Windsor Town Council
Budget Meeting
Council Chambers - Town Hall
April 16, 2001
Approved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the budget meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Mayor Hogan, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks
Absent: Deputy Mayor Curtis
Communications from Council Members
Council member Pacino thanks everyone that has sent him letters regarding the landfill. He wants to advise that the Council is focusing on the budget right now, and will continue the landfill discussion in May. He restated that he has not made a decision yet and will not until he has all the facts and figures presented.
Development Services
Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, presented the Development Services budget.
Council member Pacino asked about the goal of utilizing properties in Windsor and asked what properties were being considered. Mr. Souza replied that the Economic Development Committee is in the process of identifying underutilized business and will provide a list when complete.
Council member Haverstock asked about false alarms and what type of enforcement does Windsor use. It was reported that 1/3 of alarms reported are false or unnecessary. The problem is that most are from residential alarms which were installed by unlicensed technicians and are improperly installed with no permits taken out. There is a plan to identify those who are not registered, perhaps through a voluntary, no fine reporting period. After that period, there would be a penalty phase based on discovery during fire department runs.
Council member Pacino asked if alarm companies are required to take out permits and if they are inspected. Yes, they are required however; most do not take out a permit. Usually the homeowner is not aware that the unit was installed improperly.
Council member Simon asked why personal visits to businesses were being made to determine their needs vs. a survey. Visitation programs are very effective in developing a relationship between the Town and businesses.
Council member Broxterman asked how business expansion is actively promoted in Windsor. Windsor has representatives on the Bradley Development Commission, which assists in improving business in the airport and surrounding areas.
Mayor Hogan asked about planned development. It is a two-year process; this is the first year. Planning Consultants have been retained to start the process and public participation and feedback are welcome. Research and data collection will begin during the summer.
Community Services
Mr. Patrick McMahon, Community Development Coordinator, Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development Director and Mr. Mario Zavarella, Town Planner discussed the budget. During FY02 the established housing renovation program will be continued. It is expected that 20 housing rehab projects will be completed. The Small Business Loan project will also continue.
Council member Haverstock inquired about the Brownfield initiative and if there is any optimism for securing a property with state funding. The department is looking into that opportunity.
Council member Broxterman asked about the location of First Town Downtown. A consultant has been hired and is finalizing the conceptual plans for that region.
Mayor Hogan inquired about the Connecticut Equestrian Center and Rivers and Trails.
The City of Hartford is addressing the Connecticut Equestrian Center with the Economic Development Commission. The Windsor Rivers and Trails Committee is working on developing a calendar of events. Riverfront Recapture is still several years away.
General Services, Town Support Services and Insurance
Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director, Mr. Julian Freund, Budget Analyst, and Ms. Kelly Barrett, Assistant Finance Director, discussed the budget.
There was a savings realized on financed bonds for years 1992, 1993, 1994 & 1995 after they were refinanced. Under the original schedule a savings of $164k is realized.
Insurance costs have increased $41,530 or 3.9%. Health insurance went up 15% and retirement costs went up due to more people retiring.
Council member Pacino inquired about the workman's comp policy for the Board of Education. It is a self-insured $500 umbrella policy.
Council member Haverstock asked about the debt service amount. The debt service is dependent on interest rates and bond rating at time of bond.
Council member Trinks asked about the leachate collection system bonding and payment for the enterprise fund and if there is bonding, will it inhibit the self-imposed cap. There will be bonding, which will inhibit the cap.
Council member Albano requested a liability vs. worker's comp vs. health insurance spreadsheet.
Mayor Hogan requested a list of all towns and their bond ratings.
Council member Albano noted that page 5; Budget commentary is missing part of a sentence at the end of the page following the word and. It should read: and costs associated with centralized safety and training.
Town Support for Education
Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director, Mr. Julian Freund, Budget Analyst, and Ms. Kelly Barrett, Assistant Finance Director, discussed the budget.
Overall spending in Town Support for Education goes up approximately $400,000. Debt service goes up $500,000 with bonding over the last 12 months for the WHS project.
The support that public works provides for school fields, plowing, etc. is at $169,000. Capital projects were also summarized.
Council member Haverstock asked if Windsor computes town support for education the same way as other towns. All towns compute it the same way.
Council member Albano asked if snow removal is a flat fee. The amount budgeted for the current fiscal year was probably not sufficient and will be adjusted. Actual amounts are used for per pupil cost statistics.
Council member Pacino asked if the School Officer for the Dare Program is budgeted for salary only or does it include supplies. It is budgeted for salary and benefits only.
Council member Trinks asked if the per pupil expenditure figure includes private school students. That will be researched.
Adjournment
Motioned by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Pacino to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 p.m. Motion 8-0-0.
Respectfully submitted
Kristin Countryman
Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
cc: Town Clerk
Main Library
Wilson Branch