Agenda and Minutes 2011-05-18
City of Northampton
Community Preservation Committee
210 Main Street, City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Community Preservation Committee
DATE: Wednesday, May 18, 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 4, 2011
o
7:15 - Debriefing – Round 1 2011
7:45 – Draft contracts for Round 1 Projects
8:30 - Project Updates
8:40 - Site Visit Scheduling
8:45 – Summer Schedule
8:55 - Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
9:00 - Adjourn
For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website:
http://www.northamptonma.gov/cpc/
Community Preservation Committee Minutes
May 18, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main St.
Members Present: Katharine Baker, Brian Adams, Downey Meyer, Bill Breitbart (7:10), Jim
Durfer, David Drake, Fran Volkmann, Joe DeFazio
Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Katharine called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Comment
None
Chair’s Report
Katharine pointed out that the Community Preservation Coalition has a new and improved
website.
Katharine, Fran and Sarah met with the Mayor to present the CPC’s funding recommendations,
and Mayor Higgins will be passing these along to City Council. The Committee discussed the
recommendation and funding process going forward. Joe will attend the City Council
meeting May 19 to address any questions the Councilors have.
Minutes of May 4, 2011
David moved to approve the minutes as presented with minor corrections shown, seconded by
Brian. The motion carried unanimously.
Debriefing – Round 1 2011
The Committee noted that applicants were requested to demonstrate public support for projects.
Downey noted that he was happy to see the Hotel Bridge project return with a stronger
application. The Greenway and City Hall Park may return in an upcoming round.
The CPC discussed a press release. It was agreed this should be released prior to Council votes in
the future. Sarah will release this tomorrow – May 19, and will release them the day following
CPC votes in the future.
The CPC noted that the ‘shopping cart’ method used in previous rounds is helpful to consider
projects on their own merits, but was not needed this round.
The CPC discussed how the review and award process can penalize applicants who submit
detailed applications by limiting spending when itemized budgets are presented. Potential
solutions were discussed, including a standardized budget form, and requirements to return
funds when matches are provided from unanticipated sources.
The CPC agreed that sufficient detail to be able to evaluate projects during review is needed, and
the Committee can request additional information as needed.
Sarah noted that she reviews project budgets as invoices are received. Some flexibility is allowed
to the extent shown in the CPC Plan. Additional information is sometimes requested, but
applicants have implemented projects generally very well, and all requests for payments have
been able to be processed.
The Committee agreed to keep this issue in mind and continue to discuss as warranted.
Katharine noted that all the CPC members represent different groups, and must balance those
Boards and Committees as well as participate within the CPC.
Look Park Budget
Sarah informed the Committee that Look Park has requested to draw down funds in order to
complete permitting of the Willow Pond dredging project, which has run into unexpected
issues. However, the award was primarily for design of recreation fields.
The Committee agreed that the applicant should come before the Commission to discuss exactly
what is being requested so the CPC can determine whether the request can be granted, and
whether it meets the award.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
1
May 18, 2011
Project Updates
None
Site Visit Scheduling
Sarah will contact the Academy of Music to see whether two site visits are possible.
Summer Schedule
The Committee agreed that meetings should be held June 1, with a summer break until the
second meeting in August. Meetings can be scheduled if needed, and CPC members can sign
contracts individually in Sarah’s office.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
The Committee agreed to post a notice on the website about November election of at-large CPC
members.
David noted a potential expedited application for the Erastus Hopkins house.
David nominated Downey as Vice-Chair of the CPC, seconded by Joe. The motion carried
unanimously.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
2
May 18, 2011