Last Posting at this site
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | February 3, 2010
Due to the closing of ctlocalpolitics.net, the Waterford Blog will transfer to the New London DAY’s zip06 Waterford section effective tomorrow. I hope all readers will be able to follow to the new location. Thanks for reading.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
CRC Makes some Decisions, Exact Wording to Follow
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | February 3, 2010
Last night, February 2, 2010,the Waterford Charter Revision Commission (CRC) made decisions on some of the proposals that have been discussed over the past seven months of meetings.
After some brief discussion on each proposal, the CRC made the following decisions: 1) Leave the Board of Selectman (BOS) at three members; 2) Increase the length of terms of the BOS from two to four years; 3) Leave the terms of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) at two years; 4) Require all town budgets to be reviewed by the Board of Selectman prior to Board of Finance (BOF) hearings; 5) Establish an appeal process to the BOF for actions of the BOS on appropriations. This appeal process would be similar to the current appeal to the RTM on actions of the BOF that is currently in the Charter.
The proposal to expand the BOS incurred the longest discussion with Commissioner Susan Driscoll presenting a case for five members but the sense of the CRC that the current BOS was satisfied with their number and an uncertainity about how to space the election of five members swayed the majority of the CRC to keep the current number and just extend the term to four years.
The decision making slowed to a stop as the CRC considered the Fire Service. Commissioner Paul Goldstein, who had taken the lead on investigating this issue for the CRC, gave a succient summary of his findings and proposed that the CRC adopt the Farmington model in reorganizing the fire service. This led to a lengthy discussion regarding the role of the Fire Commission, the Fire Service chain of command and a consensus that preserving the volunteer service was the main goal of any changes to be made. The discussion was then put off until the next meeting with the commissioners asked to think about how to institute the changes in the mean time.
Topics: Board of Selectmen, Budget, Elections, Fire Commission and Fire Companies, Town Charter | No Comments »
BOS Authorize First Selectman to Negotiate with O’Neill Theater Center
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | February 3, 2010
Yesterday afternoon, February 2, 2010, the Waterford Board of Selectmen (BOS) authorized the First Selectman, Dan Steward, to negotiate a change to the lease agreement with the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center. The O’Neill currently leases a large tract of town owned land and buildings from the Town at $1/year. The authorization came after a presentation by Preston Whiteway, Director of the Theatre Center, on the proposed expansion.
Director Whiteway started his presentation by explaining that the O’Neill obtained its revenue from the school – The National Theatre Institute- and not from gate receipts. Despite the down economy, more students are applying and the next class will be twenty five students that will be immersed in theater 24/7 during the Course of Instruction. The O’Neill board has determined that to insure the financial and theatrical future of the O’Neill the Center must add Musical Theater to its curriculum and also add a High School element to their program that will support modern plays that could be performed at a high school level.
To accomplish these goals the Center needs additional housing and rehearsal space as well as more dining facilities. The current plan is scaled down to an approximate additional acre of land vice the original three acres. The plan will add fifty five new beds to the campus with cottages designed to blend in with the housing in the neighboring Ridgewood Park neighborhood. This proposal has been approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission.
After Town support is assured, the O’Neill will commence fundraising to obtain the over $1 milllion necessary to complete the exchange.
After the presentation First Selectman Dan Steward asked the BOS for and received authorization to negotiate the new lease agreement. First Selectman Steward indicated that the Town was interested in getting a percentage of the student registration fees.
In other action, the BOS reappointed Tom Francolino to the Waterford Shellfish Commission for a term of 1/6/2010 to 1/5/2014.
Topics: Board of Selectmen | No Comments »
BLOG May Shut Down on Wednesday
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | February 2, 2010
The parent blog for the Waterford Blog, http://ctlocalpolitics.net, is shutting down on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. It is possible that the shutdown will take the Waterford Blog with it. If this is the case, posting will be on the Waterford section of the New London DAY’s zip06 website. I have duel posted some postings in the past and will post there exclusively if the Waterford Blog is shut down after Wednesday. Many thanks to the faithful readers who have followed the doings of the BOS, BOF, and RTM on this site.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
RTM Approves Appropriation for Design of Municipal Complex Renovation
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | February 2, 2010
Last night, February 1, 2010, the Waterford Representative Town Meeting (RTM) had a very short agenda. In the major action of the evening, the RTM approved an appropriation of $375,525 from the Municipal Complex Renovations line of the Capital and Non Recurring Expenditure fund for the design development and contract documents for Phase/Site Remediation II.
Municipal Complex Building Committee Chairman Tom Burns provided the RTM with a refresher briefing on the project since the Building Committee had reported to the RTM in October 2009 regarding the status of the project. As requested during that briefing, Chairman Burns reported the results of the investigation of alternate proposals for the renovation project. The initial proposal was still the least expensive at an estimated cost of $6.252 million. The other proposals cost estimates were $8.229 million and $9.207 million.
Chairman Burns then detailed the costs for the design development and the plans to look at some “Green alternatives” for the building renovation.
Representatives Rodney Pinkham and Robert Brule questioned the timing of the request. According to Representative Pinkham, he did not see that the Town could afford to construct any new building until the 2016 time frame due to the costs of bonding the school projects. Representative Brule was also concerned about the high cost estimates for the project and wondered why some of the code violations listed in the summary had not been taken care of in a gradual manner through the normal operating budget since they appeared to be long standing issues.
After more discussion, the appropration was approved with only Representatives Brule, Pinkham, and Michael Hannen voting against the appropriation. Representative Hannen was elected by the members of the 2nd District delegation to replace the recently deceased Judi Coughlin.
In other business the RTM unanimously reappointed Julia Kushigian Secor and Kristin Pfefferkorn and appointed David Cavasino to the Ethics Commission for terms expiring February 6, 2012 and appointed Atul Shah as Ethics Commission alternate for a term also expiring February 6, 2012.
Topics: Public Works, Representative Town Meeting | No Comments »
Sewer Rate Calculations Back in Committee
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | February 2, 2010
Last night, February 1, 2010, the public comment section of the Waterford Representative Town Meeting (RTM) meeting engendered a lively give and take on the change in Sewer rates that were approved by the RTM last year and went into effect two billing periods ago. The discussion is well covered in the New London DAY this morning. Since the consumption billing for sewer rates had been in the same RTM Sub Committee for a number of years and in discussion by the RTM for at least two years before adoption last year, it is unlikely that the Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee will make any immediate or major changes in the current formula. As noted in the DAY article, Standing Committee Chairman Brendan McGuirk plans a committee meeting later in the month to discuss the concerns of the citizens revealed during this meeting.
Another issue was also brought out during the public comment session. One citizen was concerned that the Waterford Fire Departments had not received any federal grants. He is concerned that the ISO Insurance Rating for the Town was lowered from a “3″ to a “4″ some years ago and wanted to know what the RTM was doing about restoring the old rating. RTM Moderator Sharon Palmer explained that the RTM may only respond to requests that come before it and that the Fire Departments must originate any requests for additional funding and they must also make the grant requests. The citizen was not happy with this answer and requested that the RTM do more to improve the fire protection in the Town so that the insurance rating could be lowered and the cost of home insurance be reduced.
Topics: Fire Commission and Fire Companies, Representative Town Meeting, Utility Commission | No Comments »
BOS Approved Budgets up 10.5%
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | January 27, 2010
Yesterday, January 26, 2010, the Waterford Board of Selectman (BOS) completed the review of the twenty two budgets under their perview and voted to forward them to the Board of Finance (BOF) for review. The $18,452,112 total is an increase of 10.5% from the current year’s $16,699,299 figure.
The largest increase is in the debt service budget of $2,210,313 that will provide payments on the bonds issued for Clark Lane Middle School and the Quaker Hill Elementary School. The Insurance budget increased by 20.07% to 3,222,571. Most of this increase is due to the over $500,000 increase in the cost of Health Care Self Insurance.
The General Government Operations increase recommended by the BOS is 4.49% from $4,041,391 to $5,228,111. During the budget reviews Selectman Paul Suprin continued to warn of potential across the board cuts due to decreased revenues. He also opined that the Town should not be paying any social service grants since it is not able to gauge the effectiveness of the donations or their impact on Waterford Residents. He was also concerned about the $40,611 that was given to the SouthEasternArea Transit (SEAT) District.
Although some budgets were decreased (Finance Department, Public Works, Board of Assessment Appeals, and Public Health Nursing) the increases in other departments have led to the increased overall proposed expenditures.
First Selectman Dan Steward noted that the submitted budget could be significantly decreased if the BOF choses to eliminate the $1,000,000 tranfer to the school building line of the Capital and Non Recurring Expenditure Fund but he believed that this decision should be made by the BOF rather than the BOS.
The Departments reporting to the BOS and their budgets are listed below:
| Department | FY2009 Approved | FY2010Requested | BOS Approved | Change $ Value | Per Cent Change |
| Registrar of Voters | $ 49,157 | $ 60,811 | $ 60,811 | $ 11,654.00 | 23.71% |
| Youth Services | $ 197,270 | $ 200,869 | $ 200,869 | $ 3,599.00 | 1.82% |
| Town Clerk | $ 235,634 | $ 238,902 | $ 238,902 | $ 3,268.00 | 1.39% |
| Emergency Management | $ 829,780 | $ 849,489 | $ 849,489 | $ 19,709.00 | 2.38% |
| Building Maintenance | $ 135,586 | $ 164,917 | $ 164,917 | $ 29,331.00 | 21.63% |
| Building Department | $ 242,543 | $ 245,299 | $ 245,299 | $ 2,756.00 | 1.14% |
| Social Service Grants | $ 106,220 | $ 112,717 | $ 112,717 | $ 6,497.00 | 6.12% |
| Public Library | $ 1,014,328 | $ 1,025,028 | $ 1,025,028 | $ 10,700.00 | 1.05% |
| Finance Department | $ 993,396 | $ 827,174 | $ 827,174 | $ (166,222.00) | -16.73% |
| Insurance | $ 2,683,954 | $ 3,222,571 | $ 3,222,571 | $ 538,617.00 | 20.07% |
| Legal | $ 330,542 | $ 326,000 | $ 326,000 | $ (4,542.00) | -1.37% |
| Debt Service | $ 1,418,313 | $ 2,210,313 | $ 2,210,313 | $ 792,000.00 | 55.84% |
| Tax Collector | $ 198,020 | $ 205,521 | $ 205,521 | $ 7,501.00 | 3.79% |
| Assessor | $ 264,826 | $ 264,920 | $ 264,920 | $ 94.00 | 0.04% |
| Board of Assessment Appeals | $ 1,542 | $ 1,523 | $ 1,523 | $ (19.00) | -1.23% |
| Board of Selectmen | $ 209,757 | $ 214,454 | $ 214,454 | $ 4,697.00 | 2.24% |
| Public Health Nursing | $ 91,960 | $ 64,350 | $ 64,350 | $ (27,610.00) | -30.02% |
| Conservation of Health | $ 144,422 | $ 142,816 | $ 142,816 | $ (1,606.00) | -1.11% |
| Human Resources | $ - | $ 177,952 | $ 177,952 | $ 177,952.00 | #DIV/0! |
| Public Works | $ 4,928,971 | $ 4,881,088 | $ 4,878,688 | $ (50,283.00) | -1.02% |
| Current Yr Capital | $ 1,076,748 | $ 1,163,424 | $ 1,163,424 | $ 86,676.00 | 8.05% |
| Transfer to Capital & Nonrecurring | $ 1,546,330 | $ 1,827,000 | $ 1,854,374 | $ 308,044.00 | 19.92% |
| $ 16,699,299 | $ 18,427,138 | $ 18,452,112 | $ 1,752,813.00 | 10.50% | |
| Capital and Debt Service | $ 4,041,391 | $ 5,200,737 | $ 5,228,111 | $ 1,159,346.00 | 28.69% |
| General Gov Operations | $ 12,657,908 | $ 13,226,401 | $ 13,224,001 | $ 568,493.00 | 4.49% |
The Human Resources Department is a breakout from the Finance Department for the first time this year.
The Social Services Grants approved by the BOS are as follows:
| Line | Agency | Requested |
| 52590 | Shellfish Commission | $ 5,800 |
| 52630 | Special Community Events | $ 800 |
| 52633 | Wtfd/East Lyme Shellfish Commission | $ 2,500 |
| 52634 | Council of Governments | $ 9,576 |
| 52635 | Historic Properties Comm | $ 400 |
| 52636 | TVCCA | $ 4,280 |
| 52638 | DAV | $ 250 |
| 52639 | VFW/AL | $ 1,350 |
| 52643 | Women’s Center SECT | $ 6,500 |
| 52644 | SEAT | $ 40,611 |
| 52645 | East CT Cons District | $ 600 |
| 52646 | Town Historian | $ 900 |
| Sub Total | $ 73,567 | |
| 58330 | SCADD | $ 2,500 |
| 58340 | Historical Society | $ 5,000 |
| 58360 | Boy Scout Troop 36 & 29 | $ 1,200 |
| 58361 | Cub Scout Pack 39 | $ 400 |
| 58370 | Girl Scouts | $ - |
| 58410 | Big Brothers/Big Sisters | $ 1,000 |
| 58440 | United Communty & Family Svcs | $ 8,000 |
| 58450 | NL County Assn Ret. Citizens | $ 2,000 |
| 58480 | YMCA | $ - |
| 58571 | Easter Seal Rehab Center | $ - |
| 58573 | Camp Harkness Equestrian Program | $ 2,800 |
| 58583 | Friends of HARkness | $ 2,000 |
| 58586 | Eugene O’Neill Theater | $ 1,750 |
| 58587 | Literacy Volunteers of America | $ 1,000 |
| 58588 | Child and Family Agency of SECT | $ 2,000 |
| 58589 | SECT Advocates for Dev Disabled | $ 3,000 |
| 58591 | E. CT. Symphony | $ 2,000 |
| 58593 | Community Health Center | $ 2,000 |
| New London Homeless Hospitality Cntr | $ 2,500 | |
| Subtotal | $ 39,150 | |
| Department Total | $ 112,717 |
Topics: Board of Selectmen, Budget | No Comments »
Are Furloughs in the Future of Waterford Town and BOE Employees
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | January 20, 2010
The generally upbeat speech by Waterford First Selectman Dan Steward this morning, January 20, 2010, to around twenty five persons attending the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Waterford Division breakfast was overshadowed by the announcement by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Randy Collins that he will be asking the Waterford Board of Education (BOE) for authority to negotiate two furlough days into the current union contracts to make up for a sudden additional health insurance expense in FY2011 of approximately $1 million. The Furlough Days will make up around $300,000 and another $700,000 in cuts and possible position eliminations will be proposed to the BOE at a special meeting tomorrow night. When asked if the Town employees would also be asked to take furlough days to make up the Town’s share, First Selectman Steward stated that he had not yet discussed with the unions because he does not know the FY2011 budget bottom line. When he finds that out in early February, it is likely that Town unions may also be asked to share the health insurance burdan.
True to the calling of a First Selectman to keep the roads in repair, support local business to broaden the tax base and keep taxes as low as possible, First Selectman Steward started his review of Waterford by noting that in the past year the Town has renovated Butlertown Road, Wayhill Road, Oil Mill Road, and Lakes Pond Road. The roof has been replaced on the Nevins Cottage on Rope Ferry Road near the Library. Utilizing a mixture of Town funds and a grant from the Community Foundation of SE CT, the Library is remodeling the basement area of the library. The Gazebo in the Civic Triangle is currently under repair and should be available for use in the spring or early summer. Preparations are in progress to repair the sea wall along Niantic River Road, improve Douglas Lane and repair the Lathrop Road/Route 32 intersection using American Recover and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.
Despite the economic conditions, businesses are still opening in Waterford. A new Waterford Wine and Spirits opened next to PetCo. The Longhorn Steakhouse opend in the entry to Crystal Mall, L&M opened a rehabilitation clinic at te Waterfall Shopping Center and is still considering a major expansion in Waterford when economic conditions improve. Northeast Utilities has nearly completed the “Waterford Substation” on Waterford Parkway North. Dominion Nuclear is continuing to do upgrades with equipment and environmental controls at Millstone Station. Even the Chamber got into the act by moving to the Waterford Group building on Route 85. A Jarrad Jewelers and Eastern Mountain Sports are preparing to open in the Spring on Route 85. Building has slowed but there is still remodeling and some new construction.
The Utility Commission is still addressing consumer concerns regarding consumption billing with a goal of fairness to customers. The Town has been working with the BOE to share resources. The Human Resources merger that occurred last year has saved the town over $98,000.
In 2010 the Eugene O’Neill theater is looking to expand and has started the process with the Town and Seaside is back on the market by the State.
Addressing Budget concerns, First Selectman Steward noted that FY2011 budget reviews had started with the aim to keep budgets as low as possible. State funding for Towns is unknown so plans are subject to change.
Dr. Collins addressed the School Issues. According to Dr. Collins, Superintendents deal with “the three B’s – Buildings, buses, and budgets.”
So far buses have not been an issue. The Building is going well. Quaker Hill School was the most challenging because the 1915 structure had to be replicated, not renovated. The newly built Oswgatchie School is a beautiful school on a large lot. Great Neck School is still under construction on a tight lot. When the landscape is compllete, the building should fit on the site. The High School construction has been approved and the new three story building should be ready for occupancy in fall of 2012 with site work completed by fall of 2013.
The budget had a slight increase of 2.95% until word of the health insurance short fall was recognized. The BOE will deal with the issue at a special meeting tomorrow, January 21, 2010. The six employee unions have been very cooperative in helping to resolve this issue. This year will be the first time it is necessary to cut programs and possibly lay off workers despite everyones efforts.
Assistant Superintendent Craig Powers concluded the presentations with an explanation of how the Townis using any Stimulant (ARRA) money. There will be special study halls, tutors in schools, a virtual Learning Academy, and Teachers in Resident at ten day intervals. Waterford Country School will get a Promethean Learning Board, student laptops and Storage cart.
During the Question and Answer period, First Selectman Steward was asked what efforts had been made to “regionalize” services to save tax dollars. He responded that Waterford is working with East Lyme in Water management, Animal Control, The Waterford East Lyme Shellfish Commission. There are other services under discussion with East Lyme, Montville, and New London but, currently, littel progress is being made. Currently, there is significant mutual aid between the Towns and City.
Topics: Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, Waterford in General | No Comments »
CRC Hears From BOS and BOF Regarding Changes in Town Government
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | January 20, 2010
Last night, January 19, 2009, the Waterford Charter Revision Commission (CRC) listened as members of the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and the Board of Finance (BOF) presented their opinions regarding possible changes to Waterford Town Government.
CRC Chairman Cliff Grandjean opened the meeting by noting that the CRC was “mulling over” changes that would effect the BOF and the BOS such as length of terms, an expansion of the BOS, directing that all budgets be submitted to the First Selectman and the BOS prior to being presented to the BOF, and even some greater changes such as merging the BOF and the BOS into a Town Council, a City Manager or Strong Mayor form of government, as well as other issues regarding the Fire Commission and the Personnel Review Board.
Selectman Paul Suprin stated that he believed that all budgets should be passed through the BOS even if the BOS did not actually vote on approving the budgets. His main statement concentrated on the lengthing of terms of the BOS. He noted that he has been on the BOS for over fourteen years under three different First Selectmen. It takes time for a First Selectman to imprint his “mark” on the culture of Town Government. Two years is not sufficient time. He sees disadvantages to a two year term and no disadvantages to a four year term. Responding to CRC questions, Mr. Suprin stated he was neutral regarding expanding the BOS to five members. The current board normally voted issues unanamously up or down.
First Selectman Dan Steward noted that although the General Government budget was around $30 million, the BOS and the First Selectman only reviewed around $18 million before it went to the BOF. There is no continunity of control. He will see some budgets the same time as the BOF. One Department Head came in with a 6% budget increase and when challenged by the First Selectman, stated that this was the budget his commission wanted submitted. First Selectman Steward does not think that the BOF should have to correct budget errors that occurred due to lack of review by the governing commission. The surprise increase in medical expenses in the FY2011 budget will have an impact and he is not able to make an intelligent proposal to handle the additional funding requirement until all the budgets are submitted on January 30, 2010. Regarding the increase in numbers on the BOS, First Selectman Steward did not think the BOS needed the “additional help”. He can go to an RTM subcommittee to get volunteer assistance on an issue so the increase is not needed in Waterford. The East Lyme, Montville or New London forms for government are not suited for Waterford.
Selectman Suprin injected that the good thing about Waterford Government is the volunteer commission that is familar with and supports the respective department. Conversely the bad thing about Waterford Government is the volunteer commision that is familar with and supports the respective department.
When questioned by CRC Chairman Grandjean, First Selectman Steward supported an appeal process to the BOF for all budget issues. Selectman Suprin noted that the First Selectman calling in the department head for an informal discussion and a trial run would be better for department heads than being publically chastized at a BOF meeting.
First Selectman Steward also supported four year term of office. In his opinion, two years is insufficient time to learn the procedures, set and execute policies and have sufficient correction time. Selectman Steward also recommended a four year staggered term for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) First Selectman Steward is not in favor of merging the BOF and the BOS. The current system works for Waterford.
CRC Chairman Cliff Grandjean noted that adding the BOS to the budget cycle would add an additional step for many departments, boards, and agencies. “Is the time line sufficient to permit this additional review?” According to First Selectman Steward the time line would have to be adjusted to fit the new review cycle but, overall there is sufficient time between January and May to accomplish the task.
Selectman Paul Konstantakis stated that he agreed with the other Selectmen He supported four year terms for all positions.
BOF Member Brian Vachris had specific points in his comments.
1. If eliminate the PRB, be sure to consider the necessary ordinance changes since the HR director is authorized in one of the ordinances establishing the PRB.
2. If the PRB is abolished, who would suggest salaries for elected officials?
3. Regarding the Utility Commission Sewer Rates, the RTM should continue to review and approve those rates.
4. Expanding the BOS is politically unlikely. The three member board insures the First Selectman has a majority. A five member board could put this majority in jeapordy.
5. There should be a right of appeal to the BOF of budget actions by the BOS.
6. All budgets should be heard by the BOS before the BOF.
7. Two year terms is good enough for congress and state legislature, it is good enough for the RTM.
8. Believe BOS and Treasurer should be four year terms and elect the Tax Collector and Treasurer in opposite cycles.
9. Main task of Fire Commission should be the support and preservation of the Volunteer Fire System Do not take any action that would discourage and decrease Volunteer services.
10. Extensive change to Waterford Form of Government is not necessary – If it is not broken, don’t fix it.
Responding to questions by CRC Commissioner Ed Murphy, Mr. Vachris supported an appeal process from the BOS to the BOF.
CRC Commissioner Steve Percy asked First Selectman Steward if he supported term limits. First Selectman Steward noted that there was generally burnout after ten to twelve years due to the nature of the job.
BOF Member Alan Wilensky agreed that the BOS should see budgets before the BOS. He agreed with four year terms due to the long learning curve. He is in favor of an appeal process from the BOS to the BOF
BOF Member (and former Chairman) J. W. “Bill” Sheehan noted that he would not speak at length since he has attended all the CRC meetings but, in summary, supported all budgets going to BOS, lengthing BOS term to four years, keeping RTM term at two years, supported an appeal process from BOS to BOF, recommended a recall process for First Selectman with a four year term, and an expanded BOS to permit the BOS from becoming a stopper or a pass through.
There was a general discussion that the budget review time line would have to be adjusted to support the additional review of budgets by the BOS.
The CRC will meet on February 2 and 16. Chairman Grandjean gave the commission members an assignment to read the Town Charter carefully for any other possible changes.
Topics: Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen, Budget, Town Charter | No Comments »
Public Works Budget Down 1%
By Wtfd Nuc Sailor | January 20, 2010
Yesterday afternoon, January 19, 2010, the Waterford Board of Selectmen (BOS) continued their review of Waterford budgets. The BOS Budget reviews will complete next Tuesday, January 26, 2010.
Public Works Director Ron Cusano noted that although Public Works personnel costs were up by 8% he was able to make significant savings in the Solid Waste Disposal line. Single Stream recycling has saved $18,000 and conducting some evolutions in house rather than contracting out has saved an additional $28,000. He also received a grant for the purchase of a hyprid “tree truck” through the Clean Fuel Program. First Selectman Dan Steward also noted a $2,400 calculation error on bulky waste container purchase reducing the approved Public Works budget to $4,878,688, a 1.02% decrease from the current budget total for Public Works. There was also lengthy discussion whether to fund and fill a currently vacant Maintainer II billet. Director Cusano was in favor of keeping the position open. He noted that the recently completed Fleet Management Survey “dinged” Public Works for insufficient persons in the maintenance area. He intended to fill this vacancy in the upcoming fiscal year.
Library Director Roz Rubenstein noted that the slight 1.05% increase in the Library budget to $1,025,028 was due to contract requirements. When Selectman Paul Suprin asked if the Library could survive a 10% budget cut if necessary, Director Rubenstein said that the Library board would probably look at over time hours and supplies to cut the cash flow.
Emergency Management Director and Police Chief Murray “Bud” Pendleton defended the 2.38% increase in the Emergency Management budget of $849,489. Salary increases were due to contractual requirements but overtime is reduced because the Dispatch Center is now at full strength. Responding to a question by Selectman Suprin, the Dispatch Center Supervisor noted that the Town has been in discussion with Montville, East Lyme, and New London regarding merging of 911 centers but no other Town has been interested in such a merger. Chief Pendleton noted that the 2011 budget cycle will include two FEMA required Millstone exercises. The Town receives reimbursement of funds expended for these exercises.
Youth Services Director Dani Gorman noted that the Youth Services Bureau received more in Grants (over $300,000) than its $200,869 budget. When asked by Selectman Suprin why the YSB should not be merged with the Recreation and Parks Department, Director Gorman noted that while Rec and Parks dealt with Quality of Life and exercise programs, a major component of the Youth Services programs dealt with Youth and family mental health. These services have been on the increase in the current economic climate. Selectman Suprin warned Director Gorman that she should have a “Plan B” in case major budget cuts were required in the near future.
The Ledge Light Health District requested a 1.11% reduced $142,816 for FY2011. The District has had significant cuts is state support that has led to a reduction of services. The Ledge Light Audit Report would be provided when completed.
The Public Health Nursing Service presented a thirty per cent reduction request for only $64,350. Mr. Ralph Heath, representing the Nursing Service, noted that a large cut in home nursing visits has led to the cut in the budget. Services will be basically flat in FY2011.
Topics: Board of Selectmen, Budget, Emergency Management, Health Care, Youth Services | No Comments »