January 6 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
January 6, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
January 6, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, Jack Finn, Julia Chevan, David Drake, David Whitehill,
Chris Hellman, Linda Morley Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Welcome New Members
The Committee welcomed new elected members David W. and Chris, and members introduced
themselves.
Approval of Minutes
November 4 and November 18, 2015
David D. moved to approve. Seconded by Jack, the motion carried unanimously
Chair’s Report
Brian stated that the Rocky Hill acquisition received a Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity
grant, so the CPA award will be reduced to $55,000.
Approve Contract and MOU extension language Grow Food Northampton Community Gardens
Northampton Historical Commission, State Hospital Fountain Linda asked if it would be possible to have an extension document. Sarah stated that a full
contract is needed.
Linda suggested language to make clear that the new contract is an extension of the previous
award, and a correction on the Grow Food Northampton cover letter to indicate the term of one
year.
David provided an overview of the Memorialization project. The Historical Commission will be
asking the Mayor’s help to get the park parcel transferred to the City so that work can begin.
Linda moved to approve both documents. Seconded by David, the motion carried unanimously. Review 2016 Round 1 Application Review Schedule
The Committee agreed not to meet during February vacation, and will leave tentative dates for meetings with applicants until the number of applications is known.
Review Draft 2016 community Preservation Plan Brian summarized the intent and purpose of the Plan – to outline needs and possibilities, and
provide guidance for applicants and Committee members.
Julia noted that a lot of the needs outlined in the Recreation section have been accomplished, and there is now more need for work to existing facilities. She will provide suggestions to Sarah by
email for inclusion. Linda suggested edits regarding use of CPA funds for privately owned structures.
David D. noted that the Plan is intended to be general, and ownership would not preclude CPA
funding. Chris asked if that issue is limited to historic projects, and suggested that a statement could be
added to the general project criteria.
The Committee discussed past CPA projects for privately owned property, noting that all had a benefit to the overall community.
Linda will provide a revision to Sarah, for inclusion in the overview section of the Plan. Linda suggested that the 99-year affordable housing restriction referenced in the housing section not be absolutely required, and could instead reference what state funding requires. A very long-
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
January 6, 2016
term restriction can lock a community into lower incomes. State funds are competitive and
projects that propose longer-term restrictions tend to receive funding, but 99 years is not always required.
The Committee discussed restrictions, noting that CPA contributions are often a very small part of the overall funding for housing projects, and agreed that some flexibility in the language could be
added. Linda will draft an edit and provide to Sarah.
Sarah will update the percentages of protected open spaces as well. The final draft version will be posted on the CPC website, and Sarah will send to the Committee.
A public comment session will be held at the January 20 meeting, and the CPC can then approve
the Plan. Jack asked about the Committee’s thoughts on how the Small Grants review went in the past
round. The Committee agreed that it worked well and that edits at this point aren’t necessary.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
David D. stated that the Committee is process-oriented and ethical, and a careful steward of
public funds, and again welcomed new members.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM