2023-02-07
2023-02-07 Town Council Meeting Minutes
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TOWN OF BERLIN
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February7,2023
Town Council Chambers
Remote Meeting
7:00 P.M.
A.CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kaczynski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
B.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C.ROLL CALL
Those in attendance were:Councilor Sandra Coppola
Councilor Casey Foster
Mayor Mark Kaczynski
Councilor Charles Paonessa
Councilor Donna Risolo
Councilor Peter Rosso
Councilor Donna Veach
Also in attendance:Town Manager Arosha Jayawickrema
Corporation Counsel Jeffrey Donofrio
D.AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
RichSlisz, 67 Sea Green Drive–Mr.Sliszstated that he represents the Timberlin Senior League
and he wanted to know why for the third year in a row the Town Council has not appointed a
member of the Senior League to the Golf Commission. One member appliedin 2021, and two
members submitted applications in 2022and none of those applicants were considered.
Members of the Men’s Club, theLady Niners, and the Lady Eighteen Hole Leagues all have
representation ontheGolfCommissionand the Senior League should also have representation.As
appointments have already been made for this year,he would like the Town Council to consider
adding aninthmember to the Golf Commissionvia ordinance.
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DavidFox, 15 Streamside Lane–Mr.Fox stated that he also wished to speak on the Senior
League’s representationon the Golf Commission.There are approximately 115 members ofthe
Senior Leaguewith 40-45 playing Monday and Tuesday mornings.When the Golf Commission was
formed there was a Senior League member but after his term ended,he was not replaced with
another Senior member. Mr. Fox added that he does not believe the Commission is doing a poor job
he just believes Senior League members should have representation.
William Richards, 811 Orchard Road–Mr.Richards stated that he is the Vice-President of the
Timberlin Senior League.The Senior League members bring substantial income to Timberlin but
have no input into the golf course operations, policies, and improvements. For the past two years he
has attended the Golf Commission meetings monthlybecause he has a deep desire to be on the
Commission and guide the future direction ofthe course. He recommends adding more members to
the Golf Commission to include Seniormembers and possibly adding term limits,so the same
members are not just rolled over from term to term.
Mr. Richards added that there are currently five members of the Men’s Club as well as two members
of the Lady Niners and Lady Eighteen Hole Leagues represented on the Commission.
Liam Mitchell, 1005 Kensington Road–Mr.Mitchell stated that he has been on the WaterControl
Commission for three years, first as an alternate and now as a full member. He was recently
appointed to the Mattabassett Districtas one of three Berlin representatives.
For several years the Town has been running into a very frustrating situation having three water
districts. There are currently 3400 customers in the Kensington water district, 1200 in the
Worthington water district, and 2900 in the Berlin Water Control district. Last year it cost the Town
$2 millionas the Kensington and Worthington districts refused to pay their billsfor I.N.I. into the
Berlin Water district.By consolidating the districts,the Town could save millions of dollars.A
consolidationstudydone a number of years ago was inconclusive.
Tim Grady,580 Beckley Road-Mr. Grady stated that more people are looking to raise chickens and
they are running into an issue with the Town’s requirement ofa minimum of10 acres for chickens.
The minimumused to be two acres,but it was changed in 2016.
Mayor Kaczynski statedtheTownwould investigatewhat surrounding towns are requiringfor
chickens.
E.MAYOR’S UPDATE
None
F.MEETING AGENDA–ImmediatelyFollowing the Mayor’s Update
G.CONSENT AGENDA:
1.Topic re:Acceptmonetary donationstotaling$1,385.17and deposit$1,385.17 into the library
agency account for the libraries greatest need, the purchase of books for second through
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fourthgraders in memoryof Charlie McCourt,the purchaseofchildren’s graphic novelsand
the purchase of diversity books by African American and Latinx authors.–Berlin-Peck
Memorial Library
2.Topic re: Approve donating eight wooden chairs from the children’s department to a
neighboringlibrary. Approximate value of eight chairsis $20.00.–Berlin-Peck Memorial
Library
3.Topic re: Accept the donationof$150.00 and appropriate the funds to the Police K9Program
ExpenditureAccount.–Police Department
4.Topic re:Accept donations tothe Berlin Animal Control Donation Account for$220.00 for
Animal Care and supplies valued at $35.00 –Animal Control
Councilor Paonessa moved to approvethe Consent Agenda as presented.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
H.NEW BUSINESS:
1.Topic re: Appropriatethe FY23 Municipal Revenue Sharing Grantof $403,000 to the
Buildings & Renovations account in the PoliceConstruction Fund, pending approval by the
Board of Finance.Also authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with
ScanOptics ofManchester, CTto scan Town and Board of Education documents utilizing
State contract 19PSX0006AE, pending approval of the non-budgeted appropriation by the
Board of Finance.–Finance
Town Manager Jayawickrema stated that this item was the topic of tonight’s Town Meeting.
Documentscurrently stored in the lower level of Town Hall needto be scanned in order to be
removed for the Police Department renovation project.
Councilor Paonessa moved toappropriate the FY23 Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant of $403,000
to theBuildings & Renovations account in the Police Construction Fund, pending approval by the
Board of Finance.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
Councilor Paonessa moved to authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with
ScanOptics ofManchester, CTto scan Town and Board of Education documents utilizing State
contract 19PSX0006AE, pending approval of the non-budgeted appropriation by the Board of
Finance.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
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Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
2.Topic re: Approve the purchase ofa used 1-tondump truck, for an amount not to exceed
$35,000 with the noted approvals, as this is in the town’s best interests.Approve the purchase
of aused pull tractor,for an amount not to exceed $40,000 with the noted approvals, as this is
in the town’s best interest.–Municipal Garage/Golf Course
Town Manager Jayawickrema introduced this itemstating that fiscal year 2022surplus funding
contained approval for the purchase of a used one-tondump truck and a used 40 horsepower pull
tractor. Fleet Manager Jim Simons is requesting pre-approval on these two items as it is difficult to
purchased used vehicles and equipmentwhen the Town’s approval process may take a few weeks.
This will allow the purchase process to move quickly.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve the purchase of a used 1-ton dump truck, for an amount not to
exceed $35,000 with the noted approvals, as this is in the town’s best interests.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
Councilor Paonessa moved to approvethe purchase of a used pull tractor, for an amount not to
exceed $40,000 with the noted approvals, as this is in the town’s best interest.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
3.Topic re: Waive the bidding procedure and purchase chemicals from Harrell’s& Winfield
United,inthe amount not toexceed$115,254.50asthis is in the best interest of the Town of
Berlin.The chemical purchasesarethrough theEarly OrderPrograms ofBASF,Syngenta,
Bayer,SePRO,andCortevaChemical Companies. –Golf Course
Town Manager Jayawickrema introduced this item stating that this request for chemical purchases
throughthe Early Order Program is done every year. This program allows for the purchase of name
brand products at a discounted price.
Mayor Kaczynski inquired as to why brand-namedproductsare used when non-brandedproducts are
typically made by the same manufacturer.
Golf CourseSuperintendentJerry Salvio explainedthat many chemicals are mixedbefore
application,so you need to know what inert ingredientsare in the chemicals and how they react to
the active ingredientsand the other chemicals.Off-brand productsalsodo not participate in the early
order programs due to their built-in lowercost which is generally attributed to theuse of lower grade
inert compounds.
Councilor Paonessa moved to waive the bidding procedure and purchase chemicals from Harrell’s&
Winfield United,inthe amount not toexceed$115,254.50asthis is in the bestinterest of the Town
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of Berlin.The chemical purchasesarethrough theEarly OrderPrograms ofBASF,Syngenta,
Bayer,SePRO,andCortevaChemical Companies.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
4.Topic re: Approve the 2023TimberlinGolf CourseRates.–Golf Course
Town Manager Jayawickrema stated that theDirector of Golf, Jerry Salvio, theGolf Commission,
and Golf Professional, Marc Bayram, were very involved with the rates revision.
Director of Golf Sol Guerrero stated that it was a team effortto determine the 2023 rates. Resident
and Non-Resident rateswere increasedto cover increasing expenses.Theincreases were not an
overall percentage increase,but each line was looked at and increased individually. These new rates
would put Timberlinin the middle of surrounding golf course rates.
Councilor Veach inquired about non-resident taxpayers,and it wasshown on the proposed rate
schedule that those taxpayers with $1,000 of personalproperty taxes paid in current year are entitled
to residentrates. Finance Director Kevin Delaney added thata more detailed descriptionis made
part of the 2023 Fee Schedule(agenda item #5).
th
Mayor Kaczynski inquired about a $4,000 deposit fora laser show for Timberlin’s 50Anniversary
Celebration that had been cancelled due toCOVID.Town Manager Jayawickremaexplained that
after COVID the company did not have the funds availableto refund the deposit but offered to do a
laser show.
Golf Course Superintendent Jerry Salviostated that he believes the contract statedthat if neither
party was able to perform due to extenuating circumstances the Town was entitled to a refund of the
deposit. Mayor Kaczynski asked Corporation CounselDonofrioto review the contract.Corporation
Counsel added that he believes at that time there were guidelines preventing large gatherings due to
COVID, not agovernmental orderand therefore force majeure would not pertain.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve the 2023 Timberlin Golf Course Rates.
Seconded by CouncilorVeach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
5.Topic re: Adopt the 2023feeschedule andallow amendmentstothe 2023fee schedule to
include updated Regional Health District fees, if necessary.–Finance
Town Manager Jayawickrema introduced this item statingthat the 2023 fee schedulewas provided
to the Town Councilfor review prior to tonight’s meeting.
Councilor Paonessa moved to adopt the 2023fee schedule andallow amendmentstothe 2023fee
schedule to include updated Regional Health District fees, if necessary.
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Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
6.Topic re: Authorize the Town Manager to retain theservices of Pullman & Comley to prepare
bond authorization documents in the amount of $6,500,000 for the addition and renovationsof
theBerlin Police Station, and to authorize the Town Manager to schedule and advertise for a
Public Hearing to be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023,at 7:00p.m. on an ordinance entitled,
“AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $6,500,000FOR ADDITION AND RENOVATIONS
TO THE BERLIN POLICESTATIONAND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $6,500,000
BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND PENDING THE
ISSUANCE THEREOF, THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWING FOR SUCH
PURPOSE”. –Finance
Finance Director Kevin Delaney stated that in February 2022 the projected cost of the Police Station
renovationproject was $5.2million. Given actual2022 and expected 2023 inflation, as well as
supply chain conditions since the original estimate was developed, the 2022 estimate is considered
significantly low.
The plan is to go out to bid in May, openbids in June, and start construction in July. The worstcase
scenario would beopening the bids and finding the original amount authorized is not sufficient to
begin construction in July.
Adoption of an ordinance exceeding $5 million requires automatic referendum approval by voters.
The requested amount for the bond ordinance is $6,500,000. The actual amount bonded will be
determined after the project is awarded and potential allocation of fiscal year 2023 surplus funds is
considered.
To have funding in place by the planned June award date and to avoid costs associated with a
separate referendum, the vote on the proposed ordinance must be added to the April 2023 Budget
Referendum ballot. The ordinance process must begin nowin order to make the April ballot
deadline and comply with all notice requirements.
Councilor Paonessa inquired about the idea of doing the project in phases to spread the cost over
several yearsas was previously discussed. Finance Director Delaney stated that the entire cost of the
project must be looked at and it cannot be phased out to avoid going to referendum. It willalsobe
put out to bid as one complete project.
Councilor Paonessa moved to authorize the Town Manager to retain the services of Pullman &
Comley to prepare bondauthorization documents in the amount of $6,500,000 for the addition and
renovations of the Berlin Police Station, and to authorize the Town Manager to schedule and
advertise for a Public Hearing to be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. on an ordinance
entitled, “AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $6,500,000 FOR ADDIT ION AND
RENOVATIONS TO THE BERLIN POLICE STATION AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF
$6,500,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION, AND PENDING THE
ISSUANCE THEREOF, THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWING FOR SUCH
PURPOSE”.
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Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
7.Topic re: Approve and authorize the Town Manager to execute the Amended Extension of
Employment Agreement with Chief of Police, Matthew McNally, from November 1, 2022 –
October 31, 2026. –Human Resources
Town Manager Jayawickrema stated that the initial one-year contract agreement with Chiefof Police
Matthew McNally contained languagestating that his base salary reflectspaymentfrom the Town in
consideration of his waiver of participating in the Town’s health insurance plan.
The contract extension that was recently agreed upon wasfor the Chief to keep everything the same
as in his first-yearemploymenthowever the Extension of Employment Agreement did not include
language as to the insurance waiver payment.
At the January 25, 2023 Berlin Police Commission meeting the full commission went into executive
session to discussthis matter. When they came out of executive session a motion was made to
amend the Chief’s contract extensionand reinstate the payment for waiver of health insurance.
The Amended Extension of Employment Agreement with Chief McNally contains corrected
language in Section B, Subsection 4Fringe Benefits-Health Insurance.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve and authorize the Town Manager to execute the Amended
Extension of Employment Agreement with Chief of Police, Matthew McNally, from November 1,
2022 –October 31,2026.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
8.Topic re:Approve awarding the contract toMHQ Inc. for the transfer, purchase, and
installation of equipment for four police vehiclesunder State Contract # 12PSX0194 for an
amount not to exceed $38,427.63.–Police Department
Deputy Police ChiefChris Ciuci stated thatfournewpolice vehicles have been received and need to
be outfitted with equipment. The Town has worked with MHQInc of Middletown, CT for several
yearsand the Police Department is satisfied with their work, theyalsooffer State contract pricing.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve awarding the contract to MHQInc. for the transfer, purchase,
and installation of equipment for four police vehicles under State Contract # 12PSX0194 for an
amount not to exceed $38,427.63.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
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9.Topic re: Approve a transfer of $12,000 fromthe VNA Pension account to the VNA Computer
equipment account, both in the general fund,for the purchaseof computers, tablets, and
associated software and equipmentfor VNAstaff. –VNA
Berlin VNA Administrator Alea Piatek stated that fiveolderdesktop computers need to be replaced
based on recommendations from IT. Also,the VNAper-diem staff that work with patients in the
field hadbeeninstructedby previous administration to usetheir personal deviceswhich will be
replaced by six tabletsproviding better protection against possible HIPPA violations.
Ms. Piatek explained that the use of “forfeited remaining funds”in the Pension Fund comes from a
previous employee that left employmentwith the Town before becoming fully vestedin the pension
plan.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve a transfer of $12,000 from the VNA Pension account to the
VNA Computer equipment account, both in the general fund, for the purchaseof computers, tablets,
and associated software and equipment for VNA staff.
Seconded by CouncilorVeach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
10.Topic re: Authorize the Town Manager tocontr act with Fuss & O’Neill of Manchester CT to
provide Design Services During ConstructionfortheLOTCIP Road Projectto reconstruct
Christian Lane, Deming Road and Porters Pass,foranamount not to exceed$41,000.00, as
this is in the best interest of the Town.–Public Works
Public Works Director Mike Ahern stated that Tilcon Connecticut Inc was awardedthe construction
contractfor this project, and SLR International Corporation was awarded the construction
administrationand inspection contract.
Fuss & O’Neill completed their original scope of work once the construction contract was awarded
to Tilcon. Staff is requesting to extendFuss & O’Neill’s roll into the design phaseas the original
designer for this project they are best suited to address design related requests from Tilton, Town
staff and SLR during construction.
Councilor Paonessa moved to authorize the Town Man ager to contract with Fuss & O’Neill of
Manchester CT to provide DesignServices During Construction for the LOTCIP Road Project to
reconstruct Christian Lane, Deming Road and Porters Pass, for an amount not to exceed $41,000.00,
as this is in the best interest of the Town.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
11.Topic re:Approve a tax abatement for PriorityLLC for the construction of a 9,500square
foot building at 1865 Orchard Roadof 50% in year 1, 40% in year 2, 30% in year 3, 20% year
4 and 10% in year 5per the town’s tax abatem ent policy.–Economic Development
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Economic Development Director Chris Edge stated that Priority Electric has submittedan
application for the construction of a 9,500 square foot industrial building at 1865 Orchard Road.
The Economic Development Commission recommends that Town Council approve this tax
abatement request.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve a tax abatement for Priority LLC for the construction of a
9,500 square foot building at 1865 Orchard Road of 50% in year 1, 40% in year 2, 30% in year 3,
20% year 4 and 10% in year 5 per the town’s tax abatement policy.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
12.Topic re: Approve a tax abatement for Quantum of Berlin II LLCfor the construction of a
22,500 square foot building at 500 Four Rod Road of 50% in year 1, 40% in year 2, 30% in
year 3, 20% in year 4 and 10% in year 5per the tow n’s tax abatement p olicy.–Economic
Development
Economic Development Director Edge stated that Quantum of BerlinII LLC has submitted an
application for the construction of a 22,500 square foot indoor basketball facility at 500 Four Rod
Road.The Economic Development Commission recommends that Town Council approve this tax
abatement request.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve a tax abatement for Quantum of Berlin II LLC for the
construction of a 22,500square foot building at 500 Four Rod Road of 50% in year 1, 40% in year 2,
30% in year 3, 20% in year 4 and 10% in year 5 per the town’s tax abatement policy.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
13.Topic re: Approve a tax abatement for Bocada 250 Webster Square LLC for the construction
of a 32,000 square foot building at 250 Webster Square Roadof 50% in year 1, 50% in year 2,
40% in year 3, 40% year 4, 30% in year 5, 20% in year 6 and 10% in year 7 per the town’s tax
abatement policy.–Economic Development
Economic Development Director Edge statedthat the application submitted is for the construction of
a state of the art 32,000 squarefoot commercial Automotive Service and Sales Center.This is the
first being constructed in New England and will be bringing a lot to the tax rolls between the
building and equipment.The Economic Development Commission recommends that Town Council
approve thistax abatementrequest.
Councilor Paonessa moved to approve a tax abatement for Bocada250 Webster Square LLC for the
constructionof a 32,000 square foot building at 250 Webster Square Road of 50% in year 1, 50% in
year 2, 40% in year 3, 40% year 4, 30% in year 5, 20% in year 6 and 10% in year 7 per the town’s
tax abatement policy.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
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Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
14.Topic re: Refer therelocation of a portion of the town right of way for an abandoned section of
Wigwam Road to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to section 8-24
ofthe Connecticut General Statutesand to the Police Department forits review.-Economic
Development
Economic Development Director Edge stated that in 2022 the Town acquired property on Reservoir
Roadwhich creates a potential opportunity tomake a connection between Timberlin Park and
Ragged Mountain.
While investigating this opportunity it was determined that when a portion of Wigwam Road was
abandoned part of the road right of way was conveyed to the City of New Britain Water Department,
but the Town of Berlin retained rights including thosefor public access.A portion of that right of
way is submerged under Lower Hart’s Pond thereforethe City of New Britain would need to agree
to relocate a section of the public access right of way.
Thenext step in pursuing this opportunity is to initiate a Section 8-24 referral to the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
Councilor Paonessa moved to refer the relocation of a portion of the town right of way for an
abandoned section of Wigwam Road to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant
to section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes and to the Police Department for its review.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
15.Topic re:Appoint Donna Risoloto theAuditCommittee, Town Manager’s Evaluation
Committee, and Ordinance Committee.–Town Clerk
Town Manager Jayawickrema stated that prior Town Council member Jack Fazzino served on
various subcommittees and since he has resigned thereare now openings on those committees that
new Town Council member Donna Risolo could fill.
Councilor Paonessa moved to appoint Donna Risolo to the Audit Committee, Town Manager’s
Evaluation Committee, and Ordinance Committee.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
I.APPOINTMENTS:
1.Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Board –Sharon Powell(U) (does not want to bereappointed)
term expires on January 31, 2023. Reappointment term would be until January 31, 2026. Can be
filled with a D, Ror U.
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2.Commission for Persons with Disabilities –Vacancy-Term expires on January 31, 2023.
Replacement term would beuntil January 31, 2026. Can be filled with a R or U.
3.Conservation Commission –Vacancy –Alternate –Term would be until January31, 2026.
Can be filled with aD, R or U.
4.Conservation Commission –Vacancy –Alternate –Term would be until January 31, 2026.
Can be filled with a D, R orU–depends on the above appointment.
5.Constables –3Vacancies-Terms would be until December 2023. Can be filled with D,R,orU
with no more than a bare majority to be from one political party (Section 8-6).
6.Economic Development Commission –Vacancy(RichardChasse resigned) -Termwould be
until January 31, 2025. Can be filled with a D, R or U.
Councilor Paonessaplaced in nomination the name of Vincent J. Fortunato(R)of 86 Misty
MountainRoad for appointment to the Economic DevelopmentCommission.
Mayor Kaczynski asked if there were any further nominations. There being no further
nominations, he declared the nominations closed.
Vote being 7-0 in favor of Vincent J. Fortunato(R)to serve on the Economic Development
Commission. Term ending January 31, 2025.
7.InlandWetlands & Water CoursesCommission –Vacancy –Term would be untilJanuary
31, 2024. Can only be filled with a D or U.
Councilor Paonessaplaced in nomination the name of John M. Russo,Jr(U)of 17 Edgewater
Circlefor appointmentto the Inland Wetlands & Water CoursesCommission.
Mayor Kaczynski asked if there were any further nominations. There being no further
nominations, he declared the nominations closed.
Vote being 7-0 in favor of John M. Russo, Jr (U)to serve on the Inland Wetlands & Water
CoursesCommission. Term ending January 31, 2024.
8.Inland Wetlands & Water CoursesCommission –Frederick White(U) term expires on
January 31,2023. Reappointment or replacement would be until January 31, 2026. Can only be
filled with a D or U.
Councilor Paonessaplaced in nomination the name of Frederick White(U)of 90 Sherry Lanefor
appointment to the Inland Wetlands & Water CoursesCommission.
Mayor Kaczynski asked if there were any further nominations. There being no further
nominations, he declared the nominations closed.
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Vote being 7-0 in favor of Frederick White(U)to serve on the Inland Wetlands & Water
CoursesCommission. Term ending January 31, 2026.
9.Inland Wetlands & WaterCourses Commission –Alternate –Steve Biella, Jr.(U) (does not
want to be reappointed) term expires on January 31, 2023. Replacement would be until January
31, 2026.Can be filledwith a D, R or U.
10.Inland Wetlands & Water Courses Commission –Alternate -John Russo, Jr.(U) term expires
on January 31, 2023. Reappointment orreplacement would be until January 31, 2026. Can be
filled with a D, R or U.(Depend on theaboveappointment).
11.Parks andRecreationCommission –Vacancy(Legnani resigned) –Term would be until
January31, 2024. Can be filledwith a D, R or U.
12.Parks and Recreation Commission –Vacancy –Term would be until January 31, 2025. Can
be filledwitha D, R or U.
13.Parks and Recreation Commission –Anthony Butrimas(R)term expires on January 31, 2023.
Reappointment or replacement would be until January 31, 2026. Can be filled with a Dor Uif
above both filled with a R.
14.Plainville Area Cable Television Advisory Council (PACTAC) –2Vacancies–New terms
would expire onJune 30, 2023. Can be filled witha D, R or U. There are only twomembers
from Berlin for this board.
15.Planning and Zoning Commission –Vacancy -Alternate(Legnani resigned) -Term would be
until January 31, 2024. Can be filled with a D, R or U.
16.PublicBuilding Commission–James Ouellette(D) term expires on January31, 2023. (Does
not want tobe reappointed) Replacement would be until January 31, 2028. Can be filled with a
R, Dor U.
17.VNA–FrancesGeschimsky(R)term expires on January 31, 2023. Reappointment or
replacement would be until January 31, 2026. Canbe filled with a D, R or U.
18.VNA–Andrew Legnani(D) term expires on January 31, 2023. (He does not wish to be
reappointed.)Replacement would be until January 31, 2026. Can be filled with a D,R or U.
19.VNA–Peter Zarabozo(U) term expires on January 31, 2023. (Hedoes not want to be
reappointed) Replacement would be until January 31, 2026. Can be filled with a D, R or U.
20.VNA –Donna Rutkowski(U) term expires on January 31, 2023. Reappointment or replacement
would be until January 31, 2026. Can be filled with a D, R or U.
21.WaterControl Commission –Vacancy-Alternate–Term would be until January 31, 2024.
Can be filled with a D, R or U.
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22.Water ControlCommission –Vacancy-Alternate–New term would be until January 31,
2026.Can be filled with a D, RorU.
23.Water Control Commission–Vacancy-Alternate–New term would be until January 31,
2026. Can be filled with a D, R or U. (Depending on theabovetwo appointments).
24.Youth Services Advisory Board –Youth -Vacancy–New term would be until January 31,
2026.
25.Youth Services Advisory Board –Service Consumer –Donald Geschimskyterm expires on
1/31/2023. Reappointment or replacement would be until January 31, 2026.
26.Zoning Board of Appeals–Vacancy–Alternate-Term would be until January31, 2024. Can
be filled with a D,R or U.
J.TOWN MANAGER’S REPOR T:
•Fleet Manager Jim Simons was able to lock in45,000gallons ofdieselfor the Town Fleet
and the Golf Courseat $3.47 per gallon.The pricing is good from February 1, 2023 to June
30, 2024.
•A jointmeeting was held between Town Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission
regarding cannabis. During that meeting Mayor Kaczynski had requested that an
th
informationalpublic meeting be held,andafter discussion Thursday March 30at 6:00 p.m.
was agreeduponby Council members.
•After the revaluation the Grand List shows an overallincrease of 18%. The breakdown being
21.1% for real estate, 8.7% for personal property, and 5% for motor vehicles.
At the budget hearing the fiscal year 2023 expenses will be used as the base to determine the
adjusted mil rate. The Finance Directoris working onamechanismfor taxpayersto use to
determine what their actual taxes will be once the mil rate is setby the Board of Finance.
•The law firm hired to provide labor counsel forthePolice Department Pension Plan hasnot
been able to begin work as Radiushas not supplied the required documents that comply with
Federal standardsand thefirm isnot comfortable moving forward.The Town Manager
reached out tothe law firm of Reid &Riegeand they have agreed to begin work without
those Radius documents. Their rates will bein line with the previous firm’s rates.
•The Finance and Payroll Departments have been working onthe timesheet automation
th
project. This web-based systemis beingrolled out on Monday February 6for most
employees with Blue Collar Union and the Police Department rolling out next.
•The Townhas been having some administrative issues with Mission Square, theretirement
plan fund manager,due to system upgrades and personnel changes. Asit has been a while
13
2023-02-07 Town Council Meeting Minutes
since that service has been put out to bid an RFP has been created to obtain informationfrom
other vendors.
K.SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
st
The Ordinance Committee will be meeting at 6:00 p.m.on February21to discuss a noise
ordinance.
L.COUNCILO RS’ COMMUN ICATION:
None
M.ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:January 17,2023
Councilor Paonessa moved to accept theTown Council Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2023.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
N.EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Upon 2/3 vote, convene in executive session pursuant to C.G.S. sections 1-200(6)E) and1-
210(b)(5)(A) and (B): Berlin water system.
Councilor Paonessa moved to go into ExecutiveSessionpursuant to C.G.S. sections 1-200(6)E) and
1-210(b)(5)(A) and (B): Berlin water systemat 8:50p.m. Invited in: Town Manager Arosha
Jayawickrema, Corporation Counsel Jeffrey Donofrio, Finance Director Kevin Delaney, Public
Works Director Mike Ahern, Deputy Director ofPublic WorksJim Horbal, and Water Control
Manager Ray Jarema.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
ExecutiveSessionended at9:45 p.m.
O.ADJOURNMENT:
Councilor Paonessa moved to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.
Seconded by Councilor Veach.
Vote being 7-0 (MOTION CARRIED)
Submitted by,
Kathryn J. Wall
Clerk of theMeeting
14
TOWN COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES (2021-2023)
Revised February 7, 2023
STANDING COMMITTEES
Audit Committee
Donna Risolo
Sandra Coppola
Charles Paonessa
Calendar
Sandra Coppola
Community Conversations
Mayor Kaczynski
Donna Risolo
CT Conference of Municipalities (CCM)
Mayor Kaczynski
Fire Committee
Casey Foster
Charles Paonessa
Peter Rosso
Donna Veach
Manager's Evaluation
Mayor Kaczynski
Sandra Coppola
Jack Fazzino
Casey Foster
Charles Paonessa
Peter Rosso
Donna Veach
Mattabessett Watershed
Charles Paonessa
Meetinghouse
Donna Veach
Ordinance Committee
Mayor Kaczynski
Sandra Coppola
Donna Risolo
Charles Paonessa
Peter Rosso
Playing Fields Committee
Casey Foster
Sandra Coppola
Peter Rosso
Donna Veach
Rules and Procedures Committee
Casey Foster
Charles Paonessa
Donna Veach