Legislative Council

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3 PRIMROSE STREET, NEWTOWN, CT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021 MINUTES PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: Jordana Bloom, Alison Plante, Chris Smith, Phil Carroll, Ryan Knapp, Judit DeStefano, Paul Lundquist, Chris Eide, Dan Wiedemann, Cathy Reiss, Andy Clure, Dan Honan ALSO PRESENT: First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Finance Director Bob Tait, Chair of Economic Development Commission Wes Thompson, Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development Christal Preszler, Superintendent Dr. Lorrie Rodrigue, BOE Chair Michelle Embre Ku, Owners of Country Campers Layne and Logan Gregoire, 0 public, 2 press. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Lundquist called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:32 pm. VOTER COMMENT: None MINUTES: Mr. Honan moved to accept the minutes of the March 17, 2021 Legislative Council Regular Meeting. Seconded by Ms. Reiss. All in favor. Motion passes (12-0). COMMUNICATIONS: Emails on various topics plus a copy of the BOE District Highlights Newsletter. See attachment A. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Education Committee – Mr. Wiedemann reported they had their final meeting last night. Summary of meeting in discussion. Finance Committee – Mr. Knapp announced that the Finance Committee will be meeting on Monday. Municipal Operations Committee – Mr. Carroll reported that they had their last meeting on March 29 th. Summary of meeting in discussion. Ordinance Committee – Mr. Knapp reported that they met and kicked off the firearms ordinance. They are working on some points to the Community Center Commission language. They came to a decision that there was no path forward with respect to a property tax abatement for some 501(c)3 organizations not covered under statute. FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT: First Selectman Dan Rosenthal reported on the decision from PURA. He felt the result was favorable and PURA seemed focused on the fact that Eversource erred on their management of the storm. The next step is PURA seeking fines and/or penalties. We, as a town, are not in the position to receive a reimbursement. However, it is conceivable that our residents could see some relief in terms of pursuing penalties that were charged by Eversource. The First Selectman is enthusiastic that the tax incentive for the property at 201 South Main Street is moving forward and he will keep us updated on the final decision by Country Campers. OLD BUSINESS Discussion Only  2021-2022 Municipal and Education Budget Mr. Wiedemann reported that during the Education Committee meeting, the BOE came with a list of subtractions which can be made to the budget due to grants plus some transfers to fund balance. Ms. Ku added there was a BOF adjustment of $140,000 plus about $349,491 to be taken from capital and non- recurring with the intention to use that for technology and building and site projects. Other funds would come from grant funding totaling about $345,000. These grants would be covering areas of diversity  content and technology. Mr. Wiedemann noted these adjustments would bring the budget to $79,697,698. The motion passed unanimously and will be brought forward to the Legislative Council at the next meeting. Ms. Reiss asked the BOE for the reasoning behind employing more psychologists at Sandy Hook School and Reed Intermediate School versus all the other schools. Dr. Rodrigue spoke on the fact that the case load is heavier at Reed and at Sandy Hook School. Sandy Hook School houses the pre-school and has grown exponentially in terms of enrollment. Mr. Carroll discussed the last meeting of the Municipal Operations Committee. A motion was made to reduce the Municipal Operations budget by $220,000 from the capital and non-recurring fund, which would be readjusted with the general fund at a later date. It passed unanimously and will be passed on to the Legislative Council. Mr. Eide asked what the plan would be to make these reductions work. Mr. Tait responded that the adjustment to fund balance would be made to the 20-21 budget in May or June. We would be amending it by reducing it by approximately $1.3 million to be placed in capital and non- recurring fund. The First Selectman explained that instead of raising taxes to do this, we will implement the process explained by Mr. Tait. In reducing the spending by $220,000, instead of money from the operating budget going into capital and non-recurring, the money will come from fund balance and then put into capital and non-recurring. Mr. Lundquist added that some revenue items to consider would be an increase in investment income or an adjustment to the tax collection rate. These coupled with the additional BOE grants could take the fund balance down to 12%, which would result with a balance slightly below zero percent. Mr. Knapp expressed concern over where these adjustments would put us in for next year – would we have to bridge the gap by an increase in taxation. Mr Tait stated that currently in capital non-recurring, we have about $200,000 in undesignated items. The action being taken in May or June could be between $400,000-$500,000 – this would give us $700,000. This plus the credit from FEMA from the last storm will be an additional $500,000. Next year, this will allow us to have approximately $1 million in capital and non-recurring. If all things go well, the capital and non-recurring fund will keep moving as a viable fund. First Selectman Rosenthal added that when we have the financial flexibility to mitigate taxes, we should do so rather than growing fund balance. Mr. Wiedemann asked, with rates being so low, would it behoove us to push some of the bonds out earlier. Mr. Tait responded that these bonds do have the right to collect interest and we are not able to pay them off early. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and Possible Action  Business Incentive Program Request for 201 South Main Street Mr. Thompson began the discussion by asking the Legislative Council for support for a business incentive for Country Camper LLC for the property located at 201 South Main Street. Country Camper currently has two locations in Vermont and New Hampshire and is looking for a third location within Connecticut. They have not committed to a location or land purchase yet. They market a broad selection of tent campers, travel trailers and motor homes. This incentive was reviewed and unanimously approved by the EDC, BOS and BOF. Ms. Preszler shared a presentation on the preliminary project information. See attachment B. She noted that this property has sat vacant for over 10 years. The cell tower located on the property is a separate parcel and would not be included in the purchase. She feels it would be very beneficial to the area in bringing in more traffic to our local businesses. Mr. Logan Gregoire gave a brief introduction to his family business. He explained that they have a growing customer base. They are servicing Connecticut residents in their Vermont and New Hampshire locations and would like to be closer. Mr. Gregoire confirmed that they will continue to use Claris Construction for this project and are very happy to have chosen them. They are looking for a partnership with a town and looking to move expeditiously to be able to be open and operational in early 2022. Ms. DeStefano asked if they expect to have the same amount of foot traffic as they do in the other states. Mr. Gregoire stated they would want to hire about 15-45 employees as the business grows. Another important point he  added, is that they would be hiring 90-120 of Claris' employees and sub-contractors. He stressed that they employee people across different trades such as service technicians, parts and sales people, finance people, etc. Mr. Carroll asked if all the pavement is for displaying the vehicles. Mr. Gregoire replied that they would primarily be using the outdoor paved area as an outdoor showroom – the goal is for their customers to have a good clean environment in order to provide them with a good experience. Ms. Bloom asked if the business focuses strictly on sales or do they do rentals as well. Mr. Gregoire responded that although they do hold a rental permit, their main focus is on sales, service and parts, not rentals. Mr. Honan wholeheartedly endorses this business coming to town. First Selectman Rosenthal feels it's important to note that the property at 201 South Main is in an aquifer protection zone. Pairing a site like that with a productive use can be a challenge. Country Campers is sensitive to the environment, therefore, he thinks this type of business is a great match. Mr. Lundquist agrees this business would be a great fit for Newtown. Ms. Reiss asked how many different manufactures they deal with. Mr. Gregoire replied that it depends on the store, but he ensured that they will have some of the best brands to offer their customers while providing for a very personal experience. Ms. Preszler continued her presentation by speaking on the financial aspect and how the incentive would affect the taxes (attachment B). Mr. Clure asked for details on how the incentive number varies. Mr. Thompson responded that the program states the amount of investment required to achieve a certain percentage deduction. Mr. Knapp added that this is a program that is limited by statute. Mr. Thompson referred to State Statute 12-65(b). Depending on the property and location, the state statute allows the town to go deeper. They lean with a more modest incentive, but this particular incentive is as deep as we can go with a full 7 years. They decided it was a good use because it sat vacant for 10 years. Mr. Eide added that this is an excellent opportunity - it grows the grand list, easy access to I-84, and believes this is a good fit for Newtown. Ms. DeStefano moved to approve the tax incentive for 201 South Main Street. Seconded by Mr. Honan. All in favor. Motion passes (12-0).  Transfer $47,000 from Contingency to Public Works Ms. DeStefano moved to transfer $47,000 from Contingency to Public Works: Construction Supplies $7,500; Contractual Services $30,000; and Water/Sewage $10,000. Seconded by Mr. Honan. Ms. DeStefano moved to amend the motion to reflect a total of $47,500 due to a typo. Seconded by Mr, Eide. All in favor. The amended motion passes (12-0). Mr. Tait spoke on the transfer request and reiterated that these are still just estimates. He noted that they are requesting these transfers earlier in the year than usual and have included more detailed explanations for each item. See attachment C. VOTER COMMENT: None ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Lundquist reported that the first meeting of the Charter Revision Commission will take place on April 14th. The meeting will begin with a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. followed by a full meeting at 7:30 p.m. Members of the Legislative Council are invited to attend. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mr. Honan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 pm. Seconded by Ms. Reiss. All in favor. Respectfully submitted, Rina Quijano, Clerk THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE NEXT MEETING. Attachment A Submitted on Thursday, March 18, 2021 - 5:21pm Your name: Andrew Koehm Your e-mail address: apk4545@charter.net Subject: I am opposed to a ban on open firearm carry in Newtown. Message: The open carry ban is being promoted by an anti-gun group, Newtown Action Alliance. Firearms laws in the CT are regulated by State law NOT local ordinances and this should remain so. This proposal will nega- tively impact all CT residents working, shopping or traveling through Newtown. I attended the Starbucks event on August 9, 2013 and there were zero issues. It was NOT sponsored by CCDL. Starbucks voluntarily closed early that day. It was a peaceful non event. Newtown Action Alliance is seeking to create controversy in a com- munity that deserves peace. Please don’t let that happen. Thank you. Subject: Proposed town budget Good morning, I spoke last evening about the proposed budget with the Legislative Council. My husband and I have lived in Newtown 25 years, have never had children in the school system, and have been glad to support the education budget anyway. We have some concerns this year as seniors on fixed income. A January 25th article in “The News-Times” stated on page A7 that the projected enrollment for the upcoming school year was an additional 12 students. The enrollment back in 2011 was 5300, whereas it’s currently 4103. Yet we are asked yearly to increase the budget. If 82% is fixed salary expenses, do we really need all the as- sistant principles?? Do we also need to hire supplemental special education personnel when many functions can quite adequately be addressed by current school psychologists and counselors? Once hired, it will be almost impossible to lay off these extra expensive personnel. We applaud the efforts of school personnel during this pandemic, but does that justify the budget increase? We understood over 2 million was coming to the town from the federal government; can that be used to defray pandemic expenses and keep the town/education budgets down? Is a 2.5% increase in town employee salaries mandatory or optional? Will it continue every year? If those monies could be applied to fixing well traveled roads like Toddy Hill, that would be something by which every- one could be benefitted. Mr. Lundquist, your platform for office stated you were interested “in balance and support of the interests of our entire community”. According to the US Census, 17% of Newtown residents are over 65. I believe that number continues to shrink as seniors move south for lower taxes. My husband and I love it here and hope the Legislative Council can take a close look at projected budget figures and can strike a balance between “want and need” so that we can afford to stay. Please share our concerns as long time senior residents of our great town. Thank you for your service. Sincerely, Bill and Laura Duffy 17 Pilgrim Lane Submitted on Sunday, March 21, 2021 - 6:42pm Your name: MARY SLINGERLAND Your e-mail address: maryslinger1@gmail.com Subject: Budget and New Business Good day all. I was wondering what effect all the new business has had on the budget. It appears there are new businesses as well as new housing whether the condos on Exit 9 and in Sandy Hook or the assisted living facil- ity on church hill road. I know it might take some time for all the new businesses that have opened in town to benefit the bottom line of the Town’s finances, but given all the new homes and businesses, i was wondering why it hasnt benefitted the bottom line of the budget. If i am mistaken and am missing something please let me know and thanks so much for your attention Regards Mary Slingerland Submitted on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 - 7:01pm Your name: Barbara Wojcik Your e-mail address: barbara.m.wojcik@gmail.com Subject: 21/22 Education Budget LC Members, I support the proposed 21/22 education budget. It is responsible and justified. Please approve as is and send to referendum. I’m concerned by the removal of the $1.3M education surplus from last year and the reduce and replace ap- proach the town is taking with education funds. These steps already weaken the district’s financial position by placing a cloud of uncertainty on the access to those funds. Please make no further cuts to the education budget. Thank you for your consideration. 25 Horseshoe Ridge Road, SH Subject: Board of Education District Highlights Issue 4 Dear Mr. Lundquist, Attached please find the fourth issue of the Board of Education District Highlights, created by the Communica- tions Sub-Committee. This issue is our annual Budget issue, our attempt to shine a light on the thinking that went into the budget as well as walking through the big adjustments. Our hope is this will help everyone go into the referendum as an informed voter on April 27th. We would appreciate it if you would share it with the rest of the Legislative Council and anyone else you feel would enjoy reading it. Thank you very much for your time, Dan Cruson Jr Chair - NBoE Communications Sub-Committee District Highlights Newtown Public Schools Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9  Tanja Vadas, Director of Business & Finance Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Attachment B  Newtown Legislative Council Meeting March 31, 2021 Country Camper Layne Gregoire Logan Gregoire Preliminary Project Information: • Create new location for Country Camper • Sales/maintenance of recreational vehicles and automobiles • Construction of a 31,329 square foot building • 218,000 square feet of paved area • Anticipate 15 – 45 employees to be hired for operations • Competitive situation with other CT towns  Google Maps photo of property – 3/10/2021 NPD Note: Newtown Transfer Station and cell tower •Property vacant approximately ten years • Destination • S. Main St. benefit from activity Previous Structure/Property Information Preliminary Building Renderings Preliminary Building Renderings Preliminary Floor Plans Assumes: • 7 year 45% incentive with 1.15 personal property multiplier • Fixed valuation • Mill Rate = 34.76 Attachment C