07-14-16 CPC MinutesCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: July 14, 2016
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Pearl — Chair, Heather Richter, Robert Buchsbaum,
Thomas Bussone, and James Matz
MEMBERS ABSENT: Marilyn McCrory, Christy Edwards, Henry Pizzo & Jon
Paddol
OTHERS PRESENT: YMCA abutters Randy Warren, John Rush, David Foss,
Beverly resident Leslie Houghton, YMCA representative
Janice Nevee, Finance Director Bryant Ayles
Pearl calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pearl welcomes members of the audience and asks for introductions all around.
Audience members are here for specific projects, so Pearl turns attention to discussion with
Finance Director Bryant Ayles.
Fiscal Year 2017 CPA Budget and Fund Balance Review
Matz arrives.
Ayles provides copies of the proposed FY17 CPA Budget for review and discussion. He notes
that the State match is estimated at approximately 25 %, but it might be more once the State
surplus (if any) is determined and what additional funds to the Trust Fund are allocated. He
notes that the local surcharge should generate at least $715,738, which is essentially the actual
revenues of FY16 times 2 %.
Members review the budget, Brief discussion ensues as to bond payments beginning for Camp
Paradise. Ayles explains that initial interest payments of about $4,500 will be coming due in
October and then again in mid -year, with FYI being the first full payment toward the bond.
There being no further questions or comments, Bussone moves to approve the FYI Budget as
presented. Seconded by Buchsbaum. The motion carries 5 -0.
Ayles goes on to provide a current fund balance spreadsheet to the members. Ayles notes that
after the Council approves the FYI Budget, which should be in early September, CPA funds of
$1,891,474 will be available for expenditure. Brief discussion ensues as to category balances.
Members thank Ayles for his assistance and information.
YMCA Fitness Trail Project
Pearl turns attention to the YMCA project, noting that neighbors were in attendance at the last
meeting which generated some question from the CPC. She welcomes Janice Nevee with the
YMCA. Ms. Nevee notes that the design for the trail is only conceptual at this point due to
uncertainty of whether funding will be awarded. She notes that the exercise stations may be
located closer to the parking lot.
Discussion ensues as to a permanent easement to the benefit of the City on the trail. Nevee states
that she is not sure of the logistics for that would be and needs to speak to the Y administration
about it.
Lengthy discussion ensues with the neighbors, most of whom noted that outreach by the Y was
only related to the campus master plan as opposed to this project specifically. Committee
members request that the YMCA meet with the neighbors for input on the project and bring the
need for a permanent easement to the attention of the Y's administration. Committee members
thanks Nevee and the neighbors for their time and look forward to additional information at a
future meeting.
Harbor Management Authority - Congress Street Beach Access Project
Paul Earl and Emily Flaherty are present on behalf of the HMA. Earl explains funding available
to the HMA for various initiatives that it undertakes, including the Capital Fund that is fed by
Marina revenues. He notes past projects that the HMA spearheaded such as the public fishing
access at Obear Park that benefited in part from DMF funding.
Earl provides responses as to the CPC's questions regarding the status of the Congress Street
ROW, ADA access maximization, and permitting etc. Earl notes that he has inquired with the
City and consulted with the project design engineer noting that Chapter 91 will not be required as
all project elements are above mean high water, but a Conservation Commission permit will be
required. Bubblers are a widespread amenity around the City and DPW does not foresee a
problem for one in this location. Fire access is discussed. Earl notes that the "test of
practicality" will apply for this project as to ADA accessibility and alternative pathway designs
are discussed.
Committee members ask that Earl verify ROW ownership as CPA funding would be contingent
upon dedicating this area as permanent park land as was done with Ellis Square. Discussion
ensues as to the potential deed research that would be needed to determine ROW ownership.
Committee members agree that if the answer is not readily evident and research is necessary
perhaps CPA administrative funds could fund that task. Bussone moves to approve the
expenditure of up to $3,000 from Administrative Funds for ROW title research. Seconded by
Buchsbaum. The motion carries 5 -0.
Recreation Department Projects
Community Preservation Committee
July 14, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 214
Maxner reports that she emailed Bruce Doig asking for his prioritization of the projects
submitted for the 3 d Round but has not heard back. Committee members ask Maxner to follow
up and agree to table discussion on the rest of the Rec Dept. applications.
Beverly Historical Society — Hale House Landscape Restoration Project
Pearl notes that the project seems to have elements that could be phased — planning and then
implementation. Discussion ensues as to questions from Committee members including:
• feasibility /need for long -term maintenance of landscape and plantings,
• need to place a recreation restriction on the property to ensure public access,
• update on current information gathering and planning via the Historic Survey project that
was funded out of cycle,
• support letter mentions the Annisquam Plan — CPC would like more detail on this,
• the application mentions Danvers Bank funding — CPC would like more detail on this,
• update on exterior restoration project and status of elements of that project not funded by
CPA
The Committee agrees to invite the applicant in for Q &A and discussion.
Pearl notes the time is approaching 9:00 p.m. and asks if the Committee would like to review
another application or move on to other business. Members agree to take up other business,
review minutes and schedule the next meeting.
Pearl inquires with a remaining audience member if she had any comments or questions. Leslie
Houghton addressed the Committee noting that her interest lies in the Edenic Development
application for Camp Mitchman. She notes that the organization's website has religious
overtones. She explains her objection to public monies funding private religious institutions
including the First Parish Church.
Houghton refers the Committee to the current law suit filed by aggrieved citizens against the
Acton CPC for awarding funds to a religious organization. Discussion ensues as to the
Committee's focus relative to any church or religious organization's applications mainly around
historic significance of buildings and the public benefit of preserving these buildings.
Committee members agree that this issue should be examined and asks Maxner to inquire with
the City Solicitor for guidance. Pearl will forward the legal documents related to the case which
she received via email and it would be for informational purposes only. She thanks Houghton
for her input.
Members turn attention to the draft minutes.
Matz moves to approve the March 24, 2016 minutes with amendments. Seconded by Richter.
The motion carries 5 -0.
Bussone moves to approve the June 2, 2016 minutes as presented. Seconded by Richter. The
motion carries 5 -0.
Community Preservation Committee
July 14, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 314
Buchsbaum moves to approve the June 23, 2016 minutes as presented. Seconded by Bussone.
The motion carries 5 -0.
Members schedule the next CPC meeting for Thursday August 18, 2016.
Adjournment
Bussone moves to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Buchsbaum. The motion carries 5 -0. The
meeting is adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Community Preservation Committee
July 14, 2016 Meeting Minutes
Page 414