AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
September 3, 2009
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, in the Selectmen's Chamber, by Chairman Carlson. Members present: Mrs. Samul, Messrs. Shea, Pena, and Zacchio.
II. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
III. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS: August 6, 2009
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept the August 6, 2009 meeting minutes as submitted.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio and Shea voted in favor. Messrs: Carlson and Pena abstained (absent from meeting).
IV. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE - None
V. COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL - None
VI. OLD BUSINESS
07/08-08 Library Renovations/Additions Building Project
a. Approve Resolution: Library Renovations/Additions & Improvements
b. Sign Notice of Town Meeting, September 21, 2009
c. Set Poll Hours
d. Explanatory Text Resolution: Special Town Meeting
The Assistant Town Manager reported the Council has four items to take up at the meeting in order to move the library project forward to a town meeting on September 21, 2009 and the referendum on October 22, 2009: the resolution drafted by the bond counsel, approve the Chairman to sign the call to town meeting, approve the resolution authorizing the explanatory text, and set the poll hours by extending what is longer than required by state law to 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. She further reported the difference with the new explanatory text resolution is at the Library Building Committee meeting there was an interest expressed in placing on the town web site the tax calculator which was popular in the budget process this year. She spoke with Doug Gillette and the resolution was modified slightly if the Council would
like to make the calculator available. The calculator will only show the impact on the bonds. The operating costs are estimated and will be shown in the power point presentation. Mr. Shea added that we will be able to show the difference between the prior and future operating budgets. Assistant Town Manager reported that the Library Building Committee is making changes to their power point presentation to make it clearer about what the library offers today and a new draft will be sent to the Council for their review. She further reported the Board of Finance is reviewing their presentation this evening.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: that the Town Council recommends that the Town of Avon (a) appropriate $9,500,000 for renovations and additions to the Avon Free Public Library at 281 Country Club Road in Avon, and related improvements and appurtenances, contemplated to include building additions of approximately 22,000 square feet, renovations to the existing building, furniture, shelving, circulation, children’s and reference desk additions and improvements, telephone system improvements, security system improvements, technology improvements, a self checkout system, site improvements and other related work, substantially in accordance with the preliminary schematic drawings prepared by Tuthill and Wells Architects, L.L.C., dated August 16, 2008 and entitled “Additions and Alterations – Avon Free Library”;
and (b) issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 to finance in part the appropriation for the project. The Town anticipates receiving grants in the amount of $1,000,000 from the Connecticut State Library Board and donations to be raised by the Board of Directors of the Avon Free Public Library in the estimated amount of $500,000 to defray in part the appropriation for the project. Should there be a shortfall in the contemplated $1,500,000 aggregate amount of grants and donations received by the Town to fund in part the appropriation, the scope and particulars of the project may be reduced or modified in any manner necessary or desirable to reflect such shortfall and to ensure that the amount of borrowing issued to fund the appropriation does not exceed the $8,000,000 amount to be authorized therefore.
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the foregoing proposal be considered by a Special Town Meeting to be held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at the Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road in Avon, Connecticut, at 7:30 p.m. and that a referendum vote on the foregoing proposal be held at a reconvened town meeting on Thursday, October 22, 2009 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea, and Zacchio voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council authorizes the Chairman to sign the call of the Special Town Meeting to be held on September 21, 2009 at the Avon Senior Center Community Room. (The call is attached and made part of the minutes).
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea, and Zacchio voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council set the polls hours at the Avon Senior Center for October 22, 2009 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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: That the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to prepare and distribute an explanatory text with respect to the Avon Free Public Library Renovations and Additions Project as recommended to the Town by the Town Council and the Board of Finance, in accordance with the requirements of the Charter of the Town and Section 9-369b of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
Mr. Pena questioned if the copies of the presentations as presented to the Council this evening are final? Assistant Town Manager responded that the Library Building Committee had made changes and were meeting again on September 16, 2009 to update the presentation, and asked the Council to contact her if they had any comments or recommendations and she would take those comments back to the Library Building Committee. Mr. Pena commented on the Board of Finance presentation with regards to the tax impact and example of a $350,000 home value and letting the public know that it is a capital expense and not an operating expense. Chairman Carlson added that perhaps the presentation shows both the capital and operating expense. Assistant Town Manager reported that the Board of Finance did request a slide
at the beginning of the slides covering operational expenses and total the numbers so the public didn’t have to calculate the math.
Mr. Pena asked with regards to “reasons to move ahead with the project now” and the state grant paying $1 million, the voters should know that we have “x” amount of time, make it a talking point during the Special Town Meeting.
08/09-65 Acceptance of Easements, Ensign Bickford Property
a. Town Green Improvements Easement
b. .4 Acre Parcel Easement (northerly of Marriott)
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table items 08/09-65(b) Town Green Improvements Easement and 08/09-65(c) .4 Acre Parcel Easement (northerly of Marriott) to the October 1, 2009 meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-06 Review and Discussion of Paramedic Services: Next Steps
The Assistant Town Manager reported there were options to be discussed with Council in terms of where the Town goes next now that the one-year extension has been established with UCONN to continue to provide services to us and determining the Town’s needs for paramedic and EMS services. There have been additional meetings with UCONN and AMR. The Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Fire Chief DiPace met with members of the Fire Department to discuss their concerns. Assistant Town Manager, Chief of Police, and Fire Chief had a meeting with the Town of Farmington to explore options for possibly going together with them for paramedic services as we already have a regional contract for ambulance services. The next step is to see if the Council is comfortable with the Town studying a change
in the Town’s AMR and UCONN services that will continue to have it provided by a commercial vendor or if not the Town could consider another direction and studying what all the options are for the Town if this model is not one that is satisfactory. The model needs some tweaking and the Town should expect more from the providers than it has and perhaps our level of services are not as high as they should be. The recommendation is the uncertainty of having the in-house staff to do that to the level that it needs to be done.
The two options talked about with AMR and Farmington are: AMR would like to provide us paramedics on the ambulance in Avon and can do that through billing patients at no cost to the Town and if the Town is not paying UCONN could possibly provide that service for less money than the Town does today. The Town talked to Farmington about having a paramedic in Avon all the time and Farmington all the time to be supplemented by the ambulance service with EMTs on it. This model allows the highest first responder to get there quickly and wait for the ambulance; in some cases the ambulance getting there isn’t the highest priority versus getting the person there that can deal with the call and might be done for slightly more than the Town is paying today and may be a significantly better level of service than what
the Town is getting today when taking into account the time it takes for various personnel to get to a scene in Avon. Conversation has taken place with Farmington that since we share a contract for service, AMR is putting more of their resource while the ambulances in Avon is going to Farmington a fair amount of the time because that is where the calls are and the Assistant Town Manager is not sure about being satisfied with the level of service we have had and need to set our expectations higher. The Assistant Town Manager is optimistic about putting together a trial phase later this Fall, with the help of the Fire Department, and define what the Town needs to look at, how to design, what the expectations should be from the providers and see if it works.
Mr. Shea reported that many residents have commented about the response time, eight minutes and fifty-nine seconds, and service issues. Mr. Shea asked if the first option helps with the response time and service issues. The Assistant Town Manager responded that there are different types of licensing and if AMR was meeting the response time 90% of the time, the Town would be satisfied because the Town has police officers trained as MRTs and EMTs. In the model discussed with Farmington to put an AMR paramedic located at a firehouse, at the police station going on their own to those calls each time, it would get the right person there to work on the patient. Fire Chief DiPace stated that any paramedic is licensed to administer drugs. If an AMR ambulance has a paramedic and an EMT and a third
person is needed then the Town needs to send a firefighter or police officer to the hospital and that person needs to be picked up at the hospital. The Assistant Town Manager added that a variation of model one was looked at that rather than having a paramedic riding on the ambulance they be located in car at one of the Town’s facilities and going ahead of the ambulance in some cases a better level of care. AMR would bill for that person’s time to the insurance company when applicable; the cost to the Town would be the difference between providing that person and what is recouped through insurance. If what was told by Farmington is accurate it could be done for slightly more than what is being paid for UCONN. The Town has also been discussing with UCONN continuing to have them provide service to us after June 2010 for a specific level and type of calls for which someone trained as a firefighter and paramedic the Town cannot replace with what we
have today. Mr. Shea asked what happens when the patient does not have insurance. The Assistant Town Manager responded that the patient is billed directly. When the call comes in, it is dispatched to AMR if it is a medical and an EMD is required, a decision is made on who to send. The goal is to have faster response times.
Chairman Carlson asked how option one works in a scenario where patient falls, call goes into 911, dispatched to the house is an ambulance, patient is picked up and in tremendous pain from dislocated hip, brought to hospital, but is in such pain the medication is required along the way. The ambulance needs to stop and wait for ambulance from UCONN because they were licensed to give medication with a timeframe of 25 minutes with ambulances at different meeting sites, how does this scenario prevent that from happening. The Assistant Town Manager responded that the paramedic would be on the ambulance and able to provide the medication if they are licensed to do so. In option two the paramedic would be located in Avon and be dispatched as soon as knowledge of medication is needed and might get there before
the ambulance and offer some level of care and go with the ambulance if needed or return and wait for the next call. Mr. Corrado, a licensed paramedic and emergency physician, stated the problem has been pinpointed and thinks to make sense of this topic, an education is needed to guide the Town during this process and offered his help. The Assistant Town Manager stated her excitement to learn that Mr. Corrado is able to assist the Town and with the doctor that serves on the oversight body of the Avon/Farmington contract now from the hospital would be another important person to have involved. Chairman Carlson asked for a set of alternatives with pros, cons, and costs with real life scenarios addressed with what would and will not work. The least concern is to communicate to the townspeople that the budget had to go up by “x” dollars to provide them with same or better service. The concern is how does the Town improve the service from where
it is and what alternatives should be looked at. Mrs. Samul inquired about a comment in the letter stating UCONN will continue to respond to calls for services as part of the transition plan but on a limited basis. The Assistant Town Manager clarified that this is the transition year and what was discussed with UCONN was if there could be a plan to implement this as part of the trial period to see if some version of a commercial service upgrade from what we have today, having them step away and see if this changed model could provide the service that we need without them or are we going to find in doing this that it’s not working and we need to continue to call them. Mrs. Samul questioned which item is being emphasized: UCONN saying they would stay twelve months but we want to drawback or is the Town saying we are looking elsewhere and we will let you drawback. The Assistant Town Manager responded that it was the latter being emphasized. Mrs.
Samul would rather not do that. Mr. Zacchio responded it depends on what can be put into place and when it is a public safety issue. The Assistant Town Manager clarified that UCONN has been told that until the Town comes up with a plan for how to approach they are to fully respond. If the Town gets to the point to test a model, then there will be agreement with Council on how to start to pull back and see if the model works or how it needs to be changed. Fire Chief DiPace explained that a 911 call is triaged and done by AMR, to see what level of care is necessary with either a basic life support (BLS) or emergency medical technician (EMT). Town dispatchers will also call over to UCONN and advise them with level of care needed.
At the next meeting, the Council will be presented with a plan reflecting pros, cons, and alternatives. Chairman Carlson asked that the Assistant Town Manager be involved and invited Dr. Corrado to assist. Mrs. Samul stated that in the past we also discussed working with our state representatives and if there has been any movement on that. The Assistant Town Manager responded that there has not been talk with them. Does the Council want to push UCONN to stay as our provider to continue to offer the service or not? Farmington may have different feelings about wanting UCONN to stay and have an expectation that they should. Chairman Carlson stated that one of the alternatives is service as currently constructed including UCONN. Under pros/cons there are things that are not working
the way the Town wants them to and put that on the table as an alternative but with the caveat that it only works if they are persuaded to stay. Dr. Laurencin will be in attendance at the October 1st meeting to answer additional questions.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
09/10-19 Approval: Refund of Real Estate Taxes, $13,111.56
The Assistant Town Manager reported there are five real estate tax refunds to be approved because they were paid by homeowner and bank, or buyer and seller.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve real estate tax refunds to the following homeowners:
Andrew Liljedahl & Linnea Ostafin $2,184.97, Karl & Diane Ravech $5,085.36, John & Lorraine Sullivan $2,950.36, Robert Supernaugh, Jr. $837.23, and Corinne Goshdigian & Carter Foltz $2,053.64.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-20 Supplemental Appropriation: ARRA Stimulus Funds, $769,004
The Assistant Town Manager reported that these funds would go to the Board of Education. Just under $300,000 is discretionary in what the Board can use it for and the rest of the funds are for the programs as listed on the appropriation. Since this is an addition to the Board of Education budget and wasn’t planned, there needs to be a supplemental appropriation in accordance with the Town Charter, based upon the recommendation of the Town Attorney. Chairman Carlson stated that we do all of this and then next year could be back where we are today; it does not form a baseline for the budget.
Mr. Shea asked Board of Education Chairperson Peggy Roell how the Board plans on communicating this infusion of capital that could potentially go away next year. Ms. Roell responded that a press release went out when the Board first found out about the funds, how the funds would be used for and explained it was a one-time event. Mr. Shea commended the Board regarding the press release and is supportive about the funding, but who is going to speak to the parents and explain throughout the course of the year what has happened.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends that the Board of Finance amend the FY 09/10 Budget by increasing:
REVENUES
State and Federal Education Grants Fund, Intergovernmental, Stimulus Funds, Account #13-0330-43339 in the amount of $769,004 and increasing
APPROPRIATIONS
State and Federal Education Grants, Board of Education, Stimulus Fund Programs, Account #13-9401-59201, in the amount of $769,004, for the purpose of recording, tracking and reporting Federal Stimulus Funds.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-21 Supplemental Appropriation: Purchase of a Vibratory Compactor
(Asphalt Roller) for Public Works, $28,500
The Assistant Town Manager reported that a 1970 roller was taken out of service in 2006. In the past we have arranged to borrow a roller from Hartford, however, it is not always available to meet our needs. The other alternative is to rent with an approximate cost of $2,000 a month. The Town has an opportunity to purchase a used roller for $28,500. Mr. Shea asked if surrounding town(s) might want to rent from us and the Director of Public Works would investigate. Mr. Zacchio inquired about cost for a new model. Director of Public Works responded an approximate cost of $37,000.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council favorably recommends to the Board of Finance an appropriation not to exceed $28,500 from Account #01-0390-43913, General Fund, Other Financing Sources, Undesignated Fund Balance with the intended source Unreserved Designated for Capital Asset Replacement and transfer from Account #01-8503-53073, General Fund, Capital Improvement Projects, Equipment, Vibratory Compactor (Asphalt Roller)
to
Account #02-4844-53073, Capital Projects Fund (Facil & Equip), Town CIP – Equipment, Vibratory Compactor (Asphalt Roller), and Account #02-0390-43918, Capital Projects Fund (Facil & Equip), Other Financing Sources, Interfund Operating Transfers In, in the amount of $28,500 to purchase a 2008 Vibratory Compactor (Asphalt Roller).
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-22 Deepwood Drive Sewer Project
a. Supplemental Appropriation, $106,762
The Assistant Town Manager reported the opening of fourteen bids for this project and that the low bid came in higher than our estimate. For the project to move forward, we will need an additional appropriation in the amount of $106,762 from the Sewer Fund which the WPCA is recommending. This includes a 15% contingency. The bid was higher than the project was estimated at $225,000 for sewer portion of the work. The reason for this was the change in project design from last year. Last year it included pumps to move sewage from one place to another at a lower cost but over time could create maintenance issues. The new design will include a gravity fed sewer. This includes a 15% contingency. Mrs. Shuckra, resident at 78 Deepwood Drive, requested the residents be kept informed
on the progress. It was noted that Phase I would be completed this fall. Phase II will go out to bid late spring or early summer of 2010. The Town Council recommended a letter be sent to each homeowner regarding Phase I & II of the project.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council favorably recommends to the Board of Finance an appropriation not to exceed $106,762 from Sewer Fund, Other Financing Sources, Undesignated Fund Balance Account #05-0390-43913 and transfer from Sewer Fund, Other Financing Uses, Interfund Transfers-Out Account #05-8700-58000 to Capital Projects Fund (Facil & Equip), Town CIP-Facilities, Deepwood Drive Sewer Installation, Account #02-4829-53017 and Capital Projects Fund (Facilities & Equipment), Other Financing Sources, Interfund Operating Transfers-In Account #02-0390-43918 in the amount of $106,762 for the purpose of funding Deepwood Drive Sewer Installation.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
b. Contract Award
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council award the contract to Mastrobattisto of Bristol, CT, based on their low bid in an amount not to exceed $288,489.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
09/10-23 Approve Resolution: Energy Efficiency Grant
The Assistant Town Manager reported that this is a second federal stimulus grant similar to the JAG grant that the Council passed last month. This is a pass-through grant, $25,000 plus another factor of funds based on population. Avon’s amount is $75,189, to be applied for this fall. The Energy Commission has met with Town and Board of Education staff and have been investigating what they believe is the best use of the funds. If the Council is in agreement, the Assistant Town Manager and Town Clerk will be undertaking the process to submit the application.
Mr. Shea stated that the $75,189 is a one time fusion of capital and not something that is going to come from federal government year after year. Mr. Zacchio reported that the projects being proposed are one-time shot and not reoccurring costs, i.e. replacement of equipment. The Public Works garage doors project being recommended is in the CIP for next year.
Avon Clean Energy Commission Chairman Gressier gave a presentation to the Council. The report is attached and made part of these minutes. Chairman Carlson asked if there was anything in federal law that would prohibit the Town from matching any of these funds. The Assistant Town Manager responded no. It was also noted that the Energy Plan would be put out on an RFP. Chairman Carlson commented on the lighting retrofit project and with schools being built or renovated in the last twenty years thought this would have been visited during that time. The lighting technology has progressed so quickly, in particular LED lights with tremendous savings associated with it. Mr. Zacchio commented that the report focuses on Thompson Brook School and Pine Grove School while Roaring Brook School
is the oldest facility. Mr. Gressier responded that the Commission made assumptions: certain hours, certain charge per kilowatt hour, and in talking to David Paul all fixtures and lamps are the same throughout every school, a three bulb fixture in the ceiling with one of the three bulbs being removed. Mr. Shea commented that the Commission should share findings with the Library Building Committee and the collaboration between the two groups should produce a winning formula. The Assistant Town Manager stated that she explained to the Library Building Committee that they should invite the Commission to a meeting during the design process with the engineers and architects and talk about options. Mr. Pena asked if the old part of the high school was re lamped a few years ago and the response was yes. Mr. Gressier recommended taking lighting readings in the classrooms to verify sufficient lighting is provided when lowering the wattage any further. Mr.
Pena asked what qualifies Building 2 for the rebate versus Building 1. Mr. Gressier responded that CL&P goes after much larger units than five and seven and a half ton in Building 1. Building 2 units are single phase and would fall under qualified criteria with CL&P. The Council applauded the Commission for doing a great job. Mr. Gressier reported that the results from a vote by the Commission were to go with the Energy Plan, anti-idling signs, and Public Works garage doors. The lighting and HVAC projects would require more work and perhaps spend more money to get more out of it. Chairman Carlson asked the Commission to work with the Building Department going forward and look at as possible capital budget items in future years. A resident questioned police car idling. Mr. Gressier responded that the police cars have computers and other devices that require the engine to be running for battery charge.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That Philip K. Schenck, Jr., Town Manager is hereby authorized to make, execute, and approve on behalf of the Town of Avon any and all contracts and amendments and to execute and approve on behalf of this municipality other instruments a part of or incident to the filing of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 Recovery Act Connecticut Local Pass-Through for Municipal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program Grant.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Zacchio, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-24 Contract Award: Surveillance Camera System
The Assistant Town Manager reported that the surveillance camera system is to upgrade the Communications Center within the Police Department. This portion of the project will replace the camera system that is in or around Buildings 3 and 4. There were fourteen bids opened. There were several alternates put into this project. One of them is a traffic camera at the base of Avon Mountain in order to have dispatchers see what is going on at that intersection; it would not record at all. Mr. Shea responded that more discussion is needed regarding the traffic camera. The response time to the intersection will be quick regardless and an onsite assessment is still necessary. Chairman Carlson expressed that if the Police Department feels this camera is necessary then to build it into their
budget and come back to the Council with appropriate justification.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council award the contract to Eyewitness Systems, LLC, of Broad Brook, CT, and authorize the Assistant Town Manager to adjust the bid amount, which excludes the alternate that requires a camera at the Route 44 and Nod Road/Route 10 intersection at the base of Avon Mountain.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
09/10-25 Contract Award: Salt Shed Precast Floating Foundation
The Assistant Town Manager reported on the opening of bids from two vendors for the precast floating foundation for the new salt shed at the Public Works Garage. Previously awarded was a contract for the membrane covered steel structure for the roof. This bid is for the concrete block for the foundation. The vendor will accommodate our schedule for completion by November 1st and then installation of the covered steel structure by December 1st.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council award the contract to United Concrete of Yalesville, CT, based on their low bid in an amount not to exceed $44,900.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
09/10-26 Contract Award: Town Center Streetscape Project
The Assistant Town Manager reported on the opening of bids from five vendors for the Town Center Streetscape Project along Route 44. This project is funded with a State STEAP grant and funds raised for decorative lighting by local residents and businesses. However, the low bid exceeds the fund available for this project and we reduced the amount of the bid by removing five lights.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council award the contract to Clover Construction of Bristol, CT, based on their low bid in an amount not to exceed $249,931 while noting the removal of five lights.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
09/10-27 Review and Discussion: 2010 Legislative Program (CCM, CRCOG, COST)
The Assistant Town Manager reported on the following list of legislation that is of concern as follows: Bridge over Farmington River: State Project 04-116 and 04-118, Old Farms Road: State Project 04-98, major item driving town budgets repeal/amend, State Mandated Code of Ethics (not needed), Revaluation: return to once every 10 years, implement Tax Reform Studies as recommended by Blue Ribbon Commission, ECS Grant formula needs major overhaul, Avon Grants not in line with Avon’s contribution via Connecticut income tax, prevailing wage (Davis/Bacon) – repeal/modify thresholds, school requirements (unfounded), Special Education, etc., and clearly define Department Heads in Municipal Employee Relations Act for Membership in bargaining units. This list is similar to what has been suggested in
the past.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approves the 2010 Legislative Program list as presented.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
VIII. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS
Misc. A Construction Update - The Assistant Town Manager gave an update on construction activities. The middle school roof was completed in time for the commencement of school; there is $50,000 in rebates from CL&P that were not budgeted in the project as design came after the referendum; approximately $10,000 to $15,000 in change orders thus far; six remaining HVAC units will go up in October over weekends. The ground unit replacement was discussed and the Assistant Town Manager reported a current model would cost $48,000 prior to January 1, 2010, and after that date the cost would be $75,000 for a newer model.
Misc. B Purchasing Update – The Assistant Town Manager gave an update on purchasing activities.
Misc. C Possible Open Space Acquisition – This item was discussed under Executive Session.
Misc. D MetroHartford Alliance CEDS - Mr. Hines has recommended that Avon participate in a sub-committee of MetroHartford Alliance CEDS.
Misc. E Swine Flu Update - The Assistant Town Manager reported that as of this date the amount of vaccine available to the Health District and the methodology for inoculating of the target population has not been determined.
Misc. F Software Opportunities - Two opportunities have come about to obtain software at no cost to track accept and applicability of insurance certificates and Performance Measurement.
Misc. G Fisher Farm SubCommittee - Two meetings have been held to determine if the farm is viable or should be changed.
Misc. H Probate Court Redistricting - The Assistant Town Manager reported that Avon is proposed to be in a court of seven towns, including Canton, Simsbury, Granby, Harwinton, New Hartford, and Barkhamsted with the court located in Simsbury.
Misc. I Truck Ramp/Route 44 Concrete Wall Stone Facing - Steve Kushner, Director of Planning and Community Development reported having conversations with the David Ferraro, Project Manager regarding this project. Mr. Ferraro had recommended that Steve speak with the DOT Legislative Liaison where a report was received. The report indicates that DOT is aware of the importance of the final design that has yet to be shared with the Town. There are three alternative designs, a few of which were suggested by a landscape architect working with the Town. There are preliminary cost estimates from Spazzarini Construction which range from $80,000 to $100,000, and include facing three different sections of the truck ramp. An item for discussion is that it might not
be essential that all areas of the truck ramp be faced. The most critical area would be the tail end as you enter the ramp where there is no landscaping; followed by the landscaped area which is hiding a significant area of the façade, and the end by Avon Old Farms Inn. In terms of cost sharing, DOT provided information suggesting it is becoming more common for towns to cost share at a rate of 20% for aesthetics and not functionality. Two projects given as examples was decorative lighting at the bridge on Route 4 in Farmington and the town paid 100%; and sidewalk improvements at Bushy Hill/Route 10 in Simsbury and the town paid 20%. In addition, the report indicated that the State will soon be painting the large wall on Route 44. Mrs. Samul added credit to Steve Kushner and Jim Sansone from favorable feedback received on Jim Sansone helping in the Burlington Building Department from a builder and homeowner.
There was discussion regarding annual report cover suggestions. In addition, the October newsletter is coming out mid-October; some suggestions were the sewer extension on Deepwood Drive; impact on what the Town has been able to do with their budget as a result of getting monies from the state, i.e. defibrillators; Avon Clean Energy Commission; and Town Manager transition.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Litigation/Negotiation
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council goes into Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. to discuss land acquisition and personnel items.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council come out of Executive Session at 11:20 p.m.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council add to the agenda item 09/10-28: To accept a resignation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
09/10-28 Accept Resignation from Planning & Zoning Commission
On a motion made by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept the resignation of David Freese, an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, Shea and Zacchio voted in favor.
X. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
Attest:
Caroline B. LaMonica
Clerk
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