Agenda and Minutes 2011-06-01
City of Northampton
Community Preservation Committee
210 Main Street, City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Community Preservation Committee
DATE: Wednesday, June 1, 2011
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall)
Contact:
Katharine Baker, Chair, Community Preservation Committee
bakerkg@comcast.net
Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Planner
slavalley@northamptonma.gov
(413) 587-1263
Agenda
7:00 - Public Comment
7:05 - Chair’s Report
7:10 - Minutes
May 18, 2011
o
7:15 - Conclude Round 1 Debriefing
7:30 – Finalize contracts for Round 1 Projects
8:10 - Finalize summer schedule
8:15 - Financial Update
8:25 - Project Updates
8:30 - Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
8:35 - Adjourn
For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website:
www.northamptonma.gov/cpc
Community Preservation Committee Minutes
June 1, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main St.
Members Present: Katharine Baker, Brian Adams, Bill Breitbart, Jim Durfer, David Drake,
Joe DeFazio
Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Katharine called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Comment
Ann-Marie Moggio, Recreation Department Director, and Terry Flynn, Recreation Commission,
presented a request for expedited review for Florence Fields.
Ann-Marie explained that the request was prompted by the limited availability of playing fields.
The Oxbow permit allows for only limited use of the fields there, and Veterans Field and the
State Hospital have also been removed from use. An expedited award would allow the
Florence Fields construction to begin six months earlier. A detailed budget will be presented
if the request is granted.
Ann-Marie noted that the Friends of Florence Fields are being created, and maintenance plans
are also being developed.
Katharine asked about the possibility of bonding for the project. Sarah stated that bonding would
be looked into during the application review and award process if expedited review is granted.
Brian stated that he is supportive of one large application, instead of several smaller applications,
but is hesitant about an expedited review.
Jim noted that the prime driver is the City’s overall shortage of fields, and up-front money may
allow for fall construction.
The CPC discussed the request, with regard to the Expedited Review Policy in the CPC plan.
Brian noted that the first criteria; “Expedited review is necessary for successful project
completion” does not seem to be met, although expedited review would lead to faster project
completion.
The CPC recalled past applications where expedited review was granted.
Jim noted that a smaller percentage of CPA funds have been allocated to recreation than other
projects, and if the CPA is rescinded by voters some of the Fields’ funding will be at-risk.
Ann-Marie added that completing the fields may generate positive press for the CPA.
Jim moved to allow for expedited review of the project. There being no second, the motion was
defeated.
Chair’s Report
No discussion.
Minutes - May 18, 2011
David moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Bill. The motion carried
unanimously.
Conclude Round 1 Debriefing
The Committee agreed that the idea of a standardized budget for project applications is a good
one, but would be difficult to implement since projects are so varied. The Committee will
continue to consider ways to improve the application and review process during upcoming
rounds.
The Committee noted that the two at-large seats will be vacant in November. Sarah will create a
press release regarding the election.
The Committee noted that the CPA could be on the ballot in November, and the CPC should think
about how to address any questions that come up.
David suggested that Fran’s Chair’s report contained a lot of good information that may be helpful
for people.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
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June 1, 2011
Finalize contracts for Round 1 Projects
The Committee reviewed draft contracts and MOA for Round 1 grantees.
Conservation Fund, Hotel Bridge and Community Gardens were approved as presented.
David moved to remove the requirement from the Florence Fields contract requiring the
preparation of a fundraising plan. Seconded by Jim. The motion carried unanimously.
Finalize Summer Schedule
The CPC agreed that a meeting will not be needed until August. Sarah will distribute the schedule
for Round 2.
Financial Update
Sarah informed the Commission that the auditor has recommended a vote by the CPC to transfer
funds for bonded projects.
Jim moved to authorize transfer of funds from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-
359930) to pay for Forbes Library Long-term Principal (account #3100934-591000) and Interest
(account #3100934-591500). The transfer amount is $250,000 for principal and $21,875 for
interest. Seconded by Bill. The motion carried unanimously.
Project Updates
Sarah informed the CPC that a site visit to the Academy of Music is scheduled for June 6 at 6:00.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
Nonr
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
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June 1, 2011