One of the prominent matters concerned the decision of whether to lease the Littleton Nagog Orchard or to sell it outright. The group acknowledged past difficulties in securing a lessee, citing previous complications with RFPs and lease negotiations, notably with a potential lessee named Stormalong. Discussions surfaced around refining the terms of a lease agreement, contemplating a possible lease-to-purchase scenario, and the need for simplicity in the RFP to attract potential candidates. There was also a debate on whether to include the complications within the lease or the RFP and the implications of doing so.

At the core of the debate was the group’s consideration of the orchard’s immediate requirements, such as the removal of diseased trees and structural maintenance of facilities including the barn. Quotes and funding requests for these immediate fixes were presented, highlighting the urgency of addressing the orchard’s deteriorating condition. The potential costs and environmental impacts of the tree removal process were also deliberated, emphasizing the need for careful planning in the orchard’s rehabilitation.

The meeting also broached the subject of the orchard land’s use. The group weighed the pros and cons of investing in the existing barn to make it operational versus removing trees to make the land more farmable. There was a consensus on the importance of aligning with the town meeting’s direction and the necessity to move forward within the established timeframe. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the town’s limited capacity to manage multiple leases and the long-term financial obligations that might arise from leasing the orchard land.

Amid these strategic considerations, the group also discussed the broader mission and effectiveness of the working group itself. Differing opinions emerged on whether the group should proceed with its mission or if it should be dissolved or placed on a leave of absence. Frustration was voiced over perceived roadblocks and a lack of clear progress, with some members suggesting the potential for the group to reconvene in the future to explore actions like selling the Orchard.

Public outreach and the need for town-wide education on the future of the orchard became a focal point during the meeting. The potential for a special town meeting before November was suggested as a means to gather input, and the importance of concise, transparent communication to the public was underscored, with ideas such as creating an infographic to simplify messaging.

The group grappled with the legalities and financial implications of different options, including the viability of a sale versus a lease agreement, and the legal process for declaring the property as surplus. The debate extended to whether to include the house and the barn in any lease agreement, with recognition that a farmer leasing the land would likely require access to the barn, while the inclusion of the house remained contentious.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, but with a clear directive to continue discussions and gather more information. The necessity for a public hearing with the town’s planning commission was agreed upon, as was the need to adhere to the proper real estate bidding process. The timing of future public votes and the impact of delaying decisions until after the November town meeting were also debated, underlining the complexity and urgent nature of the situation.