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Town Manager Matthew Galligan called the meeting to order at approximately 4:35 p.m.
Members Present
Dr. Kate Carter, Superintendent of Schools, Board of Education
Carol Driscoll, Board of Education
Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works
Gary Miller, Interim Business Manager, Board of Education
Janice Snyder, Town Council
Members Absent
Dr. M. Saud Anwar, Town Council
Patrick Hankard, Director of Facility Services, Board of Education
Cary Prague, Town Council
Richard Stahr, Board of Education
Guests Present
Jeffrey Doolittle, Town Engineer
Raymond Favreau, Director of Recreation
Scott Roberts, Director of Information Technology
Walter Summers, Fire Marshal
3. Approval of Minutes Previous Meetings
Town Manager Matthew Galligan made a motion to approve the June 6, 2011 Minutes; Councilor Janice Snyder seconded that motion; and it was approved unanimously.
4. Discussion Items
Discussion of Capital Projects
Town Manager Galligan opened discussion on Capital Projects. He explained that the Capital Projects Budget had once been up to $3 million for funding, and now the budget has fallen to about $600,000, which is attached as Exhibit A. Mr. Michael Gantick estimated that it would take over $40 million to complete the Town’s current list of projects, which are attached as Exhibit B. With the current budget, that would be about 240 years of work. Town Manager Galligan said that there is an expert looking at the Town buildings for code and utility issues. One example is the Police Department, which has 19 heat pumps that need to be replaced.
Ms. Carol Driscoll mentioned that she was concerned that the Capital Projects process is getting away from the Committee’s grasp. It seems like an afterthought for the Town Council to cut funding from the Capital Projects budget if money needs to be saved. Ms. Driscoll would like to bring a plan forward to the Town Council so the Committee can emphasize its importance.
Superintendent Kate Carter agreed that the Committee needs a plan, but she pointed out that there are important budget decisions that are only days away. Superintendent Carter asked if the Committee would be blending the Town’s Capital Projects list and the Board of Education’s Project list and prioritizing them, regardless of the dollar amounts. Councilor Janice Snyder agreed and discussed how the previous year’s lists worked in the Committee.
Town Manager Galligan said that the Town has bonding capacity, but going to referendum every time the Town wants to bond a project would be difficult. The deadline for the Town Council to make a decision about the finalized 2012/2013 Budget is the fourth week in May.
Councilor Snyder suggested that the Committee should take a viable Project list and make a presentation before the Town Council. Ms. Driscoll asked what the Town Council’s general objections were to raising the Capital Projects Budget in the past. Town Manager Galligan replied that one reason was money, and Councilor Snyder mentioned the Town Council’s commitment. Ms. Driscoll suggested that only the absolute top priority items should be presented to the Council so they would not be tempted to pick and choose which items should be addressed. Mr. Walter Summers said that the Town Council usually wants presentations for everything the Town wants to do.
Councilor Snyder said that the Committee listens to the details of the projects that are discussed. Ideally, the Town Council would only have to know what a project entails on the higher level, and details could be provided in booklets about the project. Town Manager Galligan said that the Town-owned buildings should be maintained because they are community buildings. There are some serious projects in a few of the buildings that need to be addressed. Councilor Snyder suggested that the priority projects should be presented to the taxpayers, who are reasonable when they understand where their tax money is going.
Town Manager Galligan presented the Pavement Management Update, attached as Exhibit C, from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. which shows the Town’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) history. From 2005 to 2011, the Arterial and Collector roadway ratings went from an 82 to an 85 with the improvements Public Works did using the bond money. The rating for local roads has gone from an 83 to a 77. Town Manager Galligan suggested that the next bond issue should concentrate on local roads.
Town Manager Galligan explained that any bonding done this coming November would not affect the budget for the next Fiscal Year. Mr. Scott Roberts emphasized the importance of the Public Safety Switch project which is part of the Computer Replacement Program.
Superintendent Carter asked Town Manager Galligan and Mr. Gantick what projects on the Town list would qualify for bonding. Mr. Gantick went through the list, Exhibit B, with the Committee and noted which projects are able to be bonded.
Mr. Gary Miller discussed the project list for the Board of Education, attached as Exhibit D, with the Committee. Many of the items qualified for budget requests, but some items are able to be bonded, such as paving replacement at South Windsor High School.
Councilor Snyder said that she could put together a presentation for the Town Council if Committee members would supply her with specific information.
Superintendent Carter voiced concern over bringing in too many variables with bonding. That would push some important projects to the side. Mr. Summers asked if going before the Town Council at the next meeting and asking for bonding would be an option before the Committee does too much work for nothing. Town Manager Galligan replied that the Town Council would ask what projects are being bonded, and the Committee would have to make those decisions before presenting to the Town Council.
Councilor Snyder said she would put forth the Committee’s general plan to the Town Council at the next Council meeting on April 23, 2012.
New Business
Appointment of Chairperson
Superintendent Carter made a motion to appoint Councilor Janice Snyder as chairperson; Mr. Gary Miller seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
Appointment of Vice-chairperson
Town Manager Galligan made a motion to appoint Ms. Carol Driscoll as vice-chairperson; Councilor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
Old Business
None
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Snyder at 5:45 p.m.; the motion was seconded by Town Manager Galligan; and all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
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Ashley Summers
Recording Secretary
Attachments:
Exhibit A Capital Projects Budget Fiscal Year 2012/2013
Exhibit B Town Proposed Projects Fiscal Year 2012/2013 (with annotations)
Exhibit C Pavement Management Update from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
Exhibit D Board of Education Proposed Projects Fiscal Year 2012/2013
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