The Wethersfield Town Council held a meeting on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Silas Deane Middle School.
Present: Councilors Console, Forrest, Hemmann, Kotkin, Roberts, Walsh, Deputy Mayor Montinieri, and Chairperson Adil.
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 Councilor Forrest.
Dolores Sassano, Town Clerk took attendance.
Councilor Forrest moved to "ADD TO THE AGENDA ITEM B.3.I. STATE OF CONNECTICUT GRANT FOR HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that she has made appointments to the Citizen's Energy Committee. She has given a copy of the members to the Town Councilors.
No one wished to speak for or against the Hearings. Chairperson Adil declared the Hearing closed.
Edward Teval, 894 Ridge Road, said that he has come to Town Council meetings under four different Mayors and notices differences in how the meetings are conducted. The policy of this Town Council precludes any response about comments made by the public. He said that this is a frustrating policy. One example is a resident discussing problems with maintenance on Goodwin Park Avenue and the use of the road by the bus. To these comments, the Mayor simply said thank you with no indication of any follow up. Is it any wonder that so few people attend the meetings. On May 19th, Mr. Young commented on the Board of Education budget. He provided considerable data for the special education services and compared the numbers with neighboring Towns. In most instances, those costs were much higher in Wethersfield than in surrounding Towns. The point was to ask why these services were costing more. After the public comments, Councilor Forrest made accusations about the data including that staff found that data to be inaccurate. Councilor Forrest had no specific answers. On June 2nd, Mr. Young gave specific sources for his information.
Bonnie Therrien said that when someone makes a comment or asks a question during the public comment, she will contact the person directly with the answer and also put the information in the weekly Management Report which can be found on the Town's website and is available in Town Hall.
Robert Young, 21 Coppermill Road, said that since his comments at the last two meetings, he has received calls from citizens asking why he has backed down from this issue. He said that he will send an e-mail to Councilor Forrest asking for an explanation of his comments at the last meeting on why his analysis was in error. He said that he wanted to continue discussing the budget. The Town should be looking at other ways to reduce the education costs. This year, the Town's cost to educate children came out to be an $898 increase in one year. From 1994/95 to 2002/2003 the Town of Wethersfield Board of Education has increased its cost per child. The increase doesn't include all the capital improvement projects that are hidden in the Town budget. The Town needs to start looking at different avenues to keep spending down. It is not money that is going to get the students' grades up. It is incentives. School choice works for children such as, a voucher system according to the Supreme Court. Parents should be free to choose the best school for their children. School choice is less expensive, too.
Woodrow Warren, 9 Nutmeg Circle, said that he is concerned with what is happening to the Town. Attorney Blumenthal said that his concerns are valid and reasonable and should be looked into by the Town. He said that he is going to hold the Town to that investigation because he has sounded an alarm. He asked the Town Council to challenge the budget, particularly on the schools. The budget is based on discrimination against senior citizens and people who do not have children. There should be a surcharge to pay for this service. Something has to be done to cut down on the Town Council's propaganda. Citizens need help, the truth and not propaganda. Do your jobs and represent the people. Let us not light the playing fields. It is not good for the kids or the community and will cost the Town. If you want an idea to make the Town better, get the Town a good post office. It is ridiculous in this small Town. He said that he is fed up with the Town Council.
Susan Fennelly, 57 Country Club Road, said that money doesn't solve all of the problems in the schools. She said that she appreciates the comments of the citizens and that they are given the time to do that. She said that the Board of Education works very hard on curriculum to make sure that the students have the best opportunities possible to learn. She said that she doesn't envy the Town Councilors. They make a huge time commitment to the Town. She thanked them for their time.
Councilor Walsh said that the Redevelopment Agency held a forum on June 11th to outline where the Town is in response to the tax base, and how it falls on residents and how redevelopment can help the Town to move forward in that regard. Problems were outlined and public input was sought. He said that in September, there will be a follow up forum to address the issues and find possible solutions. The Wethersfield Historical Society has met to form a search committee to find a new Director. They are off to a good start with advertising the position.
Councilor Roberts said that the Shared Services Committee met and had a presentation by Christine Fortunato, Chairperson of the School Building Committee - High School and Hanmer, along with the Vice Chairperson David Drake. There was a consensus of the members of Shared Services that the Town would try for February 10, 2009 for a referendum. The RFP has gone out for the architect and the response date is July 10th. Tomorrow night there will be a walk through of the high school; anyone interested should let the Town Manager know. It will be with the Building Committee.
Councilor Forrest said that the Conservation Committee met and had a discussion about the Beaver Brook plan and created a plan looking at the Brook. As soon as it is finalized by the Chairperson, it will be sent to the Town Manager.
Councilor Hemmann said that the MDC strategic plan was adopted. It is very similar to the one that Councilors received a few months ago. There will be some contact in the future with member Towns' Council to review the importance of the document. She also forwarded to the Town Manager a letter to the Connecticut Resource Recovery Association from the MDC in regards to the budget. She asked that the letter be included with the Management Report to see the concerns that have been raised by the MDC.
Councilor Hemmann said that she was happy to see recommendations from the internal audit of the Town garage. She was very disappointed that poor business practices were in place and the Department Head should not recognize resistance from staff as a reason to not implement proper procedures. She is curious to know how a budget was developed for this area when there is no tracking of inventory. She asked if all departments follow purchasing procedures and do other Town offices inventory their items.
Chairperson Adil said that:
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO TABLE THE RESIGNATION OF TRACY ANN GIONFRIDDO FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that there was an issue as to when Mrs. Gionfriddo wanted to resign the Board.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Hemmann moved "TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF SANDRA C. MULCHAHY FROM THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS" seconded by Councilor Console.
Chairperson Adil asked that the Town Clerk send a letter of thanks.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Hemmann moved "TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Assessment Appeals Mark St. Pierre R 182 Clearfield Rd 7-1-2008 to 6-30-2014 Building Appeals Board Stanley Gwara R 594 Highland St 7-1-2008 to 6-30-2013 Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Leslie C. Cole R 69 Boulter Rd 7-1-2008 to 6-30-2010 Margaret Wagner R 208 Clearfield Rd 7-1-2008 to 6-30-2010 Central Connecticut Health District Nancy Merrill Klatt R 29 Terrace Rd 7-1-2008 to 6-30-2011 Constables George W. Cote R 131 Charter Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2010 Steven A. McFarland R 966 Silas Deane Hwy 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2010 Frederick H. Rackle R 14 Pebble Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2010 Culture and the Arts Ruth A. Schumaker R 15 Raynor La 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Michael L. Rell R 8 Lindbergh Dr 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Design Review Advisory John T. Hallinan, III U 404 Brimfield Rd 7-01-2008 to 1-01-2011 Design Review, Alt Antonio L. Margiotta R 155 Stockingmill Rd 7-01-2008 to 1-01-2011 Ethics Board Thomas W. Fitzpatrick R 40 Whippoorwill Way 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Mark H. Dean R 177 Highcrest Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Fair Rent Commission, Alt Robert A. Garrey R 10 Morrison Ave 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2010 Fence Viewers Richard B. Lasher R 100 Griswold Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2010 Erik Litke R 33 Farmstead Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2010 Historic District Commission Robert A. Garrey R 10 Morrison Ave 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2013 Historic District Comm., Alt Michael L. Rell ( *filling vacancy) R 8 Lindbergh Dr 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2009* Human Rights & Relations Mark Kulmacz R 37 Old Pewter La 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Barbara J Ruhe R 79 Main Street 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Human Rights & Relations, Alt Mark S. Townsend R 38 McMullen Ave 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Comm Lawrence F. Buck R 360 Main St 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Frank H. Morris R 188 Broad St 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Antonio L Margiotta R 155 Stockingmill Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Insurance Committee Christopher Bazinet R 161 Garden St 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2013 Parks & Recreation Board Kevin Rogers R 23 Quail Hill 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Personnel Appeals Board John E. O'Leary R 27 Coleman Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Solomon Welles House Committee Deborah Ann Balzo U 247 Clearfield Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Cheryl M Gardow R 60 Griswold Rd 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Mary E. Mahar R 36 Old Pepperidge La 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Tourism Commission Charles E. Forsdick [res@large] R 18 Monticello Dr 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2011 Change in Status, Tourism From business to representative to Central CT Tourism Geraldine Munroe R 855 Ridge Road 7-01-2008 to 6-30-2009
" seconded by Councilor Console.
Councilor Hemmann said that she skipped over the Building Committee for the Town Hall/Library. There is a need to determine the appointment related to that.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Planning and Zoning Frederick E. Petrelli D 790 Wells Road 7-01-08 to 6-30-11 From Alternate to full member Anthony J. Homicki D 201 Cumberland Ave 7-01-08 to 6-30-11 Tourism Commission Anthony J. Homicki D 201 Cumberland Ave 7-01-08 to 6-30-11 Alternate to fill vacancy Carol R. Hall R 51 Carriage Hill Dr 7-01-08 to 6-30-09
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BONNIE THERRIEN AS TOWN MANAGER" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Councilor Kotkin said that she has been a good Town Manager for the Town. Everyone has worked together over the past five years. He thanked her for all of her work.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that beyond the personal learning that he has gone through with the Town Manager, her professional confidence and positive movement of the Town under her leadership is evident in so many ways. One can look in any corner and see the improvements in the financial health, budget process, staffing, morale, bond rating, and roads are getting paved. Under the Town Manager's leadership, the Town has been navigated through some difficult projects. Personally, it is very sad to see someone of her caliber depart from her role. The public owes a great deal of gratitude for her energy and commitment to this beautiful community.
Councilor Roberts said that the Town Manager brought humanity to Town government. A citizen could call or email her and she always got back to that person. That is not always the case with Town Managers. She had great follow up with the average citizen. She always went out of her way to give the Town Council the information it needed. She will be missed, but can understand the feeling of needing to move on.
Councilor Hemmann said that she is sad to see the Town Manager leave. The Town Manager has been a mentor to her. She has put into practice some very good efforts like the Management reports. Her guidance and mentorship will be missed.
Councilor Walsh said that he echoes the comments of the other Councilors. It is a sad day for him as well. He said that the Town Manager leads by example and never asks someone to do something that she herself wouldn't do. She is accessible and approachable, too.
Councilor Forrest said that he echoes what has been said, too. The Town Manager works with everyone in Town and on the Town Council. Her ability to work with the people is amazing. She is so involved in so many aspects of the community and is a well know personality in Town.
Chairperson Adil said that the Town Manager has done a tremendous amount of good for the community. When she came into Town, there had been years of low taxes but a lack of improvement of roads and buildings. She has served under different Mayors and different parties which isn't easy. She helped him a lot when he became Mayor as a mentor. She has done a great job making the Town Council run smoothly. After 26 years of public service, he can understand her need to move on.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE - TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD PENSION PLAN AMENDMENT REGARDING ROLLOVERS FROM THE PLAN" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town has had a number of employees that have come from a different position that would like to roll over funds into the Town pension. The pension plan did not allow for that. The Pension Committee decided that the pension plan should be amended to allow for taking a variety of other pension plans that can be rolled into the Town's pension plan.
Councilor Kotkin asked about the Firefighter's Pension plan.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Plan is with the Pension Attorney for a final review. It will be introduced at the July meeting.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO APPROVE 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 Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that every year the Town through the Social and Youth Services Department receives a grant from the State Department of Education for program services. This grant, for next year, is in the amount of $27,916 with an additional $6,259 in enhancement funds that were added for next year.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO REFER THE ACCEPTANCE OF TWO PARCELS OF OPEN SPACE IN PYQUAG VILLAGE OWNED BY LACAVA CONSTRUCTION TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR AN 8-24 REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONNECTICUT STATE STATUTES AND TO REJECT THE FIRST REFERRAL SO THAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE PRESENTED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that Mr. LaCava wrote a letter saying that back in the 1970's he thought that these parcels were given to the Town. The Town Council sent this to the Planning and Zoning Commission for an 8-24 review and it was rejected. Mr. LaCava said that he did not know when that meeting was taking place and was not there to answer questions. He would like to go to the Commission and talk with them. This was referred to the Public Works Committee and that Committee asked that a letter be sent to the abutting property owners to see if anyone was interested in purchasing some of the parcels. Two abutting property owners are willing to purchase parcels. This may be something that will resolve itself and the Town will not have to take the parcels.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO WRITE OFF THE UNCOLLECTED PERSONAL PROPERTY, REAL ESTATE AND MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES FROM THE 1992 GRAND LIST AND THE UNCOLLECTED REAL ESTATE TAXES FROM THE 1991 GRAND LIST IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 12-164 OF THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES FROM THE LIST PROVIDED" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that by State Statutes when a Town can't collect unpaid taxes after 15 years from the original due date, the Town must bring it to the elected body to write off the taxes. The total amount of this write off is $138,477. The Tax Collector is here to answer any questions.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO TRANSFER FROM CONTINGENCY TO ACCOUNT 4100-54421 $35,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A F350 DUMP TRUCK TO REPLACE THE EXISTING 13 YEAR OLD TRUCK, 3001-CIP $30,000 FOR THE REPAIR OF THE HIGHLAND STREET CULVERT, AND THE REMAINING $35,000 FOR THE HIRING OF A CLEAN ENERGY CONSULTANT" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that she would make sure that the money for the consultant would get to the right account. She said that this is what she feels comfortable taking from the Contingency account for this year. Money will remain in the account in order to balance out the year end. These were suggestions that were talked about during the budget process. The motion will allow for the replacement of a 13 year old dump truck that is in very bad shape, the Highland Street culvert has been on the Capital Improvement list for several years, and the third item is to pay for an Energy Consultant for the Town. She has received two proposals from the request for proposals process. Now that the Citizen's Energy Advisory Committee is formed, she would like that group to do the interviews and make a recommendation to the Town Council for the hiring of the consultant. The maximum that the Town could spend would be the $35,000.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500" seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town was recently notified that the Federal Government has recently given to the State of Connecticut additional money for the upcoming grant year for Emergency Management. Wethersfield's Emergency Management Director had requested additional money for this upcoming budget year for salary but his request was not funded. This grant will allow a 50 percent match by the Federal Government above and beyond what the Town already has in place. The Town would need to match $1,500; the prorated amount from October 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Chairperson Adil said that he supports Mr. Fippinger receiving additional compensation for his service. He does a marvelous job. He has done a lot to improve the emergency preparedness in the community.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO REFER THE PROPOSED PROPERTY LEASE FOR THE DEMING STANDISH HOUSE TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A REVIEW AND REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH 8-24 OF THE CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES" seconded by Councilor Hemmann.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that this is the last of the leases that the Infrastructure Committee has been working on with the Historical Society. The Town Council already approved the three other leases. This lease was a little different because of the restaurant involved. The Infrastructure Committee and Historical Society are in agreement on the wording. The lease needs to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendation back to the Town Council.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that Doug Shipman's role in this process was very important in getting this lease cleaned up.
Councilor Walsh said that Mr. Shipman was involved in the complete process, attending the final meeting on this lease.
Chairperson Adil asked if the Town had plans to pursue the Small Cities Grant for that building.
Bonnie Therrien said that the Town could not do it this year, because it had not spent down enough on the housing rehabilitation program. The Town can try next year. She said that she has been told that the odds of receiving it are not good because a profit making business is in the building.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO PURSUE AN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM TO FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR THE TOWN MANAGER" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that she has the request for proposals for the last time as well as other proposals from other communities. She said that she can get that information out to the Budget and Finance Committee or the entire Town Council for review and comments. There are only so many companies that do this. She will get a list as well as publish the legal notice.
Councilor Kotkin moved "AMEND THE MOTION TO REFER THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM TO FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR THE TOWN MANAGER TO THE BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER BONNIE THERRIEN TO SUBMIT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 FOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND AN LCD PROJECTOR FOR THE 9/11 MEMORIAL SPORTS CENTER AND TO AUTHORIZE TOWN MANAGER BONNIE THERRIEN TO EXECUTE AND APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD" seconded by Councilor Hemmann.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town will be receiving this money with the help of Senator Doyle and also $20,000 from the Governor, and through the efforts of the Town's State Representatives in conjunction with AT&T, there is another $20,000 for computers. It is amazing what the Keane Foundation group has done. This particular grant, because it is a State grant to the Town, the Town Council has to authorize the Town Manager to sign the grant.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO TRANSFER $10,000 FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET ACCOUNT 170477-54436 TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET COTTONE FIELD ACCOUNT 3035-54264-30022 FOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS" seconded by Councilor Kotkin.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that this was a project approved for funding in this year's budget. She said that she and the Town Engineer have had trouble getting in touch with the vendors who installed the field to help the Town with this. Because of the difficulty in getting someone to assist the Town will this, she just wants to make sure the money gets carried over into next year's budget so that she can find someone to do it this summer.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER BONNIE THERRIEN TO SUBMIT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES IN OLD WETHERSFIELD AND TO AUTHORIZE TOWN MANAGER BONNIE THERRIEN TO EXECUTE AND APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town was notified of this on Friday. Approximately 1,620 rides were taken since it started. If this was approved, the rides would continue every weekend. There was a great article in the newspaper on Saturday. It has been very successful.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Kotkin moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO SIMSCROFT-ECHO FARMS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD AT MILL WOODS PARK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BID SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $628,490" seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town went out to bid a second time because the Town Council rejected the first bid. She is very pleased that this time the Town received 4 viable bids which were reviewed by the Building Committee. The Committee is recommending Simscroft-Echo Farms.
Kathy Bagley, Director of Parks and Recreation, said that this bid is for the construction of the Little League field and bringing the utilities to the field. The Little League field dugouts will also be done.
Councilor Kotkin said that this is a very good Committee. The members work well together and have done a thorough job with the bid process. He said that there is a lot of infrastructure work that is being done now so that lighting and other items can be done in the future.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if the Committee was at all concerned with such a big difference in the bids that were received in terms of anything that may be missing from the low bidder.
Councilor Kotkin said that there was some discussion about that.
Kathy Bagley said that the low bidder has an excellent reputation and has done ball fields before. It is a large construction company. They work with the architect and the Committee feels very comfortable in recommending the low bidder. The bidder must present the Town with a list of all sub-contractors as well so that the Town is comfortable with who is working on the project.
Councilor Forrest asked if there is a timeframe for the construction.
Kathy Bagley said that the field should be ready for the summer of 2009. That is the goal.
Chairperson Adil thanked the Committee, Councilor Kotkin, and the Director of Parks and Recreation for all of their hard work. He hopes the Town can now look to getting the soccer field built.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO WAIVE THE BIDDING REQUIREMENT AND TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT WITH GENERAL PAVING FOR PAVEMENT PREPARATION AND RESTORATION SERVICES FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR, JULY 1, 2008 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2009 FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $250,000" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that General Paving has been working with the Town since 2005 on the Town's road projects. They have done a very good job. They are willing to hold their bid for an additional year. With the price of road work, if the Town can have the bid held, she thinks it is a good idea.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT
WHEREAS, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 4-66g, Small Town Economic Assistance Program Act ("STEAP) the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Wethersfield make an application to the State for $200,000 in order to undertake the STEAP Facade Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Wethersfield
Councilor Roberts moved "TO APPROVE THE BUDGET MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 8, 2008" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. Councilor Walsh abstained. The motion passed 7-0-1.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2008 AS AMENDED" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
Councilor Walsh said that under Council reports and comments in regard to the Preservation Meeting recently held, he said, "There was some agreement on the plan" and not full agreement.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
At 8:50 p.m., Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS" seconded by Councilor Hemmann. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0. No one else was present during the Executive Session. No motions were made and no voted were taken.
At 9:03 p.m., Councilor Roberts moved "TO LEAVE EXECUTIVE SESSION" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
At 9:03 p.m., Deputy Mayor Montinieri 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
Approved by vote of Council July 21, 2008