has only been
able to maintain between $100,000 and $350,000 for many years due to lack of funding from
the State. Operating budget funds cannot be used for capital projects per the law. She
explains that the Federal government provides capital funding, and the State has a certain
formula for funding capital projects for about 490 of the units here in Beverly. She goes on
to note that there are 50,000 public housing units in Massachusetts that require approximately
$1.5 billion just to maintain those existing units. She explains that the State provides funds
for projects that it lists as priorities, and often roofing projects are very low on that list.
➢ If CPA did not exist or the CPA money is not awarded from the fund, what other sources
would the BHA tap into for this project, and what sources have been tapped for similar
projects in the past? Ascollilo explains that this project would not happen if CPA funding is
not awarded, and the BHA would have to patch the roofs and perform emergency fixes as
they arise to maintain the roofs. Valley notes these roofs were installed in the early 1990's, so
they are well beyond their useful life.
General discussion ensues as to budget logistics and bid process. Carleton notes that every job
goes out to bid and the lowest is always taken, with the figures in the CPA application being
estimates and could be lower in reality. She explains there is approximately 18% profit margin,
which is a very standard percentage.
McCrory and Buchsbaum express their concern that this project may not meet the spirit of the
CPA and would rather see new housing units created. Discussion ensues as to other cities and
towns funding similar projects with CPA money.
The CPC thanks the BHA staff for taking the time in attending the meeting and appreciates the
information provided.
Q & A, Discussion with Andrew DeFranza — Harborlight House Proiect
Pearl welcomes Mr. DeFranza and thanks him for attending the meeting to answer the CPC's
questions relative to the Harborlight House project.
DeFranza provides a brief overview of the project, noting that the funding mechanisms are fairly
complex.
The CPC's questions are reviewed
➢ More detail and information is needed to explain how this project qualifies as a Historic
Preservation project; Can you outline what parts of the project are historic preservation
as it does not look like much exterior work is proposed; DeFranza explains that the
historic preservation piece was added to broaden the applicability of the project with
elements such as replacing the cedar clapboard with cement siding, replace the roof and
walkway reconfiguration. Pearl clarifies that if it does qualify as historic, the CPC may
consider requiring a preservation consultant to oversee the work, DeFranza
acknowledges.
➢ Provide an update as to the status of the State DHCD application for bond capital; He
explains that he had a debrief call with the DHCD this past Friday and this first
application was not awarded and there will not be a Fall round this year, so they'd have to
reapply in February of 2015. In that phone call DHCD noted that it would like to see
other sources of funding in place. DHCD explained that they may run a "Supportive
Housing" funding round for special housing needs projects and this funding pool would
actually shrink the CPA funding perhaps by about a 10
Pearl confirms that the CPC needs to verify if the City can bond for assets that are not under its
control or ownership and /or pay on private debt service.
Community Preservation Committee
July 31, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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General discussion ensues as to acquisition structure, Phase 1 environmental investigation of the
site etc...
DeFranza offers to provide an outline of the acquisition/ownership structure and inform Maxner
once he hears back about the Supportive Housing round. The CPC thanks DeFranza for his time
and the information.
Pearl welcomes Councilor St. Hilaire, who notes he is just sitting in to keep abreast to the
Committee's activities. Pearl provides a brief synopsis of the CPC's activities in the past couple
months.
Administrative Updates/ Old & New Business
Pearl turns attention to administrative updates.
Maxner provides a draft of specifications for CPA signage. Members review the specs and offer
suggestions. Maxner will finalize this as a request for cost estimate and get it out to at least 3
sign makers based in Beverly.
Members review the May 15, 2014 draft minutes and offer edits. Buchsbaum moves to approve
the minutes as amended. Seconded by Williams. The motion carries 5 -0.
The August meeting is scheduled for Thursday August 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
There being no further business this evening, McCrory moves to adjourn the meeting at 8:50
p.m. Seconded by Williams. The motion carries 5 -0.
Community Preservation Committee
July 31, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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