Northampton public meetings in 2022

Northampton Retirement Board

The board will review and vote on routine retirement applications, payroll warrants, and financial reports. This agenda consists of standard procedural items without specific names or dollar amounts listed.

• Review/vote on retirement and disability applications
• Review/vote on retiree and survivor allowances
• Review payroll and accounts payable warrants
• Review investment statements and treasurer's report

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The committee will discuss assignment updates and the completion of workshop documents and forms. Members will also discuss outreach strategies and survey distribution. An announcement regarding the extension of the committee's charge is scheduled.

• Approval of December 6, 2022 minutes
• Discussion on workshop documents and forms
• Discussion on outreach and survey distribution
• Announcement of extension of Committee charge

The Select Committee approved the next step to distribute a survey to board chairs and former members to identify barriers to serving on city boards. Members discussed outreach strategies and the need for a database of past applicants. The City Council extended the committee's report deadline to April 15, 2023.

• Approved minutes from December 6, 2022 meeting (4-0)
• Approved distribution of survey to board chairs and former members
• Agreed to add 'retired' as an employment status option to the survey
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees will meet to consider several proposals. Items include an out-of-state field trip and an application for a MassDOT grant.

• Vote to approve out-of-state field trip to the Culinary Institute of America
• Vote to apply for MassDOT Safe Routes to School Grant
• Vote to amend vehicle bidding motion from a $45,000-$55,000 hybrid van to a 7–10 passenger vehicle
• Vote to approve postings for Farm Technician and Lead Animal Care Technician roles
• Vote to approve surplus cosmetology chairs and cafeteria vending machines for resale

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Property Subcommittee will continue discussions regarding options and plans for the E Building. The meeting also includes status updates on various school maintenance projects and capital improvements.

• E Building options and plans
• VA Forestry property/building update
• Burts Pit Road Paddock/Apple storage floor repair
• Animal Science building window project
• FY24 Capital Improvement projects

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The subcommittee will continue discussing options and plans for the E Building. The meeting also includes status updates on various maintenance tasks, such as drainage at Locust Street pasture and window replacements in the Animal Science building.

• E Building options and plans discussion
• Burts Pit Road Paddock/Apple storage floor repair update
• Animal Science building window project status
• FY24 Capital Improvement projects updates
• Sidewalk project and chip activated entry doors status

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review routine reports and take action on several items, including Storywalk construction, a treasurer appointment, and purchases of paintings. The meeting is hybrid, with public comment available at the start or via written submission.

• Storywalk Construction action item
• Treasurer Appointment action item
• Radwell Painting Purchase action item
• Hodges Painting Framing action item
• Increasing Board Size Update (informational)

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Transportation & Parking Commission will review multiple requests for traffic calming measures on various local streets. Discussions include Meadow Street, West Street, Pomeroy Terrace, and Florence Road.

• Traffic Calming Request for Meadow Street
• Traffic Calming Request for West Street
• Traffic Calming Request for Pomeroy Terrace
• Traffic Calming Request for Florence Road (from Burts Pit Road to Florence Heights)
• Updates on Hinckley Street and Warner Street applications

The Commission approved the November 15, 2022 meeting minutes. Members discussed traffic calming requests for Meadow Street, West Street, Pomeroy Terrace, and Florence Road, but no formal actions were taken on these requests. The Commission recommended no traffic calming measures for Hinckley Street and Warner Street.

• Approved November 15, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-2)
• Recommended no traffic calming measures for Hinckley Street
• Recommended no traffic calming measures for Warner Street

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting to handle routine business including bills, reports, and public comment. Action items include Storywalk construction and a treasurer appointment, with an informational update on increasing board size.

• Storywalk Construction action item
• Treasurer Appointment action item
• Increasing Board Size Update
• Final FY22 and 1st Quarter FY23 financial reports
• Public comment period with written comments due by noon Thursday

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will convene online to continue a hearing on an appeal of a correction/cease and desist order issued to Jim's Variety at 15 West Farms Road, Florence. The board will also receive updates on respiratory illness, hear a presentation on women's reproductive health, and continue reviewing local tobacco sales regulations against the updated model state regulation.

• Continued hearing: Jim's Variety, 15 West Farms Road, Florence – appeal of correction/cease and desist order
• Respiratory illness update by Elliot Ezcurra, PHN
• Presentation by Councilor Maiore on women's reproductive health
• Review of City of Northampton Tobacco Sales Regulations vs. updated Model State Tobacco Regulation
• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2022

The Board of Health continued a hearing regarding a cease and desist order for Jim’s Variety due to technical difficulties. No other substantive decisions were made, as discussions on tobacco regulations and the approval of previous minutes were tabled.

• Continued Jim’s Variety appeal hearing to January meeting (5-0)
• Tabled discussion on Tobacco Sales Regulations
• Tabled approval of November 17, 2022 meeting minutes

City Council Committee on Community Resources

The Committee on Community Resources will review an update regarding the Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions. The meeting also includes reviewing minutes from the November 21, 2022, meeting. No specific new business items were detailed in the agenda text.

• Update on Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions
• Review of November 21, 2022, meeting minutes

The Committee on Community Resources received a progress report from the Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions. The Select Committee discussed plans for a public survey, poster campaigns, and public forums to identify obstacles to civic participation. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will conduct a Section 106 review regarding Building 7, elevators, and infrastructure upgrades at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The meeting also includes discussions on 2023 historic awards and updates on projects recommended for CPA funding.

• Section 106 Review: Veterans Affairs Medical Center Building 7, elevators, and infrastructure upgrades
• Historic Awards 2023
• Update on Historic Projects Recommended for CPA Funding

The Commission reviewed planned projects at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, including a residential conversion for Building 7 and a data center addition. Members expressed concerns regarding the scale of the data center addition and the impact of perimeter fencing on the historic landscape.

• Approved May 23, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Northampton Housing Authority

The Northampton Housing Authority will consider adopting a new Section 8 utility allowance schedule and entering into an ARPA contract for financial assistance. The board will also discuss basement issues at Hampshire and Florence Heights.

• Adoption of the Section 8 Utility Allowance Schedule effective 01/2023
• Entering into an ARPA Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA 4001)
• Discussion regarding basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights
• Motion to allow recording of meetings for distribution to NOM

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet in executive session to address specific personnel matters. The committee intends to discuss charges against a school employee and staff member. They will also review an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Jonathan Gerhardson.

• Personnel complaints involving a school employee and staff member
• Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Jonathan Gerhardson

City Council

The council will consider several financial orders on their first reading, including large appropriations for stabilization funds and climate change mitigation. They will also review second-reading ordinances regarding parking and stormwater management. A public hearing is scheduled for a utility pole petition on Riverside Drive.

• $2.9 million appropriation to Stabilization, Capital Stabilization, and Fiscal Stability funds
• $3 million appropriation to establish a Climate Change Mitigation Stabilization Fund
• $1 million appropriation for Picture Main Street Design Services
• Ordinance regarding parking on Main Street (Leeds)
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 281 Stormwater Management

The City Council approved several ordinances and referred multiple financial orders to the consent agenda, including the acquisition of the First Baptist Church for a resilience hub. The council also passed updates to stormwater management and seasonal parking in Leeds.

• Approved acquisition of First Baptist Church at 298 Main Street for Community Resilience Hub (9-0)
• Approved Ordinance 22.191 for seasonal parking on Main Street in Leeds (9-0)
• Approved Ordinance 22.204 to amend Chapter 281 Stormwater Management (9-0)
• Approved National Grid Pole Petition for Riverside Drive (9-0)
• Referred Ordinance 22.201 to limit retail cannabis establishments to Legislative Matters (9-0)
• Referred Order 22.219 to establish a $3M Climate Change Mitigation Stabilization Fund to Finance Committee (9-0)
• Granted deadline extension to April 15, 2023, for Select Committee to Study Barriers (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda including December 1, 2022 minutes (9-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is meeting to discuss the search for a permanent superintendent. The committee will review the MASC process and timeline, including creating a notice of vacancy. Members will also review applicants for the preliminary search to decide whom to invite.

• Reviewing the MASC process and timeline for the permanent superintendent search
• Creating a notice of vacancy for the superintendent position
• Deciding which applicants to invite for the preliminary superintendent search

Northampton School Committee

The committee will review the MASC process and timeline for the permanent superintendent search, including creating a notice of vacancy. Members will also review applicants from the preliminary search to decide whom to invite.

• Review MASC process and timeline for permanent superintendent search
• Creation of a notice of vacancy
• Review of applicants from the preliminary superintendent search
• Decision on which applicants to invite

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The subcommittee will vote on minutes from the October 18 and December 6 meetings. Members will also hear presentations regarding the FY23 budget and specific school budget templates.

• Approval of October 18 and December 6 meeting minutes
• Presentation on Start Time Draft Survey
• Presentation on School Budget Templates for JFK Middle, RK Finn, Bridge Street, Jackson Street, and Leeds Elementary schools
• Presentation on FY23 Budget

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will meet to review several school committee policies. This includes a review of policy KDD regarding news media relations and news releases. The subcommittee may also vote on policies related to minutes and agenda formats.

• Review of Policy KDD (News Media Relations / News Releases)
• Possible vote on Policy BEDG (Minutes)
• Possible vote on Policies BEDB (Agenda Format) and BEDB-E (Agenda Format Addendum)
• Approval of November 16, 2022, minutes

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review and potentially vote on several school committee policies. These include Policy BEDG regarding minutes, as well as policies BEDB and BEDB-E concerning agenda formats. The meeting also includes the approval of November 16, 2022, minutes.

• Vote on Policy BEDG (Minutes)
• Vote on Policy BEDB (Agenda Format)
• Vote on Policy BEDB-E (Agenda Format Addendum)
• Approval of November 16, 2022 minutes

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss the Northampton Reparations Resolution and a Community Gardens Racial Equity Plan. The meeting also includes reviewing service barriers on city boards and commissions.

• Northampton Reparations Resolution
• Community Gardens Racial Equity Plan discussion
• Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions
• Handbook for New Commission, Committee, and Board Members
• Approval of October and November 2022 Minutes

The commission heard a presentation from the Northampton Community Gardens Racial Equity Committee regarding racial bias and the need for a dedicated equity position. No formal votes were taken on the proposal. The commission also discussed an onboarding handbook for municipal boards.

• Heard presentation on racial equity and access in community gardens
• Discussed draft onboarding handbook for the Select Committee for the Study of Barriers to Service on Boards and Commissions
• Proposed guest column/letter to the editor regarding the state of the HRC
• Proposed educational project on reproductive justice

Youth Commission

Mayor Sciarra will swear in the 2022-23 Youth Commission members during this meeting. The agenda includes a discussion with the Mayor and a City Council update from Maisie. Members will also vote on approving minutes from the previous meeting.

• Swearing in of 2022-23 Youth Commission members by Mayor Sciarra
• Vote to approve minutes from the previous meeting
• Vote on whether to support the Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition
• City Council update from Maisie

The Commission voted to sign onto an op-ed by the Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition supporting a climate coordinator position. The meeting also included a City Council update and a discussion regarding the 'Cliff Effect' on government benefits.

• Approved minutes from previous meeting (13-0-8)
• Approved signing onto Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition op-ed (23-1)

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee meeting includes items regarding the NHS crosswalk and the Hatfield Round About. The agenda also includes public comment and the acceptance of minutes from November 9.

• NHS crosswalk
• Hatfield Round About
• Acceptance of November 9 minutes

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The commission will review minutes from the November 8 meeting and discuss a draft Opt-in Specialized Energy Code for delivery to the Council in January. The agenda also includes status reports on building electrification, municipal district heat, and mowing subcommittee progress.

• Draft Opt-in Specialized Energy Code
• Mowing Subcommittee Report
• Building Electrification Accelerator updates
• District Heat for municipal buildings report
• Air to Water Heat Pump Alternative report

The Energy & Sustainability Commission unanimously endorsed the DOER's new Opt-in Specialized Stretch Code and urged the City Council to take action. The meeting also included status reports on pollinator habitats and building electrification.

• Approved minutes of Nov 8, 2022 (unanimous)
• Endorsed DOER’s new Opt-in Specialized Stretch Code (unanimous)

Leeds Elementary School Council

The Leeds School Council will review 2021-22 family engagement survey results and discuss the 2022-23 survey window. The council will also discuss dates for the World Cafe, Science Fair, and Variety Show.

• Presentation of 2021-22 Family Engagement Survey Results
• Discussion of dates for the Science Fair and Variety Show
• Subcommittee updates regarding Equity & Inclusion and PTO

Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board

The board will hold its first session, including the swearing in of members by City Clerk Pamela Powers. City Solicitor Alan Seewald will present on the board's role, Open Meeting Law expectations, and the scope of work. Members will also elect officers and set a meeting schedule.

• Swearing in of members by City Clerk Pamela Powers
• Presentation on board role and Open Meeting Law expectations
• Discussion of charge, scope of work, and report timeline
• Election of officers including chair, vice-chair, and minutes taker
• Setting of a meeting schedule

The board established its leadership and scheduled a series of meetings for January and February 2023. The committee's purpose is to review the equity and adequacy of compensation for the Mayor, City Council, and School Committee.

• Elected John Bidwell as Chair
• Elected Peter Whalen as Vice Chair
• Elected Sam Hopper as Clerk
• Scheduled meetings for Jan 9, Jan 23, Feb 6, and Feb 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will conduct a routine meeting to review previous minutes and ROV statistics. The provided agenda contains only standard procedural items.

• Review of meeting minutes from the previous meeting
• Presentation of ROV statistics

The Board reviewed statistics from the November 2022 election. No votes were taken on new business items, which were deferred to the January 17 meeting.

• Reviewed November 2022 election statistics
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-1)

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council meeting includes discussions regarding group meeting norms and LCC FY23 grant allocations. This session involves the allocation of grants for the 2023 fiscal year. Residents may submit written testimony via email or participate through Zoom.

• LCC FY23 Grant Allocation
• Group Meeting Norms

The Arts Council approved the allocation of $27,094 in LCC funds for FY23 to 32 grant recipients. The council decided not to provide funding to 59 other grant applicants.

• Approved $27,094 in LCC funds for FY23 to 32 grant recipients (unanimous)
• Denied funding to 59 grant applicants

Disability Commission

The commission will vote on nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair. The agenda also includes discussions regarding a snow shoveling public service campaign and training from the MOD.

• Vote on Chair nomination (Emma Cornwell)
• Vote on Vice-Chair nomination (Kathy Murri)
• Discussion of snow shoveling public service campaign
• Discussion regarding Accessing Monitoring Training from MOD
• Discussion of a possible roundtable with other Disability Commissions

The commission unanimously elected Jeremy Macomber-Dubs as Chair and Emma Cornwell as Vice-Chair. Members approved the November 8th minutes and discussed public concerns regarding curb cut processes and the Rocky Hill Accessible Trail project.

• Approved November 8th minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Jeremy Macomber-Dubs as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Emma Cornwell as Vice-Chair (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee

The Ad Hoc Exit Interview Subcommittee is meeting to discuss using an external entity to conduct exit interviews. Members will also review a recruitment and retention study to develop interview questions and a data collection process. The committee may vote on seeking services or a draft proposal for third-party assistance.

• Report on possible external entity for conducting exit interviews
• Discussion of recruitment and retention study
• Potential employee satisfaction survey for ESPs with highest turnover
• Vote on seeking services or a draft proposal for an external entity
• Vote on online or in-person meetings for the subcommittee

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss regulatory issues, a 2023 regional conference, dual-use solar updates, and a review of the April agricultural bus tour. They will also update on city-owned agricultural properties, including specific farms and the Old Hampshire County Jail property. The meeting includes public comment, minutes approval, and other business.

• Update on Crimson and Clover regulatory issues
• 2023 Regional Conference planning
• Dual Use Solar updates
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour and city-owned agricultural properties (Linseed Road Farm, Bleiman, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, Old Hampshire County Jail Property)
• Public comment and minutes from November meeting

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Committee on Legislative Matters will review items referred to it, including an ordinance regarding parking on Main Street in Leeds. The committee will also consider amendments to Chapter 281 Stormwater Management regulations.

• Ordinance 22.191 regarding parking on Main Street (Leeds)
• Ordinance 22.204 to amend Chapter 281 Stormwater Management
• Approval of November 14, 2022, meeting minutes

The Committee on Legislative Matters voted to recommend that the City Council change the year-round parking restriction on Main Street in Leeds back to a seasonal ordinance. The committee also recommended a new stormwater management ordinance to the full City Council.

• Approved November 14, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Recommended reverting Main Street (Leeds) parking ban to seasonal (4-0)
• Recommended Stormwater Management ordinance amendment to City Council (3-0)

Jackson Street School Council

The council will vote on approving previous meeting minutes and electing a co-chair. Members will also discuss how to share SIP information with educators and propose new subcommittees.

• Vote to approve last meeting minutes
• Nomination and vote for a co-chair
• Discussion regarding sharing SIP information with educators
• Proposal of new subcommittees

Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council

The Student Advisory Council will hear a presentation regarding the Student Union Survey. The meeting also includes an update on Student Union subcommittees.

• Presentation: Student Union Survey
• Update: Student Union Subcommittees

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a solar array permit for 426 Kennedy Rd in Florence and an outdoor classroom amendment for the Hampshire Regional YMCA. The agenda also includes discussion regarding sidewalk inventory and future draft language.

• Solar array site plan and special permit at 426 Kennedy Rd, Florence
• Outdoor classroom space amendment at Hampshire Regional YMCA, 286 Prospect St
• ANRs for Maple St and Coles Meadow Road
• Sidewalk inventory and gaps discussion

The Board approved a residential solar array and a site plan for outdoor classroom space at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. The YMCA approval includes specific conditions regarding sound attenuation, lighting, and tree protection. Two Acts Not Requiring permits were also endorsed.

• Approved site plan for ground mounted solar array at 426 Kennedy Rd (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Hampshire Regional YMCA outdoor classroom space with conditions (unanimous)
• Endorsed Maple St ANR (unanimous)
• Endorsed Coles Meadow Road ANR (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 10/27 (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will consider options for a district-run or YMCA-expanded childcare program in Leeds. Members are also scheduled to vote on committee meeting formats and the disbanding of the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee. Updates regarding the searches for a new Superintendent and NHS Principal are also included.

• Vote on creating a district-run or YMCA-expanded childcare program in Leeds
• Vote to adopt Policy BDF (Advisory Committees)
• Vote on MCAS late start testing dates
• Vote to disband the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee
• Updates on Superintendent and NHS Principal searches

The committee voted to delay any decision on creating a district-run childcare program or expanding YMCA services to Leeds for at least one year until a permanent superintendent is hired. Other actions included approving a field trip to the CT Science Center and accepting $25,180 in grants. The board also disbanded the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee.

• Postponed decision on district-wide or YMCA childcare program for at least one year (7-2 abstain, 1 absent)
• Approved $25,180 in small grants from Northampton Education Foundation (9-1 absent)
• Approved MCAS late start testing dates for February 1-2 and June 6-7 (9-1 absent)
• Approved amended Traveling Nurse job description with DEI language (9-1 absent)
• Disbanded Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee (8-1 opposed, 1 absent)
• Approved continuation of hybrid format for full committee meetings (8-2 absent)
• Approved field trip for NHS to CT Science Center on January 12, 2023 (8-2 absent)
• Approved meeting minutes for May 12 and May 27, 2022 (8-2 absent)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet to consider a proposal for a district-run childcare program or an expanded YMCA presence in Leeds. The committee also plans to vote on MCAS testing dates and the disbanding of the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee.

• Discussion and possible vote on a district-run childcare program or YMCA expansion in Leeds
• Vote on Policy BDF regarding Advisory Committees to the School Committee
• Vote on MCAS Late Start testing dates
• Vote to disband the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee
• Vote to approve an amended Traveling Nurse job description

Northampton School Committee

The committee will discuss creating a district-run childcare program or inviting the YMCA to expand services in Leeds. The agenda also includes votes on MCAS testing dates and the disbanding of the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee.

• Discussion and possible vote on a district-run childcare program or YMCA expansion in Leeds
• Vote on Northampton Education Foundation Small Grants donation
• Discussion and vote on MCAS Late Start testing dates
• Vote to disband the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee
• Vote to approve an amended Traveling Nurse job description

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on two building-related appeals. The board will also consider a special permit for a larger front wall sign at 440 Pleasant St.

• Appeal by Richard Watling regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd
• Special permit application for a front wall sign at 440 Pleasant St
• Appeal by Patrick Melnik regarding a building lot at 0 Grove Ave, Leeds

The Board upheld a determination regarding a building lot at 0 Grove Ave. A special permit for a sign at 440 Pleasant St was granted with lighting restrictions. A hearing regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd was continued.

• Upheld Building Commissioner's determination regarding building lot at 0 Grove Ave (unanimous)
• Granted special permit for front wall sign at 440 Pleasant St with condition that lighting only occur during business hours and up to one hour after close (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for appeal regarding structure at 129 Riverbank Rd until August 24, 2023, with condition that no work, use, or occupancy of the addition shall be made (unanimous)

License Commission

The License Commission will meet virtually to consider several short-term liquor license applications and a public hearing for an innholder license transfer to The Ellery Hotel, LLC. The agenda also includes votes on renewing various 2023 licenses and discussions regarding noise complaints at Tellus and The Satellite Bar.

• Public hearing for all-alcohol innholder license transfer to The Ellery Hotel, LLC
• Short-term liquor license application for Festival of Trees at 361 King St.
• Short-term liquor license application for live music at 130 Pine St., Florence
• Vote to renew 2023 liquor licenses with exceptions for several Center Street businesses
• Discussion of noise complaints and building assessments at Tellus and The Satellite Bar

The Commission approved annual 2023 off-premises and on-premises liquor licenses, as well as several other business license types, pending required documentation. It also granted three short-term liquor licenses and approved a transfer of an annual all-alcohol innholder license.

• Approved 2023 annual off-premises and on-premises liquor licenses (3-0)
• Approved 2023 common victualler, auto amusement, entertainment, innholder, lodging, and car dealer licenses (3-0)
• Approved annual all-alcohol innholder license transfer to The Ellery Hotel, LLC (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Northampton Rotary Foundation, Inc. (2-0-1)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Building 8 Brewing (3-0)
• Approved date and time changes for The Academy of Music short-term liquor license (3-0)
• Approved revised application for entertainment licenses (3-0)
• Approved October 5 and November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review the minutes from the November 16, 2022 meeting. Elizabeth Barns of MDAR will provide a presentation regarding spotted lanternflies. The Chair and Tree Warden will also present reports.

• Review/approve minutes of 11/16/2022
• Spotted Lantern Fly Presentation by Elizabeth Barns
• Chair Report/Tree Warden Report

The commission tabled the November 16, 2022, meeting minutes for further review. Members received a presentation on the Spotted Lanternfly and discussed canopy cover data. The commission also noted incorrect plantings on Pleasant Street that the contractor must correct.

• Tabled November 16, 2022 meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee is holding a listening session to solicit resident input on community spending priorities for the FY2024 budget season. The committee will also consider approving minutes from the October 6, 2022, meeting.

• Listening Session - Community Spending Priorities For FY2024
• Approval of October 6, 2022, meeting minutes

The committee conducted a public listening session to gather community input for the upcoming budget season. Residents advocated for increased education funding, the creation of a climate crisis department, and rail trail repairs. No new spending or policy changes were decided during the session.

• Approved October 6, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The Committee to Study Barriers to Serving will discuss completing work on Google docs and forms. Members will also review assignment updates, outreach strategies, and a possible extension of the committee's charge.

• Workshop completion for Google doc and forms
• Assignment updates
• Discussion about outreach
• Conversation regarding extension of committee charge

The committee approved the minutes from the October 11, 2022 meeting. Members discussed the design and distribution of a survey for city board members and applicants, agreeing to review the survey internally before public release. The committee also discussed outreach strategies and potential dates for listening sessions.

• Approved October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Decided to circulate the board member survey internally for review before public release
• Agreed to contact the Mayor's office regarding access to board member and applicant contact lists

Parks & Recreation Commission

The agenda consists of procedural items and departmental reports. No specific projects, contracts, or ordinances are listed for this meeting.

The Commission approved the minutes from the October 3, 2022 meeting. The remainder of the meeting consisted of reports regarding play structure contracts, restroom facility availability, and maintenance coordination.

• Approved October 3, 2022 minutes

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The subcommittee will consider the Special Education Reserve Fund and review the FY23 budget. The meeting also includes a presentation on a draft survey regarding start times. Members will vote to approve minutes from the October 18 meeting.

• Vote to approve October 18 meeting minutes
• Consideration of Special Education Reserve Fund
• Presentation: Start Time Draft Survey
• Presentation: FY23 Budget

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearings

CDBG staff will present priorities regarding public services, housing, community, and economic development. The meeting includes a period for public comment, questions, and answers.

• Public hearing on CDBG priorities and RFP
• Presentation by CDBG staff

City staff presented the priorities and Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Community Development Block Grant program year starting July 2023. The meeting served as a public hearing to discuss budget categories, application deadlines, and funding objectives. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearings

This public hearing covers Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) priorities for housing, public services, and economic development. Staff will present information regarding these priorities and the RFP. The session includes time for public comment and questions.

• Presentation on CDBG priorities and RFP

City staff presented the priorities and Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Community Development Block Grant program starting July 2023. The meeting served as a public hearing to discuss budget categories, national objectives, and application deadlines. No formal votes were taken.

City Council

The Northampton City Council will consider several ordinances and committee appointments. The agenda includes updates to stormwater management regulations and parking changes on Stoddard and Prospect Streets. The council will also review financial orders regarding the Senior Center Gift Fund and community room equipment upgrades.

• Ordinance prohibiting wild or exotic animals for entertainment (2nd reading)
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 281 Stormwater Management (1st reading)
• Parking ordinances for Stoddard Street and Prospect Street
• Appropriation of Senior Center Gift Fund money for health and wellness aid
• Acceptance of a gift for JFK Community Room audio-visual upgrades

The City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of wild or exotic animals for entertainment and passed several parking restrictions. They also approved various committee appointments and a gift for audio-visual equipment upgrades. A proposed amendment to the stormwater management ordinance was referred to the Legislative Matters committee.

• Approved ordinance prohibiting use of wild or exotic animals for entertainment (9-0)
• Approved parking ordinances for Stoddard Street and Prospect Street (9-0)
• Approved order to accept NOM gift for JFK Community Room audio-visual upgrades (9-0)
• Approved appropriation of Senior Center Gift Fund for health and wellness financial aid (9-0)
• Referred stormwater management ordinance amendment to Legislative Matters (9-0)
• Approved appointments to Agricultural Commission, Arts Council, Planning Board, Transportation & Parking Commission, and Trust Fund Committee (9-0)
• Approved application for First Night supervised fireworks display (9-0)
• Referred appointments for Conservation Commission and Human Rights Commission to City Services Committee (9-0)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board will meet to approve October meeting minutes and ratify the FY23 Cost of Living Adjustment. The agenda also includes updates on staff changes and a discussion regarding COI training requirements.

• Approval of October 6th meeting minutes
• Ratification of FY23 COLA
• Discussion of COI training requirement
• Staff change updates
• Member spotlight with the Mayor of Northampton

City Council Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee will discuss the format and date for a Budget Listening Session. Members will also discuss municipal, state, and federal funding options for a potential Climate Crisis Director position. The committee will also approve previous meeting minutes and set future meeting dates.

• Setting format and date for Budget Listening Session
• Discussion of funding possibilities for a potential Climate Crisis Director position
• Approval of May and September 2022 meeting minutes

The committee heard testimony from the Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition regarding the creation of an executive-level Climate Crisis Director. No formal vote was taken on the position, as councilors noted they lack the authority to create departments. The committee scheduled a budget listening session for December 7.

• Approved minutes from May 5, May 11, and May 31, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from September 21, 2022 (4-0)
• Scheduled budget listening session for December 7 at 6 p.m.
• Agreed to potential meeting dates of December 21 and January 11 if items are referred

Youth Commission

The Youth Commission will discuss reparations and potential formal support for the Northampton Reparations Committee. The meeting also includes a vote on establishing a Housing Working Group.

• Vote to approve previous meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding Northampton Reparations Committee
• Climate and Sustainability group update
• Discussion about Northampton High School principal candidate news
• Vote on supporting the mission and establishment of the Housing Working Group

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council will meet via Zoom to conduct a review of the LCC FY23 grants and discuss group meeting norms. The meeting is being recorded for public record.

• LCC FY23 grant review
• Discussion of group meeting norms

The Arts Council met remotely to review a portion of the Local Cultural Council (LCC) FY23 grants. Members in attendance recorded scores for the grants reviewed.

• Reviewed and scored half of the LCC FY23 grants

Northampton Retirement Board

The Northampton Retirement Board will meet to consider a local option to increase the fiscal year 2023 retiree COLA from 3% to 5%. The board will also review retirement applications, disability applications, and payroll warrants.

• Proposal to increase FY 2023 retiree COLA from 3% to 5%
• Review/vote on retirement and disability applications
• Review of retiree and staff payroll warrants
• Discussion regarding retiree COLA base increase

Northampton School Committee

The committee will review School Improvement Plans for JFK Middle, Jackson Street, Bridge Street, RK Finn, and Leeds Elementary schools. The meeting also includes a presentation on connecting student achievement data to student-centered learning.

• School Improvement Plan presentations for five local schools
• Presentation on Student Centered Learning and student achievement data
• Executive Session regarding collective bargaining or litigation strategy

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council is meeting remotely to review Local Cultural Council (LCC) FY23 grant applications. The agenda includes group meeting norms and the grant review process. Public comment can be submitted in writing or via Zoom.

• LCC FY23 Grant Review

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving is meeting to review workshopping documents and assignment updates. The body will also discuss outreach efforts and a potential extension of the committee's charge.

• Review of Google doc and forms
• Discussion regarding outreach
• Conversation about extending the committee charge

The committee discussed outreach methods for a survey on barriers to serving on city boards and proposed a listening session for February. A draft letter was reviewed requesting an extension of the committee's charge until April 15, 2023.

• Tabled October 10th meeting minutes
• Approved motion to adjourn (6-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing to determine if the carriage house accessory structure at 22 Lilly Street should be designated "Preferably Preserved." The agenda also includes a Section 106 Review for infrastructure upgrades at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

• Public hearing regarding preservation status of carriage house at 22 Lilly Street
• Section 106 Review for Veterans Affairs Medical Center Building 7 elevator and infrastructure upgrades

The Commission determined that the carriage house at 22 Lilly Street is 'Preferably Preserved' under the Demolition Review Ordinance. However, it also decided that the ordinance's intent was served via an alternate plan involving photo documentation and salvage efforts.

• Approved May 2, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Determined carriage house at 22 Lilly Street is 'Preferably Preserved' (5-1)
• Found purpose of Ordinance served by alternate plan of photo documentation and salvage for 22 Lilly Street (unanimous)
• Postponed Section 106 Review for Veterans Affairs Medical Center Building 7

City Council

The City Council will consider an order to establish a tax classification for fiscal year 2023. The council will also review appointments to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board for terms running from November 2022 to November 2024.

• Appointments to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board
• Second reading of an order to establish a tax classification for FY2023

The City Council approved a tax factor of one, meaning commercial and residential properties will be assessed at the same rate. The council also appointed seven members to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board.

• Approved tax factor of one for FY2023 tax classification (7-0)
• Approved appointments of Tara Brewster, Felicia Corbeil, Peter Whalen, Sam Hopper, John Holloway-Bidwell, Javier Luengo-Garrido, and Noreen Mickiewicz Hayes to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board (7-0)

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services is reviewing several appointments for local boards. This includes a reappointment to the Conservation Commission and seven individuals for the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board.

• Reappointment of Randy Krotowski to the Conservation Commission
• Appointments to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board

The Committee on City Services positively recommended several appointments to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board and the Conservation Commission.

• Positively recommended appointment of seven members to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board as a group (3-0)
• Positively recommended reappointment of Randy Krotowski to the Conservation Commission (3-0)

City Council Committee on Community Resources

The Committee on Community Resources will hold a roundtable discussion regarding housing needs featuring speakers from the Office of Planning & Sustainability and various real estate development organizations. The committee will also review minutes from September 2022 meetings. No new items have been referred to the committee for this meeting.

• Roundtable discussion on topics related to housing needs
• Review of September 19 and September 21, 2022 meeting minutes

The committee conducted a roundtable discussion featuring planners, contractors, and realtors regarding the regional housing shortage and rising building costs. No new policies were voted on, though the committee discussed the impact of zoning, the energy stretch code, and the feasibility of starter homes.

• Approved minutes of September 19 and September 21, 2022 joint meetings (3-0)

Northampton Housing Authority

The Commissioners will consider several vendor contracts for power washing, boiler replacement, and fall cleanup. The board will also discuss basement issues at Hampshire and Florence Heights.

• Contract for building and balcony power washing by Power JetVac
• Contract for Cahill Boiler Replacement by Performance Plumbing & Heating
• Contract for 2022 Fall Cleanup by Spring Valley
• Discussion regarding basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights

Housing Partnership

The subcommittee will review progress made toward reviving the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (MAHTF). Members will also discuss further steps required to decide whether or not to recommend the fund's revival.

• Review of steps taken by the Housing Partnership to explore MAHTF revival
• Discussion of future subcommittee actions regarding a recommendation for the MAHTF

Valley Green Energy Working Group (VGEWG)

The Valley Green Energy Working Group will discuss next steps for Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). This includes finalizing an outreach and education plan and reviewing a draft aggregation plan. The group will also review minutes from the September 6 and November 3, 2022, meetings.

• Review of September 6 and November 3, 2022, meeting minutes
• Finalizing the CCA Outreach and Education Plan
• Discussion of Draft Aggregation Plan
• Review of Valley Green Energy logos

City Council

The City Council will consider several appointments to local boards, including the Agricultural Commission and Arts Council. The agenda includes second readings for orders regarding the FY2023 tax classification and Senior Center fund appropriations. Additionally, the council will review ordinances related to street parking and animal entertainment.

• Order to establish a tax classification for FY2023
• Order to appropriate Senior Center Gift Fund money for health and wellness aid
• Ordinance regarding parking on Stoddard Street
• Ordinance regarding parking on Prospect Street
• Ordinance prohibiting the use of wild or exotic animals for entertainment

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss comparing Massachusetts sample regulations for tobacco and vape products with local Northampton rules. The meeting also includes a COVID update from Elliot Ezcurra and a discussion regarding the mask advisory.

• Comparison of MAHB tobacco and vape regulation with local rules
• COVID update from Elliot Ezcurra
• Review of October 20, 2022 meeting minutes
• Discussion of mask advisory

The Board discussed updating tobacco and vape product sale regulations to align with state sample regulations. Commissioner O'Leary will draft an amended regulation for presentation at the December meeting. The Board also discussed incorporating equity and diversity into future strategic planning.

• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
• Directed Commissioner O'Leary to draft amended tobacco and vape regulations for December meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding signage at two locations. These include requests for larger or differently positioned signs at 172 North King St and 14 Green St.

• Special permit for Dollar Tree signage at 172 North King St
• Special permit for ARTeffects signage at 14 Green St

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved two special permit applications for signage. Both permits include specific conditions regarding the timing of sign illumination.

• Granted special permit for Dollar Tree signs at 172 North King St with condition that lights be off 1 hour after close and not on before opening (Unanimous)
• Granted special permit for ARTeffects signs at 14 Green St with condition that lights be off when the store is closed (Unanimous)

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting to discuss routine reports and several action items, including the director evaluation process, a painting by Northampton's Lights, investing new funds, and a fee for transporting the Grace Coolidge portrait. The meeting is held in a hybrid format due to the state's emergency order.

• Director Evaluation Process (Downing)
• Northampton's Lights Painting (Downing)
• Investing New Funds (Downing)
• Grace Coolidge Portrait Transport Fee (Downing)
• Cybersecurity Grant Update

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission is meeting to discuss election results, reparations, and potential formal support for the Northampton Reparations Committee. They will also vote on establishing an Education Working Group for 2022-23 and hear updates on the Climate and Sustainability working group.

• Vote on establishing Education Working Group for 2022-23
• Discussion on formally supporting Northampton Reparations Committee
• Update on Climate and Sustainability working group progress
• Recap of election results

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from the November 2, 2022 meeting. The agenda includes updates and discussions regarding STO and SLF subgroups. Members will also hold a discussion on fall planting.

• Review/approve minutes of 11/2/2022
• STO Subgroup update and discussion
• SLF Subgroup update and communication strategies
• Fall Planting Discussion

The commission approved an amended ordinance, previously known as the Significant Tree Ordinance, which will now be presented to the Planning Department. Members also discussed the impact of losing a full-time staff member in the Forestry Parks and Recreation division and reviewed spotted lanternfly infestation data.

• Approved meeting minutes from November 2, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved amended Tree Protection Ordinance (6-0)

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will review and potentially vote on several school committee policies. The meeting includes discussions regarding advisory committees, minutes, and agenda formats.

• Review of Policy BDF (Advisory Committees to the School Committee)
• Vote on Policy BEDG (Minutes)
• Vote on Policies BEDB (Agenda Format) and BEDB-E (Agenda Format Addendum)
• Approval of minutes from September 21, 2022, and October 12, 2022

Human Rights Commission

The Commission will discuss the Northampton Reparations Resolution and a racial equity plan for community gardens. The meeting also includes discussion regarding barriers to service on city boards and commissions.

• Northampton Reparations Resolution
• Community Gardens Racial Equity Plan presentation
• Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions
• International Human Rights Day 2022 planning

The commission discussed a racial equity statement from the Northampton Community Gardens and a proposed reparations resolution. No formal votes were taken as there was no quorum to approve previous minutes. Members discussed potential future projects regarding reproductive justice and a guest column for International Human Rights Day.

• Tabled approval of October minutes due to lack of quorum
• Agreed to continue discussion on reparations resolution in following months
• Proposed a guest column or letter to the editor for International Human Rights Day
• Proposed an educational project on reproductive justice

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review reports from school leadership and various subcommittees. The agenda includes votes on opening contract negotiations with Unit H and approving surplus equipment for resale. The board will also consider an overnight field trip and a donation to the Children’s Advocacy Center.

• Vote to open contract negotiations with Unit H
• Approval of surplus 6-burner range, two utility vans, and a Ford Explorer for resale
• Vote on an overnight field trip to Charlton, MA for FFA Winter Leadership Camp
• Proposed donation from the Trustees Account to the Children’s Advocacy Center
• Vote to approve SVAHS making name tags for Northampton Department Heads

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Property Subcommittee is conducting continued discussions regarding E Building options and plans. The meeting also includes status updates on various maintenance, repair, and infrastructure projects.

• Continued discussion of E Building options and plans
• Status updates on VA Forestry property/building and Burts Pit Road Paddock repairs
• Updates on Animal Science building window project and C Building A/C
• Status of drainage issues at Locust Street pasture and sidewalk projects
• FY24 Capital Improvement projects update

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Commission will review proposed ordinances for stop signs on Middle, High, and Clement Streets. The meeting also includes discussions regarding traffic calming requests and parking changes on various local streets.

• Proposed ordinance for stop signs on Middle, High, and Clement Streets
• Traffic calming requests for South Main, Warner, and Florence Streets
• Parking request for Locust Street
• Proposed ordinance regarding parking on Hawley Street

The Commission voted to recommend two ordinances to City Council: one adding stop signs at three intersections in Ward 5 and another expanding a no-parking zone on Hawley Street. Several traffic calming requests for South Main Street, Warner Street, and Florence Street were discussed but not decided.

• Recommended stop signs on Middle Street, High Street, and Clement Street (7-0)
• Recommended 50-foot no-parking zone on northeast side of Hawley Street (7-0)
• Tabled approval of September 27, 2022 minutes

Energy & Sustainability Commission Pollinator Habitat Subcommittee

The subcommittee is meeting to review draft goals and a mission statement for the mowing subcommittee. The agenda also includes a stakeholder presentation and follow-up from a previous meeting with Smith Vocational.

• Review of draft goals and mission statement for the mowing subcommittee
• Presentation from a new stakeholder (TBD)
• Follow-up from a previous meeting with Smith Vocational

The subcommittee discussed identifying city-owned property for pollinator habitats and noted that Smith Vocational School Trustees will allow a 5-acre plot to be used for this purpose. Members proposed a 2023 goal of transforming 25 acres of city land into pollinator habitat. No formal votes were taken on funding or specific seed mixes.

• SVS Trustees approved use of 5-acre plot for pollinator habitat
• Proposed goal to transform 25 acres of city property into pollinator habitat in 2023
• Proposed requesting NESC funding for seed mix
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council will meet via Zoom on November 15, 2022. The agenda includes a review of LCC FY23 grants and a discussion regarding group meeting norms.

• LCC FY23 Grant Review

The Arts Council met remotely to review 46 LCC FY23 grants. Council members in attendance recorded scores for the grants reviewed.

• Recorded scores for 46 LCC FY23 grants

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss several agricultural matters, including a farm stand/washing station expansion request, updates on dual-use solar, and a review of city-owned agricultural properties. The agenda also includes planning for a 2023 regional conference and updates on various local farms.

• Crimson and Clover/Nate Frigard farm stand and washing station expansion issues
• 2023 Regional Conference speaker planning
• Dual Use Solar updates
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour and city-owned agricultural properties
• Updates on Linseed Road Farm, Bleiman, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, and Old Hampshire County Jail Property

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Committee on Legislative Matters is reviewing several proposed ordinances. These include changes to parking regulations on Main Street (Leeds), Stoddard Street, and Prospect Street, as well as a prohibition on the use of wild or exotic animals for entertainment.

• Ordinance relative to parking on Main Street (Leeds)
• Ordinance prohibiting the use of wild or exotic animals for entertainment
• Ordinance relative to parking on Stoddard Street
• Ordinance relative to parking on Prospect Street

The Committee on Legislative Matters positively recommended an ordinance prohibiting the use of wild or exotic animals for entertainment. It also recommended parking changes for Stoddard and Prospect Streets. Action on a Main Street parking ordinance was delayed.

• Positively recommended Ordinance 22.192 prohibiting wild or exotic animals for entertainment (4-0)
• Amended citation for animal entertainment ordinance to Article IV §128-21 (4-0)
• Positively recommended Ordinance 22.175 regarding parking on Stoddard Street (4-0)
• Positively recommended Ordinance 22.176 regarding parking on Prospect Street (4-0)
• Delayed action on Ordinance 22.191 regarding parking on Main Street (Leeds) to December 12th
• Approved September 12 and October 3, 2022 meeting minutes

Council on Aging Board

The agenda consists of standard procedural items. No specific projects, contracts, or new business topics are detailed in this document.

• Review and approval of October 13, 2022 minutes
• Director's report

The board approved the minutes from the October meeting. The Director reported on new staff appointments, open job postings, and ongoing capital project planning for fitness equipment.

• Approved October minutes
• Tabled decision on whether meetings should move to virtual only

Urban Forestry Commission Educational Outreach Subcommittee

The subcommittee will discuss creating a proactive educational and management strategy regarding the Spotted Lanternfly. The meeting also includes a public comment period.

• Development of an educational and management strategy for the Spotted Lanternfly

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will discuss school improvement plans and face mask policies. Members will also vote on creating a superintendent search subcommittee and a new capital reserve fund. The committee will review budget transfers and a donation for a field trip.

• Vote to establish a $5,000,000 capital reserve fund
• Vote to create a Superintendent Search Subcommittee
• $39,672 budget transfer from Ryan Road Student Needs to Nursing Center Services
• Acceptance of a $5,010 donation from Leeds PTO for a field trip
• Discussion and possible vote on face mask policy (EBCFA)

The School Committee approved an amended face mask policy requiring universal masking when the Superintendent determines data shows increased transmission. The board also established a $5 million capital reserve fund for fixed asset maintenance and created a Superintendent Search Subcommittee.

• Adopted amended Policy EBCFA regarding face masks and coverings (8-2)
• Approved establishment of a $5,000,000 capital reserve fund (10-0)
• Approved establishment of a Superintendent Search Subcommittee (10-0)
• Approved changes to the 2022-2023 School Year Calendar for MCAS dates (10-0)
• Approved $39,672 budget transfer from Ryan Road Student Needs to Nursing Center Services (10-0)
• Referred Special Education Reserve Fund to Budget & Property Subcommittee (10-0)
• Waived 48-hour notice to discuss open meeting law complaint in executive session (10-0)
• Approved April 14, 2022 meeting minutes (10-0)

Northampton School Committee

The committee will review school improvement plans for several local schools and consider changes to the 2022-2023 school calendar. Members will also vote on creating a superintendent search subcommittee and establishing a capital reserve fund.

• Vote to establish a capital reserve fund with a $5,000,000 limit
• Vote to create a Superintendent Search Subcommittee
• Acceptance of a $5,010 donation from Leeds PTO for 3rd Grade Field Trip
• Budget transfer of $39,672 at Ryan Road for RN Agency services
• Discussion and possible vote on face mask policy (EBCFA)

Northampton School Committee

The committee will consider establishing a capital reserve fund with a $5,000,000 limit for fixed assets and approving changes to the 2022-2023 school calendar. The agenda also includes reviewing school improvement plans and discussing face mask policies.

• Vote to establish a capital reserve fund with a $5,000,000 limit
• Vote to approve changes to the 2022-2023 school year calendar
• Budget transfer of $39,672 at Ryan Road from Student Needs to Nursing Center Services
• Acceptance of a $5,010 donation from Leeds PTO for a 3rd grade field trip
• Vote to approve Northampton Education Foundation Small Grants

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Trustees of Lilly Library's Investment Committee will meet to confer with Dan Rochon, likely regarding library investments. The agenda is minimal and procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Conference with Dan Rochon

Northampton School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee

The subcommittee will receive updates regarding Vertical K-8 Math and NHS Standards Based Grading. The meeting also includes an overview of the November 8th Professional Development Day.

• Approval of October 12, 2022 minutes
• Overview of November 8th Professional Development Day
• Update on Vertical K-8 Math
• Update on NHS Program of Studies
• Update on NHS Standards Based Grading

City Council Committee on Finance

The committee will discuss the format of upcoming budget listening sessions. Members will also explore municipal, state, and federal funding possibilities for a potential Climate Crisis Director position. No financial orders are scheduled for this meeting.

• Funding options for a potential Climate Crisis Director position
• Format of Finance Committee Budget Listening Session
• Approval of minutes from May 5, May 11, May 31, and September 21, 2022

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee will discuss letters of support for the Rocky Hill MultiUse Trail & Greenway and Connecticut River Greenway CPA projects. The agenda also includes a crosswalk inquiry at Riverside Dr/Ladd Ave and follow-up on Spring Street traffic calming measures.

• Crosswalk inquiry at Riverside Dr/Ladd Ave
• Letter of support discussion for Rocky Hill MultiUse Trail & Greenway CPA project
• Letter of support discussion for Connecticut River Greenway CPA project
• Discussion on Spring Street traffic calming measures

The committee approved a letter of support for the Rocky Hill MultiUse Trail & Greenway and the Connecticut River Greenway. Members discussed potential traffic calming and crosswalk improvements at Riverside Dr/Ladd Ave and Spring Street, but no final decisions were made on those items.

• Approved letter of support for Rocky Hill MultiUse Trail & Greenway
• Approved letter of support for Connecticut River Greenway
• Approved minutes from 10/12 meeting (unanimous)

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The committee will discuss progress on workshop documents and outreach strategies. A conversation is scheduled with Megan Paik from the Human Rights Commission. Members will also vote on whether to extend the committee's charge.

• Conversation with Megan Paik from the Human Rights Commission
• Discussion regarding workshopping Google docs and forms
• Vote about extension of Committee charge

The committee voted to request that the City Council extend the deadline for its final report. Members reviewed a draft onboarding handbook from the Human Rights Commission and approved edits to a survey form.

• Approved request to extend final report deadline to April 15, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved changes to Survey Form
• Tabled minutes of 10/11/22 meeting
• Tabled assignment updates
• Tabled discussion about outreach

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Energy & Sustainability Commission will review the minutes from the October 18, 2022, meeting for approval. The agenda includes status reports on Leeds Windows construction costs and the 'Getting to Zero' strategic approach. Announcements will cover grant applications and dimming lights at the Roundhouse Lot.

• Approval of October 18, 2022, meeting minutes
• Status report on Leeds Windows, ERV, and VRF timing/costs
• 'Getting to Zero' strategic approach report
• Announcement regarding dimming Roundhouse Lot lights

The Commission approved the minutes from the October 18, 2022 meeting. Staff provided updates on net-zero energy studies for municipal buildings and schools, including a revised Green Community Grant application focusing on insulation projects.

• Approved minutes of 10/18/22 meeting (unanimous)

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council will assign LCC grants for review and discuss grant extension requests. The meeting also includes a financial overview and an update on biennial special meeting scheduling.

• LCC Grant Review Update
• Grant Extension Request
• Financial Overview
• Biennial Special Meeting Scheduling Update

The council approved a request to extend the Play-by-Play festival grant from June 2023 to late Fall 2023. Members discussed the assignment of grants for future presentation and reviewed current revenue streams.

• Approved grant extension for Play-by-Play festival (unanimous except one abstention)

Disability Commission

The Commission will review staff responses to questions regarding accessible trails and the sidewalk inventory. Members will also discuss the commission's charter and a planned movie screening for early 2023.

• Staff report on accessible trails and sidewalk inventory
• Discussion of 'Crip Camp' movie screening in early 2023
• Review of Disability Commission charter and officer roles
• Call for nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair

The Disability Commission voted unanimously to screen the movie "Crip Camp" in early 2023. Staff reported that the City does not have a master plan for soft-surface accessible trails. The commission also discussed its advisory role and the process for nominating officers.

• Approved screening of movie "Crip Camp" (unanimous)
• Approved Oct. 11, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Urban Forestry Commission STO Subcommittee

The Urban Forestry Commission Subcommittee is meeting to hold a discussion regarding STO. The agenda also includes a public comment period and any other unanticipated business.

• Discussion of STO

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss affordable housing development with Valley Community Development. The meeting also includes discussions regarding next steps for the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund and upcoming projects at a CPA meeting.

• Discussion on previous Housing Partnership Charter
• Discussion with Laura Baker regarding affordable housing development
• Next steps for Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Support for upcoming affordable housing projects at the Nov. 16 CPA meeting
• Approval of October 3, 2022 minutes

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss affordable housing development with Valley Community Development and next steps for the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the previous Housing Partnership Charter.

• Discussion on Previous Housing Partnership Charter
• Affordable housing development discussion with Laura Baker from Valley Community Development
• Next steps for Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Approval of October 3, 2022 minutes
• Rescheduling the January meeting to January 9

The Partnership voted to draft a letter to the Mayor and Building Department regarding the historical charter's requirement that decisions affecting affordable housing be referred to the body. Members also established a subcommittee to explore the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (MAHTF).

• Approved Oct. 3, 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to draft a letter to the Mayor and Building Dept regarding the historical charter (Unanimous)
• Approved creation of a subcommittee to create the MAHTF (Unanimous)

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services will review several appointments referred by the City Council. These items include reappointments and new members for committees such as the Agricultural Commission, Planning Board, and Arts Council.

• Reappointment to the Agricultural Commission
• Vacancy filling for the Arts Council
• Vacancy filling for the Planning Board
• Vacancy filling for the Transportation & Parking Commission
• Appointments to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board

The committee voted to positively recommend four individuals for appointments to the Arts Council, Planning Board, Transportation & Parking Commission, and Trust Fund Committee. Several other appointments were discussed but not formally voted upon due to city charter timing requirements.

• Approved minutes of October 3, 2022 (4-0)
• Positively recommended Alyona Skripka to the Arts Council (4-0)
• Positively recommended Stacey Dakai to the Planning Board (4-0)
• Positively recommended Debin Bruce to the Transportation & Parking Commission (4-0)
• Positively recommended Joe Rokowski to the Trust Fund Committee (4-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will receive reports regarding programs, projects, and capital improvements. The agenda includes updates on the Pickleball Feasibility Study and the Aquatic & Family Center.

• Pickleball Feasibility Study update
• Aquatic & Family Center update
• Capital Improvements report
• CPA Update

The commission received reports on the Florence Recreation Fields play structure and a pickleball feasibility study. No substantive policy or funding decisions were made during the meeting.

• Approved motion to adjourn at 7:05pm

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the FY2023 tax classification and local tax levy percentages. Finance Director Charlene Nardi will present the first quarter financial report. The agenda also includes several appointments and first readings of financial orders.

• Public hearing on FY2023 tax classification
• First Quarter Financial Report presentation
• Appointment to the Conservation Commission
• Appointments to Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board
• Order to appropriate Senior Center Gift Fund money for health and wellness aid

The City Council held a public hearing and approved the first reading of an order to establish a single tax rate (factor of one) for FY2023. The council also advanced a request to use Senior Center Gift Fund money for wellness financial aid. Several board appointments were referred to the City Services Committee.

• Approved first reading of Order 22.189 to establish a single tax rate for FY2023 (9-0)
• Approved first reading of Order 22.194 to appropriate up to $9,840 from Senior Center Gift Fund for health and wellness financial aid (9-0)
• Approved appointment of Randy Krotowski to the Conservation Commission (9-0)
• Approved appointments of Tara Brewster, Felicia Corbeil, Peter Whalen, Sam Hopper, John Holloway-Bidwell, Javier Luengo-Garrido, and Noreen Mickiewicz Hayes to the Elected Officials Compensation Advisory Board (9-0)
• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (9-0)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board Executive Committee will meet virtually to approve the September 22 executive committee minutes and vote on a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The agenda also includes time for other business and adjournment.

• Vote to approve Executive Committee minutes of September 22
• COLA approval discussion led by ED Rebecca Bialecki
• Other business open to committee members

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission is meeting to discuss voting and ballot information, including polling places, early voting, and ballot questions. They will also discuss reparations, including whether to formally support the Northampton Reparations Committee, and vote on the Education working group's mission for 2022-23.

• Discussion of voting and ballot information, including polling places and early voting
• Review of ballot questions and candidates
• Discussion of reparations and potential formal support for the Northampton Reparations Committee
• Vote to approve the Education working group's mission for 2022-23

R.K. Finn Ryan Road School Council

The R.K. Finn Ryan Road School Council will meet to vote on approving the school's improvement plan for the 2022-2023 academic year. The agenda contains only this single item.

• Vote to approve the RK Finn Ryan Road School 2022-2023 Improvement Plan

License Commission

The Commission is reviewing several liquor license applications, including a new common victualler license for Little Wall, LLC in Florence. The agenda also includes public hearings regarding changes to ownership and management for various local businesses.

• New common victualler license application for Little Wall, LLC at 91 Main St., Florence
• Short term liquor license for The Academy of Music, Inc. for the Pioneer Valley Ballet Nutcracker
• Public hearing on ownership changes for Pride Operating, LLC at 375 King St.
• Change of manager application for Teapot Restaurant, Inc. at 116 Main Street
• Ownership and stock interest changes for Cooper’s Corner and State Street Wine & Spirits

The Commission approved multiple liquor license transfers, a new common victualler license, and two short-term event licenses. Commissioners discussed the status of unused licenses in the city and the impact of entertainment licensing on neighborhoods.

• Approved short-term liquor license and fee waiver for Academy of Music (3-0)
• Approved new Common Victualler license for Little Wall, LLC (3-0)
• Approved ownership and officer change for Pride Operating, LLC (3-0)
• Approved manager change to Chi Cha Wou for Teapot Restaurant, Inc. (3-0)
• Approved ownership, officer, and collateral changes for Cooper’s Dairyland d/b/a Cooper’s Corner (3-0)
• Approved ownership, officer, and collateral changes for Cooper’s Dairyland d/b/a State Street Wine & Spirits (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for McCallums Dry Goods d/b/a Cedar Chest (3-0)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from the October 19, 2022 meeting. The agenda includes a presentation on stormwater and trees by Doug McDonald and discussions regarding fall planting and communication strategies.

• Review/approval of October 19, 2022, minutes
• Stormwater & Trees presentation by Doug McDonald
• STO Subgroup update
• Fall planting discussion
• SLF communication strategies discussion

The Commission approved the minutes from the October 19, 2022 meeting. Members discussed stormwater management standards and the potential for tree credits, and reviewed fall planting progress.

• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions will discuss workshopping a Google doc and forms. The meeting also includes assignment updates and discussion regarding outreach.

• Workshopping Google doc and forms
• Assignment updates
• Discussion about outreach

The committee conducted a line-by-line review of an electronic survey form and its distribution logistics. Members discussed a proposed handbook for new commissioners from the Human Rights Commission and considered a future request to the City Council for a report deadline extension.

• Approved minutes from September 13 and September 26, 2022 (5-0)
• Tabled discussion about outreach
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet via Zoom to elect a delegate for the 2022 MASC Delegate Assembly. The committee also plans to vote on six specific resolutions covering topics such as transgender student sanctuary laws and special education funding.

• Election of a Delegate for the 2022 MASC Delegate Assembly
• Vote on resolutions regarding sanctuary laws for transgender students
• Vote on increasing the maximum balance allowed by the Special Education Reserve Fund
• Vote on resolutions regarding local governance and regional school assessment funds

The School Committee elected Member Gwen Agna as a delegate for the 2022 MASC Delegate Assembly. The committee also approved a group of six 2022 Delegate Resolutions covering topics including sanctuary laws, special education funds, and local governance.

• Elected Member Gwen Agna as delegate for the 2022 MASC Delegate Assembly (9-1 absent)
• Approved 2022 Delegate Resolutions as a group (9-1 absent)

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee met to address a demolition request for the church at 10 Hawley St. The applicant, O’Connell Development, has requested to withdraw the application. No decision on the demolition will be made during this meeting.

• Withdrawal of demolition request for 10 Hawley St

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a site plan review for Prospect Place Owner LLC to renovate and create 60 units at 737 Bridge Road. The agenda also includes closing out a subdivision permit for Higgins Way and approving previous meeting minutes.

• Site plan review for 60 units at 737 Bridge Rd
• Closing of the Higgins Way subdivision permit
• Approval of minutes from 9/8, 9/22, and 10/13

The Board approved a site plan and 40R review for a 60-unit fossil-fuel-free residential building with specific conditions for pedestrian safety and EV charging. The Board also closed the Northview Subdivision permit and endorsed the Munroe Street ANR.

• Approved 40R district permit for 60-unit residential project at 737 Bridge Rd with conditions (Unanimous)
• Approved release of final funds to HOA and closed permit for Northview Subdivision (Unanimous)
• Endorsed Munroe Street ANR (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes for 9/8, 9/22, and 10/13 (Unanimous)

Northampton Retirement Board

The board will review the third quarter investment report and budget report. Members will also discuss a base increase for the Retiree Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The meeting includes votes on retirement applications, payroll warrants, and survivor allowances.

• Retiree COLA base increase discussion
• 3rd Quarter Report on Investments presentation
• Review of 3rd Quarter Budget Report
• Vote on superannuation retirement applications
• Review/vote on retiree and survivor allowances

Northampton School Committee

The Ad Hoc Exit Interview Subcommittee is meeting to establish a meeting schedule and discuss its goals. The agenda also includes discussion regarding study framing and Jamboard questions.

• Vote on subcommittee meeting schedule
• Discussion and possible vote on subcommittee goals
• Discussion of study framing and Jamboard questions

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals met to continue an appeal regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd. The applicant has requested a 30-day continuance without opening the case.

• Request for a 30-day continuance regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd

The Board voted to postpone a hearing regarding a Building Commissioner's decision on a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd. The meeting was adjourned after 10 minutes.

• Continued hearing for 129 Riverbank Rd to December 8 (unanimous)

City Council Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee will discuss the financial implications of capping retail marijuana stores in Northampton. The meeting includes a review of legal questions related to cannabis legislation and its effect on social equity applicants. Members will also discuss their role in the upcoming FY2024 budget season.

• Discussion on the financial impact of capping retail marijuana stores
• Review of legal implications regarding cannabis legislation and social equity applicants
• Discussion of the committee's role in the FY2024 budget season

The committee reviewed declining marijuana excise revenue and discussed the potential financial and social impacts of capping retail stores. No decision was made on the cap. Members also agreed to coordinate with the mayor to define the committee's advisory role for the FY2024 budget season.

• Approved June 8, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)

R.K. Finn Ryan Road School Council

The council will vote on the September 2022 meeting minutes and discuss goals for the School Improvement Plan. Members will also work on creating action steps for the plan and select a date for a future vote.

• Vote to approve September 2022 School Council minutes
• Discussion of School Improvement Plan goals and action steps
• Selection of a date for the School Improvement Plan vote

City Council

The City Council will consider several financial orders and new ordinances. Items include a $750,000 appropriation for a radio system upgrade and rules regarding parking in Leeds and exotic animal entertainment. The council will also review committee appointments.

• Appropriation of $750,000 for radio system upgrade
• Ordinance regarding parking on Main Street (Leeds)
• Ordinance prohibiting wild or exotic animal entertainment
• Appointments to Planning Board and other committees
• Warrant for the November 8, 2022 State Election

The City Council approved a consent agenda containing 11 items, including appropriations for CPA-funded repairs, a $750,000 radio system upgrade, and appointments to boards. Two ordinances were introduced and referred to committee: one to make Main Street (Leeds) parking restrictions seasonal, and another to prohibit wild or exotic animals in entertainment. The meeting also included public comment and announcements.

• Approved consent agenda with 11 items (9-0)
• Approved warrant for November 8, 2022 State Election (9-0)
• Referred ordinance on Main Street (Leeds) parking to Legislative Matters (9-0)
• Referred ordinance prohibiting wild/exotic animal entertainment to Legislative Matters (9-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold a hearing for Jims Variety concerning an appeal of a correction/cease and desist order. The meeting also includes updates on COVID-19, vaccines, and flu clinics. Additionally, the board will discuss mask advisories and ventilation taskforce updates.

• Hearing for Jims Variety (15 West Farms Road) regarding a cease and desist order appeal
• Update on COVID-19 dashboard, vaccines, and flu clinics
• Introduction of Sean Donovan, DHHS Division of Community Cares Director
• Updates on mask advisories and ventilation taskforce

The Board of Health voted unanimously to uphold a cease and desist order and impose a $1,000 fine on Jim's Variety for selling flavored tobacco products in violation of state law. The board delayed a decision on license suspension pending guidance from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards. The hearing was continued to a future meeting.

• Upheld violation portion of cease and desist order against Jim's Variety (3-0)
• Imposed $1,000 fine on Jim's Variety for tobacco regulation violations (3-0)
• Delayed decision on license suspension pending MAHB guidance (3-0)
• Continued hearing to future Board meeting (3-0)

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review financial reports, including the final FY22 report and endowment portfolio, and to hear a guest speaker from Smith College about a Coolidge Museum exhibit renovation. The board will also consider action items such as the FLEA FY2023 contract and fund approvals, and may enter executive session for a personnel matter.

• FLEA FY2023 Contract (Downing)
• Harding Local History and Special Collections Fund (Downing)
• Keogh Family Fund (Downing)
• Executive session to discuss a personnel matter
• ARPA Community Recovery Fund Grant Application (Downing)

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review financial reports, including the final FY22 report and endowment portfolio, and to discuss the Calvin Coolidge Museum Exhibit Renovation Program. The board will also consider several action items, including contracts and fund approvals, and hear from a guest speaker from Smith College.

• FLEA FY2023 Contract
• Harding Local History and Special Collections Fund
• Keogh Family Fund
• Calvin Coolidge Museum Exhibit Renovation Program
• ARPA Community Recovery Fund Grant Application

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Trustees of Lilly Library's Investment Committee is meeting to discuss investments with Mark Teed. The agenda contains only a call to order, the discussion, and adjournment, with no other business listed.

• Discussion with Mark Teed on investments

Urban Forestry Commission

The Northampton Urban Forestry Commission is meeting to review minutes from October 5, 2022. The agenda also includes discussions regarding STO, fall planting, and SLF communication strategies.

• Approval of October 5, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion on STO
• Discussion on Fall Planting
• Discussion on SLF Strategies for Communicating to the Public

The Urban Forestry Commission discussed the draft Significant Tree Ordinance, including proposed tree size thresholds and potential incentives for replanting. A subgroup was formed to continue refining the ordinance. The commission also approved the minutes from the October 5 meeting and outlined fall planting dates.

• Approved amended meeting minutes of October 5, 2022 (6-0)
• Formed a subgroup (Rich, Sue, David) to continue work on the Significant Tree Ordinance draft
• Scheduled fall planting events at Jackson Street School, Bridge Street Cemetery, Warfield Place, Howes Street, Middle Street, and Meadow Street
• Tabled discussion on SLF (Spotted Lanternfly) communication strategies until next meeting

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will meet to review several school committee policies. This includes discussions regarding face masks, exposure protocols, and agenda formats. The subcommittee may also vote on policies related to minutes and advisory committees.

• Review of Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)
• Vote on Policy BEDG (Minutes)
• Vote on Policies BEDB and BEDB-E (Agenda Format)
• Review of Policy BDF (Advisory Committees)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will welcome new commissioners Dianna Stallone and Angela D’Souza. Guest speakers from the Northampton Reparations Committee and Housing as a Human Right 2022 programs are scheduled to present. The commission will also discuss barriers to service on city boards and commissions.

• Welcome of new commissioners Dianna Stallone and Angela D’Souza
• Presentation by Northampton Reparations Committee
• Discussion of Housing as a Human Right 2022 programs
• Review of Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions
• Approval of August minutes

The Northampton Human Rights Commission heard a presentation from the Northampton Reparations Committee (NRC) requesting support for a resolution to establish a commission to study racialized harms against African Americans. Commissioners discussed the petition and resolution but did not vote, deferring action to a future meeting. The commission also approved August meeting minutes, welcomed new commissioners, and received updates on housing programs and a study of barriers to board service.

• Approved August meeting minutes unanimously
• Deferred vote on supporting Northampton Reparations Committee resolution
• Welcomed new commissioners Angela D’Souza and Dianna Stallone
• Received update on Housing as a Human Right 2022 programs
• Received update on Select Committee for Study of Barriers to Service on Boards and Commissions
• Discussed draft handbook for new commissioners and board members

Youth Commission

The commission will discuss voter registration and potential reparations. Members are scheduled to vote on the 2022-23 missions for the Climate and Sustainability and Education working groups.

• Vote to approve Climate and Sustainability working group mission
• Vote to approve Education working group mission
• Discussion of voter registration
• Discussion of potential reparations

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will consider several votes, including the creation of a $5,000,000 capital reserve account for capital item maintenance and improvement. The board will also vote on a storm water system submission and a new grant manual. Additionally, trustees will review reports from school administrators and subcommittees.

• Creation of The Collaborative for Educational Services Capital Reserve Account with a $5,000,000 limit
• Vote on Department of Public Works NOI submission regarding campus storm water system alterations
• Approval of the Federal and State Grant Manual
• Approval of one drill press from Agriculture Mechanics for resale as surplus

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Trustees will vote on creating a $5,000,000 Capital Reserve Account for school improvements and acquisitions. They will also discuss a Department of Public Works submission regarding campus storm water system alterations.

• Vote to approve the creation of a $5,000,000 Capital Reserve Account
• Discussion and vote on DPW NOI submission for campus storm water system alterations
• Review of grant procurement and procedures
• Vote to approve the sale of one drill press from Agriculture Mechanics

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Property Subcommittee will continue discussions regarding options and plans for the E Building. The provided agenda contains only this single item for discussion.

• Continued discussion regarding E Building options and plans

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The commission will discuss adding sustainability metrics to the capital improvement approval process. Members will also hear reports on the new building code and electric grid pitfalls. The agenda includes updates on revolving fund expenditures for solar repairs and EV charging.

• Adding sustainability metrics into capital improvement approval process
• Report on new building code details
• Report on electric grid pitfalls
• Update on SVAHS PV Repair and Leeds ERV/VRF construction cost estimates
• Discussion regarding fees for EV charging

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The commission will vote on an expenditure from the E&S Revolving Fund to upgrade a modem for the Florence Fields PV Array. The meeting also includes discussions regarding sustainability metrics in capital improvements and reports on the electric grid and new building codes.

• Vote on E&S Revolving Fund expenditure for Florence Fields PV Array modem upgrade
• Discussion on adding sustainability metrics to capital improvement approval process
• Report on SVAHS PV Repair and Leeds ERV/VRF Systems construction costs
• Review of new building code details from Louis Hasbrouck
• Report on electric grid pitfalls from Gordon Meadows

The Energy and Sustainability Commission approved a $3,500 expenditure from the Energy & Sustainability Revolving Fund to upgrade the data-reporting modem for the PV array at Florence Fields. The commission also discussed the city's likely move to charge for EV charging, reviewed a draft sustainability metrics form for capital improvement requests, and received updates on building code changes and grid resilience. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved $3,500 from E&S Revolving Fund for Florence Fields PV array modem upgrade (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 13, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Budget and Property Subcommittee will review the August 8th meeting minutes. The agenda includes updates on electric school buses, a start time survey, and after-school care. A presentation regarding the 2023-2024 budget protocol is also scheduled.

• Approval of August 8th meeting minutes
• Update on electric school buses
• Update on start time survey
• Update on after school care
• Presentation on 2023-2024 budget protocol

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee will meet to discuss next steps. The agenda contains no other specific items for discussion or decision.

• Discussion regarding next steps

Northampton Housing Authority

The Commissioners will review the FY23 Budget presentation and vote on its approval for all programs. The board will also discuss basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights and consider motions regarding 18 Cortelli Street and a project in Easthampton.

• Approval of the FY23 Budget
• Sale of 18 Cortelli Street
• Monitoring Services Agreement for 40R Project on Cottage St in Easthampton
• Discussion regarding basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights

Leeds Elementary School Council

The council is meeting to work on the development and drafting of a School Improvement Plan. The meeting will also include discussions regarding upcoming school events.

• School Improvement Plan development and drafting
• Review of Caregiver Survey Results
• Discussion of Science Fair, Variety Show, and Trunk or Treat

Valley Green Energy Working Group (VGEWG)

The Valley Green Energy Working Group is discussing next steps for the Community Choice Aggregation program. This includes reviewing an outreach and education plan, a draft aggregation plan, and a draft electricity supply agreement for legal review.

• Review of September 6, 2022, minutes
• Discussion of CCA Outreach and Education Plan
• Discussion of Draft Aggregation Plan
• Review of draft Electricity Supply Agreement for legal review

Council on Aging Board

The agenda consists of procedural items and reports. The board will review minutes from September 15, 2022, and receive a report from the Director.

• Review and approval of September 15, 2022, minutes
• Director's Report

The Northampton Council on Aging unanimously approved the September meeting minutes. The director reported on expanding volunteer and coffee shop hours, new programs including a Lunch & Learn series and a Veterans Luncheon, and changes to membership paperwork eliminating the need for medical clearance for fitness classes. The board discussed emergency procedures in the Fitness Center and efforts to diversify board membership.

• Approved: September meeting minutes (motion by Val Romano, second by Jean Henry Hoose, unanimous)
• Discussed: Expanding volunteer team and opening coffee shop additional day per week
• Discussed: Capital improvement plan ideas including patio, technology, and interior paint
• Discussed: Phone notification system issues with 617 area code being blocked as spam
• Discussed: Emergency procedures in Fitness Center (phone on wall, pull chains in bathrooms)
• Discussed: Continuing 5 pm meeting start time to encourage new COA members
• Discussed: Need for more diverse board membership and clearer role definition
• Discussed: Possibility of more musical programs

Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council

The meeting includes a roll call of the School Committee and a presentation from the Student Union regarding student representatives and the SAC.

• Student Union presentation on student representatives and SAC

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct site plan reviews for two properties in Florence. These include a request for a detached second unit at 4 Pine Valley Rd and a second driveway opening at 110 Morningside Dr.

• Site plan review for a detached second unit at 4 Pine Valley Rd
• Site plan review for a second driveway opening at 110 Morningside Dr

The Northampton Planning Board approved a site plan for a detached second unit at 4 Pine Valley Rd with a condition on parking orientation and a traffic mitigation waiver. It also approved a second driveway opening at 110 Morningside Dr for accessibility, requiring a deed restriction for restoration upon resale. The board endorsed three Approval Not Required (ANR) plans for City Hall, Platinum Cir, and Riverside Dr. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved site plan for detached second unit at 4 Pine Valley Rd with parking orientation condition and traffic mitigation waiver (unanimous)
• Approved second driveway opening at 110 Morningside Dr with deed restriction for restoration upon resale (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR for City Hall parcel (unanimous)
• Endorsed land swap at Platinum Cir (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR on Riverside Dr (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct site plan reviews for properties in Florence. This includes a detached second unit at 4 Pine Valley Rd and a driveway opening at 110 Morningside Dr. The board will also address ANRs for Crafts Ave and Platinum Cir.

• Site Plan Review: detached second unit at 4 Pine Valley Rd, Florence
• Site Plan Review: second driveway opening at 110 Morningside Dr, Florence
• ANR review for Crafts Ave and Platinum Cir

Northampton School Committee

The committee will consider several policy updates and subcommittee reports. Agenda items include voting on COVID-related policy recommendations and a budget transfer for special education evaluations.

• Acceptance of $9,000 donation from Smith College for computers
• Vote to adopt COVID advisory subcommittee policy recommendations
• Vote on budget transfer from NHS Psychologist to SPED Evaluations
• Vote to move to hybrid (in-person/remote) meetings
• Discussion regarding superintendent search firms

Northampton School Committee

The committee will discuss the superintendent search process and curriculum updates for high school and elementary levels. Members will also vote on a $9,000 computer donation from Smith College and a budget transfer for special education evaluations.

• Acceptance of $9,000 donation from Smith College for computers
• Vote to accept the NEF Book Fund Donation
• Budget transfer from NHS Psychologist to SPED Evaluations
• Approval of job description for ESP at NPS
• Discussion regarding superintendent search firms

The Northampton School Committee voted 9-1 to refer the Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Subcommittee's recommendation — that NPS policy conform with all DESE COVID guidelines — to the Rules & Policy Subcommittee for evaluation before a final vote. Mayor Sciarra was the sole opposing vote. The committee also unanimously approved a $9,000 donation from Smith College for computers, contracted with MASC to conduct the superintendent search, approved a budget transfer for SPED evaluations, approved a new job description for high school paraprofessionals, approved a leave MOA, and voted to hold November meetings in hybrid format.

• Referred COVID policy recommendation to Rules & Policy Subcommittee (9-1, Sciarra opposed)
• Approved consent agenda including $9,000 Smith College computer donation (unanimous)
• Approved NEF Book Fund donation (unanimous)
• Approved contract with MASC to facilitate superintendent search (unanimous)
• Approved budget transfer from NHS Psychologist to SPED Evaluations (unanimous)
• Approved job description for high school paraprofessional (unanimous)
• Approved Leiber MOA (unanimous)
• Approved hybrid (in-person/remote) meetings for November, revisit in December (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will discuss potential superintendent search firms and review COVID-19 masking policies. The committee is also scheduled to vote on a budget transfer for special education evaluations and a transition to hybrid meetings. Additionally, the committee will consider a $9,000 donation from Smith College for computers.

• $9,000 donation from Smith College for computers
• Vote on budget transfer from NHS Psychologist to SPED Evaluations
• Vote to move to hybrid (in-person/remote) meetings
• Discussion of superintendent search firms
• Acceptance of NEF Book Fund Donation

Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

The commission will review the scope of its Strategic Plan presented by the Consensus Building Institute. The meeting also includes an overview of the Age and Dementia Friendly Pioneer Valley Initiative featuring several guest speakers.

• Strategic Plan Scope Presentation by the Consensus Building Institute (CBI)
• Overview of the Age and Dementia Friendly Pioneer Valley Initiative
• Approval of minutes from April 14, 2022, and June 9, 2022

Northampton School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee

The Curriculum Subcommittee will discuss updates regarding Vertical Math and Reading Teams and NPS Standards-Based Grading. The meeting also includes presentations on the NPS Teacher PD Plan and the NHS Program of Studies.

• Vote to approve August 23, 2022 minutes
• Update on Vertical Math and Reading Teams
• Update on NPS Standards-Based Grading
• Presentation on NPS Teacher PD Plan
• Presentation on NHS Program of Studies

Northampton School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee

The subcommittee will review the NPS Teacher Professional Development Plan and receive updates on Standards Based Grading for NHS and JFK. Members will also discuss Vertical Math and Reading Teams and set goals for the 2022-23 school year.

• Introduction of the NPS Teacher PD Plan
• Update on Standards Based Grading at NHS and JFK
• Update on Vertical Math and Reading Teams
• Review of the NHS Program of Studies 2023-2024

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee will discuss traffic calming on Spring Street and the distribution of a Resident Manual for Neighborhood Safety. The meeting also includes updates on several design, planned, and construction projects.

• Traffic calming on Spring Street
• Distribution and outreach for Resident Manual for Neighborhood Safety
• Design/planned projects including Rocky Hill Greenway and Connecticut River Trail
• Construction updates for Florence Center, Leonard St, and Pleasant St
• Bike shelter selection

The subcommittee reviewed traffic calming data for Spring Street, where speeds exceeded 40 MPH in a 30 MPH zone. Members discussed options such as speed tables, solar flashing signs, and a citywide speed limit, but no formal action was taken. The meeting also covered distribution of a neighborhood safety manual and updates on various projects.

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The City Council Select Committee will discuss strategies for collecting testimonies and provide an update on possible compensation. The meeting also includes a review of workshop documents and next steps for the study.

• Update on possible compensation
• Strategy to collect testimonies
• Review of workshop documents
• Discussion of timeline and next steps

The Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions voted unanimously to form two subcommittees: an Outreach/Listening Session Subcommittee and an Academic & Community Research Subcommittee. The committee also agreed to request an extension of its report deadline from October 20, 2022, to the end of March 2023. Discussion included designing a questionnaire for board members, chairs, and applicants, and exploring compensation for board members, which would require state legislation.

• Approved minutes from August 5 and August 16, 2022 meetings (6-0)
• Formed two 2-person subcommittees: Outreach/Listening Session and Academic & Community Research (6-0)
• Agreed to request report deadline extension to end of March 2023
• Adjourned meeting at 8:55 p.m. (6-0)

Board of Registrars

This meeting consists of procedural items including a review of previous meeting minutes and ROV statistics. The agenda also includes a period for new business.

• Review of previous meeting minutes
• ROV Statistics
• New business

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council will receive updates regarding the Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate programs. The meeting also includes updates on the grant review process and next steps for the Biennial.

• Poet Laureate & Youth Poet Laureate update
• Grant Review Process update
• Biennial Next Steps update
• Group Meeting Norms

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council will receive updates regarding the Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate programs. The meeting also includes updates on the grant review process and next steps for the Biennial.

• Poet Laureate & Youth Poet Laureate update
• Grant Review Process update
• Biennial Next Steps - Special meeting update
• Group Meeting Norms

The Northampton Arts Council unanimously adopted an updated grant review process that allows council members to 'champion' a grant, enabling it to roll over to discussion if it fails the score threshold. The council also discussed conflicts of interest, group meeting norms, and the Youth Poet Laureate Committee, and scheduled a date for the biennial special meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted new grant review process with champion feature (unanimous)
• Scheduled date for biennial special meeting

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will discuss updates to the Accessible Parking Revolving Funds and architecture design costs. The meeting includes a review of sidewalk inventory maps and condition lists. Members will also discuss the accessibility of Northampton businesses.

• Approval of September 13 meeting minutes
• Discussion with Building Inspector Jonathan Flagg
• Updates on Accessible Parking Revolving Funds and architecture fees
• Review of sidewalk inventory maps and conditions
• Discussion regarding the accessibility of Northampton businesses

The Commission discussed the lack of accessible ramps at 41 Strong Ave with Building Commissioner Jonathan Flagg, who agreed to assist. No formal decisions were made; items were proposed for future agendas. The Commission also discussed sidewalk inventory, business accessibility, and a potential movie screening.

• Approved previous meeting minutes unanimously
• Discussed 41 Strong Ave ramp issue; Building Commissioner agreed to help
• Discussed sidewalk inventory and need for updated data
• Discussed creating a business subcommittee and involving Chamber of Commerce
• Proposed screening of 'Crip Camp' at Senior Center

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding National Grid/Verizon pole petitions for Willow Street and Hawley Street. The agenda includes first readings for various financial orders, such as a $750,000 radio system upgrade. Additionally, the council will consider committee appointments and parking ordinances.

• Public hearing on National Grid/Verizon pole installation on Willow Street
• Public hearing on National Grid pole relocation and removal on Hawley Street
• $750,000 appropriation for a radio system upgrade
• $500,000 CPA funds appropriation for 10 Hawley Street Rehabilitation Project
• Ordinance to amend parking meter locations and regulations

The City Council voted 7-2 to appropriate $500,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for the historic rehabilitation of the former St. John Cantius Church at 10 Hawley Street, with the funds going to O'Connell Development Group for a market-rate housing project that includes a permanent historic preservation restriction. The council also unanimously approved a home rule petition to allow Northampton to prohibit fossil fuel combustion in new construction, and passed a zoning change for 31 Chapel Street to Planned Village zoning.

• Approved $500,000 CPA appropriation for 10 Hawley Street rehabilitation (7-2 vote, Councilors Jarrett and Maiore opposed)
• Approved home rule petition for fossil fuel-free new construction (unanimous 9-0)
• Approved zoning map amendment for 31 Chapel Street to Planned Village (unanimous 9-0)
• Approved ordinance establishing procedures for filling CPC vacancies (unanimous 9-0)
• Approved appointment of Jonah Zuckerman to CPC (unanimous 9-0)
• Approved consent agenda including National Grid pole petitions for Willow and Hawley streets
• Referred to consent agenda: $750,000 for radio system upgrade, canal greenway repairs, and other financial orders
• Tabled parking meter ordinance amendment to add implementation date

City Council Committee on Finance

The Finance Committee will deliberate on an order to appropriate $500,000 in CPA funds for the 10 Hawley Street Rehabilitation Project. This item follows a neutral recommendation from the Community Resources Committee.

• Order 22.167: Appropriation of $500,000 in CPA funds for 10 Hawley Street Rehabilitation Project

The Finance Committee voted 4-0 to send a neutral recommendation to the full City Council on an order to appropriate $500,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for the 10 Hawley Street rehabilitation project (St. John Cantius Church). The committee declined to make a positive or negative recommendation, with members citing serious reservations about the funding but acknowledging the community effort to preserve the building. The full City Council will vote on the appropriation later that evening.

• Voted 4-0 to send neutral recommendation on $500,000 CPA appropriation for 10 Hawley Street rehabilitation
• Councilor Nash withdrew motion for positive recommendation; Councilor Moulton seconded neutral recommendation
• Motion to adjourn passed 4-0

Youth Commission

The Northampton Youth Commission will conduct elections for several leadership positions, including Chair and Secretary. The commission also plans to vote on establishing an Outreach working group and approving its 2022-23 goals.

• Elections for Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary, City council liaison, and Social media manager
• Vote to establish the Outreach working group
• Vote to approve official goals for the Outreach working group for 2022-23
• Introduction of the Vote16 working group history and future plans

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board is meeting virtually to vote on ratifying the FY23 Integrated Budget and Local Annual Operating Plan, and to approve minutes from the June 2nd meeting. The board will also receive director updates on a site move and staffing, and discuss the 4th Quarter FY22 dashboard and potential changes to meeting times.

• Vote to approve minutes of June 2nd meeting
• Vote to ratify Integrated Budget FY23
• Vote to ratify Local Annual Operating Plan FY23
• Update on site move and staffing
• Discussion of 4th Quarter FY22 dashboard

License Commission

The License Commission is reviewing multiple short-term liquor license applications for upcoming local events, including concerts and races. The meeting includes public hearings regarding license transfers for The Office and The Dirty Truth. Members will also consider new entertainment, lodging, and common victualler licenses.

• Public hearing on license transfers for The Office at 320 Riverside Dr.
• Public hearing on license transfers for The Dirty Truth at 29 Main St.
• New entertainment license application for Homestead at 7 Strong Ave.
• Request to extend bar hours from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. for Tellus and The Satellite Bar
• New common victualler and entertainment license for BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity

The Northampton License Commission unanimously approved several short-term liquor licenses for events at the Academy of Music, Click Workspace, Pioneer Valley Racing, Forbes Library, Building 8 Brewing, McCallum Dry Goods, and Progression Brewing. It also approved a new entertainment license for Homestead, a new lodging house license for Gandara Mental Health Center, transfers of licenses for The Office and The Dirty Truth, and a common victualler and entertainment license for Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity. The commission rescinded a previously approved license for Building 8 Brewing and extended hours for Tellus & The Satellite Bar.

• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Academy of Music, Click Workspace, Pioneer Valley Racing, Forbes Library, Building 8 Brewing, McCallum Dry Goods, and Progression Brewing (all 3-0)
• Approved new entertainment license for Homestead (3-0)
• Approved new lodging house license for Gandara Mental Health Center (3-0)
• Approved transfer of licenses for The Office and The Dirty Truth (both 3-0)
• Approved common victualler and entertainment license for Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity (3-0)
• Rescinded previously approved short-term liquor license for Building 8 Brewing (3-0)
• Approved extended hours for Tellus & The Satellite Bar from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. (3-0)
• Approved minutes from September 7, 2022 (3-0)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from the September 21, 2022, meeting. The agenda includes a presentation on the Cambridge Tree Protection Ordinance and discussions regarding STO and fall planting.

• Review/approval of September 21, 2022, minutes
• Presentation on the Cambridge Tree Protection Ordinance
• Discussion regarding STO
• Discussion regarding fall planting
• Discussion on SLF strategies for communicating to the public

The Urban Forestry Commission reached consensus to strengthen the current Significant Tree Ordinance draft before submitting it for City Council approval, rather than submitting it now and adding private tree protections later. The commission heard a presentation from Cambridge's Superintendent of Urban Forestry on that city's tree protection ordinance. Minutes from September 21 were approved 6-0, and the meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

• Approved September 21, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Reached consensus to strengthen the Significant Tree Ordinance draft before submitting for City Council approval
• Continued STO discussion to next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Energy & Sustainability Commission Pollinator Habitat Subcommittee

The subcommittee will discuss draft goals and a mission statement for the mowing subcommittee. The meeting includes an overview of mowing practices at Smith Vocational School.

• Drafting goals and a mission statement for the mowing subcommittee
• Identification of potential stakeholders
• Overview of Smith Vocational mowing practices by Tim Smith, Director of Buildings & Grounds

The subcommittee discussed changing mowing practices on city-owned property to create pollinator habitat. Tim Smith identified several potential sites on Smith Vocational property, including a demonstration forest and open fields. The group will contact Prairie Moon Nursery about plant stock and consult the Agriculture Commission. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

• Discussed potential pollinator habitat sites on Smith Vocational property, including the demonstration forest on Rt. 9, open field by Burts Pit road, and other locations.
• Agreed to contact Prairie Moon Nursery about providing plant stock for one proposed site.
• Tim Smith will check with trustees about using Smith Vocational land for pollinator gardens.
• Agreed to consult the Agriculture Commission about available meadow land for pollinator habitat.
• Set a tentative next meeting for late October or early November.

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss several topics, including ARPA grants, stormwater fees, and city support for farmers, as well as updates on dual-use solar and city-owned agricultural properties. They will also review the April agricultural bus tour and discuss specific farm properties, including Linseed Road Farm and the Old Hampshire County Jail property. The meeting includes public comment and approval of previous minutes.

• Discussion of ARPA grants and stormwater fees
• Updates on dual-use solar
• Review of April Agricultural Bus Tour and city-owned agricultural properties
• Discussion of Linseed Road Farm (Las Riquezas del Campo Coop)
• Discussion of Old Hampshire County Jail Property (Ventures Field Road)

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss recommendations regarding student masking following classroom exposure and triggers for universal masking. Members will also vote on the election of a Chair and a motion from the September 13th meeting.

• Election of Committee Chair
• Vote on Mr. Silver’s Motion from the September 13th meeting
• Recommendations on student masking after classroom exposure
• Recommendations on triggers for universal masking
• Discussion on accommodation requirements and forms

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee will meet to elect a Chair and discuss masking protocols. The committee will consider a motion to align face covering policies with state guidelines. Members will also discuss student masking after classroom exposure and triggers for universal masking.

• Election of Chair
• Vote to align Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings) with DESE guidelines
• Discussion on student masking following classroom exposure
• Discussion on triggers for universal masking
• Discussion on accommodation requirements and forms

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The committee will discuss recommendations regarding school COVID-19 policies. This includes deciding if face mask policies should align with state guidelines and reviewing protocols for indoor masking and known exposures.

• Election of Committee Chair
• Recommendation on aligning School Committee Policy EBCFA with state guidelines
• Discussion of universal indoor masking implementation and rescission conditions
• Review of protocols following known classroom or school exposures
• Review of accommodation requirement forms

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Committee on Legislative Matters will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning map amendment for Prince Street. The committee will also review ordinances related to parking meter regulations, fire lanes, and vacancy procedures for the Community Preservation Committee.

• Public hearing for an ordinance to amend the zoning map on Prince Street
• Ordinance to amend parking meter locations and regulations
• Ordinance regarding fire lane designations
• Procedures for filling vacancies on the Community Preservation Committee
• Ordinance amending Section 272-18 C exemptions

The Legislative Matters Committee voted 4-0 to recommend rezoning two parcels at the triangular intersection of Prince and Chapel Streets from Urban Residential B to Planned Village. The committee also approved a positive recommendation for an ordinance updating downtown parking meter hours and rates, with an amendment capping rate increases at 100% before requiring council approval. A plastics reduction ordinance amendment was also recommended, adding a council review in November 2023.

• Recommended rezoning 31 Chapel Street parcels to Planned Village (4-0)
• Recommended parking meter ordinance with 100% rate increase cap (4-0)
• Recommended plastics reduction ordinance amendment with November 2023 review (3-0, Jarrett recused)
• Recommended ordinance for filling Community Preservation Committee vacancies (4-0)
• Tabled fire lane ordinance at sponsor's request

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss affordable housing topics with Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra and Carolyn Misch. The agenda includes discussions on the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Planning Board roles, and pending projects. The body will also approve minutes from September 12, 2022.

• Discussion of Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Discussion regarding housing affordability and permit types
• Review of Planning Board roles and pending projects
• Approval of September 12, 2022, meeting minutes

The Housing Partnership met with Mayor Sciarra and Planning Director Misch to discuss affordable housing strategies, including transfer fees and the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (MAHTF). No formal decisions were made; the meeting focused on discussion and information sharing. The only action taken was approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved September 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous roll call)

City Council Committee on City Services

The committee will hold a roundtable discussion with the Health Commissioner and Police Chief regarding how retail marijuana sales affect public safety and health services. The agenda also includes reviewing appointments to fill vacancies on several city committees.

• Roundtable: Impact of retail marijuana sales on city services
• Appointment review: Kaye Carroll to Arts Council
• Appointment review: David Reckhow to Conservation Commission
• Appointment review: Mary Lou Stuart to Board of Registrars
• Appointment review: Community Preservation Committee vacancy

The City Services Committee held a roundtable discussion on the impact of retail marijuana sales on city services, hearing from police, public health, and prevention officials. No binding action was taken on a proposed cap on marijuana retailers; the discussion was informational only. The committee unanimously approved four appointments to city boards and commissions.

• Approved appointment of Kaye Carroll to Arts Council (4-0)
• Approved appointment of David Reckhow to Conservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Mary Lou Stuart to Board of Registrars (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Jonah Zuckerman to Community Preservation Committee (4-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will receive the Director’s Report, which includes updates on the Florence Rec Fields Playground and a Pickleball Feasibility Study. The meeting also covers DPW Parks Division updates and capital improvements.

• Florence Rec Fields Playground project update
• Pickleball Feasibility Study
• DPW Parks Division Update
• Capital Improvements update
• CPA Update

The meeting was largely informational with no formal votes or decisions. The director reported on playground installation delays, a pickleball feasibility study with a public meeting scheduled, and staffing challenges. The Community Preservation Committee update noted 14 projects totaling $1.6 million, including three outdoor recreation items. No policies or new business were acted upon.

• No decisions or votes recorded; meeting was informational only

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to conduct a roll call and review the Superintendent's goals and the evaluation process.

• Review of Superintendent Goals & evaluation process

Northampton Retirement Board

The Northampton Retirement Board will meet to review and vote on the retirement budget for the 2023 calendar year. The meeting also includes reviewing retirement applications, survivor allowances, and payroll warrants. Additionally, there will be a report on the PERAC Emerging Issues Forum.

• Review/vote on the 1/1/2023-12/31/2023 retirement budget
• Review/vote on new members and retirement applications
• Review retiree and survivor allowances
• Review payroll and accounts payable warrants
• Report on PERAC Emerging Issues Forum

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions will discuss outreach assignments and strategies. The committee also plans to continue workshopping forms and a Google doc, and hold a conversation with Court Cline.

• Workshopping Google doc and forms
• Conversation with Court Cline
• Outreach assignments and discussion

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Commission will discuss traffic calming requests for Fair, Clement, Fruit, Earle/Grove, and Chestnut Streets. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the Downtown Parking Fee Structure ordinance. Additionally, updates will be provided on previous applications for Olive Street and North Maple Street.

• Traffic calming requests for Fair, Clement, Fruit, Earle/Grove, and Chestnut Streets
• Discussion of Downtown Parking Fee Structure ordinance
• Update on Olive Street traffic calming application
• Update on North Maple Street traffic calming application

The Transportation and Parking Commission voted 9-0 to send the Downtown Parking Fee Structure Ordinance to the City Council with a neutral recommendation, after initially proposing a positive recommendation and then withdrawing it. The ordinance includes two modifications: changes to parking areas 3C and 4C on the downtown map, and adjusting hours for areas 1A and 1B from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The commission also discussed six traffic calming requests but took no votes on them.

• Sent Downtown Parking Fee Structure Ordinance to City Council with neutral recommendation (9-0)
• Approved minutes from August 16, 2022 meeting (7-0-1)
• Discussed traffic calming request for Fair Street — no action taken
• Discussed traffic calming request for Clement Street — no action taken
• Discussed traffic calming request for Fruit Street — no action taken
• Discussed traffic calming request for Earle Street at Grove Street — no action taken
• Discussed traffic calming request for Chestnut Street — no action taken
• Adjourned meeting (9-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is holding a retreat meeting. The agenda includes a presentation regarding the roles and responsibilities of school committees.

• Presentation on roles and responsibilities of school committees

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions is discussing outreach strategies and assignments. The committee will also work on finalizing Google documents and forms.

• Workshopping Google doc and forms
• Conversation with Court Cline
• Outreach assignments and discussion

The committee discussed consolidating survey drafts into a single concise form to study barriers to serving on city boards, with plans for a separate optional demographic form. No formal decisions were made; the conversation with Mayoral Assistant Court Cline was postponed to a future meeting. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Consolidated survey drafts assigned to Chair Luengo-Garrido and Councilor Gore (no vote)
• Postponed conversation with Mayoral Assistant Court Cline to future agenda (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review a draft section of the Preservation Plan. The commission will also consider requests for support regarding Autumn 2022 Community Preservation Act (CPA) applications.

• Review of Preservation Plan Draft Section
• CPA application support: Northampton Community Music Center rehabilitation
• CPA application support: DAR House wiring
• CPA application support: Smith Charities, 51 Main Street rehabilitation
• Section 106 Review for Veterans Affairs Medical Center upgrades

The Northampton Historical Commission discussed the preservation plan and reviewed several CPA applications, including for the Northampton Community Music Center, Smith Charities, and Historic Northampton. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• Discussed preservation plan development and upcoming forums
• Reviewed CPA application for Northampton Community Music Center rehabilitation
• Reviewed CPA application for DAR House wiring (no discussion)
• Reviewed CPA application for Smith Charities 51 Main Street rehabilitation
• Reviewed CPA application for Historic Northampton collections storage
• Tabled Section 106 review for Veterans Affairs Medical Center Building 7 to a future meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a site plan for two detached units at 23 Hooker Ave. The board will also consider ANRs for Massasoit St and Bardwell St.

• Site plan review for two detached units by Backyard ADUs at 23 Hooker Ave
• ANRs for Massasoit St and Bardwell St

The Board voted unanimously to approve a site plan for two detached accessory dwelling units at 23 Hooker Ave, with a condition that the catch basin include a hooded elbow. The Board also endorsed street plans for Bardwell St and Massasoit St, and approved minutes from prior meetings.

• Approved site plan for two detached ADUs at 23 Hooker Ave (unanimous)
• Endorsed Bardwell St plans (unanimous)
• Endorsed Massasoit St plans (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 5/28, 6/9, 8/25 (unanimous)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The committee will review the 4th Quarter FY22 Performance Scorecard and the FY22 Training Investments Report. The agenda also includes an Employer Monthly Engagement Report and a vote to approve the April 21, 2022, minutes.

• Vote to approve April 21, 2022, minutes
• Review of 4th Quarter FY22 Performance Scorecard
• Review of FY22 Training Investments Report
• Review of Employer Monthly Engagement Report

Northampton School Committee

The committee will vote on revising the 2023 School Choice Budget. Members will also receive an update regarding a bomb threat incident at Northampton High School that occurred on September 13th. An executive session is requested for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

• Vote to revise 2023 School Choice Budget
• Update on September 13 bomb threat at NHS
• Executive session regarding negotiations with nonunion personnel

The School Committee voted 8-0 to increase the use of school choice funds for the FY23 budget by $87,730, bringing the total to $3,097,479, due to contract settlements. The committee also received an update on a September 13 bomb threat at Northampton High School, discussing emergency communication and safety plan improvements. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to enter executive session for non-union personnel negotiations.

• Approved $87,730 increase in school choice funds for FY23 budget, total $3,097,479 (8-0)
• Entered executive session for non-union personnel negotiations (8-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will host guest speakers to discuss reparations in Northampton and 2022 housing programs. The meeting also includes discussions on onboarding for commission re-envisioning and barriers to serving on city boards.

• Guest speaker presentation on reparations in Northampton
• Discussion of Housing as a Human Right 2022 programs
• Review of the Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions
• Continued discussion on onboarding for re-envisioning the Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings for two items. These include a special permit request for a larger front wall sign at 199 Pine St and a commercial finding for Rock Valley Heating & Air Conditioning on Westhampton Rd.

• Special Permit for larger front wall sign at 199 Pine St, Florence
• Commercial Finding for Rock Valley Heating & Air Conditioning on Westhampton Rd

The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for Andrew Klepacki to install a larger front wall sign at 199 Pine St, Florence, with the condition that the second sign be as large as the 7.5 percent allowance. The board also granted a commercial finding for Rock Valley Heating & Air Conditioning at Westhampton Rd, allowing HVAC business with light manufacturing, with conditions on hours of operation (7:30 PM to 5:30 PM, no weekend hours). Both decisions were unanimous.

• Approved special permit for larger front wall sign at 199 Pine St (unanimous, with condition)
• Granted commercial finding for Rock Valley Heating & Air Conditioning at Westhampton Rd (unanimous, with conditions on hours)
• Closed hearing for special permit (unanimous)
• Closed hearing for commercial finding (unanimous)
• Accepted both sets of minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review routine reports and discuss several action items, including advisory group stipends, CCPLM standing committee reappointments, and renaming the RCCR Fund. The board will also enter executive session to discuss contract negotiations. The agenda includes public comment and updates on building repairs, ARPA grant application, and library use statistics.

• Advisory Group Stipends (Downing)
• CCPLM Standing Committee Reappointments (Downing)
• Rename RCCR Fund (Downing)
• Executive session for contract negotiations
• ARPA Community Recovery Fund Grant Application (Downing)

Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board

The Franklin Hampshire Regional Workforce Board's Executive Committee will meet virtually to consider and vote on the Local Annual Plan and Integrated Budget for fiscal year 2023. The agenda also includes call to order, other business, and adjournment. This is a routine administrative meeting with one substantive action item.

• Vote to approve Local Annual Plan and Integrated Budget FY23
• Virtual meeting via Zoom
• Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2022, 8:00-9:00 AM

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from the September 7, 2022, meeting. The agenda includes discussions on STO, fall planting projects, and Spotted Lanternfly public outreach strategies. Members will also discuss DCR Community Challenge Grant opportunities.

• Review/approve Sept 7, 2022 minutes
• STO Discussion
• Fall Planting Projects
• Spotted Lanternfly public outreach strategies
• DCR Community Challenge Grant opportunities

The Urban Forestry Commission discussed a draft Significant Tree Ordinance but decided it needs more discussion before a vote. They also heard public comments about tree trimming and preservation, and reviewed plans for a Warfield Place planting project. No substantive decisions were made; most action items were tabled.

• Approved minutes from September 7, 2022 meeting (7-0)
• Tabled Fall Planting Projects until next meeting
• Tabled Spotted Lanternfly outreach strategies
• Discussed but did not vote on Significant Tree Ordinance draft

City Council Committee on Finance

The Joint Committee on Finance and Community Resources will consider an order to appropriate $500,000 in CPA funds for the 10 Hawley Street rehabilitation project. The committee will also discuss its role in the FY2024 budget season and potential cannabis capping discussions.

• Order to appropriate $500,000 in CPA funds for 10 Hawley Street rehabilitation
• Discussion of Finance Committee's role in the FY2024 budget season
• Discussion on adding cannabis capping to the agenda
• Approval of May 2022 meeting minutes

The joint Finance and Community Resources committees discussed a $500,000 Community Preservation Act (CPA) request to rehabilitate 10 Hawley Street (St. John Cantius Church) into 10 apartments. The Community Resources Committee voted 2-2 to send the order with a positive recommendation, then unanimously voted to forward it with a neutral recommendation. The Finance Committee did not vote on the item, effectively sending it to the full City Council without a recommendation.

• Community Resources Committee voted 2-2 to send order with positive recommendation (motion failed)
• Community Resources Committee voted 4-0 to forward order with neutral recommendation
• Finance Committee took no vote on the $500,000 CPA appropriation for 10 Hawley Street
• Meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee will review multiple policies for potential votes. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding safety policies in Section E.

• Vote on Policy BEDG (Minutes)
• Vote on Policy BDF (Advisory Committees to the School Committee)
• Vote on Policy BEDB (Agenda Format and Addendum)
• Discussion of Safety Policies in Section E

Youth Commission

This is the first meeting of the Northampton Youth Commission. The commission will review its history, structure, and past accomplishments while discussing general goals for the 2022-23 year. Members will also address potential growth and available positions.

• Review of commission history and structure
• Discussion of 2022-23 general goals
• Discussion regarding Gazette columns
• Elections for available positions

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions will discuss outreach strategies and workshopping Google Docs. The agenda also includes a review of previous meeting minutes and a period for public comment.

• Discussion about outreach
• Workshopping Google docs

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Property Subcommittee met to continue discussions regarding options and plans for the E Building. The agenda contains only this single item for discussion.

• Continued discussion regarding E Building options and plans

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will consider updates to the Admissions Policy and applications for a Skills Capital Grant. They will also vote on out-of-state field trips and school infrastructure projects including a stormwater system outfall.

• $186,597 expenditure for an access control management system
• Updates to the Admissions Policy
• Out-of-state field trips to Rhode Island and New York City
• Application for a Skills Capital Grant
• Approval of surplus equipment for resale or scrap

Northampton Retirement Board

The Northampton Retirement Board will hold a special meeting via Zoom. The board plans to review disability applications and enter an executive session to discuss personnel-related matters.

• Review of disability application(s)
• Vote to accept disability application(s)
• Executive session regarding individual character or health

City Council Committee on Community Resources

The Committee will hold a roundtable discussion regarding how retail marijuana sales affect local human services and prevention programs. The committee will also receive an update on the three-year review of facial recognition use by municipal agencies.

• Roundtable discussion on the impact of retail marijuana sales on community resources
• Three-year review of Chapter 290 Article 1 Use of Face Recognition Systems
• Update on facial recognition systems from the ACLU of Massachusetts
• Approval of minutes from February, March, and June 2022 meetings

The Community Resources Committee voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend no changes to Northampton's facial recognition ordinance and to remove the automatic three-year review requirement. The meeting also included extensive public comment and expert presentations on the impact of retail marijuana sales, but no vote was taken on capping dispensaries.

• Approved no change to facial recognition ordinance and no further automatic review (4-0)
• Approved minutes of February 28, March 21, and June 27, 2022 meetings (4-0)

Northampton Housing Authority

The board will discuss updates regarding Corticelli Street, basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights, and diversity training. Resolutions are on the agenda to adopt new Section 8 payment standards and federal flat rents. A presentation on the 2022 REAC inspection is also scheduled.

• Adoption of Section 8 Payment Standards effective 10/1/22
• Adoption of Federal Flat Rents effective 11/1/22
• Corticelli Street update discussion
• Basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights discussion
• Presentation of the 2022 REAC Inspection

Northampton School Committee

The Ad Hoc Exit Interview Subcommittee will meet to elect its Chair. The committee will also hold a discussion regarding the exit interview process for Northampton Public Schools.

• Election of a subcommittee Chair
• Discussion of the Northampton Public Schools exit interview process

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging will review July 2022 minutes and hear a director's report. New business includes discussions regarding staff compensation, the DoozyDo Parade, and COA meeting format.

• Request for Staff Compensation
• DoozyDo Parade discussion
• Proposed changes to COA meeting day, time, and format

The Northampton Council on Aging Board met virtually on September 15, 2022, and unanimously approved the July meeting minutes. The director reported on building improvements, program updates, and a new assistant director search. The board discussed operational issues including phone system problems, paperwork streamlining, and potential changes to meeting times. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved July meeting minutes unanimously
• Decided October meeting will be held at 5 pm as a hybrid meeting
• Discussed but did not decide on staff compensation request
• Discussed but did not decide on format changes for future meetings

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several ordinances regarding parking on New South Street, State Street, and fire lanes. Members will also consider a first reading for special legislation related to fossil fuel-free new construction. Additionally, the agenda includes committee appointments and financial orders.

• Ordinance regarding parking on New South Street (2nd reading)
• Ordinance regarding parking on State Street (2nd reading)
• Ordinance regarding fire lanes (2nd reading)
• Order for special legislation relative to fossil fuel-free new construction (1st reading)
• Financial order to reprogram funds for a scanner-printer (1st reading)

The City Council introduced a home rule petition (Order 22.173) to request state authorization to require all new construction and substantial renovations to be fossil fuel-free. The council also approved the appointment of Carolyn Misch as Director of Planning and Sustainability, passed parking ordinances on New South and State Streets, and referred several financial orders and an ordinance to committees. No final votes were taken on the fossil fuel petition; it will be up for final approval in October.

• Approved appointment of Carolyn Misch as Director of Planning and Sustainability (7-0)
• Passed ordinance relative to parking on New South Street (7-0)
• Passed ordinance relative to parking on State Street (7-0)
• Referred order authorizing expenditures from accessible parking fines to consent agenda (7-0)
• Referred order to reprogram funds for scanner-printer to consent agenda (7-0)
• Referred ordinance establishing procedures for filling CPC vacancies to Legislative Matters (7-0)
• Tabled ordinance relative to fire lanes per sponsor request
• Introduced home rule petition for fossil fuel-free new construction (first reading, no vote taken)

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to review the superintendent's goals and the evaluation process. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom.

• Review of Superintendent goals
• Review of evaluation process

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will review local tobacco regulations against the updated Model State Tobacco Regulation. The meeting also includes updates on vaccine clinics, the COVID dashboard, and ventilation taskforce progress.

• Review of CoN BoH Tobacco Regulation compared to Model State Tobacco Regulation
• Vaccine Clinic and COVID Dashboard updates
• Updates on Mask Advisory, Mask Hours Advisory, and Ventilation Taskforce
• Introduction of Public Health Nurse Elliot Ezcurra and DHHS Division of Community Cares Director Sean Donovan

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is holding an emergency meeting to receive a report regarding an incident that occurred on September 13, 2022, at Northampton High School. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Zoom.

• Report on the September 13th incident at Northampton High School

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee will meet to review potential changes to Policy EBCFA. The committee may also hold a vote on amendments regarding face masks and face coverings.

• Possible vote on amendments to Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The City Council Select Committee is discussing strategies for collecting testimonies and conducting outreach regarding barriers to serving on city boards and commissions. The committee will also discuss the possibility of compensation for board members.

• Strategy to collect testimonies
• Possible compensation
• Assignments for outreach

The Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions met virtually on September 13, 2022. No substantive decisions were made; the committee tabled approval of previous meeting minutes and an outreach assignment item. Members discussed privacy concerns regarding testimony collection and agreed to direct respondents to a Google form rather than taking direct testimonies, with a sub-group planning to redesign the form.

• Tabled approval of August 5 and August 16 meeting minutes
• Tabled outreach assignment item for future agenda
• Agreed to direct testimony respondents to Google form for privacy
• Sub-group to meet to redesign Google form

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The commission will vote on expenditures for solar array repairs and cost estimates for systems at Leeds School. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the new building code, electric grid issues, and fees for EV charging.

• Solar array repair expenditures
• Construction cost estimates for VRF & ERV systems at Leeds School
• Discussion on charging fees for EV charging
• Guidance on sustainability metrics in capital improvement approvals
• Review of the new building code

The Energy & Sustainability Commission approved two expenditures from the revolving fund: up to $2,000 for a solar array repair at Smith Vocational and $4,200 for a construction cost estimate for HVAC systems at Leeds Elementary School. The commission also discussed guidance on EV charging fees, sustainability metrics for capital planning, and a potential solar easement ordinance. A presentation on creating a climate director position was reviewed, with commissioners debating whether the role should report to the mayor or be housed in Planning and Sustainability.

• Approved up to $2,000 for Smith Vocational solar array repair (unanimous)
• Approved $4,200 for Leeds Elementary School VRF & ERV construction cost estimate (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 8/18/22 meeting

Leeds Elementary School Council

The Leeds Elementary School Council met to discuss the development of the School Improvement Plan. The agenda also included a period for public comment.

• School Improvement Plan Development

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will review voter turnout data from the September 6, 2022, election. The agenda includes certifying the 2022 State Primary Election tally sheet and reviewing recent record requests. The board will also discuss staffing for upcoming elections.

• Review of 9/6/2022 voter turnout data
• Certification of 2022 State Primary Election tally sheet
• Recent record requests
• Workers for upcoming elections

The Board of Registrars meeting was not convened because only two members were present, falling short of a quorum. No decisions were made; the board reviewed voter statistics and discussed record requests for 2020 election data.

• Meeting not convened due to lack of quorum
• Minutes of previous meeting not reviewed
• No substantive decisions made

Arts Council

The council will discuss forming search committees for the Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate positions. The agenda also includes discussions regarding mural projects and updates to the grant review process.

• Forming Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate Search Committees
• Florence Paint Mural
• Thornes Mural
• Grant extension request
• Proposed updates to grant review process

The Northampton Arts Council voted unanimously to approve a mural at Florence Paint, deeming it public art. The council also approved an extension for the Beyond the Pavement project grant and adopted a new grant review process with pre-scoring.

• Approved mural at Florence Paint as public art (unanimous)
• Granted extension for Beyond the Pavement LCC grant to begin April/May 2023 (unanimous)
• Adopted new grant review process with pre-scoring (unanimous)

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will discuss business accessibility with the Building Inspector and meet with the new Planning Director. The commission will also consider a vote to use accessible parking fines to fund design work for making municipal buildings accessible as part of a MOD grant.

• Vote on using accessible parking fines to pay for municipal building accessibility designs
• Discussion with Building Inspector Johnathan Flagg regarding business accessibility
• Introduction of new Planning Director Carolyn Misch
• Update on the MOD Grant Proposal due September 30

The Commission voted unanimously to approve a new order expanding the allowed uses of the Accessible Parking Fine (APF) fund to include design costs, enabling the Planning Office to hire an architect for design work needed to apply for a Massachusetts Office of Disability (MOD) grant of up to $250,000 for building improvements. The design cost is estimated at $12,000, and the APF fund has about $40,000. The Commission also tabled a meeting with the Building Commissioner due to his absence and approved the July 12 minutes with an amendment.

• Approved new order expanding APF fund uses to include design costs for MOD grant projects (unanimous)
• Tabled meeting with Building Commissioner Jonathan Flagg due to his absence
• Approved July 12, 2022 minutes with amendment to include recommendation for accessible parking near the Roost cafe (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for October 11, 2022 at 4:00 PM with staff Nathan Chung (unanimous)

Agriculture Commission

The Northampton Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss support for local farmers, including rescue grants and stormwater fee waivers, as well as updates on dual-use solar and city-owned agricultural properties. They will also review an agricultural bus tour and plan a regional conference for 2023.

• Discussion of rescue grants and stormwater fee waivers for local farmers
• Updates on dual-use solar projects
• Review of April agricultural bus tour and city-owned farm properties (Linseed Road Farm, Elwell, Mineral Hills, Montview, Cross Path Road, Old Hampshire County Jail Property)
• Planning for a regional conference in 2023

The Northampton Agricultural Commission held a discussion-focused meeting on September 13, 2022, with no formal votes or decisions. Members and guests addressed three main issues: stormwater fees on farms, ARPA grant opportunities, and improving communication between the Ag Commission and City Council. No actions were taken on any of these topics.

• No formal votes or decisions recorded
• Minutes from March meeting approved
• Regional conference tentatively scheduled for February 4, 2023 (snow date February 11)
• Next meeting set for October 4, 2022 at 7:00 pm

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Committee on Legislative Matters will discuss several proposed ordinances. These include changes to parking on New South Street and State Street, as well as regulations for fire lanes. The committee will also consider approving minutes from the July 11, 2022 meeting.

• Ordinance regarding parking on New South Street (22.163)
• Ordinance regarding parking on State Street (22.164)
• Ordinance regarding fire lanes (22.165)
• Ordinance amending Section 272-18 C Exemptions (22.168)

The Legislative Matters Committee voted unanimously to forward ordinances creating a disability parking space on New South Street and adjusting parking on State Street near Michael's Place. A third ordinance to update fire lane regulations was tabled for further amendment. The committee also approved prior meeting minutes and agreed to hold the next meeting in hybrid format.

• Approved minutes of July 11, 2022 (3-0)
• Forwarded ordinance for disability parking on New South Street with positive recommendation (3-0)
• Forwarded ordinance adjusting parking on State Street near Michael's Place with positive recommendation (3-0)
• Tabled ordinance to update fire lane regulations for further amendment (3-0)
• Agreed to hold next meeting in hybrid format

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss a recommendation for Community Preservation Act funding for the Burts Pit Road property. The meeting also includes discussions on housing production in Northampton and the election of officers.

• Funding recommendation for Burts Pit Road property
• Discussion on housing production in Northampton
• Election of officers
• Approval of August 1, 2022 minutes

The Northampton Housing Partnership voted to write a letter of support for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity's CPA funding request for the Victoria Bismark Farm project at 278 Burts Pit Road, which will create three affordable homes for first-time homebuyers. The Partnership also re-elected Carmen Junno as Chair and Gordon Shaw as Vice Chair, and discussed future housing production ideas and a transfer fee bill.

• Approved letter of support for PVHH's CPA funding request for 278 Burts Pit Road project (unanimous)
• Re-elected Carmen Junno as Chair and Gordon Shaw as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved August 1, 2022 meeting minutes (Sara Howard abstained due to absence)

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Lilly Library Association Trustees are meeting to handle routine business including approval of minutes, treasurer's and director's reports, and subcommittee updates. The agenda also includes discussion of staff compensation and planning for the library's Long Range Plan.

• Staff compensation discussion
• Planning for the Long Range Plan
• Approval of minutes from July 11, 2022 meetings
• Treasurer's report
• Friends' report

Council on Aging Board

The Northampton Council on Aging will meet to review the minutes from July 14, 2022. The agenda includes a Director’s Report mentioning the DoozyDo Parade, along with discussions of old and new business.

• Review and approval of July 14, 2022 minutes
• Director's Report (DoozyDo Parade)
• Old Business
• New Business

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a site plan amendment for Northampton Area Pediatrics at 193 Locust St to extend a permit start time. The board will also review a proposal to rezone two parcels at 31 Chapel Street. Additionally, the agenda includes ANR reviews for Harrison Ave and Westhampton Rd.

• Site plan amendment for Northampton Area Pediatrics at 193 Locust St
• Proposed rezoning of 31 Chapel Street from URB to Planned Village
• ANR reviews for Harrison Ave and Westhampton Rd

The Northampton Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend a zoning map amendment for two parcels at 31 Chapel Street from URB to Planned Village, and also extended a site plan permit for Northampton Area Pediatrics at 193 Locust Street. Both decisions followed public hearings and were approved without opposition.

Northampton School Committee

The committee will review the superintendent evaluation process and the 2023 School Choice budget. Discussions are also scheduled regarding face mask policies and electric school buses. A vote is planned to continue the use of remote meetings.

• Vote to revise the 2023 School Choice budget
• Acceptance of a $1,600.00 donation from JFK PTO for tables and chairs
• Report on Policy EBCFA regarding face masks and face coverings
• Discussion regarding electric school buses
• Vote to continue remote meeting extensions

The Northampton School Committee voted to extend remote meetings through October until the JFK community room is available for hybrid meetings. They also approved a $1,600 donation from the JFK PTO for teachers' lounge furniture. Several policy discussions and subcommittee updates were presented, but no other major decisions were finalized.

• Approved $1,600 donation from JFK PTO for teachers' lounge tables and chairs (9-1 absent)
• Extended remote meetings through October until JFK community room is ready (9-1 absent)
• Approved in-person school committee retreat on September 27 (8-1, 1 absent)
• Deferred School Choice budget revision to next meeting
• Approved executive session for nonunion personnel negotiations (9-1 absent)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet to vote on revising the 2023 School Choice budget and continuing remote meetings. The agenda also includes reports on face mask policies, electric school busses, and superintendent evaluations.

• Vote to revise 2023 School Choice budget
• Vote to continue remote meeting extension
• Acceptance of $1,600.00 JFK PTO donation for tables and chairs
• Report on face masks and face coverings policy (EBCFA)
• Discussion regarding electric school busses

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public meeting via remote teleconference. The board is reviewing a request to extend a permit start time for Northampton Area Pediatrics and a special permit for a larger sign at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

• Site plan amendment to extend permit start time for Northampton Area Pediatrics, 193 Locust St
• Special permit for a larger sign by Agnoli Signs for Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is reviewing two applications during this meeting. The board will consider a site plan amendment for Northampton Area Pediatrics and a special permit for a larger sign at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

• Site Plan Amendment to extend permit start time for Northampton Area Pediatrics, 193 Locust St
• Special Permit for a larger sign by Agnoli Signs for Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust St

The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit amendment for Northampton Area Pediatrics to extend the timeframe to start their project at 193 Locust St. The board also unanimously approved a special permit for Cooley Dickinson Hospital for a second large wall sign, with the condition that the sign be dimmed at night. The board decided to continue remote meetings for now.

• Approved special permit amendment for Northampton Area Pediatrics to extend project start timeframe (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for Cooley Dickinson Hospital second wall sign, with dimming at night (unanimous)
• Decided to keep remote meetings for the time being

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board are reviewing several site plan amendments and permit requests. These include sign changes at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and residential unit additions in Northampton and Florence.

• Site Plan Amendment for Northampton Area Pediatrics, 193 Locust St
• Special Permit for a larger sign at 30 Locust St
• Site Plan to add a second unit at 40 Norfolk Ave
• Site Plan for a two-family home at 148 Federal St, Florence
• Site Plan for detached units at 88 Crescent St

License Commission

The License Commission is reviewing applications for short-term liquor licenses for various community events and performances. The meeting includes requests for outdoor dining extensions at Cafe Balagan and Brewster Court Pub. The commission will also consider entertainment license amendments and a series of Arts Night Out licenses.

• Outdoor dining extensions: Cafe Balagan (241 Main St.) and Brewster Court Pub
• Short-term liquor licenses for The Academy of Music Theater (274 Main St.)
• Arts Night Out short-term liquor licenses
• Entertainment license amendment for JJ’s Tavern (99 Main Street)
• Short-term liquor license for Northampton Center for the Arts (33 Hawley St.)

The Northampton License Commission approved several short-term liquor licenses for events including the Academy of Music Theater, Cooper's Dairyland, Arts Night Out, Building 8 Brewing, and Northampton Center for the Arts, as well as an outdoor dining extension for Cafe Balagan. All votes were unanimous 3-0. The commission also approved an amendment to JJ's Tavern's entertainment license for Ok'Flo'berfest and the minutes from previous meetings. One agenda item for Brewster Court Pub was withdrawn by the applicant.

• Approved short-term liquor license for Academy of Music Theater for multiple events (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Cooper's Dairyland for Florence Night Out (3-0)
• Approved outdoor dining extension for Cafe Balagan on Main St. through Nov 15 (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Arts Night Out 2022-2023 (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing for three events (3-0)
• Approved amendment to JJ's Tavern entertainment license for Ok'Flo'berfest (3-0)
• Approved minutes of August 3, 2022 (3-0) and August 31, 2022 (2-0, one abstention)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Northampton Center for the Arts benefit (3-0)

Urban Forestry Commission

The commission approved the August 17 meeting minutes unanimously. They heard a presentation from Springfield Tree Warden Alex Sherman on the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest found in the region, and discussed public outreach. Fall planting plans were scaled back due to drought, with up to 150 trees planned at several locations.

• Approved August 17, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Discussed fall planting of up to 150 trees at sites including Old School Commons, Main Street in Florence, and Bridge Street Cemetery
• Tabled final decision on Warfield Place planting pending resident meeting
• Agreed to develop public statement on spotted lanternfly for Mayor's Office social media

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services will discuss an ordinance regarding the use of face surveillance systems by municipal agencies. The agenda also includes several appointments to local boards and the appointment of a new Director of Office of Planning and Sustainability.

• Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Face Surveillance Systems
• Appointment of Carolyn Misch as Director of Office of Planning and Sustainability
• Appointments to the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, and Human Rights Commission
• Reappointment of Thomas Dunphy to the Parks and Recreation Commission

The committee voted unanimously to forward the appointment of Carolyn Misch as Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainability to the full City Council with a high positive recommendation. The committee also approved appointments to the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Community Preservation Committee, Historical Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission. No vote was taken on the facial recognition technology ordinance or cannabis dispensary caps, though a roundtable discussion on dispensaries was scheduled for October.

• Approved appointment of Carolyn Misch as OPS Director (4-0)
• Approved Sean Sullivan to Board of Assessors (4-0)
• Approved Janet Grant to Board of Health (4-0)
• Approved Beverly Bates to Community Preservation Committee (4-0)
• Approved Greg Dibrindisi to Historical Commission (4-0)
• Approved Dianna Stallone to Human Rights Commission (4-0)
• Approved Angela D'Souza to Human Rights Commission (4-0)
• Approved Thomas Dunphy reappointment to Parks and Recreation Commission (4-0)

Valley Green Energy Working Group (VGEWG)

The Valley Green Energy Working Group will discuss a plan for outreach and education. The meeting also includes a review of minutes from the July 22 and August 4, 2022, meetings.

• Review of meeting minutes from 7/22/22 and 8/4/22
• Discussion regarding an Outreach and Education Plan

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee addressed a hearing request regarding the demolition of St. John’s Cantius Church at 10 Hawley St. The applicant requested that the hearing be continued until November 8.

• Demolition request for St. John’s Cantius Church, 10 Hawley St
• Hearing continuation to November 8

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The subcommittee will receive a presentation on the budget process. Members will also discuss electric school buses and a start time survey.

• Presentation: Budget Process
• Discussion and possible vote: Electric School Busses
• Discussion: Start Time Survey

City Council

The Northampton City Council will review several first and second readings of financial orders and ordinances. Agenda items include updates to parking regulations and the rezoning of properties. The council will also consider committee appointments and discuss cannabis regulations.

• Appropriation of $500,000 in CPA Funds for 10 Hawley Street Rehabilitation Project
• Ordinances regarding parking on New South Street and State Street
• Rezoning of 130 Pine Street from URB to Office Industrial
• Order to suspend parking fees on certain days
• Appointments to the Arts Council, Conservation Commission, and Board of Registrars

The City Council voted unanimously to refer a $500,000 CPA funding request for the St. John Cantius Church rehabilitation to the Finance and Community Resources committees for further review, delaying a final vote. The council also approved a local preservation restriction and rezoning for 130 Pine Street, and discussed beginning an information-gathering process on potential cannabis retailer caps.

• Referred $500,000 CPA funds for 10 Hawley Street rehabilitation to Finance and Community Resources committees (9-0)
• Approved local preservation restriction for 130 Pine Street, Florence (9-0)
• Approved rezoning of 130 Pine Street from URB to Office Industrial (9-0)
• Approved FY2023 CPA funds appropriation of $1.4 million (8-0, Foster absent)
• Approved consent agenda including Forbes Library restroom ventilation project and committee appointments (9-0)
• Referred parking ordinances on New South Street, State Street, and fire lanes to Legislative Matters (9-0)
• Referred plastics ordinance amendment to Legislative Matters (8-0, Jarrett recused)
• Approved zoning map amendment on Bridge Road and Cooke Avenue for Smart Growth District (9-0)

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The subcommittee will meet to elect a Chair for the group. Members will also begin the process of reviewing the Superintendent's goals.

• Vote to elect a Subcommittee Chair
• Review of Superintendent Goals

License Commission

The License Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a new pouring permit for Drawing Board Brewing Company. The commission will also review winery license applications for the Three County Fair and outdoor dining extensions for two local businesses.

• Public hearing for Drawing Board Brewing Company's new pouring permit
• Farm winery liquor license application for Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, LLC at Three County Fair
• Outdoor dining extension for Cafe Balagan, LLC (4 tables, 8 chairs)
• Outdoor dining extension for Northampton Brewery (4 tables, 16 chairs)

The Northampton License Commission approved two alcohol-related permits: a farm winery license for Hardwick Vineyard & Winery to sell at the Three County Fair, and a new farmer series pouring permit for Drawing Board Brewing's taproom in Florence. Both votes were unanimous (2-0). Two applications for outdoor dining extensions (Cafe Balagan and Northampton Brewery) were continued to the September meeting due to no applicant present. The commission also discussed the American Legion's property sale and potential bar management changes.

• Approved farm winery liquor license for Hardwick Vineyard & Winery at Three County Fair (2-0)
• Approved new farmer series pouring permit for Drawing Board Brewing in Florence (2-0)
• Continued Cafe Balagan outdoor dining extension to September meeting
• Continued Northampton Brewery outdoor dining extension to September meeting

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will discuss 2022 programs regarding housing as a human right. The meeting also includes continued discussions on re-envisioning the commission's leadership, subcommittees, and onboarding. Additionally, the agenda features a committee study on barriers to service on city boards and commissions.

• Approval of June and July 2022 minutes
• Housing as a Human Right 2022 programs
• Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions
• Re-envisioning the Commission: leadership, subcommittees, and onboarding

The Human Rights Commission approved the June and July meeting minutes unanimously. Commissioners discussed potential topics and partners for an October housing-as-a-human-right event. An update was provided on the Select Committee for the Study of Barriers to Service on Boards and Commissions. A subcommittee was formed to develop onboarding materials for the HRC and other volunteer boards.

• Approved June and July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Formed subcommittee for onboarding materials (Kathy, Booker, Megan)

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee will meet via remote participation to conduct a roll call and review Policy EBCFA. No other substantive items are listed for discussion.

• Review of Policy EBCFA

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Trustees are holding a special meeting to conduct a strategic planning focus group activity. The agenda also includes a period for public comment.

• Strategic Planning Focus Group Activity

Planning Board

The Northampton Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding several development projects. These include a new two-family home in Florence, antenna modifications on Elm Street, and 20 new units at Laurel Street.

• Site Plan for a new two-family home at 596 Ryan Rd, Florence
• Modification to telecommunications antennas at 48 Elm St
• 40R approval for 20 new residential units and two curb cuts at 23 Laurel St

Northampton Retirement Board

The Northampton Retirement Board is meeting to consider several financial and administrative items. The board will review the FY22 GASB 67/68 Report and the January 1, 2022 Actuarial Valuation Report. Additionally, the board is scheduled to vote on retirement applications and payroll warrants.

• Review/approve FY22 GASB 67/68 Report
• Review/approve January 1, 2022 Actuarial Valuation Report
• Review staff FY2023 compensation
• Vote on retirement applications and survivor allowances
• Review payroll and accounts payable warrants

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit for additional signs at 303 King St. The board will also hear an appeal regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd.

• Special permit for additional signs at 303 King St by National Sign Corporation
• Appeal of Building Commissioner decision regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Rd

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for National Sign Corporation to install additional signage at 303 King Street, with a condition that sign lights be turned off by 8 PM. The board also continued a hearing on an appeal regarding a structure at 129 Riverbank Road to October 27, 2022, and approved minutes from previous meetings.

• Approved special permit for additional signs at 303 King St (unanimous)
• Condition: sign lights must be turned off by 8 PM
• Continued hearing on appeal of Building Commissioner decision at 129 Riverbank Rd to Oct 27, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 (unanimous)

Public Shade Tree Hearings

The City of Northampton is holding a public shade tree hearing to discuss matters related to shade trees at 222 River Road in Leeds. The agenda includes public comment, a reading of the notice, and discussion, followed by adjournment.

• Public comment period (5 minutes)
• Reading of the Notice of Public Shade Tree Hearing
• Discussion period (5 minutes)

The Northampton Tree Warden held a public shade tree hearing on August 25, 2022, at 222 River Road, Leeds. No members of the public attended or offered comment. The warden granted permission to remove six trees, including American Beech, Green Ash, American Elm, and Sweet Birch, as listed in the minutes.

• Approved removal of 4-inch American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
• Approved removal of 4-inch American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
• Approved removal of 8-inch Green Ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica)
• Approved removal of 3-inch Green Ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica)
• Approved removal of 8-inch American Elm (Ulmus Americana)
• Approved removal of 4-inch Sweet Birch (Betula lenta)

Northampton School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee

The subcommittee will meet to discuss its mission, goals, and working processes. The meeting includes an update from Curriculum Director Roxanne Dorrie.

• Review of mission and goals
• Discussion on committee working processes
• Planning for the 2022-23 school year

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee is meeting to establish its subcommittee parameters. The committee will also review vaccination language and classroom exposure policies within Policy EBCFA.

• Presentation on Open Meeting Law by Attorney Layla Taylor
• Discussion of subcommittee focus and parameters
• Review of vaccination language in Policy EBCFA
• Review of classroom exposure policies in Policy EBCFA

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee will meet to discuss its focus and parameters. Attorney Layla Taylor will also provide a presentation on the Open Meeting Law.

• Presentation on Open Meeting Law by Attorney Layla Taylor
• Discussion regarding the focus and parameters of the subcommittee

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Commission will conduct a field trip to the Smith College geothermal heating system site. Members will also discuss an electric vehicle test drive event for October 1 and review sustainability in capital improvement planning. The meeting includes status reports on the fossil fuel free construction ordinance and the mowing subcommittee.

• EV test drive event on October 1
• Smith College geothermal heating system field trip
• Fossil fuel free construction ordinance status report
• Green Communities Grant update
• Main St lights and capital improvement planning review

The commission unanimously approved the July 21, 2022 minutes and decided to meet on the second Tuesday of each month, starting September 13. Members discussed several initiatives, including an EV test drive event, early input on downtown lighting, and a proposed citizen's committee to support sustainability goals. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes of 7/21/22 meeting (unanimous)
• Set new monthly meeting time to second Tuesdays, next on September 13

City Council

The council will hold a public hearing regarding National Grid poles on River Road. Members will also review the fourth-quarter financial report and several committee appointments. Additionally, the agenda includes orders to reprogram funds for library ventilation and school equipment repairs.

• Public hearing: National Grid pole petition on River Road
• Ordinance: Parking meter locations and regulations
• Financial order: Reprogramming funds for Forbes Library and Bridge Street School
• Zoning ordinance: Amendment to the map on Prince Street
• Resolution: Support for a federal assault weapons ban

The City Council approved the consent agenda, which included the National Grid pole petition for River Road, appointments to various committees, and several financial orders. The council also heard extensive public comment regarding a proposed cannabis dispensary in Florence and calls for a cap on dispensaries, but took no action on those matters. A zoning ordinance for 130 Pine Street was tabled due to missing documentation.

• Approved consent agenda including National Grid pole petition, appointments, and financial orders (8-0)
• Approved appointment of Kim Park as Senior Services Director (8-0)
• Approved order to reprogram funds for Bridge Street School hot water heater (8-0)
• Approved order to reprogram funds for JFK bleachers upgrade (8-0)
• Approved order suspending ordinance for Taste of Northampton event (8-0)
• Approved resolution in support of federal assault weapons ban (8-0)
• Tabled zoning ordinance for 130 Pine Street from URB to Office Industrial until September 1
• Referred parking meter ordinance to Transportation & Parking Commission and Legislative Matters

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The subcommittee is meeting to provide an update and hold discussions regarding the Superintendent Evaluation. Written testimony may be submitted via email until August 16, 2022.

• Update and discussion on Superintendent Evaluation
• Discussion of next steps

Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Team

The Northampton School Committee Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee will meet to elect a subcommittee Chair. The meeting also includes beginning the process of reviewing the Superintendent's goals.

• Vote to elect a Chair of the Subcommittee
• Beginning the review of Superintendent Goals

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will receive an update on medical testing, supplies, and resources. The committee may also vote on recommendations regarding testing and Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings).

• Update on medical testing, supplies, and resources
• Vote on recommendations regarding testing
• Vote on Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will receive an update on medical testing, supplies, and resources. The committee may also review and vote on recommendations regarding testing and Policy EBCFA for face masks and face coverings.

• Update on medical testing, supplies, and resources
• Possible vote on recommendations regarding testing
• Possible vote on Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)

The Northampton School Committee voted 7-3 to approve an amendment to Policy EBCFA on face masks and face coverings, tying universal indoor masking to CDC community levels in Hampshire County. The committee then voted 7-1 (with two absent) to approve the full revised policy, with further public comment and potential updates scheduled for September 8. The meeting also included updates on health and safety guidelines for fall 2022 and discussion of symptomatic testing.

• Approved amendment to Policy EBCFA requiring universal indoor masking when CDC community level in Hampshire County reaches 'high' for one week, rescinded when level subsides to 'medium' for two weeks (7-3)
• Approved revised Policy EBCFA on face masks and face coverings as amended (7-1, 2 absent)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0, 2 absent)

Urban Forestry Commission

The Northampton Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from the June 20, 2022, meeting and receive reports from the Chair and Tree Warden. The agenda includes discussions on fall planting and DCR Community Challenge Grant opportunities. Members will also receive an update regarding spotted lanternfly detection in Springfield, MA.

• Review/approval of June 20, 2022, meeting minutes
• Discussion regarding fall planting
• DCR Community Challenge Grant opportunities
• Spotted lanternfly update following detection in Springfield, MA

The Urban Forestry Commission reviewed the final draft of the Significant Tree Ordinance, with members suggesting changes like a 15-inch threshold for urban areas and soil volume specifications. No formal vote was taken on the ordinance; it remains under discussion. The commission also planned fall tree plantings and discussed applying for a DCR tree inventory grant.

• Approved July 20, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Discussed final draft of Significant Tree Ordinance; no vote taken
• Planned fall planting of 80 trees at Spring Grove Cemetery, pending drought conditions
• Discussed applying for DCR tree inventory grant; to be added to next agenda
• Scheduled future meetings: September 7 and September 21, 2022
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The committee will discuss strategies to collect testimonies and formulate a record request for data. Members will also discuss possible compensation for serving on city boards and commissions.

• Formulating a record request for data
• Strategy to collect testimonies
• Discussion of possible compensation

The committee discussed plans to interview current board and commission chairs to identify barriers to serving, and considered data requests to the city. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; the only action was to table approval of the previous meeting's minutes because they were unavailable. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Tabled approval of August 5, 2022 minutes (unavailable)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Property Subcommittee met to continue discussions regarding options and plans for the E Building. No other specific items were listed on the agenda.

• Continued discussion regarding E Building options and plans

Transportation & Parking Commission

The Commission will discuss traffic calming requests for Burts Pit Road and Ryan Road. Members will also review proposed ordinances regarding fire lanes, State Street, and New South Street. Additionally, the meeting includes a discussion on changes to the parking fee structure.

• Traffic calming requests for Burts Pit Road and Ryan Road
• Proposed changes to the parking fee structure ordinance
• Proposed ordinance regarding fire lanes
• Proposed ordinance regarding parking on State Street
• Proposed ordinance regarding accessible parking on New South Street

The Transportation and Parking Commission voted unanimously to recommend three ordinances to the City Council: one creating a fire lane on Carlon Drive, one removing a parking space on State Street for safety, and one adding accessible parking on New South Street. The commission also discussed traffic calming requests for Burts Pit Road and Ryan Road, and a proposed parking fee structure for downtown, but took no votes on those items.

• Approved sending fire lane ordinance for Carlon Drive to City Council (6-0)
• Approved sending parking restriction ordinance for State Street to City Council (6-0)
• Approved sending accessible parking ordinance for New South Street to City Council (6-0)
• Approved minutes from June 21, 2022 meeting (6-0)

Northampton Housing Authority

The Commissioners will meet virtually to approve July 2022 minutes and consider FY22 quarterly and year-end financial reports. The agenda also includes a motion regarding certification of compliance with lead paint notification laws.

• Motion to accept FY22 Quarterly/Year End Financials and compensation documents
• Motion regarding Certification of Compliance with Lead Paint notification laws
• Tabled updates for Corticelli Street and Hampshire Heights & Florence Heights basements
• Approval of July 2022 minutes

Northampton School Committee

The committee will vote on several items, including a contract for a superintendent search firm and updates to the 2022-2023 school year calendar. Members will also consider face mask policy and options for exit interview procedures. Additionally, the committee will receive a report regarding electric buses.

• Vote to award a contract to a superintendent search firm
• Vote to approve update to 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
• Second reading and vote on Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)
• Vote to approve contract with Business Administrator Jannell Pearson-Campbell
• Report regarding electric buses

The Northampton School Committee voted to schedule a special meeting on August 18, 2022, to discuss and vote on a masking policy, after hearing public comments and reviewing updated CDC guidelines. The committee also approved a contract for the new Business Administrator, Roberta "Bobbie" Jones, and directed the Transportation Supervisor to apply for an electric bus grant. Additionally, they approved an update to the 2022-2023 school year calendar and voted to continue remote meetings through August.

• Scheduled special meeting for August 18 at 6:00 PM to vote on masking policy (9-0)
• Approved contract for Business Administrator Roberta 'Bobbie' Jones (9-0)
• Directed Transportation Supervisor to submit electric bus grant application (9-0)
• Approved update to 2022-2023 school year calendar (9-0)
• Voted to remain remote for August and get update at first September meeting (8-1, Kaia Goleman dissenting)
• Tabled superintendent search firm decision until October/November (9-0)
• Suspended rules until November 15 (9-0)
• Extended meeting until 11:30 PM (9-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will consider a second reading of the face mask policy and several contracts. The committee also plans to vote on updating the 2022-2023 school calendar and extending remote meetings.

• Second reading and vote on Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)
• Vote to approve contract with Business Administrator Jannell Pearson-Campbell
• Vote to award a contract to a superintendent search firm
• Vote to update the 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
• Vote to continue remote meeting extension

Zoning Board of Appeals

The August 11, 2022, meeting was postponed to August 25 due to a lack of quorum. No items were discussed or decided during this session.

• Postponed: Special Permit for additional signs at 303 King St
• Postponed: Appeal regarding structure at 129 Riverbank Rd

Forbes Library Development Committee

The committee will review updates regarding FY23 fundraising, including estate planner conversations and development goals. The agenda also includes discussion of the Fall Annual Appeal.

• FY23 fundraising updates
• Fall Annual Appeal discussion
• Approval of May 11 meeting minutes

Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee is meeting to review school regulations. The agenda includes a discussion and possible vote regarding Policy EBCFA, which covers face masks and face coverings.

• Possible vote on Policy EBCFA (Face Masks and Face Coverings)

Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee

The subcommittee will receive status updates on several ongoing construction projects, including work on Leonard St and King St. Members will also discuss current design plans for upcoming bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The meeting includes a period for public comment and approval of May 25 minutes.

• Status updates on construction projects such as Florence Center, Leonard St, and King St
• Review of Bridge Street PVTA project and Main St/bike path bridge lighting
• Discussion of planned designs for Rocky Hill Greenway and Connecticut River Trail
• Approval of May 25 meeting minutes

The subcommittee met but lacked a quorum to approve May minutes. Members heard a proposal for a September bike count week and received construction updates on several projects.

• Minutes of May 25 not approved due to no quorum
• Heard bike count proposal for Sept 12 week
• Received construction updates on multiple projects

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Planning Board, Legislative Matters Committee, and City Council will hold a joint meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 22.141. This ordinance proposes an amendment to the Zoning Map at Bridge Road and Cooke Avenue. The committee will also review minutes from the February 14, 2022, meeting.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 22.141 to amend the Zoning Map on Bridge Road and Cooke Avenue
• Approval of minutes from the February 14, 2022, meeting

The Legislative Matters Committee and Planning Board held a joint public hearing on a proposed zoning map amendment to add parcels on Bridge Road and Cooke Avenue to the existing Smart Growth-Urban Residential overlay district. The overlay allows additional density for affordable housing and makes the city eligible for state incentive payments. Both bodies voted unanimously to forward the ordinance to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.

• Approved minutes of February 14, 2022 (3-0)
• Opened public hearing on zoning map amendment (4-0)
• Closed public hearing (4-0)
• Forwarded zoning ordinance to full City Council with positive recommendation (4-0)
• Planning Board recommended approval of amendment (4-0)

Historical Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding the replacement of a wireless communications facility at 48 Elm Street. They will also consider a request for support of a CPA application for the former St. John Cantius Church at 10 Hawley Street.

• Public hearing: wireless communications facility replacement at 48 Elm Street
• Request for support of CPA application for 10 Hawley Street
• Approval of meeting minutes

The Northampton Historical Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for T-Mobile to replace three existing antennas with six smaller ones at St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm Street, as part of a 5G upgrade. The Commission also unanimously voted to support a Community Preservation Act (CPA) application for the former St. John Cantius Church at 10 Hawley Street, contingent on following the historic structures report and establishing a preservation restriction. The meeting included public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Approved certificate of appropriateness for T-Mobile antenna replacement at 48 Elm Street (unanimous)
• Supported CPA application for former St. John Cantius Church, 10 Hawley Street, with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 3 and January 30, 2022 (unanimous)

Northampton School Committee Budget & Property Subcommittee

The Northampton School Committee Budget and Property Subcommittee will hold a presentation and discussion regarding electric school busses. No other substantive agenda items are listed for this meeting.

• Presentation and discussion on electric school busses

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The committee is discussing goals and expectations for studying barriers to serving on Northampton city boards and commissions. Agenda items include formulating a record request for data collection and developing a strategy to collect testimonies. The committee will also discuss possible compensation.

• Formulating a record request to collect data
• Strategy to collect testimonies
• Discussion of possible compensation

The Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving on City Boards and Commissions met and approved the June 30, 2022 minutes. Members discussed goals, including surveying board chairs and collecting demographic data, but tabled a formal records request and a strategy for collecting testimonies. They also discussed possible compensation for board members and agreed to seek a City Solicitor opinion.

• Approved June 30, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled formulating a records request to collect demographic data
• Tabled strategy to collect testimonies
• Agreed to email City Solicitor about compensation for board members

Northampton School Committee

The Ad Hoc Superintendent Search Firm Subcommittee will review information gathered about various search firms. The subcommittee intends to select a firm to recommend to the full School Committee.

• Report on information gathered about search firms
• Selection of a firm to recommend to the School Committee

Valley Green Energy Working Group (VGEWG)

The Valley Green Energy Working Group is meeting virtually to review minutes from July 22, receive updates, and discuss an outreach and education plan. The agenda also includes public comment and planning for the next meeting.

• Review of 7/22/22 minutes
• Updates
• Discussion of outreach and education plan
• Public comment period

Energy & Sustainability Commission Pollinator Habitat Subcommittee

The Pollinator Habitat Subcommittee will review draft goals and a mission statement for the mowing subcommittee. The meeting also includes an overview of DPW mowing practices provided by the Forestry, Parks, & Cemetery Superintendent.

• Draft goals and mission statement for mowing subcommittee
• Identification of potential stakeholders
• Overview of DPW mowing practices
• Discussion of future goals and meeting dates

The Energy & Sustainability Commission's Pollinator Habitat Subcommittee discussed identifying city-owned mowing areas and inviting departments (DPW, Schools, Central Services, Planning & Sustainability, Smith Vocational) to present on maintenance practices. The subgroup will create a spreadsheet listing responsible parties and locations, aiming to convert ornamental turf into pollinator habitat to reduce mowing, fossil fuel use, and carbon footprint, with potential grant funding and public education. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and planning-focused.

• Discussed inviting DPW, School Dept., Central Services, Planning & Sustainability, and Smith Vocational School to future meetings
• Agreed to create a spreadsheet of mowing locations and responsible parties
• Set tentative next meeting for September 13, 2022 at 6pm

License Commission

The commission will consider applications for manager changes at GardenHouse at Look Park and Pines Theater. It will also review short term liquor licenses for events including Live Music at Bombyx and Taste of Northampton. A clerk's update on remote meeting extensions is also scheduled.

• Manager change application for GardenHouse at Look Park
• Manager change application for Pines Theater
• Short term liquor licenses for live music at Bombyx
• Short term liquor license for Taste of Northampton
• Short term liquor license for Arts Night Out at Pinch

The Northampton License Commission unanimously approved two manager changes for Look Park venues, short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing at Bombyx and the Downtown Northampton Association's Taste of Northampton (with fee waiver) and Arts Night Out at Pinch. All votes were 3-0. The commission also set a special meeting for August 31 to hear a Hardwick Winery application.

• Approved change of manager to Angela Otis for Garden House at Look Park (3-0)
• Approved change of manager to Sebastian Ross for Pines Theater (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor licenses for Building 8 Brewing at Bombyx (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Taste of Northampton with fee waiver (3-0)
• Approved short-term liquor license for Arts Night Out at Pinch (3-0)
• Set special meeting for August 31 at 4 p.m. for Hardwick Winery application

Arts Council

The Northampton Arts Council is conducting its fourth meeting for the Fiscal Year 2022 Local Cultural Council grant review. The meeting is being held remotely via Zoom.

• Local Cultural Council FY22 Grant Review Meeting #4

The Northampton Arts Council met remotely and reviewed 10 Local Cultural Council (LCC) grants for FY22, with members recording scores. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars is reviewing deadlines for the State Primary and State Election. The agenda includes updates on voter registration, mail-in ballot applications, redistricting notifications, and the street list project.

• State Primary voter registration deadline of August 27, 2022
• State Election voter registration deadline of October 29, 2022
• Update on redistricting notification to voters
• Update on street list project
• Discussion regarding the Votes Act and early voting

The Northampton Board of Registrars did not meet on August 2, 2022, because a quorum was not present, and no votes were recorded. The agenda included updates on the upcoming state primary and election, including deadlines for voter registration, vote-by-mail applications, and early voting, as well as redistricting notifications and the Votes Act requirements.

• No votes recorded due to lack of quorum

Central Business Architecture

The Central Business Architecture Committee will hold a kickoff presentation for the Historic Preservation Plan by Barrett Planning Group LLC. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Kickoff presentation/information of Historic Preservation Plan - BARRETT PLANNING GROUP LLC
• Public Comment

City Council Select Committee to Study Barriers to Serving

The committee will discuss goals, expectations, and strategies for collecting testimonies and data regarding barriers to serving on city boards and commissions. Members will also discuss formulating record requests and possible compensation.

• Discussion of goals and expectations
• Formulating a record request to collect data
• Strategy to collect testimonies
• Discussion of possible compensation

Housing Partnership

The Housing Partnership will discuss draft bylaws, rules of procedure, and an updated membership guide. The meeting also includes discussions on moving forward with the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and updates regarding the Real Estate Transfer Fee.

• Draft Bylaws and Rules of Procedure
• Membership Guide update
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund discussion
• Real Estate Transfer Fee updates
• Reelection of officers

The Northampton Housing Partnership approved the July 11, 2022 minutes and discussed draft bylaws, with members suggesting edits for flexibility in public comments. They also discussed next steps for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including a future meeting with the Mayor, and updates on the Real Estate Transfer Fee and other topics. No formal decisions were made on these latter items.

• Approved July 11, 2022 minutes (motion by Shaw, seconded by Abuza; Shaffer and Bates abstained)
• Discussed draft bylaws and rules of procedure; supportive of suggested edits to be incorporated into next draft

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings via remote teleconference. The agenda includes a special permit request for a new dealership and several subdivision plan approvals (ANRs). Public comment on non-agenda items is also scheduled.

• Special permit by Cousins Investments, LLC for a new dealership at 48 Damon Rd
• Approval of subdivision plans (ANRs) for Norwood, Nonotuck, Coles Meadow Rd, Hooker Ave, and North Farms Rd

The Northampton Planning Board approved a special permit for a new dealership at 48 Damon Rd, with a condition limiting tree species along the frontage. The board also endorsed several Approval Not Required (ANR) plans and discussed police presence on Fulton Avenue.

• Approved special permit for Cousins Investments dealership at 48 Damon Rd, with condition of no more than 3 of same tree species along frontage (unanimous)
• Endorsed Norwood/Warner ANR (unanimous)
• Endorsed Nonotuck St ANR with note that all Reduced Lot Line ordinance requirements must be met (unanimous)
• Endorsed Coles Meadow Rd ANR (roll call)
• Endorsed Hooker Ave plans (unanimous)
• Endorsed North Farms Rd ANR (unanimous)

Northampton Retirement Board

The board will review a second quarter presentation from the de Burlo Group and a budget report. Members will also vote on new members, retirement applications, and payroll warrants.

• 2nd Quarter presentation from the de Burlo Group
• FY23 Chair and Vice Chair appointments
• Review/Vote of retirement applications and survivor allowances
• Election Policy Review
• Review of payroll and accounts payable warrants

Board of Health

The Northampton Board of Health will review the weekly COVID-19 dashboard and discuss communications regarding monkeypox. The meeting also includes discussions on wastewater testing for COVID activity and a general public education outreach plan.

• Weekly COVID Dashboard presentation
• Monkeypox communication discussion
• Wastewater testing for COVID activity
• Public education and community outreach plan
• Mask Advisory review

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review the weekly COVID-19 dashboard and discuss communication plans regarding monkeypox. The meeting also includes updates on wastewater testing for COVID activity and a ventilation project.

• Weekly COVID Dashboard presentation
• Monkeypox communication discussion
• Wastewater testing for COVID activity
• Ventilation Project update
• Mask Advisory update

The Northampton Board of Health met on July 28, 2022, and approved minutes from three prior meetings. Commissioner O'Leary reported that the MA Department of Public Health approved funding for wastewater COVID testing through June 2023. The board discussed the mask advisory, ventilation project, and monkeypox communication, but took no formal votes on these items.

• Approved May 25, 2022 minutes as amended (3-0)
• Approved June 8, 2022 minutes as amended (2-0, Ducar abstained)
• Approved June 23, 2022 minutes as amended (3-0)

Northampton School Committee

The Ad Hoc Superintendent Search Firm Subcommittee will review reports from phone calls made to other districts regarding the three firms in use. The committee will also discuss contacting MASC for comparison.

• Recap of July 19, 2022 meeting
• Report on findings from phone calls to other districts used by three firms
• Discussion regarding contacting MASC for comparison

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will conduct an interview for the Business Administrator position with candidate Roberta Jones. Members will also discuss and vote on authorizing the Superintendent to enter into negotiations with a chosen candidate. A request has been made to enter executive session regarding nonunion personnel negotiations.

• Interview for Business Administrator: Roberta Jones
• Vote to authorize Superintendent to enter negotiations for Business Administrator
• Request to enter Executive Session regarding nonunion personnel negotiations

The Northampton School Committee interviewed a candidate for Business Administrator and voted 8-0 (with 2 absent) to authorize the Interim Superintendent to enter negotiations with the chosen candidate. The committee also voted unanimously to enter executive session for strategy discussions related to nonunion personnel negotiations. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized Interim Superintendent to negotiate with chosen Business Administrator candidate (8-0, 2 absent)
• Entered executive session for nonunion personnel negotiations strategy (8-0, 2 absent)

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees Property Subcommittee is continuing a discussion regarding options and plans for the E Building.

• Continued discussion regarding E Building options and plans

City Council Committee on City Services

The Committee on City Services is reviewing various appointments to local boards and commissions. This includes the appointment of a Senior Services Director and several reappointments and vacancy fills.

• Appointment of Kim Park as Senior Services Director
• Reappointments to Arts Council, Historical Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals
• Filling a vacancy on the Board of Registrars
• Filling a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission

The City Services Committee voted unanimously to recommend Kim Park for appointment as Senior Services Director, along with several other appointments to city boards and commissions. All recommendations were forwarded to the full City Council for final approval.

• Positively recommended Kim Park as Senior Services Director (3-0)
• Positively recommended Eamonn Edge's reappointment to the Arts Council (3-0)
• Positively recommended Robert Boulrice's appointment to the Board of Registrars (3-0)
• Positively recommended Jeffrey Dawson's appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission (3-0)
• Positively recommended reappointments of Dylan Gaffney (Historical Commission), Janna White (Planning Board), and Elizabeth Silver (Zoning Board of Appeals) as a group (3-0)

Valley Green Energy Working Group (VGEWG)

The Valley Green Energy Working Group will review minutes from the July 8, 2022 meeting and receive updates. The group will discuss next steps for CCA, including outreach plans, program offerings, and web presence.

• Review of July 8, 2022, minutes
• Discussion of CCA outreach and education plan
• Discussion of CCA program offerings
• Discussion of CCA web presence

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The Commission will discuss submitting comments on the Draft Stretch Energy Code and select high impact projects. The meeting also includes a presentation on rental unit efficiency ratings in Amherst and a report on a fossil fuel free construction ordinance.

• Submitting comments on Draft Stretch Energy Code
• Presentation on Amherst’s rental unit efficiency rating efforts
• Selection of High Impact Project(s)
• Report on fossil fuel free construction ordinance
• Approval of June 23, 2022 meeting minutes

Energy & Sustainability Commission

The commission will review minutes from the June 23 meeting and decide on a new monthly meeting time. Members will also work to select high-impact projects and provide feedback on the Climate Leaders RFI.

• Submitting comments on Draft Stretch Energy Code
• Selecting high-impact projects
• Presentation on Amherst’s rental unit efficiency rating
• Report on fossil fuel free construction ordinance
• Decision on new monthly meeting time

The Energy and Sustainability Commission unanimously approved submitting a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) commenting on the draft Municipal Opt-In 'Net-Zero' Specialized Stretch Code, with specific adjustments. The commission also formed a subcommittee to evaluate city mowing practices and discussed a proposed fossil fuel-free construction ordinance.

• Approved minutes of 6/23/22 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved letter to DOER on draft stretch energy code, with modifications (unanimous)
• Formed subcommittee (Gordon Meadows, Rachel Maiore, Rich Parasiliti) to evaluate city mowing practices
• Discussed fossil fuel-free construction ordinance; no formal action taken

Forbes Library

The Forbes Library Trustees will review bills, warrants, and quarterly financial reports. Action items include discussing the restoration of a Charles Burleigh painting and a letter to Smith College regarding an electric line. The board also plans to enter executive session for contract negotiations.

• Restoration of Charles Burleigh Painting
• Letter to Smith College about Electric Line
• Executive session for contract negotiations
• Fourth Quarter Financial Report review
• Fine and Decorative Arts Grant award update

Urban Forestry Commission

The Urban Forestry Commission will review minutes from the June 15, 2022 meeting. The agenda includes updates on the STO and commission replacements. Members will also discuss DCR Community Challenge Grant opportunities and Spotted Lanternfly.

• Approval of June 15, 2022 meeting minutes
• Urban Forestry Commission replacement discussion
• DCR Community Challenge Grant opportunities
• Spotted Lanternfly update
• STO update

The Urban Forestry Commission approved the June 15, 2022 meeting minutes unanimously. They discussed an upcoming public shade tree hearing for six trees on River Road, with National Grid covering removal costs, and updates on the Significant Tree Ordinance. No formal decisions were made on other agenda items, which were mostly informational or planning discussions.

• Approved June 15, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission will review June 2022 minutes and discuss 2022 programs for housing as a human right. The meeting also includes discussions on re-envisioning the commission and studying barriers to service on city boards and commissions.

• Approval of June 2022 minutes
• Housing as a Human Right 2022 programs
• Select Committee to Study Barriers to Service on City Boards and Commissions
• Re-envisioning the Commission

The Human Rights Commission unanimously voted to form a subcommittee (Booker, Kathy, Megan) to work on onboarding documents for new commissioners. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting focused on discussions about housing programs, the Select Committee on Barriers to Service, and future planning.

• Formed subcommittee (Booker, Kathy, Megan) to work on onboarding documents (unanimous)

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board will review reports from the Superintendent, Principal, and various subcommittees. Members will vote on an architect payment for a forestry building and approve several textbooks and equipment for scrap. The Board may also discuss applying for a Skills Capital Grant.

• Vote to approve $2,400 payment to Zbigniew W Lewantowicz for forestry building services
• Discussion of potential application for a Skills Capital Grant
• Vote to approve surplus textbooks and equipment for scrap

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Property Subcommittee is continuing discussions regarding options and plans for the E Building. The agenda does not list specific decisions or votes to be taken.

• Discussion of E Building options and plans

Smith Vocational and Agricultural Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is holding a retreat to discuss the school's mission and a five-year vision. Discussion topics include enrollment trends from 2012 to 2022 and the superintendent evaluation process. The meeting will also cover state and federal vocational education laws.

• Superintendent evaluation process
• Enrollment trends (2012-2022)
• Five-year vision for the school
• Overview of Chapter 74 and Perkins V laws

Northampton Housing Authority

The Commissioners will meet virtually to discuss updates on Corticelli Street and basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights. The board will also consider motions regarding the Executive Director's contract renewal and an audit engagement with Lisa Fallon, CPA.

• Motion for Executive Director contract renewal from 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2028
• Motion to authorize FY23 AUP Audit Engagement and contract with Lisa Fallon, CPA
• Discussion of Corticelli Street update
• Discussion regarding basements at Hampshire and Florence Heights
• Motion for Federal Placesetter for FY23

Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee

The Northampton School Committee Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss the focus and parameters of the subcommittee. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom.

• Discussion regarding the focus and parameters of the subcommittee

Council on Aging Board

The Northampton Council on Aging will meet to review the May 12, 2022, minutes and hold a conversation with new Senior Center Director Kim Park. The agenda also includes opportunities for public sessions, old business, and new business.

• Review and approval of May 12, 2022, minutes
• Conversation with Senior Center Director Kim Park

The Council on Aging Board unanimously approved the May minutes and introduced Kim Park as the new Senior Center director, starting July 25. Members discussed priorities for the center, including listening to older adults, improving communication, and addressing transportation and technology needs. No formal votes were taken on new policies or programs.

• Approved May meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Introduced Kim Park as new Senior Center director (start date July 25)

City Council

The council will consider several financial orders, including FY2022 year-end budget transfers and funds for SVAHS students. Members will also review zoning ordinances for 130 Pine Street and Bridge Road. Additionally, the council will discuss the preferred format for future meetings.

• Rezone 130 Pine Street from URB to Office Industrial
• Appropriation of FY2023 Cash Capital Funds to various projects
• Resolution in support of a Federal Assault Weapons Ban
• Resolution in support of Overdose Prevention Services
• Ordinance to amend the zoning map on Bridge Road and Cooke Avenue

The City Council voted unanimously to continue the proposed rezoning of 130 Pine Street from Urban Residential B to Office Industrial to a future special meeting, allowing more time for review of the development agreement and neighbor input. The council also approved several financial orders, including FY2023 cash capital appropriations and year-end budget transfers, and passed resolutions supporting a federal assault weapons ban and overdose prevention services.

• Continued 130 Pine Street rezoning to special meeting (9-0)
• Approved FY2023 cash capital funds appropriation (consent agenda)
• Approved FY2022 year-end budget transfers (9-0)
• Referred SVAHS additional student funds to consent agenda (9-0)
• Referred FY2023 intermunicipal agreements to consent agenda (9-0)
• Referred public health nursing revolving fund changes to consent agenda (9-0)
• Approved Chapel Street special legislation petition (9-0)
• Approved William Dwight creditable service special legislation (8-0, Nash recused)

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet to ratify a collective bargaining agreement and discuss applying for an EPA Clean School Bus Program grant. The meeting also includes discussions regarding school calendar adjustments and a superintendent search firm contract.

• Ratification of the 2022-2025 CBA
• Acceptance of $15,064.38 donation from Ryan Road PTO for playground equipment
• Discussion and vote regarding EPA Clean School Bus Program grant application
• Vote on school calendar adjustments
• Possible vote to award a contract to a superintendent search firm

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee will meet to ratify the 2022-2025 CBA and consider awarding a contract to a superintendent search firm. The committee will also review a donation for playground equipment and discuss school calendar adjustments.

• Ratification of the 2022-2025 CBA
• Acceptance of $15,064.38 donation from Ryan Road PTO for playground equipment
• Vote to award a contract to a superintendent search firm
• Vote on school calendar adjustment
• Discussion regarding Special Education variances

The Northampton School Committee ratified the tentative agreement creating a successor collective bargaining agreement with all six units of the Northampton Association of School Employees (10-0). The committee also approved the revised 2022-2023 school calendar (9-0, one absent), accepted the late start survey for distribution and dissolved the ad hoc committee (10-0), and referred the electric buses project and EPA Clean School Bus Program to the Budget & Property subcommittee (10-0). An ad hoc committee was formed to explore exit interviews for leaving staff (8-1, one absent), and a contract with an interim superintendent candidate was approved (10-0).

• Ratified 2022-2025 collective bargaining agreement with all six NASE units (10-0)
• Approved revised 2022-2023 school calendar (9-0, one absent)
• Accepted late start survey for distribution and dissolved ad hoc committee (10-0)
• Referred electric buses project and EPA Clean School Bus Program to Budget & Property subcommittee (10-0)
• Created ad hoc committee to explore exit interviews for leaving staff (8-1, one absent)
• Approved interim superintendent contract (10-0)
• Approved $15,064.38 donation from Ryan Road PTO for handicap accessible playground equipment (10-0)
• Formed ad hoc subcommittee to select superintendent search firm (10-0)

Northampton School Committee

The committee will consider several items including the ratification of the 2022-2025 CBA and a contract for an interim superintendent candidate. The agenda also includes discussions regarding electric school buses and a donation for playground equipment.

• Ratification of the 2022-2025 CBA
• Ryan Road PTO donation of $15,064.38 for handicap accessible playground equipment
• Vote to award a contract to a superintendent search firm
• Discussion regarding EPA's Clean School Bus Program grant application
• Authorization for the Mayor to negotiate with an interim superintendent candidate

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit for an additional wall sign at 132 King St. The board will also adopt procedural by-laws and approve minutes from April 28 and May 12.

• Special permit for an additional wall sign at Dunkin Donuts, 132 King St
• Adoption of procedural by-laws
• Approval of meeting minutes from 4/28 and 5/12

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit for signage at Dunkin Donuts, adding a condition that sign lights be turned off when the business is closed. The board also unanimously accepted the minutes from the April 28 and May 12 meetings. No public comment was received.

• Approved special permit for Dunkin Donuts signage with condition that sign lights be off when closed (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 4/28 and 5/12 meetings (unanimous)

Hampshire Franklin Commission on the Status of Women & Girls

The Hampshire-Franklin Commission on the Status of Women & Girls is holding its monthly business meeting. The agenda includes updates on vacancies and planning for commission activities during the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

• Updates on HFCSWG vacancies, including outreach, terms, and appointments
• Planning discussion for Commission activities for fiscal year 2022-2023
• Approval of minutes

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will review meeting minutes and ROV statistics. The board is providing updates regarding upcoming State Primary and State Election deadlines and ballot information. Additionally, the agenda includes updates on redistricting notifications and the Street List Project.

• State Primary voter registration deadline of August 27, 2022
• State Election voter registration deadline of October 29, 2022
• Update on redistricting notification to voters
• Update on Street List Project
• Discussion regarding the Votes Act and early voting

Disability Commission

The Disability Commission will discuss adding an accessible parking spot on Market Street and review feedback from the ADA Coordinator's audible signal survey. The meeting also includes updates regarding the Pine Grove Accessible Trail and the audible signal cycle at Main St-Florence/Chestnut.

• Adding an accessible parking spot on Market Street
• Feedback on the Audible Signal Survey from the ADA Coordinator
• Call for a Business Accessibility Subcommittee
• Pine Grove Accessible Trail update
• Audible signal cycle update at Main St-Florence/Chestnut

Disability Commission

The commission will review feedback from the ADA Coordinator regarding an audible signal survey. Members will also discuss adding an accessible parking spot on Market Street and forming a Business Accessibility Subcommittee. Updates on the Pine Grove Accessible Trail and audible signal cycles will be provided.

• Feedback on Audible Signal Survey from the ADA Coordinator
• Discussion of adding an accessible parking spot on Market Street
• Call for a Business Accessibility Subcommittee
• Update on Pine Grove Accessible Trail
• Audible signal cycle update at Main St-Florence/Chestnut

The Northampton Disability Commission met on July 12, 2022, and discussed several accessibility topics but made no formal votes or decisions. They corrected the June minutes, noted the August break, and planned to invite the building inspector to the next meeting. A subcommittee on business accessibility was formed with volunteers, and the commission discussed audible crosswalk signals, an accessible parking space on Market Street, and Disability Pride Month recognition.

• Corrected June 14, 2022 minutes (August break, name spelling)
• Formed subcommittee on business accessibility (volunteers: Jeremy Macomber-Dubs, Councilor LaBarge, Emma Cornwell)
• Agreed to invite building inspector to next meeting
• Next meeting set for September 13, 2022

Northampton School Committee

The Northampton School Committee is meeting to discuss a contract for an Interim Superintendent candidate. The committee may also vote to authorize the Mayor to enter into negotiations with the chosen candidate.

• Vote on contract with Interim Superintendent candidate
• Authorization for the Mayor to negotiate with the selected Interim Superintendent candidate
• Executive session regarding negotiation strategy

The Northampton School Committee voted unanimously to offer the interim superintendent position to Dr. Jannell Pearson-Campbell after the first choice, Jake Eberwein, declined. The vote was 10-0. The committee also entered executive session to discuss negotiations with non-union personnel.

• Offered interim superintendent position to Dr. Jannell Pearson-Campbell (10-0)
• Entered executive session for strategy on non-union personnel negotiations (10-0)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will review staff updates and program reports, including the Northampton Family Fourth. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the FY2023 budget, capital improvements, and a pickleball feasibility study.

• FY2023 budget update
• Capital improvements update
• Pickleball feasibility study
• Northampton Family Fourth program report
• Community Preservation Act (CPA) updates

The Parks & Recreation Commission appointed Julia to the Community Preservation Committee as its member. The commission also discussed the FY23 budget, pool funding, and the Northampton Family Fourth event, but no other formal votes were taken.

• Appointed Julia to Community Preservation Committee (motion by Kristin, seconded by Glenn)

City Council Committee on Legislative Matters

The Committee on Legislative Matters will hold a public hearing regarding an ordinance to rezone 130 Pine Street from URB to Office Industrial. The committee will also consider special legislation for the creditable service of William Dwight.

• Public hearing for rezoning 130 Pine Street from URB to Office Industrial
• Order for Special Legislation regarding creditable service of William Dwight
• Reconsideration of regular meeting time

The Legislative Matters Committee voted unanimously (4-0) to send a zoning change for 130 Pine Street (Florence Congregational Church) to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The change would rezone the property from Urban Residential B to Office Industrial to allow Bombyx, a nonprofit arts and cultural organization, to continue operating there. The committee closed the public hearing after hearing from neighbors concerned about noise and traffic, and from supporters of the project. The committee also approved a special legislation order regarding creditable service for former councilor William Dwight (3-0, with Councilor Nash recused).

• Approved sending 130 Pine Street rezoning to full council with positive recommendation (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on 130 Pine Street rezoning (4-0)
• Approved minutes of May 2 and May 9, 2022 meetings (4-0)
• Changed permanent committee meeting time to 5 p.m. (4-0)
• Forwarded special legislation on William Dwight's creditable service with positive recommendation (3-0, Nash recused)

Trustees of Lilly Library

The Lilly Library Association Trustees are holding their annual meeting. The agenda includes reviewing minutes from the June 14, 2021, annual meeting and conducting elections for officers.

• Review of June 14, 2021, annual meeting minutes
• Nomination of officers
• Election of officers