11-17-16 CPC MinutesCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE /COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: November 17, 2016
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Pearl — Chair, Marilyn McCrory — Vice - Chair,
Robert Buchsbaum, Thomas Bussone II, Christy Edwards,
Nancy Marino, James Matz, and Heather Richter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jon Paddol
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner — Environmental Planner, Pete Johnson,
Board Member of Hastings House, Scott Houseman,
Beverly City Council, Ward 4
RECORDER:
Travis Lovett
Pearl calls the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Hastings House Updates — Project Extension
Pete Johnson serves on the board of Hastings House and he gives the CPC updates on the
renovation. He provides a brief history of the building and its uses through the years. He
explains that they have been delayed due to code requirements, which required them to remove
the welded metal fire escapes and replace them with fire escapes that are bolted together. Fire
escapes are necessary due to the number of rental activities that take place in the building.
Johnson expects that the cost of replacing the fire escapes will be $20,000 and that the target date
for this replacement is July 2017. Johnson is working with an architect to provide renderings. He
explains the new schedule for the study as funded by the CPC.
McCrory said she doesn't have any problem extending the deadline until fall 2017, but she
wanted to ask about the original application and what the scope of work was. Johnson said the
gym renovations will simply be an expansion with a possible stage and that critical ADA
upgrades are still ongoing and he will provide the CPC and the Historic District Commission
with full concept drawings. Pearl asked if there are any interim products that could be shared
from the architect. Johnson said the architect is looking to provide comprehensive code
requirements for the building. Pearl said she is a little concerned about the catwalk on top of the
porch and that the conceptual plan should include window widening. Pearl said any report
should include preservation goals that the committee wants to support along with project
milestones and expenses. Johnson said the contract outlines what is being developed. Johnson
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said there is no contract signed yet with the architect. Pearl notes that the contract with the
architect should constitute the scope of the study, and before signature it should be reviewed by
the HDC for their input.
Maxner asks Johnson to keep a running spreadsheet of what they are spending from other funds.
Johnson agrees noting the project is also receiving private funds. Pearl asked if the overall
budget changed, Johnson said there have been no budget changes yet. The concept of the
external stairway should be coming in the next couple of weeks.
Matz asked whether or not the architect is under contract. Maxner asked about the duration of
the extension. Johnson said he is looking for an extension to mid - September 2017 and that's
based on the discussion with the architect and the builder. Buchsbaum motions to grant the
extension until September 2017 and Richter seconds the motion. The motion carries 8 -0.
Memorandum of Understanding (Powder House Preservation Project)
Pearl welcomes Councilor Scott Houseman who states he has been speaking with members from
the Beverly Historical Society about the Powder House Preservation Project. He noticed sign
displays about the location and the history of the location. He thought it might be helpful to
create displays in various areas throughout the city highlighting the city's history. Houseman
asked if the CPC would be able to fund signage. Buchsbaum said the CPC could not fund
signage. Pearl said that interpretive display panels were proposed as a part of the Green Hills
Trail Project and Pearl said the committee could not fund the signs because they do not directly
relate to acquiring, preserving, or rehabilitating the asset. Pearl said strictly educational signage
does not directly relate to the protection of the land or the recreational value. She also suggested
the Massachusetts Cultural Council as a potential funding support.
Houseman also is concerned about the Powder House preservation project being executed
properly. Pearl said preservation restrictions can be complicated, depending on which
organization holds the restriction. She notes a preservation restriction prevents the city from
tearing the building down, but there is nothing currently in place to keep the project from
deteriorating at some point in the future. Houseman advocated for a preservation restriction if
possible, as the Powder House property is located in close proximity to a neighbor's driveway.
Pearl said a preservation restriction would outline allowable and unallowable uses and it also
includes physical characteristics, brick, whitewash finish, interior work, roof work and other
needs. Pearl said a restriction has to be held by a third party. The CPC could hold the restriction,
but the committee would be responsible for paying an organization to monitor the property.
Maxner said she thinks that if a building ceases to be what it was, the committee could recapture
previously spent funds. Bussone said he is not sure that a preservation restriction needs to be put
in place. Richter said there may be a time delay into the project by putting it into a deed
restriction. Pearl said there is more to be researched here.
Preservation restriction doesn't speak to maintenance, Maxner said. Matz asked what is going to
make the city pay attention moving forward. Houseman said as a city councilor, he would like to
have an extra set of eyes to keep track of reminding city officials about the property, and doesn't
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see the downside of having a preservation restriction. Pearl said there is more that needs to be
researched here and the committee should be fair and consistent to CPA fund recipients, whether
they are a municipal source or not. Members agree to inquire with the CPA Coalition and the
City Solicitor on this issue.
This issue is being tabled until the CPA Coalition and City Solicitor opinions are obtained.
Preparation for December 8, 2016 Public Informational Hearing
Pearl turns attention to the CPC public hearing to be held on December 8t', followed by a holiday
gathering at Soma. She notes last year's session was helpful for the public, but there were only a
few attendees, noting that the CPC provided a summary of projects funded by the CPA and
addressed questions from the public. Bussone suggested having a news story to share
information about the CPC's efforts would draw more attention than the legal notice. Pearl asks
committee members about drafting a press release. Matz offers to draft a release and discussion
ensues as to what should be included for talking points.
Members review a potential agenda with Pearl suggesting that last year's agenda be followed and
discussion ensues as to projects that should be highlighted and assigned topics for that evening.
McCrory offers to create a flyer advertising the hearing. Maxner will prepare an internal agenda.
Pearl will create a Powerpoint presentation for the hearing.
Finalizing 4 t " Round CPA Application Timeline and Updating the CPA Plan
Members review the 4t' Round Application timeline and make adjustments to the deadlines.
Pearl notes there are still missing sections in the CPA plan that need to be addressed. Members
review Plan sections and sections needing updating and additions. Maxner said she could
possibly assemble these edits for a draft CPA Plan to be ready by January.
Administrative Business /Other Business
Edwards motions to approve minutes from October 20th and McCrory seconds the motion. The
motion carries 6 -0 with two members abstaining from voting.
There was also a request to review the August l I' minutes to remove John Rush from the list of
meeting attendees. Rush verified that he did not attend the meeting. Pearl motions to revise the
minutes to correct this and McCrory seconds the motion. The motion carries 8 -0.
Meeting and Adjournment
The next CPC meeting will be held at Beverly Public Library in the Barnett Gallery on Thursday,
December W 7:00pm. Bussone makes a motion to adjourn at 9:15 pm and Edwards seconds
the motion. The motion carries 8 -0.
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