Board of Selectmen
Special Meeting Minutes
Town Office Building September 13, 2011
Selectmen’s Conference Room 5:00 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectman Blessington, Housing Authority Chairman, Robert Campbell, Housing Authority Vice Chiarman, Wilbur Gangaway, Housing Authority Secretary, Don Berg, Eric Peterson of Gardner & Peterson, Dave Berto; Consultant – Housing Enterprises and residents. Selectman Millix arrived at 5:13 P.M.
A. Review Housing Authority Plans for Phase III Senior Cottages
Bob Campbell introduced Eric Peterson who showed the architectural plans, which were drawn up from Crosskey Architects. They propose four economical buildings which contain 6 units in each structure. The plans are very similar to the preliminary site plan that was proposed to Planning and Zoning back in 2006. One third of the units will be 640 square and two thirds of the units will be 780 square feet. All units will provide a kitchen, bedroom a living room and the larger units will also have a den. All units will have porch off the front door and walk in access from ground level. The site plan also has a two way traffic driveway with 102 parking spaces, which is more than double the zoning requirement. Two dumpster locations will be added for convenience of the residents. Sewage
will go to the site septic system already used by Willington Woods and the Senior Center will also tie into the system at that time.
Mr. Peterson said the Housing Authority is looking to submit the plans to Planning and Zoning at their next meeting and is hopeful to go to Public Hearing by October 4th.
Dave Berto was the coordinator for Willington Woods a few years back and said he is happy to finally be at this stage. It has taken many years to get to this point. He then explained that there are additional funding application projects that need to be sought to make this project happen. A short term funding application from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (which allows a very small interest rate) is due by September 30th. The Housing Authority is looking for support from the Board of Selectmen to move forward and get the application in on time. The funding comes from a grant issued to a local bank. This will reduce the cost of the project. The application is based on scores and he feels this project will score high and have success. Having the water system and road
maintenance in place will add to the scoring factor. Mr. Berg added that we need to go after everything we can. We don’t want to miss by one point.
The application has become available and because of the time sensitivity, they felt they should bring it to the Board’s attention.
Selectman Blessington asked what other funding paths they are seeking. Mr. Berto said the main funding source will be through the State DECD Affordable housing program and they are hoping to fund ½ of the project ($2 million) with that. They will also seek other smaller foundations that provide grant money.
Selectman Millix asked who will be the management authority. Mr. Campbell said that a rental management company will be hired at that point. Rental charges were then discussed. The units are expected to run approximately $750 to $950 (based on income) per month. It is important to note that all utilities are included in these figures although the heating source has not been finalized as of yet. First Selectman Mailhos asked to consider building in future capital improvement funding into the rental charges.
Selectman Blessington asked for a timeline. Mr. Berto said once the application is submitted and financing has been confirmed, they expect to begin in the spring or summer of 2012. Selectman Blessington warned that Planning and Zoning will want to review the heating source in the beginning stages and they might want to be prepared.
First Selectman Mailhos said they did a good job addressing the needs of future residents and will prepare a letter of support upon approval of the Board. Mark Palmer said to specify who the land will be leased to. First Selectman Mailhos noted it will be leased to the Willington Housing Authority and that the lease line will also need to be confirmed and included on future maps.
Selectman Millix moved to have the First Selectman draft a letter in support of the Housing Authority.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to support the Housing Authority in their application process to submitted to Planning and Zoning.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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