Public Hearing

Council Chambers – Town Hall

June 18, 2001

Approved Minutes

The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:16 p.m.

Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, and Council member Trinks

Absent: Council member Ristas

Mr. Patrick McMahon, Community Development Coordinator, gave an overview of the program. Businesses can receive 40% or 60% of any cash donations they make to a municipal or charitable organization. Foodshare, the Police Athletic League, First Town Downtown, Celebrate Windsor, Intermezzo, Windsor Library, Caring Connection, WIN-TV, Windsor Volunteer Firefighters, Windsor Volunteer Ambulance and the Connecticut Vintage Radio and Communications Museum are being considered for inclusion in the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.

Public Comment:

Mr. Bill Warner-Prouty, Windsor Library Association, said that this year the Association and library staff began a Business Sponsor of the Month Program. It is a program that originated in the Boston area linking local business with the library. The program gives local businesses visibility in the library. Being a part of the Neighborhood Assistance Program would compliment the Business Sponsor of the Month Program. They have an annual fund drive and it would be nice to offer this tax assistance. The Library Association is also qualified to apply for a two-year membership, rather than a one-year membership.

Ms. Carole Bernard, First Town Downtown, said that this Act would increase the ability to raise funds, attract corporate dollars, and also small business owners. She strongly encouraged the Council to approve this act.

Mr. John Pickens, WIN-TV, said that they have made a serious effort to expand in the last year. Unfortunately, new revenues have not kept up with increased costs and they have been looking avidly for ways to raise funds. They have begun to contact the corporate community for funds.

Ms. Deborah Boemmels, Manager of Caring Connection, an Adult Day Health Center, said that The Caring Connection is applying for funds for assistance in relocating to 330 Windsor Avenue. They want to get businesses and industries involved with the Caring Connection and the services it offers.

Ms. Stephanie Gossell, Foodshare, said that they are a regional food bank that supports 240 local anti-hunger programs. They distributed 6.8 million pounds of food to over 100,000 people in our community. The need for food assistance has increased 25% in the last year. They do receive small business and corporation business support; however, they will be able to leverage more dollars in support with this program.

Mr. Joseph Novak, Police Athletic League, said that they are asking for help with 330 Windsor Avenue. Their funds are limited even with corporate sponsorship and he asked the Council for their support.

No other comments.

The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch