AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS JANUARY 8 & 15, 2008 – 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN CENTER HEARING ROOM TWO MEETING AGENDA 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 2. OPENING OF MEETING TO ELECTORS OR TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO BE HEARD ON ANY SUBJECT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS. * A. Appropriation to Special Projects as follows: 1. Manchester Dog Pound ......................................................................................$225 to be financed by a donation from the K-9 Kerplunck event which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 2. State Asset Forfeiture....................................................................................$12,084 for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment and training to be financed by proceeds from narcotics investigations. 3. Federal Asset Forfeiture Account ...................................................................$5,479 for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment, and/or training to be financed by proceeds from narcotics investigations. 4. Expanded DUI Enforcement Grant (2007/2008) ..........................................$95,775 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation. 5. Police Department – Public Safety ....................................................................$800 for youth oriented and community based projects to be financed by a donation from Rockville Bank Community Foundation, Inc. which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 6. Manchester Public Library.................................................................................$325 for purchase of books to be financed by a donation from David and Billie Kapp which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 7. Youth Service Bureau – Children’s Mental Health Planning Grant ...........$125,000 to be financed by a grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation. * B. Appropriations to Education Special Projects as follows: 1. Increase in Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2007-2008) .............................................................................. $7,738 to be funded by a grant from the Federal government for special education students ages 3-21. 2. Increase in Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2007-2008) ..................................................................................$133 to be funded by a grant from the Federal government for special education students ages 3-5. C. Approval of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances in Chapter 242, Property Maintenance Code, requiring registration of landlords. (A copy of the proposed ordinance may be seen in the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours.) D. Amendment to Code of Ordinances, Sections 285-16 through 285-26, Downtown Special Services District, to provide for changes in the election of the Board of Commissioners of the District. (A copy of the proposed ordinance may be seen in the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours.)
Transcript
AGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JANUARY 8 & 15, 2008 – 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN CENTER HEARING ROOM
TWO MEETING AGENDA
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 2. OPENING OF MEETING TO ELECTORS OR TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO BE
HEARD ON ANY SUBJECT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS. * A. Appropriation to Special Projects as follows: 1. Manchester Dog Pound......................................................................................$225 to be financed by a donation from the K-9 Kerplunck event which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted.
2. State Asset Forfeiture....................................................................................$12,084 for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment and training to be financed by proceeds from narcotics investigations.
3. Federal Asset Forfeiture Account ...................................................................$5,479 for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment, and/or training to be
financed by proceeds from narcotics investigations. 4. Expanded DUI Enforcement Grant (2007/2008)..........................................$95,775 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation. 5. Police Department – Public Safety ....................................................................$800 for youth oriented and community based projects to be financed by a donation from Rockville Bank Community Foundation, Inc. which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 6. Manchester Public Library.................................................................................$325 for purchase of books to be financed by a donation from David and Billie Kapp which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 7. Youth Service Bureau – Children’s Mental Health Planning Grant...........$125,000 to be financed by a grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation. * B. Appropriations to Education Special Projects as follows:
1. Increase in Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2007-2008) .............................................................................. $7,738
to be funded by a grant from the Federal government for special education students ages 3-21.
2. Increase in Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) (2007-2008) ..................................................................................$133 to be funded by a grant from the Federal government for special education students ages 3-5.
C. Approval of an amendment to the Code of Ordinances in Chapter 242, Property Maintenance Code, requiring registration of landlords. (A copy of the proposed ordinance may be seen in the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours.) D. Amendment to Code of Ordinances, Sections 285-16 through 285-26, Downtown Special Services District, to provide for changes in the election of the Board of Commissioners of the District. (A copy of the proposed ordinance may be seen in the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours.)
Board of Directors January 8, 2008 Agenda Page 2
E. Appropriation to Board of Education .................................................................$88,314 for the completion of various projects to be financed by designated general fund balance. F. Approval of an Ordinance dissolving the Commission on Aging and dissolving the Commission for Disabled Persons and creating a new commission entitled
the Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs. (A copy of the proposed ordinance may be seen in the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours.)
4. CONSENT CALENDAR. 5. REPORTS. A. Manager’s Report. B. Senior housing plans – Carol Shanley. C. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA THAT MAY NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT MEETING. 6. RECESS TO SECOND WEEK.
SECOND MEETING OF THE MONTH
NOTE: EXECUTIVE SESSION – 6:30 P.M.A. Real Estate Negotiations/Property Acquisition
7. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 8. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS. 9. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING. A. Actions, December 11, 2007 – Regular Meeting B. Minutes, December 11, 2007 – Regular Meeting C. Actions, December 18, 2007 – Regular Meeting D. Minutes, December 18, 2007 – Regular Meeting E. Minutes, December 18, 2007 – Policy Briefing Meeting 10. OPENING OF MEETING TO ELECTORS OR TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO BE
HEARD ON ANY SUBJECT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
11. COMMUNICATIONS. 12. REPORTS. A. DOT presentation on Buckland Area Transportation Study. B. Report from Board of Education re textbook program. 13. PRESENTATION OF BID WAIVER REQUESTS. A. Election Equipment. 14. ACTION ON ITEMS OF PUBLIC HEARING. 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
Board of Directors January 8, 2008 Agenda Page 3 A. Appointments to Boards and Commissions which have members with terms expiring
in November/December 2007. *T represents appointments that were tabled; *R represents reappointments; *A represents newly appointed members to the Boards and Commissions.
Board/Commission Name Term Expiring Arts Commission T-Vacancy (D) November 2010 Arts Commission - Ex Officio T-Vacancy, Mary Cheney Library November 2010 Cable TV Advisory Committee T-Vacancy, Board of Ed Appointment July 2009 T-Vacancy, Town Appointment July 2009 Commission on Aging T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 Commission for Disabled Persons T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 Ethics Commission T-Vacancy (D) November 2010 B. Appointment of a member (R) to the Commission on Aging to replace Jeffrey A. Beckman with a term expiring November 2008. C. Resolution extending deadline for draft report from Charter Revision Commission. 16. NEW BUSINESS. * A. Correction of term of appointment to Advisory Board of Health (Robin Klimkoski, term expiring November 2010). * B. Acceptance of resignation of Enrique Marcano (D) from the Commission for
Disabled Persons with a term expiring November 2009. C. Appointment of a member (R) to the Cheney Hall Board of Commissioners with a term expiring November 2008. D. Appointment of the Town Attorney. E. Presentation/Discussion: WiMAX Town/Business Partnership Case. F. Resolution regarding creation of a blight task force.
G. Resolution regarding requesting the Town Attorney draft an ordinance, suitable for adoption by the Board of Directors, to prohibit smoking of any kind within 50 feet of entrances and exits to the Mary Cheney and Whiton Libraries. H. Resolution regarding creation of a task force for the implementation of Manchester’s platform for strengthening families and improving outcomes for children and youth. I. Resolution regarding a Deferred Retirement Option (“DROP”) program for Manchester Police officers. J. Resolution regarding incentives for recruiting and hiring Manchester Police officers.
17. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION BY BOARD MEMBERS ON ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA OR OF GENERAL CONCERN.
18. ADJOURNMENT. CONSENT CALENDAR: Items marked by an * which are not subsequently removed from the consent calendar by a Director are approved under item #4 of this Agenda.
Manchester Police Department Inter-office Memorandum
To: Scott Shanley, General Manager From: James O. Berry, Chief of Police Date: December 6, 2007 Subject: Board Agenda Item Donation for the Pound $225.00 One cash donation, in the amount of $225.00, has been received as a donation to the Animal Shelter. The funds were the proceeds from the K-9 Kerplunk event. I request that the amount of $225.00 be placed on the next Board of Directors’ agenda for acceptance and appropriation. _____________________________ Chief James O. Berry Copy w/check: Jim Wren
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager FROM: James O. Berry, Chief of Police DATE: November 29, 2007 SUBJECT: State Asset Forfeiture Fund $5,796.42 Background: These funds were the result of the sale, at auction on 8/10/07, of vehicles that were seized by East Central Narcotics (ECN) from drug-related cases. Discussion/Analysis: The funds will be used for the maintenance and repair of ECN vehicles. Financial Impact: $5,796.42 to be deposited into the Manchester’s State Asset Forfeiture Account. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: Request that the funds be accepted by the board and deposited in the appropriate account. Attachments: Original checks sent to Jim Wren (41094304-6445 SG004). ____________________________ Chief James O. Berry
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager FROM: James O. Berry, Chief of Police DATE: November 29, 2007 SUBJECT: State Asset Forfeiture Fund $1,500.00 Background: These funds were the result of a court ordered settlement for the reimbursement of storage fees for vehicle seized by East Central Narcotics (ECN) in a drug related case. Discussion/Analysis: The funds will be used for the maintenance and repair of ECN vehicles. Financial Impact: $1,500.00 to be deposited into the Manchester’s State Asset Forfeiture Account. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: Request that the funds be accepted by the board and deposited in the appropriate account. Attachments: Original checks sent to Jim Wren (41094304-6445 SG004). ____________________________ Chief James O. Berry
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager FROM: James O. Berry, Chief of Police DATE: December 4, 2007 SUBJECT: State Asset Forfeiture Fund $4,786.73 Background: Three (3) checks have been received from the State Department of Public Safety – ASB/Fiscal Services and one (1) check has been received from the Town of Glastonbury Police Seized Funds. The funds are proceeds from narcotics investigations conducted by the East Central Narcotics Task Force. The East Central Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers from Manchester, South Windsor, and Glastonbury. The funds will be dispersed according to the equitable sharing agreement among the member towns. Manchester’s share of funds is $1,595.58. Discussion/Analysis: The funds will be used for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment or training. Financial Impact: $4,786.73 to be deposited into the Manchester’s State Asset Forfeiture Account. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: Request that the funds be accepted by the board and deposited in the appropriate account. Attachments: Original check(s) sent to Jim Wren (2603801 4600 SG004). ____________________________ Chief James O. Berry
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager DATE: December 4, 2007 SUBJECT: Federal Asset Forfeiture Account - $5,111.10 Background: Three (3) Electronic Fund Transfers have been received from the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. These funds are the proceeds from narcotics investigations conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and members of the Manchester Police Department. (These are NOT East Central Narcotic cases) Discussion/Analysis: The funds will be used for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment, and/or training. Financial Impact: That $5,111.10 be deposited into Manchester’s Federal Asset Forfeiture Account. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: Request that the funds be accepted by the Board of Directors and deposited into the appropriate account. Attachments: Copy of notification of deposit sent to Jim Wren ___________________________ James O. Berry Chief of Police
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager DATE: December 6, 2007 SUBJECT: Federal Asset Forfeiture Account - $366.72 Background: One (1) Electronic Fund Transfer has been received from the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. These funds are the proceeds from narcotics investigations conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and members of the Manchester Police Department. (These are NOT East Central Narcotic cases) Discussion/Analysis: The funds will be used for continuing narcotics investigations, equipment, and/or training. Financial Impact: That $366.72 be deposited into Manchester’s Federal Asset Forfeiture Account. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: Request that the funds be accepted by the Board of Directors and deposited into the appropriate account. Attachments: Copy of notification of deposit sent to Jim Wren ___________________________ James O. Berry Chief of Police
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager DATE: November 28, 2006 SUBJECT: 2007/2008 Expanded DUI Enforcement Program Grant Background: The Manchester Police Department has applied for and received a grant from the State of Connecticut for a maximum amount of $95,775.00. This grant requires a 25 percent local match of the total requested from the State. Matching funds will come from the operating budget of the Police Department. Discussion/Analysis: The funds from this grant will be used to pay overtime for both random DUI patrols as well as sobriety checkpoints for the period between November 21, 2007 through September 7, 2008. The Manchester Police Department has found that both random patrols and checkpoints have been instrumental in the detection and deterrence of drunk driving. Having recognized that traffic safety is of paramount importance to the citizens of Manchester, we have formed a tremendous partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation in identifying sources of funding for our efforts. Financial Impact: The total cost of the overtime and benefits will not exceed $127,700.00 of which 75 percent or $95,775.00 will be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut. We do not anticipate reaching the maximum amount. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: That this grant be placed on the next Board of Directors’ agenda for acceptance. ___________________________ Chief James O. Berry Cc: Jim Wren
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager DATE: December 20, 2007 SUBJECT: Appropriation: $800.00 Background: The Manchester Police Department has received one (1) check in the amount of $800.00 from the Rockville Bank Community Foundation, Inc. that is most gratefully acknowledged. Discussion/Analysis: The funds will be used to benefit the Manchester Police Department youth oriented and community based projects. Financial Impact: $800.00 should be appropriated to the General Fund – Public Safety Police Department. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: That the entire $800.00 be placed on the next Board of Directors’ agenda for acceptance and appropriation and deposited in the appropriate accounts. Attachments: Original check sent to Jim Wren (41094308 68800 SG014) ____________________________ Chief James O. Berry
TOWN OF MANCHESTER MANCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Date: December 14, 2007 To: Scott Shanley, General Manager From: Douglas McDonough, Library Director Subject: Request for Board Acceptance of $325 Donation BackgroundChecks have been received totaling $325 from a donation from David and Billie Kapp. Discussion/Analysis. This donation will be used towards the purchase of books for the Manchester Public Library. Financial Impact. $325 in donation Other Board/Commission Action. N/A Recommendations. Request that the Board of Directors accept with thanks and appropriate to the Library’s Trust Fund Account 755. Attachments. Copy of memo and check to Finance Department.
Town of Manchester YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU Date: December 21, 2007 To: Scott Shanley General Manager From: Erica Bromley Director Youth Service Bureau Re: Item for Board of Director’s Agenda Background The Manchester Youth Service Bureau has received funding from the Connecticut Health Foundation in the amount of $125,000. It is a collaborative project with the YSB as the lead and fiduciary. Other participants are the Police Department, the Board of Education, Manchester Memorial hospital, and the Community Child Guidance Clinic. Discussion The Children’s Mental Health Planning Grant is for comprehensive planning to reduce the number of children entering into the juvenile justice system and/or intensive mental health treatment. The Collaborative will come up with new, unified strategies, focusing on the East Side community, to systematically identify these at-risk children early and to work with parents to implement interventions to prevent or reduce the risk. Funding is from the CT Health Foundation: Attached you will find the letter of award. Financial Impact The amount of the grant award is $125,000 over a 18 month period. This grant goes into a special grant account. There is no financial impact to the General Fund. Recommendation I request that this funding be appropriated by the Board of Directors. Attachment Cc: file
Dec-21-2007 02:42 From-CT HEALTH FOUNDATION 860 2242230 T-471 P,OOZ/OO3 F-711
December 19,2007
Erica BromleyTown of Manchester Youth Service Bureau107 Center StreetBox 191Manchester, CT 06040-0191
Dear Ms. Bromley,
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Connecticut Health Foundation, I ampleased to inform you that the Children's Mental Health Community Plannihg Grantsubmitted by the Town of Manchester Youth Service Bureau, has been approved. The18-month grant is in tl1e amOUIlt of$125,OOO. fulclosed please find two copies of theGrant Agreement. Please sim both co~ies and return one cog v no later than December31.2007. Upon receipt oftlle signed grant agreement, the Foundation will release 50%of the grant allocation. These funds however, are restricted until after the granteeorientation session which will be held on January 16, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Theorientation will be held at the Farmington Marriott (15 Farm Springs Road; Farmington,Connecticut 06032)~ Grantees are required to attend this session and stronglyencouraged to bring representatives from each of the tlu-ee "partner" organizationsidentified in file application.
The purpose oftlle Children's Mental Health Comm~lity Planning Grant is to supportlocal communities to develop a community strategy that will reduce the number of youth(age 6-14) at risk of entering either the Juvenile Justice system and/or the most intensivelevel of mental health treatment due to their behavioral health issues. Community plallSwill address innovative ways of identifying, assessing and providing brief interventions to
at risk youth.
The Foundation has selected Education Development Center (EDC) to provide tec1u1icalassistance to grantees and consultation to the Foundation throughout the grant period.EDC is a Newton, MA international, non-profit organization witll more than 335 projectsdedicated to enhancing learning, promoting health, and fostering a deeper understandingof the world. Kim Netter is EDC's Project Director on this project. She wi]l be incontact with you in the next couple of weeks .
Dec-21-2001 02:42 From-CT HEALTH FOUNDATION 860 ZZ4ZZ30 T-4TI P,OO3/003 F-TI1
Finally, as discussed at the Application Information Workshop and reiterated in theapplicarion, there will be a two-day grantee conference which will be held March 19-20,2008, at me Simsbury Inn. Up to five members of your planning team may attend thisgraJ1tee conference. Additional information will be provided at the orientation session.
The Foundation looks forward to working with you and members of your communityover the next 18 months. In tl1e meantime, please feel free to contaCt me with anyquestions or comments you have regarding this letter. I may be reached via email [email protected] or by phone at 860.224.2200
Sincerely,
WlJ!G-~-William F. Crimi.Vice President ofProgram & Evaluation
Enclosure
cc: Nancy Nolan, Grants Manager
Town of Manchester Board of Education
To: Scott Shanley, General Manager From: Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, Superintendent of Schools Subject: Item for Appropriation for FY2007-08 Date: December 14, 2007 Background: Each year the Manchester Board of Education writes for and receives grant funds under Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) for use with special education students. This pays for staff: such as several teachers, occupational therapy, physical therapy, paraprofessionals, and tutors. It also allows us to purchase equipment such as specialized reading and math programs, computers and other specialized assistive technology devices, specialized evaluations of students. IDEA 611 funds items for children ages 3 – 21. Discussion/Analysis: This is a request to appropriate the final IDEA 611 grant award for the 2007-2008 year. This is a $7,738 increase from the 2006-2007 grant. Financial Impact: This is a one- year federally funded grant. The final grant award for IDEA 611 for 07-08 is for the amount of $1,579,348. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: The Superintendent of Schools recommends that the Board of Education request that the Board of Directors appropriate $1,579,348 for the IDEA 611 final grant award. Attachments: Final grant award.
CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONGRANT AWARD NOTIFICATION
REVISION
I Grant Recipient
MANCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS45 NORTH SCHOOL STREETMANCHESTER, CT 06040-2022
4 A ward Information
Grant Type:Statute:CFDA #:
EntitlementP. L. 108-44684.027'
Grant Number: 00077 -12060 -20977 -2008 -82032 -170002 -
7 Terms and Conditions of AwardThis grant is contingent upon the continuing availability of funds from the grant's funding source and the continuinge.\igibility of the State of Connecticut and your town/agency to receive such funds.
Fiscal and other reports relating to this grant must be submitted as required by the granting agency. Written requestsfor budget revisions for expenditures made between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008 must be received at least 60 daysprior to the expiration of the grant period but no later than May 1,2008. For grants awarded for two-year periodsbeginning July 1, 2007, final second-year budget revision requests covering the entire two-year period must bereceived at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the grant period but no later than February 1, 2009.The grantee shall provide for an audit acceptable to the granting agency in accordance with the provisions ofSections 7-394a and 7-396a of the Connecticut General Statutes. The following attachment(s) are incorporated by
reference: EDlj4.
The grant may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. In the event of such action, allremaining funds shall be returned in a timely fashion to the granting agency.
f-o7ORIGINAL REQUEST DATE: 7/01/2007STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
PROGRAM MANAGER AUTHORIZATIONDATE OFA~PROVALREVISED REQUEST DATE: 11/08/2007
Town of Manchester Board of Education
To: Scott Shanley, General Manager From: Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, Superintendent of Schools Subject: Items for Appropriation FY2007-08 Date: December 14, 2007 Background: Each year the Manchester Board of Education writes for and receives grant funds under Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) for use with special education students. IDEA 619 funds items for children ages 3 – 5. This grant pays for a preschool special education teacher. Discussion/Analysis: This is a request to appropriate the final IDEA 619 grant award for the 2007-2008 year. This is an increase of $133 over the 2006-2007 grant. Financial Impact: This is a one- year federally funded grant. The final grant award for IDEA 619 for 07-08 is for the amount of $68,935. Other Board/Commission Action: None Recommendations: The Superintendent of Schools recommends that the Board of Education request that the Board of Directors appropriate the amount of $68,935 for IDEA 619 final grant award. Attachments: Final grant award.
CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONGRANT A WARD NOTIFICATION
REVISION
Grant RecipientMANCHESTERPUBUCSCHOOLS45 NORTH SCHOOL STREETMANCHESTER, CT 06040-2022
4 Award Information
Grant Type:
Statute:CFDA #:
EntitlementP. L. 108-44684.173
Grant Number: 00077 -12060 -20983 -2008 -82032 -170002 -
(Vendor- Fund -SPID -Budget.Refer.-Program-Chartfield 1 -Chartfield 2)
2 Grant Title5 Award Period
7/01/2007- 6/30/2009IDEA, PART B,SECTION 619
6 Authorized FundingGrant Amount: $68,935
3 Education StaffProgram Manager:
Brian Cunnane (860) 713-6919Payment & Expenditure Inquiries:
Annette McCall (860) 713-6470Funding Status: Final
7 Terms and Conditions of AwardThis grant is contingent upon the continuing availability of funds from the grant's funding source and the continuingeligibility of the State of Connecticut and your town/agency to receive such funds.
Fiscal and other reports relating to this grant must be submitted as required by the granting agency. Written requestsfor budget revisions for expenditur,es made between July I, 2007 and June 30, 2008 must be received at least 60 daysprior to the expiration of the grant period but no later than May 1,2008. For grants awarded for two-year periodsbeginning July I, 2007, final second-year budget revision requests covering the entire two-year period must bereceived at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the grant period but no .tater than February I, 2009.The grantee shall provide for an audit acceptable to the granting agency in accordance with the provisions ofSections 7-394a and 7-396a of the Connecticut General Statutes. The following attachment(s) are incorporated byreference: ED114.
The gral1t may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. In the event of such action, allr~maining funds shall be returned in a timely fashion to the granting agency.
S~percedes the approval letter of 7/03/2007
, ~.t./J ~11/09/2007
~vSupport Services
Charlene Russell-TuckerAssociate CommissionerDivision of Family and Student
TOWN OF MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT TOWN ATTORNEY=S OFFICE TO: Members, Board of Directors, via Scott Shanley, General Manager FROM: Timothy P. O'Neil, Interim Town Attorney SUBJECT: Item 3.C., January agenda - Landlord Registration Ordinance DATE: December 28, 2007 Item 3.C. on your January agenda is a proposed landlord registration ordinance which had been either tabled or removed from the agenda of the previous Board of Directors. Town staff is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Property Maintenance Code section of the Town's Code of Ordinances to determine where it might be appropriate to amend this code to strengthen its anti-blight provisions. Part of this process has involved the review of similar ordinances in other towns. The requirement of a landlord registration process is a component of the anti-blight programs in many area towns. Public Act 05-223, now codified as Connecticut General Statutes Section 47a - 6a, provides the authority for municipalities to establish a landlord registration ordinance. Area towns that have enacted this legislation are West Hartford, Bristol, Middletown, Vernon and Ellington. The primary purpose of this ordinance is to establish an address that will be designated as the address to satisfy the requirement of sufficient proof of service of notice for state or municipal orders relating to the maintenance of rental real property. If a nonresident owner of rental real property does not comply with the filing requirement of the ordinance, then, by default, the address to which the municipality mails property tax bills for the rental real property is deemed to be the nonresident owner's current address and will be the address to satisfy the service of notice requirement for state or municipal orders. An informal survey of the area towns which have enacted such an ordinance indicates that virtually all of these towns utilize this registration process for the sole purpose of establishing the nonresident owner's address for proof of service of notice. This is evidenced by the almost universal response from these towns that they have an ordinance in existence, that one mailing of the registration requirement has been made, that no follow-up has been attempted with those who do not respond and there has been no enforcement proceedings initiated. The majority of the area towns contacted did not send out a form to be returned with the registration information to be provided, but rather merely informed the recipient of the requirement of the ordinance to register.
Manchester's staff views this ordinance in a different light. The establishment of an address of a nonresident owner for service of notices is secondary to the ability to contact nonresident landlords when there a code enforcement emergency or other exigent circumstances involving their properties. Town staff has indicated that the inability to contact the owner or representative of an owner of rental property when there is an incident affecting the health or safety of tenants or abutting properties is a serious and persistent issue. Accordingly, following the lead of Vernon, the attached Landlord Registration Notice form, which Town staff intends to use, includes telephone numbers as part of the information to be provided. Furthermore, a more aggressive approach to compliance with the ordinance is intended, which would include initiating enforcement proceedings as well as making non-compliant owners ineligible for certain Town programs and benefits. Another mechanism for compliance would be the cooperation of local housing agencies which oversee the Section 8 housing program. I have contacted the Manchester Housing Authority and they have agreed to include the registration requirement as part of a landlord's approval to participate in the Section 8 housing program. There are several other agencies that have not yet been contacted, but if the ordinance is approved they will also be asked to include the registration form as part of their approval package for landlords applying for participation in the Section 8 housing program. The ordinance also provides that eligibility for a series of Town programs and benefits will be contingent upon compliance. This provision is designed to further promote compliance. Finally, there was a question raised concerning the disclosure of the Landlord Registration Notice upon a Freedom of Information request being made, specifically related to the telephone numbers that would be listed on that form. I reviewed the provisions of the Freedom of Information statute, particularly with regards to any permitted exemption from disclosure and could find nothing that would allow us to redact telephone numbers from this form, if we are asked for a copy. I confirmed this with a staff attorney at the Freedom of Information Commission. However, in my conversations with the Assessor in Vernon about this subject, they were aware of the possible impact of an FOI request which would require disclosure and he has not received any such requests to date. He also indicated that the request for telephone numbers has not created any particular issues as of yet with the landlords. Therefore, if the Board of Directors enacts this ordinance at its January meeting, Town staff is prepared to move forward with its implementation with a due date of the initial filing requirement of April 1, 2008. TPO/sjr R:\srooney\O'Neil\Ordinances\2007\Landlord Registration\Landlord.BOD.memo.doc
LANDLORD REGISTRATION NOTICE
Dear Property Owner: In accordance with the newly enacted Landlord Registration ordinance, any owner of occupied or vacant rental real property shall maintain on file in the office of the Building Department the owner’s mailing address and a telephone contact number. A post office box address is not acceptable. This list is for emergency personnel use only in the case of an incident. Any change in the owner’s address must be reported to the Building Department not more than twenty-one days after the date the address changed. The mailing address for the Building Department is 494 Main Street, P. O. Box 191, Manchester, CT 06045-0191 and the telephone number is (860) 647-3052. Noncompliance with the ordinance constitutes a civil penalty for the violation of this ordinance in the sum of two hundred fifty dollars for the first violation and not more than one thousand dollars for any subsequent violation and may also result in the disqualification of this property for certain Town-sponsored programs. Please fill out the section below for our records and return to Town of Manchester, Building Department, 494 Main Street, P. O. Box 191, Manchester, CT 06045-0191: Owner’s/Landlord’s Name: Property Address of Rental Real Property: Owner’s/Landlord’s Mailing Address if different from above:
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester that Chapter 242, Property Maintenance, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Manchester, be amended by adding the following new section:
Chapter 242.7.1 – Landlord Registration Ordinance § 242.7.1.A. Purpose. This ordinance is being enacted in accordance with and pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sections 47a-6a and 47a-6b and is intended to assure the identification and availability of the name and address of the responsible party for landlord-related issues, including, but not limited to, notification and service of process for all property maintenance code, building code, housing code, fire code and health code enforcement. § 242.7.1.B. Definitions. As used in this Section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ADDRESS – A location as described by the full street number, if any, the street name, the city or town, and the state, and not a mailing address such as a post office box. AGENT IN CHARGE – One who manages real estate, including, but not limited to, the collection of rents and supervision of property. DWELLING UNIT – Means any house or building, or portion thereof, which is rented, leased or hired out to be occupied, or is arranged or designed to be occupied, or is occupied, as the home or residence of one or more persons, living independently of each other, and doing their cooking upon the premises, and having a common right in the halls, stairways or yard. NONRESIDENT OWNER – Means an owner of occupied or vacant rental property who does not reside on such property. § 242.7.1.C. Registration requirements.
1. Each nonresident owner of occupied or vacant rental real property in the Town of Manchester shall maintain on file in the office of the Building Department the current residential address of the nonresident owner of such property, if the owner is an individual, or the current residential address of the agent in charge of the building, if the nonresident owner is a corporation, partnership, trust or other legally recognized entity owning rental property in the state. Each non-resident owner of occupied or vacant rental real property shall also provide a telephone number where said owner or a property manager authorized to act for said owner can be reached by the Town of Manchester in the event of an emergency.
2. If such residential address changes, notice of the new residential address shall be provided by such nonresident owner or agent in charge of the building to such municipal office not more than 21 days after the date that the address change occurred.
3. If the nonresident owner or agent fails to file an address under this section, the address to which the municipality mails property tax bills for the rental real property shall be deemed to be the nonresident owner or agent’s current address. Such address may be used for compliance with the provisions of subsection D of this section.
4. Service of state or municipal orders relating to maintenance of such rental real
property or compliance with state law and local codes concerning such real property directed to the nonresident owner or agent at the address on file, or deemed to be on file in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance, shall be sufficient proof of service of notice of such orders in any subsequent criminal or civil action against the owner or agent for failure to comply with the orders, provided a copy is also mailed to any post office box address on file. The provisions of this ordinance shall not be construed to limit the validity of any other means of giving notice of such orders that may be used by the Town of Manchester. § 242.7.1.D. Penalties for violations.
1. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance shall have committed an infraction.
2. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall pay a civil penalty
of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for the first violation and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for any subsequent violation. Any person who is assessed a civil penalty pursuant to this ordinance may appeal therefrom to the Superior Court. An appeal shall be instituted not later than thirty (30) days after the mailing of notice of such assessment by filing a petition to reopen assessment, together with an entry fee in an amount equal to the entry fee for a small claims case pursuant to section 52-259 of the general statutes, at the Superior Court facility designated by the Chief Court Administrator, which shall entitle such person to a hearing in accordance with the rules of the judges of the Superior Court.
§ 242.7.1.E. Eligibility for Town programs, grants. Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of this ordinance shall, in addition to the penalties set forth in § 242.7.1.D. herein, be deemed ineligible to participate in any Town-sponsored programs benefiting a property which is subject to this ordinance, including but not limited to grant assistance, rental assistance, Community Development Block Grant assistance, Rebuilding Together, tax abatement or tax assessment agreements and trash rebate programs.
§ 242.7.1.F. Effective date.
The provisions of this ordinance shall become effective upon formal adoption by the Board of Directors. The date by which registration forms are due in the Building Department for the initial implementation of the requirements of this ordinance is April 1, 2008. R:\srooney\O'Neil\Ordinances\2007\Ordinance.doc
AMENDMENT TO CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 285, ARTICLE II DOWNTOWN SPECIAL SERVICES DISTRICT
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester that Chapter 285, Article II of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Manchester, the Downtown Special Services District, is hereby amended as follows: § 285-16. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ASSESSED VALUE OF PROPERTY FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR --- The value of property shown on the grand list of the Town of Manchester effective October of the prior year, excluding any exemptions. BOARD OF COMNMISSIONERS --- The executive body of the District elected by a majority vote of the members of said District. BUSINESS LESSEE --- A tenant occupying and in possession of premises located in the property in the District and conducting a business in said premises. COMMISSIONER --- Any member of the Board of Commissioners with the exception of an ex officio member. DISTRICT --- The municipal services district established according to Chapter 105a of the Connecticut General Statutes, whose boundaries are delineated in § 285-17 of this article, including amendments made to the District under the provisions of § 285-18. EX OFFICIO --- Denotes a non-voting member of the Board of Commissioners. FISCAL YEAR --- From July 1 through June 30, unless the fiscal year is changed by the majority vote of the Board of Commissioners and approved by a majority vote of the property owners of said district. HOLDER OF RECORD OF THE TAXABLE INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY --- An individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, fiduciary, guardian, conservator, or other legal entity or any combination thereof as identified in the Town of Manchester land records. MEMBER --- Either a property owner, as defined herein, or a business lessee as defined herein. Residential tenants shall not be members of the District.
PROPERTY --- Real property within the District that is identified in the tax records of the Town of Manchester as a parcel of land and/or building or which constitutes an individual condominium unit as shown on the records of the Assessor's office of the Town of Manchester. PROPERTY OWNER --- The holder of record of the taxable interest in property as defined in the definition of "property" above. § 285-17. Purpose. (NO CHANGE) § 285-18. Powers of the District. (NO CHANGE) § 285-19. Boundary of the District. (NO CHANGE) § 285-20. Procedures for referendum establishing District. (NO CHANGE) § 285-21. District organization and operations. A. Commencement of District operations. Within 20 days of the referendum creating the District, the General Manager shall call a general meeting of the members to elect the Board of Commissioners in accordance with Subsection B(3) of this section. The Board of Commissioners shall meet within 20 business days of the general meeting to establish a schedule of subsequent meetings and a schedule for adopting bylaws and rules of procedure for the Commission. B. Board of Commissioners. (1) There shall be established a Board of Commissioners consisting of seven members. A Commissioner must be a property owner in the Downtown Special Services District, except that two members shall be business lessees. There shall be one alternate Commissioner elected to substitute for Commissioners absent from any business meeting. There shall be three ex officio members on the Board of Commissioners as follows: the Town's Director of Planning and Economic Development or designee, the president of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce or designee, and one representative from a church located in the District. (2) The Board of Commissioners shall be the executive body governing the day-to-day operations of the District. The Board shall make administrative decisions and establish or interpret policies of the District which are consistent with the purpose, intent and powers of the District.
(3) The Board of Commissioners shall be elected by a plurality vote of the members voting in the biennial election meeting provided for in subdivision C(3) of this section. (a) Nominations. Not less than 60 days before the biennial election meeting, the Board of Commissioners shall submit to the members, in writing, a proposed slate of nominees. Additional nominations may be submitted to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners not less than 45 days before the biennial election meeting, by a writing signed by not less than 20 members of the district. Such additional nominations must be signed by at least 20 separate individuals, regardless of the number of ballots to which such member may be entitled by virtue of owning or operating more than one business. (b) Balloting. Not less than 30 days before the biennial election meeting, the Board of Commissioners shall cause ballots to be sent to each member, listing the names of all nominees. Each member shall be entitled to one ballot for each taxable interest in real property that the member owns, and one ballot for each business operated by the member as a business lessee. On each ballot the member may vote for not more than five property owners and two business lessees, but may cast only one vote for any one nominee on each ballot. The ballot may be cast at the biennial election meeting, or may be cast in advance by delivering it to the District Office not less than 24 hours before the meeting. (c) Election. The five nominated property owners who receive the highest vote count shall be elected Commissioners, the two nominated business lessees who receive the highest vote count shall be elected Commissioners, and the remaining nominee with the highest vote count, whether property owner or business lessee, shall be elected Alternate; provided that, in order to insure broad representation of the District, no more than one nominee shall be elected from a property address. (4) The Board of Commissioners shall elect offices, the positions to be determined at the first meeting of the Board after the District is created and incorporated into the bylaws when written. (5) The Board of Commissioners may hire such staff or consultants considered necessary to perform the duties and carry out the obligations of the District as approved in the annual budget. (6) The terms of the seven Commissioners and one alternate shall be for two years. (7) If any Commissioner shall fail for any reason to serve through the end of the term, the remaining Commissioners shall appoint a property owner to fill the remainder of the term vacated by a property owner, or a business lessee to fill the remainder of the term vacated by a business lessee.
C. Meetings of the Board of Commissioners and general meetings of property owners. (1) The Board of Commissioners shall establish a regular schedule of meetings and notify all members in the District of their regular meeting schedule, including dates, times, and place for said meetings. (2) The Board of Commissioners may call special meetings from time to time as necessary to conduct the business of the District. The Board of Commissioners shall notify members of the special meeting setting forth the date, time, place and subject matter of the meeting. (3) There shall be at least one annual budget meeting of the District members to review the activities of the District and to review and make comments on the proposed budget for the District, and a biennial election meeting to conduct district elections when appropriate. § 285-22. Annual budget and tax levy for the Special Services District. (NO CHANGE) § 285-23. Municipal service agreements. (NO CHANGE) § 285-24. Dissolution of District. (NO CHANGE) § 285-25. Relationship of Special Services District to special taxing district; Parking Committee. (NO CHANGE) § 285-26. Abatement of Town property. (NO CHANGE) R:\srooney\O'Neil\Ordinances\2008\Special Services District\Clean version.doc
TOWN OF MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT TOWN ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
TO: Scott Shanley, General Manager FROM: Timothy P. O’Neil, Assistant Town Attorney DATE: December 21, 2007 RE: Proposed Amendment to Ordinance for January, 2008 Board of Directors Agenda Please place the following wording on the January, 2008 agenda: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE: Approval of an amendment to the Town of Manchester’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 285, Article II, Sections 285-16 through 285-26, Downtown Special Services District, to provide for language changes in the ordinance to facilitate the District’s election of Commissioners. A copy of the proposed amended ordinance may be seen in the Town Clerk’s office during business hours.” TPO/sjr R:\srooney\O'Neil\Special Services District\SS.Cover Memo.doc
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AMENDMENT TO CODE OF ORDINANCES, ARTICLE II DOWNTOWN SPECIAL SERVICES DISTRICT
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester that Chapter 285, Article II of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Manchester, the Downtown Special Services District, is hereby amended as follows: § 285-16. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ASSESSED VALUE OF PROPERTY FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR — The value of property shown on the grand list of the Town of Manchester effective October of the prior year, excluding any exemptions. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — The executive body of the District elected by a majority vote of the Members Property Owners of said District. COMMISSIONER — Any member of the Board of Commissioners with the exception of an Ex Officio Member. DISTRICT — The municipal services district established according to Chapter 105a of the Connecticut General Statutes, whose boundaries are delineated in § 285-17 of this article, including amendments made to the District under the provisions of § 285-18. EX OFFICIO — Denotes a nonvoting member of the Board of Commissioners. FISCAL YEAR — From July 1 through June 30, unless the fiscal year is changed by the majority vote of the Board of Commissioners and approved by a majority vote of the Members Property Owners of said District. HOLDER OF RECORD OF THE TAXABLE INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY — An individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, fiduciary, guardian, conservator, or other legal entity or any combination thereof as identified in the Town of Manchester land records as an owner of real property in said District.
BUSINESS LESSEE OF PROPERTY— A tenant occupying and in possession of premises located in the property in the District and conducting a business in said premises. MEMBER — Either a Property Owner, as defined herein, or a Business Lessee as defined herein. Residential tenants shall not be Members of the District. PROPERTY — Real property within the District that is identified in the tax records of the Town of Manchester as a parcel of land and/or building or which constitutes an individual condominium unit as shown on the records of the Assessor's office of the Town of Manchester. PROPERTY OWNER — The holder of record of the taxable interest in property as defined in the definition of "property" above.
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§ 285-17. Purpose. A. The Downtown Manchester Special Services District is created under Chapter 105a of the Connecticut General Statutes to promote the economic and general welfare of the citizens of Manchester and especially the Property Owners and tenants of the downtown District as defined by this article through the preservation, enhancement, protection and development of the economic health and vitality of the business district. B. Activities of the District to pursue this purpose shall include but not be limited to the preparation of economic or physical studies and plans, marketing and promotion, special events, business recruiting, parking and cooperative leasing and property management. § 285-18. Powers of the District. The District is a body politic and corporate subject to the statutes and regulations that govern such legal body, more specifically defined in Chapter 105a of the Connecticut General Statutes. A. The District shall have the following powers: (1) To sue and be sued; (2) To acquire, hold and convey any estate, real or personal; (3) To enter into contracts; (4) To borrow money, provided any obligation incurred for this purpose shall be discharged not more than one year after it is incurred, and such District may pledge any tax levies received against such obligations; (5) To recommend to the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester the imposition of a special tax levy upon a taxable interest in real property within such District, the revenues from which may be used in carrying out any of the powers of the District; (6) To construct, own, operate and maintain public improvements; (7) To provide, within such District, some or all of the services which the Town of Manchester is authorized to provide in the District in accordance with Chapter 105a, § 7-339t and other Connecticut General Statutes and provided that there be a formal agreement for providing such services between the District and the Town of Manchester Board of Directors; (8) To retain legal counsel; (9) To receive and use gifts and donations for the activities necessary to meet the purpose of the District or to carry out the powers of the District; (10) To operate revenue producing and promotional events and to use the revenues for District purposes otherwise permitted under this article; (11) To carry out any functions or provide any services reasonable and necessary to carry out the aforementioned powers or to otherwise meet the purpose of the District;
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(12) To construct, acquire, or obtain leasehold interests in motor vehicle parking facilities inside or outside the District; (13) To operate motor vehicle parking facilities inside or outside the District; (14) To lease or sublease to other parties motor vehicle parking facilities; (15) To enter into, fund and perform agreements which reduce the cost of motor vehicle parking to residents of the District and to employees of firms located in the District and to those doing business in the District. B. The District shall not have the power of eminent domain. § 285-19. Boundary of the District. A. Description. (1) The geographic boundaries of the District shall be those as shown on Exhibit A map entitled, "Downtown Manchester Special Services District," which boundary includes the properties listed in Exhibit B. (3) All real property within these boundaries shall be included in the District. For the purpose of establishing the District, the owners of tax-exempt property within the District will not be eligible to vote nor will they be subject to any tax levies unless the tax-exempt status changes. If the tax-exempt status changes, the property shall be subject to the District tax levy in accordance with § 285-22 of this article, and such levies shall be prorated to cover the period from the change in the tax status to the end of the fiscal year during which the tax status changes. B. Procedures for additions to the District. (1) Any Property Owner whose property has at least one boundary abutting the Special Services District may elect to join the District. (2) Such owner shall notify the Board of Commissioners in writing of their intention to join the District. This request must be signed by the Property Owner having greater than 50% interest in said property, or the representative of the owner authorized to sign such a request. (3) The Board of Commissioners shall notify the Tax Assessor and the General Manager of the Town of Manchester of additions to the District and record a copy of the written notification in the land records of the Town. The tax levy imposed on a property that joins the District after its inception must be prorated to cover the period from the first meeting of the Board of Commissioners after the notification is received to the end of the fiscal year. § 285-20. Procedures for referendum establishing District. A. Within 60 days of the adoption of this article by the Town of Manchester Board of Directors, a referendum must be completed. The referendum question shall be as follows:
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"Shall a Special Services District for Downtown Manchester be created in accordance with the ordinance adopted by the Town of Manchester Board of Directors?" B. The referendum question shall appear on a ballot created by the Town of Manchester's General Manager in cooperation with the Planning Department, Town Clerk and Town Attorney. Each ballot shall be accompanied by a copy of the ordinance and a letter explaining how the ballot is to be cast. Only Property Owners inside the District are eligible to vote in the referendum. Each ballot shall be signed by the Property Owner or the duly authorized representative of said owner. Representative voting interests shall be determined in accordance with Subsection E of this section.
C. In addition to the referendum question the ballot shall contain an identification of the property or properties owned by the Property Owner which are in the Special Services District and the assessed value of the real property of those premises as they appear in the Town of Manchester grand list as of the October preceding preparation of the ballot. The Town administration shall prepare, prior to the mailing of said ballots, a list of the Property Owners within the District, and the assessed value of the properties and shall post the list in the Manchester Town Clerk's office. D. The ballot shall be mailed to the address used by the Tax Collector of the Town of Manchester for tax collection purposes. The ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk by not later than 5:00 p.m. on the 20th working day after the initial mailing. E. Each Property Owner shall be entitled to cast one ballot which will be so counted in determining whether the necessary majority of Property Owners have voted in favor of the creation of the proposed District. When Property Owners own multiple properties in the District, an owner voting in favor shall have included the value of all properties which he/she owns in the District. Where there are multiple owners of a property, the property shall be entitled to one vote. F. Referendum oversight and tabulation of results. (1) Referendum ballots shall be overseen by three supervisors appointed by the Town Board of Directors. The supervisors shall count the ballots, determine the results of the referendum, and rule on any contested ballots. Each supervisor shall be an elector of the Town of Manchester or a Property Owner within the meaning of this article. (2) Each ballot will be counted as a single vote for or against the Special Services District. An abstention will be considered a vote against the District. (3) In order for the proposed District to be created, a majority (greater than 50%) of the Property Owners must vote in favor and those who vote in favor must control the majority (greater than 50%) of the assessed value of real property in the District. (4) The supervisors shall provide a written report of the results of the referendum under oath at the next meeting of the Board of Directors. G. Appeals. (1) Ballots cast by a Property Owner shall be available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk for five business days after the close of the referendum. Any holder of record of a taxable interest in the
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property may contest in writing the determination of the results of any ballot or the conduct of the election to the supervisors of the referendum. All appeals must be submitted within five business days of the close of the referendum period, must be submitted in writing to the supervisors, and must state the basis for the appeal. (2) The supervisors shall evaluate the validity of the ballot as representing the position of a majority interest in said property. The supervisors will review contested ballot(s) and evidence submitted by the appellant in making their determination. Supervisors may invalidate the ballot if sufficient evidence of improper vote is presented by the appellant and allow the ballot to be resubmitted within five days in a manner consistent with their ruling. Any Property Owner who wishes to seek redress from any ruling of the supervisors may do so by bringing an action in superior court. § 285-21. District organization and operations. A. Commencement of District operations. Within 20 days of the referendum creating the District, the General Manager shall call a general meeting of the members to elect the Board of Commissioners in accordance with Subsection B(3) of this section. The Board of Commissioners shall meet within 20 business days of the general meeting to establish a schedule of subsequent meetings and a schedule for adopting bylaws and rules of procedure for the Commission. B. Board of Commissioners. (1) There shall be established a Board of Commissioners consisting of seven members. A Commissioner must be a Property Owner in the Downtown Special Services District, except that two members shall be Business Lessees. There shall be one alternate Commissioner elected to substitute for Commissioners absent from any business meeting. There shall be three Ex Officio Members on the Board of Commissioners as follows: the Town's Director of Planning and Economic Development or designees, the president of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce or designee, and one representative from a church located in the District. In the event there are no lessees elected to the Board of Commissioners, there shall be an additional ex officio member who shall be a lessee. (2) The Board of Commissioners shall be the executive body governing the day-to-day operations of the District. The Board shall make administrative decisions and establish or interpret policies of the District which are consistent with the purpose, intent and powers of the District. (3) The Board of Commissioners shall be elected by a plurality vote of the Members. Each Member shall be entitled to one vote for each taxable interest in real property that the Member owns and each business lessee operated by a Member. The Board of Commissioners shall submit to the Members a proposed slate of Commissioners in writing sixty (60) days prior to the Biennial Election Meeting as defined in Section C(3) below. Additional candidates for the Board of Commissioners may be submitted to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners in writing signed by twenty (20) Members of the District. For the purposes of submitting additional nominations twenty (20) individual Members, irrespective of the number of votes each Member had, are necessary to submit additional names in nomination. Thus, even if the Member has four votes, such endorsement shall be considered one endorsement for the purposes of tallying the twenty (20) endorsements necessary for the nomination. Additional nominations must be received by the Chairman at least 45 days prior to the Biennial Election meeting. Thereafter, the Board of Commissioners shall cause one ballot to be sent to each Member for each vote that the Member is entitled to cast with a slate of nominees at least thirty (30) days prior to the Biennial Election Meeting. Thus if a Member has 4 votes the Member will receive 4 ballots. On each
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ballot the Member shall vote for no more than 5 Property Owners and 2 Business Lessees. The ballot may be cast in advance either by delivery of the same to the District Offices at least 24 hours prior to the Biennial Election Meeting or by casting the ballot at the Biennial Election Meeting. Only one (1) vote may be cast for any candidate. The five (5) candidates receiving the highest vote count who are Property Owners shall be elected Commissioners, the two (2) candidates receiving the highest vote count who are business lessees shall be elected Commissioners, and the candidate with the next highest vote count whether such candidate shall be a Property Owner or Business Lessee shall be elected alternate. In order to insure broad representation of such District, no more than one (1) candidate shall be elected from a property address. present and voting a general meeting. Nominations for candidates for elections to the Board of Commissioners shall be made at the time of the general meeting. Each Property Owner shall be entitled to cast five votes, but shall not be allowed to cast more than one vote for any one candidate. The five candidates receiving the highest total vote count shall be elected Commissioners, and the candidate with the sixth highest vote count shall be elected alternate. In order to ensure broad representation of the District, no more than one candidate shall be elected from a street address. (4) The Board of Commissioners shall elect officers, the positions to be determined at the first meeting of the Board after the District is created and incorporated into the bylaws when written. (5) The Board of Commissioners may hire such staff or consultants considered necessary to perform the duties and carry out the obligations of the District as approved in the annual budget. (6) The terms of the seven Commissioners and one alternate shall be for two years. (7) If any Commissioner shall fail for any reason to serve through the end of the term, the remaining Commissioners shall appoint a Property Owner to fill the remainder of the term vacated by a Property Owner and the remaining Commissioners shall appoint a Business Lessee to fill the remainder of the term vacated by the Business Lessee. C. Meetings of Board of Commissioners and general meetings of the Members. (1) The Board of Commissioners shall establish a regular schedule of meetings and notify all members in the District of their regulation meeting schedule, including dates, times, and place for said meetings. (2) The Board of Commissioners may call special meetings from time to time as necessary to conduct the business of the District. The Board of Commissioners shall notify members of the special meeting setting forth the date, time, place and subject matter of the meeting. (3) There shall be at least one Annual Budget Meeting of District members to review the activities of the District and to review and make comments on the proposed budget for the District and a Biennial Election Meeting to conduct District elections when appropriate. § 285-22. Annual budget and tax levy for the Special Services District. A. The Board of Commissioners shall prepare and adopt the first annual budget from the District by January 31, 1993, and annually thereafter. The budget shall include proposed expenditures, revenues and a recommended tax levy for the District.
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B. The Board of Commissioners shall recommend to the General Manager of the Town of Manchester on or before February 15 of each year a levy upon taxable interest on real property within the District to support the District's annual budget. The Town of Manchester shall be obliged to impose the recommended levy as a municipal levy, to collect the revenues, and to deposit the revenues into a special fund to be used by the District. C. The levy on the taxable interest in real property in the District shall be due and payable in two parts, on July 1 and January 1, following the adoption of the levy for the fiscal year. On or before July 1 and January 1 each year, the Tax Collector of the Town of Manchester shall, accordingly, bill holders of taxable interest in real property in the District. D. Delinquent charges shall be assessed on late District payments and shall be computed in the same manner used for establishing delinquent charges on regular property tax bills of the Town. E. The Tax Collector of the Town of Manchester shall collect the District tax and deposit the monies received in a special account within the general fund of the Town of Manchester. F. The Town Treasurer shall disburse funds from the account to the District upon written request of a duly authorized representative of the District, and only upon such request in accordance with the then-current approved annual budget of the Board of Commissioners of the District. The District shall set forth in its bylaws the procedures for approving disbursement of funds and requesting disbursement from the Treasurer. G. All orders or contracts for expenditures by the Board of Commissioners or its agents on behalf of the District which are greater than $5,000 shall be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified bidder only after a public invitation to bid, which shall be advertised in a newspaper having circulation in the District. § 285-23. Municipal service agreements. The Town and the District may enter into agreements setting forth the municipal services which the Town shall be excused from providing and which the District shall providing within its boundaries. Any such agreements shall be in accordance with § 7-339t(d) of Chapter 105a of the Connecticut General Statutes. Any such agreement must be approved by the Town Board of Directors and the District Board of Commissioners. § 285-24. Dissolution of District. A. The District may be dissolved by an ordinance repealing this article or after a referendum is conducted by the Board of Commissioners among all Property Owners within the District on the question of whether the District shall be dissolved, provided a majority of Property Owners shall respond affirmatively or those so responding control more than one-half the total assessments for all taxable interest in real property. The referendum shall be conducted in the same manner as the referendum establishing the District as provided herein. B. In the event the District is dissolved, the Board of Commissioners shall proceed to conclude the affairs of the District at the end of the then-current fiscal year. If, after dissolution of the District there are outstanding liabilities or obligations, whether fixed or contingent, the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester may impose, in addition to the regular municipal levy, a levy on the real property within
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such District pursuant to § 7-339s of Chapter 105a of the Connecticut General Statutes for as many years as such liabilities remain outstanding. This levy shall be calculated to produce enough revenues to satisfy and release such liabilities. The revenue collected shall be deposited into the general fund of the Town and disbursed at the direction of the General Manager solely for the purposes stated herein. If, after dissolution of the District, there are assets which remain following the conclusion of the affairs of the District, the assets will be transferred to the Town. § 285-25. Relationship of Special Services District to special taxing district; Parking Committee. A. The Special Services District, if created, shall assume to the extent permitted by law the responsibilities and obligations currently being carried on by the Parking Authority in the special taxing District, and these obligations shall be included in the first budget of the Special Services District. B. Upon adoption of the District's first budget by the Commissioners, the Town Board of Directors shall by ordinance dissolve the special taxing district and its associated tax levy. C. The Commissioners shall, upon adoption of the District's first budget, appoint a Parking Committee whose duties shall be to advise the Commissioners on parking operations, management and policy, and assist in the preparation of the parking portion of the District's budget. D. The initially appointed members of the Parking Committee shall be the members of the Parking Authority in office at the time the District is established. These members shall be appointed for a term commencing on the effective date of their appointment until December 31, 1994, at which time the Commissioners will appoint new members of the Parking Committee. The District Commissioners may redefine the role and responsibilities of the Parking Committee or otherwise adjust the Parking Committee's membership, or dissolve the Parking Committee, as deemed appropriate, but such action shall not take place and shall not be effective before December of 1994. § 285-26. Abatement of Town property. A. The District's interest in real property held in the District, and personal property owned by the District, are subject to property taxes of the Town of Manchester and Manchester fire District, but any such tax may be abated prospectively by the Board of Directors. B. A copy of Exhibit A (Map) and Exhibit B (Property List) may be seen in the Planning Department Lincoln Center. R:\srooney\O'Neil\Special Services District\Revised Article II redline.doc
Scott Shanley, General ManagerTown of Manchester41 Center StreetManchester, CT 06040
UtC ~ 1 2007
GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Mr. Shanley:
The Downtown Manchester Special Services District (DMSSD) is proposing amendments toChapter 285, Article n Sections 285-16 through 285-26 of the Town of Manchester Code ofOrdinance establishing the Downtown Manchester Special Services District. The primary purposeof the amendments is to institute changes to the Biennial Elections process that simplify theprocess and make it easier for all members of the District to participate in the process.
BackgroundThe Biennial Election of 2006 prompted thoughtful discussion by the DMSSD Board ofCommissioners. Commissioners and Members of the DMSSD felt that the election process aspresently mandated is cumbersome, the nominations process could be simplified and made moreopen, and participation by eligible Members in the voting process could be increased by a changein the balloting procedures.
At the present time the election process is conducted as follows:.A Notice of Meeting is mailed to all Members in advance of the meeting along with a
copy of the Election Rules and an Agent Authorization form..All nominations to the Board of Commissioners are made from the floor at the election
meeting.0 The Nominating Committee, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, presents
their slate of nominees from the floor.0 Members were entitled to nominate additional candidates from the floor.
.Members are required to be present at the meeting to cast their vote.
.Those members who cannot be present are permitted to appoint an agent to vote on theirbehalf as long as said agent is present at the meeting and presents a completed and signedAgent Authorization form.
.The moderator for the election holds a current listing of Property Owners and BusinessLessees within the District that is used to verify the eligibility of Property Owners andBusiness Lessees to vote and the number of votes they are entitled to cast.
The vast proportion of the election business -nominating, qualifying eligible voters, verifyingauthorized agents and tallying votes -is conducted at the election meeting creating an unwieldy
and confusing process.
-more-
Shortly after the conclusion of the most recent Biennial Election in May of 2006, the DMSSDBoard of Commissioners established an Ordinance Review Committee to review the biennialelection process. The purpose of the review was to make suggestions for changes that couldclarify and simplify the election process and address any technical inconsistencies in the process
The Ordinance Review Committee consisted of Board of Commissioners' Members Hope19dalsky and John Tunila, Esq.; Ex Officio Member, Mark Pellegrini, Director of Planning &Neighborhood Services for the Town of Manchester and staff member, T ana Parseliti, DowntownManager. Timothy O'Neil, Esq., Asst. Town Attorney, was called upon to provide additionalexpertise.
The first meeting of the committee was held on July 19,2006. Subsequent meetings were held onSept. 19,2006 and Feb. 21, 2007 and June 11,2007.
The committee reviewed the election procedures and crafted recommended changes that areconsistent with its state goals of clarifying and simplify the process. They also took theopportunity to identified and make recommendations to address several technical inconsistenciesin the Ordinance.
The committee presented its recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for the DMSSDwho endorsed the proposed changes at a meeting held on December 17, 2007. The proposedchanges to the Ordinance have been submitted to the Acting Town Attorney, Tim O'Neil. Themajor changes proposed by the DMSSD are highlighted on the attached document. Thisdocument compares the existing election procedure to the proposed election procedure.
The Downtown Manchester Special Services District hopes that the Board of Directors for theTown of Manchester will support our proposed amendment to Chapter 285, Article n Sections285-16 through 285-26 of the Town of Manchester Code of Ordinance. We believe that thechanges we are proposing will lead to a simplified and more open election process that willbenefit the Members of the Downtown District.
Please feel free to contact me at 645-2102 with any questions,
--~~~=\=b ~.Q.J.-~~Tana M. Parseliti, Downtown ManagerDowntown Manchester Special Services District
Enc,
PROPOSED AMENDEDELECTION PROCEDURE
EXISTINGELECTION PROCEDURE
Board of Cornmissi5 Property Owners,and 1 Alternate.
Board of Commissioners elected by aplurality vote of Members.
Eligible voters include Property Ownersand Business Lessees.
Same.
Property Owners who are also BusinessLessees are entitled to 1 vote for eachtaxable interest in real property that theMember owns and 1 vote for eachBusiness Lessee operated by theProperty Owner.
Same.
Same.No more then one candidate from eachstreet address.
Nominations made from the floor..Slate of nominees presented by
Nominating Committee from thefloor.
.Other members entitled to makenominations from the floor.
No nomination from the floor..Proposed slate of nominees to the
Commission prepared byNominating Committee and sentto Members 60 days prior to theBiennial Election Meeting.
.Additional nominees to theBoard of Commissioners may besubmitted to the Chair of theBoard of Commissioners inwriting, signed by 20 individualMembers of the District.
.Additional nominations must bereceived by the Chair at least 45days prior to the BiennialElection Meeting.
.The Board of Commissionerssend a ballot to each Member ofthe District for each vote themember is entitled to cast, alongwith the slate of nominees, atleast 30 days prior to the Biennial
Election Meeting.
oners
comprised of2 Business Lessees
EXISTINGELECTION PROCEDURE
PROPOSED AMENDEDELECTION PROCEDURE
Member may be present at the BiennialElection meeting to cast his/her ballot QIMember may deliver the completedballot to the District Offices at least 24hours prior to the Biennial Election
Meeting
Member must be present at the BiennialElection Meeting to vote ill Membermay assign his/her vote to an authorizedagent by completing an AgentAuthorization Form that must bepresented by the agent at the meeting.
Same.Members may vote for 5 PropertyOwners and 2 Business Lessees.
Same.Members shall not be allowed to castmore than 1 vote for any 1 candidate.
Same.The 5 candidates having the highest votecount who are Property Owners will beelected Commissioners. The 2candidates having the highest vote countwho are Business Lessees will be electedCommissioners. The candidate with thenext highest vote count, whether aProperty Owner or a Business Lessee,shall be elected as an Alternate.
Removed.In the event there are no lessees electedto the Board of Commissioners, thereshall be an additional Ex Officiomember who shall be a lessee
If any Commissioner shall fail to servethrough the end of the tenn, theremaining Commissioners shall appointa Property Owner to fill the remainder ofthe tenn vacated by a Property Ownerand a Business Lessee to fill theremainder of the tenn vacated by a
Business Lessee.
If any Commissioner shall fail to servethrough the end of the term, theremaining Commissioners shall appointa Property Owner to fill the remainder ofthe tenn vacated by a lessee.
My doc/board of commissioners/bylawsfolder/comparison of old vs. proposed election
procedure/l2-2l-07
Town of Manchester General Manager’s Office
To: Board of Directors From: Scott Shanley, General Manager Date: December 31, 2007 Subject: Agenda Item 3.E Background: Manchester Regional Academy has generated $88,314 from excess tuition
collected during FY 2007. The tuition payments were not received until after the close of the fiscal year.
Discussion/Analysis: The Board of Education has traditionally requested an appropriation of
$88,314 to MRA Capital Reserve Projects. The Board of Directors has directed that the revenue be directed to the Board of Education generally rather than specifically to MRA. It is the Board of Directors’ direction that the Board of Education expend the funds for priority capital expenses. Respectfully submitted, Scott Shanley General Manager
TOWN OF MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT TOWN ATTORNEY=S OFFICE TO: Members, Board of Directors, via Scott Shanley, General Manager FROM: Timothy P. O'Neil, Interim Town Attorney SUBJECT: Item 3.F., January agenda - Merger of the Commission on Aging with the Commission for Disabled Persons DATE: December 28, 2007 Item 3.F. on your January agenda is a proposed ordinance which would dissolve the current Commission on Aging and the current Commission for Disabled Persons and form a new commission entitled the Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs. This item was discussed at your December meeting and I was directed to proceed with the merger of these two commissions after having contacted their present membership. I have spoken with a majority of the current members of both commissions and can report that overall there is support for the merger. There was only one person that was strongly opposed. There was another individual who understood the rationale for the merger but was not convinced that a merger would resolve the issues. The majority of people I spoke with were in favor of the merger, ranging from lukewarm support to strong support. Therefore, I proceeded with the draft of this ordinance which dissolves the two current commissions and forms the new commission. You suggested at the December meeting that consideration should be given to changing the references in the names of the groups to be serviced by the newly formed commission and I tried to satisfy that objective in establishing a name for the new commission. When you consider making appointments to the new commission, if this ordinance is approved, there are some members of the current commissions who expressed a strong desire to continue to serve Manchester by being a member of the new commission. I can share those names with you if you so desire. There were others who felt that they had served long enough and were ready to step aside, some having served as long as twenty and thirty years. Also, the appointment of a new nine member commission with staggered terms would require the appointment of three individuals with a one year term ending in November, 2008; three individuals with a two year term ending in November, 2009; and three
individuals with a three year term ending in November, 2010. Thereafter, as each term ends, future terms will be for three years. Finally, if the ordinance is approved and the new commission is formed, I provided in the ordinance that a report be prepared for the Board of Directors by the commission annually instead of semi-annually. Since the consensus of both commissions was that they did not have much substantive work before them, it did not make sense to continue with a semi-annual reporting requirement, which is currently required for the two commissions proposed for merger. There also appears to be a strong sentiment that the new commission should not have meetings every month since that created part of the problem with having a quorum at each meeting. A suggestion would be to have nine or ten meetings per year by not meeting in December and perhaps one or two summer months. R:\srooney\O'Neil\Ordinances\2007\Elderly and Special Needs\BOD.Memo.doc
ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester that Chapter 28, Articles I and II, Sections 28-1 through 28-10 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Manchester are hereby repealed and a new Article I, Section 28 entitled the Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs is hereby created as follows:
ARTICLE I
Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs
§ 28-1. Commissions dissolved; Purpose.
The Board of Directors hereby dissolves the Commission on Aging and the Commission for Disabled Persons and the current members of both Commissions are relieved of any further duties. The purpose of the newly created Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs is to recognize the overlapping issues and needs of those Manchester residents previously addressed separately by the Commission on Aging and the Commission for Disabled Persons and create a single body with more efficiencies and effectiveness.
There is hereby established a Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs consisting of nine members who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and who shall serve without compensation. The original appointees shall serve staggered terms. Thereafter, all appointments to the Commission shall be for a term of three years. In the event of the death or resignation of any member of the Commission, a successor shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve the unexpired portion of the term for which such member had been appointed. The Board of Directors may remove any member for cause and thereafter fill such a vacancy. In addition to the nine regular members of the Commission, the Mayor and the General Manager shall be ex officio members of the Commission.
§ 28-3. Chairman; organization.
The Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs shall select a Chairman from its members and may organize itself in whatever manner it may determine to best carry out its duties as set forth in this article.
§ 28-4 Duties.
The duties of the Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs shall be as follows:
A. To continuously study and analyze the needs of elderly residents of the Town of Manchester and residents with special needs in order to maintain innovative approaches to their changing needs; B. To apply for state and federal or other grants which would support areas of need that are important to the elderly and those with special needs; C. To coordinate local agency programs, both public and private, which provide services for the elderly and those with special needs; D. To foster understanding and respect for the elderly and those individuals with special needs; E. To encourage participation of elderly residents and special needs residents in all aspects of community life; F. To assure that elderly residents and special needs residents have equal access to Town resources, facilities, programs and development, through consultation and participation in planning.
§ 28-5. Cooperation by other municipal agencies.
The Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs shall have available to it the services of all other Town departments and agencies for the assistance of the Commission in the discharge of its duties.
§ 28-6. Reports required.
The Commission for Elderly Services and People with Special Needs shall submit a report of its activities to the Board of Directors annually on or before the first Tuesday after the first Monday of January commencing January 1, 2009.
R:\srooney\O'Neil\Ordinances\2007\Elderly and Special Needs\Ordinance.doc
ACTIONS REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DECEMBER 11, 2007 – 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN CENTER HEARING ROOM
FIRST MEETING OF THE MONTH
PRESENT: Mayor Spadaccini, Deputy Mayor Peak (7:23 p.m.), Secretary Pelletier, Directors Tweedie, Beckman, Zingler, O’Neill, Topping, and Sheridan ALSO: General Manager Shanley and Interim Town Attorney O’Neil 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. All in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Mayor Spadaccini. 4. ADOPTED - CONSENT CALENDAR (with item 3C removed). 3A. Appropriation to Special Projects as follows: #485-07 1. Hockanum River Linear Park ............................................................................$500
to be financed by a donation from Jane Friedland in memory of Paul Martin Haid which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. #486-07 2. Manchester Public Library..............................................................................$2,000 for staff training and attendance at conferences and workshops to be financed by the CIGNA Matching Gifts Program to match a gift by David Cass. #487-07 3. Youth Service Bureau – Mentoring Programs................................................$7,550 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Education. 3B. Appropriations to Education Special Projects as follows: #488-07 1. Early Reading Success Grant (FY 08) ........................................................$100,000 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Education. #489-07 2. Manchester Head Start – Free and Reduced Lunch program (FY 08) .........$91,876 to be financed by a grant through the State of Connecticut Department of Education. #490-07 3. Enfield Head Start (FY 08) .............................................................................$3,000 for instructional supplies to be financed by a grant from the State
of Connecticut Department of Education. #491-07 16A. Acceptance of resignation of Mark E. Connors (R) from the Planning and Zoning
Commission as alternate member with a term expiring November 2008. #492-07 16C. Acceptance of resignation of Jeffrey A. Beckman (R) from the Commission on Aging
with a term expiring November 2008.
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Actions Page 2 of 2 16E. Correction of term of appointments to Boards and Commissions: #493-07 1. Appointment of Auditor (2010 to 2009). #494-07 2. Vacancy (R) on Cheney Hall Board of Commissioners (2010 to 2008). #495-07 16H. Acceptance of resignation of Kent Schwendy (R) from Cheney Hall Board of
Commissioners with a term expiring November 2009. Beckman/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor RECESS. #496-07 The Board took a brief recess at 9:15 p.m. and returned at 9:25 p.m. Beckman/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor #497-07 APROVED – MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO GO BEYOND ELEVEN O’CLOCK. Zingler/Peak Nine Voted in Favor 6. RECESS TO SECOND WEEK. #498-07 The meeting was recessed until the December 18, 2007 second meeting of the month. Zingler/Pelletier Nine Voted in Favor Recess: 11:11 p.m. gem
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DECEMBER 11, 2007 – 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN CENTER HEARING ROOM
FIRST MEETING OF THE MONTH
PRESENT: Mayor Spadaccini, Deputy Mayor Peak (7:23 p.m.), Secretary Pelletier, Directors Tweedie, Beckman, Zingler, O’Neill, Topping, and Sheridan ALSO: General Manager Shanley and Interim Town Attorney O’Neil 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. All in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Mayor Spadaccini.
A. Presentation of Rocking Chairs to Josh M. Howroyd and Jason E. Doucette.
Mayor Spadaccini, on behalf of the Board of Directors, recognized two retiring Board Members. Mayor Spadaccini and Director Zingler thanked Josh Howroyd and Jason Doucette for the time they served on the Board of Directors. Mayor Spadaccini acknowledged receipt of the 2007 Digital Cities Award and thanked Jack McCoy and the IT staff for their hard work. 2. OPENING OF MEETING TO ELECTORS OR TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO BE
HEARD ON ANY SUBJECT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Joe Bernard, 28 Teresa Road, is currently paying taxes on property he cannot use. The brook behind his house has expanded from 2 feet wide to 24 feet wide and it is now 16 feet deep. Mr. Bernard expressed his displeasure with car repair businesses on Charter Oak Street and Virginia Road. He has noticed the Town is cutting back on the number of street lights; on his street there were six or seven, now there are three. He would like them put back. Barbara Armentano, 19-A Esquire Drive, is unhappy with the decision not to put up a Christmas tree at the Senior Center. The reason she was given is that it offends people. She is offended that there is no Christmas tree at the Senior Center. Toni Sterne, 800 Center Street, supports Ms. Armentano’s sentiments regarding a Christmas tree at the Senior Center. Having a tree at the Senior Center means a great deal to many people. She requested an answer as to why a tree cannot be put up.
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Minutes Page 2 of 7 Bonnie Schuetz, 12 Conway Road, shared her concerns regarding response during the last storm. She heard Police Officers asking for sand trucks in the Buckland Mall area on her police scanner. Ms. Schuetz would like to see the Town taken care of and kept safe. She delivered a message from Milt Perlman who could not be at the meeting: Things are happening in Town and nothing is published in either the Hartford Courant or the Journal Inquirer. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road, mentioned Human Rights Day and pointed out the lingering existence of abusive child labor, including 250,000 child soldiers, despite the human rights activists and journalists who put their lives on the line. Mr. Stringfellow spoke about giving criminals a second chance. He stated it is important to have a tree on Christmas, but be sure to make it inclusive and respect all religions and customs. Scott Aiken, 92 Laurel Street, thanked Public Works for the second leaf pickup. He mentioned that during the last two storms, there was no plow/sand truck on Laurel Street. The parking situation at Washington School is getting worse and he is concerned somebody might get hurt. Mr. Aiken would like to see leaders try to involve Generation “X” and the “I” Generation in the running of the Town and suggested broadcasting meetings on U-Tube. Mr. Aiken expressed his desire to see Horace Brown back on the Planning and Zoning Commission and challenged the Board to appoint him to the Planning and Zoning Commission to prove they would like bi-partisan government. Terry Werkhoven, 88 Santina Drive, congratulated the Board of Directors, wished them success, and asked that the members work together. He noted that two years ago there was discussion of discontinuing leaf pickup. He believes the Town should continue with leaf pickup and stated that this year is an extreme year. Mr. Werkhoven informed the Board that the portable outhouse at Center Springs Park is a disgrace and suggested the General Manager talk to the responsible party about cleaning it up. Bill Ogden, 137 Branford Street, expressed his concern over a recent bulldozer purchase which he had not heard discussed at any Board meeting. The Town traded one that was running and only received $30,000 for it. He was disappointed to see trailers out picking up leaves when there were not many leaves at the curb. Mr. Ogden also mentioned Management Partners’ recommendation to have a night crew and stated that if there were a night crew, the Town wouldn’t be paying people time and a half and double time to pick up leaves. Joe Brooks, 601 Bush Hill Road, spoke about several areas where he sees inconsistency in the Police Department. When Chief Berry was hired he was effusive in his praise of the Police Department; now he says the Department’s structure is unorganized. The previous two Chiefs of Police saw no need for a Deputy Chief and Mr. Brooks asked why Chief Berry does now. He asked why Chief Berry is being allowed to change the organizational structure when he has shown his desire to leave the Department. Mayor Spadaccini took a moment to address the questions posed during public comment.
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Minutes Page 3 of 7 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS. A. Appropriation to Special Projects as follows:
1. Hockanum River Linear Park ............................................................................$500 to be financed by a donation from Jane Friedland in memory of Paul Martin
Haid which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 2. Manchester Public Library..............................................................................$2,000 for staff training and attendance at conferences and workshops to be financed by the CIGNA Matching Gifts Program to match a gift by David Cass. 3. Youth Service Bureau – Mentoring Programs................................................$7,550 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Education. Mayor Spadaccini opened the floor for public comment at this time. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road, supports items 2 and 3. With changing technology, updated learning is important. Manchester libraries provide good customer service. Mr. Stringfellow believes mentoring programs are vital. Bill Ogden, 137 Branford Street, has heard complaints about people wrecking the library and would like to see somebody look into the problem. There being no further public comment the hearing on this item was closed. B. Appropriations to Education Special Projects as follows: 1. Early Reading Success Grant (FY 08) ........................................................$100,000 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Education. 2. Manchester Head Start – Free and Reduced Lunch program (FY 08) .........$91,876 to be financed by a grant through the State of Connecticut Department of Education. 3. Enfield Head Start (FY 08) .............................................................................$3,000 for instructional supplies to be financed by a grant from the State
of Connecticut Department of Education. Mayor Spadaccini opened the floor for public comment at this time. There being no public comment the hearing on this item was closed. C. Appropriation to Board of Education Reserve-Manchester Regional Academy .... $88,314 for the completion of various projects to be financed by designated general fund balance. Mayor Spadaccini opened the floor for public comment at this time.
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Minutes Page 4 of 7 Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road, supports this grant and is impressed with the principal and staff and the way they give students a second chance. There being no further public comment the hearing on this item was closed. There was some discussion on the use of tuition funds for needs other than the Manchester Regional Academy. Alan Desmarais, Director of Finance, explained that revenues from Manchester Regional Academy are technically assigned to the General Fund and traditionally have been used for Manchester Regional Academy expenses. 4. ADOPTED - CONSENT CALENDAR (with item 3C removed). 3A. Appropriation to Special Projects as follows: 1. Hockanum River Linear Park ............................................................................$500
to be financed by a donation from Jane Friedland in memory of Paul Martin Haid which is gratefully acknowledged and accepted. 2. Manchester Public Library..............................................................................$2,000 for staff training and attendance at conferences and workshops to be financed by the CIGNA Matching Gifts Program to match a gift by David Cass. 3. Youth Service Bureau – Mentoring Programs................................................$7,550 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Education. 3B. Appropriations to Education Special Projects as follows: 1. Early Reading Success Grant (FY 08) ........................................................$100,000 to be financed by a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Education. 2. Manchester Head Start – Free and Reduced Lunch program (FY 08) .........$91,876 to be financed by a grant through the State of Connecticut Department of Education. 3. Enfield Head Start (FY 08) .............................................................................$3,000 for instructional supplies to be financed by a grant from the State
of Connecticut Department of Education. 16A. Acceptance of resignation of Mark E. Connors (R) from the Planning and Zoning
Commission as alternate member with a term expiring November 2008. 16C. Acceptance of resignation of Jeffrey A. Beckman (R) from the Commission on Aging
with a term expiring November 2008. 16E. Correction of term of appointments to Boards and Commissions: 1. Appointment of Auditor (2010 to 2009). 2. Vacancy (R) on Cheney Hall Board of Commissioners (2010 to 2008). 16H. Acceptance of resignation of Kent Schwendy (R) from Cheney Hall Board of
Commissioners with a term expiring November 2009. Director Beckman moved and Director Zingler seconded the motion. Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Minutes Page 5 of 7 5. REPORTS. A. Manager’s Report. 1. Discussion: Boards and Commissions. Interim Town Attorney O’Neil explained the struggles with staggered terms, the absenteeism on some boards and commissions, and freedom of information requirements. Consideration is being given to combining the Commission on Aging, the Commission on Disabled Persons, and the Commission on Human Relations. He suggested polling all members of these three groups before any action is taken. Attorney O’Neil stated that most groups are functioning fine. There are only a few that are problematic. Secretary Pelletier agreed that some Boards and Commissions could benefit from training. She suggested orientation for new members and using the Town’s website as a tool for posting minutes of all Boards and Commissions. New members like to review minutes of previous meetings. Ms. Pelletier thinks there is merit to combining the Commission on Aging and the Commission on Disabled Persons, but is not as eager to merge the Commission on Human Relations. Director Zingler remembers discussing this issue about a year and a half ago. At that time some software was suggested to help track membership. He supports investing in the software as well as posting minutes and agendas on the Town’s website. Mr. Zingler agrees there should be an orientation session and suggested a handbook for general guidelines. He would like to see what other municipalities are doing through CCM or NLC. Mr. Zingler stated that the Board of Directors could do a better job of delegating to their Boards and Commissions. Director Sheridan agrees with combining the Commissions on Aging and Disabled Persons, but does not agree with adding the Commission on Human Relations to the mix. The Commission on Human Relations deals with racial, religious, and ethical issues; issues that are completely different than those of the Commissions on Aging or Disabled Persons. He also suggested a strong overlap of duties of the Advisory Board of Health and the Emergency Medical Service Council. Director Beckman has served on the Commission on Aging and agrees with Director Zingler that more responsibility should be given to the Boards and Commissions. During his time on the Commission, he observed people who were dedicated and faithful. The Town would benefit from the use of their talents. Deputy Mayor Peak agreed that the Commission on Human Relations is distinctly different from the Commissions on Aging and Disabled Persons. He believes the persistent problem with absenteeism is not a matter of bad members, but a matter of non-substantive issues. There are excellent volunteer members and the Board should be giving them more responsibility. Mayor Spadaccini heard a consensus from the Board to merge the Commissions on Aging and Disabled Persons and not the Commission on Human Relations. Attorney O’Neil will contact members of the Commissions on Aging and Disabled Persons. Mayor Spadaccini believes the
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Minutes Page 6 of 7 Boards and Commissions need to have a defined purpose, meet regularly, and have minutes. Those that do not meet regularly need to be called into account. He thinks the groups should be taking the initiative and looking for ideas in their respective fields. RECESS. The Board took a brief recess at 9:15 p.m. and returned at 9:25 p.m. Director Beckman moved and Director Zingler seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor 2. Discussion of implementation of performance based accounting. General Manager Shanley explained that performance based accounting has different meanings to different people. It is different than statistical reporting in that it measures functions and how to determine if functions are successful. There was a lengthy discussion regarding Performance Based Accounting, what it is exactly, the direction of the process, development of an RFP, Citizen Centric Reporting, and the development of goals. To avoid confusion, Mayor Spadaccini suggested distributing AGA information, a copy of the RFP, and a copy of the grant application to all Board members. He reminded the Board that it is only in the very beginning stages of this initiative; it is currently in the information gathering phase. 3. Report on K Wing – Manchester High School. General Manager Shanley reviewed the memorandum from Keith Epstein which Board members received in their packets. Mr. Shanley asked Board members to submit any questions they may have and he will forward them to Mr. Epstein. 4. Current year budget update. Julian Freund, Budget and Research Officer, reviewed the report based on the period of July 1 through November 30, 2007. Based on the number of pay periods, departments should be at roughly 40% of their budget. The overtime in Public Safety is due to the number of vacancies and injuries. Tax collections are at 55% of budget, as comparable to prior years. In the Fire Department, overtime is due to injuries and long term leave. In response to a question from Director Zingler, Mr. Freund stated that the Board of Education is showing 82% of their budget as used. He reminded the Board that they encumber almost all of the teachers’ salaries at the beginning of the year.
Board of Directors December 11, 2007 Minutes Page 7 of 7 APROVED – MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO GO BEYOND ELEVEN O’CLOCK. Director Zingler moved and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor B. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA THAT MAY NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT MEETING. Director Zingler requested more information on items 16.J, 16.M, 16.O, 16.P, and 16.Q. General Manager Shanley requested Director Beckman submit a schedule for community meetings (item 16.O) so he can distribute it to Board members. More information will be forthcoming in mail packets on item 16.P. 6. RECESS TO SECOND WEEK. The meeting was recessed until the December 18, 2007 second meeting of the month. Director Zingler moved and Secretary Pelletier seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor Recess: 11:11 p.m. gem APPROVED: ATTEST: _______________________________________ Secretary, Manchester Board of Directors
ACTIONS REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DECEMBER 18, 2007 – 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN CENTER HEARING ROOM
SECOND MEETING OF THE MONTH
PRESENT: Mayor Spadaccini, Deputy Mayor Peak, Secretary Pelletier, Directors Tweedie, Beckman, Zingler, O’Neill, Topping, and Sheridan ALSO: General Manager Shanley and Interim Town Attorney O’Neil 7. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. All in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Mayor Spadaccini. 9. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING. #499-07 A. ADOPTED AS AMENDED - Minutes, November 19, 2007 – Swearing-In Ceremony #500-07 B. ADOPTED - Actions, November 20, 2007 – Regular Meeting #501-07 C. ADOPTED - Minutes, November 20, 2007 – Regular Meeting #502-07 D. ADOPTED - Minutes, November 27, 2007 – Policy Briefing Meeting Pelletier/Beckman Nine Voted in Favor 14. ACTION ON ITEMS OF PUBLIC HEARING. #503-07 3C. REMOVED - Appropriation to Board of Education Reserve- Manchester Regional Academy..................................................................................... $88,314 for the completion of various projects to be financed by designated general fund balance. Pelletier/Tweedie Nine Voted in Favor 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. #504-07 A. REMOVED - Additional appropriation – leaf vacuuming program. Pelletier/Peak Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 2 of 13 #505-07 B. Appointments to Boards and Commissions which have members with terms expiring
in November/December 2007. *T represents appointments that were tabled; *R represents reappointments; *A represents newly appointed members to the Boards and Commissions.
Board/Commission Name Term ExpiringArts Commission T-Vacancy (D) November 2010 Arts Commission - Ex Officio T-Vacancy, Mary Cheney Library November 2010 Cable TV Advisory Committee T-Vacancy, Board of Ed Appointment July 2009 T-Vacancy, Town Appointment July 2009 Commission on Aging T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 Commission for Disabled Persons T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 Ethics Commission A-Jason Doucette, 85 Stephanie’s Way (D) November 2010 T-Vacancy (D) November 2010 Housing Commission - Nonprofit Agency Member A-Anthony Bonetti, 152 Branford St November 2010 Human Relations Commission A-Benjamin Westry, 83 Essex St (R) November 2010 Pension Board R-Robert Huestis, 31 Birch Trail (U) November 2008 Retired Employee Rep R-Bette Copeland November 2008 Combined Union Employee Rep Zingler/Peak Nine Voted in Favor #506-07 MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADD AN ITEM TO THE AGENDA. Topping/Peak Nine Voted in Favor #507-07 Bennet Housing Corporation A-Charles Sabia, 111 Sunny Brook Dr (R) November 2012 Pelletier/Topping Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 3 of 13 16. NEW BUSINESS. #508-07 B. APPOINTED - Appointment of an alternate member (R) to the Planning and Zoning
Commission to replace Mark E. Connors with a term expiring November 2008 – Salvatore Mancini, 138 Pearl St.
Pelletier/Tweedie Nine Voted in Favor 509-07 D. TABLED - Appointment of a member (R) to the Commission on Aging to replace
Jeffrey A. Beckman with a term expiring November 2008. Pelletier/Tweedie Nine Voted in Favor #510-07 E. APPROVED - Correction of term of appointments to Boards and Commissions: 2. Vacancy (R) on Cheney Hall Board of Commissioners (2010 to 2008). Pelletier/Tweedie Nine Voted in Favor #511-07 F. APPOINTED - Appointment of an alternate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals
(term expired November 2007) – Armando Darna, 442 Olcott Street (R). Pelletier/Peak Nine Voted in Favor #512-07 G. APPOINTED - Rescission of the appointment of Armando Darna (R) to the Housing
Commission and appointment of a member (D) with a term expiring November 2010 – Peter Mason, 37 Coburn Road.
Zingler/Pelletier Nine Voted in Favor #513-07 I. APPOINTED - Appointment of a member (R) to Cheney Hall Board of Commissions
to replace Kent Schwendy with a term expiring November 2009 – Hon. John Cooney, 561 East Center St.
Pelletier/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor J. Resolutions in support of the Capital Region Council of Governments’ applications to the Office of Policy and Management’s Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program. #514-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 4 of 13 Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Animal Control Facility, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Zingler/Pelletier Nine Voted in Favor #515-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 5 of 13 Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Connecticut Education Network Hookup, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Zingler/Tweedie Nine Voted in Favor #516-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Organic Land Care Program, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Beckman/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 6 of 13 #517-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Emergency Operations Center, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Pelletier/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor #518-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 7 of 13 the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Administrative Staff and Standard Administrative Procedures, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Pelletier/Peak Nine Voted in Favor #519-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Integrated Database – Homelessness/Service Providers,
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 8 of 13 Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Tweedie/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor #520-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Digital Health Departments, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Zingler/Beckman Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 9 of 13 #521-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Applications Sharing and Development, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Pelletier/Tweedie Nine Voted in Favor #522-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 10 of 13 the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled GIS Flight and Mapping Data, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Zingler/Beckman Nine Voted in Favor #523-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Traffic Team/Accident Investigation Unit,
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 11 of 13 Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Tweedie/Peak Nine Voted in Favor #524-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Law Enforcement Data Sharing, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Zingler/Topping Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 12 of 13 #525-07 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Zingler/Topping Nine Voted in Favor #526-07 K. TABLED - Resolution extending deadline for draft report from Charter Revision Commission. Topping/Beckman Nine Voted in Favor L. Approval of an Information Technology Incentive Tax Assessment Agreement under the Downtown Manchester Development Incentive Program for Fuss & O’Neill Technologies LLC. #527-07 MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO AMEND LANGUAGE IN ITEM 16.L. Peak/Zingler Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Actions Page 13 of 13 #528-07 MOTION THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THE APPROVAL OF THE PARTICIPATION OF FUSS & O’NEILL TECHNOLOGIES LLC IN THE DOWNTOWN MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY AGREEMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM. Zingler/Pelletier Nine Voted in Favor #529-07 RECESS. The Board took a brief recess at 9:15 p.m. and returned at 9:30 p.m. Spadaccini/Beckman Nine Voted in Favor #530-07 MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO GO BEYOND ELEVEN O’CLOCK. Pelletier/Peak Five Voted in Favor
Spadaccini, Peak, Pelletier, Tweedie, Beckman Three Voted in Opposition Zingler, Topping, Sheridan
(O’Neill out of the room) 18. ADJOURNMENT. #531-07 The meeting was adjourned until the January 8, 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board
of Directors at 7:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room. Beckman/Tweedie Eight Voted in Favor
(O’Neill out of the room) Adjournment: 11:35 p.m. gem
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DECEMBER 18, 2007 – 7:00 P.M. LINCOLN CENTER HEARING ROOM
SECOND MEETING OF THE MONTH
PRESENT: Mayor Spadaccini, Deputy Mayor Peak, Secretary Pelletier, Directors Tweedie, Beckman, Zingler, O’Neill, Topping, and Sheridan ALSO: General Manager Shanley and Interim Town Attorney O’Neil 7. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. All in attendance participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Mayor Spadaccini. 8. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS. There were no awards or presentations. 9. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING. A. ADOPTED AS AMENDED - Minutes, November 19, 2007 – Swearing-In Ceremony B. ADOPTED - Actions, November 20, 2007 – Regular Meeting C. ADOPTED - Minutes, November 20, 2007 – Regular Meeting D. ADOPTED - Minutes, November 27, 2007 – Policy Briefing Meeting Secretary Pelletier requested her nomination speech be added to the minutes of the Swearing-In Ceremony. Director Sheridan was not at the Swearing-In Ceremony and the minutes reflect nine members voting. He requested that nine be changed to eight. Secretary Pelletier moved adoption and Director Beckman seconded the motion. Nine Voted in Favor 10. OPENING OF MEETING TO ELECTORS OR TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO BE HEARD ON ANY SUBJECT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Geoffrey King, 62 Arnott Road, stated that several Board members own rental properties and the upcoming discussion on landlord registration will pose an ethical problem. He requested full disclosure for those with a conflict of interest. He suggested enforcing existing codes before going any further with this issue.
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 2 of 19 David Dumaine, 86 Tracy Drive, is against landlord registration. He believes it is a flawed program and another tax on property. The names and addresses of property owners are available through the Assessor’s office. Mr. Dumaine suggested this may even be unconstitutional because the Town will be assigning a sub-class to property owners. Al Gionet, 631 North Main Street, owns a two-family home and lives in it. Anybody who owns rental property should not be taxed again, especially in the Eighth District where people already pay two entities. Joe Brooks, 601 Bush Hill Road, stated that he has not been attacking the Police Department with the remarks he has made. He is interested in Chief Berry’s next move. He believes the request for a Deputy Chief is a back-door attempt to have a Chief, Deputy Chief and three Captains running the Police Department. 11. COMMUNICATIONS. Director Zingler received a letter from Ellen Graham who is a member of the Commission for People with Disabilities as well as a Social Worker. She thinks it would be a great disservice to merge the Commission on Aging with the Commission for People with Disabilities. Secretary Pelletier received a letter from Peter Beckwith, the President of Retired Fire Fighters, relating problems with the retirement plans. She passed the letter on to Town staff. Mayor Spadaccini received a letter from Marilyn Lassow of Hollister Street expressing concern about property taxes. She would like the Board of Directors to control taxes. 12. REPORTS. A. Report from Board of Education re textbook program. General Manager Shanley noted a memorandum in the Board’s package stating that the Board of Education postponed its deadline. 13. PRESENTATION OF BID WAIVER REQUESTS. There were no bid waiver requests. 14. ACTION ON ITEMS OF PUBLIC HEARING. 3C. REMOVED - Appropriation to Board of Education Reserve- Manchester Regional Academy..................................................................................... $88,314 for the completion of various projects to be financed by designated general fund balance.
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 3 of 19 Secretary Pelletier made a motion to remove and Director Tweedie seconded the motion. Nine Voted in Favor 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. A. REMOVED - Additional appropriation – leaf vacuuming program. Secretary Pelletier made a motion to remove and Director Peak seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor B. Appointments to Boards and Commissions which have members with terms expiring
in November/December 2007. *T represents appointments that were tabled; *R represents reappointments; *A represents newly appointed members to the Boards and Commissions.
Board/Commission Name Term ExpiringArts Commission T-Vacancy (D) November 2010 Arts Commission - Ex Officio T-Vacancy, Mary Cheney Library November 2010 Cable TV Advisory Committee T-Vacancy, Board of Ed Appointment July 2009 T-Vacancy, Town Appointment July 2009 Commission on Aging T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 Commission for Disabled Persons T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 T-Vacancy (R) November 2010 Ethics Commission A-Jason Doucette, 85 Stephanie’s Way (D) November 2010 T-Vacancy (D) November 2010 Housing Commission - Nonprofit Agency Member A-Anthony Bonetti, 152 Branford St November 2010 Human Relations Commission A-Benjamin Westry, 83 Essex St (R) November 2010 Pension Board R-Robert Huestis, 31 Birch Trail (U) November 2008 Retired Employee Rep R-Bette Copeland November 2008 Combined Union Employee Rep Director Zingler moved and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion. Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 4 of 19 MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADD AN ITEM TO THE AGENDA. Director Topping moved and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion. Nine Voted in Favor Bennet Housing Corporation A-Charles Sabia, 111 Sunny Brook Dr (R) November 2012 Secretary Pelletier moved appointment and Director Topping seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor 16. NEW BUSINESS. B. APPOINTED - Appointment of an alternate member (R) to the Planning and Zoning
Commission to replace Mark E. Connors with a term expiring November 2008 – Salvatore Mancini, 138 Pearl St.
Director Zingler reinforced the public comment about appointing Horace Brown to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He respectfully asked the Board to consider re-appointing Mr. Brown. Deputy Mayor Peak stated that Mr. Mancini will be a good Commission member. He reminded Mr. Zingler of the offer to appoint Mr. Brown if a member of the Democratic party resigns. Secretary Pelletier stated that the Democrats have had control over Boards and Commissions for twenty years. There should, and will, be change on Boards and Commissions. Secretary Pelletier moved appointment and Director Tweedie seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor D. TABLED - Appointment of a member (R) to the Commission on Aging to replace
Jeffrey A. Beckman with a term expiring November 2008. Secretary Pelletier moved to table and Director Tweedie seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor E. APPROVED - Correction of term of appointments to Boards and Commissions: 2. Vacancy (R) on Cheney Hall Board of Commissioners (2010 to 2008). Secretary Pelletier moved appointment and Director Tweedie seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor F. APPOINTED - Appointment of an alternate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals
(term expired November 2007) – Armando Darna, 442 Olcott Street (R).
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 5 of 19 Secretary Pelletier moved appointment and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor G. APPOINTED - Rescission of the appointment of Armando Darna (R) to the Housing
Commission and appointment of a member (D) with a term expiring November 2010 – Peter Mason, 37 Coburn Road.
Director Zingler moved appointment and Secretary Pelletier seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor I. APPOINTED - Appointment of a member (R) to Cheney Hall Board of Commissions
to replace Kent Schwendy with a term expiring November 2009 – Hon. John Cooney, 561 East Center St.
Secretary Pelletier moved appointment and Director Zingler seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor J. Resolutions in support of the Capital Region Council of Governments’ applications to the Office of Policy and Management’s Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program. RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Animal Control Facility,
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 6 of 19 Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Zingler moved and Secretary Pelletier seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Connecticut Education Network Hookup, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Zingler moved and Director Tweedie seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 7 of 19
RESOLUTION Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Organic Land Care Program, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Beckman moved and Director Zingler seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 8 of 19 the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Emergency Operations Center, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Secretary Pelletier moved and Director Zingler seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Administrative Staff and Standard Administrative Procedures, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 9 of 19 and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Secretary Pelletier moved and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Integrated Database – Homelessness/Service Providers, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Tweedie moved and Director Zingler seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 10 of 19 Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Digital Health Departments, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Zingler moved and Director Beckman seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 11 of 19 Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Applications Sharing and Development, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Secretary Pelletier moved and Director Tweedie seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled GIS Flight and Mapping Data, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Zingler moved and Director Beckman seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 12 of 19 RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Traffic Team/Accident Investigation Unit, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Tweedie moved and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion to adopt.
Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 13 of 19 the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Law Enforcement Data Sharing, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Zingler moved and Director Topping seconded the motion to adopt. Nine Voted in Favor RESOLUTION
Whereas Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and Whereas the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and Whereas on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and Whereas, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and Whereas the Town of Manchester has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposal entitled Regional Law Enforcement Training Center, Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester does hereby endorse the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 14 of 19 and authorizes the General Manager to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program. Director Zingler moved and Director Topping seconded the motion to adopt. Nine Voted in Favor K. TABLED - Resolution extending deadline for draft report from Charter Revision Commission. Mayor Spadaccini stated his concern with the date stated in the resolution as there may not be enough time to get this on the ballot for November. He would feel more comfortable with a date in May rather than June. Director Topping moved to table and Director Beckman seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor L. Approval of an Information Technology Incentive Tax Assessment Agreement under the Downtown Manchester Development Incentive Program for Fuss & O’Neill Technologies LLC. MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO AMEND LANGUAGE IN ITEM 16.L. Deputy Mayor Peak moved and Director Zingler seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor MOTION THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THE APPROVAL OF THE PARTICIPATION OF FUSS & O’NEILL TECHNOLOGIES LLC IN THE DOWNTOWN MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE NECESSARY AGREEMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM. Director Zingler moved and Secretary Pelletier seconded the motion.
Nine Voted in Favor M. Discussion: Committee to address policies and content issues re: Main Street banner/community calendar. General Manager Shanley described the banner and noted that it was lightly used until a couple years ago. Recently there have been more and more requests. One request had to be rejected because it crossed the advertising line. Another issue that needs to be addressed is items to be included on the Community Calendar. Mr. Shanley suggested definitions and an appeal process.
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 15 of 19 Secretary Pelletier is of the opinion that in the absence of policies, how to regulate use becomes a bigger issue. She suggested sending this item to the Human Relations Commission. Director Topping is not sure if Human Relations is the proper venue for this issue. He asked why the Town has control over this area of Main Street, but not the area in the north end by the Fire House. Mark Carlino, Director of Public Works, explained that the poles on the Downtown portion of Manchester were installed by the Town of Manchester. The northern part of Main Street is actually a State highway, Route 83, and therefore the State has control of those poles. General Manager Shanley cautioned that regardless of what Commission this item is referred to, it should not become too broad. The issue is religious content and private sector content. Deputy Mayor Peak concurred with referring to the Human Relations Commission and asking them to study this issue and provide feedback to the Board. The most important issue is the separation of Church and State. Mayor Spadaccini noted the recent discussion of getting the Boards and Commissions more involved and this is a good example of putting that into practice. The Board of Directors has a full plate and this seems like something it can delegate. The Board of Directors is the ultimate policy-making Board; any action will be taken through the Board of Directors. N. Discussion: Solar energy. Director Zingler asked that this item be put on the agenda after he was contacted by a company that provides solar energy to municipalities. Since then, he has received information from another company. The information he sent to Board members explains that these companies provide municipalities with the ability to lock in energy costs. Mr. Zingler is looking for consensus from the Board to ask the General Manager to prepare an RFP. He would like to begin with a pilot project and, with positive results, expand to the entire town. Mr. Zingler listed several private sector companies that are currently using this program. Secretary Pelletier read the information and thought it seemed like a sales pitch. She would like to see specifications on what is required. She gave an example of roofs being no older than seven years. Ms. Pelletier suggested involving the Board of Education, as the school buildings have the newest roofs. She questioned whether there are restrictions on the use of historic buildings. Ms. Pelletier would like to see more information and information from other companies. Director Tweedie thinks this is a great idea to investigate, as is fuel cells, and asked which would be better in an emergency situation. He would like to know more about grid vs. self-contained power.
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 16 of 19 General Manager Shanley suggested placing this issue with an ad-hoc committee where members could spend a lot of time talking about these ideas. Deputy Mayor Peak suggested looking at this idea in the context of what other public goals we might serve at the same time. Some examples included tax savings, economic development, and clean/renewable energy. Mr. Peak would support an RFP but would like to include the Board of Education. He asked if this would be a good item to refer to the Economic Development Commission or an opportunity to create an Energy Conservation Commission. Mayor Spadaccini heard several good suggestions and would like to see the Board of Directors become an incubator for new ideas. The challenge becomes turning the ideas into thoroughly examined ideas and then proposals. He thinks a subcommittee is a good idea for this item and recommended two people from each caucus. He would like to enlist the Board of Education for input on the RFP and suggested inviting the Board of Education and the green energy citizens to meet with the ad-hoc committee being formed. RECESS. The Board took a brief recess at 9:15 p.m. and returned at 9:30 p.m. Mayor Spadaccini moved to recess and Director Beckman seconded the motion. Nine Voted in Favor O. Adoption of schedule for community meetings. Director Beckman reminded the Board that all agreed during campaign season that the senior population is important. Community meetings will make government more accessible to the senior population if they are held at senior housing complexes. Director Topping agreed that neighborhood meetings are a good idea. He suggested combining the two meetings that are essentially across the street from each other and adding another meeting place in the north end of town. Director Zingler concurs with Director Topping’s suggestion to add a meeting in the north end. He asked if anyone has spoken with people at these locations about their availability, fees, or the size of meeting rooms. In the past, public buildings have been used. General Manager Shanley stated that his office has contacted the facilities listed and no cost was mentioned. Mayor Spadaccini agreed with the suggestion to add a meeting in the north end and suggested developing a schedule that includes five meetings, with one occurring every two months.
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 17 of 19
P. Legislative priorities.
General Manager Shanley reviewed a report containing issues put forth by Town staff, including the opportunity for municipalities to organize for health insurance purchase, a change to voting recount procedures, usage of LED lights, bond projects, and fees paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Director Zingler asked if any discussions were held with the Board of Education regarding their priorities and suggested providing one comprehensive document from the Town of Manchester.
Q. Interpretation of Board of Directors Rules of Procedure re conflict of interest.
General Manger Shanley explained that this item is on the agenda due to the Landlord Registration Ordinance. A number of Board members own property they are not living in. The Rules of Procedure apply only to the Board of Directors and, as such, the Board is the only entity that can decide this issue. Director O’Neill stated there is a conflict for her by definition. She does not reside in one of the properties she owns and therefore she recognizes a conflict of interest. Ms. O’Neill recused herself from this discussion. Mayor Spadaccini does not own rental property and felt comfortable commenting on this issue. He does not think people who do own rental property should be uncomfortable commenting on this issue. Mr. Spadaccini read the definition of a conflict of interest from the model rules of ethics, and, the definitions of financial and public interest from the Board of Directors’ Rules of Procedure. He asked the Board what personal interest is being bestowed upon a landlord. Mr. Spadaccini thinks many landlords would argue that this is an extra responsibility and they personally are not receiving any personal interest or benefit. Director Sheridan stated that the model rules of ethics of the State of Connecticut are irrelevant; the Board of Directors has its own Rules of Procedure. He read the definition of a conflict of interest from the Board of Directors’ Rules of Procedure. It was written as it was because the committee wanted to set the bar very high. Mr. Sheridan asked the Chair to respect the fact that reasonable minds can differ on whether or not a conflict of interest exists. Director Beckman expressed his desire to hear Director O’Neill’s viewpoint. He does not believe a conflict of interest is present based on the definitions he has heard. Secretary Pelletier stated that she introduced the Landlord Registration Ordinance and did ask herself if she had a conflict of interest. She believes it is up to an individual to make the ultimate decision of whether a conflict of interest exists and should cause a person to abstain from an issue. Ms. Pelletier invited any Board member who thinks a conflict exists to file a complaint with the Ethics Committee.
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 18 of 19 Director Tweedie owns an LLC that has rental properties. He stated that he will not gain from a Landlord Registration Ordinance. Mr. Tweedie would like to see something put in place that will address absentee landlords. MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO GO BEYOND ELEVEN O’CLOCK. Director Topping noted that the issue being discussed is very important and the hour is late. He suggested bringing this item up at another meeting so people who have to work in the morning are able to see the remainder of the discussion. In the sense of fair play and open and honest government and discussion, Mr. Topping will vote against the motion to suspend the rules. Secretary Pelletier moved and Deputy Mayor Peak seconded the motion.
Five Voted in Favor Spadaccini, Peak, Pelletier, Tweedie, Beckman
Three Voted in Opposition Zingler, Topping, Sheridan
(O’Neill out of the room) Director Topping asked who put this item on the agenda. General Manager Shanley stated that he did, for clarification purposes before putting the Landlord Registration Ordinance on the agenda. Mr. Topping relayed his belief that nobody would object to an ordinance that would address blight. When this ordinance was first presented to the Board before the election, it was for emergency contact information. He believes people who own property should recuse themselves. Mr. Topping stated that the Board of Directors does not operate under the model rules of ethics for the state, it operates under the Town of Manchester Rules and Procedures. He read Section 20, Standards of Ethical Conduct, to the Board. Mr. Topping went to the Ethics Commission for a judgment on whether or not he could continue with a contract he won before being elected to the Board. The Ethics Commission said he could continue with his contract, but he chose to give it up for the sake of appearance. After reading the section regarding conflict of interest aloud, Mr. Topping stated his opinion that there is no question of conflict of interest. Right now, as the Board is discussing the issue, it is a grey area. But if the Board is to go forward with a Landlord Registration Ordinance, there will be a conflict of interest. Mr. Topping stated that he believes in the Ordinance being presented, but the problem arises when members of the Board are willing to throw out rules to accomplish it. Director Beckman stated that the Republicans are fulfilling their covenant to the people of Manchester. He thinks it is important that all Board members are able to vote on the ordinance because they are the people that the voters put in place. There is clearly no financial gain to be brought to Board members who own rental properties. Attorney O’Neil explained that he looked at quite a bit of legal material while researching this issue. He applauded the Board of Directors for finding their answer through discussion. This is not an item that requires a vote. Conflict of interest is a very individual decision. Each Board
Board of Directors December 18, 2007 Minutes Page 19 of 19 member should undergo a self analysis to decide if the conflict rises to a level that will impair independent judgment. 17. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION BY BOARD MEMBERS ON ITEMS FOR FUTURE
AGENDA OR OF GENERAL CONCERN. Director Sheridan received a listing of people who were delinquent for water and sewer charges in excess of $1,000. There is a recent Public Act that allows the use of tax warrants. Director Zingler noted that Public Works did an exceptional job with the recent snow storms. He would like feedback from plow drivers about the new crosswalks on Main Street. Secretary Pelletier noted that the NLC is quickly approaching and requested that the minority party inform the Mayor of their intentions to attend. Now is the time to start booking flights and hotel rooms for the best price. Deputy Mayor Peak told the Board about a group in the Industrial Park which formed its own non-profit to provide joint workforce training. He has received a complaint about ice conditions at the intersection of Sheldon and Colonial and the person making the complaint speculated it may be the way the asphalt was laid. He would like somebody to investigate that complaint. 18. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned until the January 8, 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board
of Directors at 7:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room. Director Beckman made a motion to adjourn and Director Tweedie seconded the motion.
Eight Voted in Favor (O’Neill out of the room)
Adjournment: 11:35 p.m. gem APPROVED: ATTEST: _______________________________________ Secretary, Manchester Board of Directors
PRESENT: Mayor Spadaccini, Deputy Mayor Peak, Secretary Pelletier, Directors Beckman, Tweedie, Sheridan, and Zingler.
NOT PRESENT: Directors O’Neill and Topping ALSO: General Manager Scott Shanley, Bob Bycholski, Joe Camposeo, Mark Carlino,
Eileen Faust, Julian Freund, Scott Garman, Jack McCoy, Doug McDonough, Dede Moore, Tim O’Neil, Mark Pellegrini, Mary Roche-Cronin, Chris Silver, Ed Soper, Scott Sprague, and Diane Wicks
The meeting was called to order at 8:03 a.m.
1. East Side Recreation Center 2. Charter Oak Greenway Extension Project
The meeting was recessed at 9:13 a.m.
APPROVED: ATTEST: ______________________________________ Secretary, Manchester Board of Directors
RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the federal legislation known as Help America Vote Act, also referred to as HAVA, provides funding to the states for distribution to local governments in furtherance of the act's goals; and WHEREAS, with the federal funding it received pursuant to HAVA, the State of Connecticut offered each municipality, through its Registrars of Voters, $1,000 per polling place for the purchase of equipment in the form of a reimbursement after the equipment has been purchased; and WHEREAS, the Town of Manchester has 10 polling places and therefore is eligible for a maximum of $10,000 in reimbursable expenses for such new equipment; and WHEREAS, in order to qualify for the reimbursement from the State of Connecticut, the equipment needed to be ordered by no later than December 31, 2007; and WHEREAS, to ensure that Manchester would be eligible for the reimbursement from the State of Connecticut on December 28, 2007, the Registrars of Voters for the Town of Manchester, without seeking competitive bids as required by Section 5-22 of the Town Charter, ordered ten “voting storage vaults” for the storage of the Town’s optical scanning voting machines from LHS Associates, Inc. of Methuen, Massachusetts for a total cost of $11,490; and WHEREAS, the storage vaults are compatible with the Town’s optical scan voting equipment, which was supplied by LHS Associates. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester hereby ratifies the actions taken by the Registrars of Voters on December 28, 2007 in purchasing 10 voting storage vaults from LHS Associates, Inc. ____________________________ Cheri A. Pelletier Secretary, Board of Directors Town of Manchester January 15, 2008 R:\srooney\O'Neil\Board of Directors\Voting Machines Resolution.doc
RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester that having received a request from the Charter Revision Commission to extend the due date of its draft report, that the Board of Directors hereby extends the due date for the draft report to June 10, 2008. ____________________________ Cheri A. Pelletier Secretary, Board of Directors Town of Manchester December 18, 2007
NOV 0 200710 Deepwood DriveManchester, CT 06040
November 30, 2007
Donna HuotExecutive AssistantTown of ManchesterGeneral Managers Office41 Center St.Manchester, Ct 06040
Dear Ms. Huot,
It is with regret that I submit this letter of resignation effective immediately, as a memberand Chairman of the Manchester Commission for People with Disabilities. Myresponsibilities to the Board of Education and duties as the Secretary of the Board ofEducation would greatly impact the time and energy I would desire to devote to theCommission.
I also will be starting new employment with the State of Connecticut and will be assignedto the New Haven region which will make difficult to get to the meetings.
Thank you for allowing me to serve on the Commission and for providing me with thisopportunity .
,,-_:b2Enrique Marcano
Cc: Ted Cummings
FY 2007/08 Budget Decision Package WiMAX Town/Business Partnership Case
Description of Proposed Expenditure: Provide Wireless Access for: Muni/Private Partnership Model for The Wireless Networked City
Justification for Expenditure:
The Board of Director Goals, Goal 2 “Foster Smart Development”, Goal 7 “Invest in Town Infrastructure” And Most significantly for this Proposal: Goal 8 “Enhance Manchester Image as a Community of Choice” - by developing for Manchester a Business Case as part of its “Marketing Plan”
and a specific Request for Bid for attracting “New Quality Employer(s)” to bid on a partnership with The Town Of Manchester in the deployment of a WiMAX wireless network for use by the city and school district and for use by the winning commercial bidder for its use in bringing new wireless technology and its applications to the city.
The fundamentals of the business case to be developed involve:
1) The Community’s Asset - Using the Town’s geographically dispersed buildings connected by its city-wide municipal fiber optic network as a cost minimization factor for a “Business” wireless network.
2) “Anchor Tenant” Concept –Using newly emerging wireless technology (WiMAX) to driver the cost per square mile of wireless networking down and the wireless networking capacity up to a point where managing Manchester’s Wireless Network potential represents an attractive business opportunity for a commercial investor.
3) Revenue Sharing – The Business Partner investing in the deployment of a WiMAX network on the town infrastructure, both provides network service to the Town as an “Anchor Tenant” and also shares the profit from its enterprise with the city – this is key to determining the winning Business Partner Bid.
4) Manchester’s Standards-based Technology Strategy- Establish wireless digital standards for Manchester’s various analog radio frequency networks that will allow them to converge to digital forms and grow in coverage and functionality, while at the same time take advantage of the declining costs of digital equipment technology.
The above calls for aggressive planning for a Manchester Wireless Broadband Initiative in the form of a Muni/Private Partnership Model for The Wireless Networked City – important to this planning is the involvement of a citizen committee to guide and review the “Business Case” and to evaluate the opportunity costs to the community of not proceeding successfully with a valid Business Case.
Muni/Private Partnership Model for The Wireless Networked CityConsulting cost to Prepare RFP and Administer Business Case (using 70 page Minneapolis wireless city document scope).
Background --- Bill Beck, CIO Minneapolis recommend having a Project Manager as an internal person committed to the project and prepared to work with the community and policy makers. The consulting cost in Minneapolis for a technical consultant (“R Client” consulting practice) was $160/hr for a ½ time engagement that ran for 2 years, costing a total of $250,000. The Minneapolis project started in 2004 and the first two 1-mile-square competitive pilots begun in 2006.
This proposal for Manchester would follow several of the Minneapolis model
approaches. This would be to start with of a Board of Directors oversight subcommittee with support from a Staff Team (1 Project Manager, 1 I/S Technical Staff Member, 1 Manchester Legal Council, and 1 financial analyst resource). Citizen Committee and RFP Creation Committees would be the operating entities with the help of the Staff Team.
The opportunity to use Manchester’s FiberNet carries with it the requirement to be prepared with Legal Council on the Staff Team to properly represent the city’s rights for use of its Communication Infrastructure.
The additional 2008-09 budget startup cost estimate for phase 0 and phase 1 (see
Minneapolis Business Case) to reach the RFP publication deliverable including a Manchester Broadband Business Case Document would be the cost of a professional service contract Project Manager and Legal Council and the commitment of time by I/S Technical Staff and a financial consultant (either a Town’s financial analyst resource or an added cost professional service consultant).
Estimate based upon Minneapolis model work already done and Manchester's experience with
Wireless projects in the Downtown and cross-town projects. 2007-2008
Hourly Rate Hours
Professional Service Project Manager 100 391 $39,063Business Case, Community Benefits and RFP Publication
Financial Analyst 75 203 $15,188 Financial Case development Legal Counsel 150 113 $16,875 DPUC Representation Estimated Total based upon scaling the effort to 1/4 of Minneapolis $71,125
The attached Scope of Consulting Service reflects the Professional Service Project Management line item above scaled down for the small CDBG-17 project for the Nathan Hale School area PAL community work. This CDBG-17 project can have many of the elements in it of the full scale Manchester-wide Business Case without going to the Case / Bid creation and execution stage of the full city-wide project scoped above. It illustrates, however, how a “Standards-based” technology solution can deliver an ever-increasing number of effects without repeating the overhead expenditure of starting proprietary, special purpose efforts. Suggested Recommendations: 1) Support the formation of a Manchester Wireless Network Committee; 2) Retain a Professional Services Project Manager to create the Business Case and manage the Bid process; 3) Approve Manchester Staff to provide support to the Committee and Project Manager for the creation of the WiMAX Business Case for the Committee and Bid process.
Appendices {document file names in [ ] }
1) Spruce Street’s Nathan Hale to PAL and Police Substation Picture 2) Main Street to Police Substation Picture 3) Mechler - Independent Consultant WiMAX Project Management 4) Wireless Minneapolis – Municipal Broadband Initiative Business Case on the
Web at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/wirelessminneapolis/MplsWireless_BusinessCase_V3.pdf
Independent Consultant – Information Systems and Technology 324 Rail Tree Hill Road Woodbury, CT 06798
(203) 263-8248
Tax ID (SSN): 575-46-6367 November 27, 2007 Mr. Jack McCoy Chief Information Officer Town of Manchester 41 Center Street Manchester, CT 06045 Dear Mr. McCoy, This letter documents my agreement to provide professional consulting and project management services to the Town of Manchester during the forthcoming months in support of the “Neighborhood WiMAX Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project” that we have discussed recently. Permit me to clarify my understanding of the project in the following paragraphs that reflect the explanation and scope you provided me in our recent conversations: The Town of Manchester wishes to implement WiMAX connectivity between a yet-to-be-installed Ethernet LAN in the old Spruce Street Firehouse and the existing Town-owned FiberNet. Initially this will be a point-to-point wireless, 802.16-compliant (as opposed to a` “WiFi” 802.11-compliant) connection between a WiMAX Subscriber Station (known as a WiMAX Substation) located on the Firehouse LAN and a WiMAX Base Station located in a Town facility which already has wired FiberNet connectivity (specifically, within Nathan Hale School across Spruce Street from the Firehouse). Access to the FiberNet will thus be afforded to all of the nodes (i.e., computers and printers) on the Ethernet LAN within the Spruce Street Firehouse. Additionally, WiMAX Subscriber Station equipment may be installed at the Manchester Police Department substation located on Main Street several blocks from the Nathan Hale School facility. This will afford to a number of existing computers on a LAN in the police substation a wireless connection to the FiberNet (thus making accessible such applications as telephony and CAD/RMS) that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive if implemented by installing fiber-optic cable along the streets between the police substation and the school facility.
This initial effort in the context of the CDBG project will seek to validate the inter-operability of two independent vendors’ claims to offer 802.16-compliant standards-based WiMAX products, operating in a fixed-subscriber station environment. If the CDBG project is successful--and if further funding is available--a separate project subsequently will be initiated to specify, and vendor bids will be solicited for, the “Phase 0” effort to implement WiMAX connectivity to the FiberNet over a one-square-mile area of the Town of Manchester, in a fixed and mobile subscriber station environment. Furthermore, subsequent to the Phase 0 project (and again subject to funding availability) a “Phase 1” project will be executed to implement the WiMAX connectivity to the FiberNet over an even wider area of the Town. I understand the CDBG Project to comprise (a) the gathering and reviewing of vendor-provided and other available WiMAX product information for both fixed and mobile substations, (b) the subsequent use of the former in the preparation of a Bid Specification for a fixed substation configuration, (c) the subsequent publication of a Request for Bid based on the aforementioned Specification to elicit responses from qualified WiMAX equipment vendors and service providers, (d) the adjudication of vendor responses, (e) the selection of two vendors capable of demonstrating WiMAX interoperability, and (f) the management of the project to implement, test, and validate the concept of WiMAX in a fixed-substation configuration. In the attachment to this letter I have detailed a breakdown of the CDBG Project into Major Activities and Tasks within Activities. I understand that the effort involved will be carried out in part by members of your Information System technical staff. My role will be primarily that of Project Manager and author of much of the pertinent documentation. My initial estimate for the effort required on my part to manage and execute the tasks outlined is approximately 300 hours. This estimate may be revised upon mutual review. My rate for professional services is 100 dollars ($100.00) per hour and will be billed on a bi-weekly basis. This hourly rate prevails for such short-term projects as the CDBG-related effort. Should my services be required for the subsequent (and likely longer-term) Phase 0 and/or Phase 1 WiMAX projects, I will be happy to consider offering the Town of Manchester a discounted hourly rate. I look forward to the opportunity to be of service to the Town of Manchester. Sincerely yours, David H. Mechler
Attachment
Attachment 1 - Neighborhood WiMAX CDBG Project Major Activities 1. Identify regulated Municipal, Public Safety, and Educational radio frequencies
for potential use in the context of a Town of Manchester WiMAX system. 2. Prepare an FCC application and obtain license for use of a regulated frequency
(or frequencies) for potential use in the context of a Town of Manchester WiMAX system.
3. Prepare and publish a Request for Information (RFI) document seeking technical
information from potential equipment vendors and service providers to determine what WiMAX equipment is currently available for both Fixed and Mobile Subscriber Station applications. Information must be sought on the use of both regulated and unregulated radio frequencies for the WiMAX communications links.
4. Review RFI vendor/provider responses and interpret the information provided. 5. Conduct further research on WiMAX product availability and capabilities as
needed. 6. Develop Ethernet LAN design, equipment specification, and implementation plan
for Spruce Street Firehouse (and for Main Street Police Substation, if necessary). Assumption: Required equipment not already on hand will be purchased off the State of Connecticut Bid Schedule, thus requiring no preparation and publication of a stand-alone Specification document and/or competitive Request for Quote.
7. Develop specification and physical mounting plan for WiMAX antenna and
Subscriber Station LAN connection at Spruce Street Firehouse and the Main Street Police Substation.
8. Develop specification and physical mounting plan for WiMAX antenna and Base
Station connection to FiberNet at Nathan Hale School. 9. Develop specification and implementation plan for upgraded Gigabit Ethernet
Switch for FiberNet node at Nathan Hale School.
Assumption: Required equipment not already on hand will be purchased off either the State of Connecticut Bid Schedule or the Alcatel Telephony Bid Schedule for the Town of Manchester, thus requiring no preparation
and publication of a stand-alone Specification document and/or competitive Request for Quote.
10. Prepare a detailed Bid Specification document for the WiMAX system covered by the CDBG Project (i.e., comprising LAN-connected WiMAX Subscriber Stations at the Firehouse on Spruce Street and the Police Substation on Main Street, a FiberNet-connected Base Station at Nathan Hale School, and all related Antenna equipment for these locations).
11. Prepare and publish a Request for Bid (RFB) document, based on the
aforementioned Bid Specification, covering the implementation of the WiMAX Connectivity CDBG project.
12. Review and analyze RFB vendor responses. 13. Select winning vendors and award a two-vendor contract connecting the WIMAX
Subscriber Stations at Spruce Street Firehouse and Main Street Police Substation to the WiMAX Base Station at Nathan Hale School.
14. Execute the project to implement the WiMAX CDBG System. Tasks within Activities 1. Identify regulated Municipal, Public Safety, and Educational radio frequencies
for potential use in the context of a Town of Manchester WiMAX system.
• Review I.S. staff past research into this matter. (e.g., Michael Shekman’s Webcam Project)
• Solicit pertinent information from existing Town of Manchester users of
regulated spectrum (e.g., Fire, Police, Public Works, and School District).
• Review other pertinent information sources.
• Gain consensus among I.S. staff, and Police/Fire/PW/BoE personnel regarding frequency selection.
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2. Prepare an FCC application and obtain license for use of a regulated frequency
(or frequencies) for potential use in the context of a Town of Manchester WiMAX system.
• Research application process and obtain appropriate application form(s), etc.
• Complete and submit application.
•
3. Prepare and publish a Request for Information (RFI) document seeking technical
information from potential equipment vendors and service providers to determine what WiMAX equipment is currently available for both Fixed and Mobile Subscriber Station applications. Information must be sought on the use of both regulated and unregulated radio frequencies for the WiMAX communications links.
• Write RFI.
• Review RFI with I.S. and Purchasing personnel.
• Acquire sign-off on (i.e., confirmed acceptability of) completed RFI
document.
• Determine target list for RFI distribution.
• Post RFI to Town of Manchester website and/or distribute physical RFI documents as appropriate.
•
4. Review RFI vendor/provider responses and interpret the information provided.
• Read each response document.
• Review information received with I.S. staff.
• Assess whether additional information needed.
• 5. Conduct further research on WiMAX product availability and capabilities as
needed.
• Call vendors as appropriate.
• Conduct Internet information search(es) as appropriate.
• Attend industry conference in local or New England area.
•
6. Develop Ethernet LAN design, equipment specification, and implementation plan for Spruce Street Firehouse (and for Main Street Police Substation, if necessary).
Assumption: Required equipment not already on hand will be purchased off either the State of Connecticut Bid Schedule or the Alcatel Telephony Bid Schedule for the Town of Manchester, thus requiring no preparation and publication of a stand-alone Specification document and/or competitive Request for Quote.
• Determine number and type of users to be supported and resultant device count.
• Assess network cabling and power wiring requirements.
• Determine router/switch/hub configuration and requirements.
• Prepare design and component requirements documentation.
• Project-manage the LAN/WiMAX implementation by I.S. staff resources and vendors at Firehouse and Police Substation.
•
7. Develop specification and physical mounting plan for WiMAX antenna and
Subscriber Station LAN connection at Spruce Street Firehouse and the Main Street Police Substation.
• Determine practical location for antenna and WiMAX Subscriber Station
access point(s).
•
8. Develop specification and physical mounting plan for WiMAX antenna and Base
Station connection to FiberNet at Nathan Hale School.
• Determine practical location for antenna and WiMAX Base Station access point.
• Assess number of Subscriber Stations to be supported.
• 9. Develop specification and implementation plan for upgraded Gigabit Ethernet
Switch for FiberNet node at Nathan Hale School.
Assumption: Required equipment not already on hand will be purchased off either the State of Connecticut Bid Schedule or the Alcatel Telephony Bid Schedule for the Town of Manchester, thus requiring no preparation and publication of a stand-alone Specification document and/or competitive Request for Quote.
• Determine incremental traffic impact of WiMAX-connected Subscriber Stations in Firehouse, Police Substation, and/or possible mobile locations.
• 10. Prepare a detailed Bid Specification document for the WiMAX system covered by
the CDBG Project (i.e., comprising LAN-connected WiMAX Subscriber Stations in fixed locations at the Firehouse on Spruce Street and the Police Substation on Main Street, a FiberNet-connected Base Station at Nathan Hale School, and all related Antenna equipment for these locations).
• Determine scope specifications for concept validation project.
• Review scope and subsequent iterations with I.S. staff.
• Prepare initial draft of Bid specification document.
• Review initial draft and subsequent iterations with I.S. staff.
• Acquire sign-off on (i.e., confirmed acceptability of) completed Bid
Specification document.
• 11. Prepare and publish a Request for Bid (RFB) document, based on the
aforementioned Bid Specification, covering the implementation of the WiMAX Connectivity CDBG project.
• Write RFB.
• Review initial RFB and subsequent iterations with I.S. and Purchasing
• Post RFB to Town of Manchester website and/or distribute physical RFB documents as appropriate.
• Conduct bidder review meeting.
• Review and refine vendor comments and questions.
• Publish RFB update(s) as appropriate.
•
12. Review and analyze RFB vendor responses.
• Read each vendor response document.
• Review information received with I.S. staff.
• Assess whether additional information needed from any/all vendors.
• Acquire additional information.
• Prepare mechanism for comparison and relative rating of of vendor responses.
• Review vendors’ merits with I.S. staff.
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13. Select winning vendors and award a two-vendor contract connecting the WIMAX Subscriber Stations at Spruce Street Firehouse and Main Street Police Substation to the WiMAX Base Station at Nathan Hale School.
• Prepare “short list” of respondents.
• Conduct meeting(s) with vendors on short list.
• Review vendors’ merits with I.S. staff.
• Make final selection of vendor(s) for implementation of WiMAX CDBG
system.
• Project-manage, with I.S. and General Services management, the contract signing by all parties.
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14. Execute the project to implement the WiMAX CDBG System.
• Prepare project plan and timeline for vendor(s’) and I.S. staff’s CDBG Project activities.
• Conduct meetings with vendor(s) as needed.
• Oversee staging of equipment prior to installation. • Oversee and assure timely installation of non-vendor Firehouse and Police
Substation LAN equipment.
• Oversee and assure timely installation of vendors’ WiMAX equipment (i.e., network devices and antennas) at all sites.
• Prepare plan for acceptance testing of installed WiMAX CDBG system.
• Execute acceptance testing of installed WiMAX CDBG system.
• Review installation process with I.S. staff as appropriate.
• Review acceptance testing process with I.S. staff as appropriate.
Town of Manchester A Resolution creating a Blight Task Force to explore, report and develop specific strategies to address problems, concerns and conflicts with existing Zoning regulations and the enforcement of the Property Maintenance Code pursuant to the authority granted by the Connecticut General Statues for which corrective action may be taken to strengthen the Town of Manchester’s Code of Ordinances. Whereas, The Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester seeks to better protect, preserve and promote the quality of life of its citizens by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance, appearance and condition of residential and non-residential premises; and Whereas, it is hereby found and declared that there exists within Manchester, the City of Village Charm, a number of blighted and deteriorated properties that the continued existence of such properties contributes to the decline of neighborhoods and results in an undesirable effect upon residential and commercial properties; and Whereas, it is further found that the existence of vacant and blighted properties adversely affects the economic well being of the Town and many of the vacant and blight properties can become a convenient haven for criminal activities and create a potential public nuisance that affects or has the potential to affect the health, safety and welfare of the general public or a private nuisance which seriously depreciates property values and unreasonably interferes with a property owner’s use and enjoyment of one’s property; and Whereas, vandalism and graffiti of a single property or structure can have significant negative economic and environmental impact on an entire neighborhood or business district; and Whereas, the presence of blighted and neglected properties impair or arrest growth and development of a neighborhood, commercial or industrial zone and often lead to an exodus of current businesses and residents, threatening the spread of blight to other properties, neighborhoods and commercial districts; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Directors authorizes the Town manager to create a Blight Task Force to establish procedures for enforcement, inspection and penalties, including a means by which a residential and commercial property ownership database is maintained for problem properties in an effort to prevent, reduce or eliminate blight or potential blight that may exist. FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, under the direction of the Town Manager, the Blight Task Force shall consist of (9) members and shall be composed of the Town Staff Attorney, the Fire Marshal, the Chief of Police, the Director of Neighborhood Services and Economic Development, the Director of Public Works, the Chief Building Official, the Assistant Chief Building Official, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, a Health Department representative and any other Town staff as deemed appropriate. FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, The Blight Task force shall identify problem properties within the community for examination and strategy building and shall conduct the research it deems necessary to achieve the purposes specified and shall develop information on relevant issues, but not limited to, the following: Abatement of Public Nuisances Code Enforcement of Overcrowding or Uninhabitable Conditions in Residential Dwellings Emergency/Abandonment/ Vacancy Acquisition, Repairs and or Demolition of Property Enforcement Use of Constables and other Designees Graffiti and Litter Removal and Remediation Interior and Exterior Residential and Commercial Property Conditions Lawn and Landscaping Maintenance and Parking Regulations Physically Deteriorated, Uninhabitable, Useless for Intended Purpose or Vacant Structures Regulation of Inoperable or Abandoned Motor Vehicles or Machinery Rental Property Inspections and Revocation of Certificate of Occupancy Storage of Junk, Building Materials or Refuse in Residential Areas Waste Receptacle Compliance Work Authorization for Vacant and Open Structures
FURTHER IT IS RESOLVED, that the Blight Task Force shall convene in regularly scheduled meetings and shall provide a report containing specific amendment changes to strengthen the Town Code of Ordinances relating to the issues identified in this resolution and recommendations to the Town Manager for consideration by the Board of Directors on March 4, 2008. The Blight Task Force may also submit such interim reports as it deems appropriate.
Town of Manchester Board of Directors
Resolution Regarding Requesting The Town Attorney draft an ordinance, suitable for adoption by the Board of Directors, to prohibit smoking of any kind within 50 feet of
an entrances and exits to the Mary Cheney and Whiton Libraries
Introduced By: Director O'Neill, Director Zingler, Director Topping, Director Sheridan WHEREAS, the smoking of tobacco products and other substances endangers public health; and WHEREAS, numerous scientific studies have shown that second-hand smoke is a significant public health hazard; and WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified second-hand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, the most dangerous class of carcinogens; and WHEREAS, the EPA has concluded that second-hand smoke causes coronary heart disease in non-smokers; and WHEREAS, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that second-hand smoke causes 3,000 lung cancer death per year among adult non-smokers in the United States; and WHEREAS, second-hand smoke is especially hazardous to particular groups, including those with chronic health problems, the elderly and children; and WHEREAS, the CDC has found that second-hand smoke causes children to suffer from lower respiratory tract illness, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, exacerbates childhood asthma, and increases the risk of acute chronic middle ear infections in children; and WHEREAS, the Town of Manchester is committed to making its municipal buildings a safe, healthy and pleasant environment for everyone; and WHEREAS, Manchester’s Mary Cheney Library and Whiton Library are two of the most heavily-trafficked public buildings within the Town of Manchester, with an estimated 375,000 visitors every year. WHEREAS, access to and exit from Manchester’s Mary Cheney Library and Whiton Library facilities is typically available only through one doorway; WHEREAS, smoking in and around that single library entrance and exit endangers children and adults by exposing them to second-hand smoke; and WHEREAS, cigarette and cigar butts and used matches dropped onto the ground near the library entrance degrades the aesthetic quality of that space; and WHEREAS, children and youth who observe smoking in a public places such as in and around a library entrance may misunderstand, misinterpret or even model that behavior; and WHEREAS, banning smoking within 50 feet of entrances and exits to public buildings is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare of Manchester residents, Town employees and library patrons, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors requests that the Town Attorney draft
an ordinance, suitable for adoption by the Board of Directors, to prohibit smoking of any kind within 50 feet of an entrances and exists to the Mary Cheney and Whiton Libraries.
Town of Manchester Board of Directors
Resolution Regarding
Creation of a Task Force for the Implementation of Manchester’s Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth
Introduced By: Director Sheridan, Director Zingler, Director O’ Neill, Director Topping WHEREAS, In July of 2007, the Manchester Board of Directors adopted the National League of Cities (NLC) “Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth”; and WHEREAS, in August 2007, the Town of Manchester applied to participate in a technical assistance project to sponsored by NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education and Families (“YEF institute”) on the implementation of strategic plans for children; and WHEREAS, although Manchester was not selected as a participant in the project, in recognition of its ongoing efforts, Manchester was invited to participate in a “learning community initiative” to be facilitated by the YEF Institute that will take place throughout 2008 to work on implementation of the “Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth”; and WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is of the opinion that it is vitally important that all important stakeholders, educators, community leaders, charitable and religious organizations and interested citizens be included in the process and actively participate in the implementation of the “Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth.” Now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Directors authorizes the creation a Task Force to work with town staff and the YEF Institute on the implementation of the “Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth.” The Task Force shall consist of representatives of the following organizations and agencies, and such other individuals as the General Manager shall, in his discretion, appoint or select: The Manchester Board of Education The Manchester Police Department The Manchester Recreation Department The Manchester Youth Services Bureau The Parks and Rec Advisory Board The Human Services Department The Manchester Public Library The Manchester School Readiness Council MARC, Inc. Manchester Area Conference of Churches Manchester Community Services Council Police Athletic League The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Association of Puerto Ricans and Latinos United of Manchester Students of Color Lutz Children’s Museum
Town of Manchester Board of Directors
Resolution Regarding a
Deferred Retirement Option (“DROP”) program for Manchester Police Officers
Introduced By: Director Topping, Director Zingler, Director O’ Neill, Director Sheridan WHEREAS, The Town of Manchester is one of many municipalities throughout the State of Connecticut that is experiencing enormous difficulty in hiring and retaining sufficient sworn police officers to meet the public safety needs of the community; and WHEREAS, a question has arisen as to whether Manchester’s existing retirement plan, either as a matter of plan design or due to inadvertence, creates an incentive for officers to retire early, thereby discouraging some of the Department’s most loyal and productive employees from continuing to work when they are fully capable and willing to do so; and WHEREAS, a deferred retirement option (“DROP”) program would enable those officers who may have "maxed out" on the benefit payable under the Town’s defined benefit plan to continue to accrue benefits; and WHEREAS, a DROP program may provide a means to retain valued police officers who are eligible to retire. Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Directors requests that the Town staff investigate the feasibility of establishing a deferred retirement option (“DROP”) program as an incentive for retaining qualified police officers who are eligible to retire.
Town of Manchester Board of Directors
Resolution Regarding
Incentives for Recruiting and hiring Manchester Police Officers
Introduced By: Director Topping, Director Zingler, Director O’ Neill, Director Sheridan WHEREAS, The Town of Manchester is one of many municipalities throughout the State of Connecticut that is experiencing enormous difficulty in hiring and retaining sufficient sworn police officers to meet the public safety needs of its residents; and WHEREAS, the Manchester Police Department strives to recruit and hire only the most highly qualified, performance-oriented men and women to fill its ranks; and WHEREAS, the pool of available candidates for police officer positions that would be considered highly qualified and performance-oriented is relatively small, and many other municipalities are actively competing to attract and hire those same candidates; and WHEREAS, other municipalities throughout the country have been successful in recruiting highly qualified police officer candidates by establishing supplementary “recruitment tools” such as cash payments and enhanced benefits. Examples include:
Direct cash payments to the new hire at various times during the recruitment process, such as signing, commencing the academy, completing training, and completing a probationary period of employment; and Cash incentives for new hires with greater educational credentials, such as a Bachelor’s Degree; and Cash incentives for new hires with prior military service, especially as military police officer; and Cash incentives for new hires to cover the cost of relocating from outside the State; and Cash incentives to new hires that establish residence within the town, even including in some cases low-interest mortgages for officers that purchase a residence within the town; and Cash incentives to existing town employees that refer a candidate who is thereafter hired as a police officer and completes the necessary training and probationary period of employment.
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is committed to hiring and retaining sufficient officers to provide for the public safety needs of the community, and is of the opinion that additional recruitment tools such as monetary incentives may assist in that process. Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Directors requests that the Town staff investigate and report back to the Board of Directors regarding the feasibility of monetary incentives or other forms of incentive that could be authorized as recruitment tools to attract highly qualified, performance-oriented police officer candidates for the Manchester Police Department
