03-16-17 CPC MinutesCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE /COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: March 16, 2017
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Pearl — Chair, Thomas Bussone 11, Christy Edwards,
James Matz, Jon Paddol, and Heather Richter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Marilyn McCrory — Vice - Chair, Nancy Marino, Robert
Buchsbaum
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner — Environmental Planner, Shirley Haynes
from the Girdler House
RECORDER: Travis Lovett
Pearl calls the meeting to order at 7:09pm.
Beverly Cove Improvement Association
Maxner reports that the Association will not be submitting an application, so they are not
attending tonight's meeting. She received an email from its president James MacNeil explaining
that they want to reprioritize and may apply for funding during the next grant cycle.
Girdler House
Pearl welcomes Shirley Haynes, President of the Girdler House Board. Pearl notes that the CPC
wanted a chance to chat about the Girdler House and possible CPA opportunities. Haynes said
the house is a historic property. Pearl said Girdler House could qualify under the historic
resources category if determined historically significant by the HDC. General discussion ensues
as to the CPA process, and how affordability under the Housing category is determined. Pearl
advises that the housing category would require a permanent deed restriction on the units to
remain affordable per the definition in the statute. Harborlight Community Partners and North
Shore CDC work to create affordable housing, Pearl said, and she recommended that Haynes talk
to them. Haynes thanks the Committee for its time and she hopes to work with the CPC in the
future.
Request for MOU Extension — Ellis Square Redesign, CPC Project #R1 -10
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Pearl notes the City has submitted a request for extension to the MOU, with Maxner explaining
that final brick placement and landscaping is slated for this spring.
Bussone motions to grant the MOU extension for the Ellis Square redesign as requested.
Edwards seconds the motion. The motion carries 6 -0.
Request for MOU Extension — Greens Hill Trail Improvements
Pearl notes this is another City project looking for an extension. Maxner explains that the project
has received Con Com approval and the City hopes to start the work this spring.
Bussone motions to grant an extension for the Greens Hill Trail Improvement project as
requested. Richter seconds the motion. The motion carries 6 -0.
Town of Scituate CPC Correspondence
Pearl asks members if they read the letter from Scituate CPC, members confirm. Edwards said
she was not part of the CPC when the Community Preservation Act was amended for recreation
allowances but her main concern is that this opens a legislative can of worms so to speak which
may result in unintended consequences. Edwards thinks the concept is interesting, but she
wonders what it will entail. Pearl notes her interpretation of capital improvement language
requires that the project must be permanently affixed to the real property. General discussion
ensues as to recreational land vs. recreation equipment. Bussone notes that legally real property
means land or real estate, and things like boats count as chattel, or personal property. Bussone
suggested that they could table the project until the matter is further defined.
Pearl notes that perhaps it is worth reaching out to other local waterfront communities that
received this letter and ask what their stance is. Members agree to table this for now.
Updates from Staff /Chair
Maxner said First Parish Church had submitted a request for funding for their elevator
architectural analysis (CPC Project #R1 -6), but after review with Planning Department staff, the
request for reimbursement was rejected. Maxner said nothing in the plans or narrative included
historic preservation considerations or conditions.
Pearl said the Acton case is going to the state supreme court.
Edwards notes that the City submitted an application for a Land& Water Conservation grant for
Pete's Park. She explains that the application would need approval from the Massachusetts
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) and the National Park Service,
and she is not sure of the timing for award announcements.
ADUroval of Minutes
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Members offer edits to the February 16, 2017 minutes.
Matz motions to approve minutes as amended. Richter seconds the motion. The motion carries
6 -0.
MOU Updates
Maxner said that the following MOD's from Round 3 are currently in circulation for signature:
• Beverly Historical Society (for landscape restoration)
• Beverly Powder House
• Vittori Park
• Oak Heights
CPA Plan
Maxner notes she worked with Darlene Wynne, Aaron Clausen, and Tom Bussone to incorporate
housing language into the CPA Plan, and that Nancy Marino provided language for the recreation
section. Maxner also added a compilation of word board comments to incorporate public
feedback on the CPA Plan. Maxner said she could incorporate more pictures highlighting
completed projects. Pearl thanks Maxner for pulling this together. General discussion ensues as
to public and City board /department comments /input. Maxner said all plans have to be adopted
by City Council and it would be preferable to have this last round of public /City comment
incorporated before submitting to the Council. Members review the draft adoption schedule and
make minor edits to the timeline.
Pearl suggested to CPC members that they should send their own comments about this current
draft of the CPA Plan to Maxner by Monday, March 20. Pearl said the CPC members can
continue to call this plan a draft until approved by City Council. Maxner will post on the website
and distribute to City departments, Mayor etc.
Other Business
Maxner reminds the Committee that Round 4 CPA applications are due by April 7 I at noon.
Adjournment
Members schedule the next CPC meeting for Thursday, April 27th at 7:00pm. Bussone makes a
motion to adjourn the meeting. Paddol seconds the motion. The motion carries 6 -0. The
meeting adjourns at 8:25pm.
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