MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL & WPC AUTHORITY
OCTOBER 12, 2004
A SPECIAL MEETING of the City Council & WPC Authority was held on Tuesday, October 12, 2004, in the Council Chambers in regard to the final approval to purchase the Machuga property.
Those in attendance included Mayor Owen J. Quinn, Jr., City Councilors Thomas C. Jerram, Paul F. Samele, Jr., Marie P. Soliani, James F. McKenna, Paul W. Summers, and Drake L. Waldron, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor David Rivera, Park & Recreation Director Richard Calarco, and Zoning & Inland & Wetlands Enforcement Officer Kimberly Barbieri. Absent was Corp. Counsel Albert Vasko.
Mayor Quinn called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
PURCHASE MACHUGA PARCEL #010
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, discussion took place in regard to the final approval to purchase the Machuga parcel for use as an open space and recreational facility.
Councilor Jerram inquired where the monies would come from since the anticipated grant was rejected.
Zoning & Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer Kimberly Barbieri said the city would use Anthem funds, however, the steadily increasing funds in the Open Space Account could reimburse the Anthem Funds in the near future.
Councilor Jerram inquired as to how much they had allocated in last year’s budget for the down payment of the Machuga property.
Mrs. Barbieri stated that $60,000.00 was allocated for the Open Space Grant. She explained that they hoped to take advantage of an urban act grant but the city didn’t meet the criteria. They were pursuing other alternatives, however, the city’s time ran out to look for other options because the sellers of the property have a back-up buyer.
Councilor McKenna inquired whether anything would preclude us from applying for other grants after we purchased the property.
Richard Calarco said we could apply for developmental grants, but not for acquisition grants. Several grants are available for trails, soccer and baseball. Obviously, the Rails to Trails Program is very active, but you have to own the property, so it’s a catch 22.
Mrs. Barbieri explained that, although it was a blow for the city not to receive the open space grant, there was a silver lining. We would not have been able to touch any of the land that fell under the open space grant and received funding for. At this point, we can do whatever we wish with the land. That gives us more flexibility in the overall design and outlay of the project.
Mayor Quinn indicated that we could use Anthem funds. The Open Space Fund is increasing because the market in the Torrington area is hot and we will continue to be aggressive in applying for grants in order to reimburse the Anthem funds. Mrs. Barbieri should be complimented once again for being conscientious and for looking ahead for the betterment of the city.
Ted Barlow, member of the Still River Greenway Committee, indicated that he supported the purchase of the Machuga property.
On the same motion, the Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the Machuga parcel for use as an open space and recreational facility.
ADJOURNMENT #170
On a motion by Councilor Jerram, seconded by Councilor McKenna, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:36 p.m.
ATTEST: JOSEPH L. QUARTIERO, CCTC, CMC
CITY CLERK
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