TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
APRIL 4, 2006
A PORTION OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF SELECTMENS MEETING WILL BE HELD JOINTLY WITH THE BOARD OF FINANCE
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at the East Windsor Town Hall
Ms. Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT
II. ATTENDANCE
Linda Roberts, First Selectman
Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
Gil Hayes, Selectman
Edward Filipone, Selectman
III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS - None
IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting Minutes of March 21, 2006
MOTION: To approve the regular meeting minutes of March 21, 2006, as presented.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - None
VI. COMMUNICATIONS – These items were reviewed by the Board
A. Connecticut Electric Railway Membership
B. Connecticut Electric Railway Press Release
C. CCM/New State Mandates on Municipalities
D. DEP/Invoice Notification Purchase or Sale of Equivalent Nitrogen
Credits for 2005
E. Anthem/Medicare Consumer Alert
F. News from the Chamber of Commerce
VII. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS - SUSPENDED
A. Linda Roberts, First Selectman
B. Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
C. Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
D. Edward Filipone, Selectman
E. Gilbert Hayes, Selectman
MOTION: To suspend Selectmen reports to the next meeting.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATION
A. Vacancies:
American Heritage River Commission:
Four Regular Members, republican, or unaffiliated, one vacancy to be filled, term expiring 11/1/2006. ~Three regular 4-yr. terms available.
Four Alternate vacancies, 4-year terms
Conservation Commission:
One Alternate Member, republican or unaffiliated vacancy to be filled, 4-yr. term expiring 1/1/2008
Economic Development Commission:
One Regular Member, republican or unaffiliated, vacancy, 4-yr. term
Director of The Greater Hartford Transit District: ~Representative needed
Historical Commission:
One Regular Member, republican or democrat, vacancy to be filled, 4-yr. term expiring 11/1/2006
Municipal Facilities Study Committee:
Two Regular Members; one democrat from Board of Selectmen & one republican from Board of Finance
Municipal Building Code Board of Appeals:
Five Regular Members
Property Maintenance Code Bd. Of Appeals:
One Regular Member, republican or unaffiliated vacancy, 4-yr. term and Two Alternate vacancies, R or U, 4-yr. terms
Veterans Commission:
One Regular Member, democrat or unaffiliated, 4-yr.term
Volunteer Incentive Committee:
One Regular Member; one republican from the Board of Finance, 18-month term to expire 4/1/2007
B. Resignation: None
Re-Appointment: None
New Appointments, Applications to be considered: None
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Budget FYE 2007
MOTION: To submit the revised budget for FYE 2007 in the amount of $29,784,571.00 to the Board of Finance as that recommended by the Board of Selectmen.
Made by Mr. Filipone, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Board of Finance members present: Paul Catino, Chairman, Dale Nelson, Marie DeSousa, Noreen Farmer, Jack Manette, William Dove, Tammy Sorenson-Duray and Treasurer, Mary Szabo.
The Board of Finance joined the Board of Selectmen to discuss the recommended budget. Ms. Roberts provided the Board of Finance a detailed memo outlining those items which have budget increases of 5% or more and verbally addressed all of the items in that memo. Also the Board of Selectmen felt that four positions deserve an equity adjustment, in addition to the 3 1/4 % increase it was recommended that, specifically the First Selectmen receive a $2,000 increase and the Treasurer, Tax Collector and Town Clerk receive a $1,000 increase. The budget recommended was agreed upon unanimously by the Board of Selectmen and represents a 10% increase. Mr. Filipone, Hayes and Sinsigallo provided their input and support behind the recommended budget items. Ms. Roberts outlined the
recommendations are made from a management point of view. Ms. Roberts expressed the understanding of the recent referendum issues, but this budget presented allows the Town to sustain and not backslide.
At this point in the meeting, extensive and excited discussion took place as the Board of Finance members expressed their dismay at a recommended 10% increase in the budget. Mr. Catino lead the discussion and several finance members contributed expressing the understanding that a status quo budget, barring contractual and necessary increases, was to be presented – as discussed and agreed to at the beginning of the budget process by both boards. The recent referendum drives by the public provide a very good possibility of presenting a budget with such an increase could result in getting less than originally asked for. Mr. Catino outlined that it was agreed that items have been underfunded, but the Boards need to respond to how the public has reacted in the past. Discussion
also took place regarding the fact that some departments followed the direction of the Boards and submitted a status quo budget, while others submitted what they wanted and did not follow the cues given in the budget memo. Various concerns about the tendency to use the media as a budget driver was also expressed. It was felt that this recommended budget would send a message would mean in the future the departments would not take the Boards directives seriously.
The comp time issues with staff members was discussed and those positions with contracts have provisions for that. Ms. Roberts was asked to provide the Board with salary surveys from CRCOG.
It was again expressed that the public needs to be educated regarding the budget and that the agencies need to be available to do so.
AUDITORS RECOMMENDATION
The student activity fund was addressed as the Boards read the June 6, 2000 policy in place regarding this fund.
MOTION: To accept the June 6, 2000 policy for purposes of meeting the auditor’s requirements.
Made by Ms. DeSousa, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Board of Finance portion adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
RECESS until 9:00 p.m.
B. *BBFD & WHPFD/ re billing MVA/Town Ordinance
C. *Natural Resource Preservation Committee: re bonding money for Farmland Preservation (waiting for Board of Finance)
D. *Request to amend ordinance 87-2 re: Regulating the Use of Recreation Vehicles, Snowmobiles and all Terrain Vehicles
G. *Tax relief for the Elderly
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Fire Marshal/Warehouse Point Fire District
Warehouse Point Fire District Commission members James Barton and Victor DeCapua, as well as Warehouse Point Fire Department members Chief Barton and Tony DeMastroantonio came before the Board for a lengthy discussion regarding the current situation and concerns with the Town Fire Marshal and District Fire Marshall. (Several Board of Finance members stayed for the discussion, as invited to do so by Ms. Roberts)
Ms. Roberts referenced her recent memo and history of issues with this item and the recent resignation provided an opportune time for discussions on how to provide the best service to the town at the best cost. The idea is for a one stop zoning process, where you apply for a permit through to conclusion with a c.o. in one location. Ms. Roberts also expressed her concern that her memo was ignored and a new Warehouse Point Fire Marshall had been appointed. While it is understood, and was confirmed, that the new fire marshall was temporary, Ms. Roberts stated the current goal is to provide good service, with a smooth process while covering the Town’s liability issues.
Mr. DeCapua outlined the $50/$60K cost for a whole town fire marshall and that the current situation with a Town Fire Marshall and a District Fire Marshall is much more economical. Both Mr. DeCapua and Mr. Barton detailed the new protocol with this fire marshall position, including the reporting requirements and availability. The sought to be allowed to see how this position, with the new management, takes its course. They want everything the Town wants, but also want a place at the table and some control over inspections. It was also expressed that any history of complaints have not come through the District, but have been heard in passing.
Rand Stanley, Building Inspector and Blaine Simpkins, Town Fire Marshall also joined the discussion in support of one Town Fire Marshal which will provide the tax payers with a fair and equitable process. It was outlined that it was not the intent to disregard the historic prospect of the District, but Mr. Stanley gave an example of how confusing the permitting process would be if there were four building inspectors doing inspections four different ways – it is not a feasible prospect.
Sharing information is key at this point and everyone agreed communication is important. The Commission wants to keep its current process in place to see how it progresses under new management. A proposal was recommended and the Commission is willing to look at that. A Committee will be formed to investigation the Proposal, it shall consist of the Building Inspector, the Town Fire Marshall, the District Fire Marshall, members of the Board of Selectmen and members of the Warehouse Point Fire District.
B. Warehouse Point Fire District request for added appropriation
Chief Barton provided details as to the damage and inoperability of the 1992 rescue truck light pole. They have responded to scenes without it, and it is not a good situation. This was an unanticipated expense.
MOTION: To recommend to the Board of Finance and added appropriation of $4700 to replace the lighting for the rescue truck.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C. Grant Proposal Initiative Presentation
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
D. Invitation to BOS and BOF to attend a Presentation from Connecticut
Coalition for Justice in Education Funding
The Selectmen are interested in attending and Ms. Roberts will send correspondence to that effect.
MOTION: To attend a presentation from Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding as invited.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
E. Adoption of Fair Housing Form
MOTION: To adopt the Fair Housing Discrimination/Information Complaint form.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
F. Leasing of Town Property/Agreements
The Board asked for information regarding the current leasing arrangements and price structures currently used. This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
G. 2006 Neighborhood Assistance Act – Program Applications
Ms. Roberts needed to gather more information on this item and asked that it be tabled to the next regular meeting.
This item is to be tabled to the next meeting
H. Tax Refunds
MOTION: To approve the tax refunds in the amount of $1,572.67 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 10:00 p.m.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
/cdc/
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
*Starred items will not be discussed, but will remain on agenda pending receipt of additional information.
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