HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04/28/2011IMA Study Group Meeting
Mansfield — Foxborough- Norton
April 28, 2011 6:OOPM
(At Mansfield Town Hall)
Members:
Mansfield: Lee Azinheira
George Dentin
Foxborough: Bill Euerle
Norton Duane Knapp
Diane McElligott
Also in Attendance: Bob Bell, AECOM
Kevin Paicos, Foxborough Town Manager
Joe Cove, Norton Attorney
David Young, CDM
Fran Yanuskiewicz, W &S (6:20 pm)
Discussions:
The following is a brief summary of discussions:
1. Status of Reilly Property Acquisition
• Joe Cove provided an overview of his research into the Reilly property
acquisition and he is coordinating efforts with Mansfield attorney Lou Ross so
there is no duplication of efforts.
• Norton pulled their town meeting article regarding this transaction since there
is no agreement to date on this acquisition. They expect to have a fall special
town meeting.
• Mansfield reported there has been no recent correspondence from Reilly's
attorney Marc Antine
• Appears Nature Conservancy may still be interested in purchasing some land
from Reilly's, particularly the agricultural fields.
• Duane Knapp reported the Reilly property is currently being logged.
• Attorney Cove is researching further Executive Order 193 which may limit
the use of state funds for purchase of agricultural lands.
2. Community Updates
• Norton — There have been no recent discussions with Wheaton College
regarding the wastewater issue. Town meeting is May 9th but all wastewater
related items have been pulled.
Foxborough — Nothing new to report on discussions with Patriots. Town
intends to move ahead with this agreement regardless of Patriot discussions at
this point. Only wastewater article on May 9 °i town meeting is to report on
status of regional agreement.
Mansfield — Article on May 261h town meeting to increase funding for
acquisition of Reilly property.
Attorney Cove suggested any town bringing back the Regional District
Agreement to a town meeting should ask for "ratification of actions of Board
of Selectmen and Water & Sewer Commissioners" as opposed to approving
the agreement which could lend itself to amendments on town meeting floor.
3, Discussion on Preliminary Draft of Regional District Agreement (3- 23 -11)
• Main topic of discussion was proposed Norton PILOT.
• Discussion started with whether Norton had requested a net payment or
gross payment of $200,000 annually. Representatives had different
interpretations.
• Weston & Sampson memo dated January 10, 2011 was re- reviewed and
discussed as this was initial justification attempt for the $200,000 PILOT.
• Foxborough and Mansfield representatives expressed some reservations
over the basis for the request. Not clear whether request is for lost taxes on
the expansion costs of the treatment facility or for the lost taxes on the
land being acquired for the effluent recharge sites. Norton currently
receives $17,000 annually in taxes on the treatment plant land.
• Norton Town Manager Mike Yunits had sent an email prior to the meeting
since lie could not attend which states "Norton should receive a payment
of $200,000 per year ". Mansfield and Foxborough representatives
interpreted that to mean a gross payment split by the three communities
versus a net payment to Norton with only Mansfield and Foxborough
paying.
• Several other payment suggestions were discussed but no decision was
made on how to resolve this PILOT rewquest.
• Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos reminded all that
"regionalization" meant cost savings for all participating but also each has
to give up some control as well
Future Meetings:
May 12, 2011 at 6 pm. (Mansfield Town Hall))
Adjourn 7:25 pm
Minutes Approved 11 -21 -11