Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-07-CPC-min Minutes of the Community Preservation Committee Thursday, November 7, 2013 3:00 pm, Parker Room Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Present: Committee Members: Marilyn Fenollosa, Chair; Richard Wolk, Vice-Chair, Richard Canale, Norman Cohen, David Horton, Jeanne Krieger, Leo McSweeney, Robert Pressman and Sandra Shaw. Administrative Assistant : Nathalie Rice Also in attendance was David Kanter, Vice-Chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC). The meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm. by Ms. Fenollosa. 1.Community Center Renovation - $645,775 - The CPC met with Patrick Goddard, Facilities Director regarding this project. Mark Barrett, Project Manager for the Facilities Department was also present. Mr. Goddard explained that the FY15 request for the Community Center was for Design and Engineering monies that would carry the project through construction plans. He also explained that the request included construction funds of $250,000 for the sidewalk from Marrett Road to the Community Center. (The design of the sidewalk was approved for funding at Special Town Meeting.) Mr. Goddard said the Design and Engineering estimate was driven by the final programmatic and construction costs, which had not yet been finalized. He expected that the D&E estimate and sidewalk construction would be approved by the Selectmen by the end of December though he anticipated changes to the design which might push the approval process until February. In response to requests for clarification, Mr. Goddard said the estimate might change if there were other adjustments, such as re-designing the chiller system to accommodate the gym. Mr. Cohen pointed out that the Community Center Renovation article could still go on the warrant with the specific amount being specified in the motion. In response to a question about Phase 3 construction, Mr. Goddard said that the design team would remain under contract through Phase 3 until the Community Center was occupied. Mr. Kanter expressed concern about the timing of the Historic Preservation Restriction, stating that he felt strongly that the Restriction should be approved before construction commenced. He noted that there might be elements of €historical significance in the interior and cited a local library renovation which ran into complications with the historic renovation of an interior reading room. Mr. Pressman noted that the Restriction would also protect the land surrounding the Community Center, and voiced his hope that the preparation of the Restriction would be an open process. He said he wanted the opportunity for Town groups to have input into the process; Ms. Fenollosa cautioned that the Board of Selectmen, not the CPC would be preparing the document. The CPC took a straw vote on the Renovations to the Community Center Project and voted (9-0-1) in favor of the project. The single vote represented a yes, but with further information needed. 1 2.Cary Memorial Building Upgrades - $7,988,000 ‚ Patrick Goddard and Mark Barrett were also present for this discussion. Mr. Goddard explained that this project also had a long planning window, with cost estimates not expected to be finalized until February of 2014. He th said he would be meeting with the architects on November 19 and at that time would have more definite cost estimates. He noted, however, that the cost could change as elements of the renovation were added or deleted during the process of BOS approval. (He will be th meeting with Board on December 5.) The Committee was familiar with the details of the project having reviewed it in the FY14 application process. The CPC approved the project in a straw vote (9-0). 3.Visitor Center Renovations - Design Funds - $53,781 ‚ Mr. Goddard and Ms. McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee addressed this project. Mr. Barrett remained for the discussion. Ms. McKenna explained that the Visitor Center project had undergone a number of changes in the last year after the project was presented to the CPC for FY14 funding (and ultimately withdrawn). She said there had been numerous community meetings and opportunities for public input, resulting in the issuance of a Revised Programmatic Report. One of the changes to the design is the proposed construction of a significant historical exhibit, which Ms. McKenna said may be designed by a Lexington company, Wonder Cabinet. The interpretive exhibit is expected to cost $400,000. A second change to the proposal was the elimination of two of the three scenarios. Ms. McKenna put forth an argument for the need for the Visitor Center Renovations, explaining the projects benefit to Lexington. She said she would be presenting her proposal to the Board of Selectmen for review/approval. There was a discussion of the three scenarios presented in FY14 project application for the Visitor Center. Ms. McKenna said the present proposal was for Scenario #3, a $2 million dollar project which envisioned an addition and significant renovations to the interior of the building. Mr. Pressman questioned how this project compared to others listed in the Town Wide Facilities Master Plan. Mr. Kanter argued that the Visitor Center project should not be compared to the Fire Station, Police Station and other priority building renovations or construction projects. Mr. Canale echoed this sentiment, stating that the investment in the building and in Lexingtons tourist base was critical to a vibrant downtown. Mr. Cohen asked Mr. Goddard whether the full renovation was needed, to which Mr. Goddard replied that the programmatic needs as approved by the Board of Selectmen would drive the renovations. The CPC voted in a straw poll (2-0-6); two members were in support, six needed more information. 4.Historical Commission Inventory Forms for Listed Buildings - $30,000 ‚ Ms. Fenollosa, the Historical Commissions representative to the CPC presented this proposal, and removed herself as Chair in order to make the request. Mr. Wolk chaired the meeting for the presentation. Karen Mullins, Director of Community Development, was present for the discussion. Ms. Fenollosa explained that there were presently 157 properties listed as €priority on the Historical Commission Master list of buildings. They represent properties that have been identified as potentially significant over a 30-year period, but for which there has been no funding for research. She said in the course of other properties being studied by various consultants, these properties have been repeatedly identified as worthy of further 2 study by a professional architectural historian. She said the estimated $30,000 would cover 150 priority properties. Listing on the Inventory would clarify their status, and if found significant, would make them subject to the Demolition Delay Bylaw. Ms. Mullins commented that her department conducts the customer service work which relies upon the list of properties on the €Inventory. She said it is difficult to notify a builder or homeowner that their property is on the Inventory, only to find that there is no back-up data available. She said welcomed the supporting documentation that would be provided through this proposal. Mr. Pressman asked what measures might be in place for notifying homeowners that their properties were being evaluated for placement on the Inventory. Ms. Fenollosa responded that homeowners are notified that their properties have been placed on the Inventory, and have the right to appeal this decision before the Historical Commission. She added that amendments to the Demolition Delay By-law were voted at the March 2013 Annual Town Meeting which also requires homeowner notification prior to listing. Mr. Pressman asked whether homeowners would be notified as the properties are studied, to which Ms. Fenollosa said they would. The study of the initial set of 150 homes was what was presented on the application for $30,000 in CPA funding. Ms. Fenollosas reference to 157 homes led to the question whether the proposal should be increased by $1,400 to accommodate the additional 7 homes. Ms. Mullins added that the estimate also did not include postage or administrative time. Members agreed that this would be a useful amendment to the proposal, and suggested that the Historical Commission submit a subsequent amended application. The CPC took a straw vote and approved the project, as amended (8-0); Ms. Fenollosa did not participate in the vote. 5.Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Design and Construction Plan - $34,500  Ms. Mullins Director of the Community Development Department, remained to discuss this proposal; Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation was also in attendance. Initially this project was submitted to the CPC, but only for tax levy funding. In the course of review by the Assistant Town Manager for Finance, it was realized that the project should be presented to the CPC. Ms. Mullins explained that the project requests $30,000 in design funds for a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail at the Parker Meadow Conservation Area with a construction phase to follow the design phase. The handicapped trail at Parker Meadow is adjacent to the Minuteman Bikeway and has access from Revere Street, where parking is available. The trail is also a short distance from the Douglas House, a home for brain injured adults for which the CPC approved funding for FY 2008. Ms. Mullins explained that FY15 funds would be requested to design the trail, and that based upon the design, the Conservation Department would apply for construction funding in FY16. In response to a question from the CPC, Ms. Mullins said she would research long term maintenance costs for such a trail and would put these costs in the RFP. The CPC was supportive of the idea of a handicapped accessible trail; Mr. Canale stated that he felt the Town should do all it can to further handicapped accessibility throughout the Town, particularly on trails. The CPC voted (9-0) to support this project in a straw vote. thst 6.Approval of Minutes ‚ Minutes from the meetings October 24 and 31 were approved as amended. 3 7.Updates and Member Concerns ‚ Ms. Rice explained that the Needs Assessment Report would need updating. (It must be updated on an annual basis.) She said she will send out the 2013 copy to members for their review. She will also send it to department heads for their input. The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 pm. Respectfully submitted, Nathalie Rice Administrative Assistant Community Preservation Committee 4