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Rutland Development and Industrial Commission
Meeting Minutes –10/27/15
Community Hall Annex
Meeting opened at 6:42. Attending: Mike Sullivan, Doug Briggs, Michele Van Reet
Visitors: Mr. Dick Williams, Ken Dubovick, Dave Lussier, Rutland Recreation Director, Joe Rossi, Tom Ruchala, Chris Senecal
- Review minutes – None to review
- Recreation
- - Ken Dubovick and Dave Lussier spoke about the possibility of using about 12-15 acres for 1 baseball field, 2 soccer fields, and recreation area for a playground. They determined that the parcel at the top of the hill abutting Central tree Middle School would be ideal so that the existing school parking lots could be used. They showed the area they would like to use on a map from Google Maps that they printed. Mike explained that the area they referred to include a strip of the land between the Rutland Heights property and the school property that is owned by the Town of Rutland and is not part of the Rutland Heights property, so they would need to approach the Town of Rutland for permission to use that parcel of land. Mike suggested that they approach the Town about using the additional
parcel; then come back to us if it’s approved by the town. There is nothing in the works for that parcel at this time. Doug Briggs suggested that they come back to us with whatever they want to do as soon as possible to ensure they can get the space they need. Mike asked if they had funding and Dave Lussier said that it should not be an issue. Baseball has access to grants and the have access to volunteers and local businesses willing to donate time and resources to building the fields. Dick Williams suggested that they take a ride through the property to see how nice it looks and how much open space there is for fields at the top of the hill. Doug Briggs mentioned that Dick and Tom Ruchala are resurrecting an old walking trail that would also tie in to their plans. ?? from Rutland Recreation also mentioned that there may be grants available to help fund the walking trails, especially if they are handicap accessible.
- Joe Rossi also presented a potential use for the property to build an indoor facility for various sports (soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball). He has a proposal and is ready to approach banks for financing to build it, but needs to know if there is a parcel available. We discussed various aspects (profit/non-profit facility, operations – who/how, space needs would be up to 5 acres). Mr. Rossi needs to develop a more definitive plan and respond to the RFP that will be posted in the near future.
- HPPD Review Board - Chris Senecal is concerned about a potential conflict of interest/ethics issue if he wants to develop something in the future at the Heights. He’ll check with Anita Carlson, Town Clerk to make sure there would be no conflict.
- Tom Ruchala – presented pictures of the old walking trail and information on the condition of the trail now. The roadway is pretty solid – it hasn’t washed away at all over the years. There are a few spots that will need clearing, but it’s not too much. There is one area where the cleanup crew and the town have pushed some debris onto the trail that will need to be cleared out.
Old business
- Barton contacted Mike because they determined that they want to build a facility double the original size; from 15,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet, to accommodate 300 employees in 3 years, which would require a parking lot to accommodate 300 parking spaces. The increased scope of the project will not work on Lot 2 alone because it is not large enough for the project due to wetlands restrictions. Mike is working with Barton and the engineers to determine the most efficient use of Lot 1, Lot 2, or a possible configuration utilizing either all of Lot 1 or Lot 2 with a portion of the other lot for additional parking. Mike will consult with Paul to determine what we can do to work with Barton to change the P&S. We may need to post another RFP to change the lot configuration to
include any part or all of Lot 1.
Adjourn
- Mike will let us know when we should meet next based on his meeting with Paul Cranston this week.
- Briggs motioned to adjourn. Van Reet seconded. Unanimously adjourned at 7:40AM.
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