BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING July 16, 2001
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING 6:30 PM
First Selectman Patton called the meeting to order at 6:32 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Ennis & Knight, Attorney Susan Boyan, Joe Philippi, Bob Campbell, Jack and Shirley Lewis and approximately 20 seniors.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 7/2/01.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT)
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 7/9/01.
First Selectman Patton seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT)
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Wilbur Gangaway of 10 Navratil Road spoke to the board and requested that each member relate their feelings about Senior Housing. He also wanted to hear from Bob Campbell, Housing Authority Chairman. Someone had asked at a previous gathering if the seniors were even interested in Senior Housing and they were here to show that they certainly are interested. Al DeCiccio, as a former Selectman and former head of the Housing Authority, gave a history of what had been done in the past twenty years. He and his board tried to get Senior Housing going—the money was available at that point; however, land had to be previously purchased in order to have access to the money.
First Selectman Patton gave a complete overview of the history of this project. The town had purchased 59 acres for Senior Housing four years ago; the Town gave the Housing Authority money for plans, therefore, we have plans for 52 units plus a Senior Center. We have hired a consultant and submitted applications for tax credits. The cost estimate is between $6 and 7 million dollars. The First Selectman and Housing Authority members have worked with many state agencies on this project and have also worked with a variety of people—our price per unit is too high. The state pushes to help cities first because the cost per unit is less. It is cheaper to build in cities—the water and septic are already in place there. We have applied before for funding and failed due to the cost
per unit. Now we are breaking out the price for the senior center, building the road and water and septic—once this is done then the cost per unit will be less. Following this, the Housing Authority will work for the remaining funding—low interest mortgage money. First Selectman Patton has sent a letter to the state for a small town economic assistance program. Tony Guglielmo is getting his colleagues to help us—this increases our access to these people. First Selectman Patton suggested that the interested seniors hand write letters to state officials asking them to help us. This would have more impact than an email or chain letter. John Patton will give a listing of the names and addresses to the seniors.
Questions were taken from the audience. Richard Waring asked if the infrastructure would be enough for all 52 units – John Patton replied that it would. A question arose about “phasing”—John said that the subject of phasing would be up to the Housing Authority. Mr. Waring noted that he realizes that the Town and the Housing Authority are working with the State of CT and with many money groups—they are both doing their job and he urged the seniors to be patient. There was a discussion of the project on Rt. 32 by Baxter Road—this is not Senior Housing—it is an “active adult housing center”—maintenance is taken care of but each unit will be individually owned.
First Selectman Patton was asked about the New Samaritan Group possibly helping finance Senior Housing—he suggested that the Housing Authority might look into that group.
Rosemary Slater stated that it would be helpful if John would update the seniors (or send a report) at their monthly meeting. John agreed to this.
Selectman Ennis complimented Bob Campbell and the Housing Authority—he sees how complicated it is to get the money—the Housing Authority is doing all they can—we could go to the voters and ask them to bond the project—he sees the strings attached when using federal money.
Selectman Knight also complimented the Housing Authority saying that they are doing all they can—money is tight; it is here one year and not here the next. When he sees that that they have exhausted all means then we will go to the taxpayers—its every frustrating to say, but it is the truth.
Bob Campbell also gave an overview of the entire project. He has been passing on the quarterly reports to the seniors as requested. The Housing Authority also writes a report in the town’s annual report. This is something available to all taxpayers. Many moves have been made in the four years; they are working on getting money for infrastructure and if that goes through, then we can make some progress.
Jan Kasacek spoke for the executive board of the Senior Center regarding a change that had taken place, after 20 years, regarding blood pressure screening. The board would like the screening to go back to the first Wednesday of the month (Birthday/Anniversary Day), and be done by the visiting nurse. The Board of Selectmen explained why the change had been made and noted that it would not be a problem to go back to the original schedule.
Wilbur Gangaway, as a representative of the Transportation Committee, reported to the board that they are working on the need for transportation in town, and will be back with their five-year plan by September.
CORRESPONDENCE
A report of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectmen’s office.
OLD BUSINESS
Fenton Bluffs Subdivision—First Selectman Patton reported to Attorney Boyan that a site-walk of Mr. Waldo’s Fenton Bluffs area had taken place last week, with members of the Inland-Wetlands Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission in attendance. The Inland-Wetlands Commission had sent a letter to the Selectmen stating that they are not in favor of returning open space that was designated upon subdivision approval. The Conservation Commission has not responded yet, however they were also meeting at this time. The Board of Selectmen will wait to hear input from all boards and commissions involved before making their decision.
NEW BUSINESS
The town published an ad for a “request for proposal” for a quote for qualified technical services for Small Cities Community Development. They received one proposal from Wagner and Associates, a company recommended by the Department of Economic Development, and our Housing Authority consultant. Wagner will walk us through the entire Senior Housing project and be sure all the details and procedures are in place. First Selectman Patton reported that this company had helped us build our Senior Center. They have been in business over 20 years, have an experienced staff of 12, and have enclosed a listing of their list of projects.
The Department of Economic and Community Development has asked us for a market study. They also want a modified proposal for 40 units. L. Wagner and Associates will do this administrative work and collect fees.
Bob Campbell noted that there are only three to four vendors who do this type of work. Bob would urge the Selectmen to contract Larry Wagner. He would be our best bet since the Department of Economic Development recommended him.
Wilbur Gangaway asked the timeframe on this project. First Selectman Patton told him it would be two years.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL OF L. WAGNER & ASSOCIATES. Selectman Ennis seconded. VOTE: (3 YES, PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT)
GOOD & WELFARE
Joyce Smith will be leaving August 16, 2001 and Pat Fabrycki will be leaving as of July 27, 2001.
First Selectman Patton would like the ACCESS Agency to submit a proposal for a satellite office in Willington. With a representative from ACCESS in Willington, we could expand our services here ACCESS has a number of good programs and services; they are very knowledgeable and have the expertise, as social service is their livelihood. They are set up to do grant compliance.
First Selectman Patton and Selectman Ennis will meet July 30, 2001 and review the proposal from the ACCESS Agency, as Selectman Knight will be away for two weeks. This way a decision can be made at the next meeting of the full board, in regard to the satellite office. Selectman Ennis agreed to sign checks in the absence of Selectman Knight.
First Selectman Patton reviewed the proposed Town Office Building Parking Plan with the board. A copy of the new layout is in the Selectman’s Office.
Selectman Ennis asked about the senior’s blood pressure screening. The board discussed why the changes had been made and agreed that the seniors certainly could go back to their old schedule of having the visiting nurse check their blood pressure on the first Wednesday of the month.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:27 P.M.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT)
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Noyes
Acting Secretary
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