Video index

1. Call Meeting to Order

7

2. Roll Call

Roll call (10 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.]

Chief Reed - Human Services budget and then Mike Gantick regarding storm. Mayor - Charlie Danna is working numbers for Governors proposal for property tax. Generating 8.5% in revenue - try to find out what impact would have and how effect residents. Sooner we get numbers better.

6. Items for Discussion

A. Human Services Department Budget Presentation

Dennis Sheridan - with me Andrea Cofranceso and Joanne Moriarty - reviewed handout. Needs have increased. The remainder of the budget, the Town Council has alrady received.

Bazzano - what are some of the special program Andrea - those include all the different thing swe do at Senior Center - Bazzano - lunches, 8,000 per year? yes Monday through Friday lunch is served. Bazzano - transportation trends, what are riders? Sheridan Bazzano - where are they going Sheridan- shopping, come to or from the senior center, all regional transportation Bazzano 11,291 is that from substantial areas, Sheridan - mxture of all three areas.

Anwar - you and your staff do important requirements, thank you. we are seeing a shift in needs - we know our community is aging and they have increased needs. I think my understanding is you Sheridan - last year DOT 5310 program - purchase bus for senior transportation - 80% cost goes to State and 20% to Town. we retained the bus that had expired its usage which allows us to transport seniors and now do not have restriction of just seniors and disabled. we use that bus for different items with teens now. our fleet now stands at 4 buses. Anwar - we are hoping that we can increase use of the buses. one of the other things I am looking at is number of people served by food bank. Are the needs going to increase but have seen the number plato which is a good thing. the volunteers have platoed also - need to get the word out that departmetn depends on volunteers. Youth Development Program - the actual youths 1,-99 - why are you expecting less next year Joanne - one of the biggest program is Broken Dream - every two years number jumps up and we have staff that are to oversee - counting students we are using for Broken Dreams. Anwar - Sheridan Anwar - part time - maybe should have full time instead of so many part time? Sheridan - many of the employees enjoy being part time - and it is more efficient with the town. Anwar - budget is dependent on the grants. do you anticipate any problems Sheridan - we are wondering about that. there are a number of areas that have made drastic cuts. we are waiting to see. we have been able to sustain those grants and are hopeful that they will continue, but can't say at this point. Anwar - intensity of counseling - mental health is a challenge - I think if it comes to the pont tha tthe budget is impacted - if there are challenges please let us know.

McCann - very reasonable budget, do you have idea of how close you are meeting needs in Town, are you able to satisfy 100% of needs or 60% of needs? Sheridan - I would say we do a good job of meeting the needs of 99% of the people. we have not had to turn people away because of budget constraints. we feel very stretched at this time and we are at the limit at this time. so far we have not had to turn folks away. McCann - is there something tht is not being addressed that may need to in the future? Sheridan - we are working to meet tht exist. We know that baby boomers will turn 65 within 18 years and that is one million folks who would need services. we need to sustain what we are doing and make sure for that age group have what they need. we hope to maintain quality of life with resources we can provide in our department. in turns of trends that will be an impact nationwide. we do have a couple of needs and they are item - there are two things we lost this year. In our rear office - printer/copier - the amount of paperwork generated is large and we need a machine that is reliable. The second thing is we have the oldest town vehicle. about two months ago they found a crack in the frame so it became unsafe. we are in need of a town vehicle so that our caseworkers can do home visits. those are two important needs for us right now. McCann - we appreciate the manner in which you manage your budget. we want to make sure the needs are not being impacted. than kyou for taking care of us.

Beaulieu - grant money - historically grants are about 18% of your budget, how has that trended over the years, has it grown? Sheridan - thankfully these grants have been sustainable with the exception of the bus. the other grants are sustainable, some come and some go. Overall pretty sustainable. Beaulieu - so been about the same % of your budget? Sheridan - yes

Havens - thank you Dennis - Your department - is this the busiest time of the year right now? Sheridan - holiday - various times of the year. for JOanne's division the summer is very busy. Havens - CRT may be running out of money, or operation fuel running dry - I know your department gets many requests - when people run out of these two areas I have been sending them to your department. something new happening is people who can't pay their mortgage and people unemployed. I am sure that is a great relief to them. Do you have enough money in the fuel bank? Andrea - we never say no to money. the SW community is generous and we have been able to meet the needs. do CRT program, operation fuel, or private fuel funds. we have been able to meet that need. we still have enough but if you want to donate we will still take it. Havens - you guys do a great job.

Snyder - printer and car - on the printer - that is for the rear office and that is for social workers, isn't the printer in the rear used for confidential matters? Sheridan - by law it is confidential information. there is a common printer used by Human SErvices and Recreation but we do not use because it is confidential information. Snyder - when I think of Human Services I think of the department as the unsung heros. Human Services work diligently for the residents of the community. there is a brad base of individuals. Councillor Snyder went through the departments responsibilities. thank you and some how we need to find printer and car for you.

Delnicki - the 11,291 is that reflective of the hand me down vehicle and printer? Sheridan - that is just the amount it took to get to 0% Delnicki - seems you have always had lean budgets, no growth budgets. There has to be something that can be done to get you vehicle. we will be having conversation to see what we can come up with and like wise with the printer. The bigger concern is the state grants because with the turmoil in the State that could effect you. When will you know? Sheridan - probably June, July or August Joanne - will not know until about September (Youth and Family Services) - there looks like there will be cuts. Youth and Family looks like taking big hits. Delnicki - please provide us with hard copy of grants that look like they will be cut. Joanne - as soon as it becomes solid.

Anwar - space issue at the community center, how has that impacted programs? Dennis - in general it is a daily scramble versus two departments. We work very hard and do a pretty good job with cooperating with Recreation. Do a lot of shifting Anwar - fair statement that we have outgrown the community center? Dennis - yes - in some cases we have to tell people we do not have room for a program. Anwar - have spoken about some of the programs with seniors who are home and it is unsafe, is there opportunity to make safer? Andrea - one of the things we have under the home management services - that is very helpful. Handiman services - we do have clients that have situations where no matter what we do it will not be enough. at that point we try not to throw the towns money in a hole. we try to get other agencies to pay for those things. there is a point where people need to make a choice if they should stay in their homes. Anwar - are those cases increasing? Andrea - no necessary increasing but we have reoccurring cases. Delnicki - subcommittee that is supposed to look at referendum for 1.5M Anwar, Prague, Delnicki, Dennis to set up meeting for the subcommittee.***** Dennis - thank you for annual light display Mayor Delnicki. Joann - space, a lot of times seniors get a lot of attention for not having appropriate space. Youth and Family services provides counseling and the space is very challenging. It is not just about having space but having appropriate space. wanted to let Council know Sandy Hook School memor 3/1 6 to 8 p.m. - tickets are being sold - we have entertainment. money going towards Uconn fund for survisors of Sandy Hook. Tickets are $10.00

B. Storm Charlotte (Mike Gantick, Director of Public Works to be present)

Delnnicki - commend the PW Department for the job well done. Mike Gantick - do have Mark Owens and Leon Clough - thanked the residents for their help. the local businessman are fantastic and have helped. Thanked the employees wives and familes. many were stranded until their husbands came home. Thanked the supervisors and the men and women of PW for their efforts and dedication. This storm was worse then 1880. some parts of town received 30 inches of snow. before the storm we called 5 extra contractors. we gave town crews rest at night. there was a 3 hour period Saturday mrning 8 trucks broken down, 4-5 medical calls, 2 strcutrues down, and water break. payloader got struck. requested National Guard help - Sunday - our goal was to get every road opened up. We continued on with 6 extra payloaders - filed formal request emergency homeland security - Governor made and announcement that not giving relief to towns. We determined to use paylaoders to move snow so would not impact residents driveays, etc. we had to put snow somewhere. we dumped onto the sidewalks for various reasons. There are numerous issues with vehicles. empllyees have been working around the clock (supervisors). pulling all the numbers together.

Delnicki - my understanding FEMA - take most expensive 48 hour Gantick - by Wednesday evening most of th ework Delnicki - all fire hydrants opened? Gantick - I think he should have but that is the Fire Marshals end Delnicki - please check on that.

7. Executive Session

Havens, Anwar, unanimous8:00 p.m.

8. Adjournment

Feb 19, 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)

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.]

Chief Reed - Human Services budget and then Mike Gantick regarding storm. Mayor - Charlie Danna is working numbers for Governors proposal for property tax. Generating 8.5% in revenue - try to find out what impact would have and how effect residents. Sooner we get numbers better.

6. Items for Discussion

A. Human Services Department Budget Presentation

Dennis Sheridan - with me Andrea Cofranceso and Joanne Moriarty - reviewed handout. Needs have increased. The remainder of the budget, the Town Council has alrady received.

Bazzano - what are some of the special program Andrea - those include all the different thing swe do at Senior Center - Bazzano - lunches, 8,000 per year? yes Monday through Friday lunch is served. Bazzano - transportation trends, what are riders? Sheridan Bazzano - where are they going Sheridan- shopping, come to or from the senior center, all regional transportation Bazzano 11,291 is that from substantial areas, Sheridan - mxture of all three areas.

Anwar - you and your staff do important requirements, thank you. we are seeing a shift in needs - we know our community is aging and they have increased needs. I think my understanding is you Sheridan - last year DOT 5310 program - purchase bus for senior transportation - 80% cost goes to State and 20% to Town. we retained the bus that had expired its usage which allows us to transport seniors and now do not have restriction of just seniors and disabled. we use that bus for different items with teens now. our fleet now stands at 4 buses. Anwar - we are hoping that we can increase use of the buses. one of the other things I am looking at is number of people served by food bank. Are the needs going to increase but have seen the number plato which is a good thing. the volunteers have platoed also - need to get the word out that departmetn depends on volunteers. Youth Development Program - the actual youths 1,-99 - why are you expecting less next year Joanne - one of the biggest program is Broken Dream - every two years number jumps up and we have staff that are to oversee - counting students we are using for Broken Dreams. Anwar - Sheridan Anwar - part time - maybe should have full time instead of so many part time? Sheridan - many of the employees enjoy being part time - and it is more efficient with the town. Anwar - budget is dependent on the grants. do you anticipate any problems Sheridan - we are wondering about that. there are a number of areas that have made drastic cuts. we are waiting to see. we have been able to sustain those grants and are hopeful that they will continue, but can't say at this point. Anwar - intensity of counseling - mental health is a challenge - I think if it comes to the pont tha tthe budget is impacted - if there are challenges please let us know.

McCann - very reasonable budget, do you have idea of how close you are meeting needs in Town, are you able to satisfy 100% of needs or 60% of needs? Sheridan - I would say we do a good job of meeting the needs of 99% of the people. we have not had to turn people away because of budget constraints. we feel very stretched at this time and we are at the limit at this time. so far we have not had to turn folks away. McCann - is there something tht is not being addressed that may need to in the future? Sheridan - we are working to meet tht exist. We know that baby boomers will turn 65 within 18 years and that is one million folks who would need services. we need to sustain what we are doing and make sure for that age group have what they need. we hope to maintain quality of life with resources we can provide in our department. in turns of trends that will be an impact nationwide. we do have a couple of needs and they are item - there are two things we lost this year. In our rear office - printer/copier - the amount of paperwork generated is large and we need a machine that is reliable. The second thing is we have the oldest town vehicle. about two months ago they found a crack in the frame so it became unsafe. we are in need of a town vehicle so that our caseworkers can do home visits. those are two important needs for us right now. McCann - we appreciate the manner in which you manage your budget. we want to make sure the needs are not being impacted. than kyou for taking care of us.

Beaulieu - grant money - historically grants are about 18% of your budget, how has that trended over the years, has it grown? Sheridan - thankfully these grants have been sustainable with the exception of the bus. the other grants are sustainable, some come and some go. Overall pretty sustainable. Beaulieu - so been about the same % of your budget? Sheridan - yes

Havens - thank you Dennis - Your department - is this the busiest time of the year right now? Sheridan - holiday - various times of the year. for JOanne's division the summer is very busy. Havens - CRT may be running out of money, or operation fuel running dry - I know your department gets many requests - when people run out of these two areas I have been sending them to your department. something new happening is people who can't pay their mortgage and people unemployed. I am sure that is a great relief to them. Do you have enough money in the fuel bank? Andrea - we never say no to money. the SW community is generous and we have been able to meet the needs. do CRT program, operation fuel, or private fuel funds. we have been able to meet that need. we still have enough but if you want to donate we will still take it. Havens - you guys do a great job.

Snyder - printer and car - on the printer - that is for the rear office and that is for social workers, isn't the printer in the rear used for confidential matters? Sheridan - by law it is confidential information. there is a common printer used by Human SErvices and Recreation but we do not use because it is confidential information. Snyder - when I think of Human Services I think of the department as the unsung heros. Human Services work diligently for the residents of the community. there is a brad base of individuals. Councillor Snyder went through the departments responsibilities. thank you and some how we need to find printer and car for you.

Delnicki - the 11,291 is that reflective of the hand me down vehicle and printer? Sheridan - that is just the amount it took to get to 0% Delnicki - seems you have always had lean budgets, no growth budgets. There has to be something that can be done to get you vehicle. we will be having conversation to see what we can come up with and like wise with the printer. The bigger concern is the state grants because with the turmoil in the State that could effect you. When will you know? Sheridan - probably June, July or August Joanne - will not know until about September (Youth and Family Services) - there looks like there will be cuts. Youth and Family looks like taking big hits. Delnicki - please provide us with hard copy of grants that look like they will be cut. Joanne - as soon as it becomes solid.

Anwar - space issue at the community center, how has that impacted programs? Dennis - in general it is a daily scramble versus two departments. We work very hard and do a pretty good job with cooperating with Recreation. Do a lot of shifting Anwar - fair statement that we have outgrown the community center? Dennis - yes - in some cases we have to tell people we do not have room for a program. Anwar - have spoken about some of the programs with seniors who are home and it is unsafe, is there opportunity to make safer? Andrea - one of the things we have under the home management services - that is very helpful. Handiman services - we do have clients that have situations where no matter what we do it will not be enough. at that point we try not to throw the towns money in a hole. we try to get other agencies to pay for those things. there is a point where people need to make a choice if they should stay in their homes. Anwar - are those cases increasing? Andrea - no necessary increasing but we have reoccurring cases. Delnicki - subcommittee that is supposed to look at referendum for 1.5M Anwar, Prague, Delnicki, Dennis to set up meeting for the subcommittee.***** Dennis - thank you for annual light display Mayor Delnicki. Joann - space, a lot of times seniors get a lot of attention for not having appropriate space. Youth and Family services provides counseling and the space is very challenging. It is not just about having space but having appropriate space. wanted to let Council know Sandy Hook School memor 3/1 6 to 8 p.m. - tickets are being sold - we have entertainment. money going towards Uconn fund for survisors of Sandy Hook. Tickets are $10.00

B. Storm Charlotte (Mike Gantick, Director of Public Works to be present)

Delnnicki - commend the PW Department for the job well done. Mike Gantick - do have Mark Owens and Leon Clough - thanked the residents for their help. the local businessman are fantastic and have helped. Thanked the employees wives and familes. many were stranded until their husbands came home. Thanked the supervisors and the men and women of PW for their efforts and dedication. This storm was worse then 1880. some parts of town received 30 inches of snow. before the storm we called 5 extra contractors. we gave town crews rest at night. there was a 3 hour period Saturday mrning 8 trucks broken down, 4-5 medical calls, 2 strcutrues down, and water break. payloader got struck. requested National Guard help - Sunday - our goal was to get every road opened up. We continued on with 6 extra payloaders - filed formal request emergency homeland security - Governor made and announcement that not giving relief to towns. We determined to use paylaoders to move snow so would not impact residents driveays, etc. we had to put snow somewhere. we dumped onto the sidewalks for various reasons. There are numerous issues with vehicles. empllyees have been working around the clock (supervisors). pulling all the numbers together.

Delnicki - my understanding FEMA - take most expensive 48 hour Gantick - by Wednesday evening most of th ework Delnicki - all fire hydrants opened? Gantick - I think he should have but that is the Fire Marshals end Delnicki - please check on that.

7. Executive Session

Havens, Anwar, unanimous8:00 p.m.

8. Adjournment

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