First Selectman Chad Landmon - Town of Southbury, Connecticut

Subject to Approval
Town of Southbury
Board of Selectmen
June 20, 2013
Minutes
Present
Ed Edelson; First Selectman
Chad Landmon; Selectman
Donna Pereira; Selectman
Ed Gittines; Selectman
Ron Pugliese; Selectman
Marcia Gore; Selectman
Also Present
Carol Hubert; Chief of Staff
Noreen Thompson; Office Manager
Bill Sarosky; Treasurer
Interested Citizens
Members of the Press
Call to Order
First Selectman Edelson called the regular meeting of the Southbury Board of Selectmen to
order at 7:30 pm in room 205 of the Southbury Town Hall.
Pledge of Allegiance
All joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Edelson called for a moment of silence for Mr. Sam Green. Mr. Green was a former First
Selectman and assistant Registrar of Voters and will be missed.
First Selectman Report
1. First Selectman’s newsletter
The newsletter which includes a calendar of events will be mailed with the tax bills. Mr.
Landmon asked what the cost of the newsletter was. ($2000)
2. Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition
Len DeJong is the new Director of the Watershed Coalition. The subject of a drought ordinance
has resurfaced and once Mr. Edelson has more information he will report back to the Board.
3. “No More Names” event in Newtown
Mr. Edelson reported that he was involved in this event as the key note speaker and read the
first 60 of 6000 names of the victims of gun violence that have occurred since the Sandy Hook
shooting.
4. Legislative summary
Mr. Edelson passed around the summary results of the legislative session. The summary
highlights ways in which legislation can affect our Town.
5. Internal control audit
The internal audit results were positive. There will be a more in depth review of the automated
fuel system due to some gaps in the reporting.
6. Emergency Preparedness Exercise
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First Selectman Edelson thanked three volunteers; Mr. John Turk, Ms. Geralyn Hoyt and Mr.
George Goodwin for their help and participation in today's Statewide emergency exercise in
which the LEPC was called out.
7. Blight Ordinance
There has been a request made by our Historic Commissions that the Town considers a blight
ordinance. First Selectman Edelson would like feedback from the Board as to their feelings on
the subject and whether a presentation from CLG would be welcomed at the July 18, 2013
meeting.
8. Salary action.
The performance review and merit increase summary table was distributed to the Board.
Selectman Landmon wanted to discuss this further, possibly in executive session. It was
decided that the Board cannot enter executive session to discuss individuals. Selectman
Landmon stated that the Board has always had input into salary increases. First Selectman
Edelson stated that the process is the same as it was last year. There is a 1% COLA and up to
2.5% merit increase.
9. Police Training update.
Two seats have been reserved in the October POST training class. Based on this, the two new
officers would be ready to go in May of 2014. Sgt. O'Donnell is reviewing the applications from
the previous test to see if any of the potential officers are still available.
Announcements and Correspondence
Announcements and correspondence are available for viewing on our website.
1. Letter from the Grace Meadows Board thanking the Selectmen for their support of
requesting STS property for senior housing.
2. Memo listing summer hours.
3. Letter to the Heritage Villager editor from First Selectman regarding House Bill
6513.
4. Author Open House information.
5. Prescription Discount Card results.
Selectman Pereira asked that the letter from the EDC with regard to a corporate park forum be
added to the announcements and correspondence. First Selectman Edelson reported that the
EDC is recommending that tax incentives for businesses be addressed on a case by case basis.
Mr. Edelson disagrees; he feels if we offer one, it should be across the board.
Selectman Pugliese noted that he received a letter from a resident with regard to the flags on
the new police cars. Mr. Pugliese was informed that the Police Department has looked into the
complaint and the flags are placed exactly as they are on Air Force One.
Monthly Reports
The monthly reports are available for viewing on the website.
First Selectman Edelson stated that he has encouraged the Fire Department to submit their
reports more regularly.
1. Animal Control
2. Building Department
3. Fire Marshal
4. Library
5. Public Works IWorqs
6. Website
7. Wetlands
8. Zoning Department
9. Fire Department
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Consent Agenda
Selectman Gittines moved the consent agenda as presented. Selectman Pereira
seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
1. Refunds
Resolved that the Southbury Board of Selectmen, upon the recommendation of
the Tax Collector and in accordance with State Statute 12-129, hereby approves
the refunds for a total of $164.64.
2. Resignations/Appointments
RESOLVED, that the Southbury Board of Selectmen hereby acknowledges with
regret the following resignations:
Eleanor Ackerman as a member of the Southbury Library Board of Directors, and
an alternate member of the Investment Portfolio Oversight Committee, effective
immediately.
Frederick Morehead as a member of the Water Pollution Control Authority
RESOLVED, that the Southbury Board of Selectmen hereby accepts with
regret the resignation of Renee Ostaszewski as the Senior Center
Coordinator, effective July 19, 2013.
RESOLVED, that the Southbury Board of Selectmen, upon the recommendation of
the Director of Elderly Services, hereby approves hiring David Defeo of
Southbury for the position of per diem mini bus driver with the Elderly Services
Department.
RESOLVED, that the Southbury Board of Selectmen hereby approves hiring the
following as temporary summer employees:
Library – Elizabeth Connell
Tax Office – Elizabeth Dwyer
Public Works – Joseph Carrano and Nicholas Yetman
RESOLVED, that the Southbury Board of Selectmen hereby appoints Sharon Elias
as the Library Board’s alternate member of the Investment Portfolio Oversight
Committee.
Transfers
Selectman Pugliese moved the following transfers as presented, Selectman
Gittines seconded.
Selectman Landmon asked when the Pomperaug River Bridge project would be bid. First
Selectman Edelson reminded the Board that the on-call engineer bid was awarded some time
ago and the plan is to use one of the firms that were chosen. Selectman Landmon stated that
the on-call engineer was to be used for small, distinct projects, not a $232,000 project. First
Selectman Edelson clarified that this is not true; the analogy had been made to rental equipment
when the RFQ was awarded. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that the RFP and the
minutes will be reviewed to verify what was agreed to by the Board of Selectmen. Selectman
Landmon noted for the record that this vote is not authorizing the money to be spent. The
record will be reviewed prior to money being spent.
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First Selectman Edelson called for a vote for the motion on the table. The vote
was 5-1 with Selectman Landmon voting against.
RESOLVED, that the Southbury Board of Selectmen hereby approves and concurs
with the Board of Finance on the following expenditure:
1. Up to $220,000 from the Infrastructure Account for the construction of a
new basketball court and an ice skating rink at Community House Park;
fixing and expanding of the parking at the Ballantine pool; and fixing of the
basketball court at Ballantine Park. These expenditures will be reimbursed
under an approved STEAP grant to the Town.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen hereby approves and refers the
following transfers to the Board of Finance:
1. Up to $232,000 from the General Fund to the Road Program account for
the engineering design for the Pomperaug River Bridge rehabilitation.
2. Up to $280,000 from the General Fund for the Medical Reserve fund to
cover the cost of the medical reserve needed as the Town is now selffunded
for medical benefits.
3. Up to $31,509.96 from the General Fund to Equipment Upgrade to cover
the cost to upgrade the secondary emergency dispatch console located at
the Purchase Fire Station (LoCIP funds will be applied for); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen hereby schedules a
Town Meeting to be held on Thursday, July 18, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 205
of the Town Hall to act on the above expenditure and transfers.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Minutes
Board action will be sought for the approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on June
6, 2013.
Selectman Gore moved the minutes as presented, Selectman Gittines seconded
and the vote was unanimous. (Selectman Pereira abstained for absence)
Unfinished Business
1. Personnel Issues
A. Parks & Recreation Director
The amended job description was shown and discussed. First Selectman Edelson reiterated his
position that this job should be a grade 14 or 15. There is a high level of responsibility both with
revenue targets and personnel.
Selectman Pereira moved to change the job description as shown and the grade
level to a grade 15, Selectman Pugliese seconded.
Selectman Landmon asked how this will change the salary for the position and what the salary
ranges for a grade 13, 14 and 15 are. Selectman Landmon would like to know how the salary
currently offered compares to other Towns. Chief of Staff Hubert offered to get the salary range
paperwork for review.
Selectman Landmon moved to table until more information can be reviewed.
There was no second.
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Selectman Gittines moved to table until Chief of Staff Hubert returns with the
requested documentation. Selectman Pereira seconded and all were in favor.
B. Webmaster
First Selectman Edelson withdrew the discussion about the webmaster position.
New Business
1. Library Board Appointment
First Selectman Edelson took a moment to thank Ellie and Glenn Ackerman for all of their work
over the years in volunteering for the Town. There are two candidates for the Library Board,
Sharon Elias and Walter Morrissey. While both are good people, Mr. Edelson feels Ms. Elias
would be the better choice.
Selectman Landmon moved to elevate Mr. Walter Morrissey to a full member of
the Library Board. Selectman Gore seconded.
First Selectman Edelson recommended that Ms. Sharon Elias be moved to the full member
position.
There was a short discussion about both Mr. Morrissey and Ms. Elias' qualifications.
Selectman Landmon stated that the Board of Selectmen, in the past has always elevated the
longer standing alternate to a full member. First Selectman Edelson pointed out that length of
time and experience has not always been considered by past appointment to the Library Board
and gave a specific example. He also noted that the Board of Selectman should be choosing the
best qualified individual. Mr. Edelson stated that Ms. Elias has just been appointed as the
representative of the Library Board for the Investment Portfolio Oversight Committee and this
speaks well of her commitment to the Library Board.
First Selectman Edelson called for a vote for the motion on the table. The vote
was 2-4 against elevating Mr. Morrissey to full member of the Library Board.
Motion fails.
Selectman Pereira moved to elevate Sharon Elias to a full member of the Library
Board, Selectman Pugliese seconded and the vote was 4-2 in favor. (Selectman
Landmon and Selectman Gore against) Motion carries.
Selectman Pereira moved to appoint Brenda Weir as an alternate on the Library
Board, Selectman Gittines seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
Unfinished Business Continued
The requested salary grade information was reviewed. Selectman Landmon stated that very few
towns have such a high salary for Parks and Recreation Director and cannot vote for a $15,000
increase. First Selectman Edelson stated that the vote is not for an increase, it is for a grade
change that recognizes the responsibility of the position.
The vote for the motion was called and it was 4-2 in favor with Selectman
Landmon and Selectman Gore voting against. Motion carries.
Reports from Selectmen serving as Liaisons
First Selectman Edelson reported as the liaison for the Board of Finance. The financial auditor
from Blum Shapiro will continue to prepare the Town financial statements. The new Paychex,
time and attendance via computer will roll out soon. The software for the Landfill and special
duty billing will be installed sometime in the fall. The annual suspension list from the Tax
Collector was accepted by the Board of Finance.
Selectman Landmon did not have any meetings to report on.
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Selectman Pereira reported that the EDC has decided to hold a public forum to discuss the
corporate park site. The Film Commission is reevaluating the film series. There are two films
being made in Southbury.
Selectman Gore reported that the Senior Center has had two employees resign. Coordinator
Renee Ostaszewski and Sunday program coordinator Lisa Trupp have both resigned. The annual
picnic is July 17 th . The Senior Center is starting a Wednesday night dinner program.
Selectman Pugliese reported that the Charter Revision Commission has met three times and
they want to be sure that the public knows they exist and are looking forward to comments and
suggestions. The dates for the upcoming meetings are as follows; August 13 th , September 10 th ,
October 8 th , November 12 th and December 10 th .
Selectman Gittines was unable to attend the Library Board meeting.
Selectman Pereira moved to adjourn at 8:49 pm, Selectman Gittines seconded.
All were in favor. Motion carries.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betsy Rosa
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