Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 11/21/22

Hardwick Board Addresses Racetrack Reconsideration and Special Election

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 11/21/22

These meeting notes are AI-generated and unofficial. They are provided for convenience and are not official Town records or approved municipal minutes. Verify all details using the source video and official Town documents.

Meeting details

Date

November 22, 2022

Duration

44m

Decisions

3 recorded

Action Items

3 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened to address a petition requesting reconsideration of their November 9th vote to approve a horse racetrack at Great Meadowbrook Farm. After hearing public comments expressing widespread confusion and concerns about the proposal's potential impacts, the motion to reconsider the prior approval failed. Consequently, the Board voted to hold a special election on January 7, 2023, for residents to vote on the racetrack's location, with poll hours from noon to 7 PM. The Board also initiated plans to form a committee by November 29th to ensure comprehensive and accurate information is disseminated to the public prior to the special election.

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Discussion Highlights

A petition was submitted by residents requesting reconsideration of the Board's prior approval of the Great Meadowbrook Farm horse racetrack location.
Concerns raised by residents included general confusion about the project, the non-binding nature of a previous applicant-supported petition, potential impacts on agricultural preservation land, increased traffic, and the societal effects of sports betting.
The Board discussed the process for reconsideration and the subsequent potential for a special election, with legal counsel clarifying the procedural steps.
There was a strong emphasis on the need for honest and comprehensive information dissemination to residents before any town-wide vote.
A committee is proposed to evaluate the Host Community Agreement and address public questions, with a meeting scheduled for November 29th to appoint its members.
The initial Host Community Agreement draft was noted to be from the applicant and not yet negotiated by the town.
The Chair requested that proponents of the Great Meadowbrook Farm project work with the town's committee on information sharing rather than distributing independent "propaganda."

Transcript (7,351 words)

Lightly cleaned for readability. Each timestamp opens the video at that point.

00:00:00
Order Pledge of Allegiance visitors comments minutes old business great book great sorry it's been a long day great Meadowbrook Farm a great consideration and action on motion to reconsider vote to approve the location of a horse racetrack at Great Meadowbrook Farm
00:00:18
Further if reconsideration is not successful consideration and vote to call a special election on January 7 2023 pursuant to General Law chapter 128 a section 13A other old business new business right Meadowbrook Farm consideration and
00:00:36
Action on motion to authorize Town Administrator to send letter to the applicant and gaming commission regarding action taken by the board open space and Recreation planned osrp appointments Nicole Parker Angelique Broussard James Broussard Emily Cartier and Aaron Ballard other new business
00:00:53
Discussion and or vote relative to arpa funding police tasers and storage container discussion budget discussion and discussion on process committee reports Town Administrator report signatures and approvals selectman round approval and adjournment
00:01:11
So we do have a flag I know if you were on mute up Kelly's on mute also yeah everybody can unmute themselves yeah and I don't think everyone was muted you're getting some feedback and I think there's a few people that aren't unmute so
00:01:30
They're supposed to be unmute when they enter the meeting okay so um if we could um the Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance of America
00:01:48
To the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty thank you so um before we proceed through the agenda I would

[00:00:00] order Pledge of Allegiance visitors [00:00:02] comments minutes old business great book [00:00:06] great sorry it's been a long day great [00:00:09] Meadowbrook Farm a great consideration [00:00:12] and action on motion to reconsider vote [00:00:14] to approve the location of a horse [00:00:16] racetrack at Great Meadowbrook Farm [00:00:18] further if reconsideration is not [00:00:20] successful consideration and vote to [00:00:22] call a special election on January 7 [00:00:24] 2023 pursuant to General Law chapter 128 [00:00:28] a section 13A other old business new [00:00:32] business [00:00:33] right Meadowbrook Farm consideration and [00:00:36] action on motion to authorize Town [00:00:37] Administrator to send letter to the [00:00:39] applicant and gaming commission [00:00:40] regarding action taken by the board open [00:00:43] space and Recreation planned osrp [00:00:46] appointments Nicole Parker Angelique [00:00:48] Broussard James Broussard Emily Cartier [00:00:50] and Aaron Ballard other new business [00:00:53] discussion and or vote relative to arpa [00:00:56] funding police tasers and storage [00:00:58] container discussion budget discussion [00:01:00] and discussion on process committee [00:01:03] reports Town Administrator report [00:01:05] signatures and approvals selectman round [00:01:07] approval and adjournment [00:01:11] um so we do have a flag [00:01:14] I know if you were on mute up Kelly's on [00:01:17] mute also yeah everybody can unmute [00:01:19] themselves [00:01:20] yeah and I don't think everyone was [00:01:22] muted [00:01:23] you're getting some feedback and I think [00:01:25] there's a few people that aren't unmute [00:01:27] so [00:01:30] they're supposed to be unmute when they [00:01:31] enter the meeting [00:01:36] okay so um if we could um the Pledge of [00:01:40] Allegiance [00:01:42] I pledge allegiance [00:01:46] of America [00:01:48] to the Republic for which it stands [00:01:51] one nation under God [00:01:54] indivisible with liberty [00:01:59] thank you [00:02:01] so um before [00:02:03] um we proceed through the agenda I would [00:02:06] just like to as I have in meetings [00:02:08] passed just ask for some ground rules [00:02:10] [Music] [00:02:12] um it's a little more challenging we're [00:02:14] on zoom we're on Zoom because as you [00:02:16] know the municipal building had some [00:02:18] water damage we're not able to use the [00:02:21] room [00:02:22] uh I understand that the elementary [00:02:24] school was not available for us to use [00:02:26] this evening and in light of um what we [00:02:30] have before us with time sensitivity of [00:02:33] it we are conducting it via Zoom [00:02:36] I know it's not ideal [00:02:38] um I ask that you stay muted [00:02:41] um I I anticipate that most of you are [00:02:45] here for what's on the agenda [00:02:47] um I understand that [00:02:49] um [00:02:51] similar to the meeting that we had [00:02:54] relative to the first petition that was [00:02:56] presented to the board [00:02:58] um I have asked [00:03:01] her up to speak on behalf of the [00:03:03] petition that was just submitted and [00:03:05] um it was a bit last minute so Kara I [00:03:08] appreciate your willingness to speak [00:03:11] um [00:03:12] I would ask as we've asked in other [00:03:15] public meetings that you be respectful [00:03:17] uh Nicole is the host she will take my [00:03:21] direction if you are not respectful any [00:03:24] of the participants that are here we [00:03:26] will remove you and you will not be [00:03:29] readmitted there is no [00:03:31] um that's hard and fast no tolerance on [00:03:34] this [00:03:35] um I understand there's a lot of emotion [00:03:37] in what's been occurring I I appreciate [00:03:40] that and I understand that but [00:03:43] um I won't tolerate any disrespect [00:03:45] against anyone any of the members of the [00:03:47] board selectman or anyone present in the [00:03:49] meeting [00:03:50] um just it's it's a no-go for me so you [00:03:52] just need to know that ahead of time and [00:03:54] Nicole I'll direct you if someone needs [00:03:56] to be a removed please [00:04:00] Kelly and Rob is there anything that you [00:04:02] want to say before we start going [00:04:04] through the rest of the agenda any [00:04:06] questions you have or anything I haven't [00:04:07] covered [00:04:10] no I'm good [00:04:13] we probably are all feeling [00:04:16] that's all set thank you [00:04:19] okay so the next item on the agenda is [00:04:22] visitors comments so there are um 90 of [00:04:26] us us here so it's going to be a little [00:04:28] difficult to perhaps [00:04:31] um see hands or such Nicole what's the [00:04:34] best way for someone to alert you that [00:04:36] they would like to speak there they have [00:04:38] a comment [00:04:40] um for anybody that wants to comment on [00:04:43] something that's not on the agenda which [00:04:44] is what the visitors come for they can [00:04:46] raise their hand [00:04:47] um [00:04:48] and I can hopefully see them [00:04:50] as I'm letting all these people in and [00:04:53] um and let you know that they're raising [00:04:55] their hand [00:04:58] um [00:05:00] right it's for anything that's not on [00:05:02] the agenda so [00:05:05] whatever you think is best I don't have [00:05:09] a hand raised at the moment [00:05:11] all right we'll give it a minute or two [00:05:13] what [00:05:22] can we we're still recording this [00:05:26] um it's being live streamed [00:05:29] and he records it and puts it up [00:05:34] okay so [00:05:36] um [00:05:36] hearing no visitors comments we're going [00:05:39] to move on to the next item on the [00:05:40] agenda [00:05:42] um which is minutes and we um I [00:05:44] understand that we will be receiving [00:05:46] minutes [00:05:47] um in the next meeting for us to review [00:05:49] and get caught up on minutes [00:05:52] um [00:05:53] under old business [00:05:56] letter a great Meadowbrook Farm [00:05:58] consideration and action on motion [00:06:00] reconsider vote to approve the location [00:06:01] of a horse race track the great [00:06:03] Meadowbrook Farm further if [00:06:06] reconsideration is not successful [00:06:07] consideration a vote to call special [00:06:08] election on January 7 2023 a person went [00:06:11] to General Law chapter 128 section 13A [00:06:14] at this time I would ask Kara [00:06:18] um on behalf of the petition that was [00:06:21] just received would you um thank you for [00:06:24] being willing to speak in the floor is [00:06:26] yours [00:06:27] great thank you Julie for for reaching [00:06:29] out this morning [00:06:30] um and uh so I'll just I'll get started [00:06:34] um Julie Rob Kelly thank you for this [00:06:37] opportunity to speak on behalf of those [00:06:39] against this proposal of land use for [00:06:42] great Meadowbrook Farm [00:06:44] well I am only one person here I do want [00:06:48] to say that I do speak for many Town [00:06:50] residents and represent a group by the [00:06:52] name of Hardwick Villages for [00:06:54] responsible growth we welcome anyone who [00:06:56] has interest in joining us in these [00:06:57] efforts [00:06:58] all that aside I then would like to [00:07:01] first start out by saying that I am only [00:07:02] going to state facts about this most [00:07:04] recent petition and the town residence [00:07:07] that I spoke to [00:07:08] firstly a handful of dedicated Town [00:07:10] residents and I hit the streets on [00:07:12] November 11th [00:07:14] during that time we had many [00:07:16] conversations with people and what the [00:07:19] petition was for more information about [00:07:22] it and some had questions why they were [00:07:25] even signing a petition in the first [00:07:26] place because they thought that the [00:07:28] decision had already been made [00:07:30] one thing that really carried through in [00:07:32] a lot of these discussions was General [00:07:34] confusion on the topic so specifically [00:07:38] I thought they voted this down I already [00:07:41] signed a petition what would this bring [00:07:43] uh I already signed a petition that [00:07:45] would bring this to a town vote can you [00:07:47] explain to me what's going on these [00:07:49] questions were undoubtedly led to uh [00:07:52] undebtedly let it to a longer needed [00:07:55] much needed conversation [00:07:58] we would then answer meaning myself and [00:08:01] the dedicated tone residents I spelled [00:08:03] out earlier [00:08:05] we would then say the board of Selectmen [00:08:08] did vote this down initially but two of [00:08:10] them changed their minds on November 9th [00:08:12] and we are now forced to Canvas if we [00:08:14] want them to a reconsider again or B if [00:08:18] they do not reconsider it will then get [00:08:21] sent to a special election [00:08:23] uh one of the other things that came up [00:08:25] was you know uh you they heard that [00:08:29] um you know they signed another petition [00:08:31] uh that was presented and uh they wanted [00:08:34] to know why this was not bringing it to [00:08:36] a town vote unfortunately the original [00:08:39] petition could not bring about a [00:08:41] town-wide vote on its own and we would [00:08:44] then continue with legal aspects and [00:08:45] rules around explaining all of that that [00:08:48] encompassed the previous petition and [00:08:50] that it did not guarantee any binding or [00:08:53] legal action [00:08:55] at the at the result of that [00:08:57] and to that end that petition was [00:09:00] supported and put on by the applicants [00:09:01] themselves later admitted by their [00:09:03] council at the Massachusetts gaming [00:09:05] commission meeting on November 14th [00:09:08] now this is a lot of things to explain [00:09:10] and a lot of things that have happened [00:09:12] in a long series of events that have [00:09:14] followed this application and the [00:09:16] disruption that it really has brought [00:09:18] our small town [00:09:19] in a very short period of time [00:09:22] so we would then stay and talk present [00:09:24] the facts about the race days and the [00:09:26] number they were promising versus the [00:09:28] number of State the number that the [00:09:30] state actually mandates we would then [00:09:32] talk about the state regulated [00:09:34] agricultural preservation restricted [00:09:36] land and then the massive amount of [00:09:38] Earth that needs to be moved in order [00:09:40] for this construction to happen for a [00:09:44] level race track [00:09:45] and that modifying land like that does [00:09:48] not actually coincide with guidelines [00:09:49] for those restrictions [00:09:51] then we talked about the traffic and how [00:09:54] we would see a bunch of traffic leading [00:09:55] up to race days temporary festivals uh [00:09:58] for the temporary Festival component and [00:10:01] then the traffic on the rates days where [00:10:03] we'd see thousands of people affecting [00:10:05] not only us but our surrounding towns [00:10:07] and then of course discussions involving [00:10:10] sports betting and how this proposal [00:10:12] leads them to a sports betting license [00:10:14] which by the way is a very new Venture [00:10:17] for the state of Massachusetts and is [00:10:19] incredibly Uncharted Territory [00:10:22] so around that [00:10:24] um and there have been a bunch of [00:10:26] studies related to sports betting how [00:10:29] it's addictive and harmful increases [00:10:31] mental health issues decreases [00:10:33] graduation rates and targets very low [00:10:35] income and vulnerable populations [00:10:38] and as a result many asked how [00:10:41] appropriate this was for a small town [00:10:43] like our town Hardwick [00:10:45] so in order in order to perpetuate not [00:10:48] only my voice I have gathered four [00:10:50] quotes from a couple of folks that are [00:10:52] in town [00:10:54] um that felt strongly about this as well [00:10:56] Dana Prouty referencing an old quote men [00:11:00] in denim Built This Town men in suits [00:11:02] will destroy it Glenn mojick we should [00:11:05] be in the driver's seat not them the [00:11:07] applicant [00:11:08] this small idyllic town is not the place [00:11:12] for a racetrack and bedding parlors the [00:11:14] only people who will benefit from this [00:11:16] project are the proposers Kim Wright [00:11:19] every member of every village cares [00:11:22] about the health wealth and well-being [00:11:24] of our community we all want to see [00:11:26] Hardwick Thrive for Generations the ceac [00:11:28] is not about Community rather a small [00:11:31] group capitalizing on the natural beauty [00:11:33] of our home and making a benefit as a [00:11:36] detriment to it [00:11:38] and then finally Alice Lowell [00:11:40] my dad Chet Goodfield had a dream to buy [00:11:44] the old mixture farm so much so that at [00:11:46] age 11 he saved up 11.20 to purchase his [00:11:50] first cow later he fulfilled his dream [00:11:53] and developed his own heart of good [00:11:54] filled Guernsey delves uh oh own hurt on [00:11:57] Goodfield Guernsey Del Farm [00:12:00] his purpose for putting his farm in the [00:12:02] hands of APR was to preserve farmland [00:12:05] and contribute to the betterment of the [00:12:07] community [00:12:08] as was his life mission not to exploit [00:12:11] it for the commercialized sports betting [00:12:13] and racetrack [00:12:15] so these discussions these sentiments [00:12:18] and have have not stopped since we [00:12:20] passed in this petition a week ago [00:12:23] um you know we continue getting phone [00:12:25] calls we continued getting people asking [00:12:28] to sign our petition in disagreement [00:12:29] with your change voice voice votes on [00:12:31] November 9th each one of us each person [00:12:35] that we have spoken to continue to [00:12:37] correspond with all the people that we [00:12:39] have run into all the people that spoken [00:12:42] to along along the way [00:12:43] every person that is logged into this [00:12:46] Zoom meeting tonight has only a small [00:12:48] slice of information about the applicant [00:12:51] including myself [00:12:53] while we all agree that the town is is [00:12:56] in every right and everyone in this town [00:12:58] has a right to vote I think that one of [00:13:01] the biggest things that I ask of you as [00:13:04] the select board is that if you choose [00:13:07] to bring this to a town boat I think [00:13:09] it's imperative that [00:13:11] you need to prioritize honest and [00:13:14] comprehensive information [00:13:16] uh so that this can be brought to a town [00:13:19] boat and everything will be fair I say [00:13:22] this because when we went door-to-door [00:13:24] when we talked to our friends and our [00:13:26] neighbors [00:13:27] there was widespread lack of clear [00:13:29] information and a surplus of [00:13:31] misinformation [00:13:32] so after collecting those for 438 [00:13:35] signatures 335 certified it says a lot [00:13:38] about the people opposing this proposal [00:13:41] every town resident deserves the time [00:13:43] and respect to truly evaluate the entire [00:13:46] scope of this proposal completely before [00:13:49] committing either way [00:13:51] if these proposers are as tied to [00:13:54] Hardwick as they state [00:13:56] and as committed as they claim [00:13:59] they will work with us they will teach [00:14:01] us and they will wait for us [00:14:04] myself and every person that supports a [00:14:07] no vote and protests such a vote [00:14:09] approving a location for the applicant's [00:14:11] proposal request that the town of [00:14:13] Hardwick Board of Selectmen immediately [00:14:16] rescind their approval of this location [00:14:18] because as you said Julie not [00:14:21] necessarily never but not now and as you [00:14:24] said Rob we need time for legal opinions [00:14:27] and study and as you said Kelly just [00:14:30] know thank you [00:14:37] thank you Carol [00:14:41] okay [00:14:43] uh [00:14:46] um so a couple points I think that need [00:14:48] to be clarified from [00:14:50] um our last meeting [00:14:53] um I I've heard [00:14:55] um many comments relative to [00:14:57] um the election and the question that [00:14:58] was posed [00:15:00] of great Meadowbrook and specifically [00:15:03] John stepanini at the last meeting [00:15:05] um and [00:15:07] um it is my opinion [00:15:09] um as the chair and certainly Kelly and [00:15:12] Rob are [00:15:13] um certainly can voice their opinion [00:15:16] um it's not appropriate for us to ask uh [00:15:19] the proponents for great Meadowbrook [00:15:21] Farm if this does move to a special [00:15:23] election to pay for the election [00:15:26] um I personally think it muddies the [00:15:28] waters it adds more [00:15:31] um [00:15:32] uh confusion perhaps or [00:15:36] um negative feelings surrounding the [00:15:38] election and so [00:15:40] um [00:15:41] I did speak with Nicole about this [00:15:43] earlier [00:15:44] um and uh believe that we should not be [00:15:48] asking that of the applicant I I think [00:15:51] that's not appropriate it was a question [00:15:53] that was raised [00:15:55] um [00:15:56] uh at our last [00:15:59] um [00:16:00] uh meeting rightly so I mean I think [00:16:02] it's a question any of the board members [00:16:04] of the board of Select when are free to [00:16:05] ask any questions they want they will [00:16:07] not stand in the way of anyone asking a [00:16:08] question because we're getting more [00:16:10] information as well I'll also stand [00:16:12] behind and support that I allowed John [00:16:13] to speak I've honestly taken a lot of [00:16:16] criticism about that but it was a [00:16:18] question that Rob asked and I felt Rob [00:16:19] needed and deserved the answer you may [00:16:22] differ how you feel about that and I'm [00:16:24] sorry but that is a position I took and [00:16:27] that's what I stand behind [00:16:29] um [00:16:31] Kelly or Rob [00:16:33] um so I I guess I will say this has been [00:16:36] what has happened in Prior meetings I've [00:16:38] sort of laid out all the options as I [00:16:40] see them and I will do the same [00:16:42] uh for this meeting and you can [00:16:44] certainly add in any [00:16:46] um additional comments or questions or [00:16:48] uh [00:16:50] thoughts so one we do nothing with the [00:16:53] vote [00:16:55] um we've have a petition to support the [00:16:58] project or the proposal we have a [00:17:00] petition that's received [00:17:02] um [00:17:03] and Kara very nicely put the reasons why [00:17:06] the folks who are are not ready or [00:17:09] um not prepared or don't want this [00:17:13] um proposal to move forward [00:17:15] we have both of those in front of us and [00:17:16] we've heard from both sides [00:17:19] um [00:17:20] so our options we can choose to do [00:17:21] nothing and leave our vote as it stands [00:17:24] [Music] [00:17:26] um as it stands based on our November [00:17:28] 9th [00:17:30] um vote [00:17:31] second option which I've given a lot of [00:17:34] thought to and certainly would want to [00:17:37] um I'll put it out there on one of three [00:17:39] um [00:17:40] if the board decides to [00:17:43] [Music] [00:17:44] um [00:17:45] leave the vote as it is [00:17:48] um which is and essentially it's a yes [00:17:50] vote based on the November 9th meeting [00:17:53] [Music] [00:17:55] um we would then vote on a special [00:17:58] election [00:17:58] [Music] [00:18:00] um [00:18:01] and uh which tentatively would be held [00:18:05] on January 7th of 2023. [00:18:08] I would [00:18:09] um as chair I would make the [00:18:11] recommendation that if that is the [00:18:13] course that happens with the board that [00:18:16] we develop a seven or nine member [00:18:18] committee [00:18:19] um made up of very similar to committees [00:18:23] that have been formed in the past [00:18:24] specifically I I can speak to the [00:18:27] landfill committee because I was on that [00:18:29] committee [00:18:30] um with perhaps the chair of the Board [00:18:32] of Health the chair of the planning [00:18:34] board the terror various committees and [00:18:38] members at large within the community [00:18:40] perhaps [00:18:42] um someone on each side of the petition [00:18:44] to sit on this committee to help [00:18:47] evaluate the host Community agreement [00:18:51] um as we're sort of moving through [00:18:53] the other thing I would recommend is [00:18:55] that [00:18:56] um I hear loud and clear on both sides [00:18:59] um [00:19:00] about uh information and making sure [00:19:03] everyone has the same information [00:19:06] um and so I would also recommend that [00:19:08] during this time [00:19:11] um [00:19:12] that we hold public information sessions [00:19:15] we have as many of them as we need [00:19:18] we call in the appropriate experts we [00:19:21] need whether we have mdar come back we [00:19:25] could perhaps invite the gaming [00:19:26] commission back we could invite whoever [00:19:28] we need to invite [00:19:30] to make sure that people have as much [00:19:33] information as they need [00:19:36] um and it can be whatever format that's [00:19:40] a format we can determine asking [00:19:43] questions [00:19:44] um from both sides funneled through our [00:19:47] Representatives on both sides of the [00:19:49] petitions that have been submitted [00:19:52] and getting the right answers for people [00:19:54] so that people can make an informed vote [00:19:56] on January 7th [00:19:58] so [00:20:00] um I do understand either way I believe [00:20:02] Alex and just perhaps clarify for me [00:20:05] from a process standpoint I know these [00:20:07] motions sort of came in late today [00:20:10] um [00:20:11] but regardless of [00:20:14] um [00:20:15] I I think we need to call for a motion [00:20:17] to reconsider and if the [00:20:21] um if the motion [00:20:23] fails then we are still with the vote [00:20:26] that was taken on November 9th if the [00:20:30] motion passes then our vote is to be [00:20:32] reconsidered [00:20:33] am I accurate in that that's correct [00:20:36] Madam chair so under the statute uh you [00:20:40] are required to hold the vote of [00:20:42] reconsideration given the submission of [00:20:44] the petition [00:20:45] and if the [00:20:48] motion is not successful than your prior [00:20:53] vote of approval [00:20:56] um would stand but the special election [00:20:58] would then go forward [00:21:02] alternatively if you reconsider and then [00:21:07] hold a vote to overturn your approval at [00:21:12] that point the [00:21:14] approval would no longer stand and you [00:21:17] would have essentially reversed your [00:21:19] prior vote [00:21:23] very confusing at best [00:21:29] so those are the two options that I sort [00:21:32] of see [00:21:33] um Kelly or Rob do you have any other [00:21:36] thoughts or questions or [00:21:39] things you want to raise that I haven't [00:21:41] already addressed [00:21:44] no I I think that I mean obviously we [00:21:48] have to act on this and I mean we acted [00:21:51] on the last petition so it would only be [00:21:54] um comparable to act on this one [00:21:57] I um my concern about [00:22:00] informational meetings and pulling [00:22:03] together a committee is [00:22:05] while Thanksgiving is three days away [00:22:07] and Christmas Falls right after that and [00:22:10] it tends to be a very busy time for [00:22:12] everybody [00:22:13] and a lot of people [00:22:15] um I [00:22:17] you know I [00:22:18] see a lot of people in state levels [00:22:21] trying to get them to come in a lot of [00:22:23] people take time off they're using their [00:22:24] year-end time off so I think that we [00:22:27] just need to be mindful that we could [00:22:29] run into those issues of trying to pull [00:22:31] together additional meetings with with [00:22:34] folks [00:22:36] understood [00:22:42] Rob do you have anything you want to add [00:22:48] um no I think I kind of understand the [00:22:51] past that we have to choose between so [00:22:57] okay [00:23:00] Julie yes Nicole [00:23:02] um I just thought if you you know if in [00:23:05] the event it goes to a vote I think that [00:23:08] it would be prudent to put a committee [00:23:10] together after the vote right to see [00:23:12] where it goes if we put a committee [00:23:14] together and the vote goes nowhere then [00:23:16] we'll have this committee for no reason [00:23:18] so I think to Kelly's point of it being [00:23:21] the holidays the vote comes after the [00:23:24] holiday and then you know start working [00:23:27] on a committee after the vote [00:23:30] so I I appreciate that my concern is [00:23:33] what I've what I've heard from both [00:23:36] sides whatever [00:23:37] um [00:23:38] that there is [00:23:42] um [00:23:44] there is much information on both sides [00:23:47] that [00:23:48] um or are many questions on both sides [00:23:51] that need clarification many Claire but [00:23:54] many questions [00:23:56] um [00:23:57] you know that I think we need if this [00:24:00] does go to town vote that people deserve [00:24:02] the answer to so Kelly I hear loud and [00:24:05] clear that it's during the holidays and [00:24:07] it's going to be a tough time [00:24:09] um I think there are a lot of ways that [00:24:12] we can get the information out to people [00:24:14] with maybe [00:24:17] um I would agree with that little little [00:24:19] or it doesn't necessarily have to be an [00:24:21] in session we can do a lot of things to [00:24:24] get information out to people [00:24:26] um accurate information information that [00:24:29] um [00:24:30] you know and and with regard to specific [00:24:33] questions and such so that perhaps it [00:24:35] isn't a heavy lift my thought on the [00:24:37] committee is that and I I understand [00:24:39] Nicole my thought on the committee is [00:24:41] there's a lot of questions that I'm [00:24:43] seeing come from the host Community [00:24:45] agreement a lot of uncertainty [00:24:47] surrounding that and my thought with [00:24:50] regard to the committee is that they can [00:24:52] start looking at the host Community [00:24:54] agreement and coming up with questions [00:24:57] that [00:24:58] um [00:24:59] I I will give you a for instance there [00:25:02] is some concern that there will be [00:25:05] alternate gaming sites within the town [00:25:08] and so I I think that [00:25:11] um [00:25:12] if there's a real concern there there's [00:25:14] a real concern about the level of [00:25:16] control the gaming commission can have [00:25:18] and I think some of the answers to those [00:25:21] questions are going to be needed for [00:25:22] people to make the appropriate vote if [00:25:25] that's the way the board chooses to go [00:25:27] so that's really my only [00:25:30] um sought with regard to putting the [00:25:33] committee together is that the committee [00:25:35] could help put some of that information [00:25:37] together and figure out with the board [00:25:39] how to get that disseminated [00:25:43] but again that's something we can talk [00:25:45] about as a group and what the best way I [00:25:48] would say though that if [00:25:50] um [00:25:51] we're going to put that committee [00:25:52] together it needs to be soon [00:25:55] um it needs to be as much [00:25:59] um [00:26:00] you know as soon as we possibly can so [00:26:02] that these folks can get started and [00:26:04] meet and at least start dissecting [00:26:07] um folks have done a lot of work and you [00:26:09] know in a lot of research and have gone [00:26:12] through the document and have come up [00:26:14] with their concerns and questions so we [00:26:16] could certainly get on those and address [00:26:18] those right away [00:26:21] um the fine-tuning of the agreement [00:26:24] you know could I [00:26:27] agree with you could occur after [00:26:30] um the vote has happened and coming up [00:26:32] with specifics and all of that could [00:26:34] could occur after but I think there's a [00:26:36] bulk of questions that have Arisen as a [00:26:39] result of that [00:26:41] um [00:26:43] uh that agreement [00:26:47] that's fair I I think that it's also [00:26:50] very important to [00:26:51] put it out there that this is the [00:26:53] initial draft of a host Community [00:26:55] agreement that was drawn up by the [00:26:57] applicant so typically we'll go months [00:27:01] of negotiating host Community agreements [00:27:04] like we've done with the um [00:27:07] marijuana cultivation and and those [00:27:10] different groups so it's although you [00:27:13] know and I I hope that the hundred [00:27:14] people that are on here are really [00:27:16] understanding that this is the initial [00:27:18] proposal submitted by the applicant and [00:27:20] we have not even delved into it at all [00:27:24] to you know make sure that Hardwick has [00:27:27] uh the upper hand in the agreement [00:27:36] any other discussion on this Kelly or [00:27:38] Rob [00:27:40] I'm good [00:27:42] um I think we kind of need to [00:27:44] get to the first step which is uh [00:27:47] whether we're going to reconsider or not [00:27:50] um [00:27:52] and make the motion but I don't know if [00:27:55] we have some legal [00:27:57] wording that I don't want to mess up the [00:28:00] legal wording of this and have it thrown [00:28:02] back at us somehow here so so I can I [00:28:05] can Prime on the motion [00:28:07] so [00:28:09] um which is then um provided to us by [00:28:12] Alex thank you Alex so [00:28:14] um I would entertain the motion to [00:28:16] reconsider the vote taken on November [00:28:18] 9th 2022 to approve the location of the [00:28:22] horse race track at the property located [00:28:24] in the town of Hardwick [00:28:26] known as great Meadowbrook Farm two two [00:28:28] a Berry Road more fully described and [00:28:32] indeed recorded at the Worcester South [00:28:34] District registry of deeds at book [00:28:36] 66167 page 367 pursuant to General Law [00:28:41] chapter 128 a section 13 a set approval [00:28:45] being subject to the following [00:28:47] conditions [00:28:49] um [00:28:50] execution of a host Community agreement [00:28:54] applicant obtains all necessary local [00:28:56] permits and approvals and aggregate [00:28:59] agricultural land freezer Vape [00:29:02] sorry folks agricultural land [00:29:04] preservation committee determines that [00:29:06] the project is consistent with the local [00:29:08] APR [00:29:14] IL I move that question as Julie just [00:29:17] read [00:29:20] it's been moved by Robin seconded by [00:29:23] Kelly any discussion on the motion [00:29:30] hearing none I will call the roll Rob [00:29:35] no [00:29:37] Kelly [00:29:39] so can I just clarify the motion is to [00:29:43] Recon [00:29:45] Center correct so the motion [00:29:48] um [00:29:50] so we're voting on whether or not to [00:29:53] reconsider the motion is to reconsider [00:29:56] the vote [00:29:56] okay [00:29:59] yes Kelly yes [00:30:04] um [00:30:05] and Julie is a no [00:30:08] so the motion to reconsider fails in the [00:30:11] original vote on November 9th stands [00:30:15] um and so what happens now is [00:30:20] um [00:30:21] we uh need a motion to [00:30:25] um hold a special election [00:30:29] um so [00:30:31] um I will read the motion for you [00:30:34] um so I will entertain a motion to hold [00:30:37] a special election on January 7 2023 [00:30:39] pursuant to General General Law chapter [00:30:42] 128a section 13. to vote on the question [00:30:45] of whether to approve the location of a [00:30:47] horse race track at the property located [00:30:49] in the town of Hardwick known as great [00:30:51] Meadowbrook Farm 228 Barry Road more [00:30:54] fully described in a deed recorded at [00:30:56] the Worcester South District registry of [00:30:58] deeds at book 66167 page 367 [00:31:04] uh set up approval [00:31:08] shall be subject to the following [00:31:09] conditions Alex do I need to include [00:31:11] that in the motion [00:31:16] said approval shall be subject to the [00:31:18] following conditions execution of the [00:31:20] host Community agreement applicant [00:31:21] obtains all necessary local permits and [00:31:24] approvals and agricultural land [00:31:26] preservation committee determines that [00:31:27] the project is consistent with the local [00:31:29] APR [00:31:33] can I just [00:31:36] are you you want to make the motion and [00:31:38] then I'll then discussion [00:31:41] I'm just questioning that the date is a [00:31:44] Saturday [00:31:46] yes the date is a Saturday [00:31:49] okay [00:31:52] and the times will have to be determined [00:31:53] too [00:32:00] yes [00:32:03] I'm sorry I'll I'll wait for selectman [00:32:07] Ruggles to make a motion I was simply [00:32:10] going to [00:32:11] recommend times it's obviously your call [00:32:15] Saturday was recommended because school [00:32:17] will not be in session allows for more [00:32:20] people to come out and vote [00:32:23] well exactly open a minimum of four [00:32:25] hours they cannot be open any later than [00:32:27] noon [00:32:29] my recommendation but it's entirely up [00:32:31] to you as to how you decide what the [00:32:33] hours are my recommendation would be [00:32:34] noon to 7 pm [00:32:37] historically we have had the polls open [00:32:39] as early as 10 a.m on a municipal [00:32:42] election [00:32:43] um but I'll leave that to your decision [00:32:45] I'm just letting you know what we've [00:32:46] done in the past and what my [00:32:47] recommendation is [00:32:52] Robin tell any thoughts on the islands [00:33:00] noon to seven sounds [00:33:03] seven hours of [00:33:09] uh Madam chair I would just recommend [00:33:12] that you amend the initial motion to [00:33:15] clarify the timing [00:33:19] okay so what was it what time did we [00:33:21] decide on [00:33:23] nine to noon [00:33:25] 8 to noon [00:33:27] noon to seven was what Ryan recommended [00:33:33] okay I thought so [00:33:35] I'm a little distracted by the chat [00:33:37] because there's a lot going on in the [00:33:38] chat I apologize [00:33:41] um so he said I thought he said no later [00:33:43] than noon is that opening the polls [00:33:47] okay Madam chair that's Ryan yes [00:33:51] oh yes you you the polls cannot be [00:33:54] opened any later than noon historically [00:33:56] we have had we have had the polls open [00:33:58] at 10 A.M when we've had no races we did [00:34:02] open them at noon this Saturday [00:34:04] ordinarily a lot of people wouldn't [00:34:07] necessarily be working the mail-in [00:34:09] voting the early uh excuse me the early [00:34:12] the nail and voting the absentee voting [00:34:14] rules still apply for a municipal [00:34:17] election so people that are not able to [00:34:19] vote on that day are still able to do so [00:34:21] through my office [00:34:23] by recommendation was to do the times [00:34:25] from noon to 7 PM okay I apologize [00:34:30] um that's okay I want to make sure I was [00:34:32] clarified I mean that I was clear I'm [00:34:34] sorry okay so I will reread the motion [00:34:38] so I'll entertain a motion to hold a [00:34:40] special election on January 7 2023 [00:34:43] pursuant to General Law chapter 128 a [00:34:46] section 13A to vote on the question of [00:34:48] whether to approve the location of a [00:34:49] horse racetrack at the property located [00:34:51] in the town of Hardwick known as great [00:34:53] Meadowbrook Farm 228 Berry Road more [00:34:56] fully described and indeed recorded at [00:34:57] the Worcester South District registry of [00:34:59] deeds at book 66167 page 367 said [00:35:03] approval shall be subject to the [00:35:04] following conditions execution of a host [00:35:07] Community agreement applicant obtains [00:35:09] all necessary local permits and [00:35:10] approvals and agricultural land [00:35:12] preservation committee determines that [00:35:14] the project is consistent with the local [00:35:15] APR [00:35:17] uh the poll hours to be from noon uh to [00:35:22] 7 pm [00:35:31] thank you [00:35:33] so moved by Rob seconded by Kelly any [00:35:36] other discussion [00:35:39] hearing none I will call the roll Rob [00:35:42] yes [00:35:44] Kelly [00:35:46] aye [00:35:46] and Julie is yes so the motion carries [00:35:51] um [00:35:52] so before we go any further [00:35:54] um I would like to say a couple things [00:35:57] um and I know I've said a lot of things [00:35:59] and I would ask that people on both [00:36:01] sides of [00:36:04] the equation [00:36:07] um [00:36:07] I would ask that [00:36:10] um [00:36:11] I would ask are uh great Meadowbrook [00:36:14] proponents [00:36:16] to [00:36:18] um [00:36:19] there's there are Flyers that are going [00:36:22] around or propaganda that's going around [00:36:23] and I would ask that [00:36:26] you work with the committee or whoever [00:36:29] is whoever the board decides is going to [00:36:32] work on [00:36:33] getting the information out for that [00:36:35] propaganda and not to come from your [00:36:38] group directly [00:36:41] um or so that we can make sure that the [00:36:43] information that's getting out is [00:36:47] um [00:36:47] is is really what the questions are that [00:36:50] are being asked that's really where you [00:36:52] would be most helpful and I don't need [00:36:54] you to respond I don't [00:36:56] um I don't want you to respond in this [00:36:58] format you know in this forum we can [00:37:00] certainly talk about this offline I just [00:37:03] want to put it out there because that [00:37:05] seems to be [00:37:06] what what I really would hope is that [00:37:09] everyone has the same information [00:37:11] understanding [00:37:14] um that people in the different aspects [00:37:16] of town have the right to have all of [00:37:19] the information and we'll do our best to [00:37:21] get it out to those folks [00:37:23] um to make sure everyone has the same [00:37:25] information if there is anything to come [00:37:28] out [00:37:29] from [00:37:30] um the town or as a result of this [00:37:33] committee or the board whatever the [00:37:34] board decides to do I want it to be from [00:37:37] the folks who are working on it [00:37:40] um certainly people are afraid [00:37:42] talk about or do what they need to do [00:37:44] but I'm just asking that we give people [00:37:47] a fair shot to have the same information [00:37:49] because it isn't an even playing field [00:37:51] right now with all of the questions that [00:37:53] are coming out it isn't an even playing [00:37:56] field and I just feel that we owe that [00:37:58] to people in town for everyone to have [00:38:00] the same information [00:38:03] um [00:38:06] any other thoughts Kelly or Rob on [00:38:13] that or what you would like to see [00:38:15] happen through this process [00:38:18] probably going to form a committee [00:38:19] sooner than later [00:38:21] I think that would be that would be my [00:38:24] opinion [00:38:25] um I I would say that um I'd actually [00:38:28] like to hold a meeting coming up [00:38:32] um [00:38:34] and we can talk about that I I realize [00:38:36] this is Thanksgiving so I certainly [00:38:38] wouldn't want to have another meeting [00:38:39] this week but perhaps [00:38:42] you know Nicole and I can work on [00:38:46] um [00:38:49] so why don't we why don't we plan a [00:38:51] meeting and we [00:38:53] have a windstorm yeah so I'd just like [00:38:55] to say something I asked people to be [00:38:57] respectful in person and I'm seeing the [00:38:59] dialogue going back and forth in the [00:39:01] chat between people [00:39:03] please refrain from doing that because [00:39:05] if I can continue to see that happen I [00:39:08] will ask you still to be removed the [00:39:09] chat is public record [00:39:11] so please we're not saying things to [00:39:15] people but there's things going back and [00:39:16] forth in the chat is the same thing so [00:39:19] please if you don't mind refrain from [00:39:21] doing that [00:39:22] [Music] [00:39:24] um and again I apologize for using my [00:39:26] mom voice but you know listen folks I [00:39:29] don't think this is easy for any one of [00:39:30] the three of us [00:39:33] um it's not easy for me I've been up [00:39:35] many nights about this I've read your [00:39:38] hundreds of emails I've gotten the nasty [00:39:40] texts at Sunday night at nine o'clock [00:39:46] or Saturday at 5 00 a.m so please have a [00:39:49] little respect for everybody else that's [00:39:50] on the call including the three board [00:39:52] members [00:39:55] um [00:39:58] with the 29th Tuesday the 29th work for [00:40:01] Kelly and Rob [00:40:05] I can do that so that yeah the only item [00:40:09] on the agenda is the formation of the [00:40:11] committee [00:40:12] um Nicole and I will work on the um [00:40:16] members of the committee in the meantime [00:40:18] and the purpose of the committee is to [00:40:22] um and initially this may form into the [00:40:26] review Nicole and I'll come up with the [00:40:28] crafting and she will send it out to [00:40:30] each of you separately for your feedback [00:40:33] um so that were considerate of open [00:40:36] meeting law [00:40:37] um uh but the intent on that [00:40:41] um [00:40:42] the intent on that night would be to [00:40:45] actually appoint the committee [00:40:46] [Music] [00:40:47] um and so [00:40:50] um Nicole and I will work on [00:40:54] suggestions for the committee [00:40:56] um [00:40:56] Kelly or Rob do you have any so so what [00:40:59] I mentioned is the um let's just talk [00:41:03] about it briefly while we're here and [00:41:04] we'll put everything together for [00:41:07] um [00:41:08] the chair of the Board of Health [00:41:11] the chair of the planning board [00:41:13] [Music] [00:41:15] um I would potentially recommend the [00:41:17] chair of conservation [00:41:22] uh someone from our group [00:41:25] um [00:41:28] someone representing the police [00:41:29] department [00:41:32] is there anybody else that you would [00:41:34] like to see on the committee and [00:41:35] certainly at least we would have one [00:41:37] person from each side of the petition [00:41:41] I would agree with that so that gives us [00:41:43] one two three four five that gives us [00:41:45] seven I think if maybe we have a nine [00:41:48] member board that's probably [00:41:51] um [00:41:52] so a board of health planning [00:41:54] conservation [00:41:56] police [00:42:00] um should we have Highway [00:42:05] I'm not sure that that's relevant [00:42:08] um [00:42:10] I think police would could be uh you [00:42:13] know just Public Safety in general [00:42:16] okay um [00:42:20] trying to I'm trying to run down like [00:42:22] other committees and and boards in my [00:42:24] head [00:42:26] Nicole is there anybody we're missing [00:42:27] that you think should be [00:42:29] um [00:42:35] um not not at the top of my head at the [00:42:37] moment um I know that I had had some [00:42:39] ideas earlier on [00:42:42] um [00:42:44] but [00:42:46] um [00:42:47] but I I don't know [00:42:49] right now [00:42:51] um sorry would Nicole be [00:42:53] um a member [00:42:56] plus a select board member because that [00:42:58] would bring us up to eight [00:43:00] eight yeah I think Nicole should be [00:43:01] involved [00:43:02] definitely think so [00:43:04] if someone's throwing out finance [00:43:06] committee that's not a bad idea I think [00:43:08] that's a great idea yeah [00:43:10] we got conservation someone just [00:43:13] questioned [00:43:14] so we have Board of Health planning [00:43:17] conservation [00:43:19] a member from our board and Nicole [00:43:22] a representative from the police [00:43:24] department [00:43:25] or Public Safety whoever that is [00:43:29] finance committee [00:43:32] sounds perfect someone someone is [00:43:35] chiming in that members should all be [00:43:37] residents [00:43:39] um I think with [00:43:41] some of the like the police and [00:43:44] obviously Nicole [00:43:46] um that might be difficult to have [00:43:47] everyone be residents [00:43:50] I think I think we'll take it into [00:43:52] consideration [00:43:54] um [00:43:56] I think we'll take it into consideration [00:43:58] but we may not to include people [00:44:00] um that in the the specific disciplines [00:44:03] um we may not be able to meet that [00:44:07] so if there is anybody else Kelly or Rob [00:44:09] in the meantime between now and the 29th [00:44:12] that you think of could you please email [00:44:15] Nicole and Nicole will reach out to me [00:44:19] um [00:44:20] and make sure that we have [00:44:22] um we're prepared to