1977/06/06MINUTES
EXECUTIVE BOARD
June 6, 1977
The meeting was opened by Mayor Arthur B. Powers at 7:50 p.m.
Mayors Lanzoni and Dickinson were present.
Deputy
Also present were: Thomas Shiel, representing the Herald; Paul Ohanesian,
representing the Berlin Eagle; Richard Ohanesian, an observer; Clifford A.
Landry, Jr., Administrative Project Director; Edward Haber, Chief Mechanic
(part of the meeting); Morgan Seelye, Town Engineer (part of the meeting);
Chief Richard Scalora and members of the Kensington Volunteer Ambulance Ser-
vice and Police Chief Robert Skinner (part of the meeting).
Mr. Landry was in at the request of Mayor Powers who stated that Mr. Landry
will be coming in once a month to up-date the Executive Board on the work
he is doing. Mr. Landry distributed an agenda naming subjects he is pres-
ently working on.
The first item was the filling of the vacancy at the Municipal Garage for
a Mechanic. This vacancy was created by the retirement of Albert Alberti.
Mr. Landry reported that the position was properly posted in accordance
with union reglulations and then was advertised in the newspaper. There
were five applicants. Mr. Haber interviewed the applicants and his recom-
mendation was to hire Martin Perzanowski. Mr. Perzanowski has been working
at the garage for the past three years under the Federal program. He is
knowledgeable in the varied equipment that is repaired and maintained at
the Municipal Garage. The other applicants were generally those who had
worked at body shops or car repair shops and were not familiar with such
equipment as fire trucks, large lawn mowers, heavy equipment machinery, etc.
His work has been quite satisfactory to Mr. Haber.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to hire
Mr. Martin Perzanowski as a Municipal Garage Mechanic to fill the vacancy
created by the retirement of Albert Alberti. Starting wage will be $4.60
at present and July 1st, 1977 the salary will go to$4.85 per hour due to
the union contract which grants a 25~ increase as of 7/1/77. Mr. Perzan-
owski is being hired on the basis of Mr. Haber's interview and recommendation,
along with that of Mr. Landry. MOTION CARRIED.
The hiring of Mr. Perzanowski, who is actually moving up to Mr. Alberti's
former position, will create a vacancy in the CETA slot. Mr. Landry ex-
plained that this position would have to be available for 48 hours in order
to comply with CETA regulations allowing special veterans first priority.
The next item that M~. Landry brought up was a request from the Water and
Sewer Department to hire a clerk for 10 to 12 weeks at a starting wage of
$5.19 per hour. This is considered casual labor. This is a peak time in
the Water ~ Sewer Department as this is the time of year that they send their
tax bills out and this is a one-girl office. The Water ~ Sewer Commission
has this item budgeted and it has been approved.
Mr. Dickinson asked if she performing basically
would
be
the
work
same
as
Marge (Martinchek).
Mr. Landry said no this would be a supplement to Marge's workload.
Executive Board Minutes
6/6/7?
-2-
Mr. Landry pointed out that in order to avoid the possibility of having to
C pay out Unemployment Compensation to the person hired for this position,
that it be written on the job description and that the person be award of
the fact that she will be working under the 14 week limit. In this way
the Town will not he liable for Unemployment Compensation.
On general consent, it was agreed to allow the Water ~ Sewer Department to
take applications, working through Mr. Landry, in order to fill this position
with the proviso that the Town not be held liable for Unemployment Compen-
sation payments.
Mr. Landry went on to say that he has completed all of the up-dated job
descriptions and evaluations for the Municipal Garage, including the Chief
Mechanic (see previous minutes ).
Continuing, Mr. Landry said there appears to be more federal monies coming
our way under the CETA II program. If this should come about we could place
2 people in the Park Department; 3 in Building Maintenance; 2 as Town Hall
"floaters" (people who could substitute for vacation periods, sickness and
giving increased"help to the Public Health Nurses); 2 in the Highway Depart-
ment; 1 at the Golf Course and 2 School Custodians (possibly I at Berlin
High and the other at McGee where there presently seems to be a need). We
might get over $35,000 in this account. The Town will be credited for the
efforts of Mr. Landry.
Under CETA 6, we presently have 18 people. Four will be terminated on 9/50/77
under the requirement that no one participant can be in the program for more
C than one year.
Mr. Landry spoke of the CETA 6 Projects Program. He said this involves 6-man
teams working on specific projects. Two of Mr. Landry's project proposals
have been found unacceptable. The first was a team working on building main-
tenance and the other was a team working in the Park Department on cleaning
up projects and maintenance. Mr. Landry said he has a third project proposal
and that is to work with the Historical Society in renovating .the old Wot-
thing School into an Historical Museum. While there is an agreement with the
Historical Society, the deed has not yet been turned over. So this may be
an acceptable project for a 6-man team, involving carpenters, painters, etc.
The Society would have to provide the tools and supplies.
Under the new CETA III Summer Youth Program, we have 17 slots out of a possi-
ble 89. This is due to the fact that we are in the New Britain Labor Market
area. This would involve youngsters between the ages of 14 and 21 who meet
proverty income levels. However, there is no requirement that they be from
Berlin. Conceivably, a New Britain youth could be sent to Berlin to work.
Mr. Hrubiec of the Park Department said he could use 4 or $ youngsters by
putting them to work on clean up at the parks, playgrounds and pools. Mr.
Landry had set aside three positions for office and clerical work but has can-
celled this since we might be able to pick up 2 Town Hall floaters under the
CETA II program. There would also be some positions available for pool at-
tendant and playground workers. They would work a maximum of 25 hours per
week.
Executive Board Minutes
5/6/77
-3-
Mr. Dickinson said than in other words, youngsters from New Britain might be
selected to work in Berlin.
Mr. Landry said that is correct, there is no guarantee that we would have only
Berlin youths.
Mayor Powers said he wanted to make sure that if we hire these youngsters
through this program that there is meaningful work for them to do. Mayor
Powers said there is no sense in having people just hanging around. There
has to be meaningful work for them to do.
Mr. Landry said that no action on this matter was needed at this time.
Mr. Landry reported that Sage Park was coming along nicely, in fact they are
a bit ahead of schedule. Only one problem has come up and that involves some
rock that must be blasted. He reports we are receiving excellent cooperation
from Mr. Mark Roming,.the Landscape Architect who is acting as a field in-
spector. '
Mr. Landry said a request had come up involving the placement of an amphi-
theater on the back side of the property. All agreed that this would'be
ideal as it could be used for graduations, band concerts, etc. A feasibility
study will be done on this matter.
Mr. Landry reported no change in the EDA Second Round Funding. We may not
get a chance at a second project but just in case the projects are being up-
dated so as to be ready should we be chosen. Mayor Powers said he would be
Osurprised if we got another grant in that we have already received a million
dollars, but you never can tell.
Mr. Landry said he would be meeting with the Board of Finance on Thursday
evening regarding personnel job descriptions. Also in the near future, he
will be presenting to the Executive Board the completed employee evaluations.
Mr. Landry said he would be presenting a matrix of all salaries at the next
meeting of the. Executive Board that he attends with the salaries based on the
7/1/77 salaries.
Mr. Landry said he has been working with the Park and Recreation Commission
on the selection of the top three candidates for Director of Recreational
Services. Mr. Bill Roe will be in next Monday 6/13/77 and the top three
candidates will be interviewed by the Executive Board at that time.
At this point, Mr. Landry concluded his report.
Mayor Powers said he wanted to point out that they could plainly see that he
has been quite honest with the Executive Board and, he stated, this is not
a political statement but a true fact, Mr. Landry is not doing the work of
an Administrative Aide. He works in two major areas and this consumes more
than 9S% of his time. These areas as you can see are personnel and federal
and state programs. Mayor Powers asked the Board if they had any questions.
Mr. Landry said he wohld be willing to talk with Board members during the day
if there were any details they wished to have.
Executive Board Minutes
6/6/77
-4-
Mr. Dickinson said that he didn't have any questions at the present time as
che was overwhelmed at this point.
Mr. Seelye was present to ask that the Executive Board award the contracts
for the Berlin Interceptor and Pumping Station. In a letter to the Board
Mr. Seelye advises that he has attached to his letter copies of letters
recently received from the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency
authorizing the award of the three Berlin Interceptor contracts and the
contract for the Berlin Interceptor Pumping Station to the low bidders.
(The Executive Board has already accepted the low bidders, but we had to
get Federal EPA to give final authorization that they agreed with our ac-
ceptance of the low bidders). Also attached to Mr. Seelye's letter to this
Board is a letter allowing up to 50% grant payments in anticipation of a
final opinion from Corporation Counsel, Harry N. Jackaway, regarding the
undisturbed interest the Town has in the sewer easements required. Mr.
Jackaway is presently taking the necessary steps to seCure undisturbed inter-
est and should be finished well in advance of the anticipated date when 50%
of the grants will be made for contractor payments.
Mr. Seelye luther advises that Mr. Jackaway has concurred that the Executive
Board may now aw~¥d the contracts to the low bidders.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to award
Contract #1, Berlin Interceptor Sewer, to Mohawk Excavating, Inc. of Newing-
ton, Connecticut, .in the amount of $416,982.55, of which $416,382.55 appears
to be eligible for Federal and State Participation. MOTION CARRIED.
COn motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to award
Contract ~2, Berlin Interceptor Sewer, to Angelo Tomasso, Inc. of New Britain,
Connecticut in the amount of $528,285 of which $526,785 appears to be eligi-
ble for Federal and State participation. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to award
Contract #3, Berlin Interceptor Sewer, to Mohawk Excavating Inc., of New-
ington, Connecticut in the amount of $367,141 all of which appears to be
eligible for Federal and State participation. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to award
Contract #4, Berlin Pumping Station, to Piedmont Construction Corporation
of Newington, Connecticut, low bidders, at the lump sum price of $S68,000
all of which appears to be eligible for Federal and State participation.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Seelye explained that the total cost of the project was 1.8 million dollarl
(this has already been approved by Town Meeting). The Town's share is 10%
plus the costs for land acquisition and engineering costs. Mr. Seelye said
it is estimated that the Town's share in dollars would be less than $300,000.
Mayor Powers said he had been discussing with Mr. Haber which cars would be
replaced by the four new vehicles which have been budgeted for the coming
fiscal year. Mayor Powers said that he has been advised by Mr. Haber that
the 1966 Plymouth and the two 1968 Ford Falcons, currently being used by the
Cnurses are in good condition and can be utilized by other departments. The
Mayor said they would be distriubted as follows: one 1968 Ford Falcon will
be given to Donald Prue, Superintendent of Highways (he is presently driving
a 1971 Ford, one of the old cruisers, which we will dispose of); the other
1968 Ford Falcon will be given to Morgan Seelye, Town Engineer, who no longer
uses his personal vehicle for Town business. The 1966 Plymouth will be kept
Executive Board Minutes -5-
5/ /77
as a pool car. Although it is 11 years old, Mr. Haber has indicated that
it is in good condition and should not be traded-in. The four new cars
~will be dispersed as £ollows: three new cars to the nurses and one car to
x'd'Thomas Kucharzk, Road Inspector.
Mr. Seelye said he would prefer that Mr. Kucharzk receive a more sturdy land
vehicle and Mr. Kucharzyk will be driving over rough terrain and needs a
vehicle which would give him better "ground clearance" than an ordinary com-
pact car could provide.
Mayor Powers said he had no objection, however, he requested that Mr. Seelye
look into costs and then his recommendation will be taken into consideration
as long as it is within the appropriation.
Mayor Powers said by keeping the compact cars and disposing of the old police
cruisers we will realize a considerable savings in gas and oil. Ne will be
disposing of two 1971 Fords and one 1957 Ford.
The next matter to come be£ore the Board was a bid opening which took place
on 5/27/77 for a survey vehicle for the Engineering Department. Mr.' Richard
Howard advises in"a letter to the Board that while bids were sent out to 10
dealers (list enclosed] and it was properly advertised in the Herald on
5/20/77 and 5/21/77, only one bid was received. That bid was from ~ilcox-
Rau Chevrolet, who bid $5219.75. The appropriation budgeted for this vehicle
is $5500.00. One bid was received on 5/31/77 which was well beyond the
closing date for bids. It was stamped by a postage meter with the date May
25~ 1977. Mayor Powers said he felt that had this been a Post Office stamp
showing the date the bid was posted he could consider accepting the bid.
However, in that this is an office machine postage meter stamp we cannot ac-
cept it. The unopened bid (from Airport Truck Center] will remain unopened
and planced on file in the Engineering Department.
Mr. Howard~ in his letter to the Boards advises that the list price for this
vehicle is well over $5000; the vehicle is used by the State of Connecticut
survey crews and has earned'an excellent reputation; ~ilcox-Rau was able to
bid very low because they consider Berlin a fleet, due to Police Department
and other Town purchases, and we received a substantial fleet discount of
more than $1000 and finally~ most important~ final factory orders for 1977
models are due shortly and 1978 models are estimated to cost at least $500
more.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson~ it was voted to award
the bid for a survey vehicle for the Engineering Department to ~ilcox-Rau,
the only bidder, at their quoted price of $5219.75. It should be noted that
sufficient notice was given to 10 bidders~ plus local advertising, and the
bid was considerabl~'reasonable, therefore, it is deemed to be in the best
interest of the Town to accept the only bid received. MOTION CARRIED.
After conferring with Mr. Seelye, Mayor Powers stated that he had signed a
concurrence with the State of Connecticut regarding local road mileage. Im-
proved roads are 83.51 miles and Unimproved roads: 1.21 miles.
'Executive Board Minutes
6/6/77
-6-
Mayor Powers read a letter from Richard Howard, Assistant Town Engineer, in
which he advises that Dutkiewicz Associates Inc. has proposed an exchange
of temporary rights-of-way with the Town. The quite claim deeds for the
proposed exchanges and referenced maps are attached to his letter. Accor-
ding to Mr. Howard, the exchange consists of the Town releasing a temporary
easement for highway purposes on Lot 20D 14 in the Mountain View sub-divi-
sion-section 4, and in.return, Dutkiewicz Associates Inc. will grant the Town
a temporary easement for highway purposes through the Mountain View sub-divi-
sion-section 4, ending with a cul-de-sac. The Planning Commission has voted
to approve the proposal with the condition that Corporation Counsel approve
the proposal and that he 'be made" aware of a boundary dispute near the end
of the cul-de-sac.
Mr. Howard further .advises that Attorney Jackaway has reviewed the proposal
and approved it'since the rights are temporary and the boundary dispute in-
volves approximately 3 feet of land.
On motion by Mr.. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to call a
Town Meeting on 27 June 1977,.£or the following purpose:
1. To approve'a quit claim deed for a temporary easement for highway.
purposes from the Town of Berlin to Dutkiewicz Associates through
the Mountain View sub-division-section 4.
2. To approve a quit claim deed for a temporary easement for highway
purposes from Dutkiewicz Associates to the Town of Berlin ~hrough
the Mountain View sub-division-section 4.
MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to auth-
orized the MaYor to sign a termination agreement on Frank Borselle who has
served both Berlin and New Britain as Hearings Officer for the Motor Ve-
hicular Department. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to auth-
orize, the Mayor to sign'an agreement naming Stanley J. Lemanski, 117 Penn-
sylvania Ave., New Britain, as the new Hearings officers for the Motor Ve-
hicluar Department serving both Berlin and New Britain. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Powers told the Executive Board that he had been asked to sign an
application for a Varience to the Zoning Board of Appeals in the matter of
the old Percival School. We are planning to sell the building at public
auction. However, the Town cannot sell the lot that exists now because
Percival School occupies a portion of the lot. A lot meeting the area re-
quirement for Zone R-i$ would adversely affect Percival School by diminishing
the open space surrounding the school. Therefore a varience is requested
to allow the sale o£ the building and property. Copies of the Plot Plan
and an Aerial photo of the property showing how the Town wishes to "square
off" the property are being filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals.
At this point Chief Richard Scalora and members of the .Kensington Ambulance
Service, as well. as Police Chief Robert Skinner, met'with the Executive Board
Cto discuss just how ambulance service will be provided to the residents of
Berlin.
Executive Board Minutes
6/6/77
-7.
Mayor Powers said he appreciated the fact that everyone was present for this
~discussion. Mayor Powers said he felt that somewhere along the way ther has
~'"?been some confusion,on the use of the ambulance.
The Mayor said that before getting into the problem he wanted the men to know
that on speaking on behalf of the entire Executive Board he has nothing but
praise for the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department. Berlin is lucky to have'
such dedicated men and this meeting is in no way to be taken as criticism of
the department or the men. The service Berlin receives is second to none.
However, the Mayor said he felt that there could be better communication be-
tween the police and the men who run the ambulance service. The Mayor said
this all came up because he had received a phone call from a resident who
had called for the ambulance because her.blind father had fallen and injured
his hip (see previous minutes). The dispatcher refused to send out the am-
.bulance and the complainant had to call a profession ambulance service. The
Mayor said that.he began at that time to wonder how we could coordinate emer-
gency service so as to provide the fastest and best possible help to resi-
dents.
Chief Scalora presented a copy of a letter he sent out to all doctors, nurses,
etc. in town. The letter and.enclosed Priority List was dated 3/25/77.
Police Chief Skinner said that this was the list that the dispatcher went by
when he refused ambulance service to the person who complained to the Mayor
and to himself.
The prepared requirements for requests for ambulance service, as listed in
oChief Scalora's letter, are as follows:
Phone Evaluation- Information from citizen to dispatcher to obtain what the
problems are as to patient's condition.
Priority l: A.
True Emergencies
1. Breathing problems acute
2. Bleeding (uncontrolled)
3. Any injestion of poisons
PRIORITY 2. Ali requests for ambulance other than "True Emergencies'' are
in this class. Except transports.
PRIORITY 3. All requests for ambulance for transport with authorization
from Chief of K.V.F.D. or his next in command.
Chief Scalora Said this was a step taken to eliminate unnecessary calls. It
is getting harder and harder to get the men out of work and when it turns out
to be just a transport where the patient could have sat up in a car. Business-
men and factory owners are getting to the point where they are limiting the
number of hours a man can be out for ambulance and fire calls.
Mayor Powers asked how this ties in with the police energency wagon. Chief
Skinner said that they use it when the ambulance is not available but he has
been keeping it off the road during the second shift. He says this is abso-
olutely necessary 'to cut down on mileage. If that wagon were out all day,
we would have to trade it in every year or two. It is kept in the parking
lot of the station and can be used if necessary. Chief Skinner said all this
is a matter of money.
Executive Board Minutes
6/6/7?
Chief Scalora said State regulations for ambulance services are getting more
and more stringent. Within 2 years two EMT men will be required to handle
.~.ll calls. 'We are having our greatest problem getting men to man the ambu-
~'--~lance between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on weekends. It will
become more and more expensive said Chief Scalora, and I see the day coming
when we will be pushed right out of existence. Chief Scalora said he would
like to see the police department man the emergency vehicle with two EMT men
and keep it on the road 24 hours a day.
Chief Skinner said he only has nine EMT men now but to train the whole force
would cost a mint. He said the dispatcher has to make the determination as
to how serious an individual case is. He can always ask me during the day.
Mayor Powers said he shouldn't have to ask the Chief. The dispatcher, although
it might be di£ficult at times, should make the decision according the the
priorities set forth. The Chief of Police said this whole thing revolves
around money. ~e don't have the men to send to the hospital and wait around.
Chief Scalora said he and the Chief have discussed this many times. The town
is just going to have to loosen up with some money so that we can keep the
emergency vehicle;' manned by two EMT men, on the road all day, 24 hours.a day.
He continued, .this town has an emergency vehicle and policemen who are EMTs
and I don't know what it is, perhaps the town doesn't want to foot the bill.
'Mayor Powers said the town is anxious to cooperate. He asked the Chief if
we couldn't come up with something that would get a little more use out of
the emergency wagon.
ayor Powers said he felt that if the firemen have difficulty between 5:00
.m. and 4:00 p.m. and all day on the weekends, then why shouldn't we put
the emergency wagon on the road during those particular time periods and
let it rest when the firemen are available.
All seemed agreeable to this idea. Chief Skinner said he would be willing
to use the vehicle in this manner and Chief Scalora said this would take care
of the crucial times when they have trouble getting men out of work.
Mayor-Powers also asked the Chief to talk with the dispatchers about priorities
and simple transports Chief Scalora said they have had a problem with some
of the supernumery police dispatchers, They know the names of these men and
will discuss it with the Chief. Chief Skinner said he is now only going to,
use men who are well trained in dispatching.
The Mayor thanked all those present for coming and said he hoped.this new
arrangement would work out to the mutual satisfaction of all involved.
Mayor Powers told the Executive Board that he has asked Mr. Seelye to give
us estimates on the. costs of sidewalks on Sbona Road. This would enable
children who formerly used the walkway through the old Percival School, to
get to Percival School safely. The Mayor said he has been receiving many
complaints about this.
'Executive Board Minutes
6/6/77
-9-
Mayor Powers said there has been a problem with the water pressure at Town
Hall. Mr. Seelye had it tested and it was good. However, when the inspec-
tors from Travelers came down and tested, the pressure was very poor. Mor-
gan went ahead with an investigation and discovered that a gate valve was
closed on Kensington Fire District's line. Flow tests made after the valve
was opened showed good results.
Mayor Powers also said that another problem with Kensington Fire District
was their putting off of buying water from the Town Water and Sewer Commis-
sion. He said they still want to buy water from New Britain and are afraid
that if they dontt buy all their water from that city that New Britain will
never sell them water again if they should need it. Mayor Powers said he
will have a meeting with Mr. Ellsworth, Chairman of the District,on Tuesday
morning the 7th.
Mayor Powers said he had a meeting with representatives of Universal Special-
ties and it has been agreed that they would be paying 7% interest on the
50% figure for $ years and from the 4th year to the 10th, they would pay back
the principal. They will make no claims on Fairview Place. Corporation
Counsel is now in the process of drawing up the papers. A good portion of
the cost of cons'truction of the road can come out of the Murray Height-s
Fund. Then When the papers are drawn up, we will take it to Town Meeting.
On motion by Mr.'Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, it was voted to accept
the minutes of 5/23/77." MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, the m~eting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
~s~ectfull~sub~itted,
t icia A. Casella
Secretary