The newly formed Mattakeese Utilization Committee began the daunting task of determining the future of the former middle school property this week, facing revelations that the vacant facility currently costs taxpayers $200,000 annually just to maintain. Assistant DPW Director Roby Whitehouse informed the committee that these costs are necessary to keep the lights on and the building secure, despite its deteriorating condition. We are currently getting a budget of $200,000 a year to maintain the property. That is including all of the utilities, Whitehouse said, adding that the building has recently suffered from some boarded-up windows because we've had some vandalism.

The physical state of the 17-acre site was a central point of the inaugural meeting. Whitehouse described a failing infrastructure, including leaks under solar arrays and a heating system that is nearing the end of its life. The furnace room is probably the most dazzling area of the building. When you walk in and it looks like an old choo-choo train, you really get a good picture of it, Whitehouse remarked. Assistant Town Administrator William Scott further noted the outdoor facilities are also in disrepair, pointing out that this track is cracked in comparison to the town’s newer athletic facilities.

To address these challenges, the committee formally established its leadership and operational framework. Motion Made by A. Leair to elect Sharon Wymer as Chair. Motion Passed (7-0-0). Wymer accepted the role, stating I'll give it a shot before presiding over the remainder of the session. Motion Made by B. Leavoyne to elect Andrew Leair as Vice Chair. Motion Passed (7-0-0). Leair responded simply, I'll accept. Rounding out the leadership, Motion Made by L. Pedro to self-nominate for Clerk. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

The committee’s primary directive is to execute a seven-phase utilization plan over the next 18 months. Scott described the process as a flying squad or charrette-style approach intended to be exhaustive and inclusive. During the early run-a-muck phase, Scott urged members to keep every possibility on the table. Everything should be up there and even if people are saying, 'Well, that might be a wetlands issue,' let's figure that out, Scott said. Member Joe Potsk questioned the novelty of the strategy, asking, So this is a brand new concept? You've never done this before? Scott clarified that while it is a specialized planning structure, he has successfully used it previously to transition a firehouse into a theater. Motion Made by S. Wymer to adopt and proceed with the flexible scope dated November 1. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

A key strategy for the committee will be "internal benchmarking," which involves tapping into the expertise of existing town departments and committees to save on potential consultant fees. Motion Made by R. Whitehouse to approve an introductory memorandum for distribution to town teams. Motion Passed (7-0-0). Scott noted that these people are going to bring they have a lot of good plans regarding housing, recreation, and municipal needs. To manage this outreach, committee members were assigned as leads to various focus groups. B. Leavoyne will lead the Recreation efforts, while John Anderson will head the Economic and Tourism focus. Chair Wymer will take the lead on Housing, and A. Leair will oversee Open Space.

Clerk Lindsay Pedro highlighted the importance of balancing the committee's timeline with personal availability, noting that wintertime is downtime for me but that she becomes quite busy as spring till October. Consequently, Pedro will lead the Education focus area during the earlier phases of the project. The committee also discussed the logistical hurdles of the site, including nearby wells and existing solar leases that may impact future development. To provide a clearer picture of the building's interior without the safety risks of a group walkthrough, the committee is considering a video tour of the "choo-choo train" furnace and other aging infrastructure components in the coming months.