March 7, 2023

“motion. It is lacking in detail and he recommended not to put it on the warrant in the form it is in now. Townsend stated this will be reviewed at their next meeting. Capital Outlay Bylaw Change- definition of a capital item: This information has not been received yet from the Capital Outlay Committee and it would be reviewed at the next meeting. Chapter 61A Request for First Right of Refusal- 31R Main Street, Assessor's Map 61-7-0: Allison Sand of Plus Power & Attorney Rick Novak of Pierce Atwood LLC present. Sand stated they are here to answer questions and to request that the Board waive their rights to purchase the parcel. Bogart stated she read the email from resident Mary Dormer and believes a public hearing should be held legally from her interpretation of the law and because people have desired to speak about it. Hewins asked to hear from Town Counsel on his interpretation of the 61A hearing. Corbo stated the first step is notification from the property owner of intent to change the use of the land. Corbo stated since it is a conversion of use, if the Board votes to purchase the land, the process first requires that the Select Board present the property owners with its appraisal at the town's cost. The property owners can the provide a competing appraisal. If the parties do not agree, a third appraisal can be obtained with the cost being shared. Once a property value is established, a public hearing is then held within a 120 day-period. If the Board then chooses to move forward, it would be at this point that a public hearing would be held. If the Board votes to not purchase the property, the process does not move forward and no public hearing is necessary. Motion by Bogart to move forward with the process of getting appraisals for the property. No second. Hewins motion to not exercise their right of first refusal, second by Cotter. Cotter asked that since the land has been permitted as a battery storage facility, then it would need to be appraised based on highest and best use, and not the land in its current state. Corbo agreed that the value is in the eyes of the prospective purchaser, which is how they can maximize their investment in the property and what is the value of the property based on the uses allowed. Resident Mary Dormer questioned if Plus Power is allowed to speak on behalf of the landowner. Attorney Novak stated they have permission to speak as the landowner's tenant. Corbo confirmed Novak and Sand have the right to speak on behalf of the land owner. Hewins amended her motion to not purchase their property by exercising their right of first refusal. Hewins stated she does not think this is the way to go about getting open space. Hewins stated the only other allowable use of the land would be a single-family home which would be tax negative if there are children in the home. Hewins re-stated the motion to decline the option to purchase the property, second by Cotter. Bogart stated it has been mentioned in the past that projects that know they require land out of Chapter 61A should come to the Select Board before it gets permitted by other boards. Townsend stated they come to the Town and it gets to the various boards that have a decision. Vote 3-1 (Bogart).” (Motion: Bogart, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to place article #2 on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“Motion to recommend article #2 by Hewins, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put article #3 part A on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“Motion to recommend article #3 part A including the 1% cost of living increase by Hewins, second by Cotter. Cotter stated this is the shared cost, town and school budgets. Cotter has not seen the school budget. Germain stated they received an overview of the capital plan at their meeting on March 6, but did not receive any details on their budget. Townsend stated he does not recall having discussions on the school budget in previous ears that he served on the fiancé committee. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put article #3 part B on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“Motion to recommend article #3 part B by Hewins, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put Article #8 part A on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put Article #8 part B on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put Article #8 part C on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

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“Motion by Hewins to put Article #8 part D on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put Article #8 part E on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“Motion by Hewins to put Article #8 part F on the warrant, second by Cotter. Vote 3-0.” (Motion: Hewins, second: Cotter)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)