Wilber School Redevelopment Committee

August 28, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Amended and Approved September 6th, 2005

 

Committee Attendees

Michael Baskin

Bob Levin

Dave DePree

Marcia Liebman

Craig Edwards

Joel Tran

David Gordon

 

Marilyn Z. Kahn

 

 

Guest Attendees

Paul Lauenstein

Alice Cheyer

David Grasfield

 

 

Meeting Initiation

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Dave DePree.

 

1. Septic concerns/CHAPA Report

  • Discussion centered on Peter O’Cains letter and supporting documentation from the Weston and Sampson study. Committee questioned if bringing particular treatment systems would cause additional nitrates to the soil. Need to determine cost benefits to be passed to the developer and determine benefits to the town. It was agreed that more investigation is needed to determine the varying treatment systems available to handle nitrates for the Wilber property and excess capacity to handle surrounding properties.
  • Grasfield stated that the parcels location next to a well makes it challenging. It is in a special nutrient sensitivity zone, which raises a hurdle for both a developer and the town. Lealdon Langley, the guest speaker who needed to cancel, may have creative ideas for the site and surrounding areas without adding additional burden to the wells.
  • DePree suggested Grasfield contact BOH, Waste Management, DPW, ConCom, Water Department and DEP for a joint meeting to discuss a solution to waste water treatment for the site. Grasfield agreed to arrange a meeting for September 8th.
  • Gordon questioned if there were enough funds for W&S to continue their study to determine the various scenarios/costs/pros/cons as pertains to the waste water management. Kahn agreed it was a good idea and is opposed to placing the project on hold.  DePree stated that from a regulatory standpoint need to find a solution for the waste water treatment before moving forward.
  • Guest Lauenstein suggested someone take the CHAPA Report and draw conclusions as to the appropriate scenario to pursue: commercial/municipal, mixed use or residential.
  • Tran suggested moving forward with the RFP process and continuing with additional studies so a developer will understand what he is working with. Suggested stating within the RFP that we anticipate an approximate $1 million dollar cost for a treatment facility and that the town will reduce payments by anything above that amount. This will create less uncertainty for the bidder in the treatment of effluent from the site.
  • Koff/Bluestone/Crane meeting on 9/12 will be an opportunity to discuss design of RFP. Need to determine if we want to use a directed approach or more flexible approach.
  • Committee determined it is important to keep process continuing while determining waste water solutions.
  • DePree stated that when we studied market rents, square footage, rentals, adding feet, commercial use and the office scenario alone did not make money.  To create revenue, need a residential component which will impact waste water so we need to determine what to do. Need to determine how the financials will work.
  • To move forward, DePree will look at the financial models again. Tran/Baskin will work with Koff/Bluestone and Crane. Kahn/Edwards will look at waste water treatments. Experts are also needed to work with the town regarding waste water treatments.
  • Available members will attend the Selectmen meeting on August 30th to meet with Weston and Sampson and discuss study results.
  • 9/6 meeting, DePree will try and reschedule the Langley’s. Need to discuss where we want Koff/Bluestone and Crane to go.
  • 9/12 meeting with Koff/Bluestone and Crane to discuss RFP and alternative scenarios.

 

Motions

Tran/Baskin moved to accept minutes as amended for August 8th, 15th and 22nd. Committee unanimously approved.

 

Attendance Availability Schedule

Members in attendance updated availability through the end of October.

 

Meeting Schedule

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 6th at 7:30 pm in the Cynthia B. Fox Community Room at the Sharon Public Library.

 

Meeting Adjournment

Edwards/Tran moved to adjourn meeting at 9:15 pm: motion carried unanimously.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Rachelle F. Levitts