Minutes of the special meeting of the Legislative Council held on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 in the Meeting Room of the C. H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown, CT. Chairman Rodgers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: William Rodgers, Daniel Amaral, Joseph Borst, David Brown, Jeffrey Capeci , Joseph DiCandido, Stacie Doyle, Michael Iassogna, Patricia Llodra, Francis Pennarola. ABSENT: Timothy Holian, Keith Jacobs. ALSO PRESENT: First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, Financial Director Benjamin Spragg, members of Boards of Selectmen and Finance, members of Fairfield Hills Authority, six members of public, one member of press.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. Gary Davis, 23 Charter Ridge Drive, noted that on September 26 the IPN submitted a request that the Fairfield Hills Authority have Litchfield and Greenwich Houses demolished and make parking and was advised that these buildings would be left and temporary parking would be used. He said that the First Selectman said the Town planned to demolish these buildings and construct the Newtown Youth Academy.
Ruby Johnson, Chestnut Hill Road, said that the Tax Assessor said there were three techniques to report on a 75,000 square foot building: 1) compare value to Curtis Park and South Main Street, or $111,000 to $290,000 per acre; 2) cost analysis of duplex renovation, or $12,221,000 for 75,000 square foot building with taxes to the Town of $205,000; 3) net income approach, for $240,000 in taxes. She asked what technique the Fairfield Hills Authority will use. Is there future use planned for a school or paid fire department?
Po Murray, 38 Charter Rider Drive, asked what happens if the bids for the Town Hall come in over budget? Mr. Rosenthal said that this is not part of tonight’s agenda. Mr. Rodgers agreed.
COMMUNICATIONS. None noted.
COMMITTEE REPORTS. None noted.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT. Mr. Rosenthal had no report.
NEW BUSINESS.
Phase I report from the Fairfield Hills Authority. Mr. Geckle distributed “Fairfield Hills Authority Master Plan Execution Current Update October 2007” (Attachment A to original minutes). He noted that soil remediation has been completed. The Engineering Building was renovated for security, property administration and other activities. A ninety foot baseball field has been completed as well as Phase I walking trails and Landscape Design standards have been finalized. Plant materials have been chosen. The Tree Warden will look at the trees on the campus.
The municipal office facility remediation and demolition of Bridgeport Hall are underway, with renovation to commence in February 2008 and completion in October 2008. The budget is $10.53million.
The Newtown Youth Academy has signed a 40 year lease. Conceptual design work is underway for a Parks and Recreation building. Regarding mothballing, studies and estimates are complete for Newtown, Woodbury, Stratford and the duplexes. Infrastructure: electric improvements underway, utility analysis initiated; storm water, sewer and water operational. Initial grant funding approved with additional requests in process. Shared parking plans for economic development being finalized.
Economic Development redevelopment includes Newtown, Woodbury, Stratford and duplexes; thirty year or more leases planned. Tax policy will be the net income operating approach. Final leases being negotiated for five duplexes for $700,000 for 30 years and Stratford for $475,000 fo4 40 years, as well as for a medical facility. A logo for the campus has been selected (page 33 of Attachment A).
Mr. Rosenthal said that temporary parking will not be used. Greenwich will be taken down for the opening of the Newtown Youth Academy. Litchfield will also come down.
Mr. Willie commends Mr. Geckle for his efforts. Mr. Bojnowski commends the Fairfield Hills Authority as does Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Rosenthal said that no other town has undertaken such a mixed used development project. He said that the Fairfield Hills Authority does not have the power to use Fairfield Hills funding for another purpose.
Mr. Brown asked about the discount rate to which Mr. Geckle replied 30-40 year leases are planned with 3% inflation per year discounted by 8%.
Mr. Rosenthal noted that there will be a public hearing on Monday November 5 concerning the lease for Stratford Hall for a restaurant.
Mr. Borst asked about planned uses for the eight houses on the west meadow; Mr. Geckle said they will be removed. Mr. Rosenthal said that Planning and Zoning did not approve a proposal for affordable housing there.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. Po Murray, 38 Charter Ridge Drive, asked if an area landbanked for recreation and please identify what portion is for an open space greenway and what portion for buildings and schools. Mr. Rosenthal said that no area was designated as open space in perpetuity because an open space designation carries statutory restrictions. The area was designated as an open area rather than open space. Ms. Murray asked that open space be clarified in the future.
Gary Davis, 23 Charter Ridge Drive, commends the Fairfield Hills Authority for their hard work including the web site. He suggests a projector for future presentations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. None noted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION. Upon motion made, seconded and unanimously carried, executive session was entered at 8:27 p.m. At this time the clerk left the meeting.
Ann M. Mazur, Clerk
ADDENDUM:
Executive session was exited at 8:36 p.m. Upon motion of Mr. Borst, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
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