07-13-17 CPC MinutesCITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
COMMITTEE /COMMISSION: Community Preservation Committee
SUBCOMMITTEE:
DATE: July 13, 2017
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Pearl — Chair, Marilyn McCrory — Vice - Chair,
James Matz, Christy Edwards, Heather Richter, Nancy
Marino
MEMBERS ABSENT: Thomas Bussone II, Robert Buchsbaum
OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Maxner — Environmental Planner; Peter Johnson —
Hastings House
Pearl calls the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Hastings House
Peter Johnson, with the Hastings House Board, addressed the Committee relative to the Round l
Architectural Study undertaken on the Hastings House. He noted that they plan to comply with
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for historic renovations. Johnson met with the Historic
District Commission to ensure the project met qualifications. He notes that the HDC has
submitted its letter of review. Johnson is seeking next steps for the project as there are three
phases for funding the renovations. He reviews work proposed as part of programming. Pearl
cautions Johnson that not all of the work described would be eligible for CPA money. He notes
there are four additions to the house and that future applications would distinguish what parts
pertain to historic preservation. Johnson explains they have spent $34,000 toward the original
budget of $24,000 and they have received $10,000 in contributions from individuals. The
remaining funds have come out of Hastings House account reserves. Johnson said they are
awaiting $16,000 in reimbursements from the CPC. Pearl said the Hastings House report inside
cover should acknowledge CPC funds. Maxner said press releases or brochures should also
include acknowledgement of CPC funds.
Edwards motions to approve the final plan and request to reimburse Hastings House in the
amount of $16,000 share of the final plan. McCrory seconds the motion. The motion carries 6-
0.
Hale House Exterior Restoration, CPC Proiect #R2 -2
Maxner reports that Beverly Historical Society has asked for an extension of the Memorandum
of Understanding for the Round 2 Exterior Restoration project until September 30, 2017, but she
thinks the extension should be until December to allow enough time for the preservation
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July 13, 2017 Meeting Minutes
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restriction to be finalized and executed. Pearl agrees, especially since the Council is on summer
break and September is really not that far away.
Maxner notes that the Beverly Historical District Commission will be holding the preservation
restriction for Hale House and it reviewed the draft PR at their last meeting in June.
McCrory motions to extend the MOU until December 31, 2017. Richter seconds the motion.
The motion carries 6 -0.
Election of Officers
Pearl said she would like others to take leadership of the committee at some point. McCrory is
willing to serve as Vice Chair for another term and Matz said he would be willing to serve as
Vice Chair perhaps in the future.
Pearl nominates McCrory to serve as Vice Chair of the CPC. Matz seconds the motion. The
motion carries 5 -0 with McCrory abstaining from voting.
McCrory nominates Pearl to serve as Chair of the CPC. The motion carries 5 -0 with Pearl
abstaining from voting.
Approval of Minutes
Matz motions to approve the May 11, 2017 meeting minutes as amended. Edwards seconds the
motion. The motion carries 6 -0.
Matz motions to approve the May 18, 2017 meeting minutes as amended. Richter seconds the
motion. The motion carries 5 -0 with Edwards abstaining from voting.
Matz motions to approve the June 15, 2017 meeting minutes as amended. Richter seconds the
motion. The motion carries 5 -0 with Matz abstaining from voting.
William Livermore House
Pearl turns attention to the Livermore House application for further consideration. Maxner
reports that the Beverly Historic Society has expressed possible willingness to hold the PR for
this property, but there are logistics to be addressed first. Pearl notes that the Haight's expressed
interest in placing a permanent exterior deed restriction on the property, with Mr. Haight noting
at a previous meeting that the windows are a real priority for them. Pearl said the CPC could
fund privately owned projects, but there's the question of whether the CPC should set a
precedent in funding a privately owned residential project. Discussion ensues as to establishing
policy and guidelines for similar projects, setting a maximum award amount, finding entities to
holding restrictions, the long term costs, staff time and resources needed for monitoring, and the
public benefit (both received and perceived) of placing preservation restrictions on properties
that would involve expenditure of public funds.
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McCrory said the Livermore House project doesn't fit priorities of the CPA Plan, it received a
low score and is weak in meeting the Project Evaluation Criteria and makes a motion against
funding the project in the current grant cycle. Matz seconds the motion.
Further discussion ensues as to potential future applications for private residences and how the
CPC can formulate a process and policy for these types of projects.
The motion is tied 3 -3. With Pearl, Richter, and Edwards voted against the motion. Marino,
Matz, and McCrory voted in favor of the motion to deny funding. Members agree to place this
on the next agenda in case further discussion is deemed warranted.
McCrory said outlining a policy will be another to -do item. Members confirm that they are
interested in funding private properties as long as there is a tightly controlled process. Pearl said
that establishing policy and process will take some time and nothing could be in place by the
time the 5t' Round comes about. Maxner notes that a conversation with the HDC, Planning
Department and City Solicitor is perhaps in order for this topic.
Round 4 Project Recommendations to City Council
Discussion ensues as to remaining projects to be reviewed and whether previously approved
Round 4 projects should move forward to the City Council. Members agree to submit approved
projects to Council for tis September meeting and continue deliberation on the Habitat for
Humanity and Carriage House Wall /Window projects (and perhaps the Livermore House) to the
next meeting.
Other Business
Carriage House & GAR Hall General Update
Maxner reports that the Carriage House renovations at Lynch Park are currently earmarked with
a $50,000 budget line item in the State budget. Funding for GAR Hall did not make it into the
final State budget.
Suzanne LaMont asked for funding appropriation for the GAR Hall project as soon as possible.
The City Council schedule would only allow for discussion at the very end of July at the earliest.
Maxner said she would submit the funding recommendation for GAR Hall separate from other
projects. Maxner said she could also prepare recommendation packages of all things that have
been agreed upon.
Housing Trust Update
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Maxner said the Beverly Housing Trust is working on its mission statement, policy, criteria and
procedures and she will be attending the next Trust meeting. Richter said funding applications
from various non - profit housing organizations shouldn't be ruled out by the CPC and she would
encourage Committee members to not shift all housing funds into the Trust. Pearl said she
believes that CPC can support community housing groups like Habitat for Humanity for a non-
specific project.
Project Tracking
Pearl said it would be helpful to have a summary report of the first five years of CPA projects
that were funded. Pearl said the report should include a stat sheet in each category, and
information about funding requests along with funding allotments. She hoped that the report
would be published on the City's Web site. Edwards said a report could be shared at a public
meeting in the fall with the City Council.
Ellis Square
Edwards said she couldn't find a brick or a block highlighting CPA funding for the Ellis Square
renovations. Pearl said if there are brick and mortar projects there should be some kind of
signage. Placards can be produced with administrative funds. Maxner will check in with Aaron
Clausen and Gin Wallace on the Ellis Square signage.
Meeting Adjournment and Next Meeting
McCrory motions to adjourn the meeting. Matz seconds the motion. The meeting adjourns at
8:51pm. The motion carries 6 -0.
Members agree to skip the August meeting and schedule the next CPC meeting on September 14,
2017 at 7:00pm.
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