WESTFIELD – Members of the Community Preservation Committee last night discussed its policy of funding projects with a goal of extending its ability to provide funding for future projects.
The board has recently approved funding for major projects, with the caveat that the appropriation, when approved by the City Council, be spread over multiple years through municipal financing mechanisms, such as bonds.
That discussion was initiated during review of a funding increase requested for Hanger II at Barnes Regional Airport, which will be a total commitment of nearly $500,000 from the Community Preservation Act account.
Board members said they would want that appropriation spread over three years at about $166,000 a year which would allow the committee to consider other funding requests.
CPC member Vincent Olinski, a Park & Recreation Commissioner who has served on the CPC since its inception, said that “historically we really tried to keep 50 percent of the funds available so if a project came up we could consider funding it.
“But we never had the kind of projects that have come up over the past two years,” Olinski said. “In the past we wanted projects with matching funds, now we’re getting big dollar projects that are 100 percent funded with CPA money. Maybe we should identify a reserve cap.”
Ward 4 Councilor Mary O’Connell said she is concerned with the funding and type of projects receiving those funds, especially those that the board desires to spread out over a number of years.
“You guys are scaring me with those future financial obligations,” O’Connell said. “I’m getting very nervous.”
CPC Chairman Joe Muto suggested that the discussion was better suited for the board agenda item pertaining to CPC planning, priorities and the possible repeal of the Community Preservation Act in Westfield.
The board was unable to agree on a resolution to the issue and put it on the agenda for its next meeting.
