Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
7:01 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
Mayor - presentation for Police Department - read proclamation for the Police Department. National Police Officers Week.
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.]
Robert O'Connor - South Windsor W - League of Bronze Level community. 214 other bicycle communities in 47 States. Simsbury is the other community. Ginny Hole - thanked those who have supported us. Ray Favreau, Town Council, former Mayor John Pelkey, Michele Lipe, Jeff Folger, Jeff Dolittle, Dawn Mulholland, Ashey from Recration, Cindy Y from BOE, SWPD, monetary support SW Junior, SW Community Foundation, Matching Mini Grant, Prminade Shops at Evergreen Walk, LL Bean, members of the SWW& WW. Rob O'Conoor for filling out the application. Robert O'Connor - has been a team effort. - want our Town to continue to move forward with this effort. The town has a huge opportunity. Fridy May 18, 6:30 meeting at bike shop - bike to work. on website for information - Sunday May 20th hosting 12 miles bike ride. registration at noon. information on website. give website. Mayor - thanked the SWW & WW -
Snyder - ok ask Rob to introduce all of the Committee members. Rob O'Connor introduced Ginny, George Caye, Bob Dikcinson, Ken Sek, Leha - Eddy and Al -
John Pelkey - came tonight to share in this great news. great achievement and very proud of the committee.
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.]
Galligan
6. Items for Discussion
A. Recording Systems in the Town Hall (requested by Councillor Prague)
Prague - requested that Scott come up for this. This comes from the fact - if I survey the cars on the grand list would be hard to find cassette player in one. We have cassette player in the Council Chambers which is a secondary - Scott - in this room no - you are backup on granicus Prague - need for P & Z and public hearings Scott - yes Prague - I checked out the prices and the Town is at the bottom. Do we have to take the recorder and bring to someone deck? Scott yes - take out the recording and plug into your computer and download. everyone who uses this system would hav eto have new recorder. other option is same company that did our system we have now. Prague - the more expensive system, Madden, Caucus, Sprenkel - how about this room Scott - can add one more device to the proposal. - other Board and Commissions could use the granicus system if they would like to. Pragu e- will review this - wanted just to bring this to everyones attention Scott - when requested in the fall wanted to present to the Council. Mayor - if P & Z did granicus they would not hav eto put on public access? Scott - no
B. General Government Budget
Matt - when put money into ECS funding we put the recommended amount and that amount increased 136,000. recommending 136,929 put - auditors look at that - we usually put what we get into that number. 2.5% would adjust the tax rate. Galligan went through the reductions as shown in attached Exhibit A. 2.5% increase - if go any further may have nothing to look at next year.
Yagaloff - I was the one who threw out 1.75% - the 2.6% is a good starting place. you mentioned Human Service program and not recommending any further cuts there which I agree with. Seniors right now are saying a lot of the budget goes towards the schools and they would like to see more funds go toward the senior programs. They are asking for recreation programs, more space, etc. This budget does not provide more programming but by not cutting any further we are not eroding what is going on there. I do agree not touching Human Services. Not sure if cuts at the Police Dept. budget is the right way to go. Chief said if you don't slash budget then I could find funds for the communication center. Think the Chief needs flexibility - do not want to see cuts. On page 2 capital budget - I voted against teh bonding for the general road repairs. Do not do work unless I have the funds. people have to put money aside for maintenance. routine maintenance should be have fund put aside not borrowing. Think that is a poor policy. will not support borrowing funds to do maintenance. do not have problem cutting capital projects budget but would like to defer not borrow. Galligan - reason was because pensions were paid for 50 years. Yagaloff - can not borrow everything to run a budget. the contingency - Town Council uses those funds for quality of life and need some money to do that. The salt budget - only Town Manager going to balance the budget on salt. the salt shed is full and the plan is to cut down on salt. how are you going to replenish salt after the winter Galligan - 3000-3,300 used every winter. if put that salt brine down would cut down on overtime. right now 90% done. This is a risk. Yagaloff - if we use all the salt will not have salt for the rest of the year. Galligan - I gave a budget that I was comfortable with and Council wanted it cut. Yagaloff - where will we get salt if we run out. This is a necessity. Have to have salt to put on the roads. Do not understand balancing budget on road salt. Police Dept. cuts don't like, Capital projects will go along with if not basing on bonding, cutting the salt is not a good idea, contingency not a good idea. Prague - I pay with a credit card for everything but I pay it off every month. We voted to not bond for ordinary road maintenance. Referendum was held for 10M for drainage projects, road projects, etc. A lot of road projects have gotten done. It has taken a long time to use these funds. When finish 10M bond will be 8-10 years and will be paid off. Comfortable letting capital projects come out with plan. we ned extraordinary funds for extraordinary projects. I am very comfortable with a 2 1/2% this year but will not next year. The teachers had 2 1/2% increase and they gave it up. they took at 1% the following year. I think it is time, State workers have had 0% raise. More than 100 people applied for Pollution Control. Time we looked at salary schedules and reduce new people to what is more reasonable. starting salary for 45,000 is ridiculous. Need to plan for 0's and 1's for municipal employees. We need to plan for that and adjust the salary levels for new positions. Very happy with 2 1/2%. wil not support Human SErvices cuts. If the shed it full then you don't need to fill it. will let the TM tell me what needs to be cut or what does not need to be cut.
McCann - thanks for going through these budgets and coming up with reasonable decreases. A lot has been said about salt. We store 3,000 tons and we received amount for five years that we have received and we are just under 3,000 averaged out. if we brough current level up to the maximum of 3,700 we would spend about 85,000. think there is a cushion in there. think there is another 40,000 that can be reduced. Councillor Yagaloff talked about not bonidng for maintenance costs. I was opposedd to using funds for routine maintenance. Look forward to proposal to be brough forward by Capital projects for plan to address capital needs and to address those needs specifically addressed to capital projects. would like plan that does not roll into boding, shoudl be in operating budget. one itme of the budget that shoudl be looked at is the request from Human Services for additional funding for dispatch of the bus. the use of that bus has increased substantially. need 5,000 to increase the funding for that service think would be appropriate. gets us close to what we need to get a budget in place.
Yagaloff - do not agree with the concept that 0% or 1% for next year. we have a sewer treatment plant coming on board next year and will hav eto start paying on that. 2% increase just alone on budget next year. next year could be talking about 4 1/4%. with this economy have to push spending down. will have the same drivers in next years budget that you hav this year. all concessions will be gone, next year is going to be much harder next year. This year have to put the increase as low as possible in order to not effect the next two years. We have to contain spending now. Not happy with 2 1/2% - do not agree with climate change. we don't budget on climate change. we need some real numbers. we have to find reductions in budget that are real. Next year is not going to be 0%. Going to have vote on the budget Wednesday night so this needs to be reviewed very carefully.
Havens - budget figure at this time there is not much you can do with it. What is the fund balanc egoing to be? Galligan - fund balance is about 4.6 million and will appropirate 800,000 Havens - we always ask the Manager to replenish the fund balance. Not a good way to do. There is a community that does not have a fund balance. To refund the fund balance is crazy. the budget is not really onest. Galligan - some of the things we try to do is get additional grants. Havens - eliminating the capital budget is one thing, eliminating the whole committee is another. there are plenty of needs in the community and am opposed to eliinating the capital projects committee. Contingency never has enough money. you have to have a few bucks to take care of emergencies. to eliminate or deplete is would not be a good idea. everyone enjoys the services we have in town and there will need to be an increase. the budget looks ok.
Bazzano - last week asked for the salt use over the past three years, 2007/2008 1687, 2008/2009 purchased ______________ used_______________, 3760 last winter, this year only bought 1250 - we are not using it all. I am comfortable taking more out of that budget. if we commit to a certain amount over the maount that we already have not sure that amount needs to be as large as what is proposed. The hydrant and water line - reducing that is just a budgetary amount Galligan - Bazzano every hydrant in town, wondered hy the homeowners are not responsible? Galligan - used to have Volunteer Fire Dept. do this. did not feel that was prudent so when out to bid and found someone who digs them out. When did not do that program saw an older gentleman diggig out the hydrant and do not want individuals to have to be responsible. Bazzano - like the flags. Is there a time limit when have to be dug out? Galligan - within 24 hours after a snow storm. Bazzano - is that something that could be done in the dashboard request? Galligan - yes Bazzano - PW lease utility truck, 2400? Galligan - purchase was 34,000 but the 24-00 was what could be saved. Bazzano - can we do the same with the other trucks? Could extend leases Galligan - could extend five years, not ten. Bazzano - what type of cars? Reed - Crown Victoria has been discontinued, need to move to new type Ford - we are looking at couple vendors right now who have Crown Victoria's on their lots. the PD could use the same equipment then but if need new Ford's would need new equipment. May see some savings Bazzano - are you suggesting long term lease on the new cars Reed - cruisers we buy out right. Gallligan - could get you numbers on that, 10-15,000. more than happy to discuss strategies. the non-bargaining people are always the ones who take the hit. Bazzano - did notice everyone took 0's Galligan - I think there has been four times management has taken 0's. one year dispatchers took 0 up front. three years ago PW went back and renegotiated 0, employees have stepped up in the past. going forward there needs to be some creative things that could be done to save funds. Bazzano - need to set a different precedence. Galligan - recommending now do 2 year contracts. Bazzano - five year history Galligan - sure.
Prague - 0% increase was not budget, it was salaries. I think we have to look at a potential increase in grand list. There are three major buildings going up. There is a rumor that there is another building going up. the apartmetns should start. there is always hope of the movie strudios. I think there will be increase in the grand list. If look at those three buildigns are we are going to get buildng permits? Galligan - we have already gotten permits for FEdEx. they do have their permit to do the ground work but do not have permit for building. The P & Z is working with Evergreen Walk on projects. There are some things coming up and within the next week or two there may be other announcements that are coming up. Prague - is the other side of the table still advocating 1.75% and how do we get there.
Mayor - is it safe to say trying to offset so can come up with three years? Reed - yes because if do not get this year will need next year and then would need four next year. my goal is to find somewhere else in the budget to get all three vehicles. Mayor - getting back to vehicles - Ford designed cars to get the old equiopment? Reed - will belive when see. Mayor intent is to pass budget this Wednesday. Reed - have not been able to get absolute answer from vendor. Mayor - I have concerns with cutting back on vehicles and overtime. I would like to have funds put toward Town Clerk Galligan - prior Mayors have donated those funds to Food and Fuel. Mayor - any idea
Yagaloff - problem with general government - have had a lot of focus on Public Works. This year my proposal would be across the board cut to all departments. This is not a normal year and can not take out large sums of funds from different departments. my suggestion would be across the board decrease. come up with number that taxpayers can manage and then go across the board equally. Do not think 1 1/12% reduction across the board will not cause the Town from doing the services that are provided. We have pulled everything possible from the budget. last year cut capital projects in half. we have gutted capital projects. We get a target number and we get there by across the board budgt cuts, have TM manage it, if there is adjustment necessary in the year can come back to the Town Council.
Mayor - is it true tht if we have purchased 25-30% of additional years supply - if we needed to buy nmore would pay higher costs? Galligan - CRCOG says have to order 50%, only surcharge is if you have to pay for storage? Mayor - so that would be an additional cost. No department is being signaled out but we have a responsibility to look at the numbers. I was surprised there was a year of salt in the shed Mike - the way that CRCOG works, you have to put in a certain number, have to buy at least 50% of that salt. when we put budget together the winter was not half way through. can buy up to 150% of your original estimate. Mayor - so if we went with 30% number - would have 50% number. I get concerned about the across the board cuts. Human Services touches so many lives for such a modest amount. there is room for across the board cuts for certain departments but not others. Volunteer Fire Dept. could not ask for a decrease. Police Dept has to do something with the cars. Police are first responders. I do see an opportunity to look at other departments across the board cuts.
Yagaloff - don't disagree with pulling something out of the salt budget. if wea re going to shoot for 75% of the worse case scenario. should not be shooting for 25% of the worse case scenario. the concept is lets do what we can to keep the tax burden as low as we can. There are abatements on some projects and will bring some fund to the town. do not want to touch Dennis's program and there are other areas that need to get projects done. Lets work together to come up with realistic number.
Galligan - there are items beyond our control. we just gave the BOE their budget, but there are items in the Town's budget that are BOE items. All department increases will have no increases. BOE just got - cuts I gave are realistic. If you want to go deeper but the Town Council has to support the staff. The cuts I gave you today is something I can work with. Will look at things Deputy Mayor talked about. Think once this budget is done need to work on next years budget. Need to come up with policies and strategies. Pension you have to do, health, - There are 0 increase or there are reductions from last year. WE provide a lot of services to the taxpayers - not one person came to complain about the budget.
7. Executive Session
A. To discuss a possible tax assessment agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information contained therein which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to C.G.S. §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(5)(B).
Bazzano - tax assessment agreement - McCann invite - Constantino and constantino unanimous 9:03 p.m.
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.]
Matt - would like Ray to give update regarding the field. Did meet with CL& P today - there will be new programs. Ray - an opportunity presented itself. All purpose fields, we are working with Liberty Landscape, they stepped forward to fix that field. We are looking to change our approach. we are looking to strip the side from teh fiedl, remove, recycle it, amend the soil and regrade and seed and fertilize. has to be done immeidately if we are going to do that approach. we have not been able to plya on this field because of drainage issues. if we do nothing then the field will not be able to be used. Galligan - this money is in the budget to do the vertical, just using different technique. Delnicki - appreciate that information. Prague - can we make it available to residents? Ray - timing might be difficult. the benefit to us is it is reusable. we can use it as a town. Galligan - may want to use on Nevers and other fields. Delnicki - explain the process Caldwell - milling machine for earth, taking olff top layer, it will be top soil when done with it. there is compost available to resdients. wil be amending the soil.
7. Executive Session
May 14, 2012 Town Council Special Budget Work Session
Full agenda
Share this video
Video Index
Full agenda
Share
1. Call Meeting to Order
7:01 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
Mayor - presentation for Police Department - read proclamation for the Police Department. National Police Officers Week.
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.]
Robert O'Connor - South Windsor W - League of Bronze Level community. 214 other bicycle communities in 47 States. Simsbury is the other community. Ginny Hole - thanked those who have supported us. Ray Favreau, Town Council, former Mayor John Pelkey, Michele Lipe, Jeff Folger, Jeff Dolittle, Dawn Mulholland, Ashey from Recration, Cindy Y from BOE, SWPD, monetary support SW Junior, SW Community Foundation, Matching Mini Grant, Prminade Shops at Evergreen Walk, LL Bean, members of the SWW& WW. Rob O'Conoor for filling out the application. Robert O'Connor - has been a team effort. - want our Town to continue to move forward with this effort. The town has a huge opportunity. Fridy May 18, 6:30 meeting at bike shop - bike to work. on website for information - Sunday May 20th hosting 12 miles bike ride. registration at noon. information on website. give website. Mayor - thanked the SWW & WW -
Snyder - ok ask Rob to introduce all of the Committee members. Rob O'Connor introduced Ginny, George Caye, Bob Dikcinson, Ken Sek, Leha - Eddy and Al -
John Pelkey - came tonight to share in this great news. great achievement and very proud of the committee.
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.]
Galligan
6. Items for Discussion
A. Recording Systems in the Town Hall (requested by Councillor Prague)
Prague - requested that Scott come up for this. This comes from the fact - if I survey the cars on the grand list would be hard to find cassette player in one. We have cassette player in the Council Chambers which is a secondary - Scott - in this room no - you are backup on granicus Prague - need for P & Z and public hearings Scott - yes Prague - I checked out the prices and the Town is at the bottom. Do we have to take the recorder and bring to someone deck? Scott yes - take out the recording and plug into your computer and download. everyone who uses this system would hav eto have new recorder. other option is same company that did our system we have now. Prague - the more expensive system, Madden, Caucus, Sprenkel - how about this room Scott - can add one more device to the proposal. - other Board and Commissions could use the granicus system if they would like to. Pragu e- will review this - wanted just to bring this to everyones attention Scott - when requested in the fall wanted to present to the Council. Mayor - if P & Z did granicus they would not hav eto put on public access? Scott - no
B. General Government Budget
Matt - when put money into ECS funding we put the recommended amount and that amount increased 136,000. recommending 136,929 put - auditors look at that - we usually put what we get into that number. 2.5% would adjust the tax rate. Galligan went through the reductions as shown in attached Exhibit A. 2.5% increase - if go any further may have nothing to look at next year.
Yagaloff - I was the one who threw out 1.75% - the 2.6% is a good starting place. you mentioned Human Service program and not recommending any further cuts there which I agree with. Seniors right now are saying a lot of the budget goes towards the schools and they would like to see more funds go toward the senior programs. They are asking for recreation programs, more space, etc. This budget does not provide more programming but by not cutting any further we are not eroding what is going on there. I do agree not touching Human Services. Not sure if cuts at the Police Dept. budget is the right way to go. Chief said if you don't slash budget then I could find funds for the communication center. Think the Chief needs flexibility - do not want to see cuts. On page 2 capital budget - I voted against teh bonding for the general road repairs. Do not do work unless I have the funds. people have to put money aside for maintenance. routine maintenance should be have fund put aside not borrowing. Think that is a poor policy. will not support borrowing funds to do maintenance. do not have problem cutting capital projects budget but would like to defer not borrow. Galligan - reason was because pensions were paid for 50 years. Yagaloff - can not borrow everything to run a budget. the contingency - Town Council uses those funds for quality of life and need some money to do that. The salt budget - only Town Manager going to balance the budget on salt. the salt shed is full and the plan is to cut down on salt. how are you going to replenish salt after the winter Galligan - 3000-3,300 used every winter. if put that salt brine down would cut down on overtime. right now 90% done. This is a risk. Yagaloff - if we use all the salt will not have salt for the rest of the year. Galligan - I gave a budget that I was comfortable with and Council wanted it cut. Yagaloff - where will we get salt if we run out. This is a necessity. Have to have salt to put on the roads. Do not understand balancing budget on road salt. Police Dept. cuts don't like, Capital projects will go along with if not basing on bonding, cutting the salt is not a good idea, contingency not a good idea. Prague - I pay with a credit card for everything but I pay it off every month. We voted to not bond for ordinary road maintenance. Referendum was held for 10M for drainage projects, road projects, etc. A lot of road projects have gotten done. It has taken a long time to use these funds. When finish 10M bond will be 8-10 years and will be paid off. Comfortable letting capital projects come out with plan. we ned extraordinary funds for extraordinary projects. I am very comfortable with a 2 1/2% this year but will not next year. The teachers had 2 1/2% increase and they gave it up. they took at 1% the following year. I think it is time, State workers have had 0% raise. More than 100 people applied for Pollution Control. Time we looked at salary schedules and reduce new people to what is more reasonable. starting salary for 45,000 is ridiculous. Need to plan for 0's and 1's for municipal employees. We need to plan for that and adjust the salary levels for new positions. Very happy with 2 1/2%. wil not support Human SErvices cuts. If the shed it full then you don't need to fill it. will let the TM tell me what needs to be cut or what does not need to be cut.
McCann - thanks for going through these budgets and coming up with reasonable decreases. A lot has been said about salt. We store 3,000 tons and we received amount for five years that we have received and we are just under 3,000 averaged out. if we brough current level up to the maximum of 3,700 we would spend about 85,000. think there is a cushion in there. think there is another 40,000 that can be reduced. Councillor Yagaloff talked about not bonidng for maintenance costs. I was opposedd to using funds for routine maintenance. Look forward to proposal to be brough forward by Capital projects for plan to address capital needs and to address those needs specifically addressed to capital projects. would like plan that does not roll into boding, shoudl be in operating budget. one itme of the budget that shoudl be looked at is the request from Human Services for additional funding for dispatch of the bus. the use of that bus has increased substantially. need 5,000 to increase the funding for that service think would be appropriate. gets us close to what we need to get a budget in place.
Yagaloff - do not agree with the concept that 0% or 1% for next year. we have a sewer treatment plant coming on board next year and will hav eto start paying on that. 2% increase just alone on budget next year. next year could be talking about 4 1/4%. with this economy have to push spending down. will have the same drivers in next years budget that you hav this year. all concessions will be gone, next year is going to be much harder next year. This year have to put the increase as low as possible in order to not effect the next two years. We have to contain spending now. Not happy with 2 1/2% - do not agree with climate change. we don't budget on climate change. we need some real numbers. we have to find reductions in budget that are real. Next year is not going to be 0%. Going to have vote on the budget Wednesday night so this needs to be reviewed very carefully.
Havens - budget figure at this time there is not much you can do with it. What is the fund balanc egoing to be? Galligan - fund balance is about 4.6 million and will appropirate 800,000 Havens - we always ask the Manager to replenish the fund balance. Not a good way to do. There is a community that does not have a fund balance. To refund the fund balance is crazy. the budget is not really onest. Galligan - some of the things we try to do is get additional grants. Havens - eliminating the capital budget is one thing, eliminating the whole committee is another. there are plenty of needs in the community and am opposed to eliinating the capital projects committee. Contingency never has enough money. you have to have a few bucks to take care of emergencies. to eliminate or deplete is would not be a good idea. everyone enjoys the services we have in town and there will need to be an increase. the budget looks ok.
Bazzano - last week asked for the salt use over the past three years, 2007/2008 1687, 2008/2009 purchased ______________ used_______________, 3760 last winter, this year only bought 1250 - we are not using it all. I am comfortable taking more out of that budget. if we commit to a certain amount over the maount that we already have not sure that amount needs to be as large as what is proposed. The hydrant and water line - reducing that is just a budgetary amount Galligan - Bazzano every hydrant in town, wondered hy the homeowners are not responsible? Galligan - used to have Volunteer Fire Dept. do this. did not feel that was prudent so when out to bid and found someone who digs them out. When did not do that program saw an older gentleman diggig out the hydrant and do not want individuals to have to be responsible. Bazzano - like the flags. Is there a time limit when have to be dug out? Galligan - within 24 hours after a snow storm. Bazzano - is that something that could be done in the dashboard request? Galligan - yes Bazzano - PW lease utility truck, 2400? Galligan - purchase was 34,000 but the 24-00 was what could be saved. Bazzano - can we do the same with the other trucks? Could extend leases Galligan - could extend five years, not ten. Bazzano - what type of cars? Reed - Crown Victoria has been discontinued, need to move to new type Ford - we are looking at couple vendors right now who have Crown Victoria's on their lots. the PD could use the same equipment then but if need new Ford's would need new equipment. May see some savings Bazzano - are you suggesting long term lease on the new cars Reed - cruisers we buy out right. Gallligan - could get you numbers on that, 10-15,000. more than happy to discuss strategies. the non-bargaining people are always the ones who take the hit. Bazzano - did notice everyone took 0's Galligan - I think there has been four times management has taken 0's. one year dispatchers took 0 up front. three years ago PW went back and renegotiated 0, employees have stepped up in the past. going forward there needs to be some creative things that could be done to save funds. Bazzano - need to set a different precedence. Galligan - recommending now do 2 year contracts. Bazzano - five year history Galligan - sure.
Prague - 0% increase was not budget, it was salaries. I think we have to look at a potential increase in grand list. There are three major buildings going up. There is a rumor that there is another building going up. the apartmetns should start. there is always hope of the movie strudios. I think there will be increase in the grand list. If look at those three buildigns are we are going to get buildng permits? Galligan - we have already gotten permits for FEdEx. they do have their permit to do the ground work but do not have permit for building. The P & Z is working with Evergreen Walk on projects. There are some things coming up and within the next week or two there may be other announcements that are coming up. Prague - is the other side of the table still advocating 1.75% and how do we get there.
Mayor - is it safe to say trying to offset so can come up with three years? Reed - yes because if do not get this year will need next year and then would need four next year. my goal is to find somewhere else in the budget to get all three vehicles. Mayor - getting back to vehicles - Ford designed cars to get the old equiopment? Reed - will belive when see. Mayor intent is to pass budget this Wednesday. Reed - have not been able to get absolute answer from vendor. Mayor - I have concerns with cutting back on vehicles and overtime. I would like to have funds put toward Town Clerk Galligan - prior Mayors have donated those funds to Food and Fuel. Mayor - any idea
Yagaloff - problem with general government - have had a lot of focus on Public Works. This year my proposal would be across the board cut to all departments. This is not a normal year and can not take out large sums of funds from different departments. my suggestion would be across the board decrease. come up with number that taxpayers can manage and then go across the board equally. Do not think 1 1/12% reduction across the board will not cause the Town from doing the services that are provided. We have pulled everything possible from the budget. last year cut capital projects in half. we have gutted capital projects. We get a target number and we get there by across the board budgt cuts, have TM manage it, if there is adjustment necessary in the year can come back to the Town Council.
Mayor - is it true tht if we have purchased 25-30% of additional years supply - if we needed to buy nmore would pay higher costs? Galligan - CRCOG says have to order 50%, only surcharge is if you have to pay for storage? Mayor - so that would be an additional cost. No department is being signaled out but we have a responsibility to look at the numbers. I was surprised there was a year of salt in the shed Mike - the way that CRCOG works, you have to put in a certain number, have to buy at least 50% of that salt. when we put budget together the winter was not half way through. can buy up to 150% of your original estimate. Mayor - so if we went with 30% number - would have 50% number. I get concerned about the across the board cuts. Human Services touches so many lives for such a modest amount. there is room for across the board cuts for certain departments but not others. Volunteer Fire Dept. could not ask for a decrease. Police Dept has to do something with the cars. Police are first responders. I do see an opportunity to look at other departments across the board cuts.
Yagaloff - don't disagree with pulling something out of the salt budget. if wea re going to shoot for 75% of the worse case scenario. should not be shooting for 25% of the worse case scenario. the concept is lets do what we can to keep the tax burden as low as we can. There are abatements on some projects and will bring some fund to the town. do not want to touch Dennis's program and there are other areas that need to get projects done. Lets work together to come up with realistic number.
Galligan - there are items beyond our control. we just gave the BOE their budget, but there are items in the Town's budget that are BOE items. All department increases will have no increases. BOE just got - cuts I gave are realistic. If you want to go deeper but the Town Council has to support the staff. The cuts I gave you today is something I can work with. Will look at things Deputy Mayor talked about. Think once this budget is done need to work on next years budget. Need to come up with policies and strategies. Pension you have to do, health, - There are 0 increase or there are reductions from last year. WE provide a lot of services to the taxpayers - not one person came to complain about the budget.
7. Executive Session
A. To discuss a possible tax assessment agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information contained therein which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to C.G.S. §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(5)(B).
Bazzano - tax assessment agreement - McCann invite - Constantino and constantino unanimous 9:03 p.m.
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.]
Matt - would like Ray to give update regarding the field. Did meet with CL& P today - there will be new programs. Ray - an opportunity presented itself. All purpose fields, we are working with Liberty Landscape, they stepped forward to fix that field. We are looking to change our approach. we are looking to strip the side from teh fiedl, remove, recycle it, amend the soil and regrade and seed and fertilize. has to be done immeidately if we are going to do that approach. we have not been able to plya on this field because of drainage issues. if we do nothing then the field will not be able to be used. Galligan - this money is in the budget to do the vertical, just using different technique. Delnicki - appreciate that information. Prague - can we make it available to residents? Ray - timing might be difficult. the benefit to us is it is reusable. we can use it as a town. Galligan - may want to use on Nevers and other fields. Delnicki - explain the process Caldwell - milling machine for earth, taking olff top layer, it will be top soil when done with it. there is compost available to resdients. wil be amending the soil.
7. Executive Session
Link
Start video at
Social
Embed
<iframe title="Swagit Video Player" width="640" height="360" src="https://southwindsorct.v3.swagit.com/videos/234656/embed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Disable autoplay on embedded content?
Download
Download
Download Selected Item
