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Town Council Minutes 06/03/2004
AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2004

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m in the Selectmen’s Chamber by Chairman Hines.  Members in attendance: Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Carlson and Woodford.  Absent:  Mr. Shea

  PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Chairman Hines reported he would ask the Town Clerk to waive the reading of the call of the public hearings.  
a.      (03/04-40) 7:30 p.m. Ordinance #71; Restriction on Construction Activities
The public hearing notice reads as follows:
“LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF AVON
Notice is hereby given that the Avon Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, Selectmen’s Chamber, 60 West Main Street, for the following purpose:
1.      To consider adoption of a new Ordinance #71 - RESTRICTIONS ON CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES as follows:
“SECTION I
PURPOSE
The people of the Town of Avon are entitled to an environment free from excessive noise and vibration that may jeopardize their health, safety or welfare or degrade the quality of their lives.  This ordinance is enacted to protect, preserve and promote such health, safety, welfare and quality of life through the control and prevention of excessive noise and vibration due to Construction Activities.
SECTION II
DEFINITION OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
“Construction Activities” are defined as activities necessary or incidental to the construction, erection, assembly, installation, equipping, alteration, repair, renovation or demolition of buildings or other structures, roads, utility lines or other property.  “Construction Activities” shall include but not be limited to land-clearing, grading, blasting, excavation, activities related to the processing of earth and rock such as screening, splitting and crushing, removal of materials, filling, paving and the operation of vehicles, tools and equipment on a construction site.
SECTION III
RESTRICTIONS
Construction Activities shall be prohibited within the Town of Avon between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Town holidays.
SECTION IV
EXCEPTIONS
The restrictions contained in this ordinance shall not apply to (i) Construction Activities engaged in by the Town or the State of Connecticut, (ii)  Construction Activities engaged in by a resident of the Town who is performing such activities on residential property owned by the resident, or (iii) Construction Activities undertaken in an emergency by a public service company.
The Chief of Police or, in his or her absence, the Acting Chief of Police, shall, in the event of an emergency not involving a public service company, have the power and authority to permit Construction Activities otherwise prohibited by this ordinance.
SECTION V
PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES
Any person violating or causing to be violated this ordinance, including through an agent, employee or contractor, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).   Each day any such violation shall continue and each act in violation shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION VI
ENFORCEMENT
The Chief of Police shall enforce the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION VII
EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall be effective 21 days after date of publication in a newspaper having circulation in the Town of Avon.”
Copies of the proposed Ordinance 71 are on file in the Town Clerk’s office, Avon Town Hall, and are open to public inspection during normal business hours.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 17th day of May, 2004.
                                                Philip K. Schenck, Jr.,
Town Manager”

Chairman Hines reported he would like to give a brief background on this.  Avon does not have any noise restriction on construction activities, there are state noise ordinances that we follow and try to make all of our builders meet those requirements.  There has been some concern with residents on early morning construction, and we are not the old world town we used to be where no one had construction that close to them and they did not get upset about those.  We now have people move into a brand new street, still being constructed and then call the Town hall, they are upset because there is noise, so we have a new group of people to work with and after quite a few complaints to the Town and the Police Department, we proposed a particular ordinance which our Town Attorney worked on.  As we do things in Avon, we try to do them on the best basis, and we sent letters out to all of the contractors that we knew of who do business in Avon, so that they had an opportunity to comment on this.  We had a letter from Sunlight Construction, they generally say they kind of agree with the idea, but they would like to see the time restriction for Sundays, is too restrictive, as homeowners can go out and run their lawnmowers at 7:00 a.m. if they want to.  Tonight we will not be making any final decisions, but we are taking comments.  The Police Department has concerns about how to implement this, as they are the ones getting lots of complaints.  We want the Town Attorney to give further information to the Town Council, and we will probably table this to the next meeting.  If we had our way, we would wish we did not have to implement this, but we are in a situation where we have had enough complaints and have to look into this.

Chairman Hines reported at this point we will take public comments.  Mrs. Hornaday questioned whether these would be the minimum standards, and whether the Planning & Zoning Commission could continue to put other restrictions on applications to the  Commission when they come forward if they feel it is appropriate.  The Town Planner reported the Commission probably could, as the Planning & Zoning Commission still has a separate permitting process for ground removal operations, which tend to be some of the most disruptive construction activities.  So those regulations will still remain in place separate from this general Town Ordinance, those zoning regulations also have restrictions as to when you can start and when you can finish, but in almost any instance where the commission issues a permit they also defer to the Police Department, with a building condition of approval which says that the developer will work with the Police Department in establishing the exact hours of operation as well as the routing of trucks.  For example, regulations would allow traveling to and starting as early 7:00 a.m. but in certain cases the Police Chief has asked that those trucks not be on the road until after 8:30 a.m. if hauling is to be done during a school time frame to try and avoid conflicts between the hauling trucks and the school buses which are on the road in the mornings.  Those regulations being separate, besides the gravel removal operations, in most cases these regulations would take precedence, but to answer the question, it probably would still be possible if the Planning & Zoning Commission were to in a unique instance or a unique case, it probably could as a condition of approval, build in some special conditions above that.  


Chairman Hines reported one of the reasons that we thought about this over the years is that we had to rely on the Planning & Zoning Commission to come up with violations, and their proceedings through the court are such a long period of time, it would not solve the problem very quickly, and this could be faster.      

The public hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m.
    
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council table this item to the July 1, 2004 meeting.              
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.               
                                                
(03/04-89) 7:30 p.m. Storm Water Phase II Permit
The public hearing notice reads as follows:
“LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall, Selectmen’s Chamber, 60 West Main Street for the following purpose:
To receive comments on Phase II Storm Water Permit as required by the Department of Environmental Protection.  Copies of the permit are available in the Town Clerk’s Office
and the Public Works Department.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 25th day of May, 2004.
                                                        Philip K. Schenck, Jr.
                                                        Town Manager”

The Superintendent of Public Works reported he will give a simplified overview.  Basically what the Department of Environmental Protection has mandated and are trying to achieve is to have town and municipalities acknowledge what they have available in their towns for a municipal storm water system, catch basins, outfalls, structures and that sort of thing.  What they want us to do is to quantify it, know where it is, know when and how often it is being cleaned and what kind of condition it is in.  The second and probably one of the larger items that we want to get across is public awareness, they want the general public to understand the effects of what goes down these drains, then what can be done to eliminate these things, simple things like animal waste and car washing, oils and solvents.  We started the program on January 9th of this year, then on July 1st of this year we will be determining where all of our structures are, their conditions, how often we clean them, and we will also be putting out information to the residents of the Town, informing them, educating them, and hopefully there will be a growth of school age children getting involved in the maintenance aspect of it.

Chairman Hines reported some of the accounting standards being required of the Towns, make it very clear that you have to identify all of your infrastructure and what age they are.  Therefore the work that is being done on this storm water may be of help, because if the storm systems are getting older, we may have something that we can look at and say that we need to be concerned with.  And as the Town becomes fully developed, our problems are going to be more in maintaining the infrastructure than it is worrying about new development.  This new Stormwater Regulations is going to cost the Town a lot of money, we cannot just do this, a lot of work has been put into this by the Superintendent of Public Works to identify all of this and with the storm drains being cleaned more often to keep the sand out, but that costs more money too which will have an effect on their budget.                

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:40 p.m.

On a motion made by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council approve the Storm Water Phase II Permit application be submitted to the State DEP as required for implementation of the Storm Water Management Program.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.
c.      (03-04-98) Neighborhood Assistance Act.
The public hearing notice reads as follows:  
“LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall, Selectmen’s Chamber, 60 West Main Street, for the following purpose:
To consider participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Act
in accordance with Public Act 95-268.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 17th day of May, 2004.
                                        Philip K. Schenck, Jr.
                                        Town Manager”

The Town Planner reported the request for the Avon Center Historic Lighting is being made to address the Planning & Zoning Commission plan for the Town Center is to place decorative street lighting in 61 identified locations.  They are similar to the old style of green gas lamps, and recommended by an Architect working with the Town on the plan, it is a very high quality fixture and will cost about $2,000 each but they are constructed and designed to last 50 to 75 years, there is also a special lens designed to reduce glare, but are not intended to substitute for CL&P roadway lighting, as they are more decorative in nature.  The coloring of them has not been decided but we are considering something in the brown stone theme perhaps to match the roofs on the Town Hall complex, something to give special recognition as the special place that the Town Center is, and donations have been successful for this type of item with some sort of plaque put on them in recognition of the company.  

Carol Tsacoyeanes of ACORN reported they submitted a request for $5,000 to be used for the Thompson Brook Playground, we actually mentioned this to several business owners during our fund raising, but we have not received any response.

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m.

On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council approve and recommend the nine 2004 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program Proposals as follows:   
Avon Police Department –
-Eyewitness in-Car Video System (31AV) - $6,030.00
-Eyewitness in-Car Video System (32AV) - 6,030.00
-Eyewitness in-Car Video System (33AV) - 6,030.00
-Eyewitness in-Car Video System (34AV) - 6,030.00
-Eyewitness in-Car Video System (35AV) - 6,030.00
Town of Avon – Town Planning Department
-Avon Center Historic Lighting -15,900.00
Avon Community Recreational Neighborhood, Inc. (ACORN)
-ACORN “Operation Playground” Thompson Brook School  - 5,000.00
Avon Junior Women’s Club (Parks Committee)
 -Parks Enhancement Program – Buckingham site - 27,041.99
Gifts of Love
- Gifts of Love – for low income families - 10,000.00
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.
                                
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING – May 6, 2004
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council table this item to the July 1, 2004 meeting.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE- None

COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL
Mrs. Hornaday reported she met with the Boy Scouts to talk about their community citizen badge.  They stated they had been to a Council meeting, where she had not been present, discussing the Council and talking about one of the members, Mr. Woodford, who does not talk much but when he does he says it like it is.  

Mrs. Hornaday reported that many of the residents around Town she talked to about our property tax relief program, stated how courteous the Assessor and his staff are.  There were very complimentary about that, and we would like to thank the Assessor for that because it was not easy for some of the seniors to come here, and the staff was very courteous and respectful.  

Mr. Woodford reported he attended Memorial Services on Monday, there was a very large crowd, with many speeches and it was a very nice day.  

Chairman Hines reported we had a very nice ceremony here yesterday, UNICO has done so much for the Town of Avon, most people know about them for running Avon Day last year but they do a lot more than that.  They gave a bench which is located near Town Hall along the memorial wall, in memory of Amy Toyen, many of the family attended.  We should send a letter to UNICO thanking them for this wonderful gift.  And the Garden Club did a wonderful job working with the Buildings and Grounds Department to get the plantings out there, and it looks beautiful, it is a delightful spot to sit out there.

Chairman Hines questioned whether with this new tax program, there were 90 people participating before, how many do we have now with this new program?   The Assessor reported we have 160.  Chairman Hines reported that is tremendous, then that really helped and this is good.  

Mr. Carlson reported he would ask that the Town Council send a letter to Dr. Donald Ketchum who is Pastor of West Avon Congregational Church is retiring after 40 years of service to the Church and to the Community in many ways.  I know the Chamber of Commerce recognized Dr. Ketchum this past week, and it would be nice of the Town Council to recognize him, I believe at this point he may be the senior pastor in the Community, recognizing and thanking him for his contributions to the Community over the years.  It was the consensus of the Town Council to have a letter of recognition sent to Dr. Ketchum.
             
OLD BUSINESS
03/04-55   Appointments:  Board of Assessment Appeals (03/04-86)
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council table this item to the July 1, 2004 meeting.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

03/04-56        Adoption of Ordinance #70: for the Delinquent Payment of Property Taxes on Motor Vehicles
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council remove this item from the Agenda.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

03/04-64        Avon High School Renovations/Addition: Appointment of Architectural Firm
Henry Frey, Avon High School Renovations/Addition Building Committee Chairman, reported we received fourteen firms interested in being the architect of the project.  Five of the firms were chosen to be interviewed, we visited their firm offices, checked their references, and after meeting with the five firms last week, we unanimously decided that we recommend Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. as the Architect for the renovations and additions for the high school.  Two of the main reasons were that their fee to get us through phase II, which would be through referendum would be $25,000, the next lowest firm fee, that firm was going to charge us over double that.  Also Kaestle Boos did the last high school project, and they know what is there and the Committee unanimously felt they were the ones.  Chairman Hines reported we were always very pleased with their efforts in the past.

Chairman Hines reported a letter should be sent to Kaestle Boos on the appointment, and letters to the finalists as well.  The Building Committee Chairman reported the Town Clerk as Staff for the Committee will send letters to our new Architect and the four other firms not selected.  He further reported we do need money in order to continue.  Chairman Hines reported it could be taken out of contingency, but we only have one month to go.  The Town Clerk reported the Architect will not be sending us a bill for several months, we can wait before we allocate any money.   She further reported that the nine firms that were not interviewed were already advised that they were not on the list of firms to be selected for interviews.  Tomorrow we will follow up with the other letters.

On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council appoint the firm of Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. as Architect for the renovations and additions project for Avon High School as recommended by the Avon High School Renovations/Additions Building Committee.   
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

03/04-68        Review, Discussion and Award Contracts: Health Insurance Remarketing
Director of Human Resources, William Vernile, reported we have two Consultants from Aon Consulting Inc, to discuss the remarketing process of the Town’s Health and Welfare Benefits conducted in February.  By using their recommendations, we would collectively save about $184,000, subsequent to that they worked more diligently with their vendors and that is increased now to about $214,000.  We went over the Life Insurance and Long Term Disability, as their recommendation was to change vendors, and we would need to give them 30 days notice.  The Consultants are here to go over the executive summary on the overall process, and go over the foundation for their recommendations to us.     

The Consultant reported we began the bid process in mid-March, we utilized the use of the newspaper for announcing the bid, as well as to our list of vendors.  We requested them to provide responses both on a combined basis for cost savings, and also to price it separately.  We received results back in early April, and delivered our results to the Town Board of Education, their Finance Director and the Town Human Resources Director at the end of April.  As discussed during the Town Council’s previous meeting the transfer of the Life and AD&D Benefit to another carrier, AIG, with an annual savings of $4,800.  The LTD product also went to AIG, for an annual savings of $39,675 with matching benefits.  

The Dental program based on competitive cost, excellent service, and continuity, the vendor continues to be Metlife, with a savings from the original budget of $46,802.  Mr. Carlson questioned while we are saving $46,000, how does that compare to the savings that might have been offered by one of their competitors.  The Consultant reported there were other bidders that would have resulted in an additional $16,000, however there was concern over the service that had been provided from this vendor previously and given the fact that employees and management were very happy with the service they were getting from Metlife, it was decided at our meeting not to go forward with a change in vendor.  Mr. Carlson reported while $16,000 is not a lot, but in the hands of a bargaining units or on the Town side as well, it is a reminder that we did not always go with the lowest bidder, and that we understand their needs as well.  

The Consultant reported next is Pharmacy, which was bid separately from medical, resulting in six responders with two below current costs.  One was not feasible in that the available network of pharmacies was much smaller than current, the second provided a broad network, but overall less than saved 3% over the existing program with Anthem Prescription Management. The Human Resource Director reported one of the things we have been talking about is to have the Consultants come in and talk with the unions about alternative ways and options which may help us move in different directions, especially with the prescription program.  Chairman Hines reported this gives the information to start negotiations. Mrs. Hornaday reported it is helpful to have a meeting with all of the union membership to talk about the plans and what you are talking about, so that they are hearing first hand what is available.  The Consultant reported due to union issues and a required 3 year commitment from the bidding vendor, it is recommended to stay with the current vendor until plan design changes are made and additional savings can be achieved.

The Consultant reported the Medical program for active and retiree employees is currently managed by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield under a self insured arrangement.  The bid resulted in 4 responses, with only one under the renewal cost, however, that bid did not include the medicare retiree population and did not duplicate current plan design.  Additionally, this vendor had provided dental services to the Town in prior years, and at that time provided poor customer service and persistent claim adjudication issues.  Due to these factors it is recommended to remain with the current vendor with a reduced renewal, generating a savings of $100,000.  In addition to the bid, the claims in three prior years were analyzed, the Town has never exceeded the 110% of expected claims, which is the level at which the current Aggregate Stop Loss takes effect.  The review indicates that the Individual Stop Loss may present a better value to the Town, if the Town chose to change their Stop Loss from an aggregate level of 110% to an individual level of $100,000 per claimant, the saving for 04/05 would be $23,316 in Stop Loss Premium.  

The Consultant reported in total if all of those options were adopted, with all of the recommended changes including the recommended Stop Loss, the savings would be $214,593 for a July 1 effective date.  The Consultant reported more importantly in some of those areas we lock in the premiums for two or three years, but not Anthem which we tried with no luck but will continue trying.  

Mr. Woodford questioned there being vendors out there that did not have all of the programs for municipalities that others could not fit in.  Are those newer programs necessarily a dramatic decrease in benefits for people?  The Consultant reported the benefit levels remain fairly constant, the way they are delivered is radically different.  By that I mean your old style plans or indemnity plans have three or sometimes four different components where you get paid, under hospital, medical, major medical with a top, and some plans have a prescription drug – with four distinct areas of coverage.  With the new style of plans it is all rapped up under one program of either an FPO or Firm Provider Organization or HMO a Health Maintenance Organization. So even though the benefit levels are roughly equivalent to one another, the way the benefits are received by or accessed by employees is radically different. There has been some resistance in the past to the way that is received by the unions.  The Town of Avon has adopted an FPO, but you have not carved out prescription drug as we discovered from analysis, based on the value of the  design it does not make a lot of sense right now to do that.  The issue comes when we go to market, Avon still has some old style indemnity plans primarily for retirees that the new vendors simply do not have the systems capability, nor the desire to communicate those old style of benefit plans.  Until all of you are under the same platform, we will not know which vendors are willing to bid on the benefits, by law we are prohibited from negotiating for retirees, you can place an option for them, and they can voluntarily move across.     

On a motion made by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mr. Woodford, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council approve the respective agreements for 2004/2005 Health Insurance Coverage for the Town of Avon and Board of Education as recommended by the Director of Human Resources and to approve the recommendation to change under Medical from the 110% Stop Loss to $100,000 Individual level per claimant.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

03/04-92        Review and Discussion: Request for funding; ACORN Playground, Thompson Brook School
Carol Tsacoyeanes, President of ACORN, reported she would like to thank the Town Council for asking her back.  We have continued our fundraising efforts, and as of today we have $89,708 in donations, $10,150 in pledges for a total of $99,858, close to our $125,000 goal.  Also in the past month we have selected three additional pieces of equipment to enhance the play experience for our special needs children.  We had illustrated that all of the equipment we have selected meets the ADA guidelines.  The enhancements increase our fund raising goal from $125,000 to $130,000 which she stated in the memo.  We raised approximately $100,000 in the ten weeks.  So Operation Playground has been developed to broaden the educational experience of the children at Thompson Brook School and of the children in the Avon Community by strengthening their physical, social and emotional needs.  We of ACORN are confident in presenting the Town with this playground proposal, we firmly believe that our playground is an extension of the construction of Thompson Brook School and therefore qualifies for the funding available to the Thompson  Brook  Building Fund.  We are hoping for your support and will answer any questions about our project.  Chairman Hines reported your fund raising is tremendous and we are totally in support of it, and we do want to help in any way that we can.  The unfortunate situation is that we still do not have resolution on the gymnasium floor, it is going to be fixed but how it is going to be funded is another question.  Our four Council members here tonight are in favor of supporting this effort and trying to get some funds if we can, but we would like to turn this request back to the Thompson Brook School Building Committee, since they know where the funds are going to be, what is going on there, and what is available, and at the appropriate time, they can tell us.  We are hoping that could be soon, rather than later, because ACORN is putting their order in for equipment and would like to know where they are, and they have also contacted Representative Kevin Witkos and his office needs further information in order to submit the application. He questioned whether the Building Committee if given this charge would be able to take care of it.  Mr. Frey, Chairman of the Thompson Brook School Building Committee, reported if we have money left over, and it appears that we will, and ACORN does not raise it somewhere else, as it is something that probably should have been in the original plan, although the 5/6 school was a new idea, it should have been included in the original design of the school.  It was the consensus of the Town Council to refer this item to the Thompson Brook School Building Committee for resolution.

        03/04-93   Review and Approval: Buckingham Field Bids
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council table this item to the July 1, 2004 meeting.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

NEW BUSINESS
03/04-99        Review, Discussion, Approval: Expenditure from Contingency: $15,000 Used Street Sweeper 
The Superintendent of Public Works reported he is recommending the purchase of a used 15 year old street sweeper from Bloomfield in amount $15,000.  They have allowed us to use the sweeper since this spring for the municipal and school parking lots, but we did some work to it to be able to use it, a minimal amount.  The important factor is even though it is only five years younger than our existing one, parts are available for it from various sources, and this model is still in production, manufacturers have to produce parts ten years after they cease production.  It shows to be in very good shape for its age, and proved itself this spring.  He would like to be able to pursue the purchase of this equipment.  Mr. Woodford  questioned what a new one would cost.  The Superintendent reported $150,000 up to $190,000 depending upon model.  Mr. Carlson questioned whether they were late with the street sweeping this year.  The Superintendent reported only a few days, but very much more timely than we were last year because of the equipment, in fact we were three weeks ahead of last year.  The actual dates are chosen in November, therefore we do not know what the weather will be, but this year brush pickup and sweeping went off pretty much without a problem. The sand picked up is used for fill, it cannot be used again for sand.  The Public Works Department does not have the funding for this equipment in this nor next years budget.           

On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council authorize an amount not to exceed $15,000 be taken out of Contingency for the purchase of a used Elgin Street Sweeper from the Town of Bloomfield, to be used by the Public Works Department.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.   

03/04-100       Set Public Hearing: July 1, 2004; Acceptance of Easement Far Hills Drive to Route 44.
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council schedule a public hearing for July 1, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

        03\04-101       Set Public Hearing: July 1, 2004; Easement; Sprint Antenna Huckleberry
                Hill Landfill
The Town Clerk reported we have to hold a public hearing because we are giving an easement in accordance with the Charter.  There are a couple of residents in the area that will be interest in the public hearing, the Town Manager has their names and they will be advised.  

On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council set a public hearing for July 1, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.  

        03/04-102       Resignation: Planning & Zoning Commission
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept with great regret the resignation of Barnard Tilson from serving on the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

        03/04-103       Appointment:  Planning & Zoning Commission
On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:

RESOLVED:       That the Town Council table the appointment to the July 1, 2004 meeting.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

        03/04-104       Approve Assessment Services Agreement with Canton
The Assessor reported if you compare the Assessment Services last year with this year, you will find that it is more a typical than a 3% or 3.5% increase, last year it was $37,400, this year we will be charging Canton $42,650.  Part of that is, in discussing the building construction activities in Canton with their Chief Administrative Officer we both realized there would be an increase in the building with the shops in the Farmington Valley being constructed, several new condominiums and single family subdivisions, therefore we added another hour of services per week into the contract in our budget proposal to Canton it is segregated on it as a separate line item, which they have agreed to.  They recognize the need for additional services as well, we did not want to bundle it in terms of one single number of $42,650, but as a separate line item to see if the following year the activity continued, and if it did then we would bundle it together and move forward from that point, the new figure on an hourly basis shows a little more than $70 an hour for consultant services to Canton.  

The Assessor reported so far they have built the Kohl’s building, by the end of the assessment year the Shaw’s will be completed, and a good majority of the balance of the space will be anywhere from 75% to 80% complete.  They have a new active adult complex that by October will go from zero units to probably 25 units up, with another 60 to go, and the other subdivision of about 85 lots have all of the foundations in by the end of the summer, but will take about 2.5 years to build out, there is another subdivision that has released 50 lots is just being started, ready for sheet rock with multiple builders and that will wind down in a couple of years.  The population definitely is going to increase, in all age brackets and there will be a definite increase in the activity, but at some point will balance out.  In some ways it is good because Avon is winding down, Hunter’s Run is down to two units, one that is sold, they will be built out and sold out, Farmington Woods is built out, and we do not have that many lots available, so we are winding down, so it is a good balance, as we wind down Canton picks up utilization of the Avon staff.             

On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mrs. Hornaday, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to sign on behalf of the Town of Avon the Assessment Services Agreement with the Town of Canton, to provide independent contractor basic services of Avon’s Assessor and limited clerical support for personal property and motor vehicle processing to Canton, from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, subject to earlier termination as set forth in the agreement, in consideration for services Canton shall pay $42,650 to Avon, plus mileage reimbursement at $.38 per mile, postage and reasonable supply costs.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

        03/04-105       Approve Social Services Agreement with Canton
The Director of Social Services reported we have been working for both towns, on the Avon side it will generate $15,500 a year in revenue, which works out to be little over $16 per hour for 5 hours a week which is part time, and have developed a good working relationship with their staff.       

On a motion made by Mr. Woodford, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED:       That the Town Council authorize the Town Manger to sign on behalf of the Town of Avon the Social Services Agreement with Canton, to provide services of Avon’s Social Services Director and limited clerical support to Canton, from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, subject to earlier termination as set forth in the agreement, in consideration for services Canton shall pay $15,457 to Avon, plus mileage reimbursement at $.38 per mil, postage and reasonable supply costs.
Mrs. Hornaday, Messrs: Hines, Carlson and Woodford voted in favor.

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS  
Tim Cronin of Secret Lake reported the problem we have is that we are confronted with considering that we would like to give the roads to the Town of Avon.  Chairman Hines reported we would not have to accept them, unless they were brought up to standards, and that would make so many houses non-conforming.  Mr. Cronin reported the problem is that traffic on Secret Lake Road has increased significantly.  He reported they are trying to avoid going around and are cutting through and speed on Secret Lake Road, it is really dangerous.  Chairman Hines reported we had a letter from the Chief of Police on this subject recently, therefore we are fully aware of your problem.  Mr. Woodford reported if the Secret Lake Association wishes to pursue this, you must present something to the Town Manager in an organized manner, if you want the Town Council to discuss this.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Litigation/Negotiation – None

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Attest:


Caroline B. LaMonica
Town Clerk