Selectmen’s Minutes

August 13, 2007

Bourne Veterans’ Memorial Community Center

239 Main Street

Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

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Attendance:

Board of Selectmen

Stephen F. Mealy, Chairman

Jamie J. Sloniecki, Vice Chairman

Judith Conron, Clerk

Linda M. Zuern

John A. Ford, Jr.

Call the Meeting to Order

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.

Moment of Silence/Salute the Flag

Approval of Minutes

Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to release and Executive Minutes of December 19, 2007. VOTE 4-0-1 with abstention from Selectman Ford.

Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to release and approve Executive Minutes of July 31, 2007. VOTE 5-0.

Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to release and approve as amended Executive Minutes of August 7, 2007. VOTE 5-0.

Correspondence

Selectman Conron reviewed the correspondence. All correspondence is one file in the Town Administrator’s Office for review.

Board of Selectmen Workshop with Len Cubellis regarding Canalside Commons proposal

Chm. Mealy noted the Board will discuss a viable alternative to the current 40B project. At this point in time, Len Cubellis will fulfill the permit process, moving forward. Chm. Mealy also noted no action would be taken this evening.

• Len Cubellis noted considering a portion of the property transferred to the Town of Bourne by gift, sale or other.
• The current proposal of retail/housing/apartments would consider construction of a conference/hotel complex.

• The plan for the Open Space is to leave as Passive Recreation.

Len Cubellis, for the record, stated he repeatedly in the offered the option of acquiring land to the Board of Selectmen, which was not interested at the time.

Market rate for 40B project (Canalside Commons) between $480,000 and $350,000 for affordability.

A total of 5 acres (North of the Bypass Road) would be available to the town.

Discussion held.

Len Cubellis noted Great Lakes Hotel Company is interested in building a 400 all-suite rooms, possibly generating $300 per night ($1M on 4% tax). Sam Parks, is President of the development company and would represent Great Lakes Hotel Company.

Mr. Parks compared advantages of impacts of a hotel complex vs. 40B project:

1) Employment (2 ½ jobs per square foot)

2) Tax revenue (hotel taxes stay locally)

Mr. Parks noted a “destination hotel” would lower the burden of traffic and bring higher hotel rates (2-3 times higher).

He also noted solutions would need to be worked out, which his client is willing to do, as far as the land already permitted for the 40B project. If a hotel complex is something the town is interested in, would need the leadership of the Board to bring to the Cape Cod Commission for approval.

Public Comment

Richard Conron noted concern of tonight’s discussion and suggested putting an Impact Analysis in place.

Chm. Mealy noted tonight’s discussion was for searching in ways to obtain property.

Rosalee Cole commented on her appreciation for this discussion and the impact on the public.

Joan DeLapp asked the Board to keep in mind the already large amount of traffic in town.

Other Selectmen Business

None at this time.

Adjourn

Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to adjourn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Groezinger, sec.