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Select Board reviews draft town‑meeting warrant; debate centers on deed language for old church article
Summary
Board reviewed draft warrant items including a revised article governing the old church property, a bequest from Jim Jordan, and changes from state statutes on tax‑acquired property; board members asked the attorney for clarifications and could not locate the original deed for the donated church property.
The Town of Buckfield held a public hearing on the draft annual town meeting warrant and discussed several warrant articles, focusing significant discussion on the article that would govern the disposition and preservation of an historic church building owned by the town.
Staff described several warrant items: article 23 reflects changes in state statutes on the disposal of tax‑acquired property; article 29 would address a bequest left by Jim Jordan that requires the town’s acceptance; and article 30 pertains to the town‑owned old church and has been revised after input from the town attorney.
The current draft language for article 30, as presented at the hearing, directs that the building “will be substantially stabilized and repaired and the exterior of the building will remain unaltered from its original design.” Board members asked for clarification about what “unaltered” means in practice — for example, whether window openings, steps, roofing materials or handrails could be changed while preserving the building’s general appearance. Staff said the attorney had edited earlier, more detailed language down to the shorter formulation now in the draft.
The board discussed enforcement mechanisms. Staff explained their understanding that deed covenants could be used: any conditions tied to sale or transfer would be written into the deed so the restrictions would “run with the land” and remain binding on future owners. However, staff also said they were unable to find the original deed that accompanied the gift of the church in the late 1800s and therefore could not confirm the exact original donor restrictions; they confirmed the town currently holds title.
Board members asked that specific drafting questions be compiled and sent to the town attorney; staff committed to forwarding questions and to finalizing wording before the next Select Board meeting so the warrant can be set. The Select Board discussed timing: staff recommended scheduling any additional public hearing roughly 30 days before the annual town meeting to allow time for ballot printing and absentee ballots. The board also discussed logistical deadlines for candidate papers and absentee ballot ordering.
Select Board members emphasized that the town’s intent is not to quickly dispose of the church but to find a steward—an individual or organization—willing to preserve the building’s appearance and use it appropriately. Staff said follow‑up conversations with the attorney and public outreach will inform the final article language and subsequent steps.
