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Agenda and Minutes 2007-04-18 Minutes Community Preservation Committee DATE: Wednesday April 18, 2007 TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (Behind City Hall) Members Present: John Andrulis, Donald Bianchi, Jack Hornor, George Kohout, C. Mason Maronn, Staff Present: Bruce Young Jack Horner opened the meeting at 7:00 pm Public comment period: No comments from the public Minutes: John motioned to approve minutes submitted for Wednesday March 21, 2007 Don seconded the motion All in favor Presentation: Stuart Saginor, Executive Director of Community Preservation Coalition, presented “Implementing the CPA in Northampton” to the CPC-see file for copy of PowerPoint presentation Discussion on presentation: ?? Should the CPC utilize the services of the City Solicitor or set aside funds for a CPC attorney (if allowed by city charter)? Does the Solicitor want the additional workload? ?? Project funding-should allocation of funds for projects be paid in advance or upon review of receipts? ?? Stuart stated that the CPC may use funds from the administrative account to relieve city staff from certain responsibilities-deed research, legal work, site work, etc ?? Discussion on funds from CPA/CPA projects that may be used for non-profit affordable housing staff. ?? Stuart stated that the Department of Revenue (DOR) has allowed CPA funds to be used on mixed use/income projects as long as the CPA funds are proportionate to the percent of affordable housing units in the project. ?? Stuart stated that recreation expenditures cannot come out of the 10% mandatory open space funds ?? Stuart stated that City Council couldn’t change recommendations/scope of project, but the City Council could deny a project with recommendations ?? Stuart stated that the CPC cannot carry over, year to year, the 5% funds from the administrative account ?? Stuart stated that CPA funds can only accrue interest into a CPA account ?? Stuart stated that CPA projects on private assets must have an restriction/easement and provide a clear public benefit Discussion on staffing for CPC: ?? Stuart stated that administrative funds are not available until the end of the fiscal year (July). ?? Jack read Paul’s letter on Town of Agawam CPC staffing requirements –a minimal budget is provided for administration and a small amount of time is spent on CPC projects ?? Jack reported on the Town of Amherst CPC staff- minimal staff time is provided with a small administrative budget ?? John presented on East Longmeadow CPC staff- municipal employees work for CPC with no reimbursement and the CPC has never used outside consultants ?? John recommended that the CPC review Wilbraham’s online form for developing a form for potential CPC projects ?? Don reported that he emailed the Chair of the City of Westfield CPC and is waiting for a reply ?? George stated that he left a message with the Town of Stockbridge and that their web site has a CPC project form and a link to CPC minutes. George suggested that the Northampton CPC website have a link to the minutes ?? Mason-presented on Southwick CPC-see attached ?? The CPC decided that CPC staff research should be focused on cities (not towns) that are similar in size and have approximately the same amount of funding from the CPA ?? Committee members stated that they would like to meet with Chris Pile, Finance Director, to discuss the budget and finances of the CPC ?? Jack provided 2006-2007 City revenue figures of approximately $700,000 ?? The CPC estimated the administrative budget, assuming a 100% state match, to be approximately $70,000 Discussion on City Staffing Memo by Wayne Feiden: see attached ?? Professional City staff could be used for drafting proposals, plans, and project criteria ?? The process might be more fluid because City staff members have direct access to existing plans, files, etc. ?? Discussion-If City staffs the CPC there could be discussions concerning CPC projects that occur only within the Planning Department/City Hall ?? Discussion of members of the community not wanting City Hall staff to grow on CPA budget ?? Discussion on responsibility of CPC in establishing clear criteria and creating a transparent public process when reviewing projects so that the Planning Office/City Hall influence will not be seen in projects ?? Discussion on # of hours that may be necessary for staff –will a certain number of hours be needed each week or will the staff member work as necessary? ?? Brief discussion on CPA project evaluation criteria: ?? It was suggested that all boards with CPC representation should review each project and a the CPC should hold public hearings on the projects ?? It was suggested that a third party (Paradise City Forum) hold a public forum on the project evaluation criteria for CPC projects ?? It was suggested that an outline of the project evaluation criteria be available for public review and comment Potential agenda items for next CPC meeting on May 16, 2007: Project Evaluation Criteria Staffing options Discussion with Chris Pile, Finance Director Public Comment Period Review of minutes