PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MARCH 3, 2003
7:30 P.M.
PURPOSE: TO RECEIVE CITIZEN INPUT ON AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS, THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT PROGRAM, FOR A SCHOOL PROJECT ENTITLED “MOBILE LAPTOP.”
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:35 p.m. There were approximately 5 people present in the audience. The Clerk of the Council read the Call of the Meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto).
Council Members Present
Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Streeter
Councillor Barbara Barbour
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor John Pelkey
Council Members Absent
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Edward F. Havens
Also Present
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
Town Manager Galligan explained that the Neighborhood Assistance Act program has been in Connecticut for a long period of time. It allows businesses to invest in either a municipal government or a non-profit agency to provide funds or in-kind contribution benefits which would help promote a particular project. In exchange the company gets a tax credit.
Minutes
Public Hearing – Application for funds for “Mobile Laptop” program
Page 2
March 3, 2003
This particular project involves laptop computers which will be able to be moved from one classroom to another. One phase of the project involves the training of the teachers.
A requirement of the program is that the Town Council must conduct a Public Hearing, and following that Hearing, the Town Manager must sign off on the project and provide a budget. A letter will be sent from the Town Manager to the business community asking if there is interest in the project.
The following members of the public spoke:
Cary Prague, 60 Krawski Drive, said that Dr. Wlodarczyk, Assistant Superintedent of South Windsor Schools had asked for volunteers, and Mr. Prague, as a business owner, had volunteered. He said that in today’s world, there are a multitude of on-line programs which require the use of computers. He noted the benefits of a teacher being able to facilitate an on-line discussion which goes beyond the bounds of South Windsor schools.
When asked if additional charges would be incurred for internet access, Mr. Wlodarczyk responded that the infrastructure was already in place to accommodate this lab and others.
Dr. Wlodarczyk explained that this is not a grant; it is a tax offsetting structure for businesses, and it is not limited to South Windsor businesses.
Mayor Aman called for a Roll Call vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those in favor of the application – 5
Those opposed to the application – 0
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attachment
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