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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20121115 - Community Preservation Committee - Meeting MinutesTOWN OF HOPKINTON Community Preservation Committee MINUTES OF MEETING November 15, 2012 A meeting of the Hopkinton Community Preservation Committee was held on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Town Hall, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Members present: Henry Kunicki, John Coolidge, Jeff Doherty, Ken Weismantel, Bill Shaw, Chris Waldron and Brian O’Keefe. Al Rogers was absent. The Affordable Housing Committee seat remains vacant. Others present: Michaelyn Holmes, Claire Wright, Jeff Furber, Andre Griben, Chuck Joseph, Peter LaGoy, Dave Daltorio, Jamie Hellen, Scott Richardson and Brian Herr. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Kunicki called the meeting to order at 7:10PM in Room 211. CITIZEN COMMENTS: NONE MINUTES: Mr. Weismantel noted a typo in the October 18, 2012 minutes. MOTION by Ken Weismantel to approve the October 18, 2012 minutes as amended SECONDED by Mr. Shaw. VOTE to Approve: Yes-7, No-0, Absent-1. OLD BUSINESS: ►Mr. Doherty reported that negotiations with the owners of the Colella property continue. He anticipated that, because the Town is only interested in the back 15 acres, it won’t have to offer the full asking price. ►The acquisition of the Hayden Rowe property has been finalized and plans are underway for demolishing the house on the site. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Chuck Joseph of the Hopkinton Community Endowment, in discussing the disposition of the silo and barn at the Cultural Arts complex on Hayden Rowe Street, reported that a lot of work will be necessary to make the barn conform to the stretch code and suitable for classrooms. It will cost 50% more to renovate the barn than it would to replace it with a replica. Mr. Joseph explained that there are no plans to make changes to the silo, as funds are not available to do so. He said the HCE has an obligation to its donors to execute the CAA project in the most cost efficient way possible. Architect Scott Richardson cautioned about losing momentum (thus discouraging donations) on the project by delaying it. He said the structure needs new siding and a new roof. He suggested carefully razing the barn, maintaining the foundation, and using the old timbers in a replica structure. Historical Commission Chair Michaelyn Holmes countered that an obligation was owed the Town, as the CAA site is one of the few remaining farm settings in Hopkinton. She said the barn’s purpose is its existence, if only to provide residents with a reminder of the Town’s past. Ms. Holmes said she is not suggesting that the HCE has to pay to save the barn. Chairman Kunicki added that there are serious issues concerning the lack of maintenance on the silo because CPA funding was originally allocated to stabilize it for public use. 1 Mr. Joseph said a replica could project the same image as the original barn, while a restoration may render the structure unrecognizable (he cited a structural engineer). He added that, given its location, the barn could be used for additional classes by High School students. HCAM plans to lease space in the rear of the complex. Mr. Coolidge noted that Community Preservation funds have already been expended on the barn. Mr. Doherty added that residents wouldn’t likely support the destruction of the original barn. Mr. Joseph countered that it would be a waste to maintain a barn with some 2,000 square feet in empty space as a symbol. In response to Mr. Weismantel, Mr. Richardson explained that HCAM will incur one third of expenses related to the complex as a tenant. Mr. Weismantel noted that the silo has been allowed to rot during the years since CPA funds were spent to shore it up and said the Town’s investment has not been protected. He added that the CPC cannot support funding the razing of the barn; as such action does not constitute preservation. Chairman Kunicki said he would seek a response from the Board of Selectmen regarding the matter. He said a placeholder could be kept for funding to preserve the barn during the current funding cycle. HEARING: The hearing to consider Community Preservation Act funding for Fiscal Year 2014 was re-opened at 8:00PM. Town Hall Preservation – Town Engineer and Facilities Coordinator Dave Daltorio said the $300,000.00 being requested would fund repairs to the slate roof and continued masonry work. In response to Chairman Kunicki, Mr. Daltorio reported that the contractor has only submitted one invoice for payment. Mr. Weismantel requested that the Town Manager prepare a budget for the project. Sandy Beach Restoration – Mr. O’Keefe said that the Town bonded $322,000.00 to get the infrastructure in place for the beach rehabilitation. Bids are due in January, 2013 and work is expected to begin in March. Annual Town Meeting approved money to pay for most of the project. CPA funds are being sought to pay for additional playground equipment and extending the trail system. Reed Park – Mr. Coolidge said the Town would have to create or acquire a new athletic field and use the current one for parking. It was suggested that language referring to tennis courts be removed from the funding request. Mr. Shaw suggested that Parks & Recreation consider a master plan for the area which incorporates Lake Whitehall. Town Common Sidewalks – Mr. Shaw suggested that Parks & Recreation discuss this proposal with the Historic District Commission. Land Acquisition/East Main and Wilson Streets – Mr. Doherty reported that negotiations with the property owner continue regarding the rear 14.8 acres of land that abut Legacy Farms. Mr. Weismantel suggested that the purchase be proposed as serving active/passive recreation needs. 2 Land Acquisition/Hayden Rowe Street – Mr. Doherty reported that negotiations have ended for this acquisition and the request will serve as a place holder for a possible acquisition on Pond Street (Mr. Coolidge stepped off the Committee for this discussion). The Board of Selectmen is expected to make a recommendation regarding this acquisition within 20 days. The Town has 120 days to take action on a purchase and sales agreement. Andy Welzel Memorial Path – Mr. Peter LaGoy introduced a proposal to add a trail on four acres off of the Center Trail as an Eagle Scout project. The Hopkinton Trails Club and Downtown Revitalization Committee is requesting $7,000.00, but hope not to have to use the money. The project is being reviewed by the Conservation Commission. Mr. Coolidge agreed to help Scout Adam Fitzpatrick find other funding options, as the project is supposed to begin before CPA funds would become available. Center Trail – Mr. LaGoy said state funding is being sought to help extend the Center Trail to Chamberlain Street, with a response expected in February. The land is under a conservation restriction held by the Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT). Comey Chapel Window – It was agreed that this request should be increased from $3,000.00 to $7,000.00 to mitigate rot around other windows and complete repairs to the Chapel. Mrs. Claire Wright will present additional estimates for this work at the December meeting. CONTINUE THE HEARING: MOTION by Mr. Weismantel to continue the Public Hearing on CPA funding to Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:15PM SECONDED by Mr. Doherty. VOTE to Approve: Yes-7, No-0, Absent-1. ADJOURN: MOTION by Mr. Weismantel to adjourn SECONDED by Mr. Doherty. VOTE to Approve: Yes-7, No-0, Absent-1. Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM. Respectfully Submitted, Elizabeth Aghababian, CPC Administrative Assistant Documents Used: 1.CPC Meeting Agenda 2.10/18/12 CPC Meeting Minutes 3.CPA Funding Applications received to date 3