CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 2, 2009
The Meriden City Council’s regular meeting of March 2, 2009 was convened at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Michael S. Rohde. George McGoldrick led the Council in the salute to the flag and Walter Shamock offered the invocation. The Clerk called the roll. Present: Dante’ Bartolomeo, Brian Daniels, Brian Kogut, George McGoldrick, David Salafia, Hilda Santiago, Walter Shamock, John Thorp, Trevor Thorpe, Anthony Tomassetti.
EXCUSED: Matthew Dominello and Keith Gordon were away on business.
ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC COMMENT: Dante’ Bartolomeo, Brian Daniels, Brian Kogut, George McGoldrick, David Salafia, Hilda Santiago, Walter Shamock, John Thorp and Trevor Thorpe.
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: City Manager Lawrence J. Kendzior and City Attorney Deborah Moore.
George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Hilda Santiago,to invoke Rule 20 to bring forth a Consent Calendar and to approve the minutes of February 17, 2009 and to adopt a Consent Calendar as previously prepared. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 1. Presented by David J. Salafia, by request.
Be It Ordered, that the City Council accept a grant from the Cuno Foundation of $9380 on behalf of the City of Meriden; and
Be It Further Ordered, that the money be deposited into Line Item 1000-0214-390 for use by the Meriden Linear Trails Advisory Committee to purchase pedestrian warning lights at the entrance of the Gorge Trail.
Adopted.
Item 4. Claims submitted against the City by Robert Meryl, 56 Pine Street, Meriden, CT; Robert G. Bender, 231 Maple Avenue, Meriden, CT; Theresa M. Ryan, 107 Fiesta Heights, Meriden, CT; Jean Landrigan, 51 Windingbrook Lane, Meriden, CT; Benjamin J. Tiezzi/Joseph J. Fuda, 425 South Colony Street, Meriden, CT; Vittoria Dorman, 161 Skyline Drive, Meriden, CT; Frank Tonidandel, 83 Marshall Road, Meriden, CT were referred to Legal and Safety & Risk.
Item 11. City of Meriden Department of Fire and Emergency Services Monthly Report for November 2008 were filed with City Clerk.
Item 12. Falcon Field/Washington Middle School Project Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2009 were filed with City Clerk.
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Item MNO13. Presented by David J. Salafia, by request.
Whereas, the Water Pollution Control Facility is required to reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged from its facility per Connecticut General Statutes Section 22A-521 through 22A-527; and
Whereas, the Water Pollution Control Facility is currently undergoing an upgrade to meet its nitrogen discharge requirements, however the upgrade will not be completed until 2010; and
Whereas, the Water Pollution Control Facility has exceeded its nitrogen discharge limits, and is required to purchase $373,439 of nitrogen credits for calendar year 2008; and
Whereas, the Water Pollution Control has budgeted $180,000 for purchase of nitrogen credits for calendar year 2008; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, having received the Public Utilities Commissions’ approval, transfer $193,439 from retained earnings to account 502-3930-45-0-0000-483 Nitrogen Credits to cover the total nitrogen credit purchase for calendar year 2008.
Referred to Finance.
Item MNO14. Presented by David J. Salafia, by request.
Whereas, the Broad Brook Treatment Plant is ready to bid for the Heating System upgrade; and
Whereas, due to the consultant estimate $75,000 will be needed to move forward; and
Whereas, the Public Utilities voted to approve this, transferring these dollars from retained earnings; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that $75,000 be transferred from retained earnings to Acct 503-3920-501 to move forward with this project.
Referred to Finance.
Item MNO15. Presented by Michael S. Rohde, by request.
Whereas, the Meriden Linear Trail Advisory Committee has as its stated mission to advise the City of Meriden in identifying opportunities for the development and management of multi-purpose non-motorized trails in the City of Meriden; and
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Whereas, the Committee working with city, state and government agencies, outdoor enthusiasts and other interested parties to create a network of quality multi-purpose trails has demonstrated a need for a funding mechanism for amenities not eligible for funding from outside sources; and
Whereas, the Advisory Committee seeks City of Meriden funding in the amount of $3000.00 to continue its mission for the series of linear trails envisioned; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that the Meriden City Council hereby authorizes an appropriation in the amount of $3000 and that all expenditures by the Advisory Committee be authorized by the Chairman of the Meriden Linear Trail Advisory Committee.
Referred to Finance.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 2. Presented by Brian F. Kogut.
Whereas, the City Manager has submitted his budget proposal to the City Council as required by Section C5-2 of the Charter; and
Whereas, Section C8-5 of the City Charter requires that the City Council hold one or more public hearings on the proposed budget not later than seventy-five days before the end of the fiscal year, and publish notice of such public hearing(s), adopt a budget no later than twenty days after the final such public hearing, and set the tax rate in mill within ten days after adoption of the budget; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, that:
(1) The proposed budget be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration; and
(2) A public hearing be scheduled on the proposed budget on April 16, 2009, or such other date(s) as the Finance Committee shall determine, with notice as required; and
(3) The Finance Committee meet to consider the proposed budget in accordance with the attached schedule or such other dates as it shall determine; and
(4) The Finance Committee report back to the City Council with its budget recommendation no later than April 28, 2009, and the City Council act to adopt a budget for FY2009-10, no later than May 4, 2009, and meet to adopt a tax rate no later than May 14, 2009.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULE
March 10 – Revenues, Fire, General Administration
March 19 – Parks, Health, Public Works
March 31 – Police, Library
April 7 – Development and Enforcement, CIP, PUC
April 14 – Board of Education
April 16 – Public Hearing
All meetings except the public hearing will be scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise noticed, and will be videotaped for airing on the public access channel.
The Public Hearing will be scheduled for a time and place to be decided.
March 2, 2009
Dear Mayor Rohde and Members of the City Council:
It is not possible to overstate the negative impact that the downturn in the national economy will have on our City budget in the next fiscal year. The current economic situation will result in significant decreases in state assistance, local taxes and other local revenues. Compounding the difficulties posed by these revenues losses are unavoidable increases in certain expenditures like wages, health care, pension contributions and payments on indebtedness. Resolving the difficulties posed by the revenue losses and expenditure increases will require that we use all means and methods available to ensure that essential municipal services are adequately funded without causing an unreasonable increase in the local tax burden on our residents and businesses. The decisions that this budget proposal requires you to consider
could not be more difficult.
Year over year revenue losses total approximately $4,900,000. That total includes a decrease in state grants of $576,633, assuming that the Governor’s proposed funding levels are approved. Although the Governor announced in her budget address that she was proposing to flat fund municipal grants, the levels proposed in her budget correspond to the prior year levels without taking into account the use of state surplus amounts added by the Legislature. State pilots will decrease because funding levels remain the same but more property statewide is eligible for reimbursement. Although the Governor did not fund the state housing pilots in her proposal, I have included income of $129,000 for that item in the City budget, anticipating that the Legislature will restore that program. If not, or if the Legislature reduces
municipal funding, the loss in state assistance will be greater than indicated above.
Local revenues other than taxes also will decrease. The twenty year lease between the City and the State for the Superior Court building on West Main Street expires during the fiscal year. The State will own the courthouse and the City will not receive annual rental payments of $506,508. The budget anticipates that other local revenues also will decrease because of current economic conditions. These include losses attributable to the decline in the housing market, including conveyance tax fees ($250,000) and building permit fees ($300,000), and a decline in investment
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income estimated at $550,000 due to lower interest rates. The last portion of the bond funds transferred into reserves several years ago were used last year, resulting in a year over year revenue decrease of $275,000. Changes in other revenue, consisting of miscellaneous revenue funds, bond premiums and the sale of surplus property, will result in a further revenue decrease of $809,061.
This budget also anticipates that, apart from any increase in the tax rate, local tax revenues will decrease. Current year tax revenue at the present mill rate would be lower by approximately $600,000. This is mostly due to a decrease in the motor vehicle portion of the grand list that is largely attributable to lower motor vehicle valuations and decreased new motor vehicle purchases. In addition, motor vehicle supplemental taxes, which result from transfers during the assessment year, have been budgeted in a more realistic amount, $525,000 less than in the current year budget. Delinquent tax collections, which were very aggressively budgeted last year, have been reduced by $500,000 to bring that revenue line to a still aggressive but achievable level.
Several caveats with regard to the revenue estimates contained in this budget proposal need to be stated. For purposes of our budget deliberations, I have generally assumed that the Governor’s proposed funding level for state grants will be adopted. Although that is the most reasonable assumption to make at this point, that outcome is by no means assured. Estimates of the state budget deficit increase with every announcement and there does not appear to be bipartisan agreement on how to balance the State budget. Nor is it likely that the State budget will be adopted prior to the date by which the City must adopt its final budget. Also, I have projected current year tax revenue at the same collection rate as the preceding budget, 97.25 percent. We have achieved that rate during the current fiscal year, but clearly
that will become more difficult as more residential properties are foreclosed and business and residents struggle to pay current expenses. The same can be said of the amount of delinquent revenue included in the budget.
Offsetting these significant revenue losses are very few increases in budgeted revenue. The revenue from the NRG tax agreement will increase by $831,600 on a budgetary basis following the conclusion of the litigation with NRG. It will not be necessary to reserve any of the payment due, but it should be noted that this revenue will decrease over the next four years. It would have been preferable to budget this revenue at the lowest of the anticipated payments, but the exigencies of this budget militate against that. Other increased revenues include the amount taken from the health special projects fund, something that will not be maintainable, and a small increase in the enterprise fund cost allocation amount. Budgeted ECS revenue should increase by approximately $450,000 if current law is not amended. In the preceding
year, that amount was withheld from the payment to the City and paid over directly to the Board of Education as part of the so-called “accountability” grant. Because the Governor has recommended that ECS be flat funded, there is no increase and therefore no percentage of increase to withhold, meaning that the entire ECS amount should be paid over to the City. This is a projection that bears watchfulness during the legislative session.
To ensure a perfect budgetary storm, certain city expenditures also will unavoidably increase: payments on bonded indebtedness by nearly $700,000, police and fire pension contributions by over $250,000, city bargaining unit wage increases per contract by approximately $1,100,000 and health fund contributions by more than $1,200,000. The change in accounting standards
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concerning the funding of other post-employment benefits (OPEB), primarily retiree health care benefits, dictates that the City begin funding its accrued obligation in the manner that it funds for future pension obligations. This budget includes funding for this obligation in the amount of $1,500,000, which is less than the actuarially indicated amount and an amount that will need to be increased in future years. Although these are significant year over year increases, it should be noted that even so the City has made great strides in controlling the increases in these and other expenditures in the last few years. That has placed the City in a better position to address the issues of this budget than it otherwise would have been. In addition to the above, the Board of Education has requested an increase in funding of
$5,800,000. The difference between the amounts requested by the various City departments, including the Board of Education, and the original revenue estimates was $13,579,598.
As indicated at the beginning, there is no one good way to close a budget gap of that proportion. I am recommending various means to do so, none of which will please anyone and all of which will have some impact on City services and City taxpayers. Those with the least fiscal impact but some undeniable symbolic value include the following. I have eliminated funding in the budget for management increases. I will not request or accept a salary increase for the next fiscal year. I will not approve increases for department heads that received increases in the current year. Salary increases, if any, for other management, non-union personnel will be dependent on overall budget status and the ability to fund such increases out of savings in departmental budgets. Although I encourage professional development and place a high
value on continuing education, I have proposed that funding for out of state conference and seminars be eliminated from the general fund budget. Such travel will be approved only if funded from other sources or from savings in departmental budgets.
I am recommending the elimination or reduction of funding for more than thirty different city positions. The savings, counting only wages, if all of these recommendations were adopted, is $1,775,225. Nearly all of these are positions that were necessary to assure the provision of important and valuable service to the public and no recommendation in this regard has been made lightly. However, the City’s financial situation requires that we take steps to reduce expenditures that go further than previously contemplated.
The recommendations include the elimination of funding for the non-union Account Clerk position in the City Clerk’s office based on reduced land transfers and other workload, a reduction in hours for the Assistant Registrars, the elimination of the Computer System Operator position in MIS, the elimination of the part-time Building Official position based on fewer new building projects, the elimination of the part-time account clerk position in Finance and of the part-time Account Clerk position in the Assessment and Collections Division, and the substitution of a Librarian I position for the recently approved Librarian II vacancy. Also recommended are the elimination of a Laborer I position in the Parks Division, which would require reorganization of Parks assignments to continue downtown maintenance, changing
the currently vacant Recreation Director position to a part-time or seasonal position or positions, eliminating the position of City Engineer but funding an additional Associate City Engineer, eliminating the Traffic Sign Coordinator position, eliminating an Administrative Assistant position and a reduction in hours of the Mini Bus Driver position in the Senior Center, and a reduction of hours of public school or change of schedule for a nursing position or positions.
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In the public safety area, I am recommending that only the currently filled 120 police positions be funded, in the expectation that federal funding will allow for additional positions to be filled. I am recommending elimination of funding for the Crime Analyst position due to an upgrade in Police Department software capabilities. I also am recommending the closing of the Broad Street firehouse. I have included funding for four fewer positions in the Fire Service, including one Captain, one Lieutenant and two Firefighters. This recommendation anticipates that there will be sufficient retirements or resignations to bring the filled positions down to the number funded and that the remaining personnel from Engine 3 will be reassigned to other companies. The savings in wages and overtime if this recommendation is approved
is estimated to be in excess of $620,000. The significant increase and overruns in the Fire Department overtime budget line is something that has needed to be addressed for some time. This is, of course, a very difficult recommendation to make. However, I believe that reorganizing the Fire Service can be accomplished in a manner that will ensure continued protection for the public while yielding substantial savings. Certainly, this will be a difficult proposal to evaluate but due consideration should be given to this proposal in the absence of any other fiscally prudent alternative.
I am recommending the suspension of two valuable City programs that provide important benefits to our residents and property owners. First, I am recommending the suspension of the bulky waste residential pickup program. Revenues for this program as currently constituted have not met expectations. Suspension of the program will allow for the elimination of one Highway Laborer II position and the reassignment of half-time funding to the Highway Division of a Maintainer position. Residents will continue to be able to bring bulky waste directly to the transfer station or to arrange for private pickup. The other program that I am recommending be suspended is the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP). This program has been a valuable tool in the City’s code enforcement efforts. However, the number of new loans
processed is lower than would be expected given the level of expenditures for program administration. Recent difficulties in complying with all federal funding requirements have been encountered. All outstanding compliance issues ideally should be resolved before proceeding with new loans. In addition, the City will be administering a new program funded through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The suspension of the NPP will allow the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds supporting that program to be reallocated to fund two Housing Inspectors currently funded from the general fund and to support the implementation of the NSP program, which will focus on the acquisition and resale of foreclosed properties. The position of Rehabilitation Specialist would not be funded. The position of Neighborhood Preservation Specialist would be eliminated but a new position to provide administrative services for the NSP program would be funded through a combination of
CDBG funds and NSP funds.
I also am recommending that the 10-217a program that provides certain services to parochial schools through City personnel be eliminated. Ours is the only municipality that provides those services directly and not through the local school district. This proposal would not fund three full time and three part-time positions, a reduction in expenditures of $300,740.
Other savings that I am proposing would reduce or end funding for various programs provided by other organizations that the City has supported for a number of years. These include funding for the Nerden RTC Day Camp, funding for teen activities and summer camp programs provided by the YMCA, Women and Families Center, Boys and Girls Club and Girls, Inc. and for the Record
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Journal summer camp program, the Curtis Center and Gallery 53. Funding would be reduced for economic development activities and marketing, and the City would discontinue its membership in the Regional Growth Partnership and the Metro Hartford Alliance, both regional economic development organizations. I also have significantly reduced funding for street line painting, which had been included last year in the operating budget. The total savings from those items amounts to $381,000.
With regard to the Board of Education budget, I am recommending an increase of $968,818, the amount equal to the increase budgeted for Board of Education health benefits. My recommendation assumes that the Board will receive increased federal funding under Title I and IDEA that can be utilized to offset increase in Board expenditures. The latest information available to me indicates that the Meriden school district will receive an additional $2,332,000 in Title 1-A funding and $2,608,000 in IDEA, Part B funding, a total of $4,939,000. The accuracy of this information and the utility of this funding to Board current operations will need to be examined during the budget deliberations.
In total, non-education expenditures in this budget proposal, excluding OPEB, are $350,000 less than the preceding year’s approved budget. This is particularly notable in view of the increases in wages, benefits, and payments on indebtedness described above. This would be the third consecutive year that City non-education budgeted expenditures have been reduced, albeit at the cost of valuable services and programs. Even so, those reductions do not nearly result in a balanced budget.
Therefore, with great reluctance, I am recommending an increase in the tax rate of .98 of a mill and the use of undesignated reserves--the so-called “rainy day” fund--in the amount of $1 million in order to balance the budget. That tax rate increase would result in a tax increase of $137 a year on a home with the median assessment of $140,000, or $200,000 full value. Every tax increase is to be avoided, especially at a time when many residents are struggling financially because of current economic conditions. The use of undesignated reserves is a practice that also should be used only in the fiscal extremis, especially given the low amount of our City’s reserves. However, in order to fund essential city services, both steps are necessary.
With regard to the additional mill rate for the inner district that funds solid waste disposal, based on savings that we have been able to achieve in the cost of our contract for solid waste pickup and the stability of the proposed rate for disposal, the additional mill rate for inner district real property will be reduced from 1.93 to 1.74. This would decrease the overall increase in the combined mill rate for inner district real property to .79 of a mill, an increase for the median assessed property of $111 annually.
Included in the budget presentation is the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including capital funding requests for the next year. I am pleased to report that our capital planning process has improved greatly in the past few years. As you know, notwithstanding this year’s increase, over the last few years we have reduced the amount of our payments on indebtedness, strictly adhered to the City’s self-imposed bonding cap of one-half of the principal amount of bonds paid the preceding year, and greatly reduced the overall amount of bonded indebtedness as a percentage of our operating budget. This year’s request is more than ten percent below the cap. The plan also
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provides a workable roadmap for future capital funding over the succeeding five-year period. I wish to thank the staff CIP committee members for their work on this plan and for the progress that has been made in improving the process by which capital projects are recommended for approval and tracked thereafter.
The budget proposal outlined above poses many difficult decisions for your consideration. However, if adopted, the budget would fund essential city services, fully fund pension and other City obligations, and increase the tax rate by only a relatively modest amount considering current economic conditions. It does so in a fiscally prudent manner and provides clear, specific and reliable information on which to base your decisions. While the current economic climate has posed many challenges this year, we should note that the City has not been impacted nearly as much as other cities, towns and regions throughout Connecticut and the nation due in part to many prudent fiscal actions you have taken over the past several years. We are hopeful that we will be able to mitigate the potential impacts of a continuing
economic slowdown by adequately funding municipal services without unreasonably burdening the local taxpayers, making sensible decisions for the City’s long term fiscal health, and taking advantage of every opportunity to leverage state and federal funding that may become available for city services and capital projects. As always, City staff and I stand ready to assist you in your deliberations.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence J. Kendzior
City Manager
George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Trevor Thorpe, and carried unanimously, to adopt.
Item 3. Memorandum to City Council from Mayor Michael S. Rohde dated March 2, 2009 regarding Appointments/Re-Appointments to Boards and Commissions. Pursuant to Section C3-3J of the Meriden City Charter I am hereby recommending the following individuals to Boards and Commissions:
Advisory Board on Aging Advisory Board on Aging
Mr. Richard Hackbarth (D) Ms. Mary Zysk (R)
154 Gwen Road 96 Arlington Street No.
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012)
Advisory Board on Aging Advisory Board on Aging
Ana Gonzalez (D) Rev. John Clarke (D)
43 Sherman Avenue, #2 62 Colony Street
Replaces Donna Macri (Exp. 9/5/10) Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012)
Advisory Board on Aging Advisory Board on Aging
Ms. Ruth Kahn (U) Ms. Donna Jones (U)
98 Rolling Hills Drive 559 New Hanover Avenue
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012)
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Advisory Board on Aging Building Code Board of Appeals
Mr. Peter Burch, M.D. (U) Mr. Rosario Gulino (D)
119 David Drive 69 Collindale Drive
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) Replaced William Orsine (D) 2/08
Reappoint to 1st Full Term(Exp. 2012)
Advisory Board on Aging
Sr. Georgeann Vumbaco (D) Building Code Board of Appeals
215 Metacomet Drive Mr. Nicholas Ives (R)
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) 36 Walt Drive
Replaces Godburn (R)
Aviation Commission Appointment to 1st Term (Exp. 2012)
Mr. Mark Merliss (U)
92 Metacomet Drive Cable Advisory Board
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) Mr. Andrew Jay (R)
54 Rosemary Terrace
Aviation Commission Reappointment to 3rd Term(Exp.2012)
Mr. Frank Lewandowski (U)
69 Longmeadow Drive Cable Advisory Board
Replaced T. Zemetis (U) (5/08) Representative from the Library
Appointment to 1st Full Term (Exp. 2012) Ms. Letty Harduby (R)
1012 Old Colony Road, #25
Aviation Commission Replaces Sara Porter (R)
Mr. Jeffrey Hamelin (R) First Term Appointment (Exp. 2012)
22 Baldwin Street
Replaces Duane Adams (Exp. 1/31/10) Commission for People with Disabilities
Board of Ethics Ms. Marion Kelly (D)
Mr. Joseph Galotti (D) 269 Grove Street
83 Tumblebrook Road Appointment to 1st Full Term
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) (Exp. 2012)
Board of Ethics Commission for People with
Mr. Kenneth Post (U) Disabilities
104 Whitney Drive Mr. Bob Williams (WTP)
Reappointment 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) 170 Stevenson Road
Replaces Mark Mnich (R)
Board of Tax Relief Appointment to 1st Term(Exp.2012)
Mr. William Kroll (U)
70 Spice Apple Lane Design Review Board
Reappointment to 5th Term (Exp. 2011) Mr. Robert A. Andrade (U)
61 Parker Avenue No.
Board of Tax Relief Reappointment to 8th Term(Exp.2012)
Mr. John Neumon (R)
287 Coe Avenue
Reappointment to 7th Term (Exp. 2011)
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Design Review Board Library Board
Mr. Paul Mik, Sr. (U) Ms. Joan Edgerly (R)
174 Oak Street 195 Tulip Drive
Reappointment to 5th Term (Exp. 2012) Reappointment to 10th Term
(Exp. 2012)
Golf Course Commission
Mr. David Fordiani (R) Library Board
1561 East Main Street, #5 Ms. Janis M. Lloyd (U)
Replaces Tom Morissey (D) (Exp. 2011) 49 Cass Street
Reappointment to 5th Term
Human Rights Advisory Board (Exp. 2012)
Rose Cignata (D)
31 Courtney Court Maloney Scholarship Committee
Replacing Jose Rivera (D) (Exp. 7/17/11) Ms. Fleurette Belote (R)
223 Tumblebrook Road
Human Rights Advisory Board Appointment to 1st Term (Exp. 2012)
Mr. Roland Cockfield (D)
50 Rockledge Drive Maloney Scholarship Committee
Reappointment to 3rd Term (Exp. 7/17/12) Mrs. Joan Papandrea (D)
48 Holiday Hill Road
Human Rights Advisory Board Reappointment to 2nd Term
Nicholas Macri (WTP) (Exp. 2012)
164 Carter Avenue
Replacing R. Allen Frommelt (U) Meriden Transit District
Appointment to 1st Term (Exp. 7/17/12) Mr. Vincent Mule, Sr. (D)
180 Mayflower Lane
Inland-Wetlands & Watercourse Commission Reappointment to 11th Term
Mr. Daniel Brunet (R) (Exp. 2012)
67 John George Drive
Replaced Jeff Fournier (R) 5/08 Meriden Transit District
Appointment to 1st Full Term (Exp. 2012) Ms. Debra Belancik (D)
70 Hidden Pines Circle
Inland-Wetlands & Watercourse Commission Reappointment to 3rd Term
Mr. Lee Pandiani (R) (Exp. 2012)
19 Suzio Drive
Reappointment to 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) Meriden Transit District
Mr. Timothy Lenox (R)
Land Conservation Commission 1655 N. Colony Rd., #6008
Mr. Seth J. Eddy (U) Appointment to 1st Term (Exp.2012)
428 Wall Street
Reappointment to 4th Term (Exp. 2012) Municipal Pension Board
Brian Murdy (R)
Land Conservation Commission 21 Colorado Court
Mrs. Anna P. Neumon (R) Replaces John Ivers (R)
217 Columbus Avenue Appointment to 1st Term (Exp. 2012)
Reappointment to 3rd Term (Exp. 2012)
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Municipal Pension Board School Building Committee
Mr. James Suzio (U) Mr. Richard Grossman (U)
26 Spruce Street 145 Preston Avenue
Reappointment to 4th Term (Exp. 2012) Reappointment to 4th Term
(Exp. 2012)
Neighborhood Rehabilitation Advisory Board
Ms. Heidi Boyd (D) Zoning Board of Appeals
39 Hemlock Road Mr. Mark Dupuis (R)
Reappointment to 2nd Term (Exp. 2012) 309 Bradley Avenue
Appointed Alternate in 2005
Planning Commission Replaces Britt Hall (R)
Mr. James Belote (R) Appointment to 1st Term (Member)
223 Tumblebrook Road (Exp. 2012)
Reappointment to 2nd Term (Exp. 2012)
Zoning Board of Appeals
Planning Commission Mr. Victor Matias (D)
Ms. Laura B. Uhrig (D) 41 Susan Lane
87 Collins Avenue Appointed Alternate in 2008
Appointed Alternate in 1996 Replaces Robert Raguckas (D)
Replaces Art Geary (D) Appointment to 1st Term (Member)
Appointment to 1st Term as Full Member (Exp. 2012)
(Exp. 2012)
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)
Planning Commission – Alternate Mr. Arthur Peitler (R)
Mr. Rosario Gulino (D) 124 Midland Drive
69 Collindale Drive Replaces Mark Dupuis (R)
Replaces Laura Uhrig (D) Appointment to 1st Term(Exp. 2012)
Appointment to 1st Term (Exp. 2012)
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)
Public Utilities Commission Mr. Kelvin Pinckney (D)
Mr. Gennaro Martorelli (D) 30 Boylston Street North
90 Old Gate Road Replaces Victor Matias (D)
Reappointment to 8th Term (Exp. 2012) Appointment to 1st Term (Exp. 2012)
Public Utilities Commission Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)
Mr. William Godburn (R) Mr. Donald Logodicio (R)
71 Sorries Court 83 Prann Court
Replaces Derek Pilkerton (R) 7/07 Reappointment to 2nd Term
Reappointment to 1st Full Term (Exp.2012) (Exp. 2012)
School Building Committee
Mr. Brian Cyr (R)
321 Swain Avenue
Replaced Fordiani (R) (Exp. 1/09)
Appointment to 1st Full Term (Exp. 2012)
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George McGoldrick, made a motion, seconded by Trevor Thorpe, to table. Mayor Rohde stated this action is customary to allow for a two week vetting period to be sure that all candidates are qualified to serve on commissions and boards. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 5A. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 12/15/08 concerning Department of Public Works inspects sidewalks on south side of Summer Street and submit for inclusion in the 2009-2010 CIP report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that this be referred to staff for prioritization.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated the committee takes recommendations from Meriden residents on sidewalks and streets for repairs. We then recommend referral to city staff for prioritization and that is where this will go. Motion carried unanimously.
The next item is taken out of sequence at the request of Chairman of Finance Kogut. Hearing no objection it was so ordered.
Item 5C. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 2/2/09 concerning filling vacancy for Water Pollution Control Manager report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that this position be filled; and
Be It Further Ordered, that the 90 day rule be waived.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated this position is required by state statute to fill. We have undertaken a multi-million dollar upgrade of the Water Pollution Control Facility so this position is essential. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 5B. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 2/2/09 concerning filling vacancy for Water Pollution Control Facility Maintenance Supervisor report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that this position be filled; and
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Be It Further Ordered, that the 90 day rule be waived.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated this position will fill the previous position we just voted on so this will become vacant. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 5D. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 2/2/09 concerning request from Water Pollution Control Facility to use retained earnings in an amount not to exceed $150,477 for a Phosphorus Reduction Feasibility Study report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that this be approved after two other quotes are received.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated pursuant to a recommendation by the State DEP this was approved and referred to Finance for final approval and financial considerations. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 5E. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 8/4/08 concerning survey be done at the East Main Street Cemetery to mark out original boundary lines so as not to encroach on abutting property owners report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Be It Ordered, that the Council accept the map as presented and record with the fence being removed.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated there has been volunteer work done at this cemetery to clean it up and bring it back to pristine conditions. During this time they found we should do a survey and the Engineering Department did find a fence that was encroaching on the property. The homeowner has been notified and asked to remove the fence. There were no other boundaries being encroached on. Shamock stated this was his resolution and appreciates the survey that was done by the Engineering Department. He also mentioned that Miles Place is the entrance way directly to the cemetery. At one time the sign and the entranceway was on a private driveway. That has been removed. The city now just has to plow the
entranceway to the cemetery. The homes that are on that street will not be a city plowing project anymore. Shamock stated this has been long overdue and we are moving in the right direction. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 5F. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 2/2/09 concerning Golf Course Rates for 2009/2010 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
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Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Kogut stated there is a similar report coming out of the Finance Committee concerning this. As you may or may not know the Golf Course Commission had submitted one set of rates with recommendations. The City Manager and staff actually suggested an increase, in most cases of about $1 per round of 9 holes and $2 on 18 holes. The rationale really for that was to start establishing a fund to pay for some improvements that are proposed for the golf course, primarily the irrigation system that will again be discussed in a later Finance Committee Report. When this came up in Finance the one caveat that was put on that is different than the actual Public Works and Parks & Rec Committee Report was that the $1 increase actually
be put in a separate account and be accounted for separately so that money will be used specifically for the projects to which it has been earmarked. That is one difference that we’ll discuss. Brian Kogut, made an amendment, seconded by Walter Shamock, that this report be made to be consistent with the Finance Committee Report to actually put the $1 increase in a separate account and be accounted for separately. Motion carried unanimously. Kogut stated Gordon is out of state on business and had asked Kogut to put forward an amendment. Brian Kogut made an amendment, seconded by Dante’ Bartolomeo, to increase the rates by an additional dollar per round. It would be $1 for 9 holes and $2 for 18 holes. His rationale for that is that the city wants to generate money going forward to pay for this project. As the committee report comes out in Finance it is actually a 24 year window whereby the irrigation project will be
paid back over time. His concern is that 24 years is a long time. Secondly if during the course of those 24 years there are additional capital projects required at the course that there might not be other funds available. He has actually proposed to shorten that window. When we looked at these rates we didn’t want them to make us more expensive than some of the area golf courses. What we don’t want to do is increase rates such that we’re not competitive and higher than other people and thereby people who would golf at our golf course go somewhere else. That is really the issue.
Trevor Thorpe believes the recommendation that has already passed Parks & Rec and passed Finance is $1 for 9 holes and $2 for 18 holes. We’re being asked to double that, another $1 for 9 holes and another $2 for 18 holes. He stated we are asking for a 100% increase over the projected rate. The City Manager’s plan as he presented the original rate increase meant that no tax dollars whatsoever were going to be used for this project. We’re going to bond it, essentially co-sign the loan if you will and in the course of 24 years the dollars that are being appropriated now would pay off the loan 100% and also pay off any other outstanding liabilities that the golf course presently has with the city. The notion that nothing else could be done for the next 24 years at the golf
course is somewhat ambiguous to him. Everyone knows that next year, or the year after or the year after that the rates will continue to go up. To say that would assume that the golf rates stays as it is today for the next 24 years. He wishes it would. It is just not reasonable. The rates are going to go up over the next 2-1/2 decades and those increases will take care of future projects should there be any. The golf course as it stands now is completely paid for by the golfers. There are no city dollars whatsoever being used over there. We don’t even plow their lot, they do their own. He feels the City Manager’s plan that has been passed by two of our committees is just fine. He feels we should stick with the plan we have. It has been shown on paper through Finance to be very workable and it is drudgingly acceptable to some and generally
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acceptable to all. He doesn’t believe we should change anything.
Shamock stated at the Finance Committee last week this was debated for quite a while. He stated McGoldrick, Kogut and Gordon were there. If this had come to him at that meeting he might have digested it and said maybe we should do this. He felt they were all on board on this last Thursday. It was a unanimous decision, the golf rates there were voted on. At this late date he can understand coming forth with an amendment but feels this should have been discussed at the Finance Committee meeting. He listened to the recommendation of the City Manager and agreed. Councilor Trevor Thorpe and Councilor John Thorp were both at that meeting. At that time Shamock felt it was the best way that we could move along this project to help pay for the irrigation system and also when told there
would be no impact on the city taxpayer, he was enheartened by that. He personally believes the committee did its homework last Thursday. He does believe they should stick to their original decision.
McGoldrick stated he agrees with Shamock. Councilor Thorpe and McGoldrick were both present at the Golf Commission meetings when they discussed just this issue. They are aware of the issue related to possible additional capital needs and have managed that well over the past several years and will continue to do so. They also discussed the rate question and there was a concern that any further increase in the rates would result in a decrease in play which in effect reduce their revenues and their ability to repay any loan. McGoldrick stated as Shamock had we have done our homework. The Golf Commission has done its homework and he feels we should stick with the current proposal.
Bartolomeo stated she does support the new irrigation system that is being proposed and supports and values the golf course as an asset to our community. She supports this amendment because we’re adding $1-$2 per round in these proposed fees. She doesn’t feel it is unreasonable to add another dollar per round for the CIP. The 24 year period is what concerns her. She believes in that period of time we have to expect that more things are going to happen. It will only mean that we will be able to pay this off sooner or to address those funds without having to come back and do more bonding. Her concern would be to have another situation like we did with the restaurant and the clubhouse when that was built and the expected payback was not able to be complied with. She doesn’t feel that adding $1 per round to the modest increases that are being proposed would inhibit play at the course especially if the new irrigation system improves the condition of the course.
Daniels asked Kogut if they were just approving the 2009 rates and Kogut stated that was correct. Kogut also stated that the 2009 rates do include an additional dollar. Daniels stated he was at the meeting and one of the issues was that the cost of the irrigation system was the best estimate at that time as they had not actually bid it out and gotten a final number.
Kogut stated that was correct. The proposal that we’ll talk about later in Finance is actually premised on a cost coming in at $1.55 million which was actually scaled back from the original request of $1.75 million.
Daniels stated we’ve done our analysis with the Golf Commission. It has been approved in committees to increase the rates a certain amount. We don’t know yet exactly what the amount is going to be. When we come back next year to look at the 2010-2011 golf rates we’ll know exactly what the irrigation system costs at that point. We can re-look at the analysis of the payback structure. If we want at that time to increase it again, we’re certainly going to have that ability to do it. His sense is a lot of analysis was done including with the Golf Commission people. He feels at least for the 2009-2010 rates what was originally proposed is acceptable, knowing that we can re-visit it next year.
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Kogut stated he wanted to clarify a point brought up by Daniels. The rates that are proposed going forward is a dollar this year but then they’re talking about 25 cents every other year. There will be future opportunities to increase that over 25 cents if the Council decides to do that.
Mayor Rohde stated he had the pleasure of serving as the liaison from the Council to the Golf Commission for about 15 years and knows the golf course very well and its responsibilities. He stated that commission is one of the best commissions we have. They care about the golf course, do their homework, are very capable, play the course, talk to the players and do their research. Each year they recommend the budget to carry out the course operation. This year they came in with a budget that the Public Works Committee rejected and added an additional dollar onto the rates that the Golf Commission had recommended. They are very concerned about the sensitivity of our rates vs. our competitors. Golfers do shop around and the rate they are going to pay is something they pay attention to.
We have to be very competitive and as McGoldrick said if you raise the rate and fewer people play you wind up shooting yourself in the foot. You wind up with less revenue even though you think you’re going to generate more. That is one issue. Secondly, as has been stated it is an Enterprise Fund. The golfers pay for the golf course. There is not a dime of general fund money, taxpayer’s money that goes into that golf course. They’ve been able to sustain the operation totally on their own through the fees generated there. The best news is that everyone is in agreement we should have an irrigation system. That system has been out of date for a long time. We’ve been keeping our fingers crossed that we didn’t have a catastrophic break in that line where we could have lost the whole course. It should have been replaced a couple of years ago. It is fortunate we have gotten this far with it without a
catastrophe. We might catch a break with the pricing because of the economic times. He knows irrigation systems on other courses that are in excess of $2 million. It is not out of the ball park in terms of what a figure we have for that system. For all those reasons he feels it is imperative that we hold the rates that have already been unanimously approved. There are opportunities every year in the future when we set the rates to add additional funds. Actually the Golf Commission has done that for sand traps and for other capital improvements and will be able to do that again into the future. All things considered the best approach would be to continue on with the recommendation that came from the Public Works Committee even though it is above what the Golf Commission asked for. The $1 and $2 increase is justifiable.
Trevor Thorpe sstated it is his understanding that the City Council has already voted positively some months ago to do this project. All we are talking about now is the mechanism by which we do that. The project itself has already been voted on and approved by the Council.
Vote taken on amendment to add another $1 and $2 to the rates. Motion defeated 7:3. Councilors Kogut, Bartolomeo and Trevor Thorpe voted Aye. Vote taken on base motion as amended and carried unanimously to pass the rates with the $1 and $2 increase with that money to be segregated to the irrigation project.
Item 5G. Your Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee, to whom was referred a resolution on 1/20/09 concerning filling vacancy for Parks Plumber report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: David J. Salafia, Chairperson; Brian F. Kogut, Vice-Chair; Walter Shamock; John J. Thorp; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
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David Salafia, made a motion, seconded by Brian Kogut, to adopt. Salafia stated this position has become vacant. It is not a new position. With the spring season coming the out buildings need to be brought up to speed for summer activities. This is an essential position. Brian Kogut, made an amendment, seconded by George McGoldrick, and carried unanimously to waive the 90 day rule to be consistent with the Finance Committee Report. Vote taken on base motion as amended and carried unanimously.
Item 6A. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning an amendment to GPIB #64 – “Public Works Department – Replace Storm Drainage Pipe & Repave Britannia Street – (Acct. #0401-7364-980) - $150,000” on 2/17/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Kogut stated this is a housecleaning item. This was the emergency repair on Britannia Street where the actual street pipe collapsed. The Council authorized the work and the work has been done. This is the funding mechanism to pay for it. Motion carried unanimously.
The next item is taken out of sequence at the request of Chairman of Finance Kogut. Hearing no objection it was so ordered.
Item 6C. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning filling vacancy for Water Pollution Control Facility Manager on 2/2/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Be It Ordered, that this position be filled; and
Be It Further Ordered, that the 90 day rule be waived.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Kogut stated this is the same item that was approved on the Public Works side. This is an Enterprise Funded position so there is no General Fund impact. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 6B. Your Finance Committee to whom was referred a resolution concerning filling vacancy for Water Pollution Control Facility Maintenance Supervisor on 2/2/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Be It Ordered, that this position be filled; and
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Be It Further Ordered, that the 90 day rule be waived.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Kogut stated this is Enterprise Funded, there is no General Fund impact. He stated this position will only be filled if it becomes vacant. It is anticipated that this individual might take the position that we just approved. He does have those qualifications and certifications. They want to be ready in case that opens up. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 6D. Your Finance Committee to whom was referred a resolution concerning Water Pollution Control Facility requests the use of Retained Earnings in an amount not to exceed $150,477 for a Phosphorus Reduction Feasibility Study on 2/2/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Kogut stated we are in the midst of a massive upgrade down at the Water Pollution Control Facility. There are some new regulations on the horizon that have to do with phosphorus which is something that wasn’t really contemplated when this plant was designed. The DEP asked us to commission a study to actually look at the output of the plant in terms of phosphorus to see if anything could be done now to minimize our cost down the road, if in fact the regulations do come forward. We don’t want to build a plant and then find out that we could have done something a little bit different and saved quite a bit of money. When this came before us initially there were some concerns both by himself and some others that
we wanted this to be competitively bid because the name of only one firm was given to us. A representative from the DEP did come to our Finance Committee meeting. He had stated that the DEP had reviewed the proposal and had actually worked the number down a little bit. They got the engineering firm to take a smaller fee. If in fact we go with the DEP’s recommendation they will pay for 55% of the study. If we don’t go with their recommendation we’d have to bear the cost all on our own. One question we did ask is if in fact we do the study and we find out that there is significant cost do we have to go forward with anything and the answer was no. It is really an informational thing to see if in fact some changes can be made that will save us some money in the future. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 6E. Your Finance Committee to whom was referred a resolution concerning proposed Golf Course Rates for 2009/2010 on 2/2/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Be It Ordered, that the Golf Course Rates for 2009/2010 be approved; and
Be It Further Ordered, that revenues resulting from the change in rates shall be placed in the Golf Course Capital Fund.
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Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Walter Shamock, to adopt the Committee Report which is consistent with what was just approved on the Public Works side. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 6F. Your Finance Committee to whom was referred a resolution concerning tentative agreement between City of Meriden and Local #740 on 2/17/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson, George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock, John J. Thorp.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by George McGoldrick, to adopt. Kogut stated this is a contract between the City and Local #740. Essentially there are a lot of changes in addition to salary items. There is the removal of one of the top steps. There is the adding of an additional lower step which will save the city money. There is changes in leaf pay which results in the savings of about $3500 per year. There are changes in sick time whereby sick time will no longer be counted for overtime purposes. There are caps newly in place for new employees on earned time limiting it to 40 hours and limiting existing employees to 25 days. Vacation allotment has been changed and there are a couple of other housecleaning items. The salary increases are essentially 3% in
each year for 3 years. The cost in the first fiscal year is $82,575. This is a contract that has been in ongoing negotiations for several months. It wasn’t something that just came up. It has been negotiated over a period of time. When this did come before the Finance Committee he had asked that we wait on voting for it. His rationale for doing so was he knew the City Manager’s budget proposal was coming out tonight and knew there were going to be significant items in there that merited additional scrutiny. The committee did despite that decide to move forward with it and approve it so you’re actually voting on the contract this evening. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 6G. Your Finance Committee to whom was referred a resolution concerning an amendment to GPIB #64 – “Golf Course Irrigation System and Pump House (Acct. #0401-7364-762) - $1,750,000” on 1/20/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend the following:
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Be It Ordered, that this be adopted at $1.55 million as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Walter Shamock, to adopt. Kogut stated this is the actual item that most of our golf rate discussion centered around. Initially when this proposal came before us the proposal was that the City in fact pay the cost of the irrigation system. Nobody was really happy with that so staff went back and looked at and devised a way whereby all the cost of the project over a period of 24 years would actually be borne by golfers as part of the golf rates. As you know, this is an enterprise fund. That is exactly the way it is supposed to work. Under this proposal we just adopted a $1 to $2 per round increase, whether it is 9 holes or 18 holes. Going forward there are other items that are currently ongoing at the golf course that
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will need to be done, the most current one being the sand traps. They are currently doing sand traps. They are allocating a certain amount per year. In just a couple of years there will be $30,000 available from that project. There was a detailed spread sheet that we went through at the Finance Committee which essentially showed how various increases would be implemented over various years. At the end of 24 years all the principal and interest will be paid back. From our perspective there is certainly no problem with going forward on this. All the costs are going to be borne by the golfers through the golf rates.
Shamock stated at the Finance Committee meeting the original resolution stipulated $1,750,000 would be appropriated for the irrigation system. After being on the Council for a number of years he knows when you put that out for a proposal for a RFP for a bid that if someone knows that there has been $1.75 million allocated the company will come in that is bidding pretty close to that amount. The rationale at the Finance Committee level was that if you lower the amount of $1.5 million the way the economy is the bid might come in lower. We were all in agreement on the Finance Committee.
Daniels stated one of Meriden’s challenges is to find and maintain ways that make it an attractive place for people to move in and for businesses to come in. If you try and think about what we have to offer people in competition with other communities you think about our central location. You think about Hubbard Park, the linear trail, Midstate Hospital, the Westfield Mall and the golf course. He doesn’t mean that to be an exhaustive list but we don’t have dozens and dozens of things that we can taut to businesses and residents that want to move throughout the state or into the state. Hunter Golf Course is one of the top public golf courses in the State of Connecticut. It is just absolutely essential that we keep that golf course in the best shape that it can be kept in. His vote may be different if there was going to be significant taxpayer burden and we’d be balancing as we do with all of our capital improvement projects. The fact that the irrigation system is going to be
paid for by the golfers, by the people who use the golf course and there is not going to be a taxpayer burden on this, he feels this is an easy decision to make and fully supports it.
McGoldrick stated this has been arranged so that no taxpayer dollars are going to be used and the costs are going to be covered by the fees at the golf course. That is important in light of what we have heard tonight. It means no taxpayer dollars that might be available to address any of the problems that we heard discussed in the manager’s report would be used. None of those dollars would be impacted by this proposal.
Santiago asked if the golf course ended up closing in 5-10 years for whatever reason, would the city assume the bonding debt on this.
Kogut stated in this particular case the city is merely acting as a flow through so the city will actually be responsible for this bond and the golf course is paying us back over time. If the golf course closed, yes the city would be responsible for that bonded amount. Kogut stated obviously we have the value of the golf course and is certain people would say sell the golf course. You would probably find a private investor or developer who would pay in excess of what that bond is.
Santiago asked if there is any other outstanding debt that is out there that is still owed by the Golf Commission.
Kogut stated the current amount according to the City Manager and Finance Director was $980,000. They are making payments on that.
Santiago stated she is going to be voting against this resolution. She knows this is a jewel of Meriden but there are a lot of people that don’t use this particular jewel. This should have been
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done two years ago. She doesn’t feel this is the year to do it, especially because of the difficult economic times and we’re looking at bonding future schools, additions to schools and possibly updating the library. She feels voting for this and looking at the layoffs and then to get stuck with this bonding feels it is not feasible at this time.
Trevor Thorpe stated when this was first presented by the golf course it was presented to them as a need. This isn’t a frill, this is something that is needed to maintain the golf course. It was a much larger, much more expensive project. They took it on themselves to pare it down to the numbers that we are presently looking at. It is a more reasonable request for the bond. Also in the City Manager’s proposal in the course of the 24 years the increase in the rates takes care of all outstanding debt, not just the sprinkler project. Some of the other issues that have been brought up recently, linear trail, ballfields, Hubbard Park, the library – those are all taxpayer items. We pay for 100% of those out of the tax rate. We pay for the ballfields, tennis
courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, and the tracks at the high schools. We don’t pay for anything at the golf course. It doesn’t even belong in the same conversation as the other sports activities and athletic activities that this city provides and should provide. It doesn’t belong in the same paragraph with those items because it is in fact, an enterprise fund that costs the city taxpayers nothing. Motion carried 9:1. Councilor Santiago voted Nay.
Item 6H. Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred a resolution concerning filling vacancy for Parks Plumber on 1/20/09 report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Brian F. Kogut, Chairperson; Keith Gordon, Vice-Chairperson; George E. McGoldrick; Walter A. Shamock; John J. Thorp.
Brian Kogut, made a motion, seconded by Walter Shamock, to adopt the Committee Report which is consistent to the one we just approved on the Public Works side. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 7. Your Human Services Committee, to whom was referred the resolution concerning Lead Grant on 2/17/09, report that they have attended to the matter and recommend adoption.
Committee: Hilda E. Santiago, Chairperson; Trevor Thorpe, Vice-Chairman; Matthew C. Dominello, Sr.; Brian P. Daniels; Dante’ Bartolomeo.
Hilda Santiago, made a motion, seconded by Trevor Thorpe, to adopt. Santiago explained that this particular grant which we are receiving from the Public Health Department at the state level is to enter into a subcontract with the Meriden Health Department in the amount of $10,504.00. The Meriden Health Department can use the funding to enhance lead poisoning prevention. There is no impact to the city’s general fund. It is going to regulated the required public health follow-up. Many more toddlers and infants will be able to be identified in the city. Motion carried unanimously.
Item 8. No report from Economic Development, Housing & Zoning.
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Item 9. No report from Public Safety.
Item 10. No report from Committee of the Whole.
There being nothing further to be brought before the Council, Mayor Rohde declared the meeting to stand adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Lori N. Canney
Clerk of the City Council
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