The Fairfield Hills Authority held a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 in the meeting room of the Town Hall South, Main Street, Newtown, CT. Bob Geckle called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
Present: Bob Geckle, John Madzula, John Reed, Mike Holmes and Brian White.
Absent: Andy Willie, Kathy Furey and Walt Motyka
Also Present: Maria DeMarco (DeMarco Management Corp), Elizabeth Stocker, Director of Economic & Community Development and two members of the press.
Public Participation: None
Acceptance of Minutes: John Madzula made a motion to accept the minutes from the February 17, 2010 Authority Meeting. Mike Holmes seconded the motion.
All in attendance voted unanimously.
At this time Bob Geckle welcomed Brian White as the newest member of the Fairfield Hills Authority.
Finance: Brian White gave an overview of the monthly financial report. (See Attached).
Bob Geckle informed the Authority that some of the 2009 Encumbered Funds will be used for small projects around the Campus including some electrical projects and directional signs.
Maria DeMarco said that she will get revised 09/10 budget numbers from the Finance Department as to what the year end allocated numbers are going to be and she will adjust the budget appropriately.
Operating: Maria DeMarco gave an overview of her monthly report (See Attached). Ms. DeMarco informed the Authority that the new lights have been installed on the electrical poles along Mile Hills South.
John Reed requested that the shrubbery be taken down around Cochran to help increase visibility around the building
Bob Geckle gave an update to the CIP that the Legislative Council has reviewed and has made timing revision recommendations for referral to the Board of Finance.
John Reed wanted to express his disappointment that the one thing that is on the campus that the residents of Newtown can use is the trails and the town has decided not to include money in the CIP until the 5th year for the further development of the trails.
Bob Geckle informed the Authority that the First Selectman has asked him to look into lighting the corner’s of Keating Farms Road and Simpson Road because the lack of lighting in the evening causes dangerous driving conditions. Mr. Geckle stated that he had discussed this with the Department of Public Works and a remedial plan is being formulated..
Bob Geckle updated the Authority about the traffic flow study at the Fairfield Hills Campus including involvement by the Police Commission.
Mr. Geckle also updated the Authority on Directional Signage for the Fairfield Hills Campus that will be tied into the police traffic study. The group discussed the possible use of “decorative” banners around the campus. This concept was thought too confusing by the Director of Economic Development because she thought that the residents of the town would think that the banner was purchased by the department noted instead of explaining what side of the building the department was actually on. The Authority agreed that only directional signs should be used on the campus. There was also concern over the light poles not being able to handle the stress in windy conditions.
Maria DeMarco also instructed that the Authority that they need to come up with the placement of the cluster postal box. Ms. DeMarco suggested that a station with seven boxes on it would be the best. The Authority decided to table the matter for future discussion.
Planning: At this time Bob Geckle asked Elizabeth Stocker to discuss the items she added to the Agenda.
A $75,000 Brownfield Clean-up Grant was awarded to the Town of Newtown to clean-up another Duplex. The application was originally for $200,000 grant to be used for the rest of the duplexes but there were too many applications so they distributed as evenly as possible. This grant would be for Asbestos and Hazard Material clean-up. This does not include lead paint.
Ms. Stocker also gave an update to the EPA Clean-up grant. This clean-up grant is also for one of the duplexes and Stratford Hall. Ms. Stocker stated that the EPA requires updates given in a public forum to continue public participation and the update goes to the $40,000 in kind share that is the obligation of the Town.
A proposed budget was submitted to the EPA. The amount is $188,000 to do the clean-up to do the two buildings. The Stratford building is $139, 500 and it is approximately $48,600 for one duplex. The Public Works Department will be doing some of the small material removal such as florescent lights and exit signs to help with the $40,000 in kind costs. Ms. Stocker stated that right now the town is on track to get this started in three weeks.
Bob Geckle asked what the timing was for the $75,000 grant. This is part of the stimulus package and one of the stipulations was “ready to go”. Ms. Stocker stated that it should be done by fall.
Bob Geckle updated the Authority about Kevin’s Community Center. He stated that they are focused on the #63 Duplex. Mr. Geckle stated that a letter from the First Selectman is going out stating that the $500,000 grant for Kevin’s Community Center will be used for all costs to create a turn key operation including infrastructure.
At this time John Reed updated the Authority on the Broker Agreement that went before the Board of Selectmen. (See Attached Motion).
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Bob Geckle, Chairman
(MJM)
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