Monson Local Casino Study Committee
Town Office Building
October 19, 2007
10:30 am
AGENDA
I. Introduction and Background of Committee formation 10 min
II. Discussion of Mission and Outcomes 25 min
III. Action Steps and Task Assignments 15 min
III. Schedule: Times and dates for future meetings 10 min
IV. Other 15 min
V. Adjourn
Minutes
October 19, 2007
Attendance: Stephen Kozloski, Chief of Police; Gretchen Neggers, Town Administrator; Craig Jalbert, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Jim White at-large member; Richard Nabel, Superintendent; Kathleen Norbut, Selectman, media.
Background of the casino issue with Governor Patrick announcing plans to endorse casino gambling and the submission of the Governor’s bill was described by Kathleen Norbut.
A discussion of the potential siting of a casino in Palmer and concerns about the municipal functions of Monson and citizens of Monson ensued. Jim White stated that an impact study should be done for an informed decision to be made before a community votes.
Richard Nabel offered in reference to using the Middleborough Impact Study as a guideline for the work of this committee that it was a topical study of a host community. He suggested that a similar framework could be used with a disclaimer, “with Monson’s limited resources these are our best estimates of impacts of casino”. Host v. abutting communities have different concerns.
Further discussion ensued on the mission and task of the local casino study committee. It was agreed that the group would not serve the role of a community impact study or a professional planning report. Inquiries, questions, concerns of the municipal departments and residents would be gathered. The group agreed it would not endeavor to attach dollar amounts to concerns.
Steve Kozloski described that there are many variables that are unknown regarding traffic, roads and population growth including the size, rate and type of growth. Craig Jalbert continued with stating that from a growth perspective it is unknown where employees will live? Renters or homeowners? Would this lead to a building boom in Monson and how will that increase in growth be managed? What by-laws need to be reviewed?
Kathleen Norbut suggested that what is being stated is that the group and the community have more questions than answers and that the local study committee would serve to compile the questions/issues to be delivered to the Regional Selectman’s Casino Impact Study Committee, the Legislature and the citizens of Monson.
Further questions arose:
What is the amount that the town will need for mitigation?
What if there are large developments? Commuter Lots? Rail Traffic?
Utility changes and increases that require significant infrastructure projects?
Will Mutual Aid Agreements be impacted?
What is the 5 year plan for the casino?
What is the developer’s plan?
When, how often and how will they expand?
Will there be review of the formulas if the destinations change in profit?
Richard Nabel suggested that raising questions may be as bad as misinformation. Giving some answers may be a component of the report. It is incumbent upon the committee to provide some answers.
Jim White suggested coming up with foundation questions, then get an impartial group to do the actual impact studies and deliver the answers to the questions.
Gretchen Neggers described how the bill is designed to generate revenues from 3 geographic areas. Craig elaborated that every location is unique and Jim White concluded that if people are to vote on this knowledgeably, impact studies must be done.
Several areas were identified with Gretchen Neggers stating that the Building Inspector, Highway Surveyor, and Fire Chief need to be added to the committee. She recommended that consultants need to be hired through legislation to do reports (RPA’s).
Mission Statement, “to compile and collate municipal and citizen concerns/questions about the potential siting of a class III casino in Palmer upon Monson.”
Jim White reiterated that impact studies must be done before any local votes.
Craig Jalbert observed that if we have growth and we are able to plan for it, we would likely still be overwhelmed and we are currently having a hard time hiring people due to multiple factors. With normal growth, it is currently overwhelming departments.
The group agreed to meet once per month with a preliminary goal of a written draft report in spring 2008.
Next Meetings:
November 16, 2007, 10:30am, Town Office Building, 110 Main Street, Monson
December 14, 2007, 10:30am, Town Office Building, 110 Main Street, Monson
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Conley Norbut
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