1. Call Meeting to Order
Meeting was called to order at 4:44 p.m. by Chairperson Prague.
2. Roll Call
Members Present
Anthony Fornuto, Board of Education
Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works
Patrick Hankard, Dir. of Facility Services, Board of Education
Dr. Robert Kozaczka, Superintendent of Schools
Cary Prague, Town Council (Chairperson)
Janice Snyder, Chair, Board of Education (Vice Chairperson)
Members Absent
Carolyn Egan, Board of Education
Kevin McCann, Town Council
Donna McKenty, Business Manager, Board of Education
John Pelkey, Town Council
Guest
Raymond Favreau, Director of Recreation
3. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Motion to: approve the September 24, 2008 Meeting Minutes.
Was made by: Ms. Snyder
Seconded by: Mr. Galligan
The Motion was approved with 1 abstention made by Mr. Fornuto.
4. Discussion Items
Preliminary Discussions on FY 2009/2010 Capital Projects & Capital Projects Budget Schedule
Mayor Prague discussed the new zero based budget process. He explained that they will take a look at where we are now in this year’s budget and try to project revenues for next year. The new process will also include looking at what other towns are doing with their budgets. All departments will present to the Council what their department offers and whether those programs should continue
There was a brief discussion on energy costs.
Mayor Prague stated that he thinks Capital Projects are an investment and he doesn’t feel that Capital Projects is where the first dollars should be cut.
The Town Manager discussed some of the pros and cons of a zero based budget approach.
There was also discussion about some Council Members wanting to cut Capital Projects. The idea to extend the Capital Projects calendar was brought up.
Town Manager Galligan made the point that priorities have to be set and if a Council Member wants a project done, they must put a Resolution on the Agenda. He said that he is very excited to try this new budget process.
The Town Manager explained how he had a discussion with Mike Gantick on having certain Council Members on a Committee to be in charge of the bidding process of projects.
Mayor Prague asked the Capital Projects Committee if anyone was in favor of having the Capital Projects Meetings televised. There was a negative consensus.
There was discussion on how the Council should stick with a budget for Capital Projects and not at the last minute cut items without the Capital Projects Committee agreeing.
5. New Business
The Town Manager informed the Committee about a Broadband Network Proposal that was brought to his attention. This system will allow certain cell phones to be able to continue to communicate with each other while in South Windsor even in the case of emergencies. Town laptops will also be able to be connected to the servers while employees are out in the field. He explained that this is an expensive proposition, but it will increase productivity on a regular basis and also be helpful in the event of an emergency. If a digital sign was put up at the four corners, this system would allow for it to be updated from the Town Hall. Scott Roberts and Commander Hart will come to a future Capital Projects Meeting to discuss this further. Scott is preparing the
documents needed to apply for a grant to help pay for some of this.
There was a brief discussion about the crosswalks not having proper down ramps and how this would hinder the ability to expand the Safe Routes to School Program. It was suggested that a line item for the Safe Routes to School Program be added to Capital Projects.
6. Old Business
No old business was discussed.
7. Adjournment
A Motion to adjourn was made at approximately 5:40 p.m. it was seconded and carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________
Vanessa Perry
Recording Secretary
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