September 21, 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
September 21, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
September 21, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, Chris Hellman, Jack Finn, Debin Bruce , David Whitehill,
Julia Chevan,, David Drake, Jeff Jones Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Welcome New Member
The CPC welcomed Jeff to the Committee, who stated that he was an enthusiastic supporter of the
CPA when it was first proposed in Northampton. Jeff stated that he grew up in a community in
the Midwest that was decimated by sprawl, and he is very supportive of Northampton’s efforts to preserve open spaces. CPC members introduced themselves.
Approval of Minutes
June 1, 2016 –Debin moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by David W, the motion carried
unanimously
Chair’s Report
Brian stated that there are $908,000 in total requests for this round, with approximately
$913,000 available for the entirety of FY2017.
Pulaski Park has opened and seems to be a big success.
The Academy of Music’s historic Tuttle curtain has been restored, and an unveiling event was held in September.
Review Academy of Music Plans for Historic Curtain Accessibility
Brian stated that a plan for public access to the Curtain was required as part of the CPA award contract for the curtain’s restoration. The CPC agreed that additional outreach would be
beneficial; noting that the plan does not extend beyond what was already provided in the CPA
application. Chris suggested that the Academy be asked to provide a list of public events where the curtain was
displayed.
David W. noted that availability of restored buildings and access to artifacts could arise with future applications as well.
Jack noted that college theater students may have an interest in the curtain. Debin moved to request the Academy of Music for additional details about their plan for public
availability of the Tuttle Curtain, as well as an accounting of these opportunities for the first six
months that the Curtain was restored. Seconded by David W, the motion carried 6-1. Sarah will request an expanded plan.
Discuss Small Grant Applications and Make Funding Recommendations Brian noted that there were two Small Grants requests from Historic Northampton, and that both
of either of these can be discussed as Small Grants, with the goal to reach a decision in one meeting, or they can be moved to the full round. Chris noted that both projects are within a few dollars of the maximum project amount.
Julia stated that the applications seem to have been put forward in absence of a full master plan for Historic Northampton. Brian noted that new directors Laurie Sanders and Betty Sharpe have
indicated that the master plan is not yet complete.
Debin recalled that the CPC anticipated that applicants would be likely to pursue the maximum amount of Small Grant funds allowable per project, no matter what the cap was established at.
Jack added that seeking available funds seems like an indication of an organization that is being
run well.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
September 21, 2016
David W. suggested that judging the applications as stand-alone projects is difficult when Historic
Northampton’s overall priorities are unknown. David D. stated that is the mission of any museum to protect its assets, and he is generally not
bothered by any application for the maximum amount allowed. David D. moved to recommend funding the Pro Brush Collection application at the $3000
requested. Seconded by Jack. There was consensus to decide both applications as Small Grants,
without the need for additional discussion in the full application round. Debin asked if the CPC would limit funding to one application. David D. stated that he would support both.
The motion carried unanimously.
David D. moved to recommend funding the Gare Collection application at the $3000 requested.
Seconded by Jeff. The CPC discussed the former location of the Gare store.
The motion carried unanimously.
Sarah will prepare MOU and Council Orders. Jeff asked if the CPC should require that
Sarah will add this to the cover letter to the grantee once the MOU are approved.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda was Published
The CPC will finish reading the applications and distribute questions to Sarah by Monday
September 26.
Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.