Central to the discussions was the condition of the orchard and the potential options for its future use. The possibility of leasing the land to a local farming family was considered, taking into account the state of the buildings and a potential 100-year lease. The group also discussed the removal of diseased trees, with differing opinions on whether the disease was contained or spreading. The debate extended to the potential uses of the land, such as hay production or grazing livestock, as well as the associated costs, like fencing.

The deteriorating condition of the property prompted a debate on whether to proceed with another Request for Information (RFI) or to transition directly to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for leasing the orchard. The effectiveness of the RFI process was questioned, given past experiences and the lack of suitable lessees found through this method. Some members suggested that the majority of townspeople preferred selling the orchard directly to a farmer, while others advocated for its lease, emphasizing the long-term benefits of this approach.

The group also discussed the potential impact of selling the house on the property, weighing the viability of the farm without it. Concerns were raised about informing the select board of the implications of any decision regarding the house. A joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen was proposed to seek guidance on the decision-making process, with some members emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the board.

The need for immediate maintenance and safety measures at the orchard was addressed, with a discussion on whether the committee members should assume responsibility for maintenance or if the town should play a more active role. Furthermore, the removal of trees on the orchard and neighboring properties was a topic of concern, particularly in addressing the impact of diseased trees on the neighbors.

The group planned to obtain quotes for tree removal from different contractors, considering various options such as removal with or without stumps and accounting for potential difficulties in wetter areas of the property. There was also a plan to reach out to respondents of the previous RFI to gauge their interest in potentially leasing the property.

Amidst these debates, the meeting witnessed the resignation of a member who expressed concerns about the direction of the group and the decision-making process. Another member voiced doubts about continuing to volunteer due to frustration with the group’s direction.

The working group also addressed their frustrations with the recent town meeting and the potential sale or lease of the Nagog Orchard. The viability of a lease and the challenges of finding suitable candidates were debated, and the possibility of holding a special town meeting to educate the public and reconsider the decision was suggested.

Concerns about the impact of leasing on federal grants and loans, as well as potential restrictions and terms of a lease agreement, were discussed. The group considered the expertise and experience of its members as vital to the town’s decision-making, emphasizing the difficulty of replicating their collective knowledge.