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ICC asks Stonington Selectmen for another year to complete gym acquisition
Summary
At multiple Selectmen meetings in late 2020 the ICC, represented by Phil Elkin and Jeannie Hatch, asked for a one‑year extension to complete the acquisition of a gym building, citing COVID‑related fundraising and due‑diligence delays. The board agreed to review ICC financials and the rental agreement before deciding whether a town‑meeting vote will be required.
The Island Community Center board told the Stonington Selectmen it needs more time to complete acquisition of the gym building and associated land, citing pandemic‑era fundraising and due‑diligence delays. Phil Elkin, speaking for the ICC, said the group — in existence for 18 years — has accomplished much but is not able "to take possession of the building and land this year" and therefore requested a one‑year extension to sort surveying, financing and other acquisition steps.
Selectmen deferred a final decision pending receipt of the ICC's financial statements and a review of the current rental agreement. Town Manager Billings said the board would reconvene on the item after reviewing the ICC budget and the rental terms and would determine whether a town‑meeting article is necessary.
Why it matters: The ICC's acquisition would transfer a local property into community ownership and likely require capital planning and, possibly, voter approval. Selectmen said they wanted clearer financials and a schedule from the ICC before committing the town to further action.
Board members asked ICC leaders detailed questions about capacity to take on operating costs and potential new staff roles, including a development position to pursue grants and fundraising. Elkin and other ICC representatives described continuing uncertainty about revenues because of COVID‑19 and the board indicated they would re‑visit the matter after receiving the ICC's documents.
Next step: Selectmen instructed staff to gather the ICC financials and circulate the current rental agreement for review. No formal vote to transfer property or appropriate town funds occurred during the meetings recorded in the transcript.
