MINUTES of SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - February 11, 2010
MINUTES of SPECIAL TOWN MEETING held at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. with approximately 95 persons attending.
Michael A. Pace, First Selectman, called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman Pace welcomed all in attendance and asked for a moment of silence for Ray Dobratz (former Police Commissioner and Park and Recreation Commissioner) as well as Michael Makowski (Transfer Station employee).
Elizabeth Steffen moved, seconded by Madge Fish and unanimously voted that Michael Cronin serve as Moderator of the meeting. The Moderator called on Sarah V. Becker, Town Clerk, to read the call.
ITEM 1. To authorize the First Selectman to enter into, execute and deliver on behalf of the Town of Old Saybrook, an Option Agreement by and between the Town of Old Saybrook and HOPE Partnership, Inc. The Option would grant to HOPE Partnership the right to lease approximately 3 acres of Town-owned property at 45 Ferry Road for a term of 75 years at $1.00 per year for the purpose of constructing, managing and maintaining a 16-unit rental housing complex thereon in compliance with the affordable housing use covenant on the property, and in compliance with all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Ground Lease Agreement attached to the Option and made a part thereof. The full text of the Option to Ground Lease Agreement and the Ground Lease Agreement attached thereto is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office and in
the Office of the First Selectman at 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
Moderator Cronin called on David Royston who, he said, worked voluntarily as a citizen on behalf of the Town of Old Saybrook to oversee land use legal issues and facilitate this project becoming a reality for the Town. Attorney Royston explained the process which was followed and applauded Christine Nelson, Town Planner, and Chris Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer, as well as others involved in the complete review of the project who worked to come up with a regulation satisfactory to the State, recreation and affordable housing. He concluded this would be a pride to our community.First Selectman Pace responded to questions and introduced Tony Lyons, President of HOPE (Housing Opportunities People Everywhere) Partnership, Inc. who spoke of how and why this organization was formed.Following lengthy discussion it was duly
moved and seconded and unanimously voted to ADOPT Item 1.
ITEM 2. To act upon the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen to accept as a gift of land to the Town of Old Saybrook property known as 26 Sherman Street, shown as Lot #187 on Assessor’s Map #22 (2.14 acres).
Christine Nelson, Town Planner, and Robert Fish, Town Treasurer, spoke about the acquisition of this piece and presented a map showing the location. Mr. Fish advised that an agreement between the Selectmen and the owner was reached that past and future taxes on this property will be abated.
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously voted to ADOPT Item 2.
ITEM 3. To act upon the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen and the Town of Old Saybrook Land Acquisition Committee for the Town of Old Saybrook to purchase those premises known as Lot #11, Assessor’s Map #61, being approximately 2 acres of land in the Bokum Road area of the Town of Old Saybrook, for the purchase price of $15,000.00, said funds to be taken from and paid out of the Town of Old Saybrook Open Space Fund.
Again, Ms. Nelson and Mr. Fish reviewed the property and the purpose the open space program serves in the Town of Old Saybrook. Mr. Fish again noted that an agreement was reached between the Selectmen and the owner that past and future taxes on this property will be abated.
On a motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously voted to ADOPT Item 3.
On a motion duly made and seconded it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah V. Becker, CCMC,Town Clerk
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