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Rutland Development and Industrial Commission
Meeting Minutes – 9/16/15
Community Hall Annex
Meeting opened at 6:30AM. Attending: Mike Sullivan, Doug Briggs, Mark O’Clair, Michele Van Reet
Visitors: Mr. Dick Williams; Margaret Nardowicz, Town Administrator ; Thomas Ruchala, Kristin Holdom, Rutland Recreation; Ken Dubovick, Rutland Little League; Dave Lussier, Rutland Little League
- Recreation use of the property
- Dave Lussier & Ken Dubovick (representing Rutland Little League) expressed interest in using some of the Rutland Heights property for little league baseball/softball fields. Kristin Holdom also mentioned potential use for soccer, tennis courts, other possible recreation uses. Mike Sullivan advised that they put together a proposal as soon as possible. Sullivan also advised that it would be best to coordinate with all recreation groups (soccer, Pop Warner, any others) to determine the best use of the property for all recreation needs. Mr. Williams also suggested that the groups include parking requirements with their proposal.
- Walking trails – there was a walking trail around the perimeter of the property, but it is quite overgrown. It would need some work to rehab the trail. Margaret Nardowicz also mentioned that it may be eligible for a parks grant. Tom Ruchala noted that the rehab may not be as much work as it seems. Dick Williams thinks it could be done in conjunction with a tree harvesting to help pay for the clearing. Dick Williams will lead this project.
- Extension of P&S Agreement
- Barton has requested an extension of the P&S Agreement. There were no objections. Briggs motioned to authorize Sullivan to approve/sign the extension, O’Clair seconded. Motioned passed unanimously.
- DCAM Cleanup Document Status
- There is no single document that states that the site has a DEP stamp on it. DEP oversaw the project, but they didn’t go looking for problems. Prospective buyers will need to do their own due diligence.
- Flo Design finally cleaned up the mess, but left some gravel. Sullivan asked them to repair and reseed the area.
- Roadway Status – no discussion
- HPPD Review Board Status
- Members have been contacted and can be sworn in anytime.
- Further discussion on recreation
- Van Reet commented that given that there are several different groups wanting to use the property for recreation, we (the town, not RDIC) should consider building a public snack shack/bathroom area so that the town/recreation can generate revenue for the town. Margaret Nardowicz also mentioned that we have some non-profits that are not tied to the town and recreation wanting to use the space. Since some of the groups are not town sponsored, we may need to consider setting aside a specific area for this and we would need to determine who/how it would be managed.
- Mark O’Clair suggested creating a body that would be responsible for putting together a plan and building a recreation area/gathering area – ampitheater, building, etc. The body could oversee the property by leasing/renting space and running the venue to generate income.
- Solar update from Margaret – the town received a municipal energy technical assistance grant. The RDIC site would be in the mix of properties to be evaluated for solar, but only the contaminated area would be considered. There would not be interest in using any other usable areas of the property at this time. There are other municipal sites available for solar. Margaret will keep us posted on the status of the town solar status. Sullivan asked why the rest of the property wouldn’t be considered for solar, as we already know it is a feasible site for it. Margaret pointed out that there are other properties in town that are also available and the solar committee does not think it would be an appropriate use for this property, which should be developed to generate income for the
town. Solar would not generate as much income as commercial development would. Sullivan agreed in theory, but also noted that we have put out several RFPs with no response. Margaret said that she will let us know if the solar committee finds that other parts of the property are viable for solar, but will not commit to using any other part of the property for the town’s use except for the contaminated area. Sullivan wants the solar committee to consider the entire parcel. Several members commented that we should not rush into putting solar on the property at this point. We should consider the long term and not rush into something too quickly. Sullivan pointed out that it is our mission to generate income from the property.
- Next meeting: Thursday, 10/15/2015 at 6:30AM at Community Hall Annex.
- Van Reet motioned to adjourn. O’Clair seconded. Unanimously adjourned at 7:24AM.
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