HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-22-EDAC-minTown 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.
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The Committee asked how many people had applied. Carl said he did not know an exact number and would report
back to the Committee. The Chair asked that Mr. Bhatia represent the EDAC on any interview panel.
Follow -up discussion from meeting with representatives of Town and Hanscom Chair asked what the next steps are
to continue to advocate for keeping Hanscom in Lexington. Mr. Hadley said that they have not been in touch since
the meeting in July. Mr. Tullman suggested inviting Colonel Tom Schluckebier to attend the EDAC meetings.
However, Mr. Pronchick suggested only inviting them on an ad -hoc basis. Mr. Bhatia also suggested the Staff
continue to stay in contact with Secretary Bialecki. John said that he knows staff time is limited and that this type of
follow -up will be an important task for the new EDD.
Set future meeting dates The Committee set future meeting dates for the third Thursday of the month at 8:00 am.
The next scheduled EDAC meeting is October 20 at Sam.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 am.
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