Government Administration and Elections Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6678
AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONVEYANCE OF A PARCEL OF STATE LAND
Title: IN THE TOWN OF WOLCOTT.
Vote Date: 5/19/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 5/14/2021
File No.: 759
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Government Administration and Elections Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill was raised to convey a parcel of state land from the Department of Transportation to
Daniel Wallas for $6,000 plus the administrative costs of making such conveyance. The
substitute language changes the sale to the Town of Wolcott at a cost equal to fair market
value plus the administrative costs. The Town of Wolcott shall use the parcel of land to
provide an abutting landowner with access to that landowner's land. If the town does not use
the land for this purpose, the parcel shall revert to the state of Connecticut.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Joseph Giulietti, Commissioner, Department of Transportation: Commissioner Giulietti
stated that DOT is opposed to the conveyance proposed in Raised H.B. 6678. As written, the
bill requires the Department to transfer property to Daniel Wallas for $6,000 plus
administrative costs, which is less than the fair market value of the property. The CTDOT had
been approached by Mr. Wallas about purchasing the land and CTDOT approved the plan.
However, the CTDOT's appraisal report, in accordance with CGS 13a-80, and Mr. Wallas'
appraisal report showed a significant value discrepancy - $27,000 vs. $7,000-$11,000. Mr.
Wallas offered to pay $15,000 for the property, however, the Department did not believe that
it could support this value to the Office of Policy and Management and the State Property
Review Board as required by statute. As such, negotiations failed, and Mr. Wallas decided to
enter into a lease agreement for the property and currently pays $245.00 per month in rent.
CTDOT believes this property transaction should not circumvent the fair market value
requirements prescribed under CGS 13a-80.
Melissa McCaw, Secretary, Office of Policy and Management: Secretary McCaw stated
that OPM is opposed to this bill. Any property conveyed to a private party with no conditions,
should be for fair market value. The stated consideration is $6,000.00, while DOT has
appraised the property for $27,000.00.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Daniel Wallas, resident, town of Wolcott: Mr. Wallas testified in support of the land
conveyance at the cost of $6,000. The piece of land in question had been thought to be part
of his property and had previously been taxed by the town as part of his property. When the
land was surveyed, it was discovered to the three pieces of property, including the .21 acres
owned by the state. He is currently on a month-to-month lease so that he can have access to
his property through the state-owned land, after his appraisal done by a certified appraiser
was rejected by the state.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed
Reported by: Erica Byrne Date: 5-19-21
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