MINUTES
WATERTOWN TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
POLK SCHOOL LIBRARY
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2002, 8:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Elaine Adams
Lee Archer, Chairman
Raymond Hebert, Jr., Vice Chairman
Robert Kane
Jean King
Raymond Primini
Paul Rinaldi (arrived at 8:02 p.m.)
Paul Valenti
Richard Wick
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: 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 8:01 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Ms. LaForme, Board Clerk, executed the Roll Call.
2A. PROCLAMATION Girl Scout Week
Mr. Archer, Chairman, read aloud the Proclamation, attached as Addendum 2A.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Archer, Chairman, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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4. Public Participation
Robert LeBlanc, 78 Highland Avenue, Watertown, CT 06795
Mr. LeBlanc: Id like to thank the Council Chair for getting me the information that I requested two meetings ago. I couldnt come to the last meeting due to unforeseen circumstances; my wife went to California. So what Id like to do tonight is ask some questions about one of the documents that was given to me concerning the Ordinance that deals with the Town Manager and the Planning and Zoning Board or Officers. And the response I got here was concerning who authorized the closing of the Zoning Office two days before Christmas and two days before Thanksgiving. Its not answered yet. Im trying to find out who authorized, and it doesnt answer that in this document. Secondly, on this document it says that the Town Manager will approvematernity leaves and sick leaves, and I dont believe that the new maternity leave that is special for the Zoning Officer is the same as anywhere else in this Town. Id like to know why that is? If in fact all, as this document says, all department heads have the same maternity leave, I dont think its true, and Id like to find out why its not true.
Another thing I would like to know is is there any way we can find out how much personal time is used by our Town vehicles, such as vacations? Some people using cars have an unfettered use of vehicles for their personal time. Ive been trying for 6 years to find out how much time is used for personal time and I cant seem to find out, and I just wondered if this new Council could somehow or another give me that information.
Mr. Archer: Is there anything else?
Mr. LeBlanc: No, thats all, thats enough.
Mr. Archer: On the first item, Chuck, who would authorize the closing of the office? If someone was ill and they needed to lock up the office, who would they call?
Mr. Frigon: (Inaudible). They would notify the Town Manager.
Mr. Archer: So they would notify the Town Manager that they were leaving and . . . .
Mr. LeBlanc: Well it wasnt done the last two times; thats the reason I was checking on it.
Mr. Archer: So you mean a call was never made to the Town Manager to say that they were closing the office or . . . . ?
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Mr. LeBlanc: Right, well the reason I had a problem with it is that I was going to, as I normally do, is bring some kind of a Freedom of Information suit, and I didnt know who to charge, so at that point I didnt, I was reluctant to put in a case against somebody when I didnt know who was responsible for it.
Mr. Archer: If I would have to guess, it was probably as informal as, Im sick I got to go, and you know, okay, you now what I mean?
Mr. LeBlanc: As I say, I appreciate it and as long as the Acting Town Manager says its the Town Managers responsibility, Ill know who to hit the next time. I have no problem with that. I want to thank you.
Mr. Archer: Is there anyone else wishing to speak at Public Participation? Yes/no? Okay, well close Public Participation at this time.
Mr. Archer Closed Public Participation at 8:08 p.m.
5. Minutes
A. Regular Meeting Minutes February 19, 2002
MOTION: (Ms. Adams, sec. Mr. Kane) to Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes dated February 19, 2002 as presented.
Discussion: Ms. Adams: Page 3, the second Mrs. Adams, its a big paragraph, so well go 4 full sentences. It says just people out "waking". It should say just people out "walking".
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Sub-Committee Reports
A. Ordinance Subcommittee (02/21/02 Meeting)
Mr. Wick: We did meet on February 21st and got some input from the public pertaining to two of the ordinances that we are currently working on. The first was a skateboard ordinance where we were asked specifically by a parent, on behalf of the skateboarders who couldnt come that evening because they had another sports event to attend, she asked to consider repealing the ordinance and so the Ordinance Subcommittee will do that and well begin that process at our next meeting.
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One of the things that came out of our conversation was the idea to, and we actually, we dont have the Minutes yet, but if I remember correctly we did pass the Motion to ask the Chairman of the Council to request the Public Works Committee to try and identify additional locations in Town where skateboarding can be permitted as soon as possible. We also discussed the idea of a skateboard park, but all parties agreed that thats a very long term solution and that most of the kids that would like to skateboard today probably wont be on skateboards when a park is completed. If it ever is, theyll be driving their own cars, but nevertheless it is an issue that needs to be addressed and well try to do it as objectively as we can. It wont be a quick process, however, I can assure you.
The other issue that was brought up, and I guess it was almost a holdover from the previous Ordinance Committee, the decision on the Noise Ordinance. At the present time the ordinance written by the Torrington Area Health District is the controlling ordinance n Town. Weve been asked to consider tightening that in certain areas. We are going to take those concerns seriously and see if there is any way to come up with our own ordinance that will go beyond what is provided for in the Torrington Area Health District Ordinance and that too will begin the process of evaluating, those other inputs will begin at the next meeting too. Thats about it, Mr. Chairman.
7. Chairmans Report
A. Correspondence
None
B. Subcommittee Assignments
1. Member of Public Buildings Committee to Executive Building Committee
Mr. Archer: I have a letter here from Robert Porter.
Mr. Archer read aloud a letter from Robert Porter (attached as Addendum 7B1.
C. Turkey Brook Funding Sources Status
Mr. Frigon: I keep this on all the time to know that its not forgotten. (Inaudible) January 23rd I have had frequent conversations with Senator DeLuca and Representative Flaherty's office. To this date we have no firm commitment that the funding is coming, but we spoke as recently as 3:00 again today and we speak almost on a daily basis. Were still very hopeful.
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D. Police Department Roof Update
Mr. Archer read aloud a letter from Charles Frigon (attached as Addendum 7D1).
Mr. Archer: Obviously well keep everyone updated on the status of that as it goes along.
E. C.R.R.A. Update
Mr. Frigon: I did include a brief summary of the process in the packet. It is a very fluid process at this point. The exposure or liability to the Town at this point in time is $318,000 which will be represented in your budget. Whether or not that number stays at $318,000, I dont know. I will be meeting tomorrow afternoon with all of the members of C.R.R.A. of the C.R.R.A. community. We will be meeting with Atty. Blumenthal, we will be meeting with C.R.R.A. We are asking for some explanations and we are hopeful that this $318,000 liability will change, lessen. Ill know more tomorrow after the meeting. Well be meeting at the Town Council Chambers in Wethersfield. Thats expected to take most of the afternoon, that particular meeting.
Mr. Archer: Can we speak on Wednesday (inaudible) right away whats happening with that.
Mr. Valenti: I had the opportunity this past Saturday to speak with the Mayor of West Hartford, who I believe is taking the lead on this issue of the C.R.R.A., and he was kind enough to provide me with a copy of a draft Resolution, I dont know if we can consider it at some point, but it may be appropriate that this Council consider it, which basically outlines that we are a member of the C.R.R.A., that because of the Enron situation the fees are being proposed to be increased, and the result, as the Acting Town Manager has indicated is going to be $318,000. We dont think its fair. Were facing significant budgetary constraints and therefore we would authorize the Council as a whole, the Town Attorney, the Acting Town Manager and the Council Chairman to investigate all possibilities as to having that taken off the back of the taxpayers of this Town. At some point I think its going to be highlyrelevant. I dont think its fair that we should have to bail out that situation.
Mr. Archer: Im in complete agreement, as I think everyone is.
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F. Fuel Oil Purchase Agreement Update
Mr. Archer: Item F is a Fuel Oil Purchase Agreement Update, and this also relates to an item on the Agenda later on. If you could just give us an update and is there a summary of this because I think theres some questions that have come up on this one.
Mr. Frigon: This pertains directly to the #2 heating fuel for the Town of Watertown. Each year the Town makes a commitment to purchase "x" amount of number of gallons through the bid process.
Mr. Archer: Thats a consortium that does this purchase.
Mr. Frigon: That is a consortium, that is correct. The consortium consists of several different towns, board of educations, and districts, I want to say some 30, 35. I did include that list in your packet. This notice that we recently received is putting the Town on notice that we still have a commitment of 27,785 gallons to purchase prior to the end of our contract, which is September 1, 2002.
Mr. Archer: So the contracts typically run from September to September?
Mr. Frigon: Yes.
Mr. Archer: So the bulk of the usage time would be Winter?
Mr. Frigon: Right. As I stated Im not too terribly concerned. The 27,000 gallons represents 3 fills for all of the Town buildings, and I see that as not being a problem.
Mr. Archer: Obviously its been a warm Winter which has brought this about, and I would imagine that we would have a warm Summer, and probably not need to be heating buildings during the Summer, and given the fact that were 6 months into this and weve used less than half, Im just curious how we think were going to use 3 additional fills by September 1st.
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Mr. Frigon: Well its cold tonight. Were still in the beginning of March. April is also a heating season, as well as the beginning of May. Historically weve gone through 4 and 5 fillups before September 1st. Worst case scenario, well not the worst case, I guess the next to the worst case scenario is we refill our tanks in May or June and have that for the beginning of next year, so that would really represent 2 fillups that we would need to use. Also our agreement does stipulate that East River Oil, who is our contractor, can terminate the contract, they can have us purchase it, or they can extend the contract. Theyve always worked very well with us. This is not the first time that this situation has come about and theyve extended thecontract.
Mr. Archer: So do they just then sort of fold that into next years as well or . . . ?
Mr. Frigon: Yea, well what they have done in the past, Im not sure what theyll offer us this time, is theyve extended the quantity of unused fuel into the next contract so our contract would then increase by that number of gallons.
Ms. King: I would guess maybe that our contract is at a higher rate, a higher amount per gallon that fuel oil is currently going for?
Mr. Frigon: Thats the other consideration. Its at $.89.
Ms. King: The contract is at $.89?
Mr. Frigon: The contract is at $.89.
Ms. King: And we dont know, but I know that theyre giving me my gas from Yankee Gas right now, only for a brief moment, I know, so if they extended it into the next year, I would assume that they would like to extend it at the same amount as this year?
Mr. Frigon: No, they wouldnt. It would be the quantity typically that theyd extend, not the price.
Ms. King: It wouldnt be the price?
Mr. Frigon: No.
Ms. King: So (inaudible) later on in the Agenda were talking about the price for next year.
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Mr. Frigon: For next year and were talking about diesel and unleaded fuels.
Ms. King: This is fuel oil? This is heating oil?
Mr. Frigon: This is just the #2 heating fuel, right, thats correct.
G. Transfer Station Revised Fee Schedule
Mr. Frigon: This was presented to the Public Works Subcommittee back in January. It was brought to my attention, I want to say, the first or second week of January, that the transfer station did not make accommodations to the public bringing in recyclable materials. We had worked out some arrangements with Copes who was providing a container at no charge, and is presently removing those recyclables at no charge. The fee structure that you have in your packet tonight reflects exactly that. It changes at no fee to the user the accommodations of recyclable materials. Now that obviously, where it says fluid as well, that will change with the recommendations of C.R.R.A. in the final adoption.
H. Deland Field Update
Mr. Archer read aloud a portion of a letter from Charles Frigon (attached as Addendum 7H1):
Mr. Archer: Is that along the street side?
Mr. Frigon: Thats around the entire perimeter of the field. Presently you see a chain link fence that extends parallel to the street across the front of the field and again along the side, along Steele Brook. This new fence would be constructed to go around the entire field. It would have some gates. This too has changed as recently as this morning. The low bid, I did include in your packet the number of bids received. The low bid was East Coast Fence Company at $15,056. The next bid was Central Fence Company at $24,430. East Coast Fence, I was somewhat skeptical when opening the bids at their price and had asked them to meet with Harry Ward of our Parks Department and for both of them to personally review the project. They did at that point, and prior to this packet going out East Coast Fence did confirm that he can do it for that price. This morning I didreceive a call and he said that over the weekend he had reviewed his numbers and he cannot do it for that price, hes not willing to do it for that price, he left out several hundred feet of fencing. Hence the difference between the two bids.
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Mr. Archer: Yea, that will do it.
Mr. Frigon: That will do it, so well be releasing him from his obligations; there is no bonding on this particular project and going to the next bidder, Central Fence Company at $24,430. That along with the bleachers will substantially complete that project. The only portion left to do is paving of the parking lot, and that will be forwarded to the Public Works Subcommittee at their next meeting.
Mr. Archer: Now it had said here that the second of the two bids that were awarded, it was to Robert Lord Company and it was for $12,481 for the bleachers, and it says this leaves a fund balance of $22,463. Given the fact that the next bid on the fence is $24,000 as well, that sort of drops the fund balance down to around 10 and change.
Mr. Frigon: Yes, $13,089.
Mr. Archer: Considerably less than $22,000, so the Public Works has a lot less to work with for that paving unfortunately.
Mr. Frigon: Much less, thats correct.
I. Bunker Hill Road @ Middlebury Road Intersection Update
Mr. Archer read aloud a press release from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (attached as Addendum 7I2).
J. Public Auctions
Mr. Frigon: I thought I would bring it to your attention that the Town does hold, periodically, auctions for surplus equipment. In the past we have utilized an auctioneer for this process. This was done on Saturdays. We stopped that process maybe 4 years ago. It was expensive in that we would have to have employees come in over the weekend, work Saturdays to accomplish this. Were now utilizing a sealed bid method which seems to work very well for us. I enclosed one for your review so you can see exactly what equipment were auctioning at this particular time. We had a similar auction back in January for Parks equipment and that particular auction netted us $920.95. I have no clue what this one will bring to us.
Mr. Archer: Thats next Thursday, March 14th, 7:00 to 2:00.
Mr. Frigon: Yes.
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K. Emergency Preparedness Exercise Update
Mr. Frigon: Youve no doubt seen this on your Agenda in the past. This is an effort where the State Of Connecticut will train in incident command, all of our principles from each and every building in Watertown. This includes buildings for the Board of Education, Town buildings, and in some cases representatives from various Town offices. The purpose is as it says, incident command, so that there is personnel in every office in Town and in each building in Town that knows exactly how to react and what is expected of them during any emergency. The State will put on this training session. Theres a typo in there by the way. It says March 11th in my memo to you; its actually March 18th. Its expected to be, you'll see the backup documentation in my letter to the departments on the second page. Those are the individuals that were invited to attend. At thispoint we have confirmation from all of them that they will attend and were expecting it to be a very productive day. Following this well go through the table top exercise and then into a more realistic drill.
L. Status Bronze Eagle Evaluation
Mr. Archer: That would be the eagle that is on top of the Civil War Monument. Its not entirely clear from the Agenda there, so I thought I would explain that. We have had Modern Art Foundry come out and take a look at that eagle. Apparently its in some state of decay and theyve given us two different cost estimates on repairing it, ranging from $4,400 to $12,500. We are looking into grant possibilities. Jean is sort of doing some work on that because were experiencing an (inaudible) on grants.
Ms. King: The original thing I had done was for a grant that would pay for the investigation of this. This other thing was unfortunately in progress before we could do that. The only part that concerns me is that these people only looked at the bronzes, at the plaque and the eagle; they did not look at the condition of the monument itself, the stone. Which is not to say that there may be anything wrong with it other than theres been an interest, I know at some point, in having it cleaned a little, but the option for raising the money to repair it are probably much more likely to be local, which is that if we had a sense of people wanting to do this, and were concerned about it in Town, it would seem to me that it would be a very strong volunteer project to take on. I think there are a lot of people who care about that. I would like to figure out a way that we could find out the condition ofthe monument as a whole, and we might still try and get this little mini grant to look at the rest of the project as a whole so it wouldnt cost us any more to do that, so we could make a decision before we went forward.
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Mr. Archer: Can we see if these folks, I mean they must, theyre in that industry, to see if they know anyone who can actually assess the rest of it?
Ms. King: I actually have a list of people who are authorized to do this monument assessment in the State of Connecticut and if we applied for one of these mini grants from something called Save Outdoor Sculpture, they usually pay for in fact the consultant to come in and look at it, so we put that on hold because this other part was going on but we could still pursue that if we wanted to because I noted there were a couple of questions which they asked in here which I think are answered in some of the paperwork we had from the State Historic Commission about when certain repairs were made and things like that. The State of Connecticut did do an assessment of every one of these Civil War Monuments in the State of Connecticut about 10 years ago and we have the paperwork on that, about the history of it and . . .
Mr. Frigon: Who has the paperwork?
Ms. King: Jean does. I have that. Well it was given to me by people of the Historic Commission when we were looking at potentially getting this grant. I was just holding it until I knew what someone wanted to do with it.
Mr. Archer: I would turn over whatever you have, or copies of such to Chuck.
Ms. King: Id be happy to do that and the follow up information about people, certainly.
Mr. Archer: That would be great, thanks.
M. Update on Liability Insurance Policy
Mr. Archer: Apparently our, the company that holds our automobile, public officials liability, school board liability, and public works equipment insurance policies has been downgraded from A to B. Is that correct?
Mr. Frigon: That is correct.
Mr. Archer: And they are part of a larger insurance program called the MetroGuard. Chuck, what is that?
Mr. Frigon: Theyre a reinsurer, basically for an insurance company.
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Mr. Archer: And so MetroGuard is looking to replace the company, was Legion Insurance Company with some who has an A.M. Best A rating effective July 1st.
Mr. Frigon: Thats correct.
N. Grand List
Mr. Archer: And good news on the Grand List. I think everyone saw this (Tape #1, Side A ended, may have missed some). The difference between the net Grand List between October 1, 2000 and October 1, 2001, the difference comes to $40 million and change, which is a 3.5% increase over the previous year, so this is new stuff as of Thursday, we first spoke about this?
Mr. Frigon: Yes, thats correct.
Mr. Archer: This is going to be a significant item in factoring into the budget process which begins tomorrow night.
Ms. King: I believe that this sometimes breaks down on real estate between industrial/commercial and residential. Will we have that at some point?
Mr. Frigon: You do, Jean, in the first page following my memo. It has the final totals for the Town of Watertown, October 1, 2001 Grand List and under personal property I believe thats . . . . . .
Ms. King: No, thats personal property tax. Thats not real estate.
Mr. Frigon: Real estate? Im sorry, I thought you said industrial.
Ms. King: I wanted to know industrial real estate, residential real estate, commercial real estate. Its all part of that $960,000,000.
Mr. Frigon: Okay, yes.
Ms. King: And I was just interested in knowing where the differences are in that increase. I know weve had that information in previous years. Thank you.
Mr. Valenti: At our current mill rate, approximately how much does that represent in extra revenue?
Mr. Nardelli: Approximately $900,000. Thats already been factored into the numbers youll be seeing tomorrow night at the Finance Subcommittee review sessions.
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O. Other Business
None
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.
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Kane) that Mr. John Chipko be chosen to be appointed to the Executive Building Committee as the representative from the Public Buildings Committee.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Consider Authorizing Town Purchasing Agent to Sign Cooperative Fuel Purchase Intent for Unleaded and Diesel Fuel
Annually the Town of Watertown considers our option of participating with a fuel purchase consortium for the purchase of #2 heating fuel, diesel and unleaded fuels. The agreement presented at this time is for the Towns consent to participate in the consortium and authorizing them to negotiate a contract with our present supplier for diesel and unleaded fuel.
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Mr. Hebert) for purposes of discussion, I make a Motion that we allow the Town Purchasing Agent to Sign a Cooperative Fuel Purchase Intent for Unleaded and Diesel Fuel.
Discussion: Ms. King: It looks like were currently, Im looking at the page that tells us what were currently paying on this, Chuck. This is the proposal that well negotiate with them. Is it possible that that will go down in negotiations?
Mr. Frigon: Yes, it is.
Ms. King: So that if it didnt go down they night rebid it. Is that what this memo says?
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Mr. Frigon: Thats correct. Its not so much that it goes down. They compare the price that theyre attempting to negotiate against the New Haven Harbor low price and thats typically the way fuel is sold in bulk. If they cant get what they believe to be a competitive price, then theyll go ahead and rebid it.
Ms. King: When is the last time that this was rebid? Do you know?
Mr., Frigon: This is rebid each August of each year.
Ms. King: Its rebid every year?
Mr. Frigon: Yes. Well I say its rebid. Last year, and it was brought to the Town Council last year at this time, it was again negotiated. We have found that East River Oil has provided us not only with a competitive price, but quality, which is very important. I cant tell you how many times weve had to drain our tanks because the quality hasnt been what it should be. It hasnt been at any expense to us, but its more than an inconvenience.
Mr. Kane: Chuck, you said that this is not the first time this has happened, something like this, a mild Winter and what have we done in the past in regards to this issue? Have we not fulfilled the agreement? Were there penalties?
Mr. Frigon: No. This, again Ill remind you, is the diesel and unleaded gas, not the #2 heating fuel, but be that as it may, East River Oil has always extended to us the courtesy of incorporating any unused balance into the following year at the new negotiated or bid price. Its very rare that it happens. When it does its not a very substantial quantity of fuel, so as I said, Im not too, too concerned at this point. But when I say that, I say that the same happens for diesel and unleaded fuel, but thats more predictable. Yes, we do have an affect. If we dont have, for instance, this Winter its mild so we dont have the trucks going out like we might normally have them, but the quantities of fuel we use are pretty consistent.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
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C. Consider Bid Waiver for Emergency Repair Work (attached as Addendum 8C1)
The Water & Sewer Authority contracted for emergency repairs for a water line break. The cost of the emergency repairs exceeded the Town Charters limit of $4,000 before bidding is required. The Town Council is being asked to waive the bidding requirement for this project.
MOTION: (Mr. Kane, sec. Ms. Adams) to approve a bid waiver for emergency repair work at 216 Riverside Street in the amount of $5,470.00.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Consider Refunds (attached as Addendum 8D1 through 8D11)
The Town Council is being asked to approve the refunding of the overpayment of property taxes.
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Mr. Kane) to approve the Tax Refunds as presented.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Consider Appropriation for Refunds (attached as Addendum 8E1)
Monies from overpaid taxes have been deposited in the General Fund. Refunds that have been approved to date exceed the money, which had been set aside in a Tax Refund line item. When refunds are approved by the Town Council which exceed this amount, the Town must then add money to that line item from the General Fund where it had been deposited to pay this obligation.
MOTION: (Mr. Kane , sec. Ms. Adams) to appropriate $20,583.59 from the General Fund, to line item 010-50341-043-0102 for Tax Refunds.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
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F. Consider Transfers (attached as Addendum 8F1)
The Town Council is being asked to authorize the transfer of departmental funding between line items.
MOTION: (Mr. Hebert, sec. Ms. Adams) to approve the Transfers from the General Fund line item 010-50570-017-2081, Fire, Replace Radio System to line item 010-50573-018-0000, Fire, Firefighting Equipment, Video Security System for both firehouses.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
9. Public Participation
Robert LeBlanc, 78 Highland Avenue, Watertown, CT 06795
Mr. LeBlanc: Id like to know if at any time did anybody check the Department of Environmental Protection to find out if in fact we have any kind of a valid Noise Ordinance? Until this time we didnt have one, although we think were part of Torrington Health District, we do not have a written contract with the Torrington Health District and when we joined, quote unquote, Torrington Health District, to use their Noise Ordinance we were never registered with the Department of Environmental Protection. Torrington does have one, but to Watertown. Watertown is not included in that list. I think. Thats just a little thought that I had when I was sitting down.
Mr. Archer: Dick, I didnt know if you want to speak to that item. That was actually a topic in the Ordinance Subcommittee.
Mr. Wick: I have to check whether we in fact are named by the Torrington Area Health District Ordinance. I dont know.
Mr. Archer: Is there anyone else wishing to speak at this time? Hearing no others, well Close Public Participation.
Mr. Archer, Chairman, Closed Public Participation at 8:44 p.m.
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10. Old Business
Mr. Archer: As many of you have heard before, this is really just a punch list of items that were either Tabled or referred to subcommittees. It actually does not require any action at this time. However, if someone wishes to speak on any of these points, such as Paul . . . .
Mr. Valenti: Only because theres some timeliness to it. At our last Ordinance Subcommittee meeting I kind of, just in passing, asked Dick if we were ever going to hear on the C.C.M.s effort to repeal language about municipalities regulating smoking. Without saying whether Id be in favor of it or not in favor of it, I do note that tomorrow theres a Hearing on it in the Legislature, and I think its timely that this Council consider whether or not we think we should be supportive of the C.C.M. in that measure or not, or perhaps not. During that conversation, Dick and I, and I agreed with him, which is shocking to my conscience, I can understand where some of the prefatory language was a little bit heavy handed and didactic perhaps. but the underlying intent might be good and we might want to support that as a Council, so just throw it out there.
Mr. Archer: Yea, I think the issue at the time was that we were endorsing a certain position on some scientific knowledge that we, as Council people, cannot really endorse because I dont think any of us have the scientific background to back that up, and thats how it ended up being Tabled.
Mr. Valenti: But I guess my suggestion would be that maybe we could consider it, not with any political undertones to it, other than that perhaps this Councils view is that as a matter of just local home rule, we think this Council should be able to say whether or not we regulate and where and when, as opposed to the Legislature of our State mandating it to us. Id be favor of that. I think thats . . . . . and from what little I know of your theology in Republican-land, I think you would be in support of that too, perhaps.
Mr. Archer: So noted.
A. Enforcement of Municipal Ordinances (Tabled 11/20/01)
B. Code of Ethics (referred to Ordinance Subcommittee 12/03/01)
C. Sidewalk Fund Usage (referred to Public Works Subcommittee 01/07/02)
D. Consider Supporting the efforts of the American Cancer Society, Match Coalition and CCN to repeal CGS language that prohibits municipalities from regulating smoking in our communities (Tabled 01/07/02)
E. Consider amendment to Resolution regarding the Executive Building Committee (Tabled 02/19/02)
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11. Executive Session
A. Personnel
B. Land Acquisition
MOTION (Mr. Kane, sec. Ms. Adams) to enter into Executive Session at 8:47 p.m. to discuss personnel and land acquisition.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Present During Executive Session:
Elaine Adams
Lee Archer
Raymond Hebert, Jr.
Robert Kane
Jean King
Raymond Primini
Paul Rinaldi
Paul Valenti
Richard Wick
Charles Frigon, Interim Town Manager
Frank Nardelli, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director
Mr. Archer, Chairman, Reconvened the Regular Meeting at 10:14 p.m.
12. Adjournment
MOTION: (Mr. Valenti, sec. Mr. Kane) to Adjourn the Regular Meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
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Watertown Town Council
Regular Meeting
March 4, 2002
Page 19
Regular Meeting Adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Archer, Chairman
Watertown Town Council
Approved: _______________________________
Lynn M. LaForme, Clerk |