Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
8:00 p.m. called to order and recess
8:15 reconved
2. Prayer: Pastor David Johnson, Colonial Point Christian Church
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
5. Public Input [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Mary Etter - There will be two authors coming to the Library next week. Monday Rosemary Paris and at teh end of the week there will be Chris Lemon.
McCann - Bazzzano - unanimous
8. Public Petitions
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, - would like to petition October 17th Work Session at 7pm that had one item - Health Care Costs McCann - Public Petition should be submitted to Council Don - says on the next regular meeting McCann - there is a set of rules of what constitutes a petition and a number of residents Delnicki - Would ask that you hold that to item 14
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Council.]
Galligan - Went to Central Connecticut University visited today, went with Mr. Havens. Still picking up debris - some areas have not had a first pass. They will be out. WPCa being on EPA watch list. Are talking with DEP and they do not understand why we are on the list. We are meting with DEP to figure out why we are on the list. We will get to the bottom of that.
Delnicki - watch list - you are going to prepare written report on that. Galligan - yes - actually DEP regulates us not EPA Delnicki - have we gotten the message out that 16th is the deadline Galligan - on the website. Spring will be going out again. Delnicki - can you scan in copy of contract and get to the council Galligna - yes Delnicki - VMP parking lot which is staging area for debris, will that be clear Galligan - yes
Bazzano - check with PW or Ashbritt regarding Carson Way, in that neighborhood Galligan - sent to Fred Bazzano - we are using the website for the final day of debris pickup but can we use everbridge? Galligan - we could do facebook. will talk to staff. we have a policy and will have to look at that.
Anwar - looking at Chief Reeds report, feasibility 124 Sullivan Avenue to Regional Animal Shelter - thought using temporary? Galligan - feasibility we are looking at is if we would want to do it with the three towns and looking at it a regional. Anwar - can we look at other properites that are not located Sullivan Avenue Galligan - we do not have another property. We have to be careful becauswe would be spending a lot of money. Anwar - Civil Prepardness Agency - should probably have 7 people instead of 3. There are people who are not the ones who want to run, they want to identify ways to take care of people in need. When looking at Agency should lok at community component a little bit more. Anwar - PW's there is budget cost estimate to change boilers, etc. - how does that impact fire? Galligan - oil to gas - Yankee Gas runs gas through Sullivan - still looking at the process. I think your exposure to combustion would be the same. Looking for ways to cut costs. Looking at grant to see if it is feasiblity. will be Council procedure. Anwar - Ambulance who supplies fule? Galligan - we supply but charge them.
Beaulieu - Leaf pickup - constant sweeps? Galligan - suggest they bag it but we are running around trying to pickup where we can. We tried to follow same schedule as debris but leaves where not out that quickly.
McCann - handicap ramp at Community Center which is under construction. do we have time frame? Doolittle - the concrete has been poured and the next step is to put railing up. The week before Christmas the railing should be in and set to go. McCann - Drafted Human service configuration Galligan - just re-configuring the space that Human Services has. Want to make more condusive for Social Workers.
Delnicki - converting from oil to gas in the boilers. Everyone I talk to say there is asavings, how much? Galligan - trying to figure that out now. figuring that out right now. Delnicki - fuel delivery mechanism is what needs to be changed? Galligan - correct Delnicki - 124 Sullivan Avenue - cost benefit anaylsis? Galligan - waiting for person who is doing the evaluation.
Anwar - a number of people have made comment to me, is there a specific schedule for trimming the grass in the parks? Galligan - we do not do open space anymore. The parks concentrate on the fields - we use to trim every three days. There is some trimming tht is done by the Street Services that does the outside and then another ground may do the inside. Anwar - resources going toward fields but the other parts doing in phases. Galligan - we have the same amount of PW staff as in 1989. Man power is an issue.
Yagaloff - there was a reorganization last year with parks and recreation. What I have been hearing is a lot of concentration is going into the recreation field but other parts of recreation such as trails through Nevers Road have not been taken care of. Concern is timing with 8M expense with the clean up seeing impact on various departments particularly on budgets. Should have update on projects and resources. We don't want to drain resources from the budget and then have public works not be able to do their work. The roads $250,000 a year for the next 10 years. Pw is repsonsible for road repairs Galligan - can do during Work session at the next meeting
Havens - Where does CT Studios sit. Briefly where are we with CT Studios Galligan - The TC has done everything possible in this project. We have hired all bond counsel, approved resolution. under TIF there are a lot of regulations. Hotel all set. Solar Farm has to be solitified. There are things they have to do and after they are done they wil have to come back to us. We have to be smart on this. May take more months on this but the ball is in their court right now. They will have to finish and bond counsel will have to finish. Havens - Animal Shelter - I am not very happy locating animal shelter on Sullivan Avenue. Nothing else has been discussed at the Council level. AT this point in time I think the Council should decide whether everyone spends more time on this issue. I think Sullivan Avenue would be better for businesses, restaurants, etc. Do not think dog pound belongs there. upset not involved with preplanning Galligan - has to be spent for Animal Control or grant will go back to state Havens - why doesn't another town do it? Galligan - Havens - that will be one more responsibility that you will have. Galligan - Council has not made a decision on this. Havens - Not pleased with the way it is proceeding.
Delnicki - lawn mowing - there is a separte comapny that does the trimming versus Town doing the cutting. Galligna - we do have an outside company that does take care of some stuff Delnicki - We are waiting for the cost benefit analysis and then TC can make a policy decision regarding that facility. Located on the furthest part of town away from neighborhoods.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
13. Communications and Petitions from Council [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Council.]
Anwar - Last meeting - Sullivan Avenue and 74 there is graffiti that I would like taken care of. Galligan - it is on cox - can not touch utility box and have contacted Cox and Telephone company box but have been told we can not touch their box Anwar - WPCA - sewer fees were set by WPCA. WPCA has challenges and we need to reassess our relationship with them. Side Walks and Bike Trails Sub-Committee start to look into that. DEP did they talk to media before us? Galligan - that was a watchdog group, DEP did not know anything about it. When spoke to them they did not know anything. We could be violating when we take a machine down. We are maintaining and we let DEP know. We kept the plant going during the storm. We are trying to get to the bottom of this. we do know nitrogen is an issue. We are renovating the plant to upgrade it also. Delnicki - panel chaired by Galligan, have TC members and WPCA members and residents on the panel. That will be coming forward probably at next meeting.
Yagaloff - the sewer department and EPA - we are one of three towns out of 169 towns that has made it to the watch list. We were on three separate times. 39 violations in three years. This is pollution. When the town is asked a question publicly and the town ways we don't know anything about it. If we could get accurate information about this. Have we ever gotten any violations? Galligan - no body has ever gotten a notice. When we did the Clean water fund the ones in major violation are the major cities. Yagaloff - we have been consistently violating discharge. Galligan - it is watchdog group that has report Yagaloff - that is not a report from watchdog, that is violation from EPA. Issue with WPCA we have talked about policy decisions about who is paying for sewer plant and resolution. We have resolution saying we are going to meet with WPCA before every budget to discuss policy deciisons. TC needs to tell WPCA what the policy decision is. Galligan - that is what Mayor is talking about creating panel. Every January TC and WPCA has to sit down and talk about policy. Yagaloff - graffiti - we have to start pulling our muscle. If they will not come out and paint over we need to use our muscle. If they are not willing to work with us we should go to another vendor. Galligan - the worst thing that ever happened is utility company took over Cox Cable. There used to be a panel that would listen to the problems. Yagaloff - we should tell them we are going to canel our service Galligan - Mr. Havens was the very instrumental in getting Cox Cable here. Will try to keep trying to talk to them.
Delnicki - Bittner became Eagle Scout on Sunday. on the 10th - Wreaths across America - ceremony on Sat, Dec. 10 VMP - Fire Department - Torch Light on Saturday Wood Memorial Library now through 12/15 hosting ginger bread house Letter from Richard Roback, Mike & Everlyn Thayers commending Town staff Key to whatever we do is going to be a collaborative effort. Having Matt do will take the politics out of it.
14. Public Participation [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry - October 17th had work session that was devoted to one item. Health Care - As far as I am concerned that is unfinished business and would like another session on it. I would like average in the United States. I did not want a comparison to the most expensive benefits for the State of Connecticut. We have 30 billion dollar obligation to employees to the State of Connecticut. Reserve of 10M. Want health benefit discussed and have a full discussion and finish it. I would think on the CT Studios - TM said have to remove 1.5 million mortgage? if they have not I would not work with them. Delnicki - the morgage still sits on the property Galligan - that is wwhy nothing else has been done.
15. Consent Agenda [All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one Motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the General Order of Business and be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.]
Yagaloff, McCann, unanimous
16. Unfinished Business
17. New Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Joan Walsh (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council's Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
B. Resolution Reappointing Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council's Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
C. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Contract for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant with the Connecticut State Library
Beaulieu, Jan Yagaloff - vote against this. filing documents on the land records - it is very expensive in terms of cost to file onto the land records. Delnicki - there are no extra costs and grant will provide us Galligan - 6,000 for preservation of records. Delnicki - we did not ask for the $3 fee. Galligan - this is the resolution that the State asks. Delnicki benefit Town Clerk Galligan - help preserve documents
McCann - agree with Councillor Yagaloff's concern with fees but as Mayor as pointed out does not impose additional fees. Would there be additional costs incurred because of obligation Galligan - no there is no additional obligation. we are required to do this. some documents have to be preserved differently because of their age. McCan - this will help offset some of the costs? Galligan - correct.
Yagaloff - looking at statute - we are imposing fee for recording of document. do not support it. Galligan - 1 stays with Town and 2 to State. Yagaloff - $1 Town Clerk will keep Galligan - helps preserve doucments Yagaloff - why are we applying for contract. Galligna - State does things this way all of the time. Yagaloff - we agree to impse fee Galligan - yagaloff - do not agree with extending the grant.
Delnicki - when was act enacted Galligan - it has been around for a while. Delnicki Galligan - when this started, the State said Town's responsibility to preserve documents. Delnicki - we are not collecting additional fees by passing this resolution Galligan - the fee is already in place. Delnicki - sounds like fee would be collected no matter what 6-2 passed
D. Discussion Item: Buckland Transportation Study (Jeff Doolittle and Michele Lipe to be present)
Bazzano - why is there so much traffic in the area - do we have more traffic or is is a horrible layout of the land? The combination of the intersection. the imprvements suggested have big amount but helps to distribute traffic. The HOV lane CRCOG is really encouraged by transit center. do not think it was envisioned to grow the way it has Bazzano - HOV lanes were the worst thing, but your feeling is the HOV lane was imprvement? relocating and taking it off of Buckland - signal coordination goes a long way. don't know the use of HOV lanes, could look into tht. I personnly have used it and find it efficient Bazzano - right turn lane to go up Avery? Doolittle - think tht would be the goal Bazzano - Smith Street is that an underpass? underpass Bazzano - whole piece from Pleasant Valley Doolittle - go under Smith Street Bazzano - that piece owned by one individual, town or DOT Doolittle - Towns, DOT, Galligan - if you put main road through tht main area, service road developed by ---- - road stay with property owners. do not know what the study calls for, town does not want to tale over road
Anwar - quite a few residents would be using this. This will really have impact on quality of life for residents. Think SW is effected much more than Manchester or East Hartford. Have you talked to Manchester? Their Council endorsed this study. They were hestant until they got feedback from DOT Anwar - are there homes and properties tht would have negative impact this was a traffic study. we did not look into impacts on properties. That would be a study in the future. goal is to get this on the radar screen Anwar - walk us through the process Really is planning study. We are many years from construction. Many more studies would have to be done. Imprtannt to lay out plannext step would be endorse this, incorpoate into long term plan, work with Towns to Anwar - looking for endorsement of plan but there could be adjustments. there will need to be many nore studies - concepts in general are being endorsed. Anwar - so property owners that are impacted will have many years to be discussed yes
Yagaloff - is there data available for residents to find out impacts on their streets? Doolittle - we have copies of reports that were done. it went into major intersections Yagaloff - road to Evergreen Walk Noise when elevate road there will be more noise. are there models to show noise for flyover - whre will noise go? that level of detail was not done, this was truly traffic analysis. Noise, Air quality, etc wil be done later. Yagaloff - five corners in Ellington is fantastic. The ability to get rhough there is great and is an improvement. the fear is always who knows if it will be proper. HOV lanes have been a waste. Has to be done really carefully.
McCann - the impacts on noise, air quality, etc is very important to the Town Council. Council has legitimate concerns before endorsed.
Delnicki - an overview of Pleasant Valley is very confusing. The west bound off ramp would make things twice as bad because you have higher volume of cars blocking that area off. Transportation center share concerns with HOV lanes. There are a lot of changes that would have to be made before I could endorse it. Is this an all or nothing endorsement. There are serious problems on Buckland Road. I don't want SW to become means to end becasue of Manchester traffic problems. We can get you any additional information you need. Advisory Committee is trying things innovative. CRCOG is committed to helping commuities to understand this. we have worked in communities to restructrue areas - it is a planning study and more processes would occur.
Anwar
Doolittle - will discuss issues and see what other informationw ecan get back to you for the next meeting and if not the next after that.
E. Discussion Item: Funding Options for Debris Management
Galligan - auditors still do not have fund balance for us. Can only use fund balance as of June 30, 2010. if revenues are strong will make up 1.3M. from my standpoint 3.8 - that would require a public hearing - concerned about taking fund balance is you are looking at 2M number. they have already down graded the state of connectcut (Moody's) worried about when state is dropped. the other area is try to take from current budget. concerned about that we have had quite a few different storms and do not know what we are going to have in the future. If you had ice storm and did not meet dire emergency you would hav eto take from budget. Notes are 1/2 a percent. bond 2M that would be payable but can not take for more than 2 years. notes for 2 and then bond for 10. When looked at schedules gave you tonight - least amount of impact to the taxpayer would be this. REcommend to go the bond route. McCann - mentioned bonding the full 7M, would we have problem with arbitra - Galligan - 7M can only do 2 years notes. if take 7M McCann - only bonding for 2M. If you want to authorzie 7M only can do for 2 years. McCann - one sheet
Delnicki - Ashbritt would only hold us on the 25%? Galligan - we told them that we could not do the total 7M but could do our share. gave no guarantees could pay full amount. Delnicki - how does contract read Galligan - contract reads 7M - they did not seem to be concerned about the 7M
F. Discussion Item: Spending/Hiring Freeze
McCann - back in 2008 brought before Council resolution to have hiring spending freeze. we did institute and ended in the black. the next year TM instiuted the same policy but could not end the year in the black. we are now looking athe prospect of funding the debris removal and we have a significant amount coming due for improvements ot WPCA plant. Given these significant challenges with budget going forward I think we should get ahead of these issues and make determination of waht we can do to reduce town spending. TC needs to have discussion of that. Come to some policy decision and give TM direction. Yagaloff - I completely agree with Councillor McCann. The debris management is actually the smaller piece compared to the 1/20th payment and paying for the sewers. AR funding may be cut in federal funding. Galligan - there is no more federal funding. Yagaloff - there are expenses that we have not accounted for. Think we need to get going on this. Resolution should be done. These are things we have anticipated that they are coming. Galligan - resolution at next meeting. I start working on budget now Yagaloff - this will allow the town staff to know and resident to know and understand. Delnicki - suggest that Councillor McCann, Yagaloff and Mr. Galligan put a resolution together.
G. Citizen Survey (Michele Lipe to be present)
Delnicki - last survey we had was 2006. When you talk about the constraints that citizens and employees are going to be living under - TC sould know residents thinking - Michele - 2000 people surveyed in 2006. Bulk mail and reminder postcard. 1,500 data entry - around 6,500 cost. Suggest doing something on-line. If we structure properly may get feedback. Random selection - computerized survey would save costs. Delnicki - 2006 did scientific selection. if do computer may not get scientific selection. Michele - still can do it scientifically. the way done last time is veyr expensive and labor extensive. base numbers on 1,500 Havens - most should be done by mail. would be interested to see what people ar ethinking. help TC plan and plan budget. Bazzano - only concern - benefit fo ron-line could t=hit more people. Michele - can tell who is going to be reached through Bazzano - good to see trends. would like to see Town Council endorsed survey. like to see done asap. Anwar - 15% of seniors do not use computers. if you look at 85 and above there are a lot that do not own computers. Think mailing works better. before doing study need to know questions. Have to have relevant questions and will require mor ework on the thought process. Cost issue is too mcuh. Look at way to make more cost effective. Cindy - we could end up with small sampling - cost shoudl be based on 1,500, 2000 and 2,500. Delnicki - best way would be mail.
18. Passage of Ordinance
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) [This Agenda Item permits continued communications not covered under Item #13 due to time restraints.]
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued) [This Agenda Item permits continued communications not covered under Item #10 due to time restraints.]
21. Executive Session
A. Discussion of documents containing financial information provided in confidence and exempt from disclosure pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-200(6) and 1-210(b)(5)(B) regarding The Connecticut Studios project
22. Adjournment
Ed, Bazzano, 10:37 unanimous
Dec 05, 2011 Town Council Regular Meeting
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1. Call Meeting to Order
8:00 p.m. called to order and recess
8:15 reconved
2. Prayer: Pastor David Johnson, Colonial Point Christian Church
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
5. Public Input [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Mary Etter - There will be two authors coming to the Library next week. Monday Rosemary Paris and at teh end of the week there will be Chris Lemon.
McCann - Bazzzano - unanimous
8. Public Petitions
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, - would like to petition October 17th Work Session at 7pm that had one item - Health Care Costs McCann - Public Petition should be submitted to Council Don - says on the next regular meeting McCann - there is a set of rules of what constitutes a petition and a number of residents Delnicki - Would ask that you hold that to item 14
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Council.]
Galligan - Went to Central Connecticut University visited today, went with Mr. Havens. Still picking up debris - some areas have not had a first pass. They will be out. WPCa being on EPA watch list. Are talking with DEP and they do not understand why we are on the list. We are meting with DEP to figure out why we are on the list. We will get to the bottom of that.
Delnicki - watch list - you are going to prepare written report on that. Galligan - yes - actually DEP regulates us not EPA Delnicki - have we gotten the message out that 16th is the deadline Galligan - on the website. Spring will be going out again. Delnicki - can you scan in copy of contract and get to the council Galligna - yes Delnicki - VMP parking lot which is staging area for debris, will that be clear Galligan - yes
Bazzano - check with PW or Ashbritt regarding Carson Way, in that neighborhood Galligan - sent to Fred Bazzano - we are using the website for the final day of debris pickup but can we use everbridge? Galligan - we could do facebook. will talk to staff. we have a policy and will have to look at that.
Anwar - looking at Chief Reeds report, feasibility 124 Sullivan Avenue to Regional Animal Shelter - thought using temporary? Galligan - feasibility we are looking at is if we would want to do it with the three towns and looking at it a regional. Anwar - can we look at other properites that are not located Sullivan Avenue Galligan - we do not have another property. We have to be careful becauswe would be spending a lot of money. Anwar - Civil Prepardness Agency - should probably have 7 people instead of 3. There are people who are not the ones who want to run, they want to identify ways to take care of people in need. When looking at Agency should lok at community component a little bit more. Anwar - PW's there is budget cost estimate to change boilers, etc. - how does that impact fire? Galligan - oil to gas - Yankee Gas runs gas through Sullivan - still looking at the process. I think your exposure to combustion would be the same. Looking for ways to cut costs. Looking at grant to see if it is feasiblity. will be Council procedure. Anwar - Ambulance who supplies fule? Galligan - we supply but charge them.
Beaulieu - Leaf pickup - constant sweeps? Galligan - suggest they bag it but we are running around trying to pickup where we can. We tried to follow same schedule as debris but leaves where not out that quickly.
McCann - handicap ramp at Community Center which is under construction. do we have time frame? Doolittle - the concrete has been poured and the next step is to put railing up. The week before Christmas the railing should be in and set to go. McCann - Drafted Human service configuration Galligan - just re-configuring the space that Human Services has. Want to make more condusive for Social Workers.
Delnicki - converting from oil to gas in the boilers. Everyone I talk to say there is asavings, how much? Galligan - trying to figure that out now. figuring that out right now. Delnicki - fuel delivery mechanism is what needs to be changed? Galligan - correct Delnicki - 124 Sullivan Avenue - cost benefit anaylsis? Galligan - waiting for person who is doing the evaluation.
Anwar - a number of people have made comment to me, is there a specific schedule for trimming the grass in the parks? Galligan - we do not do open space anymore. The parks concentrate on the fields - we use to trim every three days. There is some trimming tht is done by the Street Services that does the outside and then another ground may do the inside. Anwar - resources going toward fields but the other parts doing in phases. Galligan - we have the same amount of PW staff as in 1989. Man power is an issue.
Yagaloff - there was a reorganization last year with parks and recreation. What I have been hearing is a lot of concentration is going into the recreation field but other parts of recreation such as trails through Nevers Road have not been taken care of. Concern is timing with 8M expense with the clean up seeing impact on various departments particularly on budgets. Should have update on projects and resources. We don't want to drain resources from the budget and then have public works not be able to do their work. The roads $250,000 a year for the next 10 years. Pw is repsonsible for road repairs Galligan - can do during Work session at the next meeting
Havens - Where does CT Studios sit. Briefly where are we with CT Studios Galligan - The TC has done everything possible in this project. We have hired all bond counsel, approved resolution. under TIF there are a lot of regulations. Hotel all set. Solar Farm has to be solitified. There are things they have to do and after they are done they wil have to come back to us. We have to be smart on this. May take more months on this but the ball is in their court right now. They will have to finish and bond counsel will have to finish. Havens - Animal Shelter - I am not very happy locating animal shelter on Sullivan Avenue. Nothing else has been discussed at the Council level. AT this point in time I think the Council should decide whether everyone spends more time on this issue. I think Sullivan Avenue would be better for businesses, restaurants, etc. Do not think dog pound belongs there. upset not involved with preplanning Galligan - has to be spent for Animal Control or grant will go back to state Havens - why doesn't another town do it? Galligan - Havens - that will be one more responsibility that you will have. Galligan - Council has not made a decision on this. Havens - Not pleased with the way it is proceeding.
Delnicki - lawn mowing - there is a separte comapny that does the trimming versus Town doing the cutting. Galligna - we do have an outside company that does take care of some stuff Delnicki - We are waiting for the cost benefit analysis and then TC can make a policy decision regarding that facility. Located on the furthest part of town away from neighborhoods.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
13. Communications and Petitions from Council [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Council.]
Anwar - Last meeting - Sullivan Avenue and 74 there is graffiti that I would like taken care of. Galligan - it is on cox - can not touch utility box and have contacted Cox and Telephone company box but have been told we can not touch their box Anwar - WPCA - sewer fees were set by WPCA. WPCA has challenges and we need to reassess our relationship with them. Side Walks and Bike Trails Sub-Committee start to look into that. DEP did they talk to media before us? Galligan - that was a watchdog group, DEP did not know anything about it. When spoke to them they did not know anything. We could be violating when we take a machine down. We are maintaining and we let DEP know. We kept the plant going during the storm. We are trying to get to the bottom of this. we do know nitrogen is an issue. We are renovating the plant to upgrade it also. Delnicki - panel chaired by Galligan, have TC members and WPCA members and residents on the panel. That will be coming forward probably at next meeting.
Yagaloff - the sewer department and EPA - we are one of three towns out of 169 towns that has made it to the watch list. We were on three separate times. 39 violations in three years. This is pollution. When the town is asked a question publicly and the town ways we don't know anything about it. If we could get accurate information about this. Have we ever gotten any violations? Galligan - no body has ever gotten a notice. When we did the Clean water fund the ones in major violation are the major cities. Yagaloff - we have been consistently violating discharge. Galligan - it is watchdog group that has report Yagaloff - that is not a report from watchdog, that is violation from EPA. Issue with WPCA we have talked about policy decisions about who is paying for sewer plant and resolution. We have resolution saying we are going to meet with WPCA before every budget to discuss policy deciisons. TC needs to tell WPCA what the policy decision is. Galligan - that is what Mayor is talking about creating panel. Every January TC and WPCA has to sit down and talk about policy. Yagaloff - graffiti - we have to start pulling our muscle. If they will not come out and paint over we need to use our muscle. If they are not willing to work with us we should go to another vendor. Galligan - the worst thing that ever happened is utility company took over Cox Cable. There used to be a panel that would listen to the problems. Yagaloff - we should tell them we are going to canel our service Galligan - Mr. Havens was the very instrumental in getting Cox Cable here. Will try to keep trying to talk to them.
Delnicki - Bittner became Eagle Scout on Sunday. on the 10th - Wreaths across America - ceremony on Sat, Dec. 10 VMP - Fire Department - Torch Light on Saturday Wood Memorial Library now through 12/15 hosting ginger bread house Letter from Richard Roback, Mike & Everlyn Thayers commending Town staff Key to whatever we do is going to be a collaborative effort. Having Matt do will take the politics out of it.
14. Public Participation [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry - October 17th had work session that was devoted to one item. Health Care - As far as I am concerned that is unfinished business and would like another session on it. I would like average in the United States. I did not want a comparison to the most expensive benefits for the State of Connecticut. We have 30 billion dollar obligation to employees to the State of Connecticut. Reserve of 10M. Want health benefit discussed and have a full discussion and finish it. I would think on the CT Studios - TM said have to remove 1.5 million mortgage? if they have not I would not work with them. Delnicki - the morgage still sits on the property Galligan - that is wwhy nothing else has been done.
15. Consent Agenda [All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one Motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the General Order of Business and be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.]
Yagaloff, McCann, unanimous
16. Unfinished Business
17. New Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Joan Walsh (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council's Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
B. Resolution Reappointing Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council's Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
C. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Contract for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant with the Connecticut State Library
Beaulieu, Jan Yagaloff - vote against this. filing documents on the land records - it is very expensive in terms of cost to file onto the land records. Delnicki - there are no extra costs and grant will provide us Galligan - 6,000 for preservation of records. Delnicki - we did not ask for the $3 fee. Galligan - this is the resolution that the State asks. Delnicki benefit Town Clerk Galligan - help preserve documents
McCann - agree with Councillor Yagaloff's concern with fees but as Mayor as pointed out does not impose additional fees. Would there be additional costs incurred because of obligation Galligan - no there is no additional obligation. we are required to do this. some documents have to be preserved differently because of their age. McCan - this will help offset some of the costs? Galligan - correct.
Yagaloff - looking at statute - we are imposing fee for recording of document. do not support it. Galligan - 1 stays with Town and 2 to State. Yagaloff - $1 Town Clerk will keep Galligan - helps preserve doucments Yagaloff - why are we applying for contract. Galligna - State does things this way all of the time. Yagaloff - we agree to impse fee Galligan - yagaloff - do not agree with extending the grant.
Delnicki - when was act enacted Galligan - it has been around for a while. Delnicki Galligan - when this started, the State said Town's responsibility to preserve documents. Delnicki - we are not collecting additional fees by passing this resolution Galligan - the fee is already in place. Delnicki - sounds like fee would be collected no matter what 6-2 passed
D. Discussion Item: Buckland Transportation Study (Jeff Doolittle and Michele Lipe to be present)
Bazzano - why is there so much traffic in the area - do we have more traffic or is is a horrible layout of the land? The combination of the intersection. the imprvements suggested have big amount but helps to distribute traffic. The HOV lane CRCOG is really encouraged by transit center. do not think it was envisioned to grow the way it has Bazzano - HOV lanes were the worst thing, but your feeling is the HOV lane was imprvement? relocating and taking it off of Buckland - signal coordination goes a long way. don't know the use of HOV lanes, could look into tht. I personnly have used it and find it efficient Bazzano - right turn lane to go up Avery? Doolittle - think tht would be the goal Bazzano - Smith Street is that an underpass? underpass Bazzano - whole piece from Pleasant Valley Doolittle - go under Smith Street Bazzano - that piece owned by one individual, town or DOT Doolittle - Towns, DOT, Galligan - if you put main road through tht main area, service road developed by ---- - road stay with property owners. do not know what the study calls for, town does not want to tale over road
Anwar - quite a few residents would be using this. This will really have impact on quality of life for residents. Think SW is effected much more than Manchester or East Hartford. Have you talked to Manchester? Their Council endorsed this study. They were hestant until they got feedback from DOT Anwar - are there homes and properties tht would have negative impact this was a traffic study. we did not look into impacts on properties. That would be a study in the future. goal is to get this on the radar screen Anwar - walk us through the process Really is planning study. We are many years from construction. Many more studies would have to be done. Imprtannt to lay out plannext step would be endorse this, incorpoate into long term plan, work with Towns to Anwar - looking for endorsement of plan but there could be adjustments. there will need to be many nore studies - concepts in general are being endorsed. Anwar - so property owners that are impacted will have many years to be discussed yes
Yagaloff - is there data available for residents to find out impacts on their streets? Doolittle - we have copies of reports that were done. it went into major intersections Yagaloff - road to Evergreen Walk Noise when elevate road there will be more noise. are there models to show noise for flyover - whre will noise go? that level of detail was not done, this was truly traffic analysis. Noise, Air quality, etc wil be done later. Yagaloff - five corners in Ellington is fantastic. The ability to get rhough there is great and is an improvement. the fear is always who knows if it will be proper. HOV lanes have been a waste. Has to be done really carefully.
McCann - the impacts on noise, air quality, etc is very important to the Town Council. Council has legitimate concerns before endorsed.
Delnicki - an overview of Pleasant Valley is very confusing. The west bound off ramp would make things twice as bad because you have higher volume of cars blocking that area off. Transportation center share concerns with HOV lanes. There are a lot of changes that would have to be made before I could endorse it. Is this an all or nothing endorsement. There are serious problems on Buckland Road. I don't want SW to become means to end becasue of Manchester traffic problems. We can get you any additional information you need. Advisory Committee is trying things innovative. CRCOG is committed to helping commuities to understand this. we have worked in communities to restructrue areas - it is a planning study and more processes would occur.
Anwar
Doolittle - will discuss issues and see what other informationw ecan get back to you for the next meeting and if not the next after that.
E. Discussion Item: Funding Options for Debris Management
Galligan - auditors still do not have fund balance for us. Can only use fund balance as of June 30, 2010. if revenues are strong will make up 1.3M. from my standpoint 3.8 - that would require a public hearing - concerned about taking fund balance is you are looking at 2M number. they have already down graded the state of connectcut (Moody's) worried about when state is dropped. the other area is try to take from current budget. concerned about that we have had quite a few different storms and do not know what we are going to have in the future. If you had ice storm and did not meet dire emergency you would hav eto take from budget. Notes are 1/2 a percent. bond 2M that would be payable but can not take for more than 2 years. notes for 2 and then bond for 10. When looked at schedules gave you tonight - least amount of impact to the taxpayer would be this. REcommend to go the bond route. McCann - mentioned bonding the full 7M, would we have problem with arbitra - Galligan - 7M can only do 2 years notes. if take 7M McCann - only bonding for 2M. If you want to authorzie 7M only can do for 2 years. McCann - one sheet
Delnicki - Ashbritt would only hold us on the 25%? Galligan - we told them that we could not do the total 7M but could do our share. gave no guarantees could pay full amount. Delnicki - how does contract read Galligan - contract reads 7M - they did not seem to be concerned about the 7M
F. Discussion Item: Spending/Hiring Freeze
McCann - back in 2008 brought before Council resolution to have hiring spending freeze. we did institute and ended in the black. the next year TM instiuted the same policy but could not end the year in the black. we are now looking athe prospect of funding the debris removal and we have a significant amount coming due for improvements ot WPCA plant. Given these significant challenges with budget going forward I think we should get ahead of these issues and make determination of waht we can do to reduce town spending. TC needs to have discussion of that. Come to some policy decision and give TM direction. Yagaloff - I completely agree with Councillor McCann. The debris management is actually the smaller piece compared to the 1/20th payment and paying for the sewers. AR funding may be cut in federal funding. Galligan - there is no more federal funding. Yagaloff - there are expenses that we have not accounted for. Think we need to get going on this. Resolution should be done. These are things we have anticipated that they are coming. Galligan - resolution at next meeting. I start working on budget now Yagaloff - this will allow the town staff to know and resident to know and understand. Delnicki - suggest that Councillor McCann, Yagaloff and Mr. Galligan put a resolution together.
G. Citizen Survey (Michele Lipe to be present)
Delnicki - last survey we had was 2006. When you talk about the constraints that citizens and employees are going to be living under - TC sould know residents thinking - Michele - 2000 people surveyed in 2006. Bulk mail and reminder postcard. 1,500 data entry - around 6,500 cost. Suggest doing something on-line. If we structure properly may get feedback. Random selection - computerized survey would save costs. Delnicki - 2006 did scientific selection. if do computer may not get scientific selection. Michele - still can do it scientifically. the way done last time is veyr expensive and labor extensive. base numbers on 1,500 Havens - most should be done by mail. would be interested to see what people ar ethinking. help TC plan and plan budget. Bazzano - only concern - benefit fo ron-line could t=hit more people. Michele - can tell who is going to be reached through Bazzano - good to see trends. would like to see Town Council endorsed survey. like to see done asap. Anwar - 15% of seniors do not use computers. if you look at 85 and above there are a lot that do not own computers. Think mailing works better. before doing study need to know questions. Have to have relevant questions and will require mor ework on the thought process. Cost issue is too mcuh. Look at way to make more cost effective. Cindy - we could end up with small sampling - cost shoudl be based on 1,500, 2000 and 2,500. Delnicki - best way would be mail.
18. Passage of Ordinance
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) [This Agenda Item permits continued communications not covered under Item #13 due to time restraints.]
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued) [This Agenda Item permits continued communications not covered under Item #10 due to time restraints.]
21. Executive Session
A. Discussion of documents containing financial information provided in confidence and exempt from disclosure pursuant to C.G.S. § 1-200(6) and 1-210(b)(5)(B) regarding The Connecticut Studios project
22. Adjournment
Ed, Bazzano, 10:37 unanimous
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