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Board
of Selectmen
FINANCIAL MEETING
May 2, 2007
Present: Scott
Adamsons, John Anderson, Susan Bransfield, Brian Flood, Mark Finkelstein,
Sharon Gibala
Absent: Kathy Richards
1. First Selectwoman
Call Financial Meeting to Order
First Selectwoman
Bransfield called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
2. Pledge Of
Allegiance
3. Approve Minutes:
none
4. Accept Agenda
There was a
motion made by Sharon Gibala, seconded by Mark Finkelstein to approve
the agenda. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
5. Communications
/ Correspondence:
First Selectwoman
Bransfield read into the record a letter to Lt. Milardo of the Portland
Police Department from the Enright Family praising the Portland
Police for their efforts after the Enright home was burglarized.
First Selectwoman
Bransfield read into record a letter from Governor M. Jodi Rell
concerning municipal budget formulation. First Selectwoman Bransfield
noted for the Selectmen that she has put information on the Appropriations
Committee (education cost sharing) in the selectmen's boxes. Currently
the amount under consideration is approximately $340,000 more than
put into the Town budget. This is still yet to be finalized.
Mark Finkelstein
shared that he received an angry and emotional (?call/letter?) from
a Portland resident with regard to the fact that there was no response
by the Board of Selectmen on the recently proposed motor vehicle
ordinance. Changes to the proposed ordinance are in the process
of being made. The revised ordinance will be discussed at the next
regular Selectmen's meeting. If substantive changes are made, the
matter will again go to a public hearing.
Andy Bauer, Chairman of the Clean Energy Task Force, addressed the
Board of Selectmen with a proposal that all rebate money that is
received due to resident participation in the Clean Energy Program,
be deposited into a fund that will 1)buy more clean energy and 2)
purchase more equipment to generate clean energy. This request will
be reviewed under monthly budget reports.
6. Public Comment
none
7. Youth Services
Presentation
Mary Pont, Youth
Services Administrator, asked the Board of Selectmen endorse the
program, "Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth." Ms. Pont
summarized the packet of information she provided to the Selectmen.
First Selectwoman
Bransfield read into record the Resolution - "Healthy Communities,
Healthy Youth Month." Motion was made by Scott Adamsons, seconded
by Sharon Gibala to endorse this resolution. Vote unanimous, motion
carried. (Attachment A.)
8. Proclamation:
National Nursing Home Week
Mark Finkelstein
read into the record the proclamation for "National Nursing
Home Week, May 13-19, 2007." Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein,
seconded by John Anderson to adopt this proclamation. Vote unanimous,
motion carried. (Attachment B.)
9. Suspense
Tax List: MV-$15,373.14; PP-$24,564.60 = $39,937.74
The Suspense
Tax List is a list of taxes that are deemed difficult to collect.
This list must be approved by the Board of Selectmen annually. There
was a motion by John Anderson, seconded by Mark Finkelstein to accept
the Suspense Tax List. Vote unanimous, motion carried.
10. Resolution:
Application for a $212,850 FEMA Grant, Assistance to Firefighters
(AFG) Program - Portland Volunteer Fire Department
Lt. Callahan
(Coughlin) of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department reviewed information
regarding this resolution and how the Fire Department decides to
request funding. He explained that there are many criteria which
need to be met and the department looks at these requirements to
determine the likelihood of funding when applying for grants such
as this one.
First Selectwoman
Bransfield read into the record the resolution for the Application
for a $212,850 FEMA Grant, Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Program
- Portland Volunteer Fire Department. There was a motion made by
Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Scott Adamsons, to adopt this resolution.
Vote unanimous, motion carried. (Attachment C.)
11. Resolution:
Application for a $192,500 FEMA Grant, Assistance to Firefighters
(AFG) Program - Portland Volunteer Fire Department
This request
is for permission to apply for a grant for $192,500 which will pay
to purchase a replacement light rescue vehicle for the Portland
Fire Department. There was a slight change made to this resolution
- the year 1984 is changed to 1988. There was a motion to adopt
this resolution and waive the reading of it by Scott Adamsons, seconded
by Sharon Gibala. Vote unanimous, motion carried. (Attachment D.)
Fire Chief Shea
informed the Board of Selectmen that the Portland Fire Department
has taken advantage of an opportunity to join in a regional grant
proposal with Middletown. Portland will receive a small percentage
of the grant, if approved. This will allow the PFD to take advantage
of the latest in technology.
Chief Shea also
informed the Board of Selectmen that the 2006 grant is on time and
under budget. There was a cost savings of approximately $3000 that
was able to expand the amount of equipment purchased.
The Board of
Selectmen entered into recess at 8:30 pm. They returned from recess
at 8:40 pm.
12. Open Positions:
2-Library Assistant I (part-time)
Janet Nocek,
Library Director, reviewed for the Board of Selectmen the duties
of the position of Library Assistant I. There are currently two
open positions for a total of 36 hours. In addition, the library
staff is feeling the effects of staff reductions that have taken
place in the last year. Ms. Nocek requested that at least one position
should be filled immediately (20 hours). Currently the staff shortage
is being compensated for by having current employees work extra
hours. This is a concern for several reasons:
- Current employees
are being paid a higher rate than would be paid to a newly hired
employee.
- Current employees
can potentially go over 25 hours, which would make them eligible
for benefits and potentially cause a union issue.
After discussion,
it was the consensus of the Board of Selectmen that they decline
filling this position at this time. This issue will be revisited
at the first Board of Selectmen meeting in June.
13. Review Monthly
Budget Reports
Mr. Rob Buden,
Finance Director, reviewed the budget report which is as of 3-31-07.
- Revenue:
Overall collection rate is 98.14 %
- Expenditures:
as of 3-31-07, 74.6% of expenditures have been spent
- The library
contract has been ratified and retro checks will be issued.
With regard
to the request of the Clean Energy Task Force, Mr. Buden will create
a separate fund for the rebate money to be deposited into. All of
the money with regard to Task Force will be put into this fund.
14. Acceptance
of so-called "Farrell Property," located on Bartlett Street
First Selectwoman
Bransfield read into the record the resolution to accept the so-called
"Farrell Property." This is a parcel of land on Bartlett
Street, approximately 6.52 acres, which the town could use in the
future for a sewer pump station. There is no reason to believe there
is contamination on this property. There was a motion to adopt this
resolution by Brian Flood, seconded by John Anderson. Vote unanimous,
motion carried. (Attachment E.)
15. Appointments
to Boards and Commissions (Re-appointments, vacancies, etc.:
Neededâ Board of Assessment Appeals: 1 alternate; Conservation
Com: 1 alternate; Middlesex Area Regional Mental Health Board: 1-regular;
Youth Services Advisory Board: 1-regular, 1-alternate; ZBA: 2-alternates)
First Selectwoman
Bransfield has three nominations for the Housing Authority that
she is considering. She will bring this to the Board of Selectmen
at a future date.
16. Refunds:
none
17. Public Comment:
none
18. Board of
Selectmen General Informal Discussion
First Selectwoman
Bransfield gave a brief update regarding a recent meeting with Bartlett
Hill residents regarding vandalism of property in this subdivision.
She stated that the meeting with the residents was a productive
one and that the residents were grateful for the fast response of
emergency personnel when there was an incidence of arson on the
property. There is another meeting planned on 5-15-07 with the Bartlett
Hill Associated and Sally Doyen, Superintendent of Schools as well
as the secondary school principals to discuss how incidents such
as this one can be addressed in the schools.
19. Adjourn
Meeting
There was a
motion to adjourn the meeting by John Anderson, seconded by Scott
Adamsons. Vote unanimous, motion carried. The meeting was adjourned
at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Laura Siena
Board Clerk
ATTACHMENT A.
RESOLUTION
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Town of Portland, Connecticut
May 2, 2007
"Healthy
Communities, Healthy Youth Month"
WHEREAS, in
our effort to re-confirm our belief that Portland children and teenagers
deserve to grow up in a safe, healthy, loved, secure and well-educated
environment; and
WHEREAS, many
families need support to meet the needs of their children in this
stressful society; and
WHEREAS, the
Town of Portland's Youth Services Bureau has undertaken a major
effort called "Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth" to
strengthen families and become a caring community for children;
and
WHEREAS, the
month of May has been declared "Healthy Communities, Healthy
Youth Month", focusing town efforts less on responding to crises
and more on developing a community-wide infrastructure to surround
children and adolescents with the wide range of assets that are
crucial for healthy development; and
WHEREAS, we
recognize the inter-dependence of government, schools, businesses,
social service agencies, civic organizations, and neighborhoods
and thus believe that the best way to ensure our children's future
is to work together; and
WHEREAS, because
of its traditions and community spirit the Town of Portland is uniquely
placed to make these efforts succeed and to become a model for other
communities throughout the state and nation; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that
the Portland Board of Selectmen endorses the "Healthy Communities,
Healthy Youth" initiative by the Youth Services Bureau; and
be it further
RESOLVED, that
the Board of Selectmen invites and encourages organizations, parents,
and all residents of Portland to join in this partnership which
benefits all children, teenagers, families and ultimately each and
every one of us.
Susan S. Bransfield,
First Selectwoman
Board of Selectmen:
Scott A. Adamsons John H. Anderson
Mark J. Finkelstein Brian M. Flood
Sharon P. Gibala Kathleen G. Richards
ATTACHMENT B.
Proclamation
NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK
May 13th - 19th, 2007
WHEREAS, the
National Nursing Home Week is to honor the dedication of nursing
facilities across the country that provide vital services to the
elderly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and
WHEREAS, our
community's citizens now residing in nursing homes have contributed
immeasurably to the Town of Portland's heritage over the years;
and
WHEREAS, our
community's nursing homes residents are themselves living history;
and
WHEREAS, member
facilities of the American Health Care Association and the Portland
Care and Rehabilitation Center are sponsoring many activities in
observance of National Nursing Home Week guided by this year's theme
"Treasure Our Elders" which begins on Mother's Day, May
13th;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED that I, Susan S. Bransfield, First Selectwoman of
the Town of Portland Connecticut, to signify our appreciation, do
hereby proclaim May 13th - 19th, 2007 as National Nursing Home Week
and call upon all our citizens in the community to recognize and
respect the high quality of care that our nursing facilities are
providing and to visit our Town's nursing home residents not just
during this week but throughout the year.
Presented by
Board of Selectmen:
Scott A. Adamsons John H. Anderson
Mark J. Finkelstein Brian M. Flood
Susan S. Bransfield Sharon P. Gibala Kathleen G. Richards
First Selectwoman
ATTACHMENT C.
RESOLUTION
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Town of Portland, Connecticut
May 2, 2007
APPLICATION
FOR A $212,850 FEMA GRANT
ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS (AFG) PROGRAM
PORTLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, there is an opportunity for the Town to apply for another
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters
Grant (AFG) Program; and
WHEREAS, Fire
Department planners have identified the need to replace/purchase
Firefighting Equipment, specifically 90 sets of bunker pants, turnout
coats and boots, each set costing $2,365 for a total of $212,850;
and
WHEREAS, there
is a local match of 5% which in Portland's case would be $10,643;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that
the Board of Selectmen hereby authorize Susan S. Bransfield, the
First Selectwoman of the Town of Portland, to file a grant application
to FEMA for a AFG Program Grant on behalf of the Portland Volunteer
Fire Department in an amount of $212,850, ninety-five percent (95%)
of which or $202,207 would come from federal funds while the remaining
five percent (5%) of $10,643 would be a required local match.
ATTACHMENT D.
RESOLUTION
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Town of Portland, Connecticut
May 2, 2007
APPLICATION
FOR A $192,500 FEMA GRANT
ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS (AFG) PROGRAM
PORTLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, there is an opportunity for the Town to apply for another
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters
Grant (AFG) Program; and
WHEREAS, Fire
Department planners have identified the need to replace the 1984
truck "Portland 7," the medical/light rescue truck which
carries equipment for medical response, brush fires, water rescues,
auto accidents, and public service calls. The total cost is $192,500
for the vehicle and basic equipment; and
WHEREAS, there
is a local match of 5% which in Portland's case would be $9,625;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that
the Board of Selectmen hereby authorize Susan S. Bransfield, the
First Selectwoman of the Town of Portland, to file a grant application
to FEMA for a AFG Program Grant on behalf of the Portland Volunteer
Fire Department in an amount of $192,500, ninety-five percent (95%)
of which or $182,875 would come from federal funds while the remaining
five percent (5%) of $9,625 would be a required local match.
ATTACHMENT E.
RESOLUTION
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MAY 2, 2007
ACCEPTANCE OF
THE SO-CALLED "Farrell Property"
WHEREAS, Mary Farrell aka Mary M. Farrell and Michael J. Farrell
own a certain piece or parcel of unimproved land situated on the
north side of Bartlett Street, containing by estimation 6.8 acres,
designated in the Assessor's files as Map 58 Lot 28, being the same
premises described in a certain warranty deed recorded in Volume
62 at page 319 of the Portland Land Records; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, upon
recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Counsel,
the Board of Selectmen hereby approves the acquisition of the so
called Farrell Property located on the north side of Bartlett Street
from Mary M. and Michael J. Farrell, in lieu of delinquent property
tax payments in the sum of $8,957.86, which taxes are calculated
through May 31, 2007. The Farrell Property is further described
in Schedule A attached hereto.
Schedule A
A certain piece or parcel of unimproved land situated in the Town
of Portland, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, on the
north side of Bartlett Street and containing by estimation 6.8 acres
and being designated on an aerial map No. 20 as Lot 10 in Block
26 said parcel is bounded and described as follows:
Northerly by
land now or formerly of F.R. and R.M. Goodrich;
Easterly by
state highway, Route No. 17;
Southerly by
Bartlett Street; and
Westerly by
Summer Street
Being same premises described in a certain Warranty Deed, dated
July 31, 1959, from Joseph Repozo to Salvatore Debari and recorded
in Volume 62 at page 319 of the Portland Land Records.
Reference is
hereby made and may be had to Assessor's Map 58, Lot 28.
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