The Wethersfield Town Council held a meeting on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Silas Deane Middle School.
Present: Councilors Cascio, Console, Forrest, Hemmann, Kotkin, Roberts, Walsh, Deputy Mayor Montinieri, and Chairperson Adil.
Also present: Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, and Dolores Sassano, Town Clerk.
All stood for the pledge of allegiance to the flag which was led by Councilor Kotkin.
Chairperson Adil presented Charlotte Lecrenier, Laurie Means, and Sue Johnson, three of the original members of the Bud and Blossom Garden Club, with a proclamation for the 50th Anniversary of the Club.
Interior renovations are complete.
The first certificate of occupancy has been issued.
The first unit in Phase 1 has sold.
An application was approved by the ZBA and the PZC to permit the construction of an addition to the existing building to accommodate 42 additional units. A building permit has been approved. The project was delayed as additional State funds were pursued to cover budget overruns. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 1 at 11 am. A CO is anticipated shortly.
The PZC has approved plans for the demolition and reconstruction of buildings on this site to accommodate 2 new buildings, a new restaurant and a larger office building. Construction is now underway.
Plans have been submitted to renovate this space for a new prosthetics business.
Interior renovations are underway to accommodate the relocation of this business.
A revised inland wetlands application has been submitted for plans that include an expansion of 13,000 s.f. to the existing building and parking lots and accommodate the growing needs of this medical facility.
A PZC application and plans have been submitted for site plan approval for the construction of a 2 story medical office building at this site. The building is roughly 20,000 s.f. and will be known as the Connecticut Center For Cosmetic Enhancement and Young Pharmaceuticals.
Plans for the renovation of this space have been submitted for review.
An application to the HDC has been approved for the demolition of the rear portion of the building to accommodate the creation of a mixed use retail-office and residential project and a new building fronting on Church Street is also planned. The original HDC decision has been overturned.
Councilor Walsh said that he sees a $90,000 Federal Government award for signage.
Peter Gillespie said he has heard that the Town has been awarded $90,000 to be used for gateway improvements and a wayfinding signage program. Official notification has not yet been received as to what the money should be used for.
Councilor Kotkin asked what the changes were to the revised Inland Wetlands application for 1260 Silas Deane Highway.
Peter Gillespie said that the changes were to the parking and size of the parking lot. They have revised all of that to allow for parking along the perimeter of the wetlands. They are trying to keep it under 5,000 square feet of fill.
Chairperson Adil said that there is something in the Management Report about the AT&T VRAD boxes. He asked if the Town Planner or Town Manager would comment on the report.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that there was a recent ruling by the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) that AT&T must in the future and also go backwards seek permission by homeowners abutting the boxes, whether it is residential, commercial or the Town. She does not know yet whether AT&T will appeal the decision. She was very happy about this ruling.
Dolores Sassano, Town Clerk, took attendance.
Robert Young, 20 Coppermill Road, said that comments made at a meeting by the Board of Education said that information from a resident was almost all found to be erroneous or coached. He said that he is convinced that he is not the citizen because his information was from reliable sources. He said that the Town of Avon's budget book is very big with a lot of information in it. The Board of Education budget book is very small and doesn't contain a lot of information. The Town is now looking at another $500 increase per child based on a $2,000,000 increase divided by 3,000 students. He said that it is getting out of hand and something needs to be done. He said that the newspaper had an article about getting students to graduate early and start their careers. He said that the Town should be stressing the magnet schools more, too. It can get them out of Wethersfield's system and into another system. The Town should consider grants and vouchers.
The Town could give students $5,000 towards tuition at another school. Someone should be looking at these issues or a citizens' group should be formed, because costs are out of hand.
Joseph Surwill, 100 Goodwin Park Road, said that last year he had conversations with the Town Manager about the maintenance of Goodwin Park. It is not being maintained in Wethersfield. It is terrible along Jordan Lane. It needs to be taken care of. Hartford used to take care of it but about two years ago it stopped. He said that he has a business in Town. Last year revenue was down and he doesn't know where the Town Council thinks he is going to get another $500 for taxes. The Town needs to start to make cuts. His other issue is with the bus that goes down Jordan Lane. It used to turn around at the Labor Department. Now it goes down his road. It has created large pot holes in the street. It is time to move the bus. The Town agreed to let them use the road for a period of time while the parking lot was being paved and now it is continuing to do it. He asked why.
Edward Teval, 984 Ridge Road, said that he agrees with what was just said. It is hard to stay in Town. He said that Rocky Hill is a better Town to live in. The Town Council is not doing a good job. Rocky Hill has better services and more services. Connecticut Magazine rates Towns and said that Wethersfield rates poorly. He said that Councilors shouldn't volunteer if they aren't going to do the job.
Councilor Walsh said that the Preserve America Master Plan was presented on May 20th. There was a lot of participation. There was general agreement on all parts of the plan, especially with the streetscapes and signage. He said that the Historical Society had its annual dinner on May 21st. They are in the process of hiring a new Director. Melissa Josefiak has been appointed the Interim Director. On May 22nd, he attended the 375th Anniversary Committee meeting. There are a lot of exciting things that are being planned: a parade, poster competition for students, the scarecrow contest will follow the 375th theme, the Men's Garden Club is planning something, First Church will have a concert series, and the Junior Women's Club has designed reusable bags with the 375th Anniversary on them.
Councilor Forrest said that the Public Works Committee met to discuss the proposed leaf ordinance and open space owned by Mr. LaCava. The other issue that was discussed was the hot seal of the Town roads. There is a company that has come out with a less expensive way to do the hot sealing and the Town staff is looking into it. A small pilot program may be started to see if the new product will give the Town any efficiencies in use. The last topic was the parking lot at the Town Hall. There is a possibility of creating an entrance and exit lane for the parking lot in an effort to make it a safer entrance and exit.
Councilor Cascio said that the Town had a very successful Memorial Day Parade. There was a wonderful group of participants and was true honor for the Town's veterans. The service at the cemetery was also well attended. The eighth grade students did a great job with their essays. The Library Board met and voted on their technology plan for 2008. Copies are available in the Library for review. The Library Board will be changing as of July 1st. There will be four positions open. The Chamber of Commerce will be meeting on June 5th.
Councilor Kotkin said that the major increase of the budget, 17.5 percent, was for healthcare costs. It was driven by a number of causes that include general healthcare costs and a spike in large claims. This 17.5 percent works out to be about $1,500,000 on an annual basis. This is an issue that the Insurance Committee has been grappling with. There have been a couple of items in the public forum like capping the increase in health care costs. Those hired by the Town to manage the Town's healthcare have looked at new State proposed health care programs and at first glance it looks like the programs may cost the Town more. Another idea that the Insurance Committee has looked at is the pooling of prescriptions with other Towns. It appears that there may be a savings but the Town needs to make sure that the prescriptions that employees currently have will be available. He hears the comments about taxes. Town employees are paying more for their health insurance each year. Never the less, this is a major driver in the budget. He said that he attended a meeting of the Park and Recreation Board. The second round of bids will be opened out June 10th. The Board is also discussing naming the entrance road to the park in honor of Richard Dobmeier, a member of the Park Board.
Councilor Walsh said that the Infrastructure Committee met and finalized the Standish House lease.
Councilor Console thanked Councilor Cascio for all of his work on the Memorial Day Parade and also to Kathy Bagley and Sal Cucia of the Park and Recreation Department for their work. He said that he has been receiving telephone calls from residents on Kenwood Road about the trees that were taken down by the owners of the Chocolate shop. He asked what was being done in that area.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town has given the owners a deadline of May 31st to complete the plan that was agreed on by all parties. She said that she did not get an update on whether the work was completed. She said that if the work has not been completed, the Town will do the work and put a lien on the property.
Councilor Console said that at the last Town Council meeting he had asked for a list from Mr. Turner and Mr. Coombs stating what work is left to be done at Town Hall and what, out of the ordinary, things could still come up. He has not seen anything on that yet.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that he said that he would get a revised list at the next Building Committee meeting. The meeting was canceled but there is one scheduled for Monday. He will get the most current list to him next week. He apologized for the delay.
Councilor Console said that he also asked that the zoning on the blighted property on Main Street be looked into.
Bonnie Therrien said that it is not zoned farmland.
Councilor Console said that he has received calls on Forest Drive about the assessment of homes in Town. Back in 1989, the property owner installed central air conditioning for $3,000. He was taxed on it from 1989 to 1991. During a previous revaluation the assessment fell off the property and he hasn't paid taxes since then on the air conditioning. Now, this last year, the air conditioning was picked up again. This person didn't pay taxes for 10 years on something he should have paid taxes on. How does that happen? He asked other property owners on the street if they are paying taxes for their air conditioning and many said no. He asked why the revaluation company is not picking this up.
Bonnie Therrien said that when the Town converted software many years ago, the central air conditioning was dropped off of that property. In the last year, the homeowner pulled a permit to do other work on the house and the Assessor went out to look at the work that was done with the recent permit and saw the central air conditioning unit. He noted it and could have gone backwards in time for billing, but didn't. He felt that it was the Town's mistake and did not seek back taxes. All the revaluations that have been done since the 1980's have been statistical. This revaluation, someone will go to every house.
Councilor Console said that people should be paying for what they have. If the revaluation people are missing things, then the Town is paying for a service it is not getting.
Councilor Walsh said that the Wethersfield Redevelopment Agency will be having a panel discussion on understanding taxation and redevelopment in Town on June 11th at the Silas Deane Middle School. He said that he hopes the public will attend. It will also be aired on public access. There will be a follow up in September to answer questions.
Chairperson Adil said that: the Keane Foundation 5K Run was held on June 1st, the Historical Society will present actress Robin Lane in "In Her Own Voice: A Visit with Eleanor Roosevelt" on June 12th at 7:00 p.m., the High School Graduation will be held June 20th, the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on June 30th, the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics Summer Games will be June 6th featuring Town resident Bella Silva who will be lighting the cauldron. He said that he attended an event for the Traveler's Open last week. Some free tickets were handed out that he will give to the Town Manager for the Social and Youth Services. He said that Pelton's Grand Opening will be June 18th.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Capital Improvements Advisory Committee: John J. Mullin D 158 Windmill Hill 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Constables: Albert J. Bonfiglio D 31 Bunce Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 John J. O'Leary U P.O. Box 290002 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Brian F. Zito D P.O. Box 290001 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Culture and the Arts Committee: Mary-Beth Dobmeier D 42 South Pembroke Street 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Elizabeth M. Kirkpatrick D 154 Clearfield Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Design Review Advisory Committee: Bruce Bockstael U 255 Crest Street 7-1-08 to 1-01-11 Disabilities Advisory Committee: Francis G. Meunier Jr. U 117 Wells Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Kathleen Sullivan D 90 Clearfield Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Lauren E. Muscarella D 149 Clearfield Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Fair Rent Commission: Jeanette E. Soroko D 65-A Fairway Drive 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Alt.: Susan Grady D 25 Westlook Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Fence Viewers: Harry L. Lichtenbaum D 16 Towne House Ln 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Flood and Erosion Control Board: Wesley E. Sargent R 39 Randy Lane 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Alt.: John F. Maycock D 13 Meggat Park 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Human Rights and Relations Commission: Susan M. Fennelly D 57 Country Club Rd 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Maryam W. Wardak U 51 Ridge Crest Circle 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Personnel Appeals Board: J. Edward Brymer D 64 Old Post Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 John S. Karangekis D 15 Cheston Circle 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Planning and Zoning Commission: Thomas A. Harley D 289 Cedar Street 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Alt.: Anthony J. Homicki D 201 Cumberland Ave 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Redevelopment Agency: Michael T. Zaleski D 23 Black Birch Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-13 Senior Citizens Advisory Committee: Estelle B. Knurek D 15 Pepperidge Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Alt.: Joseph M. Mehan D 34 Two Brook Road 7-1-08 to 6-30-10 Shade Tree Commission: Philip J. Cashman D 96 Ox Yoke Drive 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Solomon Welles House Committee: Anne R. Doyle D 269 Wolcott Hill Rd 7-1-08 to 6-30-11 Transit District, Greater Hartford: Martin H. Walsh D 15 Laurel Way 7-1-08 to 6-30-12 Zoning Board of Appeals: Morris R. Borea D 112 Bittersweet Hill 7-1-08 to 6-30-13 Alt.: Frank Dellaripa U 37 Robbinswood Dr 7-1-08 to 6-30-11
" seconded by Councilor Kotkin.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. Councilor Roberts abstained from the vote for J. Edward Brymer, Councilor Walsh abstained for the vote on himself, and Councilor Forrest abstained on the vote for Lauren E. Muscarella. The motion passed 8-0-1.
Councilor Cascio moved "TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF GERALDINE MUNROE TO THE CENTRAL CONNECTICUT TOURISM DISTRICT FOR A TERM FROM JULY 1, 2008 TO JUNE 30, 2011" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF $8,000 OF COVE PRESERVATION FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT MOTOR FOR THE HARBORMASTER'S BOAT" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the engine on the Harbormaster's boat has been inoperable for some time. It can't be repaired. There is a balance in the Cove Preservation Fund of $121,482.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if there was any replenishment source for this fund.
Bonnie Therrien said that there are donations and fees for the boat moorings also go into that fund.
Councilor Console said that during the budget process; he said that he would see if he could get an engine free from a friend that owns a marina. Unfortunately, the one he had was 50 horsepower which was, not powerful enough. They have two additional motors that have gone unclaimed. After July 4th, they will be able to give it away. He said that unfortunately, timing is everything. He will still get the other engine for the Town to keep in storage.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE FEE INCREASES AND THE NEW FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2008 AS FOLLOWS:
SMALL TV - DISPOSAL AT TRANSFER STATION $7.50 LARGE TV - DISPOSAL AT TRANSFER STATION $10.00 SOFA - DISPOSAL AT TRANSFER STATION $10.00 MATTRESS - DISPOSAL AT TRANSFER STATION $10.00 CABINET - DISPOSAL AT TRANSFER STATION $10.00 TIRES - DISPOSAL AT TRANSFER STATION $2.00 INLAND WETLANDS REGULATIONS $20.00 TOWN PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT $20.00 MULTIPLE FAMILY SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT $50.00 PER UNIT SIGN REVIEW $25.00
AND TO AUTHORIZE THE ELIMINATION OF THE FOLLOWING FEES:
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESPONSE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DESIGNED COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN FEE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT FEE
" seconded by Councilor Kotkin.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that every year a Committee reviews all of the user fees. There are not very many that need to be increased this year. This list is a combination of a couple of areas. Instead of charging for individual item as a flat fee, these items will be charged a specific amount. The planning items are being changed to make them more consistent with other Towns. There is a new fee for sign review. The eliminations are for duplications and for the first response charge to motor vehicle accidents because the Town needs updated software to charge and collect this fee.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $1,997 FROM THE YOUTH SERVICES SUPPORT SERVICES ACCOUNT NUMBER 152522256633 TO THE POLICE OVERTIME ACCOUNT NUMBER 1210 5002 FOR A POLICE ADVENTURE PROGRAM" seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town Council appropriated money from a grant to the Board of Education for a police adventure program. The grant goes into the undesignated fund to offset the transfer. The Town Council now needs to transfer money from the Youth Services account to pay for the overtime that has been accrued. In the agenda information, the account number was incorrect. Councilor Kotkin read the correct account numbers for the transfer.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO ACCEPT THE REPORT OF THE GREEN SUMMIT AND AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO ASSIGN PROJECTS ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Councilor Forrest thanked the Town Manager, her staff, and the Committee for all of their work on the Green Summit. He also thanked the Administrative Analyst in the Physical Services Division for all of her work analyzing the data that came out of the Green Summit. Three items on the report were that the most urgent concept for the Town was to hire an energy consultant for the Town, a short term big impact solution is for Town buildings to use Solar Photovoltaic energy, and the easiest to implement is for no more Styrofoam trays to be used in the schools. He said on page four of the report is a graph showing topics rated by community importance. There are five major theories for improvements or projects. They are waste recycling analysis, energy use and conservation analysis, green space like environmental preservation of land, education for the public and leadership, and public policy. The Town is moving in this direction and this is a verification of how environmentally interested people in Wethersfield are. There are hundreds of ideas in this report. He said that the Town Council should look to the Town Manager and existing Town committees to determine what the best course of action might be. The recycling and energy analysis will have environmental impact, but also a huge budgetary impact as well. Wethersfield has been a leader in this. Other Towns are now following Wethersfield's leadership.
Chairperson Adil said that he believes the Town Manager will now send this to the appropriate Committees and ask for a report back within six months.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that she recommends a six month deadline so that the information would be back before the next budget preparations are underway.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if the Town Manager had a feeling from Paine's Refuse Service, given their contractual timeline, if there is any willingness to discuss any features of this report and his present contract.
Bonnie Therrien said that the Town is pretty much locked into the contract. It expires in 2011.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if there was any interest in talking with Mr. Paine about some of the issues associated with some of the trash services that are currently provided. The costs may just be passed through resulting in some savings for the Town and for him if this service were eliminated. Also, he would like to know if there could be some creative review of the contract that could allow for re-extending the contract under some new terms so that there is a give and take. Perhaps as the Town talks about reducing the waste stream and increasing the recyclables through some mechanism, that he may be interested in an extended contract. He suggested contacting Mr. Paine to see if he would sit down and discuss some of these ideas. This is a big ticket item that the community has some interest in. The Town Council works hard to find ways to get the budget where it needs to be.
Chairperson Adil echoed Councilor Forrest's thanks to Town Staff for their work on the Green Summit and for this report. He said that he is looking forward to getting this to the new Energy Conservation Advisory Committee. He has heard that there has been a lot of interest in that Committee.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO REFER THE QUESTION OF TELEPHONE VOTING FOR COUNCIL ACTION TO THE RULES AND PROCEDURES SUB-COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION" seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Chairperson Adil said that several citizens have called him voicing concerns about allowing a Councilor to vote by telephone. He said that although there is nothing prohibiting it in the Council's Rules and Procedures there is also nothing in the rules that specifically allow it. He said that the Rules and Procedures Committee needs to decide whether it should be addressed. He said that the Deputy Mayor, Councilor Console and he are on the Rules and Procedures Committee.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that he also was asked about it by the public. He said that when the issue first came up, the Town Council was in agreement that it was a reasonable circumstance given the situation. He said that he wanted the Rules and Procedures Committee to look at it, in case the situation came up again. If there is a rule revision to accommodate it that doesn't bend anything in a way that the public may think is inappropriate, that would be great. He said that the State does not allow it. It is prudent on the Town Council's part to do its due diligence and look at it.
Councilor Console said that before he made his request he looked through the Rules and Procedures. There is nothing in them. The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) does allow for the Commissioners to dial in when there is a serious vote. He said that he represents the people in Town who voted for him and wants to be able to vote on the Town budget. He said that he would like to know who the people are who complained about the telephone voting. He is taken aback that someone is complaining about this. He said that it is in the best interest of the Town to have his vote count.
Councilor Cascio asked if this also includes all telephone dial ups or just for the votes on the budget. During the course of the entire budget process, the Town had several Councilors on the telephone. He said that he does not want this to about one particular issue when there were both Democrats and Republicans calling in. He wants to make sure that the Sub-committee looks at the broader issue, not just the budget. He would like to broaden the motion for the entire use of the telephone for any deliberation.
Chairperson Adil said that the motion that was made was for any vote, it does not specify the budget.
Councilor Cascio said that the discussion has been about the budget so he wants to make sure that the Committee reviews the entire issue of voting.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that he doesn't feel that this is a personal issue. Naturally, someone may feel it is directed to him; however the issue here is that the question came up separate of this discussion as to whether it is appropriate for a phone in vote on the budget. It makes sense in his opinion to have the question go to an independent group to look at it. The current Rules and Procedures Practices does not address the issue. The Committee may determine it is a completely appropriate way to pursue a vote given certain circumstances. The only question he heard from the public was about the vote for the budget. He said that he does not see that it would be inappropriate to listen to budget deliberations on the telephone. That just seems like a practical, modern day way to be made available to the Town Councilors. It should be addressed by the Rules and Procedures Committee, too. There should be a list of questions or inquiries that should be addressed for a comprehensive analysis that will then come back to the Town Council so that this issue does not come up again. He said that the inquiry did come up and given that the State's legislative body does not allow it, it seemed like a practical inquiry to make. He said that it is not personal to the persons that made the request to telephone into the meeting.
Councilor Console said that if the motion was re-worded and said to take this into consideration to see if there were any other rules needed, he would have a problem but the agenda information says that the Mayor received citizens' questions on this. He said that he would like to know who these citizens were who complained. He said he would like the names.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin moved "TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO DUMP TRUCKS TO THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT VENDOR, NUTMEG INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND SIGN A FINANCING/LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE TRUCKS" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that in next year's budget there is $150,000 for a lease purchase for two new dump trucks for the Physical Services Division due to the aging of the vehicles. If the Town orders them now and pays next year, they will arrive before the snow starts. It is a State bid.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that the 2008-09 budget has allocated $150,000 for the purchase of the trucks. The actual purchase cost will be $375,000. The Town is making this commitment for two years.
Bonnie Therrien said that the Town will pay for the two trucks for two years.
Councilor Kotkin said that the amount that is committed in the 2009-2010 budget will be a little less than the 2008-09 budgeted amount.
Bonnie Therrien said that is correct.
Councilor Kotkin asked if, given the fleet, will the Town have to purchase more trucks in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Bonnie Therrien said that the Town Council discussed using the Contingency Account to purchase a 350 Dump Truck. She said that there may be some more vehicles that need to be replaced. The fleet was not replaced for several years.
Councilor Kotkin said that he would like to know because looking ahead to the next budget year, that $150,000 will be in there. That will be a big expense if more are needed on top of the two.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT FOR SIDEWALK PANELS TO CLOVER CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that there is money in this year's budget and next for the sidewalk panels for the handicap. Clover Construction came in with a bid of $120,000 for the replacement of the panels at intersections in Town. She would like to award it to them in an amount up to $90,000 and just not do as many intersections. The priority intersections would get done. Each intersection costs between $7,000 and $8,000.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if there was a document that lists the prioritized intersections and how they were determined
Bonnie Therrien said that she would get a list for him and let him know what intersections would not be done with the funds.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
CHANGES TO THE TOWN'S PENSION DOCUMENT
YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU STATE GRANT
Councilor Forrest moved "TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2008 AS AMENDED" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Dolores Sassano, Town Clerk said that on the sixth page under Charles Flynn's comments there is a blank. The sentence should read, "Charles Flynn said that it is grandfathered in by NFPA 1901. What has superseded that, Annex D, it is not grandfathered in based on its age." She said that she was awaiting a response from the Fire Chief for clarification.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. Councilor Kotkin abstained. The motion passed 8-0-1.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 12, 2008" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 19, 2008 AS AMENDED" seconded by Councilor Kotkin.
Councilor Roberts said that she was absent for the meeting and is listed as both present and absent.
Councilors Hemmann, Roberts and Chairperson Adil abstained. All other Councilors voted AYE. The motion passed 6-0-3.
At 9:10 p.m., Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS, UNION NEGOTIATIONS, AND PERSONNEL MATTERS" seconded by Councilor Forrest. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 9-0-0. Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager was also present during the Executive Session. No motions were made and no voted were taken. Councilor Roberts left Executive Session at 9:38 p.m.
At 9:41 p.m., Councilor Walsh moved "TO LEAVE EXECUTIVE SESSION" seconded by Councilor Kotkin. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
At 9:41 p.m., Councilor Kotkin moved "TO ADJOURN THE MEETING" seconded by Councilor Console. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Dolores G. Sassano
Town Clerk
Approve by vote of Council June 16, 2008