North Branford Agriculture Commission Revisits Tax Abatement

Farm Property and Equipment Tax Abatement

The Sept. 12 meeting was the Agriculture Commission's first meeting since the . Commission members invited Mayor Anthony S. Candelora to discuss the status of the issue and what steps should be taken next.

"The tax abatement program, I believe, is a good program," Candelora said to the commission. "I don't think anyone was against it. A lot of it was the time of the ordinance. There was a freeze on capital spending at that time."

He continued, "We have a situation that was brought to our attention that I can't get into, but it could affect our budget greatly. The concern is the outcome in the litigation–we may end up with a serious shortfall. That's what my concern was. We're not going to know the outcome of that for a while. We're hoping the town doesn't lose this case in court.

"We actually cut the seniors as well. I think with the upcoming year, the concern is also the Board of Education. We're looking at close to a million dollar cut for them," added Candelora. "I feel horrible about it because I really want to see you guys get this abatement and help the farmers out. I know how much you all contribute to the community. I understand, I really do."

Town Council member Michael J. Doody assured commission Chairman Cliford Potter that the tax abatment could remain an issue for if and when things improve. The request would have to be resubmitted and any new information would have to be accounted for, but the issue would remain in tact and would be addressed when the town is more economically prosperous.

Doody said that Town Attorney John Gesmonde estimated that the litigation results would be in in the next two to three months.

"Even John can't say though," said Doody. "That's just a guesstimate [sic]."

Joe DeFrancesco shared his own feelings on the matter.

"Every time we bring it up, Joanne Wentworth, this person, this person, bring up the senior citizens," said DeFrancesco. "We're not looking at the senior citizens, we're looking at an organization that's giving back to the town. What do the senior citizens do? You're just doing this to help the senior citizens out.

"We're offering you something, we're offering you a service, we're offering open space," he added. "Most towns will welcome us, this town's not welcoming us. I think the town should look at how they spend money. We overspend. Someone's not doing their job right."

"I think we're wasting our time here," DeFrancesco added in reference to the open forum for farmers in November.

Potter responded, "There's some councilmen who say things without having anything to back it up. I'll be polite and not mention any names, but that taints the crowd. We're not stopping, though. We're not throwing anything away. If things improve, we'll try again. I don't see why we should just give up."

The commission briefly deviated off topic to discuss candidly the issues of out-of-town children being educated on their tax dollars as well illegal immigrants. Dudley Harrison commended the work of legal immigrants, but suggested the issue of immigrants working illegally in town is a major problem for the town's tax payers. DeFrancesco stated that the issue is more of a state problem than a town problem.

Desctructive Youth

DeFrancesco and Gerald Adinolfi discussed the issue of kids riding through their open land on quads and destroying their plants and crops. Despite clearly visible warning signs reading "No Trespassing," the farmers say the destruction continues.

"They buy them these vehicles and they go hog wild," said Adinolfi. "There's no responsibility bringing the trash out or hanging the clothes, there's no structure for these kids. Some type of a sting setup has to be set up, something needs to be done. Someone undercover should be on quads, mingle with these people, find out where these kids live and make an example of them. Make the parents look like fools."

The commission revisited the issue of the abatement, lamenting the major blow to their crops with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

"Thousands and thousands of acres of corn on the coast were ruined due to flooding," said DeFrancesco. "Half of what we're picking isn't staying–the crops are rotting on us, everything's down. The farm is going to be done an extra month early this year because nothing's left."

"But make sure you pay your taxes, Joe," quipped Harrison.

"What if I can't afford to?" responded DeFrancesco seriously.

Augur Barn Update

While Augur Barn didn't lose a single pane of glass during Hurricane Irene, Potter said there are some major electrical issues on site. Potter said electrician Michael Robin will donate his time and has estimated it will cost $5,000 at most to bring the building up to code.

"Insulation is falling off the service cable," said Potter. "Now that that metal roof's there, it could electrify the whole roof."

Pertinent information will be forwarded to the Town Council in order to investigate potential state funding.

"You've got an insurance liability right there. We need to make it safe," said Potter. "It's a public building that's not up to public code."

Doody said, "There is a plan. The town has money, it just hasn't been thrown in certain directions."

When DeFrancesco suggested that the power be turned off immediately due to the dangers of exposed wire, Candelora was asked his opinion on the matter.

"If it's unsafe, there's liability there. I don't foresee it being a big problem, but I think it should be addressed," said Candelora. "You can't have exposed wire. The whole investment could go up in flames. This should be addressed immediately or shut down if it could cause a fire."