MINUTES
WATERTOWN TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
POLK SCHOOL LIBRARY
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2002, 8:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Elaine Adams
Lee Archer, Chairman
Raymond Hebert, Jr., Vice Chairman
Robert Kane
Jean King
Raymond Primini
Paul Rinaldi
Paul Valenti
Richard Wick
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Barton, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Charles Frigon, Interim Town Manager
Frank Nardelli, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director
1. Call Meeting To Order
Mr. Archer, Chairman, Called the Meeting to Order at 8:03 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Ms. LaForme, Board Clerk, executed the Roll Call.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Archer, Chairman, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
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4. Public Participation
Robert LeBlanc, 78 Highland Avenue, Watertown, CT 06795
Mr. LeBlanc: I want to thank you. I missed the last Town Council meeting, and some information was given regarding the noise ordinance and concerning the collection of vacation time for use of Town vehicles for personal use, and the Acting Town Manager did get that information to my home, and I want to thank you for it. Do not agree with it, but I did get it and thats what I want to discuss tonight.
As far as the Noise Ordinance, Im tired of it. Today I called the Department of Environmental Protection. I called a Mr. Foutz. His number is 860-424-3088 and I said do we have a valid Noise Ordinance? He said Watertown does not. I said were in the Torrington Health District, and he said the Torrington Health District does have a valid Noise Ordinance; Watertown is not part of that ordinance, and Also Norfolk and Plymouth are not part of that ordinance, although they think they are. Id like to know if someone can make a phone call to this gentleman and tell him he doesnt know what hes talking about to find out if we do have a valid Noise Ordinance?
Mr. Frigon: Whos the person who doesnt know what hes talking about?
Mr. LeBlanc: Me. See Im a neophyte and Im just trying to learn all this and I really dont know (inaudible), but Id like to get an answer if we do have a Noise Ordinance, because if I get arrested and I go to court, Id like to know who is responsible for what.
The second thing Id like to talk about is the use of vehicles for vacations. The Town Manager submitted a letter saying the vehicle policy does not specifically prohibit it the use of Town vehicles for in State vacation. It doesnt prohibit it, so to me that means they can do it.
Mr. Archer: Right.
Mr. LeBlanc: So I went back to 96 on the Minutes of the Town Council meeting when they were putting this policy in effect, and Mr. Salamone was making a statement, and what he was explaining was it was important to have a Town policy, and we didnt have one. He made a statement, he said, "he wanted to clarify that you dont take the car for vacation". Now I dont know if this guy knew what he was talking about, Mr. Salamone, and that night they voted this in. Mr. Rinaldi was part of that, Ms. King was, and I were part of this, so I would like to know can they use these cars on vacation or cant they? Thats just very simple, and I would appreciate that, so Id like to prove Im wrong again.
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
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The last thing Id like to talk about is I have a problem with the basement or the cellar of the old Town Hall. I would like to know if we could get #3 cell of the jail cleaned up of a barrel thats marked with some kind of . . . . . jail #2, . . . .cell #2, Im sorry I was looking at the wrong place. I thought it was jail, so I dont know which one it is. Id like to have that cell cleaned up because theres a barrel in there, that I doubt what it is and Id just like to get it out of there, its about a 30 gallon drum and Id like to have it removed for the protection of my citizens. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Rinaldi: Help me out with this, I didnt hear what you said before. When we had voted back in 96 on the vehicles that they could or could not take them on vacation?
Mr. LeBlanc: Could not. Yea, he said he wanted to clarify it. Let me give you his exact words so I dont get misquoted and I dont get in trouble. I have too much information here. Just hang on a minute. Okay. The date, Watertown Town Council Meeting, Regular Meeting, January 16, 1996, Page 29 of the Minutes. Ill read the whole paragraph:
"Mr. Salamone added he wanted to clarify it that you do not take the cars for vacation, but he cannot restrict the movement out of State for business use, for Town use." is what he said. Ill give you a copy of this if you want.
Mr. Rinaldi: No, thats okay.
Mr. Archer: Just a question from you regarding that. Is there a specific instance or anything that you . . . . ?
Mr. LeBlanc: No, but you see when I read, seeing you asked that question, when I read your policy, I believe this is your policy Mr. Chairman, it says Regulation Compliance Series, Taxation of Employees and Fringe Benefits, A Guide for State and Local Government Employers. When I read this book, it indicates to me that personal time and vacation time should be kept separate and they should be taxed on it, not only the use of the car for commuting at $3.00 a day. Any personal time thats used should be taxed. Maybe Im reading this book wrong, too, but Id just like to . . . . .
Mr. Archer: I have to admit Ive never seen or read the book, but I believe you.
Mr. LeBlanc: The book is by Andrew Parker, and the Title is Taxation of Employees and Fringe Benefits, A Guide for State and Local Government Employees Its a very good book..
Mr. Archer: Thank you.
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
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Al Mickel, 173 DiNunzio Road, Oakville, CT 06779
Mr. Mickel: I was under the impression there was going to be some discussion tonight about some open space in Town. I dont see it on the Agenda. Im hoping it will be put there.
Mr. Archer: Thats correct. It did not actually make it to the Agenda, but we are going to amend that shortly. Is there anyone else in the public wishing to speak? Last call. Okay, well Close Public Participation at this time.
Mr. Archer Closed Public Participation at 8:08 p.m.
5. Minutes
A. Special Town Council Minutes March 7, 2002
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Valenti) to Approve the Special Town Council Minutes dated March 7, 2002 as presented.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Regular Town Council Minutes March 18, 2002
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Hebert) to Approve the Regular Town Council Minutes dated March 18, 2002 as presented.
Discussion: None
In Favor: Mr. Archer, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Kane, Ms. King, Mr. Primini, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Wick
Opposed: None
Abstained: Ms. Adams, Mr. Valenti (due to absence)
MOTION CARRIED (7-0-2)
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April 1, 2002
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B. Special Town Council Minutes March 25, 2002
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Hebert) to Approve the Special Town Council Minutes dated March 25, 2002 as presented.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Sub-Committee Reports
A. Finance Subcommittee
Mr. Kane: The Finance Subcommittee has worked diligently on this present budget. I give kudos to everyone on the Committee. They worked rather hard and our Acting Town Manager and our Assistant Town Manager did a great job as well. What wed like to do is recommend to the full Council that a Public Hearing date be set for Tuesday, April 16, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. This recommendation will happen later on the Agenda.
B. Public Hearing on Skateboarding Ordinance
Mr. Wick: We completed a Public Hearing on the Skateboarding Ordinance earlier this evening. The Subcommittee met briefly and youll hear more about it later.
7. Chairmans Report
A. Correspondence
1. Resignation Barbara Marchand, Commission on Aging
Mr. Archer: We have a very brief letter addressed to:
"Virginia Stewart
Town Clerk
Watertown, CT
March 5, 2002
Dear Mrs. Stewart:
This notice is to inform you of my resignation from the Commission on Aging.
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
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Sincerely,
Barbara A. Marchand
cc: Wilbur Hughes"
B. Police Department Roof Update
Mr. Archer: At the last meeting of the Public Buildings Committee, they voted to approve the contract to Gold Seal Home Improvement of Torrington, CT for replacement of the Police Department roof. A preconstruction meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 1, 2002 at the Police Department. Work is anticipated to begin the week of April 8th with a completion date of May 31, 2002. The contract amount is $254,900.
C. C.R.R.A. Status of Tip Fee
Mr. Frigon: The tip fee has been set by the Board of Directors of C.R.R.A. at $57.00 per ton. Thats up $6.00 per ton from what were presently paying and there is not to be any fee on the recyclables, and that is reflected in our proposed budget.
D. Charge to Park and Recreation Commission Re: Additional Areas for Skateboarding
Mr. Archer: We made that charge on the record at the last meeting and this is just basically just a formality.
Mr. Frigon: To show you that it was done (inaudible).
E. Mini Bus Grant Approval
Mr. Archer: Im just going to read this the way it is written to me from Chuck.
"On behalf of Lisa Carew, Director of Recreation, I am pleased to inform you that the Town of Watertown has been successful in obtaining a $35,000 grant for the purchase of a new wheelchair accessible minibus. As you will note in the attached award letter, this process will take approximately 18 months after bids have been received. I will report back to the Council as to the Towns contribution and I am hopeful that the timing will allow the Town to budget for our contribution in the fiscal year 2003/2004 budget."
So some great news on that grant award.
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April 1, 2002
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F. Sidewalk Fund Priority Update
Mr. Archer: At the last Council meeting a request was made to have Phil Deleppo attend the next meeting for discussion regarding the usage of the Sidewalk Fund, and Mary Barton is supposed to be attending in his place.
Ms. Adams: I wasnt able to make the last Town Council meeting due to my son coming back from Bosnia, but what was discussed at the prior Public Works Subcommittee was to recommend to the Council that the Planning and Zoning recommendations also be approved by the Town Council for the priorities in using this Sidewalk Fund. Mary, I guess she has copies of everything that we had approved.
Mary Barton, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Town of Watertown
Ms. Barton: What Ive done is I put together two packets for you. This first one, if youd allow me to distribute it . . . .
Ms. Adams: Yes.
Ms. Barton: Is the policy adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission October 17, 2000 regarding the Sidewalk Fund which went to the then Town Manager Charles OConnor and Phil Deleppo, Director of Public Works. Understand, this is a guidance document. (She distributed those copies to all Town Council members.)
Mr. Archer: Mary, I wonder if you could take us through this?
Ms. Barton: What it was was, and actually I have a whole other packet of information; Im a packet person. It tells you the whole history of how this Sidewalk Fund came about. (She distributed those copies to all Town Council members.)
Mr. Archer: So if you could walk us through this and hit the high points so were not here reading in front of everyone that would be great.
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April 1, 2002
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Ms. Barton: Approximately in 1999 I was requested by then Town Manager Charles OConnor to explain how the Sidewalk Fund was created. It was actually October of 1999. So in October of 99 I went through and I gave Town Manager OConnor how the Sidewalk Fund was created, what the intent was, it was for new sidewalk construction, and at that time at the very end of the memo it says that the Planning and Zoning Commission can make recommendations where to construct sidewalks, but the allocation of funds must be approved by the Council. Then it went to the Commission November 19, 1999. They were busy with other items, so on October 2, 2000 the Commission, I sent a memo to the Planning and Zoning Commission saying that, and this was after discussion with the then Town Attorney Pilicy, that the Commission should adopt a formal sidewalk policy. They had an informal one but they didnt have a formalwritten version.
In October 17, 2000, at the October 4, 2000 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, the Commission created a policy for sidewalk funds, and thats one of the two page documents you have in front of you. This went back to the Manager on October 17, 2000. Basically it talks about that the sidewalk funds are to be used not for the repair or maintenance of sidewalks; theyre to be used to construct new sidewalks as the money is received from developers, in lieu of them constructing new sidewalks in subdivisions. So the reason theyre giving money to the Town is to construct new sidewalks elsewhere where they are needed, instead of maybe out on Basset Road where you dont have high pedestrian activity. The Commission also said that where pedestrian safety would be achieved, they would want new sidewalks constructed, and then they ranked areas A through E where sidewalks should be constructed. Schools,commercial locations, urban recreation areas, churches, elderly housing, and then they went further just to give some outlay of places to do it, Buckingham Street and Echo Lake Road, that was the connection of where Watertown . . . . right now in front of the elderly housing the sidewalks end. That was built by Mt. Fair Farm to connect that all the way down to Echo Lake Road to connect into the sidewalk system that goes down Buckingham Street and goes all the way to French Street, cause people walk all the way down there. The other was Davis Street to Evelyn Street.
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April 1, 2002
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As you know theres about 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk thats being constructed. Most of its done except for the section from Elena Drive to Davis Street by Stop & Shop, and if the sidewalks from Straits Turnpike all the way down to Davis, to Evelyn that would be able to have people walk right from Main Street Oakville up to Straits Turnpike. And then the other one location was sidewalks along Main Street in front of properties that have no further capability of being developed, and one location was noted was Main Street from the stairs at Town Hall to Town Hall hill. And there have been instances where the Commission, it was a guidance document. My understanding it went off to Public Works Subcommittee and at that point it wasnt the Planning and Zoning Commission directing the Council, this is how we want you to spend the money. We collected the money for new sidewalk construction, these are ourrecommendations. We ranked them because it was requested by then Town Manager to determine areas, and then I guess it went to Public Works Subcommittee from that point. My understanding the Public Works Subcommittee adopted what the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended.
Ms. Adams: Well what we had done was to just bring it to the full Council with our recommendation that it be approved, and then we can start constructing the sidewalks. Didnt know how far wed be able to get, we dont know dollar cost, things like that. Maybe wed be able to do one, maybe all, and then go more.
Mr. Archer: Im sorry, you made a recommendation that what be approved?
Ms. Adams: That this plan here with their suggestions and the order, and to start with those three, that the Council also adopt that.
Mr. Archer: Right. Jean?
Ms. King: The question that came up and the question cause it came up at the Finance Committee is that Mr. Deleppo told us that he was moving forward on Item #1 here. I didnt see that . . . . first of all Im not sure that we voted on this.
Ms. Barton: No, you havent.
Ms. Adams: Not full Council, no.
Ms. King: And that these are not priorities as I see it, these are 1, 2, 3, any one of these three.
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
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Ms. Barton: Exactly, and that was how it was intended.
Ms. King: We had asked a considerable time ago if we could know how much each of these distances are and how much it would cost to do each of those three, otherwise I dont see how we could make a decision on which pieces to do, and I think the particular concern that brought this up right now was, as I say, Mr. Deleppo saying to the Finance Committee that he was moving ahead as directed by P & Z to do the Buckingham Street and Echo Lake Road section which we have not yet decided to do.
Mr. Archer: That is in fact what he said, I remember that.
Ms. Barton: If you look in your packet, document #1 of the second packet is the Minutes from the March 6, 2002 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission, where Bill Hughes, the Vice Chairman of the Commission, it discussed how he went to the Budget Meeting last night, and Bill said this was not the intent. We werent directing Mr. Deleppo; we were providing guidance and thats how the whole issue was. The Commission, if you read back going back to 99, the Commission is not the fiscal entity of the Town, the Council is, and that was the intent. It was never intended to move beyond that or to direct him to do anything.
Ms. King: So how do we get to real numbers? Who do we ask to give us real numbers so that we can make a choice among these 3 and move forward? Is that what we want to do?
Mr. Archer: Well my thinking was that was why we had wanted Phil here.
Mr. Frigon: Phil doesnt have those numbers yet (inaudible).
Ms. Barton: I guess what you would do is you would ask Phil to do the estimated costs on the engineering because the amount of money that is in the Sidewalk Fund now only includes the actual construction of the sidewalk, not grading, not actual obtaining of the easements and such, so he would have to look at and provide estimates, so maybe I should, Im out of order here, is maybe the Council or the Public Works Subcommittee should ask Phil to go through, do an estimated value on it, and determine which ones, and you pick and choose, or maybe theres another one that you want to do that would still meet this criteria. The reason the Commission looked at these rankings in particular areas were areas that were as part of the Plan of Development, schools, churches, public facilities, trying to connect recreation areas, churches, pedestrian access, I mean, my personal opinion is the one from the Town Hall to theLibrary should be done, with the bottom of the stairs, because you know how many people walk on the road there? Thats a real pedestrian hazard. And that was one of the things that came up, but I would think that would be the appropriate way to address it.
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April 1, 2002
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Mr. Rinaldi: I thought that the problem was a little different than what were talking about. Awhile back they were talking about using this money to build some sidewalks, and then there was also some talk at some point in time about using this money for maintenance, to fix, repair some sidewalks, and thats where the problem came up, because Planning and Zoning felt that that money that they had blackmailed out of the developers, should . . . . .
Ms. Barton: The Planning and Zoning Commission, for the record, does not blackmail developers or any other individuals . . .
Mr. Rinaldi: Well they asked them nicely for the money, whatever, they got the money.
Ms. Barton: They donated it.
Mr. Rinaldi: Donated it and its put into a fund and I could understand their concern that that money was donated for new sidewalks, but I think what we wanted to do at the time was solve the problem of maintenance and how are we going to maintain the sidewalks, because the Public Works Subcommittee, not just new sidewalks, there was a lot of sidewalks, the issue came up the sidewalks had to be fixed, and we dont have any money to fix sidewalks, so we said okay, maybe we should set up a fund, a separate fund for sidewalk maintenance, and I dont know if we have to pump "x" amount of dollars in there every year, or as Mary said, maybe take the interest off the new sidewalk money and pump it in there, or somehow find money to go into this line item, then I think we can move forward and say okay to Phil, we want you to go out, you know the Council has to give him a directive to go out and say okay, based oneverything the Planning and Zoning wants, go out and put something together for us, give us some hard numbers, and we also have a line item for some maintenance work, so even if you spend so much a year, and every year it does so many feet of sidewalk, wherever theyre needed, I dont know. Hes going to have to set the priorities. I certainly dont know what they are, but there are areas of Town where sidewalks are crumbling and sidewalks are falling apart so this way were not only building the ones that we need, but were also having the money to maintain the ones that are already built, and I think its a twofold problem. I think that was the real problem.
Mr. Hebert: That was the start of it a couple of years ago.
Mr. Rinaldi: Yea, and I think as far as hard numbers go, I would think that you know, like Bill Hughes said on P & Z, they gave him guidelines, which is fine. Phil could, I would communicate with the Council, and if the Council says go ahead, go ahead and move on that, but I think we as a Council have to also address that maintenance line item.
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April 1, 2002
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Ms. Barton: What happened is if you look in your little packet I gave you, at your December 2001 Council meeting there was a memo from Charles OConnor to the Council telling the Council there was approximately $208,000 for new sidewalks in the Sidewalk Fund, and he recommended that the Council authorize 50% for maintenance of sidewalks and 50% for new construction. I never received any question or any input on this when this policy that was adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission was clearly sent to him on October 29, 2000. I did speak with Mr. Deleppo, and Mr. Deleppo created a memo saying as an alternative, he did not say the 50%, 50%, he thought maybe a certain percentage of interest (inaudible) and there was never any correspondence back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Im not saying that the Planning and Zoning Commission would be objectionable to it, but no one has ever presented that tothem, because their intent when they started this Fund was to provide a fund to create new sidewalks within the Town of Watertown, and that is what is told to developers when they get a waiver, this money goes into a fund to create new sidewalks, so if a percentage is going to go to maintenance, I think the developers have to be told that up front, because thats not whats being told, and Im just fearful that someone will be coming back and say well I want my 50% or 10% of my money back thats going for maintenance instead of new sidewalk construction that you told me its going for. I dont think its objectionable, but I think maybe if Phil comes up or this memo that Phil did for the Council back on December 3, 2001, unless it goes on to the Planning and Zoning Commission, I can forward it on if the Manager directs me to, and see if the Commission would be willing to look at if the Council really wants some sidewalk maintenance, cause I think what happened was there wasjust a lack of communication between when this occurred in 2001. It just all of a sudden appeared on the Council Agenda with no comment regarding, you know, the taking of the money. The Commission is not the fiscal entity. They realize that 100%. Theyre just the guidance and the body that recommends to the Council and there was never any intent to overstep that or direct Phil to do anything; that was never the intent.
Mr. Rinaldi: I dont think, you know Mary, I dont think that taking some of the money, Im not against it either, taking some of the money from the new Sidewalk Fund and moving it over to a repair fund is okay, but again I think we have to find a way to perpetuate that fund and keep it viable year to year, that way this work can continue. . . .
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April 1, 2002
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Ms. Barton: Phil had recommended on his memo of November 2001 about a certain percentage. If you take maybe $5,000 out of the Sidewalk Fund and then the Town put $5,000 in, like I said, I didnt think it was unreasonable, but it was never presented in any manner to the Commission or even the interest, put it in, we have certain accounts, like the Echo Lake Fund Account, we have in a Liquid CD, it generates more interest than a savings account. We have probably like $26,000 remaining in that from the $50,000 that First Connecticut Properties gave to the Town. It could be a similar entity. Its just difficult, theres about 200 and some odd thousand dollars. I think Mr. Nardelli could tell you what gives you the best interest right now, but theres not too many right now that would garner you more interest than that, but I mean thats a possibility.
Ms. Adams: One of the things we had talked about at the Public Works Subcommittee meeting was for the maintenance of the sidewalks, was drawing up a plan and prioritizing just what is most in the crisis situation, and we really need to spend some money on and that Phil has said he could do, but it couldnt be done before budget, there wasnt enough time to put that together, but we did direct him to proceed on with that to see what is in the worst shape, what is highly used, what we would get the most, basically most return on our investment in people using the sidewalk. We had asked him to come up with some rough numbers for the completion of Buckingham Street down to Echo Lake Road. He said that is difficult to do. Guestimate, sure he could give you a guestimate, but as far as something that we could really sink our teeth into, wed really need to engineer that cause its not just a simple sidewalkwhere youd just be laying down asphalt. Youve got some grading things that have to be done (Tape #1, Side A ended may have missed some). And the best way to do it would basically be to engineer . . . . part of the sidewalk. And then he could come up with concrete numbers as far as what it would cost out of the Sidewalk Fund.
Ms. King: I guess Im a little frustrated because I understand everything that everyone has said here. The first deposit into this Fund was made in 1996; it is 2002. I drive down Main Street all the time seeing people unable to walk on sidewalks because theres pieces of sidewalk all along Main Street. It makes complete logical sense to me, maybe to some other people that we should connect some of those. And Im very frustrated that what Im hearing here is that were going to have someone else direct somebody else, and clearly were not going to build a sidewalk this Summer again, which is just so frustrating to me, when we have the ability, we have enough money in this Fund, whatever, to build new sidewalks somewhere in this Town that people could actually walk on.
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Ms. Barton: In all the sidewalks that go in presently in front of the plaza where Adams is, that sidewalk was engineered to connect into the possibility of building a sidewalk in front of Waterfields's because theres no . . . . .
Ms. King: Right, and further up and all along there.
Ms. Barton: And SNET is building a sidewalk as part of that. The lawyers office, theyre still in their site plan, are going to be building a portion of the sidewalk so theres been planning along, and I agree with you, but Im not the engineering entity so . . . .
Ms. King: No, but Im just saying that I would like to see us actually move on making some decisions about this so we could actually build something. It seems to me you have, particularly in the middle of Town, this place where everyone can see that we need it here, we need it there, and as Mary says, it looks like some of the engineering was probably done, we may know that, but I would be willing to have a debate about whether we should put it some place else too. I just hate to see it go on and on with back to another meeting and lets talk about this some more, and maybe next Winter we could talk about building sidewalks in another year, in the year 2004 or something. The money isnt earning that much interest, Frank will tell us; we might as well spend some of it.
Mr. Archer: I agree completely with everything you said and we will be building sidewalks this Summer, absolutely, cause it is kind of stupid to just let the money sit there, its moronic frankly. My concern with this and the recommendations of Subcommittee is that were talking about building sidewalks way outside the center of Town. Most of the pedestrian activity, if there even is pedestrian activity in our car culture today, happens in Town. Its more likely to happen in Town. It would seem that the Main Street in the Town would be the top priority. I just dont see people from Mt. Fair Farm walking down the hill to Oakville, all the way down that 2 mile run. It just seems like a very low priority to me. Its a nice idea, but I just, nobody is going to do that.
Ms. Barton: People walk.
Mr. Archer: It would be a good skateboard run, like Ray said.
Ms. Barton People walk.
Mr. Archer: Well Im sure they do, but I just see the center of Town as the highest priority.
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April 1, 2002
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Ms. Barton: And as I told you, these are only guidelines and choices. They werent like 1, 2, 3, they were fed into the categories which the Commission recommended. It wasnt 1, 2, 3, it was these are fit into the categories of the Council. And I agree with you because people walk on Main Street throughout the day. I see them. People walk continuously on Main Street and as I said, theres section, the only sidewalks that are built on Main Street in the Town of Watertown have been built predominantly by developers when the Planning and Zoning Commission requires them, and thats how the sidewalk construction started. And I agree with what Jean is saying, so I guess the thing is maybe, because in discussion with Phil, is depending on the grading and the obtaining of easements, you may build a sidewalk on Buckingham Street and it may take a large majority of the Fund. It might beeasier to go where its simpler, which is maybe putting it through the Waterfields parking lot, then you just have to obtain the easement, cause it may be in the street right of way, so maybe the thing is to look at where you get the biggest bang for your buck is, and I understand what youre saying cause there is grading issues and there are easement obtaining I know in front of Buckingham Street and those neighbors dont want a sidewalk in front of them. Eventually they'll get it, but theyve already indicated at Public Hearings in front of P & Z that they dont want sidewalks, so maybe that is the way to go. And I agree with what youre saying, get the biggest bang for the buck, maybe thats the way to go. And what is used most, cause people do walk on Main Street, people walk all the time on Main Street, lunch time, any time, Saturday, I mean I watch the pedestrian traffic. Theres a lot of pedestrian traffic on Main Street. It goes all theway down. Some people walk all the way to Oakville and back and you see them in the street, and even up to Stop & Shop. Now with the sidewalks, people use those sidewalks. Theres quite a bit of activity on it. Im going to stop talking cause Im taking up too much of your time.
Mr. Archer: The only other comment I have is that Item #1 on the letter says the funds in the sidewalk are not to be used for repair or maintenance of existing sidewalks. The funds are to be used to construct new sidewalks. At the risk of sounding like a past President, I imagine that somewhat depends on your definition of new.
Ms. Barton: Not If you talk to the Planning and Zoning Commission. If you want to refer back them, Ill get a definition of new for you. Id be more than happy to. Theyre the collectors of the money. If you want to charge me to go back and discuss this with them and have them come here, its fine with me.
Mr. Archer: I see no need to do that.
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April 1, 2002
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Ms. Barton: They feel new is new construction, not repair.
Mr. Hebert: But if you take a sidewalk out . . . . and put a new . . . .
Ms. Barton: Thats a repair. Thats like taking the whole idea of when I was a Sanitarian, youd leave up one wall of a building so you could repair the septic system and thats supposed to qualify to satisfy the Public Health Code. Youd have to have 100% reserve area. Its cheating.
Mr. Hebert: But if you take a section of the sidewalk out, the sidewalk is no longer there; hence it becomes a new sidewalk.
Ms. Barton: Ill bring it up to the Planning and Zoning Commission and ask for their interpretation and be glad to bring it back to you.
Mr. Wick: You made a point about the expectations of the developers who made donations to the Sidewalk Fund and I think that some of them might not mind money being used instead of for new sidewalks, for maintenance of old sidewalks, but then again some of them might, and rather than test that theory, would it be appropriate to ask P & Z for future contributions, designate a certain percentage of them specifically for maintenance of existing sidewalks so that we dont have this argument into the next millennium and we can get on with repairing what weve got?
Ms. Barton: I dont think its a bad idea at all, its just that there wasnt any communication back to the Commission regarding that.
Mr. Wick: I understand, but is it appropriate to ask the Commission to consider doing this and making this a new policy for future money?
Ms. Barton: I will be meeting with them on Wednesday night. I will be more than happy, if thats a directive of the Council, to talk to the Commission about that and come back to you and let you know, let the Manager know exactly what it is. It just has not been broached with them.
Mr. Archer: I think that makes a lot of sense.
Mr. Kane: Excuse me, Mr. Chair, but isnt it our decision to set that policy and not the Planning and Zonings to set that policy?
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Mr. Archer: I dont think, well what I heard anyway from Dick, he wasnt talking about making a determination about whats going to get spent; its how its represented to the builders themselves in collecting the funds.
Mr. Kane: No, but I thought the question was what percentage was going to be used for what?
Ms. Barton: Well what could happen is right now the Fund is represented as totally for new sidewalk construction. I think what Mr. Wick said is would the Planning and Zoning Commission consider representing that a percentage of this would go for sidewalk maintenance. And I dont know what would be a recommended percentage of money. If you have a recommendation 50%, 20%, that you want to bring back, or do you want the Planning and Zoning Commission to determine that percentage cause theyre not the entity that spends the money (inaudible).
Mr. Kane: Right, but thats not my question. My question is we have two pieces of paper here. We have one piece of paper from the Planning and Zoning Commission that says that 100% of the funds be used for new construction. We have another piece of paper from then Town Manager, Charlie OConnor, that says we should use it 50/50. So I think its the Councils decision to say what percentage gets used for what.
Ms. Barton: Youre opening up the Town to liability and litigation because the money was represented . . . . . I could tell you right now I would have 10 calls tomorrow if you would try to do that from developers wanting their 50% of their money back.
Mr. Kane: Well I didnt say one way or the other. My . . .
Ms. Barton: But thats exactly, youre opening up, because the representation as an official of the Town, as the Commission, this is what its for, then its being used for any other use. Im not a Finance individual, but our Finance Department knows where $5 goes. I think it would be a very hard sell to tell someone its intended for one thing and use it for something else. I literally could see 10 people knocking at the door saying I want my 50% back. Some people have made considerable donations to the Sidewalk Fund, $46,000, $35,000, one developer, hes on your Agenda tonight for a refund was $15,000 and he was approved in 97; cant get any zoning permits to build his lots because he doesnt have access to public water so its a considerable amount of money these people are going to request back. Were not talking $2,000.
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April 1, 2002
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Mr. Kane: Again, thats not my question. My question was we have two different recommendations here what to do with the money. So my point is we need to create, set that policy based on the two different recommendations. Is that not the case?
Ms. King: (Inaudible) make a point. We have a memo here with a recommendation from the former Town Manager. I do not believe that the Council ever voted on that.
Ms. Barton: Correct.
Ms. King: I dont believe thats a policy of this Council in any way.
Mr. Archer: We did not, it was referred to the Public Works Subcommittee.
Ms. King: Right, so it hasnt ever been made policy.
Mr. Archer: Right.
Ms. King: So theres no conflict yet.
Mr. Archer: I have one last question, Mary. The October 7, 2000 letter to then Manager Charlie OConnor that created the following policy and it says that it was created on October 5, 2000, what was the policy in effect in 96 when we started collecting money from them?
Ms. Barton: What happened was it started as a result of a subdivision off of Old Colony Road, and the developer at that point had frontage on Middlebury Road. If you go along Middlebury Road, youll see, theres actually two new houses across from it where theres a sidewalk constructed there. The Commission felt there was no need for sidewalks within the cul de sac, but they required the developer to put sidewalks on Middlebury Road. They wanted to put them on the opposite side where there was numerous trees and wetlands. So what happened is that it only turned out to be a very small percentage of (inaudible) he couldnt put it there because basically the Wetland Commission told him no, because that was a significant wetlands, because it actually comes from Lake Winnemaug, feeds it, and goes down Wattles Brook. The Wetlands Commission said no. Mr. Tedesco was going back and forthbetween Planning and Zoning and Wetlands trying to determine what he was going to do. He couldnt start construction until he resolved this issue. He had his wetland permit but he didnt have his subdivision approval, so at that point Mr. Tedesco was the one that suggested it, so the money was donated to the Town in a way for new construction of sidewalks.
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There wasnt sufficient money until probably maybe in 99, really, to think about actually spending money, but when this money, I think it was actually probably in 98 or 99 (inaudible), I made a preliminary survey with Phil Deleppo along Main Street about where places to put sidewalks should go, and then it never went any farther than that. I did that issue, I think it might have been 97 or 98. I did a survey went up and down Main Street, figured out where places good for sidewalks, and it just never went forward from there anymore, there was no direction given one way or the other. I dont know why. I dont know if it was from Public Works Subcommittee or the Council at the time, I dont know.
Mr. Archer: So then from that point, when this issue started, until October 5, 2000, there was no stated policy in effect, but we were collecting money from the developers?
Ms. Barton: We were collecting money. There was no written policy. The stated policy was for new sidewalk construction. There was no written policy and no ranking, so as a result of that, thats when I recommended that the Commission create a ranking and a policy similar to what the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Council did in relation to Echo Lake. When the funds are received from the developer, $50,000 for Echo Lake, the Commission and the Council together created a joint policy that said that this money would only be used by the Town if it was to improve the water quality at Echo Lake. And my understanding is, I believe that this policy went back to the Council in October of 2000, but Im not sure for understanding of what the Commission was coming from. I dont know if it ever came back to the Council, cause that was the intent that it went off to the Manager, and Mr.Deleppo to go on to the Council for the Council to review the policy and understand that this is the policy of the Commission for the Council hopefully to embrace their policy, but Im not sure if it ever made it to the Council. I do not know.
That was the intent and that was exactly what happened with the Echo Lake Fund. The Commission created a policy, it went on to the Council. The Council and the Commission got together and they wrote down what there is, and theres actually written documents in relation to that Council and you would hope that other Councils would honor that. The money used in that Fund is only to be used for water quality, thats for Echo Lake. The money was used to create the sediment basin and weve cleaned out the sediment basin at least 2 or 3 times. I think that was my understanding or belief at that time, and I didnt realize it hadnt gone on to the full Council. I would have assumed it would have because the request came from the Council in September of 2000 about what is the Commissions policy regarding sidewalks, and I cant speak for anyone else, but I followed through on what I was directed to do.
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Mr. Rinaldi: Can I just make a recommendation?
Mr. Archer: Sure.
Mr. Rinaldi: That this whole thing go back to Public Works Subcommittee. Well take a hard look at this thing and come back with a solid recommendation for the Council to take a look at, now that we have a lot more insight into it and a lot more information?
Ms. Adams: Yea, that would probably be a good idea. I heard some really good ideas here tonight. Its seems that Council would prefer to see, instead of connecting for the schools, to connect from Main Street and just maybe (inaudible) item by item, this is what wed like to see done and bring it back to the Council. We meet next Tuesday, the 9th.
Ms. King: I think it would be helpful before we decided, Id like to see a drawing, I mean in my mind I know the places where there are gaps on Main Street. Phil has a thought about how much it costs, even without easements, so maybe he could say all right, you can do this, this, and this with this amount of money, and that way we would need that before we made a decision one way or the other.
Ms. Barton: There are certain areas you can inventory. Ill tell you, like going through Waterfields is going to be very minimal because its flat and you just obtain the easements, but I think theyre in a position theyd be willing to give their easements.
Ms. King: And then you go further up by Jimmies.
Ms. Barton: By Jimmies, SNET, Watertown Upholstery, B & C Stereo would be very difficult because their building is right on the street line, so that might be a difficult spot because the building is right actually in the State right of way. The other across the street where Starbucks is, the next property adjacent to him by Palesti may be developed, but thats a great issue and thats really better to be left for a developer to build that sidewalk. The next property from there is the house thats owned up on the hill, its a 3 family, thats another one, let a developer do it, because that youre talking a lot of earth moving. As you go further down, I think from the bottom of the stairs at Town Hall hill, down to the Library, is people walk in the street, but then thats probably a grade concern, but that would be a good location. You could look at different spots.
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Ms. King: It seemed to me at one point that we might be able to connect all the way down to Adams where we certainly see a lot of people walking. I see people walking with shopping carts and things like that and its truly a safety issue, but I think we need to know how many feet it is whether we can do it.
Ms. Barton: Philson put a sidewalk in and then theres Seymour Smith.
Mr. Archer: Chuck, can you coordinate between, it sounds like both you and Phil have issues, well not issues, but I mean . . . . .
Ms. Barton: Together, I know, I could tell you . . . . land where they should go, anywhere they would be appropriate.
Mr. Archer: Right, well its sort of the two of you because you know, one is the cost factor and one is sort of the inventory of where they are and where they arent, so if we could coordinate between the two of them to get an answer on this by the next meeting.
Mr. Frigon: Would it be appropriate to report that to the Public Works Sub and let them come back to the Town Council or . . . . its up to you.
Mr. Archer: Just in the interest of expedience, lets remove a layer of this and . . . .
Ms. Adams: Okay, cause were meeting between our next Council meeting, well be meeting next Tuesday and the following Monday is our Council meeting.
Mr. Archer: Right so Mary and Phil would only have a week at that point.
Ms. Barton: I could try. I cant guarantee Phils time. Its just another hour working. Its okay. Im not complaining. Im not complaining one bit. I do have a small child; hell be 2 in May.
Mr. Archer: Ill go walk Main Street on Saturday and take an inventory myself.
Ms. Barton: Its pretty straightforward. Weve already done it. I mean, I can give you a written inventory of the spots. Phil would have to tell you. I mean, Im not sure how you could sketch it up. I mean, unless connecting all the tax maps together that would give you an idea of where the properties are, because thats pretty much how you look at it and how most people look at it, in relation to Burger King, Crestwood Ford, Rite Aide, what are these here, American Bank, where can you actually do it. It kind of makes sense when you do it, instead of by address because not everybody knows 1147 is such and such. I can pull some kind of map together for you and I can coordinate with Phil and just basically sit down and write on the map where they can go and that would give you better idea. I can do that.
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Mr. Archer: That would be great, I mean, simplistic is fine, it doesnt have to be elaborate or color coded and . . . . no artists renderings or anything like that.
Ms. Barton: Its not going to be anything high tech or anything. Okay, I can do that.
Mr. Frigon: I will talk to you tomorrow.
Ms. Barton: Any more questions?
Mr. Archer: No, I think we beat this to death.
G. Grant Funded Projects
Mr. Frigon: This is nothing more than my attempt to identify our wish list as a community as to what we might want to see at some point funded, whether it be locally or whether it be grant funds. I received periodically, often, as a matter of fact, grant notices, and if we had a list we could refer to and match the opportunity to the project that we might have that would be a good thing for me rather than having the opportunity and going out and looking for the project. So I was hoping that with the input of all the boards, commissions, Town Council, staff we can put together this priority of whether it be open space, or passive space, or rehabilitation work, or new construction work, and I will forward that to the Larry Wagners and our State Representatives and try to seek funding for those and we will have a prioritized list and well work on it that way.
Mr. Archer: Thanks, I think this makes a lot of sense.
H. Food Drive
Mr. Archer: The Watertown/Oakville Chamber of Commerce has organized a Food Drive to benefit our local food bank to be held Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th and every time we announce one of these things the TV isnt here, and Peoples Bank, which is located in the new Stop & Shop has been very involved in organizing this thing, and they are looking for volunteers, so if you want to volunteer for this, theres no phone number or anything on this, but you can contact John DiBioso at Peoples Bank, which is located, again, in the new Stop & Shop. And anyone from the group here that, I would encourage everyone to go out and help out with this for a couple of hours. I will be out there Saturday, I believe helping out with that.
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April 1, 2002
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I. Turkey Brook Update
Mr. Frigon: I spoke with Lou DeLuca last Monday. Lou has informed me once again, or assured me once again that our current funding source of $900,000 is secure. Its not threatened at this point. He has asked for additional information regarding our request for the $985,000 amendment to our M.A.A. Agreement. That information has been forwarded to his office. He will submit that to the . . . . whatever department actually, I dont know who hes submitting it to, but he will do that.
J. Incident Command Training
Mr. Frigon: Our on-going effort for our Incident Command Training, we had a meeting last Monday on March 18th. Present was an individual from each of our Board of Education facilities and from each of our Town Departments. The State of Connecticut O.E.M. hosted the training session. It was very informative, very productive, and with the information and the exercises held that day we will now move forward to a tabletop exercise. Theres some information as to what comments were made and so on and so forth attached.
Mr. Archer: Is the tabletop one scheduled or no?
Mr. Frigon: No, not yet.
K. CL&P Property
Mr. Archer: The Volunteer Fire Department is interested in obtaining property that is contiguous to the Main Street Fire Department building. It is presently owned by Connecticut Light & Power. The purpose of acquiring this property is to provide a safer and more usable entrance and exit to the rear of the department. Now this is down below . . . . youve got Watertown Tire and then youre got . . . . sort of a driveway space and then . . . . the area is right below that. Is that currently not in use by CL&P?
Mr. Frigon: Its not in use by CL&P. It was used as a natural gas storage facility some years ago. They removed the tanks, I dont know how many years ago. Its presently not in use and were looking to acquire that property for the cost of the transaction alone.
Mr. Archer: Whats the safety issue?
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Mr. Frigon: The safety issue is the Fire Department volunteers, when either entering or exiting the property in the rearm because the driveway is so close to the intersection of Main and French Streets, and traffic travels at a rapid pace off of Main Street onto French Street, theyre concerned of an accident there. So theyd like to move that driveway down a little bit further where there is an opportunity for more reaction.
L. Other Business
Mr. Archer: We have to add 3 different things to the Agenda so I want to take a brief Recess, maybe 5 minutes, just so were all clear on what were adding.
Mr. Archer, Chairman, called a Recess at 9:00 p.m.
Mr. Archer, Chairman, Reconvened the Regular Meeting at 9:17 p.m.
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Kane) to Add Agenda Item 8J1, Resolution for Tax Refunds.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Kane) to Add Agenda Item 8L, Consideration to Charge Ordinance Subcommittee and to hold a Public Hearing for the Purchase of Property and Simultaneously Charge the Bond Counsel to Develop a Bond Ordinance for the Same Project.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Kane) to Add Agenda Item 8M, Consideration for Interim Town Manager to apply to D.E.P. for an Open Space Grant.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
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April 1, 2002
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Mr. Archer: Last Monday we held a Public Hearing on the idea of purchasing some property to be used for Open Space and additional ball fields in Town which is something that weve identified on numerous occasions as sorely needed. About 50 to 60 people came out for that. Id like to thank all those people that came out, first of all, and recognize that there were participants in that, and I think thats important, and I just wanted to recognize that.
Ms. King: Are we going to have any action moving forward on the Town Managers Search Committee? I note that we havent had a meeting and there wasnt anything under Subcommittees. I was just wondering what was happening there.
Mr. Archer: Correct, and thank you for reminding me because I almost went by this one. Our current Search Subcommittee is made up of 4 people: myself, you Jean, Elaine Adams, and Dick Wick. At this time I would like to appoint additional members to that committee. Those would be:
Paul Valenti
Paul Rinaldi
Rob Kane
Ray Hebert
Ray Primini
Mr. Rinaldi: Full house.
Mr. Archer: Right, so at this time the full Council, all 9 members of the Town Council at this point will be sitting on that Search Committee, and a discussion of where we go from here will take place during Executive Session.
8. Action Items
A. Consider Appointments to Boards and Commission
The terms of various boards and commissions have expired or are expiring. Appointments must be made to fill these vacancies.
None
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
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B. Consider Approval of Job Descriptions
1. Assistant Water and Sewer Superintendent
2. Assistant Recreation Director
Town Council approval of the two job descriptions is required under the Town of Watertown Charter Chapter VIII Municipal Employees, Section 802 New positions, changes in duties and responsibilities of existing positions, or any other changes may be made at an time by resolution of the Council.
Mr. Archer: There are two items here, and #1, the Assistant Water and Sewer Superintendent, were going to hold on any action.
Ms. King: Why?
Mr. Archer: Because it was erroneously put on the Agenda, actually.
Ms. King: Dont we have to approve it?
Mr. Frigon: Yes, you would.
Mr. Valenti: More appropriately, wouldnt we have to Table it if were not going to act on it? I dont know; Im asking procedurally.
Mr. Archer: Then can I get a Motion to Table it?
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Primini) to Table Item 8B1, Job Description for the Assistant Water and Sewer Superintendent.
Discussion: None
In Favor: Ms. Adams, Mr. Archer, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Kane, Ms. King, Mr. Primini, Mr. Valenti, Mr. Wick
Opposed: Mr. Rinaldi
Abstained: None
MOTION CARRIED (8-1-0)
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April 1, 2002
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Mr. Archer: Item 8B2 which would be consider approval of job description for Assistant Recreation Director.
MOTION: (Ms. Adams, sec. Mr. Hebert) to approve the Job Description as presented.
Discussion: Mr. Rinaldi: Why wasnt this Tabled?
Mr. Frigon: The Assistant Director of Recreation Job Description was submitted to me approximately 3 weeks ago. I had a chance to review it, I had a chance to revise it, I had an opportunity to sit with the Union and have it approved through them. The one for the Water and Sewer I have not had that opportunity, and I wasnt aware until the last minute that that was going to be on the Agenda. It will be on your next Agenda.
Mr. Rinaldi: So youre going to review it?
Mr. Frigon: I need to review it first, that is correct.
Mr. Rinaldi: And make changes in it?
Mr. Frigon: I dont know; I havent reviewed it yet, it hasnt been reviewed yet, the salaries havent been reviewed yet, it hasnt been . . . . . .
Mr. Archer: I think what youre saying is it was put on the Agenda prematurely.
Mr. Frigon: Prematurely, correct.
Mr. Rinaldi: If changes are made, is that going to go back to Water & Sewer before it comes to us?
Mr. Frigon: Absolutely, and Im not even suggesting that changes will be made; they may be.
Mr. Rinaldi: Well if any are made.
Mr. Frigon: Yes, it was just premature.
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April 1, 2002
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Ms. Adams: For the Assistant Director of Recreation. This is something thats in the current budget, isnt it?
Mr. Frigon: Thats correct.
Ms. Adams: Are we planning on filling this?
Mr. Frigon: Yes, as soon as this Job Description has been voted on by the Town Council, then we will go ahead and advertise it.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Consider Approval of a Request for a Refund from the Sidewalk Fund by the Developer of Roberto Estates
A request has been made for a refund under the Sidewalk Fund.
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Ms. Adams) to consider approval of a request for a refund from the Sidewalk Fund by developer Roberto Estates in the amount of $15,930.
Discussion: Mr. Kane: I guess Ill ask Chuck, Mary had just left, is this the one she was just talking about where they could not get . . . .
Mr. Frigon: Yes, it is.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Consider Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation for Inspection Fees to Konover Development
Konover Development forwarded a check for water and sewer inspection fees to the Water and Sewer Authority. This appropriation will enable the payment to the inspector for the project.
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Konover Development has forwarded a check in the amount of $3,632.00 for water and sewer inspections fees; and
WHEREAS, funds have been deposited into the water and sewer operations accounts; and
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WHEREAS, the Superintendent has requested that the inspector be paid for inspections on the project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Watertown Town Council hereby authorizes the appropriation in the total amount of $3,632.00 as follows:
$2,477.44 from the Water Operations Account to 017-50310-075-2114 Inspection Services, Water.
$1,154.56 from the Sewer Operations Account to 015-50310-074-2114, Inspection Services, Sewer.
Dated at Watertown, Connecticut this 1st day of April, 2002.
________________________________
Lee Archer, Chairman
Watertown Town Council
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Hebert) to authorize the appropriation in the total amount of $3,626 as follows: 2,477.44 from Water Operations Account to Inspection Services - Water, and then $1,154.56 from Sewer Operations Account to Inspect Services - Sewer.
Discussion: Mr. Archer: It says that the Watertown Town Council is to authorize an appropriation in the amount of $3,626. On the memo from Frank Jodaitis to Frank Nardelli, it says we received a check in the amount of $3,632. One of those is correct, I suppose.
Mr. Nardelli: Its just a breakdown. The total check is $3,632 and its broken out so much for water and so much for sewer.
Mr. Kane: The request of the Motion is on 3,626 and the memo is $3,632.
Ms. King: Theres a $6.00 difference.
Mr. Archer: There is a difference between the Resolution and the memo about the check they received.
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April 1, 2002
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Mr. Nardelli: Go with the $3,632.
Mr. Frigon: Thats a typo.
Mr. Archer: Okay, so the Resolution as written is correct?
Mr. Frigon: The $3,632 is correct and the Resolution would need to be amended to read $3,632.
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Hebert) to amend the Motion that the Council authorize the appropriation in the total amount of $3,632 as broken down as stated earlier.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Consider an Appropriation for Temporary Secretary I Town Managers Office
Consider Transfers
The Town Council approved the employment of a Temporary Secretary in the Town Managers Office This appropriation will fund the position until June 30, 2002.
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, at a meeting held on March 18, 2002, the Town Council approved the continuance of employment of a Temporary Secretary in the Town Managers Office.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council appropriates $12,744 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 expenditures for a Temporary Secretary from contingency.
Dated at Watertown, Connecticut this 1st day of April, 2002.
________________________________
Lee Archer, Chairman
Watertown Town Council
Watertown Town Council
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
Page 31
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Ms. Adams) to appropriate $12,744 for fiscal year 2001/2002 expenditures for a Temporary Secretary from Contingency.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
F. Consider Resolution Authorizing an Application and Contract with the State Library for an Historic Preservation Grant
The Town Clerk would like to apply for a grant for the preservation of Watertowns Permanent Records. Part of the grant requirement is that the Town Council authorize the submission of the grant. The Town Clerk had previously received a grant in last years FY budget in the amount of $2,500, this years grant will be for $5,000. The Towns portion to complete the project will be determined after a bid process.
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Ms. Adams) to consider a Resolution authorizing an application and contract with the State :Library for an Historic Preservation Grant.
Discussion: Mr. Kane: Chuck, maybe you can talk a little bit about this?
Mr. Frigon: Sure. This is a grant offered by the State of Connecticut to preserve some of our existing records. This grant was first offered last year. We did apply and successfully received $2,500 which has been used for certain records. The grant this year will be for $5,000 and it would be for the birth, marriage, and death certificates to be restored. The records go back from 1756 to 1904.
Mr. Archer: Chuck, when you say restored, what do you mean?
Mr. Frigon: They take the existing records, they take them apart, they spray the pages to stop them from further deterioration, and they rebind them, so theyre pretty much a new book, a new record.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
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Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
Page 32
G. Consider Approval of a Town of Watertown Fair Housing Policy Statement Fair Housing Resolution and Statement of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
State law and grants require that the Town of Watertown update the Towns Fair Housing Policies.
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
WHEREAS, State and Federal Fair Housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation, familial status, be given equal access to rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing locations; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Watertown is committed upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Watertown hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity or all persons to rent, purchase, and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Acting Town Manager of the Town of Watertown, or his designated representative, is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Town of Watertown.
Dated at Watertown, Connecticut this 1st day of April, 2002.
________________________________
Lee Archer, Chairman
Watertown Town Council
Ms. King: The first page the Resolution says the Acting Town Manager. I believe that it should say the Town Manager. If we appoint someone as Acting, then he or she is Acting, but the wording of this, its going forth from whenever we have, all the time that we have a Town Manager.
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Mr. Archer: Yea, I agree, that makes sense.
Ms. King: I think we should take the word "acting" out.
Mr. Frigon: We can make that change.
Mr. Archer: Yea, particularly since on the second page its the Town Manager, not Acting.
Ms. King: Who is the Fair Housing Officer?
Mr. Frigon: That would be me.
Ms. King: So youre the "they" on the second page?
Mr. Frigon: Thats is correct.
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec, Mr. Kane) to approve the Town of Watertown Fair Housing Policy Statement.
Discussion: Ms. Adams: Is this something we do every year?
Mr. Frigon: Yes. It is a requirement of the Small Cities Block Grant for future applications. We need to have this voted on and in place.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TOWN OF WATERTOWN
FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
It is both the policy and strong commitment of the Town of Watertown to promote Fair Housing opportunities in all the programs and housing development activities and to take affirmative action through education and implementation to ensure equal housing opportunities for all persons and families.
The Town of Watertown will take affirmative action to ensure that all tenants, applicants, residents are treated fairly without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, learning disability, mental or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, age individuals with children, or lawful source of income.
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The Town of Watertown will continue to make a good faith effort to comply with all Federal and State laws and policies which speak to fair housing practices.
It is the policy of the Town of Watertown that all Housing related personnel be trained and educated in the principles of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity so that Equal Housing Opportunity may be available to all qualified applicants.
This Fair Housing Policy Statement reaffirms our personal commitment to the principles of fair housing and equal opportunity housing practices.
The Fair Housing Officer, Town Manager of Watertown, or their designated representative is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of the Fair Housing Regulations/Plan and the enforcement of this policy. The Fair Housing Officer may be reached at Town Hall Annex, 424 Main Street, Watertown, Connecticut 06795 or at (860) 945-5255.
Complaint(s) pertaining to discrimination in any program funded by this Town for Watertown may be filed with the Fair Housing Officer. The Towns Grievance Procedure will be utilized in this case(s).
Complaints also may be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06106.
Dated at Watertown, Connecticut this1st day of April, 2002.
Lee Archer, Chairman
Watertown Town Council
MOTION (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Kane) to approve the Fair Housing Resolution and Statement of Compliance with Title XI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Discussion; None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Watertown Town Council
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
Page 35
H. Consider Setting Budget Public Hearing Date, Time, and Place for Fiscal Year 2002/2003 Budgets
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Hebert) to set a Public Hearing for Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Watertown High School Auditorium at 324 French Street for the purpose of setting a budget for the Town of Watertown.
Discussion: Mr. Kane: Frank, a question for you. When we spoke as far as setting this public hearing date, should we finalize the approval for the dollars that we were talking about at this time?
Mr. Nardelli: Yes, you probably, you have that Notice of Budget Public Hearing in front of you. You should probably read it into the record the funds, for instance the Town General Fund, $18,792,260, read those dollar amounts into the record so you can then do that as far as the Public Hearing, you'll have the official numbers.
Mr. Kane: Correct, but my question is there were still some questions on the final numbers. This is the time to discuss that.
Mr. Nardelli: Thats right, thats correct, that would be the time to discuss that.
Mr. Kane: Just have a couple of items to discuss. There was a change, there was a $10,000 to be taken from Police Overtime that was recommended, the Manager recommended, that I would like to put back in and adjust it to possibly take it out of Paving on Section VIII.
Ms. King: Pardon?
Mr. Kane: There was a final $27,000 that we did not talk about at the final budget meeting and we gave it to the Manager for recommendation. Id like to go over that final $27,000, in particular $10,000of it that was taken out that Id like to be put back in.
Mr. Archer: Actually if we could back up just a second, just some background for everyone else who is here. At the last Finance Meeting we were looking to cut $114,371 from the Town budget, and after a period of time we decided to ask the Town Manager, we had gotten down to a certain point and we asked the Town Manager to find the other . . . .
Watertown Town Council
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
Page 36
Mr. Frigon: Recommend the $27,000 . . . .
Mr. Archer: Make a recommendation on what the other $27,000 would be and so he has presented those to us and maybe it would make sense if you could briefly go through it for the record and for people who are here and just some background on why these things . . . . . . .
Mr. Frigon: The first suggested revision I made was a $10,000 reduction to the Police Overtime. I was reasonably comfortable with that in that the Police Department had, through attrition, several positions that have remained unfilled. We are in the process of filling those positions and Im reasonably comfortable in reinstating the $120,000 that they presently have this year and not adding the additional $10,000 for that reason. I believe that the additional manpower should be able to alleviate some of the demands weve had on the overtime. Thats the reason I made the cut.
The Police Uniform specifically, I reduced that in that some of the nucleus officers that they have, the uniforms are taken out of a different line item, so that was, Frank and I saw that and took that from there. There is enough money there to fulfill all of our contractual obligations for the uniform allowance.
The Police Laundry and Dry Cleaning, the same thing There is enough money in there with the reduction of $1,000 to fulfill the contractual obligations.
Communication Equipment Maintenance thats for maintenance only We get new equipment each year; Im hoping that well squeak by with that.
Refunds and Overpayments we put $5,000 in that line item each year. We have yet to (inaudible) historically we put the $5,000 in there. I dont think weve yet to reach the $2,000 mark so I reduced that by $3,000.
Legal and Fiscal Services reduced that by $7,371.
Mr. Archer: So given those numbers, is there any discussion?
Watertown Town Council
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
Page 37
Mr. Kane: Yea, just a point of clarification, Chuck. Were not adding new Police Officers, you said additional Officers. Its really not additional Officers, theyre just taking the place of Officers who may have come off line.
Mr. Frigon: But for the purposes of discussing overtime, right now the burden on overtime is caused by the absence of Police Officers that have retired, so we are absent Police Officers. Once those positions have been filled, that should relieve some of the burden on the overtime. And if in fact were 3 or 4 short now, and we have the $120,000 in there now, and Im hoping that we will be successful in working within that dollar amount. Certainly if were not, were not. Thats what Im hoping for.
Mr. Kane: Going through this process, I would have liked to have added new Police Officers, and of course it just couldnt happen with the budget constraints that weve had. We always want to look for public safety in the Towns behalf, so my fear that obviously we could not do that Im afraid, so what Id like to do is put that $10,000 back in to have that extra protection in case needed and possibly take it from another section which would be the paving, which is already $344,000 for paving; that I just feel another $10,000 would not be that big of a strain, and Id rather have it used for public safety.
Ms. Adams: Even though we put these numbers up, thats not to say after the Public Hearing that we dont have people coming out and say we want to see this, we want to see that, that these numbers are concrete, that this is what well put to Referendum. We dont decide that until after the Public Hearing and see what the publics response is, so youve got room here still to move.
Mr. Kane: Not according to the Assistant Town Manager; he said we need to have this in place.
Mr. Nardelli: What Im saying is whatever numbers you, if he wants to change these figures, he should do that tonight as far as whats going to be presented at the Public Hearing, because tomorrow Ill start processing like 200 budget books to get ready. But what youre saying, though, is correct, the Town Council is not authorizing this budget; theyre just bringing this to Public Hearing. If he wants to change some of these numbers, then he should do that tonight, from the Finance Subcommittees standpoint.
Watertown Town Council
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2002
Page 38
Ms. Adams: I understand, but if need be after the Public Hearing you still could make changes.
Mr. Kane: Id prefer if we could to make those changes now.
Ms. Adams: What you want to present, sure.
Mr. Kane: Do I need to do that in the form of a Motion? I make a Motion that we move . . . .
Mr. Archer: Hold on, cause I think theres actually a Motion on the floor. Did someone make . . .
Ms. Adams: For the time and date, thats the Motion on the floor isnt it?
Mr. Archer: Right. So we would vote on that and then we would need to add an item for that.
Mr. Kane: I thought that . . . .
Mr. Hebert: You cant have two motions on the floor.
Mr. Frigon: Yo |