Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
May 14, 2007
Chairman Whitcomb called the meeting to order at 5:00PM with all members and Mr. Hinchey present. Town Counsel Bruce Gilmore joined the meeting at 5:20PM.
The Board of Selectmen met on this date to consider further developments on Article 14, the purchase of the Mobil Station property on Main Street.
There is some contamination on the lots and Mr. Hinchey felt the Town Meeting should be made aware of the discovery before being asked to purchase the land. The extent of the contamination, the length of time it may take to clean the property, and restrictions that could later be placed on the land are still unknown.
Mr. Gilmore reported he spoke with Attorney Litchfield, who represents the owners, and told her the property would have to be turned over to the Town free and clear of any contamination and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection before the Purchase and Sale could be honored.
After further deliberations by the Board of Selectmen including possible liability issues, uncertainty about the legality of the use of Land Bank funds, and the need for time to assess the various questions, the Board took the following actions:
Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen vote to change their position on Article 14 and reverse the vote to recommend approval of this Article to the Town Meeting. Mr. Bergstrom seconded the motion. The Board of Selectmen voted four in favor, one opposed (Ms. Connors felt that things could be worked out after the purchase and did not want to abandon the Article).
Mrs. Bohman moved the Board of Selectmen vote to recommend indefinite postponement of Article 14 to the Town Meeting. Ms. Connors seconded the motion and the Board of Selectmen voted four in favor and one opposed (Mr. Bergstrom was opposed to the Article from its original presentation).
The meeting adjourned at 5:50PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ramona M. McDonald
Recording Clerk
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