Portsmouth delays action on Lower Glen Farm complex

Members say contract language is too vague

By Jim McGaw
Posted 2/14/17

PORTSMOUTH — The Town Council Monday night tabled action on a proposed contract with Ann and Sam Clemens to operate the Lower Glen Farm complex as on-site tenants.

In November 2016 the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Portsmouth delays action on Lower Glen Farm complex

Members say contract language is too vague

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — The Town Council Monday night tabled action on a proposed contract with Ann and Sam Clemens to operate the Lower Glen Farm complex as on-site tenants.

In November 2016 the council selected Clemens Equine, LLC of Middletown to be the town’s partner to operate and maintain the 11-acre equine facility, which consists of a group of historic buildings that represents a relatively intact example of early 20th century barns, stables and outbuildings. The town’s lease with the current tenant, Torrey Equine Services, LLC, expires in May.

Under the proposed five-year agreement, Clemens Equine would invest $25,000 up front for capital improvements to the property and initially compensate the town $18,000 annually, plus 5 percent of the company’s gross receipts.

On Monday, however, council members expressed concern that the language in the nine-page contract — whittled down from a larger 24-page document — didn’t afford the town enough protection when it comes to divvying up maintenance duties going forward.

For example, the town is financially responsible for repairing the structures’ roofs, but it was unclear if that included the cupolas. (The town is also responsible for the onsite wastewater management and underground drainage systems.)

“The language has become so vague that there’s nothing for us to enforce,” said council member David Gleason. 

While he believes Clemens Equine will be a good tenant, Mr. Gleason said he’d feel more comfortable if the contract was more specific in delineating which party was responsible for various maintenance jobs.

Council President Keith Hamilton agreed, saying the contract needed to spell out, “When push comes to shove, you’re responsible for X and we’re responsible for Y.”

Council member Linda Ujifusa, an attorney, was also concerned by the brevity of the contract, saying it may not afford protection for either party should a problem arise. “If everything worked out perfectly, this would not be an issue,” she said.

Defends contract

Richard W. Talipsky, the town’s director of business development who recommended the agreement, acknowledged the contract’s current language is broader than it was before, but that the Clemenses are still being held to all local and state standards. In addition, all of the maintenance issues the council brought up are addressed in the couple’s proposal, he said.

He urged the council to take action because the condition of the property continues to deteriorate, something to which Ms. Clemens — the last remaining boarder at Glen Farm — said she can attest.

“It is in such despicable condition and profoundly unsafe for horses and people alike,” said Ms. Clemens, adding that she’s committed to revitalizing the complex.

The council voted unanimously to table to matter until further review by legal staff and put it on the agenda for the Feb. 27 meeting.

“You will have an answer on the 27th — promise,” Mr. Hamilton told Ms. Clemens.

Lower Glen Farm, Glen Farm, Portsmouth Town Council

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.