Town Commissioners Minutes — 2020-11-05

QUEENSTOWN COMMISSIONERS

Special Meeting November 5.2020 President Willis motioned to call the special meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. for the purpose of discussing a water improvernent project and potential development in Town. Present, or participating via Zoom, were President Tom Willis, Commissioner Bryon Callahan' -Commissioner Al Hardee, Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan, Barry Waterman, Joe Stevens (attorney for Mr. Waterman), Town Engineer Robert Rauch, and Town Manager Amy Moore.

Mr. Waterman announced that the Queenstown Planning Commission seems ready to move forward with the Master Development Plan that he submitted to them. Once design guidelines are received, they will schedule a public hearing. Once they hold their hearing, they will make a recommendation to the Town Commissioners. The Town Commissioners will have to hold a public hearing as well. Should they give approval following their hearing process, he will then

Legin engineering work on his project. Project will be done in phases, with Commercial being thJfirst fhur". Once he is ableio get that far in the process, he would be ready to commit funds to the Town.

Mr. Waterman indicated that he mentioned to the Planning Commission at their last meeting that perhaps they and the Town Commissioners should meet to addressed. He stated that a HOA will be in place for pro trails, park areas, that will be for the Town to decide how one acre of land to the Town which could be used for trailer, boat storage. Town could use income from leasing space to cover the maintenance costs of the trail and parks if the Town

wants them. He would also donate that to the HOA if the Town doesn't want it' Mr. Waterman advised that the trail in the buffer would get approval easfer from the critical Area Commission if it was town owned. Commissioner Hardee asked if he inquired with the county to see if they would want it. Mr. waterman advised that commissioner Jim Moran sent the inquiry to Parks and Recreation, who in tum decided they did not want it'

commissioner Hardee informed Mr. waterman that the Town needs to know his intent for contributing funding towards the new water tower and infrastructure, so the Commissioners know how to pro"""d. Mr. Waterman advised his intent is to develop and proceed with Phase I once approval is received. The only obstacles would be prohibitive costs of running water and sewer lines to the Town's connections, or a conservation group holding his project up in court'

He is positive if he can move forward with the commercial pads, it would allow him to purchase some of the allocations needed for the project' Bob Rauch advised that the need for the tower is to improve existing needs and to also serye new development. The project originally started wiltr 9O,OOO gallons for all commercial development, however, things have changed. Town commitment for debt service costs' In

the event wheatland,s were to not happei, the Town "" s 9 ti - l g l : h as obligations to meet residents needs' If Town were to go that route, the new tower that would be built would not support Wheatland's.

Mr. Rauch also stated that wastewater capacity also needs to be considered for full build out.

Joe Stevens stated that Mr. Waterman is committed to move forward, and asked when do the payments become binding to him? If he can get approvals, they could move forward, and they would know just what costs are going to be within a few months. Bob Rauch advised that as soon as the Town is obligated to repay USDA, then Wheatland's would have to start making payments. Joe Stevens reiterated that once project could get to Phase l, they can then make

commitment for entire project.

Commissioners expressed concern with the timeline with USDA, as we don't have much time left before losing the funding. Mr. Rauch stated there may be some flexibility with USDA. Ms.

Ryan advised that Terry Ferrins from USDA stated they would need to see a project construction timeline from bidding to construction before considering any extensions. It was decided that Mr.

Rauch, Ms. Ryan, Peter Johnston and Joe Stevens would work on the procedural and construction timelines, which need to include hearings, advertising, bidding, construction, etc.

Ms. Ryan advised that she spoke with Peter Dudley and he stated that he has not had time to consider development of their property. He advised that the fire department did contact him about land for a new fire department, but its location is not consistent with the Comprehensive plan. He is concerned the Town may not be on board with the location. In original discussions during the annexation process, the Town was looking for approximately 5 acres as part of the

development for use as a public safety complex, which would include the fire department.

president Willis instructed Ms. Moore to contact the Finance Committee again and request them to determine the value amount of the cell tower leases and to report their findings at the November 18, 2020 meeting.

There being no further business, President Willis motioned to adjourn the special meeting at I l:41 a.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hardee. Motion carried' Respectfu lly submitted, Town Manager