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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-27 ~ II Community Preservation Committee 14 Easy Street Nantucket, MA 02554 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - Wednesday- October 27, 2004 A meeting of the Community Preservation Committee, CPe, was held on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at 3:00 PM at the Land Bank Office at 22 Broad Street. PrE?sent were: Barry Rector, Chair, Mark Voigt, Rich Brannigan, Polly Miller, Neville Richen, Doug Bennett, Virginia Andrews, and Stephanie Henke, Administrative Secretary. Ken Beaugrand and Linda Williams were absent. Barry Rector established a quorum and called the meeting to order at 3:12 PM. Upon a motion made by Doug and 2nd by Rich, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the agenda. APPLICANT PRESENTATIONS Sherburne Commons ($250,000) Joe McLaughlin, Steve Godwin, and Pat Paradis attended the meeting to present this project. Joe passed out a Letter of Support from john Pagini. He indicated that Sherburne Commons is now doing CPC acknowledgements on all their publicity, as requested by the CPC, and he distributed bookmarks that were available at the Bookstore on Main Street. The bookmark gave information about the Sherburne Commons project and included an acknowledgement of the CPA funds. Joe also called the committee's attention to the note from Leedara that was included in their application, which states that all of the units for Sherburne Commons will count towards 40B. He also noted that they are planning to build a model home, of which he passed out a picture and a plan. Steve Godwin went over the funds they were asking for for FY '06. Mark asked about the funds requested, whether they Were projected, and Steve answered that they Were projected, estimates. Mark then asked whether $250,000 would be used as a sort of matching funds/incentive to help raise the balance, and Steve said yes, that the $250,000 would be a significant contribution toward the money they need, that in fact the funds from the CPC have been the single largest donation to date. Mark then asked what the project management amount was for and Steve said that the Drumlin Company is actually hired as a consultant, that Cliff Hughes acts as a liaison between Sherburne Commons and all the people they need to be in touch with during this process, in terms of assisted living, etc. He would be the leader of the project, the project manager in the future and ongoing. Mark then asked about the marketing. Joe answered that they have been doing mailings to the over-55 age group, events are ongoing, someone has been hired to be available at the office by Geronimos for 30 hours a weeks. The marketing person comes over to the island two times a week. Joe noted that they need to sell 22 units before they can get financing, and have sold 20 so far. Rich asked when the project would be completed and Joe indicated they expected it would be 18 months from now. Mark asked about the bid process and whether local builders would be used. Joe said that local builders would be used for the model house, but that a local builder would not be able to handle the whole project, so it will be an off- island company. Mark asked whether Sherburne Commons anticipated asking the CPC for more money, and Joe answered that they did not, that their ultimate goal was to be self=sufficient. He did mention that if there were historical artifacts that became palt of the project, they might consider applying for CPC funds for historical preservation. Mark asked what the priorities would be for this budget. Steve answered: 1. Bond Feasibility 2. Ropes and Gray with the above epe Minutes, October 27, 2004-Page 1 3. Project Management 4. Marketing Doug Bennett left the meeting at 3:45 to attend another meeting Artist's Association of Nantucket ($13,560) Meghan Valero attended the meeting to present this project. Meghan explained that this would be a one-time simple project to make the items at the gallery more accessible to the public by putting them on a website. She said that colleges, the HDC and others can access the website. She explained that the gallery has many original works by significant artists. Mark asked whether they had works by important Nantucket artists and what exactly the MN wanted to do with them. Meghan answered that the gallery has works from 1945 on and the NHA has the ones before that time. She explained that the project would get all the pieces on a website and also restore histOrically significant pieces. Some needed reframing and re-glassing, which would not be covered by CPC funds, but some needed restoration and preservation, which would use CPC funds. They will identify which pieces are most in need of preservation. Ginger asked how the pieces were stored. Meghan answered that they are stored at Nantucket Storage Center in racks. It is temperature and humidity controlled-they rent two units at $3,000 per unit a year. If they could have proper racks, they could condense them and save money on the storage. Rich asked that Meghan explain how preservation of art that is 50-55 years old falls within the CPAct. Meghan said that this art-portfolios, books, book plates, paintings, etc.-is part of our history, on Nantucket and nationally. It is important for the same reason that preserving the African American Meeting House is-preserving a portion of Nantucket's historic past. Rich asked whether what was depicted in the art was historic or the art itself was historic. Meghan said it is not necessarily what was depicted, as some of them are abstracts, but more so the history of the Artists Association of Nantucket and how it changed Nantucket, bringing tourists to the island, etc. It played a role in shaping what Nantucket is today. Rich asked who determined that these were historically significant. Meghan said that Reggie Levine, a Nantucket Art Historian, is the art appraiser that Congdon and Coleman uses to appraise all the pieces. Barry asked whether he was certified and could they please send that information to us and Meghan said yes, he must be if Congdon and Coleman uses him, and yes she would get that info to us. Barry asked whether the MN was a public or private collection, and Meghan said that is was a private organization trying to make the collection public via the website. Barry asked whether some of the pieces in the collection could be sold in the future. Meghan explained that each piece in the collection is accompanied by a form which stated any restrictions on it. Barry asked whether there is something in the bylaws that says they are restricted to MN in perpetuity. Meghan said the permanent collection is protected under the bylaws. Mark explained that because the CPA money is public money, the CPC does not want to allocate funds to a project that might in essence be sold off later. Meghan explained that as far as the older acquisitions, there is no paperwork that says they can't sell them, but she believes that it would be possible to create such paperwork. It is not the intent of the MN to de-acquisition the pieces. Ginger asked about the exhibition schedule of the gallery and Meghan said that they are open 2 months during the winter, 3-4 days a week. Next year they will display at the Egan Institute. And some works are on display at the bank. Polly clarified that de-acquisitioning pieces at a gallery or museum serves a purpose-that it allows a gallery to then perhaps buy a better piece--to improve the collection. In some cases, she added, it doesn't make sense to hold on to a piece of work, that in essence it hand-cuffs them from making a better acquisition. Meghan asked whether the CPC would be open to giving money to re-do some top-notch pieces that the gallery is definitely keeping. Barry explained that the epc needs to obtain a deed restriction on real property. The public trust needs to be well-preserved. Polly added that each piece preserved with CPC funds would need to have something attached that says it can't be sold. Meghan said that that would be put on the permanent record with the piece--that it is a fixed asset with restrictions. Their records are audited each year, so there is no way it could then be sold. Mark asked whether Meghan could get the board to agree to that and send the CPC a statement verifying that and Meghan said she was quite sure she could do that. Barry added that he also would like a list of what those pieces are, including who, what and dates, and pictures of each. Meghan replied that she knew of 4 of them for sure and so it would be easy to get that information to the cpc. ere Minutes, October 27, 2004-Page 2 Neville asked whether the art is usually given to the MN. Meghan replied that yes, it was donated, and the donator can't then come and get it back, similar to a cash donation. Barry asked that Meghan get the information (11 copies) to the epc by Nov. 3, and asked if a site visit would be ok and Meghan said yes. Ginger then disclosed that she is a member of the MN and is actually represented in the collection. Tryworks ($140,000) Joseph Green, Kathy Tipper, Bob Frick, Burt Johnson, and John Millar attended the meeting to present this project. Joe Green introduced the project by explaining that this is the first project like this on Nantucket. There are other ones in other places, like on Martha's Vineyard, but not on Nantucket. He explained that recently recovering people need the stability of being with peers and in a controlled and structured environment to aid in their recovery. He stated that the town donated the land 12 years ago for the Sherman House, where 2 mildly mentally handicapped men liVe. The neighborhood was invited to discuss the neW project, and only 3 people attended, One of whohi attended the ground breaking ceremony and would like to act as the neighborhood liaison. They received $130,000 last year from the CPC, which was more than gracious and gave them a whale of a start. They have received other funds from the Sheriff's office and the Tupancy Foundation. They have also raised $50,000 with their concert and private donations. They need the requested FY '06 CPC funds to finish the project. They weren't sure whether they wanted to ask epe for yet more money, but after talking to some people they decided to ask one more time. The first client will be moving in around Thanksgiving. There may also be some cooperation with A Safe Place; they may merge with them in order not to duplicate services. Bob Frick added that these projects are not terribly appealing for outside funding. The better you do, the more money you lose, he stated. Paradoxically, the more you attract, the more money you lose--they are dependent on the community for money. Joe added that the project also helps meet the 40 B housing requirements, accommodating 5 people, and produces people that are healthier, stable tax payers. Rich asked if the epc gave $140,000, will the project be in a positive cash flow or would they be coming back. Joe answered that they would be done after that. Rich asked whether they envisioned having to build another facility, whether there was a waiting list and how fast they thought this one would be occupied. Joe said that the need is there, that the Vineyard has 3 such houses. He stated that they may need another one soon, but they are committed to not coming back to the crc again for funds, unless it is unavoidable with a raging need. He added that they hope to have it occupied within 60 days, that they have identified well over 30 people. Only 5 can live there, due to zoning, and they have opted to go co-ed. Mr. Willauer added that there are several people that are staying sober in various places on the island now that would benefit from the Tryworks and that they are good wage earners, that the ability for people on Nantucket to pay for the services is better than in other places. Mark asked about the longevity of the Tryworks-50-1 00 years down the road. Is there a chance it wi II be leased for anything else. Joe answered that the lease ends in 2014, and that the town owns the land. There is nothing they can do with the building other than what it is now. They can't sell it, etc. If Tryworks goes out of existence, it would revert back to the town. Neville pointed out that the town could then sell it, but Mark said that it would then at least be back under public control. Mr. Wilaur pointed out that the need is there. He stated that there are close to 300 people on the island in recovery. Neville asked whether there was a plan in the future to go to the town to get the land for 99 years, and Joe said that there is assurance from the town that it will stay as it is. Mark asked what the priorities were from the budget they presented. Joe answered: 1" Construction 2. Operating He indicated that a site visit would be welcomed. Human Services Center ($300,000) John Miller, Maryanne WOlth, Bob DiSimone and Joseph Green attended the meeting to present this project. epe Minutes, October 27, 2004-Page 3 Barry went on record that Maryanne Worth is his significant other and that he has filed an ethics document to that effect. He has no vested financial interest in this project and feels he can listen and act without bias. Bob DiSimone explained that they are creating a center and housing support for people of the island at a cost of 6-8 million dollars. He stated that he was glad that the CPC came on board last year. They have received 3 submissions for an architect, and they are finalizing the long-term lease with the town. The $300,000 requested from the CPC for FY '06 will support their efforts. Neville asked what stage the project is at right now. Bob answered that they are in the pre-planning stages and will be moving on to the next stage in a few months. John added that they will hear from the town about the RFP this week, which will kick things into the next stage. Polly asked how much money they had received so far and how much did they think they would get in the future. Bob answered that they had received $400,000 so far to get the project geared up. And that they would then need to do a major capital campaign to get the rest. They have applied for grants, and were selected to be included in the Catalogue for Philanthropy of only 69 that got selected. Rich stated that they did a great job on their application. Mark asked if whether at the end of 2007 they planned on being self-sufficient. Bob explained that the income from rents would be there, but they would never be self-sufficient. Their purpose is to provide affordable, stable space that they can run their programs from. The tenants will be paying below market rents. The organization itself will always be in a fundraising mode. Maryanne added that they will definitely need some kind of endowment. Bob added that there was an idea to create a community foundation for Nantucket and use the center as a catalyst to create the foundation, to create funding opportunities. That will help keep the NHSC self-sustaining. Mark asked what the requested funds were for now and Bob said that they will go towards the architect. Mark asked whether the $300,000 was for design and Bob said yes. Rich asked what the priority for the $300,000. Bob answered that they thought considering the overall cost of the project, $300,000 was a reasonable amount to ask for. Rich asked whether the sewer would be ok, as it was in the same neighborhood as Sherburne Commons, and Bob stated that it won't be an obstacle that will deter the project. Joe Green added that the 21 partners group endorses the project wholeheartedly. The Nantucket Human Services Center will be one-stop shopping for human service on the island. It is a nonprofit that provides services and they are eager to see it succeed. Museum of Afro-American History. Higginbotham House ($358,000) Beverly Morgan-Welch and Bette Spriggs attended the meeting to present this project. Beverly thanked the committee for the previous funds the museum had been granted by the cpe. She said they were a wonderful boost. The previous funds had been to help with the purchase of the house and to begin the research to see what they need to do to restore it. They have already begun work on this phase of it, completing roughly half of it, and are finding many surprises, such as old paint and wallpaper put on top of previous paint and wall paper, so that the whole history of the renovations are visible. The proposal for this year has to do with stabilizing the structure and doing exterior work-roof, siding, windows, doors. There is a huge collection of documents and furniture, photos, china, stored in the cottage that is also on the property. The collection needs a place to be housed and displayed so it is accessible. The outbuildings are also on the property and it, along with the African American Meeting House, will be a complex for research and education. Polly asked how the many IIsurprises" they are finding in the house would be protected during the work. Beverly said that there is storage space on the island for the items and as for the building itself, the people working on it are experts, and they know how to deal With these kinds of things, having worked on 80 similar projects. Some of the things will be sent away for preservation and dating. Neville commented that he had visited the site and seen the items stored in the cottage, which he said represented iJa complete life." Mark asked what the priorities were for the project and Beverly answered: epe Minutes, October 27, 2004-Page 4 1 . Roof 2. Doors and windows 3. Envelope Beverly added that she will need to wait for the report from the architects to be sure about what is most necessary. They need to have the architect do his job, then the work itself can begin. Beverly noted that on Nov. 16-18 the master plan will be written up and that will prioritize what needs to be done. Barry asked for clarification on the $38,000 requested to pay these people this year, and Beverly explained that there are really two steps they must do: Phase 1 includes dating all parts of the house and writing the master plan of what should be done. Phase 2 is figuring out how and in what order it will all take place, the design of what each roomJbuilding will be used for such as offices, housing, bathrooms, etc. Neville pointed out that they are moving along on getting the deed restriction in place. Beverly said they are using Nantucket Preservation Trust and that Richard Loftin is their attorney. A site visit would be welcomed, and the committee should contact Bette Spriggs if they wish to see the prop~rty. Barry asked if Beverly could send 11 copies of some additional materials she had brought to the meeting and she will do so. OTHER BUSINESS There being no other business of the committee, it was unanimously VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 PM. Respectfully submitted by, Stephanie Henke Administrative Secretary ere Minutes, October 27, 2004-Page 5