Several changes to the funding for renovations at Stratford High School are likely headed to a public hearing.
The Town Council voted Monday to refer to the Ordinance Committee an authorization for $65 million in bonds to cover costs of the the SHS renovation project. It also approved changing the original renovation appropriation ordinance to reflect the new proposed cost of $103.3 million.
Both measures will be referred to a public hearing.
An ordinance passed in 2011 appropriated up to $56 million for a Stratford High renovation, but the SHS renovation subcommittee has since expanded the scope of the project.
Last month, the Town Council approved having the SHS subcommittee seek a higher grant total for the project as well as the renovate-as-new option. Town officials expect to receive about 50% in state reimbursement for the school’s renovation.
The council also voted to approve an additional $29,000 for the town’s contract with Antinozzi Associates in order for the town to get updated flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
While the vote to have Stratford join the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority is over, speakers at Monday’s public comment period suggested the council members reconsider their votes.
Mark Dumas said that while regionalization done well can be in the best interest of town, “I don’t believe this transaction is in the best interest of the town.” Dumas added that Stratford could have negotiated a much better deal and gotten more from the GNHWPCA than it received, including an extra seat on the regional authority’s board of directors.
Terry Masters said the deal was “not a good deal for Stratford.” She also said the town has time to rectify “a very grave mistake.”
At the start of its regular meeting, the Town Council honored the Bunnell High School boys basketball team, which won the state Class L championship last month. Mayor John Harkins and Council Chairman Joe Kubic posed for pictures with players, staff and coach Pat Yerina.
