Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-05-CPC-min Minutes of the Community Preservation Committee Thursday, November 5, 2020 Remote Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 979 9216 8941 4:00 PM Committee Members Present: Marilyn Fenollosa (Chair); Charles Hornig (Vice-Chair), David Horton, Jeanne Krieger, David Langseth, Joe Pato, Bob Pressman, Lisah Rhodes, Melinda Walker. Administrative Assistant: Gina Federico Other Attendees: Wendy Manz, Capital Expenditures Committee liaison to the CPC; Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs; Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation; Christine Dean, Community Center Director; Christopher Filadoro, Superintendent, Tree Warden; Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator; Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works; Melinda Spencer, Administrative Manager Recreation; Betsey Weiss, Housing Partnership Board. Ms. Fenollosa called the public meeting to order at 4:03 PM. Ms. Fenollosa suggested that the Committee re-vote to recommend the Land Acquisition to SMT- 3 so that all nine Committee members could vote.There were three Committee members absent during the vote on 10-13-2020. Mr. Pressman stated that he believes that the Committee's process could have been better when discussing the use of the site for affordable housing. Mr. Pressman expressed the opinion that there needs to be a better process to allow all interested parties to respond when land is available for Town purchase. Mr. Hornig stated that LexHAB made the decision not to go forward with the project. Ms. Walker stated that LexHAB does not have to be the only entity that builds affordable housing. Ms. Walker said she wanted to remind the committee that every time land is purchased with a conservation deed restriction in perpetuity the land is permanently removed from consideration as a location for much needed affordable housing development. She referenced the passage of Article 8, Systemic Racism Resolution, at Special Town meeting. That resolution calls upon the Town to consider racial and other equity impacts in all decisions and planning processes; special reference to housing is included in the resolution. Re-Vote To recommend FY21 CPA Funding Request to 2020 Special Town Meeting- Mr. Pressman stated that he visited the site. Mr. Hornig responded to Mr. Pressman's questions regarding infra-structure which would be required to meet Town standards for a residence on the site. Mr. Pressman stated that in the light of this information and the features of the site, adjacent to the neighboring home, he will support identification of the parcel as open space. 1 After a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call (9-0) to reconsider the vote to recommend the Land Acquisition to STM-3.After a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted (9-0) by roll call vote to recommend the Land Acquisition to SMT-3 in the amount of$3,560,000, to be financed with debt and cash as presented. $3,500,000 is the agreed purchase price for the parcel of land and $60,000 for ancillary costs. Re-Vote CPC Report to 2020 Special Town Meetin&-The Committee discussed the approved Report to Special Town Meeting. Ms. Fenollosa informed the Committee that Ms. Mullins requested that the Connectivity map be replaced with a revised map updating information.The Report will also be updated to reflect a (9-0) vote in support of the project. The Committee voted (9-0) by a roll call vote to approve the Report to Special Town Meeting as amended. Ms. Weiss stated that she would like to thank Town Meeting Member Tom Shiple for bringing affordable housing and the land acquisition to Town Meeting members' attention. The last time the Town bought a parcel for affordable housing was in 2009. Ms. Weiss stated that it is her understanding that LexHAB cannot demolish housing which is a different standard than other developers. Ms. Weiss stated that there has not been any public input for this project. Ms. Fenollosa explained that both the CPC and Select Board had held public meetings on the land acquisition and that the acquisition will be discussed publicly at Town Meeting. FY22 CPA Funding Request- Conservation- Ms. Mullins requested $50,000 in CPA administrative funds to complete the required 7-year update to Lexington's Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). The current OSRP was last updated and approved in 2015 and expires in 2022. The format of the plan is set up by the State and takes a year to update. A consultant will be hired to work on the plan and a public process is required for the plan to be approved. Without an updated OSRP, the Town will not be eligible for at least two land acquisition grants. Mr. Pressman said that he reviewed the 2015 OSRP. He read Goal 6: "Acquire and protect parcels that are important from an environmental, recreation, or historical perspective." He said that when land becomes available to the Town, utilizing it can also be important with regard to housing needs and, potentially, the school system. Mr. Pressman expressed the opinion that there is a need for some text in the Report which references the opportunity for each interest area to be considered, as well as the possibility of multiple uses of land. He stated that his position on this proposal would depend upon the responses he heard regarding his request. Ms. Mullins' response included stating that Mr. Pressman was seeking a housing plan and that there would be a public a public process in which Mr. Pressman could present his concerns. Ms. Battite's response including reference to the next Town Comprehensive Plan as a document which would discuss Town interests as a whole. 2 The Committee voted by a roll call vote in a straw poll to support the project (8-0-1). Mr. Pressman abstained. FY22 CPA Funding Request- Recreation- Park and Playground Improvements- South Rindge Avenue- Mr. Coleman requested $170,000 in CPA funds to update and replace playground equipment at the South Rindge Avenue Park, as part of the Recreation Department's annual program of park and playground improvements.The funds will also update and replace safety surfacing, install fencing, signage, park benches, trash receptacles, and the installation of a new bike rack. At the recommendation of a 2017 ADA compliance study the walkway leading to the playground will also be renovated to meet the minimum width requirements. The park equipment was last replaced in 2005 and typically lasts 15/20 years. Ms. Fenollosa asked if the ground surface is pour-in-place (PIP). Mr. Coleman stated that Lincoln Park has PIP and the most recent CPA funded project at Sutherland Park will have PIP. Mr. Coleman believes that there will be PIP at the main play structure and swing area and that PIP is going to be introduced more in the future. Mr. Horton asked if the renovated park will provide the same opportunities that the current park offers and if the playground will stay within the existing footprint. Mr. Coleman explained that the purposes and uses will remain the same. Ms. Battite explained that they have been working to engage the neighborhood for input and that Sutherland Park is a great example of this. The Committee voted by a roll call vote in a straw poll to support the project (9-0). FY22 CPA Funding Request- Recreation- Park Improvements-Athletic Fields- Muzzey Field- Mr. Filadoro requested $155,000 in CPA funding to renovate the Muzzey Field. The renovation will include irrigation upgrades, laser grading, and the installation of new natural grass. Two accessible paths, one on each side of the field will also be installed. Mr. Coleman stated that this project is part of an annual program to address safety and playability at the Town's athletic fields. Mr. Horton asked if the field is irrigated and how much money does the field generate. Mr. Filadoro stated that the field is irrigated and the system will be updated during the renovation. Mr. Coleman explained that Muzzey Field generates very nominal funds and that the field is most commonly used by soccer organizations. Mr. Langseth asked about the soil mix that will be used. Mr. Filadoro explained that soil samples will be sent to the lab but most likely a 2mil sand mixture will be used because it is good for growing grass, irrigation and is recommended by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The Committee voted by a roll call vote in a straw poll to support the project (9-0). 3 FY22 CPA Funding Request- Recreation- Community Center Mansion Sidewalk & Patio- Ms. Dean requested $110,000 in CPA funds to install a sidewalk and patio along the mansion side of the Community Center. The area currently has a walkway made of bluestone material that is cracked, uneven, and not accessible. When the building was purchased the walkway was identified as a future project. The courtyard will provide an area for outdoor recreational spaces. Ms. Dean discussed the aerial view photo of the mansion that was distributed to the Committee. The blue stone walkway highlighted in yellow is the walkway that is going to be replaced with stamped concrete.The second walkway leading to the garden beds highlighted in black is made of stone dust. Mr. Pato asked if Ms. Dean has spoken to the Commission on Disability regarding the stone dust path. Mr. Pinsonneault explained that stone dust is used at the sensory garden and when wet it becomes hard and stable. Mr. Hornig asked about recreational uses for the space. Ms. Dean stated that the area sees a lot of drop-in use as well as planned events such as the Arbor Day celebration and "hug a puppy day". The Community Center and Human Services would be the primary groups organizing functions at the space. The Committee voted by roll a call vote in a straw poll to support the project (9-0). Ms. Battite, Mr. Coleman, Ms. Dean, Mr. Filadoro, Ms. Mullins, Mr. Pinsonneault, and Ms. Spenser left the meeting at 5:19 PM. 2020 Needs Assessment Report-The Committee discussed the 2020 Needs Assessment Report. Ms. Fenollosa stated that Ms. Federico will distribute sections of the Report to the appropriate Committee members. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 17th to receive comments from the public. Minutes- Ms. Federico informed the Committee of minor edits made to the 10-1-2020 ES minutes and the 10-13-2020 minutes. After a motion duly made and seconded, the minutes from the Public Meeting on 10-1-2020 were approved (9-0). The minutes from the Executive session on 10-1-2020 were approved with minor edits but not to be released until authorized to do so (9-0). The minutes from 10-13-2020 were approved with minor edits (6-0). Ms. Kreiger, Mr. Pressman and Ms. Rhodes were absent on 10-13-2020. Committee Business- Ms. Fenollosa informed the Committee that the Lexington Housing Foundation (LHF) submitted a CPA funding request for FY22. Ms. Federico received the application and forwarded it to Town Counsel for review because as submitted it is uncertain whether the request could meet the requirements of funding by the CPA. Based on Town Counsel's response the request as structured would not be eligible. Ms. Fenollosa granted an extension to the Lexington Housing Foundation so that they could restructure their request to make the project eligible for CPA funding. The Committee agreed with Ms. Fenollosa to allow 4 an extension so that the LHF can restructure their request to fit within the allowable use of CPA funds. Ms. Kreiger stated that the request seems similar to the Conservation Open Space and Recreation plan that is seeking funding under the administrative account. Mr. Hornig stated that if the project was to identify specific sites than it may be eligible for CPA funding but 40R is a zoning tool. Ms. Fenollosa stated that she will forward the question to Town Counsel to see if the project could be funded out of administrative funds rather than Community Housing. Mr. Hornig stated that the Committee should review approved pending Executive Session minutes to see if they should be released. Ms. Federico informed the Committee that the only pending approved Executive Session minutes relate to Highland Avenue and that she was instructed not to release them until after the closing. After a motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call (9-0) to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 PM. The following documents were used of the meeting: 1) Draft-Amended Report to 2020-3 Special Town Meeting 2) Connectivity Map 3) Community Center Aerial View Image 4) Conservation CIP 5) Recreation CIPS Respectfully submitted, Gina Federico Administrative Assistant Community Preservation Committee 5