Houlton Farm Planning Committee Meeting 2015-12-21

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Houlton Farm Planning Committee November 30, 2015 Page 3 It was suggested that the Committee not designate a specific canoe/kayak launch area immediately; rather, see if any issues arise before considering a designated launch area. 4.7 Review of Building Removal Proposals Mr. Hecker provided an Excel document summarizing the bid submissions. Mr. Sevcik noted there were 13 bidders in total and after staff reviewed all the information, they recommended Veit and Company. Veit will only do the work if they remove all the buildings and they will recycle what they can. Several people have asked if they could purchase some of the materials and have been advised they need to contact Veit directly. Mr. Wilson noted that Mr. Johnson from The Rustic Way attended for this portion of the meeting and asked what the Committee could do for him. Mr. Johnson stated his company was interested in repurposing wood from the barn and crib and now understands his company would need to contact Veit directly. He thanked the Committee for their time and left the meeting. It was noted there is some sentiment in the community to keep the barn. Mr. McGillivray pointed out the grant terms, signed by the Mayor, state that the City will remove all but one building for equipment storage. Mr. Wilson noted that it would be a great expense to maintain a dairy barn and does not think it is structurally sound for public use. Mr. McGillivray also pointed out that the Lassard Council grant's purpose is to protect and preserve habitat and buildings detract from habitat. He feels that the City would risk their ability to get future restoration grants for this and other properties if they did not honor the terms of this grant. Councilman Olsen said he received a couple phone calls and one email from citizens suggesting the barn could be used by the public for post -hunt activities. Mr. Sevcik pointed out that while the barn is in excellent shape from a homestead/farm perspective, it is a liability issue from a public entity perspective. The Board agreed with the proposal submitted by Veit and Company for removal of buildings and foundations and restoration of the land as noted in the bid. 4.8 Meeting Dates for 2016 Mr. Hecker provided a handout with suggested meeting dates for 2016. After discussion, tentative dates were selected for 2016 and will be voted on at the next meeting. Mr. Anderson asked if the December 2015 meeting date could be moved as he will be out of town. Mr. Hecker advised that FMR was planning to attend on the already scheduled date, but he will call them to see if they can meet on another date. 1IIEII1 I1 NATME