Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 10/4/22

Hardwick Selectmen Defer Vote on Horse Racing Operation

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 10/4/22

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Meeting details

Date

October 5, 2022

Duration

1h 27m

Decisions

3 recorded

Action Items

8 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened a public hearing to deliberate on the proposed horse racing operation by Commonwealth Equestrian and Agricultural Center LLC at 228 Barry Road. Residents presented diverse viewpoints, expressing concerns about potential impacts on the town's character, environment, and infrastructure, while proponents highlighted economic benefits and agricultural preservation. Following extensive public discourse, the Board opted to defer its vote on approving the location to a subsequent meeting, citing the need for additional information, community collaboration, and a comprehensive understanding of all implications before making a final decision.

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Discussion Highlights

Concerns were raised regarding potential negative impacts of the proposed horse racing operation, including gambling, alcohol sales, animal welfare, environmental noise, traffic congestion, water consumption, and medical waste.
Proponents highlighted the project's potential benefits, such as supporting country living, 4-H programs, equine education, and local agriculture through a 'Farm to Table' restaurant concept.
The number of proposed race days was clarified: 1 weekend/2 days for 2023-2024, increasing to 2 weekends/4 days by 2026-2027, with a commitment to include non-racing operations in license applications.
The project was clarified not to involve a 'giant hotel' or large-scale events like the Kentucky Derby, but rather small-scale lodging for breeders and food trucks for events.
The proponent stated that horse breeding, training, and racing are considered agricultural activities under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 128A.
The project is described as a 'most heavily regulated activity' by the state, with annual reviews by the Gaming Commission and Board of Selectmen.
Residents expressed a desire for a thorough, independent cost-benefit analysis and a clear exit strategy for the town if the project does not meet expectations.
The Board of Selectmen acknowledged the polarized public comments and the need for more information and collaboration before making a decision.

Transcript (11,429 words)

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

00:00:00
Call to order Pledge of Allegiance visitors comments we will reconvene the public hearing we have old business which includes other old business treasury collector Department update comp cast contract renewal new business Town Administrator review other new business discussion and
00:00:20
Or vote relative to arpa funding committee reports Town Administrator report signatures and approvals selectment Roundtable and adjournment I will say we are sticking to an eight o'clock schedule again tonight I understand I understand I understand every Brian is
00:00:40
Going to moderate again as well we would like to cut off any comments by 7 30 or 7 45 we're always accessible to your comments you can contact Nicole you can email any one of us you can have phone conversations with any one of us
00:00:59
To discuss your concerns we're always available it doesn't have to be in this public setting if you have questions for the great Meadowbrook proponents you have the opportunity to get them you still will have the opportunity to get them to Nicole and also to them
00:01:17
So I would like so it's customary in our selectance meaning that we um start with the Pledge of Allegiance so once the flag arrives I would ask that you stand and Joint please
00:01:46
Enough
00:02:11
So can anyone please rise foreign
00:02:30
Thank you we're going to defer visitors comments to the public hearing and I will just read the public hearing notice again 6 30 PM continuance from public hearing Monday October 3 2022 at 6 30. pursuant

[00:00:00] call to order Pledge of Allegiance [00:00:03] visitors comments we will reconvene the [00:00:06] public hearing [00:00:08] we have old business which includes [00:00:10] other old business treasury collector [00:00:12] Department update comp cast contract [00:00:14] renewal new business Town Administrator [00:00:17] review other new business discussion and [00:00:20] or vote relative to arpa funding [00:00:22] committee reports Town Administrator [00:00:24] report signatures and approvals [00:00:27] selectment Roundtable and adjournment I [00:00:30] will say we are sticking to an eight [00:00:31] o'clock schedule again tonight [00:00:35] I understand [00:00:36] I understand I understand every Brian is [00:00:40] going to moderate again as well [00:00:42] um we would like to cut off any comments [00:00:45] by 7 30 or 7 45 [00:00:48] um we're always accessible to your [00:00:50] comments you can contact Nicole you can [00:00:54] email any one of us you can have phone [00:00:56] conversations with any one of us [00:00:59] um to discuss your concerns we're always [00:01:00] available it doesn't have to be in this [00:01:02] public setting if you have questions for [00:01:06] the great Meadowbrook proponents [00:01:09] um you have the opportunity to get them [00:01:10] you still will have the opportunity to [00:01:12] get them to Nicole and also to them [00:01:17] um so I would like [00:01:23] so it's customary in our selectance [00:01:25] meaning that we um start with the Pledge [00:01:27] of Allegiance so once the flag arrives I [00:01:29] would ask that you stand and Joint [00:01:32] please [00:01:46] enough [00:02:11] so can anyone please rise [00:02:20] foreign [00:02:30] thank you [00:02:34] we're going to defer visitors comments [00:02:38] to the public hearing and I will just [00:02:39] read the public hearing notice again [00:02:42] 6 30 PM continuance from public hearing [00:02:45] Monday October 3 2022 at 6 30. pursuant [00:02:48] to Mass General Law chapter [00:02:52] 128 a section 13 a the town of Harvard [00:02:56] Court of selectman will hold a public [00:02:57] hearing on Monday October 3 2022 at 6 30 [00:03:00] pm at the Hardwick Elementary School 76 [00:03:04] Schoolhouse Road hardmaster 1037 to [00:03:07] discuss whether to approve the location [00:03:09] of Commonwealth equestrian and [00:03:11] Agricultural Center llc's proposed horse [00:03:14] racing operation at 228 Barry Road [00:03:16] anyone wishing to be heard should appear [00:03:19] at the time and place designated above I [00:03:21] will now turn the meeting over to the [00:03:24] moderator who will set out the rules and [00:03:26] suggestions for tonight's hormone [00:03:35] a lot of people here 60 seconds if you [00:03:39] see me pointing at my watch it means you [00:03:40] get 10 seconds to wrap it up if I see [00:03:42] that you might make point or asking a [00:03:44] question if it's going to turn your [00:03:45] microphone down okay [00:03:46] there's too many people that are here [00:03:48] that want an opportunity or [00:03:50] forward that as you [00:03:52] can eat as well [00:03:54] so without further ado would like to be [00:03:57] the first this lady right here please [00:04:00] announce your name and where you live [00:04:01] please [00:04:04] foreign [00:04:32] little town [00:04:39] and I'd like to ask [00:04:43] please delay the [00:04:45] views of the words I heard last night [00:04:50] gambling [00:04:53] alcohol [00:04:58] questionable animal ethics [00:05:02] and us doing the Massachusetts [00:05:05] politics [00:05:08] none of that seems to match Harvard [00:05:12] none of it please delay the vote thank [00:05:16] you [00:05:29] good evening folks again [00:05:36] for the country living and that's what I [00:05:39] got horses are part of that [00:05:41] horses [00:05:43] from this country it started right here [00:05:46] and this is [00:05:49] so [00:05:50] the board for the race to [00:05:54] OK numerous times they have a plan for [00:05:58] traffic and parking [00:05:59] yeah [00:06:02] we've done two weekends of races all the [00:06:04] gambling is mobile and not happening on [00:06:07] property alcohol can be served at every [00:06:10] restaurant in the area and [00:06:12] I don't worry about [00:06:15] it nobody has a problem with that [00:06:18] it makes no sense they've said [00:06:22] [Music] [00:06:25] for 4-H for that's in barriers and [00:06:29] equine dentists to learn a craft [00:06:32] the horses [00:06:35] I have never heard of any race track [00:06:40] calling [00:06:41] courses because they're reports that's [00:06:44] Farm industry chickens we don't kill a [00:06:47] horse simply because it's more resources [00:06:53] oh yes [00:07:02] I read their application to the state I [00:07:07] read the whole 200 plus pages [00:07:11] it was part of the most concerns because [00:07:14] if there is no mentioned [00:07:17] a number of days they've said they would [00:07:20] run get mentioned that uh [00:07:25] Plainfield Park runs [00:07:29] or they had to cut down from 100 [00:07:32] what they say they say about [00:07:34] what they're going through here is a [00:07:37] more modest number of race days that [00:07:40] increase all reviews [00:07:44] how much does it [00:07:50] starts [00:07:52] cleaning application [00:07:55] for two days September 10 th September [00:07:59] 11th you can only asks for one year we [00:08:02] were asked that question [00:08:03] then [00:08:05] the administrator [00:08:08] to put an answer and writing yeah [00:08:23] well the way this requirements foreign [00:08:32] as we discussed we do not anticipate in [00:08:35] the next decade sufficient forces or [00:08:38] persons to come close to this fall as [00:08:40] such over the next five years we will [00:08:42] see approval for two ways the following [00:08:45] number of weekends and days [00:08:48] in 23 one weekend two days [00:08:51] before one weekend two days 2025 one [00:08:56] weekend three days 2026 two weeks [00:09:01] 2027 two weekends four days further we [00:09:06] commit to include in the house [00:09:15] for a race meeting license including [00:09:18] your approval of [00:09:19] non-racial operations Park ing marketing [00:09:24] I hope that answers [00:09:28] yes [00:09:37] horse racing [00:09:38] in the United States which there used to [00:09:41] be tens of thousands of people who would [00:09:43] um the reason Suffolk Downs closed and [00:09:45] it's [00:09:46] the articles because nobody was told [00:09:49] but in their 200 Page Plus Manifesto [00:09:52] they're making comments that they're [00:09:55] going to have adverters [00:09:57] they want to have [00:09:59] Kentucky [00:10:02] which has thousands and hundreds of [00:10:04] dollars they have daily events they have [00:10:07] conventions there they are talking in [00:10:11] their Manifesto they want to host events [00:10:13] like the Rolex which 360 [00:10:15] welcome to that [00:10:21] parking 30 to 60 temporary kiosks 16 500 [00:10:26] square feet of field buildings [00:10:28] generators uh economic spin-off in the [00:10:32] Millions [00:10:37] major Hotel [00:10:40] they're already [00:10:42] music camp every vacant building in this [00:10:45] town [00:10:46] um which other people would like to do [00:10:48] something with [00:10:50] this is definitely [00:10:53] um [00:10:54] there are reasons [00:10:57] or not support this [00:11:02] us [00:11:03] and clear their relative to Churchill [00:11:05] down someplace else they're not we've [00:11:08] not proposed a hotel we've done we've [00:11:09] not opposed [00:11:13] whatever it is I don't even know [00:11:16] what it is [00:11:19] a [00:11:21] from [00:11:22] Country Inn is not what was described in [00:11:26] that conversation okay all right hey [00:11:28] folks one at a time [00:11:31] one last point [00:11:33] Downs didn't close because of that [00:11:36] of that substance 100 [00:11:38] figures in the center of in [00:11:41] it was sold [00:11:45] okay anyone else that would like to [00:11:46] comment our question [00:11:53] foreign [00:12:04] [Music] [00:12:19] Town Fair and over the walls totally [00:12:23] false equivalency to what we're going to [00:12:26] be looking at [00:12:27] the other thing that I was [00:12:30] this is going to change our path whether [00:12:33] it's going to change it a little bit or [00:12:34] whether it's going to change it a lot [00:12:36] you could argue and disagree on whether [00:12:38] you think it's going to change [00:12:40] for the positive or the negative You [00:12:42] could argue and disagree about [00:12:46] that and I believe significant [00:12:49] if you're in 1976 26 [00:12:52] you have to raise a family [00:12:56] my wife and another on a Town started [00:12:59] playing soccer [00:13:02] on Saturdays and fall and spring [00:13:06] I've had my 46 youth years here and they [00:13:10] have been magnificent years [00:13:12] I want the next 46 years to be equally [00:13:14] magnificent we will see changes I have [00:13:17] seen changes [00:13:18] but I want to know what the young people [00:13:22] great young people I've met who've moved [00:13:25] to this town and I want to know what [00:13:27] they see for their future and their [00:13:29] families Go full [00:13:37] y [00:13:47] not so much [00:13:55] and change in a money way may not be bad [00:14:00] for people coming in to start families [00:14:03] I've been here since well I was going [00:14:07] here [00:14:09] uh my grandmother grew up [00:14:14] uh that's why I'm gone now so most of [00:14:17] you you people [00:14:19] know those things [00:14:20] uh doubt will [00:14:23] be 28 years [00:14:26] to work there uh I worked there for many [00:14:31] years [00:14:32] and on top of that I was here going to [00:14:36] be over the walls event was going on and [00:14:38] we used to sit on with [00:14:39] divorce and watched beautiful [00:14:43] beautiful these big nice horse trailers [00:14:45] trailer and set up big tents we'd go [00:14:47] there every single day my mother loved [00:14:50] it we'd watch them roll in [00:14:53] it was great it was great it brought [00:14:55] light to town all we're doing is trying [00:14:58] to trans [00:15:02] we have a 4-H Center in the center of [00:15:05] town that's falling apart and I don't [00:15:06] see you donating [00:15:08] we have a church in the center of town [00:15:11] that's falling apart and I don't see [00:15:14] anyone [00:15:26] you're concerned about the police [00:15:27] department you're concerned about the [00:15:29] fire department our Police Department [00:15:36] Police Department [00:15:44] [Applause] [00:15:51] because it's been raised by a couple of [00:15:53] the folks we have looked at some big [00:15:57] properties Richard Field's talk is [00:16:01] Farm to Table restaurant we looked at [00:16:04] the church for example downtown and in [00:16:07] the comments and purchasing it and [00:16:09] restoring it and turning it into a [00:16:11] restaurant [00:16:12] and we also looked at the building or [00:16:15] the two buildings next door one [00:16:16] abandoned and one used by the school as [00:16:19] a potential [00:16:20] um [00:16:21] before six to ten to ten people not a [00:16:24] giant hotel not an enormous restaurant [00:16:27] or [00:16:29] whatever we're talking about things that [00:16:31] and when we talk [00:16:33] Ed to tourism it's a fancy term to deal [00:16:35] with the family that we're going to buy [00:16:37] beef from Will and we're going to go to [00:16:39] somebody else to buy vegetables and [00:16:41] we're going to do Farm to Table locally [00:16:43] produced things and just to put in [00:16:47] perspective with the previous speakers [00:16:52] producers of [00:16:54] agricultural products and meats and and [00:16:57] whatnot I asked one of the farmers if we [00:16:59] put a restaurant here [00:17:01] and we purchased our materials almost [00:17:03] exclusively from you [00:17:08] if you're fine [00:17:09] a wild thing for your farm [00:17:12] it would be a wild [00:17:15] so when we say agritourism and making [00:17:18] it we're talking about helping the other [00:17:20] Farms area that you're trying to [00:17:21] preserve by [00:17:28] like [00:17:33] you can take it out if you want to or [00:17:35] just [00:17:38] um [00:17:44] we've listened to all the issues here [00:17:47] over and over all last night I don't [00:17:49] care [00:17:51] about that young girl that was just here [00:17:55] this money that we're getting do we have [00:17:58] more minutes we [00:18:03] us having one here [00:18:09] anyways because what's wrong with [00:18:12] animals they always racing [00:18:14] we did it years ago everything comes [00:18:17] back [00:18:18] so I want you to [00:18:21] think [00:18:22] about what [00:18:25] what town because we don't have Netflix [00:18:29] police [00:18:30] they're everywhere but here [00:18:33] it's time we get the donations to get [00:18:36] into a building right in this town where [00:18:39] it's needed now same with an ambulance [00:18:46] we've been asked by [00:18:49] a bunch of residents where we give money [00:18:52] to this [00:18:58] so we are looking at what we think is [00:19:01] responsible in five hundred thousand [00:19:03] dollars [00:19:06] we [00:19:07] [Music] [00:19:11] would pay 500 000 we were asked about it [00:19:14] and the projections [00:19:22] we hope that increasing your budget by 8 [00:19:25] will give you the ability to pay [00:19:28] that otherwise maybe [00:19:37] all right [00:19:44] okay my name is [00:19:49] a direct neighbor uh so the view from my [00:19:53] bathroom will be the race track and I am [00:19:55] not against it or a problem I don't know [00:19:59] you but I think [00:20:02] Mr chick said you know time changes and [00:20:05] you know and the other lady says you [00:20:07] know the history repeats itself it's a [00:20:09] full circle [00:20:11] came here in 2001 I was here in 2003 and [00:20:14] I still know about that the festival [00:20:18] and it would be nice to see you know [00:20:20] something different at this time I [00:20:22] enjoyed but it's [00:20:24] small [00:20:25] and you know my kids are getting older [00:20:28] do they want to stay here I don't know [00:20:29] they're in college they finished the [00:20:31] college [00:20:33] so I just want to talk [00:20:35] open-minded you know and the other thing [00:20:38] what I have to ask you what about [00:20:40] housing knows no we don't have any [00:20:42] hotels closest hotel at Sturbridge [00:20:44] Worcester Springfield [00:20:48] where do people like somebody mentioned [00:20:50] the department of IVs is there like a [00:20:53] plan for RV like they could park [00:20:55] and stay for a weekend or we're gonna go [00:20:58] somewhere else [00:20:59] oh that's just gonna work [00:21:04] movies [00:21:07] in a [00:21:08] uh bed and breakfast the Country Inn his [00:21:12] name when someone comes to breed so we [00:21:15] have a stallion you come into town with [00:21:17] two Mayors two meet the stallion and you [00:21:21] stay for 10 days [00:21:23] you need a place to stay right now [00:21:25] there's no [00:21:26] we don't need a huge place [00:21:29] what [00:21:31] is [00:21:35] so most of the people who come [00:21:37] horses have a place for their for their [00:21:39] workers or themselves [00:21:41] the horses they want to stay no they [00:21:44] they stay they want to stay with their [00:21:46] horses you into town with 100 [00:21:49] 000 worth of forces three four horses [00:21:52] you want to stay with your horses [00:21:54] you sleep there with your horses near [00:21:57] your horses and [00:22:01] we'll bring in uh food truck or [00:22:03] something else or canteen that will feed [00:22:05] them breakfast and lunch [00:22:07] before we do and then when they're gone [00:22:09] the [00:22:13] first place [00:22:19] I'm a Anita's neighbor I live on upper [00:22:23] Church Streets it's 40 years [00:22:25] I am confused about wanting and I talked [00:22:28] to you about yesterday and I [00:22:32] thought [00:22:33] let's face it [00:22:35] upper Church Street won my Lord from my [00:22:39] house [00:22:43] whether the power [00:22:45] ful to eat [00:22:47] or not it doesn't matter the land was [00:22:50] was intended by a good thing and then [00:22:54] Eric [00:22:55] day of respect [00:22:57] respect and and good fields [00:22:59] AP lab renounced on the profit [00:23:03] maybe for his practice [00:23:07] ultimate of having AP lab not to develop [00:23:11] it [00:23:13] the holy grail and we said we neighbors [00:23:16] and everybody says it's a good idea [00:23:23] love it here because [00:23:28] imagine [00:23:30] later on [00:23:35] trailer [00:23:41] are you gonna [00:23:43] look at the North Street Manchester [00:23:46] Trail [00:23:49] what I would last do we go [00:23:54] AP [00:23:55] Holy Grail and new Ultimate handshake [00:23:59] with the government or do you have a [00:24:01] loophole to put up a big thing you know [00:24:03] you have to [00:24:05] do one thousand foot [00:24:07] food [00:24:08] thank you [00:24:12] I don't do that why can't you [00:24:13] track is a grass tracker [00:24:18] so that's it that's it [00:24:22] let me address a Mr [00:24:24] we're talking about building [00:24:28] an improved man we're talking about [00:24:30] building two [00:24:33] about is overseeding and cutting a one [00:24:36] mile Street yes let me finish strip [00:24:39] along that area if you come to the track [00:24:41] and you want [00:24:43] you want whatever else it is you do with [00:24:45] your dogs on the Wednesday before a race [00:24:47] meet [00:24:48] and then you go away for the weekend [00:24:52] the same thing you won't know that [00:24:54] something happened while you were gone [00:24:56] because there is no structures that will [00:24:58] be there that will [00:25:00] no Act [00:25:02] Ive horses Trump has trimmed on the [00:25:03] grass we have pledged to [00:25:06] handle them to continue [00:25:08] the reason we picked [00:25:10] up so that we could race after the [00:25:12] second hang so that we wouldn't [00:25:14] interfering with the hang of the field [00:25:16] we are not developing a [00:25:19] or hotel or some kind of structure we're [00:25:23] talking about [00:25:24] the barns for agricultural purposes and [00:25:27] let me just say one other thing [00:25:28] API restriction whether it is the new [00:25:31] API restriction or the old API [00:25:32] restriction when you read the state [00:25:34] statute and you read about agriculture [00:25:37] horses are front and center in the [00:25:39] agricultural production breeding horses [00:25:42] training horses and [00:25:44] do you know why there were horse races [00:25:46] at [00:25:51] the state because that's how you sell a [00:25:53] thoroughbred [00:25:54] tow it it gets it gets to demonstrate [00:25:56] Hills and then they have What's called [00:25:58] the clamming race and you claim your [00:26:00] horse for whatever the price is that's [00:26:02] the way in which a thoroughbred is [00:26:04] trained and sold [00:26:06] racing statute by the way the [00:26:08] agricultural statute of the Commonwealth [00:26:10] is chapter 128a the racing statue statue [00:26:14] of 128 a [00:26:16] the legislature saw these two [00:26:19] Aces intertwined agriculture [00:26:22] is a growing of vegetables [00:26:24] consumption of food [00:26:25] and food it's other [00:26:27] as well [00:26:28] right or wrong that's within the [00:26:30] definition of APR [00:26:32] IL thank you all right anyone else that [00:26:34] would like to comment [00:26:38] wrestling right there [00:26:43] thanks [00:26:45] develop real quick uh something I asked [00:26:48] last night [00:26:49] the way the money works really [00:27:09] that's really what [00:27:13] if you guess what questions are [00:27:18] platform [00:27:19] mode [00:27:24] only on the Harbor braces or anybody [00:27:27] with that [00:27:31] is my question I know there's a [00:27:35] part of the application [00:27:38] towns granted these young [00:27:42] right since the new law was passed [00:27:47] so the question is are you going to [00:27:50] you're down for having [00:27:53] sex [00:27:55] [Music] [00:27:57] with several ideas [00:28:01] or [00:28:03] some of the other 40 [00:28:05] they've been licensed [00:28:09] entity [00:28:13] applying for that [00:28:17] the Mobile Medical platform [00:28:32] a simple answer to your question [00:28:35] is we apply for a live racing license [00:28:38] and as a library [00:28:47] if you are in Boston [00:28:49] and it on a race at naira or Churchill [00:28:52] Churchills or someplace else you would [00:28:55] use a betting application in that [00:28:57] bedding out the applicant would then [00:28:58] return a piece of money [00:29:00] Commonwealth and to the community [00:29:04] it also would broadcast any race that [00:29:07] occurs here across the country so that [00:29:09] if you're in California and you wanted [00:29:10] to bet on Hardwick you could turn around [00:29:12] and you could do that the second part of [00:29:14] your question was relative to sports [00:29:16] wagering we would actually [00:29:19] license and we've applied for it we're [00:29:21] on [00:29:24] 42 entities were above that you will [00:29:27] find RNA and it is a live racing venue [00:29:31] and again it is [00:29:35] it is a revenue [00:29:37] benefits the project without any of the [00:29:40] traffic or activity because there's no [00:29:42] on-site component [00:29:45] s [00:29:48] um [00:29:55] foreign [00:30:05] [Music] [00:30:24] I'm nervous [00:30:33] medical waste and will consume fast [00:30:36] enough for water as well as [00:30:37] environmental noise pollution and [00:30:39] traffic congestion my question is how [00:30:42] will these environment [00:30:49] um [00:30:50] so the answer is all of those things [00:30:53] are regulated so the [00:30:56] manure that's generated on site will be [00:30:59] collected put in a dumpster that's [00:31:01] covered and will be removed from the [00:31:03] setup the amount of horse manure you're [00:31:05] talking about on the site is relatively [00:31:07] minimal coming out of the treating [00:31:09] operation [00:31:10] going out and it's a relatively small [00:31:13] number of horses at any one time [00:31:15] for the events that's [00:31:18] in size but it's for a relatively short [00:31:20] period of time [00:31:21] that's collected and [00:31:23] and dealt with noise pollution is not [00:31:26] one that I'm aware of relative [00:31:28] forces [00:31:29] and the like [00:31:32] the issues of you [00:31:36] we don't have enough [00:31:38] rules to qualify as much [00:31:40] weight [00:31:43] animal feed operation if [00:31:45] it we would have an air around [00:31:49] you would collect the urine and we would [00:31:51] direct the [00:31:53] rain and it would go into a pond and you [00:31:56] grow some kind of grass and grass that [00:31:59] naturally consumes [00:32:01] so there are natural processes processes [00:32:03] for dealing with it and by the time it [00:32:06] gets any [00:32:08] it is [00:32:10] everywhere else the soil itself has [00:32:13] a way of purifying it but if we got to [00:32:17] deal with that like a dairy operation or [00:32:19] something else you'd have to [00:32:21] have them before purifying and the use [00:32:24] of water there's [00:32:25] utilities [00:32:28] and put in any [00:32:29] is there anything else and we're looking [00:32:30] at [00:32:32] lower part of the car [00:32:35] s there's no need [00:32:37] to talk area at all [00:32:39] this with crystals [00:32:48] I've only been in town about 24 years so [00:32:51] I'm kind of a newbie here but uh in any [00:32:53] event uh why [00:32:56] just read [00:32:57] isn't planning and I spent about [00:33:00] locating [00:33:02] new locations for post offices and [00:33:06] anytime you go into nobody's ever happy [00:33:09] that you have to take your little post [00:33:11] office that can no longer accommodate [00:33:13] increase [00:33:18] is very difficult [00:33:21] um [00:33:25] another uh well a prominent member of [00:33:27] town [00:33:31] but [00:33:32] um with the last project had um books or [00:33:36] planned or whatever he said [00:33:41] not here [00:33:44] um my question is I'm [00:33:47] very interesting [00:33:49] um [00:33:49] you are going to be [00:33:52] a couple of Orange Is [00:33:57] Prairie [00:34:01] the food truck and so and so forth after [00:34:04] church is going to be blocked off [00:34:11] um [00:34:14] I understand [00:34:17] um [00:34:23] okay I just really feel like the report [00:34:26] really [00:34:27] thank you [00:34:33] come on down [00:34:44] thank you [00:34:46] hi my name is [00:34:49] here for nine years [00:34:59] I think it would be fun [00:35:01] to go and bring them to the food truck [00:35:03] go visit my best friend who lives [00:35:09] I want to know where you see this town [00:35:12] in 10 years when you're at your full [00:35:14] potential [00:35:16] do you see this place better do you see [00:35:18] yourself still being involved on a daily [00:35:22] is it going to be that [00:35:24] that's what I want to know [00:35:26] because [00:35:28] my [00:35:29] Street has four street lights [00:35:32] two are shut up [00:35:48] all this is [00:35:50] everyone here [00:35:53] I don't plan on going anywhere so this [00:35:55] is going to affect me [00:36:00] and I really hope [00:36:06] thank you so in Casey glad speaking with [00:36:09] the six [00:36:12] um [00:36:14] I live in [00:36:17] humanity in just outside of Boston and I [00:36:20] am an active in my community and as a [00:36:22] volunteer in almost every capacity for [00:36:24] 30 years and uh I'm not going anywhere [00:36:28] and I [00:36:29] group of people I admire [00:36:33] s they need younger people to get [00:36:35] involved there's no doubt about that no [00:36:36] disrespect to these two folks to my left [00:36:39] but [00:36:40] they're part of their [00:36:44] to get more people into breeding and [00:36:47] racing and horses and for us and Richard [00:36:50] talks about the Earth [00:36:52] takes a big [00:36:55] have something to [00:36:56] do and I will tell you this at least for [00:36:58] the purposes of this group of people [00:37:00] here you get some very smart people with [00:37:03] some resources that want to be part of [00:37:05] what's going on [00:37:07] not a huge part not a dominating part [00:37:10] but apart if they can take an old church [00:37:13] and renovate it [00:37:15] take an h building and make it [00:37:16] functional and they can take a couple [00:37:21] that's a pretty big contribution [00:37:24] everybody outside [00:37:25] they don't want to [00:37:27] [Music] [00:37:31] I didn't mean to cut you off it's a good [00:37:33] job Casey yes I just want to like [00:37:35] announce to the audience [00:37:38] she asked if do you see Harvard being [00:37:40] better [00:37:41] so I think it's a wonderful question [00:37:43] that you're asked I appreciate it [00:37:46] um I mentioned last night just briefly [00:37:48] that [00:37:49] um at one point when uh early in my life [00:37:52] I had a dairy farm my daughter was like [00:37:55] five years old at the time and it was [00:37:57] the best experience of her life so I [00:37:59] mentioned last night just sort of [00:38:01] briefly that when she [00:38:03] heard about [00:38:05] the project here and what we are doing [00:38:07] she and her husband asked if they could [00:38:09] move here and part of it so the answer [00:38:12] is I see us and hope that we would be [00:38:15] great neighbors and that we'd be here [00:38:16] forever and I obviously [00:38:18] care about what you're saying and I [00:38:21] believe that our goal is to not change [00:38:25] the essence and the magnificence of [00:38:27] magic of this town but to be [00:38:30] and yes we would like it to be [00:38:33] to be better for some of the reasons [00:38:34] that have been raised like you don't [00:38:36] have an ambulance and the whole Police [00:38:38] Issue [00:38:40] um [00:38:40] the trustee for the New York City Police [00:38:42] Department 20 years so you know law [00:38:44] enforcement is part of my life as well [00:38:46] as you know Agriculture and raising [00:38:49] horses but I think [00:38:52] this is self-serving but I believe that [00:38:55] if you give us a chance you'd be very [00:38:57] proud of what we would do [00:38:59] with [00:39:00] the problem will always be part [00:39:04] I really appreciate [00:39:07] appreciate it [00:39:11] excuse me [00:39:12] I'm sorry so and also please [00:39:16] speak into the microphone if you think [00:39:18] this is loud it's not because we are [00:39:21] provided [00:39:23] with multi-hearing so [00:39:25] afraid to be really loud [00:39:30] wow [00:39:35] these folks [00:39:40] because you're working really hard to [00:39:43] convince us and [00:39:45] us to be for us [00:39:46] I'm pretty sure it's going to be great [00:39:48] for you because I [00:39:50] because I'm willing to guarantee 500 [00:39:52] . [00:39:53] um what you're gonna make is a lot more [00:39:56] than that [00:39:57] so I'm really worried that we're [00:40:02] getting a lot of [00:40:03] body which sounds really good and I [00:40:05] really urge you to not vote Yes tonight [00:40:08] because we don't know [00:40:11] whether this is really good [00:40:15] thank you sir [00:40:17] my apologies for us [00:40:23] Lori Huffman who is not a speaker at all [00:40:25] but I'm gonna try my best [00:40:32] need to open your eyes they want to give [00:40:35] us a half a million dollars a year we [00:40:37] need a police station we need a fire [00:40:40] to be more service in town our tests [00:40:44] our tax board so if you [00:40:46] please are willing to bring us money I [00:40:48] think they need to really deeply think [00:40:51] hard about this and think outside of the [00:40:53] box before you make our final decision [00:40:58] I think you will be a wonderful asset [00:41:02] grew up down the street standard bread [00:41:05] and Thoroughbred breeding farms in [00:41:07] Amherst years ago they were the most [00:41:09] magnificent places [00:41:12] went down there to watch the Bulls being [00:41:14] born one of them [00:41:17] and [00:41:19] train friends they [00:41:21] so I welcome [00:41:24] I just asked [00:41:26] when the first school [00:41:40] will we get some of those assets of [00:41:42] those [00:41:43] of those 10 [00:41:47] before a [00:41:49] thank you and I [00:41:51] hope this all works [00:42:09] ing [00:42:11] um [00:42:15] the new Resident but I've always loved [00:42:17] our records incredible community [00:42:19] 's got amazing backbones [00:42:24] and ultimately [00:42:26] unfortunately [00:42:28] we're not saying that that you have [00:42:30] baggage we're saying that the industry [00:42:33] itself problems the Optics of the [00:42:35] industry [00:42:37] according to the Optics it's hard and [00:42:40] right wrong or indifferent whether your [00:42:42] operations are pristine or not pristine [00:42:45] you make the commitment to us Town [00:42:47] apartment that you will not be striking [00:42:49] or whipping for slow racing [00:42:52] in addition to that [00:42:54] can I have any addition to that from the [00:42:56] from the perspective Quest of brass last [00:42:58] night [00:42:58] Council does this [00:43:00] permanently cement [00:43:02] erasing and betting operation at the [00:43:05] site and lastly [00:43:12] maybe 25 [00:43:15] years of financial analysis we don't [00:43:18] have the data [00:43:20] data I'm not saying yes sir yes or no [00:43:21] but what I am saying is we need to [00:43:23] conduct a thorough [00:43:27] we have a tendency [00:43:36] script [00:43:38] rushing [00:43:39] rushing does not work you need to think [00:43:41] this world and as a result of that I [00:43:43] asked to select board to postpone a vote [00:43:45] until a thorough independent cost [00:43:47] benefit analysis [00:43:53] so [00:43:57] um [00:43:58] you asked three very meeting questions [00:44:01] um [00:44:02] first [00:44:05] on the issue [00:44:07] of forces Massachusetts has been on The [00:44:09] Cutting Edge you're right it's an [00:44:10] industry that has good actors and Bad [00:44:12] actors and the actors in this [00:44:15] largely been good actors and they have [00:44:17] been leaders to changing the industry as [00:44:19] a whole anti-doping anti-slaughtering [00:44:22] stuff [00:44:25] and take [00:44:27] and take safe uh [00:44:28] Authority which [00:44:30] published less than less than a year ago [00:44:31] as new regulations those new regulations [00:44:33] are evolving we're committed to adhering [00:44:36] to the best practices across the [00:44:38] industry [00:44:39] whatever those may be and I and I say it [00:44:43] that way not because because we don't [00:44:45] know [00:44:46] but what I do know is let's just take [00:44:48] something like [00:44:50] they've gone from whipping horses to [00:44:52] using something called a crop which [00:44:54] makes a noise Etc to reducing it to the [00:44:57] number of times you can use it and there [00:44:59] are certain instances [00:45:01] and part of the security and safety of [00:45:02] the rider in the horse to keep them [00:45:04] separated and together [00:45:06] and so rather than have [00:45:08] them have a discussion what I can tell [00:45:10] you [00:45:10] both owners is coming is committed to [00:45:12] having an oversight for it [00:45:14] is committed to having and following the [00:45:16] strictest of Standards relatively [00:45:24] is the first [00:45:29] it's like zoning a piece of property and [00:45:32] asking them to see whether you can get [00:45:33] an occupancy [00:45:35] you first about the use and then you [00:45:38] look at the design then you go through [00:45:40] the printing process [00:45:42] or of the Conservation Commission [00:45:44] whatever it is [00:45:51] the ability to close the street and then [00:45:54] we have to do that again on an annual [00:45:55] basis every single year to go through [00:45:58] the process so this isn't the end of the [00:46:00] process this is the beginning of the [00:46:02] process and it asks you to think about [00:46:05] there were 17 communities [00:46:07] more than 17. [00:46:10] recent memory there were 17 communities [00:46:12] that did horse racing none of them [00:46:17] because there are no [00:46:19] no to race those horses [00:46:21] and so will this be here in 20 30 40 [00:46:25] years I don't know [00:46:28] it may not it may not be the horses or [00:46:31] the market for it but I can tell you in [00:46:33] the foreseeable future there is and [00:46:35] there is a way to bring this [00:46:37] agricultural activity as a way to [00:46:39] benefit this community and to benefit us [00:46:41] I hope it's beneficial [00:46:43] and I hope it's beneficial to you [00:46:45] we want to be good neighbors we don't [00:46:47] want to be in a place that we don't want [00:46:48] to be welcome we want to be in Upstate [00:46:51] you welcome us and you see us as [00:46:56] yes ma'am [00:47:03] um that kind of gone just questions [00:47:05] number one um what you just said about [00:47:07] horses there aren't any horses [00:47:10] one of the most same breed and [00:47:14] house I mean [00:47:16] why is that [00:47:18] get all your questions [00:47:22] so um [00:47:23] what are your kids if you have any plans [00:47:26] to deal with the animal rights that we [00:47:28] are going to happen [00:47:33] all of that that issue that comes along [00:47:36] with their behaviors [00:47:39] I'm concerned about the safety of our [00:47:40] time [00:47:42] because [00:47:45] um you know nuts and I just I'm a little [00:47:48] concerned about that because I was like [00:47:50] um [00:47:51] have you all thought about this sort of [00:47:53] thing so yeah [00:47:56] so first question [00:47:59] um the policies we've talked [00:48:01] has had a zero policy for Slaughter [00:48:03] directly indirectly or in any way [00:48:06] possible that people are banned from [00:48:07] what goes on I can't speak to the [00:48:10] standards or what that is whether it [00:48:15] [Music] [00:48:17] relate or [00:48:18] rape or raise revenue so that everyone [00:48:20] understands the Press Revenue that comes [00:48:23] into the state that then gets [00:48:25] redistributed to the top six forces that [00:48:27] run in the race [00:48:28] that's how those horses pay those [00:48:31] readers horse farms paid [00:48:36] so you can think of it as money is [00:48:37] collected on a state basis and then the [00:48:39] horse owners through the [00:48:41] process of training and racing [00:48:45] get paid for some of that [00:48:48] Slaughter issue the [00:48:55] not in this community they're not [00:48:57] because there aren't there aren't the [00:48:58] thoroughbreds here to fit into that [00:49:01] question you asked was [00:49:04] um [00:49:09] the pita folks have have been active in [00:49:13] advocacy issues I don't know that [00:49:15] they've been active at the Trotter [00:49:18] plainridge in any meaningful way there I [00:49:22] don't recall any [00:49:26] group of people that [00:49:30] existing [00:49:33] what they see as policy change [00:49:36] MS wilsinski [00:49:42] hi my name is [00:49:45] I'm actually looking at your site now [00:49:48] I'm sandwiched pretty much by by you [00:49:52] know your property uh [00:49:55] on the property you know everything that [00:49:57] you're saying is [00:49:58] it sounds great right [00:50:01] um but you know what it means nothing to [00:50:03] me and I'll tell you why [00:50:05] I work in technical [00:50:07] s for a tech company and um [00:50:14] what I do know about sales I mean you're [00:50:16] trying to sell this to the town is that [00:50:19] there are always competitive situations [00:50:21] where there's someone on the other side [00:50:24] trying to sell to my customer [00:50:27] promising them the world so saying we'll [00:50:31] give you this [00:50:33] add in this stuff [00:50:35] and then when it comes time to the deal [00:50:38] to close it close [00:50:40] and then afterwards when the money is [00:50:42] paid when everything is done [00:50:45] there really is no incentive so I'm [00:50:47] looking at you as yourself right now [00:50:50] and what really means something to me [00:50:53] I moved here after I graduated College I [00:50:57] established my career in Boston with [00:50:59] Boston for a while [00:51:02] um what means a lot to me is the [00:51:04] representative that we have we have here [00:51:06] that represent our town [00:51:08] so I'm going to speak directly to you [00:51:11] um I've known you my whole life [00:51:13] my whole life your whole family you're [00:51:15] my whole life [00:51:16] um I voted for you I had a sign on my [00:51:19] front line [00:51:21] um not only because I've known [00:51:23] you but I also believe [00:51:25] that you'll make the right decisions of [00:51:27] town [00:51:28] and my personal perception here is that [00:51:32] we don't know enough about they're [00:51:34] coming and promising us the world and I [00:51:37] implore you [00:51:39] along with the other slash people that I [00:51:41] do not know as well please you [00:51:45] thank you [00:51:56] um I just want to collaborate [00:51:59] I want us to collaborate [00:52:02] please [00:52:05] and have a process where we we share our [00:52:10] dreams [00:52:11] if that's possible [00:52:14] thank you [00:52:21] yes Miss I [00:52:32] May Cry [00:52:36] and I'm really impressed by all of you [00:52:40] from everybody [00:52:43] um I bet I was sent last night and I [00:52:45] also wasn't the original [00:52:47] eating that for the planning board [00:52:51] so at this point I just wanted [00:52:54] or observations [00:52:57] uh first [00:52:58] it does seem prudent really that we [00:53:01] checked and double check the legal [00:53:03] implication [00:53:04] and the potential loss of control for [00:53:07] hard work under State statutes regarding [00:53:10] approving the location [00:53:12] foreign [00:53:27] with a schedule and a process [00:53:31] that needs Hardware's best interests [00:53:34] both our financial [00:53:37] and our community [00:53:39] interests [00:53:41] third [00:53:42] I'm wondering [00:53:44] if we have a public meeting [00:53:47] at any point we walk outside [00:53:49] saying well we got five hundred thousand [00:53:51] dollars without knowing everything [00:53:54] to look [00:53:56] to look before the first decision is [00:53:58] made [00:54:02] maybe we should too [00:54:05] poor [00:54:07] um I [00:54:10] some many of the comments and so are [00:54:13] if the board does select agree to [00:54:17] approve [00:54:18] a vote Yes the location [00:54:20] especially if it feels brushed [00:54:23] I'm pretty sure there'll be enough [00:54:26] so that then a tissue would provide [00:54:29] people [00:54:30] to overturn it [00:54:31] and go to a town boat [00:54:33] and we all know [00:54:36] when you are moving in voting season [00:54:40] misperceptions and [00:54:42] uh [00:54:44] adversity can really come into play and [00:54:47] finally my question [00:54:49] is the select board willing [00:54:52] to delay until we can as a community [00:54:56] really feel we understand all of the [00:54:59] issues and the concerns that people are [00:55:01] expressing thanks [00:55:12] so procedurally and the public hearing [00:55:17] what we should be doing in the public [00:55:18] here [00:55:19] getting input getting information [00:55:21] what will happen [00:55:23] will happen and Ward will close the [00:55:24] public hearing and the select board will [00:55:26] have discussion at that point so I can't [00:55:29] speak for my fellow board members but [00:55:31] that's the process so after we close the [00:55:34] public hearing then we will talk as a [00:55:36] board and come up with our decision [00:55:39] whether we're voting tonight on location [00:55:41] or whether we're deferring that to our [00:55:43] future meeting [00:55:48] Mr Hayden [00:55:49] I'm sorry Mr Raymond [00:55:55] right now [00:56:04] uh my name is [00:56:08] I'm rather who [00:56:12] knew however my family [00:56:15] was [00:56:16] they didn't have a choice they were [00:56:19] disciplinous [00:56:20] the unintended consequence of the scar [00:56:24] that is plotted [00:56:27] also the [00:56:30] hard worker [00:56:32] I moved here [00:56:34] too hard with [00:56:36] at some odd houses with my wife [00:56:39] for a spot to raise a man [00:56:42] I have four children God willing we will [00:56:44] have to work anymore [00:56:47] now [00:56:49] my wife my wife [00:56:53] and I know that [00:56:56] I moved here [00:56:58] unconditioned [00:57:00] condition unconditional [00:57:02] conditions [00:57:09] but I bought it because I [00:57:12] because I spoke [00:57:14] to the property [00:57:16] it's easy for me to say why don't you [00:57:18] buy the product [00:57:19] later [00:57:22] however I would from that's that's to [00:57:25] you and I don't expect to do however [00:57:27] from the select work standpoint I would [00:57:30] encourage you to strongly consider [00:57:32] the timeline [00:57:34] and what is that [00:57:36] because this is a big [00:57:38] change [00:57:40] as other people have said and I [00:57:42] understand that the biggest [00:57:45] that I have [00:57:46] where is parking going [00:57:49] does that mean [00:57:52] s [00:57:57] [Music] [00:57:59] that I would like to know where the [00:58:01] initial [00:58:02] uh intentions for these vehicles for the [00:58:05] people that are going to come [00:58:09] thank you for your time and it's nice to [00:58:11] meet a uh uh [00:58:15] someone whose family is from Dana into a [00:58:17] press conference [00:58:19] um [00:58:20] the parking is a commitment in the host [00:58:24] Community agreement that we would have [00:58:26] an approved [00:58:29] uh select board it may change from year [00:58:33] to year based on what worked and what [00:58:35] didn't work our current thinking with [00:58:37] our Engineers is that we would do a [00:58:39] combination of [00:58:40] thoughts for people who are workers or [00:58:43] people that are here for an extended [00:58:45] period of time [00:58:46] and some parking on adjacent Parcels [00:58:48] closer to the site the site for more [00:58:50] immediate visitors that we would have [00:58:53] literally [00:58:57] about [00:58:59] associated with this especially the [00:59:00] people who are underemployed or [00:59:03] um [00:59:04] for the poverty [00:59:05] those jobs are largely dealing with [00:59:08] managing [00:59:10] flow of traffic [00:59:12] and move people along [00:59:14] so we want the traffic to flow well for [00:59:17] the community we want it to flow well [00:59:19] for customers and patrons and people who [00:59:21] are here and we're committed to working [00:59:23] on a [00:59:27] sure that there is a plan do just that [00:59:35] we don't have a [00:59:37] okay all right all right he's he's [00:59:40] standing his reply to the comments [00:59:45] and then Mr Jurassic [00:59:49] Park [00:59:51] I came first tonight [00:59:54] I ended last night [01:00:01] and that's not taking what I want to [01:00:03] take away from fire but that was on me [01:00:06] you're more about seven [01:00:09] so I had more than that to play in your [01:00:13] bowl [01:00:14] your dream [01:00:16] s nothing [01:00:17] the whole time [01:00:21] Casino [01:00:26] we need money we need family strength [01:00:29] they do we want [01:00:31] a employees corrupt industry with a man [01:00:35] who just admitted that he sat on the [01:00:37] board of New York City Police Department [01:00:39] another notoriously [01:00:42] entities [01:00:56] foreign [01:01:03] Hardwick is not about someone standing [01:01:07] up here voicing their opinion and people [01:01:09] calling them in [01:01:11] and there are people sitting in the [01:01:13] audience that has reached out to me [01:01:14] personally that are afraid to stand up [01:01:16] and speak [01:01:17] that is not Hardwick what is wrong here [01:01:21] everybody here has a voice [01:01:24] I heard a comment about us limiting the [01:01:27] public hearing this is going to be three [01:01:29] hours of public hearing on this [01:01:34] we are available we live in town we're [01:01:37] available 24 7 for a phone call an email [01:01:42] we don't get any emails we don't get any [01:01:44] phone calls we're sitting here listening [01:01:47] to three hours of your concerns not [01:01:51] taken lightly I ask you to respect the [01:01:54] people sitting next to you and don't cat [01:01:57] call speak be polite [01:01:59] because people believe it or not sitting [01:02:02] in this audience have an opinion and are [01:02:04] afraid to come up and voice it [01:02:07] that's wrong that is not Hardwick and I [01:02:11] think you all should appreciate that and [01:02:13] I think you all know that [01:02:15] I have been here for a very long time I [01:02:18] moved here when I was five so I've been [01:02:20] here 48 years yes I am 53. [01:02:24] and you know what I work an hour away 45 [01:02:28] minutes away by Design I'd like to be [01:02:31] here you all like to be here so you know [01:02:34] what let's just be nice to each other [01:02:35] let everybody voice their opinion so [01:02:37] they don't have to be afraid to say how [01:02:40] they feel that is not what Hardwick is [01:02:42] about [01:02:59] um concerts [01:03:01] yes I apologize so after after [01:03:07] the question last night [01:03:10] um and I don't think I got an answer to [01:03:12] it [01:03:13] um it was about [01:03:15] trying to figure out a way to possibly [01:03:18] figure out the maximum curved race [01:03:21] capacity [01:03:23] pass [01:03:23] um that [01:03:26] was an answer you know [01:03:29] I'm wondering if there's some way to [01:03:32] figure out [01:03:33] a methodology [01:03:35] either [01:03:37] have an online system where people who [01:03:40] wish to attend the race [01:03:42] and uh [01:03:45] not necessarily for monetary ability but [01:03:49] yeah [01:03:50] yeah online so that you know how many [01:03:52] people are expected on a gray step so [01:03:56] that you can have a mass Ive maximum [01:03:58] number that you go into a hostile [01:04:00] agreement [01:04:01] not to exceed X number of people on a [01:04:04] specific race day [01:04:07] personnel [01:04:09] breeders trainers all that stuff so if [01:04:12] there's a maximum number of people [01:04:13] coming into town on a specific day [01:04:17] um [01:04:18] another thing that comes in comes in [01:04:20] mind that is [01:04:22] I think important because everybody [01:04:25] about [01:04:26] nature of that [01:04:30] um [01:04:37] what concerns me is this the setup and [01:04:41] there needs to be some kind of [01:04:43] prescribed time period for we're going [01:04:47] to have a race day [01:04:48] of all the setup has to occur within 24 [01:04:52] hours of the race and removed 24 hours [01:04:55] after [01:04:56] nobody wants to be looking at porta [01:04:59] potties to where four weeks sitting [01:05:02] there [01:05:11] maybe a couple of comments we are we [01:05:13] listen to that kind of comment last [01:05:15] night and we've had several [01:05:16] conversations around how do we deal with [01:05:20] that we're committed to finding a way to [01:05:22] do that that's a creative solution it [01:05:24] also relates to the [01:05:26] top and dates [01:05:27] occurs it relates to the way it's [01:05:30] marketed [01:05:31] um but we'll work with the board of [01:05:33] selected to figure out how we put [01:05:35] something [01:05:38] and figure out what is how we deal with [01:05:41] that question [01:05:44] you've offered a creative solution and I [01:05:47] think we have to [01:05:49] how we make something like that work but [01:05:52] we hear your concern and we'll try to [01:05:54] deal with [01:05:55] it [01:05:56] um [01:05:57] the takedown setup I would say is the [01:05:59] same kind of detail that we can work [01:06:01] with the Buddhist Lab at on a host [01:06:03] community agreement to deal with that [01:06:05] the takedown is relatively easy because [01:06:08] everybody wants their materials and [01:06:09] everything back quickly and the people [01:06:12] who have the horses are not racing [01:06:14] wanted to power [01:06:17] but we could figure out a schedule to [01:06:18] make [01:06:20] we're looking at a day and a half [01:06:22] minutes and the day after [01:06:24] the way in which [01:06:27] these Jersey [01:06:30] and then this is probably [01:06:34] perfect [01:06:40] foreign [01:07:13] [Music] [01:07:15] everything in life [01:07:17] this is a compromise we have people over [01:07:19] there in that wall we have people over [01:07:21] there on that wall we need to utilize [01:07:25] and and realize we have something that [01:07:30] we can gain upon and something that we [01:07:33] need to control [01:07:35] so we can't just give in to the right [01:07:37] side of the wall we can't [01:07:40] compromise [01:07:43] we have to find a complex [01:07:46] some coming in low Lanes [01:07:49] I don't know all the specific [01:07:51] when I see some good things that can [01:07:54] happen perhaps like we needed ambulance [01:07:56] we need an ambulance and saving their [01:07:59] lives all these people out here tomorrow [01:08:02] and [01:08:04] can have a problem and [01:08:07] come for half hour you're gonna die [01:08:12] people die [01:08:16] in a Time [01:08:19] in a ton of schools we provide sewage we [01:08:22] provide water we provide [01:08:24] the Thailand we need to provide things [01:08:27] to our citizens [01:08:28] and we're bypassing them some of these [01:08:31] things [01:08:37] now we each other's control [01:08:40] who it's going to regulate this [01:08:48] like this we need to maybe we need to [01:08:52] review this [01:08:59] effect [01:09:06] we need to make [01:09:08] something [01:09:12] nice [01:09:17] a quick response to that this is the [01:09:19] most heavily regulated activity that you [01:09:22] will see and there is if there is even a [01:09:27] whiff of corruption or [01:09:30] small problem or something else the [01:09:31] state [01:09:33] that investigates [01:09:35] there is all of this folklore of Problem [01:09:38] whatever else I [01:09:42] it's not the world we live in today this [01:09:44] is a very heavily regulated industry and [01:09:46] we will be before this board of [01:09:48] Selectmen several times a year every [01:09:50] year the gaming commission will have a [01:09:52] hearing in Hardware once a year every [01:09:55] year on a license we will be before the [01:09:57] board with plans and proposals every [01:10:00] single year and what I would tell you is [01:10:02] we're prepared to introduced Mary last [01:10:04] night we if you want to email us or [01:10:07] reach out to us we're happy to talk to [01:10:09] small groups or people [01:10:11] this is an honorable [01:10:14] is not even remotely close to truth or [01:10:17] reality [01:10:18] you want to talk to us send us something [01:10:20] that has the contact information that [01:10:22] won't talk to you not something that has [01:10:24] no fingerprints whatsoever [01:10:28] thank you Rowdy and Mr Runners is going [01:10:30] to be the last one this evening and I [01:10:31] apologize if I've cut you off or [01:10:33] threatened to turn your microphone down [01:10:35] we're trying to make this as Equitable [01:10:36] Affair for everybody [01:10:38] as a chairwoman cuences mentioned you [01:10:41] know she doesn't have any emails or [01:10:42] phone calls [01:10:43] before there are other opportunities [01:10:46] it took me an hour to get [01:10:49] it because I always thought to everyone [01:10:51] one of these thoughts [01:10:52] if you've got questions comments and [01:10:54] concerns let it be known [01:10:59] no feelings [01:11:02] um my name's Robin Brown and [01:11:04] my husband and our 30 year old son [01:11:08] and uh [01:11:10] I owned from Colorado [01:11:12] East of a great Meadowbrook uh so I just [01:11:17] performed and I have no questions [01:11:18] tonight [01:11:19] uh I think it would be amazing to see a [01:11:24] horse farm a breeding Horse Farm [01:11:27] running around [01:11:30] uh [01:11:32] but [01:11:33] I think you have crossed the line [01:11:37] on [01:11:39] some strange place by blurring your [01:11:42] intentions of breathing quality [01:11:45] Starbucks [01:11:47] and [01:11:49] place of gambling it's one of the baby [01:11:53] has to move so that's just how I feel I [01:11:57] hope [01:12:00] all right [01:12:09] I want to acknowledge [01:12:10] on collaboration I think when there's an [01:12:15] extreme opinions [01:12:19] and the emotions [01:12:27] my take on this is that this has been a [01:12:30] debate about [01:12:33] out someone uses their [01:12:34] Landings [01:12:36] rights and you can do what you want [01:12:41] to do other people you [01:12:44] know I'm adopting that [01:12:46] that Mark Clearview [01:12:48] I think what we're debating here [01:12:53] the emotions and when [01:12:56] the power of the roads go into the [01:12:58] new power how is it [01:13:01] even my experience our experience with [01:13:03] the common space what we hear what we [01:13:06] see what we come in contact [01:13:09] because this is quite a big change that [01:13:12] that we manage so I'm asking if there's [01:13:15] like what I consider that there should [01:13:17] be there should be third group at the [01:13:19] table here [01:13:20] on here one table here there should be [01:13:22] there should be a third group with a few [01:13:23] people in town that represent [01:13:27] um some input it s Spirit of [01:13:29] collaboration and that [01:13:34] some consideration of how to control [01:13:37] this uh [01:13:41] for the time the town decides after one [01:13:44] two three four events it's really not [01:13:47] can they have a clear exit and that they [01:13:51] um then [01:13:53] a vote takes place when that information [01:13:56] is in place [01:13:58] um [01:13:59] a vote now tonight [01:14:07] the exit is how to control great [01:14:13] object that more information [01:14:16] so that's my take more collaboration [01:14:22] all right but this time [01:14:27] or select my Julie point please remember [01:14:30] this is still a public meeting so if you [01:14:32] are going to leave please [01:14:34] quietly don't start [01:14:36] they still have official business [01:14:37] obviously they're sure they would [01:14:38] welcome you to sit and listen to the [01:14:40] rest of it [01:14:42] I would love it this is probably this [01:14:44] would be the biggest select men's [01:14:45] meeting we've had in a very long time [01:14:47] probably since I've been in office I'm [01:14:49] probably for Kelly and Rob also [01:14:52] um [01:14:53] thank you for all of your comments sorry [01:14:55] I got a little angry but [01:14:57] um [01:14:58] in in my responses but I think that [01:15:01] everybody deserves respect [01:15:04] um including the people setting up [01:15:06] getting up here regardless of whether [01:15:08] they're counties or not townies that's [01:15:11] not what we are as hard but we respect [01:15:13] everybody [01:15:14] um so I will entertain a motion to close [01:15:17] the public hearing [01:15:19] I will make a motion to close the public [01:15:21] hearing [01:15:24] so it was a bit sorry it was moved and [01:15:26] packaged to close the public hearing [01:15:29] um all those in favor [01:15:32] aye so procedurally we have closed the [01:15:34] public hearing now is the portion of the [01:15:37] meeting [01:15:38] um where the Selectmen will discuss how [01:15:40] we are going to proceed with a vote a [01:15:43] non-vote or how we're going to proceed [01:15:45] with our discussions or decisions [01:15:50] foreign [01:15:53] do you have any comments about how you [01:15:56] want to proceed [01:15:58] um [01:15:58] so you want me to speak into this okay [01:16:01] not normally use a microphone and I mean [01:16:05] um [01:16:06] I guess after hearing everyone speak for [01:16:09] the last two evenings and knowing that [01:16:12] there are some other [01:16:14] meetings that have to take place anyway [01:16:16] anyway [01:16:17] that that may behoove us to pause for [01:16:20] you know we have our meeting in two [01:16:22] weeks possibly two weeks [01:16:25] be able to gather information perhaps [01:16:27] answer more questions [01:16:29] if anyone and I will reiterate what [01:16:32] Julie said we're all here we're all [01:16:35] right in town [01:16:36] if you don't have our phone numbers or [01:16:38] our emails approach us after a meeting [01:16:40] and ask we're all more than happy to [01:16:42] give them out [01:16:43] um [01:16:44] so that's my take on [01:16:47] it I'm happy to pause [01:16:49] for a couple of weeks to our next [01:16:51] meeting [01:17:02] the [01:17:03] site licensing for the site I think [01:17:07] can't really make a decision on that [01:17:09] right [01:17:12] I have a feeling that that bears a lot [01:17:14] of weight a lot of people whether they [01:17:16] would [01:17:16] agree to this or not [01:17:19] and then we got the traffic concerned [01:17:21] but I don't see [01:17:23] an answer to the traffic concern until [01:17:25] they get to the next step of the process [01:17:29] wow because you guys need to commit to [01:17:34] what you're doing [01:17:35] that you need a commend that must say so [01:17:38] so you can commit Twitter so I'm wearing [01:17:41] this circle here so um [01:17:44] but let's we can discuss these matters [01:17:47] further I think [01:17:49] get some more illegal decisions [01:17:54] um [01:17:57] I will add though personally I think [01:18:00] this could really be a good thing for [01:18:03] Arabic financially [01:18:05] I think it could be you know if done [01:18:07] correctly I think it could be a [01:18:09] wonderful you know these festivals could [01:18:11] be great I used to enjoy bringing my [01:18:14] kids to over the walls when they were [01:18:15] small it was [01:18:19] there was a place to go and everyone got [01:18:21] together just you know a bigger yes [01:18:23] bigger than the hardwood fair but again [01:18:25] if done correctly I think it could be a [01:18:27] great meeting perhaps for people too [01:18:31] so as part of the process uh the gaming [01:18:35] commission comes out and does a public [01:18:38] session so we are working on scheduling [01:18:42] that it is public you are able to [01:18:45] comment voice your opinions and concerns [01:18:48] and I hope we do it with respect I know [01:18:50] you guys all will [01:18:53] um and um so I am also in favor of [01:18:56] delaying the vote [01:18:59] um I can honestly tell you that from the [01:19:01] beginning of this that's sort of where [01:19:03] my mind has been [01:19:04] um [01:19:05] you know for any of you who have [01:19:07] attended select men's meetings [01:19:09] um and I would love to see more of you [01:19:11] there even if you're on Zoom however [01:19:13] you're there come on we want to hear [01:19:15] what you have to say uh we're we've been [01:19:18] embroiled in the sewer discussion for a [01:19:22] very long time you have three tired [01:19:24] people sitting up here four [01:19:27] four [01:19:29] um and um [01:19:32] I don't think the intent is to rush into [01:19:34] anything I think the intent is [01:19:36] um we all live here we want this to be [01:19:40] something good for the town I do also [01:19:42] think this could be good for the town [01:19:44] I'm a finance person so I understand [01:19:47] full well what this money means to the [01:19:50] town [01:19:51] I am full well and capable of doing a [01:19:54] cost benefit analysis [01:19:56] um but agree that there's so many [01:19:59] polarized comments in the room that we [01:20:04] to take pause and also I will say that [01:20:08] the great mother opponents are not [01:20:11] putting pressure on this board to make a [01:20:14] decision tonight you need to know that [01:20:17] um I've not felt fresher I'm sure Kelly [01:20:20] and Rob or Nicole haven't felt pressure [01:20:23] to make a decision I I would imagine [01:20:26] they want this to be the right decision [01:20:28] can you imagine coming into a town like [01:20:31] Hardwick and we're all pretty vocal I [01:20:33] mean you heard a lot of us tonight [01:20:35] knowing that people don't like you [01:20:38] people don't want you there people don't [01:20:42] want what you have that's the most [01:20:44] uncomfortable feeling ever so I think [01:20:47] they would want us to do our due [01:20:49] diligence and Stan I think you said it [01:20:52] great [01:20:53] there is a middle position somewhere [01:20:55] there is always a middle position [01:20:59] someone once told me that the best [01:21:02] strategy is in negotiation both sides [01:21:05] feel a little pain when it's dark [01:21:07] that's a successful negotiation [01:21:09] so whether you believe that or not I [01:21:13] think collaboration is probably the best [01:21:15] way for us to move forward on that and [01:21:17] whether it's collaborating with [01:21:18] information [01:21:20] collaborating with ideas [01:21:24] um you heard them say there were some [01:21:26] new ideas that were brought up for them [01:21:27] tonight [01:21:28] I think that's a great way and again I [01:21:31] know you might feel gypped or or that [01:21:35] this time wasn't long enough this has [01:21:37] been three hours of a public forum so [01:21:40] you know and we're all here so within [01:21:44] the next two weeks [01:21:45] call email get to Nicole if there's [01:21:49] questions that are unanswered she will [01:21:51] send them off to the great Meadowbrook [01:21:53] proponents to get the answers so I [01:21:56] likewise and love the mind that we are [01:21:58] deferring [01:22:00] um I don't think we need to don't need a [01:22:02] vote on that Ryan procedurally [01:22:05] no so we're of the mind we heard what [01:22:08] you had to say we're deferring you will [01:22:10] be on the agenda however thank you thank [01:22:14] you [01:22:15] everything we discuss we try to be very [01:22:18] transparent on our agendas so you might [01:22:19] look at our agendas and say wow they [01:22:21] even have the Pledge of Allegiance on it [01:22:23] um we try to be very specific so that [01:22:25] people uh who want to attend to know [01:22:28] what's on so when this is going to be [01:22:30] discussed again it will be on our select [01:22:33] men's agendas and we'll try to make sure [01:22:35] that it's out on Facebook or whatever [01:22:37] media we have to let you know the topic [01:22:39] is coming up again [01:22:42] thank you everybody we are going to [01:22:44] continue on with our meeting you're [01:22:45] welcome to stay and listen uh you're [01:22:48] also welcome to leave the moderator [01:22:50] resist that you do quietly if you if you [01:22:52] can please [01:22:56] so um we are gonna [01:23:04] maybe for people who are sitting in the [01:23:05] audience so um we are going to move over [01:23:07] visitors comments on your whole business [01:23:11] other old business I don't think we have [01:23:14] any to discuss tonight [01:23:16] we have the treasure collector [01:23:18] Department update which which is [01:23:20] um you should take under advisement for [01:23:22] a future meeting [01:23:26] thank you [01:23:30] so so we're still conducting our meeting [01:23:32] here [01:23:35] so we're still conducting our meeting [01:23:36] and know you [01:23:38] walk about but there are people sitting [01:23:40] in the audience at one to hear the [01:23:42] meeting perhaps so if you could do so [01:23:44] quietly or wait to have the conversation [01:23:47] until you can run that's appreciated [01:23:50] so we will defer the Comcast contract [01:23:53] renewal to our next meeting tonight [01:23:57] you get my comment about the buildings [01:23:59] were not correct on that Redline version [01:24:01] yeah okay that was my I went through it [01:24:05] okay [01:24:09] Freedom um is under new business Town [01:24:11] Administrator review we are going to [01:24:12] defer that until Nicole returns [01:24:15] sorry I went out of work [01:24:17] um no I didn't um [01:24:21] other new business there's no other new [01:24:22] business uh discussion and or vote [01:24:25] relative to the arpa funding [01:24:27] um [01:24:28] there are no five new items [01:24:31] committee reports they were mailed to [01:24:32] you when they're in your pocket so we [01:24:34] can review about our leisure [01:24:36] Town Administrator report [01:24:39] unfortunately [01:24:42] a draft report to you [01:24:45] and uh so it's not [01:24:48] it's not the completed report all my new [01:24:51] business is City [01:24:53] um the new applicants the prospective [01:24:55] applicants at 228 Berry Road are on here [01:24:58] uh we're going to be sending out annual [01:25:01] renewals at the end of this week we will [01:25:04] be [01:25:08] um [01:25:08] also working on the sewer bills those [01:25:10] will be going out those are due in [01:25:11] December in May so last year we sent [01:25:14] about early November 8 actually so we [01:25:18] will we'll be getting those out [01:25:21] and [01:25:23] oh other than so the ongoing and [01:25:26] everything here is something that we've [01:25:27] already seen when it's [01:25:29] completed and resolved is when it comes [01:25:31] off right I think that's the best way to [01:25:33] do it and the recycling container [01:25:36] contract has been resolved so they will [01:25:40] be coming and taking them away this week [01:25:42] and we've dissolved the contract so [01:25:44] we're also [01:25:46] um so so that's all I have for that and [01:25:50] then you just have your [01:25:54] technology [01:25:56] so under signature approvals [01:26:03] um we were in the receipt of a um [01:26:08] a letter from KP law dated September 29 [01:26:12] 22 [01:26:13] we did meet on that same day and some of [01:26:17] our board did not have the opportunity [01:26:19] to review the letter in um format and so [01:26:24] at that time we asked for [01:26:26] the world of acknowledgment of receipt [01:26:28] of the letter night [01:26:30] you both had a chance to review the [01:26:33] letter and were willing to proceed with [01:26:35] technology so I will entertain a motion [01:26:38] to approve or sorry acknowledge receipt [01:26:41] of the letter from KP law addressed to [01:26:46] um myself as chair and members of the [01:26:48] board of selectman dated September 29 [01:26:51] 2022 relative to the use of Tylenol plan [01:26:54] for site of sewer pump station [01:26:56] submitted by Grace corbel [01:27:01] I would make a motion to acknowledge [01:27:03] receipt of the letter dated September 29 [01:27:05] 2022 from KP law regarding use of town [01:27:09] on land the site of the sewer pump [01:27:11] station submitted by Greg borlow [01:27:18] so it's been moved exactly with any [01:27:20] discussion [01:27:21] airing Nano call for a boat all in favor [01:27:25] aye [01:27:25] motion carries last item on the agenda [01:27:31] last time on the agenda is a Duggar [01:27:36] so there's been a motion to adjourn and [01:27:39] it's been seconded all in favor bye we [01:27:42] are adjourning at 7 59. thank you