The Wethersfield Town Council held a meeting on June 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of Wethersfield High School.
Present: Councilors Adil, Cascio, Drake, Forrest, Kotkin, Walsh, Deputy Mayor Fortunato (7:50 p.m.) and Chairperson Morin.
Absent: Councilor Kirsche.
Also present: Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, and Dolores G. Sassano, Town Clerk.
All stood for the pledge of allegiance to the flag which was led by Councilor Forrest.
Town Planner Peter Gillespie gave a presentation of the May, 2006 Economic Development Report which included the following:
Mr. Gillespie announced that the Silas Deane Highway Revitalization Committee has received another $500,000 of STEAP funding. He said that the Town Engineer has prepared an RFP for the Church Street intersection as detailed in the Fuss and O'Neill plan with a deadline of June 15. He also announced that the EDIC will be hosting a breakfast seminar on June 14 to discuss business assistance programs. Mr. Gillespie reported that the Tourism Commission has run a series of radio spots on NPR during May, and the Commission presented Wethersfield's visitation opportunities last week when over 250 people were in attendance at the Hartford Convention Center for the Business Expo.
Councilor Adil commended Mr. Gillespie on the display board announcing upcoming events and congratulated him on receipt of the Phase 2 STEAP funding. He said that $500,000 is nice; however it will only go so far on the Silas Deane Highway.
Councilor Cascio thanked Mr. Gillespie for all the work he does and questioned the approval of floor space for a retail dance and exercise clothing store at 401 Silas Deane Highway to be sure there would be enough parking spaces for a new business. Mr. Gillespie explained that there is a dance studio already at this location and customers call and come in to see clothing products.
Councilor Kotkin asked how big the property at 1912 Berlin Turnpike is and if it will be able to support an office building Mr. Gillespie stated that the property is not big and there are environmental issues still to address. Mr. Gillespie stated that there is a traffic issue and he will be getting the State involved to take a hard look at it. He said that the other building on the site is on the Town's Blight List and the owner has spoken of potential development; however as of now, there has been no actual conversation on plans.
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING TAX FIXING AGREEMENTS TO ACCOMMODATE PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE AUTHORIZATION AND SUBMISSION OF A GRANT FROM THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND YOUTH SERVICES AND THE AWARD OF FUNDS FROM THE GRANT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND YOUTH SERVICES
ORDINANCE OF THE REVISED CHARTER AND CODE OF WETHERSFIELD EXEMPTING SOLAR ENERGY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS FROM TAX ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION FOR FIFTEEN YEARS
Carter Flynn, 19 Nathaniel Drive, stated that he has a 7-year-old child with cerebral palsy and he built his home with his child in mind and his taxes were raised. He said that the Town needs to take a serious look at how this affects the residents in Town. He said that at the current tax rate, residents will be forced out of their homes.
Najib Habesch, 101 Highland Street, commented that Councilor Kirsche has kept him informed and thinks there is a question as to whether this will be retroactive. He thinks there should be property tax relief for people who already have made changes to their property, and that the relief should be calculated on square footage.
No one else wished to speak and the Chairperson declared the Hearing segment closed.
Don Griswold, 91 Gooseberry Hill, reported that $14,000 has been raised to date, including donations from several businesses, for the Wethersfield Dog Park. He announced that "Paws for the Park", the first annual Dog Walk and Expo, will be held on June 11 from 10-3 at Cove Park. Mr. Griswold said that there will be representation from radio station 105.9, and numerous vendors and non-profit organizations. He invited all to attend to show support for the Dog Park.
Lee Sekas, 117 Wells Road, commented on the right to vote and that there should be one polling place just for the residents of Fuller Housing. He said that he supports the ordinance providing tax relief for the handicapped.
Joe Surwill, 100 Goodwin Park Road, commented that the lawn of the right of way in his area is not being mowed. He said that up until last year Hartford has been mowing it, but is no longer doing this. Mr. Surwill commented on the existing bus issue along Goodwin Park Road and that cars are traveling too fast in the area as well. He asked if the Council could possibly do something to rectify this.
No one else wished to speak and the Chairperson declared the General Comments segment closed.
Councilor Kotkin reported that he attended the recent Youth Advisory Board meeting, the last until September, and that they will be participating in the Social and Youth Services review.
Councilor Cascio announced that Channel 14 will be holding their grand opening at the Community Center on June 14, and that there will be an open house on June 21. He stated that the Annual Chamber of Commerce Meeting will include a stroll through Old Wethersfield. Councilor Cascio reported that the Memorial Day Parade was a wonderful event and a nice way to honor veterans who lost their lives. He said that Alan Wamester was the Parade Marshal and Doug Shipman was the main speaker, and thanked Kathy Bagley and Sal Cucia for their continued support.
Councilor Cascio asked for an update of the bus issue on Goodwin Road. Town Manager Therrien said she has been working on this for three years. She said that the State Department of Labor has been repaved and not appropriate for heavy busses, and that the turnaround area also creates safety issues. The Town Manager stated that the next step is to stop the run which will inconvenience a lot of people using the line.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato arrived at the meeting at this time (7:50 p.m.).
Councilor Adil commented that prior to this regular meeting, a joint meeting with the EDIC was held to discuss the proposed ordinance for the establishment of a Redevelopment Agency. He said that this will hopefully move forward to help Wethersfield act as a real "player" in developing new things in Town. He said that the Council needs to hear what residents want done and that they need to support local businesses.
Chairperson Morin announced a number of community events and also that residents should call the Town's Physical Services Department by June 9 to report any curb or snow shelf damage. Chairperson Morin pointed out that Rocky Hill has also received $500,000 from the STEAP grant and that combined with Wethersfield's $500,000 provides for $1 million for Silas Deane Highway improvements. He thanked the Town Manager and her staff for putting this together.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the second phase will include actual improvements to the corners of Church Street, Nott Street, and Wells Road, and sections of the Silas Deane Highway. She said that she is eager to get a shovel into the ground.
Councilor Adil moved "TO ADOPT THE PROVISIONS OF CGS 12-65g AND TO ENCOURAGE MODIFICATIONS OR OWNER OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO ACCOMMODATE PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS", seconded by Councilor Cascio.
Councilor Adil asked the Town Manager if this could be brought before the Budget and Finance Committee to address the retroactive issue. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that there are State legal issues that prohibit this from going retroactive. Councilor Adil suggested that the term "legal guardian" be added to the wording in the ordinance. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that the provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes are referenced. Councilor Drake commented in the absence of Councilor Kirsche that he didn't see it in the statute and the manager said it was in the Connecticut General Statutes.
Councilor Forrest stated that rather than limiting the ordinance to owners or legal guardians, it should be extended to anyone making improvements. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that the property must be an owner occupied dwelling, or a commercial property of two or three families. She said that it cannot be retroactive and to change or to expand it would require more research and a new public hearing.
Town Assessor Jan Neumuth stated that this is a local ordinance and will affect the next grand list. It cannot touch the 2005 list as the ordinance is not in effect yet.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato asked if the renovations have to conform to State Building Codes and ADA restrictions. She said that she understands the spirit of the ordinance as written. Lastly, Deputy Mayor Fortunato thought Councilor Kirsche was concerned about the family and community needs, not about non-profit business opportunities. It is about individual homeowners and is not intended for economic development.
Councilor Kotkin said that the ordinance encourages development in Town and helps residents; however, after 5 years there is no additional benefit for owners. He stated that he supports the ordinance as written.
Councilor Cascio asked about using the term "legal guardian" and asked if the Town has flexibility with the term "owner occupied".
Deputy Mayor Fortunato stated that the spirit of the law provided more definitive answers.
Councilor Cascio commented that he'd like to be sure the Town will be flexible in the ownership issue.
Chairperson Morin stated that the ordinance represents a spirit of help to be given to Wethersfield residents, which is why he supports the ordinance.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin moved "TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION REGARDING THE AUTHORIZATION AND SUBMISSION OF A GRANT FROM THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND YOUTH SERVICES AND THE AWARD OF FUNDS FROM THE GRANT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND YOUTH SERVICES", seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that this is a yearly grant that needs to be approved by the Council, and that this year's amount is $21,596.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Adil moved "TO ACCEPT THE ORDINANCE OF THE REVISED CHARTER AND CODE OF WETHERSFIELD EXEMPTING SOLAR ENERGY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS FROM TAX ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION FOR FIFTEEN YEARS ", seconded by Councilor Forrest.
The Town Manager explained that the previous ordinance had to be exercised by citizens after 1977 and before 1991 and has expired. She said that the new ordinance references Connecticut General Statutes § 16-1 (26 ). There were approximately forty residents who took advantage of the exemption.
Councilor Drake asked if this will be a tax credit or an exemption and was told that it will be an exemption.
Councilor Adil stated that this is another way of allowing people to make use of alternative energy.
Councilor Forrest said that he supports the motion in that it is a great start.
Councilor Walsh stated that he supports the motion and spoke of fossil fuels, and cells. He said that he advocates the use of alternate energy sources at local levels.
Chairperson Morin stated that he fully supports the motion.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
None.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that Councilor Drake has requested that Town staff and she provide information on the legal implications and financial impact of providing a limitation on future tax increases for Wethersfield senior citizens.
Councilor Drake thanked the Town Manager for bringing this back and said that he would like to see it go forward. He said that the Statutes indicate that this can be done. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien stated that the Statute states that a Citizen Study Committee has to be convened in order to do this. She also stated the staff had to make a lot of assumptions, since there are no actual numbers.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato commented that it would be appropriate to send this to the Budget and Finance Committee for review for discussion and analysis since they are already looking into it.
Councilor Drake stated that he doesn't want this to be budget driven, but rather a thoughtful process that includes everyone to move it forward.
Town Assessor Jan Neumuth provided information to the Council on the Local Option Elderly Resolution to Cap Tax Increase at 2% annually, with no Income Parameters, and Wethersfield Residency for a certain length of time. Her handouts are included in the addendum to these minutes. Ms. Neumuth stated that 10 out of 27 Towns in Connecticut do not offer a Local Option, and that Wethersfield is generous in the Tax Credits offered through the existing program. She provided data on existing programs and two different scenarios, emphasizing the tax loss of 98% total individual-over-65 taxes to be paid by the rest of the Wethersfield population. The hand outs distributed to Council members provided an emphasis on requirements of Statute for Income Level, and Study Committee if the current Ordinance is substantially changed. The information provided an emphasis on the comparison of Wethersfield with other Hartford county towns, with an explanation of current programs and two different scenarios created by Ms. Neumuth to illustrate Tax Loss. Ms. Neumuth answered questions from Council members regarding retroactive granting of Local Exemption for Improvements for Disabled, stating that the Statute does not allow for a retroactive exemption.
Councilor Drake said that the intent of the proposed ordinance is to provide the owner with an idea so they may plan. He said that if the ordinance allows for $1,700 for a household with income over $65,000 and people are living off their savings, they need to plan for the future.
Ms. Neumuth stated that she is unsure if the Town can legally base the tax freeze on age or income.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato verified that this will be optional for certain households of residents sixty-five and older who satisfy the income eligibility. Ms. Neumuth stated that that's how it is done. Deputy Mayor Fortunato said that she is confused and asked if Councilor Drake intent is to give a tax break to everyone over sixty-five. She said that she would rather see that the tax relief is offered due to disability or economic hardship and asked if this can be provided for in the budget.
Chairperson Morin said that Councilor Drake has put in a lot of time in asking for this and he said that the Ad Hoc committee will be able to address certain items and answer questions.
Councilor Drake said that this is not an easy thing to accomplish, since this is new. He does not want to rush to judgment, but rather have the process thought out carefully by the Council. Councilor Drake said that he does not know how it would work, or even if it could work, but he does want to find out.
Councilor Forrest said that the concept proposed is nebulous and that there needs to be age and residency requirements. He asked if the tax freeze will be a needs-based program.
Councilor Drake said that the problem already exists. He said that he doesn't want to see people have to leave their homes.
Councilor Cascio moved "TO REFER THE ELDERLY TAX FREEZE TO THE BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER STUDY", seconded by Deputy Mayor Fortunato.
Councilor Adil stated that he supports the motion; however he questions the long process and said that it needs thoughtful review. He said that he'd like to see Councilor Drake included on the Citizen Study Committee.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato said that she wants to see people able to remain in their homes.
Councilor Forrest said that he supports the motion.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin left the meeting at this time.
Councilor Adil moved "TO APPROVE THE ATTACHED SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AS PROPOSED BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION", seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the Economic Development and Improvement Commission (EDIC) has developed a no interest loan/grant program for façade improvements/beautification of businesses along the Silas Deane Highway. She said that the program will utilize $200,000 of funds from the State of Connecticut STEAP Grant received by the Town.
Councilor Adil asked about the details of the loans regarding construction. The Town Manager answered that business owners/people front the money and the Town reimburses once the Design Review Committee looks over the plans.
Mr. Gillespie stated that the design concept also goes to the EDIC for review. He said that the Town might not even give out funding for the next ten years. He explained that the loan is amortized/reduced 10% over a ten year period with the remaining balance forgiven after ten years.
Councilor Forrest expressed concerns about the funding being distributed and then the improvements not taking place. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the funding is given out as a reimbursement once the improvements have been made. Mr. Gillespie said that there are checks and balances in place which include an inspector reviewing the completed site and not issuing a check until the improvements are approved.
Councilor Adil addressed the amortization schedule and asked if the funding gets put back into the pool if the owner sells the property after only five years. He said that $200,000 broken into five projects is $40,000 each and that the Town may not even get into this situation.
Councilor Adil moved "TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE CONTINGENCY UPON STATE APPROVAL", seconded by Councilor Walsh. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion to amend passed 7-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin returned to the meeting at this time.
Councilor Kotkin expressed concern that the owner could possibly shut down in three years and asked if there will always be collateral provided. Mr. Gillespie said that there will be.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The amended motion passed 8-0-0.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the Board of Education has reviewed and approved the lighting plan for Cottone Field and that the next step in the process is to refer the plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission for an §8-24 review. She said that the lighting vendor will make a presentation before Council when the §8-24 report is received from P&Z, and then if the Council approves the installation, an application will need to be submitted to P&Z for a special permit which will include a public hearing.
Councilor Drake asked when in the process the Council discusses who will pay for the lights. He asked if this will be part of next year's budget. He said that this facility provide limited use for some people in Town.
Chairperson Morin said that neither the soccer nor softball leagues pay for field lighting. He said that he understands that the sports leagues will pay for installation, but not for use.
Councilor Drake asked when the sports leagues will stop the bleeding.
Chairperson Morin said that the issue will come back to the Council again.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO REFER THE PROPOSED LIGHTING PLAN FOR COTTONE FIELD TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A REVIEW AND REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH §8-24 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES", seconded by Councilor Cascio. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Adil moved "TO AWARD A TAX INCENTIVE TO THE EXPRESS DENTAL LAB OF 286 SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY BY REDUCING THE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PERSONAL PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE BY 50% FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS", seconded by Councilor Cascio.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the Town has received its first application for a tax incentive and the Town Planner/Economic Development Director, the Tax Assessor, the EDIC, and she have all reviewed the request and support it. She said that the applicant had requested a reduction for three years; however based on the evaluation she recommends that the Town award a tax incentive to the Express Dental Lab by reducing the assessment of the improvements to the personal property and real estate by 50% for a period of two years. The Town Manager stated that this will result in an estimated tax reduction of $1,010 for the business each year for two years.
Councilor Adil stated that the improvements to the property themselves will provide an increase in taxes for the Town each year.
Councilor Kotkin questioned whether Express Lab Service had been previous located in Wethersfield and the Town Manager said that it hasn't. Councilor Kotkin stated that they are a frequent sponsor of Town events even though not located in Town and he is happy that Mr.Kupper has decided to relocate to Wethersfield.
Chairperson Morin said he is supportive of the use of this plan since Mr. Kupper is very active in Town events and he is a resident of Wethersfield. Chairperson Morin said that he is pleased that Mr. Kupper is relocating his business to Wethersfield.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato moved "TO TRANSFER $2,900 FROM CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT T1910900 5250 TO ENGINEERING ACCOUNT NUMBER T1511511 5275", seconded by Deputy Mayor Fortunato.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that in June, 2004 the Council approved the payment of $33,100 to the State of Connecticut for delays caused by the Town on the Nott Street project as a result of the decision making process regarding blasting. She said that the Town has received the demand notice for payment from the State in the amount of $35,000 and the Town Attorney has advised that payment be made. The Town Manager said that in order to meet the payment, the Council needs to authorize a transfer of $2,900 from Contingency.
Councilor Drake asked the Town Manager how she will make sure the State has completed the project. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that her last correspondence was sent to the Attorney General.
Councilor Cascio commented that next time Wethersfield enters into an agreement with the State, the contract should include wording for the Town to hold 10% for unfinished items on a project punch list. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that since this was a blasting zone, the project took longer to be sure it was done correctly. Councilor Cascio said that he cannot support the motion.
Councilor Adil asked what items are on the punch list and the Town Manager said all of the punch list still needs to be completed. She said that the State has been trying to get General Paving to do the work and the landscaping was to be done last week.
Councilor Drake asked if the issue of not paying the bill has gone to the Attorney General. The Town Manager said that the State will sue the Town and the Town will end up paying anyway.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato asked if this will jeopardize future grants and projects if the Town does not pay, and the Town Manager said that she does not know.
Councilor Forrest asked what will be the Town's recourse. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that the Town hasn't signed contracts with contractors, but rather with the State. She said that she keeps writing to State Representatives and State Senators. Councilor Forrest said that he'd like to have the Attorney General look at this and the Town Manager said that she would let them know.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. Councilor Cascio voted NAY. The motion passed 7-1-0.
Councilor Adil moved "TO AWARD THE BID FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE STANDISH HOUSE ROOF TO EAGLE RIVET ROOF SERVICES AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $56,610 AND TO TRANSFER $21,610 FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT NUMBER 407-5700 TO THE STANDISH HOUSE ROOF PROJECT ACCOUNT NUMBER 303-5435-13587", seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that despite distributing nineteen bid notices and nine prospective vendors picking up bid packages, the Town received only one bid for the replacement of the Standish House roof. She said that the bid is $21,610 higher than the amount budgeted; therefore the Council will need to approve the transfer of this amount from the Capital Reserve to complete the work. She said that the roof will be replaced with what is currently there; otherwise other material would have to be approved by the Historic District Commission.
Councilor Adil said that he is concerned with the restrictions of the Historic District Commission and stated that there are good roofing substitutes on the market.
Councilor Cascio asked if the bid description included the elimination of damage to the inside of the building and if this will be an additional cost. The Town Manager said that staff from Physical Services has looked at the interior and reported that it looks okay, but if there is further damage, the Town may have structural costs.
Councilor Forrest asked why the bid is so much higher than the budgeted amount and the Town Manager said that last time there were no bids at all. Councilor Forrest stated that the roof is in extremely bad shape and the repair will probably be a two year process. He said that he would like the roof done and completed; therefore he supports the motion.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato asked if it was the CIP Committee who got up on the roof and performed a thorough inspection. She said that this will be a complex repair as she is under the impression that it will require sub-roofing as well as roofing. Deputy Mayor Fortunato said that the repaired roof will provide for much better heating of the building.
Councilor Cascio asked if partial payment is held back to insure that any issues on a punch list are completed and the Town Manager said that it is.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato moved "TO WAIVE THE BID PROCESS FOR THE VOICE AND DATA CABLING IN THE LIBRARY AND TO AWARD THE CONTRACT TO AT&T IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,047", seconded by Councilor Adil.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that staff is recommending that the Town contract with AT&T for cabling for computers and phones in the Library since they are the current phone vendor. She said that having one vendor responsible for both the wiring and the phone system will simplify the maintenance and repair process, and that the Council needs to authorize waiving the bid process and awarding the contract to AT&T.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato stated that the Library is happy with this decision.
Chairperson Morin asked what the original estimate was and the budgeted amount. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that the amount was $30,000-$32,000.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
None.
Councilor Adil moved "TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE BUDGET WORKHOP MEETING OF MAY 2, 2006", seconded by Councilor Kotkin. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato moved "TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING OF MAY 10, 2006", seconded by Councilor Kotkin.
Councilor Walsh amended page 13613 to indicate that while he agreed with Councilor Cascio on the value of public education, he supported the proposal of teacher leaders.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed as amended 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 15, 2006", seconded by Deputy Mayor Fortunato. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
At 9:05 p.m., Councilor Adil moved "TO ADJOURN THE MEETING" seconded by Councilor Kotkin. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Dolores G. Sassano
Town Clerk
Approved by vote of Council July 17, 2006