Minutes for Board Meeting of June 9, 2009

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association DRAFT
Board Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, June 9, 2009
7 – 9 p.m. Bridge Street School Library
Board Members: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, Lola Reid. Tim Fisher and Lisa DiPiano.
Other attendees: Deb Christakos

00.00
Addendum to minutes of May 12 meeting:
Reference to Al Southerland/Police Incident: Jim Nash reported that The Gazette was unable to reach the witnesses cited in the Poverty is Not a Crime posting. They made attempts. The recanting of a key witness from the PINAC report was reported to me by a Veteran affiliated with VA. In addition, Jim reported that this same Veteran had visited Mr. Southerland at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital and reported to me Mr. Southerland's face did not appear bruised. He also reported that Mr. Southerland was in poor health during the weeks leading up to the incident at Urban Outfitters. One PINAC report cites that Mr. Southerland had recently had his spleen removed. Lastly, this same Veteran rhetorically asked if a report of abuse or a crime had been filed by anyone? He had not heard of any.

03.00
1. Approval of Minutes – May 12 minutes were unanimously approved with the above addendum.

3:18
Treasurer’s Report - Fred
1. EXPENSES: $279.55 Brochures, Flyers, Watch Cards.
2. DUES: $90. Five new members and two renewals.
3. BALANCES: Previous $689.86, new $500.31 difference $189.55
4. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = 156 members. Add three new members with email addresses from above.
5. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 3
While I have the floor I’d like to thank Bob for his work putting together the forum. If only judged by the fact that we lured luminaries such as James Dostal, Michael Bardsley, David Narkewicz, Marianne LaBarge, Alex Ghiselin, Daryl LaFleur, Laurie Loisel of the Hampshire Gazette and et al. then the event was a grand success. Over the years I’ve always been amazed at Bob’s organizational abilities.

5:18
1. President’s Report – Jerry
Override Forum Update: On North Street Associates website
Membership/Meadows Watch Card Report – distribution went well
Owen reported on his experience biking at the Meadows.

15:20
Passenger Rail Service Get Involved? – Email PVPC and Congressman Neal with supportive comments for this project. The Board voted to support this rail service initiative through Northampton and Ward 3. Discussion ensued regarding expanding bike path in our Ward to Hockanum to the dike. A Transportation Committee was formed with Owen as chair.

Social Event With Other Neighborhood Groups - Bay State Association wants to get neighborhood group’s leaders together in a social setting.

30:15
4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Jim
-Alternative vs Permanent committee members. Lola will speak to Maddie regarding the duration of the term. Elections will be held in October. Bring a friend to September’s meeting

33:10
5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee – Tim
Teacher’s union is voting; possibly turn around position on wage freeze.
Preschoolers will now be at Bridge Street; teachers have been given lay off notices; start time has changed to 9:20. Students will be walking from South Street. The Bridge Street school sunken playground will be raised.

44:14
6. Update on website issues - Owen
Found a form vendor that can be used on website. Residents can now join online using membership form and online questionnaires will be more convenient and user friendly.

46:40
7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee: Specific-focused sub committees are being formed for the summer: urban farming, green space within neighborhoods; strong look at design standards as it relates to neighborhoods; Jim is interested in outreach.

59:50
8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola, Lisa
Committee presented their application. Several possibilities were discussed regarding how the money could be spent: Concentrating on intersections, paint the bridge; plantings. Laura Hanson will be doing a traffic engineering study.

66:17
9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Jim
Next meeting on Friday, June 27.

10. Report of Business Representative - Owen.
Nothing to report at this time

68:10
11. Legislative Update from Councillor Reckman - Bob
Reported on effects of override passing and override not passing. Discussion on the assessments in Northampton for the past 10 years.

83:35
12. Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Bob and Lisa
Hope to devote a summer meeting to talk about findings of this committee. Councilors will “report in” at this special meeting.

85:08
13. Update on City Election Forum – Jim/Bob
Jim and Bob are planning an election forum for Ward 3 candidates and mayoral candidates.

87:20
14. Setting location and arrangements for July and August meetings
6-8:30 Potluck
96 Island Road; Phillip Sullivan’s house (old schoolhouse)
Marianna will organize.

15. New Business
90:02
Fred gave his suggestions for future forums.

93:23
Owen suggested that a pictorial guide to City’s departments and services be considered. He passed out Providence, RI’s pictorial guide as an example.

96:00
Add notice on the listserv to remind membership to vote on June 16.

Adjourned at 8:45

Email Addendum - Supporting the Knowledge (Railroad) Corridor
My email suggested that people contact PVPC and politicos in DC. To formalize this I spoke to PVPC today (5/21/09). Dana suggested the following:
In order to support the return of Amtrak rail service to Northampton the PVPC is composing a proposal for funding. They require as many letters or emails as possible stating that you support “Knowledge Corridor” plan. Send/Email to PVPC below.
Mr. Dana Roscoe, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 26 Central Street, Suite 34, West Springfield, MA 01089-2787
Email Droscoe@PVPC.org
Send a similar written comment to Neal by USPO or Email.
Congressman Richard E. Neal, 2208 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
Email from the WEB: http://www.house.gov/neal/write_neal.html
When I spoke to Dana he also reminded me that Mayor Higgins has great plans for the new station. Of course this is likely pre-recession.

Override Forum Held June 1st at 7 PM

Northampton's Proposed

-Override-

Are you Undecided?

Come to a

PUBLIC FORUM

June 1, 2009 - 7 to 9 pm

Bridge St. School Cafeteria

Order of Program:

10 minute informational presentation about the City's budget problems by Mayor Higgins.

10 minute presentation by Kevin Lake about historic patterns in the City's budget.

5 minute statement by "Vote Yes Northampton" in support of the override.

Two - 5 minute statements by people opposed to the override.

Gerry Budgar, president of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, will moderate a question and answer period.

WE ENCOURAGEALL INTERESTED CITIZENS TO ATTEND THIS INFORMATIONAL FORUM

If you can not attend this forum but would like to have a question presented or know of someone that would like to speak in opposition of the Override then please contact either Ward 3 City Councilor Bob Reckman at: 413-584-8905 or the President of the Northampton Ward3 Neighborhood Association Jerry Budgar at 584-2964.

Sponsored by:

Ward Three Neighborhood Association

Saturday Markets begins at the Three-County Fairgrounds

Farmers' Market - Flea Market - Alternative Market

This Saturday May 16th, 2009 will be the first Saturday Markets hosted by the Three-County Fairgrounds. The market has attracted farmers, artisans, antique dealers and other vendors and is sure to grow throughout the summer. The market will be at the Fair Street Parking Lot off Fair St. Northampton, starting a 9AM and going until 2PM.


**Attention Potential Vendors: $20 gets you one spot at this new opportunity to bring your produce or product to a local market. First come, first serve at 7:30AM for a 9AM open.**

Board Meeting of May 12, 2009

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association APPROVED
Minutes for Board Meeting of May 12, 2009
Bridge Street School Library
Attendees:
Board Members: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, Madeline Weaver Blanchette and Lisa DiPiano.
Other attendees: Bill Mackiewicz, Jennifer Remillard, Mandaryn Gerry, Deb Christakos, Adam Cohen

1. Approval of Minutes – Fred
Minutes of the April 14th meeting was approved by a unanimous vote with the following addition under New Business - Update on Waste (NOT Storm) Water Treatment Pumps: Jim Nash added: It is worth noting that our waste water system is very impressive and now has new pumps. However, our storm water system which has very old pumps remains a concern.

2 Treasurer’s Report - Fred
- Expenses: $0.0
- Dues: None have been received since last meeting.
- Balance in FSB no interest checking: $689.86
- List serve: for Ward 3ab = 153 members. Added Mandy Gerry a “Vote YES” Captain for Ward 3.
- List serve messages: for this period = 2;

3. President’s Report – Jerry

City Election Forum:
Hawley Street Fires - Recent fires on Hawley Street are different than Hawley Street house fires because both fires began between 4-7am and were trash and car fires. It is suspected that both fires were arson. The fires a couple of years ago a few fires were started in the middle of the night.

Fairgrounds advisory board meeting was held on 4.28.09. A list of events that will be at the Fairgrounds was passed around. A Farmer’s craft/flea market is starting this Saturday, May 16th. Redevelopment Plan is still ongoing; Need to raise $ to begin phase one of the Master plan.

Zoning Notification Letter regarding proposed zoning changes on resident’s property
A revised letter was approved by Board members (Appendix 1) by email. We are seeking endorsements of the letter from Bay State, Florence Civic and Business, and Leeds community organizations before we send it to the Planning Board.

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Jim
-Need to elect any associate board members? Tabled for next meeting.

5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee – Jim
Waiting to see the results of the override question.

6. Update on website content - Owen
Jim’s idea is to video our next two meetings; trial run. Post them and see how it flies. Permanent record of written minutes will continue with decisions being recorded, but details and conversations will be videoed.
Expressed concerns about video taping the meetings:
• if a person does not go to the meeting, then they would have to view the 2 hour video, rather then reading 2 pages.
• People viewing one person presenting their opinions and the viewer judging that person’s future opinions based on what was viewed or heard in that given circumstance..
• Audio will be easier; Video will take more time to handle.
• If people don’t feel comfortable being videoed then take it off the table.

The following motion was approved by the board:
Meetings will be recorded in digital audio and time-synced with the secretaries' minutes, which will make note of the time when discussions and briefings take place. The audio will be posted on the W3NA website and will be accessible to the public. The secretary will still be responsible for writing down attendees, motions made and voted on, and the time each agenda item was addressed. (Full document -Appendix 2 Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA) - Principles, Policies, Rules and Procedures for Website Management)

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee – Committee met 3 times including course on zoning. Getting up to speed and looking at minor zoning revisions.
-Update on Zero Lot Line Ordinance – approved by City Council. See minutes of April 14 for more detail or the Planning Board’s website.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola, Lisa
Application was submitted to the Transportation Department of the DPW and a meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 4pm to defend the application. Good organizing and planning for this project by Lola, Lisa and other neighbors of the Hawley/Hockanum neighborhood.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Jim
As of 5.7.09 the contract for the I-91 Interchange 19 project was awarded to TranSystems Corporation. They should receive their notice to proceed shortly. As you know, they are charged with the project development / design phase of the project. Once TranSystems gets up to speed on the project, they will be in touch regarding the next meeting of the Pioneer Advisory Committee.
A sub committee of the Exit19 group will be meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 to continue discussion of traffic calming measures along Route 9 leading into the City.

10. Report of Business Representative - Owen.
Nothing to report at this time. Recruitment and surveying project will be revived this month.

11. Legislative Update from Councilor Reckman – Bob
Override: On ballot. Ward 3 Co-chairs Mandaryn Gerry and Deb Christakos from Vote Yes Northampton attended the meeting. They are organizing a campaign in favor of the override in Ward 3. A FAQ guide is available at http://www.voteyesnorthampton.org. Volunteer Signup sheet was passed around; phone banking will be held on Thursday, 6:30-8:30 or you may call from your home.
Landfill: Once the alternatives study is complete the BPW will hold a public hearing to get feedback on the report. The BPW will then decide if they want to apply to the City for a permit to expand the landfill. If they do apply (which I suspect they will) the first board to address the application will be the Planning Board which will have to approve the site plan. If the site plan is approved, the decision moves to the City Council. The landfill is an unusual case, because the Planning Board normally approves most requests. The zoning law, however, says that the City Council must approve requests for Municipal Heavy Use projects, which is how the landfill is classified. I am sure that the Council will hold at least one public hearing on the matter. It does require 6 votes to be approved. If the landfill is not expanded then all our trash will definitely have to go somewhere else after June 2011.


12. Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Bob and Lisa
Nothing new on this topic as reported in April’s minutes: The Best Practices Report is now in the hands of the City Council. Each council committee has been asked to look at the recommendations at their next meeting and to report back to the Council what steps they recommend for the recommendations in their area of expertise. Override vote will take energy away from Best Practices review process.

13. Update on proposed website offering summaries of city committee discussions
Nothing to report

14. Status of brochure updating, watch cards and membership drive – Owen/Joanne
Two thousand brochures were purchased. Watch Cards are finished, but non emergency number need to be added to cards by board members (413-587-1100). The cost was $70.00. Jerry will organize distribution of brochures and cards. Cards and override forum flyer will be stuffed in brochures and distributed by street.

Update on Override Forum and City Election Forum – Jim/Bob
Override Forum – The board expressed their concerns and thoughts on what a public forum should include. Some of the input is as follows:
- Questions should be addressed to the moderator
- Mayor should not be the only one answering questions
- Provide a large quantity of time for the question and answer period.
- Have an interactive focus

From this input the following proposal was approved by an email vote during the week of May 13, 2009.
--Gerry welcomes the public and explains the program.
--Mayor Higgins has 10 minutes to explain proposition 2 1/2 and provide some background about what is at stake.
--Kevin Lake has 10 minutes to talk about historical patterns of city spending. This will include information about comparing spending and taxes with inflation and income levels and with comparable communities in Massachusetts.
--A representative of Vote Yes Northampton makes their pitch for supporting the override.
--Two opponents of the override make their arguments against it for 5 minutes each. We are still thinking about who those people might be. Please let us know if you have any suggestions.
--Gerry then guides questions from the audience and make sure that everyone in front who wants to respond is able to do so.
--Gerry thanks the participants and the audience.
The forum will be held on June 16th at 7pm at Bridge Street School. Flyers will be made and distributed with brochures and the Watch Card.

15. Discussion about Al Southerland/Police incident - Lisa
Al Sunderland is a Veteran and acquainted to many residents. He is in the hospital in a coma like state. We talked about what we have ‘heard’ regarding the incident and we agreed that we don’t know a lot and it is difficult to confirm information.
We are hearing that family is suing and clamping down on information; Gazette didn’t speak to any of the witnesses; key witness is backing down from his statements.

Folks felt it was a City issue, and not a Ward 3 issue. We felt that the discussion was valuable because we want to have a forum to discuss what is happening in the City and not to be silent on issues and concerns of the community.


16. Special Presentations
Jennifer Remillard resident of Island Road presented information regarding the traffic concerns of Island Road residents. Traffic volume increases because of athletic events sponsored by the Western United Football Club and Northampton Soccer Club.

A special permit was granted to the soccer association by the ZBA to use the soccer fields. Zoning board was suppose to revisit, but never did. A cease and desist request was denied by Tony Patillo, the Building Commissioner and residents are now filing an appeal. Tony Patillo has requested from the BPW to put in sidewalks.

Other Concerns:
- There is a designated parking area at the beginning of the road, but this carpooling initiative is not being used or enforced.
- Farm field on the left was purchased in 2003. Local kids are ok; other field is used by out-of-state users.
- Street is encroached on by cars and lawns creep over road.
- Houses are close to roadside.

Her intention is to bring attention to W3NA and to other groups in hopes that groups will advocate for their concerns. We suggested that she contact the members of Ward 3 Traffic Calming Committee and the City’s transportation engineer to help organize residents. Perhaps a traffic count could be conducted.

North Street Associates – Adam Cohen presented maps and diagrams of the 21 unit housing project that is being proposed by Kohl Construction to the ConsCom and Planning Board on Thursday, May 14th starting at 5:30 with the ConsCom and continuing with the Planning Board at 7pm. He presented wetland and traffic implications if the project was approved. He encouraged all of us to attend the public hearing on May 14th.

New Business
ZONING in Perspective – Fred Zimmoch
The Northampton Zoning Regulations are Chapter 350 of the Northampton Code of Ordinances. A few years ago it was reformatted and codified by General Code of Rochester, NY so it now looks like other municipal codes in Massachusetts. An updated version of the entire Code is at the Forbes Library Reference Desk with catalog number JW844N.AO 2006.

A complete computer version of the Code with Table of Contents, Index, and Search Tool is available at the General Code web site (www.ecode360.com/?custId=NO2226) or from a link at the Office of Planning and Development (OPD) web site. The search tool works very well so you can search for terms like ZLL, URA, Overlay, Setback and find out what they mean.

Aleta DeLisle the OPD Admin. Assistant has a hard copy of Chapter 350 that she allows builders, contractors and others to borrow so that they may copy it at Paradise Copy on Conz Street. It’s small, less then 130 pages, so copying is ~$13 which very likely includes a binding. She can also answer general questions about zoning.

Chapter 350 has all the definition of zoning terms with necessary diagrams in Section 2.1, the Zoning Districts are listed in Section 3.1 and their definitions with applicable zoning regulations are in attachment 2 entitled: Dimensions & Densities. The Zero Lot Line (ZLL) development is Section 10.14.
The WEB has much good information on Zoning in our country and elsewhere. I also found OPD staff very helpful.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoning, www.normal.org/code/15_03.asp, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setback_(land_use) Adjourned at 9:00pm.

Appendix 1 Letter to the City regarding notification process to property owners regarding any proposed zoning changes. Final and Approved

To: Members of the Northampton City Council, Northampton Planning Board, and
Zoning Revision Committee
Re: Notice to property owners about proposed zoning changes
From: Board of Directors of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Gerald S. Budgar, President 584-2964 or gbudgar@rcn.com


As the city embarks on the process of rezoning to comply with the Sustainability Plan, there are a number of issues and concerns that we believe need to be addressed so the process is open, fair, and understandable to all residents of Northampton.

The city has a lengthy procedural process for discussing potential zoning changes. A lengthy and public process does not guarantee an informed and open one, which we believe should be the goal. We would like to suggest some meaningful steps city government should take to facilitate information flow to and participation by citizens.

Our first concern is a knowledge barrier resulting from the complexities in the zoning code itself. There doesn’t seem to be an easy, comprehensive way to describe the zoning districts or what it means to be in a particular district. We would ask that a simple, easy-to-understand guide to the zoning code be developed and distributed throughout the city.

Secondly, we hope that the City will commit to properly notify property owners when zoning changes are proposed. This notification should include a copy of the zone change legislation, reason for the change, a list of the sponsors, a description of the change with a diagram if necessary for clarity and the impact it will have on the property, and the time and location of meetings where property owners can learn about and comment on the proposals.

For most families in Northampton, their home is their most valuable and important asset. The city should have a clear policy that it will notify property owners when there’s a proposal to make any change to the zoning on that parcel. This is critical since the Sustainability Plan will likely generate many rezoning proposals. City residents should be confident they will be notified of any changes proposed for their properties and not find out one day the zoning was changed on their property without their knowledge.

We present a checklist of items we believe the city might use to accomplish these objectives:

Suggestions For Improving Information Flow To City Residents


Prepare An Easy To Understand Guide To The Zoning Code


• Provide materials that accompany the city’s zoning regulations that explain them in clear and simple language to minimize the citizen’s need for professional assistance.
• We urge the Office of Planning and Development to use such resources at its disposal to meet this goal as the Zoning Revisions Committee, the Northampton Design Forum, and the Planning Board.
• If necessary, seek outside assistance to meet this goal.


Prepare Notification Packet Surrounding Changes In Zoning Regulations (sent to each property owner when a zone change is proposed for his/her property):

• A copy of the proposed regulation with a layperson description of the general impact.
• A description of possible impacts
• A list of sponsors of the legislation
• A list of public venues (time and place) where information will be provided surrounding the new regulation
• A list of public venues (time and place) where public input will be sought concerning the new regulation
• A brief review of the ordinance process and how a citizen can make his or her voice heard
• We encourage the city to look for effective alternatives to direct mail notification to avoid the expense of this approach with the goal of notifying every citizen affected by the change.
• Establish a year-long process for any proposed zoning changes to provide a thorough public vetting.









Appendix 2 Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA) - Principles, Policies, Rules and Procedures for Website Management. Final and Approved

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA) Website

Preamble
The W3NA's website (http://wardthree.com) is a run on Google's Blogger blog platform and is hosted by GoDaddy.com. The blog service that Google offers is extremely easy to update and we hope that many members of the board will take the initiative and do so. With this in mind, there should be a set of principles that guide and rules that govern website posting.

Principles for Posts
These principles are to be interpreted by individual W3NA board members who want to post to the website. Here are a list of principles to serve as a guide about what is acceptable to post:

-Any public statement from the City of Northampton, Public boards and committees established by the City, or other city-sponsored events, postings, and public statements. The same principle applies to Massachusetts State and potential US Federal government postings as well.

-Any statement the W3NA sends to its email list.

-Any event, gathering or fundraiser that is being hosted or sponsored by a non-profit, charitable, or community-oriented institution relating to ward 3 that is also open to anyone in ward 3.

Rules for Posts
These rules are meant to guide how postings are done to the website.

-Posts must include a title and, if applicable, a date.

-Posts should be labeled according to the kind of post it is-- categories are listed on the site and new ones can be created if necessary.

Procedures for Minutes
The W3NA board meets only once per month, during which minutes are taken. Committee meetings for the W3NA occur as needed and often contain minutes, sent to the board prior to its meeting to be approved. It is important to keep proper procedural rules for approving minutes, but also to make sure the posting of minutes is timely and effective.

Meetings will be recorded in digital audio and time-synced with the secretaries' minutes, which will make note of the time when discussions and briefings take place. The audio will be posted on the W3NA website and will be accessible to the public. The secretary will still be responsible for writing down attendees, motions made and voted on, and the time each agenda item was addressed. We also hope that an exemplary secretary will make good faith efforts to record the general topics of conversation and briefings received.

Addendum 1
Reference to Al Southerland/Police Incident: Jim Nash reported that The Gazette was unable to reach the witnesses cited in the Poverty is Not a Crime posting. They made attempts. The recanting of a key witness from the PINAC report was reported to me by a Veteran affiliated with VA. In addition, Jim reported that this same Veteran had visited Mr. Southerland at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital and reported to me Mr. Southerland's face did not appear bruised. He also reported that Mr. Southerland was in poor health during the weeks leading up to the incident at Urban Outfitters. One PINAC report cites that Mr. Southerland had recently had his spleen removed. Lastly, this same Veteran rhetorically asked if a report of abuse or a crime had been filed by anyone? He had not heard of any.

W3NA I-91 Subcommittee Minutes

The Ward three neighborhood association’s I-91 subcommittee met on Friday April 24, 2009 at 8 am.

Present were Frank Werbinski Bob Reckman, Christine Cahillance , Marianne McKim , and Joanne Mackiewicz.

First item on the agenda was an update of the traffic study for the Exit 19 area, it was noted that no new information was available at this time. Bob Reckman agreed to ask Rich Massey of Mass Highway for a monthly progress statement regarding the progress of the project. Bob also agreed to find out if a contract has been signed between Mass Highway and Trans Systems for the traffic study. It was also mentioned that it will be important for neighborhood input, that a meeting of the Advisory committee and Mass Highway take place before the engineering firm conducts the traffic counts.

Marianne McKim reported on a recent meeting of the newly formed Traffic Calming committee for ward 3A. There is a question of whether the City or State is responsible for installing any traffic calming devices along Bridge Street. Marianne will call the Traffic Engineer at BPW to discuss this issue. Items such as speed limit monitors, trees, and sidewalks were discussed. The Traffic Calming committee will be meeting again to discuss these items.

Regarding the Damon Road Project, there were no updates. Frank Werbinski will review the plans at BPW.

The committee discussed the schedule for the next meeting of this committee, and decided that it would be Friday June 26th, unless new or urgent information is identified, then the committee will meet on Friday May 22nd. Frank will send out reminders of the schedule.

Frank J. Werbinski




ADDENDUM TO APRIL 24, 2009 I-91 COMMITTEE MINUTES

APRIL 29, 2009

An update was received by Bob Reckman on April 29, 2009 information from Mass Highway. His email stated: “I talked to Rich Massey of Mass Highway yesterday. He told me that they are still waiting on the state side of the funding to be approved. Trans Systems is their contractor of choice, but they have not yet been hired. I would be surprised if the next meeting of the advisory committee happens before the middle of the summer. It could even be after Labor Day.”

Public Hearing on Bike Trail at Bridge St School Monday 4/27

There will be a public hearing for the Manhan Rail Trail (an extension
to the Norwottuck Rail Trail from Easthampton to Northampton) on
Monday, April 27th, 2009 in Northampton at the Bridge Street
Elementary School (2 Parsons Street) at 7:00pm.

As you may have read, this project has the potential to be fast-
tracked as part of federal stimulus funding, if it is deemed worthy
(with the potential to start construction this summer). This hearing
will be used to help determine whether there is community support for
building this trail.

I would strongly encourage you to attend this meeting and speak
briefly about why this path is an important component of a
sustainable transportation network. Offering to bring a friend or
neighbor would be really helpful. More information about the hearing,
and the handout that will be provided can be found on the Friends of
Northampton Trails and Greenways, Incorporated website:

http://www.fntg.net/manhanhearing.pdf

Nick Horton
President
Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways, Incorporated

Meeting Minutes April 14, 2009

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Minutes for Board Meeting of April 14, 2009
Bridge Street School Library
Attendees:
Board Members: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Gloria Parker, Tim Fisher, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, Madeline Weaver Blanchette and Lisa DiPiano.
Other attendees: Dennis Helmus, Lisa Maloney, Bill Mackiewicz
Lt. Patenaude and Officers Caputo and Vanbusker of the Northampton Police Department.

The meeting came to order at 7:05 pm.

1. Approval of Minutes – Fred
Minutes were approved of the March 10th meeting by a unanimous vote.
2 Treasurer’s Report - Fred
- Expenses: $0.0
- Dues: None have been received since last meeting.
- Balance in FSB no interest checking: $689.86
- List serve: for Ward 3ab = 152 members.
- List serve messages: for March 2009 = 4;
- List serve messages: When submitting messages for list serve please include a subject line. Your subject line should have less then 70 characters. I can make a subject line but you might not find it entirely acceptable.
3. President’s Report – Jerry
Meadows Watch Issues
Discussion of Meadows Watch issues with Lt. Ken Patenaude and Officer Victor Caputo officer Vanbusker of the Northampton Police Department. We discussed the recent hearing at the Agricultural Commission meeting when complaints were heard from residents from Ward 3 & 4 regarding vandalism, crop running, dumping, and how these problems spill into the surrounding neighborhood
Actions taken:
- The Officers will be placing location markers in various parts of the meadows for communication purposes.
- Two versions of cards were passed around for review. These cards will be handed out to households of Ward 3 and also given out to meadow users. The cards ask the holder to contact the Northampton Police Department if they see or suspicious behavior. Joanne Mackiewicz and Officer Caputo will work on the content of the card and email to board for approval.
- There will be new signs at the Meadow entrances listing the rather steep new fines for dumping in the Meadows ($250 for dumping in a Special Conservancy Zone - thanks to Councillor Bob and Councillor Dave for getting this passed. Officer Caputo will
speak to the DPW about having these signs made up.

Things we learned:
- Environmental police, landowners in meadows can give trespassing notices on private lane at any time.
- 16 year olders can own an ATV, but it must be registered with a DOT, used with an approved helmet and not on public ways.

Tabled at this time was the purchasing of surveillance cameras.

Override Forum – The board voted unaminously to sponsor a forum on the override issue so that both sides of the issue can be aired. Bob and Jim will email recommendations to board members before May’s meeting for approval.

City Election Forum:
Jim contacted mayoral candidates and the focus may change to meet the candidate night rather than a debate. Owen suggested having the forum at the end of July. This event is still in the planning phase.

Fairgrounds advisory committee will be meeting on 4.28.09 at 7pm; folks are encouraged to attend.

Zoning Notification Letter regarding proposed zoning changes on resident’s property
At our last meeting, we discussed the issue of notification of property owners if a zone change on their property is being proposed. As things now stand, the Planning Department does not intend to send out any notices to such property owners, and it's an issue many of us feel strongly about. With the Sustainability Plan there will be many proposed rezoning changes, and they may have considerable impact on our neighborhoods. A subcommittee was formed at the last meeting to try to
draft a letter proposing to the various City boards. An email with a draft letter was sent to board members and can be read (Appendix 1).

Discussion ensued regarding the importance of notifying property owners if their property is being subject to a zone change. Presently owners are notified when it is published in the paper and a public hearing is also widely advertised. The Board was supportive of the letter, but wanted a supportive tone. Jim, Bob, Owen and Jim will revise and send to board by email for their input and a vote will be conducted by email.

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Jim
-Need to elect any associate board members? Tabled for next meeting.

5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee – Tim
Superintendent was reported to say at subcommittee meeting that closing of Bridge School be off table; School Committee wants it on the table. All are encouraged to attend this Thursday’s School Committee meeting. Closing of schools not going away. Preschool will be moved to Bridge Street School. Discussion ensued about some of the changes being considered: 10 teachers here at Bridge Street may be pink slipped; school times mayb be changed which may eliminate busing of JFK students; with transportation being a huge problem for working families. Program City Sprouts is creating a vegetable garden with students at Bridge Street.

6. Update on website content - Owen
Owen, Jim and Lisa met to discuss underlying principles of our website including content, who and when posting should be made (see Appendix 2). A suggestion was made to video record meetings and post the video along with summary statements and/or approved decisions from the secretary’s notes within days of the meeting. A draft of the minutes would be posted until the next board meeting because minutes have to be official approved Notes on annotation. Only board members can log on and post an official comment. Board members were asked to review this document and be ready to vote on these proposals at the next meeting.

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
Nothing to report at this time.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola, Lisa
The Hockonum Road/Hawley Road traffic calming project is in the final states. Two hundred signatures were gathered by going door to door as part of the City’s application. Application was submitted to the Transportation Department of the DPW.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Jim
A sub committee of the Exit19 group met to discuss traffic calming measures along Route 9 leading into the City. Lola and Lisa spoke about their project and gave this group an idea of the process that the City requires for the application of City support with traffic calming on this section. Afterwards, it was discovered that the section of road from Day Avenue to the Bridge is State highway and another process may be probably after the City’s requirement. This committee will meet again in May.

10. Report of Business Representative - Owen.
Nothing to report at this time.

11. Legislative Update from Councilor Reckman – Bob
Zero Lot Line Update,
Zero lot lines vote was taken by the ordinance committee of City Council.
The end results can be viewed on the City’s website. In summary:
1. A fence is not required,
2. Windows are not required,
3. Non-encroaching side has same set back as other zoning requirements.
4. Must own encroached lot or permanent conserved open space.
5. Eliminates permission by neighbor; Cannot make a deal with neighbor to encroach.
Mayor’s Budget Forum
The Mayor’s report on the budget can be viewed on the City’s website. She is calling for an override to increase the property taxes beyond 2.5% to 6%. This override ballot question must be approved by the public at a special election. The Council is expected to vote on approval of a ballot question and there may be an early June election. City employees are being asked to change health care providers and forgo their salary step increases. Even with this action, there will still be a shortfall of approximately 1.5 million.

Northampton Education Action Team is in favor of an overide.neatonline.@gmail.com. They need help to campaign for this override and Ward Captains have been chosen. There is a lot of information available about how people can get involved on the Voteyes website:
http://www.voteyesnorthampton.org/.

Landfill: Result of last forum is a revised scope of work for consultant; report due to by DPW; apply to City to expand the landfill. Afterwards it goes to the Planning Board then to the City Council.

12. Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Bob and Lisa
The Best Practices Report is now in the hands of the City Council. Each council committee has been asked to look at the recommendations at their next meeting and to report back to the Council what steps they recommend for the recommendations in their area of expertise.
13. Update on proposed website offering summaries of city committee discussions
Nothing to report

14. Status of brochure updating and membership drive – Owen/Joanne
Final copy will be sent to the board by email. A motion was made to purchase 2000 brochures. Prices were 1000 - $102.90; 1500 - $115; 2000 - $197.40.





New Business
Strawberry and Lemonade Social - Lisa said she would co chair the this year and would like a volunteer to help her organize this event.

Update on Waste (NOT Storm) Water Treatment Pumps – Fred Zimmoch
On April 2 I spoke to Deputy Director John Carver at Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF) about new waste water pumps. He added some detail not mentioned in the article “Northampton council OKs waste treatment projects” by Chad Cain on March 22 in the Gazette.
The new axial type pumps are hydraulically driven and manufactured by MWI (Moving Water Industries) an old (1926) water pump company in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The hydraulic portion of the pump is powered by electric motors that are backed up by the station diesel generator. The new pumps are now being manufactured and will be installed in October 2009 to be in service before the end of the year. The original pumps were installed in 1980 and have lasted almost 30 years. The replacement pumps are identical to the old pumps although the hydraulic loop that drives the pumps requires much less oil.
On Sunday (March 29) the facility started pumping water into the CT River and has been pumping continually since then. John expects that pumping to continue as the snow pack in NH and VT recedes.
You can see the level of the water at our Connecticut River gauging station by going to our city web page and clicking on the following links: Departments in the top menu, Department of Public works in the list of departments, Flood Control in the left hand menu and finally on CT River at Northampton in the list of gauging stations.

Adjourned at 9:03pm.

Appendix 1 Proposed Letter to the City regarding notification process to property owners regarding any proposed zoning changes. DRAFT


To: Members of the Northampton City Council, Northampton Planning Board, and
Zoning Revision Committee
Re: Notice to property owners about current proposed zoning changes
From: Board of Directors of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association


As the city embarks on the process of rezoning to comply with the Sustainability Plan, there are a number of issues and concerns that we believe need to be addressed so the process is open, fair, and understandable to all residents of Northampton.

The city has a lengthy procedural process for discussing potential zoning changes. A lengthy and public process does not guarantee an informed and open one, which we believe should be the goal. We would like to suggest some meaningful steps city government should take to facilitate information flow to and participation by citizens.

Our first concern is a knowledge barrier resulting from the complexities in the zoning code itself. There doesn’t seem to be an easy, comprehensive way to describe the zoning districts or what it means to be in a particular district. We would ask that a simple, easy-to-understand guide to the zoning code be developed and distributed throughout the city.

Secondly, we are very concerned that the city fails to properly notify property owners and immediate abutters when zoning changes are proposed. We want to be certain that such property owners are notified when zone changes are proposed, and this notification should include a copy of the zone change legislation, a description of the change and the impact it will have on the property, and the time and location of meetings where property owners can learn about and comment on the proposals.

For most families in Northampton, their home is their most valuable and important asset. The city should have a clear policy that it will notify property owners when there’s a proposal to make any change to the zoning on that parcel. This is critical since the Sustainability Plan will likely generate many rezoning proposals. City residents should be confident they will be notified of any changes proposed for their properties and not find out one day the zoning was changed on their property without their knowledge.

A major constituency within the Ward 3 neighborhoods, as in every other ward of the city, are our property owners, people whose biggest investment in the world is right here. These property owners have invested in our neighborhoods, contributed to the attractiveness of living and working in Northampton, and compose a strong part of the city’s revenue stream. They should have access to information about the current status of the zoning on their properties and notification when any changes to that zoning are proposed for their properties.

We present a checklist of items we believe the city should implement to accomplish these objectives:








Suggestions For Improving Information Flow To City Residents


Prepare Easy To Understand Zoning Code

• Zoning Districts with common sense, discernable boundaries and names people can readily recall
• Citizen friendly zoning regulations that minimize the need for professional assistance
• Hire a consultant with experience around facilitating citizen friendly zoning code


Notification Packet Surrounding Changes In Zoning Regulations (sent to each property owner when a zone change is proposed for his/her property)

• A copy of the proposed regulation
• A description of possible impacts
• A list of public venues (time and place) where information will be provided surrounding the new regulation
• A brief review of the ordinance process and how a citizen can make their voice heard













Appendix 2 Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA) - Principles, Policies, Rules and Procedures for Website Management. DRAFT

Preamble
The W3NA's website (http://wardthree.com) is a run on Google's Blogger blog platform and is hosted by GoDaddy.com. The blog service that Google offers is extremely easy to update and we hope that many members of the board will take the initiative and do so. With this in mind, there should be a set of principles that guide and rules that govern website posting.

Principles for Posts
These principles are to be interpreted by individual W3NA board members who want to post to the website. Here are a list of principles to serve as a guide about what is acceptable to post:

-Any public statement from the City of Northampton, Public boards and committees established by the City, or other city-sponsored events, postings, and public statements. The same principle applies to Massachusetts State and potential US Federal government postings as well.

-Any statement the W3NA sends to its email list.

-Any event, gathering or fundraiser that is being hosted or sponsored by a non-profit, charitable, or community-oriented institution relating to ward 3 that is also open to anyone in ward 3.

Rules for Posts
These rules are meant to guide how postings are done to the website.

-Posts must include a title and, if applicable, a date.

-Posts should be labeled according to the kind of post it is-- categories are listed on the site and new ones can be created if necessary.

Procedures for Minutes
The W3NA board meets only once per month, during which minutes are taken. Committee meetings for the W3NA occur as needed and often contain minutes. It is important to keep proper procedural rules for approving minutes, but also to make sure the posting of minutes is timely and effective.

Option 1: Meetings are video recorded and posted in their entirety to the W3NA website. Written minutes reference the items discussed and the time they were discussed (for reference to the video), and any other notable vote or discussion is also time-noted. Written minutes are posted shortly after the meeting, contemporaneously with the video of the meeting.

Option 2: Written meeting minutes are recorded by the secretary (or the secretary's designee) during the meeting and will be posted as 'Draft' minutes once the secretary completes them. However, during the meeting or prior to the secretary's posting of the minutes, a W3NA board member can ask the secretary to review a particular part of the minutes prior to their being posted. The secretary (or the secretary's designee) will send the 'checked' section to the requesting board member and that board member has 2 days to return his/her edits. Official written minutes will be approved at the next board meeting and edited on the site with the word 'draft' removed and other final changes made.

Meeting Minutes March 10, 2009

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Bridge Street School Library.

Present: Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Jerry Budgar, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, and Owen Freeman Daniels
Absent: Lola Reid, Madeline Weaver Blanchette, Lisa DiPiano, Marianna McKim, Phil Sullivan, and Tim Fisher.
Members of the public: Jessie Adams, Peter McClean, Alex Ghiselin, Bill Mackiewicz, and Lisa Maloney.

The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM.

Legislative update: -Bob

The City Council has approved raising the fine for littering in the Meadows from $100 to $250.

Zero Lot Line (ZLL) is now before both City Council and the Planning Board. OPD will be holding a forum to better explain the proposal at Bridge Street School on March 17 at 7:00 PM..

Bob reported that the Office of Planning and Development believes there are approximately 40 properties that fit the ZLL proposal and only 20 that could be realistically developed in this manner. Bob also reported that under discussion is the idea of limiting the ordinance to just these properties where new homes are going in and not additions.

There is a discussion concerning Traffic Mitigation Fees for new development. Currently there is no formula for determining these fees. Fees are assessed by looking at similar past assessments. Calls to surrounding communities by the planning department revealed that other cities and towns lack formulas as well. Instituting a formula would put Northampton at the forefront.

The idea under discussion is to have Traffic Mitigation Fees subject to a formula based on the size (square feet) of the development and define a value for peak hour trips and assign a cost. Also, under discussion is the idea that these fees can be negotiated downward when a developer helps to fund or provide traffic mitigation efforts.

It is looking likely that condominium developments will be required to meet city standard for subdivisions surrounding their infrastructure around sewer, water, and roads.

Sustainability Committee: -Jim Nash

Using the on-line assessor’s maps and lists of property owners, Jim, Owen, and Rachel attempted to contact by phone abutters and neighbors that would be affected by a redevelopment of the Mill River Bed. Jim reported that the sampling was a good portion of people and that we requested they tell their neighbors about the upcoming forum. Many people were left messages on their answering machines. Three of larger property owners were corporations and handed off to Bob who contacted those parties.

The Northampton Design Forum (NDF) will occur on March 11th at Bridge Street School at 7PM.

After meeting with Adam Cohen of North Street Neighborhood Association (NSNA), it was decided to postpone indefinitely a forum on the Northern Avenue Project. Adam conveyed that he felt that NSNA goals would be better served by a forum that focuses on sustainability and neighborhood design. Next steps will be towards making such a forum possible in the coming months.

Agricultural meeting held on February 24th - Jerry

Many issues were raised at the meeting such as dumping, partying, Off-Road ATVs destroying crops, and drug use. The ATV issue seemed bigger in the Ward 3 meadows while dumping was a bigger concern in Ward 4. Jerry openly wished more Ward 3 people had attended.

Many noted that there is considerable dumping near the bowling alley/dike due to the dirt road (Dike Road) off of Route 5. People suggested blocking this entrance. Other ideas proposed were printing cards to hand out providing information on who to call if you see someone trespassing or dumping in the meadows. We agreed that we could pass out these cards with our regular flyers.

Also, the police department is working on ways to improve signage and terminology for sites in the meadows. This will greatly help with reporting problems. Bob noted that one location had several names. He also mentioned our annual confusion when directing volunteer during the meadows clean up. The police department will also be securing letters from farmers stating their interest that the police enforce trespassing regulations.

Elections Forums: – Jim & Jerry

Ward 3 is considering holding a forum on property tax override issue which will be voted in June.

Bob reported that Healthcare costs for the city increased by 20%. The mayor is negotiating with employees to forgo pay increases. Stimulus money is helpful but project specific and not easily to be move to other areas. State aide is down. Excise taxes from new cars sales are down. Revenues from lottery are down. Return on city investments are down.

The Northampton Design Forum (NDF) will occur on March 11th at Bridge Street School at 7PM.
Mayor Budget Forum Monday night, March 16 at 6 PM Bridge St. School.
Tuesday, March 17, 7 PM ZLL at Bridge St. School.

Exit 19 and Traffic Calming: -Gerry
These groups will meet together on April 1 to determine if they have common goals.

Web Site: -Owen
Lisa, Jim and Marianna will discuss how to manage online content on the association's website
Business: -Owen
Business leaders in the ward he spoke to were reluctantly supportive of the BID but they felt it was better then nothing.

Ward3 Neighborhood Association Flyer: -Joan
Joan presented a very professional looking three part flyer for review that will be used in our Spring mailing.

Bridge Street School: -Tim (Received after our meeting.)

• The strategic planning committee did not recommend closing a school.
• The superintendent is not going to recommend closing a school.
• There would not be enough votes on the school committee to close a school.
• If a school were to be closed (unlikely) it would be Ryan, not Bridge Street School.
• Everyone from parents to administrators are most concerned that there is no long term plan, no leadership or vision about how to deal with this situation. The strategic planning committee had no long term plan which they were meant to provide.
• The full school committee meeting on Thursday will be the first time the superintendent will publicly present the budget. Everyone is urged to attend, and remind the committee, the superintendent and the mayor that long term strategies and leadership is desperately needed.

Other Business

Salvo House: Referring to an article in the Gazette on drug issues at Salvo house, Jerry asked the board if this something we wish to be involved with. Jerry reported that the building has become increasingly unsafe due to criminal activity, fires & fire alarms, and a general shift in the buildings population away from elderly residents to people who need better support and care. It was recommended that Jerry and Bob try to meet with the Tenants Association.

Zoning Changes: Jerry incidentally learned at a city meeting that the zero-lot line proposal would affect his neighbor's property, therefore his too. Because this was never made clear to him (and therefore, by induction, to other people whose properties would also be affected), he and Jim drafted a letter of expectation for what the city should do when new zoning is proposed. The draft was passed around for people to edit. It will be discussed again.

Review of minutes of February 10, 2009
No discussion. Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report -Fred
• EXPENSES: Annual PO Box fee $42. Next due 2/28/2010.
• DUES: None have been received since last meeting.
• BALANCE in FSB no interest checking: $689.86.
• LIST SERVE for Ward 3ab = 152 members. Walter Rabetz, 50 Union St resigned; wife is a member. Adam Cohen wanted to change his email address but I convinced him that old one was still good.
• LIST SERVE MESSAGES for March 2009 = 4;
• POSSIBLE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: I was asked to create a filter to select names of people who said they were interested in Committee work. I filtered the roster and found 19 entries who expressed either the firm desire or hope that they could do committee work. Of those, two have no email address and four are already an officer or committee member or have resigned a committee position or boardship. Notice I use the words "entries on the list". An entry may be a current or past member or simply someone that submitted an entry form.

Northampton Design Forum on March 11 2009

PRESS RELEASE

The Northampton Design Forum will hold an open public forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7 PM in the Bridge St. School Cafeteria to roll out “Envisioning Sustainable Northampton.” This is the book prepared for our City by the Notre Dame Graduate Urban Design Studio as a result of their visit to Northampton last fall. The event will have two components. It will begin with a brief introduction to the book itself leading to a general discussion of how planning and design relate to the City’s sustainability goals. Joel Russell (former chairman of the Design Forum and a member of the rezoning committee) will moderate this portion of the program. It will include comments by Wayne Feiden about this topic and be based on the “10 Principals of Good Neighborhood Design” from the book. There will be ample time for comments, discussion and questions.

After a short break, Aaron Helfand, who is a Northampton native and one of the members of the Graduate Urban Design Studio, will use the Notre Dame group’s vision for the parking lots along Hampton Ave. and the old Mill River bed as an example of the type of thinking that could help us imagine what we would like our City to be in the future. Wayne Feiden will talk about the City’s ideas for this area. This portion of the forum will be moderated by Bob Reckman, who is a member of the City Council member and the NDF. There will be ample time for questions and discussion. We will project a large image of the plan at the front of the room. It is important to remember that this is simply a vision rather than an actual proposal.

Printed and electronic copies of Envisioning Sustainable Northampton are available at both Forbes and Lilly Libraries. They are also available for purchase in either printed form ($40) or on a CD ($5) at Paradise Copies, 21 Conz St. You can also learn more about the Urban Design Studio at http://sites.google.com/site/northamptoncharrette/Home. This site describes their visit and includes all the drawings that they produced as a result of a week of intense charrettes here and a semester of drawing.

It is our hope that this forum will provide an opportunity for the members of the public, the Mayor, the City Council, the Planning Board, the Conservation Commission and the Rezoning Committee to talk about these important issues in a productive and collaborative manner. It purpose it to begin a community conversation about our future, rather than to express support or criticism of the Notre Dame plan. We have invited all the members of there groups to come as citizen rather than a representatives of anhy particular board or organization. These community leaders rarely have an opportunity to meet in this kind of informal setting and talk to one another and the public about their visions of our future. The meeting will last no more than 2 hours.

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association is an enthusiastic co-sponsor of the forum. Councilor David Narkewicz is also supportive and involved. Questions should be addressed to Bob Reckman at 413-695-0281. We encourage everyone who is interested to join us on March 11, 2009 at 7 PM at Bridge St. School.

Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2009 -

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Minutes for Monthly Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2009; 7 p.m; Bridge Street School

Attendees:
Board Members: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Fred Zimnoch, Gloria Parker, Tim Fisher, Bob Reckman, Joanne Mackiewicz, Madeline Weaver Blanchette and Lisa DiPiano.
Other attendees: Dennis Helmus, Lisa Maloney

1. Approval of Minutes – Minutes of January 13, 2009 were approved as presented.

2 Treasurer’s Report - Fred
- No expenses since last mtg.
- No dues have been received since last meeting.
- Balance in FSB no interest checking: $716.86
- List Serve for Ward3ab = 153 members.
- List Serve messages that were posted
4 in 2009; 23 in 2008; 36 in 2007; 4 in 2006 or a total of 73.
- Business surveys received: 1

3. President’s Report – Jerry
• Ag Commission Forum on Meadows Problems on Feb. 24th, Smith Vocational School Library 7-9.
issues:
1. introduction to Agricultural Commission;
2. Meadow issues-dumping, etc
3. Possible Farmer’s Markets discussion;
4. Land available and people looking for land.
• Final Best Practices Public Hearing – Feb. 11th; 7pm
Folks are encouraged to comment with concerns and suggestions
• Rezoning Committee, - Jim Nash was inviting by the Planning Board to be on the Zoning Revision Committee. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2009.
• Ward3 would like to sponsor an election forum for the upcoming City elections in November. Committee is still in the planning phase.


4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Jim
-Discussion about electing a secretary or alternate arrangements
Marianna McKim was elected as secretary to serve through the Annual meeting in October. Joanne Mackiewicz will fill the Ward 3A vacant board position because of this election.


5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee – Tim
The Strategic Planning Committee’s report (committee appointed by the City) is expected to be presented to the School Committee on Thursday night. What Tim has heard is that the Committee is not recommending to close a school, but rather focus on values of Northampton’s education and encouraging an increase in the school of choice program. Suggestions for next steps for Bridge Street School Committee;
• review the report to determine if there are ways of saving money and then present these ideas to the School Committee or representative.
• Sponsor a public forum to gain more information and encourage input and participation from residents
• Possibly initiating or reviving parent fundraising. (NEF has an endowment)

6. Update on website - Owen
- Do we need committee to plan content?
- Ideas presented by Owen were fast track process for minutes and announcements, calendar.

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
The Sustainability Committee is organizing two public forums relating to the Northampton Sustainability Plan (NSP)
• North Street Condo Project Forum
The committee presented a statement and outline of what they envision the forum to entail. The document was reviewed and board members suggested that the preamble be reviewed and revised with an emphasis on discussion and informing residents. The participants will be asked to respond to questions that the committee developed that addresses components of Northampton’s Sustainability Plan in an effort to disseminate information to the public as well as generate discussion on how to use NSP in this particular project and future projects.

Forum participants, moderator, date and place will be determined. Format of forum still needs to be developed. Concerns/questions/suggestions should be directed to Jim and Owen. Proposed date of forum: Bridge Street School cafetorium; Wednesday, February 25.

At this time the North Street Condo project is being presented to Cons Com; the Planning Board is not involved at this time.

• Joint Forum – Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Northampton Design Forum (NDF)
A Notre Dame student will present one of the recommendations made at NDF’S presentation this past fall. One area the students looked at was the section between Pleasant and
Conz Streets which is bisected by the old mill river basin. The mill river now flows to the ox bow as it meanders through town (giving us our distinctive curved main street) and out to the meadows where our water treatment plant is. The abandoned basin is both an eye-sore and under utilized space. We will again use the NSP as a filter as we pose questions to the participants.
Participants need to be determined, but possibly representatives from the Planning, Cons Com Board, City officials and/or Rezoniing Committee. Tentative date of forum is March 11 at 7pm at Bridge Street School. Board voted to support and cosponsor the event with the basis of the forum being on education and discussion.


8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola, Lisa
Committee will be presenting their plan at the next meeting of the City’s Transportation Committee on February 28th. There is $16,000.00 from a condo project agreement that was earmarked for traffic calming projects in Ward 3. This committee surveyed the neighborhood and determined goals and areas of concerns. The City will determine how the funds will be used.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Bob
Mass Highway has not hired Trans System, because funds that were earmarked for the design phase are not sufficient. When the design phase begins we will request that the engineering firm perform new traffic counts and interview residents regarding traffic.

The Committee asked Mass Highway to provide this committee with periodic updates regarding the project and to request that several committee members could also call Mass Highway for updated information. It was agreed that Christine Cahillane or Frank Werbinski in addition to Bob Reckman would be the contact people for Mass Highway.

We discussed the improved traffic situation from the bridge leading into Northampton. It was suggested that members living and/or traveling in this area should write a brief statement, regarding there experience with traffic on Bridge Street since the new traffic light at the entrance to I-91 south was installed.

There was discussion regarding traffic speeding along Bridge Street. It was suggested that this committee have a joint meeting with the Ward3 Traffic Calming committee to discuss this concern and learn more about traffic calming strategies. Jim Nash agreed to arrange this at some time in the future.

10. Report of Business Representative - Owen.
Business surveys are rolling in slowly. No issues that are sticking out; sent out 45 surveys.

11. Legislative Update from Councillor Reckman – Bob
City budget
Panhandling ordinance Mayor and Police Chief have withdrawn the ordinance
BID – Any changes in rules have to be approved by city councilor. There are less than 5 cities in Massachusetts and 1600 nationwide that have BIDS which are enabled by State law. Define a zone and have to get 61% of property owners that represent 50% of assessed value. Businesses can opt out within 30 days. Bid proposes to market Northampton, create a beautification plan. Northampton BID has a preliminary $900,000 budget. The City Council has to approve the BID

11. Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Bob and Lisa
The final Forum will be held tomorrow night. Members can still email comments to committee.

12. Update on proposed website offering summaries of city committee discussions – Owen
Nothing new; mission statement has been created and accepted; now looking for board members.

14. Status of revising the Ward3 brochure – Owen
Brochure was sent by email so board members could review it prior to the meeting. Owen distributed the latest version of the brochure. Our membership dues drive should occur when we distribute brochures. It was suggested that we distribute brochures in warmer weather. Joanne volunteered to work with Owen on the brochure.
Membership statistics: 15% of members have paid dues. 99 members over the years; 72 filled out forms and gave a donation. 1/3 gave dues this year.

15. New Business.
By-Laws Article 6. Fiscal Responsibility
Fred brought up the requirements of Article 6 which addresses expenditure of funds of the Association in excess of $100 which will require the signature of the Treasurer and one other Board Member. Where does the signature go? Fred spoke with FSB at the Main St branch of FSB where we have our checking account. They agreed that for bank policing purposes the signature line must contain the signature of the owner of the account but a second signature for our purposes can be placed above the endorsement signature. Checks can be printed with two signature lines but this is very expensive.
The Board agreed that two names on the signature card filed at the bank will meet this requirement and the second signature can be placed above the Treasurer’s signature..

Fred reported that an article appeared in WSJ U.S. News on Friday January 23, 2009 from Associated Press: “Report Calls on FEMA to Increase Collaboration, Upgrade Flood Maps”. After reviewing flood maps, Fred noticed that FEMA issued Flood Maps at FEMA WEB site show our map is 30 years old.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Meeting Minutes January 13 2009

Minutes of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Board of Directors Meeting
January 13 2009

Board Members Present:
Gerald Budgar, Bob Reckman, Tim Fisher, Gloria Parker, Fredrick Zimnoch, Madeline Blanchette, Joanne Mackiewicz, Jim Nash, Marianna McKim, Lisa DePiano

Board Members Not Present:
Lola Reid, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Phil Sullivan

Minutes of the December 2008 meeting approved.
Treasurers’ Report :
1. No expenses since last meeting
2. No dues have been received since last meeting.
3. Balance in FSB no interest checking: $716.86 (check cleared)
4. List Serve for Ward3ab = 153 members.
Jerry gave an update on the Fairgrounds grant application:
The Board approved by email a letter supporting the city’s application for state money to complete the permit process for Fairgrounds construction. The letter has been sent to the state.
Bob provided additional detail about the Fairgrounds work:
The Fairgrounds Board has privately raised about $100k and will soon have all the permits in place. They have $4million grant from state for construction, but not design. In the spring, they plan to repair the riding rinks off Fair Street, and will need money for more architectural plans. The first stage is to take down the horse barns and replace them with three new 100-stall barns. They hope to get this done by summer of 2010. The entire reconstruction project is projected to be about $40 million. The Fairgrounds board open to becoming more involved with the neighborhood and the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association.
Jerry informed the Board about Lola’s scheduling conflict.
The Board voted that the 3b alternate will be asked to take Lola’s seat until Lola can return.
Jerry asked for an update on the Candidates Forum:
The committee for the forum will begin activities now that the national election is past. The committee is waiting for candidates to officially emerge. The number of candidates for the various open seats and offices will determine the makeup of the forum.
Laptop search:
Jim and Fred working on finding one.
Nominating/Membership committee report:
Jim: An interested candidate for the secretary position has been indentified and will hopefully accept it soon.
Committee on Bridge Street School:
The city’s Strategic Planning Committee report is almost finished. Indications are that it does not recommend closing a school, but offers little in terms of long-term strategies to deal with the budget problem. The Ward 3 Committee on Bridge Street School will analyze the report and recommend next steps for the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association’s participation in the situation.
Sustainability Committee:
1--Jim will apply for a position on the rezoning committee. Letter from board to support Jim’s application was approved with minor changes. It will be printed and signed by Jerry on behalf of the board.
2—Notre Dame presentation. (NCTV web page has presentation on it).The Northampton Design Forum will decide where to go from this point. It plans to:
A) Suggest that the rezoning committee recommend form-based zoning instead of use-based zoning, leading to practical ordinance changes.
B) Help the public and planning board consider other planning and zoning models.
C) Continue promoting public education and involvement. The Notre Dame exercise was a success because it tapped into the energy in the community for addressing and thinking about planning issues.
3—Northern Avenue Development Project:
The Sustainability Committee worked on how the Board should approach this issue. It relied on the language of Sustainable Northampton. Concern is that the discussion and stand-off between neighbors and a developer is not referencing the Sustainability Plan the way it should be. Sustainable Northampton should be a more open process. Owen and Jim compiled a document that assesses the situation and lists the questions that should be asked. A public forum was proposed; a sub-committee was created to draft a plan for such a forum and return to the board via email for approval in the next 2 weeks.
4—Zero lot line:
Planning board didn’t have enough info about zero lot line. Will take it up at second public meeting in March. Map showed properties that had met the criteria for zero lot line. Map didn’t identify properties that it would really affect. There are many pre-existing lots and structures. The Board discussed how the notification of these proposed zoning changes did not follow best practices guidelines.

Traffic Calming:
Canvassing of the neighborhood continues in an effort to inform residents of the city's Traffic Calming Program, to have residents sign the petition for the city to do a traffic calming study in the targeted neighborhood, and to sign up people for the pace car program. Signatures collected go to the Transportation and Parking Commission, along with other pertinent materials.

Exit 19
Next month Mass Hwy will sign contract with consultant; a month after that advisory committee will meet to discuss next steps. No new major developments, but keeping the committee active.

Legislative Update from Bob:
Proposal introduced to raise the littering fine in the Meadows.

Best Practices:
Draft report issued. Feb 11 at 7pm at JFK is the last public forum. More feedback asked for, review the document and the bullet points. How to implement the recommendations? City council is expected to take up recommendations.
Website for city board and committee minutes meetings. Volunteers needed to follow a city board and post minutes as they happen. The goal is to fill the void of information.

New business:
Fred gave a report on the pump station:
The Hocknam Road DPW facility has two separate functions.
1. Treating sewage from sanitary sewer system and pumping treated sewage into CT River.
2. A pumping station to pump accumulating water from the storm sewer system to CT River.
NOTE: The storm sewers and sanitary sewer system for Northampton are for the most part separate systems. Storm sewers are covered with a grate while sanitary sewers are covered with a manhole cover.
Pumping Station
This system was put in place in 1940 after the Great Hurricane of September of 1938. It’s basically a flood pound next to the sewerage treatment plant, a pumping station next to the dike with discharge pipes into the CT River. There are three large pumps (50kgals/min) each with an engine and one small pump run by an electric motor that pump storm water into the CT River when the river is too high for the storm water to naturally drain. The system has a back up gasoline generator that supplies electricity if there is an electrical power failure.
The 3 large pumps are original equipment. Each has an engine. One is an 11 to 12 year old diesel which cost $100K and the two remaining are Sterling engines for which parts are no longer available since the manufacturer has been out-of-business for years.
The pumps in the storm water pumping station run when there is storm water accumulating AND the river level at the pump station is above 105.5 feet. You can view the CT water level on your computer by going to the DPW site and clicking on Flood Control. Then choose the CT River Gauging Station NHMM3 to see the water level at the Pumping Station.

As reported to Bob Reckman by George Brehm “on clear days one pump might pump only every several hours to keep up with the constant storm water flow but I've seen times during severe storms where all three pumps were at full capacity. It is essential the City replaces the two remaining obsolete gasoline engines as well as the backup gasoline electric generator”.

Regular maintenances of pumps, pump engines, and backup gasoline generator is done by in-house personnel. When pumps are running the pumping station is manned 24 hours a day with two 12 hour shifts. While the pumps and two engines are nearly 70 years old they are only run when storm water cannot flow by gravity into the CT River. The problem is that if either Sterling engine breaks it can’t be repaired.

Consequences of Pump Failure

Failure to pump storm water would result in storm water accumulating in the storm water flood pond. More water would then spill over to areas on our side of the dike. As conditions worsen George thinks a very severe flood with failed pumps might have the possibility of knocking out the sewerage treatment plant.

George said that there has no money budgeted to replace the old engines in 2009 budget. And there is no line item for an RFQ in any future budget.

Additionally, George added that the stop-locks at dike crossing are old and composed of creosote soaked oak planks which would surely leak if used during a flood.

---Minutes submitted by Tim Fisher

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association shows its support for the Three County Fairgrounds

December 11, 2008

To:
Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Grant Program
Massachusetts Cultural Council
10 St. James Avenue, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116-3803

Dear Review Panel and Advisory Committee:

The Board of Directors of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association wishes to express its support for the Cultural Facilities Fund Grant Application submitted by the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton.

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association is a civic group that encourages quality of life efforts on behalf of our residents and businesses. The Fairgrounds and its environs are part of Ward 3 and many of our directors and members have been appointed to committees that have been kept informed about progress and the general direction of the Fairground’s future plans.

The Fairgrounds leadership holds regular meeting with neighbors to discuss issues of mutual concern. As neighbors, we wish to see this facility succeed, as such events as the Morgan Horse Show and the Paradise City Arts Festival, as well as the annual fair itself, are of great importance to our city’s cultural and economic vitality.

At the several meetings held with neighbors over the past three years, there has been strong consensus that the proposed reuse plan for the Fairgrounds is a good plan and one worthy of support.

It is our wish to see the Fairgrounds retain its character, preserve considerable open space, and refurbish its many historic buildings. We also support undertaking traffic studies to find the least intrusive way to direct traffic into and out of the facility without disrupting the surrounding neighborhoods as the number of cultural and economic development-oriented events at the Fairgrounds increases. We are also supportive of efforts to improve drainage that affects both the Fairgrounds and its surrounding neighborhoods.

We hope you will look favorably upon this application and provide assistance that will help chart a future for the Fairgrounds that will be of great benefit to our neighborhoods, community and region.

Sincerely,

For the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Board of Directors
Gerald S. Budgar
President

Meeting Minutes December 9, 2008

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
December 9th, 2008
Board Members Present: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Lola Reid, Bob Reckman, Tim Fisher, Gloria Parker, Fredrick Zimnoch, Madeline Blanchette, Joanne Mackiewicz, Jim Nash

Board Members Absent: Phil Sullivan, Marianna McKim, Lisa DePiano

Non-board Attendies: Lucy Hartry, Jesse Adams, Dennis Helmus, Deb Christakos, Ellen Nigrosh, Lisa Maloney, Mandy Gerry,

The board voted in two alternate members, Madeline Blanchette and Joanne Mackiewicz.

Jerry was concerned that it was a foregone conclusion that Bridge St school was closing, with the School Committee talking about it in the past-tense. After mentioning his concern to the Northampton Education Foundation, Lucy Hartry from the School Committee wanted to come into the Ward3NA to give us a presentation.

Lucy Hartry:
Last spring they were in the midst of a budget crisis and they considered closing a school. Most schools in MA have declining school age populations. The few that are growing are mostly in the 495 beltway area. It is largely because of smaller families. 80% of the school's budget goes to personnel. Our highest School Committee priority is keeping class sizes small, because of the value it has for education on the younger ages. Yet 'the pit isn't bottomless' and an investigation began about the potential money savings in closing a school. It was right-away clear that the community was opposed to this and the school dept didn't handle it very well, not being ready for many of the questions that came up, which may have led to more confusion and dismay. The School Committee listened to the community, who thought this was too soon to decide, so the School Committee is looking for other options and longer-term solutions, and looking at other models to manage the budget. The School Committee put a strategic committee together that had as many constituencies as possible, put out a bid for a consulting firm, 2 people from each school council-- we could have opened it up to the entire community but that would have been a difficult process and since the school council is already elected by the community, we went with them-- there were representatives from the City Council, School Committee, business community, Smith College, school department administrators, and Dr. Babcock is a non-voting member.

The strategic committee was charged with looking in a long-range way as open-mindedly as possible to find a way to provide the level of service that we've come to expect and deliver but also take into account the various housing, birthing, and state trends (e.g. regionalization) to make a recommendation. With the hopes that the community has bought into this process, the School Committee is looking for a report in January. There have been focus groups that have been organized. There was one volunteer on the School Committee and Lucy asked another to join this strategic committee (Mike Flynn), who agreed. Her dismay was that this Strategic Committee was considered a sham or merely a way to justify closing Bridge St. This was not how she earnestly considered this process. The state is anticipating 5-10% budget cut to city or towns, and if that's the case, it is likely that Northampton will get a big cut, since many other towns and systems with lower tax bases get more assistance from the state than Northampton does. So the School Committee is trying to do the best they can given a 'pretty bad' situation, and it wasn't true that the School Committee was talking about Bridge St school in the 'past-tense'. Instead, the discussion was focusing on the playground and School Committee members were asking 'if' the school was going to close, why would the community participate and contribute in building a playground? This discussion was couched in that context. Bob pointed out that if MA state aid decreased by 10% the loss would be $5mil, which would make things nasty 'across the board', seeing a reduction in many city services.

Tim was glad that she came and thought her presentation was fair, but also wanted to know when the report was actually going to come out, which Lucy did not exactly know. Tim reviewed the same data that the Strategic Committee has had access to and evaluated some of the trends affecting the city; for instance the 2nd biggest money maker was students coming into the system for school choice, which is down. Yet closing a school would mean even fewer school choice students in, in order to keep class sizes small still. Also, charter schools are drawing on the city about $1.4mil; a mix of losing students and fewer students coming in creates two troublesome trends. Lucy pointed out that the School dep't has chosen to take fewer students from school choice-in. Tim believed that about half of the school population decline was due to charter schools, only 7% to aging population and poor population growth, yet Lucy said that she believed she has seen other studies that show different trends. Tim also talked about the need for the physical space for learning, and also the need to keep IEP kids in the fold and not isolate them; closing a school would cause larger class sizes, less hands-on learning, and reducing the IEP capabilities would also drive more students away into charter schools.

Dennis asked what the capacity of the schools in Northampton was, and Lucy said she didn't know exactly, that Jackson and Leeds were close, and Bridge and Ryan Rd have more capacity. Lola asked what would happen to the buildings if they closed, Lucy said she didn't know. Mandy Gerry: This building is collateralizing a bond, so it might not be able to be used for many other purposes. Lucy ended her report by saying that the strategic committee wanted to take a longer-term approach rather than try to make short-term decisions that had bad long-term consequences. Fred asked if this strategic committee was taking into account that next year's budget was going to be bad, and Lucy said that they weren't specifically taking it into account.

The previous board minutes were approved unanimously.
Treasurers report:
No expenses/dues since last meeting $706.98, listserv increased 1 member to 153. The report was accepted unanimously.

President's report:

Computer donation: Fred secured a donated computer from Forbes library.

There is a hearing on the Kohl proposal to build condos off North St with the conservation commission at 5:30, Thursday Dec 11. Jerry had been approached to speak out as the president of the Ward3NA against the project at the Planning Board's meeting next month; Jerry believed that the appropriate thing to do is to hear the consensus of the board. Bob said that he thought that having the board make a statement was inappropriate, since it was a private dispute between two parties within the ward, which is different from our taking a stance on keeping Bridge St school open. Dennis disputed this since he thought this issue related to many members of the ward, and contained ward-wide issues such as traffic and environmental concerns. Bob believed that it would be appropriate for individuals all over the ward to be able to state their own opinions, but not for the board itself. Tim was concerned with wetlands and environmental issues. Owen said that the board itself was in a tricky situation because they want to accept any new neighbors to the association but also we would like to preserve the quality of our neighborhood. Dennis discussed at length many of the different issues that the project faces, stating that Kohl's plans show that he would build with 12' of the wetlands.

The North St Association is trying to amend the 10' set-back for wetlands ordinance to a 25' set-back. Also, Dennis said that Bruce Young suggested that the presentation to the City Council for the 10' wetlands restriction was that it would be useful for small structures like sheds and garages and such, and now up for consideration is a large condo development within 12' of the wetlands. We discussed what to do next, and Jim pointed out that we have a relationship with the North St Association and we want to be supportive and provide good information. Dennis suggested that there are ways to take positions without being 'for' or 'against', or just to express concern. Jerry suggested a joint committee; there were no volunteers. Bob wanted to express his concern that we tread lightly and not try to become arbiters of approval instead of using our public boards, making us an 'inauthentic voice' for the city. Tim did not believe this would happen. Lola suggested that we table this discussion until the January meeting and if someone wants to write up a proposal, that would be fine. Jim made a motion to refer this issue to the sustainability committee, which Bob seconded; the majority approved of this motion, Owen opposed.

Adam Cohen has invited the entire board to a holiday party on Dec 21 3-5 at his house, 134 North St, with Spouse/Significant Others to join, and please RSVP

There has been no meeting for the project to have a "Candidate Night" for next years' elections. The idea for this night is to put Ward 3 issues on the political agenda.

Sub-committee reports:
Membership sub-committee: Jim, Fred and Owen had written up three amendments to the bylaws that had been circulated prior to the meeting. There were some small adjustments made and Jim suggested that: 'All presidential appointments [of chairs of sub-committees] are subject to approval by the board of directors.' Bob reminded us that formal approval of the bylaws is required by full vote at the annual meeting, but suggested that we act according to the changes suggested.

Secretary update: Jim is trying to get the laptop from Forbes up to speed so that he can offer it to a potential secretary.

Bridge St school sub-committee update: When the strategic committee comes out with its proposal they will analyze it and assign it to various people in the sub-committee to study it and then have an open forum.

Sustainability sub-committee: Jim has applied to be a member of the rezoning committee, and the planning board will be reviewing the applications (and perhaps coming out with new applications) soon, possibly having action by February. Jim was concerned that the zero-lot-line proposed zoning ordinance should go through the Rezoning Committee but now doesn't seem to be going through that process, instead going through the normal process of approving zoning ordinance. Both Jim and Bob suggested we all go to the Notre Dame Design forum presentation this Saturday Dec 13, and that APE will have the drawings there starting on Thursday. Bob wanted to state that it was important to remember this isn't a short-term suggestion, but more of a 20 year suggestion.

Traffic Calming sub-committee: Lola: we are going door-to-door in a signature campaign, going one-on-one fairly slowly and also asking people to sign onto the pace car program, only 5 people are working on the canvassing job right now, with over 300 houses to cover in that area. She also heard from David Narkowitz that there was no great hurry from the city's perspective, since little will be done over the winter, probably.

Exit 19 sub-committee: Bob: nothing significantly new, just that there will be a meeting of the citizens' advisory board in January.

Business Rep report: Owen is planning to use his survey and get support from the business community in January.

Report on ServiceNet purchase of Cherry St property: Lola: After a conversation with individuals at ServiceNet, she found out this is a residential program for 3 individuals per unit that had been previously been renting elsewhere.There was some money left over from the closing of the Northampton and Belchertown state hospitals; ServiceNet applied for it and received some of it to purchase the property. Fred asked if the individuals in the programs were supervised, and Lola affirmed they were, though no ServiceNet employee would be living there.

Legislative update: Bob: First was a discussion of the zero-lot line residential ordinance proposal, where Bob referenced a memo he had sent out earlier clarifying the ordinance. (See Appendix) The new proposal will change 4 things: 1- if you build within 15' of your property boundaries on the side set-back, you no longer have the penalty of having the 'double' back set-back to 30'. 2- The window requirement and the 3- fence requirement would be eliminated. 4- Also, you no longer have to control both lots. So if your neighbor gives you a written easement, then you can build up to your property line on the side. Bob had a conversation with Wayne and asked: How many times has this bylaw come up in the last 8-10 years? Wayne: maybe 8-10 times. Bob: How many lots are there in the city where this might apply to? Wayne: About 5 years ago we did an aerial count and there are maybe only 50 vacant lots. Bob discussed that this zoning proposal was considered 'routine' by the Planning Board and therefore wasn't going to be sent to the Rezoning Committee first. On January 8th there will be a meeting where this issue is on the agenda. Many clarification questions were asked, including those about not having to get any permission from your neighbor to build within 15' of your property line in the back.

Ad-Hoc Committee for Best Practices: Bob: They gave their recommendations to the City Council recently, and there is a public hearing about the recommendations being held on Monday January 5, 7PM. Jerry asked about the proposed audit of the Planning Department, which Bob explained-- there have been independent audits of the Fire Department, the Police Department, the DPW, all to the great benefit of those departments over the years.

Website on City Committees: Owen updated on the meetings held regarding our efforts to give accurate, fair and searchable reporting of the various city committees and board meetings. We are going to try to form a board of directors who would be responsible for the running of the organization, then recruit volunteers to actually cover the meetings. We also might get web-space from another new-oriented group that might be starting up in the city.

Update on the Ward 3 Brochure: Owen has converted the old brochure to an electronic copy and has not yet updated it yet. Jerry mentioned that he wanted our committees included in the brochure.

We adjourned around 9 PM; our next meeting will be the second Tuesday of January at Bridge St school.

Appendix:

MEMO

To: Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Board

From: Bob Reckman

Date: (Revised Jan. 10, 2009)

Re: Proposed change for zero lot line projects.

I have rewritten this memo yet again. I believe is is now correct. The City?s current zoning allows zero lot line projects in Urban Residential B (URB) and Urban Residential C (URC) districts. Most of the residential area of Ward 3 is comprised of these two residential districts. Eligible properties need only 65? of frontage rather than 75? (which is the standard frontage requirement). This provision was added about 8 years ago to try to encourage greater density. There have been about 10 uses of this provision in the last 8 years.

The current zoning allows such projects but requires that:
1) A solid fence be built between the structures and that the windows be located to maximize privacy. These requirements could be waived by the Planning Board.
2) The side setback on the other side of the lot (the non-encroaching side) must be 30? rather than 15?. 15? is the standard side setback in these zones.
3) The applicant must control both properties. It allows such projects on lots that have 65? of frontage rather than the standard 75? There have been about 10 uses of this provision in the last 8 years.
4) The rear setback requirement is the same as for all other residences in these zones.

The proposed change would do several things:
1) It would eliminate the fence and window requirements.
2) It would change the side setback requirement on the non-encroaching side to 15? which matches the standard side setback in this zone.
3) It would allow a new home or addition by right within the standard 15? side setback if the applicant is able to provide an easement from the relevant abutter that has been recorded at the Registry of Deeds and approved by any mortgage holder. It would eliminate the requirement that the applicant control both lots. The applicant would need to acquire a legal easement from the abutter and have it recorded at the registry of deeds. If there is a mortgage on the property, the holder of the mortgage would also have to agree.
4) The rear setback requirement does not change.

Wayne told me that he had done a rough count based on aerial photos (which are less than perfect) of the total number of empty lots in the entire City which would be affected. It is about 50. It is important to remember that this change would also affect additions. If the City Council approves it, people who want to add closer to their side lot line would be able to do so if they get and record the required easement from their abutter.

This proposal was discussed at the joint meeting of the Planning Board and the Ordinance Committee on Jan. 8 at 8 PM in the Council Chambers. At that meeting the Planning Board continued the public hearing until their meeting on March 29 at 7 PM. They did this to allow more time for the public to become aware of the details of the proposal. This will be a public hearing, so I encourage you to come and ask any questions that you have. You are also welcome to call the Office of Planning and Development and ask them any questions you have.

Meeting Minutes November 11, 2008

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 7 p.m.
Burger King Conference Room;
King Street- Northampton.
Attendees: Gerald Budgar, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Lola Reid, Fred Zimnoch, Gloria Parker, Tim Fisher, Bob Reckman, Phil Sullivan and guest Adam Cohen

Review of minutes of October 14, 2008
There was discussion on wording in the Friends of Homeless paragraph. The minutes were approved with the following changes:
Friends of the Homeless: Yvonne described her work at the homeless shelter on 43 Center St. in the former Elk’s Lodge. This is an emergency solution that serves 60 meals, has 20 beds plus 6 beds at IC Church in Easthampton. It’s staffed with volunteers or about 40 teams of 4 volunteers between Nov 1 and April 1. With at least 1 professional staff at all times. She looks forward to following the new trend of apartment like homes for the homeless. In this effort we offered to work with her but she indicated that we did not have a legal right to know the location of the shelter prior to finalizing plans. We made no arrangements for further discussions.


Treasurer’s Report
Balance = 706.98.
Received dues from 11 people.
We have 152 members.
No expenses incurred for the month.

President’s Report
• Pictures of the annual meadow cleanup will be posted. It was a successful event. Meadows today are much, much cleaner today than in past years.

• Lilly Lombard reported trash dumping and drug use in Ward 4 meadows: Discussion about possibly restricting vehicle traffic with Northampton Agriculture Commission. People and commission members are concerned about erosions of roads, dumping, drugs, Jerry suggested that fines be raised in conservancy zones and he spoke with Councilor Bob about this possibility. Farmers are asking that dumping be reported. Meeting with citizen and police chief is being planned in February.

• Hazard Mitigation Plan: How does the city deal with floods and emergency situations. Pumps are old at the sewer treatment plant on Hockanum Road. We asked Bob to give the board a report about the condition of the sewer treatment plant. Bob emailed members with the following email from George Brehm of the DPW:
I averaged the last twenty years of data and the flood control
station has been activated 40 days per year during that span. A maximum
of 81 days in 1996 and a minimum of 18 days in 1991. As I mentioned in
out telephone conversation, on clear days one pump might pump only every
several hours to keep up with the constant stormwater flow but I've seen
times during severe storms where all three pumps were at full capacity.
It is essential the City replaces the two remaining obsolete gasoline
engines as well as the gasoline generator.

Bob added that the cost for replacing a gasoline engine with a new diesel engine 14 years ago was 100,000. If there are any questions regarding this information, please contact Bob or George Brehm.

• Triangle at Conz/Pleasant intersection – Joint project with Northampton and DEP.
Underground gas tanks are leaking from an old gas station and affecting the quality of ground water. Gas is under the street and near the car wash. A filtration system is being built to get rid of the gasoline for 6 months. They will check the groundwater after this 6 month period and bring groundwater up to the appropriate standard. Cost is being borne by property owners and a grant.

• Fairgrounds Neighborhood Advisory Committee - Barbara Smith a neighbor of the fairground, Jerry and others, asked questions about the fair redevelopment project. City needs to raise $$ for drainage problem and the fairgrounds folks need to raise money for architectural plans for building before project begins. This meeting was an opportunity for fair officers to update the advisory committee on the status of the redevelopment project.

• Ward 3 Brochure – It was agreed that the brochure needed to be updated. Owen and Lola will work on updating the content of the brochure.

• 2009 Northampton Elections - We want Ward 3 to be active with providing the residents with election information. Perhaps holding a forum or candidates night. Talk about issues of Ward 3 and City. Tim, Phil and Bob will be working on organizing two events related to the election.

• New Zoning Ordinance - A zoning ordinance was proposed that will allow building without setbacks from boundary lines. Wayne will get information about details of this proposal to Bob. North Street Association has the ordinance on its website

Miscellaneous Reporting:
Please add Phil’s email sulanco@verizon.net to your Ward 3 board member list.
It was requested that after board members read the minutes they inform the note taker that they have received the minutes and make comments to the note taker as soon as possible.


Nomination Committee – Jim Nash
Ward 3 is in need of a secretary and Jim requested that current board member consider this position. Secretary is a recognized position on the Board. Request to list serve to donate a laptop for Ward 3. Secretary can use the laptop. Agree to keep with current system of asking for volunteers to take on note taking during meetings. Jim will place an ad for board members and committee members on our website.

Dues Discussion - Dues year tabled until next year/meeting?.

Bridge Street School Committee – Tim Fisher
Goal of the committee is to prevent the closing of Bridge Street School and work with the City to resolve the city budget school crisis. Ten people were identified to work on committee with Tim. Background materials of situation have been created by the committee and at the December meeting there will be a brief presentation of this material. Tim asked the board if the committee could include people that lived outside of Ward 3. The board agreed that membership could be broadened with a wide representation from other areas. An article is posted on www.northassoc.org. Bob Reckman, City Councilor supports the purpose of the committee and supports the continued operation of Bridge Street School and is against the its closing. Strategic plan consultant, Bill Allen said that his report is about a 5 year plan of curriculum; final report on December 15, 2008. Committee wants own report ready with our data. The committee is using the consensus modal for making decisions. Tim mentioned the importance of Ward 3 to support this committee. We supported Tim with the following actions:
1. Committee needs to meet
2. Keep Bob in loop
3. Let David Narkowicz know that its open to Ward 4
Lucy Hartry will be asked to our next meeting to speak with us and answer some of our questions.

Website workshop – Owen has set up a date of Monday, December 8th at 7pm of interested board members to demonstrate how to post information on the website.

Sustainability Committee - Jim Nash and Owen Freeman-Daniels - no report this month.

Rezoning Committee – Jim will apply to be on this temporary rezoning committee. It was noted that the in-fill area is smaller on Notre Dame map when compared to Northampton’s Sustainability Plan’s map. The following notes were made from the map that was distributed:
white parts are mixed; colored is one of the urban transects; light green- no development; orange is receiving area - more growth; white is where Notre Dame will ok infill. (White is acceptable, but not preferred.) There is more involved drawings in six areas. Notre Dame Northampton’s final presentation will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 3:00.

Traffic Calming – Lola Reid
Thursday the neighborhood will be canvassed to get signature for the traffic calming application. They will be signing up people for the pace car program.


Business Rep: Owen Freeman-Daniels – nothing to report

Homeless related issues: Nothing to report

Legislative Update
A public hearing regarding the panhandling ordinance proposed by Mayor’s Public Safety Committee is scheduled for Monday, November 24 at 6pm.

Best Practices Committee – Bob Reckman
Committee will be meeting tomorrow night to talk about set of recommendation. Hope to agree on a relatively short list of principles. Tomorrow there is a meeting in the hearing room at City Hall at 6pm; next Wednesday the 19th at 6pm at JFK. Draft report on December 4 to council; another public meeting in January.

Other Business:
Fred mentioned that the Bylaws need to be updated with what was voted on at the annual meeting and that an auditing committee be assigned to audit treasurer’s books

Citizen Website - Owen Freeman-Daniels
Owen and others talked about the lack of local news in the Gazette. What happens in City business? How do we cover official committee meetings reported on in a consistent fashion? Format like a website that employed an informal group of people that would report on specific committee meetings. Could advertise on this site and maybe pay people for their time. It would be a Ward 3 initiative and recruit folks to commit to attending and reporting out of discussion. Owen will report back at the next meeting

Permanent meeting site: Move that we meet at Bridge Street School until the summer.

5th Annual Meadows Cleanup Day on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008

The Ward Three Neighborhood Association will sponsor a Meadows Cleanup Day on Sunday, Oct. 26. Everyone is invited.
If you want to participate, please come to the parking lot of the Northampton Airport. The event begins at 10 AM. We will provide transportation in the Meadows. The airport is located at the end of Old Ferry Road, just beyond I-9. Participants should dress appropriately and be sure they are wearing proper shoes. If you have some gloves, please bring them. We will provide them if you do not. We will also provide a dumpster and trash bags. Please bring a cell phone if you have one.
This is the 5th year for this cleanup event, which has always been very successful.
If you have any questions, please call Bob Reckman at 413-584-8905.

Meeting Minutes October 14th, 2008

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 7 p.m.
Northampton Senior Center on Conz St.
Attendees: Gerald Budgar, Lisa DePiano, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Lola Reid, Fred Zimnoch, Mary Parker. Guest: Yvonne Freccero.

Friends of the Homeless: Yvonne described her work at the homeless shelter on 43 Center St. in the former Elk’s Lodge. This is an emergency solution that serves 60 meals, has 20 beds plus 6 beds at IC Church in Easthampton. It’s staffed with volunteers or about 40 teams of 4 volunteers between Nov 1 and April 1 with at least 1 professional staff at all times. She looks forward to following the new trend of apartment like homes for the homeless. In this effort we offered to work with her but she indicated that we did not have a legal right to know the location of any shelter prior to finalizing plans. We made no arrangements for further discussions.

General Business: The meeting minutes from the Annual Meeting and Fall Festival were approved. The treasurer reports that our FSB check book balance is $571.86 with further dues expected.

Report from the President:
Local Farming: The effort to help continue farming in the area has been successful with a large grant that will allow a farm to grow hay and corn and possibly with a small stock of animals. Our local farm will no longer be a dairy farm.

Nominating/Membership Committee Report – We are still searching for a secretary. It was agreed that we would share this responsibility among ourselves until a secretary is appointed.

Fifth Annual Meadows Cleanup The Ward Three Neighborhood Association will sponsor a Meadows Cleanup Day on Sunday, Oct. 26. Everyone is invited. If you want to participate, please come to the parking lot of the Northampton Airport. The event begins at 10 AM. We will provide transportation in the Meadows. The airport is located at the end of Old Ferry Road, just beyond I-91. Participants should dress appropriately and be sure they are wearing proper shoes. If you have some gloves, please bring them. We will provide them if you do not. We will also provide a dumpster and trash bags. Please bring a cell phone if you have one. Jerry also said that there was a possibility of Councilor Reckman and David J. Narkewicz submitting legislation to increase the fines for illegal dumping in the Meadows.

Advisory Committee: The city is creating an Advisory Committee required by their plan to have the toxic waste left years ago by Staabs Gasoline (150 Conz St.), and Sabin Coal & Coke, (19 Fulton Ave.) cleaned up. This is basically the area occupied by Pleasant Journey Auto Sales.

Report from the Board
Bridge Street School – Tim Fisher reported that a Committee has been created to examine the needs and requirements for schools in the city for the future. It will examine what funding is available and how best to structure the school system. Tim will form an oversight committee to monitor these activities and allow Ward3 Neighbors to have a voice in its activities. The Board agreed that Tim would be the liaison board member for this committee. Tim will form an oversight committee to monitor these activities and allow Ward3 Neighbors to have a voice in its activities.

Website Workshop - Owen Freeman Daniels is willing to have a workshop that will show board members how to access and add material to the W3NA Blog Website. Place and Time to be announced later.

Sustainability Committee Update – Jim Nash reported that the structure of the Re-Zoning Committee is up for approval by the City Council and is expected to pass.

Traffic Calming Committee Update – An application for a traffic calming study will be submitted to the Transportation and Parking Commission chaired by City Councilor David J. Narkewicz, and then submitted to the City Council for approval.

Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Gerry reported that a design engineering firm has been chosen and an advisory committee meeting should occur.

Report of Business Representative – Owen Freeman Daniels has created a questionnaire that will be delivered to business in our Ward. They will become part of a database of Ward3 businesses along with their needs and concerns. He also noted that Meeting Minutes posted to the WEB can have a tag of Minutes.

Legislative Update from Councilor Reckman – Councilor Submitted a written Report that was read by our President Jerry Budgar.

Update on “Best Practices” Committee- Lisa reported that the work to query the city officials, the public and review the Meadows Planning was completed. There will be a report to the city with 90 days for public comment.

New Business: None

Next Meeting: Our November 11 meeting will start at 7 p.m. at Burger King Restaurant Conference room located at 344 King St., Northampton, MA 01060. (413) 584-6376

Update On Recent Events Oct 2008

To: Members of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
From: Jerry Budgar, President
Re: Update on Recent Ward3 Events

I just wanted to update everyone on our very well attended and
successful Annual Meeting and Harvest Festival held last Sunday at the
Montview Neighborhood Farm. We counted close to 100 ward residents
popping in over the two-hour period to learn about the projects we're
involved with, talk to members of our committees, tour the Montview
Neighborhood and Town Farms to see two examples of new agricultural
pursuits in our ward, enjoy great food from Ward 3 chefs and local
restaurants, and vote in our Annual Meeting.

At the Annual Meeting, the membership ratified a number of job
descriptions for our officers and directors that had previously been
approved by the board. Members also endorsed the board's desire to
use a consensus/supermajority model when coming to decisions on major
policy issues and a majority model when voting on such operational
issues as budgets and expenditures. Also approved was a measure
increasing the size of our board by two associate members, one for
Precinct 3A and the other for Precinct 3B. These folks will vote
when one of the three board representatives from his/her precinct
cannot attend the meeting. Anyone interested in becoming an associate
member should contact me at: gbudgar@rcn.com

I'd like to thank Vice President Jim Nash for coordinating the myriad
details of our Annual Meeting and Harvest Fest, and Councillor Bob
Reckman for securing tables and chairs from Northampton Rental
Center, a cheese and fruit platter from Deborah Lynch of East Side
Grill, and two big trays of panini from Claudio Guerra of Spoleto
Express. And thanks also to Szawlowski Farms for donating a huge bag
of Meadows-grown potatoes that our own Ed Glowatsky turned into
incredible French fries for all!

The next event on our Ward 3 calendar is the annual Meadows cleanup
scheduled for Sunday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We'll all
gather in the parking lot of the Northampton Airport at 10 and be
driven to areas of the Meadows that need attention. We'll supply
gloves if you bring the willingness to help keep this wonderful part
of our ward and city clean. Thanks in advance to BNB Waste for
donating use of a dumpster and J.C. & Co. for use of a dump truck to
ferry trash from work sites to the dumpster.

Last but certainly not least, it's time to pay your dues. We only ask
$10 for an individual and $15 for a family membership. Help us help
you by sending along your 2008/9 dues checks, made out to the Ward 3
Neighborhood Association, to P.O. Box 64, Northampton, MA 0l060-0064.
Your dues will help us represent Ward 3's concerns before city
government and help keep you informed and up-to-date about those
issues and concerns.

Finally, a hearty thank you to those who support us in one of the many
ways you can: by attending our events, sending us dues, joining one
of our committees, or volunteering to help us with events and/or
tasks. We are very grateful.

Jerry Budgar
President

WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETING, HARVEST FESTIVAL

CONTACT: Jerry Budgar 584-2964
WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION TO HOLD ANNUAL MEETING, HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association will hold its Annual Meeting and a Harvest Festival celebrating the growth of agriculture in Ward 3 on Sunday, October 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Montview Neighborhood Farm on Montview Avenue, which will be closed off between Valley Street and Venturers Field Road for the event.

The event will include tours of both the Montview Neighborhood Farm and the new Town Farm that have been established over the past few years. Other Ward 3 farmers have been invited to display their produce and machinery, and farmer Ed Glowatsky will be making French fries from Szawlowski potatoes grown in the Ward 3 meadows.

During the event, Ward residents can view drawings of the proposed Three County Fairgrounds redevelopment plan, speak with representatives of the Bridge Street School community about the school's future, and talk with members of the association's subcommittees on traffic calming, sustainability, and Exit 19 of I-91 to get updates on these issues and their impact on Ward 3.

A tent will be provided and local restaurants have donated food and beverages. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to the potluck. While all items are welcomed, it's hoped that residents will keep to the theme of the afternoon by bringing fresh food made from local produce. In fact, several individuals will be making dishes out of produce grown in Ward 3. There will be ample time for socializing, playing games, and meeting new neighbors from throughout the Ward.

During the Annual Meeting portion of the event, the association will elect officers and members of the board of directors for the following year, vote on a number of proposals regarding job descriptions of officers, and hear updates on the association's activities over the past year and plans for the following year.

Since the new dues year begins with the Annual Meeting, Ward 3 residents wishing to join or renew their memberships in the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association can do so at this event. Dues are $10 per individual and $15 per family.

Further information about the event can be obtained from Councilor Robert Reckman at 413-695-0281.

Meeting Minutes September 9, 2008

WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING Tuesday, September 9, 2008
@Hampshire Education Collaborative, Hawley St., Northampton
Attendees: Gerald Budgar, Lisa DePiano, Tim Fisher, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Jim Nash, Gloria Parker, Bob Reckman, Lola Reid, Fred Zimnoch.

General Business: The minutes of the August 12 board meeting were approved. (The July 8 minutes have been posted to the new blog/website. The treasury balance is $426.99. Fred also reported that an Excel file was created to list all members (about 100) of the W3NA.

President’s Report: 1. Jerry and Jim met today with the Design Northampton Notre Dame architectural students and professor. All citizens are welcome to visit the work site (APE Gallery) to give input to the team about what we want our city to be like in 10-20 years.

2.The August 25 Best Practices meeting about the history of the Meadows Plan went very well. Adam Cohen has posted his video of the meeting on his website.

3. October 26 Meadows cleanup: Bob is working on the set up (dumpster, bags, etc.). The police have been patrolling the Meadows more, and the trash is diminishing each year.

4. October 5 Annual Meeting and Harvest Festival will be held at the Montview Ave. conservation land from 1:00 to 3:00. After the meeting, the festival will feature agriculture in the ward with the Montview and Town farms and other older, local farmers. Bob will get the tent, etc., Ed G. will make his fab french fries, the various committees will set up tables, and Bob & Jerry will make up the flyer and coordinate its distribution.

5. TheNorthampton City School project will have an introductory meeting for the public to give an initial overview of how the city works and to recruit people as “students” in the program. The City-wide Groups will help to promote the meeting.

Nominating Committee Business: Jim & Owen presented their revised descriptions of the City Councilor and President of the W3NA board; after some suggestions, both descriptions were approved. Then J & O’s “Means for Achieving Consensus” was presented, discussed, and approved. It has a two-tiered format: Super Majority Model (which strives for unanimity but requires a two-thirds vote) and Majority Model (which requires a majority of those present). Both the descriptions and the consensus will be presented at the Annual Meeting for approval before they can become part of the by-laws. Jerry suggested that we add two seats to the W3NA board: one precinct A alternate and one precinct B alternate. A motion in favor of the proposal was unanimously approved by the board and will be brought to the Annual Meeting for final approval.

Saving Neighborhood Schools: Tim presented the revised letter of support for the Bridge St. School and other neighborhood schools (to be sent to the city) and it was unanimously approved by those present.Website Update: Owen and Lisa will bring a computer to the next board meeting and do a demonstration of the workings of the new website.

Sustainability Committee Update: The proposal for the composition of the 9-member Re-zoning Committee will be voted on by the Planning Board this Thursday, September 12. The W3NA can endorse a candidate for the committee (a 2-year commitment).

Traffic Calming Committee: There will be a meeting of this committee Thursday, September 11 to discuss next steps.

Business Representative Report: Owen wants to get his survey out to the businesses in the community soon and asks for more input. He will do face-to-face interviews whenever possible. Jerry proposes setting up a Business Advisory Committee.

Councilor’s Report: Bob explained the proposed administrative fee for towing, to be collected by the city. (About 16 cars a day are towed in the city so this could be a significant source of revenue.) The Public Safety Committee is looking at new regulations.

Best Practices Committee: Their August 25th forum on the Meadow Use Plan was well attended and reputed to be enlightening to the Sustainability Committee and the audience. The BP committee’s In-reach subcommittee will be doing interviews of city officials, department heads and committee chairs beginning next week.

There will be another open forum of the BP committee Wednesday, October 8 at the Senior Center.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10.

Submitted by lola Reid, Association Secretary

Statement of Support for Bridge Street Elementary School

In light of the recent discussion by City Officials concerning the possible closing of a Northampton elementary school, the Board of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association would like it to be known that we strongly value and support the continued vitality of our neighborhood school, Bridge Street Elementary. As a school, Bridge Street Elementary greatly contributes to the overall vitality and health of Ward 3.

Not only do we greatly value Bridge Street’s considerable academic achievement, we value the school for its role in our community as a hub for neighborhood social and civic activities.
Furthermore, in light of this relationship, we strongly support the on-going vitality of all Northampton neighborhood schools for the breadth of activities they offer and the sense of community they provide.

We are committed to working with the City to find long-term solutions to keep all our neighborhood schools open.

--Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
9 September 2008

Meeting Minutes August 12, 2008

WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONMINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, August 12, 2008@ home of Phil Sullivan, Island Rd., Northampton
Attendees: Gerald Budgar, Lisa DePiano, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Bob Reckman, Lola Reid, Phil Sullivan, Fred Zimnoch. Guests: Adam Cohen, Tim Fisher, Joel Russell.
*Items with asterisks are old business and can be found in previous minutes.

Guest Speakers:

1. Adam Cohen of the North Street Neighborhood Association (formed a year ago to oppose the proposed 31-condo unit in 5+ acres of woods behind North Sreet). Adam informed us that Brad Shimel is their Association’s new lawyer who will bring their law suit before Land Court. Also, Terry Blunt, conservationist, is acting as mediator between the North St. Assoc. and Doug Kohl, the developer. One proposal is to allow Kohl to build one house at the end of Northern Ave. and sell the rest of the land as conservation land trust. State Representative Peter Kocot is in favor of urban parks.

2. Joel Russell, lawyer and professional urban planner, represents the Northampton Design Forum, a new group formed to promote the Notre Dame project in which six “top notch” design student and their professor would come to Northampton for a week to study three areas of Northampton for sustainability. The project would seek citizen input through charettes. The study would continue then for several months back at Notre Dame and would result in a booklet for Northampton to use in their continued city planning. The cost of the project is $15,000. $9,000 has already been raised.

After these presentations we broke for a potluck supper organized by Lisa. We then continued with our regular meeting.

General Business: The minutes of the July 8 meeting (by Fred Zimnoch) were approved. The treasury balance is $465.99.

Fairgrounds*: The July 23 Fairgrounds meeting was successful. Among other things we learned that the grandstand will come down and a new one will be built. The Fairgrounds Committee has expanded by several members.

Upcoming Events: We decided the annual meeting will take place Sunday, October 5. Meadows cleanup will be October 26. We also discussed the idea of a Harvest Festival, celebrating the agricultural growth in our ward with Montview Farm and Town Farm and some of the old farmers.

Nominating and Membership Committee: 1. Jim and Owen agreed to Fred’s suggestion to hire Deborah J. Tomasi to type up the membership list into an Excel spreadsheet so that we can better track membership and dues payments. 2. Tim Fisher was nominated and voted in as Ward 3A representative. 3. The job description for Board Member was presented, modified and officially adopted.

Saving Neighborhood Schools*: Tim Fisher informed us that the city has hired a consulting firm to do a study of various ways to cut costs for education. Jim Nash and Tim read the draft of their proclamation letter to be signed by the Board of Directors. The board gave feedback. Now T & J will revise it, bring it to the Annual Meeting, and then send it out to the City Council and publish it on our web site.

Web site/Blog*: Owen announced that the new blog is up and running. The domain is go daddy and is sponsored by google. Board members can upload almost anything; it is very multimedia friendly.

Sustainability Committee Update*: The committee to form the Re-zoning Committee has met 4 times since our last board meeting. They decided that the Re-zoning Committee will be comprised of nine members: 3 community members, 3 experts in land-use issues, one conservationist, one person from housing, and one economic development person. Jim and Owen liked the model they came up with but Jerry and Fred thought it was stacked in favor of dense development.

Traffic Calming Committee Update*: Lisa and Lola reported on the following developments: (l) neighborhood canvassing, week of July 7 (2) neighborhood meeting, July 17 (3) Lisa and Lola’s meeting with Laura Hanson, new Director of Transportation, July 31 (4) Lola’s conversation with Carolyn Misch, August 11. Lists of NeighborhoodTraffic Problems and Solutions, generated at the neighborhood meeting, were passed out.

Report of Business Representative: Owen has formulated a survey for the businesses in the ward, the goal of which is to build W3NA business membership and involvement and to promote the businesses in the ward. Board members should look at Owen’s draft and come to the next meeting with feedback.

Landfill expansion: Councillor Reckman said the City Council will look at the epidemiology report and the health report and that there will be more public forums in the fall. The decision about the expansion probably will not be made till next spring. The Council will need to look into alternatives if the landfill is not expanded.

Best Practices: This committee now has 4 working groups: 1. public forums (the next will be August 25, looking at the Meadow Use Plan) 2. in-reach (questionnaire will be sent to all city officials regarding how they make decisions, etc.) 3. research committee 4. putting their final report together (the draft will be ready in December or January; the final report in February or March). The meeting adjourned at 9:15

Submitted by Lola Reid, Association Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2008

Northampton - It took two years and eight major public forums to create a Land Use Plan for the 4,000 acres, mostly flood plain, called the Meadows that borders the Connecticut River in Northampton.

Now, three years later the City's Best Practices Committee hopes to bring many of the original participants farmers, residents, business owners, city employees and elected officials together for the first time since the plan was accepted.

The purpose of this event is to record the story of what many consider a difficult but largely successful public process told by the people who made it happen. The forum, scheduled for August 25 at JFK Middle School, will include former Ward 3 City Councilor Marilyn Richards, current Ward 3 City Councilor Bob Reckman, (then Ward 3 Neighborhood Association President), Gerald Budgar, organizer of the Meadows Coalition, Director of Planning Wayne Feiden and Senior Planner Carolyn Misch.

The Best Practices Committee hopes to attract a number of the estimated 300 residents who were actively involved and other city residents. "We want to record as many voices as possible," explains Lisa DePiano co-chair of the Committee, " Why people acted, what they did and how they felt about the process".

The Committee is researching models for best government practices and will make recommendations to the City Council later in the year.

The Meadows forum will begin at 5:30 PM in the JFK Middle School Community Room on August 25th.

***************MEDIA CONTACT: Alex Ghiselin 413-586-1849.

Meeting Minutes July 8, 2008

WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (W3NA)Minutes of Board MeetingTuesday, July 08, 2008@ home of Phil Sullivan, Island Road, Northampton

Attendees: Gerald Budgar, Lisa DePiano, Mac Everett, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Marianna McKim, Jim Nash, Phil Sullivan, & Fred Zimnoch. Bob Reckman, Lola Reid & Gloria Parker were absent.

*Items with asterisks are old business and can be found in previous minutes.

General Business: The treasury balance is $530.05. List serve has 145 members. The minutes of the May meeting were approved.

Speakers Postponed: Yvonne Freccerro of Friends of the Homeless, Adam Cohen of North Street Association and Joel Russell of University of Notre Dame design charrette.

3 County Fairgrounds*: There will be a presentation of the development plan during the Morgan Horse show (3rd week of July). W3NA will sponsor a reception for Morgan Horse show folks that will involve about 30 people and will include food and beverages in the arena. This event will show how the city and neighbors appreciate the Morgan Horse show. Phil will see if Northampton Rotary Club can host two Morgan Horse show officials at the weekly luncheon.

Water Events*: Lisa has arranged a tour of our new Water Treatment plant for Saturday July 12th. Meet at Bridge Street School at 10AM to car pool to the plant.
Citywide Neighborhood Groups (CNG)*: At the fourth meeting on Monday, June 23 the main topic of discussion was the City School that will meet 12 times with 25 max attendees to learn about city government. There was a strong feeling that a smaller down & dirty program of one or two sessions would be more beneficial since it would attract a larger number of people. This idea was presented to Karen Bellavance-Grace from the Mayor’s Office. Later results were that two public meetings concerning city government would be held in September. The attendees of this group might then become interested and attending city school. CNG will have a social in the Fall.

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association (W3NA) Social Event June 14*: We all agreed that the event was a great success and that Marianna McKim did a splendid job of organizing this event. Most also noted that like past events we enjoyed rain. Before the cemetery event there were about 30+ guests. Fred noted that after the event we received no new members although some applications were taken.

Nominating Committee Report*: Jim has submitted Roles and Responsibilities for Board Members, President, and City Councilor for our review. He will also submit goals and tasks for the officers. He will submit further details on the two-tiered method of voting: 1. unanimity and 2. Super majority (three-quarters). For example how do we treat abstentions with respect to a quorum? Jim is also preparing a slate for Fall elections and asks that Board Members to notify Jerry if they are willing and able to serve in the coming year.

Sustainability Committee*: Jim reported the main concern of the moment is determining the composition of the re-zoning committee. Owen created a 5 page document from the City Sustainability plan that shows the tasks and with what groups the re-zoning committee will interacts with. The result is that the committee should contain persons representing economic, environmental and social equity issues along with an expert in smart growth development. Adding a member from the City Council, the Mayor’s Office and the Office of Economic development makes 7 members. This committee will stand for one or two years. Deadline to form re-zoning committee is September.

City Planning Consultation (Design Charrette): Joel Russell a land use/planning attorney (not a developer), was not able to attend our meeting but Owen reported that architectural students from University of Notre Dame would be at A. P. E (Available Potential Enterprises, Ltd.) Gallery on 126 Main St all day from September 7 - 13 to engage citizens about what they feel is best for the city. This group is looking for publicity, food and financial support. Jim and Adam Cohen have each volunteered to house a student. Phil mentioned that Northampton Rotary Club could possibly host some students for lunch if they could speak about their activities.
Lisa wondered if they would be interested in traffic calming, while Fred wondered if they should take a special look at Bridge, Hawley and Market Street area.
Phil mentioned that there is a triangular traffic island on Pleasant St. next to ATM that the Northampton Rotary Club wanted to upgrade with a Welcome to Northampton sign but city Director of Planning & Development Wayne Feiden wanted to postpone because land is owned by state. The state is planning to transfer land to city but must clean up toxic material left by Staabs Gasoline (150 Conz St.), Sabin Coal & Coke, (19 Fulton Ave.) and others now closed. This traffic island is now mowed by Harold's Garage Inc. (19 Holyoke Street.)

Traffic Calming Committee*: Lisa pointed out that on this Wednesday members will go door-to-door handing out flyers announcing their activities. Meet at Page/Brody house (59 Williams St) near Lola’s. A pot luck dessert event will be held at HEC on 7/17 at 7PM to gather further information followed by a walking tour of neighborhood. Design will follow later with results going to Wayne Feiden (Dir of Planning & Development) for approval.

I91/Exit 19 Committee: Jerry reported that a meeting with 18 people occurred about 3 months ago. Four people attended from Ward3 Bob, Jerry, Mara Ryan and (?). Attitude of MassHighway department was much more open and concerned about the neighbors and anxious for input from neighbors. They reviewed the old plan and the cities plan for Damon Road. They performed a license plate survey and planned to redo the traffic survey to find out the number of cars coming and going on and off exit. Several concerned citizens noted that the installation of traffic lights improved the situation and asked if a $15 million project was necessary. The Highway department is interviewing engineering firms to find a design company. They plan to have a design firm chosen shortly and will have an Advisory Committee mtg in Fall after the design firm is chosen.

City Elections in 2009: Jerry noted that our current Mayor and Michael Beardsley our city council president expects to run for Mayor. This means a new city council president may be needed. We all agreed that we should invite the candidates to Ward3 to get their view on our issues. As an aside Owen Freeman-Daniels suggested that we should get a report from our councilor at the annual meeting on forthcoming issues affecting our ward. This was expanded to include a progress report. It was further suggested that this report might be made monthly.

Best Practices (City) Committee: Lisa reported that Committee has decided on creating three Committees. A Research Committee will query city committees, boards and commissions to find out what their goals and methods are and how they can be improved, a Public Committee to get views from the public, and an as yet Un-named Committee to review the failures/successes and pros and cons of the past Meadows planning which used two methods: TopDown design by city officials and BottonUp by citizen consensus.

New Website: Owen reported that he has set up a Blog for W3NA. It is a work in progress and viewable at ward3association.blogspot.com. Material from our old WEB site will be transferred as needed. He awaits word from Peter Michaels who originally designed the web site for the name of the server for our old web site. (Postings were done by Maggie Solis. Her e-mail address is maggiesolis@gmail.com. Her phone number is 586-4929. She also might have this information.)
Homeless Issues: Postponed.

Future Meeting: Our August 12th meeting will start at 6 p.m. with a potluck supper at Phil’s house on Island Road.

Final Minutes: by Owen: Jerry re-read the e-mail from Lola regarding the "Party House" in the Ward. There was brief discussion about the W3NA's future involvement with the building inspector and other city agencies regarding properties inside the ward.

Submitted by Fred Zimnoch for Lola Reid, Association Secretary

Future Plans

GOALS AND AGENDA FOR 2007

Sponsor improvements to the Rt. 9 railroad overpass downtown. These will include refurbishing the “Dream” mural, powerwashing the entire bridge and masonry, adding lighting and benches, and adding rain protection for the sidewalks below. We will also install some landscaping barrels near the underpass that would be sponsored and maintained by nearby businesses. We will send a letter to the Railroad with the Mayor asking for permission to restore the mural and install some lighting. The City will pay to repair the railing and install the lighting. We will also ask the Railroad to provide rain protection that will prevent ice from building up on the sidewalk due to dripping from above after the City has removed the snow. We have heard many complaints about this problem. , We will need to raise some money for this project. The Arts Council has committed the money that they have received over the year from trucks hitting the Bridge to the restoration of the mural. They have about $1000 in this account. We think the entire project, including police for traffic control, will cost about$10,000. We hope that we can find a local architect who will produce a rendering of the site as we envision it which we can use in our pitch to the Railroad and our fundraising. We are working actively with the Chamber of Commerce on this project. The members of the Board who are most involved in this are Jim Nash and Bob Reckman. Steve Rogers, our former vice-president, is willing and able to do the work. We hope it might happen this year.

We will work actively with the City and Mass Highway to facilitate communication about the proposed changes to Exit 19. We sponsored a community meeting at Bridge St. School on Jan 17 which was attended by about 70 people. We have written a letter to the Metropolitan Planning Organization via the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission which makes preliminary comments on the 5% plan. We will meet with the Mayor and the Planning Department to hear their views. We have begun to create a list serve of people who are concerned about the project. The address will be I-91Exit19Information. Gerry Budgar, our vice-president, has agreed to chair a subcommittee about this issue. If you would like to be on the list serve for Exit 19, please e–mail him at gbudgar@rcn.com. We have drafted a letter that we will send to Mass Highway as well as a number of people in City government and the press offering our assistance in communicating with the public. We will sponsor an event on Saturday in late April or early May which will combine a walk around exit 19 (so that people can look at the spots where proposed work may happen), another public information session and a social event. The public information session and social event will take place at the Northampton Airport.

--We will sponsor another Meadows Cleanup Day in the fall. This event may also include a social event such as a hayride.

--We are in the process of upgrading our web site substantially.

--We will continue to work on Sustainable Northampton and the Three County Fair Neighborhood Advisory Committee.

Events

Social at Montview Farm - Sunday September 9 from 1-4 pm at the Montview Farm on Montview Avenue
Rain date Sunday September 16th
There will be music, dancing, a tour of the farm and information about the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and the North Street Neighborhood Association. Please bring a hot or cold dish to share, the Association will provide burgers, dogs, drinks and eating utensils.

Sunday, September 9th

Sunday, October 14th
Annual Meeting - Sunday October 14 from 2-4 pm at the new Council on Aging building on Conz Street.
This meeting will include the election of new officers for the Association, information about the Association and discussion of what we know about the State's plans for Exit 19. We plan to have some snacks contributed by restaurants or delis in Ward 3.

Members of the Board

President
Gerry Budgar
Bridge St.
584-2964
gbudgar@rcn.com

Vice-President
Jim Nash
Montview Av.
218-2202
careerworks@comcast.net

Secretary
Marianna McKim
Hubbard Ave
586-7069
massed53@yahoo.com

Treasurer
Fred Zimnoch
Pomeroy Terrace
586-1522
zimnoch@crocker.com

Phil Sullivan
Island Rd.
584-9400
sulanco@verizon.net

Lisa DePiano
Henry St.
(610) 955-7168
dips@riseup.com

Owen Freeman-Daniels
Woodmont Rd.
530-1054
owenfd@gmail.com

Tim Fisher

Orchard St.
303-0275
tstevensfisher@yahoo.com


Madeline Blanchette
Valley St.
584-3409
madelinejohn@gmail.com

Joanne Mackiewicz
Crosby St.
584-8019
jom@outreach.umass.edu

Gloria Parker
Orchard St.
586-0217
sandpoint30@yahoo.com

Councilor
Bob Reckman
Fruit St.
584-8905
bobreckman@aol.com

President Jerry Budgar addresses City Council

Accomplishments

2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

--We have worked actively with the City in the development of a plan for a “Sustainable Northampton.” There have been a number of public meetings that are opportunities for citizen input. You can find the schedule for these meetings at the City’s web site: www.northamptonma.gov.

--We sponsored Meadows Cleanup Day in the fall. The turnout was good and we collected a dumpster full of trash.

--We sponsored a social event at Historic Northampton that featured the Northamptones.

--We continued to serve on the Three Country Fair Neighborhood Advisory Committee.

--We got the Chamber of Commerce to provide planters for a number of businesses at the corners of Hawley, North and Bridge Streets that local businesses there agreed to maintain.

2005 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

--We sponsored a total of 7 public meetings in cooperation with the Northampton Department of Planning and Development that led to the new Meadows Land Use Plan. The plan was adopted unanimously by the Northampton Planning Board and endorsed unanimously by the City Council.

--We sponsored a Meadow’s Cleanup day in late October that collected a 10 yard dumpster full of trash.

--We sponsored a meeting at the Wastewater Treatment Plant that included a tour of the City’s Flood Control Station.

--The President of the Association and our Council member are members of the Three County Fair Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Other members of the board have also attended meetings of this committee.

--We sponsored two social events.

Bylaws

Draft: August 30, 2007
Amended October 2008

Statement of Purpose: Residents of Ward 3 and its neighborhood businesses will work together to learn about and address important issues and to socialize as neighbors. The Association will create a sense of community and work together to improve conditions of all its residents.

Article 1: Membership
The membership of this association shall be residents, property owners or businesses within Northampton’s Ward 3.

A Voting Member shall be a dues paying resident or business owner within the boundaries of Ward 3. Each voting member shall be entitled to one vote.

Dues will be determined by majority vote at the annual meeting. Yearly dues are to be $10 per voting member or $15 per family. Membership dues shall cover membership from one annual meeting to the next. Membership shall not be denied on the basis of views or opinions contrary to the goals and purposes of the Association.

Article 2: Board Members
The voting members shall nominate and elect a Board of Directors comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, three at-large representatives from Ward 3A, and three at-large representatives from Ward 3B. The Ward 3 Councilor shall serve as ex-officio member of the B.O.D. There shall also be one at large business representative, whose business is in Ward 3, on the Board.

The Board of this Association shall hold offices for a term of one (1) year or until successors are elected. The term of office shall begin at the close of the Annual Meeting.

The President shall call and preside at all meetings, shall act for and on behalf of the membership of the Association, shall appoint any special committees necessary for the operation of the Association business, and shall act as official spokesperson for the Association.

The Vice President shall, in the absence of the President, assume all of the duties of that office and shall be responsible for publicity and notifications of meetings of the Association.

The Secretary shall keep a permanent record of all formal meetings, and all legal documents and legal transactions of the Association. The Secretary shall transcribe the minutes of each meeting and shall maintain a file copy of same and submit a copy of these minutes to the Board of Directors.

The Treasurer shall keep all financial receipts and a permanent record of all financial business of the association. An up-to-date financial report shall be submitted at each meeting. The Treasurer shall be responsible for membership.
Any Board member can be removed from office by a 2/3rds majority vote of the dues paying membership after a special meeting has been requested at least seven (7) days in advance.

Article 2A. Roles & Responsibilities

Role of the City Councilor on the Board of Directors:
The Ward 3 City Councilor, by virtue of being popularly elected by the constituents of the ward, automatically holds a seat on the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors. As a Board Member the City Councilor is afforded, one vote in Association matters. The City Councilor is free to hold his or her own position on city matters.
Responsibilities:
The City Councilor attends monthly meetings. The City Councilor will serve the Board of Directors by providing informed opinion and advice concerning city matters. The City Councilor will help disseminate the opinions and concerns of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association to our officials in city government. The City Councilor will assist the Association with accessing city officials and services that will support our projects and programs to create a more informed and active constituency. The City Councilor will work with the board to find ways we can better support our neighbors and city.

Role of the President of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association:
The President of the Association is elected to his or her seat at our annual meeting (open to the public) or by the Ward 3 Board to fill an opening due to a resignation. The President is afforded one vote in Association matters. The President’s election is effective for one year or until the next annual meeting. The President is in no way bound to represent the positions of the Board of Directors of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and is free to hold his or her own position on city matters.
Responsibilities:
The President is responsible for meeting schedules, meeting agendas, and the overall stewardship of the organization.The President assists the Association with creating a more informed and active war. The President provides informed opinion and advice concerning city issues. The President makes efforts to seek out and represent the views of his or her neighbors. The President makes efforts to disseminate information from the Association to his or her neighbors. The President supports Association events and activities. The President is the Association’s spokesperson.

Role of a Ward 3 Board Member:
A Ward 3 Board Member is elected to his or her seat at our annual meeting (open to the public) or by the Ward 3 Board to fill an opening due to a resignation. As a Board Member, one is afforded, one vote in Association matters. A Board Member’s election is effective for one year or until the next annual meeting. A Board Member is in no way bound to represent the positions of the Board of Directors of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, or its City Councilor, and is free to hold his or her own position on city matters.
Responsibilities:
A Board Member serves the Association by attending monthly meeting. A Board Member will assist the Association with creating a more informed and active ward. A Board Member is encouraged to participate on an Association sub-committee. A Board Member provides informed opinion and advice concerning city issues. A Board Member makes efforts to seek out views of their neighbors. A Board Member makes efforts to disseminate information from the Association to their neighbors. A Board Member supports Association events and activities.

Article 3. Committees
The President shall have the power to appoint committees as necessary to implement the purposes of the Association.

The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

Article 4. Meetings
An annual meeting shall be held during the month of October at a time and place designated by the President.

Not less than 33 percent of the Voting Members shall have the privilege of petitioning a special meeting at any time.

At least five (5) Voting Members must be present to constitute a quorum.

At least a seven (7) day notice shall be provided in advance of any Association meeting except for emergency situations at the discretion of the President.

Every effort will be made to notify all interested parties and members of the Association of upcoming meetings by e-mail, website posting, direct mailing, pamphlets, newsletters, or announcements at regularly scheduled meetings.
All meetings shall be public and open to any interested persons.

Article 5. Nomination, Elections, Annual Reports and Installation of Board Members
A nominating committee shall present a slate of Board Member nominees. Nominations made from the floor at the annual meeting would also be acceptable.

Election of Board Members shall be held on the same day as the nominations. Upon installation of the Board Members whose terms begin at the close of the Annual Meeting, all documents, records, and any materials pertaining to the duties of the office as designated in the bylaws which are in the possession of the outgoing Board Members shall be submitted to the newly elected counterpart within seven (7) days of the installation.

Any vacancies occurring during the year of any Board Member shall be filled by appointment of the Board of Directors.

Any Board Member may be removed from office for cause by a majority vote of the voting members.

Article 6. Fiscal Responsibility
Expenditure of funds of the Association in excess of $100 will require the signature of the Treasurer and one other Board Member.

Financial records and funds of the Association shall be audited at least once a year by a committee of at least two (2) Voting Members of the Association appointed by the President prior to a new Treasurer’s taking office.

Article 7. Amendment of Bylaws
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote.

Proposed amendments shall be sent to all members at least seven (7) working days in advance of the meeting where action is to be taken or shall be read at the preceding meeting.

Article 8. General
The rules in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the Association, the Board of Directors, and all subcommittees in all cases to which they apply and do not conflict with the specific provisions of the Statement of Purpose and Bylaws or any special rules that the Association may adopt.

If any part of the Bylaws or the application thereof is hereafter held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, and only the affected portions are declared eliminated.

No member, representative or spokesperson shall be personally responsible for the financial liabilities of the Association.

Mission

This is the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Website.

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association of Northampton invites you to explore the unique attractions of our community: The Great Meadows with its farms, wildlife, and beautiful Connecticut River waterfront, the 3 County Fairgrounds, oldest operating agricultural fairgrounds in the United States; the Paradise City Arts Festivals, presenters of fairs of fine and functional art; Historic Northampton and its ever-changing exhibits; and, of course, our charming neighborhoods filled with caring, involved people. These are just a few of the assets which make Ward 3 exciting and vital.
The mission of our organization is to preserve and further develop the quality of life available in our community and to involve as many of our citizens as possible in that effort.