April 20, 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
April 20, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
April 20, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, David Whitehill, Chris Hellman, Linda Morley, Jack Finn,
Julia Chevan, Debin Bruce , David Drake Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Approval of Minutes
March 16, 2016
Debin moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Linda, the motion carried unanimously.
Chair’s Report
None
Discuss funding Recommendations for Round 1 2016 CPA Funds
Brian recapped the ‘shopping cart’ that was created during discussions at the April 6 CPC
meeting.
Pulaski Park
The Committee discussed the parking area to the rear of the Academy of Music, and concerns
about allocation of CPA funds to this area, if it is not to be used as a park. Julia noted that many
park activities will require staging, and if this area is not improved another location within the park will be necessary. David W. noted that there is a long history of funding and support for the
project which shouldn’t be compromised, but all elements should be CPA-eligible.
Debin stated that any activities conducted in the parking area shouldn’t be detrimental to any
park uses, but noted that the recreation department will manage uses.
Debin suggested a condition that the design of the parking area restrict vehicular access to the
park.
Julia suggested that CPA funding be related to park-related items, and that the stairs, box-truck
backup and other items be removed. The Committee agreed that it would be helpful to know where park and Academy property
boundaries are, what the level of design is, and whether any attempt has been made to value
engineer. Sarah will invite a DPW representative to the April 20 meeting. David D. stated that he would support any efforts to continue expansion of greenspaces at the
park. Brian noted than in past discussions, the Mayor assured the Committee that park
development will drive development at the roundhouse, resulting in the current designs. David D. suggested a combination of bonding and cash for the project.
David W. noted that if bonding is considered, every project funding should be considered worthy
of bonding, not just the project for which it is recommended. Linda asked if it would be possible or advantageous to accelerate the bonding schedule. Sarah
will discuss bonding possibilities with the finance director. Academy of Music Curtain
The Committee agreed to recommend full funding.
Shepherd Barn
The Committee agreed to recommend $2300 in funding for dendrochronology and very limited stabilization; the updated amount communicated by the applicant necessary to complete that
portion of the work. First Churches Windows
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April 20, 2016
Linda suggested adding the rose window to the recommendation, as the CPC has a clear picture of
the limitation of the churches funds. LED lighting can be eliminated, bring the recommendation amount to $213,000.
If a new window frame is not required, which was an unknown in the budget, $11,000 will be returned to CPA funds,
Chris suggested a clause in the Council Order that would communicate the Committee’s intent
that the window remain in Northampton. David W. stated that he does not see the public benefit of the rose window, and suggested a
fundraising campaign. Chris noted that fundraising has already been done for other projects at
the church. He has heard suggestions that spending public funds on a church building is not appropriate, but he disagrees with that idea.
Julia noted that the rose window is the most publicly visible. If both windows are funded, the
CPC should communicate that any additional funds in the future would not be likely.
Jack stated that he is not clear about any pressing need to repair the windows immediately, but
that he has no concerns about funding this historic restoration, as churches are a part of
Northampton’s history.
David D. added that the church is of great public benefit and serves many residents.
David W. suggested that three quotes for the work should be sought.
Julia noted that the estimate was prepared several years ago but was still honored by the
contractor, so prices may be significantly more now.
Chris noted that the church has already made a lot of tough choices with regard to funding, and CPA could be a last resort.
Julia noted that the full request is very large and would represent 33% of CPA spending outside
Pulaski Park.
The Committee agreed on $216,000 for the rose and Tiffany windows.
Conservation Fund
The Committee agreed that $30,000 is an appropriate amount for this project.
The Committee discussed the impact of bonding on funding availability in the future.
David W. suggested a longer term, since interest rates are low and that would also free up funding
in future rounds.
Linda expressed support for a shorter term, noting that taxpayers will still be obligated to repay
any borrowed funds even if the CPA were repealed.
The Committee agreed upon $670,000 in bonding
Debin moved to recommend $72,000 in CPA funds for the Saw Mill Hills acquisition. Seconded
by Chris, the motion carried unanimously
Debin moved to recommend $30,000 in CPA funds for the Conservation Fund. Seconded by
David D, the motion carried unanimously Debin moved to recommend $12,800 in CPA funds for the Fitzgerald Lake Invasive removal
project. Seconded by David D., the motion carried unanimously
Debin moved to recommend $2,300 in CPA funds for the Shepherd Barn. Seconded by David D, the motion carried unanimously
Debin moved to recommend $213,000 in CPA funds for the First Churches windows. Seconded
by David D, the motion carried unanimously Debin moved to recommend $44,785 in CPA funds for the Academy of Music Curtain. Seconded
by Linda, the motion carried unanimously Debin moved to recommend $275,000 in CPA funds for the Housing for Homeless Youth. Seconded by Chris, the motion carried unanimously
Debin moved to recommend $805,000 in CPA funds for Pulaski Park. Seconded by Chris, the motion carried unanimously
The Committee agreed that conditions regarding an affordability restriction and prioritization for
Northampton youth will be needed for the youth housing project. The Academy of Music will be
required to maximize exposure, and $11,000 will be returned to the CPA if a frame is not needed for the First Churches windows.
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April 20, 2016
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.