AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
November 1, 2012
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, in the Avon Room by Chairman Zacchio. Members present: Mrs. Samul, Messrs. Pena, Evans, and May.
II. PUBLIC HEARING - None
III. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING: October 4, 2012 Regular Meeting
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Evans, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table the minutes of the October 4, 2012 Regular Meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, Evans, and May voted in favor.
IV. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE - None
V. COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL
Mr. May reminded everyone to vote on November 6th.
Mr. Zacchio reported that each of the classrooms at Roaring Brook School had a scarecrow walk and had the students on a nature walk; Stop & Shop provided apples and the school was collecting canned goods and pasta for Gifts of Love. It was a super event.
He reported with regards to the recent storm he thanked the Town Manager and the Emergency Operations Center staff, much like last year we had some frustration in the first twenty-four hours as to what the plan was for CL&P to start restoring power to the 67% of people that were out. He added that out of that frustration came a solid plan on how CL&P was going to address Avon in particular and within twenty-four hours of them actually starting their work out there the Town is restored to approximately 95% with a few neighborhoods experiencing underground line issues. He noted that Avon had four major trunks down and each of those brought up approximately 1,200 to 1,500 people at a time so restoration happened quickly once it got started. Mr. Evans added that the communication from both the school
side and the Town Manager’s side was fantastic and all of the e-mails that went out as part of it are keeping residents advised of what is going on. Mr. Pena reported that he heard all positives out there as well.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
12/13-06 FY 13/14 Budget: CIP Budget Presentations
a. 7:00 p.m. Board of Education - a power point presentation is attached and made part of these minutes
William Stokesbury, Chairman, Board of Education Capital Budget Committee, presented the Board of Education’s current 5-year plan for funding capital items to safeguard their students, maintain their properties, and advance educational opportunities for their students. Also present were: Ames Shea, Peggy Roell, Gary Mala, John Spang, and Pete Gaski. He reported that their total year one request is for $570,000. He reviewed their most recent capital projects; in the past year, they replaced the Middle School hallway flooring for $115,000, added wireless internet capacity throughout all of the buildings, added smart boards to all of the schools, and did additional flooring work at Roaring Brook and Pine Grove School from their own operating budget. He added that gym surfaces were refinished
through operating funds and noted that all critical flooring needs have now been met. He reviewed the new Board of Education capital budget requests. He noted that they believe the most significant risk of further delay in addressing the State order for ADA compliance are potential State imposed penalties and possible private actions to enforce the standards. He added that compliance costs was not anticipated by the Board of Education or the Town prior to the State audit and it rises out of the renovation project and funding this project will allow the work to be done next summer. Chairman Zacchio commented that they are familiar with these because we did some investigative work on how they were missed in the first place during the renovation. Mr. Evans questioned if the State has imposed any deadline for compliance. Mr. Stokesbury responded no and the State has adopted a different tact which is to just keep asking for the plan. He noted
that one of the problems that the Board of Education faced is that it has gone through several administrations and complete turnover at each level. He added that the way the ADA works is that you cannot segregate a child in need to a spot and therefore have to do it all.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that the request regarding the Roaring Brook fire alarm system has been on their plan since 2005 and an example of the Board trying to be proactive in addressing an issue before it becomes critical. The system dates to 1993 and is functional, however the remaining useful life remains uncertain and the risks associated with the delay in replacing the system include untimely failure requiring possible school cancellation or at least a costly fire watch while pending the replacement. Scheduled replacement of this critical life-safety system would also ensure the installation of the best product for the most competitive price while avoiding unnecessary expenses. He reminded Council that the Middle School fire alarm system failed in early June 2006 and required the use of a fire watch,
around the clock staff; he noted that the cost to replace the Middle School system was $233,000 plus $27,000 labor cost for fire watch. Chairman Zacchio questioned how stale the $233,000 is, going back to 2005. Mr. Gaski responded that there are a few inspections coming up which should offer several options, designs, along with current pricing. Mr. Pena questioned if we had upgrades or major repair done to the Roaring Brook fire alarm system. Mr. Stokesbury responded that since the system was installed in 1993 components of the system have needed work and those repairs continue. Chairman Zacchio commented that typically Council will consider what the experience rating throughout this year from a repair perspective, what our experience is with similar vehicles when they hit those types of miles, what to expect in the coming year, items that have had failures during testing cycles that elevates that in your priority in terms of how it gets done. He
questioned if there is any background on the experience rate or what the testing cycles have been or how eminent this is. Mr. Stokesbury responded that he cannot give him that answer; he added that it has been tested in compliance with State law and the Fire Marshal has informal opinions about it. Mr. Pena questioned if this item is number two because they are trying to be proactive and not because of dollars. Mr. Stokesbury responded that both the Committee and the Board as a whole had a very hard time prioritizing but yes they are in a priority and looking between one and two the answer is rather straightforward; it is working so it is number two. He noted that ADA is a non-compliance issue that they feel needs to be addressed. Mr. Pena questioned how long would a system like this be in service. Mr. Stokesbury responded that he believes its useful life is 20-25 years and added that one of the fundamental changes is that these systems are now
digital and may be wireless. Chairman Zacchio commented that there may be alternatives that we are not even thinking about in terms of wireless, etc. He added that he knows their passion around how do you pre-fund and start thinking about these middle series projects, ones that typically do not fall into their operating budget that are stacking up as a result of less funding through the capital budget. Mr. Evans questioned how long from beginning to end would this take for installation. Mr. Stokesbury responded that it should take 30-60 days based on the timeline used for the Middle School and pending budget approval, sign contracts and be ready to roll on July 1st.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that the next item is the request for an F-550 plow truck. He noted that the existing truck that they have been using is a 2000 F-550 that is now off the road based on recommendation from Public Works, the repair costs exceeds its value, and for the current upcoming winter they have a loaner from the Town and they appreciate that. He added that the Board is cognizant of the recommendations contained in the 2009 Matrix Study that recommended combining plowing and grounds maintenance through the Town and the Board of Education. He noted that the Board remains anxious to work with the Town to develop an appropriate model to combine services; outsourcing brings some reliability concerns. Chairman Zacchio commented that the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools are currently
working on that to get their perspective on how we can handle that. Mr. Stokesbury commented that a model where one plows and the other one does the sidewalks makes a lot of sense. He added that any plan combining services may relocate the need for this vehicle. Chairman Zacchio reported that we source all of our parking lots out in order to have larger trucks for the roads. Mr. Evans clarified that this is a new truck and has been on the CIP request list since 2007. Mr. Stokesbury responded yes.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that the next item is a request to replace a 1993 Chevy Astro CS van worn out service van used by their staff electrician; it is beyond its useful life and replacing it would save them a lot of money.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that the next item, co-curricular buses, is a new initiative; it represents an opportunity to reduce their operating budget transportation line and involves buying two used 36-passenger buses that will be used primarily to transport athletic teams to our remote facilities which are the fields at Buckingham and Fisher as well as out-of-town events. He added that they would employ either part-time drivers or current Town employees on additional hours. He noted that payback on one bus is about two years. He reported that DATTCO has stressed that is a critical hour when the high school teams have to get to practice and they have to get to the other elementary schools to transport children home. He added that more importantly it allows them more reliability. Mr. Pena
clarified that we will hire bus drivers. Mr. Stokesbury responded that they might use custodians who work the evening shift and work a few extra hours, their hourly rate is much less than what they would end up paying DATTCO. Mr. Pena questioned what impact it will have on our insurance. Mr. Stokesbury responded that he believes it has been priced in to the payback. He added that most Town contracts for school bus services have a maximum life of bus limit; some buses come offline with relatively few miles on them and perfectly serviceable condition.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that items five and six are lumped together as they are energy conservation initiatives recommended by the Avon Clean Energy Commission. Item five is replacing gym lights at Avon High School and Thompson Brook School with more efficient lamping. He reported that item six is a system-wide weatherproofing project to weather strip doors and windows. He noted that payoff on the gym lights is approximately twelve years and payoff on the weather stripping is approximately five years. Chairman Zacchio questioned how much that reduces their operating cost. Mr. Stokesbury responded that he did not have that number.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that all of the other pending projects that are in the package can also be considered in part energy conservation projects; anything they do, changing out any of these things is going to drive down their electrical costs as they are all much more efficient than now. He reported that year one requests total $570,700.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that with year two, there are some new initiatives brought forward by the Superintendent of Schools. He added that their capital budget requests in recent years have not included classroom based projects; in the past, such classroom upgrades were usually included in school wide renovation projects. He noted that at this time they do not foresee the need for any major school renovation projects but these smaller initiatives need to be addressed including upgrading six Middle School lab rooms – the equipment in these labs date to no newer 1970; upgrading the remaining out-of-date High School labs – the recent project at the school built two new labs but there are six other labs that need attention and science is a major component of the high school experience; replacing the
Middle School media center worn out furniture; and have significantly reduced their Roaring Brook playground replacement request as it was being carried at $225,000 and is now $25,000 because the Roaring Brook PTO has stepped forward with a commitment to raise $100,000 and use a community-build for installing the project thereby removing approximately $100,000 worth of labor. He noted that it would not be dissimilar to the way the Pine Grove playground was built a few years ago.
Mr. Stokesbury reviewed their current roof-top report. He noted that this past year they replaced seven roof-top units at Roaring Brook School at $80,000. He added that there are eighty-six roof-top units on the five schools; they do not all need to be replaced but they all will need to be replaced, similarly most of the roofs are now in pretty good shape. He noted that there is one section of Roaring Brook that is scheduled to be replaced in the foreseeable future at a cost of $390,000. He reported that they have a lot of stuff that cost a lot of money that needs to be replaced and it can only be done during the summer. He referred to the summary of Roaring Brook School that shows what might be included over the next five years and how it can be grouped together by school or provide similar
reports for the other facilities or at Council’s request regroup it by function. He noted that many of these projects would benefit from close attention and coming up with a better, more consistent funding vehicle.
Mr. Evans questioned where the $292,000 comes from under the Roaring Brook School roof-top unit request. Mr. Stokesbury responded that takes the remaining units that are not new or newer that are passed their useful lives and based on the current price. Mr. Evans questioned if it identifies any one or more particular units that have service issues. Mr. Stokesbury responded that they have an HVAC tech on staff and have been able to do a much better job at maintaining these. He noted that when you do a project like this, it makes sense to do the entire system because of the cost of bringing in the crane and mobilizing these units. Mr. Evans questioned that if they are given partial funding would they identify which units should be replaced or say that they would rather do the whole thing at one
time. Mr. Stokesbury responded that one idea might be to build a reserve fund to address these and allow a more flexible approach to look what building would need to be addressed first as that fund increased in size. He noted the short window between getting the money approved and getting it done over a 60-day summer. Chairman Zacchio commented that it might be prudent for us to start thinking about how we do capital reserving for projects like this in the future, in essence a capital budget is a capital reserve but at some point it becomes more and more difficult and more than what a one-year capital budget can handle. Mr. Stokesbury commented that one of the understated truths is that over the course of the generations we have seen a fundamental change in their school buildings; it is a challenge to address these complicated, sophisticated systems in a short window.
Chairman Zacchio thanked the Board of Education for their presentation and to the Board of Education Capital Budget Committee that went through it and had to prioritize the projects.
b. 7:30 p.m. General Government - a power point presentation is attached and made part of these minutes
i. Assessor
Harry DerAsadourian, Town Assessor, reported that the 2013 revaluation is required by State law; we are on a 5-year cycle with the last one on 2008. He noted that we plan on proceeding in the same manner as we have in the past and will be a joint effort with the Town of Canton funded over a three-year period for a total cost of $225,000. Chairman Zacchio questioned the funding at $75,000 last year, $100,000 this year, and $50,000 next year. Mr. DerAsadourian responded that there is a timing factor. He noted that total cost with the Town of Canton is $411,000 and we will continue the same split arrangement of 60/40. He noted that there will be limited inspections including sales that occurred in the past twelve to eighteen months as well as properties that had work done and have been sold. Chairman Zacchio questioned the logic between houses that have sold more recently than ones that have been untouched for years and if the ones that have sold in the last fifteen to
twenty-four months had a fair amount of due diligence in terms of the real estate codes versus homes that have been around ten or fifteen years where you might have additions done that we do not know about. Mr. DerAsadourian reported that we have experienced a drop in the grand list; in 1999 we had a 2% drop. He noted that we are in good shape relatively speaking. He added that a revaluation is done to help level the playing field and everyone getting their fair share based on the value.
ii. Town Clerk
Ann Dearstyne, Town Clerk, reported that in 2004 the Town Clerk’s Office was cited for their vault size which is approximately 400 square feet and required to be at least 800 square feet and now that we are pushing towards the 20,000 population it has to be 1,000 square feet; those rules have not changed, the laws are still the same. She noted that a lot of their records are online however hard copies are not going away. She added that every month she is adding a volume and a half to the vault. She noted that currently they have on file meeting minutes from the Town Council and Board of Finance but they should be storing all meeting minutes from the Boards and Commissions. Mr. Evans commented that we have been delaying this for awhile and asked if we are now at that point where it has to be
done. Mrs. Dearstyne responded yes. Mr. Pena questioned if there are other towns that are not in compliance. Mrs. Dearstyne responded not that she knows of. She added that it gets heated when the vault is opened in the morning. Mr. Pena commented on monitoring each item the public walk out with. Mrs. Dearstyne responded that is why the door is positioned where it is.
iii. Social Services
The Assistant Town Manager reported that on the Dial-A-Ride van request. He noted that we need to budget $15,000 and the State will fund the other $40,000 for the van.
iv. Town Manager’s Office (Bldg #1 Renovations)
The Assistant Town Manager reported on the Building #1 renovations.
12/13-09 Town Code of Ordinances - Chapter 18 Illegal Discharge and Illicit
Connection to Stormwater Drainage Systems (Item to be tabled)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Evans, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table item 12/13-09 Chapter 18 Illegal Discharge and Illicit Connection to Stormwater Drainage Systems for further clarification of the proposed Ordinance to the December 6th Town Council meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, Evans and May voted in favor.
12/13-17 Review, Discussion, Set Public Hearing: Acceptance of Sewer Easement:
33 Volovski Road, 47 Smith Road, and 45 Smith Road
Chairman Zacchio commented on the right of way locations along the respective properties.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council set a public hearing date to accept a 20 ft. Sanitary Sewer easement over lots 445033 (33 Volovski Road), 3990047 (47 Smith Road) and 3990045 (45 Smith Road) as shown on the map titled “Lot Line Revision Plan, prepared for Atkinson Associated Design-Build, L.L.C., Smith Road & Volovski Road, Avon, Connecticut, dated 3-21-12 sheet 3 of 3 by Denno Land Surveying & Consulting LLC” to be held at the December 6, 2012 meeting.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, Pena, and May voted in favor.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
12/13-18 Collective Bargaining Agreement between Avon Board of Education and
Avon Education Association
Chairman Zacchio recused himself from discussions regarding the Teachers’ Contract because his wife is an employee of the Board of Education.
On a motion made by Mrs. Samul, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council appoint Mr. Evans as the Acting Chairman for this item.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: May, Pena, and Evans voted in favor.
Mr. Evans, Acting Chairman, reported that the Board of Education has completed its negotiations with the teachers’ union and a member of the Board of Finance, Tom Gugliotti, was present during those negotiations and those negotiations resulted in parties reaching an agreement for a three-year contract and resulted from a mediation process with a third-party; the agreement has been ratified by both the teachers’ union and its members as well as approved by the Board of Education; the agreement has been posted online on the school web site in final form and red-lined so you can see changes that took place from the prior year’s contract. He added that Council’s role is a limited one; the Town Clerk has given notice of this meeting and that it is now before this Council as the governing
Town’s legislative body and under applicable law unless we are to take some affirmative action to reject the contract within thirty days then it will become automatically approved without further action. He noted that the contract has been circulated to members of the Council along with economic summaries of the terms of the proposed contract provided in a memo from John Spang.
Mr. Stokesbury, Chair of the Negotiating Committee, commented that he believes it is a good, fair contract within the constraints placed upon us by the teachers’ negotiation. Mr. Evans reported that mediation was with a third-party neutral. Mr. Stokesbury responded yes, as required by law. Mr. Evans commented that if they were unable to reach agreement through the mediation process the next step would have been binding arbitration. Mr. Stokesbury responded yes.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement included the following:
Salary Increases
2013-2014 2%
2014-2015 2%
2015-2016 2%
Health Premium Share
2013-2014 18.5%
2014-2015 19%
2015-2016 20%
Prescription Drug Costs Current New
Generic 2013-2014 $5 $5
Preferred 2014-2015 $20 $30
Non-Preferred 2015-2016 $35 $45
Hospital and Medical Office Visits Current New
Hospital $200 $250
Office Visit $20 $25
Mr. May reported that he is concerned about committing the Town to a three-year contract providing a 2% increase each year – he would prefer to see a two-year contract. He reported the 2% increase is larger than workers in the private sector are receiving. Also, because of the economy downturn that everyone faces, a three-year contract would not be in the best interest of the Town. He noted that things are getting too expensive for our Town. The taxpayers are facing increases in taxes every year. Mr. Stokesbury reported that the Committee and the Board as a whole thought it was in their best interest to adopt this contract; the challenge that they have with any future negotiation is one where like it or not the State imposes whether or not the Town has the ability to pay additional
compensation and given Avon’s long history of fiscal conservativeness they are in a place where with the State formula they have a great deal of excess ability to pay therefore negotiations have really worked backwards where they have tried to minimize the damage. He noted that there are other school districts that they looked at and have settled prior to them where the settlements are significantly in excess of 2% in general wage increase (GWI).
Mr. Pena questioned if there is a cost factor involved by going to a different contract term. Mr. Stokesbury responded that there is an emotional cost associated with re-entering negotiations more frequently; the cost to the Town will be a continued comparison of our ability to pay relative to other towns in the State; it is not based on what the Board of Finance approves for their budget or what goes to referendum and approved by the taxpayer as a deeper formula. He noted that three years has been the history and the current contract that they are under this year has been extended due in part to a give back that the teachers gave them a few years back. He noted that if Council rejects the contract it goes back to the new statutory process which starts with forced mediation in round one and there could
be more items available for arbitration other than just GWI. He noted that as a total package there are significant improvements on teacher contribution for health care and increase in medical co-pays. They have really moved up to the upper end of the spectrum for the products that they are providing.
Mrs. Samul expressed reservation regarding the contract. She noted that e-mails were received by various Town residents who feel that there should be no increase or a lesser increase in the contract. She questioned what the basis is for coming to an agreed contract. Mr. Stokesbury responded that is done per the demand, they started low and the union started high; their justification would be based on CPI increase over the last five years, comparison against other similarly situated settlements. Mr. Stokesbury reported that when you compare Avon against 168 other towns and cities we stand out. Mrs. Samul indicated in the future the towns need to take a harder line on containing costs and if necessary we should go to binding arbitration. She further indicated that binding arbitration may
be in the future but she feels this is not the year.
Mr. May shared that he runs a business and his employees have received a yearly increase of 0.5% over the last two years. Mr. Stokesbury commented that they are dealing with public sector and is different from private sector; members of their Committee spent a lot of time trying to get comfortable with that and frankly we are not all comfortable with that. He added that other public sector settlements across the board have seen 2% increases, for example, Public Works, Police Department, and other contracts; it is the cost of being a municipality.
Mr. Evans commented that he tries not to focus on what the public sector is doing, but look at the teachers’ contract within the confines of the context within which it is referred to; parties with equal bargaining power coming to the table to meditate a settlement process, ironing out their issues, arriving at a compromise which is perhaps more than what the Board of Education wanted to pay but perhaps less than what the teachers’ union is asking for. He added that today for us to reject the contract is not going to result in a two-year contract which he does not believe was one of the negotiated items that was on the table, but it would result in perhaps further discussion with the mediation and perhaps lead to arbitration. He does not think that an arbitrated contract would have resulted in a
two-year contract. He noted that he was a participant and serving in binding arbitration and saw how that process works. He added that you also spend a fair amount of legal costs and we are not certain it will result in a contract more generous than the one proposed. Mr. Stokesbury responded that having a level increase as opposed to a low number one year followed by a very high number the following year and the third year being somewhere in between, it is very hard to build an operating budget and come to Council with their operating budget that is consistent. He clarified that the Police Department contract is a three-year contract with 2% increases per year; the Public Works contract is 1.75%/2%/2% and the Dispatchers contract is 2.5%/2.5%/2.5%.
Mr. Evans commented that it is up to this Council whether to make an affirmative action and approve the contract. Mr. Stokesbury commented that the elected members of the Board of Education and those seated on the Negotiating Committee felt otherwise and elected to do their job that they are appointed to do and they believe it is in the best interest of the Town that this contract be approved and implemented; it is very straightforward and reasonable and added that they are faced with statutory constraint; the net result may very well be that we have a downturn, their operating budgets suffer, and reduce staff. He noted that the Superintendent of Schools has done an admirable job reducing other expenses within the budget, using the benefits of that and their ability to undertake some projects in the schools
and continued savings in other areas.
Mr. Pena appreciates where Mr. May is coming from but added that consistency helps them in their budgeting process. He added that in the event there is a downturn, the Board of Education would have to come up with those reductions and that goes to the taxpayers.
Mrs. Roell commented that four years ago the contract was in arbitration and the Town Council did not take action on it and it came out of arbitration; in 2003 or 2004 the Town Council actually voted in the affirmative to accept the contract that was negotiated. She noted that as part of State Statute the contract is filed with the Town Clerk, the Town Council has the right to take action or not take action within thirty days.
Bruce Corbett, 171 Huckleberry Hill Road, referred to his e-mail sent to Town Council that contained his main ideas on the teachers’ contract. He indicated he is a retired teacher and was President of the Teachers’ Association for approximately seven years where he negotiated these kinds of contracts and he thinks that this contract is too expensive and for too long of a period. He expressed appreciation to the Board of Education for their work. He commented on the salary schedule in the teachers’ contract and 2% GWI is too much for too long; Avon teachers now are very well compensated, 2% of a high salary which they have is a larger increase than a 2% of 3% of a smaller town. He commented that this contract is too expensive and the increases are not always visible to the public. He noted that teachers do advance each year and some teachers move to a higher educational classification and may explain why the cost of the settlement which is 2.96% in year one, 2.88% over that in
year two, and 2.79% in year three for a total increase of 8.6%; that is the salary schedule alone. He added that there is a $4,000 to $5,000 increase for teachers who go the maximum; over the course of this contract twenty teachers will be going on maximum. He noted that teachers with five years experience and they earn a master’s degree there will be a salary increase of approximately $9,000; ten years experience and a master’s degree and then earns a sixth year will have a salary increase of approximately $12,000 in the second year of the contract. He reported that at present there are approximately 70% of the teachers on maximum and there are several measures spelled out in the contract that enhance the maximum and their retirement teachers’ salaries that do not show up on the teachers’ salaries schedule. He reported that in addition there is an attendance bonus, if you are there every day a teacher gets $200, if you miss one day a
teacher gets $100, if you miss a few days a teacher gets $50. He made a correction to his e-mail – when teachers retire after twenty-two years of experience they will get their health care paid for up to five years. He does not know how long those elements have been in the contract but that is a big factor and a very expensive process. He commented that teachers in Avon are very well compensated now and will receive more than 2% increase over the three years of this contract. He expressed that another aspect of the negotiating is the general welfare of the employer’s group; our teachers are fortunate to work in a town with beautiful buildings, good parental support, and students export the highest levels in the community and the State. However the high salary settlements made jeopardize other educational and town programming; these programs if they are not funded or the very aspect of cutting teachers and programs in the future because we
cannot afford it that is not fiscally responsible for the good of the education for the kids. He noted that considering the grand list which we do not know where that is going and the cost of living he wonders how responsible it is to approve this three-year commitment or entitlement during questionable economic times and for these reasons he believes we should reject the settlement and not fear arbitration.
Florence Stahl, 2 Sunset Trail, commended the Town Council and stated that we made history tonight because there never has been discussions regarding the teachers’ contract, however, she urged the Council to reject the contract but can tell by the body language and comments that is very unlikely to happen. She stated that she was pleased the Town Council had this discussion at this meeting. She also referred to her e-mail previously sent to Town Council.
Mr. Evans commented that we as a Council do not rubber stamp items that come before us; we have discussions about serious issues and we think that the teachers’ contract is serious and it is a healthy discussion and not all of us on the Council agree on every issue that comes before us and that is a good thing and healthy to be having productive dialogue. Mr. Stokesbury added that the contract was endorsed by the Board of Education on October 4th. Mr. Evans questioned if the Board of Finance has been apprised of the terms of the teachers’ contract. Mr. Stokesbury responded that they are aware of it as they had a statutory agent, Board of Finance member Tom Gugliotti, present during negotiations and he reported on this item to the Board of Finance last week.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the agreement between the Avon Board of Education and the Avon Education Association, July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016.
Mrs. Samul, Mr. Pena and Mr. Evans voted in favor. Mr. May voted nay, indicating he would have preferred a two-year contract. The motion carried.
Chairman Zacchio resumed his seat at 9:20 p.m.
12/13-19 Huckleberry Hill Water Project, Supplemental Appropriation, $182,300
Chairman Zacchio reported this has to do with the water mains being replaced on Huckleberry Hill Road; this is payment in lieu of Connecticut Water Company repaving as we found that the Town can procure those services at a much better rate, paving more length in roadways.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends that the Board of Finance amend the FY 12/13 Budget by increasing:
REVENUES
CIFA, Intergovernmental – CWC Pymnt In Lieu HH Water Project, Account #02-0360-43659 in the amount of $182,300.00
and increasing
APPROPRIATIONS
Capital Projects Fund (Facil & Equip), Town CIP- Facil/Road Overlay, Road Overlay, Account #02-4831-53003, in the amount of $182,300.00, for the purpose of the Huckleberry Hill Water Project and the re-paving of disturbed sections of pavement on Huckleberry Hill Road.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, Pena, and May voted in favor.
12/13-20 Agreement with State of Connecticut regarding Dial-A-Ride Van
The Town Manager reported this permits him to enter into an agreement with the State Department of Transportation for a $40,000 grant to offset the cost to purchase a new Dial-A-Ride van. He further reported it will require the Town matching the grant in the amount of $15,000 to be included in the FY 2013/2014 budget. The grant will either be 80% of $40,000 whichever is lesser of the cost.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. May, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council authorize the Town Manager, Brandon Robertson, to sign and execute Agreements and Contracts, along with all necessary Agreement/Contract documents, on behalf of the Town of Avon with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, Pena, and May voted in favor.
12/13-21 Recreation & Park Facilities Master Plan-Thompson Road Property
Chairman Zacchio reported that remediation on the soil on Thompson Road has been completed. He noted that the Recreational Plan for the Town includes a municipal type field stadium for this location and there seems to be a lot of interest among boosters, parents, Board of Education members, as well as members of the Council to revisit this and start talking about what that means from a plan and dollar perspective.
Glenn Marston, Director of Recreation and Parks, presented the 2007 Plan for a sports complex for the 15-acre parcel on Thompson Road which included a town-wide sports stadium complex for high school games and other competitions should be undertaken including a multi-use playing field with lights and artificial turf. The Plan was estimated to be approximately $3 million. He noted that this may be the time to move ahead on this project with schematic drawings which he estimated to cost between $25,000 and $30,000.
Chairman Zacchio noted there is a renewal interest in this project and it may be possible with private fundraising which must be part of our consideration before we can move forward.
Mr. Marston was instructed by the Town Council to ask the Recreation and Parks Committee to do some sort of feasibility study and more specifics regarding what the costs are associated with this, what some possible revenue sources could be, and all of that wraps around a timetable.
VIII. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS
Misc. A: Purchasing Update: background with agenda
Misc. B: Construction Update: enclosed with agenda
Misc. C: Fisher Meadows Lease Agreement: enclosed with agenda
Misc. D: Intertech Report/Regional Dispatch: enclosed with agenda
Misc. E: GFOA Budget Presentation Award: background with agenda
Misc. F: Library Bond Sale: background with agenda
Misc. G: Microgrid: background with agenda
Misc. H: Sexual Harassment Training: background with agenda
Misc. I: CCM Prescription Drug Program: background with agenda
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pending Claims before the Commission on Human Rights
and Opportunities / Land Acquisition
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. May, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council go into Executive Session at 10:15 p.m.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, Evans, and May voted in favor.
The Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Clerk attended the session.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council come out of Executive Session at 10:40 p.m.
Mrs. Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, Evans, and May voted in favor.
XI. ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Attest:
Caroline B. LaMonica
Clerk
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