City Council

~ AD HOC REPORT~ Happy Trails Acquisition Monday, October 21, 2024 Chair Salvatore called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024. Present were Committee Members Andrea Gartner and Emile Buzaid. From the City were Dan Casagrande, Corporation Counsel; Dan Garrick, Director of Finance; Donna Murphy, Tax Assessor; Waleed Albakry, Director of Planning; Antonio Iadarola, Public Works Director and City Engineer; Mayor Roberto Alves and Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office; Edward and Lucy Prybylski, Petitioners; Kenneth Taylor, Petitioners’ Attorney. Ex Officio Members present were: Ryan Hawley, Mike Coelho, Paul Rotello, Ben Chianese, Barry Rickert, Dennis Perkins, Duane Perkins, William McAllister, and Peter Buzaid. Also from the City was Shaun Ratchofrd, Director of Parks & Recreation. Present from the public were Mike Flanagan and four unidentified individuals. Mr. Casagrande provided an overview of the proposed purchase and lease agreements for 36 Mountainville Avenue (15 acres, RA-20 Residential Zone). The lease is for a two-year term; year one will be for use of the property as it is currently run, year two will be a transition for the Prybylskis to run the property as caretakers. There is no restrictions on use of the property by the city. The purchase price is $1.575M (based on the asking price and appraised value). Mr. Casagrande identified key points in the appraisal process and noted that appraisals were based on similar farm properties in suburban areas, therefore, an exact comp is hard to find with a similar urban location. Mr. Garrick identified funds in the SNAPP Bond for open space that will be used to purchase this property. Mayor Alves explained the sale process thus far. Ms. Murphy noted the need to address taxes once a deed is filed. Mr. Iadarola discussed the history and layout of the property. Mr. Ratchford spoke about the benefits of acquiring the property. Mr. Taylor noted that there is a caretakers’ fee of $50,000 for each year that the Prybylskis continue to maintain the property. Chair Salvatore asked about the taxes that will be lost; Ms. Murphy confirmed that the tax is $10,061. Chair Salvatore asked Mr. Iadarola about land use options; Mr. Iadarola confirmed that there is plenty of flat, dry land that will need to be examined before making any suggestions. Member Emile Buzaid asked about the lease; Mr. Taylor confirmed the lease would be for $1 per year (for two years), and confirmed that horses that are currently housed there will be relocated. Member Gartner asked about buildable land and sewer connections; Mr. Prybylski confirmed that there are 12 acres in the back of the property without sewer connection. Mayor Alves noted that open space funding is being used for the purchase and that the land will be used for open space, he also expressed concerns with finding a farmer to lease and continue running the farm. Mr. Rotello spoke on the price, length of the lease, the appraisal, and liability of owning a horse farm. He thanked the Prybylskis for their generosity and for agreeing to the sale price. Mr. Casagrande explained that insurance provisions were included in the lease agreement. Duane Perkins spoke on the importance of protecting Danbury’s open space and increasing nature trails. Mr. Chianese expressed his support of the purchase and preservation of the farm; he asked about the building maintenance and repairs of the structure. Mr. Casagrande confirmed that the city will be in charge of structural maintenance, and Mr. Iadarola spoke on the good condition of the existing structures based on a walk through. Mr. McAllister thanked the family for their contributions to the City. Mr. Coelho acknowledged the family’s legacy in the city, and asked to keep “Happy Trails” in the property name when the city acquires it. Member Gartner asked about the business’ standing with the state; Mr. Casagrande confirmed it will be reviewed prior to purchase. Mr. Prybylski spoke on his family’s behalf and expressed his hope to have the land stay as open space with opportunities for education and potential profit. A motion was made by Member Gartner, and seconded by Member Emile Buzaid to recommend that the City Council approve the City’s purchase of the Property and a two-year lease of the Property back to the Seller, in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement and lease agreement attached, subject to change by Corporation Counsel as deemed needed, and to authorize the Mayor to execute such agreements and other documents necessary to complete the transaction, The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Member Gartner, and seconded by Member Emile Buzaid, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted Frank Salvatore, Chair, Andrea Gartner Emile Buzaid.