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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-13-CPC-min Minutes of the Community Preservation Committee Thursday, December 13, 2018 Parker Meeting Room Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue 5:00 PM Committee Members Present: Marilyn Fenollosa (Chair); Dick Wolk (Vice-Chair), Charles Hornig, David Horton, Jeanne Krieger (left at 6:46 PM), Joe Pato, Bob Pressman, Lisah Rhodes, Melinda Walker. Administrative Assistant: Gina Federico Other Attendees: Wendy Manz, Capital Expenditures Committee liaison to the CPC; Phil Hamilton (Chair) (arrived at 5:24 PM), Conservation Commission; Carolyn Kosnoff(arrived at 5:02 PM), Assistant Town Manager for Finance; John Livsey, Town Engineer; Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works; Charles Wyman (arrived at 5:24 PM), Conservation Commission Land Acquisition Committee. Ms. Fenollosa called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. 1) Center Streetscape Improvements- Mr. Pinsonneault and Mr. Livsey requested $2,238,625 in CPA funds for the center streetscape improvements. The total cost of the project is $9,273,880. $2,238,625 qualifies for CPA funding according to a report from Town Counsel. Mr. Pinsonneault explained that an ad hoc committee (Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee) was formed to help evaluate and make recommendations on the various design elements for the streetscape project. The funding request is for the construction phase of the streetscape project.The construction phase is likely to include pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety improvements,the restoration, removal and replacement of the sidewalk along the northerly and southerly side of Massachusetts Avenue from Woburn Street to Meriam Street, streetscape improvements, improved lighting as well as other aspects developed in the Plan. The goal of the project is to transform the center and streetscape into a more welcoming and vibrant area while focusing on safety for pedestrians, motorists, and bicyclists. Accessibility is a major priority as well as maintaining the historic preservation of the streetscape. The items that are believed to be CPA eligible are the granite curbing, brick sidewalk, and the pedestrian post top light. Mr. Pinsonneault explained that the pedestrian poles are not eligible for CPA funding but the post top light located on top of the pole is because it keeps within the historic design of the streetscape. Ms. Fenollosa asked if the design is final and if there is any chance that the Town would 1 go back to cement instead of brick pavers. Mr. Livsey responded that the design is only at 25% completion and that the design most likely will not change to go back to cement. Right now the sidewalk ramps are the only items being discussed to be manufactured out of cement. (Mr. Pato confirmed that the Board of Selectmen voted in favor of replacing brick with brick and are not likely to revisit the issue.) Mr. Livsey explained that the Town is waiting for a sample of the cement ramp from the manufacturer to demonstrate to people how it works and what it looks like. The ramp sample takes 8 weeks to produce. Ms. Manz asked about the justification for the bricks to be considered historic. Mr. Livsey explained that the streetscape design from 1966 has been deemed historically significant, citing a report from PAL, and the bricks are an integral part of the finding of significance. Ms. Fenollosa stated that while brick sidewalks are not always part of Mid Century Modern design, nevertheless brick was selected as the sidewalk material of choice for Lexington's streetscape and thus the sidewalks have significance in their own right as an important element of the 1966 design. Mr. Pressman asked about illuminating pedestrian sidewalks and if the project goes according to schedule, when would the new street lights be functional. Mr. Livsey explained that the streetlights are expected to be placed sometime within the years 2020-2022 and that they are one of the last things to be addressed because the work is contingent on the underground work being completed first. The plan is to keep the design of the lights similar to what is currently in use. Mr. Livsey explained that you can light more if you go higher but to keep within the historic design the poles are going to be the same height as what is currently in place but the new lights will provide better illumination. Mr. Hornig asked about the eligibility of the granite curbing for CPA funding. Mr. Livsey explained that the granite curbing is eligible because it has been part of the streetscape since design 1966. Mr. Wolk inquired about the project's time frame. Mr. Livsey stated that 75% of the design will be completed by March and 100% of the design will be completed by next winter.The next step is to send the project out to bid and then 2 construction seasons will be required to fully complete the project. Mr. Horton asked about the opinions and views of the Commission on Disability regarding the accessibility of a brick center streetscape. Mr. Livsey explained that Commission on Disability's concern regarding accessibility is related to the roughness of a brick. The rougher the brick the less accessible it is. There is one company in the United States that produces wire cut brick pavers with the lowest amount of roughness. In a comparison study good condition cement and good condition wire cut brick pavers have similar roughness. Traditional brick pavers like Boston pavers are not compliant with ADA standards. The wire cut brick will also be laid in a herringbone pattern which is proven to be the smoothest way to lay brick. It was the general consensus that the project is a good project, but some members felt the funding request may not be appropriate for CPA funding, i.e. it seems like a public works project that should be funded out of the tax levy, not CPA funds. Mr. Pato 2 responded that the cost helps to maintain the values of the Community. The CPC voted in a straw poll 1 yes, 4 no, 4 wait. 2) Battle Green Master Plan- Phase 3--Mr. Pinsonneault requested $570,438 in CPA funds for the 3rd phase of the Battle Green Master Plan. The Battle Green Master Plan was presented before the Board of Selectmen in March of 2010. The Master Plan implementation is broken out into 3 phases. Phases 1 and 2 have been appropriated at past Town Meetings. Phase 3 will address site amenities, accessibility, and historical landscaping. Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the Town is going to work with the Garden Club to rework the layout of the shrubs located in the Battle Green. The Hayes fountain located near the Minuteman statue will be restored back to working order. The accessibility of the Battle Green is also going to be addressed in Phase 3 of the plan. Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the Belfry will never fully be able to comply with ADA standards but the Department of Public Works (DPW) plans on bringing it as close to compliance as possible with explanatory signage at the base of Belfry Hill. Mr. Pinsonneault explained that the reason why the Master Plan is taking so long to complete is because the original architect that was hired to complete the work has since moved to Maine. Other factors that contribute to the delay in construction are the renovation of the new Visitors Center located on the Battle Green and the improvements to the Center Streetscape design. Both the Visitor Center Renovation and the Center Streetscape are expected to be complete in advance of the 2501h Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Ms. Fenollosa asked if all of the monuments located on the Battle Green are fully restored. Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the majority of monuments are restored with the exception of the granite obelisk. The lettering on the obelisk still needs to be restored. The CPC questioned the DPW's priorities since they have appeared before the Committee numerous times regarding the Battle Green Master Plan. Mr. Pinsonnault stated that this is the last request for the Battle Green Master Plan. Ms. Fenollosa asked if this project could wait another year. Mr. Pinsonnault explained that this project is time sensitive, since the goal is to have the Battle Green, Center Streetscape, and the Visitors Center complete by 2025 for the 2501h anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. A delay in the Battle Green Master Plan may delay the renovation of the Visitors Center. Mr. Pressman asked if parking and traffic work would be a part of this proposal. Mr. Pinsonneault responded that traffic and parking work are not a part of the proposal. Mr. Hornig asked if the project includes all-weather pathways around the Green and Mr. Horton asked if the path from Mass. Ave. to the Belfry would be renovated. Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the pathways will be updated to all-weather and the path to the Belfry will be renovated but not made accessible due to the reasons stated earlier. 3 The CPC voted in a straw poll to support the project (9-0). 3) Debt Service- Ms. Kosnoff distributed three Excel spreadsheets to the Committee detailing CPA funds, projected revenues, and expenditures (CPA-Funds Projected Revenues and Expenditures), CPC fund balances (Community Preservation Fund Balance) and CPF debt service from FY15 to FY25 (CPF Debt Service (Principal and Interest)). Preliminary estimates suggest that the Community Preservation Fund balance is $6,397,013 after debt for FY20, including the proposal to date for the Center Track and Field Reconstruction of$999,580. Ms. Kosnoff stated that there could be a modification to the payment period for the Center Track and Field Reconstruction. $2,095,100 is obligated to debt service not including debt from the Center Track and Field Reconstruction, Center Streetscape Improvements, and the Inter-Municipal Agreement with Minuteman. A new document was presented to the Committee labeled "Community Preservation Fund Debt Service". This document details the amount paid in debt service including principal and interest ranging from FY15 - FY25. Ms. Fenollosa asked if there is a threshold before something can be funded through debt. Ms. Kosnoff responded that she is not aware of a threshold but would not be opposed to funding a project less than $1 million. Ms. Walker asked about the criteria to bond something. Ms. Kosnoff responded that you can only bond something based on its life expectancy. Mr. Hornig inquired about interest rate trends for short term debt versus long term debt. Ms. Kosnoff stated that any debt the Town undertakes is considered municipal debt and right now short term debt rates are comparable to long term rates. Ms. Kosnoff explained that land purchased through debt cannot be sold until the debt service is paid off. Ms. Kosnoff will reappear before the Committee at the next meeting on 1-10-19. 4) Conservation Land Acquisition Kendall Rd. & Sherburne Rd-.Mr. Hamilton requested an unknown figure in CPA funds for the acquisition of two parcels of land. Mr. Hamilton began his presentation with an update regarding the acquisition of land that is currently in Executive Session under Exemption 6 with the CPC. He stated that the project may not be ready for Annual Town Meeting in the spring because of a death and issues with the title of the property. Mr. Hamilton referenced handout 7 "Map of Off Sherburne Rd 32-135" and stated that this parcel of land has been on the Conservation Commission's list of highly desirable parcels since 1996.The parcel will add 4+ acres of land to the open space inventory. According to the Assessor's property record card, this parcel is assessed at $142,000. Both the purchase of this parcel and the parcel that is in Executive Session will add roughly 20% more to Lexington's conservation area. Mr. Hamilton then moved onto the second parcel and referenced handout 8 "Map of Kendall Rd 32-114". He explained that the parcel is triangular in shape and has a brook running through it. 4 This parcel does not abut conservation land and is not high on the desirable parcel list. The reason why the Conservation Commission is requesting funds for the acquisition of the second parcel is because the owner is selling them both as a package deal. According to the Assessors property record card this parcel is assessed at$110,000. Mr. Hamilton stated that the parcel 32-114 is important to acquire because it may be potentially developable. Development on this lot has been denied in the past and was subsequently appealed in court. The court upheld the Town's decision to deny development on the lot. Mr. Hamilton believes that if this parcel is not acquired it may invite future litigation by developers that will result in costly litigation expenses for the Town. Mr. Hamilton explained that the sale price would be based on the Assessor's assessment or the appraisal once a report is completed. The Committee discussed if an abbreviated appraisal for each parcel is acceptable or if a full appraisal is required. The abbreviated appraisal would roughly be 4 pages long and cost $2,000 for each parcel. A full appraisal can range from 30 pages to 100 pages and costs $5,000 for each parcel. Both methods would include the appraiser's opinion of the value of the parcels. Ms. Federico informed the Committee of a discussion she had via email with Town Manager Jim Malloy. Mr. Malloy would be comfortable with an abbreviated appraisal only if the "appraiser is comfortable rendering an opinion on the abbreviated appraisal given the nature and value of the parcels".The Committee voted to accept the appraisal in short form (9-0). The Committee also voted to allow the funds for a full appraisal if the appraiser is not comfortable issuing an expert opinion on the short form (9-0). [The appraiser subsequently confirmed that the methodology and the reporting would be in compliance with accepted appraisal standards and could be relied upon by the CPC for use of CPA funds.] The Committee voted in a straw poll to support the project (8-1-0), Mr. Pressman abstaining. Ms. Krieger left the meeting at 6:46 PM and did not return. 5) Needs Assessment- Ms. Fenollosa informed the Committee of minor typographical corrections made to the Needs Assessment Report. Ms. Federico informed the Committee of a figure change in the Historic Resources category located on page 2 on the Report. The figure was updated from $33.1 million to $33 million because of a clerical error in the administrative assistant's appropriations spreadsheet. Ms. Fenollosa suggested changing the headings of two sections in the Community Housing section to create consistency throughout all sections of the Report. It was decided to amend the document and change the heading "Moving Forward" to "Needs and Recommendations" in the Community Housing section. It was also agreed to change "Introduction" to "Background" in the Community Housing Section. After a motion duly 5 made and seconded, it was voted (8-0) to present the Report as amended at the Public Hearing at 7:00 PM on 12-13-18. 6) 2019 Annual Town Meeting-The Community Preservation Committee reviewed the 1" draft of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting Article and approved of the wording as presented. The project section of the draft is still under review until the Committee's final vote on all projects on 1-10-19.The final draft of the article must be submitted to the Selectmen by January 11, 2019 for review. 7) Committee Business- Ms. Manz updated the Committee on LexHAB's presentation to the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC). She stated that the CEC is concerned about the eligibility of LexHAB's application as well as the project time frame. Ms. Fenollosa confirmed that Town Counsel had preliminary approved of all the proposed projects as being eligible for CPA funding. 8) Minutes- Mr. Pressman suggested that the minutes from the CPC meeting on 11-29-18 be amended to reflect that the Community Preservation Fund preliminary balance of $6,397,013 is the balance after debt. After a motion duly made and seconded, the CPC voted (8-0) to approve the meeting minutes as amended from the CPC meeting on 11- 29-18. After a motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM. The following documents were used at the meeting: 1) Community Preservation Fund Debt Service (Principal & Interest) 2) CPA Fund- Projected Revenues and Expenditures 3) Community Preservation Fund Balances 4) Draft of 2019 ATM Warrant Article 5) Memorandum from John Livsey 6) CIP- Conservation Land Acquisition 7) Map of Off Sherburne Rd 32-135 8) Map of Kendall Rd 32-114 9) Assessors Card Sherburne Rd 32-135 10 Assessors Card Kendall Rd. 32-114 11 Needs Assessment Final Draft 12 Minutes from 11-29-18 Respectfully submitted, Gina Federico Administrative Assistant 6 Community Preservation Committee 7