July 9, 2009

Special Town Meeting

The Special Town Meeting was called to order by First Selectman John Hodge at 7:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the call of the meeting was read by Janice Zackeo, Town Clerk. Donald Blackwell made a motion to accept the call as read, seconded by Kim Hanson. Call passed unanimously by voice vote.

First Selectman John Hodge called for nominations for moderator. Selectman Thomas Corbett made a motion to nominate Ronald Oliveri, seconded by Donald Blackwell. Kim Hanson made a motion to nominate Thomas Corbett, seconded by Ralph Langham. Selectman Corbett declined the nomination. Peter Viola made a motion to close nominations, seconded by Paul Bruno, approved by voice vote. Ronald Oliveri was unanimously approved as moderator.

Moderator Oliveri read Resolution #1:
Be it Resolved that the Town of New Fairfield accept the following gifts and/or donations and approve the expenditures thereof for a $150,000 Challenge Grant from the New Fairfield Community Foundation for the Rebel Turf Bathroom/Concession/Storage Room project.

Edward McCue made a motion to move Resolution #1 to the floor, seconded by Sean Loughran, approved by voice vote, with one abstention. Before discussion began, Dana Welles, Chair and Founder of the New Fairfield Community Foundation, read the $150,000 Challenge Grant into the record. Dana thanked Laurie Slutzky of the New York Community Trust, and especially the donor of the “donor advised fund” of that foundation, also the SCORE Fund, a “donor advised fund” of the New Fairfield Community Foundation for its dedication to the project and their vision. Also to both for the collaboration that made the agreement possible and the challenge for the New Fairfield Community Park Pavilion. The terms of the grant are attached to these minutes as required.

Moderator Oliveri thanked Dana Welles and opened Resolution #1 for discussion. Cheryl Reedy questioned if the project would meet the requirements of the grant, that the project would be the original plan and building codes would be met. In particular she questioned whether the code to provide more bathrooms for women than for men would be met. John Hodge responded that this has been discussed with the architect many times, but he would double check with him and also check on the codes for stadiums.

Thomas Corbett, speaking as an individual, expressed concern about the total cost of the project after it had been previously rejected by voters and the possible contamination of an existing well. John Hodge responded that in November 2008 the Selectmen provided the Board of Finance with a wish list of future projects, which included $210,000 for this project with a notation stating “from future town donations”. John stated that the financial challenge of the grant would be met by the end of this meeting. Concerning the question on the well, John stated that the code requires a 200’ radius around a well. The proposed septic tank, pumping station and fields are about 210’ so it is not an issue. He has sent a letter to the Department of Public Health for the State of Connecticut to confirm one more time that future use will not be compromised by the placement of this project. Any future use of the well should not be a problem.

Kim Hanson questioned if the concessions will be reserved for Park & Recreation, but the town will be responsible for all upkeep and maintenance. John Hodge responded yes.

Allen Mardis questioned if there were any conditions attached to this project and if any taxpayer dollars would be expended. Sean Loughran stated that the Park & Recreation Commission have not committed any funds to this project. John Hodge stated that there are no conditions from additional donors still to be presented during this meeting, or from the $50,000 contribution from the Board of Education from surplus operating funds. The approximate cost of this project should be $225,000 and he doesn’t anticipate going back to the taxpayers for any additional funds at this point.

Thomas Corbett questioned the $50,000 surplus from the Board of Education’s 2008/2009 approved school budget. He believed per a presentation in May 2009 by the Finance Director that the surplus was being put in the town’s general fund. Ronald Oliveri stated that the Board of Education, per state statute, has the discretion to spend their surplus operating funds for construction projects. This was confirmed by Kim Hanson, chairman of the Board of Education, through discussions with the Board of Education’s attorney. Kim stated that the Board of Education has voted to reserve $50,000 for this project should the town receive grants of at least $120,000 for the project, otherwise the $50,000 would be returned to the town’s general fund.

Ralph Langham and Victoria Sanches spoke in support of the project. Donald Blackwell made a motion to close discussion, seconded by Laura Ruby, passed unanimously. The vote on Resolution #1 passed with one abstention.

Moderator Oliveri read Resolution #2:
Be it Resolved that the Town of New Fairfield accept the following additional gifts and/or donations and approve the expenditure thereof for the Rebel Turf Bathroom/ Concession/ Storage Room project:
1. $10,000 from New Fairfield Soccer
2. $1,000 from Flash Track
3. $10,000 from New Fairfield Lacrosse
4. $5,000 from New Fairfield Baseball
Edward McCue made a motion to move Resolution #2 to the floor, seconded by Paul Bruno, approved by voice vote. John Hodge made a motion to amend Resolution #2 as follows:
Be it Resolved that the Town of New Fairfield accept the following additional gifts and/or donations and approve the expenditure thereof for the Rebel Turf Bathroom/ Concession/ Storage Room project:
1. $10,000 from New Fairfield Soccer
2. $1,000 from Flash Track
3. $15,000 from New Fairfield Lacrosse
Diana Peck seconded the amendment, motion to amend passed by voice vote. Moderator Oliveri opened Amended Resolution #2 for discussion. After discussion by Sean Loughran who thanked everyone involved for this project, Edward McCue made a motion to close discussion, seconded by Donald Blackwell, passed by voice vote. The vote on Amended Resolution #2 passed with one abstention.

Moderator Oliveri read Resolution #3:
Be it Resolved that the Town of New Fairfield accept the following additional gifts and/or donations and approve the expenditure thereof for the New Fairfield Senior Center:
1. $20,657.34 donation from the Friends of the Senior Center
2. $500.00 from New Fairfield Pop Warner
3. $2,000.00 from the Community Service Club

Peter Viola made a motion to move Resolution #3 to the floor, seconded by Allen Mardis, approved by voice vote. Moderator Oliveri opened Resolution #3 for discussion. Peter Viola asked if there were any conditions to the gifts and/or donations; John Hodge and Kathleen Hull both stated there were no conditions. Dianna Peck made a motion to close discussion, seconded by Peter Viola, passed by voice vote. The vote on Resolution #3 passed by voice vote.

Cheryl Reedy made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donald Blackwell, approved by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

86 registered voters, 1 property owner
Voice Votes
Taped

Respectfully Submitted,


Janice D. Zackeo
Town Clerk