July 15 2015 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
July 15, 2015
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
July 15, 2015
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Downey Meyer, Linda Morley, David Drake, Marlene Morin, Debin
Bruce, Dave Rothstein, Toni Hochstadt, Brian Adams Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Downey called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Approval of Minutes
Dave moved to approve the May 20 2015 minutes. Seconded by Debin, the motion carried
unanimously, with abstentions by Toni and Marlene.
Chair’s Report
Downey stated that it is his last meeting.
The Pulaski Park project has begun.
Small Projects Discussion
Debin asked if the location of the CPA Plan will be evident in the Small Project application.
Sarah stated that a hyperlink will be included in the small project application, and applicants can
be shown if a hard copy is distributed.
The Committee discussed the details of funding sources being required to be secured at the time
of the application. Dave suggested that a signed commitment letter referencing the application
could be required. Linda noted that for small grants, this level of formality might be excessive
and could limit potential applications. Downey noted that there will be limited opportunities for comments from applicants or the public , and that detailed instructions in the procedures and
application will enable staff to provide appropriate guidance. There was consensus that signed
letters are needed. Debin moved to approve the application document as revised. Seconded by David, the motion
carried unanimously.
Review and Approve 2015 Round 2 Application Schedule
The Committee removed the meeting scheduled for Veterans Day and added an extra meeting.
Sarah will send the revised schedule and publish on the web.
CPC Plan Update Discussion Debin noted that the Open Space section includes some outdated stats and figures, but the rest is
great. Linda noted the same types of issues in the housing section.
Sarah suggested that she could update outdated information, but would not want to make value judgments. Much of the Plan used information from long-term planning efforts that have not
been updated since the Plan was completed. Dave stated that it will be challenging to assess the
role that the CPA has played in addressing established needs. Debin suggested that staff updates should be done first, then the Committee can use the updated
version as a basis for review. Downey assigned CPC members to Plan sections, members should send any comments on those sections to the following:
Open Space – Brian, Housing – Toni, Recreation, Dave, and Historic, David. Brian noted that the ‘needs’ identified in the Plan are based on other long-term plans. Debin
added that it should be acknowledged that many referenced plans are scheduled to be updated
over the next few years. Dave suggested that other committees could use this opportunity to update needs that the CPA
could address.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
July 15, 2015
Downey stated that there is no statutory requirement for a Plan, but that the Committee has used
the requirement for a public hearing to create a Plan that is a guide for applicants. Debin noted that new information, for example on funded affordable housing projects, will be
helpful. Marlene suggested that it would be dangerous to put caps on the possibilities for applications.
Downey agreed, but noted the difference between needs and prioritization.
Sarah stated that other boards and committees may provide updated and additional information, but will likely be reluctant to replace the data in the plan that has been taken from other long-
term plans with extensive community participation. Dave suggested that requests by the CPC for
new information might result in updates. Sarah replied that most have defined schedules. Downey stated that it would be appropriate to call out what has been done to address needs, and
that input can also be received by the Committee without it being included in the Plan.
Staff will complete an initial update, and will provide to Committee members in mid-August.
Review and Approve MOU for Round 1 2015 Projects
Postponed until July meeting
Other Business
The Committee thanked Downey for being a longstanding member of the CPC and an excellent
Chairman.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM