I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Ms. Menard called the meeting to order on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall
II. ATTENDANCE
Denise Menard, Selectman
Gilbert Hayes, Deputy First Selectman
Edward P. Farrell, Selectman
Dale Nelson, Selectman
Mark Simmons, Selectman
III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS - None
IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES
Regular Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2008
MOTION: To accept the regular meeting minutes of March 4, 2008 as submitted
Made by Mr. Simmons, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes of March 8, 2008
MOTION: To approve the Budget Workshop Minutes of March 8, 2008, as submitted.
Made by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Simmons
Discussion: Mr. Farrell talked about adding information on the idea of an incentive program of key personnel go forward with all twelve of the initiatives. If the initiatives are supported then there should be bonus for making it work, if not get something back. Ms. Menard indicated the board would have no say or authority over the Board of Education would give him any. It can be suggested to the BOE that they do that but not part of budget process. A bonus for superintendent or educators – the Board of Selectmen cannot budget that, but what they can do is at time of public hearing sell package and present why the Selectmen think town should finance the incentives.
VOTE: ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - None
VI. COMMUNICATIONS – For the board’s information
A. Correspondence from American Heritage River Commission
Ms. Menard detailed this Commissions idea of cutting brush in the river to enable better use of the land. They also want to discuss their ideas of use for land that has been acquired by the Town. It was thought that this Commission needs a program of what they want to do, where they want to do it, how they want to do it and do they need any money to do it. The American Heritage River Commission will be on a future agenda with a request of a proposed program for the Board to consider.
VII. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
A. Denise Menard, First Selectman
Ms. Menard presented the Board with her report and discussed the following items briefly:
· Police Union contract negotiations are underway.
· Copier leases all expired last year – she is researching companies and state contracts for money savings.
· Verizon cell phones are on one account with an eye toward government pricing. The Nextel phones that are necessary are being researched with the police department representative.
· The Senior Center part time clerk started on Monday.
· The vacancy in the building department is being advertised. It is thought that vacancy will be filled sometime in May.
· CCM conference today detailed several issues being addressed by the legislature. Ms. Menard outlined those of interest and suggested the board members let the legislators know how they feel about bills being considered.
· The March 14, 2008 memo to the building committee regarding additional usable space in town buildings was distributed.
· Ms. Menard detailed meetings with Blaine Simpkins the emergency management person so she could become educated with the “red plan” and the procedure for major emergencies.
· She detailed a meeting with DEP-NCHD and others to discuss an order expected to provide potable water to homes on Rockville Road.
· Ms. Menard met with All American Waster regarding the CRRA fee increases. They will be getting back to her with numbers.
· There was a meeting with Karen Boutin regarding transportation for the disabled and East Windsor’s’ non compliance. She will be meeting with Laura and Betsy to discuss this. Karen Boutin will get Ms. Menard some information on possible grants for this initiative.
· The housing authority pilot program remains on the agenda. Mr. Knibloe will be getting additional information regarding services to park hill, including trash, as well as the relationship between the housing authority and Mill Pond Village.
· Veterans – the Secretary of State has program where she honors WW II veterans. Ms. Menard’s office is obtaining information on this.
B. Gilbert Hayes, Deputy First Selectman
· Transportation a big problem for seniors under 60. He has been appointed to the CRCOG transportation committee this week as a voting member. He will be representing the greater Hartford transit district as a selectman for East Windsor. Greater Hartford Transit District/East Windsor.
· Conservation committee has questions on the dog park and skate board park similar to questions by other boards. Ms. Green wants to know the next step - she has to come back to committee with maps and plan.
C. Edward P. Farrell, Selectman
· WPCA latest meeting applications and acceptances were detailed, including specifically the pump station acceptance on Chapman properties. North Central Connecticut Health has data base for septic repairs.
· Historical commission no report
· River commission no report
D. Dale Nelson, Selectman
· Building committee – met on 3/10 – all set with manpower and plans to do boiler units at high school. The have a letter of intent so they are awarded bid package. These meetings now to take place at 7.
· Elderly – On 2/25 they discussed a new survey. Trying to get seniors not necessarily ones at the senior citizen building, but get others to see if anything they would like to do – maybe a golf league – 55 and over. Get a discounted rate and a set time. They will look into that.
· Housing authority – Knibloe discussed pilot program. They are looking at services they are receiving versus what they are paying for. He is staying the norm is 3-5% not 10% They have received a grant for a little over 17K hiring resident service coordinator two days a week for items such as tenant disputes, social disputes, etc.
· Pension board – no report
· Police commission – added agenda item Detective Matt Carl communication regarding a tier two grievance. The Police Commission backed up dept on the grievance 3 to 1 vote – it carried.
· ZBA cancelled
E. Mark Simmons, Selectman
· Skateboard committee – they understand there is a process and know they cannot gather funds, they are following the rules.
· Veterans – gearing up for Memorial Day. The fly over scheduled, as well as speaker for ceremony. Members of commission went to cemetery association meeting regarding flags on veterans graves. Cemetery association has agreed to place flags and flag holders – they wanted permission from Veterans Commission. Also the Commission has proposed purchase of 50 flags for Revolutionary War Veteran graves too. The new member Edward Bonnetti was introduced. There is a new program regarding recording events by veterans.
VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS
A. Resignation:
B. Re-Appointments:
1. Economic Development Commission
Richard Covill, (D) as a full member for a 4-yr. term expiring
4/1/2012
MOTION: To reappoint Richard Covill to the Economic Development Commission as a full member for a four year term to expire 04/01/2012
Made by Ms. Nelson, Seconded by Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Elderly Commission
Catherine M. Drouin, (D) as a full member for a 4-yr. term expiring 4/1/1012
MOTION: To reappoint Catherine M. Drouin to the Elderly Commission as a full member for a four year term to expire 04/01/2012.
Made by Mr. Hayes, Seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
3. North Central District Health Committee
Cecelia Mickey, (D) as an alternate member for a 3-yr. term expiring 3/1/2011
MOTION: To reappoint Cecelia Mickey to the North Central District Health Committee as an alternate for a three year term to expire 03/01/2011
Made by Ms. Nelson, Seconded by Mr. Simmons
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C. New Appointments:
1. Charter Revision Committee
a. Don Arcari, (R) as a regular at large member for a 18-month term to expire 8/1/2009
MOTION: To appoint Don Arcari to the Charter Revision Committee as a regular member for an 18 month term to expire 08/01/2009
Made by Mr. Hayes, Seconded by Ms. Nelson
In favor: Simmons, Hayes, Nelson
Opposed: Farrell
MOTION CARRIED
b. Bonnie K. Yosky, (D) as a regular at large member for a 18- month term to expire 8/1/2009
MOTION: To appoint Bonnie K. Yosky to the Charter Revision Committee as a regular member at large for an 18 month term to expire 08/01/2009
Made by Ms. Nelson
Second by Mr. Simmons
Discussion: The comments on the application were discussed. It was noted that this Commission can convene with a quorum, even if not all vacancies filled.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
D. Boards and Commissions with vacancies
(see attached list)
Motion: To go out of agenda order to address 9A last
Made by Mr. Hayes, Seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Budget Discussion – last item in meeting.
B. *Park Hill – Payment in Lieu of Taxes
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Katie Bednaz/Conservation Commission/Inland Wetland & Watercourse Agency Fee Schedule
Katie Bednaz came before the Board. She detailed the proposed fee schedule and explained that the current schedule does not encompass all the fees – that was the reason it was revised. That initial review opened the door to attempts to cover all administrative and review costs. Items in consideration are site visits – also keeps the smaller projects reasonable as the fees reflect level of review necessary for the project. A project fees if it exceeds the scope of the project they can ask for a review of the fees, so it can be tailored to specific projects.
The second page is the addition to the schedule.
Ms. Menard indicated the Town Attorney memo regarding these fees has been received and it was acceptable as long as within reason for cost to review – the fees are reasonable and legal. Ms. Bednaz detailed that on second page many fees are aimed toward smart development. While all require additional review time, they are also foregone for smart development. Lastly the set up is easier to understand for applicant and office – it is an easy calculation to determine fees. This has been before the inland wetland agency and reviewed. It was stated the date needs to be revised to 2008. It was inquired as to what background was obtained to get these fee numbers? Ms. Bednaz stated other neighboring towns were researched. The first page details the base cost
for application into newspaper, legal advertising hours to do the work – basic work when permit comes in. The additional fees reflect the intensity of activities and reasonable costs associated with same. The first page is in line with neighboring towns the second page of fees you may not see in other towns, but there are many ways that collect fees. The second page contains new fees. Trouble with compliance in general was discussed. There is no fee in place for wetlands – only for zoning. There will be work toward wetland fees for compliance in the future. Ms. Bednaz explained discussions regarding discounts or rate breaks for environmentally friendly ideas. Brief discussion took place regarding storm water run offs ideas.
MOTION: To recommend to Town Meeting, date to be determined by the First Selectman, the Watercourse Agency Fee Schedule dated March, 2008.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Ms. Nelson
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
B. Appointment of Municipal Agent/Elizabeth Burns
Ms. Burns explained that this agent disseminates information to the elderly, assist with state and federal benefits and generally assists with anything that can be done for persons classified as elderly in the community. She was appointed in the year 2000 because the previous individuals who had been agents were individuals were not well versed in this arena – they would come to Ms. Burns to assist them – it was felt that it would be better to have the municipal agent be in the human services department. It can be reappointed for four years. She has been doing the job, but not reappointed officially.
MOTION: To reappoint Elizabeth Burns as the Municipal Agent to the Town of East Windsor for a four (4)year term to expire February 1, 2012.
Made by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
C. Fair Housing
1. Adopt Fair Housing Resolution
MOTION: To adopt the Fair Housing Resolution as of March 18, 2008 and authorize the First Selectman to sign it.
Made by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
2. Adopt Fair Housing Policy Statement
MOTION: To adopt the Fair Housing Policy Statement as of March 18, 2008, Fair Housing Officer Elizabeth Burns, and authorize the First Selectman to sign it.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
3. Adopt Title VI Equal Opportunity Statement
MOTION: To adopt the Compliance with title VI of the civil rights act of 1964 as of March 18, 2008 and authorize the First Selectman to sign that.
Made by Mr. Simmons, seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
D. Community Day Proclamation
MOTION: To authorize the First Selectman to sign the Community Day Proclamation, as read, and proclaim May 5 to May 10, 2008 as Community Week
Made by Mr. Hayes, Seconded by Mr. Simmons
Discussion: The message in this Proclamation was discussed. Ms. Menard detailed that Community Day is a very well attended event.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
E. Authorize Tax Refunds
MOTION: To authorize the tax refunds in the amount of $597.43 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Made by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Simmons
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
OUT OF ORDER ITEM as per previous motion.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Budget Discussion
There is an updated budget calendar. Presentations to Board of Finance will be tomorrow night – Ms. Menard detailed what items would be helpful for Selectmen to bring to budget discussions. The Board Of Finance agenda for 3/19 was passed out. The April 1 meeting is joint meeting with Board of Selectmen/Board of Finance. The Board discussed how to conduct the meeting was discussed. The regular Selectmen agenda will be brief. It was suggested to start the meeting at 7:00 p.m. CIP materials for the Board were passed out and substantive discussion needs to take place on this budget item. There are no presentations to discuss tonight. The next Selectmen budget workshops are Friday, March 28, at 6:30 and Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. On Friday the 28th discussions will be held on CIP and then on to other budget items and recommendations to the Board of Finance.
Ms. Menard reminded the Board of the Motion made regarding the BBFD request for equipment recommended by the Board Of Selectmen to the Board Of Finance. That item was not put on the Board Of Finance agenda as indicated by the Board Of Finance Chairman. Ms. Menard looked at statutory responsibilities of the Board Of Finance and provided the Board of Selectmen with the State statutes that govern Board of Finance. Section 7-344 and Section 7-346 and Section 7-348 for the Boards information. This Board can again recommend the BBFD recommendation be put on a Board of Finance agenda.
At selectmen last meeting the Board Of Finance proposal regarding annual budget appropriations was discussed and the consensus of the Board Of Selectmen was that it was thought that item should be more managed by the manager/supervisor of department. Ms. Menard distributed back up materials with comments after checking with surrounding towns and statutes. The Board Of Selectmen wants to work with the Board of Finance in putting policies in place – it is just how do we get there? Other towns do not do line item transfers to the degree East Windsor does. Previous to last few years, after discussions with Treasurer, if a budget stayed within salary line or other budget items lines, but over expended within the line – example by Board Of Finance Chairman – in past over expended lines
are put that way, but bottom line is within the budget. The example presented by Ms. Menard showed the way a lot of towns do, and it is different than the current Board Of Finance proposal. The example given goes with the managers/supervisors being in charge of the budget. It is less work for Treasurer and shows an accurate ledger of what the spending was. This is what the Board of Selectmen was envisioning – no micromanaging and a true picture of actual spending. The manager would be able to work with one line to the other within reason. If there is a large deficit there needs to be awareness and that will be spelled out in the policy. In talking with Treasurer transferring does not give a clear picture and it masks the actual spending. It was the consensus of the Board of Selectmen to discuss this idea with the Board of Finance. Ms. Menard will do a counter recommendation to the Board of Finance. The goal will be
to not over expend anyone’s budget and that will entail discussions with First Selectmen and managers to make sure on course.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion: to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Ms. Nelson
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
*Starred items not discussed, but remain on agenda pending receipt of additional information.
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