AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
November 14, 2013
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, in the Selectmen’s Chamber by Chairman Zacchio. Members present: Mmes. Samul and Maguire and Messrs: Evans and Pena.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Zacchio.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13/14-20 Fisher Farm Lease (West Side of Tillotson Road)
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Zacchio. Chairman Zacchio waived the reading of the following legal notice:
“TOWN OF AVON
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, Selectman’s Chamber, 60 West Main Street, Avon, CT to consider the following:
To consider and authorize the proposed Fisher Farm Lease located on the west side of Tillotson Road. The terms of the lease have been coordinated with the Town of Farmington and the Town Attorney.
A copy of the proposed lease is on file on the Avon Town Clerk’s Office and open to the public for inspection during normal business hours.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 4th day of October, 2013.
Brandon L. Robertson, Town Manager”
Chairman Zacchio reported that this lease is associated to the property on the west side of Tillotson Road, referred to as the Phillips lease in conjunction with the Town of Farmington. He noted that the new lease will be similar to the lease we had with the last farmer only this one is limited to the forty-seven acres on the west side which is what Mr. and Mrs. Phillips want to be able to farm for the foreseeable future.
Diana Goode, Gifts of Love, reported that she supports the Phillips and their lease with the Town for the Fisher Farm property. She noted that Gifts of Love and the community farm in Simsbury are merging and Rodger Phillips was an incubator farmer at the community farm for a couple of years and the point of that program is to help new and emerging farmers learn about farming so they can go on and find a farm of their own. She added that Mr. Phillips certainly has been a huge success story for them. She noted that Mr. Phillips also started a group called the New Farmers Alliance with other new and emerging farmers and get together once a month at one of the farms to again support each other. She is looking forward to working with Mr. Phillips and hoping that he can help with the educational programs
that they are already doing where students learn about the life cycle of the plant, grow a seedling that is planted at the community farm where they grow food for Gifts of Love; they learn about community service and the issue of hunger in the community. She is hoping that Mr. Phillips can help them expand that program both in Avon and Farmington. She added that she is looking forward to having him as a neighbor, not just a working partner.
Terry Walters reported that she has been doing a lot of work in the Avon school system changing our food service to healthy foods made from scratch. She noted that when she goes to Board of Education meetings the first item is security, the second item is behavior, and the third item they want to address is achievement and then she talks about food and reminds the group that eating healthy food and nourishing our children actually addresses all of those other topics. She noted that the best way that we can create sustainable good health for our community is to know where our food comes from. She reported that we do not have that in Avon; we do not have much of any farming here as we have in surrounding communities so it is a tremendous educational opportunity. She added that because the schools and
the Board of Education are so interested in this initiative, bringing health to our schools; it provides opportunity for bringing the students to the farm, the schools are bringing in raised bed boxes to all of the schools and are interested in growing their own foods so it would be amazing to have that support to guide us in that process; we would like to bring that in interdisciplinary through K through 12 in all of their schools. She concluded that this is a tremendous opportunity to teach our community where our food comes from and to empower them to have good health for every member of our community. She added that she has worked with Mr. Phillips at Urban Oaks Farm in New Britain and is thrilled to support him.
Chairman Zacchio commented that the Town is very pleased to have Mr. Phillips as the next farmer on a working farm since Stanley Fisher ran it years and years ago before Fisher Meadows was even there. He added that in recent years has had less farming and less connection to the community and it sounds like that is going to change and we are happy to see it.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Evans, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council close the public hearing.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Evans, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to enter into a lease with Rodger Phillips on the Fisher Farm located on the west side of Tillotson Road.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
13/14-21 Town of Avon and Board of Education Retirement Plans Restatement
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Zacchio. Chairman Zacchio waived the reading of the following legal notice:
“TOWN OF AVON
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, Selectman’s Chamber, 60 West Main Street, Avon, CT to consider the following:
To consider and permit all interested persons to speak on the plan of the Town Council to restate, as required by the Internal Revenue code of 1986 during calendar year 2013, and amend the Retirement Plan for the Board of Education of the Town of Avon and the Retirement Plan for Police Officers, Non-Organized Employees, Public Works Employees and Dispatchers of the Town of Avon, as defined in the Town of Avon, Connecticut Code of Ordinances.
A copy of the proposed amendments is on file on the Avon Town Clerk’s Office and open to the public for inspection during normal business hours.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 4th date of October, 2013.
Brandon L. Robertson, Town Manager”
Chairman Zacchio reported that Council needs to act on Avon’s and the Board of Education’s retirement plan reinstatement process due to IRS code and changes that need to be made to the defined benefit plans that are either active or closed which are different between the Board of Education and Avon but under the same guidelines of the plan and as a legislative body need to approve any changes or amendments to that plan.
Mr. Evans questioned the blank December date in the document and asked when it gets filled in and how the date will be determined. The Town Manager responded that once Council authorizes the changes to the plan documents, to complete the ordinance process it has to be published and then it is effective “x” amount of days after publication. Mr. Evans questioned how many days that is. The Clerk responded it is twenty-one days after publication.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council close the public hearing.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council restates, as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 during calendar year 2013, and amends the Retirement Plan for the Board of Education of the Town of Avon and the Retirement Plan for Police Officers, Non-Organized Employees, Public Works Employees and Dispatchers of the Town of Avon, as defined in the Town of Avon, Connecticut Code of Ordinances.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
IV. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING: October 3, 2013 Regular Meeting
Mrs. Maguire and Mr. Evans had a few minor, grammatical changes as noted with the Clerk.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Evans, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept the minutes of the October 3, 2013 Regular Meeting as amended.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Evans voted in favor.
V. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE
Paul Cioffari, 12 Brenthaven, a representative of the Avon Day Committee reported on Avon Day 2013 (The financial statement is included and made part of these minutes). He shared that Avon Day was again a success this year. The event was held on September 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the weather cooperated for most of the day. The event raised over $9,100 for local charities, including $3,000 to the Town of Avon Special Needs Fund. He reported that there were ninety booths this year, both corporate and non-profit and there were nine Taste of Avon booths. The event was also advertised on the Hartford Courant’s digital web site to attempt to get some more exposure for the Town and that worked out pretty well. He reported that he came before Town Council last
February with a little bit of a quandary since the Committee lost their Chairman, Len Del Gallo Sr. and it was the Committee’s recommendation at that time to go forward with Avon Day with the group acting as a unit to try and make sure that everything was taken care of and thinks we reached that goal; we had a successful day, there were no major problems, and looking forward to staying together as a group. He reported that the Committee had their wrap-up meeting on October 30th and the result was that we are requesting three items from the Town Council: 1. To continue Avon Day next year, 2. In light of losing their Chairman one of the Committee members Nancy Anstey has agreed to step up and take over as the Chairperson for the Avon Day Committee provided that all of the Avon Day members that are currently on will stay and that the Town employees that are very involved with the preparation of Avon Day, namely Laurie Carlson and Sharon Brummert, continue their
level of involvement in Avon Day again next year because without their participation and involvement it is really hard to pull the day off, and 3. Set aside Saturday, September 27, 2014 for next year’s Avon Day with a rain date for the following day and at the same location, Thompson Brook School as that venue seems to be working out very well. He thanked the Town Manager, Glenn Marston (Director of Recreation and Parks), and Town Council for continued operation and support of Avon Day and the Committee looks forward to another successful day next year. Chairman Zacchio reported that speaking on behalf of the Town Council the three asks are easy to say yes to; without the Committee Avon Day could not get pulled off the way it does. He appreciates all that the Committee does to step up. He noted that it has full circle if Nancy Anstey is going to take over as Chair as it was her husband Roger who started Avon Day thirty plus years ago.
VI. COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL
Mr. Pena reported that there were two other events related to the Vietnam War commemoration, one at the Library on November 2nd which had a very good turnout and good event to hear the veterans tell their stories was phenomenal and the second is the Veteran’s Day event held at Roaring Brook School with students. He noted that those events that we have with veterans and Memorial Day are excellent times for the community to come out. Chairman Zacchio thanked Mr. Pena for attending those events.
Mr. Evans commented that he heard the Governor had made funds available to reimburse cities and towns for the security measures that they have installed in some of the schools. He questioned whether Avon would be eligible for any reimbursements. The Town Manager responded that we have already been notified that we are receiving $44,000 and then there is some talk about additional funding through that grant round and it appears that we might get another $28,000 and then there is another round with applications due by the end of the year. He added that we are taking advantage of all of that funding and the projects that were approved for security related improvements in fiscal year 2013/2014 are all eligible. He noted that the grant is based on a formula so the amount of reimbursement we will get is
prescribed by the enabling law. Mr. Evans questioned that when those funds come to the Town does it get credited back to the capital account because it was paid out of capital or does it go to general fund. The Town Manager responded that the idea is that we still have needs in that area and in talking to the Superintendent of Schools we would like to get that money re-appropriated back out and continue with the projects that we have in the queue.
Mrs. Samul commented that she has been taking advantage of one of the programs at the Senior Center which is the iPad instruction on Wednesdays with a very helpful gentleman, Sam Na. Thank you to Sam Na and also Jennifer Bennett (Senior Center Coordinator) for all that goes on at the Senior Center.
Mrs. Maguire reported that back in October we had a scarecrow garden at Roaring Brook School and it was a very nice event because every classroom made a scarecrow and put it out on Blazers Trail which is their outdoor classroom; it was run by the student council and everybody that attended the scarecrow garden collected a can that went to Gifts of Love so they were helping out in the community as well as providing a nice afternoon to go through Blazers Trail. She reported that she also attended the Veteran’s Day ceremony as well as the Vietnam exhibit at the Library which was a very moving afternoon. She noted that most recently she had an opportunity to help out at the Senior Center on Veteran’s Day for their lunch and that was an amazing event; Jennifer Bennett (Senior Center Coordinator) did a
great job; there were over two hundred people there from five communities and everybody had a wonderful time.
Chairman Zacchio thanked, on behalf of Town Council, all of the candidates that participated in this past election and those who came out and voted. It is such an important part of our process; the democracy of our veterans who are no longer here with us tonight fought for. He noted that every candidate that he talked to, whether they won a position or not, were enriched by the experience and very grateful for those who came out and on behalf of all of them thank the public who come out and support.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
12/13-64 Appointment: Natural Resources Commission (R – 12/31/2013)
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 12/13-64 Appointment: Natural Resources Commission (R – 12/31/2013) to the November 20, 2013 meeting.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
13/14-11 FY 14/15 Budget: CIP Budget Presentations
a. 7:00 p.m. Fire Department - a power point presentation is attached and made part of these minutes
Ken Sedlak, President, Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD), introduced Rob Shillington, Vice President, AVFD and Assistant Chief Tom Kline, AVFD. Chief Michael Trick and Assistant Chief Bruce Appell were also in attendance.
Mr. Kline reported on four capital requests: fire apparatus, fire station, joint training facility in Farmington, and radio system upgrades. He reported that National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) establishes guidelines and standards for the fire service; other agencies including OSHA routinely hold fire departments to these standards; NFPA Standard No. 1901 specifies guidelines for fire apparatus. He noted that they specify retirement age for apparatus, part of that is age of the mechanicals and outdated equipment and safety standards. He reported that it is recommended that apparatus greater than fifteen years old that have been properly maintained and are still in serviceable condition be placed in reserved status; when they reach twenty-five years they should be replaced. Chairman Zacchio
questioned if the study looks at a typical big city fire department that has a number of calls versus a smaller, rural fire department; the way it sounds is not the way that it is meant. Mr. Kline responded that there is no standard for apparatus for career, volunteer, big city, rural; it is a broad standard based on safety and technology. Chairman Zacchio commented that there is clearly a need for apparatus replacement and not suggesting different but just questioning the data.
Mr. Kline reported on the current state of their major apparatus which are their front line responding pieces. He noted that their last purchase was 2001; the current age of all of their major apparatus is approaching twenty years; 63% of their apparatus has exceeded the replacement age and in three years 100% of their apparatus will be past that NFPA recommended age. He commented that they look at three years because that is about the time it takes to secure funding, plan for the new apparatus and have it built. Chairman Zacchio questioned if the replacement that we are getting now has been ordered. Mr. Kline responded that it has not but they are close; they have been working on drawings and the bid spec. Chairman Zacchio questioned if we are fully funded for that piece of apparatus.
Mr. Kline responded that Engine 7 is the targeted truck for replacement for this current fiscal year. He reported that the next category NFPA uses is support apparatus, anything that is not an engine, a ladder, or heavy rescue, like fire police vehicles, duty officer vehicle, and brush truck. He added that the last support apparatus purchased was in 2002; trucks 6, 16, 18, and 19 were purchased with corporation department (donated) funds; the average age is thirteen years and NFPA does not specify a replacement schedule for this type of apparatus but it is in their overall plan to keep these vehicles up-to-date as well. He noted Car 17 is a hand me down vehicle from the police department; when it no longer fits their needs and they have removed all of their equipment they give it to the fire department to use for training. He added that other considerations are vehicle mileage, engine hours, quality of the maintenance, quality of the driver training,
etc.
Mr. Kline reviewed the estimated expenditures to replace all of the vehicles when they come due based on the replacement plan. He noted that for this year they are looking to replace Engine 7 and Car 17; next year would be Engine 11 and Truck 6 and then they have a year off for actually replacing a vehicle but we still need to fund it that year. He reported that the total replacement cost for the entire fleet over time is estimated at nearly $7 million. Chairman Zacchio commented that then they start all over again; it is really in perpetuity in how we think about getting this capital rolling so there is a reserve apparatus account so to speak that we can move forward with. Mr. Kline commented that they have not replaced any apparatus in over ten years and now they are catching up to that. He
shared the schedule for the next thirty years. He noted that in order for them to catch up and keep the replacement schedule that has been established, they are requesting an annual truck allowance of $450,000 for the next seven years; it will decrease until they reach $350,000 and that is based on today’s estimates and that will allow them to maintain a twenty-year replacement.
Mr. Kline reported that for this year they are looking for an authorization of $450,000 for apparatus replacement and next year would be the same; that would be Engine 7, Car 17, Engine 11, and Truck 6. He noted that Engine 11 is their oldest, smallest vehicle dated 1984 and is their reserve piece as it can fit in all four stations for coverage and they want to replace it with a small mini pumper that would still fit in their stations. He added the request for continued annual funding of the replacement plan through FY 2029/2030 and considering adopting a twenty-year policy for apparatus by putting those funds away and planning ahead. He noted that the fire department would develop and maintain this plan and report on it to Council every year. Mr. Shillington reported that Rescue 8 is at the
replacement point but not in their requests as an immediate replacement as they replace these vehicles/apparatus they can utilize Rescue 8 less than they do now which will save the life of that vehicle.
Mr. Kline reported that with NFPA safety standards changing, the requirement of the equipment that they need to carry on the apparatus has changed over the years. He noted that Engine 7 and Engine 9 plan is to create a rescue pumper. Chairman Zacchio questioned that the new engine will fit in the Huckleberry Hill fire station. Mr. Kline responded that with slight modifications to the door opening it will fit. Mr. Evans commented that the first two priorities are Engine 7 and Car 17 which equals $810,000. He added that the department is requesting to start the program with $450,000 in the first year. He questioned if those pieces of apparatus would have to spread over two years. Mr. Kline responded that Engine 7 has already been partially funded for. The Town Manager reported
that there is currently $600,000 through fiscal year 2013/2014. Assistant Chief Appell reported that current estimates are anywhere from $550,000 to $770,000; it depends on the equipment that has to go on the engine and working with the vendor. He added that they know they need the apparatus so group purchases do save a lot of money; to buy all three apparatus there are savings up to $100,000. Chairman Zacchio commented that it sounds like the fire department wants to start a capital reserve that begins to replace this apparatus on schedule; there is one sitting in front of them so the $450,000 plus the next year assuming we could do that gets you to where you start replacing them on a measured basis. Mr. Evans commented that Engine 7 and Car 17 should be able to get done in the next fiscal year if approved.
Mr. Kline reported on fire station replacement/renovations. He noted that over the last thirteen years the population in Avon has increased over thirty percent however their infrastructure to support that population has not changed. He noted that with incident volume from the year 2000 and forward it has slowly gone up; average of six hundred calls per year. He reported that they are proposing to build a new fire station on the northern central area of Lovely Street which would greatly increase their response time in the majority of Town. Chairman Zacchio commented that the consultant report that was recently created around the Fire Department offers some opportunities and thoughts around how the new station would look. He questioned that with the idea of the borderless border and the regionalized
approach is that a consideration in how you put this together in terms of what Canton, Farmington, Simsbury and other towns that are currently mutual aids that come when we call them how that might operate in a borderless environment where they are the first responders and does it help us any even in the mean time in terms of fire safety and response time. Mr. Kline referred to slide #51 in their presentation and yes they are looking at that. He reported on facility upgrades and maintenance needed. He added that they want a study completed to determine where a new fire station should be located. Chairman Zacchio asked the Town Manager if there are any ways in-house we can determine a location for a new fire station. The Town Manager responded that there is probably capacity in Public Works to go through the infrastructure of what needs to be done and a schedule going forward for when it needs to be done. He commented that we do not need a
certified architect to do that kind of work. Chief Trick commented that those portions of the existing facilities that we have can be evaluated on their existing condition and their existing needs but there might be other things that are specific to a firehouse design that we are not seeing only because of our lack of experience or knowledge and with the facilities study, the needs assessment and the proper design of a firehouse based upon a firehouse architect could do the assessment and look around our other facilities and make suggestions and make improvements in part of this whole package to make those things happen, like the shower at Company #4. He noted that they have tried to add that but there are other design parameters that are preventing the installation of a shower there because anything new has to comply with ADA. He added that with the study maybe there is a way that they can come up with to make this happen and still incorporate the new designs. He reported that
the same with Company #1, there are still some issues that they have had over there; the only shower in the facility is in the common bathroom in the basement. He added that they feel that only professionals can understand that design, looking forward at some of the newer needs like decontamination and avoid bringing it home to their families. Chairman Zacchio commented that he always anticipated the design that we had on the debt service line as a new fire house included the facilities upgrade that they are talking about across all of the fire stations. Chief Trick responded that is correct; facilities maintenance is straightforward, facility expansion and renovation is maybe an area that they do not have the expertise. He cannot speak for Public Works and he does not know our engineers as well as he should and does not know what expertise they can bring to this table.
Chairman Zacchio commented that while they are looking at building the capital budget over the next coming weeks, he questioned if it would be fair to think that if a portion of that belongs to a new firehouse would it be safer to look at our current infrastructure for the types of needs that you are talking about at some level versus wrapping it into a study with a new firehouse that we do not even have land for. He questioned if they have a more immediate need for the existing infrastructure assessment than you do for the entire assessment including the new firehouse. Chief Trick responded that his feeling is that they need to move forward and quickly to secure property and get the new fire station underway and in that process we can look at facilities. He noted that the existing facilities they have
now are working. Chairman Zacchio commented that the new fire station drives the need for the study. He added that if property is not secured for three years is it more important to think about your current infrastructure or is this an item that waits until you have property to talk about what that really means? He noted that there is an immediate need around your current infrastructure and there is a secondary need around new infrastructure but without land in front of us today and not knowing when we can do that does it make sense to look at the current infrastructure as well. Chief Trick responded that there are some other needs that can be addressed within our operating budget and in incremental builds are the exhaust systems, those kinds of safety and health improvements can be done without capital funds provided we can plan in our operating budget to incorporate either complete systems or smaller systems; we can build towards that and take it away from
there and over the next three to five years if that is what we are seeing we will start to do that but right now we have other needs in our budget that are driving things.
Mr. Kline reported on the training facility request. He added that they are looking to partner with Farmington on their project; it would be just over the border on Route 4 and puts their resources very close to their border should a call come in. He commented that if they send two or three companies to Windsor Locks for training they are relying on all of those outside stations in neighborhood towns to respond to their station first and then to cover our call. He noted that most Avon firefighters only receive the minimum live fire training which is once a year; if we have a structure fire or significant incident in Town that may satisfy the requirement for those members; they need to do annual re-certification in a live fire scenario; getting acquired structures where they can find a structure in Town
that is being torn down and donated to the fire department is few and far between. He added that the paperwork and leg work behind it is very time consuming and difficult; building has to be remediated of all hazardous material, it has to be safe and have insurance coverage for the Town plus NFPA has a document that governs live fire training. He reported that having this fixed facility that is designed specifically for live fire training is key. He noted that Farmington Zoning has limited the number of burn dates they can actually light fires in the building but there are a myriad of other skills that they can practice there without setting the place on fire. He noted that there is currently fundraising underway to fund their involvement in this; they are asking the Town for $200,000 should the fundraising fall short.
Mrs. Samul questioned how the fundraising program in Farmington is going. Chairman Zacchio responded that he attended a meeting with some of the fire department in Farmington with their training facility committee; they were obviously happy to have us join the meeting and start discussing how we are going to move forward with the Avon Fire Department and the regionalization. He noted that Farmington has the property and a capital infusion from their Town Council to do some utility work then it is up to the fire departments to fundraise the pre-fabricated unit onto the site but there is a lot of recapture of the water and work that happens on the other side; the whole project is approximately $1 million. He reported good news that Avon would be a true partner in ownership of the facility and our Town
Manager was going to work with the Town of Farmington on how that starts to look and shape up. They also discussed whether or not other towns might want to then get involved and if so the partnership would decide how that might go forward and how we might lease it but we would be cautious to get involved with other towns based on the number of burn days allowed. Jamie DiPace reported that they are looking for in-kind service donations as well; they have a number of leads for that as a structural engineer is donating all of his time and a good possibility of a company donating a substantial amount of money and possibly another company providing us with a lot of the concrete vessels to store water. Mrs. Samul commented that this would now be a partnership between Avon and Farmington but the Town of Farmington still owns the land. Chairman Zacchio responded that those are the details that our Town Manager is working out with the Town of Farmington. The
Town Manager commented that what we would have to come up with is an interlocal agreement that would deal with the operational level, governance, liability being a significant issue because of the function, and ownership. Mrs. Samul questioned that those items are still fluid. The Town Manager responded yes. Mr. Evans questioned if $200,000 is the “buy in” to be able to participate in the training facility and then pay as you go from your expense budget every year. Mr. DiPace responded that there are going to be annual maintenance fees, approximately $5,000 to $10,000, to run the facility. Mr. Evans commented that he assumes the Fire Department already has costs in your operating budget when you go to Windsor Locks, etc. Chief Trick responded that it will be a wash in the operating budget for their training facility. Chairman Zacchio commented that it is a $1 million project, $500,000 each from the Avon and Farmington fire
departments and a partnership in the ownership of it. Mr. Evans questioned where the $200,000 comes from; is it the shortfall of what cannot be raised in private funds. Mr. DiPace responded that he will be bold and his plans are to raise $500,000 but yes it is to cover the shortfall. Mr. Pena questioned if there has been any renewed interest by some of the other towns that opted to leave. Mr. DiPace responded no.
Mr. Kline reported on the fire department radio systems and radio repeater sites. He noted that the problem with the radio repeater sites is that all three sites are independent and the radio user transmitting has to pick which one of those three sites in Town to repeat their signal through; that is ok if you have time to make a conscious decision based on their logistics. He added that there are spots, in particular along the river, where they cannot talk out and reach the dispatcher thus cannot reach their other responding apparatus that are coming in to help them. He noted that there are also dead spots on Dale Road near Westmont and the area of O’Neill’s Chevrolet on Old Farms Road. He reported that the FCC mandated a change to our radio system so they can fit in more users in the
same frequency space; it was required and we made the changes a few years ago but the effect of that is reduced power output on the radio. He reported that they are looking to upgrade their radio system to a simulcast system where the system listens for multiple sites and chooses the best one for the user. He added that it will also transmit from all three sites simultaneously providing 95-98% coverage in the Town. He noted that to do that just for the fire frequency the estimate is $3,000. He added that they have been discussing with other Town departments on this project but not there yet to come together as a group as a full project. Chairman Zacchio questioned that those are the same repeater sites that we have the Police Department. Mr. Kline responded yes; the repeater sites were co-located and each Department owns their own physical radio site but the antenna structure and everything from the cable coming out of the back of the radio is
shared. He noted that the Fire Department has traditionally maintained that system and the Police Department, Public Works, and the Schools have all benefited from that; we budget for it in their operating budget. He added that communications for them is critical; they have enough radios for each firefighter that are in the trucks. He reported that they are trying to open up discussions and look at a simulcast system that is Town wide but that dollar figure is high. Mrs. Samul questioned if there is any efficiency or savings by bundling with another department, the way there would be with ordering multiple apparatus at the same time. Mr. Kline responded that he imagines there would be a lot of labor cost savings.
Mr. Kline reported on a long term project, their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders; they have a limited life span; they were purchased new in 2005. He noted that per DOT regulations the cylinders have a maximum service life of fifteen years at which time they have to be removed from service and destroyed. He added that they are looking to replace the air packs themselves at the same time because of technology and wear and tear on the straps and harness, yet they are their life line. He reported that the total cost for SCBA and spare bottles is estimated at $1 million looking through years 2019 through 2021. Chairman Zacchio questioned if these can be bought at different times versus altogether. Chief Trick responded that right now all of the surrounding communities have made
the change to the same air pressures and similar packs. He noted that with the cost of packs there is an alternative, they would go through a refurb cycle with the fifteen year old packs but the problem is that NFPA requires that if you refurb something you have to bring it up to the current standards; the cost of refurb versus brand new is almost essentially the same. He added that this item can be negotiated and brought down. Mr. Evans questioned if the $1,095,000 is inflation indexed. Chief Trick responded no; with the going prices today they based it on the cost of one pack with two bottles at retail. Mr. Evans questioned that six to eight years from now this number could grow to $1,500,000. Chief Trick responded that they cannot forecast what is going to happen in the industry.
Mr. Kline reported on another long term project, water supply to the Town; the entire Town is not covered by public water supply. He noted that the Fire Department and Fire Marshal have been working to install cisterns and the estimated cost to install the proposed designated cisterns is approximately $105,000, assuming labor costs are completed by the Town. Mrs. Samul questioned if legal fees includes acquisition of the land to put the cistern on. Mr. DiPace responded that in the past they have been able to get all of them through development. Mrs. Samul questioned that they plan to do the same with these three cisterns. Mr. DiPace responded yes with the exception of the one on Deercliff Road. Chief Trick added that they did some soil borings for possible sites adjacent to the area and
they are all in Town right-of-way. Mr. DiPace commented that we recently had our ISO rating lowered in those sections of Town, using this we can work towards getting lowered even more. Chief Trick noted that he has received increased requests from insurance companies and asking them where the house is located, where are the hydrants; where is the water and through conversation on several occasions he and Mr. DiPace have had insurance companies not insure properties due to the fact that there is no water. He added that it is a problem that we have addressed; they have developed tankers shuttles which have earned them points but constantly have to re-train and prove to ISO that system is in place and works.
Mr. Kline reported on the Town budget savings by continuing to fund the volunteer fire department (see slide #33). He noted that the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) saves the Town nearly $600,000 per year by continuing to provide fire incident response through 100% volunteer personnel. He added that it is their vision to remain 100% volunteer as long as possible. He commented that while the requests today would be necessary to support a career department in this Town for infrastructure, facilities, and apparatus, your continued support and funding for these projects go a long way to support our volunteers in boosting morale, pride and ownership in their equipment and their department. He thanked the Council for their time. Chairman Zacchio appreciated the detail and a lot of hard work
went into the presentation. He noted that they are going to wrestle with the capital budget across all of the departments but it helps him to understand how you are thinking about this behind the scenes; this is the kind of detail that helps them understand the strategy and theory around what you are trying to do. He added that Council will support them the best they can and agree with and understand and appreciate the value you bring to the table in terms of volunteerism in Avon as much as you protect us every single day that will not be taken for granted. Mr. Evans appreciated the thorough presentation and very fortunate to have such a strong volunteer fire department; we know there are some serious compelling needs and we will struggle with capital and do the best we can. Mr. Pena commented that he hears a lot of positive feedback throughout the Town about the Fire Department. Chief Trick invited Council members to tour any and all of their
facilities.
b. 7:30 p.m. General Government
i. Assessor
ii. Town Clerk
iii. Social Services
The Town Manager reported that we have three projects: the final year of the funding for the revaluation, $50,000 for fiscal 2014/2015; the Town’s total cost for the revaluation project was $275,000 and we started funding that in fiscal 2012/2013. He noted that the revaluation notices have gone out and the hearings will be wrapped up sometime this summer; this final funding request is to pay the contractor and to cover costs for tax appeals/settlements. Mrs. Samul commented that there is one appeal pending with the house on the market and they want their assessment raised. The Town Manager reported that the revaluation notices were received yesterday for the most part and phone traffic in the Assessor’s Office has been fairly quiet. He noted that the company has seven meetings scheduled
so far to review assessments.
The Town Manager reported that the second project is the Social Services Dial-A-Ride van and that is out in 2018, a $52,000 appropriation. He commented that we received a grant for fiscal 2013/2014 to offset the cost of a new Dial-A-Ride van; we budgeted $15,000 in the current year and the balance is covered by the grant. He noted that bus is on order and should have by the end of January. He reported that the bus that we are talking about for 2018 would be the replacement for the new bus that we are getting in January; it could change as it is a function of the mileage, etc. He noted that the bus that we have now is at the end of its useful life but there is interest in keeping it on the road for the police cadet program as it has ramped up in terms of participation and they are taking the
students around in police cars which is not efficient. Chairman Zacchio reported that his son is involved with the cadet program and not only are they doing cadet related activities with Windsor because Officer Petkis’ husband runs the program in Windsor and has done a lot of collaboration with them, they are also doing a pretty good deal of social events with each other so the van would be a really great use.
The Town Manager reported that the third project is the Town Clerk’s vault. He noted that the updated estimate is $392,000. Mrs. Samul questioned if the Town Clerk is getting more pressure from the State. Ann Dearstyne, Town Clerk, responded that the State keeps calling, at least every quarter if we are moving along. She noted that the hard copies are not going to go away. She added that she has back scanned a lot of the land record volumes back to 1961 where our index begins and she joined a State portal where now a lot of title searchers and attorneys right from their office can see the documents if they pay; she still collects $1.00 per page and every month she receives a check for over $1,000 which is less wear and tear on the vault and it saves the life of the documents. She
commented that she is still getting in two thousand plus pages per month.
13/14-27 Appointment: Natural Resources Commission (R – 12/31/2015)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Evans, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-27 Appointment: Natural Resources Commission (R – 12/31/2015) to the November 20, 2013 meeting.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
13/14-28 Approve Proclamation: Vietnam War 50th Anniversary
Chairman Zacchio reported that the President had declared the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War about a year ago and with that comes a number of events over a long period of time to recognize that this should be the fabric of our society not just a one-time event to say thank you. He added that coming off of Veteran’s Day many of us have thanked veterans and he personally thanked them here once again. Chairman Zacchio read the following proclamation.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the following Proclamation:
Whereas, it has been over 50 years since Americans began over a decade of combat, over air, land, and sea in the Vietnam War which became the longest war in our country’s history; and
Whereas, it is important to honor and give thanks to the many men and women from Avon who answered their country’s call and served in that war, including one, Craig R. Nobert, who made the ultimate sacrifice; and
Whereas, since their return the veterans of the Vietnam War have made great contributions to their nation, state, and this community; and
Whereas, we value their continued service to their fellow veterans today, as they embody the motto of the Vietnam Veterans of America: “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another”; and
Whereas, the citizens of the Town of Avon must never forget the pain and suffering that lingers even today for many of the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War with honor and distinction in the name of freedom and democracy for all; and
Whereas, the President of the United States has proclaimed May 28, 2012 through November 11, 2025, as the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War; and
Whereas, the Department of Defense has recognized VFW Post 3272 of Avon as a Commemorative Partner for their willingness to assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans, their families, and those who served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces:
Now, therefore, the Town Council hereby proclaims May 28, 2012 through November 11, 2025 as the
COMMEMORATION OF THE 50th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE VIETNAM WAR
throughout the Town of Avon, in accordance with the officially designated national period of observance, with a special expression of gratitude to our Vietnam War veterans for their service.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
Jim Hutton thanked the Town Council for this proclamation, recognizing the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and particularly for recognizing the Vietnam veterans that live in Avon. He commented that he has only lived in Avon for seven years but the support for veterans by the citizens of the community has been very rewarding and impressive. He added that the schools have been really great; on Veteran’s Day the veterans visit all of the schools and they have great assemblies and in the high school they go into classrooms and talk to the students about their war experiences. He thanked the Avon Library for the support they have given the veterans over the last two months with exhibits and talks on the 50th Anniversary Commemoration. He noted that
this Commemoration is particularly important to the Vietnam War veterans whose service was not recognized for a long period of time.
William Newman reported that Avon has sixty-five Vietnam War veterans and the largest segment now of their Post of one hundred and ninety-five. He added that they have been a very active Post and highly recognized by the State of Connecticut and nationally for their accomplishments and for their poppy drive which is the biggest in the State. He added that they appreciate the support they get from the community.
13/14-29 Review, Discussion, and Possibly Set Public Hearing Date: 16 Timothy Way
Attorney Robert Meyers reported that in 2005/2006 a person built a house on Lovely Street and he connected to the Bridgewater Subdivision sewer; the Town made a deal with the owner that if he do all of the work, he find the surveyor and lawyer to draw up the documents and pay $500 the Town will give the owner an easement. He noted that it worked out great except sadly the Town took at face value his surveyor’s indication that the Town owned the land. He added that the easement was granted over property that the Town did not own and that is what caused this to come to everyone’s attention. He reported that the ultimate remedy which nobody wants is to move the sewer pipe so we need to reach some global agreement. He noted that there is a strip of land, 50’ wide, which is the
requirement for a public road right-of-way, approximately 240 feet long to get from Timothy Way which was believed to be a public road and now is a public road to this large bit of land which subsequently was developed as the Bridgewater Subdivision. He added that for two reasons there is a 2.2 acre piece of land at the end of this strip that needs to be accessed because you cannot further due to wetlands and part of the subdivision required the granting of a lot of open space to the Town and that is there. He noted that this strip can never serve more than this 2.2 acre piece of property; although it is in an R-40 zone the various constraints on this piece of property make it entirely clear that only one house can go there. He added that if what was originally intended were followed we would build a 240 foot long public road which we are willing to build; Planning and Zoning does not like that nor does Public Works for maintenance. He reported that in the
alternative Planning and Zoning offered the owner to see Town Council and see if they will transfer the ownership of that 50’ strip so it can serve the purpose for which it was intended without a public road being there; they would install a driveway and utilities which takes the Town out of maintaining the road and is presumably less burdensome on the abutting Timothy Way neighbors as they will not have a 50’ right of way in public road. The Town Manager reported that this action requires a public hearing because it is a conveyance. He noted that his recommendation is to schedule a public hearing as there is no benefit to the Town of having a public road that only serves one property which is why Planning and Zoning suggested that Attorney Meyers come before Town Council to discuss conveying it. He noted that there are abutters on either side and his recommendation is that they are notified of the public hearing. Attorney Meyers responded that
the risk in notifying an individual is that the owner three houses down says why didn’t I get one; it is in the newspaper and it is noticed to the world. Chairman Zacchio commented that he thought the abutters would be more pleased with this design than others and not worried about owners down the street but at least notify the abutters that it is happening. He questioned if this is contingent on Planning and Zoning approving that lot for building. Attorney Meyers responded that the first thing that needs to be done is that ownership of this must be acquired then a request goes into Planning and Zoning to approve this as a rear lot, adding this land and delete the portion where the sewer pipe is. Mrs. Samul questioned if it can be approved subject to receiving that from the Town. Attorney Meyers responded that if we were to do that then the Town as the ownership of the strip of land would have to be one of the signatories to the Planning and
Zoning application and he does not think the Town Council wants to do that. The Town Council agreed. Mr. Evans commented that once all of this finished and the objective is accomplished that new driveway becomes a portion of the taxable parcel of the Town. Attorney Meyers responded that it would as well as the strip of land. Mr. Evans commented that then you have an approved building lot and when a house is put on it you would have a considerably increased assessment.
On a motion made by Mrs. Samul, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council set a public hearing to consider the transfer of a 50 foot wide strip of land from the Town of Avon to Sylvio Brighenti Family LLC known as Future Road off Timothy Way on a map entitled “Northgate Section 1, Land Owned by Harold F. Wheeler, Jr. Lovely Street – Conn. Route 167 Avon, Connecticut Sheet 1 of 5” land surveyor Nascimbeni & Jahne Surveyors, P.C. Date Jan. 1991 to be held at the December 12, 2013 meeting.
Mmes: Maguire and Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
13/14-30 Review, Discussion, Set Public Hearing: Fisher Farm Lease (East Side of
Tillotson Road/North of Fisher Meadows)
Chairman Zacchio reported that this item is regarding the Fisher Farm Lease on the east side of the road with the farmer who will be leasing it from us that will put money into the Open Space fund. He added that along with the farming operation are the general fertilizers used in farming and due to the nature of the property with the aquifer and the proximity to the river the Town Manager verified that those uses were permitted; we have received a legal opinion that the Town Manager would like to review and ensure that he circles back with the Avon Water Company but it looks like it will be favorable.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-30 Review, Discussion, Set Public Hearing: Fisher Farm Lease (East Side of Tillotson Road/North of Fisher Meadows) to the November 20, 2013 meeting.
Mmes: Maguire and Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
13/14-31 Execution of Agreement with CT-DOT Project #04-131 Old Wheeler Lane
Bridge
The Town Manager reported that this resolution would authorize him to sign an agreement with the State for reimbursement for the design cost for this project. He added that the Old Wheeler Lane Bridge Project is a participant in the Federal Bridge Program so it is an 80/20 program; our contribution is 20% which we have budgeted in fiscal year 2013/2014 and this allows us to seek reimbursement from the State for the balance.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to sign the agreement entitled, “Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Avon for the Development of Contract Plans, Specifications and Estimates in conjunction with the Rehabilitation of the Old Wheeler Lane Bridge (Bridge No. 05850) over Roaring Brook Utilizing Federal Funds from the Highway Bridge Program.
Mmes: Maguire and Samul, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
13/14-32 Supplemental Appropriation from Fund 5-Route 44 Sewer Lift Station Pump
Replacement
The Town Manager reported that there is a pump station on Route 44; we are now down to one pump and the pump that we are relying on is the pump that has a history of mechanical problems. He noted that with the funding, a supplemental appropriation from Fund 5 will not be necessary; instead in Fund 2 – Capital Projects Fund we have some appropriations that were made in prior fiscal years going back to 2002, 2003, and 2004 that were specifically for pump station improvements. He added that it was budgeted for contingency money for just when this type of event occurred. He reported that we have adequate funding in an existing capital project account so we are good to go. He added that there is a project long-term to re-do that pump station.
13/14-33 Review, Discussion and Approval: OPM Regional Performance Incentive
Grant Proposal
Chairman Zacchio reported that there are four different projects that the performance grant will fund those projects for the priority and the discussion of the CRCOG membership in terms of which ones are most important from a regional perspective; this would be 100% funding from the grant source to accomplish these items. The Town Manager reported that this is money that the legislature appropriated to encourage communities to collaborate. He noted that four projects have been identified. He reported that the nutmeg network connections project may provide funding to continue to build out our fiber optics; we would like to extend the line running from Public Works to the Library and possibly connecting the Town Hall area to the Board of Education Annex. Chairman Zacchio commented that right now we
have fiber optics from the Police Department to Company #1 to Public Works. The Town Manager reported that the region would get a grant and there might be a sub-application process where communities have to apply. He reported that the regional data/disaster recovery center would serve as an IT clearinghouse to backup communities’ data tapes, etc. He added that right now we have a policy in place that deals with disaster recovery and information backup but something that we do pay a fee for with Fuss & O’Neill; if this project is funded we may be able to use their facility at a reduced or no charge. He reported that with the regional computer forensics laboratory this is something that the regional chiefs have been pushing for quite awhile and something that we talk about every year in the budget process; a lot of crime is going online. He added that when we talk about the budget there will be another request from the Police Department
for machinery to deal with cell phones, child pornography. He noted that the more communities that band together for this grant proposal the better chance you have for getting funded; CRCOG is the strongest COG in the State and would probably get the majority of the funding. Mr. Evans questioned if we would get funding for all four of the proposed uses. The Town Manager responded that it is possible that they may cut them up; it is not a package.
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council adopt a resolution which endorses the Regional Performance Incentive Program proposal referenced in Connecticut General Statutes Section 4-124s as amended by Section 251 and 253 of Public Act 13-247) for the following proposals to be submitted by the Capitol Region Council of Governments: 1) Regional Nutmeg Network Connections, 2) Regional Data / Disaster Recovery Center, 3) Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, and 4) Human Resources On-line Clearinghouse and Templates.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Evans voted in favor.
13/14-34 Contract Extensions Requiring Town Council Approval:
a. Insurance Agent of Record-USI
b. Health & Welfare Benefits Consultant-Milliman
The Town Manager reported that the one-year extension has been exercised because the original agreements were for three years with the one-year extension which he had exercised. He commented that this request is for a one-year extension of the existing agreement. He noted that we have been very happy with both of these consultants; we have done some market testing and we are very confident that we have the best in the business so we went back to them and said that we would like to continue the relationship but at zero increase and they said yes. He added that especially on the insurance side where we have some very choppy waters ahead and Steve May (Milliman) has helped us through a re-negotiation of the rate with CIGNA that has had a very positive outcome. Mrs. Samul commented that we will
have been with both companies for a total of five years when this renewal expires. Chairman Zacchio commented that at that time we might want to look at whether or not we lock that in for a longer period of time than the one-year or consider going to RFP to test the market. The Town Manager reported that we have had interesting discussions with Steve May (Milliman) regarding the impact of the Affordable Health Care Act and he asked Steve May to prepare an executive summary that explains what the impact is on the Town’s health insurance and what federal health care means for the next three years going forward; it should be ready for distribution next month.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Samul, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approves contract extensions for USI and Milliman with a term to be continued for one (1) additional year to January 2015.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Evans voted in favor.
13/14-35 Approval of Real Estate Tax Refund, $11,845.98
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approves a real estate tax refund to First Niagara Bank N.A. in the amount of $11,845.98.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Evans voted in favor.
13/14-36 Resignation: Zoning Board of Appeals (D – 12/31/2013)
Mr. Pena noted that the agenda item reflects a resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals but thinks it should be a resignation from the Natural Resources Commission for Daryl Worobow. The Town Manager commented that this item will be reviewed for the next meeting.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-36 Resignation: Zoning Board of Appeals (D – 12/31/2013) to the November 20, 2013 meeting.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Evans voted in favor.
13/14-37 Resignation: Recreation & Parks Committee (R – 12/31/2013)
On a motion made by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept with regret the resignation of Kathy Thompson from the Recreation and Parks Committee.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
Chairman Zacchio reported that he will talk with the powers that be on vacant appointments and also talk with Bob Breckinridge on the Natural Resources Commission; there is somewhat of an overlap between Natural Resources Commission and Inland Wetlands Commission and the Natural Resources Commission has not had cause to meet very often so whether or not we think that Commission needs to stick together or combine with Inland Wetlands is something we should talk about.
IX. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS
Misc. A: Purchasing Update: The Town Manager reported that he will have a recommendation for Council regarding the Fisher Farm Lease, east of Tillotson, at their next meeting. He reported that we are applying for other grants: STEAP – to continue with the improvements mirroring what we have done on the north side of Route 44; there is another grant application going in shortly to purchase a generator for the cell tower off of Ridgewood; RPIP – to pursue an application again that we submitted back in 2012 for the asphalt recycler with Granby and Simsbury. Chairman Zacchio questioned if that is coming back at 100%. The Town Manager responded yes. The Town Manager reported that with the grants we make a concerted effort to chase all of that down and
have been pretty successful in getting funds.
Misc. B: Construction Update: This item was not reviewed in detail at the meeting
Misc. C: GFOA Budget Presentation Award: The Town Manager reported that we have again received the award and makes it year thirty-one. He added that we take it for granted but it is a lot of hard work and not a lot of communities get this distinction; it reflects really well on us. Chairman Zacchio, on behalf of Town Council, thanked Peggy Colligan. Peggy Colligan noted that there a number of other people that work on it too, Finance, Accounting, and Town Manager’s staff and she will pass along their wishes.
Misc. D: Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association Award/John Howard Award: The Town Manager reported that Glenn Marston has received a few awards and noted that he is retiring on June 30, 2014. He added that Mr. Marston is getting some nice recognition from his peers. He reported that the John Howard Award is not an award that is done every year and based solely on merit. He noted that since 1965 there have only been fifteen recreation directors who have received it.
Misc. E: Sexual Harassment Training: The Town Manager reported that this is annual training conducted by CIRMA; all town employees participate; very useful and good reminder.
Misc. F: FEMA Reimbursement: The Town Manager reported that we have $95,000 coming back from Storm Charlotte.
Security Funding
The Town Manager reported that we are getting at least $44,000 back from this round, there may be another $28,000 coming and there is another grant round coming up so we will continue to pursue that. Mr. Pena questioned that because that falls under security would there be any additional money that we could go after for some other things. The Town Manager responded that there are no other grant programs available for reimbursement or funding for the kinds of improvements that we are making. Mr. Pena noted that his question relates to the fire department talking about radio improvements needed as it would be a Town wide communication problem in the case of an emergency. The Town Manager commented that the grant program that is out there now is strictly defined as school security. Chairman
Zacchio commented that with the topography in Town there are always going to be some dead zones so the police and fire departments have mechanisms built in to ensure they have coverage when they are in those zones and it is part of their normal routine. Mrs. Maguire reported that with the cell service at Roaring Brook there really is no cell service and is a huge security risk. She noted that if you were ever in a situation like Newtown and you needed a cell service to text you cannot do it. Chairman Zacchio reported that the Superintendent of Schools has a solution for boosting the signal at that school. Mrs. Samul asked the Town Manager if in his discussions with the fire department if there is anyone there that is adept at seeking out grant money. The Town Manager responded that there probably is but it falls to us; any kind of funding that is going to be available we are on the same list serves and we work with them on the technical piece of it,
write it and send it in.
Donation to Police Department
The Town Manager reported that the Police Department received a letter from Mrs. May who donated $2,500 to be used as they deem appropriate. He has talked to the Chief of Police and the idea that the Chief has is to use the money to buy a defibrillator unit for the bike squad. He noted that at some point a supplemental appropriation will come through for that.
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Heart and Hypertension
Collective Bargaining/Personnel
Real Estate/Land Acquisition
On a motion made by Mrs. Samul, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council go into Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
The Town Manager and Town Clerk attended the session.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council come out of Executive Session at 10:00 p.m.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
XI. ADJOURN
On a motion made by Mrs. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Mmes: Samul and Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Evans, and Pena voted in favor.
Attest:
Ann L. Dearstyne, Town Clerk
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