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Oct 14 2015 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1 October 14, 2015 Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes October 14, 2015 Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street Members Present: Brian Adams. Toni Hochstadt, Debin Bruce, Dave Rothstein, Linda Morley, Jack Finn, Staff Present: Sarah LaValley Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The microphone batteries were not charged so the meeting was unable to be recorded. General Public Comment None Approval of Minutes None Meetings With Round 2 2015 Applicants for CPA Funds Pulaski Park Overlook – Mayor Narkewicz and Department of Public Works Jim Laurila, City Engineer, provided an overview of the request, which is funding for construction of the overlook, and burying utilities now that more detailed cost information is available for that portion of the project. If the PARC grant is received, DPW hopes to go out to bid in the spring. Value engineering is being completed to lower construction costs for the overlook. Linda asked what impact it would have on the project if only funds for the underground utilities were provided now, and if the other requested funds were made available later. Jim stated that if funds were made available in summer 2016, that portion of the project could then be bid. Linda asked about the probability of the City receiving two PARC grants in a row. Jim replied that it is possible, and that the application was made competitive by its inclusion of redevelopment of a brownfield site. Debin asked what would happen if the PARC grant were not received. Jim replied that the City would not have enough funds to complete the project, and would need to reapply for the state grant or CPA funds. Jim stated that some preliminary electrical work was completed when the hotel project was being planned which was able to keep costs low. Dave noted that the PARC funds are barely enough to cover the cost of burying utilities that were placed on the project as a result of the award. Jim stated that this requirement is becoming standard of state funds, and will result in big improvements. Dave asked which elements of the overlook were being horsetraded during the value-based cost- reduction exercise given that the final plans came in overestimate.. Jim replied that plantings could be reduced, and more in-house work may be possible. Brian asked if the $200,000 being requested from the CPA is for phase one or two. Jim replied that they are related to phase 1 to address the PARC grant requirement, but will be completed during both phases. Brian noted that even if the phase 2 PARC grant is not received, DPW will still need to conduct the utility work. Jim confirmed this, either additional funds will be needed or the existing project cost will need to be reduced. Debin asked if other utilities can be placed in electrical conduits. Jim replied that extra is generally installed to accommodate future needs, but that six different utility companies are already involved. Connecticut River Greenway Parking – Northampton Youth and Community Rowing Dorrie Brooks, Vice President of NYCT provided an overview of the organization and its programs. NYCR provided $117,000 in matching funds for the City’s PARC grant. Bids for the project came in higher than estimated, so the final coat of paving had to be eliminated. The project as proposed will complete the paving, and create an appropriate entranceway gate. The current gate is controlled by Lane Construction, is far from River Run and not very visible. Increases in traffic as public use increases are expected, and canoes and kayaks are expected to be offered for public use by 2017. Lane has been using the site as a staging area at night so the gate has been open. When moved, all involved parties will have keys. The planned location is owned Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2 October 14, 2015 by another property owner, who is very supportive of the location. The area is not policed, and without a gate, dumping would be a problem. Dave asked about signage on the new gate, and in particular whether the various landowners with an interst in access have a written agreement or deed restriction concerning the times and manner of access. Dorrie replied that there is no written agreement and that wording for a sign for the gate will be discussed with the City. Linda asked about arrangements needed to have a gate on private property. Dorrie replied that it is along the public access point for which an easement exists. Brian asked about the relationship with Lane Construction. Dorrie stated that the initial plan was to use the site, which is permitted for a business park, for its headquarters, but now may sell instead. The CPC discussed easement rights over lane’s property. Sarah noted that the deed is specific about access, and this will carry forward to subsequent owners. Jack asked about priority. Dorrie replied that the parking lot will survive through the winter, but should be done in the spring to ensure effectiveness of the accessible features and protection of the base coat. Dave asked about rationale for holding off on the required public meeting about programs that were a condition of the past grant. Dorrie replied that the City wants to complete the gangway, and that this will be coordinated with other meetings that NYCR will hold. Historic Curtain Rehabilitation – Academy of Music Andrew Crystal, Academy Board President provided an overview. A scenic curtain was discovered stapled to the rear of the Theater’s main stage curtain, and funds are sought for its restoration. It has a unique Asian background, possibly because the family who constructed the Theater were involved in the importing business. Additionally, the Academy’s required fire curtain is asbestos, and needs updates to meet code. Debin asked what would happen if a fire occurred in the audience area. Andrew replied that the stage, which poses the greatest fire risk, is sprinklered. Grants are also being sought for sprinklers in the auditorium. Jack asked about opportunities for public view. Andrew stated that it would be available for use by shows. A variance was obtained from the state to be able to keep the curtain without fire- treating it. Linda asked if the fire curtain will be required to be removed. Andrew stated that it will not, but will need to be reported as asbestos-containing. Linda asked if either project could be completed using capital funds. Andrew stated that they could not; all funds received go back into operations. Debin asked what would happen if the fire curtain ever had to be used. Andrew replied that the Theater would then need to be closed. It also needs to be lowered by hand. Continue Review of CPA Plan Sarah will send the redline version of the plan sections, and will send to the Recreation Department for review of that section. There was consensus that the January 6th meeting will be a review of the final draft, with a public hearing on January 20th. Adjourn On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM