AVON TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
April 3, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, in the Selectmen’s Chamber by Chairman Zacchio. Members present: Mrs. Maguire and Messrs: Pena and Stokesbury. Mr. Evans was absent.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Zacchio.
III. SERVICE RECOGNITION: Natural Resources Commission
Chairman Zacchio reported that two members are present tonight from the Natural Resources Commission, Robert Breckinridge – Chairman and Mary Harrop. He added that at the last Council meeting there was discussion about decommissioning the Natural Resources Commission and we had a small but meaningful celebration at 7:00 p.m. with two of the members. He added that the Natural Resources Commission has been part of the fabric of Avon since 1972; it evolved with a lot of different aspects in Town, especially prior to the development of the Inland Wetlands Commission which took over some of the duties. He noted that among other items the Natural Resources Commission has been involved with the Rails to Trails development, a lot of the trails connectivity systems within Avon, our annual tree sale, the
Wild and Scenic River Study, and the accomplishments are long. He added that after talking with the Commission members and amongst the Council we decided because the agenda had diminished to a point where it did not make as much sense to have it still in service that we would decommission it at this time. He found it fitting tonight that we are having a public hearing around solar energy and talking about Avon’s first attempt at moving towards a solar solution for electricity and what better Commission to dedicate it to than the Natural Resources Commission who has really stood fast for our community in terms of natural resources since 1972 and could clearly pave the way for us to be making decisions we will probably be making in the next few months about our future natural resources. He thanked the Commission. He noted that Mary Harrop is still part of the fabric of Avon and involved with many different aspects in Town and Robert Breckinridge is still
part of the Avon Land Trust and has willingly moved over to the Inland Wetlands Commission. He noted appreciation for all that the Natural Resources Commission has done for Avon over the last several decades and will certainly miss having the updates from your meetings but miss you well.
Mr. Stokesbury echoed Chairman Zacchio’s thoughts and recognized Mr. Breckinridge, Ms. Harrop and all the current and past members of the Commission for the hard work, dedication, and foresight in creating Avon as we know it; it is a much better place to live and work because of your efforts. He noted with great pride that he is a recipient of one of the Commission’s service awards back in 1998, along with Len Tolisano for their early work at the Derrin House on behalf of the Avon Historical Society. He added that while he is no longer involved with that project, Mr. Tolisano continues to work on that today. He noted that in addition to all of your direct hard work, it is great pride that you recognize others in the community that help build our great Town.
Mr. Pena echoed the same messages. He noted that he prides himself when walking around Town and there are two things that always come to mind when he talks to people about the Natural Resources Commission: the annual tree sale and the Rails to Trails project. He added that folks know that your Commission was heavily involved in that and should be very honored in being able to anchor those two things. He added that all current and past members have played a role in many of those things. He congratulated the Commission.
Robert Breckinridge stated, on behalf of the Natural Resources Commission, it has been quite a pleasure as always to serve the Town of Avon. He added that he and Ms. Harrop are both proud of this Town and they have created quite a legacy for the Town. He noted that it is unfortunate in a way to disband but it is the right thing to do and hopefully things will continue to progress as we want it to.
Mary Harrop reported that she has been on the Natural Resources Commission for many years and the Rails to Trails project was a wonderful adventure. She noted that Avon is a very special Town and we are all very proud to be here; the Town has grown in a wonderful way; it is a very caring Town. She added that we have a lot of new people that have moved in and they feel the specialty that this Town has and she is proud to be a member. She hopes that in a little way we have helped make Avon a special place. She thanked the Council for all that they have done for our Town.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
13/14-52 Solar System Request for Proposals
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Chairman Zacchio. Chairman Zacchio waived the reading of the following legal notice:
“TOWN OF AVON
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of Avon, Connecticut (“Council”) will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall, Selectmen’s Chamber, 60 West Main Street, Avon, Connecticut to consider authorizing the Town of Avon to negotiate easements* for the purposes of access, installation, operation, maintenance, repairs and removal of certain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (the “Project”) on one or more of the following Town properties:
1. Avon High School – 510 West Avon Road
2. Avon Middle School – 375 West Avon Road
3. Roaring Brook School – 30 Old Wheeler Lane
4. Pine Grove School – 151 Scoville Road
5. Thompson Brook School – 150 Thompson Road
6. Avon Public Works Facility and Annex – 11 Arch Road
* The authorization of the easements described above is contingent upon: (a) local approval; (b) successful negotiation of a Power Purchase Agreement, with the selected Project; (c) the Project’s successful participation in The Connecticut Light and Power Company’s (CL&P) Zero and/or Low Emissions Renewable Energy Credit Reverse Auction (ZREC/LREC Program); (d) the Project’s successful execution of a long-term contract for the ZRECs and/or LRECs with
CL&P (ZREC/LREC Contract) under the ZREC/LREC Program); and (e) the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s regulatory approval of the ZREC/LREC Contract..
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 17th day of March, 2014.
Brandon Robertson
Town Manager”
Chairman Zacchio reported that we embarked on an RFP for possible installations of solar panels on a section of the Avon High School, a section of the Avon Middle School, and possibly the Public Works facility. He noted that what was in the paper in terms of a public hearing included a larger scope. He added that we had asked for bids for installation of solar mechanics for all of those buildings. He reported that the public hearing is required because there is an easement that we have to grant. He added that after the public hearing we will decide if we want to take action on moving forward with that project.
Mr. Stokesbury recognized the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools for leading a combined meeting last night of the Town Council and the Board of Education to review the proposal. He noted that their combined leadership and efforts making an interdepartmental team showed a renewed sense of cooperation within the Town and it is quite an honor to work with them. He thinks it is a great plan.
Mrs. Maguire agreed with Mr. Stokesbury; it was very informative and very well presented by both the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Pena agreed as well and added that this is a new adventure for the Town; it can save us thousands of dollars and when we look at the budgets they are very tight and we can utilize the extra dollars to do other things in the Town. He agrees that the presentation was excellent and it is also a good step forward for the Town.
Mr. Stokesbury commented that you usually think of an easement as being perpetual; this is different in that it is tied to the project and does not give the preferred vendor an easement in perpetuity, it is only for the duration of the project.
Mrs. Maguire commented that she likes that we have toned down and made it a smaller scoped project; it is a good entry for this year and assuming that all goes well in the auction and we proceed, we can see how it works out and add more buildings down the road.
Chairman Zacchio commented that this is more than just a cost savings for the Town of Avon; it is a step in the right direction around how we move forward as a Town and how we show leadership in the community around renewable energy initiatives. He noted that it is not the first time that we have embarked down this trail; we have spent a good amount of time engineering the Library addition to be LEED silver certified as well as the geo-thermal units that we installed there. He added that we have looked at solar before, specifically around the Avon Middle School and at the time the cost was prohibitive and did not make a lot of sense from a payoff perspective. He noted that the times have certainly changed in terms of the cost structures and the interjection of tax credits to get some of these companies
the right kind of financing behind it to be able to put these kinds of projects in front of municipalities and other forms of building owners. He added that this gets us to one of the goals that we committed to, 20% renewable energy by 2020. He noted that it will be a learning tool for us as well as the school system with the current provider offering possible internships and offering a way for our schools to be interactive with this, including a possible panel on top of our robotics team garage to utilize as a power source. He added that it is a no cost, low risk environment for us to be operating in and we have both the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools making a recommendation that this is the right move for Avon and the right time to do it.
On a motion made by Mrs. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council close the public hearing.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mrs. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council authorize the Town of Avon to execute easements for the purposes of access, installation, operation, maintenance, repairs and removal of certain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and/or fuel cell systems (the “Project”) on the following Town properties: Avon High School, Avon Middle School, and Avon Public Works Facility, subject to Town Attorney review and final approval.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Stokesbury, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to execute a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SolarCity, subject to the conditions outlined in the legal notice.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
Chairman Zacchio thanked the Town Manager, the Assistant Town Manager, Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations for their help in order to really do the due diligence that was necessary to come up with a recommendation that was the right recommendation for Avon and for the boards to consider and as this moves to the Board of Education he is hopeful that they will support it as well. The Town Manager commented that it was certainly a learning experience and the Assistant Town Manager was instrumental in pulling all of this together; it was a tremendous amount of due diligence and the Town Council can really feel confident moving forward with this.
13/14-68 Orafol Americas, Inc., Release of Obligation
The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:55 p.m. by Chairman Zacchio. Chairman Zacchio waived the reading of the following legal notice:
“Town of Avon
Legal Notice
Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Avon, Connecticut, will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at 7:30 pm at the Avon Town Hall, Selectman’s Chambers, 60 West Main Street, Avon, CT, to consider the following:
To consider granting a release of rights to acquire a 60-foot Right-of-Way, owned by Orafol Americas, Inc., (f/k/a Reflexite Corporation) located in the vicinity of 120 and 140 Darling Drive, in connection with an agreement dated February 6, 1979, and recorded in the Town of Avon Land Records in Volume 109, Page 876.
Dated at Avon, Connecticut this 7th day of March, 2014.
Brandon L. Robertson
Town Manager”
Chairman Zacchio reported that at their last meeting there was discussion about the release of an obligation that was encumbered on the property where Orafol resides. He noted that originally there was a mapped out connector road that would go from Darling Drive to Arch Road but in 2006 upon one of the expansions Orafol connected a road just to the west of that location and that road is already in place.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that the intent of the property owner and the Town was to substitute one location for the other and we are just recognizing that on a deferred basis and recommends that we go forward.
On a motion made by Mr. Stokesbury, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council close the public hearing.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
On a motion made by Mr. Stokesbury, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council grant a release of rights to acquire a 60-foot Right-of-Way, owned by Orafol Americas, Inc., (f/k/a Reflexite Corporation) located in the vicinity of 120 and 140 Darling Drive, in connection with an agreement dated February 6, 1979, and recorded in the Town of Avon Land Records in Volume 109, Page 876.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
V. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING: March 6, 2014
Mr. Stokesbury clarified a comment (pg. 10) which should read, “Mr. Stokesbury commented that all repairs would not necessarily be a Town obligation.” He also clarified a comment (pg. 15) which should read, “……to make a contribution for the Fire Department’s participation of the facility.”
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept the minutes of the March 6, 2014 Regular Meeting as amended.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
VI. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE - None
VII. COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCIL
Mrs. Maguire thanked the Town Manager and Chief Rinaldo for their work on installing the light at Lovely Street and Country Club Road. She goes over that intersection every day and it is amazing to have the light there; it is great and will save a lot of accidents. She also thanked her co-Council members for coming to the Avon Education Foundation Gala the other night; they made approximately $22,000 which will go back to the Town (Schools, Library, Senior Center) through grants. She reported that on this coming Monday we will be breaking ground at the Roaring Brook School playground; the new playground will go in the following week and should be complete by April 19th when the kids come back from vacation. She thanked the Assistant Town Manager and Director of Public Works who were
great to work with on this project. Chairman Zacchio expressed his thanks to Mrs. Maguire for all of the fundraising done to get it there.
Mr. Stokesbury reported that he attended the Boy Scout Troop 274 fundraiser on Friday night. He noted that Mr. Pena and his wife were in attendance as well. He noted that the troop is very active with eighty to ninety members raising money for numerous summer trips. He added that the troop contributes greatly to the character of the Town and happy to support their efforts.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
13/14-11 FY 14/15 Budget Development
The Town Manager noted the following dates: Board of Finance Public Hearing on Monday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center, Board of Finance Budget Workshop on Wednesday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center; if necessary a second Budget Workshop is scheduled for April 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center.
Chairman Zacchio commented that he has received the first draft of the Council presentation from the Town Manager which he will forward to the rest of Council for review/comment. He noted that it includes everything that will be accomplished in this budget and the format will be similar to what has been done in the past.
13/14-71 Adopt Resolution to Disband the Natural Resources Commission
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Natural Resources Commission be disbanded and members thanked for their pioneering efforts since its establishment in 1972.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-76 Appointment: T.C. Representative for Lakeview Association (12/31/2015)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-76 Appointment: Lakeview Association (12/31/2015) to the May 1, 2014 meeting.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-78 Appointment: Building Code Board of Appeals (R – 12/31/2015)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-78 Appointment: Building Code Board of Appeals (R – 12/31/2015) to the May 1, 2014 meeting.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
13/14-79 Approve Resolution: Explanatory Text for Annual Town Meeting, May 5, 2014
On a motion made by Mr. Stokesbury, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to prepare and distribute an explanatory text with respect to the proposed budget for the Town for the fiscal year July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, as recommended to the Town by the Board of Finance, in accordance with the requirements of the Charter of the Town and Section 9-369b of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-80 Set Poll Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Town Meeting Referenda
May 14, 2014, June 4, 2014 (if necessary), June 25, 2014 (if necessary)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council approve the extension of the polling hours of the Town Meeting Referendum from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 14, 2014, June 4, 2014 (if necessary), and June 25, 2014 (if necessary).
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-81 Authorization to Sign: Historic Documents Preservation Grant, $5,000
Chairman Zacchio reported that this grant will help to pay for a new copier in the Town Clerk’s Office. The Town Clerk noted that the balance will be paid from the Historic Document budget line item. Mr. Stokesbury commented as a practitioner that a copier is a critical piece of support for us in searching the land records. Mr. Pena questioned if we go through the State for special pricing. The Town Clerk responded that it is not required; she went out and got three quotes, including two vendors who were under the State contract and the one selected is not but offered better pricing.
On a motion made by Mr. Stokesbury, seconded by Mr. Pena, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That Brandon L. Robertson, Town Manager, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-82 Supplemental Appropriation: Consulting Services for Proposed “Doppler”
Weather Radar Facility at 375 Deercliff Road, $12,150
Chairman Zacchio reported that we have a policy in place that allows the Town to retain their own expert in these kinds of matters and that fee is payable by the applicant, in this case for our independent study of the radio waves surrounding the Doppler.
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council hereby recommends that the Board of Finance amend the FY 13/14 Budget by increasing:
REVENUES
General Fund, Other Local Revenues, Refunds & Reimbursements Account #01-0360-43612 in the amount of $12,150.00 and increasing:
APPROPRIATIONS
General Fund, Planning, Service & Consultants, Account #01-7101-52184 in the amount of $12,150.00 for the purpose of recording funding received from Meredith Corporation for consulting services by Cavell Mertz & Associates for review/evaluation of proposed Doppler Radar Facility located at 375 Deercliff Road.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-83 Resignation: Zoning Board of Appeals – Alternate (R – 12/31/2015)
Chairman Zacchio noted with thanks that Bob Paine has been a long-time servant to the Town of Avon in many capacities.
On a motion made by Mr. Stokesbury, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council accept with regret the resignation of Bob Paine from the Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate).
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-84 Appointment: Planning & Zoning Commission – Alternate (R – 12/31/2015)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-84 Appointment: Planning & Zoning Commission – Alternate (R – 12/31/2015) to the May 1, 2014 meeting.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-85 Appointment: Town Constable (R – 12/31/2017)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-85 Appointment: Town Constable (R – 12/31/2017) to the May 1, 2014 meeting.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-86 Appointment: Committee of Aging (R – 12/31/2017)
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council table agenda item 13/14-86 Appointment: Committee of Aging (R – 12/31/2017) to the May 1, 2014 meeting.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
IX. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT/MISCELLANEOUS
Misc. A: Purchasing Update: The Town Manager reported that with regards to the Legal Services RFP proposals were due on March 19th; we received sixteen proposals. He noted that the primary services that we articulated are land use, labor, general town attorney services, and bond counsel. He added that we have a lot of firms that are interested in labor, land use, and general government; a number of firms that are interested in the labor side only and then various combinations thereof. He commented that this has been a team effort with an interdepartmental group including the Superintendent of Schools to review the responses and developed a short list that we would like to bring in for a staff interview. He added that we have solicited questions
from all of the departments involved with the interview process and interviews are scheduled for Monday, April 21st. He noted that following the individuals they will re-group and make a recommendation to the Town Council and discuss how to proceed from that point. Chairman Zacchio questioned how many are expected to pass through for Town Council to do interviews with. The Town Manager responded that they would like to do the interviews first to see if any shake out.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that contracts have been awarded for the bi-annual pool painting at Sycamore Hills Recreation Area and street sweeping services that Public Works oversees every spring.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that a pre-bid conference took place this week for grounds maintenance services. He noted that the Department of Public Works separated this and fertilization; the feedback received was that firms who specialize in fertilization have no interest in doing grounds maintenance; bids are due on April 16th and we are expecting quite a few proposals.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that four bids went out this week for projects that are tentatively in the budget for the Board of Education – the Roaring Brook School fire alarm system, flooring and ceilings at the Avon Middle School, flooring at the Roaring Brook School, and track resurfacing at the Avon High School. He noted that our window is short as we have from June 24th through August 15th to get all of this work done; the bids state that clearly; numbers will be back by the end of April which means as soon as the referendum hopefully passes we can issue tentative awards and they can line up the work to get it knocked out during the summer. Chairman Zacchio commented that is a great job getting that done up front and ahead of time; in previous years we were always under
the gun in terms of the timing we could get a lot of this work done and not have the kids in school. He thanked the Assistant Town Manager and others for getting in front of it and having it ready to go the second we get funding in place. The Assistant Town Manager noted that everyone is competing for these vendors in the summertime so by getting out ahead too we are hoping that we will get them lined up first and get the better prices. Chairman Zacchio commented that we should probably be doing that with the road paving that we are anticipating this year because many communities are experiencing the same issues with the roads that we have experienced this winter and knowing that there is only a certain amount of time you can get that work done and a certain number of vendors that are capable of doing some of that work we really should be ahead of that as far as we can be to get those lined up in front of other communities.
Mr. Stokesbury commented that the Board of Education has adopted a new school/vacation schedule starting with the upcoming 2014-2015 school year that will build in a little relief starting in summer 2015 and keep that in mind as it could help with projects in the future.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that we have a meeting scheduled on April 7th with Bruce Appell with the Avon Volunteer Fire Department to go over the final set of specs for their new engine and get it ready to be put out to bid.
Misc. B: Construction Update: The Assistant Town Manager reported that the contractor that has been doing the sidewalks for the Streetscape Improvements should be buttoning up the final granite installation and work on Route 10 North. He added that staff will be meeting very soon to develop our budget and game plan for the next phase, the $450,000 just approved by OPM, and hopefully that work can be out to bid late summer and possibly completed before winter.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that there is $110,000 included in the proposed budget that would allow Public Works to complete the state mandated removal of underground fuel tanks; this is the fourth year of that project which would be a year ahead of schedule. Chairman Zacchio commented that we are already operating the new above ground tanks. The Assistant Town Manager responded that the new above ground tanks are operational and the Director of Public Works is getting quotes to have the old ones removed and backfilled. He added that they will also have to put down a new coat of asphalt over all of the work that has been done, put in a few plantings per the Planning and Zoning Commission’s requirement and then they will be complete.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that the Deepwood Drainage Improvement Project between Deepwood and New Road will recommence in the next few weeks.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that we have $790,000 budgeted for road improvements and an additional $40,000 included this year to start repaving Secret Lake Roads.
The Assistant Town Manager reported that $140,000 was budgeted last year for ADA compliance. He noted that Peter Gaski, BOE Director of Facilities and the Director of Public Works have been meeting regularly and working diligently throughout the winter and Mr. Gaski has overseen a lot of the smaller items that can be completed out of operating budget and by staff. He added that we have focused on millwork, plumbing, electrical and rather than bid it out as a package the Director of Public Works is pretty confident that by stepping in and serving as the general contractor he will be able to farm it out to his staff and this summer we should be complete at which point the Board of Education will be able to issue a letter to the State stating that all of the items that were identified back in 2008 are now
complete.
Misc. C: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day: Not discussed at the meeting.
Director of Recreation and Parks: The Town Manager reported that Glenn Marston’s time with us is coming to an end; his scheduled retirement date is August 1, 2014. He added that he has completed the process of meeting with the leadership of the various sports’ organizations in Town and had some really interesting conversations and learned a lot. He noted that his goal was to really understand what they were looking for in a Recreation Director. He reported that the position was advertised on Tuesday this week and put out as broadly as we can and applications are due on April 21st. He added that his goal is to have a conditional offer of employment by the end of May with the objective of getting this position filled within the first week of July so there is
some overlap.
One Day Police Testing Process: The Town Manager reported that this testing event was held on March 22nd with a total of thirty-nine applicants take the written exam; there were three phases to the test: written, physical, and oral. He noted that as a result we took the eight high scores of those combined tests and put them into backgrounds and we have another six that we can go to as the next tier if any of those candidates drop out of the process. He added that we were quite pleased with the process; it ran very smoothly; we had a great turnout from the Police Department, representatives from other police departments as far away as Southington to help in the morning, and all of our Explorers were there as well. It was well done.
“Table Top” Emergency Management Exercise: The Town Manager reported that this exercise ran in the Avon Room, facilitated by a contractor from CRCOG with a heavy public safety background, Jamie DiPace - Emergency Management Director was involved with putting the scenario together as well, and the idea was to exercise the Emergency Operations Plan around an event. He noted that the event was an outbreak of the influenza in the Farmington Valley and the Capital Region. He added that this exercise was quite good because staff was really engaged, there were a lot of injects throughout the process and required us to think through if we had to vaccinate fifty thousand people. He noted that they are preparing an after action report, called the “hot wash.” He
added that over the last few years we have had too many opportunities to use the Emergency Operations Plan; it is something that we are constantly improving and practicing and going forward this table top is likely something that we are going to do on an annual basis; it is good to keep it fresh in everyone’s mind.
Chamber of Commerce Business Workshop: The Town Manager reported that he, Steve Kushner, Harry DerAsadourian, and Jamie DiPace presented at a recent Chamber meeting. He noted that they gave a presentation to the Chamber in the fall last year. He added that there was a good turnout for this presentation; Mr. Kushner spent a lot of time talking about potential changes in temporary signage regulations and those attending were pleased with the direction that is going. He reported that Mr. DerAsadourian spoke about revaluation and Mr. DiPace spoke about fire safety issues and the role of the Fire Marshal and inspections.
HEARTSafe Community: The Town Manager reported that we received certification that we are again designated as a HEARTSafe Community; this is something that is certified based on an application that the Town has to complete for the Department of Public Health and is done on a three-year rolling basis. He noted that our certification was up in February 2014 and we received certification back to that point going forward.
Update on Cellular Cell Service at RBS: The Town Manager reported that at the last Council meeting there was some conversation about cellular service at Roaring Brook School. He noted that Mr. Mala has provided an update on this and has been distributed to Council.
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION: A. Discussion of Attorney/Client Privileged Document
B. Heart and Hypertension
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mrs. Maguire, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council go into Executive Session at 8:15 p.m.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury 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 8:55 p.m.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
13/14-87 Supplemental Appropriation: Heart & Hypertension Settlements, $16,859.55
On a motion made by Mrs. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Stokesbury, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council favorably recommends to the Board of Finance an appropriation not to exceed $16,859.55 from General Fund, Other Financing Sources, Unassigned Fund Balance, Account #01-0390-43913, to General Fund, Claims & Losses, Services- Other, Account #01-8101-52189 for the purpose of paying related health and dental insurance benefits under the State’s Heart & Hypertension Laws.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
XI. ADJOURN
On a motion made by Mr. Pena, seconded by Mr. Stokesbury, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Town Council adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Mrs. Maguire, Messrs: Zacchio, Pena, and Stokesbury voted in favor.
Attest:
Ann L. Dearstyne, Town Clerk
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