The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Third meeting set on garage
More information presented to Cromwell finance board
CROMWELL — Town officials remain hopeful they will win Board of Finance approval for the proposed new highway department/Water Pollution Control Authority office/garage complex.
The proposal calls for construction of a 38,792-square-foot complex on a 13.5-acre parcel of townowned land off County Line Road.
If approved by the finance board and then by residents, the new facility would replace the out-moded and inadequate highway garage and the WPCA’s rental space both located off Community Field Road.
The Town Council has given its approval to the project, first in a vote in which the three Democrats on the council abstained, and then in second vote in which two of the Democrats cast “yes” votes for a 6-0-1 outcome.
Late last month, the finance board split 3-3 on the proposal when three board members said they did not have sufficient information on which to make an informed decision.
The tie vote meant the proposal was not approved.
Town officials recently returned with additional information for a special finance board meeting.
In addition to an extensive written explanation of the proposed project, the director of finance, the director and deputy director of public works, the town attorney, and the town’s bonding agent joined the town manager at the meeting, ready to answer any questions board members might have had.
But action was delayed once again, when the discussion broke down over a procedural issue.
“The meeting did not go well,” said former finance board Chairman Edwin J. Maley, who is perhaps the most prominent “no” vote.
Maley noted again, as he had after the first meeting on the issue, about what he said was his and fellow Democrat Bob Milardo’s inability to get sufficient information in a timely manner.
Maley also said Milardo, who cast one of the initial “no” votes, needed more time to digest the data,
Despite the array of officials who were present, including the bonding agent, Maley said, “It felt like the town administration was trying to shove this thing down our throats.”
And yet, following the meeting, Maley also said, “This [project] is something that needs to get done.”
The board has now scheduled a third meeting on the issue on Feb. 28.
“We sent each member a packet with all the information the board said they required,” Town Manager Antony J. Salvatore said Monday.
“It’s our hope that with that information and with the bonding agent available to answer any questions the members may have that we will get a favorable vote so we can move this project forward,” he added.
“There is a need for this project,” finance board Vice Chairman Julius C. Neto said Monday.
“It’s up to the folks who voted ‘no’ if they feel they have sufficient information and that they understand it so, hopefully, we can get a positive result.”