Mayor Trinks called the Budget Session Special
Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
- Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy
Mayor Curtis, Councilor Dean, Councilor Ellingwood,
Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor
Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
- Safety Services
Chief Bill Lewis, Windsor Fire Department; Chief
Kevin Searles, Police Department; Captain Tom Lepore,
Police Department; Captain Kelvan Kearse Police
Department; Mr. Nick Cormier, Windsor Volunteer
Ambulance; and Chief Mike Green from the Windsor
Volunteer Ambulance presented their budgets.
Fire
Mayor Trinks asked if there was a capital items in
the Capital Improvements Program for Fire Services.
Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, responded
that there is the concept study for the public safety
complex which looks at renovations and possible
expansions to meet the future needs of the fire and
police departments. In FY 06-07, renovations are
planned for the Hayden Station Road Fire House.
Deputy Mayor Curtis inquired about the future need
for paid firefighters. Chief Lewis stated his proposed
budget to the Town Manger was to hire three people,
one being a Chief for Monday through Friday during the
daytime. It is a concept being used by other
combination departments. Blue Hills Fire Department is
one example. The three of them would respond on the
first apparatus.
Councilor Simon inquired about the fire district
funds and what their support is towards the fire
department. Chief Lewis responded that the Wilson Fire
District monetarily supports the Wilson Fire Station
in the south end of town. The Windsor Fire District
does not give any money; they fund strictly trash
collection services.
Councilor Jepsen asked if there was a way to
increase the stipends that the volunteers receive to
encourage more people to join. Chief Lewis said they
are looking at increasing the stipend and possibly
offering a pension program. The biggest problem is
enticing new people. We have a great explorer program,
but they are young, with about 25 kids under 18 years
old. Councilor Jepsen asked if the Wilson Firehouse
hood is new this year or if it was in last year’s
budget. Chief Lewis said that it was budgeted last
year, but the bids were significantly over what was
originally appropriated.
Police
Councilor Simon noted that the request for leased
cruisers is part of a new initiative "Cops next Door".
He asked Chief Searles to discuss the initiative.
Chief Searles said it is a crime prevention
initiative. In other areas of the country where take
home cars are popular, the more often you see police
cars, the less people want to do a crime. The concept
is that the thirteen officers that currently live in
town would take home a car and use it during off duty
time, but only in the Town of Windsor. It would then
have an effect on the rest of the fleet by diminishing
the mileage and repair costs from cars going 24/7. The
fleet size would not increase significantly. It’s more
of a crime prevention plan. Councilor Simon asked how
many vehicles would be leased. Chief Searles responded
that thirteen cars would be leased.
Councilor Ellingwood asked if the leased cars are
replacing any existing cars. Captain Kearse responded
they would be replacing three vehicles. Councilor
Ellingwood asked what the anticipated lease life is.
Captain Kearse responded that it is three years and
then the town could purchase the vehicle for $1. Upon
completion of the lease it is anticipated that we’ll
continue using the vehicle in Support Services. Chief
Searles added that they currently move a vehicle out
of service at two years, around 60,000 miles.
Councilor Ellingwood asked about the $10,000 for
Capital Outlay for two vans. Chief Searles said they
would purchase them used from RideShare for the
Explorers Program.
Councilor Broxterman inquired if D.A.R.E. is fully
funded in this budget. Chief Searles responded that it
is. Councilor Broxterman asked if we get reimbursed
for the drug buy money if we collect any. Chief
Searles replied that we do not get directly reimbursed
for funds we expend when buying drugs; however, there
are a fair number of drug deals where we are able to
seize property under the Asset Forfeiture program.
Councilor Broxterman asked if all officers involved
with PAL are paid. Chief Searles said that a number of
officers volunteer their time. The $83,000 is for one
full-time officer. We recently shifted away from a
full-time officer to a rotation of officers. Councilor
Broxterman asked if we pay overtime for PAL. Chief
Searles stated that they do not. Councilor Broxterman
inquired about the TASER purchase. Chief Searles said
they would be issued to the officers at the start of
their shift. Each officer will not have a TASER.
Councilor Broxterman asked what a new dog pound
would cost and has there been a study to compare if it
is more economical to repair, rehab and expand the
current facility. Assistant Town Manager Souza
responded that there has not been a study at this
point. Within the unscheduled section in the capital
improvements program there is a project sheet for dog
pound renovation or relocation. Chief Searles added
that the Bloomfield Police Chief is conducting
research regarding this issue as well. She is looking
for land right over the Bloomfield line. Mayor Trinks
added that it is in the CIP for $155,000.
Councilor Jepsen asked about the salary line. He
noted that last year the police didn’t receive raises.
He asked how much of this budget is catch up for that
generous occurrence. Chief Searles said that the
reinstatement of those funds occurs in July 2005, so
it is not in this proposed budget.
Councilor Jepsen asked how many vehicles are
currently in the fleet. Chief Searles responded that
there are thirty. Councilor Jepsen asked if we would
be close to letting officers take vehicles home now if
we didn’t do the leasing. Chief Searles replied that a
number of the vehicles are specialty vehicles. There
is also a higher need for cars Monday through Friday
during the day. The proposed program is a crime
prevention initiative rather than a resource
management effort. The program would not be feasible
without leasing. The leasing program is also
attractive at $7,000 per year for three years and then
you own the car at the end. Councilor Jepsen inquired
about page F-7, he noted less money for crime
suppression and more money for investigation. He asked
if it is part of a trend in the work that is causing
it. Chief Searles said that it is really a function of
how many people are assigned to the program.
Councilor Walker asked what will be the policy for
a resident officer, off duty, driving to an in-town
location when there is a traffic violation. Captain
Kearse said that Connecticut has a non-actors clause.
They have to act if they witness a felony. If you are
in the Town of Windsor and witness a crime, you are
obliged by law to act on it. Our policy will be,
depending on who is in the car with you, that police
officers are expected to make the motor vehicle stop.
If they are with their family, they may be reluctant
to make the stop. Councilor Walker is concerned that
an off-duty officer driving a cruiser may not stop and
this will give people the perception that police don’t
want to help.
Councilor Mulligan asked how many kids were
involved in the PAL program. Chief Searles responded
there are about 400 involved.
Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the participation
in the mental health awareness training. He asked how
much money is being allocated and how many officers
will be trained. Chief Searles replied the program is
still in the planning stages so no money has been
allocated toward it in this budget. Discussions have
occurred and the options include using minimal
training of two hours or to move toward a more intense
eight hour block which would come to about $17,000 for
all of the officers to be trained. It’s a very
important issue and they are working with Healthy
People Initiative to design a training program.
Mayor Trinks asked if there would be a return of
bike or foot patrols. Chief Searles confirmed this.
Mayor Trinks asked if there is a desk officer in
addition to Dispatch on duty. Chief Searles said that
there is a desk officer on both the day and evening
shifts.
Ambulance
Councilor Broxterman asked if the life of the
upgraded or newly purchased radios would be compatible
with this communication system and an upgraded
communication system. Chief Green replied that he
doesn’t have a large amount of technical information
on the radios, however, if there is no change to the
electronic relationship between the system and the
radio, they should have a long life. Councilor
Broxterman asked if there is an anticipated life of
the portables. Mr. Souza replied that it is five to
six years.
Councilor Walker asked about the P&L sheet, total
income July 03 – March 04, Professional fees where it
shows that AMR is almost 50% of the total income. He
asked if their contractual fees increased. Mr. Cormier
stated that contractually, we are obliged to pay them
the cost of living, plus an annual increase which is
negotiated on a yearly basis at approximately 3%.
Councilor Walker asked if the contract is comparable
with other towns in the Hartford area. Mr. Cormier
said that to his knowledge the contract was in large
part comparable.
Councilor Mulligan noted that we paid AMR less last
year. Mr. Cormier said that there were a number of
disincentives last year which were applied as they
failed to make contracted response times.
Councilor Jepsen asked about the P&L sheet
regarding the town contribution of $106,750 which is
budgeted for $125,000. Mr. Cormier said that out of
the $125,000 the town pays the CMED (Coordinated
Medical Emergency Dispatch) bill before we receive the
difference.
Councilor Mulligan finds it interesting that the
Ambulance Association is making $1,100 in donations to
local charities. He also questioned why they didn’t
receive the March 9th report prior to this
evening. Mr. Cormier said that he was given the
material today by the Treasurer.
Councilor Broxterman found it curious that we do
our banking business in Glastonbury. Mr. Cormier said
one of their accounts is here in town. The account in
Glastonbury was an existing account when he become WVA
president. The billing company deposits directly to
that account, which is then transferred to WVA’s
checking account to pay bills.
- Public Works
Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, Mr. Al
Neumann, Building & Facilities Manager and Mr. Bob
Dinallo, Project Engineer discussed the budget.
Councilor Simon asked about the seasonal employees
and if they will get us back on track in terms of
maintenance of public property, to where we were three
years ago. Mr. Funk said that it would, especially in
concert with filling current vacancies.
Councilor Jepsen inquired about Page M-11 street
sweeping. Mr. Funk said that it is now part of Storm
Water Management. Councilor Jepsen asked why we are
setting up an enterprise fund for storm water
management. Assistant Town Manager Souza replied that
our desire is to show the entire effort for storm
water management activities. They will continue to be
funded from the general fund, but we will be
investigating establishing a storm water utility fee
to meet the DEP and EPA clean water regulations
starting July 1st. Conceptually, a fee would be
assessed for all developed parcels in town, commercial
and residential, with the fee amount based on the
amount of impervious surface per lot. The sand and
salt placed on the roads for storm control purposed
does play a role in impacting water quality.
Councilor Ellingwood asked if its feasible to
figure out what percent of turf maintenance applies to
the grass on the football field. Mr. Funk said that it
was a total of $12,000 for both O’Brien and Sage Park
fields. O’Brien field is about 2 acres and Sage Park
fields are about 6 acres, coming to approximately
$4,000 for the maintenance of the grass on the
football field.
Councilor Broxterman asked about Page M-3, lining
27 ball fields, and if it included multiple sports.
Mr. Funk said it should be athletic fields and they
will change it for next year. Councilor Broxterman
inquired about the paying of dumping fees for trash
disposal. Mr. Funk confirmed we get charged for costs
of disposal by the enterprise fund just like the town
of Bloomfield does. Councilor Broxterman asked what
percentage of the 92 acres is the high school and
middle school complex. Mr. Funk said about 14 acres
total.
- Landfill Enterprise Fund Budget
Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, and Mr.
Mark Goossens, Solid Waste Manager presented the
budget.
Councilor Walker asked if the landfill would remain
in operation with the clause that we prefer not to
have contaminated soil coming in. Mr. Funk said that
it could be done; however other disposal sites have
lower prices for disposal of this material. We are
very careful to check how much contamination there is
in the soil. We would not use that material for
capping purposes, but rather it would be used for
daily coverage of trash. Mr. Souza said that it is
tested and meets DEP requirements. Mr. Funk added that
the state requires that low level contaminated soil
not be reused, that it be disposed of at a landfill.
Mr. Souza said that we could get further information
for Council discussion if desired. Mr. Goossens said
that for every 20 the DEP approves, we approve one
internally through our own review process. It is not
something we take lightly. Councilor asked where we
get our daily cover from and what percentage are
low-level contaminants. Mr. Souza responded that it
comes regionally and believes that less than 1% would
be categorized under DEP approved contaminated soil or
special waste definitions.
Councilor Mulligan asked what is a category of
special wastes. Mr. Goossens responded that it varies,
depending on the business, typically material not
classified as Municipal Solid Waste. Mr. Funk added
that it has to be tested by the DEP so we know what it
is made up of.
Councilor Ellingwood asked if these budgets are
putting us on track to close on the date specified.
Mr. Funk confirmed this. We need to bring in more
waste than we are currently are. We will come to the
Council in the near future regarding accepting on a
contractual basis waste from CRRA.
Councilor Jepsen inquired about Page S-3, use of
balances not needed for current obligations. Mr. Funk
said that they used $555,000 for the landfill gas
collection system and flare, as well as the methane
barrier for the south and southwest side of the
landfill. Councilor Jepsen asked how our tipping fees
compare to CRRA. Mr. Funk said that in July, CRRA
would be $70 per ton. Our fees will be $60 per ton
until July, then $64 per ton after that. There will be
potentially more spot market waste because of the
higher CRRA tipping fee. We are not looking to be in
competition for CRRA waste. Councilor Jepsen asked for
comments on the price guide for fees charging, i.e.
first time penalties for bringing the wrong trash. Mr.
Goossens responded that contaminated soil is a flat
rate, and they are requesting it become a range to be
competitive with the market range. Special waste is
being increased because it was at $51.50 for a number
of years. The difficult part of managing MSW it that
it has a time restriction and number of loads per day.
There are items that break machines or make them lose
air space and cost us in maintenance fees. Other sites
charge a premium because it is difficult to manage.
- Storm Water Management Fund Budget
Assistant Town Manager Souza, Mr. Brian Funk,
Director of Public Works, and Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town
Engineer, gave an overview of the Storm Water
Management Fund.
Councilor Broxterman was under the assumption that
enterprise funds had revenue and were self-supporting.
Mr. Souza said that they are attempting to show this
as the total effort in terms of stormwater management.
Councilor Simon questioned how this public service
is similar to the operation of the landfill or the
adult or child care facilities. Mr. Souza said that it
could be reflected solely within the Public Works
Department or Town Engineer’s office. We do need to be
able to demonstrate to the Connecticut DEP our level
of effort. However, the Council could put it into one
of those two departments.
Councilor Ellingwood asked what portion of the
Stormwater Management FTEs are not pre-existing. Mr.
Funk said that there are 5.7 FTEs, with 1.4 FTEs being
new. Councilor Ellingwood asked if existing staff
could do the Environmental Engineer duties. Mr. Souza
said that there is a significant amount of public
education required within the program as well as
working with the developers and development community.
The Engineering Department is down one position and
couldn’t take on the additional workload.
Councilor Dean asked what the salary and benefits
are for the new positions. Mr. Lenehan replied that it
would be $23,000 for college students for the summer.
The half-time Environmental Planner would be $32,000
including benefits.
Councilor Mulligan inquired why we are dedicating
$340,000 to storm water when last year we approved
$215,000. He asked where the extra $125,000 comes
from. Mr. Funk said that $80,000 came from traffic
safety and community support for street sweeping with
the remaining balance coming from storm water drainage
in public works. Mr. Souza added that $25,000 was from
the Engineering Department.
Councilor Jepsen has concerns with this being an
enterprise fund. It seems like a set up for a new tax
based not on the value of a home, but on the amount of
acreage or roof space. He is not sure we can do that.
The only method of taxation is the mill rate and
value. He asked if the town attorney has looked at
this. Mr. Souza said that as proposed the budget
reflects use of General Fund monies and they would
explore further with the Council in FY 2005 the
establishment of a user fee. There is state enabling
legislation that allows the creation of a storm water
and sewer authority, which then can charge a fee,
based on a reasonable standard formula. It remains to
be determined statewide. They would not be duplicating
the role of the MDC. Councilor Jepsen asked if it is
too late not to make this an enterprise fund and make
it a separate department or maintenance under the
budget umbrella. Mr. Souza said that they could easily
bring it under Public Works or Engineering.
Councilor Dean asked if this is an unfunded
mandate. Mr. Souza said that it is an unfunded
mandate. The EPA recommends on a national level that
communities explore the creation of a storm water
utility fee. They do not recommend a specific amount
of funding. They do require that we submit a Storm
Water Management plan, which effectively is a permit
from the DEP for a five-year period.
Councilor Mulligan is concerned that we are going
to start nickel and diming people and he thinks it’s a
bad situation to create and that we should keep it in
the general fund.
Mayor Trinks noted that in addition to this
potential increase coming down the road to be in
compliance with the clean water act, the water charges
and sewer assessment that we get from the Metropolitan
District Commission is anticipated to increase. Mayor
Trinks likes it separate because it shows the extent
of our participation in these unfunded mandates. We
have to wait and see how it plays out.
- Development Services
Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, Mr. Ray
Walker, Fire Marshal, Mr. Jim Burke, Economic
Development Director, Mr. Steve Dupre, Chief Building
Official, Mr. Mario Zavarella, Town Planner, and Mr.
Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer presented the Development
Services budget.
Councilor Simon asked why the number of business
contacts made were less than projected. Mr. Burke said
we spent more time on the redevelopment projects than
we anticipated. There were a few larger projects that
also took additional time away. With the additional
staff requested, we would make the visitation a
priority of that position with focus on smaller
businesses.
Councilor Walker asked why there is a slight
increase in false alarms now that we have fines in
place for repeat false alarms. Fire Marshall Walker
responded that there are more properties with alarms,
but primarily there was also a spike in false alarms
in the final stages of the development of the
ordinance where alarm companies did a lot of work in
Windsor, a considerable amount by subcontractors. The
purpose of this was to bring their systems up to date
prior to the ordinance.
Mayor Trinks asked what pay grade the new position
would fall in. Mr. Burke responded that it is in the
mid-range of grade one, group B, of the Administrative
Pay Plan. Mayor Trinks asked if this budget reflects
the ability for economic development to recruit
international companies. Mr. Souza replied that the
general town wide budget has not increased the travel
and training budgets significantly enough to allow
such visits to increase. Mr. Burke added staff will
continue to utilize state and regional resources to
recruit international companies.
- Community Development
Mr. Jim Hallisey, Community Development Coordinator
and Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development Director
discussed the budget.
Councilor Simon asked if the estimating
expenditures for the current year are going to be
lower than anticipated because the down payment
assistance loans are less than projected and because
we assisted three households with the down payment
assistance. Also the expenditure rate for house
rehabilitation funds will fall short of the budgeted
figure--we offered an 18 home participation plan. Mr.
Hallisey responded that we will try to market the down
payment assistance program better and work with the
housing authority to get some Section 8 tenants to
utilize the program. The housing rehab program
operates with loan repayments, and it slows when
funding is not in place. There are many homes that
could be helped.
Councilor Walker asked what the income requirements
are for down payment assistance. Mr. Hallisey said it
is 80% of area median or about $45,000 for a household
of two, adding an additional $4,000 per person. Staff
refers people to homebuyer training and often the
individuals two or three years down the road.
Councilor Walker asked about loan forgiveness
programs. Mr. Hallisey responded that forgiveness
loans are for hazardous material removal in the
residential rehab program (lead abatement, asbestos
abatement, removal of underground tanks), forgiving
half the cost of that particular aspect of the project
over ten years.
Mayor Trinks asked about community facilities in
the amount of $120,000 and the relationship between
the Town of Windsor and the Housing Authority. Mr.
Hallisey said that would provide the Housing Authority
with funds to install generators at two of their
community facilities. Mr. Souza said this is an
eligible project and agency under HUD guidelines.
- Administrative Services