09/27/11 - Meeting Minutes - Town of Burlington

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Town of BurlingtonBOS, 9/27/11, Pg. 4 of 5Animal Control Regionalization: First Selectman Bergstrom noted that the Board has a copy of the draft agreement withthe Town of Farmington regarding regionalization of the ACO. She explained this would increase services, handle alldomestic and wildlife call previously not the case in Burlington, 24 hour telephone dispatch; dogs housed in Burlingtonand reduce expense by $7000 annually.Selectman Taricani commented it sound like a good thing if we save money and have the same or better services.Selectman Chard commented on the term of the contract and asked if we can terminate the contract if wages increase andit is no longer a savings. First Selectman Bergstrom noted that the contract is for 30 years with a 90 day out clause byeither party.Selectman Shafer noted that with his background he feels the contract is one-side and we need a hold harmless agreementwith the Town of Farmington. He asked who drafted the agreement, First Selectman Bergstrom noted Farmingtonprovided the draft and it was reviewed by Burlington Town Counsel and insurance representative.The Board discussed response times, savings and coverage and whether to regionalize.Tim Oppenheimer, AFSCME Representative for the Town Hall/Library Bargaining Unit, spoke on the subject regarding ifregionalization is legal, practical and the human side of the matter. He mentioned that towns over 25000 cannotregionalize with smaller towns, the position is a union position and therefore contractual, delinquent licenses, overtimeexpenses, unemployment costs.David Testa, AFSCME Representative for the Town Hall/Library Bargaining Unit, commented on the salary of the ACOin Farmington being much higher than the Burlington ACO and availability not as good. While the Town may thinkthey’ll be saving money, the union will litigate the decision to regionalize, thereby eliminating any savings.Kristen Grindal-Keller commented that she believes services will be taken away from Burlington residents.Melinda Hardy asked about the appointment process. First Selectman Bergstrom noted that it is a First Selectman’sappointment it is not in the Charter as a Board appointment.Thomas Gonska, Barberry Drive, commented he is concerned that we will not get the response we are used to especiallyat 5:30 AM. Savings of $7000 per population is not much.Rudy Franciamore, Ryans Way, asked about the 25000 population, and how the Probate merge could occur. This was aredistrict by the State not regionalization.Barbara Pavlik Dahle had concerns about the care of the dogs in the pound.Selectman Chard noted that the discussion opened up the need to do more research and this would be an ongoing item fordiscussion.JohnPeter Parente asked if this decision would be a town vote or BOS. It would be BOS decision.200 Spielman Highway • Burlington, CT 06013-1735 • 860-673-6789
Town of BurlingtonBOS, 9/27/11, Pg. 5 of 5Selectman Powell noted that he has seen an Avon/Canton ACO vehicle.The Board agreed there would be more discussion, they want to see the actual cost savings, kennel costs and review theagreement.Selectman’s Reports: Selectman Shafer commented on the missing money in the Bond for Angela’s Way and if thiscould be an agenda item for the next meeting. First Selectman Bergstrom explained that the mechanism security was inplace before she took office and that safeguards are being put in place to avoid this exposure going forward.Selectman Shafer commented on the letter from Town Counsel regarding the Library Board of Directors and the Meet theCandidates. After a brief discussion both Selectman Chard and Shafer noted that they did not share the concern but thatthe Friends of the Library can host the event. All agreed. Selectman Shafer asked if we had to pay for this opinion if noone asked for it.Selectman Powell noted that he spoke to Dave Dickson, resident and Landscape Engineer, regarding the Skate Park atMalerbo. They will walk the field this weekend.Selectman Powell also noted it seems the waterline is going well. First Selectman Bergstrom agreed there have been noissues and the project should be complete next week.First Selectman Bergstrom reported on the following: Attended a tour of Hinman Lumber with the First Selectman of Harwinton, Rep. John Piscopo and SenatorBeth Bye. Reached out to the resident on GWT regarding the trash and recycle carts; discussed options; will talk withneighbors. Reached out to Towns for copies of their Solid Waste Ordinance and shared with SWC.There being no further business a motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to adjourn the regular Board ofSelectmen meeting at 10:19 PM by Selectman Chard and Selectman Powell.Respectfully Submitted,Catherine R. BergstromActing Secretary9/29/2011________________200 Spielman Highway • Burlington, CT 06013-1735 • 860-673-6789
Page 3: Town of BurlingtonDaniel Wartschow,

09/27/11 - Meeting Minutes - Town of Burlington

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