AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
December 4, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, by Chairman Carlson. Members present: Mrs. Samul, Messrs. Pena, Zacchio and Shea.
II. PUBLIC HEARING:
08/09-28 Farmington Valley Trails Grant: Approve Memorandum of Understanding
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Carlson, and the Clerk read the legal notice as follows:
"LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF AVON
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon, CT to consider the proposed Equipment Sharing Agreement, Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance among the towns of Avon, Burlington, Simsbury, Canton, Farmington, Granby, East Granby and Suffield.
The Memorandum of Understanding designates a governing board of the municipalities to oversee the project, how the equipment is insured, the responsibilities of Avon as the title owner of the equipment, the term, cost sharing arrangement, and how disputes shall be resolved.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 20th day of November, 2008.
Philip K. Schenck, Jr.
Town Manager"
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council close the Public Hearing.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED:
WHEREAS, General Statutes §7-148cc establishes a process wherein municipalities may develop and implement Equipment Sharing Agreements to provide shared equipment and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the exchange, furnishing or providing by one or more municipalities for joint use of certain equipment has been found to be of benefit to all participating municipalities, both in making more equipment available and in reducing the cost of such equipment use; and
WHEREAS, Avon, Simsbury, Canton, Farmington, Granby, East Granby, Suffield and Burlington (“the Participating Municipalities”) desire to enter into an Equipment Sharing Agreement for the shared use of trail maintenance equipment for the ongoing maintenance of the Farmington Valley Trail; and
WHEREAS, maintenance of the Farmington Valley Trail is well suited to the sharing of equipment because the trail runs through each Participating Municipality; and
WHEREAS, the equipment will be purchased through funding from the State of Connecticut as part of the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, administered by the Capitol Region Council of Governments, which program is intended to foster and enhance joint provisions of municipal services across town borders.
NOW THEREFORE, to accomplish the goal of maintenance of the Farmington Valley Trail across town borders, each Participating Municipality hereby adopts this Equipment Sharing Agreement according to the following terms:
1. The Governing Board as defined below shall designate one municipality as the “title owner” of the equipment and it will be carried on its schedule of property for insurance. In the event of damage to the equipment which results in an insurance claim, the deductible will be payable by the municipality that had use of the equipment at the time of the accident, said use defined herein as “care, custody, and control”. The insurer for the Participating Municipalities represents and agrees that the deductible may be paid by a town other than the title owner town and that such payment shall not prevent payment of the claim. Each participating municipality agrees to cover the equipment while in its care, custody or control, for general liability
coverage.
2. Each Town will be responsible for any liability issues including but not limited to claims by its employees and by third parties that arise out of an event that occurs while it has care, custody and control of the equipment.
3. The Participating Municipalities agree that the title owner municipality shall be held harmless from any and all claims of liability and expenses related to those claims that may arise from an occurrence when the equipment is in the possession of another Participating Municipality. As a condition to the title owner municipality agreeing to enter into this Equipment Sharing Agreement, each of the Participating Municipalities agrees to execute not later than January 15, 2009, a hold harmless and indemnification agreement in a form approved by the Governing Board and satisfactory to the title owner municipality. This hold harmless and indemnification agreement will include indemnification and /or attorneys fees for any “suit” in which the title owner municipality
is a party, including but not limited to disputes with regard to liability and any other associated collection costs. Irrespective of any other provision to the contrary in this Equipment Sharing Agreement, the title owner municipality may withdraw from the Agreement if any of the other Participating Municipalities has failed to execute such a hold harmless and indemnification agreement by that date.
4. The equipment subject to this Equipment Sharing Agreement is set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement. The Governing Board shall be empowered to add to or subtract from the listed equipment from time to time upon the majority vote of the membership of the Governing Board without amendment to this Agreement. The title owner municipality shall notify its insurance carrier of any and all additions or subtractions. It shall be the responsibility of each Participating Municipality to properly train its operators to use the equipment subject to this Equipment Sharing Agreement.
5. The following operational considerations shall be enforced by the Participating Municipalities through the Governing Board:
a. Housing: The equipment shall be housed in the title owner municipality unless, by vote of the Governing Board, the decision is made to house the equipment in a different location.
b. Maintenance: The town housing the equipment will be responsible for performing routine maintenance. The Governing Board shall develop a method for handling more extensive repairs. The housing town will periodically evaluate each piece of equipment acquired under this agreement and each year will provide the Governing Board with an estimate of the cost of maintenance for the coming fiscal year prior to the annual budget cycle so that each town can plan for their share of the cost in its annual budget.
c. Insurance: The equipment will be covered under the housing town’s insurance policies. Any liability insurance of the municipality that is using the equipment shall be considered primary over any other collectible insurance regardless of any other insurance clauses.
d. Insurance Deductible: If equipment is damaged by operator negligence in any town and insurance covers repair of the damage to the equipment, any deductible on that insurance will be reimbursed to the housing town by the town responsible for the operator’s performance.
e. Operating Costs: The housing town will cover routine operating costs (maintenance, insurance) and will bill the other towns on a regular basis (quarterly or annually). Routine operating and maintenance costs other than fuel will be split equally among the eight towns with each town paying 1/8 of the costs. Fuel will be provided by the town using the equipment; each Participating Municipality agrees to take the equipment full and return it full.
f. Operator Proficiency: Each Participating Municipality shall be responsible for ensuring that its staff assigned to the equipment in that town is competent to use that equipment and for addressing staff performance issues under the town’s personnel policies should the equipment be misused or damaged by an operator in that town.
g. Scheduling Use: Scheduling will be managed by the public works managers of each Participating Municipality.
h. Municipal Participation: The agreement will remain in force as long as at least two towns continue to participate
7. This Equipment Sharing Agreement shall remain in effect for five (5) years, with the first year beginning on November 1, 2008 and the last year expiring on October 31, 2013. The Equipment Sharing Agreement shall automatically renew for successive terms of five (5) additional years unless all but one Participating Municipality provides a written notice to the other of its election not to renew the Equipment Sharing Agreement for another five (5) assessment years. Such notice must be provided at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled expiration of the original or any renewal term of the Equipment Sharing Agreement. In no event shall the Agreement extend beyond 40 years from November 1, 2008.
8. The Participating Municipalities shall establish a Governing Board to accomplish the purposes of this Equipment Sharing Agreement. Each Participating Municipality shall appoint the Town’s chief administrative officer or designee as its member of the Governing Board. Each Participating Municipality shall have one voting member on the Governing Board. The Governing Board shall address any concerns that come up which are not explicitly defined in the Equipment Sharing Agreement and will be the ultimate arbiter of any disagreements among towns relative to any aspect of the Agreement. The Governing Board will be advised by the public works managers of each Participating Municipality relative to issues related to acquisition, use and maintenance of equipment.
9. Disputes arising from the operation or interpretation of this Equipment Sharing Agreement that cannot be resolved by the Participating Municipalities shall be submitted to mediation and arbitration to the American Arbitration Association (AAA) according to its rules and procedures.
10. This Equipment Sharing Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Any changes to the Equipment Sharing Agreement not within the scope of the powers granted to the Governing Board shall be in writing in a document duly executed by each Participating Municipality. The Participating Municipalities may separately execute counterpart originals of this Equipment Sharing Agreement (and any amendments thereto,) which together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.
11. The Participating Municipalities agree to follow the procedures for adoption and for review at least once every five years of this Equipment Sharing Agreement set forth in General Statutes §7-148cc.
12. The Chief Executive Officer is hereby authorized to execute this Equipment Sharing Agreement.
WHEREFORE, each Participating Municipality has duly approved and caused to be executed this Equipment Sharing Agreement on the dates set forth below, to be effective for the year commencing on November 1, 2008.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
III. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS:
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept the November 10, 2008 minutes as submitted,
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
IV. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE – Items not on this Agenda
Tom Gugliotti, member of the Board of Finance, complimented the Avon High School football team for their great accomplishments for the season. It was great for the schools and for the kids.
Alison Demorax, reported being in the school district for several years, stated it would be great for the students at the high school to be able to walk through the wetlands to school. There are a few dead ends back there and it would be great for the kid's health. Chairman Carlson reported several years back there was discussion about building fields back there and agrees it's good for the kids. Wetlands are always an issue.
V. COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL
Pam Samul reported on the posts along Huckleberry and Chevas Road are not in good condition and need to be repaired.
Mr. Shea stated they should recognize the passing of Bud Hermann. He was a member of the Board of Finance for several years, and should note he was an outstanding citizen for the 26+ years. He will be sorely missed.
Chairman Carlson reported it may be beneficial this year to put together a one page chart of all the relative financials statistics that can be made available to anyone. It could include cost of living, GEP, any other increases. This way if something is mentioned we can know we are all speaking about the same increases and we are on the same page.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
07/08-33 Final Report Avon Day - Len DelGallo
Mr. Len DelGallo reported on the 2008 Final Report. Due to the weather the original date was Saturday, September 27th , but it was held on Sunday. The ticket sales were down $4,283, donations were down around $1,500, expenses were up close to $4,500 due to the tents and lighting. We also had competition with the AHS football team and Unionville had their celebration on Sunday as well. Restaurant sales were down as well but we did give $1,785 to the Avon Special Needs Fund. Keep in mind the event was closed early due to the rain as well. One question was if the fireworks should have been fired or not that evening but once they are loaded in they can not be cancelled. We would like to continue with Avon Day again next year and the date selected was Saturday, September 26, 2009 and also recommend
discontinuing the fireworks unless a sponsor could be found. We do want to accept the offer for Avon UNICO to sponsor the event again next year. We also accept the help of the Avon Lions Club to be on the committee. The committee plans to look into events insurance to cover any losses in the future. Due to the high loss this year and having no way to cover this, we are hoping the Town Council can help us with a bailout this year to help cover our deficit of $4,456. Thanks to the Town Manager and Town Council, Recreation and Parks Dept, Volunteer Fire Department and Police Department, and Board of Education for the help and support.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept with gratitude the 2008 Final Report of Avon day and authorize the $4,456 to come from the Town Council Contingency Account.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-04 FY 09/10 Budget: CIP Budget Presentations
a. 7:00 p.m. Board of Education
Michael Eagen of the Board of Education reported they had one significantly funded project for this year and that was the Roaring Brook boiler project. The oldest buildings have the most significant capital needs. The AMS roof replacements is a very important project and feel fairly confident it will pass at referendum but would like the project funded in the FY 09/10 capital budget to be safe. The Roaring Brook school boiler digital controls is another large item, it was discussed having these installed now to save money due to energy savings. Gary Franzi reported if we had the opportunity to have done this earlier we would have. Chairman Carlson asked if an investigation can be done to see what the energy savings would be and report this past to the Council. Michael Eagen further reported replacement of a 1995 Ford 350
with a plow is a part of the request. It is used for snowplowing. The Board of Education presentation that was presented is attached and made part of these minutes.
b. 8:00 p.m. Fire Department
Jim Speich, President of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, reported the submission is similar to the version last year. There are two items that are on the agenda for this year; one is the command off duty car and the other if a regional burn tower. This would be a three town split of about $560,000 with Plainville, Burlington, Farmington and hopefully Avon. It would be a two story facility located in Farmington. It would be easy to travel to and would be able to use your own equipment. The total cost of the tower would be $1.7million. They are seeking grants and the cost would go down with these grants. Most centers like this cost $3million due to the classrooms and burn unit. This site already has a few of these items so the cost would not be as much. A charge would be applied to outside
towns looking to use the facility to help offset the cost. Chairman Carlson questioned what the annual operating costs would be. It was reported the costs would range from $3,000-5,000 per year, at this time we sent our trainees to a facility, so really it would be no additional charge. Mr. Shea stated he had thought and discussed a regional issue on this for awhile and it is an exciting idea. Mr. Speich further reported water supply is also an issue so this is always a concern for us.
The Fire Department presentation that was presented is attached and made part of these minutes.
08/09-18 Supplemental Appropriation: Demolition of 457 New Road, $5,738.07
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council favorably recommends to the Board of Finance an appropriation
not to exceed $5,738.07 from General Fund, Other Financing Sources, Undesignated Fund Balance,
Account #01-0390-43913, to General Fund, Building Inspection, Demolition of 457 New Road,
Account #01-2401-53318 for the purpose of demolition of property at 457 New Road to be performed
by Public Works.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-29 Review, Discussion and Approval: Referendum Mailer
Chairman Carlson stated he had a few suggested changes to the referendum mailer. It states that the new vault is required, is that the case or is it recommended. The Clerk reported the vault is required by the State and if it is not done the Town can be cited. Chairman Carlson further questioned the HVAC units in the Town Clerk's vault. The Assistant Town Manager said the units will need to be replaced. Mr. Pena questioned if a mailer is always done just for a referendum. Chairman Carlson reported this is something that is always done. The Assistant Town Manager reported on some of the significant changes in the mailer; one was the tax impact statements. The numbers have been updated and are as current as can be. Mr. Shea reported their have been some comments as to whether or not it
should be one question or two on the ballot. The Assistant Town Manager reported speaking to the Bond Counsel and it was recommended to go with the two questions rather than blending them. Chairman Carlson reported this was something that was discussed in the past. Mr. Shea reported it is good to have the residents have an option with what they are voting on. They should have the information ahead of time and be able to make an informed decision.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approves going to referendum for the renovations, additions and
improvements to Buildings ##1 and 2 including the expansion of the Town Clerk's Vault in the amount
of $875,000 and for the replacement of the Avon Middle School roof and related improvements in the
amount of $2,845,000 to be voted on as two separate questions.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
08/09-36 Review, Discussion and Approval: Year End Transfers and Appropriations
The Director of Finance reported these are accounting entries that we do. Generally speaking we have positive operating results. We had a return on Fund Balance of approximately $13,000 which means the revenues and transfers in the General Fund not only cover all the anticipated operating deficits but we had some we could replenish Fund Balance with. We also used a minimal amount from Undesignated Fund Balance from General Fund as compared to previous years. The report shows all the accounts and transfer and where they originate from and what departments they fund. The Town Council approve 1/10 or 1% of the Operating Budget in transfers. What you see are transfer up to approximately $17,500 anything more than that will go the Board of Finance for approval. There are no encumbrances. We ended up with
a General Fund Undesignated fund Balance of about $4.6million which is roughly 7.3% that is up significantly from where we were at June 30, 2007. One thing that was discussed at our meeting with Standard and Poor's we discussed the year end transfer and agreed to bring it up to this level. The Supplemental Appropriations entries from the Town side are primarily from CRRA fund and a pension designation from Fund Balance. From the BOE side, there operating deficit was funded from excess ECS Funds. One thing that is not shown in this book was the BOE did do transfers in excess of about $300,000 above the budget. As we move on to the Supplemental and other funds, they have no impact on the General Fund. Transfers and Designation of Fund Balance are some of the standard transfers. We also funded medical claims, because both credit rating agencies thought it was great that we did this. It was a very favorable comment. We have two entries that are a bit
unusually, because of the RBS School boiler project happening so late in the Fiscal year.
Mr. Shea questioned how long the Town of Avon has with Blum Shapiro as auditor and if the Board of Finance is going to discuss going out to bid. The Director of Finance reported they have been with us since 2004. The Town Manager reported this will be happening next fall. It is anticipated that they will go out to bid. There are only two or three firms out there that do this type of work. Chairman Carlson complemented the work done by the Director of Finance and her department. The Town Manager reported they have worked hard at eliminating the encumbrances and buttoning up some of these accounts. Our pension has dropped from $24 million to $20million. If things do not turn around, we will be looking at significant pension payments that we will have to make over the next several years. There are
some challenges ahead and it will be difficult to meet the Aaa rating standards.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr.Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends that the Board of Finance approve the Fiscal
Year End Transactions: Transfers, Supplemental Appropriations, Designations and Appropriations from
Fund Balance as outlined in the booklet Final Fiscal Year Transactions FY 2007-2008 and as described
in the memoranda from the Director of Finance to the Town Manager
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-37 Review and Discussion: Healthcare Provider Change
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table the discussion of the Healthcare provider change until the January 8, 2009 meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-38 Supplemental Appropriation: Simsbury Plant Upgrade, $67,147.12
The Town Manager reported when we put the budget together a year ago, the actual amount was short $67,147.12. We do have the money in the Sewer Account.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Shea , it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends to the Board of Finance an appropriation
not to exceed $67,147.12 from Sewer Fund, Other Financing Sources, Undesignated Fund Balance,
Account #05-0390-43913, to Sewer Fund, Sewage Collection and Disposal, Simsbury Sewer Treatment
Plant Payments, Account #05-3205-53388 for the purpose of funding payments to Simsbury for plant
upgrade.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-39 Road Acceptances:
Somerset Drive, 0.22 miles
Parsons Way, 0.34 miles
TOTAL 0.56 miles
The Town Manager reported he was contacted by the Engineering Department this evening and was advised not to have any vote on the Parsons Way. There are some issues that still need to be resolved with the state. Mrs. Samul questioned the guard rails on the roads and if there is a guideline to follow for this.
He further reported there is a standard criteria that needs to be followed in order for a road to be accepted.
On a motion made by Mrs. Samul, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the acceptance of Somerset Drive, 0.22 miles.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-40 Appointment: Pension Investment Management Committee
The Town Manager reported this is not a committee that looks at pension benefits, but it is a committee that looks at the pension fund. We have an investment advisor and investment manager and there is a committee that is comprised of the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manger, and Director of Human Resources, Director of Finance, Town Treasurer, and the Chairman of the Board of Finance (now or formerly). All reported are shown to the bargaining units and minutes are taken. The Town Council is the final authority on the investment policy in terms of the allocation strategy. We have a current allocation strategy in place that seems to be working well.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoint Mr. Thomas Harrison to the Pension Investment
Management Committee for an indefinite term.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-41 Review and Discussion: Avon Clean Energy Task Force
The Town Manager reported in response to the comments that were made at the November 10th Town Council meeting we have put this draft charge together for discussion and is happy to announce that the Town Clerk has volunteered to staff the said committee. We provided a professional staff person and a clerical staff person to all boards and committees to insure that the proper procedures are followed. Anything that is done for this fiscal year will have to be taken out of the contingency until the next budget year. A draft charge and background information was handed out for you review. Sterling Planet, our energy supplier, has been contacted and they sent us some background information as well. Mr. Zacchio questioned the name of the committee. The Town Manager reported all the documents were in draft form and can be changed;
either the name or the number of participants. Chairman Carlson reported the Avon Clean Energy Commission sounds a bit more permanent. Mr. Zacchio reported this is a great idea and will give the town a great base and sounding board. The Town Manager reported the towns budget for energy is about $300,000, and that is not for the BOE. Any improvements on this would be great. There were several factors that were looked at while drafting this is one is the community factor, how to get residents involved and educated. The internal component is the monitoring of the commission and bidding processes. The issue is, we do not want to look at something that will cost us more money in the long run. Chairman Carlson reported this is an advisory commission. They will have to come to the council for approval to make any changes. Mr. Pena questioned how we will get the word out to the community, maybe a newsletter. The Town Manager reported they
could work on this. Mrs. Samul reported hoping the commission would come to us with ideas also, on what we could do better. Ms. Roell questioned if the Council would be open to having a student on the commission. It would give the students an opportunity to learn and educate other. The Town Manager stated a letter could be drafted to the BOE explaining the committee and asking for student involvement. Chairman Carlson reported we can come back at the January meeting with names for appointments. Mr. Shea reported it needs to be crystal clear the people appointed can not be involved with the town at all in a work relationship.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the charge of the Avon Clean Energy Commission, to
be comprised of seven members, staff person and clerk.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-42 Supplemental Appropriation: Fisher Meadows, $20,000
The Director of Recreation and Parks stated requested a supplemental appropriation to start the process for the final design for the fields at Fisher Meadows. It was included in the capital budget for 09/10 and if we start it early it will be removed from the capital budget. One comment that were made were regarding not moving Mr. Simmons out of the area, so pending the approval of both the Town Council and Board of Finance we will speak with Mr. Simmons on how we can work it out so we are not tripping over each other. The Town Manager reported essentially the Town when we accepted the Fisher Meadows property; there were provisions that stated that the sale of any products or any related items need to go into a special fund for maintenance and acquisitions of any adjacent open space. The sources of revenue for the fund are
the Avon Water Company payments for the well and water drawn from the field, landscaping companies, and the land leased to the Mr. Bidwell. The revenues from that go into this special fund to be used for something such as this. The Director of Recreation and Parks reported this would go out to an RFP. We did have an architectural firm work on the master plan and the schematics and he will be included in the final project. The soil testing will not be a difficult task.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends to the Board of Finance an appropriation not to exceed $20,000.00 from Fisher Meadow Maintenance Fund, Other Financing Sources, Undesignated Fund Balance, Account #12-0390-43913 and Transfer Out from Fisher Meadows Maintenance Fund, Other Financing Uses, Interfund Transfer-Out, Account #12-8700-58000 and Transfer In to Recreation Activities Fund, Recreation Activities, Service and Consultant, Account # 09-5107-52184 and Recreation Activities Fund, Other Financing Sources, Interfund Operating Transfer In, Account #09-0390-43918 in the amount of $20,000 for the purpose of retaining consultant services for soil testing, final schematic design, and unit pricing for additional playing fields at the Fisher Meadows Recreation Area.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, Zacchio and Shea voted in favor.
VIII. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS
Misc. A: Construction Update
The Assistant Town Manager reported they are wrapping up for the winter. The sidewalks are finishing up and hope to continue this in the spring. The surveyors on Rte 44 are for the STEAP grant Town Green project that is starting to be underway. The project schedule is for the planning to be done by April and then go out to bid. We are not sure how far down Rte 44 we will be able to go with the street lighting but we hope to make it to the Rte. 10, Old Farms Road intersection.
The Town Manager reported he had a request from the AVFD to have a proclamation drafted for Peter Delap who will be retiring. Also, we would need one for Kay Roth who will be retiring as our Collector of Revenue. There will be a retirement party on Wednesday, December 10th. One other things I wanted to mention is about the Fire Department. They are making a few organizational changes within the organization. They are actually having people apply, interview and appoint people to their head positions. We are trying our best to help them professionalize their organization.
Misc. B: Status Report: Foxcroft Run Walkway
The Town Manager reported on the status of the Foxcroft Run walkway. The Town Planner contacted the owner of the property and he is in favor of donating the land to the town but needs to contact his partner. There will more than likely be a public hearing once all the documentation is completed.
Mr. Shea reported Jamie DiPace has done a fantastic job as Fire Chief and feel he should be recognized. The Town Manager reported at the Fire Department's Annual dinner, which would be next November, would be a great time for that.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Land/Negotiation :
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council go into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. to discuss land negotiations.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
The Clerk and the Director of Human Resources attended the session.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council come out of Executive Session at 10:40 midnight.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
X. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Attest:
Caroline B. LaMonica
Clerk
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