|
Board
of Selectmen
FINANCIAL MEETING MINUTES
February 6, 2008
Present: Carl
Chudzick, John Anderson, Brian Flood, Susan Bransfield, Mark Finkelstein,
Kathy Richards, Sharon Gibala
Others: Jeanne
D'Aquila (Town Attorney), Rob Buden (Finance Director), Deanna Rhodes
(Land Use Administrator), Donald Bascom (P&ZC Chair), Rick Kelsey
(Director of Public Works), Carl Johnson (Grounds Crew Leader),
Michael Guiliani (Housing Authority Chair), Paul Bengston (BOE Maintenance)
1. Executive
Session: Police Security Matters
In accordance
with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, the Executive Session
was called to order at 7:31 p.m.
Motion was made
by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by John Anderson to enter into
Executive Session. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
The subject
discussed was Police Security Matters. Motion made by Mark Finkelstein
seconded by Kathy Richards to exit the executive session and enter
the regular financial meeting. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
2. First Selectwoman
Call Financial Meeting to Order
First Selectwoman
Bransfield called the Financial Meeting to order at 7:55 pm.
3. Pledge Of
Allegiance
4. Approve Minutes:
(Financial) January 2, 2008; (Regular) January 16, 2008
(Special) January 24, 2008
There was a
motion by John Anderson, seconded by Kathy Gibala, to approve the
minutes for the January 2, 2008 Financial Meeting. Vote unanimous,
motion carried.
There was a
motion by Sharon Gibala, seconded by Brian Flood, to approve the
minutes of the January 16, 2008 Regular Meeting.
AYES: Carl Chudzick,
Brian Flood, Susan Bransfield, John Anderson, Mark Finkelstein,
Sharon Gibala.
NAYS: none
ABSTAIN: Kathy Richards
There was a
motion by John Anderson, seconded by Mark Finkelstein, to approve
the minutes of the January 24, 2008 Special Meeting. Vote unanimous,
motion carried.
5. Accept Agenda
There was a
motion by Kathy Richards, seconded by Brian Flood, to accept the
agenda as presented. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
6. Communications
/ Correspondence:
First Selectwoman
Bransfield read into record a letter of praise for the Public Library's
story time program from Michelle Ritzo, Main Street, Portland.
First Selectwoman
Bransfield updated the Selectmen regarding the recent meeting with
the State Department of Education Office of Internal Audit. Mrs.
Bransfield, along with several other town and state representatives
met and answered questions pertaining to the final report on 1-31-08.
Update School
Fire Safety at PHS Auditorium:
Paul Bengston
reported that the Fire Marshal has confirmed that the auditorium
at the High School/Middle School complex is in compliance with all
fire codes and regulations. An additional exit sign has been installed
at the recommendation of the Fire Marshall. Mr. Bengston noted that
all materials such as chairs, carpet and curtains in the auditorium
are made of fire retardant material and in addition, there are approximately
25 sprinkler heads in this one area. First Selectwoman Bransfield
thanked Mr. Bengston and noted that this update and the additional
exit sign will most likely address the concerns brought to the Selectme
by Mr. Manning.
Update on Brownstone
Intermediate School Roof
Mr. Bengston
updated the Selectmen on the Brownstone Intermediate School roof,
which is need of repairs. The slate roof was installed in 1932 and
is in need of repairs. Repairs to the flat portion of the roof will
be started in the spring for a cost of approximately $30,000. Mr.
Bengston reviewed for the Selectmen a report of costs for different
options with regard to the roof, prepared by Greg Rose of W.P. Hickman
Systems, Inc.
7. Public Comment
Don Bascom asked
if the prices for the roof estimates include taking down the existing
roof. The answer was that yes, the prices quoted do assume this
cost.
8. Ethics Code
Ordinance
At Special Town
Meeting on February 6, 2008, the Ethics Code Ordinance was approved
by town vote. The Ethics Commission will proceed with requirements
for the education elected officials and employees regarding this
ordinance.
9. Resolution:
Support of Voluntary Non-Use of Pesticides and Synthetic Fertilizers
on All Municipal Grounds
Carl Johnson,
Polly Barey, Anne Marie Beaulieu and Dr. Jerry Silbert spoke to
the BOS regarding a resolution supporting the Voluntary Non-Use
of Pesticides and Synthetic Fertilizers on all Municipal Grounds.
Dr. Silbert
explained to the Selectmen that out of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides,
more than half are linked to cancer, abnormal brain development,
birth defects and can cause serious health effects. Children are
more vulnerable to these effects, which is why the law was passed
to ban pesticides on school grounds. Dr. Silbert urged that the
selectmen approve a resolution that calls for the 'voluntary non-use
of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers on all municipal grounds.
Carl Johnson
explained to the Selectmen that last year the Town started last
year using 'bridge products' which are part synthetic and part organic.
The Town is moving toward the use of all organic materials for the
treatment and fertilization of grounds.
There was a
discussion regarding prevention means which can be considered. Mark
Finkelstein asked if there is an estimate of how much more it will
cost the Town to use all organic materials. Carl Johnson replied
that it costs approximately $3,100-4,200 per acre.
Kathy Richards
asked how many acres of grounds the Town must maintain. Carl Johnson
replied that there are 14.8 acres of grounds that need to be maintain
and of this, approximately 11 acres are used for athletic fields
which require more maintenance than normal. The use of organic materials
requires more product than synthetic fertilizers.
After discussion,
it was decided that the Selectmen need more information on this
subject. It will be put on the agenda for the February 20, 2008
meeting.
10. Update on
Chatham Court Facility / Portland Housing Authority
Rick Kelsey
updated the Selectmen on recent meetings with the Portland Housing
Authority.
The Housing Authority will be able to take advantage of the same
prices that the Town gets for heating oil, road salt, sand, etc.
which will offer substantial savings to the Housing Authority.
Michael Guiliano thanked the Selectmen and the Housing Authority
Commissioners. The cost savings will be a tremendous help in difficult
budget times.
Mark Finkelstein
made a motion, seconded by Kathy Richards, to endorse the matters
discussed with Housing Authority. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
11. Resolution:
Acceptance of Land in the Wangunk Meadows
Deanna Rhodes
reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission has approved acceptance
of the donation of land in the Wangunk Meadows to the Town by John
W. Bransfield, Peter C. Bransfield and Mary B. Gole. A property
review was done and no concerns were raised.
Mark Finkelstein read the resolution into the record and made a
motion, seconded by John Anderson, to adopt this resolution.
RESOLUTION
ACCEPTANCE OF LAND IN THE WANGUNK MEADOWS
WHEREAS, John
W. Bransfield, Peter C. Bransfield, and Mary B. Gole own a certain
piece or parcel of unimproved land situated in the Wangunk Meadows,
containing by estimation 1.64 acres, designated in the Assessor's
files as Map 75 Lot 20; and
WHEREAS, the
Bransfields and Gole have approached Town Officials with their desire
to donate said parcel in the Wangunk Meadows; and
WHEREAS, that
the Portland Board of Selectmen referred this matter to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for an 8-24 review and recommendation; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that
upon recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission as well
as Land Use Administrator, the Town of Portland hereby accepts the
Bransfields-Gole donation of land situated in the Wangunk Meadows,
containing by estimation 1.64 acres, designated in the Assessor's
files as Map 75 Lot 20.
AYES: John Anderson,
Carl Chudzick, Mark Finkelstein, Kathy Richards and Sharon Gibala.
NAYS: none
ABSTAIN: Susan Bransfield
12. Chapter
18-Taxation: Section 18-20: Property Tax Relief for Elderly Homeowners
(accepted by BOS Sept. 5, 2007; requires publication within 30 days
after approval; legal notice of decision was not provided to Town
Clerk therefore the BOS must re-approve so Town Clerk can publish)
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by John Anderson, to accept
the Property Tax Relief for Elderly Homeowners. Vote unanimous,
motion carried.
First Selectwoman
Bransfield asked the Selectmen to consider how to go forward with
this tax relief in the future. Current language requires that a
lien be placed on the homeowner's property. She asked Selectmen
to look into changing this language to allow the potential of forgiving
up to a certain dollar amount instead of placing a lien on property.
13. Solar Photovoltaic
Array Financial Assistance & AltPower Agreement
First Selectwoman
Bransfield explained this resolution and read the resolution into
the record.
RESOLUTION
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE CAPITAL NONRECURRING FUND TO PURCHASE
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FOR VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL
WHEREAS, the
Board of Selectmen (BOS) have determined a true and real need exists
to purchase a photovoltaic system for Valley View School citing
future energy and tax dollars savings; and
WHEREAS, the
new photovoltaic system will be purchased from altPower Renewable
Energy Systems for $82,855; and
WHEREAS, a reimbursable
State of CT grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund will reimburse
the Town $68,801, net cost to the Town of project will be $14,054;
and
WHEREAS, there
are available funds in the undesignated, unreserved fund balance
of the Capital Nonrecurring Fund; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that
the sum of $82,855 be and is hereby appropriated to purchase a photovoltaic
system for Valley View School with amount coming from the undesignated,
unreserved fund balance of the Capital Nonrecurring Fund of which
$68,801 will be reimbursed by the State of CT grant.
Note: Per Town
Charter Chapter V, Section 503(g) the BOS must hold a special Town
Meeting on this subject.
There was a
motion by Kathy Richards, seconded by Brian Flood, to endorse this
resolution and send the matter to Special Town Meeting on February
13, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
14. Resolution:
STEAP Grant Application Brownstone Avenue
Deanna Rhodes
reviewed this resolution for the Selectmen and explained that a
connection from Main St. to the riverfront will be essential for
economic development.
Carl Chudzik
asked if the Town crew will be made available to do this work. Rick
Kelsey answered that the Town crew is capable of doing the work,
but that hours of labor are not available and that the project would
go out to bid.
Mark Finkelstein
made a motion, seconded by Sharon Gibala, to waive the reading of
this resolution and to adopt this resolution.
RESOLUTION
Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP)
Application for Brownstone Avenue
WHEREAS, the
Connecticut General Assembly has authorized funding for municipal
grants under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP);
and
WHEREAS, the
Portland Board of Selectmen approved a resolution on August 10,
2005 to forego its eligibility to seek funds under Section 4-66c
"Urban Act" and in lieu thereof seek funds made available
through STEAP; and
WHEREAS, the
Town of Portland is proposing to design and construct and extension
to Brownstone Avenue to connect with Middlesex Avenue and to pave
and improve an existing gravel parking area on Middlesex Avenue;
and
WHEREAS, the
project will provide for safe, direct, efficient access between
the northern-end of the commercial district on Main Street to existing
and anticipated recreational and commercial uses located in close
proximity to the Connecticut River; these include, but are not limited
to: the Portland Brownstone Quarries, designated in 2000 as a National
Historic Landmark; the Portland Brownstone Quarries, Inc. a commercial
enterprise that continues a 300 year tradition of quarrying and
shipping stone from the Town of Portland; Brownstone Exploration
and Discovery Park, LLC, a recreational/commercial venture currently
operating within the North Quarry; an interpretative walking trail
along the Connecticut River, completed by the Brownstone Quorum,
a 501c3 non-profit corporation; and a proposed waterfront park and
public boat launch along the banks of the Connecticut River; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED that
the First Selectwoman is hereby authorized to prepare and submit
an application to the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and
Management for a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP)
grant for $326,170 [Town would be responsible for $50,700; total
project cost $376,870]. The STEAP grant if approved shall be used
to complete all work necessary to design and construct the Brownstone
Avenue Extension and improve the existing gravel parking area at
western-end of Middlesex Avenue.
Carl Chudzik
asked if there are provisions for lighting the parking area. The
answer is that there are not lighting provisions in the grant application,
but that the road will be lit per town road standards which will
provide some lighting along the portion of road where parking will
be. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
15. Town Center
Village District Design Consultant Contract
Deanna Rhodes
requested the Selectmen approve the resolution for the Town Center
Village District Design Consultant contract. The Town Center Village
District encompasses businesses from the Arrigoni Bridge to just
past Post Office on Main Street.
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Kathy Richards, to waive
the reading of this resolution and to adopt this resolution. Vote
unanimous, motion carried.
RESOLUTION
Agreement between the BSC Group and the Town of Portland for Design
Consultant Services for the Town Center Village District
WHEREAS, the
Town of Portland and design consultant is in the process of developing
new Streetscape Designs for Main Street; and
WHEREAS, upon
the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission the Town
plans to hire the BSC Group; and
WHEREAS, the
role of BSC Group in the development of the Streetscape Designs
is to act as an agent for the Town, as design professionals reviewing
proposed design by the Consultant, and make suggestions to further
enhance and reinforce the community character; now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, that
the First Selectwoman be and is hereby authorized to enter into
an agreement with BSC Group of 180 Glastonbury Boulevard, Suite
103, Glastonbury, Connecticut for an initial term ending June 30,
2008.
16. Update on
Delinquent Water and Sewer Billing Policy
Rob Buden, Finance
Director, confirmed that the Town is following its policy regarding
delinquent accounts, with the exception of publishing names of delinquent
property owners in the newspaper. Based on this information, First
Selectwoman Bransfield requested that policy not be changed at this
time.
17. Review Monthly
Budget Reports
Rob Buden, Finance
Director, reviewed revenues and expenditures for period ending 12-31-07
He reported that six firms have put in bids for Town Attorney services.
Attorney D'Aquila, the present Town attorney, did not submit a bid.
She will continue providing her services until a new Town attorney
is chosen. Mr. Buden reported that a draft copy of the audit has
been received and there are no major problems to report. Full details
and information will be provided in March.
Carl Chudzik
questioned Mr. Buden regarding the Housing Authority using the Town's
bid prices for oil, if the costs will be billed separately. Mr.
Buden replied that he will make sure the Town is not held responsible
for the Housing Authority oil bills.
18. Refunds
of Excess Payments:
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Brian Flood, to refund Richard
Faraci/Loretta Faraci the amount of $97.16. Vote unanimous, motion
carried.
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Brian Flood, to refund Eric
R. Kelly or Pamela R. Bials, the amount of $32.30. Vote unanimous,
motion carried.
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Brian Flood, to refund Michael
P. Colla the amount of $64.80. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Sharon Gibala, to refund
Michael P Colla the amount of $61.48. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Kathy Richards to refund
Robin S. Doak or Robert W. Doak the amount of $29.69. Vote unanimous,
motion carried.
There was a
motion by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Brian Flood, to refund Pamela
R. Bials the amount of $38.00. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
19. Appointments
to Boards and Commissions (Re-appointments, vacancies, etc.)
20. Public Comment
Deanne Rhodes
reminded the Selectmen that both the Inland/Wetlands and Planning
and Zoning Commissions need board members appointed.
Norman Emond
reminded the Selectmen that the Ethics Commission is short one member.
21. Board of
Selectmen General Informal Discussion
22. Follow Up
Items:
- P&ZC
request for Selectmen to rescind Town exemption per C.G.S. Sec.
8-24
Don Bascom requested an update on whether the P&ZC request
to rescind Town exemption per C.G.S. Sec. 8-24 has been considered.
Mrs. Bransfield replied that no decision has been made to date.
This will be put on a future agenda.
- Update Ordinances
First Selectwoman Bransfield reported that the update of Ordinances
is in progress.
23. Adjourn
Meeting
There was a
motion to adjourn the meeting by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Carl
Chudzik. Vote unanimous, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at
9:35 pm.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Laura Siena, Board Clerk
|
