Frustrations boil over at council meeting

Derry

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October 2, 2008

By Morgan C. Reynolds

LONDONDERRY — Planning Board member John Farrell questioned the effectiveness of the Town Council and Councilor Brian Farmer vented his frustration at delays in the economic development decision-making process, leading to tense exchanges at its Sept. 29 meeting.

Farmer's frustrations grew from a lengthy presentation of the Community Economic Development Plan by Director AndrÃ© Garron. Garron touched briefly on the Tax Increment Financing district surrounding Jack's Bridge Road, being sure to note that it was the outline of a district. This outline was the only thing that had been approved.

By the time Garron had transitioned to his 31st slide, Farmer had had enough and expressed dismay that a decision to create or not create the TIF district would have to be pushed to a future date.

"We didn't think it was responsible to present half the numbers," said Dave Caron, town manager, explaining that data was still being collected in a study being done by a consultant and that the additional information was needed before a recommendation could be made.

The meeting was interrupted when Farmer and several other officials briefly left the room.

Proposed plans for the Airport Access Road/Pettengill Road were presented as well as necessary improvements to Page Road as indicated in the Capitol Improvements Plan. Councilor Mike Brown expressed concern about being misinformed about current public projects following an anecdote by Garron in which the town lost a potential developer due to the state of Page Road.

"This is the first I've heard of it," said Brown.

Members of the council, particularly Farmer and Brown, explained that they felt uninformed about current projects and didn't know which areas to push forward.

After Garron ended his presentation, Farrell rose and let loose with a laundry list of "to do's" directed at the Town Council.

"We would like to see two members of the council step up into leadership positions," said Farrell, "to be able to stand on issues one way or the other."

He went on to list a number of development projects in order of priority, most prominently the Airport Access Road and Page Road intersection. Farrell said that he'd like to see members of the council become educated about public development. Councilors responded that their available time was limited.

"We have full-time jobs," said Farmer.

"You work at home," said Brown, "Don't you John?"

Councilor Kathy Wagner said that she wouldn't mind stepping into a leadership role. Wagner added that unlike other members of the council who had to commute to Massachusetts, she lived and worked in the area.

Ultimately, the Community Economic Development Plan was itemized into 16 points and assigned for discussion at future council meetings.

The discussion about TIF districts was continued to Oct. 20.