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Agenda and Minutes 2012-10-17 City of Northampton Community Preservation Committee 210 Main Street, City Hall Northampton, MA 01060 Community Preservation Committee DATE: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 TIME: 7:00pm PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall) Contact: Downey Meyer, Chair, Community Preservation Committee downeymeyer@gmail.com Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Planner slavalley@northamptonma.gov (413) 587-1263 Agenda  7:00 - General Public Comment  7:00 - Minutes  October 3, 2012  7:05 - Chair’s Report  7:05 - Public Comment Session on Round 2 2012 CPA Applications  Local Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program – Agriculture and Conservation Commissions  Conservation Fund - Northampton Conservation Commission  CT River Greenway – Northampton Office of Planning & Development  Invasives Plant Control – Broad Brook Coalition  Municipal Buildings Preservation – Northampton Central Services  State Hospital Fountain – Northampton Office of Planning & Development  Foreclosure Prevention – Valley CDC  Veterans Field Renovation – Northampton Recreation Department  Review and Approve Contract for Garfield Avenue Habitat for Humanity Project  Financial Review/Update  Begin Funding Recommendations (if time allows)  Continue CPC Plan Working Session (if time allows)  Adjourn For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website: http://www.northamptonma.gov/cpc/ Next Meeting: November 7 Community Preservation Committee Minutes October 17, 2012 Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street Members Present: Downey Meyer, Brian Adams, Bill Breitbart, David Drake, Dave Rothstein, Debin Bruce, Jim Durfer, Marlene Morin Staff Present: Sarah LaValley Downey called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment None Minutes - October 3, 2012 David moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Debin. The motion carried unanimously. Chair’s Report No discussion Public Comment Session on Round 2 2012 CPA Applications Local Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program – Agriculture and Conservation Commissions Adele Franks, Grow Food Northampton, stated that preserving farmland from conversion to other uses is an important step in promoting food security, and should be a priority for the CPA. Robert Jonas, Kestrel Land Trust Chair, stated that Kestrel works on in Northampton regarding land preservation, and supports the use of CPA funds for the local APR program. CT River Greenway – Northampton Office of Planning & Development Phil Pilewski, President of Northampton Youth and Community Rowing, stated that the project will provide more water access, and promote use of the River. It will also be the first step to securing a boathouse for Northampton. Andrew Larkin, Northampton resident and rower, stated that rowing, unlike other ‘youth’ sports, is an activity for a lifetime, and this project will do more to provide rowing opportunities. The opportunity to preserve and interpret the Canal is also important, and the River is a wonderful asset and part of the City’s heritage. A boathouse supporter read a letter from Jonathan Wright, who was not able to attend. Invasives Plant Control – Broad Brook Coalition Dave Herships, Broad Brook Coalition, summarized the application and why it is a priority for BBC and Fitzgerald Lake. State Hospital Fountain – Northampton Historical Commission Barbara Blumenthal noted that 17 support letters were included in the application. A meeting was also held with Bob Riddel’s Smith students, who are beginning to work on creating the interpretive signage. Jackie Duda, Fountain Committee noted the importance of memorialization of the hospital, the people who lived and worked there, and it’s very important role in Northampton’s history. The restored fountain will be a fitting memorial. Candace LaFleur stated that she had her first internship at the State Hospital, and later worked there. The fountain played an important role to patients – it was a frequent site of visits, and helped to facilitate discussion and openness. June Hardy,, former State Hospital employee, recalled that the fountain was often a meeting spot, and that it belongs on the property. It was a positive part of the hospital’s history, and can continue to be with this grant. Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1 October 17, 2012 Foreclosure Prevention – Valley CDC Michele Morris, Valley CDC, provided a support letter from a Northampton resident who was unable to attend. Heather Lepine, as assistance recipient from another community, spoke about the benefit of the program to her. Valley CDC was able to review finances and provide assistance with a loan modification, which will be complete in November after a year-long process. Review and Approve Contract for Garfield Avenue Habitat for Humanity Project Sarah provided an overview of the project, which is the third and last allocation of $60,000 made in 2009. Since the allocations were three separate awards, a separate Council resolution and contract is needed for each. Jim moved to approve a standard CPA contract with no special conditions. Seconded by Jim, the motion carried unanimously. Financial Review/Update Sarah provided a summary of the FY13 financial picture. Available revenue includes surplus from prior years and projected revenue, minus debt repayment obligations. 10% of the estimated revenue will be restricted for use each in the program areas, and 5% for administrative use. The Committee can allocate those funds to each round in whatever way Committee members feel is most appropriate. Dave suggested setting aside an additional pot of funds for future use, noting that some communities have acted on very few projects and banked funds for years. Debin noted that funds would not be out working in the community in that case, and Jim added that the reserve accounts also serve a banking purpose David stated that he would not feel comfortable reserving funds for future rounds unless the Committee is not happy with the quality of the submitted applications. Dave asked if any administrative spending is needed. Sarah replied that administrative funds are used for staff salaries, legal ads, signs, and other items as needed, and any excess is returned to the general CPA fund at the end of the fiscal year. Historically much of the fund has been returned, but it is available as needed throughout the year. Begin Funding Recommendations Downey suggested that the CPC discuss each project preliminarily, going around the room so that each member can provide input. CPC members can then use the discussion points raised to prioritize projects and think about conditions for recommendations. Local APR Marlene suggested that the APR is a priority. Brian noted that both the APR and Conservation Fund provide flexibility to complete important projects on short notice. Debin agreed that it is important, but noted that there have been lots of recent conservation projects and she does not have a sense of what level it should be funded at. David noted that preservation is important, but that the City should prioritize land for protection that could be developed. Bill noted that Way had indicated that threats also exist from conversion to other purposes as well. The APR is important, but the CPC should also be prudent in balancing against other needs. Dave agreed that APR is important, but is not sure how to prioritize, While the Conservation Fund can be funded at a smaller amount to fund soft costs, APR’s by definition would require larger amounts. Jim expressed concern about spending money on land protection in the Meadows where development potential is limited. Downey pointed out that the Committee can help steer project direction by incorporating standards and requiring reporting. The CPC can use past performance to evaluate applications in the future. Marlene suggested that farmland preservation was the impetus for CPA at the state level. Bill suggested that the final bill reflects a long process developed with many interest groups, so that should not receive priority over the other CPA areas. Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2 October 17, 2012 David pointed out that through the APR program, local funds may be expended for protection of land that would never be made open to the public. Conservation Fund Jim expressed support, suggesting that invasives management could also be included as a potential use. Bill stated that the fund is important and the City has done a great job. It should be funded to the extent possible. Dave suggested that as land preservation goals begin to be reached, the City should re-evaluate priorities. David and Marlene suggested partial funding. Downey stated that the City is able to make offers without paying for options because all accepted offers made to-date have resulted in sales. It is only possible to do this if Wayne is able to complete due diligence early in the process. Connecticut River Greenway Bill expressed his support. While not a top priority, he hoped it can be funded. Dave stated that he initially did not feel positive about it due to previous applications for the Greenway path, but this is a very different project. If the Greenway is unsuccessful, Lane could develop the site and eliminate the possibility of any river access. The CPC should ensure opportunities for other types of boating beyond just rowing. David expressed support, and suggested that the CPC require an accessible ramp, and possible rentals. Debin suggested that it would be a mistake not to jump on the unique opportunity. Brian agreed. Marlene expressed concern about funding a land purchase for a club, if the public would have limited access like the Marina. Phil Pilewski, NYCRI, noted that the Oxbow is privately owned, but this site would be a public/private partnership where the public will have access, and NYCRI will have an MOU with the Recreation Department. Jim asked about an earlier version of plans that included Smith College using the boathouse. Phil replied that Smith’s team is happy at their current location for now, but outreach is being done to many user groups and teams. Fitzgerald Lake Invasives Control Dave stated that funding is a no-brainer to protect the area’s ecology. Herbicides will be used, but BBC has done a lot of research. Committee members agreed. Jim suggested additional funding, and the possibility of future funding for education about invasive species. Municipal Buildings David stated that everyone agrees the buildings are important, but that the work proposed seems more like maintenance. Debin noted that City Hall is showing wear, and if the project is to be funded the Committee should prioritize with that building. Brian agreed. Jim noted that the Academy of Music is a City-owned building that received CPA funds, and the municipal buildings see a lot more public use. However, it also does not seem like fiscal responsibility to fund work to essential government buildings. Bill stated that he does not support the project, since the campus includes the core buildings for operation of the City it should be funded from the City’s budget. Dave stated that he does not support based on the CPA enabling legislation. City Hall is very important and needs work, but as proposed is not historic preservation. The Committee discussed ‘maintenance’ as it applies to historic projects in the CPA legislation. Brian suggested that the Committee ask for an opinion. Sarah noted that this would be difficult, since the language is brand new there are no other decisions to compare it to. State Hospital Fountain David expressed strong support. The hospital was a huge part of Northampton’s history that needs to be memorialized. Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 3 October 17, 2012 Debin stated that she us strongly in favor of the fountain, but expressed concern about the bidget for the park portion of the project. Brian stated that he supports the fountain restoration, but does not like the location of the park, and the price seems high. Marlene suggested partial funding. Bill noted that it is difficult to visualize the location and feel of the park, but memorialization is very important. Dave expressed support, but suggested that in-kind services for some park elements could be provided, and expressed concern about the park design and location. Downey noted that the project management fee seems very high. Foreclosure Prevention Brian stated that he is unclear how the project would serve Northampton. While he understands the importance of the program, clients are not currently being turned away. Bill noted that the program currently serves 18-20 people per year without outreach, and 45 if funding were able to be guaranteed. It is a cost-effective program since it prevents displacement. Jim stated the he is opposed to paying salaries with CPA funds. Dave noted that it is difficult to consider because it is not a traditional application. Veterans Field Brian noted that there was little public support demonstrated for the project, and that it seems a lower priority because of Florence Fields. David suggested that preserving an existing ballfield in an area that is walkable is very important. Downey talked about the process going forward – staff will send a ranking sheet, and projects will be discussed in priority order at the next meeting. Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published None Adjourn On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 PM Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 4 October 17, 2012