ICC asks Stonington selectmen for a one-year extension on gym acquisition amid COVID uncertainty

Phil Elkin, chair of the ICC board, told the Stonington Selectmen the volunteer-run group that manages the ICC needs more time to complete an acquisition of a gym building and its site.

"It had been 18 years they had existed and accomplished many things...they were not able at this time to take possession of the building and land this year," Elkin said, asking the board for another year to "figure out next steps, finances, work associated with acquisition like surveying, etc." (TM packet).

Town Manager Kathleen Billings-Pezaris told the board the ICC is discussing adding staff positions — for example a development person to pursue grants and fundraising — and that the nonprofit's operating and capital needs could expand. "With the current discussion of adding positions such as a development person...their budget could be around $500,000 including funds raised to support the capital building needs," the manager said.

Selectman Evelyn Duncan asked for more financial detail before the board commits. The Selectmen agreed to reconvene on the request after ICC provides more complete financials and the town reviews the current rental agreement to determine whether an extension is needed and whether a Town Meeting vote will be required.

Why it matters: the ICC operates community programs and events in downtown Stonington. Transferring a building and land to a nonprofit is a multi-step process that can create long-term obligations for the town and affect future annual meeting warrants if capital funds or easements are needed.

What’s next: the board directed staff to obtain the ICC's financial statements and the rental agreement details; Selectmen will meet again to decide whether to grant a one-year extension or to require more formal action at a town meeting. No formal transfer or new appropriation was approved at this meeting.