Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES MAY 18, 2016 1. Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess called the special meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. with the following in attendance: BURGESSES: PRESS: R. Neth L. Jackson, left 7 p.m. L. Marshall R. Burns P. Scully, Sr. K. Donovan R. Vitale RESIDENTS: C. Herb D. Wisniewski None D. Hoff, left 7 p.m. DEPARTMENT HEADS: R. Butler, Controller C. Tyler, Assessor R. Pugliese, Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation OTHERS: M. Coskun, Doosan Fuel Cell America G. Hale, Attorney J. Haze, Doosan Fuel Cell America A. Paolino, Paolino Govt. Relations A. Burkitt, Advanced Energy Efficiencies LLC 2. Burgess Scully led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 3. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Scully to recess to Executive Session at 5:47 p.m. for discussion on the following: Real Estate Negotiations (Parcel C, Acquisition of Chemtura property) inviting in R. Pugliese, Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation CEO and Attorney E. Fitzpatrick. Mayor Hess reconvened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. 4. The following motion emanated from Executive Session. Motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Wisniewski that the Mayor send a letter on behalf of the Board of Mayor and Burgesses to the Zoning Commission of the Borough of Naugatuck indicating total support for the project presented by Heritage Downtown LLC on Parcel C. The Board of Mayor and Burgesses, as the legislative body of the Borough of Naugatuck approved preliminary architectural renderings for the project on October 26, 2015. The Board of Mayor and Burgesses stands by said approval and herby ratifies its approval of the preliminary renderings presented by Heritage Downtown LLC. To the extent that there is any confusion over the final plans to be presented to the Zoning Commission by Heritage Downtown LLC, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses unanimously endorses the original preliminary plan referenced above or in the alternative, any revised plan presented by Heritage Downtown LLC that is substantially  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Special Meeting – May 18, 2016 similar to the original rendering approved by the Board of Mayor and Burgesses on October 26, 2015. RESULT OF VOTE: FOR OPPOSE ABSTAIN Mayor N.W. Hess D. Hoff None None R. Neth L. Jackson R. Burns P. Scully, Sr. K. Donovan R. Vitale C. Herb D. Wisniewski Motion carried 10-0-0 5. Mayor Hess discussed the possibility of hiring a part-time field inspector for the Assessor’s Office. A position was eliminated in the Assessor’s Office in Fiscal Year 14/15. The new position would be nineteen hours without benefits. The current field inspector is unable to do all the work by himself. Assessor Carol Ann Tyler would like to see him out in the field assessing properties. The part-time person would be in the office handling paperwork and going through files. The board agreed to hire a part-time person in the Assessor’s Office. 6. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess to pursue discussions with Chemtura, Doosan Energy Services and Veolia Water to provide fuel cell generated electrical and thermal energy to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on terms to be negotiated. 7. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Scully that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses authorize Mayor Hess to execute all necessary documents to enter into the CT DEEP ZREC/LREC Auction for a fuel cell project to reduce energy costs and the carbon footprint at the Naugatuck Wastewater Treatment Plant. 8. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Donovan that the Board of Mayor and Burgesses recess at 7:02 p.m. Mayor Hess reconvened the meeting at 8:08 p.m. 9. Mayor Hess and Assessor Tyler explained to the board the Local Option Elderly & 100% Disabled Tax Relief Programs and Local Option Exemptions from Assessments. Assessor Tyler said she doesn’t have the authority to extend some of the exemptions residents are currently receiving since there isn’t a standing motion from the borough board authorizing her to do so. The twenty-five percent additional benefit was supposed to be temporary. Residents are receiving multiple exemptions that in some cases the borough actually owes people money. She would like to establish a fair and  -3- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Special Meeting – May 18, 2016 equitable process for people to receive exemptions they are entitled to. Mayor Hess, Assessor Tyler and Interim Assessor Joyce Alegi will meet to discuss the exemptions. They will make their recommendations to the board for a vote at a special meeting next week. 10. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Scully to reenter Executive Session at 8:21 p.m. for discussion on the following: Real Estate Negotiations (Parcel C, Acquisition of Chemtura property). No one outside of the board was invited into executive session. Mayor Hess reconvened the meeting at 8:28 p.m. 11. There were no motions emanating from Executive Session. 12. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Scully to adjourn the special meeting at 8:29 p.m. A digital recording of this meeting is available in the office of the Borough Clerk for further review. Attest: Nancy K. DiMeo Borough Clerk