WORKSHOP SESSION of the Burrillville Town Council held Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the Council Chambers, Town Building, 105 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville, for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused due to illness.
OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Gibbs, N.E.E.D.S.
05-341 Relative to considerations and discussions relative to covenants and requests for proposals for Commerce Park
Council President Wallace F. Lees called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and asked Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, to introduce the discussion.
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, reviewed the Town Council’s objective of determining the feasibility of locating a third party to oversee the development and sale of property at Commerce Park. Mr. Wood said that he and the solicitor had been working with Thomas J. Kravitz, Town Planner and Economic Development Coordinator and Scott Gibbs of N.E.E.D.S. to develop covenants to serve as guidelines and rules for development of the park. Mr. Wood said that there would be a request for proposals for development of the park in accordance with the covenants. Mr. Wood suggested that the Town Council might adopt the covenants in draft form to provide latitude for negotiation with a developer.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, indicated that he had reviewed the document and that it contained strong covenants which would limit the park to quality development. Mr. Kane suggested that the restrictions might result in taking longer to fully develop the park but that the result would be a first-class operation. Mr. Kane suggested that, since the Town had expended a considerable sum for installation of infrastructure (i.e. sewer, water and roads), the covenants were reasonable and justified.
Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, explained that once there was a developer and the covenants had been negotiated and agreed upon, then the document would be recorded in the Town’s land evidence records and remain binding on future businesses at the park. Mr. Kane indicated that plans would continue to be reviewed by the Planning Board and that, if there were a conflict between the covenants and the Planning Board, the Planning Board would control. Mr. Kane said that proposed covenants were more intensive than a site plan review.
Scott Gibbs of N.E.E.D.S. explained that the covenants would be private deed restrictions that run with the land. Mr. Gibbs said the covenants would help to create a predictable investment requirement for quality companies. Mr. Gibbs explained the advantages to the companies as well as the Town.
Councilor Margaret L. Dudley asked about provision 2.4, Resale of Lots, that requires that if a lot is not improved with a building as approved, and if the lot is to be resold, then the lot must first be offered for sale to the Town. Mr. Gibbs indicated that this is a usual provision of this type of covenant. He discussed the purpose of the stipulation and reviewed the process.
There was discussion of permitted and disallowed uses.
Councilor Nancy F. Binns noted that the covenants were well prepared and the Town would be well protected. Councilor Binns acknowledged that it would take time to fully develop the park but agreed that the result would be worthwhile. She commended those involved in developing the proposal.
There was a general discussion of the future of economic development in northwestern Rhode Island.
The Town Council generally supported the covenants.
Council President Wallace F. Lees thanked Mr. Gibbs for participating in the workshop.
VOTED to adjourn.
Motion by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. Seconded by Councilor Ronald E. Faford. The motion was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors William A. Andrews, Nancy F. Binns, Margaret L. Dudley, Ronald E. Faford and William E. Gonyea. Councilor Jacqueline Zahn was excused.
The workshop was taped. The tape is on file with the record of the workshop.
Louise R. Phaneuf
Town Clerk
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