CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 2003
The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of November 17, 2003 was convened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Mark Benigni. Mayor Benigni led the Council in the salute to the flag and Patricia Lynes offered the invocation. The Clerk called the roll. Present: Robert Clermont, Joseph Ferrigno Feest, Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, Patricia Lynes, George McGoldrick, Michael Rohde, Anthony Tomassetti and Stephen Zerio.
ABSENT: Matthew Dominello and Joseph Galotti were excused. Walter Shamock was on vacation.
ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC COMMENT: Robert Clermont, Joseph Ferrigno Feest, Keith Gordon, Brian Kogut, Patricia Lynes, George McGoldrick, Michael Rohde, Anthony Tomassetti and Stephen Zerio.
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Roger L. Kemp, City Manager and Lawrence J. Kendzior, Corporation Counsel.
Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to invoke Rule 20 to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of October 20, 2003 and to adopt the Consent Calendar and minutes as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 1. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio, by request.
Whereas, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications for its Brownfields Assessment Grant program; and
Whereas, the City of Meriden wishes to improve its quality of life and create land for redevelopment by eliminating blighted and contaminated properties; and
Whereas, these funds would help prepare vacant and abandoned sites for new industrial and commercial reuse, increase the tax base and create new jobs for residents; and
Whereas, the City of Meriden, is a governmental entity eligible to apply for these funds; and
Whereas, the City of Meriden must submit an application by December 4, 2003 and has engaged the services of a consultant under the City’s Community Development Grant Program funds to prepare this application; and
Whereas, this EPA application and funding do not require any expenditure of funds by the City; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Meriden City Council hereby approves the submission of this application to EPA and authorizes the City Manager, Roger Kemp, to execute any and all documents pertaining to these applications and grant awards.
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Adopted.
Item 2. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio, by request.
Whereas, the City of Meriden’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee developed and approved a CEDS plan in 2000 to guide its economic development efforts; and
Whereas, this CEDS was also approved by Meriden’s City Council and the United States Economic Development Association (EDA); and
Whereas, EDA requires that the CEDS Committee produce Annual Reports in conjunction with the CEDS planning process and that these Annual Reports be endorsed and adopted by the City Council; and
Whereas, Meriden’s CEDS Committee developed and approved a 2003 CEDS Annual Report on September 10, 2003 which has been reviewed by the City Council; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Meriden City Council hereby endorses and adopts the City of Meriden’s Annual 2003 CEDS Report.
Adopted.
Item 3. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio, by request.
Whereas, the owner of property located at 122 Thurrott Avenue has offered to transfer title to that property to the City in lieu of foreclosure for taxes owed on those property; and
Whereas, the City Planner has recommended that title to that property be accepted; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that Title to 122 Thurrott be accepted in lieu of taxes owed, and that the City Manager and Corporation Counsel be authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to that purpose.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning and Planning.
Item 4. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio.
Whereas, the 90 day period to test the new landfill fee schedule has now expired; and
Whereas, there needs to be improvements in how citizens can drop off their own bulky waste at the transfer station as well as for curb side pick-up; and
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Whereas, many citizens would prefer to bring their own bulky waste to the landfill at a reasonable cost; and
Whereas, the demand for curb side pick-up has increased significantly creating delays for pick-up; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that upon passage of this resolution that a one year permit will be made available at City Hall for the cost of $10; and
Be It Further Resolved, this permit will be displayed in the vehicle carrying the bulky waste to the landfill; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the curb side pick-up fee will be increased to $50.
Referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 5. Presented by Patricia D. Lynes.
Resolved, that the City Manager, Roger Kemp, is empowered to enter into or amend contractural instruments in the name and on behalf of the City Council of Meriden with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Child Day Care program if such an agreement is offered and to have the corporate seal affixed to all documents required as a part of any offered agreement.
Adopted.
Item 6. Presented by Michael S. Rohde, by request.
Whereas, the City has installed a new sidewalk along the north side of Yale Acres Road from broad Street to North Court; and
Whereas, the City needed additional right-of-way in order to install the sidewalks; and
Whereas, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, agreed to dedicate 3,551 square feet of right-of-way for the completion of the sidewalks; and
Whereas, the City needs to sign the Department of Transportation Release Form to formally accept the right-of-way dedication; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City Council accept the right-of-way dedication from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and authorize Roger L. Kemp, City Manager, to execute the agreement/deed.
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Referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 7. Presented by Michael S. Rohde, by request.
Whereas, the City of Meriden and its residents are desirous of making certain improvements to Harbor Brook and the bridge located at Coe Avenue; and
Whereas, a necessary component of this project is the acquisition of a certain portion of a parcel of land located at 6 Glen Hills Road and temporary and permanent easements along, on and across a portion of that parcel; and
Whereas, that parcel of land is currently under foreclosure by the City for delinquent taxes, in which foreclosure the Court has ordered a foreclosure by sale; and
Whereas, because of that pending foreclosure and the number of other encumbrances to the title to the property, good title to the portion of the parcel and the easements necessary for the improvements desired to be made by the City cannot be obtained by purchase; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City of Meriden acquire through eminent domain the land and easements described on Exhibit A attached hereto for the construction of improvements to Harbor Brook and Bridge No. 04161 Coe Avenue over Harbor Brook.
EXHIBIT “A”
A ten foot wide portion of property along the southwesterly side of Coe Avenue, containing 1,003 square feet, more or less, and more particularly bounded and described as follows:
NORTHEASTERLY: by Coe Avenue, 98 feet, more or less; and
NORTHWESTERLY: by land of the Grantor, 10 feet, more or less; and
SOUTHWESTERLY: by land of the Grantor, 103 feet, more or less; and
SOUTHEASTERLY: by Harbor Brook, 12 feet, more or less.
A drainage easement along the northwesterly side of Harbor Brook to maintain overflow channel and wingwall, containing 4,301 square feet, more or less, and more particularly bounded and described as follows:
SOUTHEASTERLY: by Harbor Brook, 64 feet, more or less; and
NORTHEASTERLY:by land to be acquired from the Grantor, described above, 77 feet, more or less; and
NORTHWESTERLY:by land of the Grantor, 68 feet, more or less; and
SOUTHWESTERLY:by land now or formerly of Mark P. & Barbara K. Cerbie, 66 feet, more or less.
A drainage easement to install metal beam rail and maintain guide railing and end anchorage, containing 97 square feet, more or less, and more particularly bounded and described as follows:
SOUTHEASTERLY:by land of the Grantor, 15 feet, more or less; and
NORTHEASTERLY:by land to be acquired from the Grantor, described above, 15 feet, more or less; and
WESTERLY:by land of the Grantor, 26 feet, more or less.
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Easement for temporary work area for the purpose of providing temporary access, excavating channel, placing riprap, grading, and using or retaining excavated material during the replacement of bridge No. 04161.
Easement for temporary work area for the purpose of providing temporary access, installing sheet piling, constructing wingwalls, placing riprap, and grading during the replacement of bridge No. 04161.
All as shown on a map entitled “Map Showing Land Acquired from Deborah N. Shepard, by City of Meriden, Replacement of Bridge No. 04161, Coe Avenue Over Harbor Brook, Scale: 1” = 20’, July 2002.
Adopted.
Item 8. Presented by Robert Clermont and Mark Benigni.
Whereas, effective July 15, 2003, the City of Meriden implemented a 90 day pilot program whereby our residents would be charged a fee for the type of vehicle used to dispose of bulky waste item(s) and the like at the Meriden Landfill; and
Whereas, since the fee structure was implemented many of our residents have spoken in opposition of the fee structure; and
Whereas, since the fee structure was implemented the City of Meriden has experienced bulky waste items being disposed of in public areas and on private property other than the Meriden Landfill; and
Whereas, it has been determined that the cost to operate the Meriden Landfill is substantially less than the bulky waste program, therefore we should encourage our residents to utilize the landfill more often as a saving to the taxpayers is realized each time our residents are proactive and utilize the landfill as opposed to the bulky waste program; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that leaves, brush, bulky waste items and tires may be disposed of in the Meriden Landfill at no cost to those persons who are able to show proof of residency within the City of Meriden; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the term persons utilized herein shall be implied to mean individuals who are not engaged in a for profit endeavor within or outside the City of Meriden.
Referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 9. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio.
Whereas, the City has acquired certain properties through foreclosure; and
Whereas, certain of these properties is located at 246 Pratt Street; and
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Whereas, the City’s Economic Development Task Force is responsible for managing and/or disposing of such properties; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the aforementioned property be listed for lease with a licensed Real Estate broker.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning and Planning.
Item 10. Presented by Robert Clermont.
Whereas, outdoor lighting installations should be used to promote safety and security and for other lawful purposes; and
Whereas, such lighting should be used in a manner that minimizes unnecessary glare, light trespass, and degradation to the nighttime visual environment, and not be used to annoy or harass; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the following be enacted as Chapter 130 of the City Code, and that such ordinance be effective upon adoption and that publication thereof be dispensed with.
Chapter 130
LIGHTING RESTRICTIONS
§130-1. Restrictions on lighting.
No person or entity shall have, keep, maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained any flood, spot, or reflector type lumenaire, or lighting for illumination of signs or for other purposes, on any property in such manner that its light is directed or reflected into any residential building within 500 feet of the property containing the flood, spot or reflector lumenaire or lighting so as to annoy or harass any occupant of such building.
No person or entity shall have, keep, maintain, or cause to be kept or maintained any flood, spot, or other reflector-type lumenaire on any property in such manner that it sheds light more than .25 candle power over the property line of any other property belonging to another person or entity.
No person or entity shall have, keep, maintain, or cause to be kept any lumenaire with a lamp or lamps rated at more than 1800 lumens, nor any flood or spot lumenaire with lamps rated more than 900 lumens, that emits any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct light-emitting part of the lumenaire.
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§130-2. Exceptions.
Lumenaires used for public roadway illumination, all temporary emergency lighting, and all hazard warning lumenaires required by federal or state regulatory agencies shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
§130-3. Penalties and enforcement.
A violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of ninety-nine dollars ($99.00). Each day such violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. The provisions of this chapter may be enforced by citation, in addition to all other remedies allowed by law. The following persons shall have the authority to issue citations for violations of this chapter: any City of Meriden police officer, the Director of Development and Enforcement, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Building Official, any Housing Inspector.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning for Public Hearing.
Item 11. Presented by Mark Benigni, Stephen T. Zerio, Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., George McGoldrick, Michael S. Rohde, Patricia D. Lynes.
Whereas, there is a documented need for more affordable child care facilities in the City of Meriden; and
Whereas, professional childcare creates learning experiences to enable preschoolers to enter school healthy and ready to learn; and
Whereas, a consortium of non-profit organizations within the City have planned for this facility, received grant funds, and are ready to proceed with this project; and
Whereas, this consortium includes representatives from the following Meriden organizations: Women and Family Center, YMCA, M.H.A., Head Start, Board of Education, Chamber of Commerce, Conservation Commission, as well as the Children’s First Initiative; and
Whereas, this project includes a childcare facility, a neighborhood center, and access to over 50 acres of open space to be used as nature center; and
Whereas, to accomplish this project, this organization needs a portion of the City-owned Bailey Avenue property, and access to the adjoining open-space acreage; and
Whereas, this project will benefit Meriden families, as well as future generations of Meriden residents; now, therefore,
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Be It Resolved, that the City Council wholeheartedly endorses this project as proposed, and agrees to enter into a conditional 25-year lease agreement, with a 25-year option, for the southerly portion of the Bailey Avenue property (not to exceed 4 acres of net building space); and
Further Resolved, that the Corporation Counsel is hereby directed to prepare a 25-year lease with a 25-year option, on this property for $1.00 per year, with the following condition:
…that the lease expires within 36-months if the consortium does not raise the necessary funds for the proposed on-site improvements, and/or make appropriate application to the City to develop this property during this period; and
Further Resolved, that the City agrees to designate the remainder of this site as permanent open space for the duration of this lease; and
Further Resolved, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute this lease agreement on behalf of the City of Meriden.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning and Finance.
Item 12. Presented by Mark D. Benigni and Stephen T. Zerio.
Whereas, Section 7-421 of the Connecticut General Statutes has been amended to authorize a municipality to permit, by ordinance, municipal classified employees to serve on the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission; and
Whereas, municipal employees should be eligible to serve on those boards and commissions; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the following is hereby enacted as Article XXXVII, Section 6-177 of the City Code:
6-177. Classified employees eligible to serve.
All municipal employees shall be eligible to serve on the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission.
And, Be It Further Resolved, that this amendment shall be effective upon passage and publication thereof shall be dispensed with.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning for Public Hearing.
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Item 13. Presented by Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Whereas, there have been numerous accidents and near misses in the area of Brook Street and State Street; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that a traffic study be done in the area of Brook and State Streets with a report back to the Public Safety Committee within 60 days.
Referred to Public Safety.
Item 14. Bid Waiver from Richard Graham, Deputy Director of Public Works to purchase bank run gravel and screened topsoil under state bid was filed.
Item 15. Bid Waiver from Deputy Chief Ross of Meriden Fire Department for $17,400 to purchase 15 sets of Firefighter Turnout Gear from Industrial Safety was filed.
Item 16. Letter to Mayor Benigni from Richard Leary, 48 Country Lane re: Paving of Country Lane. Referred to Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 17. Letter to City Council from Ms. Angiletta re: Accepting Daniel Way as an official City road was referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning and Planning.
Item 18. Letter from Planning Commission re: Holiday Cinemas – 61 Pomeroy Avenue and their request to utilize a city parcel for a “directory” type sign and their recommendation to table until details are provided as to the actual proposed sign and location was filed.
Item 19. Claims submitted against the City by Betsy Keating, 164 Swain Avenue, Meriden; Sheryl Gowing, 240 East Main Street, #2N, Meriden; Glenn Milslagle, 25 Leigus Road, Wlfd., CT.; Ron Lapointe, 741 Broad Street, Meriden; Alfred Povilaitis, 581 Crown Street, Unit 84, Meriden; Diana DeManche, 267 Johnson Avenue, Meriden; Sheila and Henry Hoffman, Jr., 692 Yale Avenue, Meriden were referred to Legal and Safety & Risk.
Item 26. Meriden Police Department Monthly Report of September 2003 was filed with City Clerk.
Item 27. Meriden Aviation Commission Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2003 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 28. Municipal Pension Board Minutes of October 14, 2003 were filed with City Clerk.
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Item 29. Golf Course Commission Minutes of September 23, 2003 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 30. School Building Committee Meeting Minutes of October 2, 2003 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 31. Flood Control Implementation Agency Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2003 were filed with City Clerk.
Item MNO32. Presented by Patricia D. Lynes, by request.
Whereas, the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center provides Mini-Bus Transportation for Meriden residents age 60 and over; and
Whereas, the program provides rides to the Senior Center, Casa Boricua, for medical appointments, grocery shopping and convalescent home; and
Whereas, many people who no longer drive rely on this program to meet their transportation needs; and
Whereas, in the last fiscal year the program provided 16,555 one way rides covering 25,826 miles within the City of Meriden; and
Whereas, the program has one vacancy for a part-time Mini-Bus Driver due to the promotion of Ron DeJohn to a fulltime Min-Bus Driver; and
Whereas, this position is funded in the 2003-2004 budget for the Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Affairs; and
Whereas, the lack of a third Mini-Bus Driver has resulted in less rides provided for senior citizens who need this service; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to fill this position.
Referred to Finance.
Item MNO33. Presented by Mark D. Benigni and Anthony D. Tomassetti.
Whereas, the City’s Central Business District is experiencing increased commercial activity; and
Whereas, the nature of the downtown should change because of the addition of these trends; and
Whereas, a new market will hopefully be created for restaurants, delicatessens, and other eateries in our downtown area; and
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Whereas, these new eating establishments should have the option of providing outdoor seating/dining options, and should have the option of providing outdoor seating/dining options, and should have the ability to secure liquor license permits to serve alcohol to their customers; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City Manager be directed to recommend to the City Council a method in which to allow outdoor restaurant seating and liquor permits in our downtown area; and
Be It Further Resolved, that appropriate controls be incorporated into this process, and the City Manager prepare and report his recommendations back to the City Council within the next 120 days.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning.
Item MNO34. Presented by Stephen T. Zerio.
Whereas, on October 21, 2002 the Meriden City Council approved a resolution allowing the City’s Economic Development Task Force to dispose of 1756 North Broad Street, 1758 North Broad Street and 1772 North Broad Street; and
Whereas, the City offered the above properties for sale by public advertisement through a “Request for Proposals” (RFP) process; and
Whereas, the City’s Economic Development Task Force reviewed and ranked all submitted proposals according to specific evaluation criteria specified in the RFP; and
Whereas, on May 8, 2003, S.R. Realty LLC (for Central Auto Auction d.b.a. Statewide Recovery LLC) of 1830 North Broad Street, Meriden, Connecticut submitted a proposal and offered $163,000 to the City for these properties and this offer is above the fair market value as determined by two appraisals conducted by Connecticut licensed appraisers; and
Whereas, the City’s Economic Development Task Force ranked the S.R. Realty LLC’s proposal highest and recommend sale of these properties to S.R. Realty LLC for $163,000; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City Council hereby approves the sale of the aforementioned properties to S.R. Realty LLC for one hundred and sixty-three thousand dollars ($163,000) and refers the method of transfer to the city attorney; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the transfer/sale of the property is conditioned on S.R. Realty LLC’s obtaining all necessary local approvals for the development plan specified in their proposal; and
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Be It Further Resolved, that the City is authorized to take back the property if the development project as substantially specified in S.R. Realty LLC’s proposal is not completed within 2 years from the transfer of title; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Manager is authorized to execute all paperwork related to this transaction.
Referred to Economic Development, Housing & Zoning.
Item MNO35. Presented by George E. McGoldrick.
Whereas, the City of Meriden will become two hundred years old in the year 2006; and
Whereas, an appropriate civic celebration of Meriden’s Bicentennial is in the City’s interest; and
Whereas, planning for similar past celebrations has involved participation by a wide representation of city residents and organizations; and
Whereas, the Meriden City Council has determined that careful planning for this important public celebration will be well served by a timely beginning; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that a Bicentennial Steering Committee be created to begin preparations to mark the City’s Bicentennial; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Manager be directed to determine an appropriate membership for the Steering Committee and present nominations for consideration by the City Council before December 31, 2003; and
Be It Further Resolved, that an appropriation for Bicentennial Planning be included in preparation for the 2004-2005 City Budget.
Adopted.
Item MNO36. Presented by Michael S. Rohde, by request.
Whereas, the City of Meriden and its residents are desirous of making certain improvements to Harbor Brook and the bridge located at Coe Avenue; and
Whereas, a necessary component of this project is the acquisition of a certain portion of a parcel of land located at 33 Coe Avenue; and
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Whereas, the owner of said property is unable to secure a partial release of the mortgage encumbering the property in a time that meets the requirements of the City for funding of this project; and
Whereas, the City in a condemnation will pay into Court the same sum for the acquisition of the portion of the property as it had agreed upon with the owner, and the condemnation process will result in the City acquiring title in a timely fashion; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the City of Meriden acquire through eminent domain the land described on Exhibit A attached hereto for the construction of improvements to Harbor Brook and Bridge No. 04161 Coe Avenue over Harbor Brook.
EXHIBIT “A”
A piece of property along the east side of Bradley Avenue, containing 9,688 square feet, more or less, and more particularly bounded and described as follows:
SOUTHEASTERLY: by land of the Grantor, 129 feet, more or less; and
WESTERLY: by land now or formerly of John J. & Beatrice M. Moore, 66 feet, more or less; and
NORTHERLY: by land now or formerly of Daniel L. & Elena M. Roberts, 100 feet, more or less; and
EASTERLY: by Bradley Avenue, 136 feet, more or less.
All as shown on a map entitled “Map Showing Land Acquired from Mark A. Meredith, by City of Meriden, Replacement of Bridge No. 04161, Coe Avenue Over Harbor Brook, Scale: 1”=20’, July 2002.
Adopted.
Item MNO37. Presented by Brian Kogut, by request.
Be It Resolved, that the position of Public Safety System Support Specialist be filled.
Referred to Finance.
Item MNO38. Presented by Patricia D. Lynes.
Whereas, the School Readiness Coordinator’s position recently became vacant; and
Whereas, this position is critical to the administration of the School Readiness Program; and
Whereas, the salary for this position is entirely paid with grant funds with the fringe benefits being paid by the General Fund; and
Whereas, the $1.7 million dollar grant may be jeopardized if this position is not filled immediately; now, therefore,
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Be It Resolved, that the City Manager be authorized to fill this position; and
Be It Further Resolved, that fringe benefits for this position have already been included in this year’s budget.
Adopted.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 20A. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning installation of a streetlight on pole by entrance of Meetinghouse Village on Yale Avenue (by retention pond) on 9/15/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Be It Ordered, that this request be approved as recommended by staff. Staff recommends the installation of a streetlight on Pole #6810.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 20B. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning city remove any and all abandoned vehicles from 274 Cook Avenue on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairman; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 20C. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning installation of a streetlight and/or increase lumens on pole in front of 72 Amity Street on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Chairperson; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Be It Ordered, that this request be approved as recommended by staff. Staff recommends that the lumens on pole #877 be increased.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
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Item 20D. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning Local Law Enforcement Block Grant on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairperson; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to adopt. Tomassetti stated this item was adopted at the last Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 20E. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning installation of a speed limit sign visible to vehicles traveling in easterly direction along Kensington Avenue between Chamberlain Highway and Lewis Avenue on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairperson; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to adopt. Tomassetti stated that the sign has been installed. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 20F. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning walking trails around Hanover Pond on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairperson; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 20G. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning streetlight being installed on Pole #90965, Webb Street, South Meriden on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairperson; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Be It Ordered, that staff will install a red diamond sign on the guardrail at the end of Webb Street.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded for the purposes of discussion by Keith Gordon, to adopt. Councilor Gordon stated he originally put this resolution in and asked that it be resubmitted back to the committee so he can have an opportunity to discuss the reasons why this was resolution was put in. He missed the meeting and stated there were some law enforcement
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issues why he was requesting a light to be put installed which had nothing to do with it being a dead end street. Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Keith Gordon, to withdraw the original motion to adopt. Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to recommit the resolution to the Public Safety Committee. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 20H. Your Public Safety Committee, to whom was referred a letter to Mayor Benigni from Joyce Baker of 28 Farm Hill Road, South Meriden requesting that a “No Through Truck” sign be reinstalled at the corner of Main Street and River Road on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend denial and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Matthew C. Dominello, Sr., Chairperson; Anthony D. Tomassetti, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Rohde; Keith Gordon; Joseph Ferrigno Feest.
Be It Ordered, that this request be denied as recommended by staff. Staff recommends denial based upon the State DOT guidelines and their policy will not allow a “No Through Truck” sign on Main Street.
Anthony Tomassetti, made a motion, seconded by Joseph Ferrigno Feest, to adopt. Benigni asked that staff send a letter to Mrs. Baker explaining to her what happened regarding her request. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21A. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning filling vacancy of Administrative Secretary in the Planning Department on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that the position of Administrative Secretary in the Planning Department be changed to a Clerk III and the Clerk III position in Neighborhood Preservation Department be upgraded to an Administrative Secretary.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut explained there are two vacancies in the Planning Department that the Finance Committee will be recommending to be filled. The department is short staffed. This department does have a significant case load and many things that are required have statutory deadlines and it is important these are done in a timely fashion. Benigni asked if switching this employee would cost the city any additional money. Kogut stated it basically saves the city about $15,000 on the general fund side but it is picked up through CDBG grant funding. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21B. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning filling vacancy of the Assistant City Planner on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
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Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph F. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated that this is to fill the vacancy of the Assistant City Planner that has been vacant since September. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21C. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning filling vacancy of Accountant on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that the last paragraph of the resolution be deleted.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated there has been an opening in this department since Mr. Curry assumed the Finance Director’s position. There are many new federal requirements, accounting principles and GASBY 34, so the committee felt it important to fill this position. Benigni asked what the staff differential was when Curry was the assistant and Murphy the director. Does Curry have any new or additional staff from when Murphy was here. Kogut stated no but wanted the City Manager to verify. Kemp stated the Council approved this position last year when Murphy was the finance director. Since he was retiring he did not fill the position. The position is in this year’s budget approved by the Council and the new
finance director wants to fill it because of the new federal guidelines for the GASBY 34 accounting requirements. Curry stated it has to be filled to comply with the federal law but the position had been approved for two years in the budget. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21D. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning an appropriation not to exceed $1,000 for the Washington Park Fife and Drum Corp on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that source of funding to come from the Contingency Fund.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21E. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning proposed water main extension and property assessments on Barr Road on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
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Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that this request be approved with an amendment to implement this against the full frontage assessment minus the City’s frontage.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated Barr Road is located off of Paddock Avenue and when the street was built the developer didn’t put in a water line. At that time all houses were served by wells. Over the years several of the wells have become contaminated and the residents on the street applied to the PUC to extend their waterline. The street is currently scheduled for complete reconstruction in the next reconstruction cycle which is next spring and summer. When the PUC made their recommendation to the Council they did so with assessments based on sewer assessments. They take a total cost of the project, divide it by 2 and the first half of the assessment is then divided by the actual number of housing units so there is a “unit cost”. The second half is assessed based on people’s individual frontages and that is the way it has been done with respect to sewer. When staff was asked how it is done for water it was found out there
hasn’t actually been a water assessment since 1959. When the committee looked at this we weren’t really sure if the sewer assessment or the formula that is in place would be appropriate for this situation. This particular street is different from many other streets as the city actually owns much of the frontage. Much of this land is wetlands which will never be developed so in the formula recommended by the PUC there was nothing taking to account for that. The residents were actually going to foot the entire bill. The recommendation that Kogut made was subsequently approved by the Finance Committee was to follow the same practice that was followed in 1959. At that time residents were assessed simply on frontage. It turns out in this case that will also be the least cost to the actual homeowners. They won’t be kicking in a unit charge and won’t be paying for the city’s frontage. The Committee asked the staff to
do some calculations and essentially it is going to shift about $33,000 of the burden back towards the city with the total cost expected to be around $74,000. For example 26 Barr Road would drop from approximately $7,400 to $4,400, 31 Barr Road would drop from approximately $5,900 to $2,700, 40 Barr Road would drop from approximately $7,700 to $4,700, etc. The assessments would go down anywhere between 47-61% from the PUC recommended rates. Kogut asked Corporation Counsel if there are any problems doing it this way. He felt following the past practice was the best way to go but wanted to hear Corporation Counsel’s comments. Kendzior stated that the key to any of the assessments is to provide that they are proportional to the interests that people have and that method seems to have satisfied that requirement. Kogut stated the reason that this is coming before the Council is that the street is scheduled to be completely reconstructed. It
is in deplorable condition. It makes sense to get the water main in before the construction takes place. Gordon stated he was not at the meeting and does not sit on the Public Works Committee. He heard there was money going to be put in for fire hydrants. Kemp stated he hadn’t heard that and they won’t be starting next year’s CIP until next springtime. That project would have to compete against other meritorious projects in the City that may or may not make it in the CIP. Kogut stated he had not heard of that at all and would defer to Corporation Counsel. Kogut asked if something like that is put in aren’t we required to impose an assessment by charter. Kendzior states there is a statute that regulates this. You don’t have to assess but if you assess you have to assess for the full cost of the project. Kogut stated it did come up about the fire hydrants being in the plan and this was discussed.
When the street
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reconstruction was designed the residents asked for the possibility of extending water so it wasn’t that the city was going to put fire hydrants in the street. It was simply that the city was going to reconstruct the road and the residents had inquired about it and made sure that their plans incorporated the hydrants. This showed prudent planning on their part. Rohde stated this item came before the Public Works Committee and a couple of neighbors presented their case. The committee was moved by the fact that there were significant safety issues and the situation had been going on for quite some time and the committee was happy to pass it on that basis and refer to Finance for an equitable way to handle the cost. Rohde thanked the committee for their attention in moving this one step forward. Zerio stated that during the course of the meeting Galotti had made an amendment which did not pass but wanted Corporation Counsel to give some light on same. Galotti suggested that the
unit assessment versus the full frontage assessment be capped at $2,500. Zerio had a couple of issues with this, precedent setting. The whole issue before the Council is something that is using a formula that was used 40-50 years ago and the committee was concerned about creating a precedent which could be detrimental to future Council proceedings in similar matters. This is the reason why they attempted to use the full frontage methodology. The Committee wasn’t sure whether capping the unit assessment at $2,500 was within the authority of the Council. Kendzior stated you can’t have a flat amount for an assessment. The assessment has to be proportional and the square footage frontage is the traditional way to do that. The other problem with the $2,500 amount is that it wouldn’t cover the full cost of the project and the total cost has to be covered. You can’t subsidize part of the project and assess for part of it. Zerio stated that is why the committee felt the fairest
method was the full frontage assessment. By removing the city’s frontage they felt they were being as fair as possible in determining the assessments. The city couldn’t provide total savings but were able to provide some savings off the original assessments. Feest asked who would be doing the actual connection, Public Works or outside contractor. Kogut stated staff looked at this two ways. To have city staff do the project would cost approximately $74,000, to have a contractor do it would cost approximately $108,000 so they are going with the lower cost which is $74,000. Kogut stated to remember this is for the actual water main. There will be connection charges. The residents will have to pay someone to bring the service from the street into their home. Feest stated we are saving approximately $36,000 by using our staff. Lynes wanted to know if we are including fire hydrants and Kogut stated yes. Benigni
stated these numbers are better than those recommended by the PUC. His only concern is that when we talk about the city neglecting this situation he believes some of the responsibility falls on someone who is long gone and that is Robert Mango and Robert Roth, the developers. Benigni doesn’t want this to be a Council versus Barr Road residents. Zerio stated that there are financing options available to the residents. Kogut explained how the financing works. The residents are permitted to finance for one year less than the PUC does. If the PUC takes out a 15 year note on this, the residents would have to pay over 14 years. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21F. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning Local Law Enforcement Block Grant on 10/6/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend filing.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
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Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated that this item has been handled by the Council. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21G. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning an appropriation of $4,100 be transferred from Cultural Diversity Fund (0214,751) to Police Department’s Overtime Budget (2605,191) on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut states this covers the police cost for the Festival on Main. This is the appropriate line item for this expenditure and that is why the Finance Committee is recommending it. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21H. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning job description for Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated this is part of the new Homeland Security Grant package. This will not have any impact on the General Fund. Kemp stated this is a grant funded program. It deals with homeland security and health related issues. Kemp stated we wanted to do a job description and be one of the first to start a formal recruitment process before other cities do. Kemp also stated this is 100% grant funded and is in the Health Department. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21I. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning job description for Public Safety Support Specialist and Geographic Information Systems Specialist on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that this approval is just for the job descriptions and not the filling of the Public Safety Support Specialist position at this time.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated at their last committee meeting they looked at filling these two positions. There wasn’t a new revised job description on file so the committee directed staff to come back with job descriptions. The Public Safety Support Specialist job description has been approved and this job will have to come back before the committee to be filled. Motion carried unanimously.
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Item 21J. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning filling vacancy of Parking Lot Attendant on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated this is a part time position, approximately 25 hours per week with the pay being $7.60 per hour. When the budget was done the committee sat down with the Parking Commission and they outlined a plan whereby they would increase their revenues. This person is needed to collect the money to attain those goals. The Finance Committee is recommending filling the position. Clermont wanted to know if the Committee knew that they would be collecting more than the city is paying per hour for the employee. Kogut stated yes. This individual will be collecting fees at the Colony Street lot which we currently are not collecting. Feest stated business owners on Colony Street had questions and asked Kemp to
send them a letter explaining how the parking situation would work. Kemp stated he would check with Allan Shott, Chairman of the Parking Commission because the Parking Commission has safety valve measures in place to accommodate the workers plus the patrons of the merchants downtown. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21K. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning filling vacancy of Speech/Language Pathologist on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated this position is for a Speech Language Pathologist in the parochial schools. When this position opened up the Finance Committee attempted to find other ways to deliver this service. The committee approached the Board of Education and tried to work with them to find a way to provide these services. At this point in time it doesn’t look like it is going to work out. The only way that the Board of Education would be able to deliver these services would be after school and there was a concern that the students that needed this type of service would not be receiving them. Meriden is the only city in the state that provides this state mandated position. Lynes thanked the members of the Finance
Committee for looking at this and recommending adoption. She has had many calls from the parochial schools, most especially from St. Stan’s. They are the largest parochial school in the city. They have a greater need than some of their colleagues. Benigni met with all the principals who felt this was a very important position. Percentage wise it may not be serving a large percentage of students but if a student needs this service one would hope your school can provide it. Benigni credited the Finance Committee for checking with the Board of Education. McGoldrick stated he appreciated the value of the service and the need for it but wanted to clarify that this is an unfunded state mandate to provide service to parochial schools. Feest stated that the city has always funded this service. Feest stated he will be supporting the item. Motion carried unanimously.
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Item 21L. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning an amendment to GPIB #45 – “Airport Improvement Plan (0401-7345-501) by $28,368 from $469,130 to $497,498” on 10/20/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated this is approximately $28,000 that is needed at the airport for drainage work. It is 97.5% federal/state funded so the total cost to the city will be $705. Motion carried unanimously.
Item21M. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning CIP for FY 2003-2004 on 9/2/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that the following items be approved: Acquisition & Demolition $400,000; City-wide Technology Upgrade $300,000; Parapet Wall/Paint $325,000; Landfill Closure $5,200,000; Bleachers (Repl./Year 3 of 6) $100,000; Hazardous Tree Removal $50,000; Payloader (Repl.) $182,000; Water GIS $200,000; Water Pick-up Truck (Med. Size/Repl.) $15,000; Water Pick-up truck (Utility Body/Repl.)$25,000; Sewer $2,020,000; Flood Control Projects $3,750,000. A total of $12,567,000.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut asked City Manager Kemp to refresh his memory regarding the water pick-up truck and the water pick-up truck with the utility body. Kemp stated he believed all water and sewer items are paid for from the Sewer and Water enterprise. This would include all the projects listed under sewer and water. Kogut stated only a subset of the CIP was discussed the other night because there were some items that were deemed to be time sensitive. One big number is the $5.2 million dollars for the landfill closure which is 100% reimbursable so that will drop that number significantly. This is a subset of the total CIP and the committee will be coming back with more items. Gordon asked the City Manager where the
spending cap needed to be this year. Kemp stated the full CIP for the current year including the new joint animal shelter is still below the self imposed Council spending cap. All the projects submitted are still under the cap. Kogut asked without objection from the committee to remove the medium sized replacement water pick-up truck and the utility body replacement because Zerio and Kogut consulted the print out from the evening of the Finance Committee and those items were not listed. Hearing no objection from the committee it was so ordered. Benigni advised the Council that the water pick-up truck and water pick-up truck utility body would be removed from this committee report. Benigni stated he was pleased with the acquisition and demolition line and stated people have made note about our demolition program. Motion carried unanimously.
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Item 21N. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning sewer usage charge on 9/15/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated we are discussing the sewer rates. The next committee report will discuss the water rates. The PUC made recommendations on both to the Council. The way the charter is written, the PUC sets the sewer rates but there is also a section of the Charter that states the City Council must approve them. The water rates are a little different. The Charter states that the City Council sets the water rates, so there is a slight difference there. The rates set by the PUC contain an increase in the semi-annual charge which is based on the size of a meter you have plus a 30 cent rate increase from $1.73 to $2.03 per 100 c.f. The committee is asking the Council to approve the water rates. The PUC
approved and set the sewer rates. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 21O. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning water usage charge on 9/15/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Ordered, that there is an increase on the meter charges, a reduction on the commodity rate from $2.49 to $2.25 per 100 c.f. and that subtraction meters remain at the current rates.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated in the case of the water rates the City Council has the authority to set the rates. The Council is recommending an increase in the meter charges which was recommended by the PUC but we’re recommending a decrease in the water rates by 25 cents per 100 c.f. The reason for this was increasing both the sewer rates and the water rates wasn’t necessary. The Chairman of the PUC was at the Finance meeting and gave a chronology of what has happened over the past couple of years with both the water plant and the sewer plant. Several years ago significant improvements were made to the water facility and those bonds have been paying down so the city has been building up significant earnings on the water side.
More debt was being occurred at the sewer plant as improvements were done and there is a significant amount of retained earnings in the water department that we felt could be utilized to lower the rate and make it more equitable. Kogut made an amendment, seconded by Zerio, to change the last paragraph to read…Be It Ordered, that there is an increase on the meter charges, a reduction on the commodity rate from $2.49 to $2.24 per 100 cubic feet and that all additional meters that are in place for the purpose of metering/billing water use only (i.e. irrigation, industrial process, etc.) continue to be billed at the existing rate for the basic service fee. Kogut explained as this was written a subtraction meter is a second meter that is put in someone’s house or factory that actually meters not how much water is taken in but how much water goes into the sewer system. If a factory is taking in water and not discharging it into the sewer system they
are not paying a sewer usage fee. The same thing is for homeowners that have irrigation systems in their house. They shouldn’t pay a
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sewer charge for water that is put on their lawn as opposed to put back into the sewage system. As this was written there are several ways that they can install these meters and just to call it a subtraction meter wasn’t correct so that is why the amendment was made. Motion to adopt amendment carried unanimously. Feest asked if the retained earnings that the PUC mentioned would cover the cost of anticipated upgrades. Kogut stated that question would be better answered by the PUC. Kogut stated the city is always doing upgrades on the water side. Several pipes throughout the city have been relined and the city will be continuing with that process. It was explained to the committee that most of the money that will spent in the next couple of years will be on the water
pollution control facility in South Meriden. That plant is in need of major upgrades. There are many new federal requirements, specifically with respect to nitrogen loading meaning that the amount of nitrogen that exits the plant has to be decreased. Motion taken on base motion to adopt as amended and carried unanimously.
Item 21P. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning an appropriation not to exceed $15,000 from Health Insurance Fund to fund pilot program to complete a positive re-enrollment of sample groups from City and Board of Education on 9/15/03, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption and the passage of the accompanying order:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairman; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairman; Stephen T. Zerio; Walter A. Shamock; Joseph R. Galotti, Jr.
Be It Further Ordered, that there be a random sampling of 200 employees based on the total number of employees in the group.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Stephen Zerio, to adopt. Kogut stated this is a recommendation to do a re-enrollment of employees on the health plan. This particular company did a similar exercise in New Haven and saved the city about $2.4 million per year. They found there sometimes were independents that shouldn’t have been on the plan or someone had gotten divorced and hadn’t removed the other spouse from the plan. Meriden is doing a sample. It is the city’s hope that this problem doesn’t exist here and to do our taxpayers justice the city has to take a look. One item that changed at Zerio’s recommendation was to make the sampling completely random. As proposed to the committee the firm was going to audit certain departments and the
committee didn’t think that was fair.*** It was changed to a random sampling on the city and Board of Ed side. Again, the city hopes this audit turns up nothing but felt we needed to go through the exercise. Zerio stated that the firm that will be conducting this audit is our current auditing firm, McGladrey and Pullen. Zerio did oppose the original process. Zerio appreciates the fact that doing this in New Haven reaped a lot of money but in the recent past the city had undergone a membership audit for claims administrator Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. It didn’t cost $15,000 but it cleaned up a lot of problems when the city underwent that audit. Zerio believes most of the employees are honest and trustworthy and positive re-enrollment actually asks them to provide marriage certificates, birth certificates, a lot of documentation. Clermont asked Kemp if someone had inadvertently left a dependent on the plan that was
revealed by the audit what would the savings be to the city. Kemp stated that Director of Finance Curry said it cost $3,500 per couple for health benefits per year. Kemp stated a warning letter was sent out
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prior to doing explaining how it was going to be done. Kemp stated the city is not out to catch the honest employees but out to get those who have someone on the health benefit plan that shouldn’t be. Kemp feels a random sampling audit will show if there are any problems and the cost of the audit is paid from the health benefits account. Rohde asked if it is determined during the random sampling there are some members that are ineligible will the city be able to easily address that situation for cost savings. Kemp stated yes and the city will try to collect arrearages. If someone has been on there for a year they will be expected to pay for a year. Rohde asked if the city had determined a trigger that would constitute a rationale for going forward with a full study. Zerio
stated that is why the city wanted to get this report. It has been not determined what trigger would cause the city to go forth and Zerio wanted to clarify one point. For example if there was an ineligible child on the plan, one that was overage or not a student it doesn’t necessarily mean the city will save the $3,500. The city is still charging a family class. That could potentially save claims cost but it doesn’t automatically mean the city will save $3,500. Zerio stated the city is trying to save the claims cost, not necessarily the administrative cost. Zerio feels the city can do this through a post claim audit and recover funds that way. Zerio feels that would be the more efficient way. Clermont asked the City Manager if the greatest savings would be to the insurance company. Kemp stated we are self insured and we have a third party administrator, Blue Cross and Blue Shield that administers the city’s self insurance
program. Clermont asked if the city pays the premium for that and Kogut stated the city pays the claim and a per head cost for Blue Cross to administer the plan. Feest stated the city is not out to “get anyone”. The city is providing coverage for the people who are supposed to be getting health insurance. Kemp stated we are only looking for the people who are breaking the law. Feest stated he will be supporting this. Benigni stated the bottom line is the city wants to catch anyone that is breaking the law and that is the reality of the situation. He also stated that the Council’s job as elected officials is to protect the taxpayers. If someone is doing something illegal and there is a system to catch them then that's what the city will be trying to do just as we did with those who registered their cars out of state. This is our job and we don’t have to feel guilty. Clermont asked Kemp if there was a
date intended for this to take effect. Kemp stated the city is going to send a letter to employees the first week of December and use the month of December to retrieve information. This should be done by the first week of January with a report back to the Finance Committee with the results of the random sample. Employees would be warned and have a chance to get birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. Benigni stated he hoped a general letter would go out to all employees and not just the employees selected for the random sampling. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 22. No report from Economic Development, Housing & Zoning.
Item 23. No report from Public Works and Parks & Recreation.
Item 24. No report from Human Services.
Item 25. No report from Committee of the Whole.
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There being no further business to be brought before the Council, Stephen Zerio, made a motion, seconded by Patricia Lynes, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Lori N. Canney
Clerk
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