Raymond Voter Information Project

Article 18

Land Donation for Veterans Club

Text of 2011 Town Warrant Article 18

Article 18 was amended at the Town Deliberative session on 5 February 2011
to add the following text to the end of the article:

"...This commitment will expire in 10 years if the project is not 100% complete and open to its members. Additionally, this land may not be transferred by UVCR without the written consent of the Town of Raymond's Board of Selectmen. The final terms of this transaction shall be as established by the Board of Selectmen, as the Board deems such terms in the best interest of the Town."

This citizens petition warrant article asks the town to terminate its lease-purchase agreement with the United Veterans Club of Raymond (UVCR)¹ and transfer ownership of a three-acre parcel of town-owned land located on the south side of State Route 27 between Radio Grove Hardware and Clearwater Estates. Terms of the lease-purchase agreement to be rescinded: length of term, seven years with a possible three-year extension pending Board of Selectmen approval; lease price, $100 per year; purchase price option, $150,000.²

A YES vote rescinds the lease-purchase agreement that was authorized in 2007 and 2008 by voters and donates the land to the UVCR.

A NO vote leaves in place the town votes of 2007 and 2008 that allowed the lease-purchase agreement with UVCR.

Reasons why some voters might vote yes:

• Member organizations of UVCR have donated to town residents.³
• Member organizations of UVCR have supported town activities.
• UVCR officials state that they intend to establish a meeting place for member organizations.⁴

Reasons why some voters might vote no:

• The Town forfeits the $150,000 agreed-upon price for the sale of the land.
• UVCR has a charitable tax-exempt status and pays no property taxes.
• UVCR gains the right to sell the land.
• The parcel is in a commercial zone with three acres of commercial value. The Board of Selectmen loses the right to deny the three-year lease/purchase extension and sell or retain the parcel for investment.⁵
• Donating town-owned property to a non-profit organization sets a precedent.

References:

1. United Veterans Club of Raymond (UVCR) is “a 501 C-19 non-profit club established to operate and potentially own the property for establishing a meeting place for all veteran organizations in the Town.” This club is an umbrella organization for members of any recognized organization authorized by the UVC By-Laws, currently: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4479 (VFW), Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary (VFW Aux.), American Legion Post 90 (AL), American Legion Ladies Auxiliary (AL Aux.), and The Sons of The American Legion (SAL).
2. Town of Raymond Annual Report (2008), page 26, 27 and (2007) page 19
3. Ed Miller, Jr. Vice Commander, American Legion #90 Examples in 2010 include: Raymond Recreation Scholarships $2,100; Cub Scouts $1,500; Christmas for Raymond families $2,500, Distressed citizen relief $1,750.
4. Dick Wood, Adjutant, American Legion, #90


5. Town of Raymond Zoning Map

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