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Memo To: Ad Hoc Landfill Committee
From: Thomas W. Abraham
Date: September 26, 2008
Re: Minutes of 9/24/08 meeting
Town Supervisor Nancy Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
Members Present: John Holmes, George Stokem, Nancy Hall, Barbara Beecher, Laura Chadwick
Others in Attendance: Chris Lavin, Michael O’Connor, John Davidson, Thomas Longe, Robert Mannz and Dan Galusha
Business Conducted
1. Resignation Announced - Nancy Hall informed Committee members that the Committee Chairperson, James Woodcock resigned from the committee.
2. Inquiry and Discussion by Representatives from Jointa Galusha - Michael O’Connor, as legal representative of Jointa Galusha, addressed the committee on several items:
- Indicated there had been a three to four year process of trying to get the two counties to recognize that the Town of Hartford has control of the use of the property.
- Pointed out to the committee the significance of the various companies who expressed interest in the property. Only Jointa Galusha was a local company.
- It was his opinion and the opinion of company representatives the local law on the landfill was very restrictive in nature.
Mr. Stokem inquired as to what provisions were too restrictive? The answer: the daily limitation on waste, the prohibition of waste from outside the Town and the time of operation.
- Would the Town of Hartford be willing to form an LDC and then discuss with the counties about taking an option on the property.
It appeared the committee viewed this as a possibility because it would allow the Town to control the entire project.
Mr. Holmes pointed out that whatever corporation purchased the property, the company would still have to negotiate with the town.
Mr. O’Connor indicated if Jointa Galusha were to purchase the property it would be with the intent to pursue a landfill.
The committee made its intend very clear. The Town of Hartford was not interested in seeing the property become a landfill. The majority of the input from community members had indicated opposition to a landfill.
Mr. Stokem asked what the legal ramifications would be should the Town refused to entire into negotiations with a company over use (regardless of what company it would be). Legal Counsel reserved comment until the issue could be studied.
An inquiry was also made as to whether the Town had the right to secure the property under Eminent Domain. Legal Counsel indicated it was an interesting question and would take the inquiry under review and issue an opinion to the committee.
It was decided that until the committee could receive further information, there should be no further decision on the matter.
The representatives from Jointa Galusha thanked the committee for its time.
3. Election of New Chairperson - By unanimous consent, John Holmes was elected as new chair.
4. Vacancy on Committee - Nancy Hall will seek board approval to add Chris Lavin to the committee.
Next Meeting: October 22, 2008 Wednesday
at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall