Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Disposition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Warner voters tell Selectmen to plan demolition of Odd Fellows Building if pending sale fails
Summary
Voters passed an amended petition directing the Selectmen to develop a demolition budget for the Odd Fellows Building if the pending Purchase and Sale Agreement falls through, require plans be presented at a public hearing, and salvage the clock tower; an amended amendment passed by paper ballot YES 92 NO 29.
On March 15, 2017, Warner voters passed an amended petition (Article 25) directing the Selectmen to develop a budget to dismantle the Odd Fellows Building if a pending Purchase and Sale Agreement with Nate Burrington falls through. The successful amendment requires the Selectmen to report back a demolition budget to the 2018 Town Meeting, to consider the lot a combination parking and green space, to present plans at a public hearing, and to include salvage of the building's clock tower as an architectural feature to display on the lot.
The Article began as a petition submitted by Rebecca Courser; she explained the amendment and asked Selectmen to address the pending agreement during discussion. Significant floor debate focused on whether the Selectmen had received the required recommendations from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission prior to proceeding. John Leavitt contended statutory steps had not been followed and read RSA 41:14-a aloud, stating the Selectmen must receive the Boards' recommendations before holding public hearings. Selectman John Dabuliewicz disputed Leavitt's interpretation, saying the Planning Board recorded a split position and that the Conservation Commission did not object.
Several proposed changes and procedural motions were made on the floor, including a failed amendment that would have replaced the specific buyer name and set a January 1, 2018 deadline to complete a sale. Moderator Ray Martin allowed amendments, ruled on points of order and then called a paper ballot on the Amended Amendment; the ballot returned YES 92, NO 29. The Moderator later called a voice vote and the amended Article 25 passed.
The article directs the Selectmen to develop a demolition budget and present a plan at a public hearing in the event the pending sale fails; the Moderator reminded voters the building will not be demolished prior to the 2018 Town Meeting and that the Article does not remove the Board's ability to pursue a sale.
