AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
October 1, 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, and Pena. Absent: Mr. Zacchio.
II. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
III. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS: September 3, 2009
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept the September 3, 2009 meeting minutes as submitted.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena and Shea voted in favor.
IV. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE
Chairman Carlson reported we would like to recognize the North Central Emergency Services Team from Avon. Chief Mark Rinaldo reported that police officers from the Avon Police Department participate in many regional initiatives which allow towns to share information and resources, develop employees, and improve public safety leading to a better quality of life not only for Avon residents but for our surrounding communities. Avon police officers are members of the elite North Central Municipal Regional Emergency Services Team. The member towns are: Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Simsbury, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. The Avon police officers are Sgt. Kevin Fleming, Sgt. Jeffrey Gilbert, Officer Jeffrey Peltier, and Officer Eric Lundell. We are very proud to report this
past August, this team competed in the second largest special weapons and tactics competition in North America known as the SWAT Team. This competition is second only to the international SWAT competition. The North American SWAT competition is famous for being the hardest physical challenge of any SWAT competition in America, a 5.9 mile-running obstacle course with twenty-five stations. The competition consists of seven stages with emphasis on physical fitness, shooting, and teamwork. This competition included thirty-seven teams competing from seven states representing local, federal, and state law enforcement agencies. Our team received first place allowing them to claim that they are the best in North America; a prestigious honor to have this achievement, dedication, hard-work, and technical excellence. We here in Avon are especially proud of our four police officers that are members of this elite and prestigious team. Please join Lt.
Whitty, Lt. Barrow and myself in congratulating some of Avon’s finest officers. On behalf of the Town Council and the citizens of Avon, Chairman Carlson thanked the four police officers, not only for bringing this prestigious award to Avon, but for all of their day to day service to us. It is quite an accomplishment and one of those that you hope we don’t have to use those types of services in town but if we do we know that we are ready due to the training that you have had and the way you’ve prepared yourselves. The vehicle outside is fairly impressive and provided through CRCOG.
Chairman Carlson reported that for many years the town has been blessed with services of Dick Hines not only as chairperson of the Town Council for twenty-five years, but since retirement from the Town Council he has graciously stepped in and represented the town in a number of endeavors and committees and organizations in Hartford. Approximately once a year, we ask Dick to come out and tell us what is going on with items that he is involved with and what he is hearing and seeing. Mr. Hines reported that normally when there is an item of importance at a meeting, he sends an e-mail to Chairman Carlson and the Town Manager and they disseminate from there. Mr. Hines reported meeting with the Town Manager a few months ago and showed him a list of the committees that he is on which is down from ten to eight
as he is no longer involved in the Homeless Program in Hartford. Mr. Hines reported that of all the committees that he is on, the Town of Avon appoints him on only three committees. The MetroHartford Alliance Economic Development Council is mainly business people that go around to different areas to discuss items such as healthcare at Aetna and they get involved with a lot of legislative items. Mr. Hines is contacted for his support and to contact our state legislators. If the item is straightforward he moves ahead, otherwise he contacts the Town Manager. A few years ago, MetroHartford Alliance wanted to come up with a five-year plan and they set up teams, had an outside organization come in to get ideas, and Mr. Hines worked on three committee meetings in that area and then the whole story was pulled together and held in southern Connecticut and a bit expensive to attend. He talked to the Town Manager and explained he couldn’t justify
spending town money. The MetroHartford Alliance wanted Mr. Hines there so the CRCOG paid for it. They have laid out a plan; Mr. Hines thinks they are doing a great job in spite of the State which does nothing for any kind of business the CRCOG state legislators make in terms of why businesses are leaving.
There is a MetroHartford Regional Economic Development Forum which Mr. Hines took over from the Town Manager who was appointed a number of years ago. This forum does provide good service and the Town Manager uses Sandra Johnson with whom we used to have a contract with, as needed. Dues have been kept the same for three years in a row. A lot of towns have backed out. Bonnie Therrien came out to talk to the Town Manager with Mr. Hines regarding what they can do for the towns. Mr. Hines reported that what MetroHartford Alliance is doing for the town is very good. Mr. Hines feels that they need to concentrate more on the businesses and less on the towns and let CRCOG, COST, and CCM work on the latter. One item that the forum looked at was energy problems in the State and how we can
get better transmission. The MetroHartford Alliance Executive Director, Oz Griebel, wrote a nice article about the economic situation here and Mr. Hines sent a note asking for help on those small write-ups so we can talk to our legislature and Mr. Griebel has now sent that out to all the towns in the Greater Hartford area.
Mr. Hines has worked on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Steering Committee through the MetroHartford Alliance over the last few years. The Town Manager agreed that while we didn’t have any need today, maybe down the road some industry would like to have some federal funds, usually 50% cost share. We tried to get State support as Office of Policy and Management were opposed to it as they look at MetroHartford Alliance as competition. This year, we got it through to the legislation, house bill #6585 on regional issues and now we can have an economic development district. There are only two states in the United States that do not have it. The Director of Planning & Community Development recently put together a very good proposal on the Arch Road/Darling Drive
Connector. Mr. Hines stated it’s not clear how much CEDS will impact Avon; Mr. Hines will continue to be part of the sub-committee to make recommendations.
Mr. Hines reported that the Capital Workforce Partners Chief Elected Officials is a country-wide program; the one in the Capital Region is one of the best in the country, if not the state. Due to quorum issues, the by-laws were changed so one could be appointed. Steve Cassano, Town of Manchester Selectman, and Tim Stewart, City of New Britain Mayor are co-chairs. Mr. Hines attends the meetings and there is a financial responsibility for how the organization is run so there is an insurance policy to protect Mr. Hines and Mr. Carlson. Blum Shapiro has given the organization a top notch review over the last few years. They have a budget of approximately $18 million from the state and federal helping people with employment; approximately 800,000 summer jobs for students including a few students
from Avon High.
Mr. Hines reported on his involvement with the Capital Regional Council of Governments and it has been overall very beneficial with a tremendous purchasing savings which more than offsets the dues. The dues have been held at the same level this year with no increases in salaries for any CRCOG members. The regional services sharing which the Town worked on very hard and is a tremendous effort. Avon came out among the best and getting good benefits from it. The biggest thing being worked on now is the Solid Waste Recovery Group; CRRA seems to show no interest in trying to recruit. CRRA has 100 towns in the state who want to participate and each will be asked for $500; this is small enough that Avon should go ahead. We do not know how much more will be asked for to perform this. We
are trying to do this at a lower cost by using fewer attorneys. Another area with great potential is the new federal program that has HUD, DOT, and EPA on a Sustainable Communities Initiative, which Senator Dodd strongly supports and could provide all kinds of money. Steve Kushner did the new comprehensive plan of development in the center of town at Routes 10/44, high density projects have been talked about where the initiative might benefit the town. Another area being worked on is the legislative recommendations; the Town Manager has sent them in. Another item recently done is an online permit situation; it will take a lot of work to get it up and running and suggests other towns start it up and see how it works.
Mr. Hines serves on the Community Development Committee because of his interest in working on the homeless program in Hartford. Steve Kushner and Mr. Hines attended two regional roundtables to identify the important issues giving life to this Greater Hartford area and zero in on where CRCOG should put their efforts. Biggest problem is funding for transportation. All of our programs, including Old Farms Road & Waterville Road, have been dropped until 2014. Another item being worked on is the update of the CRCOG plan for the twenty-nine towns.
Mr. Hines also serves on the CRCOG Foundation Board of Directors. They have a group of outside people involved too and the CRCOG tries to direct where they go. The group can get funds where the CRCOG cannot. For example, the CRCOG is providing office space for the Hartford homeless program.
Chairman Carlson reported he feels strongly that some of the activities Mr. Hines is involved with might impact Hartford and not Avon; but has agreed for years that a healthy Hartford is a healthy Avon and one can’t be without the other. Mr. Hines’ work there although may be tangential to Avon but is very beneficial to the town. Mr. Shea added that when you look at one’s service and community volunteerism, only hopes the citizens learn as much as the Council has learned from Mr. Hines and all he is doing and really lucky to have him. Mr. Hines responded that working with the Town Manager is a tremendous help and it will be different with a new Town Manager, new Town Council, including Town Council Chairman.
V. COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL
Mr. Pena reported that he attended the “A is for Avon” celebration at the library that seventh grade students wrote in conjunction with Jan Brennan. Mr. Pena distributed a book to each Council member.
Mrs. Samul reported that today she attended the ribbon cutting at the Avon Health Center on West Avon Road. The Avon Health Center has been a thirty plus year corporate citizen and renovated periodically as needed and this latest one included a co-generator which heats the building with gas and produces electricity which the building uses and it supplies approximately 40% of the electricity used by the building. Mrs. Samul gave the information to the Assistant Town Manager in case it fits into the Library project or the Middle School or for the Avon Clean Energy Commission to be aware of it. Everyone there had flattering things to say about our staff, including Chief DiPace and Steven Kushner.
Mr. Shea reported that he graduated from Avon High School in 1977 and played high school football with the present high school football coach for the Town of Avon, Brett Quinion. Coach Quinion performed and did a very generous, kind, and compassionate gesture towards the team of Coventry and one of their players who had taken ill with cancer. The young player has a serious form of cancer, going to be in treatment, and his football career is going to end, Coach Quinion along with all of the other coaching staff and players allowed for this young man to participate in one play, score a touchdown, and it was a great, uplifting experience for this young man, his family, the Town of Coventry, and the Town of Avon. In the very least Coach Quinion should be recognized by the Town Council and the Board of
Education as someone who embodies the intellect, the spirit, the hard-work and the dedication of all the coaches, the teachers and all the employees of the Town of Avon. Brett’s actions spoke volumes about our community and himself.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
08/09-48 Update, Review, and Discussion: Proposed St. Matthews/AT&T Cell Tower
Steve Kushner, Director of Planning and Community Development reported that Loni Gardner, with Murtha Cullina will give most of the presentation this evening. The Connecticut Siting Council is prepared to make a final decision at their October 8th meeting. A draft opinion and decision came out a few weeks ago. That draft has been discussed and perhaps will be approved at their meeting. It appears that the Connecticut Siting Council is likely to approve a 110 foot earth-tone monopole at a location known as Option 3, the sand pit which is located 100 feet or less northeast of the parsonage down towards the brook in the tree area, to the rear of the church. Option 1 is what AT&T proposed and Option 2 was also considered. Option 3 came up during the course of the public
hearing and the Siting Council appears to have chosen that location. The details as far as the compound, construction schedule, landscaping, exact earth-tone shape are left to a Development and Management Plan. Once the decision is final, AT&T has to put together the D&M Plan and is obligated to provide a copy of the proposed D&M Plan to the town for comment; not to necessarily consider the town’s comments but it likely would consider some of them. Prior to submitting the D&M Plan to the Siting Council, AT&T has to receive the town’s comments. To facilitate that process, Ms. Gardner contacted AT&T’s attorney to find out whether AT&T would agree to a meeting with Mr. Kushner or town representative to discuss some of the town’s priorities and concerns with respect to the D&M Plan so when it was put together we could incorporate as many of those considerations as possible and AT&T’s attorney
would be willing to have such meeting towards the end of October with the town. Ms. Gardner also asked if AT&T would agree to include some of the intervening parties in those discussions and AT&T has declined that and feels that Mr. Kushner or town representative would be a capable representative for their concerns as well. Mr. Kushner has suggested that he hold a meeting with the intervening neighbors in advance of his meeting with AT&T to get some of their priorities and concerns and incorporate those as appropriate into the town’s comments. Once the decision is final which is expected to come out October 8th or sometime thereafter that is when a potential appeal period would start. The likelihood of a successful appeal is not very likely considering the standard of review which is the substantial evidence standard you’re probably familiar with.
Mr. Kushner, understands that while the more substantial part of the decisions aren’t even made, the Siting Council will approve a steel-mounted pole structure painted earth-tone color to blend with the environment. The Siting Council did opt not to approve the first choice and will be flush-mounted which will be less intrusive. Another issue of concern by the neighbors is the type of emergency generator onsite and whether it will be freestanding, enclosed within the structure and if so what kind of sound insulation can be put together to minimize the noise intrusion to the neighborhood. Chairman Carlson asked when Mr. Kushner has this meeting with neighbors, will there be examples/schematics of towers that might be deemed more aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Kushner responded that there will be
schematics to review. Mr. Shea stated that there must be other communities where this has happened and tried to design a more aesthetically pleasing pole, would Mr. Kushner have access to that information? Mr. Kushner responded that he would, however the issue of the pole design is done. If the town had jurisdiction we would have dealt with these issues from day one. A member of the public made comment regarding an agreement that the town wasn’t going to utilize an antenna for any type of emergencies and it sounds like that may be the case now; neighbors have fought tooth and nail about the tower design to make it look most attractive in the neighborhood. Mr. Kushner responded that the town has not had any recent conservation with AT&T or any of their representatives on that issue but made it very clear during each of the public hearings that the Town Council was most definitely willing to forego an ability to have those emergency
antennas in exchange for considerations relating to design. The town ranked the flag pole design as a much higher priority then the more standard design that the Siting Council ended up approving and the town was told that the flag pole design was fiberglass at the top. Chairman Carlson stated that there is no desire by the Town Council members or Fire or Police Chiefs to put emergency antennas on that tower at that location. The Town Manager responded that it was way back when we initially tried the application and the letter was redacted. The town forgave any interest in the tower in return for trying to work with AT&T and the Siting Council to influence the design of the tower. Ms. Gardner stated that the height of the tower accommodates two carriers, AT&T and Pocket Wireless. The municipal whip antenna is not something that is part of the tower; it is an appendage to the top. The Siting Council in its draft decision has ordered
that AT&T allow the town to use the top of the tower to install a whip antenna if it wants to at no charge. The Town Manager responded that the town does not have any money to do it at this time. A resident at 246 Lovely Street asked that once this project is going, there will be a lot of construction and heavy equipment going into this area and this is a residential area with small children and safety is paramount and the town is obligated to provide safety. Mr. Shea responded that we all agree that safety is paramount; the town has a responsibility to address safety. The obligation of safety really lies on the owner and the person putting in the tower. He further reported that like any construction site it is the responsibility of the owner and the contractor to ensure safety. The Town Manager added that if essentially the Chief of Police, as the Traffic Authority, states that they have to have an officer out there controlling traffic, that
will be done and the contractor pays the cost for that. There was concern that there be police supervision and constant review of the site.
08/09-63 Review and Discussion: Conflict of Interest Policy
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table item 08/09-63 to the November 5, 2009 meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
08/09-65 Acceptance of Easements, Ensign Bickford Property
b. Town Green Improvements Easement
c. .4 Acre Parcel Easement (northerly of Marriott)
The Town Manager requested that these items be removed from the agenda as there is no immediate foreseeable conclusion.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council remove items 08/09-65(b) Town Green Improvements Easement and 08/09-65(c) .4 Acre Parcel Easement (northerly of Marriott) from the agenda.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-06 Review and Discussion of Paramedic Services: Next Steps
The Assistant Town Manager reported that Dr. Laurencin, from UCONN Health Center and Dr. Corrado from the Fire Department will be making presentations. Dr. Laurencin introduced himself before commencing his presentation (which is included and made part of these minutes). Dr. Laurencin reported that over 200 employees at the UCONN Health Center live in Avon. Avon residents accounted for 32,000 visits to the UCONN Health Center in the last year. Dr. Laurencin reported that the UCONN Health Center is being transformed in various ways, including the academic level, new clinical growth, emergency department expansion, and looking at a long term solution for John Dempsey Hospital. Dr. Laurencin reported that there has been a lot of feedback regarding the paramedic services and he made the decision
to continue to work with Avon on their paramedic service to the town; services will be provided in fiscal year 2010 and Dr. Laurencin has instructed his staff to work with Avon to provide these services. Chairman Carlson asked what changed his mind. Dr. Laurencin responded that he looked at the situation, received a lot of feedback, and decided to partner with the community and help to make it happen. Dr. Laurencin added that the Health Center is in a world of fiscal constraints and need to break even. Any area that is losing money needs to be reviewed; however, there are communities around the Health Center that are very important. Dr. Laurencin would like to look at ways in which the Health Center is partnering with the town. Chairman Carlson, on behalf of the Council, thanked Dr. Laurencin for making the decision to stay with Avon and is interested in joint-sharing ideas that might be supportive of goals. It has been an area of concern
since the original word came to the Council because it is a service that we value and think we need to provide to our residents and were engaged in preliminary discussions about alternatives. This decision has prompted us to say what are the right services for us to be providing and what are the mechanisms for doing so.
Dr. Corrado made a presentation (which is included and made part of the minutes). Dr. Corrado distinguished between medical vs. traumatic situations and how 9-1-1 calls are processed including response scenarios. AMR, as a private organization, is not required to staff all of their ambulances with paramedics. UCONN Health Center/Fire Department always has doubling of paramedic level staffing. The Avon Fire Department is not currently permitted to render any patient care. Under the current state statutes, if the fire department were able to render patient care only to a MRT skill level. The UCONN paramedic program does bring to the table the fact that you have six hands to do paramedic work. Their rescue squad will provide two people along with an engine company as backup to
provide three more people for the second patient and the second incident. As learned at the data review with AMR, 22% of the time there is a simultaneous call going on while the unit that is in Avon is unavailable. UCONN has an advanced scope of practice called RSI, Rapid Sequence Intubations; AMR does not generally have this service. Were we to lose that service, it would be a step backwards. Chief DiPace reported that he received a letter from the State of Connecticut stating that the fire department will be receiving a certificate for supplemental first responder.
Chairman Carlson stated the importance to continue to have a review of services offered and make sure that we indeed know what we have out there and standards of services. The second area of concern is that we have a back-up service and what are our alternatives. The Assistant Town Manager added that the decision that UCONN made earlier this year to pull out was good in a way that it happened, certainly glad that they changed their minds, but it helped the staff understand that the service wasn’t quite as good as we thought it would be. Here is an opportunity to change it. Our focus was how to look at the data and work with AMR to design a better system that will meet the response times of eight and fifteen minutes and handle appropriately those second calls and whether or not the ambulances
are properly staffed. We learned that 50% of the time AMR ambulances leaving Avon go to John Dempsey, the other half go to other hospitals. Almost 77% of the time AMR is getting on the scene in just under eleven minutes, Modeling has been done to show that the ideal location is at the corner of West Avon Road and Arch Road. Knowing that UCONN is still willing to be a player, what makes up their services; AMR will improve patient care response times from what it is today and on what basis do we pay them for that. UCONN, no matter how hard they try, can’t make it here in eight minutes and fifty-nine seconds; maybe there is a role for both to play. Mr. Shea asked how we reach out to UCONN to avoid stagnate with the relationship. The Assistant Town Manager responded that UCONN wants to meet with the town to agree on contract term for July 1, 2010 and what the town is going to pay for that based on the services needed, in conjunction with
Farmington and Canton. The Town Manager reported that there are a lot of agendas going around with different players having goals and objectives to accomplish; matter of putting together a program that best serves the Town of Avon at the least cost which is secondary to the level of care.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
09/10-29 Approve Resolution: Central CT Solid Waste Authority, $500
The Assistant Town Manager reported that the initial $500 is to get the authority organized. There might be some additional cost which will be monitored and there is no obligation by approving the $500.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
WHEREAS the municipalities constituting the Mid-Connecticut Project have been researching solutions for long-term solid waste disposal when their contract with the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority expires in 2012; and
WHEREAS other municipalities in the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials and elsewhere have expressed interest in joining efforts with the Mid-Connecticut Project municipalities to find long-term solid waste disposal solutions; and
WHEREAS the Capitol Region Council of Governments has performed a regional solid waste options analysis and successfully tested the presence of alternatives in the private market through a Request for Information for Integrated Regional Solid Waste Management Services covering Transfer, Transportation, Disposal and Processing/ Recycling Services; and
WHEREAS the Capitol Region Council of Governments Executive Committee has authorized CRCOG staff to facilitate the forming of a solid waste management authority to represent municipalities interested in conducting an RFP and negotiating for long-term solid waste disposal services; and
WHEREAS the Town of AVON has expressed preliminary interest in taking part in the solid waste authority formed by the Capitol Region Council of Governments, the “Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority.”
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AVON Town Council does hereby preliminarily endorse the above referenced Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority and authorizes the Town Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow the Town to pay a fee of $500 to help defray the professional fees necessary to draft a model ordinance which the Town would then adopt if it decided to become a member of the Authority, as well as other costs of creating the Authority.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-30 Contract Award: Random Crack Sealing, $88,475
The Assistant Town Manager reported that the Town received four bids and the successful bidder is the same bidder as last year. Mr. Pena inquired about the one bidder on the list that is almost twice the cost of the other bidders. The Assistant Town Manager responded that she reviewed the bidder’s list from last year and the same occurred then. Ms. Samul asked if the school facilities, including roads leading into the schools and parking lots, were included in the crack analysis. The Assistant Town Manager responded that the schools pay separately to have their parking lots analyzed and have completed an analysis.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council award the contract to Costello Industries, Inc. of Newington, CT, based on their low bid in an amount not to exceed $88,475.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Shea and Pena voted in favor.
09/10-31 Supplemental Appropriation: Public Safety Answering Point,
Dispatch Training, $1,578.02
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends that the Board of Finance amend the FY 09/10 Budget by increasing:
REVENUES
General Fund, Intergovernmental, Miscellaneous State Grant Receipts, Account #01-0330-43410 in the amount of $1,578.02 and increasing:
APPROPRIATIONS
General Fund, Communications, Professional Development (Dispatch Training), Account #01-2301-52155 in the amount of $1,578.02 for the purpose of funding Public Safety Answering Point, Dispatch Training.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Shea, and Pena voted in favor.
09/10-32 Resignation: Avon Youth Services Advisory Board
On a motion made by Mrs. Samul, seconded by Mr. Shea, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept with regret the resignation of Nancy Carlson from the Youth Services Advisory Board.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Shea, and Pena voted in favor. Chairman Carlson abstained.
09/10-33 Appointment: Avon Youth Services Advisory Board (R-12/31/09)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Shea, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table item 09/10-33 Appointment: Avon Youth Services Advisory Board to the November 5, 2009 meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-34 Appointment: Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate (R-12/31/09)
On a motion made by Mrs. Samul, seconded by Mr. Carlson, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the appointment of Donald Bonner as a Planning & Zoning Commission alternate member.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-35 Appointment: New England National Service Trail (NENST)
Stewardship Council
The Town Manager reported that the NENST Stewardship Council is requesting two members from each Town. He reported that Steve Kushner has agreed to serve with John McCahill as his backup. We are not prepared to recommend the second member at this time.
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the appointment of Steven Kushner to the New England National Service Trail Stewardship Council.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table the second appointment to the November meeting for item 09/10-35 to the New England National Service Trail (NENST) Stewardship Council.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-36 FY 10/11 Budget: Approve Capital Budget Review Schedule
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the FY 2010-2011 Capital Budget Review Schedule as follows:
Thursday, November 5th Regular Town Council Meeting (6:30 p.m.)
6:30 p.m. Board of Education
7:00 p.m. General Government
Monday, November 16th Special Town Council Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
7:00 p.m. Recreation and Parks
7:30 p.m. Secret Lake Association
8:00 p.m. Engineering
8:30 p.m. Public Works
Thursday, December 3rd Regular Town Council Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
7:30 p.m. Police Department
8:30 p.m. Fire Department
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
09/10-37 Approve 2010 Meeting Schedule
On a motion made by Mr. Shea, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the 2010 meeting schedule as follows:
Thursday, January 7, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, February 4, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, March 4, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, April 8, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Monday, May 3, 2010 7:30 p.m. – AVON SENIOR CENTER
ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING
Thursday, May 6, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, June 3, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, July 1, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, August 5, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, September 2, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, November 4, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, December 16, 2010 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Thursday, January 6, 2011 7:30 p.m. – Town Hall
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
VIII. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS
Misc. A Construction Update – The Assistant Town Manager gave an update on construction activities. The Assistant Town Manager reported that with regards to the bond sale scheduled for next week, the whole size of the bond issued has been reduced by $150,000 due to what has been saved on the Avon High School, Avon Middle School, and Town Hall projects. Expecting 2.8%, at the highest 3.0% and budgeted 4.77%.
The middle school project will be done by mid-October. Salt shed project should be functionally complete by mid-November. Deepwood Drive project started this week. The State came out with its second round of STEAP grants in 2009; the Town applied for $500,000 and received $200,000. New Road drainage installation started this week.
Mr. Pena questioned the request at the last Council meeting for a letter to go out to the Deepwood Drive residents. The Assistant Town Manager responded that a letter was sent out along with an article in the newspapers. Mrs. Samul commented on the crosswalk between the library and the church and has seen it being used.
Misc. B Purchasing Update – The Assistant Town Manager gave an update on purchasing activities. The Assistant Town Manager reported that a mini-excavator was being bid out to come in next week. The RFPs for health insurance agent of record and insurance agent of record are being worked on in order to finish the process and make recommendation to the new Council in January.
Misc. C CEDS Application – Arch Road/Darling Drive Connector - The Assistant Town Manager reported that the town submitted an application to the CEDS Steering Committee of the MetroHartford Alliance for funding under the federal EDA Public Works Program. The project was ranked third out of four; this rating along with now being on the list could help with future applications.
Misc. D Sexual Harassment Training -The Town Manager reported that all Department Heads, and all full-time and permanent part-time employees are undergoing sexual harassment training, going forward it will be done on an annual basis.
Misc. E Bond Rating Reviews - Chairman Carlson congratulated the Town staff on retaining the AAA/Aaa rating from Moody’s and S&P. The Town Manager reported on Moody’s negative outlook based on our low fund balance. Moody’s would like to see the fund balance near 10%; the Town is at 7.28% now. The Town Manager will be asking the new Town Manager to work with the chairpersons for the Town Council and Board of Finance to raise the fund balance during the budget process.
- The Assistant Town Manager followed up on an inquiry made at the last Council meeting by Ms. Samul regarding a response to a West Hartford resident who had complained about a family being stopped by our truck enforcement. There has been no response from them to our letter or offer to make a complaint against the people involved.
- The Assistant Town Manager reported that the Town received a letter from Avon Water Company looking for a 16.58% rate increase to go in effect in July 2010, approved by the DPUC. The Town Manager reported that the Town incurred a 100% increase four years ago in hydrant rentals, approximately $3,000. Normally DPUC phases it in so the Town isn’t hit as severely, however did not do that and hence suffering each year with significant increases. The Town Manager’s reaction is to send a letter to DPUC that states further investigation is warranted. The previous rate increase was immediately after Avon Water Company finished installing the well at Fisher Meadows so there was a significant capital expense associated with that; in addition, the Town was and still is receiving money for the water they are
drawing out of the well. The well was a major improvement to the hydrant system based on capital projects that Avon Water Company completed. This new increase is strictly a revenue shortfall and would result in $80,000 in one year on next year’s budget if this goes through. The total town budget increase this past year was just over $400,000. The Town Manager suggested a phase-in over three years or similar. The Council agreed with sending communication.
- The League of Women Voters is holding a Candidates’ Night on October 28th. There has been a request that the Town participate in this process by promoting community involvement. The issue of using sandwich board signs which involves use of Town personnel and funds was discussed; Town Attorney confirmed that legally it is ok. Sandwich board signs are generally intended for specific town generated events. It was the consensus of the Town Council to deny use of the signs for this type of event.
- Ms. Samul questioned the condition of the bridge on Old Farms Road. At some point this bridge will need some attention. The Town Manager reported that the State inspects the bridges and copies of those reports are available; the bridge is safe, however, it is undersized for the traffic volume. Mr. Shea suggested we should contact our state representatives to get this issue in front of them again.
- Ben Colman, Board of Education member, reported that the Conflict of Interest Policy was discussed by the Board of Education during the summer. The sub-committee will be meeting on October 6th and this item will be on the Board of Education’s agenda on October 20th. Mr. Colman stated a uniform Conflict of Interest Policy makes sense to him. Chairman Carlson asked the Town Manager to contact David Erwin, Superintendent of Schools, regarding jurisdictional matters.
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.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea 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 9:45 p.m.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Carlson, Pena, and Shea voted in favor.
X. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Attest:
Caroline B. LaMonica
Clerk
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