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Hardwick Board of Selectmen Addresses Racetrack Proposal and Town Business

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/19/22

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

December 19, 2022

Duration

Decisions

4 recorded

Action Items

9 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened to address various town matters, including an audit update, annual license renewals, and ARPA funding for a phone system upgrade. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an informational session regarding a proposed horse racetrack at Great Meadowbrook Farm, with presentations from both proponents and opponents. The session aimed to provide factual information to residents ahead of a special election on January 7, 2023, though some factual discrepancies and unanswered questions remained.

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Discussion Highlights

The FY2022 audit update is expected by the end of the week to fulfill USDA requirements.
Annual renewals for liquor and class one, two, and three licenses were approved for various local businesses.
A $300 donation from the East Quabbin Land Trust was authorized to be directed to the parking garage.
The Board authorized the Town Administrator to sign a document related to the acquisition of the town's accounting firm (Anson by Markham), pending no change in services or fees.
Letters of interest are being requested from residents for the vacant Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) alternate appointment.
ARPA funding was approved for a new E-911 compliant phone system from Comcast, which was recommended over another vendor due to lower annual fees and free phones.
The Board authorized the chair to sign a letter delegating the hardwick-ma.gov domain to the town for enhanced security and ADA compliance.
The Town Clerk provided detailed information on the upcoming special election on January 7, 2023, including voting procedures, vote-by-mail options, and deadlines.
Proponents of the horse racetrack emphasized land sustainability, agritourism, the temporary nature of track infrastructure due to APR restrictions, and potential financial benefits to the town through the Host Community Agreement (HCA).
Opponents raised concerns about the actual financial benefits to the town, discrepancies in proposed race days, the project's nature as a betting and gambling operation, its unsuitability for Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) land, potential environmental damage, increased traffic and safety risks, and the long-term impact of overdevelopment.
Town Counsel confirmed that if the location vote for the racetrack is approved, it is permanent, allowing future applicants to apply for a horse racing license at that site without requiring a second town approval.

Transcript (15,228 words)

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

00:00:00
We are going to call the board of Selectmen for Monday December 19th to order on the agenda we have a call to order Pledge of Allegiance visitors comments old business that's why 2022 audit update all other old business new business annual
00:00:18
Renewals for liquor class one two and three other new business cmrpc alternate appointments discussion interval arpa funding upgrade phone system committee reforms child administrator report signatures and approvals
00:00:36
Government.gov for new website slip and Roundtable and then the informational meeting regarding reference questions to take place on January 7 2023 Michelle the town of hard work approved in November 9 2022 voter divorce selectment authorizing sorry the location of a horse race track
00:00:56
Of property known as great Medical Center located in 228 Berry Road yes no and last item is adjournment if you wouldn't mind you do have a flag if you wouldn't mind the Pledge of Allegiance
00:01:14
I apologize for the United States of America to The Republic which stands indivisible with liberty and justice for all so before we start we do have one of our members of the board that is on Zoom so
00:01:33
I will call the role for attendance purposes uh Julie mink I'm here Kelly Kelly here Rob Rocco's yeah so he said here so we are all in attendance are there any business comments not
00:01:52
Related to anything on each other before we move forward okay well that's like minus sign for a long time under old business we have the FY 2022 audit update you're cool yes
00:02:12

[00:00:00] we are going to call the board of [00:00:01] Selectmen for Monday December 19th to [00:00:04] order [00:00:05] on the agenda we have a call to order [00:00:07] Pledge of Allegiance visitors comments [00:00:11] old business [00:00:12] that's why 2022 audit update all other [00:00:16] old business new business annual [00:00:18] renewals for liquor class one two and [00:00:21] three [00:00:22] other new business [00:00:24] cmrpc alternate appointments discussion [00:00:27] interval arpa funding upgrade phone [00:00:30] system committee reforms child [00:00:32] administrator report signatures and [00:00:34] approvals [00:00:36] government.gov for new website slip and [00:00:39] Roundtable and then the informational [00:00:41] meeting regarding reference questions to [00:00:44] take place on January 7 2023 Michelle [00:00:47] the town of hard work approved in [00:00:48] November 9 2022 voter divorce selectment [00:00:51] authorizing [00:00:53] sorry the location of a horse race track [00:00:56] of property known as great Medical [00:00:58] Center located in 228 Berry Road yes no [00:01:01] and last item is adjournment [00:01:05] um [00:01:06] if you wouldn't mind you do have a flag [00:01:08] if you wouldn't mind uh [00:01:10] the Pledge of Allegiance [00:01:14] I apologize [00:01:16] for the United States of America [00:01:19] to The Republic which stands [00:01:23] indivisible with liberty and justice for [00:01:26] all [00:01:28] so before we start we do have one of our [00:01:30] members of the board that is on Zoom so [00:01:33] I will call the role for attendance [00:01:35] purposes uh Julie mink I'm here Kelly [00:01:39] Kelly here [00:01:41] Rob Rocco's yeah [00:01:44] so he said here so we are all in [00:01:47] attendance [00:01:49] um are there any business comments not [00:01:52] related to anything on each other [00:01:54] before we [00:01:56] move forward [00:02:01] okay well that's like minus sign for a [00:02:03] long time [00:02:04] um under old business we have the FY [00:02:06] 2022 audit update you're cool yes [00:02:12] it's really quick we don't have anything [00:02:13] yet but I did speak with Dodgers and our [00:02:16] Auditors today and he will have [00:02:18] something to us by the end of the week [00:02:21] so we will fulfill our USDA requirement [00:02:23] on having a job by end of the year and [00:02:26] then we'll be good for next year we're [00:02:28] on track s because we were behind so you [00:02:31] have 20 [00:02:33] minutes [00:02:40] thank you [00:02:42] um is there any other old business [00:02:47] Kelly Ross anything [00:02:52] okay [00:02:53] um under new business we can have the [00:02:55] annual renewals for liquor and class one [00:02:57] two and three [00:02:59] licenses [00:03:02] do we have a list of them [00:03:05] no okay [00:03:07] so the subject is we annually approve [00:03:09] all of them each one individually [00:03:12] individually right [00:03:15] okay [00:03:20] for me everyone has all their [00:03:22] employees and everything is inspections [00:03:24] have been done right yep okay so [00:03:27] um do you want to go through them read [00:03:30] them okay [00:03:31] Rob is that okay with you [00:03:35] yeah [00:03:36] that was a yes [00:03:39] okay I'm just gonna start from the top [00:03:41] um I would make a motion to approve [00:03:45] um use calculator license class two for [00:03:48] Terry jacket jackets Garage 31 Spring [00:03:51] Street [00:03:57] is there a second Rob [00:03:59] second [00:04:02] did [00:04:04] um I do actually want to just [00:04:10] I would also moved to approve the used [00:04:12] car dealer license class two and three [00:04:15] to Williams s David BBA Hardwick Auto [00:04:18] Sales LLC [00:04:21] 25833 Ridge Road hybrid Massachusetts [00:04:28] 86 Ferry Road [00:04:32] oh sorry and that is a used car dealer [00:04:35] class two license [00:04:37] used car dealer license class two [00:04:40] Georgia Reilly DBA motor Specialties [00:04:43] company 492 cloudy [00:04:48] a used car dealer license class two [00:04:51] Daniel Hershey Brian listby Edwards Nick [00:04:57] CPA affordable current [00:05:00] 29 Greenwich Road [00:05:04] also use card dealer license Class 2 [00:05:07] George Anderson DBA Anderson [00:05:09] Restorations 1107 Jackson Road Parkwood [00:05:13] used car dealer license plate Au just [00:05:16] reading 19 Church Street yellow bell [00:05:20] I'm in um yeah [00:05:25] victuals license for Mimi's Coffee House [00:05:28] Hardwick [00:05:30] um [00:05:31] both licenses might be okay so the [00:05:34] second page Maybe [00:05:36] like sorry also licensed alcohol [00:05:40] gorgeous certainly LLC deviating Coffee [00:05:43] House 14 Barry Road [00:05:49] foreign [00:06:03] okay also motor vehicle junk license [00:06:06] class three for George Anderson DBA [00:06:08] Anderson Restorations it's also 1107 [00:06:12] Jackson Road [00:06:22] and [00:06:28] Vineyard and Winery LLC [00:06:39] and also a license of alcoholic [00:06:41] beverages for the hardwood fraud and Gun [00:06:43] Club 59 pressure [00:06:48] 's life [00:06:49] or South Berry rotting gun club and [00:06:52] [Music] [00:06:53] arches for the Southbury Rod and Gun [00:06:55] Club [00:06:56] 2626 Fairbridge Road [00:07:00] also for hybrid Crossing Inc common [00:07:04] ritualist license [00:07:06] and a license department [00:07:23] yeah I guess a pizza [00:07:26] 76 Main Street I'm not going to try to [00:07:29] watch her [00:07:31] apartment's name [00:07:34] and also [00:07:39] Eagle Hill Foundation for a common [00:07:42] victory's license and all [00:07:45] those for alcoholic beverages for Eagle [00:07:46] Health Foundation [00:07:48] 242 Old Navy sales [00:07:57] also [00:07:59] Farmers series party for last time [00:08:02] growing company [00:08:09] and [00:08:10] yeah [00:08:11] three J and B Corp Hardwick market and [00:08:15] package package store for a common [00:08:16] Jeweler's license [00:08:17] and also light since [00:08:20] Nursery Jay and EMB Co-op DBA Hardware [00:08:24] market and package so two three two [00:08:27] uh mainstream [00:08:32] oh wait I think these are the ones oh [00:08:34] sorry okay yeah is that okay yeah [00:08:39] I think lastly [00:08:40] for common insurance license [00:08:43] bctf Corp [00:08:47] the license of alcoholic beverages [00:08:49] you see dctf Corp that's 1839 Lower Road [00:08:55] Hardwick Mass [00:08:57] yeah some of that stuff on [00:09:00] that's okay [00:09:04] yeah [00:09:05] it's new for us yeah [00:09:09] so Kelly made the motion is there a [00:09:12] second [00:09:14] okay it's been moved and seconded any [00:09:17] other discussion on all of the licenses [00:09:20] hearing none I will call the role really [00:09:23] quick yes Kelly Kim yes [00:09:27] yes [00:09:29] motion carries [00:09:37] yeah let's just forget us out of my [00:09:39] garage [00:09:47] is there any other better than [00:09:56] um [00:10:01] last year I believe was the first year [00:10:03] because you hadn't received it before [00:10:05] then I remember getting it from the East [00:10:06] Quabbin Land Trust on behalf of the [00:10:08] board of directors uh they donate 300 to [00:10:12] the town uh and last year you authorized [00:10:16] it to go to the parking garage that's [00:10:18] where you'd like to authorize it to go [00:10:20] again it's just a donation [00:10:23] from the responded Land Trust [00:10:27] and efforts where possible [00:10:35] seems sitting for the words so yeah [00:10:42] don't use towards parts of Thanksgiving [00:10:45] where it's coming from [00:10:51] Rob any comments [00:10:55] yes [00:10:56] no [00:11:00] um I don't think we need do you need to [00:11:02] vote for that okay no no okay on [00:11:05] Facebook [00:11:06] uh any one more [00:11:09] Anson our accounting son has been [00:11:12] acquired by Marco I don't know if you [00:11:14] ever see those commercials [00:11:16] um so as of July as of January 1 they [00:11:21] will be under Markham or partnering with [00:11:23] Markham and uh they need us and [00:11:27] signature from you so uh that also came [00:11:30] in today [00:11:31] that you'll need to sign and [00:11:33] we're with Williamson so I don't know [00:11:35] that we would not sign or have a choice [00:11:50] I do I would anticipate that um [00:11:54] we should ask about the faith about we [00:11:56] could ask we should inquire about this [00:12:00] Markham is a much larger firm right [00:12:02] should make sure I mean nothing will [00:12:04] change at least until July 1 and maybe [00:12:05] we'll just start looking for an [00:12:07] accountant I would I would turn that [00:12:09] nothing will change us as good for [00:12:11] consult your life first [00:12:13] okay so you don't want to sign it if you [00:12:15] want me to do on authorize me to sign it [00:12:17] if there's no change [00:12:31] so this letter that we have in front of [00:12:33] us is just to allow uh balancing to [00:12:36] share our information with Markham I [00:12:39] don't see any issue with that [00:12:41] um [00:12:44] we should ask them to update our County [00:12:46] administrator's name however from the [00:12:49] letter [00:12:51] agreed [00:12:52] yes authorized me to sign this yeah Rob [00:12:58] yes go ahead [00:12:59] okay [00:13:05] foreign [00:13:11] I just texted Laurie [00:13:29] do you want to talk about the same way [00:13:30] please [00:13:35] you just get a person but please [00:13:46] so in your packet is the annual uh [00:13:51] appointment for cmrpc planning board is [00:13:55] the delegate [00:13:57] um and then the alternate in the Board [00:14:00] of selected [00:14:01] uh [00:14:03] choice and it's a resident of the [00:14:04] community I don't know who it was [00:14:08] or is [00:14:11] um [00:14:12] I [00:14:15] had to play the planning board doesn't [00:14:17] and they [00:14:18] remember and you also [00:14:21] with the members [00:14:28] haven't done this before I don't know [00:14:31] um [00:14:31] so there's the delegation appointment [00:14:34] for FY 23 [00:14:37] um and planning board I gave up their [00:14:39] them a copy and his parachute has [00:14:41] happened have they decided on the [00:14:44] planning board no because [00:14:47] yeah [00:14:49] it's tomorrow [00:14:52] those should be um [00:14:54] the board of Selectmen [00:14:57] um a point in the alternate should we [00:14:58] request letters of interest [00:15:00] uh position so it says the current [00:15:03] planning boards delegate is Joseph [00:15:04] Elliott who I don't believe is on the [00:15:07] paperwork and then the board of [00:15:09] selectment is vacant [00:15:11] um [00:15:13] it can be it just has to be a resident [00:15:16] of community it doesn't have to be one [00:15:17] of your boards so if you want to request [00:15:20] letters of interest and [00:15:22] um because I think it's just the [00:15:23] planning board delegates the planning [00:15:25] boardwalk and then if you know that [00:15:28] delegate isn't available then the course [00:15:29] selectment has an alternate [00:15:33] so anyone wishing to be [00:15:38] um the alternate please send letters of [00:15:41] Interest this is for the Central Mass [00:15:42] Regional Planning Commission [00:15:45] um [00:15:46] please send letters of Interest by email [00:15:48] Nicole [00:15:50] um and we will get that uh appointment [00:15:52] name yeah [00:15:54] so that's the planning for delegate has [00:15:57] to be a member [00:15:59] and the resident of them right the [00:16:02] Williams [00:16:03] yes [00:16:07] okay [00:16:09] so we will wait for the planning boards [00:16:12] appointment [00:16:14] suggestion [00:16:16] right so they do the appointment so and [00:16:18] letters of Interest anyone for the [00:16:20] Central Mass Regional Planning [00:16:21] Commission please get back to the call [00:16:30] of course [00:16:36] medium sour think it's built unless [00:16:39] something has happened but so in yours [00:16:43] or the alternate [00:16:46] they've probably linear [00:16:49] example okay [00:16:53] right okay [00:16:56] thank you [00:17:06] Rob is that better [00:17:13] well I'm sure he'll let us know if he [00:17:15] can't hear us [00:17:17] um discussion [00:17:18] okay thank you discussion in our vote [00:17:21] relative to our funding [00:17:24] thanks [00:17:27] in your packet you have [00:17:31] um [00:17:32] uh quotes for new telephones obviously [00:17:36] recall we need a new system because it's [00:17:38] not e-911 compliant [00:17:41] um so Angie got some quotes one of them [00:17:45] is more phone system which we have now [00:17:47] and you can see the fees broken out and [00:17:49] the annual fees broken out and the other [00:17:51] is Comcast who we currently use [00:17:53] obviously is our regular phone [00:17:56] um provider [00:17:58] um so [00:18:00] the annual fee for Comcast is going to [00:18:03] be 8 686 [00:18:06] 8605.80 a year and more would be eleven [00:18:09] thousand one hundred dollars [00:18:11] it's also over Zoom it's a [00:18:14] Zeus for these phones through more and [00:18:17] uh I think I'm not familiar with it or [00:18:19] or uh [00:18:21] don't think that they would do a good [00:18:23] job I just feel like it's a private [00:18:25] company an app [00:18:27] and I think about the future and uh [00:18:31] Comcast has the phones [00:18:33] they're going to give them to us at no [00:18:34] cost where more would be about 9 500 and [00:18:38] then we have all these monthly charges [00:18:40] for zoom and support services [00:18:43] um so I do recommend that we go with [00:18:46] Comcast they are going to give us the [00:18:47] following so we have 33 phones [00:18:50] um and the total cost of installation [00:18:52] will be about twelve hundred dollars two [00:18:55] hundred dollars per location [00:18:57] um and then we'll have to start [00:18:59] budgeting for this next year we don't [00:19:01] have it right now in our budget which is [00:19:03] why I was asking for arpa [00:19:05] um maybe half of it because [00:19:07] the ears done and then we'll this year [00:19:11] I'll put it in the budget [00:19:13] what were we paying before [00:19:18] how do we not pay for our phones [00:19:26] so uh the question is [00:19:29] who have we been using and I but we have [00:19:32] been using board I'm looking at Ryan [00:19:33] because he's got the institutional [00:19:35] knowledge [00:19:37] um we don't have a contract with them in [00:19:39] my other towns that I've been through we [00:19:40] have contracts with phone [00:19:43] to help assist s with every because [00:19:46] they're like mini computers [00:19:48] um but here what we've been using more [00:19:51] we don't pay them anything annually but [00:19:54] Jenny's [00:19:56] phones are much more sophisticated and [00:19:58] once again e91 compliant [00:20:06] yeah [00:20:08] Rob any comments or questions for Nicole [00:20:17] no no [00:20:18] time [00:20:20] we've prepared the vote on this [00:20:23] yeah and I don't have to [00:20:25] so my thought is we do have to come into [00:20:27] compliance with our phones practical [00:20:30] yeah so if you remember when Kevin yeah [00:20:36] oh I'm happy to make a motion to use [00:20:39] Opera funding what do we feel [00:20:41] comfortable with budgeting for the rest [00:20:44] of this year [00:20:46] to get this going or do we [00:20:50] thank you [00:20:51] so the installation is call it twelve [00:20:54] hundred dollars it's 11.99 [00:20:58] and then after that the annual fee is [00:21:01] fee is 580. [00:21:03] but we're only looking at a half a year [00:21:04] at this point what do people give me a [00:21:06] little cushioning right or something [00:21:08] yeah [00:21:09] so when are they going to install us oh [00:21:13] um [00:21:15] it must need our approval before they [00:21:17] could set anything up I'm sure [00:21:21] thank you [00:21:25] if we did the installation and [00:21:33] so that would be about eight months so [00:21:35] let's give a little leave that's for the [00:21:37] charge plus the installation did you [00:21:40] under 5800 or 6000. [00:21:42] um I would do six thousand and then 1200 [00:21:44] for the installation so [00:21:47] um [00:21:48] I would say 7200. so I would make a [00:21:51] motion that we approve Opera funding for [00:21:53] the cost of installation with Comcast [00:21:56] for our new phone system for twelve [00:21:58] hundred dollars and then on top of that [00:22:01] six thousand dollars towards the annual [00:22:03] fee for a total of seven thousand two [00:22:05] hundred dollars [00:22:10] Rob is there a second to the motion [00:22:14] yeah I'll second it so it's been moved [00:22:17] in second to any other discussion [00:22:19] hearing none I will call the rule Julie [00:22:21] is yes Kelly yeah Rob [00:22:26] motion carries thank you [00:22:31] next item is committee reports do we [00:22:33] have any idea [00:22:41] I mean that's okay that's okay do you [00:22:45] want to do like we can pick it up now if [00:22:47] you want [00:22:48] I'm confused enough [00:22:51] to confuse me more so the next item on [00:22:54] the agendas committee reports [00:22:56] yes [00:22:59] okay Rob have you read through the [00:23:02] committee reports any questions or [00:23:04] comments [00:23:11] okay sorry I'm looking at them and then [00:23:13] I guess keep switching back and forth to [00:23:15] mute myself [00:23:17] no I don't I don't have any questions [00:23:20] great [00:23:21] um Town Administrator report we all have [00:23:23] them in our pocket [00:23:25] in the interest of time and getting [00:23:27] through all of our [00:23:29] business before the informational [00:23:30] meeting are we okay with reviewing the [00:23:33] report [00:23:34] did you have any were there any [00:23:35] questions for Nicole on the report [00:23:39] I didn't have any I'll just have that I [00:23:43] did listen in last Wednesday to Ware and [00:23:47] uh thought Nicole did a great job with [00:23:49] just getting some positive information [00:23:50] out so that was that was great [00:23:54] thanks Rob any questions on the [00:23:56] administrator report [00:24:03] okay great [00:24:04] uh Nicole now we're on the dot gov [00:24:11] so as you know you approved a new [00:24:13] website for us [00:24:15] um to be ADA Compliant which we are not [00:24:18] um and that I you know our current [00:24:21] webmaster Julie Marquette does a great [00:24:23] job [00:24:24] um [00:24:25] but I think there was a miscommunication [00:24:27] and I have been under the impression [00:24:28] that she uh sort of wanted to step away [00:24:31] from that so I reached out to a typical [00:24:33] Municipal art I reached out to several [00:24:36] Municipal uh website [00:24:39] um builders [00:24:41] and we went with Civic plus that's [00:24:43] pretty much done but then also we are [00:24:48] not as safe as we could be if we had a [00:24:52] gov website I mean I'm sorry email [00:24:55] website website and email our email will [00:24:58] change too [00:24:59] um as we would be if we have.gov as [00:25:02] opposed to.com so this is a letter that [00:25:05] has [00:25:06] from the board of selectman chair to [00:25:10] authorize the responsibility of the [00:25:14] domain name [00:25:15] hardwick-ma.gov to be delegated to the [00:25:18] town of Hardwick [00:25:22] any comments or questions trying to call [00:25:25] on that [00:25:27] you want to make a motion to um [00:25:30] authorize me to sign up [00:25:33] I'll make a motion to authorize Julie to [00:25:36] sign the letter to.gov domain [00:25:38] registration [00:25:41] a second [00:25:42] and moved in second to any other [00:25:44] discussion [00:25:45] very none of call the rules Julie is yes [00:25:47] Kelly yeah Rob [00:25:50] yes yes okay motion carries [00:25:56] do you have anything for us [00:26:00] Rob Kelly you know [00:26:09] um [00:26:09] has asked for a few minutes of time it [00:26:11] is not on the agenda but not the chair's [00:26:13] discretion we can add items onto the [00:26:15] agenda while he is speaking we're going [00:26:17] to do some signing up here and listen [00:26:21] um and then we're going to take a few [00:26:23] minute recess [00:26:25] um [00:26:26] so we can make sure that people are [00:26:27] sitting in the right spots [00:26:29] um that everybody has the handouts after [00:26:31] Ryan finishes please come up and make [00:26:34] sure that you get those two sets of [00:26:35] handouts [00:26:37] um and then we will start the [00:26:38] informational session [00:26:45] so I'm probably freaking to the choir [00:26:47] with everything but I just want to just [00:26:49] put a couple of houses out there special [00:26:51] election will be built Saturday [00:26:53] have a 2023 [00:26:55] from noon to seven right here [00:26:57] and it's amazing I don't hold the [00:26:59] configuration won't be just genetic but [00:27:00] it will be coming in through the [00:27:02] cafeteria [00:27:04] if given the uncertain weather that may [00:27:06] occur that day [00:27:07] applications that are outside here uh [00:27:11] they're lost all inside my office if you [00:27:13] drop them off the dropbox at the top of [00:27:16] the stairs of the missile building uh [00:27:18] you can fax it to me you can scan them [00:27:19] and email them to my email address you [00:27:21] can mail them to give them to me in [00:27:22] person [00:27:34] I'll check the Dropbox and make sure [00:27:36] that everything [00:27:37] uh that has been submitted on time will [00:27:40] you know vote by mail [00:27:43] and I just want to kind of clarify [00:27:44] something comparison [00:27:46] a little subject [00:28:09] um [00:28:12] it is a refill of work to do vote by [00:28:16] mail [00:28:17] um so I just want to make you aware that [00:28:20] you know for this election year given [00:28:22] the timing of year with everything [00:28:26] um it's certainly [00:28:28] uh [00:28:33] so [00:28:35] if you feel differently [00:28:37] apparently and express it but it's [00:28:39] ultimately going to be more appointments [00:28:41] on the flip side [00:28:43] the legislature under Infinite Wisdom [00:28:45] the scientists who made eating person [00:28:50] so while vote by me is automatic if they [00:28:54] wanted to have early voting sessions in [00:28:56] person at the municipal buildings in [00:28:58] particular State elections [00:29:06] so in this case here there's not going [00:29:09] to be early [00:29:12] results by mail and then they'll be [00:29:14] volunteer ing here although my mail [00:29:15] ballots have [00:29:19] postal Market comes in two days later [00:29:21] it's going to be in the Dropbox or [00:29:23] passing web voted by 7 pm Saturday June [00:29:27] 7. [00:29:29] um [00:29:37] the deadline for that is Thursday [00:29:40] January 5th [00:29:48] please reach out to my office and [00:29:49] schedule an appointment [00:29:51] on the day of the election observers are [00:29:54] allowed to observe the process that's [00:29:56] one half hour before the close of open [00:29:58] to observe the election workers who will [00:29:59] inspect the tabulator [00:30:01] and print out the zero report [00:30:04] we will not require it's highly [00:30:06] recommended that those wishing to [00:30:07] observe the election reach out to my [00:30:09] office as space [00:30:10] respect the number of those observing [00:30:13] okay [00:30:24] um [00:30:36] it's all disseminate that to those [00:30:37] observing on that day explaining what's [00:30:39] allowed [00:30:41] and while observing to adhere to the [00:30:42] rules or your subject to remove [00:30:45] qualification and lastly concerns [00:30:49] outside there I mean first of all [00:30:52] ah [00:30:59] and there will be two songs [00:31:08] you can't do anything in that area [00:31:19] if anybody has any questions please feel [00:31:21] free to call my office email me my cell [00:31:24] phone's on the website you can follow me [00:31:26] as well I will not be available [00:31:28] after Wednesday until voter registration [00:31:31] which is the 28 28 December from nine to [00:31:34] five if you're not register to vote [00:31:36] Wednesday the 28th of December at 5 00 [00:31:39] is the deadline in order to register to [00:31:41] vote for this special election [00:31:44] come in any other time [00:31:46] first class so thank you for listening [00:31:49] and I'll infection [00:31:55] a little longer [00:31:59] so um we are going to take a five minute [00:32:01] recess [00:32:03] um before we do that there are two [00:32:05] handouts on the front [00:32:07] um the low budget version over here the [00:32:09] ones I printed so they're not stable [00:32:11] they are [00:32:13] um Crossways there are two pages those [00:32:16] are responses that were questions and [00:32:19] answers answers by the Town [00:32:21] Administrator and Town Council there's [00:32:24] another handout that is stapled that is [00:32:26] front and back and that was put together [00:32:28] those are questions that were asked of [00:32:30] the proponent and those are their [00:32:32] responses [00:32:34] um if there are any non-residents [00:32:36] sitting in this area please make sure [00:32:39] that you move yourself to the [00:32:40] non-resident [00:32:42] area so on this side we have [00:32:45] um we have the group the panel uh for [00:32:48] those against the proposal and we would [00:32:51] ask that it would make sense for [00:32:53] non-residents to sit on that side if [00:32:55] that's the side of your uh of your [00:32:57] choosing [00:32:59] um and then over here will be the [00:33:01] proponents uh those in favor of the [00:33:03] proposal and then any non-residents on [00:33:06] that side so I will give you a couple [00:33:08] minutes let's take five minutes to get [00:33:10] your handouts [00:33:11] um let's get everyone sitting in the [00:33:13] right spots and then we'll reconvene and [00:33:15] I will talk through the procedure and [00:33:18] sort of the rules on how this is going [00:33:19] to work [00:33:23] foreign [00:33:55] it's been cool [00:33:57] yes [00:34:03] that's why some of my comments [00:34:07] because you guys have false information [00:34:11] legislation [00:34:14] zero days [00:34:19] Council should have done support okay we [00:34:21] I guess um [00:34:24] we made a mistake in one of our answers [00:34:27] as submitted my comments to try to get [00:36:49] foreign [00:37:34] thank you [00:37:52] hmm [00:45:37] foreign [00:46:34] thank you [00:48:06] so we have all of our non-residents are [00:48:09] seated where they need to be seated we [00:48:12] don't have anybody in the audience [00:48:13] that's a non-resident [00:48:15] okay [00:48:17] um so the way this is gonna work [00:48:24] so the way this is going to work it's [00:48:26] going to work very similar to the rest [00:48:28] of our customers that we've had [00:48:30] um [00:48:31] so [00:48:33] um [00:48:34] as in meetings passed I asked to ask [00:48:37] everyone to be respectful [00:48:39] if there are is [00:48:41] hearing I ask no applause this is not [00:48:44] this isn't a debate this isn't a rally [00:48:46] this is an information session that [00:48:49] we're trying to put forward so people [00:48:51] will have factual information [00:48:54] for the upcoming election [00:48:56] if there is any disrespectful Behavior I [00:48:59] will warn you once if it continues you [00:49:02] will be removed and you will not be [00:49:03] allowed back in police are aware I will [00:49:07] call on them and you will be removed I [00:49:10] hope it doesn't get to that [00:49:12] um it hasn't so far yet it's been a [00:49:14] little close sometimes but I think we [00:49:16] were to sort of come back [00:49:18] um so again I ask that you be respectful [00:49:22] um to anyone who's speaking I also ask [00:49:25] and I have asked both um both groups who [00:49:29] are going to speak to you tonight to be [00:49:31] factual [00:49:34] um and um I have every confidence that [00:49:37] that will happen [00:49:39] point of this meeting is not for [00:49:41] speculation it's not for [00:49:44] um anything that is um [00:49:46] anything but factual uh that's what we [00:49:49] uh promised you and I'm I'm hoping that [00:49:52] that's really what gets delivered [00:49:53] tonight [00:49:55] um so the way this is going to work [00:49:57] um because I'm going to read the [00:49:59] questions first [00:50:01] um not the ones [00:50:03] um put together by the proponent because [00:50:05] we'll be here all night we are done at [00:50:07] age 30 out of courtesy for the janitor [00:50:09] here [00:50:10] um in courtesy for the school we are [00:50:12] hard out at 8 30. [00:50:14] um [00:50:15] so I will read the questions that were [00:50:17] put together by the administrator and [00:50:20] Council you have a very lengthy document [00:50:22] that was put together by the proponent [00:50:24] with lots of [00:50:25] um uh questions and answers you can read [00:50:28] that these are posted on our website [00:50:30] they were I believe they were posted [00:50:32] earlier today so they are available [00:50:34] there are numerous copies up here so you [00:50:37] can take more than one if you'd like [00:50:39] so I will read the questions [00:50:41] um we will allow each of the groups um I [00:50:44] suggested about 15 minutes to talk about [00:50:48] um reasoning facts [00:50:51] relative to your respective positions [00:50:54] all questions will go through me as the [00:50:57] chair so keep in mind this is a board of [00:51:00] selectment meeting [00:51:02] all questions will go through me the [00:51:04] board is in no way taking any position [00:51:06] on this we have not been involved in any [00:51:08] of other than setting the format we have [00:51:11] not been involved in any either side [00:51:15] um numerous conversations about the [00:51:17] format and making sure that it's [00:51:20] reasonable and fair [00:51:21] we will entertain questions this time [00:51:24] permits I have been asked that [00:51:27] non-residents not be allowed to speak [00:51:30] um [00:51:31] so um [00:51:34] we certainly will respect that if there [00:51:37] is something [00:51:38] um that we need to have answered we will [00:51:40] figure out a way to get it answered for [00:51:42] you [00:51:44] um and so everyone has the information [00:51:46] they need [00:51:49] any questions before we start [00:51:56] okay so I am going to read [00:52:00] the answers that were put together by [00:52:02] the Town Administrator and Town Council [00:52:04] there is a potential [00:52:08] modification to one of the answers and [00:52:10] Nicole will mention that to you when we [00:52:12] get there [00:52:14] um so the first does it and and the [00:52:16] importance of reading these questions is [00:52:18] we have folks on zoom and we have this [00:52:19] is live stream that may not have access [00:52:21] to these documents so [00:52:24] um I felt it was important to at least [00:52:25] go through these does a racing law [00:52:27] specify the total number of race days [00:52:29] needed in order to qualify per year for [00:52:32] both a racing license and a simulcast [00:52:33] license and if so how many days of [00:52:35] racing are required under the law so [00:52:37] what is written here pursuant to General [00:52:39] Law chapter 128 c section two the [00:52:42] current statutory minimum number of race [00:52:43] days required to qualify for a simulcast [00:52:46] licenses 100 days the gaming commission [00:52:48] is communicated to the Town [00:52:50] Administrator that it expects the [00:52:51] statutory minimum number of race days to [00:52:53] be reduced to 20 days as of August 2023 [00:52:56] with the commission retaining discretion [00:52:58] to reduce the minimum number of race [00:52:59] days required to obtain a simulcast [00:53:02] license to below 20. Nicole is this [00:53:05] where you want it [00:53:10] I don't have any direct uh knowledge [00:53:13] that [00:53:14] this is completely factual I had [00:53:18] somebody just a little bit ago just when [00:53:21] we went for a recess and [00:53:23] um [00:53:25] came up to me and said that 100 days is [00:53:27] not the actual minimum that it's there [00:53:31] was an amendment to the statute [00:53:34] which is in the Mass General Law chapter [00:53:35] 128a [00:53:37] that it's actually zero so I'm gonna [00:53:40] have to go back and [00:53:42] go through the amendments to see if [00:53:45] that's true I know that online right now [00:53:49] if you Google the Mass General law 128 [00:53:52] it says 100 in there so it may have I [00:53:57] don't know I it may have changed okay [00:53:58] that's all I can say about that as far [00:54:01] as the muting goes I'm asked to mute by [00:54:03] our TV uh coordinator here so we were at [00:54:07] recess so we muted and [00:54:11] and so um if there is any change to [00:54:13] these these will we will re-upload them [00:54:16] with the date so you'll know what the [00:54:18] edits are and we'll make sure they're in [00:54:20] color okay [00:54:22] um where is the proposed parking lot for [00:54:24] this proposal specifically parcel and [00:54:26] map numbers please the applicants not [00:54:27] yet provided specific site plans showing [00:54:29] parking layout information the parking [00:54:32] layout location will be subject to [00:54:33] review and approval by the planning [00:54:35] board as part of the site plan special [00:54:36] permit application process [00:54:38] where are the off-site locations for [00:54:40] other activities proposed for this [00:54:41] project specifically parcel and math [00:54:43] members please we are not aware of other [00:54:46] activities proposed off site [00:54:48] how does a town plant pan plan how does [00:54:51] the town plan to pay for the road damage [00:54:53] to Upper church and other roads that [00:54:55] will be significantly impacted by this [00:54:57] project and what is the estimated amount [00:54:59] of annual cost of repairs maintenance [00:55:01] and upkeep this will be determined in [00:55:03] the negotiations of the post-community [00:55:05] agreement abbreviated HCA here is the [00:55:07] location of the racetrack is approved at [00:55:09] the special election and a license is [00:55:11] issued by the gaming Commission has a [00:55:13] town gotten a definitive answer from [00:55:16] the mdar commission that will determine [00:55:18] whether this project isn't allowed use [00:55:19] on APR protective land no has the board [00:55:22] of segment gathered or asked the fire [00:55:24] police and Highway departments the Board [00:55:26] of Health and the municipal animal [00:55:28] inspector Animal control officer for [00:55:30] their concerns regarding this project if [00:55:32] not why not no at this point pursuant to [00:55:35] General Law chapter 128a section 13 the [00:55:37] only board with a legal duty to act [00:55:39] regarding the applicant's request for [00:55:41] approval the horse race track location [00:55:43] is the Boris slackman does a town have [00:55:45] an estimate for the actual cost of a [00:55:47] comprehensive traffic study not at this [00:55:49] time a traffic study would be required [00:55:51] as part of the planning board site plan [00:55:52] special permit application review [00:55:54] process and the applicant will be [00:55:56] responsible for the cost of a traffic [00:55:57] peer review [00:55:59] the select board chairperson indicated [00:56:00] during a public meeting should be able [00:56:02] to complete a cost-benefit analysis as [00:56:04] the board is slightly completed this [00:56:05] project no [00:56:07] has the board asked the proponents how [00:56:08] much of the current CF development [00:56:11] principles are in current current [00:56:12] litigation over other legal matters [00:56:14] which is a standard legal question asked [00:56:16] of any contractor doing business within [00:56:18] municipality no [00:56:20] as a board of selectman determined who [00:56:22] will be negotiating the HD agreement on [00:56:24] behalf of the Town what their experience [00:56:25] level is at a minimum the HCA host [00:56:28] Community agreement will be negotiated [00:56:29] between the African Town Administrator [00:56:31] Town Council with significant input from [00:56:33] the board of selectment and General [00:56:34] Public Town Council is very experienced [00:56:36] with negotiating KCA [00:56:38] um hcas I would also add that there was [00:56:41] discussion of putting together a [00:56:43] commission [00:56:44] fall under the city [00:56:46] is a host Community agreement legally [00:56:48] bonding to the Massachusetts racing [00:56:49] commission the gaming commission will [00:56:51] not be a party to the HCA therefore is [00:56:53] not legally Bound by its terms however [00:56:55] the gaming commission will require that [00:56:57] the African attempt [00:56:59] okay before any license issued by the [00:57:01] commission may be exercised accordingly [00:57:03] the commission will expect that in terms [00:57:05] of the each day of illegally enforceable [00:57:07] as between the applicant and town [00:57:09] the board of Selectmen reached out to [00:57:10] any leaders of our neighboring [00:57:12] communities to discuss their concerns [00:57:13] about the project no [00:57:15] okay so those are the questions [00:57:17] and answers [00:57:20] there is another again another list [00:57:30] um okay so [00:57:32] um what will happen now is each [00:57:35] um each respective group will be allowed [00:57:38] um about 15 minutes it doesn't have to [00:57:40] be 15 minutes it can be however long to [00:57:43] give factual information what I did say [00:57:46] to both groups is keep in mind there may [00:57:48] be people sitting in the audience that [00:57:49] are sitting here for the first time I [00:57:52] hope not I hope [00:57:53] um you know people have been here before [00:57:55] uh but just sort of keeping that in mind [00:57:58] when you're talking about your your [00:58:00] positions and your your factual things [00:58:02] that there could be people hearing this [00:58:03] for the first time [00:58:05] um [00:58:06] procedurally what's going to be best [00:58:08] Nicole should they come here [00:58:10] or I can bring the computer to their [00:58:13] table [00:58:15] um how about if we have you go to the [00:58:16] microphone it's just a zoom [00:58:19] issue Zoom so that the folks can [00:58:21] actually hear [00:58:23] um and see you so if you guys could come [00:58:25] to the mic [00:58:26] um it's that okay no twice and [00:58:28] everything [00:58:32] um you can that they're going to be [00:58:33] looking at your back on soon so [00:58:36] um one or the other yeah yeah I think [00:58:39] either way [00:58:40] so [00:58:43] okay [00:58:46] sure we can move the microphone back a [00:58:47] little bit is that going to create [00:58:48] feedback if I [00:58:50] I'll turn mine down I'll turn mine down [00:58:53] okay so the first group we have are [00:58:56] folks that are um in favor of the [00:58:59] proposal you are welcome to come forward [00:59:01] and [00:59:02] um [00:59:04] you're welcome [00:59:37] maybe like this [00:59:40] yeah right there yeah [01:00:10] break it up [01:00:15] okay sure well [01:00:20] all right [01:00:22] my name is [01:00:26] representing some of those who are in [01:00:29] favor of this project I should say [01:00:31] I've been in lifestyle residents here [01:00:34] and I have chose to build my career here [01:00:38] as well [01:00:40] um I work in town and hopefully through [01:00:42] the rest of my life I'm literally do not [01:00:45] leave my street [01:00:47] um [01:00:48] there's just a couple things that I'd [01:00:50] like [01:00:51] more so in general [01:00:53] I'm not going to speak for anybody [01:00:57] I'm not going to speak for a comments [01:01:00] I'm not going to [01:01:02] dar [01:01:04] th of the gaming Commission because I [01:01:06] simply do not work for them I don't have [01:01:09] any exes for them I'm just gonna if [01:01:12] explain a little bit about my story [01:01:14] maybe why this would be good for our [01:01:17] town and just touch on a couple key [01:01:20] points that I I think have been [01:01:24] you know glazed over [01:01:27] exactly excited [01:01:29] so [01:01:31] I've been lucky enough to work on this [01:01:35] very line that we are talking about I've [01:01:38] worked there for several years [01:01:40] I've taken care of it I've [01:01:43] but my Blood Sweat and Tears into it [01:01:46] one of the previous property owner [01:01:48] we've been able to do a lot [01:01:51] that's giving back to the town and [01:01:53] everything like that and it's been [01:01:55] fantastic I've watched many people walk [01:01:57] their dog [01:01:59] their kids play up there it's great [01:02:02] but in reality [01:02:04] in today's generation is not [01:02:08] feasible there's no way that you can [01:02:12] pay the money to maintain that land [01:02:14] without doing something more that's [01:02:16] giving you a feedback of money some kind [01:02:18] of income on your returns [01:02:21] um [01:02:22] so things need to change [01:02:24] if we could keep it as hayfields forever [01:02:26] I love that I'd love to preserve the [01:02:29] land as it is and let it go untouched [01:02:30] and Let It Go [01:02:32] totally the same way [01:02:36] though but that's not [01:02:38] cool it's not gonna sustain sustain life [01:02:40] forever [01:02:42] it's not even sustainable nowadays [01:02:45] uh believe it or not [01:02:48] so [01:02:49] there is so many some sort of change [01:02:52] that is needed if we can change in a way [01:02:55] in a way that's our heritage and what we [01:02:57] want then we should be able to [01:02:59] communicate that and negotiate and work [01:03:02] with people who are able to do that [01:03:05] we should put whatever we can get on [01:03:08] debt and see if we can get the most for [01:03:10] our town see if this will actually work [01:03:13] out for [01:03:19] there's obviously a lot of talk about [01:03:21] agritourism now and all of that good [01:03:25] stuff and we see agitorism in our in our [01:03:28] neighboring towns and [01:03:30] you know the brewery right next door to [01:03:32] us there's a lot of agricourism popping [01:03:35] up especially in Brooklyn [01:03:36] bases [01:03:37] um [01:03:40] expanding their business revenues it's a [01:03:42] way that firms are surviving to do what [01:03:44] they want to do but in a way [01:03:47] uh you can see that over and over and [01:03:49] over again from many farms in our area [01:03:52] that are expanding to breweries or to [01:03:55] restaurants or any other places that [01:03:58] offer [01:03:59] some fun stuff to bring other people in [01:04:03] um [01:04:04] so that's something to think about [01:04:06] think about there's something that [01:04:08] that you know I wouldn't want this place [01:04:10] to be a brewery that's open [01:04:12] s five days a year bringing people in [01:04:14] day after day [01:04:16] it's not something that I would want for [01:04:18] this place [01:04:19] but at the end of the day what I truly [01:04:21] want for this place is nothing to do [01:04:23] with me because I did not [01:04:27] tell you how I feel about this and [01:04:29] that's about it [01:04:33] some key points that have been kind of [01:04:35] exaggerated over the days and everything [01:04:39] else that has been composed by the [01:04:41] applicants are just simply the fact [01:04:44] about [01:04:45] it is a breeding operation it's [01:04:47] hopefully every time in operation [01:04:50] it is a grass track [01:04:53] it does allow School [01:04:55] s to generate some sort of Revenue [01:04:58] to sustain the breeding operation you [01:05:00] need some sort of [01:05:02] sort of any equipment for the track will [01:05:05] be temporary do the APR restrictions [01:05:08] nothing can be permanent other than a [01:05:11] couple staples that are obviously if you [01:05:13] go through the right [01:05:15] um pathways through playing board [01:05:17] through APR you're able to build some [01:05:19] horses [01:05:21] other than that every everything on the [01:05:23] track is converted [01:05:25] temporary stands temporary tents [01:05:28] all that stuff [01:05:31] um [01:05:32] most days of the year it'll still remain [01:05:35] as it does they still plan on hanging [01:05:37] hey they still plan on getting the most [01:05:39] out of green space that they can and [01:05:41] allowing [01:05:42] allowing it to near use it as well [01:05:45] the HCA is a legally binding document to [01:05:48] the town so our town is able to still [01:05:51] negotiate and get what's best for it and [01:05:54] it's a legally binding doctor [01:05:56] it does stay in one of the questions and [01:05:58] answers that the mass gaming commission [01:06:01] does [01:06:03] expect [01:06:04] commonwealthy one to hold an APK with [01:06:07] the town in order to gain a daily [01:06:09] license [01:06:14] then there's no way that they can get [01:06:17] their gaming license in theory because [01:06:19] it is needed by Mass [01:06:21] so nothing happens [01:06:23] in place with the town that is in the [01:06:26] question we answer [01:06:27] as you'd like to see [01:06:32] gaming and wagering is primarily down on [01:06:34] your phone [01:06:36] just as much as you can use Japanese [01:06:38] right now [01:06:40] from the audience some people in the [01:06:43] room they already use DraftKings and [01:06:45] they already Place beds on the papers [01:06:47] uh sports games all around the country [01:06:54] there's no other places [01:06:57] just so you know no other betting [01:06:59] parlors know whether or anything [01:07:01] like this would simply being proposed is [01:07:04] a crash track ing facility [01:07:07] Commonwealth equine is also stated [01:07:09] recently that they would [01:07:12] like to look the attendance numbers to [01:07:14] something that the town of hard work is [01:07:16] comfortable with [01:07:17] going the HCA as well [01:07:20] the 500 000 [01:07:22] to the town [01:07:24] grow [01:07:26] or one school and spending grows more [01:07:28] and more the town will get every to [01:07:31] their plots for that [01:07:34] that is a huge job I mean our town is [01:07:38] our [01:07:40] we all know the finance [01:07:43] you know hardships that we're coming to [01:07:45] we get that [01:07:47] we understand our lack [01:07:50] of our lack of emergency responses [01:07:53] everything like that I'm not gonna say [01:07:55] it over and over again because there's [01:07:57] there's no useful saying it to people [01:07:59] that already know another [01:08:01] problem [01:08:02] there's a lot that we can [01:08:05] and a million dollars in two years [01:08:08] is a million dollars more than we had [01:08:10] two years ago [01:08:11] and that's something that we can use in [01:08:14] any [01:08:15] any board anything so I'm pleased to [01:08:18] fire to uh Office Buildings it is given [01:08:22] to the town and [01:08:23] then stuff to decide what they want to [01:08:25] do with it [01:08:29] um and closing [01:08:31] there's a group of us that have created [01:08:34] the United committee with the town [01:08:37] we're just working on getting actual [01:08:39] information to residents [01:08:42] so if you have any questions or comments [01:08:44] please feel free to [01:08:48] tell me email [01:08:50] and that is all [01:09:07] hi there my name is [01:09:10] I am also a born and raised hardwood [01:09:13] resident [01:09:14] and I'm now raising the next generation [01:09:16] of Harvard presidents as is County [01:09:20] Kaylee [01:09:22] I've always been an active participant [01:09:25] of the Hartford Fair [01:09:27] I haven't heard that to my mother [01:09:30] she was a teacher [01:09:33] at likely educated one of you or one of [01:09:36] your children [01:09:37] um during her 30 years in education [01:09:41] in addition to that [01:09:43] I am currently the president of hardwood [01:09:45] Villages for responsible growth [01:09:47] we are a group that has a proposal that [01:09:50] has been put forth and we also plan to [01:09:54] work towards the betterment of the [01:09:55] community in the future [01:09:58] we are all here today [01:10:01] to talk to you about all the research [01:10:03] we've done Commonwealth research [01:10:05] proposal [01:10:08] most of the questions all of you have [01:10:11] asked are [01:10:14] aren't we getting 500 000 out of this [01:10:18] how many race days will there be [01:10:22] how does horse race [01:10:24] horse race tied to [01:10:25] sports betting wager [01:10:28] and is this racetrack feasible for her [01:10:30] book [01:10:32] no one person [01:10:35] could have found [01:10:36] fashion and researched it on their own [01:10:41] our group our Villages for responsible [01:10:44] growth has taken the by [01:10:47] the Bison that was submitted to the mass [01:10:48] gaming Commission [01:10:50] the mass gaming laws [01:10:53] the host Community agreement as it is [01:10:55] today [01:10:57] and the various studies that [01:10:58] Commonwealth racing has done to support [01:11:00] this documentation that they have put [01:11:02] forth in their proposal [01:11:05] I am here [01:11:06] your neighbor [01:11:08] your friend [01:11:10] and your concerned citizen [01:11:12] to have you consider [01:11:15] all of the elements of this proposal [01:11:19] I am now going to hand it off [01:11:22] to introduce yourself [01:11:24] and also start off with some information [01:11:25] on the guaranteed money [01:11:27] that the Commonwealth racing has [01:11:29] outlined in the host Community agreement [01:11:34] hey guys hello [01:11:36] um [01:11:37] you probably know me I know a lot of [01:11:39] faces here I'm glad you turned out to [01:11:40] share some information on what's [01:11:42] happening in our towns [01:11:44] um [01:11:46] on still life [01:11:48] spot for the last 12 years we grow [01:11:50] fruits and vegetables so right about 32A [01:11:52] by Peter Sam [01:11:53] and honestly you probably know a lot of [01:11:55] the Stillman family members as well we [01:11:58] own uh two other local farms in the area [01:12:00] of ones are one's a new brain Street we [01:12:03] all came here [01:12:05] this area [01:12:07] to farm [01:12:09] because some of the last available [01:12:10] Farmland in Massachusetts and this is a [01:12:13] farmer friendly Right to Farm Town [01:12:16] foreign [01:12:51] our neck is a unicorn town [01:12:54] there are very few spaces left like it [01:12:57] in Massachusetts I know this because [01:12:59] like [01:13:00] a part of my life on the road [01:13:02] bring food from here to Boston to places [01:13:05] where people live that are not like this [01:13:07] that do not have access [01:13:09] that we take for granted here [01:13:12] um so when I first heard about this [01:13:13] Commonwealth racing proposal for great [01:13:15] medical retirement thought it was [01:13:16] actually a really great idea [01:13:18] I'm always excited about [01:13:21] making money it sounds like a great deal [01:13:22] for the town uh after quite a bit of [01:13:25] research which I do not have time to do [01:13:27] because I run a small business and I [01:13:29] have a three-year-old child uh I have [01:13:32] pretty much come to the conclusion that [01:13:34] it's of having this business in our [01:13:36] community [01:13:37] is too great [01:13:39] so hopefully tonight you can listen uh [01:13:42] to the reasons that we State and you can [01:13:44] only understand [01:13:46] why we feel like this [01:13:49] um so once I began to delve into the [01:13:51] nitty gritty of their proposal tylenol's [01:13:54] racing proposal [01:13:55] came absolutely convinced that this [01:13:57] proposal was a betting and gambling [01:13:58] business disguises of course greetings [01:14:00] are [01:14:01] questions about the 500 [01:14:03] all of you in this room have heard that [01:14:06] 500k number we will not be receiving 500 [01:14:10] 000 per year as referenced by page three [01:14:13] of the host Community agreements so [01:14:15] Haley is a stand-up [01:14:17] to tell you how those numbers actually [01:14:19] break down in reference to our town and [01:14:21] what we will be receiving [01:14:27] foreign [01:14:35] Church Street in Gilbertville and I'm [01:14:39] just shared a little light on the 500 [01:14:40] 000 my calendars [01:14:42] all you've heard is 500 000. we've been [01:14:45] told we can buy a fire truck ambulance [01:14:47] pay for the police station unfortunately [01:14:49] this is this proposal is not 500 000 and [01:14:52] this will not do that [01:14:54] the 500 000 [01:14:57] it's the first the community impact fee [01:14:59] just 240 000. the initial Community [01:15:02] benefit payment which is 25 000 mails [01:15:04] taxes which we is an estimate [01:15:08] estimate payment in lieu of taxes [01:15:13] so about half [01:15:16] does community impact [01:15:18] which is for the expenses and impacts to [01:15:20] this town such as roads or sex to our [01:15:23] local police and fire services and [01:15:25] that is quoted from [01:15:27] the agent so already we have lost [01:15:29] half of the money that is [01:15:31] Commonwealth racing is proposing to give [01:15:33] to us importantly the [01:15:36] grants us to lessen the impacts we'll [01:15:39] have on the [01:15:40] home and let that language be conceived [01:15:42] lesson this will not remove the impact [01:15:44] that is on our tone next is this [01:15:47] community benefit [01:15:48] Commonwealth must proposed to pay 30 [01:15:50] days [01:15:51] at Seawall license and permits at first [01:15:53] I'll be honest I was like okay we're [01:15:55] going to get this nice Chunk in the [01:15:56] beginning [01:15:57] but if you look close this is only [01:15:59] payable once Commonwealth racing racing [01:16:01] change their Sports wagering license [01:16:03] it's not even related to the horse race [01:16:06] we don't know the timeline [01:16:12] the revenues estimated to be about sixty [01:16:14] thousand dollars so at seven percent [01:16:15] meals tax-free this would mean that in [01:16:17] one year we would need 857 000 to be [01:16:22] sent in meals at the Commonwealth [01:16:24] Raceway so if everyone spends 20 [01:16:26] a burger and a beer at the food trucks [01:16:29] we're going to need 42 000 people [01:16:31] Target per year to get 60 000 in meals [01:16:35] tax and on top of that what's the [01:16:37] estimated benefit to the town at 0.75 a [01:16:40] whopping 450 dollars [01:16:43] so now all we're left with is this [01:16:45] payment and little taxes remember taxes [01:16:47] are already being collected for this [01:16:49] property [01:16:50] this Commonwealth racing fulfills their [01:16:52] business plan and they realize their [01:16:54] artistic rendering [01:16:56] the payment stays the same no matter [01:16:58] what we're adding buildings we're adding [01:17:00] Parts we're adding more Revenue that [01:17:02] could would go to town but it comes out [01:17:04] of the actual value that is that name [01:17:06] that no text [01:17:07] and then when will we receive this the [01:17:10] HCA says that payments will be made in [01:17:11] the year Commonwealth racing begins live [01:17:13] racing and is fully offered [01:17:15] the year for payment begins in July of [01:17:18] next year it's allowing us them to not [01:17:20] even pay us until 2024. [01:17:23] they will never pay us July of 2023. [01:17:26] they're not even going to propose to [01:17:27] start racing until September how would [01:17:29] we have any Revenue to receive [01:17:31] this tells you not only are you not [01:17:34] going to have five hundred thousand [01:17:35] dollars [01:17:37] sure there's very little left our fire [01:17:40] truck ambulance police station [01:17:42] the cost of Health impacts come out of [01:17:44] that 500 000 which at this time are [01:17:47] totally unknown no impact Studies have [01:17:49] been done and now you know [01:17:52] you know when you'll be paid [01:17:54] 2023. now parents will go on to address [01:17:57] the number every state [01:18:06] so I would like to reference the host [01:18:08] community agreement drafted by [01:18:10] Commonwealth racing on page six of the [01:18:12] seven [01:18:14] for the next five years they have stated [01:18:16] they will only pull braces two more days [01:18:23] [Music] [01:18:26] and conditions they State an exhibit 6.7 [01:18:29] vote not to offer more than 20 Festival [01:18:33] days including racing music community [01:18:36] events over not more than a six six [01:18:39] begins within a year [01:18:42] today Massachusetts state State gaming [01:18:45] law says no less than 100 race days [01:18:48] I want to point this out as this is the [01:18:51] inch [01:18:53] so I know that I know that reference [01:18:55] that [01:18:56] answer that first question I just want [01:18:58] to say this is the information we have [01:19:00] today [01:19:03] so as I've said before [01:19:05] this is all factual information provided [01:19:07] by The Host [01:19:09] Commonwealth Racing's binding [01:19:10] application and the Massachusetts law [01:19:13] today [01:19:15] along with the number of race days we [01:19:17] also need to understand [01:19:19] the primary goal of the Commonwealth [01:19:22] racing is to make money [01:19:25] as subsequent from their past Endeavors [01:19:28] with pursuing these licenses in [01:19:30] Sturbridge Great Barrington and Plymouth [01:19:32] just to hang with you [01:19:34] what truly makes the money is [01:19:36] simulcasting and sports wagering [01:19:38] embedded wagering betting there's [01:19:40] synonymous neither of us [01:19:43] they can get without a racetrack license [01:19:46] with that I'll hand it back to Kaylee so [01:19:50] she can get more specifics on that [01:19:54] so as Karen has introduced the horse [01:19:56] racing license is linked to what is [01:19:58] called Sports [01:19:59] for those of you [01:20:01] Sports wagering was just put into law in [01:20:04] Massachusetts [01:20:07] only taking place across the country in [01:20:10] the last four years [01:20:11] Massachusetts [01:20:17] Sports League such as the NBA NFL and [01:20:20] this is from the most minute details to [01:20:22] the Super Bowl winner [01:20:23] platforms for sports waging include [01:20:25] in-person and Via mobile [01:20:29] those in favor keep saying [01:20:32] it's all mobile someone in Vegas can [01:20:34] make a bet and we'll make money from it [01:20:35] why would we want that well I can tell [01:20:38] you why there are three important points [01:20:40] in this plane that are not true [01:20:42] okay sorry [01:20:43] one Massachusetts has been very clear in [01:20:47] their laws that out-of-state use will [01:20:48] not be permitted for granted licenses [01:20:51] there are strict guidelines for this [01:20:53] they'll make sure that vets cannot [01:20:55] and this has already been done [01:20:58] states where this is legal so it is very [01:21:00] napping [01:21:02] although the HTA says Commonwealth [01:21:04] racing will only pay sorry go to HCA [01:21:06] since Commonwealth racing will only pay [01:21:08] us if their Sports wagering license if [01:21:10] they get their Sports wagering license [01:21:12] Target gets none of this in the HCA as [01:21:15] it stands [01:21:17] this was intentional as the APK [01:21:19] specifically calls out they only receive [01:21:21] a portion of the horse racing license if [01:21:24] we get the sports wagering license but [01:21:26] then we don't receive any portion of the [01:21:28] actual Sports wage [01:21:29] these are two separate licenses with two [01:21:32] separate applications separately [01:21:33] mentioned [01:21:35] it is also significant to Harvard in [01:21:37] what we [01:21:39] Sports majoring is the most lucrative [01:21:41] part of their [01:21:42] plate the Spectrum study funded by [01:21:44] Commonwealth racing estimates that they [01:21:45] can earn up to 440 million dollars in [01:21:49] sports wagering industry and again [01:21:51] Hardwick gets none [01:21:53] sorry there are three categories for [01:21:55] wager one these are in the casino [01:21:58] like what this will be and three mobile [01:22:01] sports betting [01:22:02] that's why I'm simoncast location they [01:22:05] are automatically guaranteed and opening [01:22:07] for this Sports wagering application [01:22:10] it is not a competition [01:22:14] and the sports wagering license the [01:22:17] Commonwealth racing is applying for does [01:22:19] allow for a mobile application and a [01:22:21] physical location the mobile [01:22:23] applications [01:22:24] this by companies like Devin mentioned [01:22:26] the DraftKings that already exist s they [01:22:28] know the role playing field they know [01:22:30] how to go [01:22:31] to size [01:22:34] we can expect [01:22:36] offering will want as much in-person [01:22:37] wagering as possible the taxes for the [01:22:40] physical locations are five percent less [01:22:42] they will stand to gain more money if [01:22:44] they maintain this physical location but [01:22:46] where will it be problems that we don't [01:22:48] know and they won't tell us [01:22:50] what we do know is that Commonwealth [01:22:52] racing important [01:22:53] application for sports wagering must [01:22:56] invest 7 [01:22:58] in the first three [01:22:59] use and that is a capital investment [01:23:00] which means it must be of physical item [01:23:03] land or building [01:23:07] we're not going to be in it from school [01:23:10] it's not that simple [01:23:11] they Fund in a study concluding that [01:23:14] alternative [01:23:15] it must be [01:23:18] in the attraction States we do not allow [01:23:20] other gaming are struggling in the [01:23:22] latest new track without gaming closed [01:23:24] within two years [01:23:26] the reality is that the scope of this [01:23:28] proposed business is when grocery Mr [01:23:30] misrepresented Into the Heart of [01:23:31] residence [01:23:33] a yes whoa opens the door to sports [01:23:35] majoring facility to come to Harvard [01:23:37] with no benefit to us it is clear as day [01:23:40] through the documentation submitted by [01:23:41] Commonwealth racing themselves that [01:23:46] it's just clear as day from [01:23:48] the foundation they submitted themselves [01:23:49] from the HCA where no commitments are [01:23:51] made without Sports wagering license to [01:23:53] the study of the Commonwealth racing [01:23:55] paid for the states horse racing and [01:23:57] simoncasting will not be profitable [01:23:58] without additional form of Gaming a [01:24:01] quote from the report [01:24:02] I don't want to say that only a fool [01:24:04] would do it but only a gambler start a [01:24:06] horse track today without some [01:24:07] additional form of gains [01:24:11] to share more information [01:24:22] all right [01:24:23] um so I just want to point out that the [01:24:24] items that progressions never have been [01:24:26] referencing are all available to you [01:24:28] online through through great medical [01:24:30] Pharma [01:24:33] directly so they have an 18 page [01:24:39] application [01:24:41] yep and on the Harvard website so [01:24:43] application into Mass uh mass gaming [01:24:46] Commission [01:24:47] and in this application all of these [01:24:50] things okay so what I will do the [01:24:52] reference so you know what you're [01:24:53] looking at towards the creation of a [01:24:55] horse Park in the Commonwealth of [01:24:56] Massachusetts a feasibility study [01:24:58] because we'll let you Mouse [01:25:01] um this is sports free drink at [01:25:04] perspective [01:25:06] such as by Spectrum gaming [01:25:08] these are both studies that are submit [01:25:10] with they are being obligated all right [01:25:12] so when I reference these things that's [01:25:14] where it's coming from [01:25:18] all right [01:25:20] as you've learned the primary intent of [01:25:22] Commonwealth racing is not to make money [01:25:24] off horse racing and sports but it's is [01:25:27] to make money [01:25:28] horse racing and sports betting not to [01:25:31] just operate Thoroughbred horsepower uh [01:25:34] they need the Massachusetts racing [01:25:36] license to get their get their Sports [01:25:37] wagering license otherwise this entire [01:25:39] operation is smooth [01:25:42] they want what this train [01:25:44] Oprah and what you're [01:25:46] getting ready to get their wagering [01:25:47] dollars their concern is not for Harvard [01:25:50] but for generating their own amounts of [01:25:51] earnings [01:25:53] we're just a means to join [01:25:54] us okay [01:25:56] I would be doing a great service if I [01:25:58] did not talk for a moment about on the [01:26:00] feasibility of using this land for [01:26:01] gaming operations [01:26:04] so [01:26:06] this report [01:26:08] yourself [01:26:10] okay [01:26:11] so per UMass visibility report from Dr [01:26:14] Mullins [01:26:15] uh [01:26:17] the freezing Supply to our town and the [01:26:19] gaming commission there are six criteria [01:26:21] that must be met for assessing the [01:26:23] fitness of [01:26:24] a potential location so over time sake [01:26:28] of three of these [01:26:29] so if you're gonna have a successful [01:26:31] race track three of these criteria [01:26:40] one workable racetrack tree to ensure [01:26:43] appropriate drainage and prevent erosion [01:26:46] so I don't know how many of you guys [01:26:47] know this but great Meadowbrook is a PR [01:26:50] so what that's defined is agricultural [01:26:53] preservation restriction it's also held [01:26:56] at chapter 61a which is reference to [01:26:59] Farm property taxes [01:27:01] um so this means it's sold its rights to [01:27:04] allow for development is lower taxes [01:27:06] lower [01:27:09] I'm pretty familiar with land [01:27:10] preservation my own Farm [01:27:13] the different land trust these father [01:27:14] Land Trust [01:27:15] the point of these programs is to [01:27:17] maintain Farmland as viable options to [01:27:20] never allow them allow them to be [01:27:22] developed now I know you're looking [01:27:24] towards progress [01:27:26] yeah so now I know if you're looking [01:27:28] towards progress it might be [01:27:33] um it seems kind of like fluffy within [01:27:36] this context [01:27:37] but I'm pretty sure and I make my living [01:27:40] off the fact that every [01:27:42] so in light of recent Global activities [01:27:45] uh this formal and viability of local [01:27:47] food chain should be at the Forefront of [01:27:49] all of our minds it's great Meadowbrook [01:27:52] is approved for the uses that [01:27:53] Commonwealth racing is proposing it will [01:27:55] set an extremely extremely dangerous [01:28:00] finals racing is [01:28:03] to obtain land that should not be used [01:28:05] for erasing embedded business [01:28:09] even in their own UMass usability study [01:28:12] it clearly states that [01:28:14] that free from agricultural protections [01:28:16] under chapter chapter 61 and 61a will be [01:28:19] best suited for sports betting [01:28:21] operations that means non-agland would [01:28:24] be best suited for this sort of veteran [01:28:26] of course Commonwealth racing wants to [01:28:29] keep this designation it is to maintain [01:28:31] the tax relief taxes that we are [01:28:34] not good even as they [01:28:39] if this land were taxed at the [01:28:40] commercial rate it would be nearly 10 [01:28:42] times more [01:28:44] as you heard over 9 million will be used [01:28:47] to ready the race track for the safety [01:28:49] of horses [01:28:50] Commonwealth racing is the proposing a [01:28:52] grass trap although their new Mass [01:28:55] report states that dirt tracks are safer [01:28:57] for horses this grass trap will require [01:29:00] braiding [01:29:02] drainage delayed under the Trap [01:29:04] substrates to be under the Trap special [01:29:07] Turf not painter and railings that [01:29:10] withstand horse wakes at [01:29:13] the construction of this trap will be a [01:29:15] significant departure from agricultural [01:29:17] land [01:29:19] so now for the damages which according [01:29:21] to our host agreement they will not [01:29:23] Commonwealth racing will not be paid [01:29:27] decide to shut down they have not [01:29:30] provided any monies in the HCA to repair [01:29:32] the damage after installing a large race [01:29:35] track you would taking Millions to [01:29:36] return the land to its natural state [01:29:38] agriculture [01:29:41] culture their Horse Track application [01:29:43] States they would be spending [01:29:46] spending dollars in the weed killer and [01:29:47] fertilizer on this planet every weekend [01:29:49] they race so [01:29:52] to me this sounds a lot like both of [01:29:55] course [01:29:56] this will not produce a high quality hay [01:29:58] it does today and it will take years of [01:30:00] work to turn the soil back into [01:30:04] all right Point number two useful [01:30:07] locations it says in here useful [01:30:09] locations so a check to location is not [01:30:12] Ferguson [01:30:13] minimize traffic [01:30:16] yeah [01:30:17] facility report States Thoroughbred [01:30:18] racetracks are rarely more than three [01:30:20] miles from an interstate axis in [01:30:23] contrast great medical Farm is more than [01:30:26] 30 miles from [01:30:28] 890s to the South or two from the north [01:30:31] visitors must travel through South Hill [01:30:34] small towns on [01:30:35] using winding roads many used for [01:30:38] agricultural roadways this is not only [01:30:40] inconvenient it's dangerous and it puts [01:30:42] on you [01:30:43] risk for these communities will require [01:30:45] additional safety personnel and [01:30:48] all at our [01:30:49] expenses and are abutting towns of [01:30:51] spences [01:30:53] as for the hundreds of trucks they will [01:30:55] need for the 300 temporary stalls the [01:30:57] hundreds of course trailers and the [01:30:58] temporary housing for all the health [01:31:00] they don't have to navigate these same [01:31:01] tight roadways there's four major routes [01:31:04] in and out of Hardware probably a lot of [01:31:06] you live on [01:31:08] how you feel when 5 000 people per race [01:31:11] are commuting here from out of town not [01:31:13] familiar with our quiet dark twisty [01:31:16] Country Roads driving too fast [01:31:20] will you still be out walking your [01:31:22] normal roots are your kids going to be [01:31:24] safe walking home from the bus or [01:31:26] playing outside [01:31:28] are we going to be able to drive to [01:31:29] drive a tractor down the road to our [01:31:31] off-site field so without getting into [01:31:32] an accident which Kurt and I have a [01:31:34] personal history with [01:31:40] next Point land use compatibility [01:31:43] says here natural partnership character [01:31:46] and culture of host community [01:31:48] Commonwealth racing are investing over [01:31:50] 20 million dollars of Massachusetts [01:31:52] gating funds and additional Millions [01:31:54] from [01:31:55] the Great Meadow Brook Farm and the [01:31:57] surrounding areas developing to develop [01:32:00] it into racing and vetting facilities [01:32:02] Commonwealth racing has promoted itself [01:32:04] to far away as an agritourism business [01:32:06] with a sweet race horse breeding and [01:32:09] retirement Farm where Farm to Table [01:32:11] Restaurant will feed visits who want to [01:32:13] come and stop the horses [01:32:15] and there's the other part that was not [01:32:17] advertised to hard with residents and [01:32:20] that's the 218 page application to mass [01:32:23] gain [01:32:24] so [01:32:26] this included a report stating that [01:32:29] horse racing alone is not viable horse [01:32:32] racing alone is not viable without [01:32:34] wagering and sports betting [01:32:37] it you cannot have a horse racing farm [01:32:39] and make a living off of it without [01:32:41] having [01:32:42] raising sports betting and wagering [01:32:45] okay the [01:32:46] term apart [01:32:49] says alternative gaming gaming options [01:32:51] are necessary to ensure overall [01:32:53] profitability profitable operations thus [01:32:56] sustaining the horse racing industry [01:32:58] it's on page 16. [01:33:02] the UMass the units [01:33:06] horsepower is not viable without raising [01:33:09] and waging wagering revenues [01:33:11] all right let's just talk about this [01:33:13] anywhere that you have a vast amount of [01:33:16] money [01:33:18] being [01:33:19] um invested there are certain [01:33:21] expectations that need to come out of [01:33:22] that investment [01:33:24] so the money that's going to be invested [01:33:26] in this town to make this business [01:33:28] profitable is going to change how we see [01:33:31] how how this town is forever it's always [01:33:33] going to be different after this we are [01:33:35] a farming Community not a gambling more [01:33:37] wage dream community [01:33:39] and let's not forget about our [01:33:40] communities [01:33:43] so another big issue that we're going to [01:33:47] have here is Arctic residence is over [01:33:49] the development it's going to lead to a [01:33:51] lot of issues for everybody's living [01:33:57] um so the overall investment for this [01:34:00] business Commonwealth race thing that's [01:34:02] being proposed [01:34:05] proposed is 20 million dollars a lot of [01:34:08] money means a lot [01:34:10] here's what will happen if we allow [01:34:12] common [01:34:14] weal shop in Hardwick [01:34:15] due to the scope of their business and [01:34:17] the amount of people they intend to post [01:34:19] in town to make money from sports [01:34:21] betting our town will be developed [01:34:24] beyond our recognition here's what it [01:34:26] will look like for Harvard residence [01:34:28] more development is going to lead to [01:34:30] higher property taxes for those of us [01:34:32] who own [01:34:33] browse was to rent this type of [01:34:35] development where we're hosting huge [01:34:37] numbers of people on a non-permanent [01:34:39] basis will lead to a spike in rent costs [01:34:41] and [01:34:43] pushing our community members out [01:34:45] anybody familiar with Airbnb [01:34:48] I'm very familiar with it from a [01:34:50] community that I work with in Boston [01:34:51] that's gone through the same the [01:34:53] process [01:34:54] over the period of time that I have been [01:34:56] providing vegetables to these people [01:34:59] I have seen so many people have to leave [01:35:01] their homes and relocate to another town [01:35:05] cause they can't afford the rents [01:35:06] anymore because airbnbs have doubles [01:35:09] those [01:35:11] there will be no affordable renting in [01:35:13] any hardware villages [01:35:15] Commonwealth racing comes here with the [01:35:17] scope of the business [01:35:19] they're going to need a lot more land [01:35:20] than desperate mode so they are going to [01:35:23] apply pressure or offer cash amounts to [01:35:25] people that will not be able to turn [01:35:26] down [01:35:28] um [01:35:29] to accommodate those land needs so [01:35:32] you're probably going to have to say [01:35:33] goodbye to all your Open Fields Your [01:35:34] Beautiful Dark Skies your Summers and [01:35:36] your idyllic Thunder [01:35:38] to sum it up the cost of this business [01:35:40] coming into town is just too great it [01:35:43] outweighs any benefits that may be [01:35:45] perceived [01:35:50] Cara is going to close [01:35:54] the promise I'm brief uh it's just a [01:35:56] summation of all the points that we've [01:35:58] touched on this evening and I just want [01:36:01] to leave you with this final thought [01:36:03] the final thoughts [01:36:05] I ask all of you [01:36:07] do you have the information necessary to [01:36:11] vote [01:36:12] do you have the detail you need to [01:36:16] understand what is truly at stake here [01:36:19] I ask all of you to [01:36:22] OK new 2010s that I brought up [01:36:24] what does this five hundred thousand [01:36:26] dollars actually mean how many race days [01:36:29] are there and what can be guaranteed [01:36:33] what will sports betting wagering mean [01:36:35] for our community [01:36:37] and my final question [01:36:39] how is this racetrack feasible for our [01:36:42] small town Hardwick [01:36:44] we don't need to settle for [01:36:46] we don't need to [01:36:49] internal don't know January 7th [01:37:02] um [01:37:09] thank you both [01:37:10] um [01:37:12] one was clearly a little bit [01:37:14] though [01:37:15] um I apologize for that but [01:37:18] um I did not time them I didn't think I [01:37:20] needed to um it's 8 11. [01:37:23] um so um [01:37:25] I will entertain ing questions questions [01:37:27] need to come through the chair [01:37:30] um [01:37:33] okay Dad do you have a question you need [01:37:36] to tell it to the mic please [01:37:38] and remember we're trying to be [01:37:40] here if we can [01:37:43] you can use this knife [01:37:45] stand too close to that one [01:37:47] so I was just writing down some notes [01:37:50] from this uh presentation [01:37:54] uh [01:37:56] just a couple things that we wanted [01:37:58] their or certainly some things [01:38:01] a little evaporated [01:38:04] um one thing is that the community [01:38:06] impact Police Department is stated [01:38:09] um [01:38:12] that details for events [01:38:17] to the police department so anything [01:38:20] needed for events will be will be paid [01:38:22] separately and will actually [01:38:24] probably benefit [01:38:28] more than just [01:38:33] um [01:38:36] but you failed to touch on the last bit [01:38:39] of that sentence that does stay I think [01:38:41] the Town Administrator got it from the [01:38:43] gaming commission that [01:38:46] 20 days for a minimum which is why that [01:38:51] is stated at the apostropriate agreement [01:38:53] so that does come [01:38:55] um [01:38:56] and with that one [01:38:59] sports betting is [01:39:01] from the state not at all from [01:39:04] commonless equine so that is [01:39:07] um I just want to know where where this [01:39:11] information [01:39:11] our design has come from did you ask [01:39:17] of all this training that's going to go [01:39:19] under the two pack [01:39:21] s [01:39:25] or not [01:39:28] thank you okay [01:39:31] all right [01:39:32] we're seeing [01:39:34] enough with the talking in the audience [01:39:37] when people are sweeping disrespectful [01:39:40] and adverb [01:39:42] okay it's distracting I understand this [01:39:45] is emotional but you know people people [01:39:49] deserve respect when there's [01:39:51] like watching facials [01:39:53] watching what's being said please listen [01:39:55] to what these people we'll have to say [01:39:58] we've given the time to speak please be [01:40:00] courteous [01:40:01] um Devin do you have other things that [01:40:04] you'd like clarification why don't you [01:40:05] just all the things that you have [01:40:07] questions [01:40:09] I'm I'm close to the end I just found [01:40:13] where the track design and engineering [01:40:23] I'd also love to know where the 300 [01:40:26] stalls came from [01:40:29] because I don't believe that it was [01:40:31] mentioned at all in any meeting prior [01:40:36] to anything [01:40:40] the other thing is I guess I just have a [01:40:43] general [01:40:45] General business do you have a way that [01:40:47] you're trying to make money [01:40:49] do you sell your crops [01:40:51] for free [01:40:53] do you give your props to free free [01:40:56] I mean [01:41:00] well do you go across for free from [01:41:03] multiple people [01:41:04] good tomato [01:41:06] es because obviously in any business and [01:41:08] never you're going to try and make a [01:41:11] revenue [01:41:12] that's that's the that's the entire [01:41:13] reason that you're going to the business [01:41:15] whether it's a farm ing or a commercial [01:41:17] or anything out [01:41:19] I mean I don't think it's that big [01:41:21] if it's you know obviously they're [01:41:23] trying to make Revenue in sports betting [01:41:26] or anything like that because that is [01:41:29] kind of function [01:41:33] so so let her finish what I mean that's [01:41:36] are you sure [01:41:41] okay and have you talked to have you [01:41:44] talked to commonwealthy Prime how they [01:41:47] work together or not [01:41:53] sure as long as Devin's done obviously [01:41:56] either and verification [01:42:00] and and so just a reminder we want to [01:42:02] keep this factor out please [01:42:13] all the questions but as far as the 300 [01:42:16] Styles it's in the application [01:42:25] yeah the 300 stalls is in the [01:42:27] Commonwealth race raising application to [01:42:30] the gaming commission it asks number of [01:42:32] stalls [01:42:33] the estimates of 300 cells [01:42:42] yeah [01:42:43] um [01:42:55] or [01:42:59] if you do not [01:43:04] so this person's like [01:43:06] going to what the where the claims of [01:43:08] the track design [01:43:12] oh how it starts getting non-touchable [01:43:14] I'm going to cut it off okay [01:43:16] let's get [01:43:18] it [01:43:20] yes Devin we can apply you there were [01:43:22] six or seven different tracks that we [01:43:25] actually pulled all the information from [01:43:26] to make the term tracks so that came [01:43:30] from Saratoga it came from Churchill [01:43:33] multiple [01:43:35] so they were all all the same running [01:43:38] thoroughbred racing and all [01:43:43] so can can we please have that [01:43:45] information can you please provide that [01:43:47] information so it's available [01:43:51] uh just as far as the one and a half [01:44:12] so again [01:44:14] we want to keep this factual if it's if [01:44:16] it's information that we need for [01:44:19] clear traffic to allow it if we start [01:44:21] going we're we're sliding a little bit [01:44:23] down a rabbit hole I'm going to stop it [01:44:28] it's beautiful [01:44:33] though what's being proposed is [01:44:36] something very similar to the Stephen [01:44:37] race track [01:44:38] not a Saratoga Sandy tract so there's a [01:44:42] lot of engineering that goes there took [01:44:44] a track that is [01:44:47] close to this [01:44:50] to not be able to [01:44:52] being engineered [01:44:54] I would strongly [01:44:58] for track [01:45:00] whatever is gonna happen [01:45:02] action if you defer to [01:45:04] the camp because they're the [01:45:07] author going to do [01:45:11] okay [01:45:14] fine [01:45:18] um I didn't recognize I have to [01:45:20] recognize [01:45:21] who's gonna speak so [01:45:24] okay so we have 11 minutes left [01:45:28] um what I'm interested in if [01:45:31] students I'm not interested in [01:45:33] um [01:45:35] actually I think to sort of keep this on [01:45:37] track our questions that have not been [01:45:40] answered that's what I think we should [01:45:42] be addressing at this point [01:45:45] um [01:45:46] we've addressed all the questions that [01:45:47] have been presented so far so are there [01:45:50] additional questions that have not been [01:45:52] answered [01:45:53] um that we need answered before we leave [01:45:55] tonight [01:45:58] we have 11 minutes [01:46:02] again factual question only [01:46:07] no statements just a question please [01:46:10] um again we have not received any [01:46:13] engineering drawings from ceas so we are [01:46:15] any information that we are making on is [01:46:17] based on existing things so if they are [01:46:19] willing to provide [01:46:22] engineering programs [01:46:26] so we will make a note [01:46:30] um [01:46:31] they if it is available that it is [01:46:33] provided you Nicole can you make a note [01:46:35] or I'll make a note [01:46:44] she had her hand up first [01:46:52] um [01:46:55] I know a little bit about [01:46:58] some extra class and [01:47:01] have you asked what I mean I have seen [01:47:05] how difficult it was to get stuff to [01:47:08] Upper Church Street we had the rice [01:47:10] first and so forth everybody knows it's [01:47:13] not I give him like in a city where they [01:47:16] come [01:47:17] back then you have a five Giga thank you [01:47:19] they could watch movies [01:47:21] and I I'd imagine [01:47:29] the information on where the forces are [01:47:32] by inches [01:47:34] would have a worldwide [01:47:37] Broadband or Spectrum needs that [01:47:41] requires Towers [01:47:45] electricity and and installation of [01:47:49] World new Communications can you get [01:47:52] your question please [01:47:57] is that an aspect that [01:48:00] the whole discussion whether we're on [01:48:02] the racetrack up there or [01:48:05] anyway with uh [01:48:08] that is on the side or that is not [01:48:10] concerning the people who are making the [01:48:13] restaurant we can certainly ask the [01:48:14] question for them to provide any [01:48:16] information on that thank you [01:48:23] so so it's been advised that it's [01:48:25] actually in the response [01:48:27] um that was just provided [01:48:29] um [01:48:30] if it is not we will make sure that the [01:48:33] question is answered hi my name is [01:48:35] someone I live in Gilbertville and I [01:48:38] have a question I would like [01:48:40] Commonwealth racing to clarify [01:48:43] uh two things [01:48:45] one they talk about [01:48:48] mobile mobile racing somebody from out [01:48:51] of state being able to vet and that is [01:48:53] absolutely not according to the law so [01:48:56] why is that in their answer [01:48:59] and and two could they please go [01:49:01] probably 1.5 because as it is stated or [01:49:05] CA it is 1.5 only of simulcast racing [01:49:11] revenues there is zero mention of [01:49:14] Revenue accountable it's very in in the [01:49:17] Coast Community agreement [01:49:19] thank you we'll make sure that those are [01:49:20] answered [01:49:27] Meg [01:49:29] again if it's a question all alone if [01:49:31] it's a commentary I'm going to stop [01:49:37] so it's relate my question is [01:49:40] um relating to section [01:49:43] 3.2 [01:49:47] for the license with the Massachusetts [01:49:51] Gaming Commission [01:49:53] and it talks about the application [01:49:56] stating the days on which racing is [01:49:59] intended to be held [01:50:01] and [01:50:03] makes no no from the game [01:50:05] shin [01:50:09] that a future licensing May file [01:50:12] supplementary materials or amendments [01:50:15] for new or additional license dates [01:50:21] with the law GL [01:50:23] ow 128 days paragraph kit my [01:50:26] understanding is that a location vote [01:50:31] permanent [01:50:33] Hardwood [01:50:34] is stating to the state of Massachusetts [01:50:38] that at any point in the future [01:50:41] without our needing to approve it a [01:50:44] second time [01:50:45] someone can apply for a horse racing [01:50:47] license at that site can you please [01:50:50] confirm that I have the correct [01:50:52] understanding all right [01:50:55] that is correct [01:50:57] so Alex has said that is correct that is [01:50:59] the correct understanding [01:51:02] uh in my opinion that is correct that [01:51:04] once the site is approved uh the [01:51:06] statutory requirements that so [01:51:09] for future applicants we [01:51:13] can switch from the markets [01:51:23] we only have time for a few more [01:51:25] questions it's 8 25 so you can go right [01:51:27] here [01:51:28] as long as it's a question and not a [01:51:30] common number it's a question thank you [01:51:32] madam [01:51:33] um quick question so I'm wondering if if [01:51:37] race tracks [01:51:38] out any sort of manipulation soil [01:51:42] without any of the infrastructure that [01:51:45] we know folks have commented on me being [01:51:48] here [01:51:50] ask them that type of racetrack [01:51:54] will track [01:51:55] with any penetration of the soil past [01:51:57] that then constructed or brought to New [01:52:00] England in recent history has that [01:52:02] happened [01:52:05] you'll get to an answer for that [01:52:10] hang out really [01:52:15] I apologize I'm faced this way because I [01:52:17] might help us that way I don't want to [01:52:19] ignore anybody who has questions [01:52:33] this is a question right just [01:52:36] um on the fact that the 5 000 issue [01:52:39] coming in each weekend [01:52:42] [Music] [01:52:44] and stone cow [01:52:53] so so that I think the question [01:52:58] um if I if I might [01:53:00] um so is the question have have they [01:53:03] surveyed or has any [01:53:06] good Stone cow is that your question [01:53:20] so I think that's not a question we can [01:53:22] probably answer I I would [01:53:25] okay so so I think um okay understood [01:53:32] I will take [01:53:34] um [01:53:35] I'll take your question clearly I will [01:53:37] allow you and Robin if there's time [01:53:42] the question right yes okay I I want to [01:53:45] know if people fully understand [01:53:49] that 20 race days which is up from the [01:53:53] four maximum we first heard about if [01:53:56] they fully understand that 20 race days [01:53:58] include 57 [01:54:01] nowadays [01:54:03] in which we [01:54:04] wish we were traffic [01:54:07] moving into the into that area [01:54:12] if they don't understand [01:54:14] comparison of one day of 15 000 people I [01:54:20] hope it's not a question it's well I [01:54:23] want to know [01:54:25] anything at 70 [01:54:27] of very heavy [01:54:28] people and traffic [01:54:36] I hope so okay [01:54:39] so in the first book site in the first q [01:54:44] a it seemed like you were a greeting [01:54:46] suggesting today was only required for [01:54:48] the [01:54:49] for the license but in this updated [01:54:51] question it says that [01:54:53] the town must execute HCA before the [01:54:57] horse racing [01:54:59] and I don't know is can you confirm that [01:55:02] you didn't see any [01:55:03] on an HCA for horse racing but I did [01:55:06] four Sports review [01:55:08] if you could take your comment on it or [01:55:10] take it down [01:55:12] so is the HCA explicitly required for [01:55:15] the horse racing [01:55:17] I understand that there is one or five [01:55:19] sports majoring but the forest race so [01:55:22] we'll [01:55:23] legally be obligated to filter one [01:55:25] because the gaming commission was going [01:55:27] to roll on [01:55:28] their application [01:55:30] as soon as the asphalt was put in and [01:55:32] they were the application without any [01:55:34] HCA [01:55:36] so I don't believe it but I [01:55:43] so we'll get back to the back answer [01:55:46] okay it is 8 29. [01:55:50] um I [01:55:51] I'm not I'm not interested in accountant [01:55:54] it has to be a question [01:56:07] okay okay [01:56:17] okay the question is we haven't [01:56:20] discussed the [01:56:21] Farm tonight [01:56:23] and what it really means and I'm just [01:56:26] processing and Devin talked about the [01:56:29] wrong reasons [01:56:35] the dairy farms [01:56:37] on Stone cars is [01:56:40] that's two totally separate businesses [01:56:43] as well as the crowd that comes on [01:56:47] one-time events these Tough Mudder or [01:56:50] whatever they're called those are [01:56:52] contained crowds they don't need hotels [01:56:54] if they're one day events [01:56:57] so to get back to Great medical we're [01:56:59] talking about [01:57:01] a Commercial Business [01:57:04] trying to get on a farm and the APR the [01:57:07] only part of the APR is the horse [01:57:09] breeding [01:57:10] the horse breeding has to make more [01:57:13] money than the racetrack to be on [01:57:17] the Beyond divisions so my question is [01:57:19] how can of course creating operation [01:57:22] make more money than a racetrack Asylum [01:57:25] kits okay thank you [01:57:28] that when there is the last question it [01:57:31] has got to be a question no no comments [01:57:34] please [01:57:54] to their Town into art [01:57:57] are you aware because [01:58:00] I'm assuming none of it has [01:58:03] to these other neighboring towns that [01:58:07] any infrastructure damage or any noise [01:58:11] or any unusual activity such as a lot of [01:58:16] traffic coming through their towns they [01:58:19] are by far [01:58:22] our town for not having them informed [01:58:26] and having to say in this decision so I [01:58:29] think you're asking the question of a [01:58:30] balance and whether that's about [01:58:34] so um can we get back to Linda on that [01:58:38] on whether they actually can that occur [01:58:41] thank you okay you're welcome [01:58:43] okay [01:58:46] um it is 8 32. [01:58:49] um I [01:58:51] I appreciate you I understand that this [01:58:54] has been um so let me say this I [01:58:57] appreciate that people have been [01:58:59] respectful [01:59:01] um I I do appreciate that um [01:59:05] we tried to get as many [01:59:08] questions to answer [01:59:10] um there we do I have written down the [01:59:12] questions we will make sure that we get [01:59:14] the appropriate answers and that they [01:59:16] get posted [01:59:17] as we'll um report back with his [01:59:19] questions [01:59:21] um the town [01:59:22] um clerk has asked us [01:59:26] the chairs up as we leave [01:59:28] we want to thank everybody [01:59:30] um both sides or [01:59:32] um [01:59:32] you are crazy patient [01:59:36] yeah [01:59:38] um to demo for us because they got [01:59:41] supports out there [01:59:46] the problem is [01:59:48] the answer those same questions about [01:59:51] them [01:59:53] we need to have something fair that says [02:00:07] yourself [02:00:17] now I can hear you [02:00:19] are you moving to adjourn [02:00:21] I second that okay it's been moved and [02:00:24] seconded [02:00:25] um we need to call the rule Rob [02:00:29] yes [02:00:31] Rob said yes Kelly [02:00:33] yes meeting is adjourned 834. [02:00:37] thank you