Community Preservation Committee

Community Preservation Committee Monday, November 13, 2023 5:00 PM REMOTE VIA ZOOM Present: Dr. Peter Kurzberg, Chair Mark Preziosi, Vice Chair Ron Frazier Marta Googins Absent: Darryl Mikami APPROVED: January 22, 2024 Diane Francis Maria Bonfiglioli Also Present: Elizabeth Manning, Community Preservation Manager Chairman Kurzberg calls the meeting to order at 5:05 PM and requests that Ms. Manning take attendance for the November 13, 2023, meeting via roll call: – Chairman Kurzberg – present; Vice Chair Preziosi -here, Ron Frazier – here; Marta Googins - here. Four members are in attendance. Potential New Projects Ms. Manning states that Katie Barker from Independence Manor will be submitting an application by December, assuming all materials are complete. She will be meeting with Ms. Barker and Ms. SantucciRozzi on November 15th to review the draft application. Ms. Manning met with Terri Stano about digitizing Braintree’s weekly newspapers. She notes that in order to be eligible for CPC funding the Historic Commission needs to deem the microfilm reels an historically significant artifact. Ron Frazier notes that the original newspapers were not stored properly and that he feels the Commission would likely deem same as historically significant. Adams Park design is not really moving forward at this time as pricing came back higher than expected by some. Ms. Manning chatted with Ms. Giagrande who is representing the neighborhood about the potential for segmenting the project into fencing first, tot lot second and then perhaps the perimeter running track. Although design pricing was high, Ms. Manning feels that it would make the project much smoother. The question remains whether the Town can allocate the funding needed for a comprehensive reconstruction there. Braintree American lights are still being evaluated. Staff feels that a comprehensive approach is best with a fully new system including poles, lights and attendant system upgrades as needed. Ms. Manning sent Mr. Hubbard of the League two packages from nearby towns for ideas on materials, pricing and contractors. He will be checking in with his Board of Directors. Staff confirmed that Logan Park is not be eligible as CPA restricts communities from using funds for rehabilitation (even handicap access) if the project was not built or acquired with CPA funds. 1|Page The tomb at the Plain Street Cemetery needs repair. Staff still need to understand who would apply for and oversee the project as the applicant for the Elm Street Cemetery was the Town’s Historical Commission. Ms. Manning and Member Frazier discuss the process for the assessment planning at Elm Street Cemetery. He notes that Plain Street cemetery is in much better shape. Ms. Manning is still looking for guidance on who might spearhead this effort. Member Googins asks if there has been any movement on the donation from BELD for the Town Hall Message Board. Member Frazier offers that there was never an application to the Historic Commission about this being an appropriate installation in the Local Historic District. If CPC funds were to be used as part of the project, the Commission would need to make a determination on that as well. Ms. Manning notes that this is also her understanding. Old Business Edge Sports Group has been provided detailed comments on their design and specifications. The Engineering Department is actively working with the consultant to bring the package where it needs to be for public bidding. Ms. Manning shares the picture she took at the Armstrong Dam site the prior week. Lots of activity, heavy equipment and things are progressing nicely. Ms. Manning reported on her visit to the new Middle Street Trail with her family and their dog. She saw bikers, dog walkers and families. Chairman Kurzberg asks if the Town can do either signs or provide bags for folks to clean up after their dogs. Member Frazier asks if he can get a picture from the ribbon cutting and her will post it to You Know You’re From Braintree Facebook which has 8,500 followers. The consultants for the Historic Inventory were in town for on-site meeting with members of the CPC and the Historical Society. The renovations at the Society are beautiful and the librarians were extremely helpful. Ms. Manning will set up a meeting with the Mass Historic staff to ensure that initial draft inventory forms are capturing all required information. The Elm Street Cemetery file is being finished up with closeout forms and final payment. Smelt brook feasibility analysis will be finalized by the Army Corps of Engineers has posted its 30 day notification on the feasibility analysis. If no changes based on public review then the project can finally proceed to final design and construction. Chairman Kurzberg asks if this is still on track for Spring completion. Ms. Manning notes that Armstrong Dam removal should have a Spring completion. Ms. Manning suggests that Smelt Brook is likely where the Armstong Dam was back in 2018 based on the layers and layers of state and federal permitting required for these projects. Town Hall HC ramp is still being looked at for re-bidding and making it fit the budget available. There are no new updates on Daughraty Gym, Liberty and Grove and the Conservation Restrictions but all remain on the list for resolution or additional action. 2|Page Delorey Field is moving along. Ms. Manning will provide more detail at the December meeting. The memo to Town Council with the CPC recommendation for the Fire Station was delivered. Ms. Manning will let the members know when a hearing is scheduled. Administrative Business Member Googins MOTION to approve the minutes of meeting held 10/16/23 seconded by Member Preziosi voted by roll call (3:0:1) votes: Chairman Kurzberg: AYE; Vice Chair Preziosi: AYE; Member Googins: YES. Member Frazier abstained. Ms. Manning notes that the monthly report has been updated to include the Fire Station project leaving about $3.5 million for allocation to other projects before June 30, 2023. Dr. Kurzberg notes that this is the lowest balance for the CPC account that he recalls. Ms. Manning notes that once Independence Manor and Delorey Field (which likely needs additional funds) come through, the fund will absolutely be lower than recent history. Member Preziosi confirms that this reflects the money approved for Delorey (original allocation) and Ms. Manning responds yes. Dr. Kurzberg notes that the 2024 meeting dates have been circulated. Meetings will be the second Monday of the month unless there is a holiday. Ms. Manning notes that a vote to adopt will be on the December agenda. Member Frazier MOTION to adjourn meeting; seconded by Member Preziosi; voted by roll call (4:0:0) votes: Chairman Kurzberg: AYE; Vice Chair Preziosi: YES; Member Frazier: YES; Member Googins: YES. Respectfully submitted, Liz Manning, Planning and Community Development 3|Page