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Meeting was called to order at 4:32 p.m. by Chairperson Prague.
Members Present
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 (Arrived at 4:36 p.m.)
Kevin McCann, Town Council
John Pelkey, Town Council
Cary Prague, Town Council (Chairperson)
Janice Snyder, Chair, Board of Education (Vice Chairperson) (Arrived at 4:36 p.m.)
Members Absent
Carolyn Egan, Board of Education
Anthony Fornuto, Board of Education
Donna McKenty, Business Manager, Board of Education
Guest
Raymond Favreau, Director of Recreation
Scott Roberts, Director of Information Technology
Tom Hart, Commander
Myron Poluack, President New England Communication Systems
- Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Motion to: approve the October 15, 2008 Meeting Minutes.
Was made by: Mr. McCann
Seconded by: Mr. Pelkey
Amend: In Item 4, the last sentence of paragraph eight states, “there was a unanimous vote of opposition.” Mr. Gantick initiated the conversation on how there was not an actual vote regarding having the meetings televised. The sentence should read: There was a negative consensus.
The amended motion: carried
The vote was: unanimous with 2 abstentions being made by John Pelkey and Kevin McCann
Passed Referendums
There was a brief discussion on how the Referendums that passed will not affect Capital Projects. One of the Referendums that did not pass was the Dry Pit Pump Station upgrade. Mr. Gantick stated that the enterprise fund for the Water Pollution Control Budget will have to be looked at to determine how to fund the Dry Pit Pump Station projects. It will not affect the Capital Projects Budget.
Immediate School Needs for 2009
Mr. Hankard explained how they took a look at the needs that will impact the safety and program at the schools. There are approximately 60 items for the elementary programs that have been delayed for about four years. Mr. Hankard gave a brief description and answered questions regarding the list of eight projects for FY 09/10 that need to be completed because the School Referendum did not pass.
Broadband Network Proposal
Mayor Prague made a motion to move the Broadband Network Proposal as the next Discussion Item. All were in favor.
Cmdr. Hart explained how they are proposing a wireless broadband network that will start with the Police Department, then tie in the Town, and later tie in the Schools.
Mr. Poluack gave a general overview of what a wireless Broadband Network is. He explained that it is an extension of the existing town’s communication network that will be wireless throughout the community. This provides a variety of IP based communication points to serve the general public along with the various public safety, public service, and education departments throughout town. Access points, which would be towers, would need to be in various locations. Some examples of what could be provided are internet service at schools, shopping centers, parks; and local data access for the Fire Department, Police Department, or any other data access requirements for any of the agencies throughout the community.
Mr. Poluack gave a few examples of how Southington, New London, Enfield, Glastonbury, and in the Springfield area are using this type of wireless network.
He explained that there is a quick return on the investment. It is global technology that is upgradeable. Antennas are needed, but they are hardly noticeable. Town owned infrastructure is used whenever possible to minimize MOUs and outside agreements. The Town would have access and control of the system and our IT Department will manage the network. This is a fully encrypted network.
Mr. Roberts explained some of the wireless technology that is currently being used by employees that the Town is paying a fee for through Verizon or Sprint. The downfall to the current system being used is that the IT Department does not have any control over the systems if something should not be working; they have to go back to the supplier to have it fixed.
Mr. Roberts discussed how the Pollution Control Facility and Town Garage don’t have enough bandwidth to do some of the things they are trying to do. They looked at putting fiber optic cable in the ground, and economically it is not possible. This new proposal would be a way to increase their capability in an economic way.
He also discussed the importance of a wireless network during a disaster. He explained how commercial networks may not support communication during an emergency. As long as gasoline was in the generators a wireless network would still be up and running. This would allow the Town to be in communication and better manage what was going on.
Mr. Roberts stated that the cost would be approximately $758,000 to complete the foundation of the project.
Copies of the proposals were requested by Mayor Prague and would be provided by Mr. Poluack.
Various questions were answered with regard to what this system could offer.
First Draft of Priority List from Town and School
Town Manager Galligan provided the Committee Members with estimates for the use of natural grass and new irrigation at the High School Fields. The cost for the All Purpose Fields would be $273,400 and $134,150 for a Stadium Field.
Mr. Gantick went over the draft Capital Improvement Plan. There are some items on the list that do not have costs associated with them. It was explained that those items are not of concern at the moment because they will be done in later years.
Progress of $10M Bond Referendum
Mr. Gantick discussed the Bonded Road and Drainage Schedule. He said that for the most part everything is on schedule. He also briefly explained the Pavement Management Report.
The Committee also discussed the stimulus package.
Progress of Building Inventory
It was explained how the firm will be starting with the Town Hall as a trial building and then everyone can see if this is something that is wanted. There was a brief discussion regarding what will be included.
5. New Business
The committee members would like a report of Capital Project Expenditures for the current year. It was suggested that this could be given quarterly.
There was discussion amongst the Committee about whether or not the Town Manager and Superintendent should try working on projects if they are not going to be able to get done anyways. The Town Manager explained how Portland, Oregon set priorities and made sure they got done. He suggested that the Town of South Windsor try the same thing.
6. Old Business
No old business was discussed.
7. Adjournment
A Motion to adjourn was made at approximately 6:08 p.m. by Mr. Pelkey, it was seconded by Mr. Gantick, and carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
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Vanessa Perry
Recording Secretary
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