1993/03/30PAGE 1
BUDGET HEARING
BOARD OF FINANCE
MARCH 30, 1993 .,~
The Board of Finance held a Town Hearinq at Mcgee Middle School
on Tuesday, March 30, 1993 for the proposed budget for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1994.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Ida Ragazzi, Vice-Chairman
Mrs. Audrey Bertdgnd
Mr. Fred Jortner
Mr. Sam Lomaglio
Mr. James O'Donneli
ABSENT: Dr. John McIntosh, Chairman
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director
Mrs. Gall Erickson, Accountant
Mayor Robert J. Peters
Elected Officials
Department Heads
Board of Education Members
Town Residents
Ms. Susan Garro, Herald Reporter
Ms. Sandra James, Courant Reporter
The Hearing was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Vice-Chairman Mrs. Ida Ragazzi explained that the purpose of the
hearing was to review the proposed budget for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1994.
Mrs. Ragazzi asked Mr. Clinton, Finance Director to comment on
the revenues. Mrs. Ragazzi noted that Mr. Clinton had received
the Excellence in Audit Reporting Award for tile seventh (7) year
in a row.
Mr. Clinton first explained that there would be a .5% of a mill
increase for the taxpayers bringing the mill rate to 31.7%.
Mr. Clinton explained that the proposed budget calls for a 1.6%
increase over the current year's spending plan.
Mr. Clinton noted that the Town Clerk's Office and the Nursing
Office both expect a dramatic increase in their revenues.
Mr. Clinton explained that the interest from investments is down
because of what is happening to interest rates throughout the region.
PAGE 2
Mr. Ragazzi thanked Mr. Clinton for his comments. Mrs. Ragazzi
then told the audience that the Hearing would continue with the
Board of Education Budget first on the agenda.
Department 2860 - Board of Education.
Statement by Mrs. Gail Kaye Main Street, East Berlin. Mrs. Kaye
stated that her family moved into Berlin last June mainly because
they had heard about the excellent school system. Mrs. Kaye stated
that she was concerned about proposed cuts in the School Budget
because it will affect the education of the children in the long run.
Mrs. Kaye stated the she was afraid that with the addition to the
Hubbard School completed, there would not be enough staff to man it.
Mrs. Kaye asked the Board of Finance to allot a% least enough more
money to properly staff the Hubbard School and it's new addition.
Statement by Mr. Joseph Jenkinson - Lamentation Drive, Berlin.
Mr. Jenkinson questioned the adjustment of 832,886- on Page 112
line item - 123/0105.
Mr. Clinton commented that the Board of Education has control over
where the monies are allotted in their line items, and that this
adjustment won't be known until the time that the Board of Education
determines how the 832,886 is allotted in their line items.
Statement by Mrs. Kathy Cameron, Treasure Avenue, Kensinqton.
Mrs. Cameron stated that one of reasons she moved to Berlin was
because it had a reputation for quality education. Mrs. Cameron
noted that the proposed school budget increase is not sufficient
to maintain the high standards and not enough to accommodate the
increasing enrollment. Mrs. Cameron explained that she volunteers
in the schools and sees first hand what is needed. Mrs. Cameron
agreed that the economy is bad and that is a good reason why the
young people in Berlin deserve the best education that they can
receive. Mrs. Cameron also noted that the $284,000 was well spent
and that no mere time should be wasted talking about it.
Statement by Olqa Picard - Kensinqton Road, Kensington.
Mrs. Picard stated she has a problem in that the Board of Finance
cuts the Board of Education budget in a lump sum. Mrs. Picard
feels that it would helpful if the Board of Findnce shared their
worksheet on how they came up this year's figure.
Mrs. Ragazzi commented that the Board of Finance cannot tell the
Board of Education how to spend their money. Mrs. Ragazzi stated
that the Board spent three (3) meetings looking into the request
from the Board of Education. Mrs. Ragazzi also noted that many
people are out of work and many senior citizens live on fixed incomes
and that their concerns must also be addressed when the Board of
Finance sets the budget. Mrs. Ragazzi also stated the Board of
Education always get more than the previous year in their budget.
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna commented that the Board of Finance meetings
are open and available to every citizen.
PAGE 3
Statement by Richard Zaccardo - Brooke Meadow Road, Kensington.
Mr. Zaccardo stated that his daughter had fallen behind in her
reading skills and that he had to hire a private tutor to help.
Mr. Zaccardo asked if the Board of Finance reads the school budget
or if they just give them 3%.
Mrs. Raqazzi told Mr. Zaccardo that he was out of line and that
the Board of Finance does indeed read the school budget.
Statement by Martine Query - Old Wood Road, Berlin.
Mrs. Query asked Mr. Clinton why the inclu§ion of interest on the
school building debt appears under the analysis of total Board of
Education expenditures and costs per student on page 110 of the
budget. Mrs. Query stated that she felt that this item does not
relate to the actual cost of educating the student and was misleading
to parents.
Mr. Clinton replied that this analysis is consistent with analysis
that has been included the past budgets for the last five (5) or
six (6) years.
Mr. Clinton also stated that this analysis shows how much the Town
spends per student on education.
Statement by Blanche Delaneya Mrs. Delaney noted that the Town
takes care of the grounds at the schools and that the Town does take
care of all the repairs needed at the schools. Mrs. Delaney stated
that these charges do not appear on the School Budget line items.
Mrs. Delaney stated that she felt the Board of Education budget is
not as clear as it could be.
Statement by Dr. Mark Russak, President of VOICE. Dr. Russak noted
that the entire issue of funding education is one of commitment and
priorites. Dr. Russak felt that it comes down to two (2) questions,
whether the Town wants to maintain its standard for education and
does it want to pay for it. Dr. Russak explained that the children
of Berlin should not be punished for disagreements over fiscal policy.
Dr. Russak stated that the Town of Berlin is not in financial crisis,
the tax rate is stable, the Town can afford to pay for additional
funding needed.
Statement by George Jaquith - Lower Lane, Berlin. Mr. Jaquith
explained that he has a daughter who has a reading disability and he
feels that it takes more than having one (1) teacher spend only
fifteen (15) minutes or thirty (30) minutes a week with this type of
student so that they can get a break in the world.
Statement by Ann Neville - Overhill Drive, Berlin. Ms. Neville
stated that she is a sophmore at Berlin High School and came this
evening because she cares about the quality of education that she
receives. Ms. Neville stated that the education she receives will
last all her life and that the students need and deserve more than
a 2.3~ increase in their education.
PAGE 4
Mrs. Ragazzi noted that she was happy to see so many students
turn out for the hearing and that they wanted to speak.
Statement by Thomas DiSantis - Ridqewood Lane, Kensinqton.
Mr. DiSantis explained that he is a student at Berlin High School
and that he will leave this educational system unprepared for the
future. Mr. DiSantis noted that if the Town cannot invest in the
students' future, there will be no hope for the future.
Statement by Lisa Jacobs - Main St., East Berlin. Ms. Jacobs stated
that she is a junior at Berlin High School and that the Berlin school
system needs to stay modern. Ms. Jacobs noted that other school
systems, some not as rich as Berlin, are offering more programs,
such as gifted and talented, language and instruments. Ms. Jacobs
noted that Berlin High School has no orchestra and that she plays
the violin and feels disappointed that she is unable to pursue this
talent.
Statement by Mr. Arthur Crandall - Allinq Street, Kensinqton.
Mr. Crandall explained that he feels that the Town does support
the Board of Education. Mr. Crandall noted that he wished that
other groups of people would have come out, not just the supporters
for the Board of Education budget. Mr. Crandall noted that the
State of Connecticut ranks first in the nation in the salary levels
for teachers. Mr. Crandall asked Ms. Marcia Silva to look at the
administrative level numbers and what could be done in this area.
Statement by Mrs. Susan Flynn - Stockinqs Brook Road, Kensinqton.
Mrs. F1ynn explained that she the mother of three (3) children
and she asked why the Board of Finance chose to punish the children
of Berlin. Mrs. Flynn noted that in this time of financial
difficulties, a strong educational background is imperative.
Mrs. F1ynn asked the Board of Pinance members to spent several
hours in any classroom in town.
Statement by Mr. Joseph Puqliese - Hudson Street, Berlin. Mr.
Pugliese explained that he is a teacher at Berlin High School and
that it is critical that other languages be taught in the school
system. Mr. Pugliese noted Berlin High School only teaches Russian
and that the library books are outdated and that students have to
use outside facilities such as Central Connecticut State University.
Mr. Pugliese also noted that he takes students on field trips and
not one is funded. The students have to pay for it. Field trips
that deal with academics are never funded, yet sports teams trips
by bus are always paid for.
Statement by Mayor Robert J. Peters. Mayor Peters explained that
in the past six (6) years the Town has allocated $35,000,000 for
school additions, including the Library. Mayor Peters noted that
the times are tough for the citizens of Berlin. The Job Fair held
last week at the Town Hall had 65 people participate. Mayor Peters
noted that he would like to keep the taxes down. Mayor Peters asked
the Board of Finance to look again at the Board of Education budget,
to add at least $225,000 to their budget. Mayor Peters noted that
education is the future, but as mayor he must be concerned with all
PAGE 5
the citizens of Berlin.
Statement by Mrs. Joyce Porter - Episcopal Road, Berlin. Mrs. Porter
explained that since the children are the leaders of tomorrow, we
owe them the best possible education. Mrs. Porter asked that the
Board give a 7½% increase to the school budget.
Statement by Mr. Richard Paskiewicz - Ellwood Road, KensinqLon.
Mr. Paskiewicz noted that per pupil expenditures is not the i~sue.
Mr. Pasklewicz stated that he knew that times were tough, but Berlin
should maintain programs that they could be proud of. Mr. Paskiewicz
noted that the Town should not step back but move ahead.
Statement by Mrs. Lois Campanelli. Mrs. Campanelli stated that she
is the mother of two students in the school systems and that she
is in favor of ~ check and balance system. Mrs. Campanelli noted
that her daughter needs extra help in reading and that she is taking
advantage of the reading consultant that has been added. Mrs.
Campanelli stated that her older child must at times share a Social
Studies book with another student. Mrs. Campanelli explained that
the students need to able to communicate effectively in this global
economy.
Mrs. Ragazzi called a short recess at this time.
The Budget Hearing was then called back to order at 8:35 PM.
Statement by Mr. Kevin DeGutis - Four Rod Road, Berlin. Mr. DeGutis
stated that he is a student at Berlin High School and that some
of his classes have 25 or more students and that he finds it hard
to get the extra help he needs.
Statement by Mr. David Colburn - Lawndale Street, Kensinqton.
Mr. Colburn explained that the Board of Finance can not ignore all
the concerned citizens that showed up tonight to speak in favor
of increasing the school budget. Mr. Colburn asked that all co-
curriculum activities be looked at, and that not any one be singled
out.
Statement by Mr. Bill Kiniry - Metacomet Drive, Berlin, Mr. Kiniry
explained that he is a junior at Berlin High School and that he
feels that overcrowding classrooms is a problem at the high school.
Mr. Kiniry stated that he knows first hand that some teachers pay
out of their pockets for projects that are not funded by the Town.
Statement by Ms. Pamela LaHoud- Lonqview Drive, Kensinqton.
Ms. LaHoud explained that she is a senior at Berlin High School and
that the decisions made here toniqht about education will affect the
rest of her life. Ms. LaHoud noted that it costs money to run the
country and that you have to start at the beginning and that's with
education.
Statement by Ms. Diane Sorrentino - Bumminqbird Drive, Berlin,.
Ms. Sorrentino explained that she is a senior at Berlin High School
and that she wants to insure that her two younger brothers get the
PAGE 6
same quality education as she has.
Statement by Mr. Kevin Porter Episcopal Road, Berlin. Mr. Porter
explained that he wanted to make one point - that being parents,
we must be responsible to make a commlttment to our children to give
them the best possible education.
Mrs. Ragazzi told the audience that if anyone else wanted to speak
on the school budget they were welcome to wait and speak after the
completion of the rest of proposed budget.
Department 2101 - Mayor's Office.
No discussion.
Department 2102 - Finance Department.
No discussion.
pepartment 2103 - Data Processinq.
No discussion.
Department 2104 - Tax Collector.
No discusszon.
pepartment 2105 - Treasurer.
No discussion.
Department 2106 - Corporation Counsel.
No discussion.
Department 2107 - Employee Benefits.
Question by Mrs. MaryAnn Simmons - Timberwood Road, Berlin.
Mrs. Simmons asked what is line item 101/0122 - Longevity.
Mr. Clinton replied that in various Town contracts, employees
are allotted monies for five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15) years of
service. Mr. Clinton noted that approximately 160 employees are
eligible at this time.
Mrs. Simmons also questioned line item 101/0123 - Salary in Lieu of
vaca%ion.
Mr. Clinton explained that some contracts have stipulations that
allow for employees to ask the Mayor's office for this benefit.
Mr. Clinton noted that the Mayor's office must approve each request.
Statement by Mrs. Linda Worden - Spicewood Lane, Kensinqto~l.
Mrs. Worden asked why Town employees are not asked to contribute
PAGE 7
to their health insurance costs. Mrs. Worden noted that other
business ask their employees to contribute some portion.
Mr. Clinton noted that this item must be negotiated thru their
union contracts.
Question by Mr. Robert Clark - Moreland Road, Kensinqton.
Mr. Clark asked why line item 111/0152 - Sickness Prevention Program
is O. Mr. Clark noted that health care must be looked at closely,
Mr. Clinton explained that line item 111/0152 - Sickness Prevention
Program has been transferred to Department 2752 - the Health Department.
Question by Mr. John Garaqliano - Junipter Lane, Berlin.
Mr. Garagliano asked if the Health Insurance for Town employees
also covers their families.
Mr. Clinton replied Yes.
Statement by Mr. Arthur Crandall -Allinq Street, Kensington.
Mr. Crandall noted that whoever negotiated the contracts fo~ the
Town employees did not do an effective job. Mr. Crandall noted
that co-pay is an important issue and must be looked at in the next
contract.
Department 2108 - Personnel.
No discussion.
Department 2109 - Assessors.
Mayor Peters asked to speak at this time. Mayor Peters noted that
the Assessor's office has worked with one (1) less full time employee
for the past year and he is asking the Board of Finance to consider
overtime in amount of $500.00 for that department. Mayor Peters
at this time, also asked the Board of Finance to to consider funding
$17,000 for the Public Building - Maintenance Department to purchase
an aerial lift for a panel truck. Mayor Peters also asked the
Board of Finance to reconsider the purchase of a fax machine for
the Nursing office. Mayor Peters also asked the Board of Finance
to fund $3220 for the Recreation Department to establish another
playground this summer nt Griswold School. Mayor Peters also asked
the Board of Finance to fund at least $2000 to the Fire Marshall for
an emergency fund to be used for catastrophic emergency purchases.
Department 2110 -Reqistrars of Voters.
No discussion.
Department 2111 - Town Clerk.
Question by Mr. Arthur Crandall -Alling Street, Kensington, Mr.
Crandall asked what line item 13!/0411 - Records Management was.
Mrs. Joanne Ward, Town Clerk, replied that the Town is need of
PAGE 8
a Records Management Program which would consolidate all Town records
on microfilm. This would not only save space, but provide for
protection of these records in case of fire or any other disaster.
Department 2112 - Board of Tax Review.
No discussion.
Department 2114 -Planninq & Building Department.
No discussion.
Department 2115 -Zoninq Commission.
No discussion.
Department 2116 -Zoninq Board of Appeals.
No discussion.
Department 2117 - Economic Development.
No discusszon.
Department 2118 - Conservation Commission.
No discussion.
Department 2119 - Inland Wetlands Commission.
No discussion.
Department 2121 - Veterans Advisory Committee.
No discussion.
Department 2122 - Design Review Committee.
No discussion.
Department 2124 - Berlin Historic District.
No discussion.
Department 2125 - Charter Revision Commission.
No discussion.
Department 2126 - Disabled & Handicapped.
No discussion.
Department 2127 - Public Buildinq Commission.
No discussion.
PAG~ 9
Department 2129 - Indirect Expenses.
Question by Mr. Arthur Crandall - A]linq Street, Kensinqton.
Mr. Crandall asked what line item 12]/0203 - Advertising covers.
Mr. Clinton replied that this line item covers all advertisinq
done by all Town departments to advertise for job openings and
all legal notices posted in the newspaper.
Department 2228 - Ambulance Service.
No discussion.
Department 2230 - Animal Control.
No discussion.
Department 2231 - Fire Department.
Statement by Fire Chief Ronald Lindgren of the South Kensington Fire
Department. Chief Lindgren asked the Board of Finance to fund the
purchase of of ten (10) additional air pacs at a cost of $20,000 and
to fund the purchase of ten (10) additional spare bottles for the
fire department. Chief Lindgren noted that his original request was
cut in half.
Department 2232 - Police Department.
Statement by Mr. Robert Weiss - Whisperinq Brook Read, Berlin.
Mr. Weiss noted the need to fund the hiring of an additional
patrol officer who would be used primarly in East Berlin. Mr. Weiss
noted that he felt that the Town of Berlin was not as safe as most
people thought.
pepartment - 2234 - Pire Marshal].
No discussion.
Department 2335 - Municipal Garaqe.
NO discussion.
pepartment 2336 - Public Works.
Statement by Mr. Vic Slasky - Surrey Lane, Berlin. Mr. Slasky asked
that the Town give serious consideration the serious problem of
flooding in the Lower Lane area.
Department 2337 - Hiqhway.
No discussion.
Department 2338 - Public Buildinqs.
No discussion.
PAGE 10
Department 2542 - Recreation Department.
Statement by Mr. David Colburn - Lawndale Street, Kensinqton, Mr.
Colburn asked that the Town fund a grant for a swimming program
in the winter. At present, the winter swim team meets in Cromwell
and because the team from Berlin is an out-of-town team, Cromwell
charges them double the cost it charges the Cromwell swim team.
Mr. Colburn asked that $625.00 be restored to the Recreation
Department for this purpose.
Question by Mrs. Ellen Russak - West Lane, Berlin. Mrs. Russak
asked~why line item 121/0249 - Hepatitis "B" Vaccine was taken out
of the budget.
Mr. Clinton replied that this line item was transferred to Department
2107 - Employee BenefiLs.
Department 2543 - Golf Course.
Statement by Mr. William Baccaro - Lower Lane, Berlin. Mr. Baccaro
asked the Board of Finance to reconsider to hiring an additional
Blue Collar Worker for the Golf Course. Mr. Baccaro said that if
the Board was unable to fund this position, it should, at least,
consider adding $2800 to the Summer Help account. Mr. Baccaro
stated that he felt this was needed to help Keep up the quality of
the golf course.
Statement by Mr. Arthur Crandall - Alllnq Street, Kensinqton.
Mr. Crandall stated the Golf Course is revenue generating operation
and in order to attract more people to use the course, it must be
kept in excellent playing condition.
Department 2544 - Libraries.
Statement by Mr. David Borthwick, Library Board Chairman. Mr.
Borthwick explained that the Library Board will accept the Libraries
Budget as proposed and will strive to make it work.
Department 2545 -Public Grounds.
No discussion.
Department 2752 - Health Department.
No discussion.
Department 2753 - Nursing Service.
Statement by Mrs. Pamela LaMore, Nursinq Commission Chairman. Mrs.
LaMore asked the Board reconsider the funding of a fax machine, cost
$1800, for use in the Nursing Office. Mrs. LaMore stated that due
to the sensitivity and confidentiality of information received by
the Nursing Office, this fax machine is greatly needed.
PAGE !1
Statement by Mrs. Jean Conwa¥, Director of Public Health Nursing.
Mrs. Conway explained her office has experienced a 23% in business
over last year. Mrs. Conway is asking for an increase in hours
for her home health aides and an additional part time nursing position.
Mrs. Conway also addressed line item 121/0207 - Organization Fees.
Mrs, Conway stated that her original request for $6,000 is to pay
for membership dues in the Partnership of Connecticut group that
is working to secure insurance company contracts for the Nursing
Service. Monies will also be used to pay for certification by
an organization that certifies Home Health Agencies.
Department 2754 - Social Services.
NO discussion.
Department 2755 - Senior Center.
No discussion.
Department 2859 - St. Paul's.
No discussion.
Department 2861 - School Expenses.
NO discussion.
Department 3063 - Principal Payments - Town.
No discussion.
Department 3064 - Principal Payments - Schools.
No discussion.
Department 3165 - Interest Payments - Town.
No discussion.
Department 3166 - Interest - Schools.
No discussion.
Department 3267 - Transfers, Town.
No discussion.
Department 3268 - Transfers, Schools.
No discussion.
Water Control Commission's Water Fund.
No discussion.
PAGE 12
Water Control Commission's Sewer Fund.
No discussion.
The Hearing was adjourned at 10:05 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnn Budzinski
Recording Secretary
APPROVED
March 30, 1993 a~ ..~ ~,
Mayor Peters called the meeting to order at 10:05 p:m.~..ln-,,.th..~
Middle School auditorium following the Annual Budget'' Hearing~"~sent
were Deputy Mayors Karen McQuade and Thomas Veron~si, Susan Garro-
Herald reporter, Clyde Selner, and Janice Serafino-Secretary.
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Peters moved to add the minutes of the meeting of March 23, 1993
to the age,_dm, seconded by Deputy Mayor McQuade, passed unanimously.
Mayor Peters moved to approve the minutes of March 23rd, seconded by
Deputy Mayor McQuade, passed unanimously.
Audience of citizens
Mayor Peters asked if anyone present wished to speak to the Board.
Clyde Selner questioned an item on the agenda that concerned him.
Mayor Peters said that the item would be Tabled, to be taken up in
Executive Session at the next meeting as it deals with a personnel
issue.
Mr. Selner left the meeting at I0:00 p.m..
Old Business
Contract PW 93-03: L~ncoln Street Storm Drainage (Tabled)
Mayor Peters moved to remove this item fr~n the Table, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
Mayor Peters said he had further discussed tb~ lcw bid with the Morgan
Seelye, Town Engineer, who holds that it would be a substantial
deviation from our own specs if the contract was awarded to the low
bidder. The Mayor added that he had received two letters frc~ Mr.
Munson, the low bidder, during the past week explaining his reasoning
for his bid and including letters of reference. Mayor Peters tbmn said
he was putting the Deputy Mayors on notice that he has learned that Mr.
Munson is a third cousin to his wife, and although he does not
personally know him, he will not vote on the issue, as it would be a
potential conflict of interest.
Deputy Mayor McQuade moved to accept the second iow bid of ARB
Construction Oum%oany of M~riden, at a cost not to exceed $5997.20,
based on the T~wn Engineer's rec~,,~ndation regarding the awarding of
unbalanced bids, seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi. In the discussion
Deputy Mayor Veronesi said that he voted to award the contract to the
second low bidder because the bid specs specifically caution bidders
not to suhnit unbalanced bids. He said he felt this was sufficient
reason not to award the contract based on this type of bid. The motion
passed, vote was two in favor with Mayor Peters abstaining.
Cc~Faents on Air Force Ban~ Concert
Mayor Peters said that he was not in attendance as hew as on vacation,
but he has heard that the concert waswell received and there was
nearly a full house. Deputy Mayor Veronesi said he attended and
enjoyed the evening, as did DeputyMayorMcQuade.
New Business
Contract WS 92-03: Water Ma~n Orchard Road Undm_rAMTRAK RRTracks
Mayor Peters moved to award the contract for this project to Martin
Brothers of Newington, low bidder, in the amount of $63,295.00,
seconded by Deputy Mayor McQuade, passed unanimously. The Mayor noted
that there will be an additional cost of $1253.00 to purchase
fittings. He said there was approximately $100,000 in an account for
this project.
A~ceptance of Computer Gift: ._ee_nior Center
Mayor Peters moved to accept the gift of an IBM 5160 Computer,
Panasonic KX-Pl180 Multi Mode Printer, KLH Keyboard and WEN Color
M~nitor, to the Sen/or Center from Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Young,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi passed unanimously.
Acceptance of Mor~tary Donations: Police Department
Mayor Peters moved to accept the donation of $200.00 frcm Lyle Knisely,
Miles, Inc. to the Police Department and authorized that these funds be
used in the Department's Drug Education Program, seconded by Deputy
Mayor McQuade, passed unanimously.
Mayor Peters moved to accept a check in the amount of $400.00 as part
of a court settlement and authorized that these funds be used in the
Department's Drug Education Program, seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi
passed unan/mously. '
Mayor Peters moved to accept a donation of $1000.00 frcmHartford Lodge
88 AF & AM to D.A.R.E. Program to be used in the Culmination Exercises
Program, seconded by DeputyMayorMcQuade, passed unanimously.
Proposed Sunm~r Nav~ Band Concert
Mayor Peters said that he had been told the Town w~uld never be able to
get a Navy band to perform here. However, he said his persistence has
pa/d off and has been notified by Lt. R. R. Osial, Director of the Navy
Band out of Newport, that we tentative date of August 25th for this
band to perform at Sage Park. He said the cost to the Town will be
approx/mately $600 as they do not receive any funding from the federal
government. Mayor Peters then moved to approve an expenditure not to
exceed $600 frcm the TIP account to fund a Navy Band concert, seconded
by Deputy Mayor McQuade, passed unanimously.
Letter frcm Clyde Selner
Mayor Peters moved to Table Mr. Selner's letter, based on the
rec~endation of the Corporation Counsel who is addressing it, to the
next meeting where it will be taken up in Executive Session as it deals
with personnel involved in on-going litigation, seconded by Deputy
Mayor McQuade, passed unan/mously.
Winter Storm Costs
Mayor Peters that the total cost of the winter storms, including what
was budgeted and additional budget requests, totals $i49,000. He said
that this amount does not include vehicle parts, as not all of these
purchases are related to the storms. The Mayor added that this is not
as kigh as he had expected with the number and severity of the storms
th/s season.
Board and Cc~ssion Matters
Mayor Peters moved to reappoint Frank Stavola to serve another 5 year
term, to expire in 1998, on the Housing Authority, seconded by Deputy
Mayor McQuade. The mot/on passed two in favor, with Deputy Mayor
Veronesi abstaining.
Finance
Budget Transfers and/or Appropriations
Mayor Peters said that Morgan Seelye had written a grant to obta/~]
funding for a beautification project along the railroad tracks frcm the
underpass on Farmington Avenue, along Kensington Road to just north of
Norton Road. He said this is a Transportat/on Enhancement Project with
80% reimbursement through the State and Federal governments. The Town,
through a Special Town Meeting and Public Hearing, would have to
appropriate the total cost of the project, $101,000, but the actual
cost ~Duld be $20,200 after reimbursement. After a brief discussion
Mayor Peters moved to approve the request of Morgan Seelye, Town
Engineer, to transfer of a sum not to exceed $101,000 to account
101-3267-121-0144 for this beautification project, seconded by Deputy
Mayor McQuade. In the discussion Deputy Mayor Veronesi questioned
whether this would be a duplication of effort with the proposed
Farmington Avenue reconstruct/on project, to which Mayor Peters said
they were two different projects. The Deputy Mayor then asked if the
Town could apply to the Marjorie Moore Foundation for the $20,200?
Mayor Peters said he thought this was a good idea. Deputy Mayor
Veronesi then said that although he is big on the environment, after
just having listened to people cc~plain about expenditures at the
Budget Hearing, he could not support such an expenditure at this t/me.
The vote passed with two in favor, Deputy Mayor Veronesi voting in
opposition.
Mayor Peters referred to a request he has sukx~itted in the amount of
$13,000 to upgrade the position of Health Director to 35 hours a w~ek,
full time, based on the fact that the Town would then receive annual
$.52 per capita grant frcm the State totalling $8,944.00. The Mayor
said that he felt this would be in the best interest to the Town and
would make it easier to get qualified applicants. The Mayor then moved
to approve this appropriation, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mc~_,_ad_e. In
the discussion Deputy Mayor Veronesi asked if the job description for
this position would change? Mayor Peters said it is being rewritten to
reflect all that the Health Director presently handles. Deputy Mayor
Veronesi said he felt it would be better to see the new ~ob description
first to see if it warrants a full t/me position. Mayor Peters said
Mary Jane has proved that the Town does D~ed a full time Health
Director and the request can be justified. Deputy Mayor Veronesi said
he felt this was like putt/ng the cart before the horse, and this
should not be acted upon until the duties were put into writing. Mayor
Peters said that her duties were per the old job description and State
Health Code requir~r~nts. Mayor Peters then moved to approve a s~ of
$13,000 to fund a full time Health Director position, with State
funding reducing that amount by $.52 per capita, seconded by Deputy
Mayor McQuade. The motion passed two in favor, with Deputy Mayor
Veronesi voting in opposition, based on the fact that the new job
description has not been written.
Tax Refunds
Deputy Mayor Veronesi voted to approve a tax refund to G.E. Capital
Auto Lease, Inc., excess payments, in the amount of $797.57, seconded
by Deputy Mayor F~Quade, passed unanimously.
A~j ournms~t
Mayor Peters moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m., seconded by
Deputy Mayor McQuade, passed unanimously.
..~ctfully Sukmit~,
~.,'.Jar~ce Seraf~no,/Executive