May 4, 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
May 4, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
May 4, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, Chris Hellman, Linda Morley, Jack Finn, Debin Bruce ,
David Drake, David Whitehill (7:45) Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Approval of Minutes
April 6, 2016
Debin moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Chris, the motion carried unanimously.
Chair’s Report
Brian stated that there is still no Housing Authority representative to the CPC. If a representative
is not appointed the City Council could appoint someone.
The Community Preservation Coalition provided an update on expected state matching funds for
FY17. Sarah noted that these are less than in prior years, and are again dependent on a state
budget surplus.
Complete funding Recommendations for Round 1 2016 CPA Funds
Jim Laurila, City Engineer, and Ariel Dungca, Stimson Associates, provided additional
information on the Pulaski Park project.
Linda asked if there have been change orders that have resulted in higher project costs. Jim stated that the majority of change orders have been related to underground utility work, since it
includes unknown conditions, but some contingency funds should be left over.
David D. asked about the exact boundaries of the Academy property. Jim replied that the park
property extends nearly to the Academy wall, and that the project helped to regain some rear
space for park use.
Jim stated that the Academy board was shocked at the high cost of the loading dock and related
elements, but the high costs include elements that will help to create a more usable park,
including landscaping and tables. Debin stated that she expressed concern about the South Street crosswalk years ago. That was
later moved, but other concerns noted at that time regarding the space to the rear of the Academy
were not heard or addressed, and if they had been, a cost savings would have been possible. Debin asked if the soil in that area has been compressed due to construction. Jim replied that
root zones have been protected, and the soil will be aerated and augmented as needed. Ariel
added that an arborist has also been involved. Jack asked if there is a cost savings involved in doing the work at the same time as the rest of the
Park. Jim replied that once design is complete, a quote can be obtained from Moutainview, the
contractor for Phase I to see if it would make sense to add now, if the quote is high it can be added to the bid package for Phase 2.
David D. asked if designs are finished. Jim replied that they are only concepts at this point. Brian asked for clarification about which parts of the proposal are for the Park, and which are for
the Academy. Jim replied that some elements, such as stairs, will facilitate use but will be part of
the Park area. Debin noted that the designs for this area should have already been addressed, and she is
concerned about added costs for this work.
David D. stated that Stimson and Associates had communicated that the loading dock area would need to be designed later in the process, but there was no sense at that point that the design
would have an extra charge, and asked if this was left out of the original design contract. Jim replied that there are different levels of design, and construction-ready plans are required.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
May 4, 2016
Chris asked what would be constructed if additional funding were not provided. Jim replied that
a new gravel area would be installed. David D. thanked Jim for his service to the City.
The CPC agreed that providing CPA funds to the area to the rear of the Academy is acceptable, as it is Park land.
Linda stated that she would not be in favor of an additional request if bids come in high, and
current contingencies should be retained. Chris added that DPW should be made aware that future funding may not be possible.
Linda suggested that the new DPW project manager for the Park should be made aware of the
CPA history. Review and Approve Funding Recommendation Council Orders
The Committee reviewed funding Orders as presented by staff, and made changes that are
reflected in the final Orders as sent to City Council.
David W. moved to approve all orders as amended. Seconded by Chris, the motion carried
unanimously.
Review and Approve MOU for Leeds Historic Signage Project
David D. moved to approve the MOU. Seconded by Linda, the motion carried unanimously.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.