Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, April 19, 2008
Members present: Paula Proulx, Silvia Arocouette, Gail Ellis, Hiram Watson, Cindy Snowdon and Cyndi Paulin.
Also present: Director of Planning and Community Development, Dan Merhalski. Public Works Director Joel Moulton and Selectmen’s Secretary, Megan Taylor
Review of 2-20-08 Minutes: After brief review and comment by the members, Paula Proulx motioned to accept the minutes of 2-20-08 as amended seconded by Hiram Watson. All in favor.
Test Pits:
Joel briefed the committee on the process of the test pits, which include digging 20-30 pits, taking 20-30 samples for gradiation. The purpose of the testing is to determine/characterize what materials are in the Sarah Greenfield Park. Joel suggested that the Town look into selling some of the materials as revenue for road repairs. The Town could put up a scale house temporarily which could later be used at the landfill. (Scale estimated cost$50,000).
Hiram asked if any tests pits were done in the past and Joel replied yes, but they were not characterized or recorded.
Cindy Snowdon questioned Joel on the cost of the testing. Joel explained that his crew would do the excavation; estimated $500.00 manpower/in house equipment cost and the tests are $85.00 per pit.
Joel responded to Sylvia’s question on scheduling: He has a window of opportunity now thru May, the excavation can be completed in half a day, the test results back in about two weeks. The whole process could be completed in a month.
Silvia Arcouette motioned for Dan Merhalski to write a letter to the BOS to be presented at their next meeting on April 14, 2008 requesting permission to proceed with the test pits at the Sarah Greenfield Business Park with a maximum of $2550 expenditure. Hiram seconded with an amendment to include that the testing should be marked and catalogued. A vote was taken: All in favor.
Marketing Plan:
Cyndi Paulin presented the packet with the changes she made as suggested by the committee. The committee was in consensus to proceed and to produce 50 packets in house. Silvia offered her assistance if needed. Megan explained she is waiting for an update to the copier hard-drive before she can proceed which will hopefully be soon..
Route 11 re-zoning: At the request of the EDC at the 2-20-08 meeting, Dan drafted a letter to the BOS to authorize the Planning Board and Department to begin investigation into re-zoning of Route 11(copy of this letter attached to final copy of these minutes). The Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the request.
Cyndi Snowdon suggested a joint meeting with the BOS, the PB and EDC to discuss which direction the Town wants to go. The current zoning does not match the level of opportunities; we should look at future development.; should ,look at zoning to align with the Master Plan.
Cyndi Paulin stated that zoning should be based on the best interest of the community, public input is important. We need to be aware of the aquifer; we don’t want to poison our water. Most of Sarah Greenfield is on an aquifer.
Dan stated that this is a geographically challenged area. The Planning Board will briefly look at the re-zoning issue at the April 15th meeting and them more closely at the May 20th meeting. Then a draft will be presented at a public hearing.
In regards to the railroad tracks: Dan: Part are now natural recreation trails; look at to reactivate? It would be difficult if the railroad does not own the entire track. It is unclear who owns it, Dan will look into it. The rail spurs were abandoned when the businesses closed down.
Site map:
Julie Labranche is in the process of producing a detailed site map. Dan will ask her to include adjacent land. Paula stated that there is a potential right of way, which Dan identified on lot 22-4, which would give the Town access to the back of the park. This should be written in as an easement. Cindy Snowdon stated that the easement should be written in as part of the deed. Dan stated that Town Attorney could look at recording an easement.
Grading Plan: A plan was done by Berry surveyors a few years ago for the remaining lots.
Discussion on the Master Plan:
Cindy stated that there are lot of factors involved in the future: Landfill Closure, Water Treatment Plant, Public Safety Building: A lot of big expenses for the taxpayers. Paula stated that the Town needs a balance of housing stock; there is little high-end stock. Paula will bring a suggestion to the Board of Selectmen to hold a joint board/committee public forum to discuss the impending issues of the Town in June or July.
A tentative agenda was set for the May 14, 2008 meeting:
1. Overview of Regional Economics
2. Site Map from Julie Labranche (if available)
3. Test Pit results (if available)
4. Review and discussion of Chapter 5 of master Plan
Gail Ellis was excused from the meeting at 8:30AM.
Paula asked Megan to write a letter to the members whose terms are expired and to Steven Durance to request his resignation if he does not plan to attend.
At 9:00AM, Silvia Arcouette motioned to adjourn seconded by Cindy Snowdon. All in favor.
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