SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
June 20, 2006
A special town meeting of the Town of East Windsor was held at the East Windsor Town Hall on Tuesday, June 20, 2006. First Selectman, Linda Roberts, called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
Motion was made by Dale Nelson and seconded by Kenneth Crouch that Linda Roberts preside as Moderator. Motion was made by Cliff Nelson and seconded by Thomas Sinsigallo that nominations for Moderator be closed. Both motions passed unanimously.
Karen W. Gaudreau, Town Clerk, read the call to the meeting.
Linda Roberts read the statement of eligibility to vote.
Item #1
The following resolution was introduced and read by Linda Sinsigallo.
Resolved: That the following funds be taken from
Contingency fund (1-01-50-8410-8-890) $79,798.00
Fund account (1-14-15-0145-1-100) $22,000.00
Fund account (1-67-10-1025-7-798-1051) $2,272.00
And funds to be appropriated to:
Clerical (1-01-15-2145-1-124) $7,000.00
Officers (1-01-15-2145-1-125) $2,272.00
Overtime variable (1-01-15-2145-1-103) $78,000.00
Vehicle Maint. (1-01-15-2145-4-430) $3,000.00
Gas & Oil (1-01-15-2145-6-620) $13,798.00
For a total of $104,070.00
Mrs. Sinsigallo moved the resolution and Dale Nelson seconded it.
Mrs. Roberts advised the audience that an added appropriation to the police department will allow the department to continue operations until the end of the year. She further stated that we are in contract with the officers and must honor the contract. We can not cease functions of the police department.
She advised that a no vote will put the Town in turmoil and cause unnecessary expenditures for legal fees and advice. She cautioned that if indeed it is the intention of the taxpayers to disband the department and return to State Police it must be done in an orderly fashion.
She stated positively that the Board of Finance has instituted provisions to curtail spending for the next fiscal year, and to monitor overtime on a monthly basis.
George Butenkoff motioned for a paper ballot on Resolution #1 only, seconded by Bill Loos. It was so voted.
Marilyn Butenkoff asked if we take money out of contingency, how will it get put back in. Mrs. Roberts stated Contingency is part of yearly budget for such issues. If there is a surplus in Contingency at the end of the Fiscal Year, it goes back to the General Fund.
Marty Wells asked how we verify voters. They will be verified by the voter list and the Grand List.
Bill Loos stated we voted this money down of June 6th, why are we bringing it back up again. He stated the Police Commission and the Board of Finance are not doing their jobs. He also stated that the First Selectman is not looking at the budget either. First Selectman Linda Roberts disputed his comments.
Tammy Sorensen-Duray, Board of Finance, stated the Board of Finance will be meeting every month with the Police Chief and Police Commission to make sure they are on track.
Linda Roberts stated every department has incidents that happen, it is just more noticeable in the Police Department.
Chief Edward DeMarco stated various leaves, sickness and retirements happen. The Police Department can’t predict emergencies. He further stated that minor calls may have to wait longer for officers to respond.
JoAnn Kubic said she supports the added appropriation. She further stated the town can expect these things to happen with continued 0% growth in budgets.
Marie DeSousa disagrees with Mr. Loos. She said the Board of Finance does an excellent job and has the best interest of the Town in doing so. She said the Police Department got the message, the Police Commission got the message, and the Board of Finance has the message. She further stated no one should be micromanaging the Police Department.
Ray Fahey, Police Officer, stated he gets calls at home regarding monies spent on “Click it or Ticket” and DWI checks. He reminded all that those programs are funded entirely by federal monies.
Sam McGill stated if we had more officers on the force, there wouldn’t be the need for overtime. We will only get what we pay for.
Ed Farrell said he concurs with the transfer. He feels the process needs to change, or we will be back again next year for the same thing.
Linda Roberts stated the oversight of the department goes to the Police Commission.
Tammy Sorensen-Duray stated the $22,000 and the $2,272 comes back to the Town.
George Butenkoff asked to see the empty ballot box. Town Clerk complied.
The room recessed to the hallway for a paper ballot, and reentered to be verified.
Cliff Nelson and George Butenkoff were designated counters.
The results were 83 yes and 28 no. Moderator declared the resolution passed.
Item #2
The following resolution was introduced and read by Jack Mannette.
RESOLVED: To transfer $69,929 from the General Fund
Balance to Miscellaneous Grant Fund 66
(Cops Universal).
Mr. Mannette moved the resolution and it was seconded by Ken Crouch.
Lorry Devanney asked for an explanation of the resolution. It was noted that the Police Department turned this amount back and it was put into the General Fund rather than the Grant Line.
Mr. Loos wanted to know who was responsible for this error. He was told it was a bookkeeping error in the Treasurer’s office and that the Treasurer brought it to the attention of the Board of Finance.
With no further discussion, a voice vote unanimously approved the resolution.
Item #3
The following resolution was introduced and read by Ed Farrell.
RESOLVED: To procure 40.7 acres as open space land from
Agnes W. Trombley and Herbert R. Tschummi for a
fixed price of $600,000. Said procurement is executed
based on receipt of a grant from the State of Connecticut
accounting to (at least) 50% of the agreed price.
Mr. Farrell moved the resolution, seconded by Bill Loos.
Sam McGill, where is this property. Linda Roberts stated it is on Rye Street and Plantation Rd, contingent to Town Property. Developers must set aside 10% of their development, usually the most undesirable. By statute, the Town can accept money in lieu of property, which funds the purchase of open space. This is prime land that could be developed. It can only be used for passive recreation There will be no bonding for this property, the Town has half the amount and the rest will come from a State Grant.
Laurie Whitten, Town Planner stated that any land purchased under this grant authorization may not be developed into any intensive outdoor recreation facility, commercial or residential use. She further stated it meets our plan of development and has river access.
Nancy Rudek, Assistant Planner & ZEO, said it is a great piece of land to keep undeveloped.
Ed Farrell said the Town would have up to 85 acres with this land & the contiguous Town Property.
Linda Roberts stated that Mr. Tschummi has had many offers from developers, but wants to keep the property undeveloped. He has had two appraisals done.
Carol Madore, Assessor, stated that the property is currently assessed at $14,000 under the PA 490 act, and generates between $400-500 in taxes per year.
Marie DeSousa stated if we don’t get the grant, the deal will not go through.
Jack Mannette stated he has concerns. He hears a great deal of emotion tonight. He said he looks at the operational side of the Town. We have $1.6 million in unassigned funds, and the Board of Finance needs to look at all accounts and set priorities.
Ed Filipone stated that all these accounts are available for view in the Town Report.
Jose Giner, former Town Planner stated that any money in open space accounts is restricted by Statute and must be used ONLY for open space.
Marie DeSousa stated this didn’t have to go to the Board of Finance, however information needs to be shared and we need better communication.
Bill Loos stated property is on Town Road, all the way to the river, and thinks we should buy property.
Jim Richards asked if we can use later for Soccer Fields. Linda Roberts said she will clarify. The seller has requested restrictions from development. She said we are applying for a competitive grant that is due by June 30th. We are up against several other towns.
Laurie Whitten showed on the Aerial Map where the property is.
Ed Farrell stated we are designated a Distressed Community and may get 65% funding from the State Grant.
With no further discussion, Motion was made by Gerry Bancroft to move the question. Motion was seconded by Bill Loos.
A voice vote declared the resolution adopted.
Item #4
The following resolution was introduced and read by Ken Crouch
RESOLVED: To approve the building of a roadway in the
Veterans Cemetery located on Windsorville Road.
Mr. Crouch moved the resolution, seconded from the floor.
Dale Nelson, where is the money coming from? The money was raised by the Veteran’s Commission through their road races.
Paul Maslek, how wide (16 feet), what construction (base with gravel and amesite) how much acreage is in back (8 acres). He also asked if there would be screening for neighbors. None is planned at this time; he was advised to bring his concerns to the Board of Selectmen.
Steve Knibloe moved the question with a second from the floor. Motion was passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn was made by Cliff Nelson and Seconded from the floor. Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen W. Gaudreau
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