4.25.2001 Town Council Minutes

Town Council Meeting Minutes
Windsor Town Council

Budget Meeting

Council Chambers - Town Hall

April 25, 2001

Approved Minutes

Mayor Hogan called the budget meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Roll Call - Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks
Public Comment

Mr. Brad Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, addressed the Council and requested a copy of the letter sent to the State Board of Education requesting authorization to assign costs associated with the Homework Club at Windsor Library and the Tutoring Program at Wilson Library to Town Support for Education. He would also like a copy of the response letter from the State Board of Education denying that request. Mr. Smith publicly thanked Council member Haverstock for bringing Public Comment to the agenda.

Ms. Betsy Kenneson, President of the Board of Education, addressed the Council regarding their receipt of the letter from the Superintendent of Schools to Town Manager Churchill. She reported that the BOE had a unanimous vote to bring the information of the $200,000 savings in benefits to the Council.

Ms. Sandra Isner, 398 Palisado Avenue, a 20-year member of the Hayden Station Fire Company addressed the Council. A letter was sent in January 2001 regarding the conditions of the firehouse. The 1999/2004 Capital Expenditure Projects had the firehouse expansion project on the list, but it was then dropped. Ms. Isner requested that it is added back onto the list or perhaps a study could be performed to determine if the firehouse should be renovated or if a new building is necessary. The station has a septic system and heating system problems. The bays are inadequate; they cannot fit apparatus from the other three firehouses in there. There is no storage or facilities for training. Over the past ten years, there has been an average of three female firefighters, yet the female facilities are inadequate and there are no shower facilities.

Communications from Council Members

Council member Ristas commented on Ms. Isner's request. He said that nothing could be done at this point since they are now voting on the budget tonight. However, he supports it going through the proper committees to address why it was dropped and to get it put back on the list.

Council member Trinks commended the BOE for coming forward last night with their openness about the $200,000 savings in benefits.

Council member Ristas felt that the knowledge that the staff was in the process of negotiations for the benefit savings should have been brought to the Council's attention before yesterday.

4. Budget Workshop

Revenues Section B
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$600,000		$640,000
Motioned by Council member Trinks to amend the Revenues, Item 109.004 Motor Vehicle Interim Tax from $600,000 to $640,000, seconded by Council member Broxterman. Motion Passes 5:4:0 (Opposed: Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Ristas, and Council member Albano). Council member Haverstock asked why it wasn't proposed originally. Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director, responded that there has been a fairly substantial increase in the total evaluations of motor vehicles last year. Given the new mil rate this number is achievable. We thoroughly examined the items. Town Manager Churchill responded that in consideration of any additional revenues we consider whether it is in the tax base or is it consumer or economic driven. Mr. Pavitt also noted that given collection rates of the December 2000 bills that went out, they should be hitting $615,000 or $620,000 this year. To project $640,000 would be a reasonable and conservative number. Council member Ristas commented that this area seems most volatile and time sensitive, yet it is prepared and presented first. He recommended that it be presented last so we have the latest financial information available. He also asked if there any other line items that might be different than originally proposed. Mr. Pavitt responded that the numbers were debated over a three-four day period and they feel comfortable with them.
State Owned Property/Casino Amendment
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$291,080		$342,940
Motioned by Council member Trinks to amend Item 190.775 State Owned Property/Casino rate by $51,860 for a total of $342,940, seconded by Council member Broxterman. Motion Passes: 9-0-0 Comments: Council member Trinks reported that State legislature is releasing more of the casino money to municipalities and this figure represents the amount that will be Windsor will receive. Mr. Pavitt also reported that the proposed amount is what Windsor is currently receiving this year. Council member Pacino noted that he recently read an article in the Hartford Courant that slot machine revenues are declining. If the casino revenue to the state is declining, how can Windsor receive the same amount? Town Manager Churchill responded that not all of the revenues from the casinos come to the municipalities. The State legislature has discretion to dispense funds to cities and towns. The Governor's budget reported the funds the same, but they had reduced the amount to cities and towns as part of the plan to increase funding for education. Council member Haverstock asked, given the prior year's revenues, how was the figure was derived. Mr. Pavitt responded that it was derived from the original Governor's budget a few months ago, which there has not been final legislative action. Council member Ristas asked when the Town was notified about the amended amount. Town Manager Churchill responded that the information was obtained yesterday at a CCM meeting with other municipalities.
Tax Collection Rate
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
Tax collection rate 98.75%
Motioned by Council member Simon to approve the tax collection rate of 98.75%, seconded by Council member Trinks. Motion Passes 9-0-0 Comments: None.
Board of Education Section D
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$43,243,560		$43,043,560

Motioned by Council member Broxterman to amend the proposed budget of the Board of Education from $43,243,560 to $43,043,560, seconded by Council member Trinks. Motion Passes 5:4:0 (Opposed: Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Ristas and Council member Albano) Motioned by Council member Haverstock to amend the proposed budget of the Board of Education from $43,243,560 to $41,880,368.85, seconded by Council member Albano. Motion Fails 4-5-0 (Opposed: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Broxterman, Council member Simon and Council member Trinks) Comments: Council member Haverstock feels that $41,880,368 would be sufficient to maintain the critical needs of the education budget. He views a 9.5% increase as a number that the residents cannot afford. He has a low degree of confidence that the Superintendent and BOE would spend the amount proposed by Council member Broxterman wisely and effectively, given the recent history of CMT scores and our falling rank in our ERG. It is in his opinion that the BOE Budget has affected the Town's overall spending. He feels that the BOE spending spikes have impacted the ability for Windsor to achieve a better bond rating. One of the reasons (not the only reason) pointed out by a financial analyst that we did not receive a lower bond rating is that school expenditures have been increasing at too rapid a pace even though enrollment has stayed the same. The rating agency showed concern that the Town would not be able to maintain budgetary discipline with this trend. They specifically asked if this trend would level off. For example, staffing has increased over 40% since 1995 and expenditures (not including debt for new buildings) have gone up 30%. These figures do not even include a sizable increase in 2001 and 2002. He believes that the Town Manager said the failure to receive a lower bond rating has increased bonding costs in FY2002. Council member Haverstock has very little confidence that the Superintendent and the BOE will wisely spend the funds. He feels that the answer is to hire more educators, not more middle management. He said that there has to be some accountability and reform for the BOE. He wants measurable goals set for the future. Council member Simon commented on the bond rating based on his recollection of presentations given by the previous Finance Director. Windsor has had the same bond rating for the past 40-50 years and it is a very good bond rating. The fact that we didn't improve our bond rating doesn't cost Windsor any more money. Council member Broxterman commented on the bond rating and the consistent message has been that we have been doing a bad job because we have maintained the same bond rating over the past 40-50 years. The bond ratings are a snapshot in time, they do not take into effect the past or what might happen in the future. There have been some modest increases in student populations. It doesn't take into account the housing population that has increased in the years from 1995-2000. It doesn't determine at what level those students have come into our school systems. The longer a student stays in our school system, the better they perform on the CMTs. In order to build the reputation that we have a good, proactive school system, we have to spend a majority of the budget on the BOE budget. Council member Broxterman asked how, without middle management, could we expect a sole principal to deal with 500 parents, 60-100 staff, plus the rules, forms, and regulations from the State? How are they going to supervise those teachers. Residents have chosen Windsor to raise kids, or they have raised kids and like the climate. Windsor is in competition with towns around us for residents. If we don't have a sound, proactive school system, then we will loose out in that competition and they will move elsewhere. Based on the PTA's and parent's feedback that the increase in the budget addresses some of those fundamental needs for better teachers, better training for teachers, and providing education for our students. Council member Pacino said that we can only hold teachers accountable for so much. He also noted that numbers can be manipulated to make them look good. We have to look at the administration for accountability of the schools. The student scores have stayed the same or gone down since the Superintendent started. He is troubled that the BOE doesn't have a minimum grades standard. The students have to be held accountable, they should not be able to do extracurricular activities with failing grades. We are not getting that leadership that we are searching for in the school system. The salaries and benefits are up to 75% of the school board budget. He can't believe that we are loosing teachers just over money to other school systems. Council member Ristas mentioned that housing values may have improved, but they are still lower than other regions. The school population has grown at a rate less than any other towns. All of this is tied to school performance. Performance has lagged and there has been no accountability. Businesses often take another approach - replace the CEO and don't continue to pour more money into things that don't work. He supports continuing to fund at a level that will operate the system. Without accountability, he is not willing to fund at the high levels requested. Deputy Mayor Curtis commented on the main motion and said that he strongly supports the motion. Accountability and information given by the BOE shows that there is support for the funding requested. The 6.5% indicates that there is no growth for any goals or priorities that the BOE proposed. Contracts composed of 6.25% and goals and priorities for 3.72%. The BOE gave a presentation indicating that there were some strong strides that were being made in terms of growth of students in 4^th, 6^th, and 8^th grade levels incrementally. It is important to have the money for teacher salaries. Our job is to try to retain the teachers, particularly since teachers in neighboring towns are starting to retire. He agrees with Council member Pacino that numbers can be manipulated to make them look good. However, you have to look at the CMT results for students who are new to Windsor vs. students who have been in the Windsor school system. Not every town has the issue of new students to deal with. A recent newspaper article has mentioned minority inner city kids have moved to suburbs. He strongly supports the BOE proposed budget. Council member Pacino reported that when the BOE presented the proposal, the Superintendent came in with a lower increase than the BOE. He finds it difficult to support a budget that came in at 8.1% from the Superintendent and 9.97% from the BOE. He will oppose this budget. Council member Haverstock responded to Deputy Mayor Curtis comments. Council member Haverstock looked at those successes differently: BOE and Superintendent told us that 75% reached efficiency or high efficiency, he saw it as 1 in 4 did not; 68% did, 32% did not, in which he sees that one of three 8^th grade students are performing below levels. He is concerned about that. He would have been willing to fund increased spending if there is some accountability with it. Council member Trinks commented that the bond issue is a snapshot, one of several indicators that a bond agency would look at, just as the CMT scores are a snapshot. He asked the BOE last year for other performance indicators, such as the low drop out rate, athletics, students going to college, etc. Granted that the CMT scores are an issue that people look at first, but he believes that the education is more than just scores. He sees that the BOE has initiated a plan and he would like to give them the opportunity to put that plan in place and not change it every two years. He supports the original motion. Council member Ristas supports the motion of $43,043,560. If it passes, they will spend less than what they have initially proposed because of the $200,000 savings in benefits. Council member Broxterman said that these are good times, if people move to Windsor just because of the mil rate or tax levy, we'd have to keep them out. People come here to raise kids. Schools are a central primary issue. This budget addresses some of those areas that we need to work on, specifically goals and priorities.
Town Support For Education Section E
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$3,977,530		$3,977,530
Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis to accept the proposed budget of Town Support for Education for $3,977,530, seconded by Council member Simon. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Safety Services Section F
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$6,006,275		$5,986,275
Motioned by Council member Trinks to amend the budget from $6,006,275 to $5,986,275, seconded by Council member Simon. Motion Passes 9-0-0 Comments: Council member Trinks reported that the $20,000 reduction is for security for two events. Council member Haverstock asked if these are two expenses that the town would incur and then seek reimbursement for. Town Manager Churchill responded that it is a possibility but it has not been finalized as of this date. Council member Haverstock asked if the amphitheater group realizes that the town will be billing them. Town Manager Churchill responded that in his conversations with the Celebrate Windsor group, the Town committed $25,000 to the group and that we have budgeted amounts to provide police work, but in the way of the $25,000 commitment to the group. Town Manager Churchill also commented that the department has the ability to buy less supplies and materials in order to make the expenditure reductions. There are a number of special events in Windsor, these two events are larger than this community is used to (with the exception to Shad Derby). It may be that expenses will be lower than projected.
Family Services Section G
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$1,446,150		$1,446,150
Motioned by Council Member Simon to accept the proposed budget of Family Services for $1,446,150, seconded by Council member Broxterman. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Health & Social Services Section H
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$743,820		$743,820
Motioned by Council member Simon to accept the proposed budget of Health and Social Services for $743,820, seconded by Council member Broxterman. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Library Services Section I
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$1,088,450		$1,088,450
Motioned by Council member Broxterman to accept the proposed budget Library Services for $1,088,450, seconded by Council member Simon. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Development Services Section J
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$1,250,100		$1,250,100
Motioned by Council member Trinks to accept the proposed budget Development Services for $1,250,100, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Public Works Section K
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$3,781,555		$3,781,555
Motioned by Council member Broxterman to accept the proposed budget of Public Works for $3,781,555 seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Information Services Section L
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$383,370		$383,370
Motioned by Council member Simon to accept the proposed budget of Information Services for $383,370, seconded by Council member Broxterman. Motion Passes 9-0-0
Administrative Services Section M
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$1,541,640		$1,523,640
Motioned by Council member Trinks to amend the budget from $1,541,640 to $1,523,640, seconded by Council member Broxterman Motion Passes 9-0-0 Comments: Council member Trinks said this reduction is based on the administrative vacancy in Human Resources and the time it would take to replace the position. Town Manager Churchill reported that Ms. Moore gave her notice two weeks ago. This reduction is for two months of salary and benefits. We do the process of recruitment in house. If there are any recruitment expenses, they will be taken out of vacancy savings. Dependent upon the salary and tenure of incumbent it is a reasonable likelihood that the salary will be lower.
General Government Section N
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount

$824,260		$863,760
Motioned by Council member Trinks to add $22,000 to the Town Manager's portion of the budget and to add $17,500 to the Community Services portion of the budget, seconded by Council member Simon. Motion Passes 9-0-0 Comments: Council member Trinks reported that this would be consistent with the memo received from the Town Manager during budget workshops. The $22,000 increase is for partial salary of an assistant position to go from part-time to full-time. The $17,500 is in response to full support of $30,000 for Intermezzo, which is a two-year commitment to bridge funding until they have access to grant funding. Council member Haverstock said that he is a strong proponent of the amphitheater and he feels that with Intermezzo it will be a real synchronicity to fine arts in Windsor. He is not often in favor of spending town resources, but he feels this can have a positive impact in terms of attracting people from outside the area. He is in support of Council member Trinks' motion for the amendment.
General Services Section O
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$5,314,380		$5,266,880
Motioned by Council member Trinks to reduce General Service by $47,500 to $5,266,880, seconded by Council member Broxterman. Motion Passes 9-0-0 Comments: Council member Trinks reported that historically this account has lay dormant. A separate line item is the volunteer support program, which was a piece of this line. It is appropriate to reduce this with the history of the account. Council member Pacino asked if it is the intent to do away with volunteer support. Town Manager Churchill responded that the proposed budget already reduces the amount for that program from $50 to $30k. With 1½ years of history, that should be sufficient. Council member Pacino also asked what happens if another group comes forward looking for funding and there is none. Town Manager Churchill responded that they will be told that our funds are exhausted, and to see us next year. Council member Albano asked for clarification on taking the $30,000 from Voluntary Support and the balance from Unclassified. Town Manager Churchill responded that the budget is currently $30,000 for Volunteer Support. $90,000 was originally proposed and it is reduced by $47,500 for an amended amount of $42,500.
Community Development Section R
FY2002 Proposed Budget	Town Council Action	Adjusted Amount
$25,000		$25,000
Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis to accept the proposed budget of Health and Social Services for $743,820, seconded by Council member Trinks. Motion Passes 9-0-0
TOTALS:
$69,626,090		$69,380,090

Break

Mayor Hogan motioned for a break from 8:40 to 8:45 p.m.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

6. Motions for Council to Approve FY 2002 Budget

PART A: Appropriations are made for the following specific purposes, the total of which is recommended for approval by the Windsor voters.


Board of Education
Motion by: Council member Simon	Seconded: Council member Trinks
Amount: $43,043,560	For: 5	Against: 4 Opposed: Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino and Council member Ristas

Town Support for Education
Motion by: Council member Broxterman	Seconded: Council member Simon
Amount: $3,977,530	For: 9	Against: 0

Safety Services
Motion by: Council member Trinks	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $5,986,275	For: 9	Against: 0

Family Services
Motion by: Deputy Mayor Curtis	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $1,446,150	For: 9	Against: 0

Health and Social Services
Motion by: Council member Haverstock	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $743,820	For: 9	Against: 0

Library Services
Motion by: Council member Ristas	Seconded: Council member Trinks
Amount: $1,088,450	For: 9	Against: 0

Development Services
Motion by: Council member Albano	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $1,250,100	For: 9	Against: 0

Public Works
Motion by: Council member Simon	Seconded: Council member Trinks
Amount: $3,781,555	For: 9	Against: 0

Information Services
Motion by: Council member Broxterman	Seconded: Deputy Mayor Curtis
Amount: $383,370	For: 9	Against: 0

Administrative Services
Motion by: Council member Trinks	Seconded: Deputy Mayor Curtis
Amount: $1,523,640	For: 9	Against: 0

General Government
Motion by: Deputy Mayor Curtis	Seconded: Council member Trinks
Amount: $863,760	For: 9	Against: 0

General Services
Motion by: Council member Haverstock	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $5,266,880	For: 9	Against: 0

Community Development
Motion by: Council member Ristas	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $25,000	For: 9	Against: 0

FINAL MOTIONS

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks to accept the total General Fund expenditures for the 2001-02 budget in the amount of $69,380,090.

The motion passed 5:4:0

Opposing: Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino and Council member Ristas

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, that the annual vote on the budget be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2001 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at all 7 polling places.

The motion passed 8:1:0

Opposing: Council member Pacino

PART B:

ENTERPRISE FUNDS

The Town of Windsor operates three self-supporting enterprise funds:

Windsor Child Development Center
Motion by: Council member Trinks	Seconded: Council member Broxterman
Amount: $1,010,340	For: 8	Against: 0 Abstaining: 1 Council member Ristas

Caring Connection Adult Day Care Center
Motion by: Council member Trinks	Seconded: Council member Simon
Amount: $435,300	For: 8	Against: 1 Council member Pacino

Sanitary Landfill
Motion by: Council member Trinks	Seconded: Deputy Mayor Curtis
Amount: $2,940,900	For: 9	Against: 0

Comments from Council Members

Council member Ristas requested the mil rate. Mr. Pavitt responded that the mil rate would be 31.2. The average tax increase is $138 for a median priced home of $131,000 (assessed at $91,700). Currently, the tax for a median priced home is $2,723 and with the $138 increase it will be $2,861.

Adjournment

Motioned by Council member Haverstock to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch