3/08/2007Bztidget Meeting - 3/8/2007
TOWN OF BERLIN
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Board of Education Meeting Room - @ 6:00 p.m.
Minutes
A. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Robert Dacey called the Budget meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ROL CALL
Those in attendance were: Councilor Linda Cimadon
Chairman Robert Dacey
Councilor Edward Egazarian (7:00 p.m.)
Councilor Stephen Morelli
Mayor Adam Salina
Councilor William Watson, III
Also in attendance: Interim Town Manager Kemp
D. DISCUSSION ON DEPARTMENT BUDGETS:
1. Fire Departments 31
Fire Chiefs Mark Lewandowski, James Simons and Keith Morton presented the Fire
Department budgets.
Fire Chief Lewandowski stated that the Fire Departments were the recipients of
afire grant in the amount of $184,000 this year. They tried to maintain as close to a
zero increase as possible in their budgets.
Acct. #209 - Training
Requested $22,500 reduced to $18,000 by Interim Town Manager. Reasons for
increase were due to increase demand in training and increase in training costs.
Kensington Firehouse -Live-in Program
Chief Lewandowski stated that last year he came before the Town Council requesting
permission for the Kensington Fire Department to seek assistance through the
Neighborhood Assistance Grant. They did some fund raising and received
approximately $20,000 in donations. They were able to purchase new furniture and
some bunks but he was unable to reach his goal of adding some space on the back of
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Budget Meeting - 3/8/2007
the firehouse. There are currently two live-in firefighters at the station and they have
also started aDorm-in Program for their members.
Acct. #406-19 Gas Meters
Chairman Dacey suggested a review of the current Fire Capital and Non-recurring
account because there maybe $6,000 available in that account to put towards the gas
meters. There maybe another $6,000 available in that account at the end of the fiscal
year.
2. Police Department 32
Police Chief Paul Fitzgerald presented the Police Department budget. He stated that
they have had a 6% increase in Police calls for service over the previous year. This
has caused him to look more closely at their staffing levels and it turns out that their
calls for service have increased by 30% since the year 2000. This is an issue that has
to be addressed, you cannot increase calls for service and maintain staff level. They
had 39 Police Officers and 3 part-time Officers in 2000; they currently have 40 Police
Officers and no part-timers. Another issue is that the facility is overcrowded, it was
built in 1973 and it is not suited for a Police Department any longer. He also
explained some of their equipment is very antiquated.
Acct. #100 Department Head
Police Chief Fitzgerald stated that there is a 5% increase in his salary. He is on call
for 24 hours 7 days a week, he has been called out for accidents, etc.
Acct. #102 -Professional Personnel
A 3% increase in this account.
Acct. #106 -Police Personnel
Increase due to the request for two additional officers; one was the School Resource
Officer and the other position was in response to the increase of service calls. The
Interim Town Manager had asked him if they could get by with just the School
Resource Officer this year and they can because they can compensate with overtime.
This is an issue they will have to deal with in the future.
Acct. # 121 -Overtime
Reduced from last year's budget.
Chairman Dacey stated that another town is cutting their overtime by increasing their
Police force. He asked what percentage of their overtime could they cut with
additional Police Officers.
Police Chief Fitzgerald stated that he has already made that cut to his overtime
account with the anticipation of getting two officers. He stated that it is his
responsibility to manage the overtime account and he will try to manage as best he
can.
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Acct. #205 -Maintenance
Increase of 3% due to projected increase in maintenance contract.
Acct. #205-2 Computer Software
Increase due to new feature on the computer software requiring maintenance
contract.
Acct. #207 -Organizational Fees
Increase of $1,800 because the Police Department is participating in the Mid State
Narcotics Task Force.
Acct. #209 - Training
Requested $3,300 for the rifle ammunition and the tasers.
Acct. #209-1 -Tuition
Level with last year' budget. (This is a split out between acct. #209 & #209-1)
Acct. #252-9 Outside Legal Service -Expert
This is a new account. Police Chief Fitzgerald explained that to have expert legal
advice when they need it most is very important as far as a risk management
philosophy. He explained that expert legal advice is necessary during labor
negotiations or use of force or pursuit cases. During these instances he would like to
be able to call a legal expert right away to minimize any liability. He stated that SO%
of all Police Departments have an expert legal advice service.
Chairman Dacey felt it would be more logical to have those funds in the Corporation
Counsel budget in the Outside Legal account.
Councilor Morelli stated that he does not see how he can get expert legal advice for
the requested amount in this budget.
Police Chief Fitzgerald explained that the proposal has no retainer fee and $150 per
hour. He feels that this is a very good idea and provides excellent protection for the
town. If funds were left in this account at the end of the year he would use them to
review the Police Department policies.
Interim Town Manager Kemp suggested calling this a pilot program to be reviewed at
the end of one year.
Finance Director Anna Johnson suggested establishing a second line item in the
Corporation Counsel budget and naming it "Outside Legal Services -Police".
Councilor Cimadon stated that they have increased the number of dispatchers and the
thought was that it would help the Police Department by not having the Police
Officers do that work.
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Budget Meeting - 3/8/2007
Police Chief Fitzgerald stated that Police Officers are not allowed to do dispatch work
unless it was an emergency.
Acct. #259 -Statewide
Increase due to cover the costs of the Statewide COLLECT System RAFS Radio
System.
Acct. #402-11 Police Vehicles
Cut the request for the SUV but is asking for four marked vehicles and one unmarked.
Police Chief Fitzgerald explained that he has four vehicles with over 100,000 miles
on them.
Mayor Salina stated that he attends the Mid-State meetings along with the Interim
Town Manager trying to gain information on regional bidding for things that
everyone needs (e.g. Police vehicles or larger vehicles). Rather than going out to bid
for only four or five vehicles we could go out to bid for twenty vehicles with the
combined bidding.
James Simons, Fleet Manager stated that Ford still tailors the vehicles for the Police
Force but they will be making changes to vehicles in 2008. He added that Dodge is
now making the Charger for Police cruisers. Currently there is only one plant that is
making Police cruisers nationwide and it takes awhile to receive their vehicles.
Police Chief Fitzgerald stated that there are funds available in the D.A.R.E. account
and those funds have to be used for education or equipment for D.A.R.E. The current
D.A.R.E. vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it. The suggestion was to purchase an
H-3, which is similar to a SUV, but after further discussion it was decided that
perhaps it would be better to purchase apick-up truck.
Acct. #406-16 Security Helmets
The bulk of the security helmets that they currently have are outdated.
Chairman Dacey asked the Police Chief if they had to cut $10,000 from the Police
budget what would he suggest cutting.
Police Chief Fitzgerald stated that he would cut $10,000 out of Police Personnel.
Acct. #140 -Extra Duty Police Officer
Police Chief Fitzgerald stated that two years in a row that had to adjust this account
because it is hard to project. He suggested increasing this account to $500,000, which
would also increase the Revenue account the same and they would not have to adjust
the account during the fiscal year. (This is a pass through account)
Anna Johnson, Finance Director will bring the information to a future Budget
meeting to increase the Extra Duty Police Officer account.
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Budget Meeting - 3/8/2007
3. Fire Marsha134
Steve Waznia, Fire Marshal presented the Fire Marshal budget.
Acct. # 121 -Overtime
Increase of $500.
Acct. #207 -Organizational Fees
Increase of $20.
Acct. #209 - Training
Increase of $70.
Fire Marshal Waznia explained that through the Homeland Security Funding they
received approximately $100,000 over the past few years to purchase equipment.
4. Municipal Garage 35
James Simons, Chief Mechanic presented the Municipal Garage budget. He stated
that the budget is basically level with last year's budget with the exception of the
gasoline account. They are currently waiting for the bids to come in for diesel fuel
and the bids should be about $1.90 per gallon.
Acct. #421-8 Forklift
The forklift is outdated and does not meet OSHA standards.
5. Public Works 36
Art Simonian, Public Works Director presented the Public Works budget
Acct. #100 -Department Head
Two-thirds salary, remaining one-third under Water Control.
Acct. #102 -Professional Personnel
Requested afull-time field technician position for construction inspections on various
projects/subdivision approvals. James Horbal, Deputy Public Works explained the
importance of having this additional position.
Chairman Dacey stated that they recognize the problem but they have to look at the
economics of it too.
Art Simonian, Public Works Director stated that the inspections are being done
minimally at this point because they do not have the staff available to go out everyday
to inspect projects.
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Budget Meeting - 3/8/2007
Acct. #222 -Street Lighting
Increased to reflect additional utility increased for 2007/08. (10% to 12% increases)
Act. #250 -Refuse Disposal
Increase due to refuse, recycling tipping fees, hazardous waste disposal by TROC,
and the number of homes increasing in Berlin.
Acct. #263 -Sidewalk Maintenance & Repair
Increased from $3,000 to $10,000 to allow for approximately 250 feet of sidewalk
repair work.
Acct. #290 -Street Lining
Increased by $5,000 due to the need for epoxy material.
Acct. #263-1 - Townwide Sidewalks
Requested $50,000 -Interim Town Manager reduced to $0.
Acct. #264 -Flood Control
Building up fund to take on a large flood control project in the future, perhaps the
Paper Goods Pond.
Acct. #402-4 Survey Vehicle
The survey vehicle has approximately 100,000 miles on it with holes in floorboards.
Acct. #265 - Drainage
Requested $40,000 Interim Town Manager reduced to $20,000.
Highway Dept. 37
Brian Griswold, Highway Superintendent presented the Highway Department budget.
#217 -Snow & Ice Material
Increase of $10,000 due to cost of materials.
Acct. #218 -Tools and Glasses
Increase of $4,500 due to the need to purchase plate compactor and asphalt cutting
saw; this is a one-time increase.
Acct. #269 -Catch Basin Cleaning
The reason for the big increase is due to the disposal of road sweepings and catch
basins materials. This is contaminated material that now has to be transferred from
the landfill after atwo-year period to a secured environmental landfill located in
Massachusetts. He stated that they purchased rock salt that is pretreated with
magnesium chloride, it works at a much lower temperature than regular rock salt.
We will eventually stop using sand for the roads, which will reduce cost of disposal.
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Budget Meeting - 3/8/2007
Acct. #402-1 Dump Truck -Lame
This item is required to perform storm-related events. Interim Town Manager
suggested moving this item to the bond resolution.
Acct. #402-14 Street Sweeper
This would replace the 1988 street sweeper. Interim Town Manager suggested
moving this item to the bond resolution.
Acct. #402-2 Dump Truck -Small
This would replace the 1998 small dump truck.
Acct. #Stake Body Truck Lift
This would replace the 1993 truck lift.
Acct. #431-3 -Roller/Compactor
This would replace the 1988 unit.
Public Buildings 38
John Pajor, Superintendent of Building Maintenance presented the Public Buildings
Department budget.
Acct. #105 -Blue Collar
Requested two full-time positions -one custodian and one licensed HVAC
technician. The HVAC position is more important and they could get by with it being
a half-time position but it maybe difficult to find a person to fill it part-time.
Art Simonian stated that the HVAC systems are becoming more and more
complicated all the time.
Mayor Salina asked if there is enough work for afull-time HVAC technician.
John Pajor stated that there is definitely enough work for afull-time employee. He
stated that in-door air quality certifications are going to be required in public
buildings. The $581,131 budgeted reflects ahalf--time position in this account.
Acct. #219 -Operating Materials
Requested a 15% increase, reduced to 12% increase.
Acct. #252 -Contractual Services
Requested a 10% increase, reduced to 5%.
Acct. #293 -Telephone
Increase due to additional Nextel phones needed by the Police Dept. and other
telephones.
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Acct. #296 -Fuel Oil, Heating
Decreased to $5,000.
Acct. #270 -Contractual Services & Proiects
Heating & Ventilation System -removed this item, part of bond issue.
Town Hall Elevator and Community Center controls upgraded - $98,500
Ventilation System -Public Grounds - LoCII'
Replace telephone system -East Berlin & Kensington Fire Depts. - 2009
IWWC 19
James Horbal, Deputy Director of Public Works, presented the IWWC budget.
Acct. #111 -Commission Secretary
Requested increase for commission secretary due to the longer meetings and time
spent on minutes.
Acct. #252 -Contractual Services
Requested $25,000 Interim Town Manager reduced to $10,000. Whenever the Board
takes an action in the negative manner it is only going to stand up if we have our own
experts testify on our behalf.
A discussion was held on updating the Inland/Wetlands and Water Courses
regulations.
The Budget Committee took at afive-minute recess.
6. Water Control Commission
Jack Ross, Water Control Manager and Art Simonian, Public Works Director
presented the Water Control Commission budget.
Revenues:
Acct. #272 -Sale-Water
Increase due to rate increase.
Acct. #277 Interest -Investments
Increased from $14,000 to $16,000.
Total Revenues - $1,628,921
Expenses:
Acct. #191 -Salaries -Administration
Slight increase.
Depreciation Total - $103,401
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Revenues: Dept. 43 Water
Acct. #271 -Amount to be raised b.. tomes
$800
Acct. #272 -Sale of Water
$1,300,000
Acct. #273 -Miscellaneous Revenues
$9,300
Acct. #275 - Connection/Assessment Charges
$164,000
Acct. #277 -Interest on Investments
$16,000
Acct. #190 - 0434 -Transfer from other funds
$135,071 -The transfer is to balance the books in the Water and Sewer accounts.
A discussion was held on the Depreciation account and the increase to the rates.
Chairman Dacey stated that the Town Charter states that the Water Control
Commission sets its own rates. He asked the Finance Director if the Water Control
Commission has any bonding authority and after checking with Bond Counsel it still
was not clear. He does not understand the reason for the increases to rates.
Mayor Salina stated that they are receiving a lot of telephone calls regarding the
increase to the Water Control Commission water rates. The Water Control
Commission budget goes out to a townwide vote but not everyone is part of that
district. There is a lot of confusion about the water districts and due to the increase in
rates there are a lot of questions being asked.
Jack Ross stated that the water rates went from $1.32 to $2.11.
Chairman Dacey asked if the rates are being increased by 60% why are the revenues
only generating a 5.5% increase.
Art Simonian stated that the projected revenues for last year were overstated due to
expecting a larger increase without increasing the rates. He stated that if their income
is higher than their expenses than they can take some funds out of the Depreciation
account. We were paying higher water rates for water from New Britain and higher
for water for pumping expense out of our own wells. He feels that in 2009 the Town
will see some more positive numbers.
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Budget Meeting - 3/8/2007
Mayor Salina stated that in order for the Water Control Commission to increase their
revenues they have to either increase the water rates or reinstate the tax and try to
level out the rates.
Art Simonian stated that they need ashort-term plan as well as a long-term plan. The
short-term plan is needed to address the current problem and the rate increase will
help with that. They are currently in negotiations with the Town of Cromwell about
obtaining water from them at a very reasonable rate.
Chairman Dacey suggested having a consultant brought in to go over the Water
Control Commission budget. He asked how the commission is going to address the
improvements to the sewer systems.
Art Simonian stated that they have already started budgeting for some infiltration
inflow improvements to the interceptor, which can be done in phases.
Chairman Dacey stated that the Mattabassett Water District is having some serious
problems and they are going to pass those costs onto the towns.
E. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Salina moved to adjourn the Budget meeting at 9:58 p.m.
Seconded by Councilor Morelli.
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
Submitted,
Kathryn J. Wall
Clerk of the Meeting Robert Dacey, Chairman
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