To: Ad Hoc Landfill Committee
From: Thomas W. Abraham
Date: October 24, 2008
Re: Minutes of 10/22/08 meeting
Chairman Holmes called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm
Members Present: John Holmes, George Stokem, Barbara Beecher, Nancy Hall, Tom Abraham, Laura Chadwick
and Chris Lavin
Others in Attendance: Frank Thomas, Warren County representative to the Bi-County Ad Hoc Landfill Committee. There were approximately 25 members of the public present.
Business Conducted
1. Introduction of Committee Members - Because of the number of residents present, Mr. Holmes asked all committee members to introduce themselves.
2. Review of Minutes - Minutes from the previous committee meeting were reviewed and approved without revision.
3. Address to the Members of the Public - Mr. Holmes spoke to the community members present to indicate the Committee would not be answering questions from the public or allowing for public participation during the meeting. However, members of the committee would remain in attendance after the meeting to answer questions from residents.
Mr. Holmes also addressed remarks from the newspaper “Main Street”. The lead article dealt with the landfill issue and made reference to secret negotiations with Jointa Galusha. Mr. Holmes pointed out there have not been any secret negotiations and the company has been told the Town of Hartford will not accept a landfill and no agreement exists between the Town and company because the Town does not own the property - the property is still owned by Warren and Washington Counties.
4. Purpose of the Meeting - Chairman Holmes stated that Bi-County Committee has held discussions with several parties (8 firms) that have expressed interest in the property. Most of the firms were interested in establishing a landfill operation. It was apparent the counties did not notify any of the interested firms of existing Town Laws regulating the use of the property nor were they informed of the Town’s opposition to a Landfill operation.
Based on this introductory statement, Chairman Holmes indicate there would be four (4) topics for the committee and county representative to discuss
a. Do the parties involved (Warren County, Washington County and the Town of Hartford) have anything they can agree on regarding the landfill issue?
b. Can the parties agree on an accord regarding the property?
c. Can the parties agree on a common basis to advertise the property?
d. Do the two counties understand the Town of Hartford will negotiate with whatever firm buys the property regarding use?
5. Discussion on Chairman Holmes Four Topics
- Mr. Thomas indicated the counties were in agreement that the Town of Hartford holds the key to the property because of its right to negotiate and because of Local Law 8. Mr. Thomas felt that the insistence by the Town of no landfill has caused some of the firms to withdraw from further discussions.
- The two counties wanted to sell the property but its value is based on it being used as a landfill. Without the ability to sell the property as a landfill site, the value of the property is significantly reduced.
- Mr. Stokem stated his disappointment at the lack of representatives from the counties and commended Mr. Thomas for appearing.
- Supervisor Hall supported the approach for the counties to advertise in other business publications other than landfill periodicals.
- Mr. Abraham pointed out that any future advertising by the counties should clearly indicate reference to the property not being used for a landfill.
- Could an agreement with the counties be reached on a lease-purchase arrangement? No! Warren County wants out of the property and will not agree to a lease-purchase.
- Mr. Thomas stated he and the Bi-County Committee wants the process brought to a conclusion, but believes the only financial option for the counties would be a landfill of some type.
- Reference to Taylor Industries which is interested in the property. Taylor would be able to recycle 97% of the materials brought in, but would still need to landfill the residual. The plant would process biofuels.
- Mr. Holmes asked the committee members what the next step should be: Move forward or sit tight to see what the counties wish to do. Committee advised to sit tight to see what the Bi-County committee
is willing to do. The next Bi-County Committee meeting is scheduled for November 18th at the Warren County Municipal Building Board Room.
Meeting adjourned 7:47 PM
Ad Hoc Committee Next Meeting
Monday, November 24, 2008
7:00 PM - Town Hall