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Selectboard discusses old highway garage sale, testing costs and Waterloom Pond risks
Summary
The board discussed options for the old highway garage—including selling with disclosure or pursuing remediation—while flagging potential soil contamination testing costs; members also heard from trustees and a property owner about Waterloom Pond, which is privately owned and not a guaranteed fire‑water source, and agreed to pursue further legal and financial research before decisions.
The Selectboard reviewed several town asset issues, including possible sale options for the old highway garage and ongoing work at Waterloom Pond.
Administrators said a developer or third party might be willing to acquire the old highway garage site, but noted uncertainties about soil conditions and potential contamination. Staff cautioned that testing and any needed containment or remediation could require several thousand dollars; participants estimated sampling and assessment costs but emphasized that exact yardage and testing scope remain uncertain. The board discussed approaches including conducting legal research on liability transfer, using a warrant article to authorize a sale with full disclosure, or holding a special town meeting if needed.
Members suggested options to limit town liability—such as requiring buyers to purchase short‑term pollution insurance or handling sale terms to insulate the town from future remediation obligations. The board asked staff to research legal pathways that would allow the town to transfer property while protecting taxpayers from unknown environmental liabilities.
Separately, trustees and staff provided an update on Waterloom Pond, describing it as privately owned and requiring extensive private investment to repair a dam and maintain it for any municipal use. Board members cautioned that the pond should not be considered a guaranteed source for fire suppression and recommended that the fire department and administrators identify alternative water sources and contingency plans. The owner present was said to be investing private funds to stabilize the dam; staff suggested periodic public updates and coordination with emergency services.
No final decisions were taken; the board directed legal research, further outreach to potential buyers, and additional follow‑up on testing cost estimates and sale mechanisms.
