TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 February 17, 2004
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor Edward Havens
Deputy Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor William Aman
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Muriel Yacavone
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.; and immediately recessed it in order to continue Public Hearing. Following the close of the Public Hearing, and a brief recess, the Mayor reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8:25 p.m.
ITEM:
5. Public Input - None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings - None
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible
to Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan pointed out that Fred Shaw was present at this evening’s meeting; and he and Mr. Shaw, he said, were ready to go forward with a contract for refuse collection. Mr. Galligan reported that “automated collection” for the Town trash pick-up was being considered; and he pointed out that Mr. Shaw had brought in a 90-gallon trash can of the type used in such a collection for Council to see.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Continuing, Mr. Galligan said that smaller (65-gallon) trashcans were also a matter of choice were the Town to go to this new system. Under this new proposal, he said, each family would be “given” one container (size of choice) as part of the Town’s contractual cost; and, if additional containers are needed the residents may purchase them.
Referring to the “Request for Proposal” process used to receive quotes on this service, Mr. Galligan said the Town had received two (2). Originally, he said, the figures reflected (depending upon the service offered) as high as a 60% increase over the previous contract. The proposal submitted by our current contractor, according to Mr. Shaw, increased by as much as 49% just to do what is currently being done as far as the method of collection.
Mr. Shaw said the Town had looked at several options and had asked the contractors to submit proposals with these options in mind. They were: (1) To extend the contract service beyond three (3) years to five (5) years; (2) To consider the use of Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments with a limit of 4% to try to limit the Town’s cost; (3) consideration of “automated collection” as an alternative to the “rear loader collection” method.
In each of the above cases, Mr. Shaw reported, the alternatives provided the Town with opportunities to reduce the cost for the overall service to about a 2.6% increase over the current cost. Again, Mr. Shaw said much smaller increase in cost would entail using a container assigned to each address; containing a serial number on each; and belonging by the contractor—who is required to maintain them and replace them if they become damaged or lost.
Mr. Galligan added that, following research and talks with the Town Managers in both East Granby and East Hartford, it was discovered that an added incentive to using these containers was that the recycling efforts of the community increased—and the “tipping fees” associated with the disposal of the trash were less because of this.
In summation, the Town Manager said it would appear that Waste Management is the apparent low bidder; and did offer to provide this new service.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
With regard to condominiums, Mr. Shaw said that the optimum approach would be to provide (perhaps smaller) containers to 7 out of the 12 condominium complexes—those that have garages or places too easily store these containers. The remaining five (5) complexes, he added, would continue with “dumpsters.”
Mayor Havens then asked the Town Manager exactly what the additional cost for refuse collection would be this year. Mr. Galligan and Mr. Shaw responded by referring to the information provided in Council’s packet which shows that, using the new recommended procedure and the 5-year proposal, the increase in cost would be from $922,447 (currently) to $946,263 (for 5-year proposal)—or a difference of about $23,000.
Councillor Delnicki asked how the 96-gallon trashcan before them equaled the average trashcan presently being brought out by residents. Mr. Shaw replied about 3 of the currently used trashcans; and it would cost each residence an additional $70 per year for an additional trashcan of this size.
Councillor Yacavone asked if any provisions were being made regarding refuse collection from private Senior “rental” units in Town. Mr. Shaw said that the Town does not take care of these units.
Councillor Aman inquired into new estimates that may have been received for “tipping fees” this year. Mr. Shaw explained that, although nothing official has as yet been received from CRRA, it was expected that they may go from $63.75 per ton to about $70.00 per ton—or an increase of about 9.8%. Councillor Aman then asked that a figure representing the per-household cost for refuse collection (including the breakdown by residence for tipping fees) be provided so that each homeowner would be provided with a better understanding of the cost to the Town for disposing of his/her weekly refuse.
When asked by Councillor Aman the tonnage experienced by the Town each year, Mr. Shaw replied about 8,250 tons—or what translates into about $77 per single-family residence.
Considering that the current services are being bid much higher, Councillor Aman asked what factor was generating this increase—particularly, considering the fact that wages have not gone up 46% in the last few years. Mr. Shaw replied that it was mostly due to increased “liability insurance,” and “Workers’ Compensation” rates.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Paquin felt that such a large trash container would encourage people to throw out more, and recycle less. Mr. Shaw said that most households currently put out three (3) trashcans per day. In single-family residences, according to Mr. Shaw, recycling efforts are up around 90%. However, he continued, the participation in the recycling program is much lower at condominium complexes. He attributed this to the fact that “dumpsters” are too convenient for throwing away “everything.” This is one area where the Superintendent felt participating in the recycling program would be improved by the “automated collection service.”
Councillor Paquin then expressed concern about the Town’s reliance on these “single-manned” trucks and their breakdown rate. She asked about an auxiliary plan in that event. Mr. Shaw said that spare trucks would always be available; however, the trucks being used, primarily, were “much more efficient—taking about 7 seconds per site and covering a larger area in much less time than the old style trucks with the rear loaders. He said that “scheduled maintenance” of the trucks is an expectation of the Town; and “penalty clauses” are included in the contract as an “incentive” to do just that.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey asked if the residents chose the size trash container they want prior to the initiation of the new program; or would they be given the large container, initially, and only replace with the smaller one, upon request. Mr. Shaw responded that it was his understanding that most single-family homeowners would prefer the larger container—however, residents can make a request for the smaller one up front. He added that an ”informational brochure” would be going out to the residents, well in advance, explaining the program and the options available to them.
The Deputy Mayor then asked if the Condominium Associations have, as yet, been approached about with this new proposal. Mr. Shaw replied that they have not; that there is a “letter ready to go;” however, the Town Manager and he wanted to pass the proposal by the Council first and receive their input.
Continuing, Deputy Mayor Pelkey pointed out that “some of the condos’ Declarations included a statement that “there will be a central trash pick-up,” etc. as a matter of law within the Association, and abiding by State law. He noted that some condos has “carports;” and asked if it was the intent of the contractor to place these container in those carports. Mr. Shaw said he thought this was the case. Mr. Pelkey then asked what would happen in the event the condo “association” rejected this new plan.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Shaw said he assumed, in that case, the Town Manager and he would have to return to the Town Council. He reminded Council that this new system was “most cost-effective for the Town; and to do otherwise would mean “greater cost for the Town.” Also, he added, staff felt it had real merit as far as encouraging greater recycling in the condominiums.
The Deputy Mayor felt this may become an issue in some condominium associations; and suggested that the program be explained, one on one, with the associations to see how it will work in their particular complex. Mr. Galligan suggested that if this option were to be made available to the condominiums, then it should be offered to single-family homes.
It was the Deputy Mayor’s concern that when the Town offered this service to the condominiums the Town promised them “the same service they were paying for out of their pockets;” and, now “we’re changing the rules.” He said he was not saying he was against this new proposal; however, in the case of condominiums trash pick-up, “there are issues.”
Councillor Streeter agreed with Mr. Galligan with regard to condominium pick-up. It was his contention that the reason it was initially agreed to reimburse them for this service was to “equalize” their expenditures for this service with the Town’s program. He felt, however, it gets to the point where the condo associations feel this could be a “major problem,” they can return to paying for their own refuse pick-up program, as in the past—he did not feel that the “rest of the Town should have to foot the bill for the condos” if their choice turns out to result in a drastic increase in refuse collection.
Councillor Fine expressed concern that the new trash container would not fit in her garage; and also asked if the container could be kept outside—and adding that she was not being facetious, asked if it was “raccoon-proof?” Mr. Shaw explained that the container was plastic and non-corrosive; and had a very tight-fitting lid.
To further explain the merits of the new system, Mr. Shaw said the Town could not be experiencing the “litter on the streets” it now does; it should reduce the “odors, flies, pests, etc” getting into the trash. Mr. Shaw summed up by saying that the “automated collection” program provides for a “very uniform neat-looking neighborhood when people set out an individual container” such as that exhibited here this evening.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Fine then suggested that, perhaps, something different had to be done with the recycling program—such as providing each household with two (3) recycling bins—one for newspapers, and one for bottles and cans. She felt this would make it easier to recycle. She asked if it were possible to get “new bins.”
Mr. Shaw said that, contained in the Budget for the last couple of years, has been the proposal to replace “half the Town’s recycling bins next year,” and half the following year.
When asked if a “consensus of the whole community” was going to be sought, Mr. Galligan replied that “No”—that this is a program that has been looked at; where a survey of other communities has been done and where the system has proven very successful. He noted, again, that the system keeps the cost down for refuse collection; and it’s neat and clean.
Eyeing the 96 gallon container, and aware that it will hold 200 pounds of trash, Councillor Delnicki asked if the “average person” can move it around. Mr. Shaw replied that many communities have been dealing with this, successfully, for some time—he elaborated. The Councillor, too, agreed that whatever method was chosen, it had to be applied “uniformly.”
Councillor Pendleton asked if this new method would “slow down collection? Mr. Shaw replied that it would actually “speed it up;” and he had timed the procedure in East Hartford, and, uniformly, it actually took about 7 seconds per stop; was very clean (no spills onto the ground); and a very efficient method, he said.
Mayor Havens stated that he felt it was a good business decision; and felt that “everyone will get used to it.” He asked that the proposal move ahead.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Streeter urged the Town Manager to pursue his efforts with regard to the problem with the Fuel Cell because of Yankee Gas; and that he contact the DPUC, as he mentioned, to make certain the High School is notified prior to a similar action in the future.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Delnicki asked if the Town had ever verified with the DPUCA that the Gas Company is “actually allowed to do that.” Mr. Galligan replied that, according to the Agency, it is allowed; but Mr. Galligan expressed his opinion that shaving “40%” is a lot. Councillor Delnicki asked, again, if anyone from staff had written a letter to the DPUCA actually asking if such a practice is permitted. Mr. Galligan said he would do that this week.
Councillor Delnicki thanked Mr. Galligan for forwarding the Councillor’s questions regarding the Board of Education Budget to the Board of Education. He added, however, that the response back from Superintendent of Schools Joseph Wood concerned him. He then read the portions of the letter he was referring to.
Councillor Fine asked for a more “in depth” explanation of the paragraph in the “Town Manager’s Report” regarding a Resolution on this evening’s Agenda to “redo a baseball field,” temporarily, in order to accommodate softball this Summer. Mr. Galligan explained. Councillor Fine then expressed frustration regarding the week-to-week changes affecting the softball season, and the negative direction they were taking.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey explained, for the public’s information, that the fuel cell had “shut down” a few weeks ago because of the “introduction of 40% propane gas by the gas company. The Deputy Mayor expressed his concern that the primary purpose of having the fuel cell at the High School/Emergency Shelter Center was the Town’s dependency on it for power during an emergency situation when other sources of power were not available. This could not happen, he pointed out, when, in fact, the fuel cell, too, was inoperable because of the actions by the Gas Company.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey, too, said he was “taken aback” by Dr. Wood’s reaction and response to Councillor Delnicki’s request (through the Town Manager) for information on the Board’s budget. The Deputy Mayor felt that the process of filtering questions through the Town Manager to the Superintendent seemed to him to be a “very logical step;” as opposed to (i.e.) nine Councillors calling Dr. Wood’s Office, individually, and perhaps asking the same questions.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pendleton (referring to the “softball issue) asked the Town Manager how he was proposing to go from two ballfields. He said that everyone has to work together; and, he added, it may mean that each sports group would have to play “less games” in order to share the remaining fields for this upcoming season. He pointed out that the Town had sports that were “meant for the summer season and which are now playing three (3) seasons.”
Mr. Ray Fever, Director of Recreation, came forward to explain (1) at VMP the field in the back is used for “soccer” on a limited basis; because, as he added, that field is also used for overflow parking in the pool’s summer months. He also explained that he had met with the Team Captains on February 11 to discuss the “league situation;” and game them all their options—one of which is to play on other teams in other Towns.
According to Mr. Fever, some of the leagues taking South Windsor teams at this point are East Hartford, Vernon, Windsor, and (potentially) Ellington and East Windsor. He explained the process further.
Councillor Streeter, following the discussion on sharing a ballfield, said he did not wish to put children off a field in order to accommodate adults for a year. He was also concerned with “parking” in the vicinity of some of the fields. Summing up, Councillor Streeter said he felt this idea was a “lose/lose” situation—spending money now; spending money later to “reconvert” the field; and we’re “putting kids out of playing.” He said he would not be supporting the Resolution.
14. Public Participation
Craig Zimmerman, 5 Amato Drive, said he was present this evening representing
both the Park and Recreation Commission as its Chairman, and as the person in charge of the American Legion Baseball Program. He said that Mr. Maximino would be speaking next as a representative from Little League.
The Chairman then went on to provide Council with a quick background on where the idea of temporarily converting the hardball field at Nevers Road to a softball field until the Fall had come from. And, speaking for his Commission, how they felt about this plan. Mr. Zimmerman also stated that the later the date with a decision on this, the more difficult to accommodate; and, regarding the question of kids not being able to play baseball this year because of this sharing of fields, he said this was not the case. The Town, he stated, would now be using its fields to their 100% availability
ITEM:
14 Public Participation (Continued)
Next to speak was Al Maximino, 11 Saddleback Drive, representing South Windsor Little League. Mr. Maximino said he had not learned until last week that the possibility existed that Little League would be losing Nevers Field for this season. He was concerned with the fact that Little League had just completed their Registration process, and would have over 1,000 participants (of which 100% are South Windsor residents. He then stated that “Quite frankly, this is going to be very disruptive to our season.”
Back in October, according to Mr. Maximino, when the suggestion to use Duprey Field came up, Little League was against it. He added that Little League’s suggestion was that the Town use Nevers Field; and Little League would then “like bargain with the Town, and ‘light’ that field.” Having said that, Mr. Maximino contended, there was no further communications from anyone until last week.
Continuing, Mr. Maximino said that Little League has “finalized its schedule;” and, in essence, Little League “would lose 35 scheduling slots for our regular season.”
Were Little League to participate in this revised scheduling of fields for a one-year season, Mr. Maximino said it could be done; however, LL would have to reduce the number of games. He added, however, if “what we came out with was a better product—if we came back with a field that had irrigation—and if we had a field in which we would partner with the Town and get lights on that field—could we adjust our schedule—Yes, we could; but it will be extremely disruptive for Little League this year.
Questions from Council followed.
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Louise Evans a Residential Representative to South Windsor’s Open Space Task Force
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Louise Evans to the Open Space Task Force, to serve this agency as a “residential representative.”
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
B. Appointment of Joel Nadel (D) as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Joel Nadel an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2007.
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Approving the Town of South Windsor’s Participation in the Submission of a Joint Application with the Town of Manchester to the Capitol Region Council of Governments for a Buckland Hills Area Transportation Study
WHEREAS, the Buckland Hills area has become a major center of regional importance for retail establishments, and generates a substantial sales tax revenue for the State; and
WHEREAS, the Buckland Hills area, including the Pavilions at Buckland Hills and Evergreen Walk in South Windsor, generates a tremendous amount of regional traffic using the interstate highways, state highways and local roads in South Windsor and Manchester; and
WHEREAS, the regional traffic demand impacts the roadways in the towns of South Windsor and Manchester; and
WHEREAS, the towns of South Windsor and Manchester recognize the need for a joint examination of the Buckland Hills area major traffic issues; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration has made funds available to the States for such purposes as road improvements; highway and transit safety; and traffic management and control; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, The Capitol Region Council of Governments has $1,000,000 reserved for non-traditional projects in the $13,600,000 Federal allocation available for project funding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to submit a funding request in the amount of $250,000, to the CRCOG Transportation Committee, for the preparation of a Buckland Hills Area Transportation Study.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Authorizing an Expenditure of $2,000 for South Windsor High School’s 2004 “Operation Graduation”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes and directs Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to contribute $2,000 from Contingency Account #1910-9001-390 to Town Manager’s Professional Account Number 1131-1310-320 as the Town’s contribution toward South Windsor High School’s “2004 Operation Graduation” Fund.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Authorizing an Expenditure of $1,000 for Cheney Tech Project Graduation 2004
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes and directs Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to contribute $1,000 from Contingency Account #1910-9001-390 to Town Manager’s Professional Account Number 1131-1310-320 to help defray expenses associated with Cheney Tech’s “Project Graduation - 2004”.
Was made by: Councillor Yacavone
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Approving the Expenditure of $8,880 for the Initial Conversion of the Baseball Field at Nevers Road Park to a Temporary Softball Field for the 2004 Softball Season, and the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for Same
(Councillor Fine)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the appropriation of $8,880 from Contingency Account #1910-9001-390 to cover expenses associated with the necessary work to convert a Nevers Road Park baseball field, temporarily, to a softball field for the 2004 softball season, or until such time as the reconfiguration of the playing fields at Rye Street Park is completed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council has also been provided with a quote, not included in this Resolution, which projects the anticipated cost of returning this field to a hardball playing field in the Fall of 2004, or at such time as the new playing fields at Rye Street Park are completed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the waiving of competitive bidding for this project because it has been deemed, by staff, to be in the best interest of the Town.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Fine moved to Amend the Resolution by removing, in the first paragraph of the Motion, the words “Park”; and ending this same paragraph at the word “season” by removing the remainder of the paragraph, or the words: “or until such time as the reconfiguration of the playing fields at Rye Street Park is completed; and
Further, Councillor Fine Amended the second paragraph to read: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council has also been provided with a quote, not included in this Resolution, which projects the anticipated cost of return this field to its original condition as a hardball playing field, but upgraded to include irrigation in the Fall of 2004—and striking the remainder of the paragraph.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Following Councillor Delnicki’s seconding of the Motion to Amend, Deputy Mayor Pelkey stated that he felt there were just too many unanswered questions regarding this Resolution that have arisen this evening.
The Deputy Mayor then moved to Table the Resolution. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Streeter; and approved 6 Ayes to 3 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine No
Councillor Aman Yes
Councillor Paquin No
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Pendleton Yes
Councillor Streeter Yes
Councillor Yacavone No
Deputy Mayor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Havens Yes
E. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute Documentation Waiving the Prohibition of a Truck Terminal on Property Purchased by MASSCONN DISTRIBUTORS CPL, Inc. (Dunkin’ Donuts) in the John Fitch Industrial Centre.
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the Town Manager, with the assistance of the Town Attorney, to execute documentation by which the Town agrees to raise no objection to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants as a property owner in the Industrial Park to the operation by Dunkin’ Donuts of a truck terminal in the Industrial Park, assuming Dunkin’ Donuts obtains all necessary permits and approvals from Town, State, and other governmental agencies for such a use.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Town Attorney Guliano, and Town Manager Matthew Galligan explained the need for this Resolution and, briefly, what MASSCONN DISTRIBUTORS were planning for the industrial location in question. However, after a short discussion and questions from Council, Councillor Paquin stated that she felt this Resolution was being moved along too quickly and that she had not received sufficient information this evening to vote on this Resolution. She then Moved to Table. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Fine; and was approved 5 Ayes to 4 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Aman No
Councillor Paquin Yes
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Pendleton Yes
Councillor Streeter No
Councillor Yacavone Yes
Deputy Mayor Pelkey No
Mayor Havens No
F. Resolution Approving the Refund of Property Taxes to Sixteen (16) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the refund of property taxes to sixteen (16) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $25,000.52, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by; Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
G. Discussion Item – Handy & Harman - Economic Development Project
(Town Manager to Report)
Mr. Galligan explained that the location being spoken of is at 300 Rye Street; was formerly owned and a metallurgic business run there by the firm of Handy & Harman, but is now in bankruptcy. There are a good of investors interested in this location, with a plan to locate a “recycling center” for bottling there.
ITEM:
17. G. (Continued)
Planning and Zoning approvals have been obtained—however, the issue was the clean up of the inside of the facility. They went to CDA to try to get the clean-up; and the cost for the clean-up plus interest, according to Mr. Galligan, could run close to $1 million for the inside of that building. Originally, he added, it was about $1.5 million; but, local environmental people have provided cost-saving information to these investors.
Mr. Galligan said the Town has met with CDA; and they require that the Town have an application in. He also said that there will be a Resolution included on a March 2004 Agenda indicating that the Town Council wishes to go forward with this program.
To give costs involved to restore this building to a useable state, Mr. Galligan informed the Council that right now, the building in its present condition, generates about $48,000 per year in property taxes. If, he added, the building were to be put back to its normal operating condition and the recycling center was built and located there, this property could generate as much as $120,000 (not including personal property or vehicles) in taxes.
CDA has stated that they will loan the Town the money to bring this building back, environmentally, to where it can receive DEP approval. Mr. Galligan explained that once this approval is obtained, and the building occupied as a business again, the difference between the $48,000 in taxes the Town used to receive and the possible $120,000 per year it may now receive would be used to pay CDA back for the borrowed monies.
The Town Manager pointed out that another reason for doing this was that there are approximately 65 tractor-trailer trucks; and, at a value of about $55,000 each (on assessment), and considering the value the equipment going into this building, an additional $136,000 in taxes on top of the $48,000 that could be coming to the Town. This, he added, is using “low” numbers since some of these trucks could be worth as much as $100,000.
The project cost, according to Mr. Galligan, is $5.6 million—of which, the new Owner out of his own equity is putting $953,000 in the project. This is a building, he said, that “has not been used; and has been sitting there, deteriorating; the roof is leaking…..;” and there is a very real concern that if the roof is leaking, and considering the “environmental issues” inside, the problems “could spread to the outside of the building.” He recommended the Council move forward with this.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
H. Discussion Item – Update on Town’s Pension Plan
(Town Manager to Report)
Mr. Galligan said the Mayor has asked him to remind the Town Council that the Town has a Pension Committee—made up of three Members of the Town Council, a “couple of employees,” and two Members of the Board of Education. He added that he wished Council to know that, under the Pension Committee, we do have an “Advisor” who oversees our “Money Manager,” we have our “lawyers” “we do have everything we need to run our pension fund.”
The Town Manager went on to explain the business being conducted through this Committee; and the fact that the Town’s “advisor” had suggested changes in the “International Fund” in order to realize higher earnings. Mr. Galligan also explained the intricacies and importance of picking the right “Money Manager.”
Referring back to the Pension Committee, itself, Mr. Galligan informed Council that the Pension Committee meets at least 4 or 5 times during the year—at which meetings it reviewed the quarterly reports received from Joe Bivona (Prudential Securities, Inc.) who does a “very in-depth analysis” of all the funds, and whether or not the Town “needs to look for another ‘Money Manager’.”
Mr. Galligan felt that the Pension Committee was doing a very good job; and, today, instead of earning 2%, the Pension Fund is now earning between 8% and 9%.
I. Discussion Item - Town Audit for Term Ending June 2003
(Town Manager to Report)
Mr. Galligan referred to the Town Audit recently received by the Members of the Town Council. He pointed out that the “Management Report,” however, was not included, as yet. The Auditors will present the Management Report to the Audit Committee; and will then come before the Town Council with their presentation. He pointed out that there are a couple of issues in the Management Report being reviewed by the Board of Education, and this is the reason Council does not have it as yet.
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the “Management Report” is the document that comments on the Town Manager is doing; how Finance Department is doing--the Board of Education, etc.
Reminding Council that last year, after the Budget was done, the Town had “some substantial cuts in manufacturing equipment.” Because of this, the Town Manager said he put a “freeze” on some of the spending; and he had urged staff to concentrate on only those items in their budgets that were absolutely necessary.
He then referred to Page 41 in the Budget which substantiated the fact that the Town had “under-spent” the Budget” by $564,000—quite an accomplishment when considering those large-ticket items and services that “have to be paid.” Mr. Galligan elaborated further on the contents of the Audit.
Questions followed from the Council Members.
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (continued)
On other subjects, Councillor Paquin alluded to a question from a resident about the need for “outside” consultants—a question, she said, that was never answered. She said that she would benefit from knowing “what do our in-house people do; and what don’t they do—like when do we need to hire a “fancy” consultant, and when don’t we.” She suggested that this was “sometime for a future Agenda discussion.”
Councillor Delnicki asked what was the Town’s current Fund Balance? Mr. Galligan referred Mr. Delnicki to the appropriate page in the Audit that provided an analysis and comparison of Fund Balance from year to year. He then added that the “undesignated fund balance” is $2.8 million; and $1.3 million in designated fund balance.
Councillor Delnicki, referring to Agenda Item 17. D. regarding the expenditure of $8,880 for the conversion of the ballfield at Nevers Road Park, and directing his question to Mr. Favreau and Mr. Zimmerman asked what unintended consequences there might be on the “tabling” of this Resolution.
ITEM:
19. (Continued)
Mr. Zimmerman, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission, said that as much as he wanted to find a solution to the “softball” issue in Town, and assuming the role as spokesperson for the groups in Town, he felt they would be against this two weeks from now. The reason for this, he continued, was that the whole baseball program (Little League, the High School); begins using the fields April 1st, weather permitting, and two weeks from now, its too late to change schedules to accommodate softball. He elaborated.
Continuing, Mr. Zimmerman said, hopefully, this doesn’t change “making some improvements at Nevers;” but, as a solution to the softball program—taking that field out of play for a year and making it a softball field—he felt it was late to do it today, February 17, and didn’t think it could be done at all on March 1.
Closing, Mr. Zimmerman said he appreciated the Council’s consideration, but he wouldn’t be back here two weeks from now recommending the Town make Nevers a softball field.
Town Manager Galligan asked that the next Work Session, the Planning and Engineering Departments be brought back before Council to answer their questions. At that time, he said, the question of what people do here could be answered.
In answer to the question regarding the need for an Executive Session this evening, Atty. Guliano replied that there was “good news and bad news.” The bad news was that he needed to ask the Town Council if there was specific additional information they needed, or if they wished to have some type of “presentation” made with regard to Agenda Item 17. E. that was tabled this evening.
The Town Attorney said he would relay their desires to MASSCONN DISTRIBUTORS (Dunkin’ Donuts). He was not aware, he said, of their deadline; but, assuming they are in a position to return to Council, was there additional specific information that Council wanted. He said he would make every effort to try to negotiate, specifically, what would be signed by the Town.
After questioning the Council Members, Mayor Havens said it was apparent that all they wanted was “time;” and thanked the Town Attorney.
ITEM:
20. Executive Session - To Discuss Partial Transfer of Interest in Town Property
(Cancelled)
21. Motion to Adjourn
At 10:30 p.m., Councillor Delnicki moved to adjourn. The Motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Pelkey; and was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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