By Anthony Giamei
(November 10, 2022) —A Special Town Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Firehouse #1 to address four items on the agenda. It was estimated that 140 people were in attendance.
Anthony Giamei was elected as Moderator.
Town Clerk Robert Siegrist III read the Legal Call. It was accepted unanimously.
- First Selectman Bob McGarry gave a detailed background report on the Rossi Property. A motion was made to purchase the property at 300 Saybrook Road for $2,500,000, and lease the property at 305 Saybrook Road. A motion was made to that effect. Considerable discussion ensued in an orderly manner, with many participants. This matter has been ongoing for about 30 years. The main issues were purchase price, environmental cleanup and plans for development. There are current and potential grants available to clean up the site and to develop the property for commercial/industrial use. Financial benefits would include lease cost avoidance for the Town garage and property taxes from business. No new taxes are required for the purchase since the necessary funds are currently available. Several new jobs are likely. Access to the river would be greatly improved. The motion passed by voice vote with an estimated 3-1 majority.
2. Motion was made to appoint Peter Christopher, David Law, Jason Lonergan and Jennifer O’Neal to the H-K Recreation Authority. It passed unanimously.
3. Motion was made to transfer $1,105,000 from last Fiscal Year to the current year, which passed unanimously.
4. Motion was made to fill a vacancy on the Regional School District 17 Board of Education. Prem Aithal was nominated and voted in unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
