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Min-20160617161110

CCPC · Source year folder: 2016 · Record 47769

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Town of Cantron, Massachusetts 
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE 
Minutes of November 30, 20115 
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm at the Canton Public Library. 
Committee members in attendance: Lisa Lopez, George Comeau, Kathy Fox Alfano, Deb 
Sundin, John McSweeney, Larry Bogue, Michael Mitcheroney, Michael Loughran 
Absent: Bob Panico 
Minutes 
Motion to approve minutes of September 21, 2015 by John McSweeney, seconded by 
George Comeau, approved 8-0-0. 
Treasurer's Report 
Deb Sundin reviewed the CCPC budget (attached hereto). She noted that Town Meeting ap- 
proved $655,156 in funding (for FY 16 projects) at the May, 2015 Annual Town Meeting. 
Based on past revenues, anticipated revenue for FY 17 is $600,000. The unallocated CCPC bal- 
ance from prior years is approximately $444,000. Setting aside $234,900 to be applied to the 
eventual debt service associated with the purchase of the Paul Revere Heritage site, the estimated 
balance for FY 2017 projects is $779,744. Motion to approve the Treasurer's Report by 
George Comeau, seconded by John McSweeney, approved 8-0-0. 
Presentations by CPA Project Applicants (FY 2017 funding round) 
Crane's Guard Militia Flag 
Applicant: Canton Historical Society 
Amount Requested: $21,000 
Jim Roache, curator of the Canton Historical Society, presented the proposed project to restore 
and stabilize a large silk flag dating back to the 1820's. The flag (donated by the Sons of Union 
Veterans) is thought to be the second oldest military flag in the Commonwealth and is painted on 
both sides. The Society is conducting research to identify the artist(s) who created the flag; there 
is speculation that Curtis and Hubbard may have been the artists. 
Questions from the Committee included inquiries about potential matching funds; accuracy of 
the proposed budget; historical significance of the textile; post -restoration condition of the flag; 
and opportunities for display. Mr. Roache stated that the Historical Society had not taken up the 
matter of using their resources to cover a portion of the restoration work. He explained that the 
budget was based on a quote from a reputable conservator in the area. The flag is connected to 
the early militia and to the Town; one side is painted with a unique state seal and the other de- 
picts what a militia man would have looked like. The large silk flag is torn, faded and wrinkled. 
Restoration work will include cleaning and stabilization, although it will remain tattered. Mr. 
Page 1 of 5 CCPC Minutes of November 30, 2015

Roache explained that because the flag was painted on both sides, it would need to be attached to 
a substrate (around perimeter) in order to display both sides (not simultaneously). Ultimately, 
the Historical Society would like to have the flag displayed at the Paul Revere Heritage site. 
Old English Burying Ground 
Applicant: Canton Historical Commission 
Amount Requested: $36,915 
George Comeau presented the project on behalf of the Historical Commission. The Old English 
Burying Ground - the first cemetery laid out in Canton - is a small pocket -park cemetery located 
off of Heritage Lane. Proposed work includes cleaning all the gravestones, advanced repair of 
10 stones and new castings for at least 6 stones. Additional restoration work includes signage, 
tree removal and landscaping to improve way -finding. The budget is based on recent 
bids/invoicing from the Canton Corner Cemetery where similar work has been done. G. Comeau 
noted that the project would completely restore the Old English Burying Ground (with the excep- 
tion of 2 to 3 stones that are damaged beyond repair) and will include a volunteer component 
(similar to Canton Corner Cemetery) whereby 15 to 20 volunteers will be trained to clean the old 
stones. 
CCPC members asked about access to the cemetery; if the cemetery was located within the Na- 
tional Historic District; whether DPW would be involved in the restoration work; and if all as- 
pects of the project were eligible for CPA funding. G. Comeau stated that the small cemetery 
which is located outside the boundaries of the National Historic District - does not have dedicat- 
ed parking; however, the Burying Ground is accessible from Heritage Lane where parking is 
permitted. He added that while DPW is supportive of the proposed project, they are not a co - 
applicant on this application. 
Canton Corner Cemetery 
Applicant: Canton Historical Commission 
Amount Requested: $339,886 
Chairman of the Canton Historical Commission, Sepp Bergschneider, presented the proposed 
project at the Canton Corner Cemetery. The project is the construction phase of the design pro- 
ject funded in FY 16 ($11,00 for engineering plans) to restore the receiving tomb and vaults and 
to construct a retaining wall (to protect several stones/burial sites) from erosion. The application 
breaks out the funding request into three major pieces. Estimated costs are $112,856 for the re- 
ceiving tomb; $35,963 for the vaults; and $139,734 for the retaining wall. S. Bergschneider not- 
ed that the receiving tomb and vault presented a safety hazard. 
Questions from the Committee focused on whether the project could be separated into the three 
distinct budget categories defined in the application and if there were any ways to reduce the 
overall cost of the proposed work. S. Bergschneider was open to the idea of separating the pro- 
ject pieces, noting that prioritization would be (1) small vaults; (2) receiving tomb; and (3) re- 
taining wall. As proposed, the retaining wall will be constructed using granite slabs to maintain 
the character of the area; however, possible cost savings are possible if DPW could be enlisted to 
install the (sub -surface) wall footing. Project management cannot be done in-house due to the 
specialized nature of the restoration work. S. Bergschneider explained that the budget included a 
Page 2 of 5 CCPC Minutes of November 30, 2015

15% contingency (to take into account potential site issues, e.g. ledge; stability of tomb ceiling, 
etc.), which is unlikely to be used in its entirety. 
Hagan Court Senior Housing 
Applicant: Canton Housing Authority 
Amount Requested: $120,000 
Canton Housing Authority Supervisor, John McCourt, was present to describe and answer ques- 
tions about the proposed community housing project. He explained that the Hagan Court Senior 
Housing facility was constructed in 1965 with a single -duct ventilation system and electrical out- 
lets that do not meet present building codes (there are no outlets in the bathrooms). The inade- 
quate ventilation system has led to issues with mold, mildew and odors, and the lack of bathroom 
outlets poses a safety hazard as residents run extension cords for bathroom use. CPA funding is 
sought to install exhaust systems and ground fault interrupter outlets in six buildings (48 units). 
The CHA has completed this work in 3 buildings (18 units) with funds from the Department of 
Housing and Community Development (DHCD); however, the health and safety funds used to 
complete that work are no longer available (letter from DHCD provided). J. McCourt assured 
the Committee that the numbers presented in the budget are hard numbers; they have specifica- 
tions (from work in first three buildings) thus there will be no need for further engineering. He 
added that failure to undertake this project may result in the removal of units at Hagan Court 
from service. 
CCPC members raised questions about the role of DHCD in funding capital projects; the residen- 
tial demographic at Hagan Court; the efficacy of the proposed project; and whether alternatives 
to the proposed project had been explored. J. McCourt explained that operating costs for running 
Hagan Court (low-income senior housing) came from rent. The DHCD subsidy for capital pro- 
jects is determined by a five-year funding formula (based on poverty rates), but has been running 
about $238,000 per year. The majority of residents at Hagan court are low-income seniors alt- 
hough there are a few non -elderly disabled residents. J. McCourt stated that no units have been 
taken out of service at Hagan Court to date; the CHA has been dealing with the mold and mildew 
issues upon vacancy. He added that the Housing Authority explored the possibility of venting 
each unit individually, but the cost was astronomical. They are confident that the proposed pro- 
ject will address the health and safety issues at this housing complex. 
L. Lopez stressed that the Canton Housing Authority will need to be engaged in the public in- 
formation process if the CCPC votes to recommend this project for funding. In particular, the 
Committee will expect the CHA to accompany them to Fin Com meetings to address that board's 
questions about State funding for properties managed by the Housing Authority. G. Comeau 
added that it would be useful if the CHA were to develop a plan in which capital projects were 
identified and prioritized. 
Needs Assessment and Master Plan for Outdoor Recreational Facilities 
Applicant: Canton Recreation Committee 
Amount Requested: $46,000 
The full application for this project was submitted a week after the November 17th deadline. 
Prior to consideration of the application, the CCPC asked the applicant to explain why the appli- 
Page 3 of 5 CCPC Minutes of November 30, 2015

cation was not provided by the deadline. L. Lopez stated that the CCPC would need to consider 
the explanation and vote on whether to accept the late submittal. 
Recreation Director, Janet Maguire stated that her department submitted a pre -application for a 
facilities master plan that included the assessment of indoor facilities. She was informed that 
indoor recreational facilities could not be funded through CPA and therefore needed to go back 
to the consultant who was providing project estimates for revised numbers. 
G. Comeau stated that the CCPC had pushed for this plan and that he would like to see a plan 
pursued; however, he does not want to set a precedent of accepting late applications. He noted 
the role he and others have played in getting applications submitted in a timely manner. L. 
Lopez and K. Alfano both spoke to the importance of the application deadline in providing the 
CCPC with adequate time to review projects prior to presentations by proponents and subsequent 
votes on which projects to recommend to Town Meeting. J. McSweeney noted that the applica- 
tion was submitted in time for the scheduled presentations/votes, and he feels the CCPC should 
accept it. 
Motion to accept late application from the Recreation Commission for a Needs Assessment 
and Master Plan by John McSweeney, seconded by Deb Sundin, approved 8-0-0. 
J. Maguire presented the proposed Master Plan project. The assessment will cover fourteen out- 
door locations on over 35 acres inclusive of an outdoor pool, playgrounds and more than 20 ath- 
letic fields. She provided an overview of each of the facilities to be reviewed. The Needs As- 
sessment and Facilities Master Plan will provide schematics and budget numbers for facility im- 
provements and will prioritize capital planning needs. 
CCPC members inquired about the goals of the plan and the benefits of pursuing a plan rather 
than submitting individual projects for funding. Follow up questions included how recreational 
projects are currently prioritized; if accessibility/field scheduling /trails would be addressed in 
the plan; and whether there was a funding source that could cover the indoor facilities. J. 
Maguire stated that the facilities assessment and master plan for outdoor facilities would identify 
and prioritize projects at existing sites; present a schedule for implementing projects; assess 
needs beyond the Town's existing facilities and address potential alternative uses of properties 
controlled by the Recreation Commission. She added that added that the benefit of the plan 
would be the ability to take a big -picture approach to facility upgrades. L. Bogue noted that pro - 
j ects are currently put forward by the Recreation Department in consultation with the Recreation 
Commission; however, there is a tendency to direct resources to those projects which have the 
most vocal supporters. The master plan will include information pertaining to handicap accessi- 
bility but will not specifically address scheduling. The plan is only intended to cover existing 
facilities controlled by the Recreation Commission in an effort to prioritize future funding re- 
quests, and therefore does not cover trails. J. Maguire and L. Bogue explained that the depart- 
ment maintains a revolving fund, but that using it to cover master planning activities for indoor 
facilities would significantly deplete this fund and reduce resources available for other pro- 
grams/projects. 
Page 4 of 5 CCPC Minutes of November 30, 2015

CCPC members noted the savings that would be realized by conducting an assessment for all 
facilities rather than two separate plans for indoor and outdoor spaces. Several members ex- 
pressed their preference to see a combined plan with an alternative funding source for indoor 
facilities. 
Motion to adjourn at 9:30 pm by George Comeau, seconded by John McSweeney, ap- 
proved 8-0-0. 
Respectfully submitted by 
Kristen Phelps 
Page 5 of 5 CCPC Minutes of November 30, 2015

Canton Community Preservation Committee 
FY2015 YTD Summary as of 6.30.2015 
Budgeted 
Amount ;YTD 
Actual 
;Beginning Balance 
$476,620.66] 
Revenue 
1 
_ 
CPA Tax 
$490,000 00 i� 
$491,959.52 ; 
State Revenue (received 11/14/14) 
$110,000.00't 
$153,822 00 
Tax Liens Redeemed 
Earnings on Investment 
$3,359.00' 
Penalties/Interest CPA 
$903.52 " 
Total Revenue: 
$600,000.00 
$1,128,214.94 
i 
FY2015 
Available 
Budget 
YTD Paid„ Budget 
Administrative Expenses 
.Administration 
$30,000.0W 
Payroll -_- _. 
$3,141.19" 
Purchase of Services 
$6,465.00 
Telephone/Communications 
$37.29 
Postage - 
$132.66 
Supylies 
$31.31; 
Other Charges/Expenditures ($1,750 Coalition dues) 
$2,292.92' 
$12,100.37 
$17,899.63 
Distributions 
Committed Project Expenses 
$351,405.0W 
; 
Open Space/Recreation 
High School Tennis Courts 
$200 000 00; 
$200,000.0W 
:Historic Resources 
Canton Conner Cemetery 
$25,000.00 
$7,490.25 
$17,509.75 
Friendship Quilt 
$2,705.00 
$2,705.00 
$0.00 
1st Payment to Conservator 
Civil War Soldier Restoration 
$30,000.00'; 
$30,000.00 
$0.00 
Community Housing 
_ 
Veteran's Housing - Electrical Box Replacement 
$30,000.00 
$3,523.08 
$26,476.92 
Veteran's Housing - Smoke Detector Upgrades 
$63,700.00; 
$7,118.17' 
$56,581.83 
Total Project Expensei 
$351,405.00 
$50,836.5W 
$300,568.50 
Total Expense. 
$381,405.00` 
$62,936.87, 
$318,468.13 
Total Unused Funs 
$1,065,278.07 
Total Unallocated funds 
$746,809.94