TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 6, 2005
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall
Mrs. Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. on December 6, 2005 at the East Windsor Town Hall, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook.
II. ATTENDANCE
Linda Roberts, First Selectman
Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
Gil Hayes, Selectman
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Edward Filipone (scheduled)
III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: To add the following agenda items: Section X, New Business,
Item E. Elizabeth Burns, Human Services Coordinator, Auction Proceeds; and
Item F. Fife & Drum Camp, Request to use Town Hall Annex.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To add the following agenda items: BOARDS AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS: Appointments: Blaine Simpkins, Public Safety Committee; Barbara Sherman, American Heritage River Commission; and Daniel Schnobrich, Volunteer Incentive Committee
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Crouch.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of November 1, 2005
MOTION: To approve the regular meeting minutes of November 1, 2005, as submitted.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
Members in Favor: Roberts, Crouch, Sinsigallo
Abstained: Hayes
MOTION CARRIED
b. Special Meeting Minutes of November 29, 2005
MOTION: To approve the special meeting minutes of November 29, 2005, as submitted.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Crouch
Members in Favor: Roberts, Crouch, Hayes
Abstained: Sinsigallo
MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Noreen Farmer, 247 South Water Street
Regarding the Town Meeting for the Sewer Development Agreement Ms. Farmer asked that it not be held the last week in December due to holiday activities for residents.
Marie DeSousa, Rice Road
On November 30, 2005 Ms. DeSousa received an envelope in the mail from the Treasurer with a check for $190.85 for a Board of Selectman stipend. She contacted the Treasurer’s office and was advised she received the check in error as she is no longer on the Board of Selectmen. She contacted the secretary in the Selectman’s office and was advised she could return the check. Ms. DeSousa publicly gave the check to Linda Roberts at this meeting and asked it be marked Void. She would like this issue researched as to why this check was issued erroneously. Ms. DeSousa also presented an account detailed report which shows a check was issued for $798.30 and she does not want to receive a W-2. She also wants a written report as to why the report states $798.30 when she received a check for $190.85.
Ms. Roberts stated she will look into the issue. The check register may state one name and it might be for all the year end stipends, but she will follow up on the question.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS – The following were for the Board’s information:
a. Connecticut Labor Force Data/September, 2005;
b. Housing Education Resource Center Thank you;
c. Population Figures;
d. Debora B. Arnold/Assessors Office course recognition certificate;
e. Becky MacDonald/First Selectman’s Office course recognition certificate;
f. Park & Recreation received Grant Funding from Sam’s Club
VII. SELECTMEN REPORTS
a. Linda Roberts
· The Developers Agreement for the proposed Sewer public hearing will be December 14, 2005 at 7:30 at the Middle School
· The Town Hall Christmas party will be on 12/22 from 5-7 and the Selectmen are welcome to attend.
b. Ken Crouch
· The Veteran’s Day Road Race had 263 runners and the initial figures show it raised $8,000. In January they will meet to determine what to do with the funds. It is possible they will dress up the Veterans Cemetery, possibly putting up a fence.
· Building Committee: The Police Department Renovation is coming along slow, but sure. By the first of the year the records and dispatch area will move up front.
c. Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
· No report
· Ms. Roberts went over the liaison commissions and boards he had been assigned – Mr. Sinsigallo concurred with his assignments
d. Gilbert Hayes, Selectman
· Ad Hoc Library Committee: They have created a brochure for the public and it will be ready for after first of the year. They also have a proposal drafted for the Charter Revision Committee which is awaiting town attorney review
· Board of Education: The Election of Officers was deadlocked – they will vote again tonight. The Community Day will be held at the E.W.H.S.
e. Edward Filipone, Selectman
· No report
VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATIONS.
A. Resignations
MOTION: To accept, with regret the resignation of Edward Farrell from the following five (5) Boards/Commissions: Capital Improvement Planning Commission, Building Committee, Volunteer Incentive Committee, Municipal Facilities Committee and Ad Hoc Library Committee.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To accept, with regret, the resignation of Pierrette Donihee from the American Heritage River Commission
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To accept with regret, the resignation of Philip Godeck from the Veterans Commission.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To accept the resignation of Edward Filipone from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
b. Reappointments
MOTION: To reappoint Mark Livings to the WPCA for a four (4) year term to expire on 12/1/09.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To reappoint Dave Tyler to the WPCA for a four (4) year term to expire on 12/1/09.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To reappoint Frank Gowdy the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four (4) year term to expire on 12/1/09.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
c. New Appointments
MOTION: To appoint Kenneth Crouch as the Deputy First Selectman
Made by Ms. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Hayes
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Hayes stated that normally these votes are influenced by party lines – no one else came forward for the position of Deputy First Selectman, also some Towns give that position to the person who obtained the highest vote. He has no objection going along with this appointment. Ms. Roberts outlined that Mr. Crouch does a enormous amount of work that others may not have time to follow through with.
Members in favor: Roberts, Hayes, Sinsigallo
Abstained: Crouch
MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To appoint David J. Olender to the Connecticut Water Advisory Council for the current term (to be determined by the First Selectman)
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Hayes
DISCUSSION: Mr. Olender does not live in Town, but has a business in town. He has no vote power, but serves as a liaison.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To appoint Blaine Simpkins to the Public Safety Committee for an 18 month term expiring 4/1/2007.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To appoint Barbara Sherman to the American Heritage River Commission for a four (4) year term to expire 12/1/2009.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To appoint Daniel Schnobrich to the Volunteer Incentive Committee for a term ending April 1, 2007.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
*The application for Jane Simpkins to the Volunteer Incentive Committee was held due to the question of how this committee was originally set up for members of various agencies – there is already a Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Department Representative on this Committee. This appointment will be put on the next agenda as information will be gathered to answer the question.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. ETHICS ORDINANCE
The Board will digest the information it received during the public hearing and this will be on the next agenda.
MOTION: To table Unfinished Business, Item A. Ethics Ordinance to the next meeting.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
***MOTION: To go out of agenda order to New Business, Item A. Town Clerk, Re: Request for An Added Appropriation
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS: A. TOWN CLERK RE: REQUEST FOR AN ADDED APPROPRIATION.
Karen Gaudreau, the Town Clerk, came before the Board to request additional monies to take a computer course which will assist her in her duties. This was not requested in her budget presentation for training and conferences. The money she does have in that line item is currently earmarked, which was outlined specifically. If this request is denied, Ms. Gaudreau does have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to fund this class. It is a four day course, six hours a day and costs $850.
MOTION: To deny the Town Clerk’s request for an added appropriation of $850 for a computer course due to the current economic environment and recent referendum history.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To return to regular agenda order.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS CONT.
b. Tax Relief for the Elderly
Claire Badstubner, Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Elizabeth Burns, Human Services Coordinator and Carol Madore, Assessor came before the Board to present their memo dated October 24, 2005 with the Elderly Commission work to date on the charge to present information on a plan for possible Tax Relief for the Elderly. The minimal cost administratively to put this plan in place would be $2,000. No recommendation was made by the Commission, nor was an overall cost to the Town provided. Ms. Madore provided a list of the current candidates for the State programs, which provided a dollar figure that the Town might mirror if it accepted a tax credit program that matches the State. The surrounding towns and how they approach tax relief was discussed in depth and the programs vary greatly. The easy
answer seemed to be to match the State program. The number of qualified applicants was discussed and a definite figure is unknown, but using current state program applicants - it can be projected. There is also the possibility of additional applicants coming on board once the program was adopted was investigated as well. The bottom line in a program like this, if a tax credit is given, it comes out of the other taxpayers across the board. It was inquired if, based on the current economic environment and current unemployment, does the Town want to consider a tax credit for the elderly and disabled? If the Board is still interested in pursuing this possibility, Ms. Roberts will present a bulleted list of decisions to be made by the Board in order to draft an ordinance.
MOTION: To continue to pursue the initiative of tax credit for the elderly and to request that for the January meeting the First Selectmen provide a draft list of decisions to be made by the Board.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C. Proposed Developers Agreement Town of East Windsor/Chapman
The public hearing is December 14, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Middle School.
D. *Proposed Scenic Road Ordinance
This item is on hold until Ms. Roberts can meet with a representative of the Historical Commission to discuss this proposal.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Town Clerk Request for An Added Appropriation –discussed previously.
B. Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility
This is a local group looking for endorsement. Their mission is similar to that of the past Community Conversation group, as well as the past ECS group in East Windsor. The more numbers behind them the louder their voice. There is no cost currently.
MOTION: To join the Connecticut Municipal Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility and endorse its initiatives.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C. Set 2006 Board of Selectman Meeting dates
CONSENSUS: To continue to hold regular Board of Selectmen Meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of every month.
D. Tax Refunds
MOTION: To approve the tax refunds in the amount of $16,441.91 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
E. Elizabeth Burns, Human Services Coordinator
Auction Proceeds
Ms. Burns came before the Board to discuss the success of the recent auction of eviction materials that had been retained by the Town far past the necessary timeframe. The correct procedures were followed to hold the auction. Ms. Burns was requesting that the proceeds generated be forwarded to the Fuel Bank. She outlined the Fuel Bank and how it addresses energy needs for people who do not qualify for any other program, but have a need for assistance. The monies collected did not exceed $1361, but a direct figure was not available at the time of the meeting.
MOTION: To recommend to the Board of Finance that the monies generated at the Town Auction be deposited into the Fuel Bank.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERSE IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
F. Fife & Drum Camp
Request for use of Town Hall Annex
While this event is next Summer, this request was being put forth now so brochures and scheduling can be done by this organization.
MOTION: To allow the Fife and Drum Corp to hold a camp at the Town Hall Annex on the following dates: July 10, 2006 through July 14, 2006.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
/cdc/
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
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