Monson Local Casino Study Committee
Minutes
January 17, 2008
Attendance: Stephen Kozloski, Chief of Police; Gretchen Neggers, Town Administrator; Marshall Harris, Fire Chief, Deb Mahar, Finance Director; Chip LaPointe, Building Inspector; John Morrell, Highway Surveyor; Craig Jalbert, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Jim White, resident; Joe Prior, resident; Kathleen Norbut, Selectman.
Mission Statement - “To compile and collate municipal and citizen concerns/questions about the potential siting of a class III casino in an abutting community upon Monson.”
Ms. Neggers provided information on the recent MMA (Mass Municipal Association) trade show and the discussions/presentations relative to the casino issue. Ms. Neggers reported that cities and town are facing desperate fiscal times and the prevailing sentiment was that casinos do not fix the revenue issues we are faced with currently.
The Governor’s controversial proposal to include non-existent casino revenues in the FY 09 budget was discussed. How that effects the planning of local aid and Monson’s budget was discussed with the possibility of the legislature tossing out those revenues to reflect a more realistic budget. The use of one-time revenues for operating budgets was discussed with Ms. Norbut sharing Michael Widmer’s (Mass Taxpayer’s Foundation, executive director) comments at the MMA that the Governor’s proposal to include casino revenues in the upcoming budget is, “fiscally irresponsible”.
Chief Harris distributed a report listing Fire and EMS departmental concerns if a casino should be sited in an abutting town.
Jim White discussed concerns relative to education and the school department. “There were no projections with casinos in the mix for education and buildings when the town planned and approved new schools.” The twenty year plan does not provide for surge in student population or additional staff. Jim stated that the MTA’s endorsement of casinos seemed obvious because more teachers would be needed as well as special education teachers, so their short term interests are served.
Ms. Neggers expressed concerns about the future economic development of Monson if a casino is sited nearby. “We become geographically isolated.” The Local Economic Partnership Committee (LEPC) has made modest strides in actively seeking development. “The wind is sucked out (of further economic development) until the casino issue is resolved,” stated Ms. Neggers. Other people get to determine our economic future when only a host community votes on siting a casino.
Discussion on reaching out to residents to gather and compile their concerns with a survey was discussed. The most cost effective manner is to mail the survey with a tax bill. Town Collector Mrs. Jenkins has offered the services of her department to fold and stuff the envelopes. Additional suggestions included having boxes at locations around town where people could fill out the survey and leave it in a box. Discussion followed about posting survey and committee minutes on the website along with further resource information.
Meeting Adjourned
Next meeting: February 11, 2008, 10:30 am, Town Office Building, 110 Main Street, Monson
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Conley Norbut
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