Chairman Levy called the meeting together at 7:02 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Resolution #20092010-32, an agreement between the Newmarket Town Council and Shearwater Investments Inc. regarding the construction of a railroad crossing to access Black Bear TIF Industrial Park.
Mr. Levy recognized Town Council Chairman Michael LaBranche who distributed material to those members present of the correspondence between Mark Stevens of Shearwater, Inc, and the Newmarket Town Council that resulted in the Town Council’s adoption of Resolution #20092010-32 on March 3, 2010. Councilor LaBranche addressed questions from the members.
Mike Ricker questioned the role of the 3-member committee. Councilor LaBranche indicated that the committee was established to show the town’s support and attend meetings with Mr. Stevens when he would meet with the representatives from the railroad or the State Dept of Transportation. He noted that the presence would indicate Newmarket was serious about and supported the railroad crossing installation.
Mr. Ricker asked if there were any costs involved, Councilor LaBranche indicated no, there was not. There was no discussion of any costs. He noted the correspondence that indicated that the responsibility to install the railroad crossing belongs to Shearwater and that the Town would own the crossing at the completion of construction. Mr. Ricker did not feel that there are not any costs of the town involved. Councilor LaBranche indicated that there may be some costs to sleeve the water and sewer lines and any utilities. He also further indicated that the 3-member committee has a responsibility to report back to the Town Council and to the Black Bear TIF as to their discussions. The goal would be to exhaust all means possible to accomplish construction of a railroad crossing.
Dick Bajger indicated that he was very pleased to see that the Council has taken some actions to move this forward.
John Badger asked if there was consideration given for any maintenance and upkeep of the crossing. Councilor LaBranche indicated not by the Council. He did note that Shearwater was willing to install gates due to the Amtrak train.
Chairman Levy inquired about the need for the 3-member committee as it relates to the Town support. Councilor LaBranche again indicated it was formed to show that there is a need for the crossing in order to access the property on the East side of the railroad tracks. Chairman Levy indicated wouldn’t a letter of town support be sufficient. Councilor LaBranche indicated that the committee would be present during all meetings with DOT and the railroad, which would assist in reinforcing the importance of the installation of this crossing is to town.
Mr. Levy indicated that he felt that carving out a special committee to support the efforts of the railroad crossing is not necessary as the Town Administrator and the members of the Black Bear TIF Committee working together could show the same type of effort.
Mr. Ricker indicated that he was somewhat offended that the 3-member committee was established in order to keep the Black Bear TIF membership out of it.
Mr. Levy then indicated that he wished to be considered for appointment on the committee.
Councilor LaBranche indicated that the membership that he appointment to the committee were individuals whose term of office would go beyond May 2010. Specifically, the appointments of Councilors Minutelli and Botterman and the appointment of John Badger, due to his membership on the Planning Board.
Mr. Badger indicated that he feels there is a need to see the reaction of the railroad and the DOT as to whether or not they will support the installation of the railroad crossing. Mr. Levy again said there was no representative on the committee who is a property owner and has asked if the Council would consider appointing a member who was. He asked Councilor LaBranche to reconsider the decision to include a member of the committee, with consideration of him, Mr. Levy, being appointed.
Chairman Levy asked if any members of the public would like to speak. He recognized Councilor Kwaks, who provided input relative to the establishment of the advisory committee RSA 162-K:14.
Chairman Levy asked that the committee hold off the adoption of the minutes of September 17, and June 24, 2009 as he wished to listen to the tape recording that was made at those meetings. Town Administrator Wojnowski asked for a copy of the tape for his own review prior to the committee’s next meeting too. Mr. Levy indicated that he would endeavor to get original or copies of the tape to the Town Administrator.
John Badger indicated that the committee should consider going after federal and/or state funds to redesign New Road at Route 108 or for some other design scheme that would allow access to the Black Bear TIF, possibly over the current railroad bridge in Newfields. He also indicated that there was a need to determine what are the best and highest use of the property. There was some discussion as to having the Town Assessor provide the tax benefit for any development within the property.
The committee also discussed the Economic Development Committee. The goal of the committee is to update chapter 6 of the town’s Master Plan. The Committee would look at black Bear TIF and undertake a thorough review of the town to determine what are the highest and best uses of the land that could be rezoned for industrial or commercial property.
There being no further actions to come before the committee, motion by John Badger, seconded by Mike Ricker to adjourn meeting.
Motion was adopted unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:04.
