ICC board asks Stonington for another year to complete gym acquisition amid COVID disruptions

Phil Elkin, speaking for the ICC board, told the Selectmen the volunteer-run organization has been active for 18 years and had to slow plans because of the pandemic. He asked the board for a one-year extension to complete necessary steps—surveying, fundraising and finalizing finances—before taking possession of the gym building and associated land.

Town Manager Kathleen Billings-Pezaris told the Selectmen the ICC has discussed hiring development staff to pursue grants and fundraising; the TM said a rough budget that included staff and capital needs could approach $500,000. "They asked for another year extension to figure out next steps, finances, work associated with acquisition like surveying, etc.," the minutes state.

Selectmen said they would reconvene after reviewing the ICC's financial statements and the rental agreement to determine whether an extension could be approved administratively or whether the issue needed a vote at a town meeting.

No extension was approved that night; the board requested a more detailed financial submission from ICC and legal review of transfer terms before taking action.