TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Mrs. Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall.
II. ATTENDANCE
SELECTMEN PRESENT:
Linda Roberts, First Selectman
Al Regina, Selectman
Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Michael Balf, Selectman
Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: To add the following items back onto the agenda under Unfinished Business:
G. Refuse Ordinance
H. Sale of Town Property
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES
a. Regular meeting minutes of October 5, 2004.
MOTION: To accept the regular meeting minutes of October 5, 2004, as submitted
Made by Mr. Regina, seconded by Mr. Crouch.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Tony Dimastrantonio, East Windsor - He came before the Board to express his concerns with regard to damage done by the landscaping crew to Flags on firefighters graves at the Springdale Cemetery. He was unsure of what, if any, similar damage has been done at other Town cemeteries. He felt it was sad to see this damage and obvious poor care and it was hurtful to see such carelessness. He did not want to complain, but this is a repeated occurrence and he felt something needed to be said. Ms. Roberts will advise the Cemetery Association of these concerns. Mr. Dimastrantonio was also provided with the contact information for the cemetery superintendent.
III.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
a. Thank you letter from E.W. Chamber of Commerce;
b. Cancellation of Flu Clinics;
c. CCM – Transportation Investments;
d. CCM – Initial statement of CCM priorities for 2005;
e. The Connecticut Electric Railway Association letter;
f. Leland & Gray’s Journey East – October 20, 2004;
g. Northeast Lamp Recycling application for permit;
h. Tolland County Mutual Aid
MOTION: To go out of Order to New Business, Item A. Discussion of Town Agencies – East Windsor Ambulance Association
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Balf
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
DISCUSSION WITH TOWN AGENCIES
East Windsor Ambulance Association
Thomas Clynch, President and Co-Chairman and Guy Henry, Vice President and Co-Chairman came before the Board of Selectmen, along with several ambulance crew members and provided the Board with a detailed presentation of the Ambulance Association. They provided the Board with back up, which included names of the 7 member Board of Directors, ambulance service rate schedule, statistical information, by-laws, certificate of insurance, the audit, newspaper articles and detailed budget information.
Mr. Clynch outlined the history of the Ambulance Association which began as a Community Ambulance in 1978, through the volunteer realm and on to the current Paramedic Service. There is an annual meeting which holds the election of officers and an annual board of directors meeting, which gives authority to the officers. All Board members are employed by the Ambulance. Mr. Clynch provided the Board with his resume, and that of Guy Henry’s for their information.
The presentation outlined the level of emergency care in Connecticut for various care providers on ambulances and their classifications and the extent of their training. The Basic Ambulance component was outlined. The Paramedic Care and Equipment was detailed (airway, cardiac intervention, medications and pediatric care). They provided the Board with an extensive list of commonly treated ailments.
Their five year plan included an increase in wages, two paramedics on duty at all times, a third ambulance, a facility in Broad Brook, software programs for ease in management, automatic respiratory ventilators, CPR units and additional heart monitors.
Mr. Clynch outlined the current shifts and the make up of the ambulance crews. Current wages are $15/hour Paramedic; $8/hour EMT. There is no additional compensation to the Chief or Assistant Chief. All the positions are part-time. The Ambulance has no costs for training, it is done by individuals who obtain their certifications and education. Currently there are no more volunteers, barring one MRT who rides along.
Ambulance revenue is generated primarily by patient billing, but also by Town revenue, corporate/memorial donation, Southern Auto, Annual Fund Drive.
Mr. Clynch outlined the ambulances duties at Southern Auto, but stressed that the ambulance is still available to the Town during this time if called.
A private contractor does the patient billing. All patients are billed, and a reasonable attempt is made to collect. The fees charged by the billing agency were discussed, as were alternatives for collection. Also discussed were collection practices. Almost every town in the State does patient billing, it is a necessary. Patients who do not have insurance are also billed. Medicare, Insurance and adjustments to both were discussed. If an East Windsor resident does not have insurance, he is billed, similar to what would happen with his Emergency Department bill for services.
Dispatch and how 911 calls are processed, Fire Department interaction, as well as LifeStar use were discussed.
The bicycle used by the ambulance was discussed. It is used at Southern Auto and carnival events – it cost $2500 to equip this bike.
What the Town covers for the Town Building, as well as what the ambulance does with the appropriated monies it receives from the Town was discussed. It goes into the budget and is used for operation of the Ambulance.
Guy Henry came before the board and provided a brief presentation on the need for an additional ambulance. They are seeking to replaced Medic I (blue one) that the Town contributed monies to in 1995. It ran 910 runs last year, is continued to be used and currently has 206,000 miles on it. Although no major repairs were done, it had a cost of $21,049 last year for mechanical repairs. The ride is very rough and scenarios of where this is a problem were presented. Medic II, purchased in 2002, has 96,000 miles and has done 1139 calls. The request is for funding for a new ambulance to replace Medic I. The style they are seeking was discussed, as was their plan to purchase a van ambulance if they had to provide the funding, but that is their second choice.
A smaller van-type costs in the area of $70,000 and takes less to time get, a larger one, as they are seeking costs $110,000 to $120,000 and takes 90 to 120 days to get. The timeframe for this requested purchase was discussed, Capital Improvement request, or added appropriation funding, as well as the specifics of what needs to be done for each type request. It was suggested the Ambulance come back to the Board of Selectmen with the request for an ambulance as an agenda item, and they be prepared to have specifications and quotes to provide the Board with detailed information as to their request.
Discussions for the need for a third ambulance were held, including additional revenue generated, the ability to staff it and the ability to provide service to East Windsor and other towns. They do not see a point where they will seek licensing. Worker’s Compensation issues were discussed
Ms. Roberts stated the Ambulance does a terrific job and relayed the lack of complaints for the service, and that East Windsor’s service is coveted by other communities.
MOTION: To return to agenda order
Made by Mr. Regina, seconded by Mr. Balf.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
VII. SELECTMEN REPORTS
A. L. Roberts, First Selectman – No reports.
B. K. Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Building Committee: The roof project at the Town Hall is soon to be completed.
C. A. Regina, Selectman - No reports.
D. Tom Sinsigallo, Selectman – No reports.
E. M. Balf, Selectman
Board of Education: The Superintendent search will also include a search for a curriculum director.
VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
a. Vacancies:
American Heritage River Commission (three reg. R term to expire 11/01/04, one four year term, four alternates, 4 year terms)
Cable Television (one reg. R, 2-yr. term to expire 06/30/03) To fill vacancy
Central Region Tourism District – One regular, vacancy to be filled, three year term expiring 10/01/06
Conservation Commission (one alt. R & U, term to expire 01/01/04)
Municipal Building Code Board of Appeals (five regular members)
b. Resignations – none.
c. Re-Appointments
CONSERVATION INLAND WETLAND COMMISSION
MOTION: To re-appoint John Malin as a regular to the Conservation Inland Wetlands Commission for a four year term to expire November 1, 2008.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
MOTION: To re-appoint Reginald Bancroft as a regular member to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a four year term to expire November 1, 2008.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Balf
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MOTION: To re-appoint Sandra Foster as a regular member to the Park and Recreation Commission for a four year term to expire November 1, 2008.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
d. New appointments, Applicants to be considered: None
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. *Tax Relief for the Elderly
b. *Employee Handbook
c. *Ordinance Establishing a Farmland Preservation Commission
This item will be removed from the agenda while the idea of splitting the agency is discussed.
d. *Code of Ethics revised Ordinance
e. Charter Revision
The applications received for these appointments and party affiliations were discussed, as was the previous motion setting forth the parameters of the Committee.
MOTION: To table this item to the next meeting
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Balf.
DICUSSION:
The reason for tabling would be to get more applications into the mix, as it was felt there was an agreement that the Charter Revision Commission should consist of 3 members of each party and 3 unaffiliated. This was at odds among the Board members. Those against tabling this item presented that there were nine applications received, a deadline pending per State statute, and plenty of notice given to the Town Committees for applications by interested parties to be submitted.
VOTE: In favor: Balf, Sinsigallo
Opposed: Regina, Crouch, Roberts
MOTION DENIED
MOTION: To appoint the following nine (9) members to the Charter Revision Committee: Cliff Nelson, Gene Martin Henry, Kathleen Bilodeau, Ralph Saunders, Noreen Farmer, John Parda, Edward Filipone, Joseph Roberts, Peter Nevers.
In favor: Regina, Crouch, Roberts
Opposed: Balf, Sinsigallo
MOTION CARRIED.
For the record: Mr. Balf made clear his dislike for these events and felt it went against the good relationship this Board has had to date. He outlined there was an agreement that the Revision Committee would have a party make up of 3/3/3.
F. Veterans Perpetual Care Request
The Petition was reviewed by the Town Attorney. This item needs to go before the Board of Finance before it can go to Town meeting because added appropriations are needed to facilitate the request. Ms. Roberts shared her memo to the Board of Finance which outlines the history behind this request and the Petition.
G. Refuse Ordinance
The draft ordinance, which mirrors Ellington’s, was provided to the Board for their review and comment at the next meeting. This needs to be reviewed by the Town Attorney.
MOTION: To forward this draft ordinance to the Town Attorney for review.
Made by Mr. Regina, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
H. Sale of Town Property
Not addressed.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Town Agencies – previously addressed
B. Historical Commission re: Report of Progress to date.
Representatives for this Commission will be present at a future meeting to discuss same.
C. Cancellation of meeting for November 2, 2004 (Election Day)
As in the past, Ms. Roberts outlined if needs the Board’s attention comes up before November 16, a special meeting will be called.
MOTION: To cancel the November 2, 2004 Selectmen’s meeting.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Balf.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
D. Pension Board Appointment
MOTION: To appoint Ken Crouch to the Pension Board as the Selectmen Representative.
Made by Mr. Regina, seconded by Mr. Balf.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
E. Tax Refunds
MOTION: To approve the tax refunds in the amount of $2201.70 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Made by Mr. Crouch and seconded by Mr. Balf
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Balf.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
* Starred items were not discussed, but will remain on the agenda pending receipt of additional information.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
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