Agenda and Minutes 2010-12-15
City of Northampton
Community Preservation Committee
210 Main Street, City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Community Preservation Committee
DATE: Wednesday, December 15, 2010
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall)
Contact:
Fran Volkmann, Chair, Community Preservation Committee
Franv@comcast.net
Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Planner
slavalley@northamptonma.gov
(413) 587-1263
Agenda
Public Comment
Chair’s Report
Minutes
December 1, 2010
o
Review Bi-Annual Committee Report
Elect Chair and Vice-Chair
Continue CPC Policy Discussions
Other Business
For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee
website: http://www.northamptonma.gov/cpc/
Community Preservation Committee Minutes
December 15, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main St.
Members Present: Fran Volkmann, Katharine Baker, Brian Adams, Don Bianchi, Joe
DeFazio, Lilly Lombard, David Drake
Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Fran called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Public Comment
Dave Herships thanked Fran for her service as Chair, and thanked the Committee for their hard
and thoughtful work.
Chair’s Report
None
Minutes
December 1, 2010
The minutes, as revised, were approved.
Continue CPC Policy Discussions
Fran referred to a policy that she put together regarding reprogramming of award funds that is
intended to be inserted into the CPC Plan.
Fran noted that she spoke with City Council Chairman David Narkewicz, as the suggested policy
also has implications for the Council.
Katharine asked if a ‘large’ change should be defined. David suggested that Sarah be provided
some guidance as well so that she does not have to make a decision whether something is
large enough to warrant CPC approval.
Lilly suggested that ‘reprogramming’ carries implications, and ‘re-designation’ might make more
sense; it would be helpful to refer to the Council warrant.
Brian presented some suggested changes to Fran’s draft language.
The Committee discussed the proposed Plan addition, and crafted language.
Brian moved to approve the language as amended, seconded by David.
The Committee clarified a few points. The motion carried unanimously.
Sarah will send the wording to the CPC, and will also add it to the CPC Plan.
Review Bi-Annual Committee Report
Fran presented a draft Chair’s report to the CPC, noting that updated financial information will be
added once the new projects accounts have been created.
The Committee reviewed the draft and made some suggestions regarding clarity and readability.
David suggested that the map of CPA projects be included in the report.
Fran noted that she referenced the website several times, since it is a very good resource.
The Committee looked at the CPA website, which has a lot of information, including photos, about
each project.
The Committee noted that it is very important to have as much information as possible available.
Lilly suggested that the report highlight the open process that was able to be developed around
Bean/Allard partly because of the CPC.
Elect Chair and Vice-Chair
Lilly announced that she has resigned from the CPC to be able to spend more time with her
family.
The Committee thanked Lilly for her thoughtful hard work on the CPC, and let her know she will
be missed.
Fran noted that Don will also be leaving the Committee. Don’s creative and caring approach to
the CPC will be missed as well.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
December 15, 2010
Don suggested that any member would be an excellent chair, but does not want to nominate
anyone against their wishes.
Brian nominated Katharine for Chair, seconded by David. Katharine noted that she is willing to
serve as Chair, if Fran is willing to provide assistance, since she is still fairly new to the
Committee.
The motion carried unanimously.
The Committee agreed to hold off on electing a Vice Chair until new members take their places on
the Committee.
Other Business
The Committee discussed the meeting schedule for January and February, and agreed that a
January 6 meeting is not needed, and only one February meeting is needed.
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David pointed out that the CPC does not simply distribute funds, but also puts a great deal of time
and effort into drafting policies with fairness and thought, and that will be the legacy of the
departing members.
Fran noted that the Committee members do an excellent job of leaving their potential advocacy
roles aside and considering applications with fairness.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
December 15, 2010