June 17 2015 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
June 17, 2015
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
June 17, 2015
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Downey Meyer, Toni Hochstadt, Brian Adams, Debin Bruce, Linda
Morley, Dave Rothstein, David Drake (7:20) Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Downey called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Chair’s Report
Downey stated that no on has yet taken out papers to run for the Committee’s elected positions in
November, and provided an update on the CPA legislation discussions.
The Committee has been invited to the Jackson Street School playground groundbreaking. Downey informed the Committee that he will be stepping down at the end of the summer. The
Committee agreed that he has been an excellent Chairman.
Small Projects Discussion Downey noted that the threshold at which a contract is required is now $10,000, up from the
previous limit of $5,000.
Linda moved to set the CPA contribution limit at $5,000, with a maximum project cost of
$10,000. Seconded by Brian. Linda noted that a lower amount will help ensure that tere are
funds available for other projects.
Debin suggested that there is no wrong answer, and that the threshold can be changed if needed.
Brian asked if the Small Grants procedure will be added the the CPA Plan, and whether that
would complicate any amendments. Sarah stated that it will be in the Plan, but the Plan can be updated at any time.
Dave suggested that a lower Small Grants amount would be preferable to start. Downey
suggested limiting the amount to $5,000, as the Committee will not have the ability to verify matching funds received, and will have no way to prevent the drawdown of CPA funds prior to
those funds being provided.
Debin asked why the full project total is proposed to be limited. Brian replied that this will limit the scope of projects, and that larger projects can always be incorporated into the regular rounds.
Linda asked if this would limit incentive to seek a match.
The Committee discussed whether a set-aside of funds for small projects would be appropriate. Downey suggested that this may make the Committee feel obligated.
The motion faield, 2-5. Dave moved to have limits be $3,000 in CPA contribution, and $6,000 total. Seconded by Linda,
the motion carried, 5-2.
The Committee agreed that the list of appropriate and inappropriate activities for small grants in
the guidance is appropriate.
Brian moved to approve the grant type section, seconded by Linda, who added a suggestion clarifying that rehabilitation of structures without public access is not appropriate. Toni
suggested clarifying that support for residents of affordable housing is also not eligible. The motion carried unanimously.
The Committee discussed timing of the small grants. Dave suggested not having rolling review. Linda moved to accept the timing – at the beginning of
each funding round – as laid out in the guidance. Seconded by Debin.
Brian asked if presentations are prohibited. Dave stated that they would be, as currently suggested. The Committee discussed the pros and cons of not having meetings with Small Grant
applicants. Downey stated that an in-person meeting is not required of this level of grant, and
that it should not be required here.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
June 17, 2015
Linda suggested that applicants can be provided with the schedule, and can attend the meetings if
desired. The motion carried unanimously.
The Committee discussed the format – a ‘fill in the blank’ with a list of suggested attachments.
Debin moved to approve. Seconded by Toni, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee thanked Dave for his efforts in putting the Small Grants materials together.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM