Community Preservation Committee

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Monday, February 10, 2020 5:00 PM Johnson Chambers –Town Hall Present: Dr. Peter Kurzberg, Chair Maria Bonfiglioli Darryl Mikami Mark Preziosi V-Chair Ronald F. Frazier Also Present: Derek Manning, CPC Manager Kelly Phelan, Conservation Manager Christine Stickney, Director PCD (See audience list below) The Chairman convened the meeting at 5:05 PM with a roll call vote of all members present New Business: East Braintree Little League – Watson Park, Applicant: Andrew Berman Mr. Berman presented the requested application for funding for improvements to Watson Park playing field, new score boards, new dug-outs, protective screens/netting stopping balls, fencing and potential grading of the fields. Possibly to be done over three phases – will need to amend the application with an increase of potentially $22,000. The projected cost for fencing and leveling of the fields is estimated $117,082.07. Mr. Berman noted the park is useable not only by the little league but all residents and there has been no substantial improvements to it for a number of years. Member Bonfiglioli questioned if there is any money within the fields from use – Mr. Berman responded that the youth sports cover minimal costs nothing has been done substantially for the last 50/60 Years. The little league has done some piece meal work within the in-fields like resurfacing and filling low areas etc. A question was asked who is responsible for the fields and Nelson Chin responded his department and they do mowing and maintenance. Member Preziosi commented on the American Braintree Fields and how they are in much better conditions and both Mr. Berman and Chin noted they have private fundraising. Mr. Preziosi spoke about the problem with geese an how the Golf Course obtained sweepers that dragged behind the mowers. Dr. Kurzberg question Mr. Chin about how work is procured presently for the fields and how volunteer’s efforts could help. Dr. Kurzberg asked if the League had other funding that could match the CPC input? Christine Stickney noted that volunteers and work on public lands needs to be looked at by the procurement office and the Town Solicitor as to bidding, prevailing wages and insurance. In addition she asked Mr. Berman what contact has the League had with Building and ADA, Conservation given it is floodplain and within 200’ of the river and 100’ feet to a WPA protected resource and the Planning for work within the floodplain and the necessity of a Special Permit. Mr. Berman noted he was not aware of these issues. Discussions continued as to anticipate cost of certain improvement elements and the need for electricity for the score boards and perhaps BELD may need to be involved. Members agreed there seems to be a lot unanswered questions that the League should work through with the different departments. Ron Frazier MOTION to table the request until the next meeting for the applicants to work on answers, seconded by Mark Preziosi – unanimously voted. Page 2 – CPC Minutes 2/10/20 Historic Inventory, Applicant: Historic Commission – speaking on their behalf Derek Manning. Derek explained past efforts by the Historic Commission to do certain areas of Town for documenting existing structures in conformance with MHC Inventory process. The application seeks matching local funding for approximately 120 properties that the Town would file for a MA Historic Preservation Project Fund Grant to inventory. A Notice of Intent to file for the grant has already been sent in to MHC for approval. Member Frazier noting he is the historical representative on the committee, that the Town is required by law to survey all properties. Past efforts were done by volunteers who were not professional architectural historians and were done incorrectly. Member Preziosi questioned why do we have to keep an inventory? Derek noted the inventory becomes important if the Town wants to protect structures and/or create more local historic districts. In addition they are helpful with our new demolition delay ordinance as to historical background. Chair Kurzberg questioned what is a Form B? Derek explained it is the actual form required to be filed with Mass Historical and there is a process to be followed when one is to be developed and filed. A member asked about historical significance and member Frazier commented on the BHC definition and role in determine historical significance. Member Bonfiglioli asked what if a structure has been so altered it no longer has any historical integrity left – discussion continued around how the demolition delay process is undertaken in Braintree. Member Preziosi MOTION in accordance with the provisions of Chap. 44 of the General Laws, the Community Preservation Committee recommends the appropriation of $30,000.00 from the Historic Resource Fund for the Braintree Historic Inventory 2020 Project. Said funds are to be expended under the direction of Community Preservation Committee and the Director of Planning and Community Development, seconded by member Frazier – unanimously voted Community Preservation Coalition – Annual Membership Dues Member Frazier MOTION to pay the annual membership dues in the amount of $2,875.00 from the CPC administrative account, seconded by Member Preziosi – unanimously voted. Old Business: - none Project Updates: Armstrong Dam Public Access Project – Kelly Phelan, Conservation Planner reported that they are going to design for the public access walkway there still remains a lot of permitting to be done with both MEPA and other agencies – estimating work to start in summer of 2021. – Kelly had brought to the meeting a concept plan for the walkway – members questioned where parking maybe and two locations one from the Hancock entrance and over by where the RMV is located. She explained they are working through issues around an easement for the walkway and parking. Discussions as to a conservation restriction or donation have been discussed between the parties. To that end Kelly is asking the CPC to vote administrative funding to pay for an appraisal of the property under discussion for the easement/restriction/donation and depending on the appraisal it will assist in their discussions. Member Preziosi MOTION to approve up to $5,000 be available out of the CPC administrative funds for the cost of an appraisal of the river corridor and walking path in conjunction with the Armstrong Dam Public Access Project – unanimously voted. Middle Street Open Space – Kelly update the members on some issues with the trail design and further work is needed before it can be put out for construction bids. In addition she has been waiting for the DPW/Engineering to do the parallel parking. Members discussed if there were sidewalks in the area. Conservation Restrictions: Cedar Swamp & Former Norfolk County Property still waiting for the legal department. Daughraty Gym Restoration – Derek reported the original estimate has had to be revised, the HVAC should be ready to go out to bid soon Page 3 – CPC Minutes 2/10/20 and the bathrooms are being re-designed with some minor changes. Morrison School Outdoor Classroom Project – There was a site walk last Friday and two contractors attend. Bids are to be submitted by 2/28 in talking with Lorraine the contract administrator approx. 2 dozen have taken the bids out. Elm Street Cemetery – Topper Fence – Derek updated the CPC that last Monday the Historical Commission agreed they wanted the topper fence extended over the Thayer Tomb located in the area next to Nancy’s Barber Shop. Dr. Kurzberg questioned the timing and if it would be done shortly and Derek commented fabrication first and installation – not a big job. Administrative: Some members didn’t read the 11/18/19 minutes they were tabled to the next meeting. Member Frazier MOTION to adjourn the meeting, seconded my Member Bonfiglioli – unanimously voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:28PM Public Audience: From: East Braintree Little League - Andrew Berman, Gavin Erdody, Mark Erdody & Laura lee Willard, Also present Recreational Director - Nelson Chin Respectfully submitted, Christine Stickney, Director Planning and Community Development