TOWN COUNCIL MAJORITY OFFICE
BUDGET COMMITTEE
JANUARY 28, 2010
PRESENT Marcia Leclerc, Temporary Chair and Councillor Eric Thompson
ABSENT Councillor Barbara-Ann Rossi
ALSO Melody Currey, Mayor
PRESENT Mike Walsh, Finance Director
Billy Taylor, Public Works Director
Frank Cipolla, Manager, Highway Services
CALL TO ORDER
Temporary Chair Leclerc called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
NOMINATION OF OFFICERS
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to nominate Barbara Rossi as Chair
of the Budget Committee.
Motion carried 2/0.
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to nominate Marcia Leclerc as Secretary
of the Budget Committee.
Motion carried 2/0.
ADOPTION OF RULES GOVERNING MEETINGS
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt Robert’s Rules of Order as the rules that shall govern
parliamentary procedure at all subcommittee meetings, with the exception
that (1) the Chair shall not be required to restate the motion of any
Council member unless requested by another Councillor, or when in the
discretion of the Chair, such restatement is necessary to avoid any
confusion as to the motion; and (2) where such rules are in conflict with
the provisions of the State Statutes, the Town Charter, or Town
Ordinances.
Motion carried 2/0.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEETING DATES
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to hold meetings at the call of the Chair.
Motion carried 2/0.
STORAGE OF RECORDS
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to store records in the Town Council office.
Motion carried 2/0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 27, 2006 Meeting
No vote was taken at this time.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
None
NEW BUSINESS
Leaf Collection
Discussion was based around the past year’s leaf pickup with a focus on the budget reduction to one vacuum pick up per season. Mike Walsh, Finance Director, and Billy Taylor, Public Works Director, agreed that we realized a savings of approximately $42,000 by eliminating the second pick up.
Frank Cipolla, Manager, Highway Services, stated that the heavy rains and winds worked in the towns favor to bring the leaves to the ground early. The weather played a significant role in allowing his staff to complete the leaf rotation pickup and make the transition to snow removal easily.
Councilor Thompson inquired why outsourcing leaf removal is not a viable option. Mike Walsh, the Mayor, and Billy Taylor all stated the union contract – AFSCME, Local 1174 – would not allow such an option to take place and that the contract would need to be opened to make such a change. The present labor contract would expire on June 30, 2011.
Councilor Leclerc asked what would the anticipated savings be if the Town of East Hartford eliminated the vacuum pick up and went to an all bag pick up. Mike Walsh, Mayor Currey, Frank Cipolla, & Billy Taylor all expressed concerns related to the removal of bagged leaves only and a discussion regarding the use of leaves from the truck pick up to their use and/or incorporation into the production of top soil ensued. Equipment, manpower, and disposal all were reviewed and it became clear that moving to an all bag system would not be a better option.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adjourn (7:15 p.m.)
Motion carried 2/0.
cc: Town Clerk
Town Council
Melody A. Currey, Mayor
Mike Walsh, Finance Director
Billy Taylor, Director of Public Works
Frank Cipolla, Manager, Highway Services
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