The Wethersfield Town Council held a meeting on October 16, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Silas Deane Middle School.
Present: Councilors Adil, Drake, Forrest, Kirsche, Kotkin, Walsh, Deputy Mayor Fortunato and Chairperson Morin.
Absent: Councilor Cascio.
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 Deputy Mayor Fortunato.
Chairperson Morin presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Charlie and Barbara Ford upon their retirement after spending thirty years of service to Wethersfield as owners of the House of Images Frame Shop and Gallery and being a vital component in the growth of tourism and shopping on Main Street in Old Wethersfield.
Mr. Ford thanked the Council for the recognition and stated that he and his wife have a long history with Wethersfield. He said that through their business they have met a lot of people and have made many friends through the years, making their time in Wethersfield very fruitful, pleasant and positive. Because of this, Mr. Ford said that they have found it important to give back to the community. Mrs. Ford commented that in her thirty-two years in Wethersfield she has met many creative and accomplished people and feels that she is a small cog in the big wheel that makes Wethersfield work.
Chairperson Morin spoke of Councilor Adil as a good friend to Wethersfield and a dedicated public servant who has served on the Town Council for five years. He presented Councilor Adil with a Town Chair in appreciation of his service in an unselfish, volunteer capacity.
Councilor Adil thanked everyone for the recognition and thanked his family for their support. He also thanked those with whom he's served on the Council in their combined efforts for Wethersfield.
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George Clark, 286 Fox Hill Road, commented about a tree that recently blew over onto his property from the property next to his, which he believes is Town property in Pyquaug Village. He said that he would like to bring the fallen limbs to the road so that the Town can pick them up. He said that he has spoken with the Town Manager, Deputy Mayor Fortunato, and the Town Engineer requesting help in removing the cut up limbs. Mr. Clark said that he has also called the attorney who handles Willow Run and Pyquaug Village, and received a phone message back from him stating that he is only a statutory agent of that entity, doesn't know if the entity still exists or who the principals are. The Attorney also stated that he has the power to receive process against the entity. Mr. Clark stated that he is willing to do his part in having the limbs out to the road in a timely manner. Chairperson Morin informed Mr. Clark that the Deputy Mayor has brought this to both his and the Town Manager's attention. He said that there have been a couple of issues with the organizations mentioned that have been addressed in Executive Session. Chairperson Morin asked the Town Manager to continue to address the issue by attempting to contact the appropriate parties. He told Mr. Clark that he can expect to receive a call tomorrow regarding this. Mr. Clark said that the Town needs to bite the bullet and make a decision on what's to happen with Pyquaug Village.
Trudy Gale, 32 Westlook Road, invited all members of the Dog Park Committee in attendance to stand and be recognized. She said it has been twelve months since the Council was approached with the idea of a Dog Park for Wethersfield and the Dog Park Committee wished to extend their gratitude and appreciation to all who made the Dog Park at Millwoods a reality and a success. Those thanked were the Wethersfield Park Advisory Board, the Millwoods Park Committee, the Town Council, Planning and Zoning, the Shade Tree Commission, the Inland Wetlands Commission, the staff of the Engineering, Physical Service, Town Clerk, Information and Technology Departments, Kathy Bagley and the entire Parks & Recreation Department staff, the Town Manager, Mayor Morin, the Animal Control Officer and the Wethersfield Police Department.
Robert Young, 20 Coppermill Road, commented on the recent presentation from a representative of the MDC regarding the upcoming referendum. Mr. Young said that it is pathetic that it will take approximately ten years to clean up Wethersfield Cove at a cost of $1.6 billion. He said that it is unfortunate that the citizens who had taken up this issue hadn't gone forward with their lawsuit to force the MDC to perform their duty; since he believes that action would have occurred much sooner at a lower cost. Mr. Young said that he doesn't understand how the MDC has been allowed to get away with such negligence over such a long period of time, and it is a disgrace that the MDC Commissioners have totally neglected their duties. Mr. Young said that if the referendum doesn't pass, at least the government will step in and force a clean up project. Mr. Young commented that he was excited to hear State Representative candidate Donna Hemmann's comments recently on Channel 14 regarding her ideas to reduce taxes. He said that the "give-away" programs must be reduced in order to get back in balance. Mr. Young voiced his support for Ms. Hemmann. Mr. Young said that his taxes have increased by 40% since Chairperson Morin has been Mayor and he cannot vote for him.
Cathy Boyes, 20 Westlook Road, thanked all involved for their support and efforts in bringing to fruition the Wethersfield Dog Park. Ms. Base reminded all residents to vote in the upcoming election.
No one else wished to speak and the Chairperson declared the Public Comment segment closed.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato reported that at a meeting of the Infrastructure Committee earlier this evening, the sidewalk repairs along Ridge Road, drainage improvements to Cloverdale pond, and wayfaring signs were discussed. She said that she attended the recent meeting of the Friends of the Library and informed the Council that the Library retreat will be held on November 16.
Councilor Adil reported that he attended the recent Budget, Finance & Personnel Committee meeting where it was recommended that the Town Council introduce a resolution establishing a salary range for the Town Clerk's position. He said that Councilor Drake's proposal for a cap on taxes for Seniors in Wethersfield was also discussed and the Committee requested more information from the Town Assessor including the current program and the impact that cap changes would have.
Councilor Kotkin reported that he attended the recent Youth Advisory Board meeting where it was reported that the current Crossroads Program is fully enrolled, and that the Board is looking for way to increase participation this year in the "Glass Slipper" project which provides free prom dresses to girls in Town who can't afford them. Councilor Kotkin said that the Board is looking to partner with Rocky Hill to bring in a speaker to enlighten students about the perils of drunk driving. Councilor Kotkin, as Council representative to the Board of Education negotiations, announced that the negotiations will begin shortly and hopes that by early next year he'll be able to report back to the Council on this.
Councilor Forrest congratulated Councilor Adil on his receipt of a Town Chair for his years of service to the Town. He also congratulated the members of the Dog Park Committee on the success of their venture.
Councilor Kotkin congratulated the members of the Dog Park Committee. He commented on the recent approval by State Legislators of a 4120 total watt generator at the Hess Corporation. He asked the Town Manager if this is for oil tanks on the river and if she would provide an explanation of what this means for Wethersfield, especially regarding potential additional tax revenue. The Town Manager explained that additional taxes of $18,000-$20,000 are being projected at this time on personal property that will depreciate each year. Councilor Kotkin asked the Town Manager if she has received any new information regarding the proposed project just over the Wethersfield line in Newington. The Town Manager said that the first part of the project which is a four-lot subdivision is still in the approval stage for blasting and also still needs to go through the Inland Wetlands Commission. She said that the second part of the project relates to the Lowe Manufacturing site, where there the proposal includes a hotel, gas station, and restaurant, and the public hearing on that has been closed and P&Z has until December 1 to act on it. She said that she will continue to monitor the projects and will work with the Fire Marshal to discuss possible blasting on the site.
Chairperson Morin commented that he received a letter from Annette Cooper, 324 Brimfield Road, which expressed her concerns over the lack of adequate services at the Wethersfield Senior Center, stating that the Senior Center is an important part of the community. Chairperson Morin suggested that Ms. Cooper and others with similar concerns speak with the appropriate Department Head to offer their suggestions for the Senior Center, so that these suggestions can be brought forward during budget deliberations. Chairperson Morin announced that the temporary library is open as of this morning, and that the hours are the same as they have always been. Chairperson Morin reminded voters that there are two referendum questions appearing on the November 7 ballot and that the Town will be making available explanatory texts for each of them. Chairperson Morin announced a number of upcoming community events.
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Councilor Adil moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO SELL A FIRE DEPARTMENT COMPRESSOR AND RELATED FILL EQUIPMENT PER THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION THROUGH SEALED BID", seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the Fire Department has a compressor and related equipment that was used to fill their breathing apparatus. She said that the compressor does not generate sufficient PSI to fill the air bottles of the new Scott air packs; therefore the Department no longer uses the compressor and fill equipment.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE BANK OF AMERICA ON ELECTRONIC PAYMENT PROCESSING PRODUCTS AND PRICING AND TO ENTER INTO THE ASSOCIATED CONTRACTS", seconded by Councilor Kotkin.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien stated that she is very excited about this and has been talking about it since she began working for the Town. She said that there have been many requests from the public for credit card payments and Finance Director Lisa Hancock prepared a request for proposals for electronic payment processing services, receiving responses from four firms that provide the service; and after interviewing two of the four respondents, staff is recommending that negotiations take place with Bank of America. The Town Manager said that the service will start slowly concentrating on the Tax Office and the Parks & Recreation Department.
Chairperson Morin asked if this service has been presented to the Board of Education as well. The Town Manager said that the service will progress slowly, beginning with the Town side.
Finance Director Lisa Hancock introduced Will Noel from Bank of America who provided a brief presentation of the service.
Mr. Noel said that the service will allow the public to make credit card payments with the cardholder paying the associated fees, leaving the Town with a zero cost. Mr. Noel provided an explanation of the steps of the payment system and said that the Town will be able to choose which cards they are willing to accept in the program. He said that the citizen will be able to select a link on the Town's website page which will bring them to a secure site to enter payment information and confirm the convenience fee of approximately 2.75%, will receive transaction results and has the option to print a receipt. Mr. Noel said that one of the advantages of the process is that the citizens will have 24-hour access to payment making.
Councilor Adil commented that this is a great move on the part of the Town and that Parks & Recreation Director Kathy Bagley has been asking for it for a long time. He asked if there is any kind of cap on the convenience fee. Mr. Noel said that the 2.75% is a traditional number and the Town will include in the contract the actual percentage rate for the term of the contract. Councilor Adil commented that the convenience fee could be steep, especially on a substantial tax bill, and could encourage residents to think about paying by check instead of by credit card. Councilor Adil verified that the program will confirm that the correct account numbers have been input by the user, and Mr. Noel said that it will.
Councilor Kirsche confirmed that the motion authorizes the Town Manager to enter into negotiations on a contract that will include what the fees will be and then come back to the Council. The Town Manager said that this can be done, but by passing the motion she knows that she can begin negotiations with Bank of America.
Councilor Walsh asked if the fee is consistent across the board whether the credit, debit, or checking option is utilized and was told by Mr. Noel that it is. Ms. Hancock stated that the Town is looking at different products offered by Bank of America which allow for accepting checks at a different rate than credit or debit cards. She said that this will be negotiated with Bank of America.
Councilor Drake said that he likes the plan, but can't understand why anyone would pay a convenience fee to process a check, and suggested to the Town Manager that she negotiate that the fee not be charged on checks. Mr. Noel explained that there is a convenience with paying by check if a payment is being made at the last minute. Ms. Hancock stated that with any outside service, there will be a fee involved, which has to be paid for either by the Town or passed along to the user of the service. She said that she will look at various alternatives to minimize this.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato commented that she has been waiting for this technology for many years. She said that she looks forward to the convenience of processing registrations on line. She asked what guarantees can be provided regarding the security of the technology and if any additional software or other technology is needed. Ms. Hancock said that security was discussed and all the securities are built in when transferring over to the third party side. Mr. Noel said that Bank of America's security server walls and protocols are beyond reproach and they serve approximately forty million customers with their applications and the same technology will be used to support Wethersfield's program. Deputy Mayor Fortunato asked about how the system will change the way program registrations will be processed; mainly the order in which they will be processed with regard to first-come, first-served, between in-person and on-line registrations. Ms. Bagley said that the Parks & Recreation has begun to look at this and will be further discussing the procedures to be followed by the staff for registrations.
Councilor Kotkin commented that by accepting on-line check payments, the Town gets the money much faster, and allows for less chances of error; however, he feels that the bank's processing cost is probably much less than the 2.75% being charged to the customer/taxpayer. Councilor Kotkin said that he'd hope that the Town could negotiate in the contract that the processing fees would be far less, if not none at all. Ms. Hancock asked Councilor Kotkin if he is requesting that there be no processing fees on credit/debit cards as well, and Councilor Kotkin said that he expects that there will be a processing fee with the use of these cards and that he is really only addressing check payments.
Councilor Forrest asked if the 2.75% is already negotiated with the credit card company; and therefore is not a negotiable part of the contract. Mr. Noel confirmed that this is so. Councilor Forrest asked if the business and personal check fee is negotiable. Mr. Noel said that this is negotiable in the sense that a customer can use a debit card as an alternative to a check transaction; and there are rules set by the Credit Card Association regarding the fluctuation of fees. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that she can negotiate that the fee is charged only on tax payments rather than such items as Parks & Recreation program registration. Councilor Forrest asked what other vendors were considered for this service. Ms. Hancock answered that the vendors who submitted proposals were Banknorth, Sovereign Bank, Official Payments Corporation, and Bank of America. She said that when it came down to looking at the products available as well as the costs involved, Bank of America provided the best package. Councilor Forrest asked how a person will be informed of the 2.75% service fee when paying on-line. Mr. Noel said that the customer will have to confirm the service fee when making payment. Councilor Forrest asked if Councilor Adil's inquiry regarding a cap on the service fee is possible and if this is done by other towns. Mr. Noel said that this is not done by other towns. Councilor Forrest asked if the on-line payment concept has been discussed with the group hired to enhance the Town's website and the Town Manager said that it has not. Councilor Forrest asked if it is the intent of the Council to authorize the Town Manager to negotiate the contract, including the convenience fee, and have her come back to the Council for approval. The Town Manager said that this is the plan.
Chairperson Morin confirmed with the Town Manager that the consensus of the Council is for her to negotiate and come back to the Council with the contract before entering into the actual contract with Bank of America. He said that it appears that there will be one program for tax payments specifically and that other criteria regarding fees may apply to other Departments.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO TRANSFER $40,000 FROM THE RADIO PROJECT UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE TO THE RADIO PROJECT", seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the Town received a grant in the amount of $40,000 which was put into the undesignated fund balance of the Police Station/Town Hall Phase I bond and the Council needs to authorize the transfer.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO REFER THE REQUEST FOR A PROCESSED STONE PARKING EXPANSION AT THE LITTLE RED SCHOOL HOUSE TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A REVIEW AND REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH §8-24 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES", seconded by Councilor Adil.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that she received a request from the President of the Wethersfield Art League requesting approval to expand the parking area at the Little Red School House at 193 Wells Road, and that the cost is estimated to be approximately $8,000. She said that before they can even request this in their budget for next year, an approval needs to take place first. The Town Manager said that the request was denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals in 1996 due to neighbor's concerns and the Art League is bringing the request forward again, but it must first be referred to Planning and Zoning for a report in accordance with §8-24 of the General Statutes.
Councilor Adil asked Wethersfield Art League President Jean Ryan to remind the Council of some of the concerns of the neighbors in 1996. Ms. Ryan read a letter dated October 19, 1996 from George V. Desrosiers which stated that he was concerned that the additional vehicles in the parking lot would "make the location appear more like a business section rather than a residential area", which he feared would reduce the value of his property, as well as possibly causing traffic jams and accidents with cars pulling in and out of the schoolhouse. Ms. Ryan said that, to her knowledge, there have been no accidents reported due to cars pulling out of the schoolhouse onto Wells Road. She said that barely nine cars can fit in the lot currently and she was told by Town Engineer Mike Turner that the additional parking proposal would double the amount. Ms. Ryan said that the building is not currently used for board meetings because the Art League has three handicapped members who cannot get up the stairs. She said that because of the League's increased membership, they have been able to offer more programs. She said that the Art League has provided many services to the Town, including scholarships, street lighting and track lighting through fundraisers. Ms. Ryan said that the 1993 proposal was approved by both the Town Council and the Planning Board, and then the Zoning Board of Appeals rejected it. She said that when the Art League came back with the proposal in 1996, the Town required that the parking area had to be black top rather than processed stone.
Councilor Adil stated that he supports the motion and that he hopes to discuss with Ms. Bagley and others the concern with handicapped accessibility to the building.
Ms. Ryan commented that the cooperation of the Town with the Art League has been absolutely super in so many ways and she thanked all involved.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato asked the Town Manager if the Town has a lease with the Art League for the use of the Little Red Schoolhouse. The Town Manager said that she does not believe that there is a formal lease; however she will check on this. Deputy Mayor Fortunato said that she supports the motion in that she advocates for additional space; however, she suggested to the members in attendance that if the composition of their group is changing, they may want to look into a different meeting space, since the Little Red Schoolhouse is a historical building with restrictions to modifications that can be made.
Chairperson Morin stated that the Town appreciates the work and contributions of the Art League to the Town of Wethersfield and its residents.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Adil moved "TO TRANSFER $3,000 FROM CONTINGENCY TO THE PHYSICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO STAFF COTTONE FIELD FOR NON-SCHOOL USE", seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that when Cottone Field first opened, Town staff was available at the field when it was used by various sports leagues; however, that practice has been stopped and she has subsequently received complaints about prohibited activities occurring on the field. She said that Town staff is spending a considerable amount of time on Mondays cleaning up trash from on and around the field, thus eating into time for other tasks. The Town Manager said that she is recommending that staff be put back on the field during activities in order to maintain the integrity of the field. She said that the staff will be provided with plenty of work to do while also monitoring the field.
Councilor Adil stated that he supports the motion and suggested that next year's budget include funding to cover staff monitoring of the field during activities.
Councilor Drake stated that if someone uses the Webb building to play basketball, part of the fee they pay covers the cost of a janitor to clean up after the use of the building. He said that he feels that if it is required that someone clean up after a group using Cottone Field, that the group should be charged for the cost of the clean up, rather than the Town paying for this. Councilor Drake said that for this reason, he does not support the motion and will vote against it.
Councilor Kirsche stated that he agrees with Councilor Drake and asked Ms. Bagley to provide an example of the tasks the staff will be undertaking in addition to monitoring the field. Ms. Bagley answered that one of the primary purposes will be to pick up the trash and also to be constantly walking around reminding attendants of the rules of the field when required. Councilor Kirsche stated that it appears that there won't really be projects for them to be working on. Town Manager Bonnie Therrien said that Mike Turner and Jim McDonald could provide a better idea of the other work that needs to be done while the staff is at the field. She gave such examples as work on the bleachers and food stand area which could be done while monitoring the field usage.
Councilor Walsh said that as he understands it, the staff person would be performing maintenance as well as monitoring violations of the field rules. He said that since the rules of the field appear to be often times being violated, the Town may want to look into implementing a fine schedule. The Town Manager said that it was discussed at one time.
Chairperson Morin stated that he supports the motion and said that this is a stadium and not at all like the situation of using the gym at Webb School for basketball. He said that Cottone Field is a facility and there needs to be a custodian on staff during events in case a problem arises. He said that the league volunteers are there to enable the kids to participate in the athletic event and he doesn't think it's appropriate to ask the volunteers to be responsible for enforcing Town policies during the event. Chairperson Morin said that he supports the motion in that it is a small amount of money to insure that the facility is kept up.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. Councilor Drake and Councilor Kirsche voted NAY. The motion passed 6-2-0.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN TO ACCEPT ANY AND ALL DUI ENFORCEMENT GRANTS FROM THE CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, HIGHWAY SAFETY SECTION", seconded by Councilor Adil.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that this is a yearly grant that goes out from the State to all police departments for DUI enforcement.
Councilor Kotkin asked why the statistics for DUI arrests are so much higher for 2006 in comparison to the past several years. The Town Manager said that the Wethersfield Police Department has been increasingly vigilant.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF MONIES FROM THE WETHERSFIELD COVE PARK RESTORATION/PRESERVATION FUND TO HIRE AN ENGINEERING FIRM TO DESIGN NEW DOCKS FOR COVE PARK", seconded by Councilor Adil.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that funding has been requested for some time in the long term Capital Improvement Program to update the docks at the Wethersfield Cove. She said that this is a major safety issue and needs to be done as soon as possible and that the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) has suggested hiring an engineering firm to design the docks, which can be paid out of the Cove Preservation Fund which has a current balance of $147,524.
Councilor Forrest confirmed that the cost for the engineering services will be between $15,000 and $18,000 and asked why an engineering firm is even necessary for the upgrading of docks. The Town Manager said that these are not just floating docks and there are engineering schematics that are required to be followed.
Councilor Adil stated that this has been on the Parks & Recreation priority list for a long time.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Adil moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION'S PURCHASE OF AN ATHLETIC ACTIVITY BUS FROM DATTCO SALES AND SERVICE THROUGH A LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH 1ST SOURCE BANK", seconded by Deputy Mayor Fortunato.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that the Board of Education has already approved this request for a lease purchase of an athletic/activity bus to replace a 1988 bus that has been out of service since July of 2005. She said that because this is a lease out payment, the Council must approve it as it obligates the Town for future expenditures. The Town Manager stated that Board of Education Director of Business Services Karen Clancy is present at tonight's meeting if Councilors have any questions for her.
Councilor Drake expressed his concerns over the fact that there was only one bidder. Ms. Clancy stated that she believes this to be a very limited industry.
Councilor Kirsche asked if the quoted price includes any salvage or trade-in value of the old bus. Ms. Clancy said that Dattco would not take it and so the old vehicle will be used by the Fire Department as a practice vehicle.
Deputy Mayor Fortunato asked if the Council approves this, will the funding come from the Board of Education budget or the Town budget. Ms. Clancy answered that the funding to cover the first year payment will come from the current Board of Education budget and future payments will be budgeted for in their future budgets. Deputy Mayor Fortunato stated that from her experience on the Board of Education, she is aware that these busses are used until the very end and that Dattco has a long-standing record of good service.
Chairperson Morin commented that he attended the recent meeting of officials from Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Berlin, and Newington where the problem with decreased response to bids was discussed. He said that it appears that many Towns are dealing with the same dilemma and that Town Manager Bonnie Therrien will be following up on this.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin moved "TO AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCK PARTS TO COLUMBIA FORD, ACME AUTO PARTS, INC., FLEET PRIDE AND GENUINE AUTO PARTS, DBA MANNY'S AUTO PARTS FOR A COMBINED TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $50,000", seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Town Manager Bonnie Therrien explained that $50,000 has been budgeted for automotive and truck parts, and the bid is being awarded to all of the vendors who bid since the Town will be requiring different products at different times.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Bonnie L. Therrien, is empowered to execute, amend and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Town of Wethersfield a certain contract for $9,652 with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a SSBG Social Services Block Grant and to affix the town seal.
RESOLUTION INCREASING BY $50,000 THE $13,025,000 APPROPRIATION APPROVED AT REFERENDUM HELD NOVEMBER 2, 1999 FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A POLICE FACILITY, ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF A RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF RENOVATIONS TO THE TOWN HALL AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $13,025,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION
RESOLVED, That the ordinance approved by the Town Council on August 23, 1999 and approved at referendum held November 2, 1999 which appropriated $13,025,000 and authorized borrowing in the same amount for design and construction of a police facility, acquisition and installation of a radio communications system and design and construction of renovations to the Town Hall, be amended as follows:
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE CREATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY
WHEREAS, the Town, the Board of Education and the Library are all attempting to modernize and improve their information technology systems; and
WHEREAS, there will be financial and operational benefits to each of these participants if their efforts are coordinated; and
WHEREAS, there are Town employees and residents with substantial real-world experience in the field of information technology; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Town to avail itself of this expertise and experience by forming an advisory committee to allow and encourage suggestions and direction from such individuals.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council does hereby form an Advisory Committee for Information and Technology. Such committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the Town Manager for a term of two years and the members shall have background, education and/or experience in the fields of information technology, engineering or computer education, or such other background as may further the purposes of the Committee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee shall: (1) advise the Town Council, the Town Manager, the Board of Education, and the Library Board of Directors with respect to issues pertaining to computers, networking, connections, telephone systems, and associated infrastructure and software act as a knowledge resource for the Supervisor of Information Technology regarding new and emerging technologies that might benefit the Town, BOE, and Library; (2) establish and maintain a long-term integrated technology plan for the Town, the Board of Education and the Library assist in the development and periodic review of a long-term integrated technology plans which the Supervisor of Information Technology drafts to support the needs of the Town, BOE, Library and community; (3) recommend changes to operations in order to coordinate and share such integrated technology and infrastructure can act as a liaison for citizens technology issues with appropriate town agencies; (4) oversee the establishment and maintenance of a complete inventory of such infrastructure hardware and software advocate that the town provide sustained and adequate funding for technology which is needed to carry out the business of the Town and its agencies; and (5) seek to avoid unnecessary duplication of costs and infrastructure within its constituent groups assist in development of technology policies, standards and guidelines.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council, in consultation with the Board of Education and the Library Board of Directors, shall re-examine the scope of the duties and responsibilities of the Committee no less often than every two years in order to ensure that its mission and structure permit it to provide the most current and effective advice to the Town.
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A SALARY RANGE FOR THE TOWN CLERK POSITION
WHEREAS, most Town management positions have a minimum/maximum salary range and the Town Clerk position does not have a salary range, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that a salary range be established for the Town Clerk position as follows:
| Position Title | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Town Clerk | 54,842 | 76,731 |
Councilor Adil moved "TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 2, 2006", seconded by Councilor Forrest. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson, voted AYE. Councilor Drake ABSTAINED. The motion passed 7-0-1.
At 8:50 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 11/20/2006