The Community Preservation Committee on Thursday reviewed progress made on previously approved projects and reminded the public that the application deadline for the upcoming fiscal year is on the horizon.

Under the Community Preservation Act that was signed in 2000, Massachusetts communities may add a surcharge on top of their local property taxes to fund open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and affordable housing projects. The current rate for Hopkinton is 2%. At least 10% of CPA funding must be spent on each of these four categories, with the rest available for any category. The CPC administers the allocation of these funds based on submitted proposals and makes recommendations for approval at May’s Annual Town Meeting.

Applications for proposed project funding are due by Oct. 9. The hearing process will commence on Oct. 16. Chair Ken Weismantel said the deadline was firm, except for potential land purchases from willing sellers.

“It’s inconvenient to the other boards that are trying to get their budgets in,” he said. “I’m going to be a little bit harder on the schedule than I was last year.”

More funding needed for Pyne Field

Member Dan Terry, who chairs the Parks & Recreation Commission, explained that the projects related to the Pyne Field redesign likely will cost more than the $1 million approved in December 2022. They include a cricket pitch, a Little League field and a parking lot.

“We’re working on a figure to make an additional proposal for this coming cycle,” he explained.

He added that there has been “a lot of opposition” from abutters as well as the neighboring sawmill, which has a right-of-way to go through the area.

Weismantel noted that the project’s scope is greater than what was originally proposed. It includes a full batting cage and a movable fence. The chair said he wanted to make sure Parks & Rec was still “on board with those extra items.”

He also suggested that Parks & Rec put the project out to bid to get current estimates. If extra money is needed, Weismantel said it could be sought via a Town Meeting article. Also, if the project exceeds $1 million, Weismantel said CPC funding to hire an owner’s project manager could be sought.

Terry noted that this is “the most complex project” Parks & Rec has pursued during his tenure as a commissioner.

Said Weismantel: “It’s like trying to fit 10 pounds of crap into an 8-pound sack.”

Weismantel called the sawmill’s stance about a proposed 25 mph speed limit “nonsense,” especially considering the widespread community desire for the cricket pitch. Planning Board approval would make that concern moot, he said.

“We’re trying to act in the best interest of the town as we move forward on it,” said Terry.

Because of the cost of the proposed irrigation system at Pyne Field, Terry asked that the money be returned to the recreation funding bucket. This request was unanimously approved.

Strides made on other projects

Other Parks & Rec projects have either been completed or are picking up steam, according to Terry. The bathroom design for EMC Park seems to be “getting some traction” with the Facilities Department.

Security cameras at Sandy Beach were installed in May under budget, he added. A water station will be installed there in the early spring.

The boat dock at Sandy Beach also was completed below budget. There was discussion about adding a piece onto it next year with remaining funding to make it into an L-shaped structure. The dock was removed for the season.

The shade structure at the dog park has been finished with funds left over, Terry said, and benches have been ordered. Security cameras will be installed soon. The water station there and on the Town Common will be installed “as soon as possible.”

Other committees on target with goals

Trails Committee chair Peter LaGoy updated the committee on several projects. He noted that the Chamberlain connector trail project has been divided into two phases. Money is being spent on a consultant to perform a stormwater analysis. This data was requested by the Conservation Commission before it can issue a notice of intent.

Once that is received, LaGoy said, construction of a shared-use path can begin. A “fairly substantial” bridge also has been proposed.

The Ash Street parking lot project is in motion, he added, with neighbors in agreement about its location.

LaGoy noted that the committee is in the process of hiring a contractor for the cross-country trail at the middle school to perform some sloping work. Initial mapping of trails at Legacy Farms North is another project in the pipeline.

Additionally, the Trails Committee approved a contract for a preliminary engineering study for Section 1 of the proposed Upper Charles Trail. Section 1 extends from East Main Street to Hopkinton State Park.

In other news, the first phase of the historical preservation and restoration of 168 Hayden Rowe Street, the home of the Hopkinton Historical Society, has been completed. Bids were received for the air conditioning and HVAC systems.

Beth Malloy, the Hopkinton Housing Authority liaison, announced that construction for outdoor improvements is nearly complete. Outdoor furniture is slated for purchase.

Officers reelected unanimously

Weismantel was unanimously reelected as chair, while Eric Sonnett was reelected as vice chair with no opposition. Members also voted unanimously to allow the vice chair to sign invoices in the absence of the chair.