CPC Meeting Minutes

Mr. Whalley officially opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Mr. Phelps was welcomed as the new Planning Board representative to the CPC.

 

The Budget has remained unchanged since the previous meeting.    He said that there is some encumbered funds from the Kellog property that need to be put back into CPC Open Space fund. The application was for $185,000.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Whalley and seconded by Mr. Pratt to return the $185,000 for the Kellog Property to the Community Preservation Open Space Fund. The motion passed ominously.

Mr. Clark said the Housing Authority presented a bill f $6,800 for the replacement of windows.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Pratt and seconded by Mr. Gunn to reimburse the Southwick Housing Authority $6,800 for the completed project. The funds are to be taken from the Community Preservation Housing Fund. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Clark reported there was no mail.   

 

A MOTION was made by Mr. Pratt and seconded by Mr. Clark to approve the minutes of March 31, 2016. The motion passed unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Mrs. Reed and seconded by Mr. Pratt to approve the minutes of April 12, 2016. The motion passed unanimously

                                                       

 

The Committee read a note from Mr.Saginor, Community Preservation Executive Director, regarding a request for use of Southwick CPC Administrative Fund. Mr. Whalley discussed the request for funds with his attorney who said the CPC should not use Southwick CPC Administrative Funds for the request. The matter was closed. Mr. Lévesque has offered to do some of the work for free. Mr. Whalley negotiated to for the remainder of the funds requested to complete the job. He said Whalley Park receiver $50,000 from the Select Board to install water pumps.  He said they have installed security cameras and a booster pump.

Mr. Whalley said the Rotary gave the Park and Recreation funds for fireworks. Mr. Clark said the Committee is thankful for all Mr. Whalley has done.

 

Mr. Clark said they have been notified that the Franklin Land Trust is going to the not-for-profit organization that will hold the funds raised for the North Pond Project. They have received permission from the Conservation Committee to use funds for the appraisal of the property. He said this needs to be completed in order to be eligible for a Land Grant of $400,000 which is due by July 13, 2016. He said Fish and Wildlife has committed 1 million for the property that abuts the preserve. He said that Mr. Whalley is trying to have less of a financial burden put on the CPC by raising the remaining funds. Mr. Whalley is asking twenty businesses to match the funds raised with 5 cents on the dollar. He said the businesses are going to get a lot of good will. He said he talked to the Westfield News and they have agreed to do a nice article about the whole plan and to assist Mr. Pratt to get businesses on board. He said in order to reach the goal of 1 million dollars it will cost the businesses 50 grand. He said it will be tax deductable and the business will get an ad in the Westfield News every month. He said they have agreed to list all of the businesses that have donated that month. He said they are searching for the twenty businesses. He said they have one already. Mr. Phelps said he will talk to a friend in the tool company.  Mr. Clark said the Southwick News may also be interested in participating. Mr. Clark said the brochure that has been a work in progress will have to be modified. Mr. Whalley said he is waiting to hear from Southwick News.  He said he is going to visit all the businesses if he has to. He said his goal is to get the 4 million so no bond is required. Mr. Clark said the fund raising head quarters will be the retired Bead Shop.

 

A MOTION was made by Mr. Pratt and seconded by Mr. Phelps to approve Mr. Clark to sign purchases orders. The motion passed unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Gunn and second by Mr. Pratt to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 PM. The vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Ruth Preston

Administrative Assistant - CPC