Q&A with Gray Town Councilors
The Monument Asked various questions of the Gray Councilors on the issue of whether they have a particular vision for Pennell institute, and why the old Post office which was purchased at Town meeting almost three years ago has never been used. The reason for the purchase at that time was that the current town offices needed expanding, and when the PO became available it would solve an important access issue and allow more room for storage, the Council and Manager said.

To Chair Pam Wilkinson: At the January 18 Council meeting, when you stated the motion for the agenda item related to Pennell, you'd said "superior court" was a next step, but Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz corrected you and included the term "other subsequent actions." What does that mean?

Wilkinson: Before we decide to make a determination if we will pursue Superior court, [Town Attorney] Bill Dale wants to clarify the conversation he had with the AG with regards to the second comment of their conversation which stated that if there were proceeds, it is to be turned over to "the inhabitants of the Town of Gray."

Monument: Does this mean the Council is abandoning the Superior Court idea?
Wilkinson: No determination has been made.

Monument: What are 'other subsequent actions'? What does the Council intend?
Wilkinson: Waiting for Bill Dale's review.

Monument: Has the AG responded yet to the Town's request that the issue be reviewed again?
Wilkinson: Only in telephone conversation with Bill Dale.

Monument: What is the council's vision for Pennell?
Wilkinson: If it is turned over to the Town of Gray...Let the people decide.

The Monument asked the other Councilors as to their vision for Pennell:

Vice-Chair Lynn Olson: It has been protocol that all questions regarding council business be made to the Chair. In this instance, I am not sure if my opinion on Pennell is relevant; any questions regarding vision certainly should come from the Chair.

The same statement should be made in regards to the town office space as better specifics should come from the Chair or the Town Manager. But in this case you might get additional specific information from John Couture who could not access the lower level of the town office during the construction of his new offices and who, as Mitch's [Town Manager Berkowitz] office was the only space he could access to discuss his personal business with any respect for his privacy, barely had his wheel chair fit through Mitch's doorway.

Monument: If Mr. Couture had access issues, and the Town had purchased a property to remedy the issue, but stalled out and for almost three years has not made good on moving toward the resolve, don't you feel that puts the Town at further risk for liability suit?
Olson: Did not answer.

Councilor Matt Sturgis: I look hard at the land and green space in the center of Town and it is the greatest asset. The building is a centerpiece for the town, but I am not enamored of the Town Office going in there. I think it would be more expensive.

As to the Post office being empty, I do not know why we are dragging our feet other than to say that there are others that may want town office to go in there, which would be much more expensive.

The existing town office does have ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) problems. I do not have a decent answer as to why we are not moving in. it seemed like such an 'emergency' before.

Councilor Richard Hall: At this point there is not enough information to give an opinion on these subjects. We need to do more fact finding.

Councilor Gary Foster did not reply.