Community Preservation Committee
February 11, 2013
Minutes
Members present: Chair Frederick Keator (FK), Chair, Olga Weiss (OW), Kate McNulty-Vaughan, (KMV), Albert Harper (AH), Joe G. Strauch (JS), Catherine May (CM), Eugene Chague (EC), Anthony Patella (AP), and Channing Gibson (CG).
Also in attendance: Selectman Ed Lane and Mary Albertson (MA), Town Planner.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.
The Minutes were tabled.
FY- 14 Project Presentations
The Lenox Fire Company- Antique Fire Apparatus Restoration
Jeff Lynch, Treasurer, Lenox Fire Company, Inc. offered an overview of the project. He explained that the Lenox Fire Company is not a Town Department. It is a non-profit corporation and the members are either current or former members of the Fire Department.
Mr. Lynch explained that the Fire Company owns five fire vehicles that protected the citizens of Lenox at the turn of the 20th century and early 20th Century. The volunteer members of the Fire Company through fund raising efforts and personal donations of time, money and labor work to preserve these historical resources. The Fire Company has raised $32,500 for the restoration and preservation of the fire vehicles.
In its CPC application the Fire Company requested $75,000 in CPA funds. Mr. Lynch shared two formal estimates he received after filing the application. Discussion ensued regarding maintenance vs. restoration. CPA funds need to be used for restoration projects. Mr. Lynch explained the restoration work proposed for each vehicle. It was determined that most of the work outlined would be restoration. Mr. Lynch indicated that he understood maintenance items would not be eligible for funding. Mr. Lynch clarified that he now understands that CPA is a reimbursement program and it will not be necessary to administer funds through the Berkshire Taconic Foundation.
JS asked about public access to the fire vehicles noting his belief that CPA funds should be used for projects that have a community benefit. Other members echoed this concern. Mr. Lynch stressed that the Fire Company is very proud of these vehicles and would love to provide public access. He said that the Fire Company participates in the Tub Parade and explained that it takes many hours to prepare for this event. He also noted that only a few of the members are qualified to operate the motorized vehicles. He is very receptive to community access and events such as Apple Squeeze were mentioned. FK said Great Barrington included a display area for its antique vehicles in its new fire station.
EC asked about the long-range plan for the project. Mr. Lynch said that if the Fire Company received $75,000 much of the restoration work could be completed and the volunteers could do the maintenance. If the CPC recommended a partial award, the funds would probably be distributed between the restoration work to the 1924 American LaFrance and the Lenox Dale Buffalo Stewart.
AH asked about the competitive bid process. MA said it would be similar to the process used with Church on the Hill. AH asked about the structure of the Lenox Fire Company. Mr. Lynch said that it is one organization that has three separate groups for each fire station. AH and AP asked about security for the vehicles. Mr. Lynch suggested the Fire Company could enter into a formal security agreement with the Town to protect the Town’s investment.
CG asked what the plan for restoration would be if Lenox did not have CPA funds. Mr. Lynch suggested it could take fifteen years or more to raise the funds to complete the work. He hopes the vehicles can serve as a legacy to encourage future generations to participate in the Fire Department.
The Mount- Phase 2 Stable Restoration
Susan Wissler, Executive Director, offered a project overview. She said that the Phase 2 project estimate is $260,000 – 270,000. The Mount has raised $105,000 and there is a pending application for $125,000 with the Mass. Cultural Council Facilities Fund. The Mount requests $40,000 in CPA funds.
This phase of the project includes upgrades to the utility systems including a heating system. The upgraded utility systems will allow for the ultimate re-use of the entire building as a year-round cultural venue.
OW offered comments regarding the site visit to The Mount in the fall of 2012. She was very impressed with the restoration work. KMV also offered positive comments regarding the site visit.
There continues to be some concern regarding the long-term plan for this project. AH asked if this would be the final request from The Mount. Ms. Wissler said this would be her final application to the Town for the Stable Restoration project. There might be other projects at some point. AH remains concerned about being a good steward of the CPA funds and feels it the Committee’s responsibility to have a secured interest in projects. Ms. Wissler is not opposed to secured interest in the property but would have to consult with here creditors.
CM said she noted that the grounds are open to the public during non-business hours. She asked if this access could be expanded. Ms. Wissler said she believes the grounds should be open to the public but she has to balance this with the need for The Mount to be profitable and repay its creditors. She would welcome the opportunity to explore this idea. However, she does have debt to retire and this must be addressed. CG said he walked the grounds and is excited about the concept of complete public access to the grounds. Discussion ensured regarding the important role The Mount plays is to the local tourist economy.
Lenox Historical Commission- Church on the Hill Cemetery
Lucy Kennedy, Historical Commission, offered a brief presentation regarding the project. She thanked the CPC for funding the planning study. The Historical Commission hired Martha Lyon, Landscape Architecture, LLC to prepare the Master Conservation Plan. The Plan is complete and MA has the original in her office. Members asked if there was an electronic version of the Plan that could be forwarded. Ms. Kennedy said she would forward the electronic version to MA and she will forward it to the members.
The Historical Commission has developed a multi-year plan for the restoration project. The approximate cost of the work for the next two years is $137,000. (The application request is $145,000.) This work includes repairing dangerous stones and landscaping work. She went on to explain that members of the Historical Commission toured the entire Cemetery. They found that at least one-third of the headstones are leaning and in need of repair. The $137,000 will be used to restore the forty-nine headstones identified as dangerous as well as limited landscape work necessary to preserve the headstones.
Ms. Kennedy explained that she will apply for other funding sources such as the Mass. Historical grant program. She explained that the timing and requirements for the Mass. Historical program is challenging. For example - the Town needs to include the deed for the property in its application. To date, that deed has not been located. Realistically, the earliest Mass. Historical funds would be available is FY’ 2016. The Historical Commission will also investigate private donations.
KMV asked about the status of the Cemetery. Ms. Kennedy said it is a “Closed Cemetery”. There is no space for new burials. KMV asked about the standards for historic restoration? She asked if all the work had to be completed to this standard. Discussion ensued regarding the fact that certain headstones need immediate restoration work and other stones are leaning but not dangerous. KMV and CG both suggested there needs to be a clear understanding of needs vs. wants.
CM asked about the current level of tourist interest in the Cemetery. Ms. Kennedy said there are no official numbers. She said that innkeepers have suggested that some of their guests have an interest in exploring the Cemetery. AP suggested the installation of a sign-in log to help identify visitor interest in the Cemetery.
CG asked for additional input regarding private fundraising efforts. Ms. Kennedy said the Historical Society has been very helpful. One idea is to form a 501 C3 organization. She believes there are families who will contribute to this organization.
FK asked if the Department of Public Works (DPW) has had any input regarding this project. Ms. Kennedy said the DPW has not been involved in this project. Discussion ensued regarding the role of the DPW to maintain the Cemetery following restoration efforts. FK asked about the Cemetery Trust Fund. Ms. Kennedy explained there are no funds in the Trust.
Affordable Housing Trust – Housing Ownership Grant Program
JoAnne Huntley Magee and Jackie McNinch, Lenox Affordable Housing Trustees, presented the project. The Trustees seek $60,000 to create a second mortgage grant program. The Trust was created to accept and hold resources. She thanked the CPC for its past support. Currently, there is $145,000 in the Affordable Housing Trust. She acknowledged that there is capacity within the existing Trust to initiate the project.
Ms. Magee explained that the Trustees have explored many options. For many years, the Trustees have focused on projects that would create units for the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). The proposed grant program will not create SHI units. She said the Trustees explored purchasing rental units but determined that the day-to-day management of rental units is not appropriate for a volunteer committee not is it a core function of Town government. The Trustees have concluded that creating SHI units is a very difficult task. Sawmill Brook is probably the best opportunity. Until then, Ms. Magee believes the mortgage grant program will be a direct benefit to low and moderate income families.
Ms. McNinch offered background information on the Federal Home Loan Bank Equity Builder Program and MassHousing’s Right Rate Program. The Trustees will partner with local banks that administer these programs. Currently, Hoosic Band and Lee Bank offer the programs. She believes Berkshire Bank will also participate this year – although they did not participate last year. She explained that there will be a five year recapture period. The five year recapture period mirrors the Federal Home Loan program.
AP asked how the five year recapture provision will work. Ms. McNinch said it would be a deed restriction. JS suggested the program could be started without new CPA funds. Ms. Magee concurred by saying there is capacity within the existing Trust fund to start the program. AH asked for examples of other Town who are using CPA funds for similar programs. He is concerned that it is a limited recapture period and the fact that there is not a long term deed restriction. FK also questioned the length of the recapture period and feels it should be longer.
FK asked if there is demand for this program. Ms. McNinch said there is demand for the program but suggested the Trustees could begin with a small pilot program the first year. Ms. Magee thanked the CPC for reviewing the program and offering input.
Village Improvement Committee – Roche Reading Park
Lynn Sutton – Village Improvement Committee – requested that the application be withdrawn.
Ventfort Hall – Elevator Installation
Rachel Coll, Development Associate, presented the project. Ms. Coll offered background information. She said Ventfort Hall has tried to complete restoration work without taking on debt. For the last couple years they have sold tickets for single floor or multi-floor access. This year their ability to use the second floor was curtailed because of access issues. This has reduced their revenue.
Tjasa Sprague, Ventfort Hall, said that last year they applied for and received CPA funds for an exterior elevator. Given the more immediate access concerns they have reviewed the concept of installing an interior elevator in the existing elevator shaft. To shift from the exterior elevator to the interior elevator they need to receive waivers from the state because the new interior elevator will not be ADA compliant. She said they are working with Harrison Architects and they are confident the waivers will be granted. Ms. Sprague shared her frustration regarding building and fire regulations that make the project extremely difficult. She suggested that a portion
of the CPA funds will be used for sprinkler system design as well as the elevator engineering work. FK said the sprinkler system was not included in the application, and Ms. Sprague said it should have been and it was a mistake.
Discussion ensued regarding the CPA funds awarded last year. There was a requirement that there be a $100,000 match. Ms. Sprague suggested they are close to raising that money but hope to receive a waiver to allow the interior elevator instead. OW voiced concern regarding the lack of specificity. She expressed sympathy for Ventfort Hall but suggested the CPC needs clarity regarding this project. KMV shared OW’s concerns. AP would like to know the outcome of the ADA waiver process. Ms. Sprague suggested the Lenox is more restrictive than any other community in Massachusetts. She needs funding to address these restrictions.
Motion by JS and seconded by KMV to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Albertson, Town Planner
Approved: 2/25/13
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