TOWN OF WILLINGTON
MINUTES
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
June 19, 2001
Public Hearing was opened at 7:03p.m.by First Selectman, John Patton. John read the warning.
Discussion on Item I-Mary Bowen, chairperson of the Library Board reviewed the plan. The board would like to use their monies they are receiving from The Clark Ruby Estate to acquire an architectural, engineering and design documents for a new library. A donation of 4 plus acres of land for the purpose of a new library only has been received on the corner of Route 74 and Ruby Road. This would be total of 3 to 5 year project. They feel the town needs and wants a new library. These plans would be at no cost to the taxpayer.
The total cost of a new library would be approximately $3,000,000.
John Patton would recommend the board set up a building committee. The public could have input by attending the meetings. Any input would be welcomed.
It will be present to P&Z next.
Discussion Item II- Al St.Louis outlined this project. The River Road Recreation is located on River Road next to the computer parking lot. The 8.11 acres was given to the town from the state for the cost of the conveyance tax of $1,500.
The plan is for:
Soccer Field, Little League Field, Tennis Courts, Basketball courts, Volley Ball
Courts, pavilion and picnic areas.
The commission would like to apply for the Neighborhood Assistance Act. This would enable the commission to go to businesses and private citizens for donations and they would get a 40% tax credit and federal charitable contribution credit. This would cut the cost of the project by donations and volunteers. Should save approximately $250,000.
They have already received fill for the land from UConn at no charge. This total plan
would probably take 10 years.
Wilbur Gangaway‘s concern with these projects are where does Senior Housing fit in.
Senior Housing is not moving forward. Seniors need housing in order to afford to stay in town. He has heard about senior housing since 1974 to the present and still no housing.
John explained it is difficult task to get grants to total monies needed all together but it is still being worked on. The housing will cost about $6,000,000. The town purchased the land for the project with the intent to have them repay but that does not look like that will happen.
Wilbur stated that $1,800,000 could be coming from the state slush fund but that is not a definate promise.
Item III- The Library Board would like to apply for the Neighborhood Assistance Act. This would enable them to canvas businesses for donations of $250 and over for a tax credit of 40%.
The board has to apply by July 1st and donations must be received between September 15th through October 1st. Monies will go to the Library Fund.
Discussion closed and public hearing adjourned at 7:44p.m.
Special Town meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by John Patton, First Selectman.
John read the call of the meeting and asked for nominations for a moderator.
Mary Bowen made a motion to appoint John Patton as moderator of the meeting
and was seconded by Eileen Smith. Motion to close nominations. Motion carried.
Motion for moderator carried.
Item I
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, will authorize the Library Board of Directors to prepare architectural, engineering and design documents to develop the donated land on the corner of Tolland Turnpike (Route 74) and Ruby Road (Route 320N) for use for the Willington Public Library.
Jack Lewis made a motion and was seconded by Gay St. Louis to approve Item I.
No discussion.
This item would not commit the town to any funding for this project.
Motion carried.
1 abstained.
Item II
To vote on the River Road Recreation Committee’s proposed application to the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act.
Pam Hodge made a motion and seconded by Jack Lewis to approve Item II.
No discussion.
Motion carried.
1 abstained.
Item III
To vote on the Library Board of Director’s proposed application to the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act. Mary Bowen made a motion and seconded by Robbie Passardi to approve Item III.
No discussion.
Motion carried.
1 abstained
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:50p.m.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna J. Hardie
Donna J. Hardie, Town Clerk
June 20, 2001
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