Northampton public meetings in 2021

City Council Committee on City Services

This meeting consists of procedural items and the review of previous meeting minutes. No specific new business or referred items are detailed in the agenda text.

• Review of minutes from August 26, September 8, October 4, and November 1, 2021

The Committee on City Services met virtually on December 29, 2021, with three members present and one absent. No new business was discussed, and the only substantive action was the unanimous approval of minutes from four prior meetings. The meeting adjourned after about six minutes.

• Approved minutes from August 26, September 8, October 4, and November 1, 2021 (3-0)

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will meet via Zoom to review its mask order, consider declaring a COVID-19 emergency to authorize the Public Health Director to issue emergency orders, and discuss expanding the definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters for the Senior Center vaccine policy. They will also discuss requiring vaccines for certain businesses such as restaurants, gyms, and large venues.

• Review mask order
• Declaration of emergency due to coronavirus community cases, authorizing Merridith O'Leary to execute emergency orders
• Discuss adding booster to definition of fully vaccinated for Senior Center vaccine requirement
• Discuss vaccine requirement for certain businesses (restaurants, gyms, large venues)

The Board of Health voted to update the Senior Center vaccine requirement policy to include a booster shot, passing 3-0 with one abstention. The board discussed but did not vote on declaring a COVID-19 emergency or on a vaccine requirement for certain businesses, deferring that discussion to a future meeting. Local COVID-19 data was reported, showing 2,030 total confirmed cases as of December 28, 2021.

• Approved adding booster to Senior Center vaccine requirement (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Discussed but took no action on declaring a COVID-19 emergency
• Deferred vaccine requirement for businesses to next meeting

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review reports from the Superintendent, Principal, and Finance and Facilities departments. The board is scheduled to vote on several equipment bids and invoice payments. Additionally, the meeting includes a vote regarding surplus health technology items for resale.

• Vote to bid on digital sign ($60,000 - $70,000)
• Vote to bid on safety UTV (approx. $30,000)
• Vote to bid on hybrid van (approx. $45,000 - $55,000)
• Vote to approve A Simos Co invoices ($43.50 and $157.35)
• Vote to approve surplus health technology items for resale

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Transportation & Parking Commission will review proposed ordinances for Thornes Marketplace and North Elm Street. The meeting also includes discussions on roadway safety near Northampton High School and traffic calming requests.

• Proposed parking ordinance behind Thornes Marketplace
• Proposed U-turn prohibition on North Elm Street
• Roadway safety discussion near Northampton High School
• Traffic calming request for Park Street
• Proposed ordinance for municipal parking areas

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Commission will consider several proposed ordinances regarding parking schedules and U-turns. The meeting also includes discussions on roadway safety near Northampton High School and requests for traffic calming.

• Proposed ordinance for off-street parking behind Thornes Marketplace
• Proposed ordinance prohibiting U-turns on North Elm Street
• Discussion of roadway safety near Northampton High School
• Discussion of traffic calming requests for Park Street and Westhampton Road
• Proposed ordinance regarding parking areas reserved for municipal use

The Transportation and Parking Commission voted unanimously to send three proposed ordinances to the City Council with positive recommendations: one regulating off-street service areas (to improve safety near Thornes Marketplace), one prohibiting U-turns on North Elm Street, and one codifying parking areas reserved for municipal use. The commission also discussed traffic safety near Northampton High School and reviewed a traffic calming request on Park Street, where police data showed collisions were mostly due to driver error rather than speed, so no significant changes were recommended.

• Approved sending off-street service area ordinance to City Council (8-0)
• Approved sending prohibited U-turn ordinance on North Elm Street to City Council (7-0)
• Approved sending municipal parking ordinance to City Council (8-0)
• Approved minutes from October 19, 2021 meeting (6-0-1)
• Discussed NHS safety; no formal action taken
• Discussed Park Street traffic calming; no changes recommended based on data
• Discussed accessible parking request on New South Street; no action taken

Youth Commission

The working group will review updates from downtown testimony and lobbying progress. Members will also discuss outreach strategies for special and history groups. A vote to approve previous meeting minutes is scheduled.

• Vote to approve previous meeting minutes
• Updates on downtown testimony and signature counts
• Lobbying progress and Gazette column updates
• Review of outreach email scripts and history outreach slideshows

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Sustainability Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss a proposed bag fee ordinance for the city. They will hear from Michael Orr, who implemented Cambridge's bag fee, and review next steps for advocacy and outreach.

• Discussion with Michael Orr on Cambridge's bag fee policy details and political challenges
• Review of tasks: scheduling meeting with Jim Nash, follow-ups with vendors (Pinch, YES, Kestrel) on bag fee, outreach to BigY
• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Discussion of next steps for bag fee ordinance and January outreach

Northampton Housing Authority

The Northampton Housing Authority will meet virtually to discuss the Corticelli Street update and tenant associations. The board will also consider motions regarding electric stove replacements at Walter Salvo House and soffit replacements at Bridge Street.

• Motion to accept Sommer Electric bid for stove replacements at Walter Salvo House
• Motion to approve completion of soffit replacements at Bridge Street
• Discussion regarding Corticelli Street update
• Discussion on HUD Payment Standard Exception Approval and PIH Notice 2021-34
• Discussion on grievance procedures and tenant associations

Northampton Housing Authority

The Northampton Housing Authority will hold a virtual meeting on December 20, 2021. Commissioners will discuss tenant associations, grievance procedures, and the Corticelli Street update. The board will also consider motions regarding stove replacements at Walter Salvo House and soffit repairs at Bridge Street.

• Motion to accept Sommer Electric for Walter Salvo House stove replacements
• Motion to approve completion of Bridge Street soffit replacement
• Discussion on Corticelli Street update
• Discussion on HUD payment standard exception approval

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will meet to discuss and vote on requests for inserts in the Annual Street Listing. The agenda also includes items regarding Dollars for Scholars and the Northampton Education Foundation.

• Vote to approve requests for inserts in the Annual Street Listing

The Northampton Board of Registrars approved requests from Dollars for Scholars and the Northampton Education Foundation to include an envelope in the annual street listing mailing. The vote was 3-0 with one vacant position. The meeting was held via teleconference and adjourned shortly after.

• Approved envelope inserts for Dollars for Scholars and NEF (3-0, 1 vacant)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0, 1 vacant)

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The council will hold a public hearing regarding utility petitions for Cross Path Road by National Grid and Verizon. The agenda includes second-reading votes on numerous Community Preservation Act (CPA) fund appropriations for local projects. Additionally, the council will consider accepting $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

• Public hearing: National Grid/Verizon pole and conduit installation on Cross Path Road
• Acceptance of $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds
• $608,000 CPA appropriation for the Housing the Disabled Homeless Project
• $230,100 CPA appropriation to Valley CDC for a mortgage subsidy program
• Five-year contract authorization for Connecticut River Channel Marking

The Northampton City Council approved a large batch of financial orders in second reading, including accepting $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and appropriating over $1.3 million in Community Preservation Act funds to various projects. The council also approved an order amending council rules in a single reading and extended the effective date of a plastic reduction ordinance section to July 1, 2022. A petition from National Grid/Verizon for a joint pole and underground conduit was approved unanimously.

• Approved $21.7M in American Rescue Plan Act funds (9-0)
• Approved 13 CPA fund appropriations totaling over $1.3M (9-0)
• Approved order to amend council rules (9-0)
• Extended effective date of Section 272-18 to July 1, 2022 (8-0, Jarrett recused)
• Approved National Grid/Verizon pole and conduit petition (9-0)
• Approved five-year Connecticut River channel marking contract (8-0, Foster recused)
• Approved consent agenda including Dec. 2 minutes (9-0)

Northampton High School School Council

The Council will discuss a response to the NEF grant cycle proposal. The meeting also includes a review of the School Improvement Plan and upcoming meeting times.

• NEF grant cycle proposal response
• School Improvement Plan (SIP) review
• Review of future meeting times

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will discuss the indoor mask mandate and vaccination requirements at the Senior Center. The meeting also includes updates on COVID-19 and Massachusetts electronic vaccination documentation.

• Indoor mask mandate discussion
• Vaccination requirement at the Senior Center
• MA electronic vaccination documentation
• Northampton COVID updates

The Board of Health discussed COVID-19 updates, including plans for a new PCR testing site and distribution of at-home test kits. No changes were made to the indoor mask mandate. The board approved minutes from previous meetings and discussed a letter to the Gazette.

• Indoor mask mandate: no change recommended
• Approved December 2, 2021 minutes as amended (4-0)
• Approved November 23, 2021 minutes as amended (4-0)

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Northampton Energy & Sustainability Commission will continue a retreat to discuss its mission statement, agenda format, and membership needs. The commission also intends to select high-impact projects and provide feedback on carbon sequestration in city protected open space.

• Approval of November 23, 2021 meeting minutes
• Selection of high-impact projects
• Discussion regarding carbon sequestration on city protected open space

The Energy and Sustainability Commission unanimously approved a revised mission statement with amendments and adopted a new agenda format for a four-month trial. The meeting also included updates on upcoming city projects and discussions on high-impact initiatives, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 11/23/21 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted revised mission statement as amended (unanimous)
• Adopted new agenda format for four-month trial (unanimous)

Ranked Choice Voting

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee will review data from a 200-ballot mock election. The discussion includes comparing IRV and STV methods and the impact of specific ballot settings like 'Skip Overvoted Rankings.' The committee also aims to understand outcomes using majoritarian and proportional methods.

• Approval of November 17, 2021, meeting minutes
• Review of mock election results comparing IRV vs. STV options
• Analysis of 'Skip Overvoted Rankings' settings in multi-seat races
• Examination of 'Exclude Unresolved Write-ins' outcomes

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee conducted a mock election using 200 ballots to evaluate different RCV tabulation settings, including IRV vs. STV, handling of overvotes and write-ins, and majoritarian vs. proportional methods. They identified that tie-breaking rules need to be defined, as a random tie-break was used in the mock, which is not allowed under Massachusetts law. No formal decisions were made; the committee scheduled a hybrid in-person meeting for January 12, 2022.

• Approved minutes of Nov. 17, 2021 meeting (4-0, 1 absent)
• Conducted mock election with 200 ballots to test RCV profile settings
• Discussed need to define tie-breaking rules for RCV elections
• Scheduled next meeting for January 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm

City Council Committee on Finance

The Committee on Finance will consider an order to authorize a five-year contract for Connecticut River channel marking. The committee will also review the minutes from the December 2, 2021 meeting.

• Five-year contract for Connecticut River channel marking (Order 21.375)
• Approval of December 2, 2021, meeting minutes

The Finance Committee voted 4-0 to forward a five-year contract for Connecticut River channel marking to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The contract, which requires Council approval because it exceeds three years, covers maintenance of markers from north of Elwell Island to the Holyoke dam. The committee also approved the minutes of its December 2, 2021 meeting.

• Approved minutes of December 2, 2021 (4-0)
• Forwarded five-year Connecticut River channel marking contract to full Council with positive recommendation (4-0)

Urban Forestry Commission STO Subcommittee

The Urban Forestry Commission Subcommittee will hold a public meeting via remote teleconference. The agenda includes a period for public comment and a discussion regarding STO.

• Discussion of STO

The Urban Forestry Commission subcommittee discussed revisions to the Significant Tree Ordinance (STO), including a proposed sliding diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) scale to protect larger trees in outer areas while encouraging development downtown. They agreed to bring the draft proposal to the full UFC for discussion. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and discussion-focused.

• Agreed to bring STO draft proposal to full UFC for discussion
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is holding its regular monthly meeting remotely. The agenda includes routine reports from the secretary, treasurer, and departments, as well as updates on the phased reopening plan, a treasurer search, a community block grant application, and a children's and young adult renovation. No action items or discussion topics are listed for this meeting.

• Phased Reopening Plan Update
• Treasurer's Search Update
• Community Block Grant Application
• Children's & Young Adult Renovation Update
• Library Use Statistics

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

This meeting consists only of procedural items. The subcommittee will vote to approve the minutes from the August 11, 2021, and October 26, 2021, meetings. No other budget or property matters are listed for discussion.

• Vote to approve August 11, 2021, and October 26, 2021, meeting minutes

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The Budget and Property Subcommittee is meeting to conduct a roll call and vote on the approval of minutes from four previous meetings. No other substantive agenda items are listed for this session.

• Vote to approve June 30, July 29, August 11, and October 26, 2021 meeting minutes

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearings

This meeting provides an overview of the Community Development Block Grant Program for year 22-23. It includes a review of Northampton's housing, public services, and economic development priorities. The session also covers the application process for the upcoming Annual Action Plan.

• Overview of CDBG Program Year 22-23
• Review of housing and economic development priorities
• Discussion of Request for Proposals application process
• Timeline for the 2022-2023 Action Plan

The city held the first of two public hearings on the 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. No decisions were made; the meeting was informational, covering eligibility, application requirements, and funding estimates. Applications are due January 14, 2022, with a second hearing planned to review the draft action plan.

• No formal decisions made; hearing was informational only
• Public services applications due via Neighborly portal by 1/14/2022
• Public services funding range set at $5,000–$15,000 per application
• Estimated CDBG entitlement for 2022-2023: $683,764

Whiting Street Fund Committee

The Whiting Street Fund Committee will review and discuss 2021 applications. The agenda also includes reviewing minutes and a period for public comment.

• Review and discussion of 2021 applications
• Approval of meeting minutes
• Public comment

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will review and approve contracts and MOUs for Autumn 2021 projects. The committee will also discuss the schedule for upcoming meetings and funding rounds.

• Review and approval of contracts and MOU for Autumn 2021 projects
• Meeting and funding round schedule

The Community Preservation Committee reviewed and approved contracts and memoranda of understanding for all projects recommended for funding in the autumn 2021 round, with minor clarifications and edits. The motion to approve carried unanimously by roll call vote. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved contracts and MOUs for autumn 2021 CPA projects (unanimous)

Urban Forestry Commission

The commission will review minutes from the December 1, 2021 meeting and hear reports from the Chair and Tree Warden. Discussions are scheduled regarding native plants, pollinators, fall planting, and a planting site survey. An update on the spotted lanternfly is also on the agenda.

• Review/approve minutes of 12/01/2021
• Native Plants/Pollinators & Trees Follow Up
• Fall Planting Report
• Planting Site Survey Discussion
• Spotted Lanternfly Update

The Urban Forestry Commission approved the minutes from its December 1, 2021 meeting by a 7-0 vote. The meeting included reports on fall planting, a completed planting site survey, and discussions on native plantings and the spotted lanternfly. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval and adjournment.

• Approved December 1, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:04 p.m. (7-0)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission will vote on approving meeting minutes and a draft statement on the Plastic Reduction and Sustainability ordinance implementation delay. Members will also hear from advocates about electric vehicle busing for schools and discuss outreach efforts.

• Vote on draft statement regarding Plastic Reduction and Sustainability ordinance delay
• Discussion with advocates on electric vehicle busing for Northampton Public Schools
• Recap of meeting with Mayor-Elect Sciarra on budget recommendations
• Follow-up on outreach to Smith Voc, North Star, and Cutchins Program

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss a proposed zoning change for farm entertainment, hear from the Animal Control Officer, and receive updates on dual-use solar and city-owned agricultural properties. The agenda also includes a review of the April agricultural bus tour and updates on specific city-owned farm properties.

• Farm Entertainment Zoning Change with Carolyn Misch
• Update from Shayla Howe, Northampton Animal Control Officer
• Dual Use Solar updates
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour and update on city-owned agricultural properties
• Updates on Broad Brook, Bleiman, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, and Old Hampshire County Jail properties

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting virtually to vote on approving minutes from the last meeting and to review draft ordinances, including URC changes and site plan language changes. They will also discuss research questions, potential emails, and possibly meeting with the Energy and Sustainability Commission to reconcile ordinance versions. The agenda is mostly discussion and procedural items, with no final decisions expected on the ordinances themselves.

• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Review draft ordinances: URC changes and site plan language changes
• Discuss research questions on ordinance impact
• Review response from Carolyn Misch regarding emails
• Potential meeting with Energy and Sustainability Commission

Disability Commission

The commission will discuss goals and action items for the next year and review progress on Transition Plan goals. The meeting also includes updates regarding Main Street parking spaces and accessible parking fines revolving funds.

• Discussion of goals and action items for the next year
• Updates on Transition Plan goals
• Main Street Parking Spaces update
• Accessible Parking Fines Revolving Funds update

Disability Commission

The Commission will discuss following up with the Mayor regarding a sidewalk accessibility letter. Members will also determine goals and action items for the upcoming year and review progress on Transition Plan goals.

• Follow-up on Sidewalk Accessibility Letter
• Discussion of next year's goals and action items
• Updates on Transition Plan goals
• Main Street parking space updates
• Accessible Parking Fines Revolving Funds updates

Trust Fund Committee

The Trust Fund Committee is meeting to perform the FY2021 annual review. The agenda also includes public comment and new business.

• FY2021 Annual Review

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will discuss the timeline and plans for the Annual Street Listing, including landlord and household lists. The board will also review the schedule for the November 8, 2022, statewide elections.

• Approval of minutes from September 14 and November 12 meetings
• Discussion of timeline and plans for Annual Street Listing
• Review of landlord and household lists for street listing
• Consideration of requested inserts for the street listing
• Review of the November 8, 2022, statewide elections schedule

The Northampton Board of Registrars met via Zoom on Dec. 14, 2021, but lacked a quorum, so no votes were taken and the meeting was informational only. Agenda items, including approving minutes from prior meetings, were carried over to January 2022. Staff reported voter statistics and discussed plans for the annual street listing and 2022 elections.

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Minutes approval carried over to January 2022
• Street listing inserts discussion deferred to Dec. 17 special meeting

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to advance its campaign to lower the municipal voting age to 16. They will plan downtown testimony collection, receive updates on lobbying and petition efforts, and vote on a second column for the Gazette. The meeting is procedural and discussion-focused, with items potentially postponed due to time constraints.

• Vote to approve previous meeting minutes
• Plan next downtown testimony collection
• Update on lobbying and petition progress
• Vote on second Youth Commission Gazette column
• Breakout into new outreach groups

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Sustainability Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss and vote on a statement regarding the delay in implementing the Plastic Reduction and Sustainability ordinance, and to review progress on tasks related to a proposed bag fee. The group will also vote on approving minutes from the last meeting and may reflect on public comment from a school board meeting about electric vans.

• Vote on draft language of Youth Commission statement on PRS implementation delay
• Discussion of next steps for bag fee ordinance, including outreach in January
• Updates on tasks: scheduling meeting with Jim Nash, contacting vendors about bag fee, setting up meeting with Michael Orr, reaching out to BigY
• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Introduction for new members and review of ordinances

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Education Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss student mental health and plan next steps for its initiatives. The group will also vote on approving minutes from a previous meeting. Discussion items may be postponed due to time constraints.

• Vote to approve previous meeting minutes
• Discussion on addressing student mental health (social, family, etc.)
• Planning timeline for current initiatives

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Lilly Library Association Trustees will meet via Zoom to discuss library operations. The agenda includes the removal of late fines for most materials and planning for the replacement of a copper beech tree. The meeting will also address openings for the Secretary position and a board seat.

• Removal of late fines for most library material
• Planning for the removal and replacement of Copper Beech
• Opening for the Position of Secretary
• Opening on the Board
• Director's Request for Unpaid Leave

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging will discuss the launch of hybrid programs and a new vaccine mandate starting in January. The meeting includes reports on lobby upgrades and member renewal processes.

• New vaccine mandate starting in January per BOH decision
• Launch of hybrid programs for the Virtual Senior Center
• Updates on lobby upgrades including furniture and plants
• Mandatory LGBTQ+ and Aging Training for staff and volunteers
• Service Incentive Grant Funding opportunity

The Council on Aging Board approved the November minutes and heard reports on upcoming changes at the Senior Center, including a new vaccination card mandate for members starting January 17, 2022, and the reopening of the coffee shop on January 10. No formal votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational.

• Approved November minutes (motion by Dionne, second by Ford)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:18 pm (motion by Butler, second by Ford)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will vote on the approval of 80 Acres Learning Center and updated superintendent goals. The committee will also consider policies regarding pesticide application and protections from discriminatory bias. Other agenda items include discussions on late start times and a budget transfer for Bridge Street Elementary special education services.

• Approval of 80 Acres Learning Center private school
• Policy EBAD regarding pesticide application on school property
• Policy ACF regarding protections from discriminatory bias
• $13,453.00 budget transfer for Bridge Street Elementary special education services
• Capital request for a gas-powered van

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet to vote on the approval of 80 Acres Learning Center and updated Superintendent goals. The meeting also includes second readings for policies regarding pesticide application and protections from discriminatory bias.

• Vote on approval of 80 Acres Learning Center private school
• Second reading and vote on Policy EBAD (Pesticide Application on School Property)
• Second reading and vote on Policy ACF (Protections from Discriminatory Bias)
• $13,453.00 budget transfer for Bridge Street Elementary special education services
• Vote to approve Northampton Education Foundation Fall 2021 Small Grants

The Northampton School Committee approved the Protections from Discriminatory Bias policy and the Pesticide Application on School Property policy, both by unanimous 10-0 votes. It also approved the 80 Acres Learning Center private school application contingent on planning board and building inspector approval (9-1), and approved updated Superintendent goals. The committee voted to continue contracted bus services instead of purchasing a gas-powered van, and created an ad hoc childcare survey committee.

• Approved Policy ACF Protections from Discriminatory Bias (10-0)
• Approved Policy EBAD Pesticide Application on School Property with amendments (10-0)
• Approved 80 Acres Learning Center private school application, contingent on planning board and building inspector approval (9-1)
• Approved updated Superintendent goals (10-0)
• Approved $13,208 in NEF Fall 2021 Small Grants (10-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including minutes, $1,567 College Board donation, and $13,453 budget transfer (10-0)
• Referred NASE demand to bargain public access to buildings to Negotiating Subcommittee (10-0)
• Approved motion to continue contracted bus services and request electric bus in capital budget (10-0)

Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council

The Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council will hold a presentation and discussion regarding a Student Union survey about late school start times. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom.

• Presentation and discussion of the Student Union Survey regarding Late Start Time

Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council

The Student Advisory Council will receive a presentation regarding Student Union Survey results. The meeting also includes a discussion of survey findings related to late start.

• Presentation: Student Union Survey results
• Discussion: Survey Results regarding late start

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet via Zoom. The subcommittee plans to approve minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting and vote on revised superintendent goals.

• Vote to approve October 20, 2021, meeting minutes
• Review and vote on revised Superintendent Goals

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit amendment to modify setbacks for the Cluster Open Space project at 49 Ridge View Rd in Florence. The meeting also includes reviews of Big Y Lighting as-builts and the Beaver Brook Estates close out.

• Special permit amendment to modify setbacks for 49 Ridge View Rd, Florence
• Review of Big Y Lighting as-builts
• Discussion of Beaver Brook Estates close out

The Northampton Planning Board approved a special permit amendment for Chocorua Realty Investments LLC, modifying the front setback to 25 feet for the entire cluster subdivision at 49 Ridge View Rd, Florence. The board also approved as-built lighting changes for Big Y with a dimmer, released $40,000 in escrow funds for Beaver Brook Estates, and accepted several prior meeting minutes.

• Approved front setback of 25' for entire cluster subdivision at 49 Ridge View Rd (7-0, Taylor abstained)
• Approved Big Y as-built lighting changes with dimmer (7-1, Kohout opposed)
• Released $40,000 escrow funds to Beaver Brook Estates developer (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of Sept 23, Oct 4, Oct 14, Oct 28, Nov 18 (unanimous)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting to review draft ordinances on URC changes and site plan language, and to develop an advocacy strategy for passing housing policy in the City of Northampton. They will also vote on approving minutes from the last meeting and discuss outreach methods, including social media and letters to the editor.

• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Review draft ordinances: URC changes and site plan language changes
• Discuss research questions and creative ways to visualize ordinance impact
• Plan outreach via social media and Gazette letters to the editor
• Set up meeting with Energy and Sustainability Commission to reconcile ordinance versions

Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee will meet to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation in an executive session. The committee will also review subcommittee minutes from February and March 2020.

• Request for executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• Approval of February 20, 2020, and March 16, 2020, subcommittee minutes

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to discuss their advocacy efforts to lower the municipal voting age to 16. They will vote on approving previous meeting minutes, receive updates on testimony and signature collection, and plan lobbying ahead of a February 2nd deadline.

• Vote to approve minutes from previous meeting
• Update on downtown testimony collection and total signatures
• Lobbying update with February 2nd deadline for Committee on Election Laws
• Discussion of new working group format and outreach strategies

The Northampton Youth Commission met on December 7, 2021, and voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the November 30 meeting. The rest of the session was procedural, covering updates on lobbying, testimony collection, press coverage, and brainstorming history outreach ideas.

• Approved minutes from 11/30 meeting (unanimous)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Sustainability Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss its advocacy on environmental policies. They will vote on prior meeting minutes, review recent meetings with city officials about the Bag Fee ordinance and electric buses for schools, and discuss their position on the PRS implementation delay. The group will also introduce new members and plan outreach.

• Vote on approval of minutes from last meeting
• Discussion of Bag Fee ordinance following meeting with Amy Cahillane and Vince Jackson
• Summary of meeting with Renna Pye, Susan Voss, and Rachel Maiore about electric buses for Northampton Public Schools
• Discussion of position on PRS implementation delay
• Potential assignment of outreach roles, including online petition and QR codes

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Education Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss addressing out-of-school mental health, next steps for the group, and continuing a mental health survey at JFK. The group will also vote on approving minutes from a previous meeting.

• Discussion on addressing out-of-school mental health
• Discussion on continuing JFK survey on mental health
• Vote to approve previous meeting minutes

The Northampton Youth Commission unanimously approved the minutes from its November 29 meeting. Members discussed gaps in school mental health policies, including the limitations of the current SABERS screening method and the potential for 15-minute meetings with mental health professionals. The JFK Mental Health survey was tabled until a future date.

• Approved minutes from 11/29 meeting (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled JFK Mental Health survey until a future date

Forbes Library Racial and Social Justice Advisory Group

The committee will discuss selecting a Chairperson and reviewing collaboration with the Northampton Human Rights Commission regarding housing. The meeting also includes updates on Hollaback Training and discussions regarding policing and libraries.

• Approval of October 25, 2021 minutes
• Discussion regarding Chairperson
• Collaboration with Northampton Human Rights Commission on housing
• Update on Hollaback Training
• Discussion of policing and libraries

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Parks & Recreation Commission will review staff updates and program reports for the Aquatic & Family Center. The agenda includes discussions regarding FY2023 capital improvements and several specific field projects. A pickleball feasibility study is also noted.

• Capital Improvements FY2023 budget
• Donation of basketball hoops at Arcanum
• Florence Rec Fields safety netting
• Sheldon Field – Gush Valenta Field dugouts
• Pickleball feasibility study

The commission approved the November 1, 2021 minutes and adjourned. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting consisted of staff updates and reports on programs, budget, and projects.

• Approved minutes of November 1, 2021
• Adjourned at 7:05pm

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting. The subcommittee is also scheduled to review and vote on revised goals for the superintendent.

• Vote to approve October 20, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review and vote on revised Superintendent Goals

Coolidge Standing Committee

The committee is conducting its annual business meeting, including a review of activities from October 2020 to November 2021. Discussions include forming a group for museum decolonization and launching the Historian in Residence program for the 2022-2023 academic year.

• Formation of a group to discuss museum decolonization and reparative language
• Launch of the Historian in Residence program focusing on Forbes Library Special Collections
• Search for a new committee secretary for 2022
• Update on President's Book group schedule

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss goal setting for the upcoming year and membership recruitment. The meeting also includes updates regarding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, rental fees ordinance, transfer fee legislation, and small area fair market rent.

• Goal setting for the next year
• Membership recruitment and vacancy discussion
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund update
• Rental Fees Ordinance update
• Transfer Fee Legislation update

The Housing Partnership unanimously approved its Nov. 1, 2021 minutes. Members agreed to establish a clearer process, including a formal vote, for supporting future projects after discussion about how Independent Housing Solutions was handled. The group also began goal-setting for the coming year, covering topics like Small Area Fair Market Rents, rental broker fees, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and CPA funding. Members voted to recognize the contributions of departing member Jim Reis, with three abstentions.

• Approved the Nov. 1, 2021 minutes unanimously
• Agreed to have more clarity, including a vote, on how to support future projects
• Recognized Jim Reis's contributions via motion, passed with three abstentions
• Discussed goal-setting for the coming year, including updates on Small Area FMRs, rental fees, and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The council will consider first readings for several Community Preservation Act funding recommendations, including projects for housing, trails, and farmland. They will also review the acceptance of $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Additionally, several ordinances regarding parking and stop signs are up for second readings.

• Acceptance of $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
• $608,000 appropriation for the Housing the Disabled Homeless Project
• $230,100 appropriation for Valley CDC Mortgage Subsidy Program
• Ordinance requiring EV charging stations in parking lots over 25 spaces
• Ordinance regarding stop signs on Evergreen Road and Chestnut Avenue

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will meet to review a draft policy regarding vaccine requirements at the Senior Center. The agenda also includes discussing how to publicize board recommendations and reviewing minutes from October 21, 2021.

• Review of CONBOH draft vaccine requirement policy for Senior Center
• Discussion on publicizing Board of Health recommendations
• Review of October 21, 2021 meeting minutes

The Board of Health voted 3-0 (with Suzanne Smith abstaining) to accept a draft policy requiring Senior Center attendees to show proof of vaccination and follow the city mask mandate, with certain exceptions. The board also approved the October 21, 2021 meeting minutes as amended, and Laurent Levy volunteered to draft a letter to the Gazette publicizing board recommendations. The meeting was opened and closed with unanimous votes, and the next meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2021.

• Approved draft policy for vaccine requirement at Senior Center (3-0, Smith abstained)
• Approved October 21, 2021 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)
• Opened meeting (3-0)
• Closed meeting (4-0)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board will review the FY22 operating budget for approval. Directors will provide updates on the FY22 Q1 dashboard and the FY23 budget involving ARPA funds. The board will also discuss new recruitment methods and a pilot 360-degree evaluation process.

• Approval of October 7th minutes
• FY22 Q1 dashboard update
• Discussion of FY23 budget and ARPA funds
• Vote on FY22 operating budget
• Pilot of a 360-degree Executive Director evaluation process

City Council Committee on Finance

The Northampton City Council Committee on Finance is reviewing several financial orders for various municipal projects. These include appropriations for housing, land acquisitions, and park improvements using CPA funds. The committee will also consider the acceptance of $21.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.

• Acceptance of $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds
• $608,000 for the Housing the Disabled Homeless Project
• $230,100 for a Valley CDC mortgage subsidy program
• $100,000 for the Rocky Hill Accessible Trail project
• Acquisition of land on the northerly side of Westhampton Road

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to forward all 15 financial orders to the full City Council with positive recommendations. These include appropriating over $1.4 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for projects like affordable housing, historic preservation, and park improvements, and accepting a $21.7 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. The committee also approved the minutes of its November 18, 2021 meeting.

• Approved minutes of November 18, 2021 (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.357 to acquire a conservation restriction on North Farms Road (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.358 appropriating $3,000 for invasive species removal at Lathrop Communities (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.359 appropriating $31,922 to Historic Northampton for the Shepherd Barn Artifacts Project (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.360 appropriating $20,000 for farmland rehabilitation at the Community Farm and Garden (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.362 appropriating $230,100 to Valley CDC for a mortgage subsidy program (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.365 appropriating $608,000 to Independent Housing Solutions for a housing project at 5 Franklin Street (4-0).
• Forwarded order 21.374 to accept $21.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds (4-0).

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission is meeting to approve previous meeting minutes, welcome Mayor Narkewicz, and swear in new members. They will also discuss outreach efforts, brainstorm policy or budget recommendations, and potentially meet with recently elected leaders. Discussion items may be postponed due to time constraints.

• Vote on approval of last meeting's minutes
• Swearing in of 2021-22 Youth Commission members by Mayor Narkewicz
• Testimony writing led by Vote16 Working Group, including petition signing and testimony tracker spreadsheet
• Follow-up on outreach to Smith Voc, Students of Color Alliance, NHS GSA, North Star, Cutchins Program, and ELL class
• Brainstorm on policy or budget recommendations, e.g., free menstrual products

The Youth Commission met with Mayor Narkewicz for a Q&A session covering topics like marijuana dispensaries, carbon neutrality, and Main St improvements. The commission approved the previous meeting's minutes and discussed several initiatives, including an ELL student flex block, a can collection for the homeless, and electric school buses. Members also mourned the death of Marty Nathan, a sustainability advocate who worked with the commission.

• Approved the meeting minutes via motion at 7:57 PM with no abstentions
• Discussed holding a monthly flex block with ELL students, as recommended by Ms. Sullivan
• Brainstormed a can collection to benefit the homeless population
• Agreed to repost the Afghan Evacuee drive graphic on Instagram
• Noted Dr. Provost's request for the School Committee to vote against electric school buses due to high cost
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM via unanimous motion

License Commission

The Northampton License Commission is reviewing multiple liquor license transfers, including those for Bishop’s Lounge and Wine Witch, LLC. The meeting also includes applications for new entertainment and common victualler licenses, as well as a discussion on entertainment decibel limits.

• Transfer of wine and malt restaurant license to Wine Witch, LLC
• Transfer of all alcohol general on premises license for Bishop’s Lounge
• New common victualler license application for Wild Chestnut Cafe, LLC
• New entertainment license application for River Valley Market, LLC
• Discussion regarding entertainment decibel level limits and guidelines

The Northampton License Commission approved several liquor license transfers, including the transfer of an annual wine and malt restaurant license to Wild Chestnut Cafe, LLC and the transfer of an all-alcohol general on-premises license to 41 Strong, LLC d/b/a Bishop's Lounge, contingent upon review of entertainment and common victualler applications. The Commission also approved new entertainment licenses for Wild Chestnut Cafe and Building 8 Brewing, and renewed annual 2022 liquor licenses contingent upon certificates of inspection. The Commission discussed entertainment license noise limits but decided not to implement blanket regulations, preferring to handle complaints on a case-by-case basis.

• Approved short-term liquor license for Academy of Music (Sarah Jarosz) - unanimous 2-0
• Approved change of manager for Pride (375 King St.) to Cecile Humphrey - unanimous 2-0
• Approved new common victualler license for Wild Chestnut Cafe, LLC (22 Chestnut St.) - unanimous 2-0
• Approved transfer of wine & malt restaurant license to Wild Chestnut Cafe, LLC - unanimous 2-0
• Approved transfer of all alcohol general license to 41 Strong, LLC d/b/a Bishop's Lounge, contingent on review of entertainment and common victualler applications - unanimous 2-0
• Approved new entertainment license for Wild Chestnut Cafe, LLC - unanimous 2-0
• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing (Dec 8, 18, 19) - unanimous 2-0
• Approved amended short-term liquor license for Academy of Music (Dec 18) - unanimous 2-0

Urban Forestry Commission

The commission will review minutes from November 17, 2021, and hear reports from the Chair and Tree Warden. Presentations include topics on native plants, pollinators, and trees, as well as a DCR forestry update. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding spotted lanternflies.

• Review/approve minutes of 11/17/2021
• Presentation on Native Plants/Pollinators & Trees by Owen Wormser
• DCR Urban & Community Forestry Update by Julie Coop
• Spotted Lanternfly Discussion

The commission approved the amended November 17, 2021 meeting minutes by a 6-0 roll call vote. Members heard presentations on native plantings and DCR forestry grants, and discussed the spotted lanternfly and tree inventory updates. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

• Approved amended November 17, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0 vote).
• Adjourned meeting at 6:05 p.m. (7-0 vote).
• Heard presentation from Owen Wormser on native plants and perennial gardens with existing trees.
• Heard DCR update from Julie Coop on new forester Mathew Cahill and increased grant funding.
• Discussed spotted lanternfly trap tree video and Ailanthus trees at Agnes Fox playground.
• Assigned Jen to lead Tree List & Planting Guidelines document redo.
• Rich to pursue grant for updated tree inventory (last done in 2016).
• Rich to work on Tree City USA application due December 31.

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting. The subcommittee will also review and vote on revised goals for the Superintendent.

• Approval of October 20, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review and vote on revised Superintendent goals

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting to review draft ordinances related to zoning and site plan language, discuss research questions, and plan advocacy for housing policy. The group will also vote on approving previous meeting minutes and may coordinate with other commissions. Discussion items may be postponed due to time constraints.

• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Review draft URC changes
• Review changes to site plan language
• Discuss research questions on ordinance impact
• Plan advocacy strategy for City Council passage

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to advance its campaign to lower the municipal voting age to 16. They will vote on prior meeting minutes, discuss petition and outreach updates, and plan testimony collection and outreach to key individuals. The meeting is procedural and planning-focused, with no final decisions expected on the Vote16 proposal itself.

• Vote to approve minutes from last meeting
• Plan testimony from about 10 individuals using a tracker spreadsheet
• Schedule testimony workshops at groups outside Northampton High School
• Plan downtown petition collection and organize signatures into a Google Sheet
• Create list of 3-5 people to email for outreach

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to decide if the building at 7 College Lane should be designated "Preferably Preserved" under the Northampton Demolition Review Ordinance. The meeting also includes discussions regarding design guideline updates and committee nominations.

• Public hearing for 7 College Lane (map ID 31B-290) preservation status
• Discussion of Local Historic District Design Guidelines updates
• Nomination of a Community Preservation Committee Representative
• Discussion of Central Business Architecture Committee Nominee

The Northampton Historical Commission voted unanimously (with one abstention) to find the building at 7 College Lane 'Preferably Preserved' under the Demolition Review Ordinance, triggering a one-year demolition delay. The Commission also approved the June 28, 2021 minutes, nominated Martha Lyon as Community Preservation Committee representative, and discussed updates to the Elm Street Local Historic District Design Guidelines, continuing that discussion to the next meeting. No public comment was received, and no nominee was put forward for the Central Business Architecture Committee.

• Approved June 28, 2021 minutes unanimously by roll call, with one abstention.
• Voted unanimously (one abstention) to find 7 College Lane Preferably Preserved, implementing a one-year demolition delay.
• Nominated Martha Lyon as Community Preservation Committee representative, motion carried unanimously.
• Discussed updates to Elm Street Design Guidelines (vinyl to 'prohibited', solar flexibility, native plantings) — continued to next meeting.
• No nominees put forward for Central Business Architecture Committee.

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Education Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss education policy advocacy. The agenda includes approving previous meeting minutes, hearing updates from members, reviewing a meeting with the Provost, and planning next steps. This is a working group meeting focused on discussion and planning, not final decisions.

• Vote to approve minutes from previous meeting
• Review meeting with Provost
• Updates from group members
• Discussion of next steps

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review the October 20, 2021 minutes and conduct a workshop regarding the Complete Streets prioritization plan. This workshop is coordinated by Phil Goff of VHB.

• Approval of October 20, 2021 minutes
• Complete streets prioritization plan workshop (coordinated by Phil Goff, VHB)

The subcommittee unanimously approved the October 20, 2021 minutes. A workshop on the complete streets prioritization plan was held, with consultant Phil Goff presenting the project and gathering input from members and the public. Goff will return at the next meeting to share a draft. The meeting adjourned; the next meeting is set for January 12, 2022.

• Approved October 20, 2021 minutes unanimously
• Held complete streets prioritization plan workshop with consultant Phil Goff
• Scheduled next meeting for January 12, 2022

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to discuss their advocacy efforts to lower the municipal voting age to 16. They will review and vote on approving their first Gazette column, and plan next steps for petition signature collection and outreach.

• Vote to approve first Vote16 Gazette column
• Report on downtown testimony collection and signature count
• Plan for inputting paper signatures into petition spreadsheet
• Review past testimony collection workshops and plan future ones
• Continue outreach goals to significant people

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting virtually to vote on approving meeting minutes and the language of draft ordinances, including URC changes and site plan language changes. They will also review research questions, develop questions for Carolyn Misch and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and discuss coordinating with the Energy and Sustainability Commission.

• Vote on draft ordinance language: URC changes
• Vote on draft ordinance language: site plan changes
• Review research questions on ordinance impact
• Plan to email Carolyn Misch with ordinance questions
• Discuss meeting with Energy and Sustainability Commission

City Council Rules Select Committee

The City Council Rules Select Committee is meeting to review the 2020-2021 annotated rules and approve the committee's final report. The agenda also includes discussing the placement of public comment in the order of business.

• Approval of October 26 and November 9, 2021 minutes
• Discussion on the placement of public comment in the meeting order
• Review of 2020-2021 City Council annotated rules
• Review and approval of Rules Committee final report
• Identification of topics for further study

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review indoor mask mandates and employee vaccine recommendations. The meeting includes discussions on vaccination requirements for the Senior Center and potential coordination with the School Committee regarding vaccines. A COVID data update will also be provided.

• Review of indoor mask mandate and employee vaccine recommendations
• Discussion of Senior Center vaccination requirement
• Discussion of School Committee vaccine requirements
• COVID data update from Vivian Franklin
• Board of Health vacancy discussion

The Board of Health voted 3-1 to craft language mandating COVID vaccination for entry to the Senior Center, with no religious or medical exemptions but an exemption for special events. The board also discussed continuing the mask mandate and employee vaccination recommendations, but took no formal action on those items. Minutes from October 21 were tabled to the next meeting.

• Passed motion 3-1 to craft language mandating a vaccine at the Senior Center, without religious or medical exemptions, but with an exemption for special events.
• Tabled review of October 21, 2021 meeting minutes to the next meeting.

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Commission will vote on meeting minutes and state bills S.1333 and H.2167 regarding greenhouse gas emissions and all-electric buildings. The meeting also includes a retreat to discuss mission statements, agenda formats, and membership needs.

• Approval of October 28, 2021, meeting minutes
• Review of state bills S.1333 and H.2167 regarding all-electric buildings
• Review of re-drafted mission statement
• Discussion of membership needs for chair and vice chair positions

The commission voted unanimously (8-0, one abstention) to have city staff send a letter supporting state bills S.1333 and H.2167, which would allow local option all-electric buildings in new construction and large renovations. Members also discussed a new tracking table for recommendations, reviewed a revised mission statement, and considered a new agenda format. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved sending a letter of support for state bills S.1333 and H.2167 to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
• Approved the minutes from the October 28, 2021 meeting.
• Discussed a new tracking table for NESC recommendations; staff will post it online.
• Reviewed a revised mission statement draft; further edits to be sent by email.
• Discussed a new agenda format; Gordon will redraft based on feedback.
• Tabled norms and expectations and membership topics due to lack of time.

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Sustainability Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss their environmental advocacy efforts. They will vote on approving previous meeting minutes, follow up on communications with city officials, and plan outreach strategies, including a possible school petition. The agenda is largely procedural and discussion-focused, with no major policy decisions expected.

• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Follow up on email to Amy and Vince regarding a potential meeting
• Discuss talking points and questions for a meeting with city officials
• Plan outreach within the school, including an online petition and QR codes

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Education Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss education policy advocacy. They will review progress on contacting School Committee members, refine talking points for a meeting with the Provost, and decide whether to approach the Provost or the Mayor-elect about providing free menstrual products in Northampton Public Schools bathrooms.

• Discussion on free menstrual products in NPS bathrooms
• Review talking points for meeting with Provost
• Check progress on emailing School Committee members

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The Northampton City Council will review several ordinances regarding parking, stop signs, and zoning. The agenda includes second readings for the FY2022 tax classification and orders for district heating. Members will also consider a requirement for EV charging stations in certain parking lots.

• Order to establish FY2022 tax classification (2nd reading)
• Ordinance requiring EV charging stations in parking lots over 25 spaces
• Order to surplus city land for Roundhouse Parking Lot
• Ordinances regarding stop signs on Evergreen Road and Cross Path Road
• Order for district heating and microgrids (2nd reading)

Northampton High School School Council

The Northampton High School Council will meet via Zoom to review October minutes and a grant cycle proposal from Martin Wohl of the NEF. The agenda also includes discussions regarding the communications subcommittee and confirming future meeting times.

• NEF grant cycle proposal
• Approval of October minutes
• Communications subcommittee discussion
• Confirmation of meeting time

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is holding a special remote meeting on November 18, 2021. The only action item is a vote to amend the Trustees' bylaws. Public comment is invited at the start of the meeting or via written submission.

• Amend Bylaws of the Trustees of Forbes Library

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review the merger of several adopted long-range plans, including climate resilience and walk/bike initiatives. The meeting also includes a proposed zoning amendment for agricultural farm stands and a site plan amendment for 26 Carlon Dr.

• Merger of Sustainable Northampton, Climate Resilience, Walk/Bike, and Open Space plans
• Zoning ordinance amendment for beverage service and entertainment at agricultural farm stands
• Site plan amendment for parking lot layout at 26 Carlon Dr

The Board voted unanimously to adopt a merged comprehensive plan combining four previously adopted long-range plans (Sustainable Northampton, Climate Resilience, Walk/Bike, and Open Space). The Board also endorsed two Approval Not Required (ANR) plans for Cardinal Way and Chesterfield Road. A proposed zoning amendment to allow beverage service and entertainment at farm stands was continued to January 27, 2022. A site plan amendment for the parking lot at 26 Carlon Dr was granted with conditions.

• Adopted the merged long-range plans into one comprehensive plan (unanimous roll call).
• Endorsed the ANR plan for Cardinal Way (unanimous roll call).
• Endorsed the ANR plan for Chesterfield Road (unanimous roll call).
• Continued the farm stand zoning amendment hearing to Jan 27 at 7:30 PM (unanimous roll call).
• Granted the site plan amendment for 26 Carlon Dr with conditions, including two additional charging spaces (unanimous roll call).
• Closed the hearing on the merged long-range plans (unanimous roll call).
• Closed the hearing on the 26 Carlon Dr site plan amendment (unanimous roll call).
• Adjourned the meeting at 9 PM (unanimous roll call).

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review the merger of several adopted long-range plans, including the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan. The meeting also includes a proposed zoning amendment for agricultural farm stands and a site plan amendment for 26 Carlon Dr.

• Merger of four long-range plans: Sustainable Northampton, Climate Resilience, Walk/Bike, and Open Space
• Proposed zoning amendment for beverage service at agricultural farm stands
• Site plan amendment for parking lot layout at 26 Carlon Dr
• Review of Chesterfield ANR and Cardinal Way ANR

City Council Committee on Finance

The Committee on Finance will consider an order to surplus city land for shared use parking at the Roundhouse Parking Lot. The committee will also review minutes from the November 4, 2021 meeting.

• Order to surplus city land for shared use parking at the Roundhouse Parking Lot
• Approval of November 4, 2021 minutes

The Finance Committee voted 4-0 to forward Order 21.354 to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The order would surplus a city-owned parcel of land at the Roundhouse parking lot so the city can execute and record a long-term lease with the Roundhouse Plaza property owner. The lease, which was never formally executed in the 1980s, would allow the owner to maintain the land in exchange for making parking spaces available for public use at night. The committee also approved the minutes of its November 4, 2021 meeting by a 4-0 vote.

• Approved minutes of the November 4, 2021 meeting by a 4-0 roll call vote.
• Voted 4-0 to forward Order 21.354 to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.
• Order 21.354 would surplus city land for shared-use parking at the Roundhouse parking lot.
• The city plans to execute and record a lease for the land, which was never formally executed in the 1980s.
• The lease would require the property owner to maintain landscaping and pavement and allow public parking at night.
• The city will follow M.G.L. Chapter 30B procurement for the lease.

Forbes Library

The Trustees will review several action items including the FY2023 Action Plan, library values, and stipends for committee members. The meeting also includes updates on a treasurer search, career center, and various subcommittee reports.

• FY2023 Action Plan
• Library Values
• Second Century Plaques
• Stipends for Volunteer Committee & Board Members
• Human Resources Records Retention Records Schedule

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting remotely to discuss routine reports and several action items, including the FY2023 action plan, library values, and stipends for volunteer committee and board members. The meeting also includes updates on the phased reopening plan and a treasurer's search.

• FY2023 Action Plan discussion
• Library Values discussion
• Stipends for Volunteer Committee & Board Members
• Human Resources Records Retention Schedule
• Phased Reopening Plan Update

Human Rights Commission

The Commission will review the October 2021 minutes and receive an update regarding a new hire in the Department of Community Care. The agenda also includes a discussion about collaborating with Forbes Library for Human Rights Day 2021.

• Approval of October 2021 minutes
• Update on Department of Community Care new hire
• Human Rights Day 2021 collaboration with Forbes Library

Forbes Library Development Committee

The Forbes Library Development Committee will review the FY22 fundraising update and the Fall Annual Appeal. The meeting also includes discussions regarding alternatives to PayPal, Venmo donations, and a bandshell naming opportunity.

• FY22 Fundraising Update
• Fall Annual Appeal update
• Alternatives to PayPal and Venmo donations
• Bandshell naming opportunity
• Library Giving Day on April 6, 2022

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss project funding recommendations for Autumn 2021 CPA funds. The meeting also includes reviewing financial reports and approving Council Orders related to these funding recommendations.

• Project Funding Recommendations for Autumn 2021 CPA Funds
• Approval of Council Orders for Autumn 2021 CPA Funding Recommendations
• Financial Report and expected upcoming projects
• Discussion regarding project contract conditions

The Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend funding for nine projects using Autumn 2021 CPA funds, including full funding for several projects and partial funding for the Michelson Galleries facade repair. The committee also discussed the Mortgage Subsidy Program and Housing the Disabled Homeless projects before voting. All funding recommendations will go to the City Council for final approval.

• Approved Shepherd Barn Preservation and Restoration (unanimous)
• Approved Farmland Reclamation & Rehabilitation, Grow Food Northampton (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Approved Outdoor Pickleball Feasibility (unanimous)
• Approved Accessible Rocky Hill Trails (unanimous)
• Approved Open Space Acquisitions (unanimous)
• Approved Mortgage Subsidy Program, Valley CDC (unanimous)
• Approved CT River Greenway Accessible Walkway (unanimous)
• Approved Michelson Galleries facade repair at $82,900 with 5-year resale clawback (unanimous)

Ranked Choice Voting

The committee is evaluating whether to begin discussions on Northampton legislation for Ranked Choice Voting or if more research is required. They are also considering the timing of public education, including a potential information flyer in the early 2022 Annual Street List mailing.

• Approval of October 27, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion on Ranked Choice Voting legislation readiness
• Potential RCV information flyer in the 2022 Annual Street List mailing

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee approved the Oct. 27 minutes and discussed RCV algorithms, testing two scenarios (STV and IRV) using a mock election. Attorney Seewald advised that public education is not the committee's charge, so no education plan was started. No formal recommendations or legislation were made; the next meeting is set for Dec. 15.

• Approved Oct. 27, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Discussed RCV algorithm scenarios: STV vs IRV, no decision made
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review meeting minutes from October 6 and November 3, 2021. The agenda includes updates on fall planting progress and the STO. Members will also hold a discussion regarding Spotted Lanternfly and sub group goals reorganization.

• Review/approve minutes from 10/6 & 11/3/2021
• Fall Planting Progress update
• Spotted Lanternfly discussion
• Sub Group Goals Reorganization
• STO Update

The commission approved minutes from its October 6 and November 3 meetings by unanimous votes. Members discussed the Main Street redesign, including tree species selection and permeable pavement, and reported on fall planting progress with dozens of trees scheduled. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.

• Approved October 6, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0).
• Approved November 3, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0-1).
• Discussed Main Street redesign: parallel parking, larger tree areas, geothermal district heating.
• Recommended RFP language update for Tree Warden to select species and oversee planting.
• Requested permeable pavement on Main Street redesign to maximize tree hydration.
• Reported fall planting: 9 trees planted today, 15 at South Street Saturday, 15 at Industrial Drive Tuesday.
• Discussed spotted lanternfly mitigation options, including Ailanthus tree removal and chemical treatment.
• Adjourned at 6:02 p.m. (7-0).

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission will brainstorm potential policy and budget recommendations, such as free menstrual products. Members will also coordinate Vote16 testimony outreach. The meeting includes working group updates and a possible visit from a City Councilor.

• Vote to approve minutes from the last meeting
• Brainstorming on Youth Commission policy or budget recommendations
• Vote16 testimony outreach coordination
• Working group progress and project updates

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to advance its advocacy for lowering the municipal voting age to 16. They will vote on meeting minutes, finalize plans for collecting testimony downtown, and organize petition and outreach efforts. The meeting is procedural and planning-focused, with no final decisions on the voting age itself.

• Vote on approving previous meeting minutes
• Finalize downtown testimony collection for weekend of Nov. 20
• Brainstorm petition distribution methods (QR codes, teacher handouts, lunchtime signatures)
• Create outreach list of 3-5 influential people to email
• Continue editing slideshow for outreach

The Northampton Youth Commission met and discussed strategies for gathering more petition signatures, including collecting at lunch at NHS and on the Smith College campus. Members also considered posting flyers at Smith voc and the Smith College campus center. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was primarily planning-focused.

• No formal votes or decisions recorded; meeting focused on planning petition signature collection strategies

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting to discuss their housing advocacy efforts. They will vote on approving previous meeting minutes, debrief a conversation with City Councilor Jarrett, review research questions, and reflect on the November 15 City Council Community Resources meeting. The group leads the Commission's advocacy for housing policy in Northampton.

• Vote on approving minutes from last meeting
• Debrief conversation with City Councilor Jarrett
• Review research questions document
• Debrief November 15 City Council Community Resources meeting

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review reports from the Superintendent, Principal, and Finance and Facilities departments. The meeting includes votes on updating the school's admissions policy and approving the sale of surplus medical equipment.

• Vote to update Policy JFA - Admissions
• Approval of FY21 invoices for Auto Plus ($15.63) and Swiss Cleaners ($40.00)
• Approval of surplus items for resale, including side rail safety pads and a Hoyer Sling

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Commission will discuss proposed ordinances regarding parking schedules behind Thornes Marketplace and municipal parking areas. The meeting also includes discussions on roadway safety near Northampton High School and a traffic calming request for Park Street.

• Proposed ordinance for off-street parking behind Thornes Marketplace
• Proposed ordinance for municipal parking areas
• Discussion of accessible space at 22-34 New South Street
• Roadway safety discussion near Northampton High School
• Traffic calming request on Park Street

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss several agricultural policy items, including a state bill on overtime for seasonal farm workers and solar agriculture/dual-use zoning in Northampton. They will also review an op-ed, plan an agricultural bus tour, and get updates on city-owned agricultural properties.

• Overtime for Seasonal Farm Workers Bill (S. 1205)
• Solar Ag/Dual Use Zoning in Northampton
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour
• Update on City-owned agricultural properties (Broad Brook, Bleiman, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, Old Hampshire County Jail Property)

City Council Committee on Community Resources

The Committee on Community Resources will hold a "Big Picture Zoning" discussion featuring the Office of Planning and Sustainability. Assistant Director Carolyn Misch will review recent zoning initiatives and updates regarding the Sustainable Northampton Plan.

• Review of recent zoning initiatives
• Update on Climate Resilience & Regeneration Plan incorporation
• Discussion of future sustainability initiatives
• Approval of October 18, 2021, meeting minutes

The Community Resources Committee held a discussion-only meeting with Assistant Planning Director Carolyn Misch reviewing past and future zoning initiatives, including housing changes, the Climate Resilience & Regeneration Plan, and potential ordinances on electric vehicle charging and lighting. No formal decisions were made; the only votes were to approve the prior meeting's minutes and to adjourn.

• Approved minutes of October 18, 2021 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7 p.m. (4-0)

Northampton Housing Authority

The Northampton Housing Authority will hold a virtual meeting to discuss several agency updates. The board will receive presentations regarding the DHCD State Survey of Family Residents and the 2021 State Property Management Review.

• Discussion of Corticelli Street update
• Presentation on DHCD State Survey of Family Residents results
• Presentation on 2021 State Property Management Review (PMR)
• Approval of October 2021 meeting minutes

Youth Commission

The group will prepare talking points for a meeting with Amy and Vince regarding environmental sustainability policies. Members will discuss business community responses to the PRS ordinance and bag fees. If time allows, the group may assign school outreach roles.

• Vote to approve minutes from the previous meeting
• Preparation of talking points for a meeting with Amy and Vince
• Discussion regarding business response to the PRS ordinance and bag fees
• Potential assignment of school outreach roles

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will review meeting minutes and process election ballots. This includes reviewing overseas absentee ballots received by November 12 and investigating provisional ballots cast on November 2.

• Review and approval/disapproval of overseas ballots postmarked by November 2, 2021
• Review of provisional ballots cast on November 2, 2021

The Board of Registrars reviewed and accepted two overseas absentee ballots received after Election Day, both postmarked or received within the allowed window. It also reviewed two provisional ballots, rejecting one because the voter registered too late and rejecting another because the voter did not complete registration. The meeting was adjourned after the reviews.

• Accepted overseas ballot #1, postmarked 10/21/2021, received 11/9/2021 (3-0)
• Accepted overseas ballot #2, postmark undetermined, received 11/8/2021 (2-1)
• Rejected provisional ballot #1, voter registration received after deadline
• Rejected provisional ballot #2, voter did not register at RMV or online
• Adjourned meeting at 5:30 pm (3-0)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging will review previous meeting minutes and receive reports from the Director and Assistant Director. Discussions include updates on HVES funding for rides, building upgrades, and a survey for the Virtual Senior Center Program. The board will also address new mandatory LGBTQ+ and Aging training for staff and volunteers.

• HVES Funding to provide free rides for older adults meeting 250% poverty index guideline
• Survey to inform Virtual Senior Center Program
• Fundraising updates for new lobby furnishings and an upcoming online auction
• Mandatory LGBTQ+ and Aging Training for staff and volunteers by June 2022
• Technology Training and Loan Program developments

The Northampton Council on Aging met via Zoom and approved the October minutes after corrections. The meeting was primarily informational, with reports from the Director and Assistant Director covering programs, fundraising, and facility updates. No formal policy decisions were made.

• Approved October minutes with corrections (motion by Michael Ford, second by Robert Dionne)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting to discuss housing policy advocacy, including a draft ordinance to eliminate the special permit requirement in the URC (Urban Residential Corridor) zoning district. They will also review research on housing in Northampton and plan advocacy strategies, such as graphics, op-eds, and coalition building. The group may vote on the ordinance language if available.

• Discussion of eliminating special permit in URC
• Draft ordinance language by Carolyn Misch to be presented
• Review of research including PVPC Barriers to Fair Housing Report and Northampton Strategic Housing Needs Assessment
• Planning advocacy strategy: graphics, op-eds, social media, coalition outreach
• Encouraging attendance at November 15 City Council committee meeting on zoning

Urban Forestry Commission STO Subcommittee

The subcommittee meeting includes a discussion regarding STO and a public comment period. The agenda also includes a review of the to-do list.

• Discussion of STO
• Public comment period

City Council Rules Select Committee

The City Council Rules Select Committee is meeting to review and approve several recommendations. These include proposed rule-change recommendations and recommendations on cultural conventions. The committee will also discuss the process for completing its final report.

• Review and approval of rules committee rule-change recommendations
• Review/approval of recommendations on cultural conventions
• Discussion on structure and process for completion of final report
• Approval of October 12, 2021 meeting minutes

Disability Commission

The Commission will discuss support for accessible playground equipment at R.K. Finn Ryan Road Elementary School. The meeting also includes a request to use the Accessible Parking revolving fund for CART services and goal setting for the upcoming year.

• Support for accessible playground equipment at R.K. Finn Ryan Road Elementary School
• Request to use Accessible Parking revolving fund for CART services
• Goal setting for the next year
• Updates on Picture Main Street Project business survey

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will vote on COVID-19 vaccination requirements for students in athletics and the removal of outdoor mask mandates. The committee will also conduct first readings of policies regarding pesticide application and protections from discriminatory bias.

• Vote to require COVID-19 vaccination for students in athletics and extracurricular activities
• Vote to eliminate outdoor masking requirements for students
• Acceptance of donations including $4,187.50 for NHS PTO math supplies
• First reading of Policy EBAD regarding pesticide application on school property
• Vote to approve Superintendent goals

The Northampton School Committee voted 8-1 to amend policy EBCFA, eliminating outdoor masking requirements for students and aligning with DESE guidance unless SHAC or the city Health Department decides otherwise. The committee also voted 6-3 to require COVID-19 vaccination for students in certain extracurricular activities, with SHAC determining guidelines. Superintendent goals were postponed and sent back to subcommittee for revision (8-1). Two policies (pesticide application, protections from discriminatory bias) had first readings and will return for second readings in December.

• Amended policy EBCFA to remove outdoor mask mandate for students (8-1)
• Approved requiring COVID-19 vaccination for students in certain extracurricular activities, with SHAC to set guidelines (6-3)
• Postponed Superintendent goals and sent back to subcommittee for revision (8-1)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and donations totaling $9,407.87 (9-0)
• Held first reading of Policy EBAD (pesticide application) and Policy ACF (discriminatory bias protections); both to return for second reading in December
• Approved motion to suspend rules to extend meeting to 11:30PM (6-3)
• Entered Executive Session for collective bargaining strategy (6-3)
• Adjourned at 11:58PM (9-0)

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee will review proposals for property changes at several locations. Items include window replacements at 55 State Street and a restoration exemption request for 14 Green St. A demolition hearing for 10 Hawley St has been continued for 60 days.

• Proposed replacement windows at 55 State Street
• Restoration exemption request for 14 Green St
• 60-day continuation of demolition hearing for 10 Hawley St

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to discuss their advocacy efforts to lower the municipal voting age to 16. They will review a recent downtown testimony collection, schedule another downtown session, and plan testimony workshops with community groups. The meeting is procedural and discussion-focused, with no formal votes or decisions expected.

• Report on downtown testimony collection, including number of signatures
• Schedule next downtown testimony collection date
• Update on testimony workshop at environmental club
• Brainstorm other community or NHS clubs for testimony workshops

The Northampton Youth Commission met and discussed strategies for gathering more petition signatures, including collecting at Northampton High School during lunch and at Smith College's campus. Members also considered posting flyers at Smith vocational and campus center locations, with questions raised about the legality of collecting on the Smith campus. No formal decisions or votes were recorded.

• Discussed collecting petition signatures at NHS lunch
• Discussed collecting at Smith campus (legality questioned)
• Discussed posting flyers at Smith voc and campus center

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The Northampton City Council is holding a special meeting for the first reading of an order to define city wards and precincts. The council will review updated language for order 21.352. Two readings are requested to accommodate the state's timeline for final approval.

• First reading of An Order to Define Wards and Precincts in the City of Northampton (21.352)

The Northampton City Council held a special meeting to approve updated language for Order 21.352, defining wards and precincts. The order passed unanimously in both first and second readings, with rules suspended to allow the second reading. The approved language includes descriptions of whole wards, with minor scrivener's errors noted and corrected.

• Approved Order 21.352 in first reading (9-0)
• Suspended rules to allow second reading (9-0)
• Approved Order 21.352 in second reading (9-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:40 p.m. (9-0)

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Committee on Legislative Matters will hold public hearings regarding proposed zoning amendments to include recreation land in the FFR District. The committee will also consider an ordinance requiring EV charging stations in parking lots with over 25 spaces. Additionally, several ordinances related to stop signs and parking regulations are scheduled for review.

• Public hearing on amending the zoning map to include recreation land
• Public hearing on requiring EV charging stations in parking lots over 25 spaces
• Ordinance regarding stop signs on Evergreen Road and Chestnut Avenue
• Ordinance regarding parking on Main Street
• Ordinance regarding a stop sign on Cross Path Road

The Legislative Matters Committee voted unanimously to forward a zoning ordinance that would rezone over 100 parcels of permanently protected open space into the Farms, Forests and Rivers (FFR) district, and to forward an ordinance requiring EV charging stations in new parking lots of 15 or more spaces. The committee also positively recommended several traffic and parking ordinances, including stop signs on Cross Path Road, Evergreen Road, and Chestnut Avenue, and parking changes on Main Street and Meadow Street.

• Forwarded zoning ordinance 21.318 to rezone over 100 parcels into FFR district (4-0)
• Forwarded EV charging ordinance 21.319 requiring one station per 15 parking spaces (4-0)
• Forwarded stop sign ordinance for Cross Path Road (4-0)
• Forwarded stop sign ordinance for Evergreen Road and Chestnut Avenue (4-0)
• Forwarded ordinance for off-street handicapped parking spaces, amended title to 'accessible' (4-0)
• Forwarded ordinance to eliminate dangerous parking spaces on Main Street (4-0)
• Forwarded ordinance for parking on Meadow Street (4-0)
• Approved minutes of October 4, 2021 (4-0)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Education Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss updates, plan a presentation for a meeting with the Provost, and coordinate outreach to newly elected School Committee members. The agenda includes drafting emails and assigning tasks, with the possibility of postponing items due to time constraints.

• Discussion of goals for meeting with Provost
• Drafting congratulatory and introductory emails to School Committee members
• Possible assignment to email JFK about visiting during forum for survey

Youth Commission

The group will review several environmental ordinances and discuss upcoming outreach efforts. Members will also prepare for a meeting involving Elijah Bacal and Amy Cahillane.

• Review of PRS ordinance
• Review of bag fee ordinance
• Review of reusables only on premises ordinance
• VOTE to accept language of reusables only on premise ordinance

The Youth Commission voted 5-0 to approve the language of the Reusables Only on Premises Ordinance. Elijah Bacal will contact Amy Cahillane and Vince Jackson to schedule a meeting about the bag fee ordinance. The commission will develop more talking points for that meeting next week.

• Approved language of Reusables Only on Premises Ordinance (5-0)

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Lilly Library Trustees are meeting to review and discuss plans for a Native Plant Walk at the library. The meeting includes public comment and a walkthrough of the library's rear grounds.

• Discussion of plans for Native Plant Walk
• Public comment period
• Walkthrough of library rear area

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The Northampton City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the FY2022 tax classification percentages. The agenda includes second readings for orders to appropriate Senior Center funds and to surplus city land off Crafts Avenue for affordable housing. Additionally, the council will consider new orders for district heating and microgrids.

• Public hearing on FY2022 tax classification
• Order to surplus city land off Crafts Avenue for affordable housing and a resilience hub
• Order to appropriate Senior Center Gift Fund money to the Financial Aid Fund
• Ordinance regarding parking on Meadow Street
• Order for district heating and microgrids

The City Council held a public hearing and approved a single tax rate for FY2022, with a factor of one, resulting in an estimated tax rate of $17.89 per thousand for all property classes. The decision was made after a presentation by Principal Assessor Marc Dautreuil, who recommended the single rate over a split rate. The council also approved several other items, including the appointment of Mi Belitsky to the Arts Council and an order for district heating and microgrids.

• Approved single tax rate for FY2022 (8-0, Quinlan absent)
• Approved appointment of Mi Belitsky to Arts Council (8-0, Quinlan absent)
• Approved order to appropriate Senior Center Gift Fund money to Financial Aid Fund (8-0, Quinlan absent)
• Approved order to surplus city land for affordable housing and community resilience hub off Crafts Avenue (8-0, Quinlan absent)
• Approved order for district heating and microgrids, first reading (8-0, Quinlan absent)
• Referred ordinance relative to parking on Meadow Street to Legislative Matters (8-0, Quinlan absent)
• Approved ordinance to delete ward and precinct boundaries from code book (8-0, Quinlan absent)

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will meet to review school-related policies. The agenda includes a discussion on the Bias and Symbols of Hate policy and the development of a pesticides policy.

• Discussion regarding Bias and Symbols of Hate policy
• Discussion and development of Pesticides policy

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board Executive Committee is meeting to review the operating budgets for MassHire FHWB and MassHire FCC. The committee will also receive an update on the FHETC Executive Director search and discuss the annual review process for the FHWB Executive Director.

• Approval of September 29th meeting minutes
• Vote to approve operating budgets for MassHire FHWB and MassHire FCC
• Update on the FHETC Executive Director search
• Discussion regarding the FHWB Executive Director annual review process

City Council Committee on Finance

The Committee on Finance will meet to approve minutes from the October 21, 2021 meeting. The committee will also consider an order to establish a tax classification for fiscal year 2022.

• Order 21.350 to establish a tax classification for FY2022
• Approval of minutes from the October 21, 2021 meeting

The Finance Committee voted 3-0 to forward Order 21.350, establishing the tax classification for FY2022, to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. Councilors discussed the limitations of state tax exemption options and expressed support for a more progressive tax system, but no changes were made to the order. The committee also approved the minutes of the October 21, 2021 meeting.

• Approved minutes of October 21, 2021 (3-0)
• Forwarded Order 21.350 (tax classification for FY2022) to full council with positive recommendation (3-0)

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will meet remotely to discuss two policy matters. The agenda includes a discussion on the Bias and Symbols of Hate policy and the development of a pesticides policy.

• Discussion: Bias and Symbols of Hate policy
• Discussion and development: Pesticides policy

Community Preservation Committee

The committee is holding a public comment session for projects seeking Community Preservation Act funds. If time permits, the committee will also begin making funding recommendations.

• Farmland Reclamation & Rehabilitation, Grow Food Northampton
• CT River Greenway Accessible Walkway, Planning & Sustainability
• Housing the Disabled Homeless, Independent Housing Solutions
• Façade Repair, Michelson Galleries
• Open Space Acquisitions, Planning & Sustainability

The Northampton Community Preservation Committee held a public comment session on multiple CPA applications, including farmland reclamation, facade repair, open space acquisitions, and housing for disabled homeless individuals. No decisions were made; the committee only heard public input and discussed a decision matrix for the CPA Plan. The meeting adjourned without voting on any applications.

• Approved March 17, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
• Heard public comment on Grow Food Northampton farmland project
• Heard public comment on Michelson Galleries facade repair
• Heard public comment on open space acquisitions and CT River walkway
• Heard public comment on accessible Rocky Hill trails
• Heard public comment on Shepherd Barn preservation
• Heard public comment on outdoor pickleball feasibility
• Heard public comment on housing for disabled homeless

License Commission

The Commission will consider transferring an all-alcohol restaurant license to 12 Crafts Ave. They will also review a request to add 4,180 square feet of outdoor space at 125A Pleasant St. Other items include short-term liquor licenses and discussions on entertainment decibel limits.

• Transfer of common victualler license from Belly of the Beast, Inc. to Wine Witch, LLC
• Public hearing for all-alcohol restaurant license transfer to 12 Crafts Ave
• Request to add 4,180 sq. ft. of outdoor space at 125A Pleasant St
• Modification of JJ's Tavern entertainment license for live amplified music
• Discussion on entertainment decibel level limits and guidelines

The Northampton License Commission denied Notch 8 Inc.'s application to add 4,180 sq. ft. of outdoor space to Union Station because the applicant did not establish control over the premises, which appear to be controlled by the City. The commission approved transfers of a common victualler license to Wine Witch, LLC and an all-alcohol restaurant license to HighBrow, Inc., as well as several short-term liquor licenses. It also decided that Ibiza Tapas must return its liquor license by January 3, 2022, and tabled a request by JJ's Tavern to modify its entertainment license to allow amplified music.

• Approved transfer of Common Victualler license to Wine Witch, LLC (2-0)
• Approved transfer and change of location of all-alcohol restaurant license to HighBrow, Inc. (2-0)
• Denied alteration of premises for Notch 8, Inc. d/b/a Union Station (2-0)
• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing (2-0)
• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Artifact, LLC (2-0)
• Approved amended date for Drawing Board Brewing Company short-term license (2-0)
• Tabled JJ's Tavern request to modify entertainment license for amplified music
• Decided Ibiza Tapas must return liquor license by January 3, 2022

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will hear a Main Street 4 Everyone update from UMass professors. The meeting also includes discussions regarding fall planting projects and the spotted lanternfly.

• Main Street 4 Everyone update
• Fall planting projects discussion
• Spotted lanternfly discussion
• Approval of October 6, 2021, meeting minutes

The Urban Forestry Commission received an update on the Main Street 4 Everyone redesign, including proposed changes to parking and tree species. Members also discussed a counterproposal to the Significant Tree Ordinance and planned a meeting to respond. The commission reported 141 trees planted this fall, with up to 50 more possible before the ground freezes. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; the only motion was to adjourn.

• Heard Main Street 4 Everyone redesign update with proposed parking and tree changes
• Discussed counterproposal to Significant Tree Ordinance; scheduled meeting to respond
• Reported 141 trees planted this fall, with 50 more possible
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission will review progress on community outreach efforts involving local schools and Spanish-language materials. The meeting also includes an update on a drive for Afghan refugees in partnership with Jewish Family Services and a workshop regarding Vote 16 testimony.

• Vote to approve minutes from the previous meeting
• Update on outreach work involving Smith Voc and Students of Color Alliance
• Update on Afghan refugee drive with Jewish Family Services
• Workshop on Vote 16 overview and testimony
• Discussion regarding inviting city councilors to future meetings

The Youth Commission held a routine meeting with no formal votes on policy. They discussed advancing the Vote-16 bill, which currently lacks legislative support, and split into groups to write testimony and plan outreach to ELL classes and other groups. They also discussed poster distribution and sustainability efforts.

• Approved meeting minutes (14-5)
• Split into groups to write testimony for Vote-16
• Lila will email Ms. Sullivan about ELL class outreach
• Elijah will email Jim Nash about Cutchins outreach
• Bill will send Elijah info about North Star outreach
• Discussed inviting speakers for next meeting

Youth Commission

The Housing Working Group will discuss eliminating special permits in the URC and review research questions for future advocacy strategies. The group may also review and vote on draft ordinance language written by Carolyn Misch, if available.

• Discussion of eliminating special permits in URC
• Review of research questions for advocacy strategy
• Potential vote on draft ordinance language from Carolyn Misch
• Planning for social media and coalition-building strategies

Youth Commission

The Vote16 Working Group is discussing updates regarding testimony and resources for lowering the municipal voting age to 16. Members will also prepare for upcoming petition collection efforts in downtown Northampton.

• Updates on Vote16 testimony, petitions, and support from public figures
• Review of Vote16 resources including toolkit and MA legislature bill page
• Planning for the date, time, and location of downtown petition collection

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review the Director's Report, which includes updates on staff, community gardens, and the Aquatic & Family Center. The agenda also features a pickleball feasibility study application from the Community Preservation Committee.

• Pickleball Feasibility Study Application
• Aquatic & Family Center (AFC) program report
• Community Gardens update
• Capital Improvements budget review
• Staff updates for weekend custodians and recreation supervisor

The Parks & Recreation Commission approved the minutes from its October 4, 2021 meeting. The director reported that the pool and gym at the Aquatic & Family Center remain closed due to a custodian shortage, and the department is preparing a capital request for a mini bus and SUV. The commission discussed a pickleball feasibility study application, with public comment scheduled for November 3.

• Approved minutes of October 4, 2021 meeting
• Adjourned at 7:03pm

City Council Committee on City Services

The committee will review minutes from August and September 2021 meetings. DPW Director Donna LaScaleia will provide an update on departmental operations, vacancies, and the traffic calming application process. The committee will also consider an appointment to the Arts Council.

• Appointment of Mi Belitsky to the Arts Council (term Oct 2021-June 2024)
• Department of Public Works update on operations and vacancies
• Overview of the traffic calming application process

The City Services Committee voted 3-0 to forward the appointment of Mi Belitsky to the Arts Council with a positive recommendation to the full City Council. The committee also received a detailed update from DPW Director Donna LaScaleia on staffing, road projects, and public engagement, but took no other formal actions.

• Forwarded Mi Belitsky appointment to Arts Council with positive recommendation (3-0)
• Heard DPW update on vacancies, paving, and traffic safety signage

Historical Commission

The Commission will review a request for window, door, and roof replacements at 354 Elm Street. The meeting also includes a Section 106 Review regarding the Main Street Complete Streets project.

• Certificate of Appropriateness for window, door, and roof replacement at 354 Elm Street
• Proposed chapel shell removal at 354 Elm Street
• Section 106 Review – Main Street Complete Streets

The Northampton Historical Commission approved certificates of appropriateness for door replacement and window work at 354 Elm Street, with the window approval conditioned on a reinstallation plan within one year. A roof replacement certificate was denied, but a certificate of hardship was granted unanimously for the same roof work. The commission also reviewed the Main Street Complete Streets project under Section 106, finding no adverse effect on the historic district.

• Approved certificate of appropriateness for door replacement at 354 Elm Street (5-1)
• Approved certificate of appropriateness for window work, with condition to return within one year with reinstallation plan (unanimous)
• Denied certificate of appropriateness for roof replacement (4-2)
• Granted certificate of hardship for roof replacement (unanimous)
• Approved October 25, 2021 minutes (unanimous)

Northampton Housing Authority

The Northampton Housing Authority will discuss the Corticelli Street update and quarterly financials. The board is scheduled to vote on adopting FY22 state operating budgets and accepting low bidders for several modernization and accessibility projects.

• Adoption of FY22 State Operating Budgets (Resolutions 1192, 1193, & 1194)
• Acceptance of low bidder for McDonald Elevator Modernization Project
• Acceptance of low bidder for Salvo House Accessible Bathrooms funded by CDBG funds
• Acceptance of low bidder for Cahill Accessible Ramps funded by CDBG funds
• Hampshire Heights Playground Update

Coolidge Standing Committee

The committee will review the September meeting minutes and receive an archivist's report. The agenda also includes several subcommittee reports and COVID-19 re-opening updates.

• Approval of September meeting minutes
• Archivist’s report
• Subcommittee reports
• COVID-19 re-opening updates

Youth Commission

The group is discussing reports on mental health supports for middle school students and the possibility of conducting in-person surveys. Members will also plan a potential meeting with Provosta and review updates on the student forum.

• Reports on middle school mental health supports
• Discussion of in-person middle schooler surveys
• Planning for a possible report-meeting with Provosta
• Researching future school committee members
• Update on student forum

Youth Commission

The Sustainability Working Group will review past work and discuss future advocacy strategies for environmental policy in Northampton. The meeting includes votes on draft ordinance language and the election of a working group leader.

• Vote to elect a working group leader
• Vote on draft language for the bag fee ordinance
• Vote on draft language for the reusables on-premises ordinance
• Vote on combined draft language for both ordinances

Housing Partnership

The meeting includes a discussion regarding support for the Independent Housing Solutions project at 5 Franklin St. Members will also meet with the Director of Planning & Sustainability regarding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Real Estate Transfer Fee. The agenda concludes with goal setting for next year.

• CPA application support for 'Housing the Disabled Homeless' at 5 Franklin St.
• Discussion on Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Real Estate Transfer Fee
• Updates on Small Area FMR
• Goal Setting for Next Year

The Housing Partnership discussed the proposed housing for the homeless project at 5 Franklin Street with Dr. Jessica Bossie, but did not vote on a letter of support. Jim Reis expressed concerns about financing and the organization's newness, so the group deferred a full letter of support. The Partnership also heard updates on the Small Area FMR Subcommittee and an overview of pending affordable housing projects. Goal setting was tabled due to insufficient survey responses.

• Approved Oct. 4, 2021 minutes unanimously by roll call vote
• Discussed 5 Franklin St homeless project; no formal vote on support letter
• Tabled goal setting until next month due to low survey response

Northampton School Committee

The committee will review school improvement plans for several local schools. Members are scheduled to vote on ratifying a prohibited practice settlement and quarantine procedure MOAs. A request was also made to enter executive session regarding collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• School Improvement Plan presentations for Bridge Street, Jackson Street, Leeds, Ryan Road, JFK Middle, and Northampton High Schools
• Vote to ratify MOA-Prohibited Practice Settlement
• Vote on Quarantine Procedures MOA
• Request for Executive Session regarding collective bargaining or litigation strategy

The Northampton School Committee met virtually and received presentations on School Improvement Plans (SIPs) from principals of Bridge Street, Jackson Street, Leeds, and Ryan Road schools. No formal decisions were made on the plans. The committee voted unanimously (9-0, with one absence) to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy, and adjourned from that session at 10:26 PM.

• Heard School Improvement Plan presentations from four elementary school principals (no vote)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for collective bargaining/litigation strategy (9-0, 1 absent)

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Energy & Sustainability Commission will provide feedback on several city initiatives. Discussions include integrating climate into the Capital Improvement Program and establishing energy standards for affordable housing land or grants. The commission will also review status reports regarding EV charger zoning and dark sky zoning.

• Integrating climate into the Capital Improvement Program (Feedback Needed)
• Energy standards for affordable housing land or cash grants (Feedback Needed)
• Zoning for EV Chargers status report
• Reuse of 33 King Street probate court site (Feedback Needed)
• URC zoning and special permit requirements (Feedback Needed)

The Northampton Energy and Sustainability Commission voted unanimously to support an Order for District Heating and Microgrids, which will be presented to City Council. The commission also approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, with two abstentions. Discussions were held on solar siting on farmland, climate considerations in the Capital Improvement Program, EV charger zoning, affordable housing energy standards, and the reuse of 33 King Street, but no formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved motion to support Order for District Heating and Microgrids (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 23, 2021 meeting (all but two voted, Gordon and Louis abstained)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a site plan review for five townhouse units at 29 Sherman Avenue. The board will also consider an application for five additional townhouse units and site development at 152 South Main St in Florence.

• Site Plan review for 5 townhouse units at 29 Sherman Avenue
• Site Plan application for 5 townhouse units and site development at 152 South Main St, Florence
• ANRs for Federal St and Haydenville Rd

The Northampton Planning Board approved site plan permits for two townhouse developments: 5 units at 29 Sherman Avenue and 5 units at 152 South Main St, Florence. Both approvals were unanimous with conditions including tree protection, traffic mitigation payments, and screening. The board also endorsed two Approval Not Required (ANR) plans for Federal St and Haydenville Road.

• Approved site plan permit for 5 townhouse units at 29 Sherman Avenue (unanimous, Elkins abstained)
• Approved site plan permit for 5 townhouse units at 152 South Main St, Florence (unanimous)
• Endorsed Federal St ANR plan (unanimous)
• Endorsed Haydenville Road ANR plan (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will hold meetings with several applicants seeking CPA funds. Topics include outdoor pickleball feasibility, housing for the disabled homeless, and historic barn restoration.

• Outdoor Pickleball Feasibility (Parks and Recreation)
• Housing the Disabled Homeless (Independent Housing Solutions)
• Shepherd Barn Preservation and Restoration (Historic Northampton)
• Façade Repair, Michelson Galleries

The Community Preservation Committee met and heard presentations from four applicants for CPA funds: outdoor pickleball feasibility, housing for disabled homeless, Shepherd Barn preservation, and Michelson Galleries façade repair. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; all items were presentations and discussion only

Ranked Choice Voting

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee will hear a presentation from LHS Associates, Inc. regarding software costs and ballot processing. The meeting includes a discussion on alternative methods for distributing excess votes. The committee will also review minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting.

• Presentation by Jeff Silvestro of LHS Associates, Inc. regarding software requirements and reliability
• Discussion on Dominion software capabilities for distribution of excess votes
• Review of alternative methods for excess vote distribution
• Approval of October 20, 2021 meeting minutes

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee met to review a demonstration of RCV tabulation software by LHS Associates and discuss draft legislation for implementing RCV in Northampton. No formal decisions were made; the committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and scheduled the next meeting for November 17th.

• Approved minutes of October 20, 2021 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0, 1 absent)

City Council Rules Select Committee

The City Council Rules Select Committee will meet to address legislative authority and meeting structures. Proposed topics include coordinating meetings with the Planning Board regarding zoning matters and requiring regular performance reviews for the Administrative Assistant.

• Approval of September 29 and October 12, 2021 minutes
• Scope of authority for legislative matters to amend items
• Structure of City Council meetings with the Planning Board regarding zoning matters
• Requirement for regular performance reviews for the Administrative Assistant

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Budget and Property Subcommittee will meet to approve the August 2021 meeting minutes. The agenda includes updates on ESSERS funding and electric school buses, as well as a discussion regarding student attendance information.

• Vote to approve August 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion of student attendance information
• Update on ESSERS funding
• Update on electric school buses

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The subcommittee will vote to approve minutes from the August 11, 2021 meeting. The agenda also includes discussions regarding student attendance information and updates on ESSERS funding and electric school busses.

• Vote to approve August 11, 2021, meeting minutes
• Discussion of student attendance information
• Update on ESSERS funding
• Update on electric school busses

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting to discuss advocacy for eliminating the special permit requirement in the Urban Residential (URC) district. They will review draft ordinance language, vote on it if available, and plan outreach including op-eds, social media, and contacting supporters.

• Review and possible vote on draft ordinance language eliminating special permit in URC
• Plan op-eds for the Gazette and assign writers
• Discuss social media strategy and assign graphic creation
• Brainstorm and assign outreach to groups supporting special permit elimination

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Vote16 Working Group is meeting to discuss and vote on approving a Gazette column, and to continue planning advocacy efforts to lower the municipal voting age to 16. The group will also hear updates on testimony and work in breakout groups on individualized testimony, petition testimony, and support from public figures.

• Vote on approving first Gazette column by Lila and Maisie
• Updates on Vote16 testimony efforts
• Breakout groups for planning advocacy work

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Sustainability Working Group is meeting to discuss and vote on a draft bag fee ordinance, elect a working group leader, and plan advocacy for environmental sustainability policies. The group will also prepare for a meeting with Amy Cahillane and discuss other sustainability initiatives.

• Vote to elect working group leader
• Vote to approve draft bag fee ordinance
• Discussion of original Plastic Reduction and Sustainability Ordinance
• Overview of draft reusables ordinance and draft bag fee ordinance
• Prepare talking points for meeting with Amy Cahillane

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Education Working Group is meeting virtually to discuss mental health supports for middle school students, specifically at JFK. They will review current resources and budget, and may vote on sending a survey to JFK students. The group will also continue planning a student forum, including timing, location, and potential collaboration with SU.

• Discussion of mental health resources at JFK, including school budget allocation and current positions
• Possible vote on sending a survey to JFK students about mental health
• Continue planning a student forum, including when, where, and why
• Consider collaboration with SU for the student forum

Forbes Library

The BIPOC Art Committee is meeting to review resources for selecting artists and discussing criteria. The committee will also address the Hosmer Gallery's display policy and how to respond to challenges.

• Approval of September 20 minutes
• BIPOC artists to consider
• Selection criteria review
• Hosmer Gallery display/exhibit policy
• Responding to challenges at Hosmer Gallery

Historical Commission

The commission will continue a review for a Certificate of Appropriateness regarding window, door, and roof replacements at 354 Elm Street. The agenda also includes discussions on design guideline updates and a Section 106 Review for Main Street Complete Streets.

• Certificate of Appropriateness request for window, door, and roof replacement and chapel shell removal at 354 Elm Street
• Discussion of Local Historic District Design Guidelines updates
• Section 106 Review – Main Street Complete Streets
• Nomination of Community Preservation Committee Representative
• Designation of a Preservation Plan Subcommittee

The Northampton Historical Commission voted 3-3 on a certificate of appropriateness for the full renovation of the SNEC Association of SDA church at 354 Elm Street, so the motion failed. The Commission then unanimously approved a partial certificate for the crèche removal and basement window work, and continued the hearing to November 1 for further discussion on roof texture, stained glass condition, and financial details.

• Full certificate of appropriateness for 354 Elm Street renovation failed (3-3)
• Certificate for half shell crèche removal and basement window work approved unanimously
• Hearing continued to November 1 at 4:00 PM unanimously
• Preservation Plan Subcommittee designated (Barbara, Steve, Martha) unanimously

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The Northampton City Council will hold a public hearing regarding underground fuel storage tanks at 506 Pleasant Street. The council is also reviewing ward boundaries and orders to surplus land for affordable housing.

• Public hearing on amending fuel storage licenses at 506 Pleasant Street
• Order to surplus city land off Crafts Avenue for affordable housing
• $15,000 CPA fund appropriation for canal historical documentation
• Second reading of ordinance regarding elected official compensation
• Approval of new ward and precinct boundaries

The City Council approved a new ward and precinct map and legal boundary descriptions, and passed an ordinance to delete the old boundaries from the city code. The council also approved a resolution supporting the Fairness to Farmworkers Act, and approved several financial orders and licenses. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved order defining wards and precincts (9-0)
• Approved ordinance to delete ward and precinct boundaries from code (9-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Fairness to Farmworkers Act (9-0)
• Approved license amendment for fuel storage at 506 Pleasant St (9-0)
• Approved order to appropriate Senior Center gift funds (9-0)
• Approved order to surplus city land for affordable housing (9-0)
• Approved order for AOM restroom renovation (9-0)
• Approved $15,000 CPA funds for canal documentation (9-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss a legal opinion regarding authority to set COVID-19 vaccine policies for eligible students. The meeting also includes updates on vaccination rates and a review of the Mask Order.

• Legal opinion on BOH authority for student COVID-19 vaccine requirements
• Review of the Mask Order
• Discussion of a ventilation project
• Update on COVID-19 and vaccination rates
• Introduction of Kara McLaughlin, Prevention Coalition Coordinator

The Board of Health voted unanimously to send a letter to the Northampton School Committee, referencing Cambridge Public Schools' COVID vaccine requirement for extracurricular activities and asking about adopting a similar policy. The board also discussed a ventilation improvement project for local businesses and received updates on COVID data and vaccine clinics. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motion to write letter to Northampton School Committee about COVID vaccine requirement for extracurricular activities (4-0)
• Approved minutes from September 9, 2021 as amended (4-0)
• Approved minutes from August 26, 2021 as amended (4-0)

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting remotely to review financial reports, including the final FY2021 report and first quarter report, and to discuss action items such as the lighting project change orders, meeting rooms and ground use policy, and mask policy. The board will also receive updates on the phased reopening plan and various committee reports.

• David W. Shearer Memorial Periodicals Fund action item
• Treasurer Search Committee action item
• Lighting Project Change Orders action item
• Meeting Rooms & Ground Use Policy action item
• Mask Policy action item

City Council Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee will review the first quarter financial report presented by Finance Director Charlene Nardi. Members will also consider orders regarding senior center gift funds and the surplus of city land.

• Order 21.342 to appropriate Senior Center Gift Fund money to the Financial Aid Fund
• Order 21.343 to surplus city land off Crafts Avenue for affordable housing and a community resilience hub
• First Quarter Financial Report presentation by Finance Director Charlene Nardi

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to forward two financial orders to the full City Council with positive recommendations. One order appropriates Senior Center gift funds to subsidize fees for low-income seniors. The other declares city land off Crafts Avenue surplus for potential development of affordable housing and a community resilience hub, though the site's future remains uncertain.

• Approved minutes of October 7, 2021 (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.342 to appropriate Senior Center gift funds to financial aid fund (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.343 to surplus city land off Crafts Avenue for affordable housing and resilience hub (4-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Northampton Human Rights Commission will meet via Zoom to approve September 2021 minutes. The agenda includes presentations on Hollaback! Leadership Training and Redesigning Power Structures. The commission will also discuss a collaboration with Forbes Library for Human Rights Day 2021.

• Approval of September 2021 minutes
• Hollaback! Leadership Training presentation by Lisa Downing
• Human Rights Day 2021 collaboration with Forbes Library
• Redesigning Power Structures presentation by Clarke Bankert and Tanya of CES

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The subcommittee will review the subcommittee process and proposed goals for the Superintendent. The committee also plans to vote on approving minutes from the August 4, 2021 meeting.

• Vote to approve August 4, 2021, meeting minutes
• Review and possible vote on proposed Superintendent goals
• Review of subcommittee process

Community Preservation Committee

The Northampton Community Preservation Committee will hold an online meeting to review applications for CPA funding. Agenda items include discussions regarding farmland reclamation, open space acquisitions, and trail accessibility projects. The committee will also approve minutes and hear a report from the Chair.

• Farmland Reclamation & Rehabilitation application by Grow Food Northampton
• Open Space Acquisitions application by Planning & Sustainability
• CT River Greenway Accessible Walkway application by Planning & Sustainability
• Accessible Rocky Hill Trails application by Planning & Sustainability
• Mortgage Subsidy Program application by Valley CDC

The Community Preservation Committee met to hear presentations from applicants for FY22 CPA funds, including Grow Food Northampton, open space acquisitions, accessible trails, and a mortgage subsidy program. No funding decisions were made; the committee only approved the July 7, 2021 minutes and discussed the applications.

• Approved July 7, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
• Heard presentation from Grow Food Northampton for farmland reclamation
• Heard presentation on open space acquisitions (Kestrel Land Trust, Parsons Greenway, Saw Mill Hills)
• Heard presentation on CT River Greenway accessible walkway
• Heard presentation on accessible Rocky Hill trails
• Heard presentation on Valley CDC mortgage subsidy program

Ranked Choice Voting

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee will host a presentation by Jeff Silvestro of LHS Associates, Inc. regarding software costs and purchase requirements. The committee will discuss ballot processing details and the capabilities of Dominion software for distributing excess votes. Members will also consider alternative methods for excess vote distribution.

• Presentation on software costs and purchase requirements by LHS Associates, Inc.
• Discussion regarding ballot processing, including write-ins and skipped ranks
• Review of Dominion software capabilities for distributing excess votes
• Consideration of alternative methods for excess vote distribution

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee met and approved the minutes of the September 22 meeting. Two agenda items (a demonstration and discussion of excess vote distribution methods) were postponed to October 27. The committee discussed conducting a mock ranked choice voting election, using 50 hand-marked ballots to be scanned and tabulated with ranking software, in partnership with LHS President Jeff Silvestro. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of September 22 meeting (4-0, 1 absent)
• Postponed LHS demonstration to October 27
• Postponed discussion of excess vote distribution methods to October 27
• Discussed mock RCV election with LHS, no formal action taken

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee will discuss the Complete Streets prioritization plan and a shared paths feasibility study. The agenda also includes updates on ongoing bike and pedestrian construction and design projects.

• Complete streets prioritization plan review
• Shared paths feasibility study
• Construction updates for Pleasant St, Leonard St, and Main St-Florence
• Design updates for Bridge St safe routes and PVTA bus access
• Review of complete streets policy/ordinance

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee met remotely and unanimously approved the September 8, 2021 minutes. They discussed the city's plan to update its Complete Streets Transition Plan with consultant VHB, and heard updates on shared path feasibility studies and various street projects. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved September 8, 2021 minutes (unanimous)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear updates on outreach to new groups and schools, and hold elections for officer positions. The agenda is largely procedural, with discussion items that may be postponed due to time constraints.

• Vote to approve meeting minutes
• Outreach check-in with Max, Rohin, Maisie, and Elijah regarding SOCA, GSA, and Smith Voc
• Possible introduction by Bill Dwight on Youth Commission history
• Elections for Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer with nominations and voting

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review reports from school leadership and consider several votes. Items include approving an out-of-state field trip, applying for a $2,000 grant, and opening contract negotiations with Unit D. The board will also address budget transfers and surplus equipment disposal.

• Out-of-state field trip for Ag. Mech grade 12 students to SUNY Cobleskill
• Application for a $2,000 Northampton Arts Council Grant
• Opening contract negotiations with Unit D
• Payment of FY21 invoices to Yes Computers ($899.55) and Westover Building Supply ($3,350.18)
• Disposal of 60 outdated SkillsUSA coats as surplus

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will discuss the school's admissions policy and review several financial matters. Items include approving contract negotiations with Unit D and authorizing specific budget transfers. The board will also vote on field trip approvals and the disposal of surplus equipment.

• Vote on grade 12 Ag. Mech field trip to SUNY Cobleskill
• Discussion and vote regarding Admissions Policy
• Approval to open contract negotiations with Unit D
• Payment of FY21 invoices to Yes Computers ($899.55) and Westover Building Supply ($3,350.18)
• Disposal of surplus items including CPR mask adaptors and SkillsUSA coats

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Commission will discuss roadway safety concerns near Northampton High School and review a proposed ordinance regarding parking spaces and schedules on Meadow Street. The meeting also includes updates on traffic calming applications for Old Wilson Road and North Street.

• Proposed parking ordinance for Meadow Street
• Discussion of roadway safety near Northampton High School
• Traffic calming application update: Old Wilson Road
• Traffic calming application update: North Street

The Transportation and Parking Commission voted unanimously to send a proposed ordinance regulating parking on Meadow Street to the City Council with a positive recommendation. The commission also discussed roadway safety concerns near Northampton High School, hearing from school officials and the public, and agreed to review the issue further at its November meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved sending 21.XXX An Ordinance Relative to Parking on Meadow Street to City Council with positive recommendation (7-0)
• Approved minutes from September 21, 2021 meeting (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss its plans for 2021-2022, including a delayed regional conference, and to review several city-owned agricultural properties. They will also consider a state bill on overtime for seasonal farm workers and solar-agriculture dual-use zoning in Northampton.

• Discussion of S. 1205, Overtime for Seasonal Farm Workers Bill
• Solar Ag/Dual Use Zoning in Northampton
• Update on city-owned agricultural properties including Broad Brook, Bleiman, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, and Old Hampshire County Jail Property
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour
• Reassessment of delayed regional conference

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is meeting to discuss next steps on a draft ordinance to eliminate the special permit requirement in the Urban Residential C zone and modernize site plan approval language. They will also plan public outreach to city councilors and the community after the ordinance is drafted. The meeting is primarily discussion and planning, with no final votes expected.

• Draft ordinance to eliminate special permit requirement in Urban Residential C zone
• Modernize site plan approval language in zoning code
• Carolyn Misch to draft ordinance language within weeks
• Outreach planning: letters to Gazette, meetings with city councilors
• Discussion on future housing affordability and accessibility work

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Vote16 Working Group is meeting to coordinate advocacy efforts to lower the municipal voting age to 16. They will split into breakout rooms to work on testimony, petitions, and political support, and outline a one-month action plan. The meeting is procedural and discussion-focused, with no final decisions expected.

• Advocacy to lower municipal voting age to 16 in Northampton
• Breakout rooms for testimony, petition, and political support
• One-month action plan with next steps and assigned jobs
• Petition group to schedule downtown testimony times

Northampton School Committee

The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will discuss the Bias and Symbols of Hate policy and the development of a Pesticides policy. The committee will also vote to approve minutes from the July 13, 2021 meeting.

• Vote to approve July 13, 2021, meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding Bias and Symbols of Hate policy
• Discussion and development of Pesticides policy

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Lilly Library Association Trustees are holding their regular monthly meeting on Zoom. The agenda is mostly routine business: public comment, approval of minutes, treasurer's and director's reports, and subcommittee updates. The board will also discuss staff compensation and openings on the board and for the position of secretary.

• Discussion of staff compensation
• Opening on the board
• Opening for the position of secretary
• Treasurer's report
• Director's report

City Council Committee on Community Resources

The Committee on Community Resources will review two proposed ordinances. One proposal seeks to amend the FFR District and zoning map to include recreation land, while the other requires EV charging stations in parking lots with over 25 spaces.

• Ordinance 21.318: Amend §350 -17 FFR District and §350 3-4 Zoning Map to include recreation land
• Ordinance 21.319: Require installation of EV charging stations in parking lots over 25 spaces

Whiting Street Fund Committee

The Whiting Street Fund Committee will meet to approve minutes and discuss the 2021 application form. The agenda also includes a period for public comment.

• Approval of minutes
• Review and discussion of 2021 application form

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Sustainability Working Group is meeting to discuss and vote on draft environmental ordinances, including a bag fee ordinance and a reusables ordinance. The group will also elect a working group leader and plan advocacy efforts for these policies.

• Vote to elect working group leader
• Vote to approve draft language of the bag fee ordinance
• Discussion of provisions in the original Plastic Reduction and Sustainability Ordinance
• Overview of draft reusables ordinance and draft bag fee ordinance
• Discussion on advocacy strategy and soliciting feedback from local businesses

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission's Education Working Group is meeting virtually to continue discussions on mental health support at JFK Middle School. They will consider three general directions: creating a mental health position or contracting out, providing education from professionals, and helping students advocate for themselves. The group will also review a possible response from the Superintendent and JFK principal and plan next steps.

• Continue JFK mental health support discussion
• Consider mental health position or contract out
• Review possible response from Superintendent and JFK principal
• Discuss hosting a student forum on Northampton public schools

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The City Council will participate in a City Clerk public review regarding a proposed reprecincting plan for Northampton. The meeting also includes a discussion of map changes.

• Public review of proposed reprecincting plan
• Discussion of map changes

Council on Aging Board

The board will review minutes from the September 9, 2021 meeting. The Director's report includes updates on HVES funding for transportation and a virtual senior center initiative. The meeting also covers staffing, safety protocols, and capital improvement requests.

• Updates on HVES funding for Transportation and Virtual Senior Center
• Funding request for Capital Improvements and Gift Fund
• Fundraising update for lobby furnishings and an online auction
• Welcome of new member Carolyn Sandel
• November meeting date change due to Veteran's Day

The Northampton Council on Aging approved the September meeting minutes. The Director's Report noted the hiring of a third staff assistant, Amber Grady, starting October 25th, and the receipt of grants from Highland Valley Elder Services for free transportation and tech upgrades for virtual programming. The council also decided to move the November meeting to November 10th due to the Veteran's Day holiday.

• Approved September meeting minutes
• Hired third staff assistant Amber Grady starting October 25th
• Moved November meeting to November 10th due to Veteran's Day

Northampton School Committee

The committee will consider several votes, including increasing substitute teacher pay to $100 per day and approving a $15,732.77 donation from the NEF Book Fund. Members will also review reports regarding special education audits and capital requests.

• Increase substitute teacher pay to $100 per day
• Approve NEF Book Fund donation of $15,732.77
• Award math tutoring bid to U.S. Math Recovery Council
• Ratify Superintendent contract
• Review Special Education Audit report

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will review several reports, including a special education audit and subcommittee updates. The committee is scheduled to vote on capital requests, software adoption, and various contract ratifications. They will also consider a book fund donation and math tutoring bids.

• Increase substitute teacher pay to $100 per day
• Approve NEF Book Fund donation of $15,732.77
• Award math tutoring bid to U.S. Math Recovery Council
• Vote on capital requests
• Ratify Superintendent contract

The Northampton School Committee approved a motion to send a letter to the Massachusetts Board of Health requesting a local mandate for students to receive a COVID-19 vaccination to attend school. The vote was 7-3, with members Fallon, Condon, and Gold opposed. The committee also ratified the Superintendent's three-year contract, approved capital requests, raised substitute teacher pay to $120 per day, and approved several other items.

• Approved motion to send letter to MA Board of Health requesting local COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students (7-3)
• Ratified Superintendent Dr. John Provost's three-year contract (9-1)
• Approved capital requests (9-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved NEF Book Fund donation of $15,732.77 (10-0)
• Raised substitute teacher pay to $120 per day for 2021-2022 (10-0)
• Approved Board Docs software (10-0)
• Awarded math tutoring bid to U.S. Math Recovery Council (9-1)
• Referred successor collective bargaining agreement negotiation to Negotiating Subcommittee (9-0, 1 abstention)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will consider a request for a local COVID-19 vaccination mandate for students. The committee also plans to vote on increasing substitute teacher pay and approving various contracts and donations.

• Increase substitute teacher pay to $100 per day
• Requesting a local COVID-19 vaccination mandate for students via the Board of Health
• Approval of NEF Book Fund donation of $15,732.77
• Award math tutoring bid to U.S. Math Recovery Council
• Ratification of Superintendent contract

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will consider several proposals, including increasing substitute teacher pay to $100 per day. Members will also vote on a letter to the Board of Health regarding student COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Other items include approving capital requests and a math tutoring bid.

• Increase substitute teacher pay to $100 per day
• Approve NEF Book Fund donation of $15,732.77
• Award math tutoring bid to U.S. Math Recovery Council
• Vote on letter requesting local COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students
• Ratify Superintendent contract

Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council

The Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council will meet to discuss a presentation regarding the Student Union Survey. The meeting also includes a roll call of committee members.

• Presentation and discussion: Student Union Survey

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding several development projects. These include a shared driveway at 415 North Farms Rd and townhouse construction at 29 Sherman Ave. The board will also consider an amendment to add apartment units at 95 Barrett St.

• Site Plan/Special Permit for shared driveway at 415 North Farms Rd
• Site Plan for 5 townhouse units at 29 Sherman Ave
• Site Plan/Special Permit Amendment to add 4 apartment units at 95 Barrett St
• ANRs for Federal St and others

The Northampton Planning Board approved a site plan/special permit for a shared driveway and flag lot at 415 North Farms Rd, and approved an amendment to add four apartment units at 95 Barrett St. The board also continued a hearing for a five-townhouse project at 29 Sherman Ave to Oct 28.

• Approved site plan/special permit for shared driveway and flag lot at 415 North Farms Rd (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR for new lots at North Farms Rd (unanimous)
• Approved site plan/special permit amendment for 4 apartment units at 95 Barrett St (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for 5 townhouse units at 29 Sherman Ave to Oct 28 (unanimous)

City Council Rules Select Committee

The City Council Rules Select Committee is meeting to discuss updates to council rules. Proposed topics include voting requirements, decorum standards, and the administrative assistant role.

• Possible changes to Rule 4.13.2 regarding votes required to pass measures
• Potential changes to the decorum clause in Rule 4.7
• Discussion on eliminating reading documents into the record
• Topics regarding the Council Administrative Assistant (Rule 2.5)

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will discuss accessible parking near 22-34 New South Street with HMR Properties. The meeting also includes a recap of an accessible infrastructure tour and discussion regarding communication with the Mayor and DPW about sidewalks.

• Discussion on accessible parking at 22-34 New South Street property
• Recap of accessible infrastructure tour
• Discussion on communication with DPW/Mayor regarding sidewalks
• Approval of June 8 and July 13, 2021 minutes

The Disability Commission voted unanimously to table discussion on an ordinance to remove five angled parking spaces that back into crosswalks until after the final City Council hearing. The commission also approved minutes from June and July 2021, and supported creating an accessible parking space at New South Street Apartments.

• Approved June 8, 2021 minutes by roll call vote
• Approved July 13, 2021 minutes by roll call vote
• Supported creation of accessible parking space at New South Street Apartments
• Tabled ordinance to remove five angled parking spaces until final City Council hearing (unanimous)

Disability Commission

The Commission will discuss requests for accessible parking at 22-34 New South Street and the removal of five unsafe parking spots on Main Street. They will also consider a request to use the Accessible Parking revolving fund to pay for CART services for all City meetings.

• Accessible parking request for 22-34 New South Street
• Removal of five unsafe parking spots on Main Street
• Use of Accessible Parking revolving fund for City-wide CART services
• Recap of accessible infrastructure tour

The Disability Commission voted to support creating an accessible parking space at 22-34 New South Street Apartments, following a request from HMR Properties and a resident's testimony about lack of accessible parking. The commission also tabled a proposal to remove five angle parking spaces that back into crosswalks until after a final City Council hearing. Minutes from June 8 and July 13, 2021 were approved.

• Approved June 8, 2021 minutes by roll call vote
• Approved July 13, 2021 minutes by roll call vote
• Supported creation of accessible parking space at New South Street Apartments (motion by LaBarge, seconded by Cornwell)
• Tabled ordinance proposal to remove five angle parking spaces until final City Council hearing (unanimous roll call vote)

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will review the results from the September 28, 2021, election. The meeting also includes updates on ranked choice voting, reprecincting, and ROV statistics.

• Review of Sept. 28, 2021 Election Results
• Status of Ranked Choice Voting
• Status of Reprecincting
• ROV Statistics

Youth Commission

The Housing Working Group will review a recap of meetings with City Councilors and the Planning Department regarding special permitting reform. The group will vote on whether to support drafting an ordinance to reform special permitting in the URC zone.

• Vote on plan to draft an ordinance for special permitting reform in the URC zone
• Recap of meeting with City Councilors and Planning Department regarding special permitting
• Discussion on future housing affordability and accessibility efforts

Youth Commission

The Vote16 Working Group is discussing resources for collecting testimony to lower the municipal voting age to 16 in Northampton. The group will also create one-month action plans and review progress on Gazette columns.

• Introduction of Vote16 toolkit and testimony collection resources
• Overview of testimony collection groups, including petitions and coalitions
• Creation of one-month short-term action plans in breakout groups
• Progress check on Gazette column assignments

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The Northampton City Council is reviewing redistricting updates and several financial orders on their first and second readings. The agenda also includes appointments to the Council on Aging and Arts Council, as well as new parking ordinances.

• Presentation on the reprecincting update and redistricting draft
• Order to authorize solar PV array leases at Bridge Street, Leeds, and Ryan Road elementary schools
• $15,000 CPA fund appropriation for Hampshire and Hampden Canal Historical Documentation Project
• Ordinance regarding stop signs on Evergreen Road and Chestnut Avenue
• Order to acquire, surplus, and dispose of property at 33 King Street

The City Council approved a resolution in support of the Fairness to Farmworkers Act on first reading (9-0), with a second reading planned for October 21. The council also approved several financial orders, including payments to AMERESCO and CPA fund appropriations, and referred four ordinances to the Legislative Matters committee. A motion to refer the reprecincting ordinance to Legislative Matters failed (2-7), meaning the council will handle it directly.

• Approved resolution supporting Fairness to Farmworkers Act, first reading (9-0)
• Approved order to pay prior year bills to AMERESCO, passed two readings (9-0)
• Approved order appropriating FY2022 CPA funds, passed two readings (9-0)
• Approved order to reprogram funds for NPS Early Childhood Program lease, passed two readings (9-0)
• Approved order to suspend parking fees on certain days, second reading (9-0)
• Approved order to lease rooftop space for solar PV arrays at three schools, second reading (9-0)
• Approved order to acquire and dispose of property at 33 King Street, as amended (8-0, Thorpe recused)
• Referred four ordinances (stop signs, handicapped parking, Main Street parking) to Legislative Matters (9-0)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board will meet to approve the FY22 local annual operating plan and budget. The board is also scheduled to vote on a WIOA youth service provider for CY22 and an updated travel reimbursement policy. Additionally, updates regarding the FHETC Executive Director search will be provided.

• Approval of FY22 Local Annual Operating Plan and Budget
• Selection of WIOA Youth Service Provider for CY22
• Update on the FHETC Executive Director search
• Approval of updated FHWB Travel Reimbursement Policy
• Approval of August 12 meeting minutes

City Council Committee on Finance

The Committee on Finance will consider several financial orders during the meeting. These include appropriations for community preservation and a historical documentation project. The committee will also review restroom renovations and fund reprogramming for an early childhood program lease.

• $15,000 CPA fund appropriation for Hampshire and Hampden Canal Historical Documentation Project
• Order authorizing gift acceptance for AOM Restroom Expansion and Renovation
• Payment of prior year bills to AMERESCO
• Appropriation of FY2022 CPA Funds for Community Preservation Purposes
• Reprogramming funds for NPS Early Childhood Program Lease

The Finance Committee voted unanimously to forward five financial orders to the full City Council with positive recommendations. These include accepting a gift for the Academy of Music restroom project, paying prior-year bills to AMERESCO, appropriating FY2022 CPA funds, funding a canal documentation project, and reprogramming funds for an early childhood program lease. All motions passed 4-0.

• Forwarded gift acceptance for AOM restroom expansion (4-0)
• Forwarded payment of prior year bills to AMERESCO (4-0)
• Forwarded FY2022 CPA funds appropriation (4-0)
• Forwarded $15,000 CPA funds for canal documentation (4-0)
• Forwarded reprogramming funds for NPS early childhood lease (4-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will review a small grant application for invasive plant removal at Lathrop Communities. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the upcoming funding round schedule and site visits.

• Funding recommendation for Lathrop Communities Invasive Plant Removal Small Grant Application
• Discussion of funding round schedule and site visits
• Financial report review

License Commission

The commission will consider several short-term liquor license applications for events at Look Park and other locations. It will also conduct public hearings regarding a new seasonal restaurant license and a license transfer on King Street. Additionally, the board will review requests to rescind previously approved short-term permits.

• Public hearing for Iconica Social Club, LLC's seasonal wine and malt license at 1 Amber Lane
• Public hearing for NoHo Social, LLC's license transfer and location change to 261 King St.
• New common victualler license application for Tria Deli at 150 Main St.
• Short-term liquor licenses for events including the Northampton International Cyclocross Race
• Requests to rescind previously approved short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing and The Academy of Music, Inc.

The Northampton License Commission approved several short-term liquor licenses for events, a new common victualler license for Tria Deli, a seasonal on-premises wine and malt license for Iconica Social Club, and a transfer/change of license for NoHo Social. It also rescinded two previously approved licenses due to event cancellations. All votes were unanimous 2-0.

• Approved short-term liquor license for Pioneer Valley Racing (2-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Progression Brewing Co. (2-0)
• Approved two short-term liquor licenses for Drawing Board Brewing Co. (2-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Brian Boru, Inc. (2-0)
• Approved new Common Victualler license for Tria Deli (2-0)
• Rescinded short-term liquor license for Building 8 Brewing (2-0)
• Rescinded short-term liquor license for Academy of Music (2-0)
• Approved seasonal on-premises wine and malt license for Iconica Social Club (2-0)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will host a presentation on the benefits of biochar. The meeting also includes discussions regarding fall planting projects and the spotted lanternfly.

• Presentation by Greg Beck from Bartlett Tree Care on the benefits of biochar
• Discussion of fall planting projects
• Discussion regarding the spotted lanternfly
• Review and approval of September 15, 2021 minutes

The Urban Forestry Commission approved the amended September 15, 2021 meeting minutes by a 7-0 vote. The meeting included a presentation on biochar by Greg Beck from Bartlett Tree, covering its history, benefits, and application methods. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

• Approved amended September 15, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission will meet to approve minutes and hear from City Council Liaison Bill Dwight regarding the history of the commission. The agenda also includes a presentation on the downtown redesign by Lilly Lombard of Main Street for Everyone and a discussion on improving commission inclusivity and compliance with open meeting law.

• Vote to approve minutes
• Presentation on downtown redesign by Main Street for Everyone
• Discussion on increasing commission inclusivity and representation
• Discussion on Open Meeting Law compliance

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee will continue its review of a new five-story multi-use apartment building at 79 King Street. This meeting is a continuation from the August 3, 2021 session. The agenda also includes minutes and public comment on items not listed.

• Review of five-story multi-use apartment building at 79 King St (Map ID 31B-216)
• Approval of minutes

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission Housing Working Group is holding its first meeting of the 2021-22 school year. Members will vote to elect a working group leader and review recent housing advocacy efforts. The group will also discuss Northampton's zoning policies and ways to improve housing affordability.

• Vote to elect a working group leader
• Discussion of Northampton zoning policy and improvements
• Review of past and current housing advocacy work
• Discussion regarding upcoming meetings with city officials

Youth Commission

The Vote16 Working Group will discuss strategies to lower Northampton's municipal voting age to 16. The meeting includes a vote to approve a working group leader and plans for writing columns in the Gazette. Members will also review past actions involving City Council resolutions and state legislative committees.

• Vote to approve working group leader
• Review of past initiatives including City Council resolutions
• Discussion of advocacy strategies and toolkit use
• Planning for Gazette column assignments

City Clerk's Office

The Reprecincting Working Group is meeting to review a proposed map. The group will also discuss alternative options for the precinct layout.

• Review of proposed map
• Discussion of alternatives

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Planning Board, Legislative Matters Committee, and City Council are holding a joint meeting. The agenda includes a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the zoning map at Chapel Street. The committee will also review an ordinance related to compensation for elected officials.

• Public hearing on proposed zoning change at Chapel Street (§350-3.4)
• Review of Ordinance 21.325 regarding compensation for elected officials
• Approval of June 14, 2021, meeting minutes

The Legislative Matters Committee voted unanimously to forward a zoning amendment creating a smart growth overlay district on a 1.1-acre Chapel Street parcel, with a positive recommendation to the full City Council. The Planning Board also recommended the change. The committee additionally approved forwarding an ordinance on elected official compensation.

• Forwarded Chapel Street smart growth overlay zoning ordinance to full Council (4-0)
• Planning Board recommended zoning map amendment at Chapel Street (8-0)
• Approved minutes of June 14, 2021 (4-0)
• Forwarded elected official compensation ordinance to full Council (4-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will review staff updates, including the search for a new Recreation Supervisor and changes to school start times. The agenda also includes reports on summer programs, community gardens, and capital improvement budgets.

• Search for Recreation Supervisor & Leaders
• Impact of school start time changes on Parks & Rec
• Pickleball feasibility study application
• Capital improvements budget updates
• Aquatic & Family Center program reports

The commission approved minutes from March, April, and May 2021 meetings. The director reported on staff resignations, challenges with school start times affecting programs, pool scheduling difficulties, and field maintenance issues. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved minutes of March 1, 2021
• Approved minutes of April 12, 2021
• Approved minutes of May 3, 2021
• Adjourned at 8:06pm

City Council Committee on City Services

The committee will consider the appointment of Pamela Powers as City Clerk and Carolyn Sandel to the Council on Aging. The meeting also includes an update from the City Clerk's office regarding upcoming elections and the re-precincting project.

• Appointment of Pamela Powers as City Clerk
• Appointment of Carolyn Sandel to Council on Aging
• Update on September 28 and November 2 elections
• Status of Ranked Choice Voting Committee deliberations
• Update on re-precincting project

The City Services Committee voted unanimously to recommend Pamela Powers' appointment as the city's first appointed city clerk, a historic shift from the elected model. The committee also discussed the upcoming November election, ranked choice voting implementation, and precinct redistricting, but took no other formal votes. The minutes were postponed because they had not yet been transcribed.

• Recommended Pamela Powers for appointment as City Clerk (3-0, Maiore absent)
• Postponed acceptance of August 26, 2021 minutes (3-0, Maiore absent)
• Recommended Carolyn Sandel for Council on Aging appointment (4-0)

Coolidge Standing Committee

The committee will approve September meeting minutes and receive an archivist's report. The agenda includes COVID-19 re-opening updates and reports from several subcommittees. New business involves discussions regarding Native American relations and the Historian in Residence Committee.

• Approval of September meeting minutes
• Archivist’s report
• COVID-19 re-opening updates
• Subcommittee reports from Nominating, Marketing & Communications, and Programming committees
• Discussion on Coolidge and Native American relations

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss its goals and action steps for the upcoming year. The agenda also includes a conversation regarding meeting processes and updates from various subcommittees.

• Approval of September meeting minutes
• Discussion on next year's goals and action steps
• Transfer Fee Subcommittee update
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Subcommittee update
• Housing Rehab update

The Housing Partnership held a discussion-focused meeting with no formal votes on substantive items. Members reviewed the group's effectiveness, set preliminary goals for the next year (including revisiting broker fees, transfer fees, and housing funding), and received updates from subcommittees on transfer fees and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The only formal action was unanimous approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved minutes from Sep. 13, 2021 meeting (unanimous roll call)
• Discussed goals for next year, including broker fees removal, transfer fees, and housing funding
• Received updates from Transfer Fee Subcommittee and Affordable Housing Trust Fund Subcommittee

Youth Commission

The Education Working Group will vote to elect a working group leader and identify annual goals. Members will discuss strategies for student mental health support, including the potential addition of a mental health coordinator for the NHS school district.

• Vote to elect a working group leader
• Discussion on adding a mental health coordinator for the NHS school district
• Strategy to gain School Committee support and lobby for budget inclusion
• Advocacy efforts for Northampton Public Schools (NPS)

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership Transfer Fee Subcommittee is reviewing recommendations for a new real estate transaction fee in Northampton. The proposal suggests a fee on transactions at or above 120% of the city's median housing price to replenish the Housing Trust. Members will discuss whether to tax residential or commercial properties and who should be responsible for payment.

• Review of recommended real estate transaction fee
• Discussion on taxing residential vs. commercial transactions
• Discussion on buyer vs. seller responsibility for the fee
• Proposal to exempt affordable housing from the fee

City Clerk's Office

The Reprecincting Working Group will review tasks required by city staff to complete the reprecincting process. The group will also review a proposed map and discuss alternatives.

• Review of tasks required by city staff
• Review of proposed map and discussion of alternatives

City Council Rules Select Committee

The meeting includes discussions regarding the Council Administrative Assistant role and possible updates to voting requirements. Members will also consider changes to decorum rules and the practice of reading documents into the record.

• Possible changes to Rule 4.13.2 regarding votes required to pass measures
• Possible changes to the decorum clause in Rule 4.7
• Discussion on eliminating reading documents into the record
• Topics regarding the Council Administrative Assistant (Rule 2.5)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Executive Committee will meet to vote on approving the FY22 Local Annual Plan for MassHire FHWB and MassHire FCC. The committee will also receive an update regarding the search for the FHETC Executive Director.

• Approval of the August 13th meeting minutes
• Vote to approve the FY22 Local Annual Plan for MassHire FHWB and MassHire FCC
• Update on the FHETC Executive Director search

Housing Partnership

The subcommittee will review recommendations for a Real Estate Transaction Fee to replenish the Housing Trust. Members will discuss councilor goals and undecided topics, including whether residential or commercial properties should be taxed and who is responsible for paying the fee.

• Proposed Real Estate Transaction Fee to replenish the Housing Trust
• Recommendation to tax transactions at 120% or more of median housing price
• Discussion on taxing residential versus commercial properties
• Discussion on whether buyers, sellers, or both pay the fee

Housing Partnership

The subcommittee will discuss the Affordable Housing Trust with John Hornik from the Amherst Affordable Housing Trust. The meeting also includes public comments and introductions.

• Discussion regarding the Affordable Housing Trust

Forbes Library Racial and Social Justice Advisory Group

The Advisory Group will discuss library updates and collaborations with the Northampton Human Rights Commission. The group will also consider a proposal to provide stipends for committee members to cover service-related expenses.

• Proposal for committee member stipends up to $500 per calendar year
• Annual funding limit of $2,000 for stipend requests
• Collaboration with Northampton Human Rights Commission on bystander training and Human Rights Day
• Discussion regarding the Northampton Policing Review Commission

Northampton School Committee

The All School Councils will meet to consult on the use of ESSER III funding. This meeting includes a consultation led by John Provost.

• Consultation on Use of ESSERS III Funding

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider requests for certificates of appropriateness regarding solar panels at 137 Elm Street and renovations at 354 Elm Street. The agenda also includes discussions on CPA support for artifact storage and funding for private buildings.

• Solar installation request: 137 Elm Street
• Window, door, and roof replacement request: 354 Elm Street
• CPA support request for a new artifact storage shed
• Designation of a Preservation Plan Subcommittee
• Discussion regarding CPA funding for private buildings

The Northampton Historical Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a rooftop solar installation at 137 Elm Street, despite exceeding the two-foot visible roof area standard. The commission continued a request for window, door, and roof replacement at 354 Elm Street to October 25, requesting more details. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved certificate of appropriateness for rooftop solar at 137 Elm St (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for window, door, roof replacement at 354 Elm St to Oct 25 (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will conduct second readings and votes on two policies regarding sexual harassment and discrimination. The committee also plans to ratify several Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs).

• Vote on Policy ABAB (Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment)
• Vote on Policy ABABA (Title IX Procedures)
• Ratification of Staff Vaccine Mandate MOA
• Ratification of 504 Coordinator MOA
• Ratification of High School Meeting Time MOA

Northampton School Committee

The committee will review a report regarding the 2021 MCAS. The agenda also includes announcements for upcoming meeting dates for the Student Advisory Council and the Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee.

• Report on 2021 MCAS by John Provost
• Upcoming School Committee Meeting with Student Advisory Council (October 14)
• Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee meeting (October 20)

The Northampton School Committee met virtually on September 23, 2021. Superintendent Dr. John Provost presented the 2021 MCAS report. The committee unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Heard 2021 MCAS report (no vote)
• Approved motion to enter executive session (10-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will review a report on the 2021 MCAS results. The committee is scheduled to vote on ratifying several Memorandums of Agreement, including those regarding staff vaccine mandates and high school meeting times. A request was also made to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• Vote to ratify Staff Vaccine Mandate MOA
• Vote to ratify High School Meeting Time MOA
• Vote to ratify 504 Coordinator MOA
• Report on 2021 MCAS

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Energy & Sustainability Commission is holding a virtual retreat to review its mission statement and strategic focus. Members will discuss how to effectively advise the Mayor and collaborate with the City. The agenda also includes reviewing commission norms and discussing membership needs.

• Review of the Commission's mission statement per Administrative Code Section 11
• Update on integrating climate action into the capital improvement process
• Discussion on strategic focus areas including mitigation and adaptation/resiliency
• Review of proposed norms and expectations for Commissioners and the Chair
• Discussion regarding membership needs, including chair and vice chair positions

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 26, 2021 meeting. Members discussed revising the mission statement to include resilience, regeneration, and social equity, and explored ways to improve communication with the mayor and city departments. No formal decisions were made on these topics; the chair will draft a revised mission statement for future discussion.

• Approved minutes of August 26, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Energy & Sustainability Commission is holding a virtual retreat to review its mission statement and operational norms. The meeting includes discussions on advising the City effectively and identifying high-impact practices for greenhouse gas reduction.

• Update on integrating climate action into the capital improvement process
• Review of Commission mission statement per Northampton Administrative Code
• Discussion on strategic focus areas including mitigation and resiliency
• Review of unadopted Commissioner and Chair norms and expectations
• Planning for future retreat agendas and membership needs

The Energy and Sustainability Commission approved the minutes from its August 26, 2021 meeting unanimously. The commission discussed revising its mission statement and how to effectively advise the city, with the chair tasked to draft a new mission statement. No formal decisions were made on these discussion items.

• Approved minutes of 8/26/21 meeting (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee is meeting to discuss strategy for collective bargaining. The agenda includes a request to enter an executive session to conduct negotiations.

• Request to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy
• Conduct of collective bargaining in executive session

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a site plan by Wright Builders for a second residential unit at 15 Ladyslipper Ln. The board will also consider proposed zoning amendments involving the Farms Forest and Recreation zone and standards for electric vehicle charging stations.

• Site plan by Wright Builders to construct a second residential unit at 15 Ladyslipper Ln
• Proposed renaming of 'Farms Forests Rivers' zone to 'Farms Forest and Recreation'
• Rezoning of 117 publicly owned or protected open space parcels
• New standards for electric vehicle charging stations and conduit in parking lots

The Northampton Planning Board approved a site plan for a second residential unit at 15 Ladyslipper Ln and recommended City Council adopt zoning amendments, including rezone of public lands and EV charging standards. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings.

• Approved site plan for 480 sq ft accessory unit at 15 Ladyslipper Ln (unanimous)
• Recommended Council adopt text changes to Farms Forest Recreation zone (unanimous)
• Recommended Council adopt map change rezoning 117 public parcels (6-1, Chris Tait dissenting)
• Recommended Council adopt EV charging station ordinance with edits (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Aug 12 and Sept 9 meetings (unanimous)

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The City Council will review several first-reading financial orders and proposed ordinances. These include a request to borrow $1.09 million for a fire ladder truck and an ordinance requiring EV charging stations in parking lots with over 25 spaces. The council will also consider various committee appointments.

• Order to borrow $1.09 million for a new fire ladder truck
• Proposed lease of rooftop space at Bridge Street, Leeds, and Ryan Road Elementary Schools for solar arrays
• Ordinance requiring EV charging stations in parking lots over 25 spaces
• Order to amend the zoning map to include recreation land
• Appointment of Pamela Powers as City Clerk

The City Council approved a $1.09 million borrowing order for a new fire ladder truck, passing it through both readings in one night. The council also gave first-reading approval to orders suspending parking fees on certain days, leasing school rooftops for solar panels, and adding a parcel to the Connecticut River Greenway. An ordinance to require EV charging stations in large parking lots was referred to committees for review.

• Approved $1.09M borrowing for new fire ladder truck (9-0, two readings)
• Approved first reading of order to suspend parking fees on certain days (9-0)
• Approved first reading of order to lease school rooftops for solar PV arrays (9-0)
• Approved first reading of order to acquire, surplus, and dispose of property at 33 King Street (8-0, Thorpe recused)
• Approved first reading of order adding parcel on Mt Tom Road and Dike Road to CT River Greenway (9-0)
• Referred ordinance on elected official compensation to Legislative Matters (9-0)
• Referred zoning ordinance to include recreation land to Legislative Matters, Planning Board, and Community Resources (9-0)
• Referred EV charging station ordinance to Legislative Matters, Community Resources, and Planning Board (9-0)

Ranked Choice Voting

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee will review the minutes from the August 24, 2021 meeting. Andy Anderson and Greg Dennis of VoterhoiceMA are scheduled to present draft legislation regarding ranked choice voting implementation in Northampton. No specific new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Review and approval of August 24, 2021 meeting minutes
• Presentation of draft legislation for RCV implementation

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee met to review a draft ordinance prepared by VoterChoice MA, which will guide Northampton's RCV implementation. No formal decisions were made; the committee discussed key questions about thresholds, tabulation, and discretion for the City Clerk, and agreed to further discuss section G and invite LHS Associates to a future meeting.

• Approved minutes of August 24, 2021 meeting (4-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Committee on Finance

The Northampton City Council Committee on Finance is reviewing several financial orders. These include proposals for solar energy leases, property transactions, and a parking fee suspension.

• $1.09 million loan for a new fire ladder truck
• Leasing rooftop space at Bridge Street, Leeds, and Ryan Road elementary schools for solar PV arrays
• Suspension of parking fees on certain days
• Acquisition and disposal of property at 33 King Street
• Adding Mt Tom Road and Dike Road parcels to the CT River Greenway

The Finance Committee unanimously recommended approval of a $1.09 million borrowing order for a new fire ladder truck, citing the current 2003 truck's unsafe condition and repair costs. The committee also advanced orders to suspend parking fees on certain days, lease school rooftops for solar panels, and acquire the former courthouse property at 33 King Street. All items were forwarded to the full City Council with positive recommendations.

• Forwarded $1.09M fire ladder truck borrowing order (4-0)
• Forwarded parking fee suspension order (4-0)
• Forwarded solar lease order for three elementary schools (4-0)
• Forwarded 33 King Street property acquisition order (3-0, Thorpe recused)
• Forwarded Mt Tom Road parcel addition to conservation land (4-0)
• Approved September 2, 2021 minutes (4-0)

Youth Commission

This meeting serves as an introduction to the 2021-22 Youth Commission term. Co-chairs will provide an overview of the commission's history and past work, such as the plastic bag ban. Presentations from working group leaders in education, housing, sustainability, and Vote16 are also scheduled.

• Overview of past work including the plastic bag ban and Vote16
• Presentations from Education, Housing, Sustainability, and Vote16 working groups
• Onboarding process for new members

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review reports from the Superintendent, Principal, and Finance and Facilities departments. The meeting includes votes regarding a $2,100 grant application and an out-of-state field trip for Culinary Arts students.

• Vote to apply for a $2,100 Northampton Education Foundation Grant
• Vote to approve a Culinary Arts junior class field trip to Johnson and Wales University
• Vote to approve surplus of Animal Science textbooks and a manicure table

Community Action Pioneer Valley Board Meeting

The Community Action Board of Directors will vote on several items including the FY22 budget and Head Start policy changes. The agenda also includes discussions regarding personnel handbook revisions and CSBG income eligibility.

• Vote on CAPV FY22 Budget
• Vote on Head Start Parent Handbook Policy Changes
• Vote on Personnel Handbook Revisions
• Vote on CSBG Community Action Plan
• Vote on Executive Director compensation

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Northampton Transportation & Parking Commission will discuss new ordinances for stop signs at specific intersections and changes to Main Street parking. The meeting also includes a discussion on traffic calming for Olive Street and updates on previous applications.

• Proposed ordinance for a stop sign at Cross Path Road and Riverbank Road
• Proposed ordinance for a stop sign on Evergreen Road and Chestnut Avenue Extension
• Proposed ordinance relative to parking on Main Street Downtown
• Discussion of traffic calming request on Olive Street
• Proposed ordinance for accessible parking in recreation and conservation areas

The Transportation and Parking Commission voted unanimously to send four ordinances to the City Council with positive recommendations: stop signs at Cross Path Road/Riverbank Road and Evergreen Road/Chestnut Avenue, removal of five parking spaces on Main Street, and accessible parking in recreation areas. The commission also discussed a traffic calming request for Olive Street but took no action, instead agreeing to consider further study.

• Approved positive recommendation for stop sign at Cross Path Road and Riverbank Road (9-0)
• Approved positive recommendation for stop signs on Evergreen Road and Chestnut Avenue (8-0)
• Approved positive recommendation for parking changes on Main Street (8-0)
• Approved positive recommendation for accessible parking in recreation areas (8-0)
• Approved minutes from July 20, 2021 meeting (8-0-1)

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss plans for 2021-2022, including a possible regional conference, and to review updates on solar agriculture/dual-use zoning. They will also hear updates on city-owned agricultural properties, including security and saltwater issues at the Meadows, and receive reports on various farms and properties.

• Solar Ag/Dual Use Zoning discussion
• Meadows security and saltwater updates
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour and city-owned properties
• Updates on Broad Brook (Las Riquezas Coop/Antosz Farms), Bleiman, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, and Old Hampshire County Jail properties

Forbes Library Racial and Social Justice Advisory Group

The committee will review minutes from July 26, 2021. Discussion topics include reviewing the Library’s mission statement and planning for Welcoming Week. The group will also discuss collaboration with the Northampton Human Rights Commission.

• Review of Library's Mission Statement
• Welcoming Week discussion
• Statewide Watch Party featuring Isabel Wilkerson & Byron Rushing
• Collaboration with Northampton Human Rights Commission
• “Racism & intolerance have no place here” sign update

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will review reports regarding the Aquatic & Family Center, Musante Beach, and community gardens. The agenda also includes updates on Florence Recreation Fields improvements and a pickleball feasibility study application.

• Projected fall opening for the Aquatic & Family Center
• Florence Recreation Fields improvement updates
• Pickleball Feasibility Study Application update
• Budget and capital improvements report

Forbes Library

The committee will consider BIPOC artist recommendations provided by Naya. The meeting also includes discussions regarding selection criteria and the selection process.

• Review of BIPOC artist recommendations from Naya
• Discussion of selection criteria
• Discussion of selection process
• Approval of July 19 minutes

City Council Committee on Community Resources

The Committee on Community Resources will review an ordinance to amend the zoning map at Chapel Street. The committee will also consider approving meeting minutes from January 27, 2021, and April 26, 2021.

• Ordinance 21.313: An ordinance to amend the zoning map, §350-3.4, at Chapel Street
• Approval of meeting minutes from January 27, 2021, and April 26, 2021

Northampton Housing Authority

The Northampton Housing Authority Commissioners will meet virtually to discuss updates on Cortelli Street and McDonald Elevator. The board will also consider resolutions regarding key control policies and 2022 payment standards.

• Resolution #1191 regarding Key Control Policies (Key Management, Entering Apartments, Lock Outs, & Make Ready Locks)
• Discussion and vote on 2022 Payment Standards and Exception
• Corticelli Street update
• McDonald Elevator update and special meeting date vote
• Approval of August 2021 minutes

Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and conduct collective bargaining. The committee has requested an executive session to handle these negotiations.

• Request for executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy and conduct

City Council Rules Select Committee

The committee will discuss proposals regarding the restructuring of council committees, including ideas to eliminate or combine certain committees. The agenda also includes a proposed modification to Rule 4.5 regarding the order of business.

• Proposal to eliminate the Finance Committee as a standing committee
• Discussion on combining City Services and Community Resources committees
• Proposed modification to Rule 4.5 Order of Business
• Approval of August 23, 2021, meeting minutes

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss collaborations with The Housing Partnership. The meeting also includes updates on Forbes Library programming for Welcoming Week and International Human Rights Day, as well as Hollaback! Community Training.

• Collaborations with The Housing Partnership
• Forbes Library updates regarding Welcoming Week and International Human Rights Day
• Hollaback! Community Training
• Approval of August 2021 minutes

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from August 4, 2021, and hear reports from the Chair and Tree Warden. The agenda includes discussions regarding subgroup assignments, fall planting projects, and the spotted lanternfly.

• Review/approve August 4, 2021, minutes
• Subgroup Assignments discussion
• Fall Planting Projects discussion
• Spotted Lanternfly discussion

The Urban Forestry Commission approved the amended August 4, 2021 meeting minutes (4-0-2). The chair reported receipt of a $30,000 DCR Environmental Justice grant for tree plantings. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting focused on reports and planning.

• Approved amended August 4, 2021 minutes (4-0-2)
• Received $30,000 DCR EJ grant for tree plantings

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will discuss accessible parking near the 22-34 New South Street property. The meeting includes a recap of an accessible infrastructure tour and discussions regarding Terrace Trails accessibility. Members will also discuss communication with the DPW and Mayor regarding sidewalks.

• Accessible parking discussion for 22-34 New South Street
• Recap of accessible infrastructure tour
• Discussion on Terrace Trails Accessibility
• Communication with DPW/Mayor regarding sidewalks

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will review the status of preliminary elections, including early voting and mail-in ballot details. The meeting also includes updates on reprecinting, Ranked Choice Voting statistics, and several proposed charter amendments.

• Early voting dates, times, and locations
• Mail-in voting status
• Northampton reprecinting status
• Charter amendment H.830 (voting age 16 or older)
• Charter amendment H.832 (resident non-citizen voting)

The Northampton Board of Registrars met on September 14, 2021, and approved minutes from five previous meetings. Registrar Daniel Polacheck resigned effective September 10, 2021, and the Mayor has been asked to find a replacement. The board discussed early voting, mail-in voting, reprecincting, and ranked-choice voting, but no decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved meeting minutes from September 22, 2020, March 9, March 18, July 13, and August 10, 2021, by a roll call vote of 3 Yes, 0 No.
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:17 pm by a roll call vote of 3 Yes, 0 No.

Forbes Library Landscaping & Grounds Committee

The committee will discuss progress on the Bandshell Project, including design ideas, architects, funding, and timelines. Members will also receive updates regarding oak trees and accessibility.

• Bandshell Project discussion (design, architects, funding, and timeline)
• Oak Tree Update
• Accessibility Update

City Clerk's Office

This meeting agenda consists of procedural items for the Reprecincting Working Group. The group planned to discuss its objectives, roles, and future meeting schedule.

• Discussion of committee purpose, objectives, and roles

Coolidge Standing Committee

This meeting consists of procedural committee business, including subcommittee reports and the approval of August minutes. The agenda also includes an archivist's report and COVID-19 updates.

• Approval of August meeting minutes
• Archivist's report
• COVID-19 re-opening updates
• Subcommittee reports

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss lead remediation efforts within the City's Housing Rehab program with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The meeting also includes updates on Fair Market Rents and the Transfer Fee Sub-committee, as well as a discussion on the affordable housing trust fund.

• Lead remediation efforts in the City's Housing Rehab program
• Updates from the Transfer Fee Sub-committee
• Updates on Fair Market Rents / Small Area FMR
• Discussion on affordable housing trust fund
• Approval of August 2, 2021 minutes

The Housing Partnership unanimously elected Carmen Junno as the new chair, replacing Todd Weir, who served his last meeting as chair. The board also approved the Aug. 2 meeting minutes unanimously, with Julio Alves and Sara Howard abstaining. Discussions included updates on the Housing Rehab program, the transfer fee sub-committee's recommendation to fund affordable housing, and the potential reactivation of the Housing Trust Fund.

• Approved Aug. 2 meeting minutes unanimously by roll call vote, with two abstentions.
• Elected Carmen Junno as new chair unanimously by roll call vote.
• Discussed Housing Rehab program with PVPC, including lead remediation and accessibility fixes.
• Sub-committee recommended transfer fee funds go to affordable housing funds.
• Agreed to explore reactivating the Housing Trust Fund with further discussions.
• Requested a meeting with Representative McGovern to advocate for Small Area FMR.
• Noted next meeting will include transfer fee report and PVPC funding updates.

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Trustees of the Lilly Library will meet to conduct roll call and approve signers for the Trustees. The agenda also includes viewing and discussing plans for a Native Plant Walk.

• Approval of Signers for the Trustees
• Viewing and Discussion of Plans for Native Plant Walk

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging will review minutes from the August 12 meeting and receive reports on staffing, safety protocols, and building upgrades. The agenda also covers volunteer recruitment and technology programs.

• Review of August 12, 2021, meeting minutes
• Director's report on staffing, safety protocols, and building upgrades
• Fundraising updates from the Friends Group
• Assistant Director's report on volunteer recruitment and technology programs

The Northampton Council on Aging board met via Zoom and approved the August minutes. The director reported on increased Covid precautions, upcoming building upgrades, and fundraising efforts. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on operational updates and announcements.

• Approved August minutes (motion by Gerriann Butler, second by Jeanne Henry Hoose)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hear a presentation regarding H.926, The Massachusetts Schoolchildren Pesticide Protection Act. The meeting also includes updates on local COVID-19 data and introductions for new department staff.

• Presentation: H.926 The Massachusetts Schoolchildren Pesticide Protection Act
• Introduction of new hires: Kate Moskos, Melissa Aloisi, and Wendy Penner
• Local COVID-19 data update

The Northampton Board of Health voted unanimously to endorse H.926, a state bill restricting pesticides near schools and childcare centers. They also voted to send a letter to local employers strongly encouraging vaccine requirements for all staff. The board tabled approval of the August 26 meeting minutes. COVID-19 updates included a 14-day case count of 55 and a sports-related cluster at a local school.

• Endorsed H.926, the Massachusetts Schoolchildren Pesticide Protection Act (4-0).
• Approved composing and distributing a letter to Northampton employers encouraging vaccine mandates (4-0).
• Tabled approval of the August 26, 2021 meeting minutes.
• Opened and closed the meeting with unanimous votes (4-0).

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is meeting to vote on several personnel and policy items. This includes decisions regarding the 2021-2022 school calendar and staff vaccination requirements. The committee will also address budget transfers and various job descriptions.

• Motion to implement a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all NPS staff
• Budget transfer of $33,136.00 from Bridge Street School to Leeds
• Vote on the 2021-2022 school calendar
• Authorization for Superintendent successor contract negotiations
• $1,500.00 donation for a Gender Inclusion Workshop

The Northampton School Committee voted unanimously to implement a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all NPS staff effective October 22nd, with medical and religious exemptions. The committee also approved a one-year successor contract for the Superintendent, authorizing the Chair to enter negotiations. A proposed Bias and Symbols of Hate policy was referred back to the Rules & Policy subcommittee for further review after a letter from the ACLU. The committee voted to keep its meetings remote through the end of 2021.

• Approved COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all NPS staff effective Oct. 22 with medical and religious exemptions (unanimous)
• Approved offering the Superintendent a one-year successor contract and authorizing the Chair to enter preliminary negotiations (unanimous)
• Referred the draft Bias and Symbols of Hate policy back to the Rules & Policy subcommittee for further review (unanimous)
• Approved the School Committee Handbook (unanimous)
• Approved keeping School Committee meetings remote through the end of 2021 (8-1)
• Approved the 2021-2022 school calendar, adding Nov. 2 as a professional development day and moving the last day to June 22, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to Policy EBCFA (Face Coverings) (8-1)
• Approved the revised District Improvement Plan (DIP) metrics (8-1)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a review of site plans for market rate and affordable single-family houses on Woodland Drive. The board will also consider a site plan for a detached second unit at 11 Landy Avenue. The agenda also includes minutes and ANRs for Woodland and Henshaw.

• Site plan for market rate and affordable single-family houses on Woodland Dr
• Site plan for a detached second unit at 11 Landy Ave
• ANR reviews for Woodland and Henshaw

The Northampton Planning Board approved a site plan by the City for two affordable housing units on Woodland Dr, Florence, with a 6-0 vote (one abstention). The board also approved a detached second unit at 11 Landy Ave, Florence, with a condition to correct open space figures on final plans. Two ANRs (Woodland and Henshaw) were endorsed.

• Approved site plan for 2 affordable housing units on Woodland Dr (6-0, Janna White abstained)
• Approved site plan for detached second unit at 11 Landy Ave (unanimous, with condition on open space)
• Endorsed ANR for Woodland
• Endorsed ANR for Henshaw

Forbes Library Development Committee

The committee will review the July 19 meeting minutes and discuss FY22 fundraising updates. Discussions include donor impact statements, the Fall Annual Appeal, and a review of recent changes to endowment funds.

• FY22 Fundraising Update
• Review of endowment funds and recent additions or changes
• Discussion regarding gift acceptance letters

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services will hold a discussion with the Northampton Housing Authority Chair regarding COVID policies and application processes. The committee will also review several reappointments to various municipal boards and commissions.

• Discussion with Northampton Housing Authority Chair Marilyn Richards regarding housing processes
• Reappointment of Benjamin Weil to the Energy & Sustainability Commission
• Reappointments to the Planning Board for Melissa Fowler and Christian Tait
• Reappointments to the Transportation & Parking Commission for Jami Albro-Fisher and Adam Novitt
• Reappointment of David Bloomberg to the Zoning Board of Appeals

The City Services Committee held a discussion with the Northampton Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Chair Marilyn Richards about NHA operations, tenant grievances, and COVID measures. The committee also forwarded several appointments to the full City Council with positive recommendations, including Benjamin Weil to the Energy & Sustainability Commission, Melissa Fowler and Christian Tait to the Planning Board, Jami Albro-Fisher and Adam Novitt to the Transportation & Parking Commission, and David Bloomberg to the Zoning Board of Appeals. One application to the Council on Aging was withdrawn by the applicant.

• Approved minutes of July 26, 2021 (3-0)
• Forwarded Benjamin Weil to Energy & Sustainability Commission (4-0)
• Forwarded Melissa Fowler and Christian Tait to Planning Board (4-0)
• Forwarded Jami Albro-Fisher and Adam Novitt to Transportation & Parking Commission (4-0)
• Forwarded David Bloomberg to Zoning Board of Appeals (4-0)
• Noted withdrawal of Monica V. Grezzi-Mulea's application to Council on Aging

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee is discussing progress on several transportation projects throughout Northampton. Members will also participate in an ongoing review of the complete streets policy and ordinance.

• Northampton One trail- MassTrails 2021-2022 project updates
• Florence Center streetscape improvements
• Pleasant Street complete streets
• Leonard Street safety improvements
• Complete streets policy/ordinance review

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee approved the June 23, 2021 minutes unanimously. Members discussed appointing a representative to the Transportation and Parking Commission and received updates on several projects, including the awarding of contracts for Florence Center, Pleasant Street, and Leonard Street improvements. No final decisions were made on shared paths proposals, and the committee discussed the complete streets policy without further action.

• Approved June 23, 2021 minutes by unanimous roll call vote (6-0).
• Discussed the need for a representative to the Transportation and Parking Commission (no action taken).
• Noted that the city awarded contracts for Florence Center streetscape, Pleasant Street complete streets, and Leonard Street safety improvements.
• Reported that the city received a grant to update the Complete Streets plan and will seek committee input.
• No final comments were made on shared paths feasibility proposals.
• Discussed the complete streets policy/ordinance, including rural and suburban sidewalk definitions, with no other comments.

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee will consider a proposal to paint a mural on unpainted brick at 57 King St. The meeting also includes public comment and the review of minutes.

• Proposed mural painting at 57 King St, Map ID 32A-124
• Review of minutes

Disability Commission

The Northampton Disability Commission will participate in a tour of downtown accessible infrastructure. The route begins at the Academy of Music and proceeds toward the old Silverscape Building. The meeting also includes time for public comments.

• Tour of downtown accessible infrastructure from Academy of Music to the old Silverscape Building
• Public comments

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will participate in a tour of downtown accessible infrastructure. The route begins at the Academy of Music and ends at the old Silverscape Building. This tour is held in conjunction with Main St. for Everyone.

• Tour of downtown accessible infrastructure
• Route from Academy of Music to the old Silverscape Building
• Collaboration with Main St. for Everyone

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The Northampton City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Administrative Code regarding the Office of the City Clerk. The council is also scheduled for second readings on orders related to the September 28 preliminary election and bridge improvements. Additionally, several committee appointments are up for consideration.

• Public hearing on amendments to the City of Northampton Administrative Code
• Order to appropriate Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Funds to Hotel Bridge Improvements
• Warrant for the September 28, 2021 Preliminary Election
• Order to submit a measure to voters at the 2021 Regular City Election
• Appointments to various committees including the Council on Aging and Historical Commission

The Northampton City Council held a public hearing and unanimously approved an administrative order amending the city's Administrative Code to make the City Clerk an appointed position, aligning with the city charter. The change takes effect immediately, and Mayor Narkewicz stated he intends to appoint the current clerk, Pamela Powers, to the position. The council also approved several other orders and appointments.

• Approved administrative order making City Clerk an appointed position (9-0)
• Approved order appropriating Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Funds to Hotel Bridge Improvements (9-0)
• Approved warrant for September 28, 2021 Preliminary Election (9-0)
• Approved order to submit a measure to voters at the 2021 Regular City Election (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda with appointments to various committees (9-0)
• Approved appointment of MariJon 'MJ' Adams to Whiting Street Fund Committee (9-0)

City Council Committee on Finance

The Northampton City Council Committee on Finance will meet to approve minutes from June 17, 2021, and August 19, 2021. No specific financial orders or new business items were listed in the agenda text.

• Approval of meeting minutes from June 17, 2021, and August 19, 2021

The Finance Committee met during a City Council meeting and approved the minutes of the August 19, 2021 meeting. No financial orders or new business were discussed, and the meeting adjourned shortly after convening. No substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of August 19, 2021 (4-0)

License Commission

The License Commission will review several short-term liquor license applications and requests to rescind previous licenses. A public hearing is scheduled regarding the addition of outdoor space for premises at 125A Pleasant St. The commission will also hold a hearing concerning fair wage compliance certifications.

• Public hearing for adding 4,180 sq. ft. of outdoor space at 125A Pleasant St.
• Application for farm winery liquor license by Hardwick Vineyards & Winery, LLC.
• Request to amend entertainment license for JJ’s Tavern in Florence.
• Hearing on misrepresentation of fair wage compliance certifications.
• Vote to adopt public comment rules into the Commission's regulations.

The Northampton License Commission approved several short-term liquor licenses for events including the Academy of Music, ALS Association, Artifact, Drawing Board Brewing, Hardwick Vineyards, and Building 8 Brewing. It also rescinded two previously approved licenses due to cancellations, continued a hearing for Union Station's outdoor space expansion, amended JJ's Tavern's entertainment license for Ok'Flo'Berfest, and levied no penalties on Eric Suher for misrepresentation of fair wage compliance certificates. The commission also adopted a new public comment rule.

• Approved short-term liquor license for Academy of Music (Oct 10, 7-11 p.m.) with fee waiver, 2-0.
• Rescinded short-term liquor license for Academy of Music (Oct 23) due to cancellation, 2-0.
• Approved short-term liquor license for ALS Association (Oct 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Look Park, 2-0.
• Approved short-term liquor license for Artifact, LLC (Sept 25, 4-10 p.m.) for Florence Night Out, 2-0.
• Approved short-term liquor license for Drawing Board Brewing (Sept 18, 1-10 p.m.) for benefit, 2-0.
• Approved farm winery license for Hardwick Vineyards (Sept 3-6) for Three County Fair, 2-0.
• Rescinded short-term liquor license for Building 8 Brewing (Aug 28) due to cancellation, 2-0.
• Continued Union Station's outdoor space expansion application to Nov 3 meeting, 2-0.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will consider a request to end the demolition delay period for a structure at 61 Warner Street. The meeting also includes a request for CPA support for a new artifact storage shed and goal setting for the Preservation Plan.

• Request to end demolition delay period for 61 Warner Street
• CPA support request for a new Historic Northampton artifact storage shed
• Goal setting for the Preservation Plan with Planning & Sustainability

The Northampton Historical Commission voted unanimously to deny a request to lift the demolition delay on 61 Warner Street two months early, keeping the full one-year delay in place. The Commission also discussed long-term preservation planning with the Planning and Sustainability Department and agreed to continue meeting remotely.

• Denied early end to demolition delay for 61 Warner Street (unanimous roll call)
• Agreed to continue remote meetings
• Discussed preservation plan goals with Planning & Sustainability

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will review current COVID-19 data and discuss the city's mask order. Discussion topics include definitions for performers, indoor pool exemptions, and metrics for lifting the mandate.

• Review of August 9 and June 17, 2021 minutes
• Review of current COVID-19 data
• Discussion on mask order definitions for performers and indoor pool exemptions
• Discussion on metrics for lifting the mask order
• Discussion on mask usage in restaurants and bars

The Northampton Board of Health voted unanimously to adopt amended COVID-19 mask regulations, updating the August 9 order. Changes include requiring masks for food service employees, expanding mask rules for outdoor sports, lowering the mask age to 2, and banning masks with exhale valves. The board also approved minutes from June 17 and August 9 meetings as amended.

• Adopted amended mask regulations (3-0)
• Approved Section 3, Number 1 with broader Specified Indoor Spaces definition (4-0)
• Approved Section 3, Number 2 requiring food service employees to wear face coverings (4-0)
• Approved Section 3, Number 3 removing 'crowded' and adding six-foot distancing requirement (4-0)
• Merged Sections 3, Numbers 4 and 5 to require masks in dugouts and common seating for outdoor sports (4-0)
• Added Section H banning masks with exhale valves (4-0)
• Approved Section 4 changes lowering mask age to 2, adding social distancing and outdoors (4-0)
• Approved June 17 and August 9 meeting minutes as amended (3-0)

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The commission will seek feedback on future-proofing downtown for a low carbon energy future and discuss the Cooler Communities in N’ton Schools project. The meeting also includes status reports on lighting at Roundhouse and Gare Garage and ongoing city department projects.

• Feedback on future-proofing downtown for a low carbon energy future
• Cooler Communities in N’ton Schools update
• Status report on Roundhouse and Gare Garage lighting
• Review of June 24, 2021 meeting minutes

The Energy & Sustainability Commission voted to request that Toole Design Group provide a quote for designing space for a future district heating pipeline into the subsurface utilities under Main Street, and to use the Energy & Sustainability Revolving Fund for that work if funds are available. The commission also heard presentations on a school-based Cooler Communities program and on lighting plans for the Roundhouse lot and Gare Parking Garage, with discussion but no votes on those topics. Minutes from the June 24, 2021 meeting were approved unanimously with one abstention.

• Approved minutes from June 24, 2021 meeting (unanimous, one abstention)
• Passed motion requesting Toole Design Group provide quote for district heating pipe space design (Wayne nay, all others yea)
• Passed motion supporting use of Energy & Sustainability Revolving Fund for such design work if funds exist (unanimous)

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services is meeting to review minutes from the July 6, 2021 meeting. The committee will also consider reappointments for three members of the Whiting Street Fund Committee.

• Reappointment of Michael Shaughnessy to the Whiting Street Fund Committee
• Reappointment of Joseph Misterka to the Whiting Street Fund Committee
• Reappointment of Andrea Murray to the Whiting Street Fund Committee

The City Services Committee voted unanimously to forward the reappointments of Michael Shaughnessy, Joseph Misterka, and Andrea Murray to the Whiting Street Fund Committee to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The committee also approved the minutes of the July 6, 2021 meeting. No other substantive business was conducted.

• Approved minutes of July 6, 2021 (4-0)
• Forwarded Michael Shaughnessy reappointment to Whiting Street Fund Committee with positive recommendation (4-0)
• Forwarded Joseph Misterka reappointment to Whiting Street Fund Committee with positive recommendation (4-0)
• Forwarded Andrea Murray reappointment to Whiting Street Fund Committee with positive recommendation (4-0)

Ranked Choice Voting

The committee will hear a presentation from Voter Choice Massachusetts regarding implementation strategies for ranked choice voting. Members will also discuss legislation in Easthampton and Amherst. The committee is scheduled to review and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Presentation on ranked choice voting implementation strategies
• Discussion of Easthampton and Amherst legislation
• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee met remotely and heard a presentation from Voter Choice Massachusetts on implementing RCV, including recommendations for proportional representation in multi-seat elections, the WIGM surplus transfer method, and voter intent rules. The committee approved a motion to allow Kate Kavanagh to speak to the group and unanimously approved the minutes from the August 10 meeting. No other formal decisions were made; the committee discussed future topics and scheduling.

• Approved Kate Kavanagh to speak to the group (motion by Kay, seconded by Crowley, passed unanimously).
• Approved the minutes from the August 10, 2021 meeting (motion by Crowley, seconded by Ventola, passed unanimously).
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:12 pm (motion by Kay, seconded by Crowley, passed unanimously).

City Council Rules Select Committee

The Rules Select Committee will discuss committee assignments, structure, and the scope of committee work. The meeting also includes a discussion on ways to integrate public participation into council processes.

• Approval of August 5, 2021 minutes
• Discussion of committee assignments and structure
• Review of methods for integrating public participation

City Council - 2015 to 2021

The City Council will discuss the format for future meetings and review several financial orders for vehicle replacement and infrastructure improvements. The council is also considering a resolution regarding COVID-19 housing security. Additionally, members will review committee appointments and a proposal to surplus city land for affordable housing.

• Second reading of an order to surplus city land for affordable housing at Chapel Street, Oak Street, and Evergreen Road
• First reading of a resolution regarding COVID-19 housing security
• Order to reprogram $15,000 from Safety Village Surplus to Sheldon Field Dugout Replacement
• Order to authorize spending $2,577.62 for a UTV and trailer
• Ordinance to amend the zoning map at Chapel Street

The Northampton City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting state legislation to prevent evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and voted to continue holding meetings remotely for the rest of the calendar year. The council also approved several financial orders, including funding for the Hotel Bridge improvements and other capital projects, and set the warrant for the September 28 preliminary election.

• Approved resolution 21.315 on COVID-19 housing security in two readings (9-0)
• Voted to stay remote for city council meetings through end of calendar year (9-0)
• Approved order 21.305 to reprogram CS surplus funds for vehicle replacement (9-0)
• Approved order 21.306 to appropriate funds for Hotel Bridge improvements (9-0)
• Approved orders 21.307, 21.308, 21.309, 21.314 for field and fire station improvements (9-0)
• Approved order 21.303 to surplus city land for affordable housing (9-0)
• Approved warrant 21.310 for September 28 preliminary election (9-0)
• Approved order 21.311 setting early voting dates and times (9-0)

Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee is holding a remote meeting via Zoom. The subcommittee has requested an executive session to discuss matters related to collective bargaining or litigation.

• Request for executive session regarding collective bargaining or litigation

City Council Committee on Finance

The Northampton City Council Committee on Finance is reviewing several financial orders. These items propose reprogramming surplus funds for vehicle replacement, bridge improvements, and park maintenance.

• Reprogram $15,000 from Safety Village Surplus to Sheldon Field Dugout Replacement
• Authorize spending $2,577.62 from Firefighting Donation Account for UTV and trailer
• Appropriate funds for Hotel Bridge improvements
• Reprogram funds for Florence Recreation Fields safety netting
• Reprogram funds for Florence Fire Station repaving

The Finance Committee unanimously approved forwarding six financial orders to the full City Council with positive recommendations. These include reprogramming funds for a vehicle replacement, Hotel Bridge improvements, Sheldon Field dugout replacement, Florence Recreation Fields safety netting, and Florence Fire Station repaving, plus authorizing $2,577.62 from a firefighting donation account for a UTV and trailer. The committee also approved minutes from several prior meetings, correcting a date error. No other new business was discussed.

• Approved minutes of June 4, 2020, November 12, 2020, June 7, 2021, and July 15, 2021 (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.305 to reprogram CS surplus funds for CS 2005 vehicle replacement (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.306 to appropriate transportation funds for Hotel Bridge improvements (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.307 to reprogram $15,000 from Safety Village surplus for Sheldon Field dugout replacement (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.308 to reprogram funds for safety netting at Florence Recreation Fields (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.309 to authorize spending $2,577.62 from firefighting donation account for UTV and trailer (4-0)
• Forwarded order 21.314 to reprogram funds for Florence Fire Station repaving (4-0)

Human Rights Commission

The commission will review June 2021 minutes and discuss partnerships between Forbes Library and the HRC. The meeting also includes an update on local houselessness and a discussion regarding the Massachusetts Right to Counsel Campaign.

• Approval of June 2021 minutes
• Forbes Library and HRC partnership discussion
• Local houselessness update and actions
• Massachusetts Right to Counsel Campaign discussion
• New commissioner recruitment efforts

Northampton Housing Authority

The board will review a presentation of FY21 year-end financials and vote on their certification. The meeting also includes discussions regarding Corticelli Street, the McDonald House elevator, and authorizing remote operations for the Executive Director.

• Certification of FY21 year-end financials
• Corticelli Street update and next steps
• McDonald House elevator update
• Authorization of Executive Director remote operations due to COVID-19

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership Transfer Fee Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the Real Estate Transaction Fee. The agenda also includes a period for public comments and other unanticipated business.

• Discussion regarding the Real Estate Transaction Fee

Northampton School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee

The subcommittee will meet to discuss strategy for collective bargaining. The agenda includes a request to enter an executive session to conduct negotiations.

• Request to enter executive session for collective bargaining strategy and negotiation

Council on Aging Board

The board will review July minutes and hear reports from the Director and Assistant Director. Updates include soft opening progress, new lunch prices, and September programming changes due to building upgrades. The meeting also includes an interior design sub-committee report.

• Updates on soft opening and safety protocols
• New lunch prices and offerings
• September program schedule changes due to early voting and building upgrades
• Report on funds raised by Friends Group at ProShred Shredding Event
• Interior Design Sub-Committee report

The Northampton Council on Aging board met via Zoom and approved the July minutes. The director reported hiring two staff assistants and a principal clerk, with one more assistant needed. Lobby upgrades are planned with bids due August 11th, painting in September, and flooring in October. The board discussed reopening protocols, including mask mandates, online registration, and a curbside meal program.

• Approved July meeting minutes (motion by Robert Dionne, second by Michael Ford)
• Hired 2 new staff assistants and a principal clerk
• Bids for lobby upgrades due August 11th
• Scheduled painting for September and flooring for October
• No programs September 21-24 due to early voting at the building
• Bistro to resume meals in September with slight price increase
• Added curbside meal service for patrons
• Eliminated van driver positions; transportation via Cosmic Cab and PVTA

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will consider several policy changes, including a draft Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy. The committee also plans to vote on the city pesticide ordinance and negotiations for the Superintendent's successor contract.

• Vote on adopting or referring the city pesticide ordinance
• Vote to authorize negotiations for the Superintendent’s successor contract
• Vote to surplus three school roofs for a solar array lease
• Approval of $15,000 donation from Jackson Street PTO
• First reading of Draft Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy

Northampton School Committee

The committee will consider items including after-school childcare and a math interventionist for JFK. Members will also vote on surpusing school roofs for a solar array lease and authorizing contract negotiations for the Superintendent.

• Vote to authorize negotiations for the Superintendent's successor contract
• Vote to surplus three school roofs for a solar array lease
• Discussion and possible vote regarding after-school child care
• Vote on a one-year math interventionist at JFK
• Donations including $15,000 from Jackson Street PTO and $3,632.59 from Stop & Shop

The Northampton School Committee voted unanimously to endorse House Bill H926, which aims to improve pesticide protection for Massachusetts school children. They also referred the pesticides issue to the Rules & Policy subcommittee to create a policy. The committee approved the consent agenda, including several donations, and postponed the draft Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy for further development. A motion to direct the superintendent to secure emergency licensure for the Leeds after-school program was approved.

• Approved consent agenda including donations (10-0)
• Approved Jackson Street PTO donation with discussion on equity (10-0)
• Postponed Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy to subcommittee (10-0)
• Approved motion to direct superintendent for Leeds after-school licensure (10-0)
• Referred pesticides issue to Rules & Policy subcommittee (10-0)
• Endorsed House Bill H926 on pesticide protection (10-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is meeting to vote on several administrative and policy matters. These include decisions regarding pesticide protection, solar array leases, and staff job descriptions. The committee will also review a draft Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy.

• Vote to authorize negotiations for the Superintendent's successor contract
• Vote on adopting or referring the city pesticide ordinance
• Vote to surplus three school roofs for a solar array lease
• First reading of the Draft Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy
• Approval of $15,000 donation from Jackson Street PTO

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is meeting to discuss pesticide policies and contract negotiations for the Superintendent's successor. The agenda also includes votes on using school roofs for solar energy and hiring a math interventionist. Members will also review several recent donations to local schools.

• Vote to adopt a city pesticide ordinance or refer it to subcommittee
• Vote to surplus three school roofs for a solar array lease
• Vote to authorize contract negotiations for the Superintendent's successor
• Review of $15,000 donation from Jackson Street PTO
• First reading of Draft Bias and Symbols of Hate Policy

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board will meet to approve the June 3rd minutes and the WIOA 4-Year Plan. The agenda includes a possible vote on the Local Annual Operating Plan FY22 if it is ready. Members will also discuss future content for the 4th Quarter Dashboard FY21.

• Approval of June 3rd minutes
• Vote to approve WIOA 4-Year Plan
• Possible vote on Local Annual Operating Plan FY22
• Discussion regarding 4th Quarter Dashboard FY21 content

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review site plans for several residential developments. These include a two-family home on Bratton Court, affordable housing on Woodland Drive, and a five-story apartment building on King Street.

• Site plan for two-family home at 2 Bratton Ct, Florence
• Lot reductions for affordable housing on Woodland Dr, Florence
• Site plan for 5-story multi-use building at 79 King St
• Approval of subdivision plans (ANRs) for Sherman Ave, Woodland, and Riverbank

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding several site plans in Florence and Northampton. These include a two-family home, affordable housing lot reductions, and a five-story multi-use building. The board will also address minutes and ANRs for Sherman Ave, Woodland, and Riverbank.

• Site plan for a two-family home at 2 Bratton Ct, Florence
• Lot reductions for affordable housing on Woodland Dr, Florence
• Site plan for a five-story multi-use apartment building at 79 King St, Northampton
• ANRs for Sherman Ave, Woodland, and Riverbank

The Northampton Planning Board approved a site plan for a 5-story mixed-use apartment building at 79 King St, with conditions, by a 6-1 vote. The board also approved a two-family home at 2 Bratton Ct with tree protection conditions, continued a hearing for affordable housing on Woodland Dr to September 9, and endorsed ANR plans for Riverbank Rd and Sherman Ave.

• Approved site plan for 5-story apartment building at 79 King St (6-1, Kohout opposed)
• Approved site plan for two-family home at 2 Bratton Ct (unanimous)
• Continued affordable housing hearing for Woodland Dr to Sept 9 (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR plans for Riverbank Rd (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR plans for Sherman Ave (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from July meeting (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Budget and Property Subcommittee will meet to discuss pesticides in schools and review student attendance information. The meeting also includes a vote to approve minutes from the July 29, 2021, meeting.

• Vote to approve July 29, 2021, meeting minutes
• Discussion and possible vote on pesticides in the schools
• Discussion regarding student attendance information

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will discuss the September 28, 2021, Preliminary Election, including the Mayor and At-Large Council elections. The meeting also includes updates on Northampton reprecincting and Ranked Choice Voting.

• Sept. 28, 2021 Preliminary Election status
• Mayor & At-Large Council Election ballot drawing
• Early In-Person & Mail-In Voting details
• Northampton Reprecincting update
• Ranked Choice Voting Update

The Northampton Board of Registrars met via Zoom on August 10, 2021, but no votes were taken because only two of four members were present, lacking a quorum. The board discussed upcoming election logistics, including the September 28 preliminary election, early voting plans, and the start of precinct redistricting efforts. No formal decisions were made.

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Minutes from previous meetings held over to next meeting
• Ballot name drawing scheduled for August 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm
• Early voting warrants sent to City Council for approval
• Precinct redistricting committee first meeting set for September 13, 2021

Ranked Choice Voting

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee will review actions taken regarding RCV to date and discuss a potential calendar of events leading to implementation. The committee will also establish rules for public comment and plan future meeting schedules.

• Review and approval of previous meeting minutes
• Establishment of rules for public comment
• Discussion of RCV implementation calendar
• Planning for guest speakers and community forums

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee approved a 20-minute overall public comment period with a 2-minute individual limit, and unanimously approved the July 26th minutes. The committee discussed implementation steps, including drafting enabling legislation, placing a ballot question, and purchasing tabulation software, with a potential special election in November 2022 and possible RCV implementation as early as 2023. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from July 26th meeting (unanimous)
• Set maximum public comment period at 20 minutes with 2-minute individual limit (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will review local COVID-19 statistics and clusters. The meeting includes discussion regarding indoor mask mandates and other policies related to current COVID data.

• Review of June 17, 2021, meeting minutes
• Discussion of local COVID-19 statistics and clusters
• Discussion regarding indoor mask mandates and other COVID-related policies

The Board of Health voted unanimously to approve a draft order requiring masks in public indoor spaces, with exemptions for children under 5, medical conditions, eating/drinking, and performers maintaining 10 feet of distance. The board also amended the order to exempt workplaces not open to the public, while strongly advising masks where social distancing isn't possible. The director was authorized to finalize the order with an effective date of August 11, 2021 at 12:01 am. The June 17, 2021 meeting minutes were tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved draft COVID-19 mask mandate for public indoor spaces (4-0)
• Amended mandate to exempt workplaces not open to the public (4-0)
• Authorized Health Director to finalize order effective Aug 11, 2021 (4-0)
• Tabled approval of June 17, 2021 meeting minutes

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Trustees of Lilly Library will conduct a meeting consisting primarily of administrative reports and procedural items. Discussion topics include staff compensation and liability insurance for directors and the board.

• Liability insurance for directors and the board
• Staff compensation
• Election of Secretary

City Council Rules Select Committee

The City Council Rules Select Committee will consider modifications to specific council rules. These include rules regarding remote meeting participation and meeting start and end times. The committee also intends to establish a timeline for completing its work and filing a report.

• Modification of Rule 4.14 regarding remote meeting participation
• Discussion on meeting start, end, and length rules
• Approval of July 13, 2021, meeting minutes
• Timeline for completion of work and filing a report to Council

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to discuss the previous superintendent evaluation process. The committee will also vote to approve minutes from the July 1, 2021 meeting.

• Vote to approve July 1, 2021, meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding the previous superintendent evaluation process

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will review expedited applications and make funding recommendations. This includes discussions on canal historic documentation and a facade restoration at 132 Main Street.

• Hampshire and Hampden Canal Historic Documentation
• Michelson Galleries/132 Main Street Façade Restoration

The Community Preservation Committee voted 6-1 against recommending full funding for the Michelson Galleries/132 Main Street facade restoration, with concerns about funding a private entity and lack of financial details. The committee unanimously recommended $15,000 for the Hampshire and Hampden Canal Historic Documentation project.

• Rejected full funding for Michelson Galleries/132 Main Street facade restoration (6-1)
• Approved $15,000 for Hampshire and Hampden Canal Historic Documentation (unanimous)

License Commission

The Northampton License Commission will consider several applications for new entertainment licenses and short-term liquor permits. Public hearings are scheduled regarding a change in license category for Jake’s Restaurant and an expansion of outdoor space at 125A Pleasant St. The commission will also discuss public meeting protocols and fair wage compliance certifications.

• New entertainment license for Spoleto Restaurant (1 Bridge St., LLC)
• Public hearing for Jake’s Restaurant to request a Cordials/Liqueurs Permit
• Public hearing for Union Station, Tunnel Bar, PlatformBar, and The Deck to add 4,180 sq. ft. of outdoor space
• New entertainment license for Patria (AC Thayer, LLC) with DJs until 1 a.m.
• Short term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing and Drawing Board Brewing Company, LLC

The Northampton License Commission approved new entertainment licenses for Spoleto Restaurant, Eastside Grill, and Patria, along with short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing and Drawing Board Brewing. It also approved a cordials permit for Jake's Restaurant and tabled an application from Union Station due to outstanding violations. A motion to reconsider JJ's Tavern's entertainment license failed.

• Approved entertainment license for Spoleto Restaurant (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Eastside Grill (3-0)
• Approved cordials permit for Jake's Restaurant (3-0)
• Tabled Union Station outdoor expansion application (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Building 8 Brewing (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Drawing Board Brewing (3-0)
• Approved entertainment license for Patria (3-0)
• Motion to reconsider JJ's Tavern license failed (1-2)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Northampton Urban Forestry Commission is meeting to review minutes from July 21, 2021, and June 23, 2021. The agenda also includes discussions on an understory slide deck, subgroup assignments, and a plan for the Spotted Lanternfly.

• Review/approve minutes from 07/21/21 and 06/23/2021
• Understory discussion with Caylee Chan
• Subgroup assignments, timelines, and initial steps
• Spotted Lanternfly plan presentation by Molly Hale

The Urban Forestry Commission approved the amended June 21, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0) and adjourned (4-0). They heard a presentation on right-of-way tree ownership and planting rules, and discussed several ongoing projects including the Main Street Redesign letter, Warfield Place cherry tree removal and replanting, and a significant tree ordinance meeting. No formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved June 21, 2021 amended meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee will hold public hearings regarding two development projects. The committee will review a proposal for a five-story multi-use apartment building at 79 King St and the demolition of a historic building at 10 Hawley St.

• Review of 5-story multi-use apartment building at 79 King St
• Demolition of historic building at 10 Hawley St for residential units

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will hear a presentation from Valley CDC regarding a CPA funding application. The meeting includes a conversation with Councilors Rachel Maiore and Alex Jarrett about the Real Estate Transfer Fee home-rule petition. A discussion with the Small Area FMR Sub-Committee is also scheduled.

• Presentation on CPA funding application from Valley CDC
• Conversation regarding Real Estate Transfer Fee home-rule petition
• Discussion with Small Area FMR Sub-Committee
• Approval of July 12, 2021 minutes

The Housing Partnership unanimously supported Valley CDC's CPA funding proposal and formed a subcommittee to investigate a real estate transfer fee home-rule petition. The July 12 minutes were tabled for corrections. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Tabled July 12, 2021 minutes for corrections (unanimous)
• Supported Valley CDC's CPA funding proposal (unanimous)
• Formed subcommittee to investigate real estate transfer fee (members: Richard Abuza, Carmen Junno, Ace Tayloe, Jim Reis)

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The Budget and Property Subcommittee will review minutes from the June 30, 2021 meeting. The agenda includes a discussion and possible vote regarding pesticides in schools. Members will also receive an update on electric school buses and discuss student attendance information.

• Vote to approve June 30, 2021 minutes
• Discussion and possible vote on pesticides in the schools
• Update on electric school buses
• Discussion of student attendance information

Forbes Library Racial and Social Justice Advisory Group

The group will review library updates, including reopening plans and community collaborations. Members will also address the Racial & Social Justice Action Plan and committee member stipends.

• Racial & Social Justice Action Plan
• Library updates regarding BIPOC Art Committee and Racial Equity Symposium
• Committee member stipends
• Open library positions

Forbes Library Racial and Social Justice Advisory Group

The committee will discuss the Racial & Social Justice FY22 Action Plan and the Meeting Room & Grounds Use Policy. The agenda also includes updates on collaboration with the Northampton Human Rights Commission.

• Racial & Social Justice FY22 Action Plan
• Meeting Room & Grounds Use Policy
• Collaboration with Northampton Human Rights Commission
• Approval of June 28, 2021 minutes

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services will consider several appointments and reappointments to various local boards and commissions. This includes filling vacancies and confirming members for the Council on Aging, Historical Commission, Trust Fund Committee, Urban Forestry Commission, and Whiting Street Fund Committee.

• Reappointment of Michael Ford to the Council on Aging
• Steven Moga nomination for Historical Commission vacancy
• Joseph Wilhelm III appointment to the Trust Fund Committee
• Reappointment of Robert Postel to the Urban Forestry Commission
• MariJon “MJ” Adams appointment to the Whiting Street Fund Committee

The City Services Committee unanimously approved minutes and forwarded five appointments to the full City Council with positive recommendations: Michael Ford (Council on Aging), Steven Moga (Historical Commission), Joseph Wilhelm III (Trust Fund Committee), Robert Postel (Urban Forestry Commission), and MariJon 'MJ' Adams (Whiting Street Fund Committee). No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• Approved minutes of May 10 and June 7, 2021 (4-0)
• Forwarded Michael Ford appointment to Council on Aging (4-0)
• Forwarded Steven Moga appointment to Historical Commission (4-0)
• Forwarded Joseph Wilhelm III appointment to Trust Fund Committee (4-0)
• Forwarded Robert Postel appointment to Urban Forestry Commission (4-0)
• Forwarded MariJon 'MJ' Adams appointment to Whiting Street Fund Committee (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold public hearings to determine if two buildings should be designated as "Preferably Preserved" under the Demolition Review Ordinance. The commission will also establish a designee for demolition significance determinations and consider a nominee for the Central Business Architecture Committee.

• Public hearing: preservation status of 53 West Street
• Public hearing: preservation status of 7 College Lane
• Establishment of a designee for demolition significance determinations
• Central Business Architecture Committee nominee consideration

Historical Commission

The commission will hold public hearings to determine if buildings at 53 West Street and 7 College Lane should be designated 'Preferably Preserved' under the Demolition Review Ordinance. The hearing for 7 College Lane has been requested to continue until August 30, 2021. The agenda also includes establishing a designee for demolition significance determinations.

• Public hearing: preservation status of 53 West Street
• Public hearing: preservation status of 7 College Lane (requested continuance)
• Establishment of commission designee for demolition significance determinations
• Central Business Architecture Committee nominee

The Historical Commission voted unanimously that the building at 53 West Street does not meet the criteria for 'Preferably Preserved' under the Demolition Review Ordinance, clearing the way for its demolition. A second hearing for 7 College Lane was continued to October 25 at the applicant's request. The commission also established a subcommittee to handle demolition significance determinations.

• Determined 53 West St not 'Preferably Preserved' (unanimous)
• Continued 7 College Lane hearing to October 25 (unanimous)
• Designated subcommittee for demolition significance determinations (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 26 and May 24, 2021 (unanimous)

Ranked Choice Voting

This meeting consists of procedural items to organize the Ranked Choice Voting Committee. Members will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and discuss committee objectives. The agenda also includes reviewing legal duties regarding open meetings and public records.

• Election of a Chair and Vice-Chair
• Review of Open Meeting Law, Conflict of Interest, and Public Records Law
• Discussion of committee purpose and objectives
• Establishment of future meeting schedules and timelines

The Ranked Choice Voting Committee held its first meeting, electing Bob Boulrice as chair and Catherine Kay as vice-chair, both unanimously. The committee discussed its purpose, legal duties, and future meeting schedule, but made no substantive decisions on RCV implementation.

• Elected Bob Boulrice as chair (unanimous)
• Elected Catherine Kay as vice-chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)