Town of East Windsor, CT - February 3, 2009 Meeting Minutes

February 3, 2009 Meeting Minutes


	TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 2009 I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING Ms. Menard called the meeting to order on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall II. ATTENDANCE Denise Menard, First Selectman Gilbert Hayes, Deputy First Selectman Mark Simmons, Selectman Dale Nelson, Selectman Unable to attend: Edward Farrell (scheduled) III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS - None IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES A. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2009 MOTION: To accept the special meeting minutes of January 20,2009, as submitted. Made by Mr. Simmons, Seconded by Mr. Hayes ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - None VI. COMMUNICATIONS – The following were for the Board’s information A. Warehouse Point Fire District Responder Brochure B. Senator Gary LeBeau and State Representative Ted Graziani Discussion regarding Connecticut’s Economy & Budget VII. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS A. Denise Menard, First Selectman · Housing authority received 50+ applicants for position available. B. Gilbert Hayes, Deputy First Selectman · Gary Lebeau will be presenting a grant for BMX Skate Board Park C. Edward P. Farrell, Selectman – No report D. Dale Nelson, Selectman – No Report E. Mark Simmons, Selectman – No report MOTION: To go out of order to Xii executive session Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Simmons ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 1-200 (6) (b) MOTION: To enter into Executive Session Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 1-200 (6) (b) at 7:45 p.m. to include the Tax Assessor, Carol Madore. Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Ms. Nelson ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION: To come out of Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. Made by Mr. Simmons, seconded by Ms. Nelson ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. ACTION: MOTION: To approve the settlement agreement for Windsor Hospitality, LLC. vs. Town of East Windsor in accordance with the Town Assessor’s recommendation to reduce the fair market value of real property located at 161 Bridge Street by 16.16%. If possible, the refund will be applied as a credit on the 2^nd half installment of taxes to be paid on the Grand List of October 1, 2007. Made by Mr. Simmons, seconded by Ms. Nelson ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED. Motion to return to agenda order Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Simmons ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS A. Resignations: none B. Re-Appointments: Parks & Recreation Commission Ted Szymanski, (D) as a full member to fill a 4-yr. vacancy to expire 2/1/2013 MOTION: To reappoint Ted Szymanski as a full member to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a four (4) year vacancy term to expire 02/01/2013. Made by Mr. Hayes, Seconded by Mr. Simmons ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED C. New Appointments: Veterans Commission Edward J. Filipone, (R) as a full member to fill a 4-yr. vacancy to expire 2/1/2013 MOTION: To appoint Edward J. Filipone as a full member to the Veterans Commission to fill a four year vacancy term to expire 02/01/2013. Made by Ms. Nelson, Seconded by Mr. Simmons ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED Water Pollution Control Authority Charles T. Riggott, (U) as a full member to fill a 4-yr. vacancy to expire 2/1/2013 MOTION: To appoint Charles T. Riggott as a full member to the Water Pollution Control Authority to fill a four year vacancy term to expire 02/01/2013. Made by Mr. Simmons, Seconded by Ms. Nelson ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED D. Board and Commission Current Vacancies (See Attached) IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resident’s Request/Municipal Tax Amnesty B. Discussion of Board/Commission Volunteer Recognition Program C. Charter Revision Update D. WHPFD & BBFD Request for Funding E. DEP/Television & Computer Equipment Recycling Program X. NEW BUSINESS A. Alternative Work Force Ms. Menard was asked by Building Committee to look into State Prison workers for work at the Annex. Bill Grace is willing to work with items such as the windows and other issues. These individuals are free labor. Ms. Nelson outlined that Suffield is currently using this alternative work force concept with a project. Ms. Menard wanted to run the idea by the Board before she did additional work. It was the consensus of the Board that it was acceptable for Ms. Menard to do further research in this regard. XI. BUDGET MATTERS A. Budget Discussion Ms. Menard is concerned about the direction of the budget and has been asked by staff what should be done for recommendations for increases. Ms. Menard indicated that she does not expect a raise and she has had staff members come forward stating they are not expecting raises either. To that end Ms. Menard thinks it appropriate to ask for no increases in salary across the board and she was seeking the Board’s support in this. The Board was in accord with the philosophy for the budget season to freeze non-union salaries, to recommend a freeze on union salaries as well, and a freeze on travel and conferences unless necessary to certify someone. Ms. Menard detailed some of the cost savings ideas that have been implemented of late, including energy and electricity savings. There is also some changes with the Fire Department physicals which will positively effect the budget. Ms. Menard is meeting with members to discuss this more fully. It is difficult to say when to incorporate new budget ideas and if these discussions are premature due the unknown of what the Governor might say – but it seems like a good policy to put in place now as the budget season approaches. The board briefly discussed the reactions townwide to date for proposed changes and cuts mentioned to date and that it is likely to get more intense as the budget progresses. XII EXECUTIVE SESSION (addressed above)* B. Pursuant to C.G.S. Section 1-200 (6) (b) To Include Town Assessor XIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: To adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Made by Ms. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Hayes ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED Respectfully submitted, Cynthia D. Croxford *Starred items will not be discussed, but will remain on agenda pending receipt of additional information.