Town of New Haven Special Selectmen’s Meeting
11:00 am Town Clerks Office
Thursday April 12, 2007
Present: Keith Hall, Burt Allen, Paul Audy, Pam Kingman
Others: Barb Torian, Claire Van Buren, Betty Bell, Raymond Fortier, Scott Driscoll, Nina Bacon
This meeting was called for the Selectboard and Deborah and Raymond Fortier to discuss and sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the King House at 116 North St., New Haven. The Fortier’s have agreed to buy the King House for $1.00 and move it to their property on North St. at their expense. This would happen at a Special Town Meeting to be on May 22, 2007.
Scott Driscoll - came with concerns that the town has spent a lot of money on the King House in the past, feels someone else may now benefit from the Town’s investment. He feels that there are many lots in town that the house could be moved to; once it’s on wheels it could go anywhere. He expressed that the Selectboard should have put the house out for bid first, and that there may be other interested buyers out there.
Raymond Fortier - said he understands Scott Driscoll’s concerns. He wanted to reassure him by stating that he and his wife intend to live in the house once it has been renovated. They understand the stipulations written in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, that the King House would be open to the public four times a year and the Historical Society would have access twice a year. The Town would also have first right of refusal, if the Fortier’s ever choose to sell. Mr. Fortier stated he would like to move the house as soon as July or as late as this fall if everything goes well. The move is weather and mover dependent. The cost of the move alone could be upwards of $50,000.
Betty Bell - wondered why Scott Driscoll waited until now to come forward, she expressed that the Town has tried for five years to turn the King House into a community Building. She added that it would be a good idea for the Selectboard
to hold more informational meetings.
Nina Bacon - stated the King House has been maintained by the Town for safety purposes, and wondered if the Town had not done so would the Fortier’s even be interested in buying the house. This move would keep the house in the Historic District.
Barb Torian – Expressed some concerns that the Selectboard needs to have enough information for people who may come forward with questions. Such as what the plans were for the King House compared to the new office plans. Or keeping the house compared to letting it go.
Claire Van Buren – Also expressed concern about the house not going out for bid, giving everyone the same chance as the Fortier’s to make an offer.
The Selectboard’s overall response - They were all pleased that Scott Driscoll came forward and voiced his opinion. They all agreed that this hasn’t been kept a secret that the house is for sale. Keith Hall brought it up at Town Meeting, and the idea was applauded. With the Fortier’s buying and moving the King House it is the best solution, as it keeps the house in the center of Town and the Town will still be able to use the house as stipulated in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Paul Audy made a motion to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, second by Keith Hall. All Agreed.
Keith Hall made a motion to warn a Special Town Meeting for May 21, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. This will be held in order to sell the King House to the Fortier’s. Voting will take place on Tuesday May 22, 2007. Paul Audy second the motion, all agreed. Warning was signed by the Selectboard and Claire Van Buren, Town Clerk.
Claire Van Buren – has received a complaint from Julie Olson concerning how dirty the gym floor was on Monday April 9th during Beeman Elementary Schools spring concert. Selectboard said they will bring it to Wayne Marcelle’s attention.
Also, the Mary Johnson after school program is looking to use the sports closet in the gym as their safe place in the event of a lock down situation. They would need a key for the door. Selectboard okay as long as the key opens only that closet door; Pam Kingman will look into having a key made for just the closet.
Cris Messerle – just a heads up – Planning Commission is holding the Dunbar hearing for zoning change on May 3, 2007. The Selectboard will hold a Public Hearing on the Dunbars and front setback changes for neighborhood /commercial on May 29, 2007 @ 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.
Sign Pay Orders
Adjourn: 12:10 pm