REVENUE BOARD MAKES RECS
The New London Municipal Revenue Board has submitted a list of recommendations designed to help the city generate revenue. Board member Marcus Fisk says the city could start a Residential Rental Licensing Program, which would set fees for two-and three-family non-owner-occupied homes, along with homes with four or more units. Fisk believes the city could generate almost 300-thousand dollars a year from rental licenses. The group also suggested the city create its own traffic court and install speed-limit cameras. On top of that, board members say it’s important for New London officials to push legislation in Hartford that would allow the city to tax non-profit organizations. Negotiations for a possible yearly payment in lieu of taxes from Connecticut College and Lawrence and Memorial Hospital are ongoing.
OSTEN CONFIDENT IN CASINO BILL’S FAILURE
Sprague State Sen. Cathy Osten said Monday she’s confident a House-passed bill that could lead to a commercial casino elsewhere in the state will fail to win Senate approval. And with the end of the legislative session, expected by midnight Wednesday, its uncertain whether the Senate will even vote on the bill.
MURDER CONVICTION OVERTURNED
The state Appellate Court has overturned the murder conviction of Kurtis Turner, and has ordered a new trial after determining he was deprived of his rights at his 2009 trial. Turner is serving a 60-year sentence for fatally shooting Vernell “Tanko” Marshall outside the former Ernie’s Cafe in New London in 2007. The key piece of evidence was a surveillance videotape showing Turner and his accomplices walking in and out of the bar several times. The last time Turner walked out, he was seen taking something from his waistband before Marshall fell to the ground.
DEATH THREAT IN HOME INVASION
A Killingly woman is facing multiple charges after police said she broke into a home in Killingly on Sunday, damaged property and made death threats. Resident troopers say Kristy Phillips fled the scene prior to their arrival. Phillips was later located at her Killingly home. She is charged with home invasion, third-degree assault and second-degree threatening among other charges. Phillips is being held on $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Danielson Superior Court yesterday.
SCHOOL BUDGET REFERENDUM TODAY
A referendum on the 2018-19 Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education budget is scheduled until 8 p.m. today. Old Lyme voters can vote at the Cross Lane Fire House, while Lyme voters can vote at Lyme Town Hall at 480 Hamburg Road. Residents are voting in regards to the proposed budget of just under $34.3 million, 1.97 percent more than the current spending plan.
