TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES - JUNE 7, 2007
***** Draft Document – Subject to Selectmen Approval *****
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING:
Selectman Filipone called the Special Meeting to order on Thursday, June 7, 2007, at 7:30 P. M. in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
II. ATTENDANCE:
Edward Filipone, First Selectman
Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Gil Hayes, Selectman
Mark Simmons, Selectman
Thomas Sinisgallo, Selectman
III. PREVIOUS MINUTES:
A. Special Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2007:
MOTION: To ACCEPT the Minutes of Special Meeting dated May 8, 2007 as written.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Simmons seconded/
VOTE: Unanimous - motion carried
B. Special Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2007:
MOTION: To ACCEPT the Minutes of Special Meeting dated May 12, 2007 as written.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Simmons seconded/
VOTE: Unanimous - motion carried
IV. COMMUNICATIONS:
First Selectman Filipone acknowledge receipt of the following documentation:
A. Board of Education appointment of regular member
B. Board of Finance appointment of regular member
C. Connecticut Labor Force Data/April 2007
D. Email regarding FEMA
E. General Assembly/An Act concerning Pawnbrokers and Computerized Record Keeping Systems
V. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
A. Edward Filipone, First Selectman:
First Selectman Filipone noted the following:
* The Budget of $30,566,870 for Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 passed. This budget represents a 0.099 mil increase, and a 0.36 tax increase, and sets a new mil rate at 27.91.
* The resignation of Nancy Rudek, Zoning Enforcement Officer, who is taking a position with the Town of Westbrook.
* The resignation of Tracey Lachat, from the Senior Center, who is moving to the Police Department Records Center.
* A dumpster was donated and has been moved to the Barber Hill School, off Griffin Road, with the intent to clean up the property. He cited concern with the condition of the building, noting the Historical Commission has said the structure is restorable and grants are available, although no written information has been presented.
* The gatehouse at East Windsor (Reservoir) Park was damaged, requiring it to be demolished. A replacement structure is being considered.
B. Kenneth Crouch, Deputy Selectman:
Deputy Selectman Crouch noted the Building Committee is installing a butterfly garden and more plantings around the gazebo and sign at Volunteer Park. A pole with power and one light is also being installed. Deputy Selectman Crouch indicated all expenditures are being paid for from the grant received from the State.
C. Thomas Sinisgallo, Selectman:
Selectman Sinisgallo noted the following:
* Suggested a joint meeting be scheduled between the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance regarding the status of an approved budget.
* Regarding the project on the North Road (Mansions on the Canyon) - based on WPCA approval he understood the developer was to put in the laterals, he now understands homeowners are receiving letters regarding the cost of hooking up to the system.
Selectman Simmons noted the WPCA has planned the configuration of the sewer; there will be no increase to the sewer usage charge as the developer is liable to pay those expenses. The letter Selectman Sinisgallo referred to was brought to the meeting, and discussed. Selectman Simmons suggested the letter has been
interpreted incorrectly; it was more of a query letter to see how many of the 8 or 9 homeowners to whom the letter was sent might be interested in hooking up to the sewer.
D. Gilbert Hayes, Selectman: No report.
E. Mark Simmons, Selectman:
Selectman Simmons reported on the following:
* Attendance at a Parks and Recreation Meeting on May 21st, in which a proposal for a dog park was presented and discussed by Christine Schwartz. The targeted property would be across the street from East Windsor (Reservoir) Park, but the Commission preferred another site to not impact the privacy/life of an adjacent neighbor who has resided next to the park for years.
* Attendance at the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting May 22nd. A topic of interest was a Special Use Permit for excavation off Wapping Road; residents cited concern for contamination from
slope slippage impacting nearby water sources.
* Attendance at a Water Pollution Control Authority in which the Commission discussed plans for future modifications to the systems. They are hoping to hold a meeting with the Board of Selectmen, and other
board representatives to discuss future plans. Selectman Simmons also noted they discussed the budget, noting that much of the system is aging which will increase the cost of maintenance and replacement. They are also considering eliminating a part-time maintenance
position and replacing same with a full time position to support additional maintenance requirements and future growth.
VI. BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS:
A. Resignation:
* Dan Leone, Jr., from Zoning Board of Appeals:
MOTION: To ACCEPT, with regret, the resignation of Dan Leone, Jr. from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried
B. Re-Appointment:
* Cable Television Council: Elizabeth Burns, Scott Riach, Jim Richards 2-year term to expire 07/01/2009:
MOTION: To RE-APPOINT to the Cable Television Council for a 2-year term to expire 07/01/2009 the following: Elizabeth Burns, Scott Riach, and Jim Richards.
Discussion: All individuals were contacted and have agreed to reappointment.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
C. New Appointments, Applications to be considered:
* Margaret M. Steinbugler (R), American Heritage River Commission, regular member, 4-year term to expire 6/1/2011:
MOTION: To APPOINT Margaret M. Steinbugler to the American Heritage River Commission for a 4- year term to expire
6/1/2011.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
* Robert N. Little, (R), Board of Finance, alternate member, term to expire 11/06/2007:
MOTION: To APPOINT Robert N. Little to the Board of Finance as an Alternate Member for a term to expire 11/06/2007.
Discussion: The Republican Nominating Committee has presented Mr. Little for appointment.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried
D. Vacancies: See attachment.
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. *Scott Thomas re: Request to pass Ordinance to permit a property tax exemption for Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems on Private Homes:
First Selectman Filipone noted correspondence from Scott Thomas regarding recent passage of Bill 7432, Section 46-47, which requires rather than allows exemption of certain renewal energy systems. Mr. Thomas suggested tabling this item this evening.
MOTION: To TABLE as Unfinished Business, Item A.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
B. Ordinance Regulating “The Use of Recreational Vehicles”:
Bonnie Yosky presented the proposed draft ordinance, which has been reviewed by the Town Attorney; all changes are reflected in bold type. Mrs. Yosky noted the question presented was would the owner get the vehicle back before paying the fine? It was noted court appearances are often delayed for some time. After speaking with Chief DeMarco it was decided the owner could secure release of the vehicle after paying towing and storage fees; fines would be paid at the time of court appearance.
The Selectmen decided to review the proposed draft ordinance and vote at the next meeting.
C. Northeast Utilities re: Notice of Intent to sell two (2+) acres of land owned by Norconn Properties:
First Selectman Filipone noted this involves land at Prospect Hill. NU wanted to open bids at $100,000; the Board of Selectmen offered $3,000. That bid has been rejected. Item to be removed from agenda.
D. *Adult Day Care Transportation (Report back to Board in June 2007):
VIII. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Open Space Land Acquisition:
Mr. Farrell is presenting a proposal for acquisition of more open space land which is comprised of 3 separate parcels containing approximately 23+/- total acres. Two individuals own these properties, some of which borders a river; all are located within flood plains or wetlands, are zoned A-2, and are considered unbuildable. Mr. Farrell reported the RFP fits the profile for grant submission; East Windsor is considered a “distressed municipality” and would be given preferential consideration for grant acquisition. Because of the anticipated combined market value of the parcels the State requires 2 appraisals per parcel; appraisers have not been approached, therefore the cost of the appraisals is not known. The owners have not yet been approached regarding intent to
sell. Mr. Farrell noted grant submission must be made by June 30th, 2007; discussion followed regarding theoretical value of the land, availability of funding in the Open Space Account and Contingency Fund, the process necessary to move forward with the grant (including penalties imposed due to incomplete grant documentation), and time restrictions facing the submission.
The consensus of the Board of Selectmen was to research this proposal further and to contact the property owners regarding their intent to sell.
B. BBFD Pumper Truck/1986 Emergency One, GMC:
Chief Myers and Captain Arcari came forward to discuss acquisition of a new pumper truck. First Selectman Filipone noted the bid for the pumper came in higher than the budget allocation; the price was negotiated down based on a pre-payment clause. Negotiation documentation is dated 5/01/2007. The $2,500 trade-in option is no longer available. First Selectman Filipone noted the vehicle considered for trade-in is not the same vehicle on which $30,000 in repairs was recently made.
First Selectman Filipone cited his concern with giving $550,000 to the manufacturer prior to getting the truck but the manufacturer has submitted a letter indicating they will provide a 100% Performance Bond before they receive the Town’s check. Chief Myers explained the acquisition process, from document signing by the Town and Chief Myers through document review by the manufacturer, submission of bond, payment to manufacturer, and arrival of truck. Discussion followed regarding the contract reflecting the Town and the BBFD as title holder for the truck; Deputy Selectman Crouch felt the contract should be signed by the Town. Chief Myers felt the last trucks acquired were owned by the Town and leased back to the BBFD. They have no problem with scratching BBFD from the
contract as they would like to move forward for purchasing the truck before the cost of any of the raw materials increase.
MOTION: That the First Selectman has the authority to sign the contract for the rescue pumper truck for a final cost of $558,424.00 based on a pre-payment option.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Couch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
Chief Myers noted the 1986 GMC Rescue Truck with Emergency One body has been taken out of service and is presently stored in the Town Garage. They would like to get the Board of Selectman’s permission to sell that vehicle, and then use the money received to purchase equipment for the new truck. Discussion followed regarding the bid process, and if the money received would go back to the Town’s General Fund or could be transferred to the BBFD.
MOTION: To APPROVE the sale of the 1986 Emergency One, GMC.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Simmons seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
C. Broad Brook Police Sub Station:
First Selectman Filipone reported he has received comments regarding concerns from some residents in the Broad Brook area because the Police Officer will be leaving the Mill Pond Apartment Complex. They have asked that the Town review re-opening the Police sub-station. First Selectman reported that Elaine’s Pizza is moving; her current building might be available for rental of the first floor for the sub-station. Selectman Simmons noted he is in favor of this proposal; the sub-station was vital to the Broad Brook section of town. He suggested it gave visibility to the Police Department and provided availability of the officers; it will also give the officers a place to go to prepare reports, etc. First Selectman Filipone indicated he began investigation of this issue as a response
to the concerns of the residents; consideration for this proposal should now be handled by the Police Commission and the Police Department.
MOTION: To GO OUT OF ORDER and take Item E, Request for Added Appropriations, next. Selectman Simmons moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
E. Request for Added Appropriations:
Appearing to discuss this request was Chief Myers, Assistant Chief Madigan, and Bruce Bois, Treasurer, all of the Broad Brook Fire Department. Assistant Chief Madigan noted the BBFD had requested a proposed budget for FY 2005-2007 of $224,050. but were given an actual figure of $199,950. He referenced a document dated 5/2/07 which reflects the amounts budgeted, the actual expenditures, and the over-budget amounts for 3 line items. It was noted that the BBFD is responsible for total building maintenance as is required by the lease; the costs reflect total expenditures for utilities that service both the Senior Center and the Fire Department. Discussion followed regarding the cost of truck repairs and, specifically tires. It was noted that the cost for the Humvee tires is extremely
high as it is a military model vehicle; the availability of the tires is limited (which increases their cost) as all parts are being sent to repair vehicles supporting the war effort.
MOTION: To RECOMMEND to the Board of Finance an added appropriation of $17,857.51 for the Broad Brook Fire Department.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To GO BACK IN ORDER to take Item D, Request for Year End Transfers.
Selectman Simmons moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
D. Request for Year End Transfers:
MOTION: To RECOMMEND to the Board of Finance the following transfers:
* The transfer of the June 30th balance from Road Improvements, WPCA Sinking Fund, Ambulance, and Information Technology in the FYE 2007 Operating
Budget to new or existing lines in the CNR Account.
* The transfer of the June 30th balance from Account #0375-0 Highway Trucks, Account #0733-0 Public Safety-Communications, Account #0736-0 Town GIS
System, Account #0738-0 Senior Vehicle, Account #0900-0 WPCA Prospect Hill Drive from the Capital Improvement Current Budget (1-01-5509445-7-799) to
new or existing lines in the CNR Account.
* The transfer of the June 30th balance from Account #0631-0 Public Works-Sidewalks, Account #0632-0 Public Works-Drainage, Account #0634-0 Public
Works-Heating Units, and Account #0649-0 Public Works-Flashboards from the Capital Improvement Reserve Budget (1-01-55-9447-7-799) to new or existing lines in the CNR Account.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance for an added appropriation of $9,791.04 to the salary account in the Tax Collectors budget, to cover the costs incurred from the retirement of an employee.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance to authorize the transfer of $50 from the purchase services line (390) to the longevity line (106) of the Human Services Budget to
cover the short fall in that account.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance to authorize the transfer of $1,000.00 from the Professional Services Account line into the Part-time Account line of the Building Department’s current budget.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance an added appropriation of $680 to the Unemployment compensation line as requested by the Town Treasurer.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request that the Board of Finance encumber the June 30th balance ($444.15) from the American Heritage River Commission current budget.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request that the Board of Finance encumber the June 30th balances of the Temporary Salary Account ($720.00) and from the Conference & Training line ($225.00) for a total of $945.00 to the Conference & Training line in the 07/08 budget to cover the costs of the mandated training on the new Optical Scan Voting Machines.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Crouch/Filipone/Hayes/Sinisgallo
Opposed: No one
Abstained: Simmons
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance for an added appropriation of $2,046.06; $1986.06 to be allocated to vehicle maintenance (430) and $60 to travel (580) to
meet the shortfalls in the Senior Center’s current budget.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried
MOTION: To request that the Board of Finance transfer $900.00 from drivers salary line (121) to the salary overtime line (102), in the Senior Center current budget.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried
MOTION: To request that the Board of Finance transfer $5,000 to the gas & oil line (620) and $1,585.11 to the vehicle maintenance line (430) from the driver’s salary line (121) and to transfer $399.83 from longevity account line to vehicle maintenance to cover the shortfalls in the Senior Center current budget.
Selectman Hayes moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance an added appropriation in the amount of $6,829.44 to the appropriate salary accounts in the Planning
Department (1124) budget to cover the cost incurred due to resignation of the Assistant Town Planner.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried
MOTION: To request from the Board of Finance an added appropriation in the amount of $7,649.36 for the referendum account (812) in the Registrar of Voters current budget to cover the
cost of two budget referendums.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Crouch/Filipone/Hayes/Sinisgallo
Opposed: No one
Abstained: Simmons
F. Set Salaries/2007/2008 (If Budget passes):
MOTION: To RECOMMEND to the Board of Finance to give the First Selectman a 3.25% raise like the other employees are getting. The $60,568.59 annual income would come out of the Salaries line.
Discussion: First Selectman Filipone read a letter of clarification from the Town Attorney indicating that the Board of Finance’s failure to provide salaries to the Board of Selectman is within the power/authority of the Board of Finance. Discussion continued
regarding the availability of funding for this proposal.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Sinisgallo seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Crouch/Hayes/Simmons/Sinisgallo
Opposed: No one
Abstained: Filipone
MOTION: To RECOMMEND to the Board of Finance that they restore the salary to the Deputy Selectman, and give him a 3.25% increase as they have done with other employees.
Discussion: First Selectman Filipone cited concern that there is no money available to fund the Deputy Selectman’s salary and increase; the Board of Selectman would need to go for an additional appropriation to fund this proposal. Selectman Simmons questioned if this proposal was putting the cart before the horse. Selectman Sinisgallo suggested this is a wage; he doesn’t know anyone who will work for nothing. First Selectman Filipone felt the Deputy Selectman and other Selectman should get a salary but reiterated his concern that there is no funding to support this proposal. Deputy Selectman Crouch interpreted that this decision was made by the Board of Finance because they as Commission
members aren’t getting paid; he felt this issue should be reviewed from the point of view that all members of boards and commissions should receive a stipend. Selectman Hayes felt the Selectman should be respected by other departments. First Selectman Filipone indicated he didn’t disagree with that comment.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Filipone/Hayes/Simmons/Sinisgallo
Opposed: No one
Abstained: Crouch
MOTION: To RECOMMEND to the Board of Finance to restore the salary to the other three Selectmen, with a 3.25% increase as well.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
MOTION: To APPROVE the wages the Selectmen set based on salaries approved at Board of Selectmen’s meeting on June 5, 2007, with the hourly rate of $8.25 to $13 for part-time employees. Salaries approved are for Registrar of Voters, Assessor, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Treasurer, Director of Public Works/Town
Engineer, Zoning Enforcement Officer/Assistant Town Planner, Fire Marshal, Pension Administrator, Administrative Assistant, Park & Recreation Groundskeeper, Selectman’s Office Secretary/Receptionist, Assessor’s Clerks, Human Services Clerk, Tax Office Clerk, Town Clerk’s Clerk, Park & Recreation Clerk, Senior Center Clerks, Planning & Zoning Clerk, Public Works Part-time Clerk, Building Department
Part-time Clerk.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Simmons seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried.
G. Tax Refunds:
MOTION: To APPROVE the tax refunds in the amount of $10,267.95 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Selectman Sinisgallo moved/Selectman Crouch seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous - motion carried
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: To ADJOURN this Meeting at 9:30 P. M.
Selectman Crouch moved/Selectman Hayes seconded/
VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________________________
Peg Hoffman, Substitute Recording Secretary
* Starred items will not be discussed, but will remain on the agenda pending receipt of additional information.
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