Video index

1. Call Meeting to Order

7:02

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.]

6. Items for Discussion

A. Volunteer Fire Department's Budget Presentation

Chief Crombie - staff requests 883,838, reduction 163,285 equalling 720,553 There is interst and income of about 10,000 so request is for 710,553 2.9% increase. just over 20,000, the increases are in vehicle replacement and Firefighters get reimbursed $6.00 per event and we are looking for 8,000 increase in that. Explorer membership staffing has 21 members now and regular members o 113. have had 30% increase in active membership from 2008. Second page is comparison Fire Department Budgets. South Windsor has a low budget because we do not have full time paid staff. Next two pages show the accounts - revenues and expenditures. Last page is breakdown by category where the funds go. Our request 710,553 which equates to 2.9% increase.

Tom - you have managed to grow the department is very good. Crombie - steady increase.

Prague - volunteer retention and recruitment how long $6? Crombie - 4 years Pragu e- how much expense reimbursement is 82,000, the length of service award contribution is really the monies that goes to individuals that have retired from the departemnt is about 62,000 Prague - I have been to a lot of your traiining and they are doing very strenuous work. It would be a 20,000 increase to go to 6.50 if the Town Council wanted to increase that area. Would like Council to consider 7.50 per event.

McCann - with respect to the payment of the incidents, do the firefighters receive any other compensation, use of vehicles? Crombie - no that amount is used to reimburse them for that. Tax abatement, awards McCann - that is all in the 6.00 Crombie yes

Snyder - budget for training and education of 35,000, where does the training come from? Crombie - the bulk of those funds go to the State or the Hartford County Fire School for Firegighter certification. All new members have to be cert. within two years. Firefighters also get additional certification. Janice - we pay the State? yes Janice - how long training Crombie - Fire Fighter 1 is 240 hours Snyder - do the firefighters have to be emt certificed Crombie - they don't have to be but some are. the Fire Departmetn would pay for that. Snyder - with 30% increase Crombie - we have a good recruitment tool as far as teh explorer program. large percentage of new members in their 20's that have brought a number of those friends with them. Snyder - the new firehouse, has that impacted your budget? Crombie - over the last two years, not this budget, have budgted for increases to help with the operating costs. Snyder - is it maintained by fire dept.? Crombie - have outside people clean and do maintenance. all of the funds to operate three fire houses are in the budget.

Tom - Cheshire is probably close demographic to us. reviewed other towns. South Windsor does great work. Every penny put into the department is well spent. Have had a lot of people who have gone through the explorer program and are still with the department. We are all very proud what the department does for the community and for services delivered.

Crombie - will be retiring June 30, 2012. We have had very strong members to go for Chief. Selection process - explained it. process began in November, there were five candidates, prepared 5 year plan, then candidates were interviewed, then second round of interviews. Each have 20 years experience. Successful candidate is former Captain - started in the explorer program, Kevin Cooney - will be the seventh Chief. Kevin - look forward to working with everyone in the future.

Havens - thanked members of the department for every time they go to a call. Do a great job. 75th Celebration, please tell us a little bit about that. Crombie - 2013 marks the 75th Anniversary - there are a number of activiites that have occurred and will still occur. CT Firefighters association hold annual convention which will be in SW in Sept. of 2013. AT same time townwide picnic

Tom - in light of 75th anniversary - may fall short on the necessary amount so before budget is complete let the Town know if we need to help out at all. Crombie - will make sure committee comes up with budget.

B. Fire Marshal's Budget Presentation

Walter Summers, Fire Marshal - thanked Fire Chief Crombie for all of his support and guidance. We have formed a great partnership and hope to continues. together we have gotten 175,000 in grants. Fire Marhals office is part of the Town budget. introduced, David Muldon, Sullivan and Terry Trenhome Fire inspector. In your packet gave you the staffing level of 5 years and organizational chart. Have received hellp from IT and have computer program, have laptop computers in the field, have i-pads that are used in the field. have cut down on paper and have less expense. with the BOE looking at increasing our fire prevention program in the schools. Kevin Sullivan is working on that project. Think will be working with 4th grade. are partnering with police and human services. Will be wide spectrum of safety messages. looking for a grant and will put into that program. we have excellent support from DAn Hansen. Have proposed increas 39, - 4.5% reduced byh TM 880,224, 1.18% increase. the changes made by the TM - goal for proposal was to fund another part time inspector. grant that funds position runs out in December so the goal was to support position for the rest of the year. going out to bid for detectors, and 1000 carbon monoxide detectors. have run programs. will be going to a few more events. reduction proposed will curtain the program. smoke alarms are the only early warning and need to be more productive in this area. Would like to sow video.

Tom - need a requested line - Walter 2210 Fire Marshal budget you will see full time salaries, that is my salary and part time wages. Tom - could you email summary to Council.

Anwar - need to be ready to invest in prevention. I will support this and suggest that others also support. 20,000 to furfill needs for community.

Bazzano - additional funding is for what? Walter - we have grant for a posiiton, would like to maintain position for rest of next fiscal year. The grant has provided all of the equipment for the program but need a person, (16,000)

Yagaloff - support the program. we would be stopping this in December and that is the biggest time when fires happen. Smoke detectors and CO detectors are important. need to educate people on this. think this would be investment well worth it, will support.

Snyder - was the grant for one year? Walter - yes Snyder - can we apply for it again? Walter - will apply for it again Snyder - the funds to keep position, Walter - is not in the budget, was eliminated by the Town Manager Snyder - will support this position and program.

Havens - once we started the program would be bad not to continue the program. to save a life 16,000 is not a problem. will support to continue program.

McCann - the inspection of the condo is mandated by State? Walter - yes McCann - if thie funded not provided how would you continue Walter - would be split between Kevin, Dave and myself McCann - what projects would be held off Walter - we do annual inspection on businesses and that would all take back burner to this program McCann - Walter -

Prague - Walter - 6 Prague condo? 2000 - we have gone through Pleasant Valley which is 140 and then we have been through Westige which is 142, they are still under abatement order and the next on ewe are in is cinnamon springs which is 102 - Prague - in 1200 days you have only done 240?, Walter - yes Prague - why can't you get through 5 per day? Walter - wilth other duties Prague - if we give 16000 only do Walter - looking to do Candlewood and Bryerwood. Terry is schedulign safety days and will get to them later this year Prague - how long Walter - each condo takes approximately15 minutes. it took 3 months to try to schedule the different people Pragu e-d o you inspect restaurants? yes once per year. Schols are in August, Prague - approach with safety day, have people come out, is more productive then just to schedule them. There are a lot of people home. Walter - last month we have gtotten into Berry Patch, Hillcrest,

Bazzano - what percentage of fires continue because of faulty alarm or not used? Walter - we have found in Pleasant Valley - unit there no battery. in another complex that was all AC unplugged or missing. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years. most detectors in town are 20. Bazzano - how do you know which ones to buy? Walter - there are two types, combination Bazzano - there are large different prices Walter - some are coming with combination of carbon monoxide. Bazzano - do you recommend a certain one Walter - UL listed, good grand, First Alert, et

Havens - why did TM cut budget? Galligan - if added all position people wanted would be looking at 5-6% increase. Need to figure what is the best way to handle this. May want someone to work at night. Do feel the property managers should be stepping up. There may be other ways to do this.

Tom - part time person is a contract worker? Walter - our part time employees do not receive any benefits. Tom - so you have the flexibility to design the program? Walter - foudn out through Westige day time very hard to inspections. Presently doing the work at night. Tom - do we have anyone in fire department ? Walter - yes - Tom - they have to be certified depty? yes and sworn in by the town. Tom - shoudl be using some of our volunteers in this capacity Walter - some are on Board of Directors of Condo's. I will take as many part time hours as you give me and have work for them Tom - think we shoudl offer those hours to volunteer fire department workers. Walter - in the grant we did get 50 skae up kits which is wireless smoke detector with receiver and a shaker. so if somene is hard of hearing or deaf put under pillow and will shake pillow. Call Fire Marshal's office. Tom - how do we get that out to folks that might need that? Walter - will be filming - will have booth set up and trying to hook up with housing authority. we have been through Watson Farms. Tom - glad to see that. Walter - these are quite expensive. Terry put togetehr some of the phamphlets that we are handing out.

Anwar - the State requires us to look at condo's. we are not looking at what is happening in peoples homes. I would not be surpirsed that it is large. what strategy do we need to get that part of the community to b eup to date with their alarms? Walter - we are trying to go to diffderent events. WE are talking about coming to Town counicl meeting. Trying to get out to public. Wil use facebook and twitter. we are going to hopefully get some press.

Prague - previous years have had banners, iks that only in the fall? Walter - yes we try to get banners out. Prague - I suggest you put a banner out and say change your smoke detectors. Crombie - Walter - one solution to geting into apartments that some towns have done is require landlord getting Fire Marshal sign off before renting an apartment. some towns ahve done that to help the fire marshal.

Delnicki - FEMA grant for condo and apartments Walter - no but have focused. Delnicki - single family home owenrs would want the smoke detectors, can you reapply for that grant? Walter - the fire prevention grant is very competitive. if you go back tot he same program like you di dbefore they like funding different programs in diffeent towns.

C. Information Technologies Department's Budget Presentation

Scott Roberts - 543,358 - 31,048 increase or 6% increase. budget does not include new staff. Two years ago implemented help tickets - critical to replace equipment - have been expanding outreach to community. dashboard, expand dashboard, mobile offerings. in July will have the ability to pay taxes online. implementing ipad Town Manager office and Fire Marshals office.

Prague - are you providing services for other towns? yes coventry Prague - reveneu this year? 30,000 Prague - have cut staff? Scott - in 2006/2007 Police Dept. had their staff do IT and the Town had their staff. In 2007/2008 we took over PD IT and did not get another staff member. at that time Building Maitennance was doing the filming of the TC - started doing the filming. Have subtracted two position and have improved services. Prague - office? Scott - 2003 and will need to provide training to upgrade Office. we are going to train through New Horizons. WE are going to pick 50 people in Town government and they will be responsible for training their people.

Yagalof f- very impressed with your department. every year your department keeps moving along. the website is operating fine. we have good IT department. did not agree with the Coventry thing. When we reduce our staffing over time the resources become more valuable. then we take valuable resources and let other towns use that resource for fraction of the cost. Do not know if we will support your 6% increase. This is a department that delivers.

Beaulieu - maintenance contracts, passing through - costs associated with maintenance contracts? Scott - 2% salary increase. - maintain town government Beaulieu - switching over equipment, Police Department is that in your budget? Scott - no - want to change out - 72,000 for equipment

Anwar - pay taxes on line next year? Scott - yes Anwar - that is wonderful. 6% is a big number. your department is very important and helps strengthen the rest of departments in town. Scott - I know it is a 6% number - if we decide to cut MUNIS maintenance, if something happens with our financial package we have no one to call. Not sure what we can cut other than the training for 15,000 Anwar - will have to look at closely and looka t teh value.

McCann - % increase for services to Coventry Scott - think it is 10% increase in the fee McCann 0 how long under existing contract Scott - first year, expires June 30th. we are servicig them with 8 hours per week and looking to go to 9 hours per week. Galligan - one of the things we have not negotiated - if they don't agree to certain prices - we are negotiating.

Delnicki - when we bring a consultant in are we paying more than 75.00 per hour? Scott - depends on service. we are in coventry helpdesk support. we are competitive for the services we provide. Tom - 75.00 an hour may sound like a lot but should cover the overhead. Galligan - we don't hold ourselves liable for any actions that may happen. Insurance is not necessary which is a large cost. All the Towns should work together. Willl take a look at this again.

Anwar - support the regional collaboration. We need to find strengths in other towns and try to work with them on issues that can be done by their town.

Havens - in our services we do depend upon other towns for fire services. Lets promote this coopeartion amongst communities. will support the continuation of the contract with Coventry. Good idea and does not cost the Town any more funds.

Bazzano Snyder at 8:44 p.m. unanimous

7. Executive Session

A. To discuss possible purchase of real estate for the Town - 491 King Street.

Apr 09, 2012 Town Council Special Budget Work Session

Full agenda
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1. Call Meeting to Order

7:02

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.]

6. Items for Discussion

A. Volunteer Fire Department's Budget Presentation

Chief Crombie - staff requests 883,838, reduction 163,285 equalling 720,553 There is interst and income of about 10,000 so request is for 710,553 2.9% increase. just over 20,000, the increases are in vehicle replacement and Firefighters get reimbursed $6.00 per event and we are looking for 8,000 increase in that. Explorer membership staffing has 21 members now and regular members o 113. have had 30% increase in active membership from 2008. Second page is comparison Fire Department Budgets. South Windsor has a low budget because we do not have full time paid staff. Next two pages show the accounts - revenues and expenditures. Last page is breakdown by category where the funds go. Our request 710,553 which equates to 2.9% increase.

Tom - you have managed to grow the department is very good. Crombie - steady increase.

Prague - volunteer retention and recruitment how long $6? Crombie - 4 years Pragu e- how much expense reimbursement is 82,000, the length of service award contribution is really the monies that goes to individuals that have retired from the departemnt is about 62,000 Prague - I have been to a lot of your traiining and they are doing very strenuous work. It would be a 20,000 increase to go to 6.50 if the Town Council wanted to increase that area. Would like Council to consider 7.50 per event.

McCann - with respect to the payment of the incidents, do the firefighters receive any other compensation, use of vehicles? Crombie - no that amount is used to reimburse them for that. Tax abatement, awards McCann - that is all in the 6.00 Crombie yes

Snyder - budget for training and education of 35,000, where does the training come from? Crombie - the bulk of those funds go to the State or the Hartford County Fire School for Firegighter certification. All new members have to be cert. within two years. Firefighters also get additional certification. Janice - we pay the State? yes Janice - how long training Crombie - Fire Fighter 1 is 240 hours Snyder - do the firefighters have to be emt certificed Crombie - they don't have to be but some are. the Fire Departmetn would pay for that. Snyder - with 30% increase Crombie - we have a good recruitment tool as far as teh explorer program. large percentage of new members in their 20's that have brought a number of those friends with them. Snyder - the new firehouse, has that impacted your budget? Crombie - over the last two years, not this budget, have budgted for increases to help with the operating costs. Snyder - is it maintained by fire dept.? Crombie - have outside people clean and do maintenance. all of the funds to operate three fire houses are in the budget.

Tom - Cheshire is probably close demographic to us. reviewed other towns. South Windsor does great work. Every penny put into the department is well spent. Have had a lot of people who have gone through the explorer program and are still with the department. We are all very proud what the department does for the community and for services delivered.

Crombie - will be retiring June 30, 2012. We have had very strong members to go for Chief. Selection process - explained it. process began in November, there were five candidates, prepared 5 year plan, then candidates were interviewed, then second round of interviews. Each have 20 years experience. Successful candidate is former Captain - started in the explorer program, Kevin Cooney - will be the seventh Chief. Kevin - look forward to working with everyone in the future.

Havens - thanked members of the department for every time they go to a call. Do a great job. 75th Celebration, please tell us a little bit about that. Crombie - 2013 marks the 75th Anniversary - there are a number of activiites that have occurred and will still occur. CT Firefighters association hold annual convention which will be in SW in Sept. of 2013. AT same time townwide picnic

Tom - in light of 75th anniversary - may fall short on the necessary amount so before budget is complete let the Town know if we need to help out at all. Crombie - will make sure committee comes up with budget.

B. Fire Marshal's Budget Presentation

Walter Summers, Fire Marshal - thanked Fire Chief Crombie for all of his support and guidance. We have formed a great partnership and hope to continues. together we have gotten 175,000 in grants. Fire Marhals office is part of the Town budget. introduced, David Muldon, Sullivan and Terry Trenhome Fire inspector. In your packet gave you the staffing level of 5 years and organizational chart. Have received hellp from IT and have computer program, have laptop computers in the field, have i-pads that are used in the field. have cut down on paper and have less expense. with the BOE looking at increasing our fire prevention program in the schools. Kevin Sullivan is working on that project. Think will be working with 4th grade. are partnering with police and human services. Will be wide spectrum of safety messages. looking for a grant and will put into that program. we have excellent support from DAn Hansen. Have proposed increas 39, - 4.5% reduced byh TM 880,224, 1.18% increase. the changes made by the TM - goal for proposal was to fund another part time inspector. grant that funds position runs out in December so the goal was to support position for the rest of the year. going out to bid for detectors, and 1000 carbon monoxide detectors. have run programs. will be going to a few more events. reduction proposed will curtain the program. smoke alarms are the only early warning and need to be more productive in this area. Would like to sow video.

Tom - need a requested line - Walter 2210 Fire Marshal budget you will see full time salaries, that is my salary and part time wages. Tom - could you email summary to Council.

Anwar - need to be ready to invest in prevention. I will support this and suggest that others also support. 20,000 to furfill needs for community.

Bazzano - additional funding is for what? Walter - we have grant for a posiiton, would like to maintain position for rest of next fiscal year. The grant has provided all of the equipment for the program but need a person, (16,000)

Yagaloff - support the program. we would be stopping this in December and that is the biggest time when fires happen. Smoke detectors and CO detectors are important. need to educate people on this. think this would be investment well worth it, will support.

Snyder - was the grant for one year? Walter - yes Snyder - can we apply for it again? Walter - will apply for it again Snyder - the funds to keep position, Walter - is not in the budget, was eliminated by the Town Manager Snyder - will support this position and program.

Havens - once we started the program would be bad not to continue the program. to save a life 16,000 is not a problem. will support to continue program.

McCann - the inspection of the condo is mandated by State? Walter - yes McCann - if thie funded not provided how would you continue Walter - would be split between Kevin, Dave and myself McCann - what projects would be held off Walter - we do annual inspection on businesses and that would all take back burner to this program McCann - Walter -

Prague - Walter - 6 Prague condo? 2000 - we have gone through Pleasant Valley which is 140 and then we have been through Westige which is 142, they are still under abatement order and the next on ewe are in is cinnamon springs which is 102 - Prague - in 1200 days you have only done 240?, Walter - yes Prague - why can't you get through 5 per day? Walter - wilth other duties Prague - if we give 16000 only do Walter - looking to do Candlewood and Bryerwood. Terry is schedulign safety days and will get to them later this year Prague - how long Walter - each condo takes approximately15 minutes. it took 3 months to try to schedule the different people Pragu e-d o you inspect restaurants? yes once per year. Schols are in August, Prague - approach with safety day, have people come out, is more productive then just to schedule them. There are a lot of people home. Walter - last month we have gtotten into Berry Patch, Hillcrest,

Bazzano - what percentage of fires continue because of faulty alarm or not used? Walter - we have found in Pleasant Valley - unit there no battery. in another complex that was all AC unplugged or missing. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years. most detectors in town are 20. Bazzano - how do you know which ones to buy? Walter - there are two types, combination Bazzano - there are large different prices Walter - some are coming with combination of carbon monoxide. Bazzano - do you recommend a certain one Walter - UL listed, good grand, First Alert, et

Havens - why did TM cut budget? Galligan - if added all position people wanted would be looking at 5-6% increase. Need to figure what is the best way to handle this. May want someone to work at night. Do feel the property managers should be stepping up. There may be other ways to do this.

Tom - part time person is a contract worker? Walter - our part time employees do not receive any benefits. Tom - so you have the flexibility to design the program? Walter - foudn out through Westige day time very hard to inspections. Presently doing the work at night. Tom - do we have anyone in fire department ? Walter - yes - Tom - they have to be certified depty? yes and sworn in by the town. Tom - shoudl be using some of our volunteers in this capacity Walter - some are on Board of Directors of Condo's. I will take as many part time hours as you give me and have work for them Tom - think we shoudl offer those hours to volunteer fire department workers. Walter - in the grant we did get 50 skae up kits which is wireless smoke detector with receiver and a shaker. so if somene is hard of hearing or deaf put under pillow and will shake pillow. Call Fire Marshal's office. Tom - how do we get that out to folks that might need that? Walter - will be filming - will have booth set up and trying to hook up with housing authority. we have been through Watson Farms. Tom - glad to see that. Walter - these are quite expensive. Terry put togetehr some of the phamphlets that we are handing out.

Anwar - the State requires us to look at condo's. we are not looking at what is happening in peoples homes. I would not be surpirsed that it is large. what strategy do we need to get that part of the community to b eup to date with their alarms? Walter - we are trying to go to diffderent events. WE are talking about coming to Town counicl meeting. Trying to get out to public. Wil use facebook and twitter. we are going to hopefully get some press.

Prague - previous years have had banners, iks that only in the fall? Walter - yes we try to get banners out. Prague - I suggest you put a banner out and say change your smoke detectors. Crombie - Walter - one solution to geting into apartments that some towns have done is require landlord getting Fire Marshal sign off before renting an apartment. some towns ahve done that to help the fire marshal.

Delnicki - FEMA grant for condo and apartments Walter - no but have focused. Delnicki - single family home owenrs would want the smoke detectors, can you reapply for that grant? Walter - the fire prevention grant is very competitive. if you go back tot he same program like you di dbefore they like funding different programs in diffeent towns.

C. Information Technologies Department's Budget Presentation

Scott Roberts - 543,358 - 31,048 increase or 6% increase. budget does not include new staff. Two years ago implemented help tickets - critical to replace equipment - have been expanding outreach to community. dashboard, expand dashboard, mobile offerings. in July will have the ability to pay taxes online. implementing ipad Town Manager office and Fire Marshals office.

Prague - are you providing services for other towns? yes coventry Prague - reveneu this year? 30,000 Prague - have cut staff? Scott - in 2006/2007 Police Dept. had their staff do IT and the Town had their staff. In 2007/2008 we took over PD IT and did not get another staff member. at that time Building Maitennance was doing the filming of the TC - started doing the filming. Have subtracted two position and have improved services. Prague - office? Scott - 2003 and will need to provide training to upgrade Office. we are going to train through New Horizons. WE are going to pick 50 people in Town government and they will be responsible for training their people.

Yagalof f- very impressed with your department. every year your department keeps moving along. the website is operating fine. we have good IT department. did not agree with the Coventry thing. When we reduce our staffing over time the resources become more valuable. then we take valuable resources and let other towns use that resource for fraction of the cost. Do not know if we will support your 6% increase. This is a department that delivers.

Beaulieu - maintenance contracts, passing through - costs associated with maintenance contracts? Scott - 2% salary increase. - maintain town government Beaulieu - switching over equipment, Police Department is that in your budget? Scott - no - want to change out - 72,000 for equipment

Anwar - pay taxes on line next year? Scott - yes Anwar - that is wonderful. 6% is a big number. your department is very important and helps strengthen the rest of departments in town. Scott - I know it is a 6% number - if we decide to cut MUNIS maintenance, if something happens with our financial package we have no one to call. Not sure what we can cut other than the training for 15,000 Anwar - will have to look at closely and looka t teh value.

McCann - % increase for services to Coventry Scott - think it is 10% increase in the fee McCann 0 how long under existing contract Scott - first year, expires June 30th. we are servicig them with 8 hours per week and looking to go to 9 hours per week. Galligan - one of the things we have not negotiated - if they don't agree to certain prices - we are negotiating.

Delnicki - when we bring a consultant in are we paying more than 75.00 per hour? Scott - depends on service. we are in coventry helpdesk support. we are competitive for the services we provide. Tom - 75.00 an hour may sound like a lot but should cover the overhead. Galligan - we don't hold ourselves liable for any actions that may happen. Insurance is not necessary which is a large cost. All the Towns should work together. Willl take a look at this again.

Anwar - support the regional collaboration. We need to find strengths in other towns and try to work with them on issues that can be done by their town.

Havens - in our services we do depend upon other towns for fire services. Lets promote this coopeartion amongst communities. will support the continuation of the contract with Coventry. Good idea and does not cost the Town any more funds.

Bazzano Snyder at 8:44 p.m. unanimous

7. Executive Session

A. To discuss possible purchase of real estate for the Town - 491 King Street.

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