The Fairfield Hills Authority held a special meeting on Monday, June 19, 2006 in the meeting room at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT. Chairman Robert Geckle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Robert Geckle, Andrew Willie, Amy Dent, William Lavery, John Reed, Moira Rodgers, Donald Studley, ABSENT: Walter Motyka
ALSO PRESENT: Julia Wasserman, Maria DeMarco (DeMarco Management), Scott Baillie (O&G), Jeff Cugno (O&G), Parks & Rec Director Barbara Kasbarian, Parks & Rec Commisison member Ed Marks, Robert Barclay (North American Realty), three members of public, one member of press
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Ms. Ruby Johnson, Chestnut Hill Road, feels that this Authority going into executive session at the last meeting to discuss security matters and inviting Mr. Richard Sturdevant gives the appearance that other matters were discussed since Mr. Sturdevant does not live in Newtown anymore. Regarding North American Realty giving a presentation tonight, she reminded that polls show that economic development is not high on the list of what the public wants at Fairfield Hills.
Finance Committee – Mr. Studley had provided copies of his financial report prior to this meeting, indicating that we should end the year with a slight surplus. He does not know what the First Selectman and Finance Director intend to do with any surplus but will find out and report back to this body. Regarding the bond issue, we have to date spent $2.3 million of the $3.5 million for the remediation. Mr. Geckle reported that he received a notice from Finance Director Ben Spragg confirming that the 2006/2007 fiscal year budget for operating expenses at Fairfield Hills is $598,500.
Operating Committee – Mr. Willie reported that he had contacted Parks & Rec Director Barbara Kasbarian and confirmed that the mowing of the trails will be done by the parks department. The lawn has been seeded around the security building and it was decided not to go ahead with the flower beds at this time. The plantings around the security building should be done within the next week. Mr. Willie also met with Mr. Richard Eigen (present tonight) regarding funds that may be available from state and/or federal sources.
Mr. Baillie reported that the design for mothballing is complete. They are finalizing the budget for the mothballing and the trails. They met with the trails subcommittee to review ADA compliance and the layout. The estimates are almost completed for the 90' ballfield, which will include abatement and demolition of Shelton House. They are finalizing plans for the new town hall building and should be able to present schematic design soon. Regarding utilities, the town is putting in a substation that will bypass the existing electrical loop through the campus. This will service the campus general requirements. Water and sewer is in place and O&G is waiting to receive drawings from the consultant. A report was received from
Mr. Russell Bartley indicating that the remediation should be completed within one month.
Ms. DeMarco advised that the Congregational Church received approval to hold a flea market July 1 and 2 but did not go through this Authority for approval. She needs a resolution allowing this to happen on the campus.
Mr. Willie moved to approve that the Newtown Congregational Church be allowed to hold a flea market on July 1 and July 2, 2006. Motion seconded and unanimously carried. It was noted that the Library will be holding the book sale across the street at the Reed School and Ms. DeMarco is concerned about people crossing the street between the two events. She will work with the police department. Ms. Dent pointed out that there are no lavatory facilities on the property for this event. The new Use Policy that is ready for adoption tonight requires that they be provided.
Mr. Willie suggested removing the fencing that now surrounds the remediation areas where the work has been completed and placing fencing closer around buildings. Mr. Reed moved that the management firm develop and implement a plan to maximize the utilization of the campus with appropriate relocation of fencing taking into consideration the remediation and other safety aspects. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Mr. Jeff Cugno of O&G gave an update on the contracts. He is working with First Selectman Rosenthal and Town Attorney David Grogins to put in place the appropriate contracts for O&G, Tae Soo Kim and Vollmer Partners.
Planning – Ms. Dent reported that the subcommittee met with Mr. Barclay of North American Realty to review the draft report. They were provided with information needed to understand the value of the property return on investment, marketability, etc., including an analysis on how we can most strategically prepare the RFP to get a return. Ms. Dent also met with Mr. Eigen who has experience in securing infrastructure grants and is currently doing some fact-finding to determine if any of the infrastructure needs at Fairfield Hills might qualify. Ms. Dent, Mr. Geckle, Mr. Motyka and Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker met with the State Commissioner of Economic and Community Development James Abromaitis who requested some specific information about the site so that they can look into
whether any funds might be available to the town. The Commissioner feels that this property is highly desirable because of its location and campus like atmosphere.
First Selectman Rosenthal has reviewed the proposed Use Policy and filled in the necessary information. The Authority needs to recommend a fee structure to the Board of Selectmen, who are the ones authorized to set fees. Ms. Dent moved to adopt the Regulations for Use of Fairfield Hills as proposed to the Authority and amended by the First Selectman and to ask that the Board of Selectmen set the requisite fees as recommended therein. Motion seconded. Mr. Reed feels that there should be no provision for allowing alcohol on the premises. Mr. Lavery agreed that this would be a huge liability. Mr. Lavery moved to amend that no alcohol use be allowed on the Fairfield Hills campus. Motion seconded and unanimously
carried. MAIN MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED AS AMENDED. Mr. Geckle feels that we need to get information out to the public that there is a policy for requesting approval for use of the property. Mr. Reed will request of the First Selectman that this be included on the town website.
Ms. Dent reported that Ms. Cynthia Petrocello of the Community Development Authority was present tonight. Ms. Petrocello advised that CDA is a quasi-state agency and has their own bonding authority. She spoke about the possible availability of financing or loan programs for brownfields and left written information for members to look over.
Ms. Dent advised that Mr. Robert Barclay of North American Realty is also present and will be presenting an overview of his findings and suggestions. The Authority then needs to go into executive session because there are a number of financial options that this body must choose to decide how to position ourselves with potential developers as we send out an RFP. Mr. Lavery asked if the Town Attorney was consulted as to whether this should be discussed in executive session. Ms. Dent replied that Attorney Grogins does feel that this should be discussed in executive session.
Mr. Barclay then gave a Powerpoint presentation outlining the town issuing a general Request for Proposals to anyone interested vs. a targeted RFP to qualified developers.
Ms. Rodgers moved to enter executive session to discuss strategy and specific numbers for negotiations for leases and to invite Mr. Robert Barclay to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 9:15 pm at which time the clerk left the meeting.
Jan Andras, Clerk
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