Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
7:00
2. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
3. Public Participation [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Town Council.]
Bob Dickinson - 2 safety concerns - 1 is the cross walk between the HS and Community Center. The other one is no good way to get tot he high school coming up through normal vehicle entrance. Very congested. May want to make another entrance to the HS from Nevers Road for bikes.
Kathy Daugherty - 12 Roy Road - banning tobacco products from CVS. CVS is being targeted because they offer minute clinic. People know the harm of smoking. 1.9 million new cases of diabetes was diagnosed. predicted by 2020 that 1/2 population will have diabetes. Is the seventh case of death. if Town Council are going to target one business for selling tobacco - lets make them take candy away from the register. take everything sugary away from the store. I believe this makes SW business unfriendly. We should do this to every gas station and store. Attorney fees will be great for the issue. Town Council needs to review issues that are in their jurisdiction such as roads, leaky roofs of the schools, etc. Instead of wasting money and time - appoint Council members and make this issue an awareness issue. Have them go to schools and have workshps of how to quit. Or have support groups.
Tim Shepard, 45 Newberry Road - read letter that he gave to the Council.
Dave McDonald, Council seems to going beyond the buisness of the Council. To sell something should not be the decision of the Town Council. Town Council should do the job they were elected to do and also would like to know why we were promised studios and getting a shack.
4. Communications
Delnicki - attended annual firefighters convention and was very impressed. Think will be good for SW.
Anwar - really appreciate for people who talked would like to have them stay and hear the rest of the discussion.
5. Town Manager's Report [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Council.]
6. Items for Discussion
A. Presentation by Scott Yaeger, President of Radius Hospitality regarding Cambria Suites Hotel at Evergreen Walk
Scott Yaeger, Randy - presentation on hotel - issue of tax abatement and tax partnership. Prague - welcome and how many acres? 4 acres why do you need residential to build your hotel? 12 million dollar investment and to be able to work together with people who are doing resident will keep costs in line Prague - why hasn't the residential started? Galligan - the idea the P & Z had was to have both - one wants the other. one is critical to the other. Prague - we are giving up 210,000 each year Galligan - think it is a little bit less - residential would not get abatement. this is the first thing Evergreen Walk would get tax abatement. Prague - we believe in this product. the difference between Cambria and Hampton and Mariot - Cambria will take longer to get business like Hampton or Mariotte. Prague - convention center? Galligan - conflict when Downtown Hartford put in convention center in. Prague - did legislature pass a tax 2% extra? Gary LeBeau - no Galligan - still something being pushed by CCM Prague - what is the personal property? Galligan - 25,000 to 30,000 Prague - how many years before hotel is refurbished? 6-10 years is the recommended time frame. Prague - Galligan - will find out furniture depreciation.
Delnicki - at this point should we be very careful what we say about the tax abatement issue? Dwight - could talk about unless Cambria has concerns
Anwar - how many jobs created? 30-35 jobs Anwar - while product being created? construction alone, 6 of our own, Anwar - for the jobs that will be created we ask that South Windsor residents be considered. in every instant when we build and look for staff we always look locally. Anwar - in your calculation used 60% - average daily rate - going forward will be higher? each year will grow prusuming the economy grows. Anwar - what you are trying to do is shift risk over to the Town in some respect Things will change typically downturns last longer than when times ae good. We need to operatate the facility on the average of those good and bad times. Anwar - challenge we are facing is we need to take care of responsibilties in our town. business needs to be fair to the community.
McCann - South Windsor does need hotel space. questin is whether good fit and the cost to the town. Have never seen a tax abatement of 100%. All of Evergreen Walk was built without tax abatements. we have had some significant tax abatements in the last few years but there was always enough property taxes. we also get something back from the company that is getting tax abatement. what kind of benefit would the town get in this instance? do not know that we will do extra infrastructure. we are bringing needed infrastructure into the community. the cost to build, the land cost, what we are looking at building. overall cost - we are looking at buildig that is right size, going into market we - CT is high state to build in. without those tax abatement the numbers on the project do not work.
Yagaloff - product is exceptional. WE would love to have you in South Windsor. think will be successful. We would like to have you and sure you will be successful there. The difficulty here is the hotel offers less in personal property. If the margins are so tight to d the project even with the tax abatement may not be a good fit. will have to negotiate this issue. 100% abatement would be tough.
Beaulieu - do have concerns - impressive building but pretty high abatement being requested. over past several years have not built many buildings. Financing is available for the right product. Beaulieu - right now have a viable loan? have started tha tproject - we have nto closed on the land yet. Beaulieu - when last itme built? average about 30% Beaulieu - all loans performing yes
Havens - what could hotel do for business in that are and neighborhood, it could do a lot. discussion of an abatement. will not dismiss the 100% abatement totally. if hotel will add to the vitality of that area I would be for it.
Bazzano - appreciate the project but not in favor of 100% abatement. Do you have any other business in Connecticut It is more of a higher cost. There are none in CT, we do have New Jersey. Bazzano - is this one of your more expensive hotels to produce? yes - 115,000 per room to build. It is a high quality property. only type of property that makes sense in Evergreen Walk. Do believe hotel in that aea is a good mix with the residential. Bazzano -if you did jnot get abatement would you look for a different hotel Think good fit - do not know if would look for another brand Bazzano - large abatement and do not think could support at this time. Can talk about this but not willing to use that number.
Delnicki - if you could use South Windsor residents for working staff that may help th eTown Council to decide upon this project. Recess WS to call regular Meeting to Order
REconvene 8:13 p.m.
Snyder - welcome the hotel - Evergreen Walk perfect place for something like this.
Have listened to everything the Council has said, we would love to be a part of the community. The first 3-4 years is crucial to us. No one want sto invest into something they can not survive. WE will review the comments by the Council. we will look and come back to Mr. Galligan with thoughts and options. We like to work with local folks. will get back to Mr. Galligan.
Anwar - did presentation
Bazzano - couple years ago tried to pass ordinance for no smoking at athletic fields. I am against smoking. The thing we need to look at is how do we get people to stop smoking. By banning cigarettes at CVS will not do this. Do not think we should ban the cigarettes at CVS - they will go to another area. They will get their cigarettes. Unless you can find a way to ban cigarettes throughout Town then do not think should ban them at CVS. Can not defer the number of smokers. I can't support isolating it to one store. I potentially could support broadening it. Would like to find a way to deter children.
Yagaloff - Wellsley, Massachusettes banned cigarettes in CVS. Said it was the best thing that they ever did. Pharamcies are in the business of saving lives. A child looking at cigarettes think it is a treat if it is in their faces. we have progressed to a point that people would not tolerate the sale of cigarettes in something like a McDonalds. Is this Council interested in taking step forward that buisness needs do not come first but the health and wellness of our children do. If this community is going to have healthy community we need to take a step forward. Tobacco does not belong in a pharmacy. This is not picking on one company, if there were five pharmacies we would do it to all of them. Need to ralley around the safety and health of our children. Most important to send message to children that South Windsor does not support selling cigarettes in pharmacies.
McCann - we are not talking about vending machines or selling to kids. I do not know a single business that sell cigarettes to kids. Do we want to say we know what is best for everyone and we are going to tell everyone what to do. Do not like Town Council stepping in as big brother and telling residents what to do. Most of SW does not smoke cigarettes. we can not impose our will on others. Just because you have the power on something does not mean you should do it. Do not think this is the proper role of South Windsor.
Prague - to pick on one business, target - do not understand why you are targeting CVS. CVS is large convenient store. If you banned all stores in South WIndsor I would probably would have thought about it a lot more. We will lose businesses, jobs, etc. Think you need to explain why you are only targeting CVS.
Snyder - I do not think anyone would argue with the statistics. Freedoms enjoyed in America are enjoyed in South Windsor. I do not see the cigarettes in CVS. Can't support. Should come from legislature. Uncomfortable to tell pharmacies they can't sell cigarettes but can go next door and buy them. This would take away personal freedoms of residents.
Beaulieu - against smoking. it is a legal substance and do not feel can tell one company in Town they can not sell cigarettes. We need to provide safe roads - respect everything you brought forward but have disconnect of singling out CVS. Think we can provide classes to inform the youth.
Delnicki - do not think there is a single person in this country that does not understand that smoking can kill you. Where does personal responsibility gone. It can lead to other sanctions. Feel CVS holds a much bigger standard on selling to adults. Rite Aid or Walgreens would not even look at SW if cigarette selling is banned in pharmacies. Can not support. It is well intentioned but common sense needs to be used.
Yagaloff - this debate is going to be had across CT. This is a political discussion. This should not be debate around protecting business interest. Do we want to attempt to ban the sale of cigarettes. The question is how do we get there. I have a personal responsibility to meet the needs of the community. should protect the health and safety of the community. Should be reducing the sale of cigarettes in the place of health care (pharmacy). We can ban in pharmacy. our personal reponsiblity to protect the heath of our community.
Bazzano - problem have with CVS, it is not a pharmacy just so happens to have a pharmacy in it. To isolate CVS because they are a convenience store that has a pharmacy in it is wrong. Kids are getting cigarettes so the only way you get rid of it is to ban it as much as you can.
Anwar - even CVS pharmacy does not believe it is a pharmacy. Any pharmacy should be banned. It is focused on pharmacies. If we were focused on personal responsibility, nicotene is not the most addictive. It is one of the biggest killers. Addiction does not care about personal choice. Next to your health care products you are selling cigarettes. I expect more from out Town.
Kathy Daugherty - Dr. Anwar targeted CVS - Stop and Shop in Vernon has a pharmacy. To say that this is partisan or political. This is not political. Council's job is to fix roads, make the community safe. Presentation was great but the child smoking had stupid parents, the vending machines could not be monitored and tht is why they are gone, the advertisement - if you are serious need to ban the sale of cigarettes in all stores. Develop a program - that is how you are going to make a change. I will go and do discussions with you.
Robert Dickinson - best way to deter is educating. I would like to see resolution that all healthcare facilities not to sell cigarettes. it would be a public request.
Resident who spoke earlier. - Do not belive Town Counicl - registered democrat
Havens -
Anwar - CVS is the only pharmacy in Town and I knew they were the only one and used them by name. If there were more I would ask all pharmacies. All issues regarding roofs, road issues and sidewalks have been discussed in the Town Council. Heartsafe community - we are not if we are letting the pharmacy sell cigarettes to heart patients. I have been educating individuals for a while, that is part of my job. If BOE would allow us to educate the children I would more than willing.
Delnicki - both parties see this as political over reach. Think if you do something it should be all or nothing. personal responsibility is not political
Yagaloff - There seems to be a division here tonight. We may need to have more discussion on this issue.
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trial, disagree with Anwar - there are important issues that are not being discussed. Crime talking 2 hours on CVS - would like to talk about the budget - you can not operate any town, industry without a calendarized budget. West hartford said you can not operate without calendarized budget. TheTown Manager knows what is going on but the Town Council does not.
B. The banning of the sale of tobacco products at CVS Pharmacy
7. Executive Session
A. Discussion of documents containing financial information provided in confidence and exempt from disclosure pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-200(6) and §1-210(b)(5)(B) regarding The Connecticut Studios project
B. To discuss possible claims and litigation
Bazzano - for A & B, Anwar, unanimous - 9:42 p.m.
Dr. Anwar did not go into discussion regarding possible claims and litigation. Town Attorney was in all discussions as well as the rest of the Town Council
Adjourn Executive SEssion at 10:39 p.m., Bazzano, Kevin, unanimous
8. Adjournment
Bazzano, McCann, unaimous 10:40
Sep 17, 2012 Town Council Work Session
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1. Call Meeting to Order
7:00
2. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
3. Public Participation [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Town Council.]
Bob Dickinson - 2 safety concerns - 1 is the cross walk between the HS and Community Center. The other one is no good way to get tot he high school coming up through normal vehicle entrance. Very congested. May want to make another entrance to the HS from Nevers Road for bikes.
Kathy Daugherty - 12 Roy Road - banning tobacco products from CVS. CVS is being targeted because they offer minute clinic. People know the harm of smoking. 1.9 million new cases of diabetes was diagnosed. predicted by 2020 that 1/2 population will have diabetes. Is the seventh case of death. if Town Council are going to target one business for selling tobacco - lets make them take candy away from the register. take everything sugary away from the store. I believe this makes SW business unfriendly. We should do this to every gas station and store. Attorney fees will be great for the issue. Town Council needs to review issues that are in their jurisdiction such as roads, leaky roofs of the schools, etc. Instead of wasting money and time - appoint Council members and make this issue an awareness issue. Have them go to schools and have workshps of how to quit. Or have support groups.
Tim Shepard, 45 Newberry Road - read letter that he gave to the Council.
Dave McDonald, Council seems to going beyond the buisness of the Council. To sell something should not be the decision of the Town Council. Town Council should do the job they were elected to do and also would like to know why we were promised studios and getting a shack.
4. Communications
Delnicki - attended annual firefighters convention and was very impressed. Think will be good for SW.
Anwar - really appreciate for people who talked would like to have them stay and hear the rest of the discussion.
5. Town Manager's Report [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Council.]
6. Items for Discussion
A. Presentation by Scott Yaeger, President of Radius Hospitality regarding Cambria Suites Hotel at Evergreen Walk
Scott Yaeger, Randy - presentation on hotel - issue of tax abatement and tax partnership. Prague - welcome and how many acres? 4 acres why do you need residential to build your hotel? 12 million dollar investment and to be able to work together with people who are doing resident will keep costs in line Prague - why hasn't the residential started? Galligan - the idea the P & Z had was to have both - one wants the other. one is critical to the other. Prague - we are giving up 210,000 each year Galligan - think it is a little bit less - residential would not get abatement. this is the first thing Evergreen Walk would get tax abatement. Prague - we believe in this product. the difference between Cambria and Hampton and Mariot - Cambria will take longer to get business like Hampton or Mariotte. Prague - convention center? Galligan - conflict when Downtown Hartford put in convention center in. Prague - did legislature pass a tax 2% extra? Gary LeBeau - no Galligan - still something being pushed by CCM Prague - what is the personal property? Galligan - 25,000 to 30,000 Prague - how many years before hotel is refurbished? 6-10 years is the recommended time frame. Prague - Galligan - will find out furniture depreciation.
Delnicki - at this point should we be very careful what we say about the tax abatement issue? Dwight - could talk about unless Cambria has concerns
Anwar - how many jobs created? 30-35 jobs Anwar - while product being created? construction alone, 6 of our own, Anwar - for the jobs that will be created we ask that South Windsor residents be considered. in every instant when we build and look for staff we always look locally. Anwar - in your calculation used 60% - average daily rate - going forward will be higher? each year will grow prusuming the economy grows. Anwar - what you are trying to do is shift risk over to the Town in some respect Things will change typically downturns last longer than when times ae good. We need to operatate the facility on the average of those good and bad times. Anwar - challenge we are facing is we need to take care of responsibilties in our town. business needs to be fair to the community.
McCann - South Windsor does need hotel space. questin is whether good fit and the cost to the town. Have never seen a tax abatement of 100%. All of Evergreen Walk was built without tax abatements. we have had some significant tax abatements in the last few years but there was always enough property taxes. we also get something back from the company that is getting tax abatement. what kind of benefit would the town get in this instance? do not know that we will do extra infrastructure. we are bringing needed infrastructure into the community. the cost to build, the land cost, what we are looking at building. overall cost - we are looking at buildig that is right size, going into market we - CT is high state to build in. without those tax abatement the numbers on the project do not work.
Yagaloff - product is exceptional. WE would love to have you in South Windsor. think will be successful. We would like to have you and sure you will be successful there. The difficulty here is the hotel offers less in personal property. If the margins are so tight to d the project even with the tax abatement may not be a good fit. will have to negotiate this issue. 100% abatement would be tough.
Beaulieu - do have concerns - impressive building but pretty high abatement being requested. over past several years have not built many buildings. Financing is available for the right product. Beaulieu - right now have a viable loan? have started tha tproject - we have nto closed on the land yet. Beaulieu - when last itme built? average about 30% Beaulieu - all loans performing yes
Havens - what could hotel do for business in that are and neighborhood, it could do a lot. discussion of an abatement. will not dismiss the 100% abatement totally. if hotel will add to the vitality of that area I would be for it.
Bazzano - appreciate the project but not in favor of 100% abatement. Do you have any other business in Connecticut It is more of a higher cost. There are none in CT, we do have New Jersey. Bazzano - is this one of your more expensive hotels to produce? yes - 115,000 per room to build. It is a high quality property. only type of property that makes sense in Evergreen Walk. Do believe hotel in that aea is a good mix with the residential. Bazzano -if you did jnot get abatement would you look for a different hotel Think good fit - do not know if would look for another brand Bazzano - large abatement and do not think could support at this time. Can talk about this but not willing to use that number.
Delnicki - if you could use South Windsor residents for working staff that may help th eTown Council to decide upon this project. Recess WS to call regular Meeting to Order
REconvene 8:13 p.m.
Snyder - welcome the hotel - Evergreen Walk perfect place for something like this.
Have listened to everything the Council has said, we would love to be a part of the community. The first 3-4 years is crucial to us. No one want sto invest into something they can not survive. WE will review the comments by the Council. we will look and come back to Mr. Galligan with thoughts and options. We like to work with local folks. will get back to Mr. Galligan.
Anwar - did presentation
Bazzano - couple years ago tried to pass ordinance for no smoking at athletic fields. I am against smoking. The thing we need to look at is how do we get people to stop smoking. By banning cigarettes at CVS will not do this. Do not think we should ban the cigarettes at CVS - they will go to another area. They will get their cigarettes. Unless you can find a way to ban cigarettes throughout Town then do not think should ban them at CVS. Can not defer the number of smokers. I can't support isolating it to one store. I potentially could support broadening it. Would like to find a way to deter children.
Yagaloff - Wellsley, Massachusettes banned cigarettes in CVS. Said it was the best thing that they ever did. Pharamcies are in the business of saving lives. A child looking at cigarettes think it is a treat if it is in their faces. we have progressed to a point that people would not tolerate the sale of cigarettes in something like a McDonalds. Is this Council interested in taking step forward that buisness needs do not come first but the health and wellness of our children do. If this community is going to have healthy community we need to take a step forward. Tobacco does not belong in a pharmacy. This is not picking on one company, if there were five pharmacies we would do it to all of them. Need to ralley around the safety and health of our children. Most important to send message to children that South Windsor does not support selling cigarettes in pharmacies.
McCann - we are not talking about vending machines or selling to kids. I do not know a single business that sell cigarettes to kids. Do we want to say we know what is best for everyone and we are going to tell everyone what to do. Do not like Town Council stepping in as big brother and telling residents what to do. Most of SW does not smoke cigarettes. we can not impose our will on others. Just because you have the power on something does not mean you should do it. Do not think this is the proper role of South Windsor.
Prague - to pick on one business, target - do not understand why you are targeting CVS. CVS is large convenient store. If you banned all stores in South WIndsor I would probably would have thought about it a lot more. We will lose businesses, jobs, etc. Think you need to explain why you are only targeting CVS.
Snyder - I do not think anyone would argue with the statistics. Freedoms enjoyed in America are enjoyed in South Windsor. I do not see the cigarettes in CVS. Can't support. Should come from legislature. Uncomfortable to tell pharmacies they can't sell cigarettes but can go next door and buy them. This would take away personal freedoms of residents.
Beaulieu - against smoking. it is a legal substance and do not feel can tell one company in Town they can not sell cigarettes. We need to provide safe roads - respect everything you brought forward but have disconnect of singling out CVS. Think we can provide classes to inform the youth.
Delnicki - do not think there is a single person in this country that does not understand that smoking can kill you. Where does personal responsibility gone. It can lead to other sanctions. Feel CVS holds a much bigger standard on selling to adults. Rite Aid or Walgreens would not even look at SW if cigarette selling is banned in pharmacies. Can not support. It is well intentioned but common sense needs to be used.
Yagaloff - this debate is going to be had across CT. This is a political discussion. This should not be debate around protecting business interest. Do we want to attempt to ban the sale of cigarettes. The question is how do we get there. I have a personal responsibility to meet the needs of the community. should protect the health and safety of the community. Should be reducing the sale of cigarettes in the place of health care (pharmacy). We can ban in pharmacy. our personal reponsiblity to protect the heath of our community.
Bazzano - problem have with CVS, it is not a pharmacy just so happens to have a pharmacy in it. To isolate CVS because they are a convenience store that has a pharmacy in it is wrong. Kids are getting cigarettes so the only way you get rid of it is to ban it as much as you can.
Anwar - even CVS pharmacy does not believe it is a pharmacy. Any pharmacy should be banned. It is focused on pharmacies. If we were focused on personal responsibility, nicotene is not the most addictive. It is one of the biggest killers. Addiction does not care about personal choice. Next to your health care products you are selling cigarettes. I expect more from out Town.
Kathy Daugherty - Dr. Anwar targeted CVS - Stop and Shop in Vernon has a pharmacy. To say that this is partisan or political. This is not political. Council's job is to fix roads, make the community safe. Presentation was great but the child smoking had stupid parents, the vending machines could not be monitored and tht is why they are gone, the advertisement - if you are serious need to ban the sale of cigarettes in all stores. Develop a program - that is how you are going to make a change. I will go and do discussions with you.
Robert Dickinson - best way to deter is educating. I would like to see resolution that all healthcare facilities not to sell cigarettes. it would be a public request.
Resident who spoke earlier. - Do not belive Town Counicl - registered democrat
Havens -
Anwar - CVS is the only pharmacy in Town and I knew they were the only one and used them by name. If there were more I would ask all pharmacies. All issues regarding roofs, road issues and sidewalks have been discussed in the Town Council. Heartsafe community - we are not if we are letting the pharmacy sell cigarettes to heart patients. I have been educating individuals for a while, that is part of my job. If BOE would allow us to educate the children I would more than willing.
Delnicki - both parties see this as political over reach. Think if you do something it should be all or nothing. personal responsibility is not political
Yagaloff - There seems to be a division here tonight. We may need to have more discussion on this issue.
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trial, disagree with Anwar - there are important issues that are not being discussed. Crime talking 2 hours on CVS - would like to talk about the budget - you can not operate any town, industry without a calendarized budget. West hartford said you can not operate without calendarized budget. TheTown Manager knows what is going on but the Town Council does not.
B. The banning of the sale of tobacco products at CVS Pharmacy
7. Executive Session
A. Discussion of documents containing financial information provided in confidence and exempt from disclosure pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-200(6) and §1-210(b)(5)(B) regarding The Connecticut Studios project
B. To discuss possible claims and litigation
Bazzano - for A & B, Anwar, unanimous - 9:42 p.m.
Dr. Anwar did not go into discussion regarding possible claims and litigation. Town Attorney was in all discussions as well as the rest of the Town Council
Adjourn Executive SEssion at 10:39 p.m., Bazzano, Kevin, unanimous
8. Adjournment
Bazzano, McCann, unaimous 10:40
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