Chilmark Board of Selectmen November 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman Jonathan Mayhew, Bill Rossi, Warren Doty.
Others: Melanie Becker and Diana DeBlase
At 11:00 AM Chairman Mayhew called meeting to order in the Selectmen’s meeting Room.
Mr. Doty said that the Selectmen have asked that Diana DeBlase (Administrative Assistant to the Board of Selectmen) replace Tim Carroll in the Executive Session proceedings to avoid any concerns of a possible Conflict of Interest.
At 11:01 AM Mr. Doty moved to go into an Executive Session Meeting to discuss land acquisition and not to return to regular session.
Mr. Mayhew: Aye, Mr. Rossi: Aye, Mr. Doty: Aye.
Ms. Becker and Ms. DeBlase attended as well.
Mr. Doty distributed maps (over view) of 399 Middle Road (Map 26, Lot 94). This property abuts the Chilmark Town Hall property at 401 Middle Road. Mr. Doty said this parcel has 1.4 archers which is big enough for our fire station needs.
Mr. Rossi said the property is being listed at $975,000.00
Mr. Mayhew reported that the Selectmen have offered $900,000.00
Mr. Doty shared his concerns that another entity will offer the asking price and we may be out of another property that the Town should own. Mr. Doty referred to the South Road property that the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank out bid the town located at 517 South Road.
Mr. Doty said he has had talks with David White the director of the Yard. Mr. Doty reported Mr. White said this is a unique abutting property opportunity but the Yard doesn’t want to bid against the Town. Mr. White said he requests that town keep its rural appearance. Mr. White describes this area as “a private alcove secluded in the woods.”
Mr. White told Mr. Doty clearing property is a visual concern. Mr. Rossi recommended a screening of 25’ vegetation a “no cut zone”
Chairman Mayhew recommended a no cut vegetation screen for the Chilmark Church side as well.
Mr. Doty said the Yard also asked that the town consider the Yard’s need of bathrooms and Mr. Doty discussed a possibility of an easement for leaching field. Selectmen looked at lot 95 as a possible area.
Mr. Rossi said the proposed building design should reflect the other Beetlebung buildings.
Mr. Doty said that this property is zoned agriculture / residential and will need to be changed to municipal use.
Mr. Doty said that Mr. White said the Yard is willing to not be in competition for this property as long as the concerns and requests are understood and that there is an additional concern of noise from the proposed fire station to consider. Mr. White asked that there would not be drills scheduled during performances etc.…
Chairman Mayhew recommended offering the asking price of $975,000.00
Mr. Doty distributed a rough draft expense proposal.
Mr. Doty said he estimated a figure for land purchase of for this exercise $950,000.00
Site work $100,000.00
Firehouse $1,500,000.00
EMS / TTA building renovations (old fire station) $300,000.00
Architects & designs $150,000.00
Contingency $200,000.00
With an estimated total being $3,200,000.00
Selectmen discussed the needs assessment for the fire station. Selectmen requested that the area not be covered in asphalt. Selectmen requested the Selectmen’s office contact the other island town s to get a cost of the Emergency Responder Buildings that they have recently built.
Town Treasurer Melanie Becker distributed finance materials for town’s debt service. The materials illustrated the possible borrowing structures. Ms. Becker supplied materials for discussion of 3 different scenarios of borrowing cost to the Chilmark tax payers. Discussion ensued.
Selectmen thanked Ms. Becker for gathering all of the figures together for this meeting.
The discussion turned to the structure to be erected on the proposed lot.
Mr. Doty said his figures for costs that he shared earlier were based on a 5,000.00 square foot structure. Mr. Rossi said that the structure should be less than 24” high and recommended a single story and the exterior be shingled. Chairman Mayhew agreed and liked the idea of a barn like structure that Mr. Rossi recommended.
Mr. Rossi said coming from his real-estate background he would not offer the $975,000.00 suggested by Chairman Mayhew but discussed the reasoning of toning down the building size to be able to offer the full $975,000.00.
Mr. Doty recommended contacting town counsel and requesting that they draft a Purchase and Sales agreement with the contingency that it will have to be brought to the Chilmark voters at town meeting. Mr. Rossi said he would contact Hancock Real-estate (Debbie Hancock is realtor for this property) and tell her of Selectmen’s intentions. Discussion turned to the timeline of what will need to be done. Chairman Mayhew suggested posting a Special Town Meeting for January 2016 10th-15th as a marker.
Mr. Doty moved to make an offer of $975,000.00. Mr. Rossi seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
At 11:59 AM Mr. Rossi moved to adjourn. Mr. Doty seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase. Approved 12/1/15
These Executive Session are now considered public record as of 12/1/15
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