Monson Local Casino Study Committee
Minutes
November 19, 2007
Attendance: Stephen Kozloski, Chief of Police; Gretchen Neggers, Town Administrator; Craig Jalbert, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Chip LaPointe, Building Inspector, Marshall Harris, Fire Chief, John Morrell, Highway Surveyor (arrived 10:45am), Richard Nabel (arrived 10:45am), Superintendent; Kathleen Norbut, Selectman, residents and media.
Review of Minutes of Meeting October 19, 2007. Motion to approve by G. Neggers, seconded by C. Jalbert, SO VOTED.
Discussion to amend the Mission Statement to reflect the possible sites of Warren and Palmer for class III casino developments. “To compile and collate municipal and citizen concerns/questions about the potential siting of a class III casino in an abutting community upon Monson.”
Motion to approve G. Neggers, seconded C. Jalbert, SO VOTED.
Discussion of Municipal Department concerns by each department present ensued. The location of a potential casino will actually impact the concerns and costs to the community. The gas main – Bay State Gas has proposed new pipes that do not factor in the size of casino. How does the energy consumption get factored in regional economy?
A positive impact on sewer rates would occur if Palmer’s usage increases. There have been no official requests made by Palmer officials to study the impacts of a casino on the sewer rates with Monson.
Emergency Response concerns were presented with the need for 24/7 EMT coverage currently, let alone with the potential for additional calls. Marty Harris presented questions regarding mutual aid impacts? Will the casinos have their own Fire Department? How will access to the hospital and turnpike be affected, e.g. travel time? Capital items may need to be accelerated based on increased usage (Ambulance, Trucks).
Chip LaPointe presented information on research on abutting communities building departments in Connecticut. Legal fees for building projects increased a couple hundred thousand. The need to develop legally sound by-laws that will not be challenged was evident and that might require a professional Planner.
A question was raised regarding the concerns of Monson Developmental Center and what the state’s position might be on the impact on the facility? Kathleen Norbut stated that she would inquire with the MDC Administration on this issue.
John Morrell presented a letter that he had developed dated August 27, 2007 that itemized concerns from the position of the Highway Surveyor (attached).
Schools and education were discussed with Dr. Nabel stating that the buildings have a capacity of 300 student increase. Dr. Nabel stated that the Connecticut Indian casino model which differs from the proposed commercial casino model, utilized busing of workers from urban areas. Worcester and Springfield are the urban worker markets according to Dr. Nabel. Operating expenses would be most affected depending on population growth. ELL (English Language Learner) materials would have to be developed and purchased per federal laws. Those expenses would be the burden of the local school district.
Steve Kozloski provided historic information that call volume has increased 320% with no personnel increases in the past twenty (?) years. Who will accept responsibility for bringing number up to current level needs is a concern of the Police Department? Will the developments promote a residential model impact or a commuter model impact? Quality of life issues with current 12,000 calls per year. Response times? Officer to capita ratios? How will the increased demands be funded? Locally or through state mitigation? Steve Kozloski observed
that professional input is needed and that infrastructure and capital increase with personnel and volume of calls. Technology must be considered.
Craig Jalbert questioned if information on traffic arteries for commercial growth is being analyzed?
Gretchen Neggers questioned where the volume of delivery trucks will go?
Kathleen Norbut presented preliminary DRAFT survey to be reviewed at December meeting. Feedback and editing were encouraged with the DRAFT survey.
Meeting dates discussed. Change in next meeting to:
December 17, 2007, 10:30 am, Town Office Building, 110 Main Street, Monson
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Conley Norbut
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