April 3, 2008

Upon the recommendation Councilor M. LaBarge & Councilor Bardsley

RESOLUTION REGARDING CITY COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HOLDING PUBLIC MEETINGS ON PROPOSED LANDFILL EXPANSION

WHEREAS, the Northampton City Council will act as the granting authority when and if the Northampton Department of Public Works applies for a special permit to expand the Northampton Regional Landfill; and

WHEREAS, the Northampton City Council has been advised by City Solicitor Janet Sheppard and Special Counsel Michael Pill not to engage in any conversations regarding the proposed landfill expansion unless those conversations are within the context of a duly posted public meeting; and

WHEREAS, citizens of Northampton have requested that the Northampton City Council hold public forums on the proposed expansion; and

WHEREAS, there already exists a significant body of information about the Northampton Regional Landfill expansion proposal, including Environmental Impact Reports, the Site Suitability Report, the National Heritage and Endangered Species Program Report, and air and water monitoring data that has been submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection; and

WHEREAS, the Northampton DPW is likely to apply for the special permit immediately after the results of the current on-going health studies are reported;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

The Northampton City Council will sponsor and organize at least four public forums regarding the financial, environmental, public health and sustainability impacts of the proposed landfill expansion on the current and future residents of Northampton and surrounding communities.

These forums will be organized in such a manner to both present information to the general public in a timely fashion as well as to allow reasonable periods of time for public comment and discussion.

These forums will commence in late April and will continue until after the health reports have been issued. One of the forums will include Dr. Robert Newton, member of the Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee.

These forums will be posted as special meetings of the Northampton City Council, will be held in a facility that can comfortably accommodate a large crowd, will be well publicized with reasonable advance notice, and will be taped to ensure that they become part of the official record.

Officials and residents of the City of Easthampton will be invited to these forums.