The Wethersfield Town Council held a meeting on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Silas Deane Middle School.
Present: Councilors Cascio (arrived 8:15 p.m.), Console, Forrest, Hemmann, Kotkin, Roberts, Walsh, Deputy Mayor Montinieri, and Chairperson Adil.
Absent: Councilor Kotkin
Also present: Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager and Dolores G. Sassano, Town Clerk.
All stood for the pledge of allegiance to the flag which was led by Councilor Console.
Chairperson Adil read the Proclamation. He introduced Alana Kelly, Danny Leone, Megan Lemue, Bianca Gervase Mam, and Antonio LaRosa.
Lisa Leonard, Chairperson of the Intergenerational Program, said that the seventh grade students were asked to write an essay on their favorite senior. Three of the five winners are here tonight to read their essay. Their favorite senior is here with them.
Bianca Gervase Mama read her essay about her grandmother, Marie Vasquez.
Alana Kelly read her essay about her late grandmother, Marguerita Ortiz.
Antonio LaRosa read his essay about his grandfather Antonio.
The Principal of Silas Deane Middle School presented the children with certificates.
Lisa Leonard thanked the children for their essays and said that there are a host of activities at the Middle School this month to celebrate the Salute to Seniors. She read a letter from Megan Lemue's grandfather, who was unable to attend the meeting.
Dr. James Collins, Principal of the Silas Deane Middle School, congratulated the essay winners and thanked Lisa Leonard and Cathy Mandille for their work with the students.
Chairperson Adil read the Proclamation establishing April as Kite Month.
Peter Gillespie, Town Planner, gave the following highlights from his monthly report:
A TCO has been issued for the first and second phases of this project to renovate the basement level for office and administrative use and for the first floor retail use. Façade improvements are planned in the next few months.
A building permit has been issued for this space for a new hair salon.
On January 2nd the PZC granted approval for the renovation of this building and for the use of an outdoor patio for a new restaurant/café in this building. Construction is now underway.
An interior demolition permit has been issued to conduct some interior work to this building. An application has been approved by Design Review and a building permit application has been approved. Construction is now underway.
The PZC has approved plans for the demolition and reconstruction of buildings on this site to accommodate 2 new buildings: a new restaurant and a larger office building. Construction is now underway.
The PZC has approved plans to reopen this space as a coffee house which will also sell select foods and wine.
Plans have been submitted to renovate this space for a new prosthetics business.
A revised inland wetlands application has been approved for plans that include an expansion of 13,000 s.f. to the existing building and parking lots to accommodate the growing needs of this medical facility.
On April 1st the PZC approved plans for an expansion to the school which would double the size of the building.
Plans have been submitted to Design Review Advisory Committee for a free standing restaurant pad site for Arby's Restaurant.
A zone change application has been filed to rezone various properties in anticipation of a mixed use office/retail building of approximately 10,000 s.f. The hearing is scheduled for May 6th.
A PZC application and plans have been submitted for site plan approval for the construction of a 2 story medical office building at this site. The building is roughly 20,000 square feet and will be known as the Connecticut Center For Cosmetic Enhancement and Young Pharmaceuticals.
A certificate of occupancy has been issued for the renovation of this building to accommodate 13 condominium units. A preliminary plan has been submitted for the second phase of this project which would change the approved plans and include an assisted living facility. The PZC will discuss this matter at their May 6 meeting.
Met with representatives interested in a possible site for a free standing restaurant building.
SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
Councilor Roberts said that the Town Manager received a call that Manny's Autoparts was closed.
Peter Gillespie said that there is a sign on the door indicating that they are closed. It was a surprise to him.
Chairperson Adil said he would like to hear more about the Hartford Hospital project when the time comes.
Peter Gillespie said that it will be in front of the Inland Wetlands Commission in two weeks and then the Planning and Zoning Commission in June. The project is now in place with less impact to the wetlands. He is anticipating a favorable response from the Inland Wetlands Commission.
Charles Flynn, Fire Chief said that for the last two years the Department has been working on the project to replace the 1976 America LeFrance Snorkel.
Brian Schroll, Deputy Fire Chief and Chairperson of the Sub-committee, gave the following presentation:
|
Truck 12 Replacement [208 KB PDF* file] |
Councilor Roberts said that the Public Safety Committee met twice about this. The Sub-committee did a lot of work on this project. The Public Safety Committee voted to support this purchase of a fire truck. She thanked the Fire Department for the presentation.
Councilor Console said that he is not opposed to buying a fire truck. He said that he doesn't think this is the best way of doing it given the economic times. He is still convinced that his idea was a better way. Does the Town follow OSHA rules or National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) rules?
Charles Flynn said it is a combination of the two. OSHA is the safeguarding body of the State of Connecticut. They do reference NFPA rules.
Councilor Console asked if the NFPA 1901 is the standard used for new fire apparatus. Is the truck that the Town presently has grandfathered in without using the tools?
Charles Flynn said that it is grandfathered in by NFPA 1901. What has superseded that, Annex D, it is not grandfathered in based on its age.
Councilor Console asked if this piece of apparatus will last another year, if it was kept another year.
Charles Flynn said that this process started two years ago. It will take another 18 months to get the new truck.
Councilor Console said that an equipment memo sent to the Town Manager said that there were very few maintenance issues with the apparatus and that the Physical Services Division could provide the maintenance.
Charles Flynn said that based on the tests done last week, the apparatus is within the standards that make it operational.
Councilor Console said that his concern is that in the testing of Truck #2, it doesn't meet the same tests as vehicle #12 that the Department wants to get rid of. He said that the Town will be facing the same scenario in another year. Maybe the Town should hold off a year and then purchase two trucks at one time. In regard to down time with the old vehicle, he remembers Truck #32 being out of service due to damage several years ago. How long was that out of service?
Charles Flynn said that he thinks it was two weeks. It went out to a factory to be repaired.
Councilor Console asked if he gave any thought to purchasing a demonstrator vehicle.
Charles Flynn said that many manufacturers put in smaller motors and apparatus in the demonstrator models to save money. There would be money needed to bring a demonstrator model up to the standards.
Councilor Console said that the Town Garage is also looking for additional equipment. He said that his theory is to have a referendum for fire apparatus and Town vehicles and then the Town will be set for the next twenty years. He said that he thinks it makes economic sense to do that. He said he is not opposed to this purchase. He just thinks his way of doing it is better.
Dolores Sassano, Town Clerk took attendance.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO ADD THE PURCHASE OF AN AERIAL FIRE TRUCK TO THE AGENDA AS ITEM B.3.F" seconded by Councilor Cascio.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Dolores Sassano, Town Clerk, summarized the Ordinances and Resolutions.
ARTICLE XXI, CODE OF ETHICS AND BOARD OF ETHICS IS HEREBY REPLACED
George Steinmetz, 375 Brimfield Rd, spoke in favor of it and the most recent changes. He was the Vice Chairperson of the Ethics Committee which had worked on the rewriting of the rules adopted in 1975. The delay from the start to the finish was due to waiting for the State to decide what it was going to do to change the ethics rules. Since the State of Connecticut has not done anything yet and it has been several years, Mr. Steinmetz was happy the Town Council was going to implement these changes. He asked that the Town Manager and Town Clerk be sure to forward the information to all Town employees, staff, Boards and Commission members as well as anyone it will cover.
ORDINANCE REINSTITUTING SECTIONS 149-17 AND 149-18 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD
Charles Flynn, Fire Chief, spoke in favor of adopting the changes made to these sections of the Code of Wethersfield. These sections were eliminated due to the abatement being classified as taxable income. Former Chief John McAuliffe and Representative Larson has been working on having the law reversed and recently the changes were made to the Federal Law and voted on by the Federal Government December 20, 2007. This allowed the Town to again offer the abatement for volunteer staff of the Fire and Ambulance Departments.
ARTICLE XV CITIZENS ENERGY CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CODE OF WETHERSFIELD IS HEREBY REPLACED
Mary Dobruck 689 Folly Brook Boulevard read a report from the Interfaith Green Committee in support of the Citizen's Energy Conservation Advisory Committee. She introduced other members of the Committee: Phil Lohman, Nancy Kiely, Sally Nyren, and Carol Jones.
Phil Lohman, 434 Main Street, spoke on the creation of the Committee and also provided a handout from the Wethersfield Interfaith Green Committee which included a map with 10 Clean Energy Groups and/or projects currently working on and seeking "green opportunities". The Town can use fuel cells. It does not need to put up generating plants. There are towns in Connecticut already doing it.
Sally Nyren, 109 Church St, spoke in support of Ms. Dobruck's comments.
Mary Dobruck said that a church in West Hartford is in the group, too. The members are training and looking at ways that the churches can become more energy efficient. 57 churches in Connecticut have gone through the program and are saving significantly. The Committee is taking what it learns from this program and looking at what is in members homes and communities. This is the first step.
ORDINANCE CREATING AN ENERGY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND ENERGY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
Robert Young, 20 Coppermill Rd. spoke against an Energy District Board and District saying it was heavy stuff that would require hiring of staff, using resources and implementing fees for projects. The District can sell revenue bonds, and trust indentures. Bond districts are tax exempt and the Town could take a payment in place of taxes. He thought the Town needed the grand list to be as high as possible. There is a wide range of appropriating funds. Does it mean the Town guarantees the bonds? Is the Town going to be responsible for this? What is the cost of operating the plants? CNG and NU operate on economy of scale. Locally, we cannot compete with money with the big guys. There is a small electric factory in Waterbury. Could it happen here? "Not in my back yard" may haunt us. If volunteers run it, would they report to you? He has reservations and does not think citizens should secure the bonds.
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
No one addressed this Resolution.
Robert Young, 20 Coppermill Road, presented an analysis of Board of Education expenditures that he prepared. He said that Column G represents the 2007-08 Proposed Budget, the current year. The Board of Education budget presented to the Town Council was based on this proposed budget and not on the actual numbers expended and available from July 2007 to February 2008. The Board of Education presentation on March 12 should have given the Town Council the actual expenditure figures for the year up to February 29th. They took the adopted numbers and ran with them. This tainted the numbers. He asked the Board of Education to supply him with the actual numbers for July 1, 2007 to February 29, 2008. They are shown in Column H. In Column I, is what has been encumbered. There were no encumberence for salary wages, social security, or retirement. The Board of Education doesn't know what those figures are and said it will take too long to get them. He took the budget that the Board of Education had, the existing expenditures, the encumberences, and Column K is what the grand total would be. He took the budgeted numbers that were remaining to at least pick up the dollars, $11,000,000 worth, to indicate where the Board of Education would be as of June 30, 2008. As of June 30, 2008, as seen in Column L, all of the dollars are going to have a positive or negative effect on the dollars that the Board of Education should be reporting in the end as leftover dollars. He said that it looks like $433,773 should come back to the General Fund/Fund Balance. On the bottom of the first page in Column L, pupil tuition is on budget with the Superintendent's expenditures. The budget is $1,579,653. He increased it to $1,690,000 and $542,000 for a grand total of $2,237,000 in expenditures but he is saying that he is getting a reimbursement from the State of Connecticut that will offset that difference in his new budget. The Superintendent has $655,000 in the Town budget that he is getting from the State, which changes the $433,733 number that he mentioned earlier to now add in the $655,000 for a $1,000,000 return from the Board of Education to the Town. He said that the problem with this budget is that the Board of Education should have known what the numbers were for the year, up to the end of February. If the Town takes what the Board of Education spent so far and adds the encumerances, it would end up with a spending total of $3,972,000 when the original budget used $350,000. He said that this chart is a good tool to compare what was going on with actual versus what the proposed budget is giving. One example is the Superintendent budgeted $20,000 but only used $17,000 and is proposing $30,000 for next year. He said that the Health Insurance Account is going to have $100,000 sitting in it at the end of the year, too. As the Town moves into the next budget year, it is already slowing down and yet the Superintendent is asking for $1,900,000 more going into the budget season. He said that he hopes the Town Council will really look into this. He said that by bringing this $1,000,000 from the budget, the Town can pay for the new fire truck. It is not uncommon for the Town to reduce the Board of Education budget. It was cut by $1,200,000 six years ago. He said that this is a golden opportunity to look at the actual numbers and project out what the real costs will be. It is going to come out to be a $1,000,000 savings.
Councilor Cascio said that the Memorial Day Parade Committee met. It is a great Committee to work with. The Committee has made some changes to the Parade this year. It will be a wonderful community event to remember all of the Town's service men and women. He encourages the community to come to the cemetery for the service. An 8th grader will read an essay and there will be a dove release ceremony. The Parade is Saturday, May 24th. The Chamber of Commerce has been very busy. It will have its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 14th. They have selected several award recipients this year. He read the award recipients' names. Tickets are still available.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that the Town Hall/Library Building Committee has been alerted to a pending issue that will surface at the next Town Council meeting. It appears that it has two impacts: the timing of the opening of the Library and Town Hall and a cost issue associated with an item that has been uncovered in the project. There are some funds that are in the project's contingency account that is built into the project to accommodate much of it. He said that he is disappointed to share this news. It is nothing that could have been known before this wall was exposed. He will get up to speed on the problem and will report back to Council at its next meeting. The Tourism Commission met and has been active with several projects including the billboards project with the State, revisiting and revising the brochures that the Town uses, as well as an audit of all advertising. The Library Board has met since the last Town Council meeting. The Board is addressing the renovation delay. They are being very creative with budget planning in light of the delay. He is pleased with the efforts of the Board. He was notified through the Keane Foundation about a 17 minutes video by Channel 3 employees Len Bestof and Eric Budney with regards to Hanger 17, the location of the remnants of the World Trade Center. They received a national award for their journalism piece. Judy Keane was pleased to hear of the award.
Councilor Walsh urged people to turn out on May 20th at 7:00 p.m. for the presentation of the Preserve America Master Plan. He thanked the Town staff and Steering Committee for all of their hard work. On July 11th at 7:00p.m., he hopes that residents will turn out to hear about redevelopment issues
Chairperson Adil referred the public to the Town's website for the Town Manager's report. He said that there are many upcoming events. He mentioned:
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIONS OF PATRICK J. KELLY, JR. FROM THE CENTRAL CT HEALTH DISTRICT, JEAN C GALINSKY FROM THE CULTURE AND ARTS COMMITTEE, AND JOAN A. HUGHES FROM THE WETHERSFIELD TOURISM COMMISSION AS AN ALTERNATE" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Chairperson Adil asked that a letter of thanks be sent to these volunteers.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF JENNA DELAY TO THE TOURISM COMMISSION AS AN ALTERNATE FOR A TERM TO JUNE 30, 2010" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO ARTICLE XXI, CODE OF ETHICS AND BOARD OF ETHICS" seconded by Councilor Console.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that some of the changes include: all Town employees will be covered by the Ethics Ordinance instead of just appointed members of Boards and Commissions; there will be a $50 limit that can't be exceeded in the form of a gift; when a governed person is making comments at a meeting, that person must identify themselves as to whether they are speaking as an individual or member of a committee; and when a complaint is brought against someone, the person making the complaint must appear at the hearing or the case will be dismissed.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri thanked Mr. Steinmetz for all of his work over the years on the Ethics Committee. The climate for ethics and review has been in place in the State and locally for some time. The group reviewing this did not feel that people are remiss in any of these areas but more practically to set up a framework to set up a more realistic view of what is happening in society today. The tone was to clean up some language that would realistically accommodate the leadership direct that would prevent unnecessary references to ethical questions. This document reflect hard work over several years that tried to look at the types of things that come up in a community of Wethersfield's size and eliminate the unnecessary pigeon holing but providing real guidance in the importance of not slipping into a potential conflict of interest. The language accommodates both. He said that the document does not include every single issue but captures the spirit of it. The Committee will be able to bring to the table common sense to treat something that hasn't been captured in the document.
Councilor Roberts asked for a small grammatical change after the second line where it says Other Elected Officials, Library Board and all other Town employees, can the Town Council put a semi colon there instead of a comma and on the last line put a lower case "H" instead of an upper case "H" in hearing.
Councilor Forrest asked for clarification from the Committee on the intent of the conflict of interest in Section 68.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri said that the reference about a person appearing before a Board or Commission addresses the concern that someone actively participating with the Town in soliciting or encouraging someone to participate in a formal role in Town by suggesting their name come forward for consideration for a Board or Commission. If the person that encouraged the other person to participate as a Board or Commission member had to appear before that Board or Commission in some role, that person needs to acknowledge the Board member that they are a friend with and acknowledge that they solicited the person for the position. That Board member needs to in turn make a decision as to whether or not they have a potential conflict.
Councilor Forrest said that it is not that the Town Council appoints the Boards and Commission but he personally putting a name forth for his friend.
Chairperson Adil said that this has been a long time coming. The Committee has done a great job. The Town Council wants to hold its Boards and Commissions to the highest standards but also to make sure that frivolous complaints don't derail people from serving the Town in some capacity.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. Councilor Hemmann abstained. The motion passed 7-0-1.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE REINSTITUTING SECTIONS 149-17 AND 149-18 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD" seconded by Councilor Hemmann.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that this is the tax abatement program for fire and EMS volunteers. The Town had this program before but the IRS decided the money had to be taxable. The Town Council repealed the ordinance and started a program that allowed for cash or money to go into the pension. The Federal Government repealed the IRS tax. By reinstituting this ordinance, the volunteers will be able to take the $1,000 as pension, cash or as a tax abatement. She asked that this go into effect on July 1st so that she has time to poll the Fire and Volunteer Ambulance personnel to see how they would like to receive it.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if this allowed the Town to give the $1,000 abatement without any taxes.
Bonnie Therrien said yes.
Chairperson Adil said that this gives them one more option.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO ARTICLE XV CITIZENS ENERGY CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CODE OF WETHERSFIELD" seconded by Councilor Walsh.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that back in the 1970's there was an ordinance that established an Energy Conservation Committee appointed by Council. The Committee stopped meeting. The Clean Energy Committee did not feel it could take on these added responsibilities so that it was felt that the Town should rework the original Committee and give it a new name and new responsibilities.
Councilor Forrest said that many of these ideas came out of the Green Summit. He said that he is hoping this Committee will be able to provide the Town with some significant ways to save money in the future.
Chairperson Adil thanked the Interfaith Green Committee for their comments earlier. This Committee can encompass many issues of the Town. If interested in joining this Committee, please contact the Town Manager.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO APPROVE THE ORDINANCE CREATING AN ENERGY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND ENERGY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH ATTORNEY BRADLEY'S LETTER OF MAY 2, 2008" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that this was part of the State initiative put together last year having to do with electricity and energy pricing. This would allow for a study to be conducted in Wethersfield to see if the Town could even have an Energy Improvement District. The Town can't have the study done without the Ordinance in place. There is no cost for the study. There were a lot of concerns at the original public hearing and some again tonight. Some were: Bonding (section 13.5) will not be the obligation of the Town of Wethersfield. The obligation is totally with the Board although the Town Council would have to approve going out to bond. The part that would be Tax Exempt would be if the District bought themselves anything that had to do with energy improvement, not the businesses or buildings in the District.
Councilor Walsh said that when the Ordinance was proposed there were some concerns about the area where the District would be, whether participation was voluntary. The Committee met with Joel Rinebold of CCI whose company has done this type of work. The Ordinance has to be established in order to determine if any where in Town even qualifies for an improvement district. There is notification until a District is proposed by the Board and adopted by the Town Council. Notification would then go out to everyone in the District to see if anyone would like to voluntarily participate in the District. It can be rescinded at any time. The Board assumes responsibility for bonding unless the Town decides it will be part of the process. He thanked the members of the Committee and feels that this is a good Ordinance.
Councilor Cascio asked with the establishment of this Board and District, will there be a dollar amount needed in the future.
Bonnie Therrien said that at this point there is no money involved. In the future, if a District is formed, they may request some seed money.
Councilor Cascio said that he knows that it is a tough budget time and is looking forward to making sure that there are no funds needed now.
Councilor Hemmann said that after serving on the Committee for a short time, there was some healthy dialogue and based on the back and forth with the Town Attorney, the language that was put in is a little stronger than the original Ordinance regarding the bonding piece. The bonding has to come to the Town Council anyway. She said that she is comfortable with the language.
Chairperson Adil thanked the Committee. It has been a long process. Berlin has adopted the Ordinance. Newington is in the process of adopting the Ordinance. Rocky Hill had some of the same concerns as Wethersfield did and is reviewing the changes that this Town made. As a combined group of Towns this may work. Nothing beyond the study is being committed to now. This is not a residential energy program , it is for commercial properties.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO APPROVE THE FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that in order for the Town to receive Small Cities Grant funds, the Town must adopt the Fair Housing Resolution every year. If people have complaints about discriminatory housing practices, the complaints go through the Town Manager's office.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
No items of unfinished business were taken off the table.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO WAIVE FIFTY PERCENT OF THE POLICE FEES FOR THE KEANE FOUNDATION ANNUAL 5K WALK/RUN ON JUNE 1, 2008" seconded by Councilor Cascio.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Committee is asking that the Town Council waive 50 percent of the fees for the Police Department. It would be about $450. This request is in line with what the Town Council has done for other non-profit groups.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $15,000 FROM CONTINGENCY TO THE BEAVER BROOK PARK STUDY ACCOUNT TO UPDATE THE STUDY AND TO AWARD THE STUDY TO VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC." seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, stated that a study had been done a while ago and the Conservation Commission recently reviewed it and requested the Town solicit quotes from the on call engineering firms to update the plan. Public Works Director Michael Turner solicited proposals. Of the four received, they suggest that the study update be awarded to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. She stated that it is not in this or next year's budget but since they have had a situation arise with the medical building, the Conservation Committee would like to have an update completed on the Beaver Brook Park Study. She said she would transfer $15,000 from Contingency [$176,000] to the Beaver Brook Linear Park Study account if the Council approves.
Councilor Cascio said that he thought it was great to go through with the Conservation Committee's concern but wondered if there was a reason, especially with the economy, that it could not wait until after the budget was set. His concern was that there may be something else with a greater priority.
Chairperson Adil said that the Silas Deane footprint is unique and if they look for grants, he did not think an old study would be of any help in getting it funded. With the study updated, they would not have to keep trying to piece things together.
Councilor Cascio wanted to know if they anticipated something. Is this the process that needs to be done or can the Town use information it already has?
Chairperson Adil said that a study may help other business owners expand their footprints and that is why he suggested it come from this year's contingency account. It would help when the DEP and Army Corps of Engineers look at these areas. He said the existing study is too old and doesn't work to today's standards.
Councilor Hemmann asked what the remainder would be in Contingency.
Bonnie Therrien said it would be $161,000, if this transfer is approved.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO COMMUNITY ENERGY IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS FOR THE TIME PERIOD OF JUNE 1, 2008 TO MAY 31, 2009" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that there is $10,000 in this year's budget for the Clean Energy Committee and the Town to commit further to the 2010 20 percent electricity commitment that this Town Council has made. The Committee would like to make the award to Community Energy. It is important to start it this fiscal year and that the monies are encumbered for the entire year. The Town must give a one year commitment to the group. The Committee is here at the meeting.
Christopher Shepard, staff liaison to the Clean Energy Committee, said that in 2006, the Town Council pledged to have 20 percent clean energy use by 2010. The Committee is interested in purchasing some of that energy this year. It is not a cumulative purchase. It is an investment. There are a number of ways to obtain renewable energy: install solar panels, and purchasing electricity from renewable energy generators. There are a few different ways to purchase renewable energy. He discussed the options. Clean energy is more expensive. If the Town were to implement it on a monthly basis, there would be a little bit of a premium with clean energy. If the premium amount is aggregated for an entire year, with a one year contract the Town could do the same thing. It is a one year contract to purchase the credits from a company for clean energy. The easiest way to do that is through a contractor who the State has approved. In response to Councilors' questions, he said that the amounts purchased in this contract will be the equivalent to 10 percent of the current electric usage for municipal buildings. It is not a cumulative amount. One solar panel has been awarded to the Town. The Town will receive a second solar panel when 34 more property owners sign up for the Clean Energy Program. The Clean Energy Committee has approved of the dates for the contract. The way the energy credits work is they are defined as one year and therefore need dates on the contract.
Chairperson Adil said that the contract is for June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $10,000 FROM CONTINGENCY TO THE TRANSFER OUT TO CNEF ACCOUNT NUMBER 1955-58810 FOR THE FIXED ASSETS INVENTORY EVALUATION" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Fixed Assets Inventory Evaluation is a requirement of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement in order to get a handle on the Town's assets with an inventory control mechanism that can then be put through the new software. It is a mandate. It went by population as to what year it has to be implemented by. The Town needs to implement it next year.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked if the Town had a depreciation schedule on the fixed assets now.
Bonnie Therrien said no. It should have been done a long time ago. Initially, to get the whole inventory done, it will be outsourced. Town staff will be able to manage it because it will be downloaded into the new MUNIS software. It could take four to six months to complete.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked how the Town provides taxable depreciation schedules on behalf of the Town without this schedule?
Bonnie Therrien said that the roads are on a schedule and the rest are estimates.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $6,250 FROM THE GENERAL FUND BALANCE TO SOCIAL AND YOUTH SERVICES ACCOUNT NUMBER 1525 52225 6633 FOR A POLICE ADVENTURES PROGRAM" seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town received a grant from the State Department of Education for a Police Adventure Program. It will allow for 14 at risk youth to work with Police Officers on community projects. The money needs to come from the fund balance but it will come into the revenue side.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO PROCEED WITH THE BID PROCESS FOR AN AERIAL FIRE TRUCK TO REPLACE TRUCK #12" seconded by Councilor Cascio.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that she will get the bids out so that the awards can come back to the Town Council as soon as possible.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. Councilor Console voted NAY. The motion passed 7-1-0.
Councilor Walsh moved "TO APPROVE THE BID FOR SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR TO WESTPRO, LTD. IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town had $70,000 in this year's budget for sidewalk construction and repair. Westpro came in as the low bidder. All of the amount will be spent.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR ELDERLY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO LOGISTICARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $229,004 FOR BASE SERVICES AND THE AMOUNT OF $95,317 FOR EXPANDED SERVICES FOR THE TOWNS OF WETHERSFIELD, ROCKY HILL, AND NEWINGTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 AND TO RAISE THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE FROM $30.00 TO $52.00 FOR THE 2008-09 FISCAL YEAR" seconded by Councilor Cascio.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that the Town went out to bid for the Dial-A-Ride program for Seniors and the Disabled. Logisticare has been the provider for the past few years. They have held their cost in the past years. This seems like a big jump but between holding costs for years and the increase in fuel, it is not a bad price for base services. They will also provide services for the expanded program through a grant. Since there is an increase, the fee for users was also increased. If there are income issues with seniors, the fee can be waived.
Deputy Mayor Montinieri asked why this contract was being awarded now for next year's services. Is there a deadline?
Bonnie Therrien said that she wanted to know the Council's intention now and the membership letters go out now for July 1st.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR MISCELLANEOUS OFFICE SUPPLIES, AS NEEDED, TO SUBURBAN STATIONERS AND W.B. MASON CO. INC." seconded by Deputy Mayor Montinieri.
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, said that this bid is for the Town and Board of Education. They will be used based on what is being ordered and who is the lowest responsible bidder.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
None
Councilor Roberts moved "TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 19, 2008" seconded by Councilor Walsh.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO APPROVE THE BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES OF MARCH 29, 2008" seconded by Councilor Roberts.
Councilor Hemmann said that on page 14450 the sentence where she comments that the computer system is no longer an issue should say that the advances in technology are no longer an issue.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE to approve the amended minutes. Councilor Walsh and Deputy Mayor Montinieri abstained. The motion passed 6-0-2.
Councilor Forrest moved "TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2008" seconded by Councilor Console.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Councilor Roberts moved "TO APPROVE THE PUBLIC HEARING MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 21, 2008" seconded by Councilor Forrest.
All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. Councilor Cascio abstained. The motion passed 7-0-1.
At 10:20 p.m., Councilor Roberts moved "TO ADJOURN THE MEETING" seconded by Councilor Console. All Councilors present, including the Chairperson voted AYE. The motion passed 8-0-0.
Dolores G. Sassano
Town Clerk
Approved by vote of Council June 2, 2008
*This linked file is in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view it you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer. It is available for free download at:
