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Town of Lexington Economic Development Advisory Committee September 22, 2011 Selectmen's Meeting Room Town Office Building 1605 Massachusetts Avenue 8 : 00am -9 : 3 Dam MINUTES PRESENT: Chair: John McWeeney, Vice Chair: Narian Bhatia, Larry Smith, Bruce Embry, Jerry Michelson, David Pronchick, Sigmar Tullman, Rick DeAngelis, Joe Zink Liaison, non - voting: George Burnell (Selectmen), Deb Mauger (Selectmen) Staff present: Carl Valente, Maryann McCall - Taylor, Bill Hadley and Michelle Stevens The meeting was called to order at 8:00 am. The Committee approved Minutes from July 28, 2011. Review of proposed anaerobic digestion facility at the Hartwell Avenue composting site Selectwoman Mauger presented a report to the Committee that was prepared by a consultant regarding the potential use of an organic waste facility at the Hartwell Avenue Composting site. The proposal includes the continued operation of the hazard materials collection area, the Police target range and a more efficient leaf to mulch operation. The facility is proposed to be built at the rear of the site, close to Rte 128. In response to a question, Ms. Mauger indicated that the composting site was needed by the Town for a multitude of Town uses and that it is not available for divestment for alternative economic development purposes. Ms. Mauger said when looking long range, an anaerobic digester could be very beneficial in reducing the solid waste stream and creating energy that might be sold into the grid. Ms. Mauger said the next step is for the Board of Selectmen to authorize staff to prepare an RFP to determine how potential vendors will develop the site for an organic waste processing facility. Mr. McWeeney said that he thought the committee should discuss the issue surrounding the use of the property. Mr. DeAngelis said that it could be beneficial to study the possibility of multi -use on the site and engage a land -use planner to gain a better understanding of possibilities for the land. He indicated that his firm always works to get a keen idea of the opportunities before deciding an approach. Mr. Smith said that the Town has a fiduciary responsibility to look at the best use of the land, as it is one of the very few large parcels that can attract a 300,000 plus square foot building, with the potential to generate over $1 million in taxes. He also advised the use of college resources like the MIT Real Estate School to determine if there have been any case studies of the actual development and operating results of this type of facilities. Mr. Bhatia said it is also important to consider potential impact to surrounding property owners, specifically Kings Street owner's concerns that nearness to a composting facility will have a negative impact on marketing the Hartwell area. Mr. Zink said that he believed it was premature to seek an RFP, as other options for the site were not known. Ms. Mauger said that the Town was stuck in a chicken and egg problem. The EDAC would like that to understand other possibilities for development of the site. Mr. Valente stated the former landfill at this site is closed under DEP permit and that the permit would need to be amended before development can occur. He also said it is important to remember the area is surrounded by wetlands so any development would require approval from the Conservation Commission. Review status of hiring new Economic Development Director Mr. Valente said that a formal recruitment for an Economic Development Director began after Labor Day and is closing on September 26 He said they have not determined who will be on the interview panel, but a representative from the EDAC will most likely be included. C: \Documents and Settings\lmaguire \Local Settings \Temporary Internet Files \OLK105 \EDAC Minutes 09 22 1 I.doc