FINAL

BLOOMFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

There was a regular meeting of the Bloomfield Town Council held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018 in Council Chambers, Bloomfield Town Hall, 800 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, CT.

Present were: Mayor Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, Deputy Mayor Rickford Kirton, Councilors David Mann, Kevin Gough, Patrick DeLorenzo, Jennifer Marshall-Nealy, Kenneth McClary and Elizabeth Waterhouse

Also present were: Philip K. Schenck, Jr., Town Manager, Sharron Howe, Assistant to the Town Manager and India M. Rodgers, Clerk of Council

Absent was: Councilor Joseph Merritt

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

It was moved by Deputy Mayor Kirton, seconded by Councilor McClary and voted unanimously to modify the order of the Council agenda beginning with Citizens Statements and Petitions.

CITIZENS’ STATEMENTS AND PETITIONS

1. Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Senior of , 146 Orchard Road, West Hartford, CT has been the pastor of The First Cathedral for the past 47 years. He expressed his discontent regarding the taxation of churches and non-profit organizations. He mentioned several challenges when the church initially moved to Bloomfield from the North End of Hartford. The current proposed tax assessment has increased from $125,000 to $6.7 million. He stated that this gross assessment is politically motivated, because he has chosen not to endorse any candidate, and take a political position.

2. Michael Bailey, Co-Pastor of the First Cathedral, 32 Winthrop Road, Windsor, CT stated that this tactic is disturbing and unsettling to have political adversaries disrupt the work of the church. He requested that the Town Manager, Town Assessor and Town Attorney rectify this situation sooner than later. It is egregious abuses of power and the church will not tolerate this manipulative action.

3. LeRoy Bailey, III, Co-Pastor & Executive Director of Operations, 7 Tuller Circle, Simsbury, CT – stated that The First Cathedral has been a part of this community for the past 18 years. He inquired about reasonable grounds for taxation on the church.

4. Larlie Alvaranga, 85 Mountain Avenue, has been a member of The First Cathedral since 1999. She voiced concerns regarding tax exempt status of the church. Ms. Alvaranga stated that churches should remain tax exempt and gave several reasons of why they should not be taxed. She also alluded to the importance of separation of church and state and expressed the right to execute their religious freedoms.

5. State Representative Brandon McGee, 43 Warren Street, Hartford, CT stated the importance of the role of the church in the community. He stated that State of does not support taxation of 501c3 organizations.

6. Venton Forbes, 15 Harvest Lane, inquired about the internal process and procedures regarding taxation issues with churches. He also stated that The First Cathedral has been involved in numerous community events, participated in the school system as mentors, sponsored an annual health and wellness fair, provide donations for diaper and food drives and back to school backpack donations. Mr. Forbes noted that the thought process is misguided and encouraged the Town do what is right.

7. Cyrus Sutherland, 348 Vine Street, Hartford, CT, stated that The First Cathedral is a magnet to the community. While in town for church services or events, members and visitors choose to patronize local businesses within the community. He noted by taxing the church, the Town may jeopardize the economic impact on local businesses.

8. Ruel Myles, 391 Park Avenue mentioned issues regarding taxes on insurance and the process to collect. He also expressed concerns regarding the potential resolutions to assist homeowners with crumbling foundation issues.

9. Jacquele Ortiz-Mortar, Bloomfield discussed the vital role of the church within community, focusing on public health, social justice and mental health. She also mentioned the benefits of The First Cathedral Annual Health Fair and its impact on the community.

10. Pat Ward, 102 R Filley Street expressed her opinion about the reduction of financial resources from the State of Connecticut to municipalities. She also stated that the town is seeking alternative ways to supplement lost revenues.

11. Richard Griffiths, 45 Farmbrook Drive, Tolland, CT is a 24 year member of The First Cathedral and Chairman of the Deacon Board, expressed his frustration and is still unclear of the reasoning for taxation on churches and non-profit organizations. He urged the Council to reconsider their decision.

12. Vicki Banks, 181 O’Connell Drive, East Hartford, CT reminded all that the Church is for all people, by the people and for the community.

13. Joseph Dakers, 4 Pine Comb Road, Ellington, CT has been a member of the First Cathedral for the past 16 years and serves as a Trustee and Deacon. He mentioned that parishioners pay 10% of gross income to tithes and offerings to support the church. Mr. Dakers explained the various church activities and events that are a part of the ministry as a whole. He expressed concerns regarding the town obtaining information of salaries for church officials. The town is aware of the cell tower, however permits for the daycare center and the credit union have been omitted from the assessment. He recommended a resolution to this issue; take the income of the credit union and capitalize it into a value and tax that portion. It was noted that the lessee of the credit union is responsible for payment of those taxes.

14. Freddie Graves, 18 Florence Street, Hartford, CT discussed the issues with church versus state.

15. Andre Jett, 16 Barton Drive, Canton, CT inquired about the timing of deciding to tax the church now versus 18 years ago when they decided to move to Bloomfield. He also listed all of the services they provide to the community.

16. Pastor Daylin Greer, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church is also the Vice President of the Interministral Alliance, is not in agreement with taxation on any level. He expressed his total support of the First Cathedral and all of the churches in Bloomfield to prevent taxation. Bethel A.M.E. Church continue to struggle with paying taxes for a 17.5 acre property that they currently own. Pastor Greer also mentioned the difficulty in seeking grant funding for various programs to assist the Bloomfield community He inquired about the lack of communication to invite other religious leaders to express their concerns at this meeting.

17. State Senator Douglas McCrory, stated that he believes in justice and righteousness. The current policy at the State Legislature does not allow for taxation of non-profits. He also stated that as long as he is in office it will not become law. Senator McCrory encouraged the Council to work in collaboration with these entities to come to amicable solution.

18. Bishop Jonathan Ramsey Jr., Pastor of Rehoboth Church of God expressed his support of all churches that serve the Bloomfield community. He mentioned several volunteer services, counseling, spiritual and financial support that are offered to the community. Bishop Ramsey Jr. is willing to participate and partner together to work with one another to support church and community initiatives.

19. State Representative Bobby Gibson asked the Council to take into consideration the right action to support those if which they were elected to serve. The Council has received support from the church community in being elected to office. He also reiterated the importance of listening to concerns of the citizens. Mr. Gibson also referenced tax incentives towards businesses and the inequity imposed on these organizations.

Mayor DeBeatham-Brown reiterated that this meeting was not a planned to discuss the issue of taxation on non- profit organizations. The Town Council meeting scheduled for this evening was noticed as a regular meeting, in which Citizens Statements & Petitions can be heard.

In full disclosure, Mayor DeBeatham-Brown stated that she is an ordained , reiterated importance of the church and what it offers to the community. In addition, she also informed the public that the Council was not privied to information and did not initiate any such action. The Council honors all non-profits within town. The Council is grateful for their service and to everyone who patronizes businesses in town. Mayor DeBeatham- Brown mentioned that the Council would like to get a clearer understanding of the reasoning for taxation of churches and non-profits and resolve this issue.

Mayor DeBeatham-Brown stated that she would like to schedule a Special Meeting of the Bloomfield Town Council for Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. to continue further discussion and possible resolution regarding this issue. She thanked all who came out in support of the churches and non-profits and to voice concerns to this issue.

There was an ensued discussion among Council members and leadership from the First Cathedral regarding the taxation of churches and non-profit organizations.

Deputy Mayor Kirton requested of the Town Manager to explain the tax assessment process and the issue at hand relative to the taxation of churches and non-profits.

Mr. Philip K. Schenck, Jr., Town Manager gave a brief overview of the initial process in pursuing taxation with churches and non-profits. The current state law require that all non-profits must file a quadrennial renewal every 4 years.

Mr. Schenck, Jr. alluded to correspondence that was sent to The First Cathedral, with no response back to the town. Since the documentation was not received from The First Cathedral, the Town pursued the assessment process and the church was added to the Grand List of the town. In addition, the town has a reserve against tax refunds/modifications made throughout the year. The reserve was increased in the proposed FY 2018/2019 budget for any possible corrections. The town also hired a Special Tax Exempt Attorney to address any issues regarding taxes on these properties, including The First Cathedral, Jewish Community Center Pool, Auer Farm 4-H Center, and St. Thomas Seminary. A review is being conducted to inquire about ongoing activities within these organizations that meet the tax provisions of the State of Connecticut.

Mr. Schenck, Jr. gave a detailed explanation of tax evaluation and assessment. He stated that an evaluation of the property is in review, the portions of the property that are conducting taxable operations could be taxed. The remaining property would not be taxed.

Mr. Schenck, Jr. recommended to State Senator McCrory, State Senator Bye and State Representative Gibson of Bloomfield need to sponsor legislation to clarify these areas of concern.

Archbishop Bailey asked for clarification about the request to obtain salary information for employees of The First Cathedral. It was noted that this inquiry was made by the Town Attorney.

Council took a brief recess at 9:10 p.m. Council entered back into session at 9:20 p.m.

Presentation of Proclamation to Mr. Nicholas Panke

Mayor DeBeatham-Brown read a proclamation to Mr. Nicholas Panke for his dedicated service to the Town of Bloomfield for the past 38 years. Mr. Panke was an active participate with the Town Plan and Zoning and Inland Wetlands Commission. Mayor DeBeatham-Brown declared Monday, March 26, 2018 as “Nicholas Panke Day”.

Mr. Panke thanked the Council for the honor of appreciation, he stated that over the years, he learned a lot about himself and the community.

Minority Contractors – Citizens Statements and Petitions

1. Rick Rowe, Minority Contractor expressed concerns regarding the lack of consideration for Minority Participation on any building projects in Bloomfield.

2. Rhoan Stewart, 52 Kenwood Circle informed the Council of his 30 years in the construction industry. He has worked to negotiate over $200 million dollars for various projects with no bonding. He is requesting the creation of a MBE program for Bloomfield residents.

Human Services Facility Building Committee - Update

Mr. Joseph Suggs, Chair and Mr. Mark Weisman, Vice-Chair of the Human Services Building Committee presented an update on the expanded scope of services. The Construction Manager was not present to discuss the details of the MBE selection process. It was noted that he will have all information fully vetted in the future on how they were selected.

Councilor Mann inquired about the inclusion of demolition bids and the expiration deadline. The initial bids are in the $22.8 million range for a new building.

Mr. Dave Simon, Architect from Moser Pilon and Nelson stated that the marketplace is slow and has great bid rates as of now.

Councilor Gough expressed concerns regarding MBE and local participation. He also inquired about the amount of lower bids relative to contracting with larger firms.

Councilor Marshall-Nealy wanted to ensure that BATV is included with the new building. She inquired about the cost estimates for moving offices and storage. It was noted that within the owner’s cost, there is a line item for a movers’ consultant to factor those costs. Councilor Marshall-Nealy also asked about the amount of MBE Contractors chosen to work on this project.

Councilor McClary is strong advocate of MBE participation, in making sure to fulfill the 30% of cash value to MBE and WBE. Downes Construction hired Claudia Howard to monitor MBE participation. He also inquired about the building on Gabb Road and its functionality as a potential option for the HSF facility. The town is awaiting real estate information for this facility.

The project budget was slightly increased to include the possibility of issuing change orders. It was noted that Downes Construction and has been consistent with a history of low rate of change orders.

Councilor DeLorenzo inquired about the square footage of the new building, 56,000 square feet. There was some discussion regarding the proposed alternates for $1.5 million to include the courtyard fit out, pergola trellis, FF&E, irrigation on playing fields, better drainage and decorative brick outside the gymnasium.

The Council would like to schedule an open forum for public input before Council decision regarding the project. There is an important deadline for April to maintain the lowest cost derived from current project bids.

Deputy Mayor Kirton expressed several concerns regarding the following:  MBE participation – What is the commitment of the committee to ensure that the goal for MBE is met?  Council should modify this policy to implement a “True MBE” participation.  Would like consideration to include flood lights on the new soccer fields. The cost estimate is $800,000 line item expense, which can be accommodated at any time.

Mr. Suggs stated that the committee has definitely met 30% goal per approved Council policy. However, the current policy does not consider local contractors from the Bloomfield area.

Councilor Marshall-Nealy requested that Council be included on the next site visit to the facility on Gabb Road. She also inquired about state of the art technology for the new building.

Councilor Gough is also in agreement to view the facility on Gabb Road. He expressed disappointment in the HSF building committee reports regarding space to be shared, over cost and very little public input that should have considered sooner. The HSF supports the idea of a “one stop shop” for services with no attempt to quantify and offer other alternatives.

Councilor McClary asked the question - What happens if Council does nothing?

Councilor Mann inquired about efforts in assuring that the new building is LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). He mentioned a possible opportunity to partnership with C-Tec Solar to incorporate the use of solar panels.

Deputy Mayor Kirton is agreement that a new facility is needed, however he has some concerns regarding minority participation with construction.

PUBLIC COMMENT

1. Joslyn Chance, 544 Bloomfield Avenue expressed disappointment with the lack of minority participation. He indicated that the previous Council assured local contractors that 30% of minority participation would be guaranteed to work on municipal projects, inquired about project value, workforce, requested it in writing for future project for local minority contractors.

Councilor McClary reiterated the approved town policy of 30% MBE on municipal projects. He recommended the amendment of this policy to include the total cash value of municipal project and residency requirements.

It was moved by Councilor Gough, seconded by Councilor McClary and voted unanimously to postpone all agenda items until the next scheduled Council meeting on April 9, 2018.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Councilor McClary, seconded by Councilor DeLorenzo and voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 11:30 p.m.