WALLINGFORD, CT — The Town Council's Tuesday, Oct. 13, agenda carried a 6:30 p.m. public hearing on an ordinance that would exempt certain farm machinery and farm buildings from property tax, with a vote possible the same night. The Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission had hearings set for Wednesday on a mixed-use floating zone and a gas station with a drive-through convenience store on Church Street. Minutes from the week's meetings had not been posted as of Friday, Oct. 16.
Friday is also the last day to register to vote under the regular deadline for the Nov. 3 election. The town says the Registrar of Voters' office in Town Hall will stay open until 8 p.m. Early voting runs at Town Hall from Monday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with longer hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Oct. 27 and Oct. 29.
Town Council
Beyond the farm ordinance, the council's agenda listed a $50,000 appropriation from the capital and non-recurring fund for an industrial egress study, requested by the economic development office, and the mayor's request to put bicycle racks on the Parade Grounds. Chief Timothy Wall was set to present on new state laws that allow towns to offer more tax abatements or exemptions to EMTs and firefighters.
Councilor Tatta asked for a discussion of where the proposed consolidated high school stands and what the council might do about it. Councilor Fishbein proposed a standard procedure for town staff to follow when a resident asks that a message be passed on to the council.
Chairman Testa's update covered the Golden Fox Theatre, the Parker Farms and Route 150 intersection, the sidewalk repair and replacement program, and property the town bought on Route 150 in Yalesville for a new crossing to the Linear Trail.
The consent agenda included $8,647.49 in tax refunds, a $2,000 donation to the police department and a $10,000 donation for accessories to the fire department's breathing gear. The council also listed two closed sessions: one on buying property, and one on strategy in the pending tax appeals brought against the town by Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust and Connecticut Proton Therapy Center.
Wallingford Planning and Zoning Commission
The commission was scheduled to meet Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Robert F. Parisi Council Chambers at Town Hall, 45 South Main St.
Its agenda listed public hearings on the mixed-use floating zone, the gas station and drive-through convenience store at 124 Church St., and a site plan at 110 Leigus Road filed under the state's affordable housing law, section 8-30g. It also listed a light-warehousing site plan for 60 Carpenter Lane, a bond release for McNulty at 25 Wall St. and a presentation on where to put bike racks.