Community Preservation Committee

Community Preservation Committee Monday, June 14, 2021 5:00 PM Remote Virtual Meeting via Zoom Approved: 8/30/2021 Present: Dr. Peter Kurzberg, Chair Ron Frazier Maria Bonfiglioli Marta Googins Diane Francis Darryl Mikami Also Present:Melissa SantucciRozzi, Director Dr. Peter Kurzberg calls the meeting to order at 5:00 PM via Zoom and requests that Director SantucciRozzi proceeds to take attendance for the June 14, 2021 meeting via roll call: Dr. Kurzberg – aye; Maria Bonfiglioli – aye, Diane Francis - here, Ron Frazier – here, Marta Googins – here, Darryl Mikami – here. Six Members are in attendance; Member Mark Preziosi is absent. NEW BUSINESS – Potential New Projects: Historical Commission Director SantucciRozzi advises that she has been working with the Historic Commission to put together an Application for a CPA Appropriation to repair the remaining stone and tombs at Elm Street Cemetery. We have work scopes and estimates for the stones and tomb. The Historic Commission has decided to include the remaining Topper Fence work into this project as well. Once pricing is obtained for the remaining piece an Application will be reviewed with the Mayor and then submitted to the CPC. Dr. Kurzberg asks if that has nothing to do with the balance left in the project. The Director explains that it looks like there is $955 left. That project was signed off on, so that money can be turned back into the historic bucket and put towards future projects. Dr. Kurzberg thought there was $6000 or $7000 left. The Director clarifies that there was another project entitled Elm Street Cemetery Improvements that has $225,000, which was a Town Council Order from 2016. Member Frazier believes that one was for the fencing. The Director will update this information at the next meeting, and will have more information when she submits the Application. The Director clarifies for Member Francis that the Topper Fence has been completed and signed off on. Member Frazier clarifies that the Topper Fence has not been completed, but it has been signed off on. Watson Park Director SantucciRozzi clarifies that the Conservation Planner, Kelly Phelan, and the Conservation Commission has been working with Woods Hole Group to design restoration of the coast along Watson Park, which also includes elevating the Riverwalk in a portion of the Park. Recently Ms. Phelan along with Woods Hole Group made some revisions to the plan and to the berm, which was presented to the Planning Board on June 8, 2021. The Conservation Planner, Kelly Phelan, will be coming forward with an Application for a CPA Appropriation for construction of said improvements. Member Francis clarifies that the berm was recommended because the sea is rising. Daughraty Gym Dr. Kurzberg mentions this is a potential window project. Director SantucciRozzi kept this item on the agenda because it had come up at a previous meeting, but there hasn’t been any recent follow-up on the windows. They are working on the bathrooms now, using some facilities money. 1|Page Member Bonfiglioli clarifies that this is coming through Parks and Recreation, and she asks if anything is happening with the Skate Park. The Director explains that this is later in the Agenda. Windjammer Cove – Affordable Housing Conversion Director SantucciRozzi advises that she, Mayor Kokoros and our legal department have been working with Windjammer Cove. We have reached an agreement with an overall price to do the conversion. Currently, we are working on terms and a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the expectation of what the private developer needs to do in receiving these funds. We are tasked with helping them to prepare an application to the Home Consortium for some rehabilitation funds. They are rehabilitating all of the units there at Wind- jammer Cove. We have some 40B proceeds and some money set aside from Lenox Farms for affordable housing purposes. We will likely be making an application to the CPA, as well. At that point, they can start putting their implementation plan to convert 25% of the market rate units to affordable units. Member Bonfiglioli asks when we would be able to consider those units toward our affordable number. The Director advises that they are trying to figure out an implementation plan because the units have to be rented and made available to eligible households through a lottery. They are trying to figure out a schedule because they are also renovating units. They don’t want to do a lottery every time a unit comes up; they would like to group together units for the lottery. Once the units are available for occupancy, then they can be counted on the subsidized inventory. The Director clarifies the process for ensuring the DHCD puts the units on the inventory as “ready and available for occupancy”. Member Googins asks if the Braintree Housing Authority would play any role in this transition. The Director clarifies that there are some tenants currently that are Housing Authority tenants living there. Most of the people on the Housing Authority list would be looking for something at an even lower rent, but there is opportunity for these units to be occupied with voucher holders. When we do the marketing and outreach that is required as part of the conversion, the Braintree Housing Authority is notified of the units becoming available through the lottery, and they would be able to share that information with anyone they think might be a good fit for this opportunity. Member Googins asks because the Housing Authority was involved in the process for the lotter at Turtle Crossing. The Director clarifies that on that particular location the Housing Authority was the actual monitoring agent. The folks at Windjammer Cove have other developments where they have affordable units, and they have a consultant that they use. This Consultant, Maureen O’Hagan, has done a couple other projects in Braintree. Most recently, we did the lottery for the three independent ownership units at Independence Avenue, and there were three Braintree households that got the affordable units. One of the clients is getting down payment assistance from the Housing Consortium. Independence Manor I, II and III The Director had a chance to do some research on this, and there are several other examples of projects on the Coalition website where Community Preservation Funds provided monies for windows and rehabilitation in affordable housing complexes. The Director will be meeting with Katie Barker, Executive Director, to go over the information that she found and get a little more information on her particular need and the materials that she has in support of preserving this affordable housing by providing some alternate funds to do upgrades to the property. Hopefully, we will get an idea of what kind of money Ms. Barker will be looking for by the next meeting. Braintree Golf Course Audubon Certified The Director has talked with Daryn Brown at the Golf Course regarding the matter of the Audubon Certified Location, and he has quite a full plate, and he hasn’t gotten back to the Director with any further information. He will follow-up when he wants to present some information so that we can determine eligibility. 2|Page Town Hall Message Board/Fencing Director SantucciRozzi received some follow-up from Town Engineer, John Thompson. The Director provided an update example from the Town of Canton showing a close-up and the street-view. The Director hasn’t had a chance to do much research on this, but it would be the message sign, the electronic components with a grant from BELD. For the historic looking portions of the sign, they would be seeking Community Preservation funding. There is also an effort to improve fencing around the Town Hall and Common to give it a more historic look. The Director provided the following update in her Summary Report to the Community Preservation Committee: The Mayor’s Office and DPW have a historic preservation project they would like to undertake at the Town Hall campus, and would like to use CPA Funding to help complete the work. The project would include the installation of an electronic community message board within Monument Mall, and also preservation of the existing fencing along the side and rear of Town Hall and into French’s Common. The Town recently received a donation from Braintree Electric Light Department for the purchase of the electronic community message board itself. Our hope would be to use CPA funding to construct a decorative surround for the sign board, similar to and consistent with the architecture of Town Hall. I have provided a picture of something similar that was constructed in the Town of Canton, for your reference. Further, we would like to replace the existing chain-link fence with something more historic looking to improve the overall aesthetic of the campus. Similar to the sign surrounds, our goal would be to install fencing that is consistent with and complimentary to the Town Hall, Monument Mall and French’s Common appearance. The Director needs to do a little more research to see if this is something that can be funded with Community Preservation monies. 3|Page OLD BUSINESS -Funded Project Updates - June 2021 All Souls Church The Director did get an update from Linda Steiner that reported they finished the work and would be submitting their final invoices and final review/report from the architect. The Director wondered if any Members wanted to do a site visit; if so, please notify her and she can coordinate it. Member Francis advises that she could do a site visit because she lives close to that area. The Director suggests Members email her available times during the week of June 21st. East Braintree Little League Currently on hold per Mayor Kokoros this will not be going forward to the Council at this time. Liberty Grove Unreserved Purchase The Town and Liberty Grove LLC, have closed on this property on April 28, 2021. The Staff is in the process of locating a surveyor to set the monumentation. There hasn’t been much dialogue around future use of the property. Mayor Kokoros has assigned the Facilities Department to change locks and clean up property. The Historical Commission has interest in the future of the structure. Staff suggests a community process to determine the community’s desire for this purchase, and once determined the appropriate restrictions will need to be placed on the property as well as hopefully securing some grants to do what the community would like to do with the property. Member Bonfiglioli confirms that the Mayor has asked for the area to be cleaned up. The Director confirms that in general the Mayor asked the Facilities Department to cut the lawn, change the locks, make sure that the systems are all shut off appropriately. Member Bonfiglioli states the area is an eye-sore and it is a bit concerning. She agrees the area needs a little attention. There is a proposed ordinance on the Agenda for Ordinance and Rules Committee tonight to establish an “ani-blight” with the ability to fine people for not mowing their lawns or keeping their property in a nice state. Armstrong Dam Trail We expect construction of the fishway and overlook platform component of the project to begin this summer. We did received the 401 Water Quality permit from DEP. Hopefully that is not appealed. The Conservation Planner is still securing funds for the actual dam removal. Middle Street Trail The final design has been received from the Consultant. This is the trail along the Monatiquot River. The Conservation Planner will begin permitting in next month or two and start construction in the fall. Daughraty Gym This is the funding that was allocated for the study of the outside for historic preservation. The Director was unable to get an update from the Parks and Recreation Department. The gym is currently undergoing a large- scale interior restoration overseen by the Facilities Department and paid for with non-CPC funds. The Director is hopeful that we can get an update for the next meeting. Historic Inventory 2020 (No New Update – Need Staff Time to Work on This) The Director has not had a chance to work on this, but she is keeping it on the agenda for updates. She is hoping that the new Community Preservation Manager can spend some time on this important matter. Morrison School Outdoor Classroom The Director received an update from Dan Armstrong. Project is nearing completion. They have estimated, about 1-2 weeks to finish. Remaining Items include, connecting water pump to water feature, installing story board and presentation boards along pathway, seesaw, zip-line, and pulleys, planting trees and shrubs, and 4|Page general site clean-up. The Director suggests that, once she gets confirmation that this is finished, this might be a good opportunity for a site visit. Dr. Kurzberg asks who is going to be maintaining that. The Director advises that her understanding is that it will be maintained by the School Department, but she can follow-up to confirm this. Dr. Kurzberg asks if it will be in use over the summer or will it be a public playground. The Director is not sure what the intentions are, but she can inquire with Dan Armstrong and get an answer for the next meeting. Member Francis has been to the site in the early stages and is interested in seeing the progress. The Director will arrange for a site visit for any members interested. Elm Street Cemetery Fence Topper Project was signed off on. Follow up with contractor. Any remaining funds will be returned. Conservation Restrictions  Plain Street-Cedar Swamp At the last meeting we had the authorization for funding for the monitoring. All signatures have been received. Wildlands Trust will record the CR at the Registry of Deeds.  Washington Street - Highlands Playground Draft approved by the state. Pond Meadow was the intended holder of this CR but they have indicated they will be unable to hold the CR due to a conflict of interest (they receive half of their funding from the Town). The Conservation Planner, Kelly Phelan, is continuing to look for an alternative entity to hold the CR.  Middle Street Land We are waiting for the Wildlands Trust to vote to accept the CR. Then, we will have the funding laid out. Something that the Director wanted to mention, which has been discussed in the office, is that some of the older Articles when put forward to Community Preservation Committee only included the funding for the actual purchase or design. A lot of these Articles did not include separate funding for ongoing monitoring, survey work needed or preparation of the restrictions (i.e. funding needed beyond our Legal Department). The Plain Street Restriction was funded this year through our Administration Funds, but for the future, if there are any other costs associated with any of these purchases included in the actual appropriation, those are going to need a separate appropriation going forward. In the Liberty/Grove application, all the administrative funds were included. CPC may see some smaller requests for the costs associated with Restrictions and/or any types of legal fees or environmental reports needed for any of these projects moving forward. We will not be able to continue to tap into the Administrative Funds because these funds will be used for other matters. Going forward, any and all applications will include those additional costs, as well. That way, when the Committee votes, they know that the dollar amount is representative of everything associated with securing that particular project. Braintree High School Skate Park Recreation Department is making good progress with the design consultant for the final design stages. The Director will ask Chris Griffin to share this design once he has something more final so that the Committee can see the progress that has taken place so far related to that appropriation. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS CPC Manager Job Resumes We received one or two applications that are worth having interviews for. The Director discusses one potential applicant that has worked at Mass. Historic and different venues in state government related to preservation. He lives in Western Massachusetts and is looking for consulting work. The Director will keep him in mind if we 5|Page are in need of consulting services, but this position needs someone more local that can be in the office two days a week. The Director notes that she suggested that Dr. Kurzberg sit in on the interviews. Dr. Kurzberg mentions that if anyone else from the Committee is interested, they can also participate. Member Bonfiglioli responds that she would be interested. The Director will follow-up and coordinate schedules. FY2022 Budget Apprved and Monthly Financial Report The Director did not get an update from Mark Lin on the financial report, but she has what was shared last month. She did attend the Town Council Hearing on June 2nd; our budget was approved as allocated (see below). CPC Budget As of March 31, 2021 Undesignated fund balance $4,116,937.70(Includes FY 2022 Money $923,784.00) Historical Resources fund balance $497,434.68 Community Housing fund balance $945,944.10 Open Space fund balance $180,312.84 Budget Reserved $400,000.00 Admin $ 45,000.00 With FY2022 Budget we ADDED Undesignated Fund $427,595.00 Historical Resources fund $150,000.00 Community Housing fund $150,000.00 Open Space fund $150,000.00 Budget Reserved $400,000.00 Admin $ 46,189.00 Approval of Meeting Minutes: April 12, 2021 and May 10, 2021 There are two sets of minutes for approval. Member Ron Frazier MOTION to approve the minutes of April 12, 2021; seconded by Member Diane Francis; voted by roll call (6:0 votes: Member Francis: YES; Member Mikami: YES; Member Frazier: YES; Member Kurzberg: YES; Member Googins: YES; Member Bonfiglioli: YES). Member Ron Frazier MOTION to approve the minutes of May 10, 2021; seconded by Member Diane Francis; voted by roll call (6:0 votes: Member Francis: YES; Member Mikami: YES; Member Frazier: YES; Member Googins: YES; Member Kurzberg: YES; Member Bonfiglioli: YES). In Person Meetings The Director explains that the State of Emergency ends on June 15; her understanding is that there are a few pending legislative items that would extend the provisions of the Open Meeting Law. She is not sure what is going to be enacted. We continue to stay up-to-date through the Legal Department. Currently, we don’t have any meetings scheduled for July and August; however, the Director discussed the possibility with Dr. Kurzberg of scheduling a summer meeting if something comes up. Depending on upcoming projects, we will make the call on whether we will meet in person or via remote if a summer meeting is needed. The Director states our next meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2021. Dr. Kurzberg clarifies whether this will be an “in person” meeting. The Director is uncertain about this. If we have the option of being in person, then we will likely be in person. There has been a push and a desire from the Administration and Mayor 6|Page Kokoros that we get up and running as closely to pre-pandemic as we can. The Director will continue to keep members posted. If anyone has any concerns about a potential meeting in person, they should let the Director know. CPC Annual Meeting Dr. Kurzberg asks if we could hold the Annual Meeting at our September meeting. The Director agrees that we could. The Director advises that this meeting has been held at all times during the year. Both the Director and Dr. Kurzberg agree that the September Meeting would be a good time for the Annual Meeting to summarize the previous year, discuss upcoming items, and perhaps the new staff member will have been on board for a short time before this meeting to get things organized and provide additional suggestions. The Director confirms that we will plan on holding the Annual Meeting on September 14, 2021. Director SantucciRozzi notes that we have one member of the public in attendance. Dr. Kurzberg wishes everybody a nice summer, and if anything comes up we will get together. He thanks everyone for their time and input. Member Ron Frazier MOTION to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Member Diane Francis; voted by roll call (6:0 votes: Member Francis: YES; Member Mikami: YES; Member Frazier: YES; Dr. Kurzberg: YES; Member Googins: YES; Member Bonfiglioli: YES). Meeting adjourned at 5:52 PM. Respectfully submitted, Louise Quinlan, Planning and Community Development 7|Page