Community Preservation Committee

Accepted 3/9/2020 Braintree Community Preservation Committee Minutes November 18, 2019 Johnson Chambers – Town Hall Present: Dr. Peter Kurzberg, Chair Diane Francis Marta Googins Mark Preziosi V-Chair Ronald F. Frazier Darryl Mikami Maria Bonfiglioli Also Present: Derek Manning, CPC Manager Christine Stickney, Director PCD See sign in list of audience The Chairman convened the meeting at 7:03 PM with a roll call vote of all members present - unanimous. Old Business: Continued discussion on Daughraty Gym Exterior Pickle Ball Courts application. Presenting is Ms. Jan Barris representing a group of pickle ball players. Chairman Kurzberg acknowledges the group and apologizes for the mis-information as to the time of the last meeting provided by staff. He noted at the last meeting, both Jim Arsenault, DPW Director and Nelson Chin, Recreation Director attend the meeting and discussed the project. In addition written communications from those gentlemen have also been received and prior to tonight staff provided Ms. Barris with those materials. Dr. Kurzberg explained the last meeting discussion seemed to focus on the pros and cons of the material used for the pickle ball courts and if repair vs new construction was what should be done. Ms. Barris noted that since they put their application in last April (2019) the existing courts have been repaired four (4) times through August (2019) due to cracks that opened up and valleys catching water making it dangerous for members to play. She showed members pictures taken as recently as August. Ms. Barris said one of the two estimates she was able to get without fencing or having the playing lines marked came to approx. $87,750 estimated cost. DPW would do the demolition and some other related work. Dr. Kurzberg noted that Jim Arsenault is not only the DPW director but an engineer himself and he is suggesting that we should monitor the courts for a period of time and then see what happens perhaps return to the issue in the Spring of 2020. The Chair asked for other members input. Darryl Mikami stressed the need for all three parties (Ms. Barris, Mr. Arsenault and Mr. Chin) need to be a unified front on what is the best path for addressing the courts – define what is going to be done – who has what responsibilities for different aspects of the work and what is the closest estimate you can get to the true cost. Linda Russell concurred with Ms. Barris that initially Mr. Nelson was onboard with their request however now it appears he has a different opinion. Chair Kurzberg cautioned on discussing individuals and perceptions – the materials submitted in writing appear to not support full reconstruction of the courts. Jan Barris explained how she had worked with Joe Reynolds on a possible option at Pond Street but that was not enough area, they have considered other locations and either they were not large enough or there was insufficient parking. Marta Googins agreed she like the idea of coming back and seeing how the courts do and urged the applicants to have a more definite scope of work and cost. Ms. Barris commented that quotes are only good for 60 days upon receipt. Maria Bonfiglioli asked the applicants what is the time frame for playing in and outdoors. Linda Russel responded they go outdoors around May 1st and indoors in October. Ms. Barris noted that when the courts are being repaired they play at the Weymouth and Abington courts – she provided pictures of the courts – noting new construction that was done with CPA funds. Maria Bonfiglioli commented that appears recreation does only the band-aid approach spending a lot of money to just repair. Chairman Kurzberg praised Ms. Barris  Accepted 3/9/2020 Page 2 CPC Minutes 11/18/19 for her hard work with the application and with some addition effort with the DPW/Recreation department a solution could come forward. Frank Carney, also a pickle ball player, commented this has been a very frustrating effort and we see other Town CPA’s committees doing new pickle ball courts and he can’t understand why Braintree isn’t. Chair Kurzberg tried to explain that there appears to be differences in opinion on how the courts should be done and until all three parties are in agreement the committee cannot recommend – there has to be a unified approach and recommended they get in touch with the DPW. Ms. Barris collected her materials and commented that she is done. Ms. Barris and the supporters of the application left the meeting. Continued discussion on All Souls Preservation/Restoration 2019 application: Presenting was Ms. Linda Steiner, Chair of the Board of Directors of All Souls and John Cobble & Mary Mitchell. Ms. Steiner explained since last month’s meeting with the committee, they met with Derek Manning and their architects, Spencer, Sullivan & Vogt to re-look at their request. As a result they have re-submitted an amended application requesting $65,000.00 for the following items; 1) Re-build the chimney and address sheathing, flashing and slate shingles, 2) Remove and Restore ten (10) identified deteriorated leaded-glass windows and 3) Remove and restore the south facing wood windows sashes in the Tower. Mr. Cobble added that they asked for $65,000.00 in anticipation of a matching grant under the MHC Mass Preservation Project Fund that they intend on making application. Ms. Steiner noted the chimney is a grave concern for public safety; the building is 115 years old and on the federal register of historic places so the work needed is expensive because of materials and workmanship needed for the building. Chairman Kurzberg asked the All Souls representatives what assurances they have this would be funded and Linda responded that they received funding for the building assessment and now they would be fulfilling the recommendations adding their consultant has a good relation with MHC but like all applicants there is no 100% assurance. Members asked if grant is not awarded what would they do and Linda responded they would do the chimney because of the safety issue. She added All Souls is a small congregation of 59 members and she discussed their on-going revenue situation with Magic Years and other activities for fundraising. Mark Preziosi commented he is in favor of conditional matching. Darryl Mikami told of his Church’s fundraising efforts, recommended they pursue private resources and reminded the other members that the Church was given $87k a number of years and we received a lot of criticism -the whole issue of religious institution receiving public funds. Christine noted that since then there was a major case in Acton in which the outcome was CPA funds can be used on churches of preservation of the historic structure and not improvements that promote the religious message. Ron Frazier added his concern with supporting a religious institution and would All Souls be back next year for more funding? Linda Steiner noted it has been over 8 years from the original application and they do not envision annually returning but she couldn’t definitively say she would never be back in the future. Ron Frazier did acknowledge the Church’s architecture and some of the history of the architect who designed it. Members contemplated what else All Souls could do to increase revenue with different ideas. Mark Preziosi did offer the following MOTION that in accordance with the provisions of Chap. 44B of the General Laws, the Community Preservation Committee recommends the appropriation of $65,000.00 from the Historic Resources Fund for the 2019 All Souls Preservation and Restoration Project for the historic church structure located at the corner Church and Elm Streets (Map 2025 Plots 34 & 35) and as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Said funds are to be expended conditional on the following 1) A signed Community Preservation Grant Agreement and 2) That All Souls Church receive state funding under the MHC – MPPF for the project, seconded by Marta Googins – unanimously voted. The All Souls representatives thanked the CPC for their support.  Accepted 3/9/2020 Page 3 CPC Minutes 11/18/19 Member Googins left the meeting at 5:55PM. Project Updates: Daughraty Gym-Derek Manning updated members on the Daughraty Gym project and that shortly the cost estimates will be forth coming with first set of preliminary plans. Morrison School Outdoor Classroom – Derek reported they have finished the permitting aspect and hopefully construction can start next week. Elm Street topper fence – Derek noted they have sent the mock ups and were approved last Friday by the architect. The fence parts are under production and are to be painted and install shortly. Ron Frazier asked where would they start and he suggested the right hand corner if one was standing in Elm street. ACOE Smelt Brook – although not on the agenda Derek updated members that the study should be done in 18 months. Armstrong Public Access Project Christine reported the contract for the design engineer (dam removal, channel restoration and public access) is being signed. A kick-off meeting with the project is planned for late November and a public meeting sometime in the spring of 2020. Conservation Restrictions Cedar Swamp survey was completed in October and restriction is with the assistant Town Solicitor awaiting review. Norfolk County Hospital CR was reviewed by the state and sent back to the Town in June this also is with the assistant Town Solicitor awaiting review. Administrative: Diane Francis MOTION to accept the minutes of 5/20/19, seconded by Mark Preziosi – unanimously approved. Ron Frazier MOTION to accept the minutes of 10/21/19, seconded by Mark Preziosi – unanimously approved. Derek added two other projects that may be coming forward to the Community Preservation Committee are the Historic Inventory and the High School Skate Park. Ron Frazier commented that he spoke with the Mayor Elect Charles Kokoris regarding commissions generally and he said a transition team will be dealing with those issues. Christine said a memo from the Town Solicitor’s office is expected out as to how the process transpires between mayoral administrations. Dr. Kurzberg noted he would not be present at the scheduled December 9th meeting and do we want to meet or cancel. Members discussed and agreed to only meet if necessary as determined by the Chair otherwise everyone will attend the January 13, 2020 meeting. Ron Frazier MOTION to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mark Preziosi – unanimously voted. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM Respectfully submitted, Christine Stickney, Director Planning and Community Development