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:
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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?
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Project funding-should allocation of funds for projects be paid in advance or upon
review of receipts?
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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
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Discussion on funds from CPA/CPA projects that may be used for non-profit
affordable housing staff.
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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.
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Stuart stated that recreation expenditures cannot come out of the 10% mandatory
open space funds
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Stuart stated that City Council couldn’t change recommendations/scope of
project, but the City Council could deny a project with recommendations
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Stuart stated that the CPC cannot carry over, year to year, the 5% funds from the
administrative account
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Stuart stated that CPA funds can only accrue interest into a CPA account
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Stuart stated that CPA projects on private assets must have an
restriction/easement and provide a clear public benefit
Discussion on staffing for CPC:
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Stuart stated that administrative funds are not available until the end of the fiscal
year (July).
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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
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Jack reported on the Town of Amherst CPC staff- minimal staff time is provided
with a small administrative budget
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John presented on East Longmeadow CPC staff- municipal employees work for
CPC with no reimbursement and the CPC has never used outside consultants
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John recommended that the CPC review Wilbraham’s online form for developing
a form for potential CPC projects
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Don reported that he emailed the Chair of the City of Westfield CPC and is
waiting for a reply
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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
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Mason-presented on Southwick CPC-see attached
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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
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Committee members stated that they would like to meet with Chris Pile, Finance
Director, to discuss the budget and finances of the CPC
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Jack provided 2006-2007 City revenue figures of approximately $700,000
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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
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Professional City staff could be used for drafting proposals, plans, and project
criteria
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The process might be more fluid because City staff members have direct access to
existing plans, files, etc.
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Discussion-If City staffs the CPC there could be discussions concerning CPC
projects that occur only within the Planning Department/City Hall
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Discussion of members of the community not wanting City Hall staff to grow on
CPA budget
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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
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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?
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Brief discussion on CPA project evaluation criteria:
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It was suggested that all boards with CPC representation should review each
project and a the CPC should hold public hearings on the projects
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It was suggested that a third party (Paradise City Forum) hold a public forum on
the project evaluation criteria for CPC projects
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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