2008-07-29
Redevelopment Agency Meeting – 7/29/2008
BERLIN REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Town Council Chambers – 6:15 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Salina called the Berlin Redevelopment Agency meeting to order at 6:20 p.m.
Members present: Councilor Joan Carey
Councilor Robert Dacey
Councilor Robert McGee
Councilor Stephen Morelli
Councilor Rachel Rochette
Mayor Adam Salina
Councilor William Watson, III
1.Election of Officers
Councilor Watson, III placed in nomination the names of Mayor Salina for Chairman,
Councilor Stephen Morelli for Vice-Chairman, and Councilor Joan Carey for
Secretary.
Mayor Salina asked if there were any further nominations. There being no further
nominations he declared them closed.
Vote being 7-0 in favor of the nominations.
2.Rules and Procedures
Chairman Salina stated that the Berlin Redevelopment Agency will follow the
Roberts Rules of Order as well as the Town Council Rules and Procedures.
3.Discussion on the Sherwood Tool Project
Chairman Salina stated that James Mahoney, Economic Development Director will
give an overview on the Sherwood Tool Project.
James Mahoney, Economic Development Director explained that there are two parts
to the project; the Sherwood Tool building and the Sherri Cup Factory. Corporation
for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL) has taken title to the building and they have made
a request to the Town for the amount of 1.1 million dollars in financial assistance to
help with the environmental remediation. The Town has applied for a Brownsfield
pilot grant in the amount of $550,000. He stated that this Redevelopment Agency
committee is required in order for the Town to provide financial assistance to the
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project. The property was maintained by the previous property owner and the Town
is very fortunate to have CIL interested in this project. They plan to have a project
plan ready by the middle of September.
Marty Lagault, President of Corporation for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL),
addressed the committee. He stated that they know how important it is to the Town
to find a use for this type of project. CIL does have experience in doing similar
projects in other towns. He stated that in order to make to the project financial
feasible they are asking for the Town’s assistance with the project. Their goal is to
generate a normal profit that a normal developer would generate. Once CIL, Inc., of
Kensington sells all of the units they will pay the income tax on their profit and the
remaining profit is transferred to their parent corporation CIL. They are very
optimistic about selling the units and the prices will range from $180,000 to
$220,000, depending on the square footage.
Mayor Salina thanked Mr. Lagault and CIL for their commitment and investment in
the Town of Berlin by cleaning up the site and increasing our tax base. The Town is
ready to help in any way that they can. The Town plans to seek funding through
grants.
Mr. Lagault thanked the Town’s boards and commissions and Town officials for all
their help and cooperation.
Councilor Carey inquired about when the condominiums are all sold will there be a
Condo Association or would it be the non-profit organization that would maintain the
property.
Mr. Lagault stated that they will be declaring a Condo Association and will be putting
in place a professional management company.
Councilor Dacey inquired about the timing for funding needed to begin the
remediation project.
Mr. Lagault stated that they are currently going through the DEP process, which is
approximately a 12 month process. They are hoping that by next March they can
begin the remediation work and that is when they will need the financial assistance.
James Mahoney stated that this would be done as a general obligation bond because
the interest rate on the bond will be much more favorable. The timeline for the pilot
grant is tentatively during the fall and they would hope that the Town could make the
decision on the financing by November.
Mr. Lagault stated that once they have a signed agreement from the Town they can
take it to the bank and the bank would lend against it.
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Mayor Salina stated that it is going to be a directive for staff to prepare the project
plan.
4.Scheduling of Future Meeting Dates
Mayor Salina submitted a copy of the scheduled meeting dates for the Berlin
Redevelopment Agency.
September 2, 2008 – Town Council Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.
October 7, 2008 – Town Council Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.
October 21, 2008 – Town Council Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.
November 18, 2008 – Town Council Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.
5.Adjournment
Councilor Carey moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Seconded by Councilor Rochette.
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. (7-0)
Submitted,
Kathryn J. Wall ______________________________
Clerk of the Meeting Adam P. Salina, Mayor
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