Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
7:00
2. Roll Call
Roll call (9 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
3. 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 the majority of the Town Council.]
4. Communications
5. Town Manager's Report [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Council.]
6. Items for Discussion
A. Town Clerk Budget Presentation
Lori Trahan - Salaries, reason for the increase 2,500 off last year and replaced it. Other increase inour printing budget. that was about 400 and the repairs for equipment is up 100.00 from 400 to 500. repairs of typewriter and cash register. Yagaloff - there seems to be a way to Lori - on the Town Clerk portal which is our cut system software. If you put a charge card in they take the subscriber fee and 5% transaction fee and we get one dollr for everyone copied. Yagaloff - we get 1 per page Lori - yes Yagaloff - we are going to have discussion regarding using credit cards for other departments. Good thing about Town Clerk is still getting one dollar.Glad can do it without getting charged and getting 1 dollar. Lori - there is no charge to us. we have been getting about 200 per month.
Yagaloff - how current are the records Trahan - up to date within in a two day period. Yagaloff - great service. Thank you
Pelkey - Thursday evening hours has been well received. Trahan - 6pm every Thursday. We have picked up over the last couple of weeks. Great service and people appreciate it.
Prague - Matt cut everyones budget. If you could get a little more money what Trahan - 2,000 in professional account. There has been a lot of ordinances and there is a cost to advertise and to Municpal code. More ordinance pass the more you have to codify. Prague - doing great job. hours give extra for resident.
B. Human Services Budget Presentation
Dennis - Director of Human Services - have with me two of our Division Coordinators. Have reappllied for funds. Whats new - In our budget year this is a bus replacement. 80% covered and Town covers 20%. That is what makes that number 4%. Still good deal for Town. The bus has already exceeded 5 years. Hopefully hear by summer.
Favreau - explain home visits? Dennis - homes visits are done by our of service and Human Services. Andrea - That is primarily our staff. we have 3 staff members go out and visit and help with financial assistance. Favrea - when you look at the numbers for agency support what does number encompass? Andrea - tht is separte and is for people without insurance or pending services Favreau - lkewise shelter workshp? Dennis - MARC - services for disabled. also serviced by ARC Favreau - these are individuals tht live here in town Dennis - yes
Delnicki - commend you and your staff. here from many people how wonderful. how do the numbers compare with previous numbers? do not have last years numbers in fron tof me. more families using councilling. we are seeing increase in counsel cases. 425 families served through parent education groups. Delnicki - do you have the numbers you could provide to us? certainly. Andrea - we have seen increase in older prople ;and people wo are out of work. 399 received energy assistance and this year increased one 1. Delnicki - still having to meet need to folks who have been effected by economy? Andrea - yes - south windsor community is very generous with donations
Yagaloff - you have established program so when economic crisis hit you have been there to help. 1 in 10 home owners are going to lose their home. and 1 in 5 minority individuals will lose their homes. this weekend I was looking for wheelchair in Goodwill and the stores are packed. Having impact on a lot of communities. Think we are in the middle of it and fortunate to have Human Services.
McCann - you mentioned one need is addressing the space needs. The rferendum did nt pass so do not have the ability to add onto the center. How are you meeting space needs? Dennis - we are working the best we can. we are putting programs that need larger spaces in smaller areas. We have health room and using that room for program. We are grasping at everything and anything we can to accommodate. Recreation program is adjacent to senior program room so have trouble with noise. There is a lot of cooperation with Huan Services and Recreation. McCann - have you been able to acquire any space needs from school buildings? Dennis - our computer trainign classes are at TE Middle School. Seniors feel that this building is their space and would be a challenge to put programs in other areas. McCann - would it be helpful to you fo rRecreation to use the schools more? Dennis - I am sure that could be helpful. McCann - your overall budget is up 4% but the increase in the services have increased more than 4%. Will you be able to meet their needs? Dennis - all of our programs are flat out. social workers are flat out. there are day s we feel challenged McCann - you face these challenges every year, is there time when could not meet needs? Dennis - ost of our social service clients and frail seniors get great help. The only thing I feel challenged right nwis space needs. If we address space needs we would also address other issues at Human Services. mcCann - rest of community uses Commuity Center Denis - if we met that need tht would take a lot of stress off. McCann - within the handout you have Adult and Senior Services - Adult and Seniors what is the difference? Dennis - 60 and over Seniors and Adult is anyone 18 and over. McCann - in budget book under Human Services 2010 Actual Expenditures, the actual and projected from last year budget. last column is proposed. if you compare with the amount in the 2011 budget the diffeence is over 21,000 - that is ore than teh 4%. there are 0's included in budget 2011 for equipment. how do we get to 4% increase with this 21,000 decrease? Dennis - under the part time clerical person, we felt that rate had to increase for that person so there is a moderate increase for that person. NcCann - do not dispute that. Dennis - I look at the whole Human Services budget. 4% is looking at the whole budget.
Havens - I have seen this program grow from its infancy to now. you do keep up with times. When you go in there in the morning the discussion is entirely about space and moving furniture. There are lot of people that need assistance. This Council supports the seniors.
Prague - Was disappointed the expansion did not pass. Would have been a good investment, not expense. The Recreation Dept. has proven they can operate outside of their space. There are rooms available in the schools. Understand Church has approached the Recreation Dept. That may be something to look at. The senior population is large. Thhink we need to think outside the box. Do you make lunches in the kitchen for meals on wheels? Dennis - no - there are functions tht the kitchen is used. Cary - if we funded more money what would it be for? Dennis - this year two things. There are two positions that were funded fully 2009 and are part time positions now. Those are two positions tht were full time and are now part time and would like to bring those two positions back to full time. Prague -
Pelkey - the srvice your department provides is so valuable and where else would we be able to get these services. Last year wished for tv and Lions Club came through. Is there any particular item or services is there another item that is needed? Dennis - would have to give that some thought. The only gain in terms of business model is the human dignity. Pelkey - you talked about baby boomers, whre do we peak Is there prediction when will max out on that? Dennis - 18-20% are 55 and up. we are just entering the baby boomers so for the next 5-7 years it will grow. Pelkey - bus trips to medical services, have you noticed the trips to Manchester are down because of the new offices that have been developed in town, shorter trips? Dennis - we have not noticed that much change. A lot of our transportation is to private physicians.
Anwar - need that I feel is increasing regarding job training. Could the town think about helping in certain areas like resumes? Dennis - we do handle issues like that.
Favreau - concerned that there may be safety issues if programs are being done in smaller rooms? Dennis - we are very sensitive to this issue. we make sure seniors are safe. we are working on enhancement in the comunity centr to make safer also.
C. Library Budget Presentation
Mary Etter - see attachment - proposed budget increase is less than 1%.
McCann - from time to time receive comments from individuals outside of South Windsor tht come to South Windsor Library. Increase in budget can you shae your secrets with others in town. how do you manage to provide your services? Mary - we have a lot of support from Friends of the Libary. Book sales is close to 10,000 per year. every book sale committee that works on a book sale, it is an unending amount of books. Connecticut as a state supports books to other country's. vast recycling issue. our service is alittle different than other departments. Items are able to be shifted. McCann - recently added electronic books, is that an expanding program? Mary - yes - McCann - have you been able to get access to all individuals? Mary - tht type of negoitations go on privately behind the scenes. when we first had downloadable products, it did not work with Apple products, but now they all can. right now ther eis a major area that does not work. Thinsk are shifting. the need for books are not going away. we still have large population that does not have or want the ability for a eader.
Favreau - great resource. Very noderate increase in maintenance, does anyof that have to play within the HVAC? Mary - no office needs. System HVA has challenges. Favreau - Mary - use is changing - th enumbes are down, not much - factor of the wheather. 5% down from patron visits last year. last year was up 5.7%. The annual visits 231,651 for the entire year. Favreau - provides opportunities for residents. given that som many people go online, have you noticed any less of need for newspapers? Mary - we look at subscriptions every year. we re not making drastic changes in
Anwar - commend staff for excellent service to community. Technology is here and will advance. Next five years Library's are going to have to change significantly. What is your plans for the next 4-5 years to be up to speed with this technology? Mary - things move more slowly. Computers are not good for more casual reading nor do we purchase text books. I think tht would be a good ide. look carefully at items availabe and who we are serving. one other thing is as well support the Library is, the cost Anwar - people are often using Libaryra for video conferencing? Mary - maybe not too long away. Are starting to get requests for that. Anwar - if someone has lost their job, how can the Library help? Mary - we have program though the web links that are available. Have testing programs that are available on line.
Pelkey - like your program whre someone can use purchase Memorial books. Do have other funds, bronze statute that was donated. Mary - there is going to be Book Festival held in West Hartford.
D. Public Works Budget Presentation
Mike Gantick - New way to do things. 35-40,000 increases you are seeing are energy costs. Town Hal Chiller will realize savings. Partnership with IT - IT changing desktops with smaller system which will hopefully show savings. Town has just gotten to another level with solar panels. Looking for grant opportunities. electronic recycling went well. - South Windsor did not have large issues. Have worked on isues for 25 years.
Favreau - do you have any idea how severe damage is to roads out there? Mike - certainly been discussion at the Capital. We are not along. There are a lot of potholes. we are concerned but have to discuss game plan. This has been one of the most difficult winters we have had in a long time. Favreau - commend the department for getting through this winter. With the rising cost of oil, how will tht effect rising price of asphault? Mike - we are subject to the fluctuations of pricing for asphault. Favreau - claims because of hot wholes, are these items covered by isnurance? Mike - we turn them over to the insurance
Bazzano - you could see the difference between state an dtown roads. Communications between each drivers was very good. Hours for snow removal rental trucks, is that subcontractors? Mike - yes Bazzano - page 58 of the street services ther eis item for some of the rentals, some are not snow correct? Mike - leave, snow removal Bazzano - in your explanations under street services, you had increased hours but elimnated that? Mike - correct, snow accounts we budget for average year and this year went over budget. Bazzano - so we do still have subcontractors? Mike- yes we do not have enough drivers to do all of this work. Bazzano - traffic signs, Mike - really trying to keep up with that. It is a costly endeavor- Bazzano - thought we were going to do 2 years? Gantick - had changed to upper case and now we have to go and change back to first letter capital and then the rest lower case. All signs have to be replaced. Bazzano - graffiti - call the Public Works if you see grafetti on sign. Bazzan o - Fleet srvices, cruiser tires - says 1 Mike - Munis system Bazzano - parks Matt - there are two types of tree maintenance - Bazzano - salaries - since Parks is not separated what happens with Supervisor Salries Matt - salaries are all taken care of in each diivision and that will tell the town how much their salary is. Bazzano -
Anwar - how is it decided to use bandaids instead of redoing the road? Gantick - Miller Road intersection will be finished - try to finish what could before the winter and then patched - had to wait for the weather to be nicer. Anwar - every dept. brings a lot of value - this dept. brings quality to peoples lifes
Prague - when we starting construction on Recreation Dept. walkway? Gantick - the price is going to be higher than originally anticipated. Have engineers and architects looking at this. would like to get done this year. Prague - Mike - will be selling the old street signs. We have extended that to students. Prague - stopped by contractor - if mill and pave please put the camera's under there. Mike do utilize the camera lines. that will be liability ahead of us. Pragu e- how can lower case be more radable? Prague - if extra what would you do with it? Gantick - exclusive of the roads and the buildings - think the
McCann - maintenance of vehicles - measuring salt/sand, how has tht hanged the scheudle fo replacing the vehicles? Gantick -think still looking at that. trying to maintain schedule - McCann - is that the same schedule? Gantick - yes for the past 20 years McCannn - concerned with using more salt will be ruining equipment faster. How are you taking care of washing the bottom of vehciles? Gantick -it is challenging. Karl - in 1974 had the same amount of corrosiion as we do today. the bottoms of the trucks are washed. 12-15 years is the amount of time each truck will remain. Mike - we have actually trained a lot of towns on salting practices. Can actually cause more icing if you use too mcuh salt. McCann - roads themselves, extend life through crack and chip sealing - and the necessary milling. that is typically out of Capital Projects. Need to maintain road - would ther be better way to do this, in operating budget - combine the budgets for road maintenance with snow remval. Mike - the bottom line is the bottom line - challenge in operating budget - McCann - do not want to get past the tipping point. .
E. Connecticut Studios Project Special Services District
Matt - Dwight and Town Attorney - Town Attorney - The project is 4M project - 8 different buildings, large mill and storage. Hotel, small retail space and then potentiall 4 restaurants. that has nt changed. the funding 40M, since October the equity contriution is approixmate 3M. 50M TIF - 8M Tax credits subject to legislative decisions. Credits seem pretty solid. 40 acres broken inot 5 parcels. two parcels owned by Charbonneau, 20 acres came fro mstate to the town and then 2 acres owned by the town (powrlines). once project up and running most of he post construction are on the shoulders of CT Studios, maintenance of roadwya, trash removal. Town will have police fire, safety. Principal documents - 2-3 dozen documents that will be executed. one of the key is the developer agreement. That will come back to Town Council Ordinance, project labor agreement tax agreements - some critical documents - should all be finalized in the next couple of months. Obiously Town Council wil have last say on tis process. Issue bonds maybe in June. Are hearing from underwrtiers most people feel need to get theourhgh legislative session.
Dave Panico - have changes as of today. This will allow additional taxes to be levied on the property. debt service on bonds, services to maintain public improvements, and services that the district will need. After TC approves, does have to have Property owners vote on this.
Yagaloff - 400,000 shortfall in feasibility study. 150,000 payment and maintenance fees. Looks like Special Services district 100,000 to 800,000 per year. what is the annual amount district Matt - personel property tax comes from people who are bringing in eqiupment.
Yagaloff - there would still be personal property taxes for furniture and fixtures? Galligan - yes it is run differently then normal business
Yagaloff - maintenance cost - overall what district will be collecting, total maintenance Galligan - they will have agreements with hotel, retail. Yagaloff - what is special service district going to charge the users? Panico - generate enough taxes to - trustee feels, audit fees, legal fees. there is estimate in the doucments of 38,500 for this issue. Yagaloff - do know bond cost will exceed bond cost Galligan - the hotel is going at the same time. The hotel has to go at the same time inorder to cover costs. Yagaloff - we were told phase I without the hotel and now they can not do project without hotel. The bonds ae not going to go out,k project not starting until hotel. Galligan - I have stated that this project will not go without the hotel. Yagaloff - you said it all along. time wise we were told tht this thing happening - bonds issued in June. need accurate time line, when constructed, when bond going out, etc. why don't they issue bonds base don feasibility study and based on what we have with bonds. Galligan - want to make sure everything all set - Yagaloff - the town has spent 200,000 for attorney fees Galligan - 144,976 has been spent Yagaloff - the Town council has met a dozen hours on this project. They have to get going on this project. We need developers to follow through on this. Galligan - we told develoeprs tht to me it doesn't matter if the bonds get sold in June eor July. I felt it would be smarter for them to start to use their own money to begin construction. What I have heard is that when the feasibility study is final, the developers will start to use thei rown money to move this project forward. (this is something Ihave heard_ Johnson - Panico - the availability of tax credits are essential to this project. Matt -
McCann - no surprise with delays. the ordinance was proposed to provide any shortfall in taxes. there will not be sufficient taxes generated util Mill Work, Hotel and 2 sound stages, retail and additional sound stages. Need to make sure the ordinance is going to cover the shortfall in taxes. The specific ordinance Dave - did discuss Kevin - who Dave - TM and Dwight - and myself had jmeeting to discuss this. we thought we wouldinclude all of the powers. District can ot just go and build a garage McCann - is there a mechanism to remove those individuals from the Tax Service Commission? Matt - will look at that. McCann - within the pwoers where is there to pay the shortfall in debt service? Panico - in the powers - McCann - is the developer going to construct buildings or is the special servi ces district? Panico - the special services district is contracting with the town McCann - developer build the infrastructgure and the town agreeing to maintain with teh special services district. the special services distric tis agreeing wher eto pay this? Panico - attached exhibit - perform all the things McCann - would be more comfortable with - purpose of the ordinance is to pay the debt service, would like to see in the Glennn Rice - there is provision - recessed at 10:15 p.m. reconvened at 10:33 p.m.
McCann - needed statement taht this tax would be set and provide payment for the amounts necessary. I assume there is a similar provision CSB Special Services tax Dave - page 2 (exhibit D) McCann - one of the provisions in article 1 of the oridinance allows for under th epower section - power to provide money, etc. does taht limination apply to TIF bonds? Dave - no we ar enot workign with that McCann - is that because ------- DAve - correct McCann - -etc. Dave - correct McCann - is is necessary for this project to include all of th epowers - including to operate an apartment facility? Dave - no it is not necessary - we just felt that since the district is going to be --- by the town McCann - part of the public facilities in the presentation for the district iteself included a parking lot that could be used by other buildings in thie district (350 parking spaces), would this district permit the operatio of those parking lots by the district, by the commission with a fee charged to people using those lots? Dave - it would allow for that yes McCann - is the special service district going to own infrastructure, parkin glot that is part of the infrastructure that is being financed by TIF? Dave - no McCann - DAve - would have to be separate McCann - concern is the lack of control over the setting of these taxes by the Town Council. we are essentially giving the Board the ability to decide on taxes. the taxes of the town are set by the Town Council. Do not see why the taxes on these particular parcels should be set any other way. Is is necessary for the ordinance to have someone other than the Town Council? Dave - under the special district - you could haveother members, Town Council members be members of eh district but the statute makes it a different body. Want to make sure the taxes get imposed. The special taxes are done to very precise provisions. According to rules that the Town Council ijmposes. The district can only implemet the rules the Town Council sets. McCann - after the TIF bonds ae paid off and ther eis no longer any need for special facilitieis for taxes for that purpose would town continue to collect regularl reveues from proprty taxes in addition to any special services levied by the Commission? Dave - no in that case. the first tax icovers McCann - with respect to the real proeprty taxes that are paid on the proeprty for this district. the purpose of the special facility tax is to make up shortfall - once tif bonds paid ther ewould nto be need to special - town woudl continue to collect taxes? Dave - yes
Pelkey - there is a statute out there that formulates how the special tax district is formulated. in this document what is different that SW is doing in compared to a standard tax district? Dave - the use of the tax to pay the shortfall on the debt service on the bonds is unique. Pelkey - there are two or three different options taht could have been used - is there another one? Dave - in other states, in this state on this method and---- Pelkey - so there is only this method and legislative method. Does] Panico - this is not extraordinary - Pelkey - Panico - 105A CT Statutes
Anwar - good to have lawyers in the group who can look at this closely. 42% as teh breaking point it is quite encouraging. Good to see tht from feasibility study - wanted to share tht this is complex project. Yes there are uncertainties and the dates keep moving but that does not take away the commitment of the Town Council to review carefully to make sure this project can move forward.
Yagagloff - need to do whatever we can to get this project done. the more variables can bring more risk to the project. Time can work against you at times. Page 4 has list of public improvements. Want control in the project. Will be voting as part of the ordinance to approve these numbers subject to adjustments. Purpose of tax report - not adopting - justify the tax - Yagaloff - the reserve funds is collected, tht reserve fund comes back to town unless utillized by shortfall? Dave - applied to last debt service on the bond Yagaloff - the payment is in lieu of taxes does save the town money. Yagaloff - so this is information and does not lock us in.
Delnicki - page 5 - softcost - what is a CNM at 5%? Matt - construction and management Delnicki - if you have something in there it needs to be defined better. Would like tht referenced better.
F. Connecticut Studios Project Feasibility Study
7. Executive Session
Motion to Approve 7. Executive Session Moved by Ed Havens, no second required.
Vote to Approve 7. Executive Session (Approved)
8. Adjournment
Motion to Approve 8. Adjournment Moved by Ed Havens, no second required.
Vote to Approve 8. Adjournment (Approved) (Recorded at 04:14:48)
10:55 p.m.
Apr 11, 2011 Town Council Special Work Session
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1. Call Meeting to Order
7:00
2. Roll Call
Roll call (9 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
3. 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 the majority of the Town Council.]
4. Communications
5. Town Manager's Report [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Council.]
6. Items for Discussion
A. Town Clerk Budget Presentation
Lori Trahan - Salaries, reason for the increase 2,500 off last year and replaced it. Other increase inour printing budget. that was about 400 and the repairs for equipment is up 100.00 from 400 to 500. repairs of typewriter and cash register. Yagaloff - there seems to be a way to Lori - on the Town Clerk portal which is our cut system software. If you put a charge card in they take the subscriber fee and 5% transaction fee and we get one dollr for everyone copied. Yagaloff - we get 1 per page Lori - yes Yagaloff - we are going to have discussion regarding using credit cards for other departments. Good thing about Town Clerk is still getting one dollar.Glad can do it without getting charged and getting 1 dollar. Lori - there is no charge to us. we have been getting about 200 per month.
Yagaloff - how current are the records Trahan - up to date within in a two day period. Yagaloff - great service. Thank you
Pelkey - Thursday evening hours has been well received. Trahan - 6pm every Thursday. We have picked up over the last couple of weeks. Great service and people appreciate it.
Prague - Matt cut everyones budget. If you could get a little more money what Trahan - 2,000 in professional account. There has been a lot of ordinances and there is a cost to advertise and to Municpal code. More ordinance pass the more you have to codify. Prague - doing great job. hours give extra for resident.
B. Human Services Budget Presentation
Dennis - Director of Human Services - have with me two of our Division Coordinators. Have reappllied for funds. Whats new - In our budget year this is a bus replacement. 80% covered and Town covers 20%. That is what makes that number 4%. Still good deal for Town. The bus has already exceeded 5 years. Hopefully hear by summer.
Favreau - explain home visits? Dennis - homes visits are done by our of service and Human Services. Andrea - That is primarily our staff. we have 3 staff members go out and visit and help with financial assistance. Favrea - when you look at the numbers for agency support what does number encompass? Andrea - tht is separte and is for people without insurance or pending services Favreau - lkewise shelter workshp? Dennis - MARC - services for disabled. also serviced by ARC Favreau - these are individuals tht live here in town Dennis - yes
Delnicki - commend you and your staff. here from many people how wonderful. how do the numbers compare with previous numbers? do not have last years numbers in fron tof me. more families using councilling. we are seeing increase in counsel cases. 425 families served through parent education groups. Delnicki - do you have the numbers you could provide to us? certainly. Andrea - we have seen increase in older prople ;and people wo are out of work. 399 received energy assistance and this year increased one 1. Delnicki - still having to meet need to folks who have been effected by economy? Andrea - yes - south windsor community is very generous with donations
Yagaloff - you have established program so when economic crisis hit you have been there to help. 1 in 10 home owners are going to lose their home. and 1 in 5 minority individuals will lose their homes. this weekend I was looking for wheelchair in Goodwill and the stores are packed. Having impact on a lot of communities. Think we are in the middle of it and fortunate to have Human Services.
McCann - you mentioned one need is addressing the space needs. The rferendum did nt pass so do not have the ability to add onto the center. How are you meeting space needs? Dennis - we are working the best we can. we are putting programs that need larger spaces in smaller areas. We have health room and using that room for program. We are grasping at everything and anything we can to accommodate. Recreation program is adjacent to senior program room so have trouble with noise. There is a lot of cooperation with Huan Services and Recreation. McCann - have you been able to acquire any space needs from school buildings? Dennis - our computer trainign classes are at TE Middle School. Seniors feel that this building is their space and would be a challenge to put programs in other areas. McCann - would it be helpful to you fo rRecreation to use the schools more? Dennis - I am sure that could be helpful. McCann - your overall budget is up 4% but the increase in the services have increased more than 4%. Will you be able to meet their needs? Dennis - all of our programs are flat out. social workers are flat out. there are day s we feel challenged McCann - you face these challenges every year, is there time when could not meet needs? Dennis - ost of our social service clients and frail seniors get great help. The only thing I feel challenged right nwis space needs. If we address space needs we would also address other issues at Human Services. mcCann - rest of community uses Commuity Center Denis - if we met that need tht would take a lot of stress off. McCann - within the handout you have Adult and Senior Services - Adult and Seniors what is the difference? Dennis - 60 and over Seniors and Adult is anyone 18 and over. McCann - in budget book under Human Services 2010 Actual Expenditures, the actual and projected from last year budget. last column is proposed. if you compare with the amount in the 2011 budget the diffeence is over 21,000 - that is ore than teh 4%. there are 0's included in budget 2011 for equipment. how do we get to 4% increase with this 21,000 decrease? Dennis - under the part time clerical person, we felt that rate had to increase for that person so there is a moderate increase for that person. NcCann - do not dispute that. Dennis - I look at the whole Human Services budget. 4% is looking at the whole budget.
Havens - I have seen this program grow from its infancy to now. you do keep up with times. When you go in there in the morning the discussion is entirely about space and moving furniture. There are lot of people that need assistance. This Council supports the seniors.
Prague - Was disappointed the expansion did not pass. Would have been a good investment, not expense. The Recreation Dept. has proven they can operate outside of their space. There are rooms available in the schools. Understand Church has approached the Recreation Dept. That may be something to look at. The senior population is large. Thhink we need to think outside the box. Do you make lunches in the kitchen for meals on wheels? Dennis - no - there are functions tht the kitchen is used. Cary - if we funded more money what would it be for? Dennis - this year two things. There are two positions that were funded fully 2009 and are part time positions now. Those are two positions tht were full time and are now part time and would like to bring those two positions back to full time. Prague -
Pelkey - the srvice your department provides is so valuable and where else would we be able to get these services. Last year wished for tv and Lions Club came through. Is there any particular item or services is there another item that is needed? Dennis - would have to give that some thought. The only gain in terms of business model is the human dignity. Pelkey - you talked about baby boomers, whre do we peak Is there prediction when will max out on that? Dennis - 18-20% are 55 and up. we are just entering the baby boomers so for the next 5-7 years it will grow. Pelkey - bus trips to medical services, have you noticed the trips to Manchester are down because of the new offices that have been developed in town, shorter trips? Dennis - we have not noticed that much change. A lot of our transportation is to private physicians.
Anwar - need that I feel is increasing regarding job training. Could the town think about helping in certain areas like resumes? Dennis - we do handle issues like that.
Favreau - concerned that there may be safety issues if programs are being done in smaller rooms? Dennis - we are very sensitive to this issue. we make sure seniors are safe. we are working on enhancement in the comunity centr to make safer also.
C. Library Budget Presentation
Mary Etter - see attachment - proposed budget increase is less than 1%.
McCann - from time to time receive comments from individuals outside of South Windsor tht come to South Windsor Library. Increase in budget can you shae your secrets with others in town. how do you manage to provide your services? Mary - we have a lot of support from Friends of the Libary. Book sales is close to 10,000 per year. every book sale committee that works on a book sale, it is an unending amount of books. Connecticut as a state supports books to other country's. vast recycling issue. our service is alittle different than other departments. Items are able to be shifted. McCann - recently added electronic books, is that an expanding program? Mary - yes - McCann - have you been able to get access to all individuals? Mary - tht type of negoitations go on privately behind the scenes. when we first had downloadable products, it did not work with Apple products, but now they all can. right now ther eis a major area that does not work. Thinsk are shifting. the need for books are not going away. we still have large population that does not have or want the ability for a eader.
Favreau - great resource. Very noderate increase in maintenance, does anyof that have to play within the HVAC? Mary - no office needs. System HVA has challenges. Favreau - Mary - use is changing - th enumbes are down, not much - factor of the wheather. 5% down from patron visits last year. last year was up 5.7%. The annual visits 231,651 for the entire year. Favreau - provides opportunities for residents. given that som many people go online, have you noticed any less of need for newspapers? Mary - we look at subscriptions every year. we re not making drastic changes in
Anwar - commend staff for excellent service to community. Technology is here and will advance. Next five years Library's are going to have to change significantly. What is your plans for the next 4-5 years to be up to speed with this technology? Mary - things move more slowly. Computers are not good for more casual reading nor do we purchase text books. I think tht would be a good ide. look carefully at items availabe and who we are serving. one other thing is as well support the Library is, the cost Anwar - people are often using Libaryra for video conferencing? Mary - maybe not too long away. Are starting to get requests for that. Anwar - if someone has lost their job, how can the Library help? Mary - we have program though the web links that are available. Have testing programs that are available on line.
Pelkey - like your program whre someone can use purchase Memorial books. Do have other funds, bronze statute that was donated. Mary - there is going to be Book Festival held in West Hartford.
D. Public Works Budget Presentation
Mike Gantick - New way to do things. 35-40,000 increases you are seeing are energy costs. Town Hal Chiller will realize savings. Partnership with IT - IT changing desktops with smaller system which will hopefully show savings. Town has just gotten to another level with solar panels. Looking for grant opportunities. electronic recycling went well. - South Windsor did not have large issues. Have worked on isues for 25 years.
Favreau - do you have any idea how severe damage is to roads out there? Mike - certainly been discussion at the Capital. We are not along. There are a lot of potholes. we are concerned but have to discuss game plan. This has been one of the most difficult winters we have had in a long time. Favreau - commend the department for getting through this winter. With the rising cost of oil, how will tht effect rising price of asphault? Mike - we are subject to the fluctuations of pricing for asphault. Favreau - claims because of hot wholes, are these items covered by isnurance? Mike - we turn them over to the insurance
Bazzano - you could see the difference between state an dtown roads. Communications between each drivers was very good. Hours for snow removal rental trucks, is that subcontractors? Mike - yes Bazzano - page 58 of the street services ther eis item for some of the rentals, some are not snow correct? Mike - leave, snow removal Bazzano - in your explanations under street services, you had increased hours but elimnated that? Mike - correct, snow accounts we budget for average year and this year went over budget. Bazzano - so we do still have subcontractors? Mike- yes we do not have enough drivers to do all of this work. Bazzano - traffic signs, Mike - really trying to keep up with that. It is a costly endeavor- Bazzano - thought we were going to do 2 years? Gantick - had changed to upper case and now we have to go and change back to first letter capital and then the rest lower case. All signs have to be replaced. Bazzano - graffiti - call the Public Works if you see grafetti on sign. Bazzan o - Fleet srvices, cruiser tires - says 1 Mike - Munis system Bazzano - parks Matt - there are two types of tree maintenance - Bazzano - salaries - since Parks is not separated what happens with Supervisor Salries Matt - salaries are all taken care of in each diivision and that will tell the town how much their salary is. Bazzano -
Anwar - how is it decided to use bandaids instead of redoing the road? Gantick - Miller Road intersection will be finished - try to finish what could before the winter and then patched - had to wait for the weather to be nicer. Anwar - every dept. brings a lot of value - this dept. brings quality to peoples lifes
Prague - when we starting construction on Recreation Dept. walkway? Gantick - the price is going to be higher than originally anticipated. Have engineers and architects looking at this. would like to get done this year. Prague - Mike - will be selling the old street signs. We have extended that to students. Prague - stopped by contractor - if mill and pave please put the camera's under there. Mike do utilize the camera lines. that will be liability ahead of us. Pragu e- how can lower case be more radable? Prague - if extra what would you do with it? Gantick - exclusive of the roads and the buildings - think the
McCann - maintenance of vehicles - measuring salt/sand, how has tht hanged the scheudle fo replacing the vehicles? Gantick -think still looking at that. trying to maintain schedule - McCann - is that the same schedule? Gantick - yes for the past 20 years McCannn - concerned with using more salt will be ruining equipment faster. How are you taking care of washing the bottom of vehciles? Gantick -it is challenging. Karl - in 1974 had the same amount of corrosiion as we do today. the bottoms of the trucks are washed. 12-15 years is the amount of time each truck will remain. Mike - we have actually trained a lot of towns on salting practices. Can actually cause more icing if you use too mcuh salt. McCann - roads themselves, extend life through crack and chip sealing - and the necessary milling. that is typically out of Capital Projects. Need to maintain road - would ther be better way to do this, in operating budget - combine the budgets for road maintenance with snow remval. Mike - the bottom line is the bottom line - challenge in operating budget - McCann - do not want to get past the tipping point. .
E. Connecticut Studios Project Special Services District
Matt - Dwight and Town Attorney - Town Attorney - The project is 4M project - 8 different buildings, large mill and storage. Hotel, small retail space and then potentiall 4 restaurants. that has nt changed. the funding 40M, since October the equity contriution is approixmate 3M. 50M TIF - 8M Tax credits subject to legislative decisions. Credits seem pretty solid. 40 acres broken inot 5 parcels. two parcels owned by Charbonneau, 20 acres came fro mstate to the town and then 2 acres owned by the town (powrlines). once project up and running most of he post construction are on the shoulders of CT Studios, maintenance of roadwya, trash removal. Town will have police fire, safety. Principal documents - 2-3 dozen documents that will be executed. one of the key is the developer agreement. That will come back to Town Council Ordinance, project labor agreement tax agreements - some critical documents - should all be finalized in the next couple of months. Obiously Town Council wil have last say on tis process. Issue bonds maybe in June. Are hearing from underwrtiers most people feel need to get theourhgh legislative session.
Dave Panico - have changes as of today. This will allow additional taxes to be levied on the property. debt service on bonds, services to maintain public improvements, and services that the district will need. After TC approves, does have to have Property owners vote on this.
Yagaloff - 400,000 shortfall in feasibility study. 150,000 payment and maintenance fees. Looks like Special Services district 100,000 to 800,000 per year. what is the annual amount district Matt - personel property tax comes from people who are bringing in eqiupment.
Yagaloff - there would still be personal property taxes for furniture and fixtures? Galligan - yes it is run differently then normal business
Yagaloff - maintenance cost - overall what district will be collecting, total maintenance Galligan - they will have agreements with hotel, retail. Yagaloff - what is special service district going to charge the users? Panico - generate enough taxes to - trustee feels, audit fees, legal fees. there is estimate in the doucments of 38,500 for this issue. Yagaloff - do know bond cost will exceed bond cost Galligan - the hotel is going at the same time. The hotel has to go at the same time inorder to cover costs. Yagaloff - we were told phase I without the hotel and now they can not do project without hotel. The bonds ae not going to go out,k project not starting until hotel. Galligan - I have stated that this project will not go without the hotel. Yagaloff - you said it all along. time wise we were told tht this thing happening - bonds issued in June. need accurate time line, when constructed, when bond going out, etc. why don't they issue bonds base don feasibility study and based on what we have with bonds. Galligan - want to make sure everything all set - Yagaloff - the town has spent 200,000 for attorney fees Galligan - 144,976 has been spent Yagaloff - the Town council has met a dozen hours on this project. They have to get going on this project. We need developers to follow through on this. Galligan - we told develoeprs tht to me it doesn't matter if the bonds get sold in June eor July. I felt it would be smarter for them to start to use their own money to begin construction. What I have heard is that when the feasibility study is final, the developers will start to use thei rown money to move this project forward. (this is something Ihave heard_ Johnson - Panico - the availability of tax credits are essential to this project. Matt -
McCann - no surprise with delays. the ordinance was proposed to provide any shortfall in taxes. there will not be sufficient taxes generated util Mill Work, Hotel and 2 sound stages, retail and additional sound stages. Need to make sure the ordinance is going to cover the shortfall in taxes. The specific ordinance Dave - did discuss Kevin - who Dave - TM and Dwight - and myself had jmeeting to discuss this. we thought we wouldinclude all of the powers. District can ot just go and build a garage McCann - is there a mechanism to remove those individuals from the Tax Service Commission? Matt - will look at that. McCann - within the pwoers where is there to pay the shortfall in debt service? Panico - in the powers - McCann - is the developer going to construct buildings or is the special servi ces district? Panico - the special services district is contracting with the town McCann - developer build the infrastructgure and the town agreeing to maintain with teh special services district. the special services distric tis agreeing wher eto pay this? Panico - attached exhibit - perform all the things McCann - would be more comfortable with - purpose of the ordinance is to pay the debt service, would like to see in the Glennn Rice - there is provision - recessed at 10:15 p.m. reconvened at 10:33 p.m.
McCann - needed statement taht this tax would be set and provide payment for the amounts necessary. I assume there is a similar provision CSB Special Services tax Dave - page 2 (exhibit D) McCann - one of the provisions in article 1 of the oridinance allows for under th epower section - power to provide money, etc. does taht limination apply to TIF bonds? Dave - no we ar enot workign with that McCann - is that because ------- DAve - correct McCann - -etc. Dave - correct McCann - is is necessary for this project to include all of th epowers - including to operate an apartment facility? Dave - no it is not necessary - we just felt that since the district is going to be --- by the town McCann - part of the public facilities in the presentation for the district iteself included a parking lot that could be used by other buildings in thie district (350 parking spaces), would this district permit the operatio of those parking lots by the district, by the commission with a fee charged to people using those lots? Dave - it would allow for that yes McCann - is the special service district going to own infrastructure, parkin glot that is part of the infrastructure that is being financed by TIF? Dave - no McCann - DAve - would have to be separate McCann - concern is the lack of control over the setting of these taxes by the Town Council. we are essentially giving the Board the ability to decide on taxes. the taxes of the town are set by the Town Council. Do not see why the taxes on these particular parcels should be set any other way. Is is necessary for the ordinance to have someone other than the Town Council? Dave - under the special district - you could haveother members, Town Council members be members of eh district but the statute makes it a different body. Want to make sure the taxes get imposed. The special taxes are done to very precise provisions. According to rules that the Town Council ijmposes. The district can only implemet the rules the Town Council sets. McCann - after the TIF bonds ae paid off and ther eis no longer any need for special facilitieis for taxes for that purpose would town continue to collect regularl reveues from proprty taxes in addition to any special services levied by the Commission? Dave - no in that case. the first tax icovers McCann - with respect to the real proeprty taxes that are paid on the proeprty for this district. the purpose of the special facility tax is to make up shortfall - once tif bonds paid ther ewould nto be need to special - town woudl continue to collect taxes? Dave - yes
Pelkey - there is a statute out there that formulates how the special tax district is formulated. in this document what is different that SW is doing in compared to a standard tax district? Dave - the use of the tax to pay the shortfall on the debt service on the bonds is unique. Pelkey - there are two or three different options taht could have been used - is there another one? Dave - in other states, in this state on this method and---- Pelkey - so there is only this method and legislative method. Does] Panico - this is not extraordinary - Pelkey - Panico - 105A CT Statutes
Anwar - good to have lawyers in the group who can look at this closely. 42% as teh breaking point it is quite encouraging. Good to see tht from feasibility study - wanted to share tht this is complex project. Yes there are uncertainties and the dates keep moving but that does not take away the commitment of the Town Council to review carefully to make sure this project can move forward.
Yagagloff - need to do whatever we can to get this project done. the more variables can bring more risk to the project. Time can work against you at times. Page 4 has list of public improvements. Want control in the project. Will be voting as part of the ordinance to approve these numbers subject to adjustments. Purpose of tax report - not adopting - justify the tax - Yagaloff - the reserve funds is collected, tht reserve fund comes back to town unless utillized by shortfall? Dave - applied to last debt service on the bond Yagaloff - the payment is in lieu of taxes does save the town money. Yagaloff - so this is information and does not lock us in.
Delnicki - page 5 - softcost - what is a CNM at 5%? Matt - construction and management Delnicki - if you have something in there it needs to be defined better. Would like tht referenced better.
F. Connecticut Studios Project Feasibility Study
7. Executive Session
Motion to Approve 7. Executive Session Moved by Ed Havens, no second required.
Vote to Approve 7. Executive Session (Approved)
8. Adjournment
Motion to Approve 8. Adjournment Moved by Ed Havens, no second required.
Vote to Approve 8. Adjournment (Approved) (Recorded at 04:14:48)
10:55 p.m.
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