Video index

1. Call Meeting to Order

7

2. Roll Call

Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused) (Recorded at 00:08:38)

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.]

Donald D, 608 Governors Highway - here tonight because of a disagreement had with the Assessor. Assessor would not supply him with adequate answer why his assessment went up. He would not supply list of individuals who also went up. have been trying to understand the worksheet. they increased the land value by x value and decreased the whole value. the value of the land if increased they should all be increased by the same amount but it ran up and down everywhere. request an explanation or examination of the assessment. I feel land is land and does not change that much. everyone land should go up the same percentage. Mayor - matt please check into this. Have already talked to

Mary Sullivan, 102 Wyndemere Court. the Athletic Fields Subcommittee is already acting like the development is a sure thing. Our small complex will be completely surrounded by fields. I am really concerned with people walking through there constantly and we feel extremely vulmerable. we pay excess of 45,000 per year in that complex. We have not been notified and the subcommittee has gone too far without reaching out to the community. The subcommittee wants to do a 6320 which would avoid a referendum. this town is already short of money - there are sewer needs, school needs, etc. lets think of our priorities and the seniors who do not have much.

Governors Highway, Mr. D - revise charter to get rid of the certain amount - any thing that the town is spending money on should have to go to referendum. Connecticut Studios have no honest answer from any one - there is a lien, the state is giving them money. would like to know how much they are spending.

4. Communications

Bazzano - announce SW High will be having first Hall of Fame induction ceremony - March 2, 2013 at Maneeleys, inductees include

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.]

Galligan - in report did give you sheet from CRCOG which explains the benefits. Audit Committee met and may want a discussion at the next meeting. Pension Committee also had a meeting. will be on vacation in February Noticed that there are some people that want an explanation regarding a 63-20 - we will have meeting on the February 25th at 7:00 p.m. Had discussion with Fire Chief and Police Chief regarding the ordinance for Civil Preparedness - one of the things even Fred Shaw is concerned about is there should be a coordinator that could work part time at first - have an individual who would be willing to put a better ordinance together. the ordinance could have more details in it. I think the ordinance may be more lengthy then you would like but think it would help us with reimbursements and grants. Delnicki - the way emergencies have been handled are very impressive. Everything has been in control in the past but one person overseeing would be tremendously well. Anwar - there is a broader need and I think both the Chief's felt this was a good start but going forward would need something tht includes all aspects. I think today it is on the agenda but probably should not address until changes are all incorporated. McCann - it is a good idea to have time to think about adding a person to our town staff. we do need to take a good look at that. one of the things that has not been addressed are ambulances. one person is going to be supplied with two ambulances, need to discuss. hope going forward would have resolution. Galligan - the RFP is being handled by Town Attorney and we have been hung up by snag, should have her come in and talk about this issue. have talked to CCM - trying to find out if we can go out for an RFP - Town ATtorney is reviewing. Yagaloff - on the smae issue - there are three bills right now in the public health committee and I have written to the chairs of those committees asking them to get them out for public debate. right now the hurdle is not surmountable. seek changein the provider status and reason sending out RFP is - did not think anything new arose. You had received letter from founder of Ambulance Corps. stating that he is very upset with the direction of the Ambulance service and he was in support of change. ask Matt if we could get letter to Council and have it in the minutes. Have letter incorporated into tonight meeting minutes. Received letter from Diane Jarvis and level of service that she has received which she feels it is unacceptable. also make part of the minutes. tax returns only public - Ambulance has had large cash assets and we need to ask them more questions regarding the public tax return. ask them what is going on with the finances. why would they not do lease, why not paramedic service and why they have not improved their services. it is really not good for the town to have this RFP drag out. Galligan - have questions in verbatim Yagaloff - public has weighed in and it is about time thie town tries to provide a better level of service. RFP should not be delayed any further. Galligan - will talk to Town Attorney tomorrow. Bazzano - public is very shocked that SW is not a life saving service. do recall hearing that we could have paramedic service which for the time being if that is what it took I would be happy with that for now and then work towards the licensing. Galligan - water bills, had people upset - recently I did tr to have meeting with MDC but they cancelled the meeting. nonmember towns are looking at increase. Bazzano - these two bills pertain to fire hydrants? Galligna - Mayor asked for comparison between MDC and CT Water. MDC only charges us for the hydrant - CT Water charges for lines also. MDC does not pay taxes and CT Water does pay taxes. If one Councillor requests something it goes to everyone. Delnicki - wanted to know why the hydrant charges are so expensive in the budget. Bazzano - so that does fall under Fire Marshal. Galligan - yes Havens - appears to me that it is us against them. for 20 years the ambulance service has given us excellent service. do not disagree about upgrading their services but it would stand to me that they become part of this discussion. Anwar - I think they have served our town well but times have changed. we are now in a situation where the complexity of health care has changed. advanced life support should be offered in town. if we ar enot goin gto be adding a lot to the cost but will get a lot for the service and it imporves then we need to move forward. Times have evolved. do you have the expectation and vision that we talked about to put into the RFP Galligan - think you have to discuss with the Town Attorney. Anwar - a lot of work is going to go into the RFP - is the council going to be shown RFP prior to it being sent out Galligan - could have council review. Anwar - Library hours would like discussion more. in your report is the number of 5.4% increase and that does not include the capital improvements. this starting number is challenging. Yagaloff - thanked Councillor Havens for his perspective. we have had many years service by the ambulance corps. last time we brought them in and one topic that came up was why they had one ambulance out of service all of the time. we had a dealth last summer of a 15 year old girl and one of the ambulance was out of service. how does orgnaization that has their own funds and can not keep their ambulance in service. they have been part of this discussion. members of council have asked them to come in and discuss how they are going to provide advanced life support. I have profound concern for all of the residents of town and do find it unacceptable that ambulance service can not keep both ambulances in service. the RFP is importatn and shoudl bid out for that. They need to be a part of the process to deal with current problems. Prague - Councillor Yagaloff brought this up3-4 years ago and lives are being saved with new techniques but you have to get them to the hospital and things have to be done right away. Asked Larry why he is fighting this, he responded that the cost would be too great. I am in favor of RFP and they can bid on it if they so choose and they can come to us to let us know how much it would cost. they have had four years to come back to us with a plan to upgrade the service. want the best for our town. they have not negotiated in good faith for the space. they are not paying for that space. Mayor - RFP has to get moving quickly and we are all concerned that we are giving the residents of SW the best service that we can. this will be a open process.

6. Items for Discussion

A. Town Council/Town Manager/Board & Commission Budget Presentations

Galligan - ithis is the most difficult budget I have worked with. Assessor 12.7% decrease in homes in this area. as you know the BOE did submit their budget and have added the increase to the proposed increase, 5M increase between BOE and Town. if you did not have revaluation that would be 6.3%. Looking at revaluation - there is 20% increase in rate because of the 12% decrease in homes. have asked everyone to come in with 0% increase. sewer debt is the largest. the increase of that 961,000 to debt service. pension 202,000, health insurance, workmans comp. 998,000 that you have to pay. the PW budget is up 200,000 Mayor - recess at 8:00 pm.; reconvene at 8:00 p.m.

only item in the budget that was moved from capital to IT - upgrading the computers. That is an area that you can look at. There is one item that you could cut is in Central SErvices, Purchasing Director. a lot of the things are driven by items that you have to pay. the down side is that capital projects have been worked on very hard and put together a good capital plan. BOE have realized that they may have to come back to capital. Safety is a concern in their buget. if you were to add 1.4 million lookinat at another 1. - we are starting this process real early and council may have to discuss items seriously. also will be looking to go out for an RFP for health insurance. there are three or four items can wrestle with. progams may have to be looked at. CCM - governor malloy trying to keep municiipalities where they stand. that would help us tremendously. Delnicki - this is one of hte most difficult budgets. 1.7M sewer payment? Galligna - the payment is 1.7M - 1.2M was put into the budget - moved payment up earlier - payment is 1.7M Delnicki - in the coming Galligan - 1.2M but future 1.7M Delnicki - could not support that Prague - what is debt service coming down? Galligna - about 700,000 - next year drops about 1M Prague - that doe snto take into account the bonding of the torm Galligna - no - paying off close to 5M of 6M note. Pragu e- in this budget 600,000 for the Woodcock property Galligan - that went down Prague - is that considered in the budget Galligan - yes Prague have numbers in front of me and they were all 0% increase Galligna - TM - 0%, HR 0% - Council budget looks like there is an 8% increase but did not approve until later - not an 8% increase. Tolland budtge - roads they do - we have double the roads and we spend 50% less. Prague - who ran this report? Gallignan - Finance - Prague - we need comparitive reports Galligan - what you asked to provide you - detail of 2013 - will get you comparison number. Tolland budget Delnicki - when PD came in they have previous years - would like detail like the PD. Galligan - that is the detail for this year - summary you get comparisons Anwar - Galligan - debt service, pension, health, workmens comp, unemployement, fire protection, cau and life 1.998M that you have to pay. Anwar - what is the long term strategey Galligan - you ar eputtin gin the ARC - Anwar - pensin changed policy Galligan - yes to budget the actual required contribution. we did that over three year period ot get up to that Yagaloff - sewer increase - number I had seen 1.2 m so will need clarification - useful to see sewer payments - Galligan - will get you the schedules. Yagaloff - is there anything in the budget for WPCA to contribute. really thought the first year payment due - update on their reserves Delnicki - Galligan - these payments are starting now - Delnicki - July 1 to June 30 Galligan - will get you the schedule. Delnicki - 420,000 they are paying Galligan - very important to get message out there that this is difficult budget. Delnicki - ball park numbers - for every 100,000 change what does that equate to 1/10th of percent. $1M would be 1%. Anwar - you asked everyone to give 0% increase, can you go back and ask them for a 5% decrease in their budget. Galligan - yes but what programs you would like cut. Anwar - we want to give the budget and increase to a minimum. Galligan - when you start taking programs away - do feel when start getting in their then Council can - Town budget has gone down dramatically over the years. other budgets have gone up. at this time you would be talking about programming. will email the Council Snyder - I am concerned about town staff and administrators cutting the budget 5% - if we say lets bring in budget of 5% less - do you want 5% decrease now. do not know if good exercise to do at this time. Galligan - what would you do with the PD which woudl only be personnel. Snyder - concerned at this time of going through exercise of cutting because I think early. want them to work on current budget. Galligan - if we do it on our side, what are you gong to do with the BOE. Anwar - I think you are starting over the 5% increase - if have that as starting point then we need a better strategy. time to look at decreases. Galligna - it will go down to personnel Anwar - the BOE increase is substantial. we have to adjust ourselves every year. we have to find a way to make it fair. Galligan - unfortunately state mandates are considered in the BOE budget. McCann - we are not at the point in the budget that we are looking at actual budget numbers. Think council should request the 5% decrease as a whole not just one councillor. that is something that could be done in the future. Galligna - will know more when state budget is presented. Yagaloff - auto tax and personal property tax - 20%? Galligan - i think they could be 20% increase Yagaloff - people have 2-3 cars and raise that 20% that is couple percent in real property taxes - we are talking about 2-3% in auto taxeds - the problem is much larger than taking 1% off of the budget. need to have policy discussion of where we want ot generate revenue. this coudl be incredibly difficult without effecting programs. Galligna - that would be a strong guidance to us. Yagaloff - average homes could look at 7-8% increase in homes and personal property. Prague - shift burden to businesses? Galligna - equipment will go way up. Gal

B. Snow Angels Program (Dennis Sheridan, Director of Human Services to be present)

7. Executive Session

A. Personnel Matter (Town Manger's and Clerk of the Council's Evaluations)

8. Adjournment

Bazzano, Prague, unanimous

Feb 04, 2013 Town Council Work Session

Full agenda
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1. Call Meeting to Order

7

2. Roll Call

Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused) (Recorded at 00:08:38)

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.]

Donald D, 608 Governors Highway - here tonight because of a disagreement had with the Assessor. Assessor would not supply him with adequate answer why his assessment went up. He would not supply list of individuals who also went up. have been trying to understand the worksheet. they increased the land value by x value and decreased the whole value. the value of the land if increased they should all be increased by the same amount but it ran up and down everywhere. request an explanation or examination of the assessment. I feel land is land and does not change that much. everyone land should go up the same percentage. Mayor - matt please check into this. Have already talked to

Mary Sullivan, 102 Wyndemere Court. the Athletic Fields Subcommittee is already acting like the development is a sure thing. Our small complex will be completely surrounded by fields. I am really concerned with people walking through there constantly and we feel extremely vulmerable. we pay excess of 45,000 per year in that complex. We have not been notified and the subcommittee has gone too far without reaching out to the community. The subcommittee wants to do a 6320 which would avoid a referendum. this town is already short of money - there are sewer needs, school needs, etc. lets think of our priorities and the seniors who do not have much.

Governors Highway, Mr. D - revise charter to get rid of the certain amount - any thing that the town is spending money on should have to go to referendum. Connecticut Studios have no honest answer from any one - there is a lien, the state is giving them money. would like to know how much they are spending.

4. Communications

Bazzano - announce SW High will be having first Hall of Fame induction ceremony - March 2, 2013 at Maneeleys, inductees include

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.]

Galligan - in report did give you sheet from CRCOG which explains the benefits. Audit Committee met and may want a discussion at the next meeting. Pension Committee also had a meeting. will be on vacation in February Noticed that there are some people that want an explanation regarding a 63-20 - we will have meeting on the February 25th at 7:00 p.m. Had discussion with Fire Chief and Police Chief regarding the ordinance for Civil Preparedness - one of the things even Fred Shaw is concerned about is there should be a coordinator that could work part time at first - have an individual who would be willing to put a better ordinance together. the ordinance could have more details in it. I think the ordinance may be more lengthy then you would like but think it would help us with reimbursements and grants. Delnicki - the way emergencies have been handled are very impressive. Everything has been in control in the past but one person overseeing would be tremendously well. Anwar - there is a broader need and I think both the Chief's felt this was a good start but going forward would need something tht includes all aspects. I think today it is on the agenda but probably should not address until changes are all incorporated. McCann - it is a good idea to have time to think about adding a person to our town staff. we do need to take a good look at that. one of the things that has not been addressed are ambulances. one person is going to be supplied with two ambulances, need to discuss. hope going forward would have resolution. Galligan - the RFP is being handled by Town Attorney and we have been hung up by snag, should have her come in and talk about this issue. have talked to CCM - trying to find out if we can go out for an RFP - Town ATtorney is reviewing. Yagaloff - on the smae issue - there are three bills right now in the public health committee and I have written to the chairs of those committees asking them to get them out for public debate. right now the hurdle is not surmountable. seek changein the provider status and reason sending out RFP is - did not think anything new arose. You had received letter from founder of Ambulance Corps. stating that he is very upset with the direction of the Ambulance service and he was in support of change. ask Matt if we could get letter to Council and have it in the minutes. Have letter incorporated into tonight meeting minutes. Received letter from Diane Jarvis and level of service that she has received which she feels it is unacceptable. also make part of the minutes. tax returns only public - Ambulance has had large cash assets and we need to ask them more questions regarding the public tax return. ask them what is going on with the finances. why would they not do lease, why not paramedic service and why they have not improved their services. it is really not good for the town to have this RFP drag out. Galligan - have questions in verbatim Yagaloff - public has weighed in and it is about time thie town tries to provide a better level of service. RFP should not be delayed any further. Galligan - will talk to Town Attorney tomorrow. Bazzano - public is very shocked that SW is not a life saving service. do recall hearing that we could have paramedic service which for the time being if that is what it took I would be happy with that for now and then work towards the licensing. Galligan - water bills, had people upset - recently I did tr to have meeting with MDC but they cancelled the meeting. nonmember towns are looking at increase. Bazzano - these two bills pertain to fire hydrants? Galligna - Mayor asked for comparison between MDC and CT Water. MDC only charges us for the hydrant - CT Water charges for lines also. MDC does not pay taxes and CT Water does pay taxes. If one Councillor requests something it goes to everyone. Delnicki - wanted to know why the hydrant charges are so expensive in the budget. Bazzano - so that does fall under Fire Marshal. Galligan - yes Havens - appears to me that it is us against them. for 20 years the ambulance service has given us excellent service. do not disagree about upgrading their services but it would stand to me that they become part of this discussion. Anwar - I think they have served our town well but times have changed. we are now in a situation where the complexity of health care has changed. advanced life support should be offered in town. if we ar enot goin gto be adding a lot to the cost but will get a lot for the service and it imporves then we need to move forward. Times have evolved. do you have the expectation and vision that we talked about to put into the RFP Galligan - think you have to discuss with the Town Attorney. Anwar - a lot of work is going to go into the RFP - is the council going to be shown RFP prior to it being sent out Galligan - could have council review. Anwar - Library hours would like discussion more. in your report is the number of 5.4% increase and that does not include the capital improvements. this starting number is challenging. Yagaloff - thanked Councillor Havens for his perspective. we have had many years service by the ambulance corps. last time we brought them in and one topic that came up was why they had one ambulance out of service all of the time. we had a dealth last summer of a 15 year old girl and one of the ambulance was out of service. how does orgnaization that has their own funds and can not keep their ambulance in service. they have been part of this discussion. members of council have asked them to come in and discuss how they are going to provide advanced life support. I have profound concern for all of the residents of town and do find it unacceptable that ambulance service can not keep both ambulances in service. the RFP is importatn and shoudl bid out for that. They need to be a part of the process to deal with current problems. Prague - Councillor Yagaloff brought this up3-4 years ago and lives are being saved with new techniques but you have to get them to the hospital and things have to be done right away. Asked Larry why he is fighting this, he responded that the cost would be too great. I am in favor of RFP and they can bid on it if they so choose and they can come to us to let us know how much it would cost. they have had four years to come back to us with a plan to upgrade the service. want the best for our town. they have not negotiated in good faith for the space. they are not paying for that space. Mayor - RFP has to get moving quickly and we are all concerned that we are giving the residents of SW the best service that we can. this will be a open process.

6. Items for Discussion

A. Town Council/Town Manager/Board & Commission Budget Presentations

Galligan - ithis is the most difficult budget I have worked with. Assessor 12.7% decrease in homes in this area. as you know the BOE did submit their budget and have added the increase to the proposed increase, 5M increase between BOE and Town. if you did not have revaluation that would be 6.3%. Looking at revaluation - there is 20% increase in rate because of the 12% decrease in homes. have asked everyone to come in with 0% increase. sewer debt is the largest. the increase of that 961,000 to debt service. pension 202,000, health insurance, workmans comp. 998,000 that you have to pay. the PW budget is up 200,000 Mayor - recess at 8:00 pm.; reconvene at 8:00 p.m.

only item in the budget that was moved from capital to IT - upgrading the computers. That is an area that you can look at. There is one item that you could cut is in Central SErvices, Purchasing Director. a lot of the things are driven by items that you have to pay. the down side is that capital projects have been worked on very hard and put together a good capital plan. BOE have realized that they may have to come back to capital. Safety is a concern in their buget. if you were to add 1.4 million lookinat at another 1. - we are starting this process real early and council may have to discuss items seriously. also will be looking to go out for an RFP for health insurance. there are three or four items can wrestle with. progams may have to be looked at. CCM - governor malloy trying to keep municiipalities where they stand. that would help us tremendously. Delnicki - this is one of hte most difficult budgets. 1.7M sewer payment? Galligna - the payment is 1.7M - 1.2M was put into the budget - moved payment up earlier - payment is 1.7M Delnicki - in the coming Galligan - 1.2M but future 1.7M Delnicki - could not support that Prague - what is debt service coming down? Galligna - about 700,000 - next year drops about 1M Prague - that doe snto take into account the bonding of the torm Galligna - no - paying off close to 5M of 6M note. Pragu e- in this budget 600,000 for the Woodcock property Galligan - that went down Prague - is that considered in the budget Galligan - yes Prague have numbers in front of me and they were all 0% increase Galligna - TM - 0%, HR 0% - Council budget looks like there is an 8% increase but did not approve until later - not an 8% increase. Tolland budtge - roads they do - we have double the roads and we spend 50% less. Prague - who ran this report? Gallignan - Finance - Prague - we need comparitive reports Galligan - what you asked to provide you - detail of 2013 - will get you comparison number. Tolland budget Delnicki - when PD came in they have previous years - would like detail like the PD. Galligan - that is the detail for this year - summary you get comparisons Anwar - Galligan - debt service, pension, health, workmens comp, unemployement, fire protection, cau and life 1.998M that you have to pay. Anwar - what is the long term strategey Galligan - you ar eputtin gin the ARC - Anwar - pensin changed policy Galligan - yes to budget the actual required contribution. we did that over three year period ot get up to that Yagaloff - sewer increase - number I had seen 1.2 m so will need clarification - useful to see sewer payments - Galligan - will get you the schedules. Yagaloff - is there anything in the budget for WPCA to contribute. really thought the first year payment due - update on their reserves Delnicki - Galligan - these payments are starting now - Delnicki - July 1 to June 30 Galligan - will get you the schedule. Delnicki - 420,000 they are paying Galligan - very important to get message out there that this is difficult budget. Delnicki - ball park numbers - for every 100,000 change what does that equate to 1/10th of percent. $1M would be 1%. Anwar - you asked everyone to give 0% increase, can you go back and ask them for a 5% decrease in their budget. Galligan - yes but what programs you would like cut. Anwar - we want to give the budget and increase to a minimum. Galligan - when you start taking programs away - do feel when start getting in their then Council can - Town budget has gone down dramatically over the years. other budgets have gone up. at this time you would be talking about programming. will email the Council Snyder - I am concerned about town staff and administrators cutting the budget 5% - if we say lets bring in budget of 5% less - do you want 5% decrease now. do not know if good exercise to do at this time. Galligan - what would you do with the PD which woudl only be personnel. Snyder - concerned at this time of going through exercise of cutting because I think early. want them to work on current budget. Galligan - if we do it on our side, what are you gong to do with the BOE. Anwar - I think you are starting over the 5% increase - if have that as starting point then we need a better strategy. time to look at decreases. Galligna - it will go down to personnel Anwar - the BOE increase is substantial. we have to adjust ourselves every year. we have to find a way to make it fair. Galligan - unfortunately state mandates are considered in the BOE budget. McCann - we are not at the point in the budget that we are looking at actual budget numbers. Think council should request the 5% decrease as a whole not just one councillor. that is something that could be done in the future. Galligna - will know more when state budget is presented. Yagaloff - auto tax and personal property tax - 20%? Galligan - i think they could be 20% increase Yagaloff - people have 2-3 cars and raise that 20% that is couple percent in real property taxes - we are talking about 2-3% in auto taxeds - the problem is much larger than taking 1% off of the budget. need to have policy discussion of where we want ot generate revenue. this coudl be incredibly difficult without effecting programs. Galligna - that would be a strong guidance to us. Yagaloff - average homes could look at 7-8% increase in homes and personal property. Prague - shift burden to businesses? Galligna - equipment will go way up. Gal

B. Snow Angels Program (Dennis Sheridan, Director of Human Services to be present)

7. Executive Session

A. Personnel Matter (Town Manger's and Clerk of the Council's Evaluations)

8. Adjournment

Bazzano, Prague, unanimous

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