See Previous Minutes and Agendas

The following minutes have been approved by the Town Council:

April 14, 2008
April 16, 2008 Special Meeting
April 17, 2008 Special Meeting
April 21, 2008 Special Meeting

REGULAR MEETING-MANSFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

April 14, 2008

 

Deputy Mayor Gregory Haddad called the regular meeting of the Mansfield Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Audrey P. Beck Building.

 

I.                     ROLL CALL

 

Present: Blair, Clouette, Duffy (7:40 pm), Haddad, Koehn, Nesbitt (7:38 pm), Paulhus, Schaefer

Absent: Paterson

                                                                                                                                                      

II.                   APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Clouette moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to approve the minutes of the March 24, 2008 regular and special meetings as corrected.  Motion passed with Ms. Blair abstaining.  Mr. Clouette moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2008 special meeting.  Motion passed with Ms. Koehn abstaining.  Mr. Clouette moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to approve the minutes of the March 31, 2008 and April 2, 2008 special meetings.  Motion passed with Ms. Blair abstaining.

 

III.                  MOMENT OF SILENCE

 

Deputy Mayor Haddad requested a moment of silence in honor of the troops who have fallen victim to the conflicts in the Middle East.

 

IV.               OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

Betty Wassmundt, 54, Old Turnpike Road, urged the Council to direct the staff to remember the economic times when negotiating contracts.  She also urged the addition of a second opportunity for the public to speak at all Council meetings.  (Statement attached).

 

Ms. Blair moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to move Items 3 and 4 to the next orders of business.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Ms. Koehn moved and Mr. Nesbitt seconded to add the Earth Day Proclamation as Item 11a under New Business.

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

V.                 OLD BUSINESS

 

1.      Community/Campus Relations

 

Town Manager Matt Hart reported the University is close to identifying a new site for the compost facility and would like to hold a session for public comment at a future Council meeting.  He also outlined a new Off-Campus Community Leaders Program designed to establish a network of students who live off-campus and who will be available to assist other off-campus students. 

Mr. Clouette reported that numerous steps have been taken to ameliorate the effects of Spring Weekend.  The Town and Region 19 are presenting an alternative event to be held at the Community Center.   The Dean’s office has been in communication with area colleges and will report back to those colleges if their students get in trouble.  Plans are in place to try to identify individuals who are coming into the area for unlawful purposes.

 

2.      Community Water and Wastewater issues

 

Town Manager Matt Hart reported the UConn Water and Wastewater Policy Advisory Committee would be meeting to discuss the drought information.  UConn will be scheduling a meeting with the neighbors of Agronomy Road.  Mr. Hart will email the information to members. 

 

VI.               NEW BUSINESS

 

3.      Mansfield Community Center: Review, Analysis and Recommendations

Town Manager Matt Hart introduced Curt Vincente, Director of Parks and Recreation and Steve Capezzone from the Enterprise Group.  Mr. Hart noted the purpose of the study was to look at the Community Center from a private sector view and then to challenge the staff to review the proposals and to return to the Town Council with recommendations.

Mr. Capezzone stated the study reviewed the 2005 recommendations, approached the review of the Community Center as a for-profit multipurpose facility and looked for efficiencies and enhancements to improve the bottom line.  Mr. Schafer presented a series of concerns with the report (attached), noting, however, that the report was beneficial.  Ms. Koehn requested a list of the reports used in the analysis and an explanation of the methodology used.  In response to a question from Mr. Nesbit, Mr. Capezzone stated that a net savings of $50,000 to $75,000 next fiscal year is realistic if about 50% of the recommendations are enacted. Members discussed a number of the recommendations, suggested a marketing/program effort aimed at UConn students, babies and tweeners, and discussed whether the current management system is an adequate model for the operation.  Ms. Blair requested a definition of “student” to be used if the enhancements are approved.  Curt Vincente will review and recommend a definition if that enhancement becomes part of the proposal. 

The Council agreed to proceeding as recommended by the Town Manager.

 

4.      Town Council Media Project

 

Jaime Russell, Director of Information Technology, presented the findings of the staff regarding the options, best practices, design, cost, and coordination of the proposed Council media project.  The Town Manager requested guidance on how to proceed noting that there is $25000 in the Manager’s proposed budget for this year and an additional amount planned for the next year.  Council members discussed the importance of public access to the Council’s meeting and the associated cost.

Mr. Clouette moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to approve the following resolution:

Resolved, the Mansfield Town Council will broadcast their meetings as soon as feasible.

 Deputy Mayor Haddad moved to amend the resolution to include a referral to the Communication Advisory Committee.  Accepted as a friendly amendment, the motion to approve the resolution as amended passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Ms. Blair seconded to recess as the Town Council and come to order as the Water Pollution Control Authority.

Motion passed by all.

 

5.      WPCA, FY 2007/08 Willimantic Sewer Budget

 

Mr. Schaefer, Chair of the Finance Committee, moved,

effective April 14, 2008, to adopt the Willimantic Sewer Budget for 2007/2008 as endorsed by the Finance Committee.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

6.      WPCA, FY 2007/08 UConn Sewer Budget

 

Mr. Schaefer, Chair of the Finance Committee, moved, effective April 14, 2008, to adopt the UConn Sewer Budget for 2007/08 as endorsed by the Finance Committee.

 

Mr. Schaefer explained the increase in fees is largely due to the fact that UConn has been incorrectly measuring water usage.  In an effort to promote water conservation, Ms. Koehn requested a review to see if UConn is legally responsible for installing individual water meters.  The Town Manager will investigate.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Ms. Blair moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to adjourn as the Water Pollution Control Authority and reconvene as the Town Council.

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

7.      Proposed Amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Land Use Fee Schedule

 

Mr. Clouette moved and Ms. Duffy seconded, to schedule a public hearing for 7:30 PM at the Town Council’s regular meeting on April 28, 2008 to solicit public comment regarding the proposed April 1, 2008 draft revisions to the Town’s fee schedule for various land use permits.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

8.      Historic Documents Preservation Grant

 

Mr. Clouette moved and Mr. Nesbitt seconded to approve the following resolution:

 

Resolved, effective April 4, 2008, that Matthew W. Hart, Mansfield Town Manager, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant.

 

Resolved: That Mansfield hereby adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes § 4a-60(a)(1) and § 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in the State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

9.      Proclamation Designating Wednesday, April 16, 2008 as National Start! Walking Day in Mansfield

 

Ms. Koehn moved and Ms. Blair seconded, effective April 14, 2008, to authorize the Mayor to issue the attached Proclamation Designating Wednesday, April 16, 2008 as National Start! Walking Day in Mansfield.

(Attached)

Motion passed unanimously.

 

10. Proclamations Recognizing Senior and Youth Service Program Volunteers

 

Mr. Paulhus moved and Ms. Duffy seconded, effective April 14, 2008, to authorize the Mayor to issue the attached Proclamation Acknowledging the Volunteer Community of Mansfield Youth Services

(Attached)

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Paulhus moved and Ms. Blair seconded, effective April 14, 2008 to authorize the Mayor to issue the attached Proclamation Acknowledging Senior Center Volunteers

(Attached)

 

Motion passed unanimously

 

11. Proclamation in Support of Pay Equity

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Ms. Duffy seconded, effective April 14, 2008, to authorize the Mayor to issue the attached Proclamation in Support of Pay Equity. (Attached)

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

11a.Earth Day Proclamation

     

Ms. Koehn moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to endorse the Earth Day Resolution as submitted. (Attached)

 

                  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

VII.              DEPARTMENTAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

 

 

VIII.            REPORTS OF COUNCIL COMMITTEES

 

Mr. Haddad reported the Personnel Committee would be meeting on May 8th to discuss the Rules of Procedure.

Mr. Clouette reported the University admitted that training and management practices were partly at fault of the paint in the brook.

 

Mr. Schaefer reported that the Finance Committee recommends that the Public Hearing scheduled for April 17th should be an opportunity for the Town Council to listen to the public’s response to the Town Manager’s proposed budget.  At the Information Session on May 7th, however, the Finance Committee and Board of Education will present their approved budgets to the public.

 

IX.               REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

Ms. Koehn announced some of the events scheduled for the Earth Day celebration on April 26th.  These include music, a farmer’s market, “green” cars, vendors and projects for the kids.  She urged all to attend if possible.

 

Mr. Paulhus, Mr. Nesbitt, Deputy Mayor Haddad and Town Manager Matt Hart all attended the inauguration of the UConn President.

 

X.                 TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

(Attached)

 

Mr. Clouette asked if it would be possible for the Council to vote on the vision points of the Strategic Plan prior to voting on the action points.  The Town Manager will raise the issue at the next Strategic Planning Steering Committee Meeting.

 

Ms. Blair asked if citizens would be allowed to leave their Rid Litter bags along the side of the road for pickup.  The Town Manager will check.

 

Mr. Paulhus noted that there is a Public Safety meeting scheduled for April 16th at 1:00 pm at the Bergin Correction Center.

 

XI.               FUTURE AGENDAS

 

Ms. Blair requested a field trip to the Reynold’s School be scheduled.  Deputy Mayor suggested the Daycare be included in the tour.

 

Mr. Schaefer asked that the sight line coming out of Reynold’s School be checked.

 

XII.              PETITIONS, REQUEST AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

12.       CCM re: Real Estate Conveyance Tax Bill Passes Finance

13.       Chronicle, "24 UConn Students Fall Ill After Banquet" - 4/2/08

14.       Chronicle, "Auditor Raises Red Flags With University" - 3/21/08

15.       Chronicle, "Conference to Look at Alternative Energy" - 3/28/08

16.       Chronicle, "Courtney Walks in Educators' Shoes" - 3/21/08

17.       Chronicle, "Fatal Crash Investigation Questioned" - 4/7/08

18.       Chronicle, "Input Sought on Next Mansfield School Chief" - 3/21/08

19.       Chronicle, "Mansfield Budget Gets Mixed Reviews" - 4/8/08

20.       Chronicle, "Mansfield Budget Plan Includes 1.91-Mill Hike" - 3/25/08

21.       Chronicle, "Norovirus ID'd in UConn Illnesses" - 4/4/08

22.       Chronicle, "Now That's a Ride to School" - 4/2/08

23.       Chronicle, "N.Y. Investor Buys East Brook" - 4/8/08

24.       Chronicle, "Public Preschool Programs Lead to Reduced Enrollments" - 4/5/08

25.       Chronicle, "Storrs Man Chosen to Serve on Museum Group" - 4/4/08

26.       Chronicle, "Students Prepare for the Trip of a Lifetime" - 3/25/08

27.       Chronicle, "UConn Ed School Ranked 21st in the U.S." - 4/1/08

28.       Chronicle, "UConn, DEP Probe Milky White Substance" - 4/2/08

29.       Chronicle, “University Has Lawyers Probing Financial Audit” – 4/7/08

30.       Department of Information Technology re: Free Wireless Internet Hotspot

31.       Metro Hartford Alliance re: Government Reception

32.       G. Padick re: Notice of 4/10 Scoping Meeting – Relocation of UConn Hazardous Waste Storage Building

33.       Planning and Zoning Application Referral – Windwood Acres

34.       Robinson & Cole re: Submission of Technical Information Concerning Proposal to Construct a Wireless Telecommunications Tower in the Town of Willington, Connecticut

35.       State of Connecticut Department of Social Services re: Connecticut Municipalities 2008 Special Funding Initiative

36.       State of Connecticut Department of Social Services re: Connecticut Senior Centers 2008 Special Funding Initiative

37.       S. Thomas re: Oppose the Lebanon Power Plant Project

38.       C. van Zelm re: Storrs Center Project Update

39.             N. Wyman re: Reappointment to the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission

Mr. Paulhus moved and Ms. Blair seconded to move into Executive Session.

Motion passed unanimously.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

               

 

XIII.            EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Present: Blair, Clouette, Duffy, Haddad, Koehn, Nesbitt, Paulhus, Schaefer

Also present: Matt Hart, Town Manager

Issue: Open Space Acquisition

 

XIV.          ADJOURNMENT

 

Ms. Blair moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to come out of Executive Session.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Paulhus moved and Ms. Blair seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:15 p.m.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

Gregory Haddad, Deputy Mayor              Mary Stanton, Town Clerk

SPECIAL MEETING-MANSFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

April 16, 2008

 

Mayor Elizabeth Paterson called the special meeting of the Mansfield Town Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Mansfield Community Center.

 

I.                     ROLL CALL

 

Present: Clouette, Duffy, Koehn, Nesbitt, Paterson, Paulhus, Schaefer

Absent: Blair, Haddad

 

II.                   OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

Sheldon Dyer, 139 Woods Road, addressed the Council regarding the Community Center.  Mr. Dyer is the Chair of the Recreation Advisory Committee, but spoke for himself in support of the Community Center.  He briefly reviewed the recent Community Center study supporting some of the revenue enhancement suggestions like increasing corporate memberships, but cautioned against altering the fee schedule too much.   Mr. Dyer commented the Town is very fortunate to have such a facility.

 

III.                  NEW BUSINESS

 

The following budget items were discussed:

 

1.      Library

 

 

2.      Area Agency Contributions

Flag – Page 139 - Meals on Wheels

Mayor Paterson requested this item be revisited prior to adoption of the budget.

Flag - Page 139 – Windham Area No Freeze

Mr. Schaefer would like to add $500 from the Town Council Media

Project to this program

Flag – Page 139- Contributions to Area Agency

In future years Mr. Schaefer would like to add an additional column showing the amount each agency requested from the Town.

 

3.      Community Development

Flag – Page 143 – Building Inspection

Ms. Koehn requested a clarification as to why if the total number of proposed building permits is anticipated to be higher is the revenue anticipated to be lower.

Mr. Schaefer left the meeting.

Flag – Page 147 – Planning Administration

After the Strategic Plan is completed the additional workload may require additional resources for this department. 

 

4.      Recreation

 

IV.               OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

Howard Raphaelson, 119 Timber Drive, commented that the consultant’s study on the Community Center offered neither compelling changes to the running of the facility nor any real opportunity for increased revenue with the exception of raising fees.  Mr. Raphaelson is concerned that if fees are increased dramatically we will reach the point of diminishing returns because membership will begin to drop off. The limited square footage of the Center is a fact that the Town must deal with.

 

Betty Wassmundt, Old Turnpike Road, agreed with Mr. Raphaelson’s comments and wondered what affect the new Tolland facility will have on the Community Center.  She suggested making the Center work so everyone in Town can use it or make it private with no Town funding.  Ms. Wassmundt requested the job descriptions for administrative assistants and would like the total for the Parks and Recreation budget prior to the Community Center.

 

Sheldon Dyer, 139 Woods Road, commented the Community Center might have to eliminate some programs in order to provide room for more revenue producing activities.  He noted that the Recreation Advisory Committee would continue to explore all possibilities.

 

 

V.                  ADJOURNMENT

 

Mr. Clouette moved and Ms. Duffy seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Paterson, Mayor                         Mary Stanton, Town Clerk

SPECIAL MEETING-MANSFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

April 17, 2008

 

Mayor Elizabeth Paterson called the special meeting of the Mansfield Town Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Audrey P. Beck Building.

 

I.                     ROLL CALL

 

Present: Clouette, Duffy, Haddad, Koehn, Nesbitt, Paterson, Paulhus, Schaefer

Absent: Blair

 

II.                   PUBLIC HEARING ON TOWN MANAGER’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2008/2009

 

Mayor Paterson called the public hearing to order at 6:15 p.m.

 

Town Manager Matt Hart distributed documents showing the revised General Fund, Capital Fund and Capital and Nonrecurring Fund budget totals.  These new amount incorporate the reductions of the Boards of Education.

 

Mike Sikoski, 135 Wildwood Road, briefly reviewed some of his concerns with the budget including the housing inspection program, the public funding of the Community Center and the Downtown Partnership.  He urged the Council to keep the $25,000 in the budget for the Town Council Media Project.  In response to a question, Mr. Sikoski commented that his wife used to attend programs supported by the Parks and Recreation Department, but since the advent of the Community Center the cost of the programs has become prohibitive.

 

Katherine Paulhus, 720 Middle Turnpike, commented that when the Parks and Recreation programs were based in the Town Hall they were much more affordable and varied.  She suggested the cost of the current programs should be the same for residents of Town whether or not they are members of the Community Center.  Ms. Paulhus stated that she would like to see some of the old programs reinstituted.

 

Ms. Koehn requested an accounting of the distinction between a Community Center program and a Parks and Recreation program and how the distinction has shifted over time.  She would also like a description of the pricing structure indicating when do members pay differently than non-member residents.

 

III.                  NEW BUSINESS

 

The following budget items were discussed:

 

1.      Human Services

 

Flag – 130- Department of Mental Retardation

The name has been changed since the writing of the budget narrative and will read in the future, Department of Developmental Disability.

 

 

2.      Resolution of the Town of Mansfield Requesting Release of State Bonds for the Storrs Center Parking Facilities.

 

Mr. Clouette moved and Mr. Schaefer seconded to approve the following resolution:

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Mansfield, in association with the University of Connecticut, the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, private property and business owners, and community residents, has been working for years to help plan the transformation of an existing commercial area on Storrs Road (Route 195) into a vibrant and economically successful mixed-use downtown that will be the heart of the community; and

 

WHEREAS, the Storrs Center Municipal Development Plan was approved unanimously by the Mansfield Town Council, the Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission, the Windham Region Council of Governments, the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, and the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees in the fall of 2005;

 

WHEREAS, the Storrs Center project received all its local zoning and wetlands approvals in the summer and fall of 2007;

 

WHEREAS, on August 2, 2005, the Town of Mansfield, submitted an Urban Action Grant application to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development for funding for a parking garage, Storrs Road, and relocation – essential public components of the Storrs Center project; and

 

WHEREAS, on November 2, 2007, Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell signed the state’s two-year bonding bill which included up to $10 million for parking facilities for the Storrs Center project.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN OF MANSFIELD;

 

That the Town of Mansfield continues to support the Storrs Center project;

That the Town of Mansfield requests that the funding approved for the Storrs Center parking facilities in the November 2007 bonding package be released by the Connecticut Bond Commission.

 

Certified a true copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Town of Mansfield at a meeting of its Town Council on April 17, 2008, and which has not been rescinded or modified in any way whatsoever.

 

No final decisions have been made regarding the ownership, operation and maintenance of the garage.  Council members discussed the options the Town will have even after the release of the bonding money. 

 

Motion to pass the resolution passed unanimously. 

 

Mr. Clouette asked that a discussion of rules for the Annual Town Meeting be added to Monday’s agenda.  He would like these to include a provision that would not allow a motion to close debate until everyone has had an opportunity to speak.  Members also discussed the procedure for selecting a moderator.  The moderator will be chosen by those present at the meeting.

 

Town Manager distributed information on the budget items to be reviewed and the Registrars of Voters budget.  Also distributed was the information on the Parks and Recreation budget prior to the Community Center that was requested by a member of the public.  Jeff Smith, Director of Finance, reported that there is an accounting mistake in the Capital Fund and that he will have the necessary corrections for Monday’s meeting.

 

IV.               OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

David Freudmann, 22 Eastwood Road, commented that Robert Rules requires a 2/3 vote to close debate.  He was concerned that at the last meeting this was not enforced.

 

Town Manager Matt Hart read a statement (Attached)

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Paulhus seconded to move into Executive Session.

Motion passed with Ms. Koehn abstaining.

 

V.                 EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Present: Clouette, Duffy, Haddad, Koehn, Nesbitt, Paterson, Paulhus, Schaefer

Also present: Matt Hart, Town Manager Jeff Smith, Director of Finance

Issue: Acquisition of Real Estate

 

 

VI.                ADJOURNMENT

 

Mr. Paulhus moved and Mr. Schaefer seconded to come out of Executive Session.

Motion passed unanimously

 

Mr. Paulhus moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Paterson, Mayor                     Mary Stanton, Town Clerk

 

SPECIAL MEETING-MANSFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

April 21, 2008

 

Mayor Elizabeth Paterson called the special meeting of the Mansfield Town Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Mansfield Community Center.

 

I.                     ROLL CALL

 

Present: Blair, Clouette, Duffy, Haddad, Koehn, Nesbitt, Paterson, Paulhus, Schaefer

 

 

II.                   OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

Charlie Eaton, Lorraine Drive, thanked the Town Manager, Matt Hart, for a basically flat town government budget.  Mr. Eaton expressed his wish that the Board of Education had done the same and urged the Council to tell the Board of Education their cut was not enough.

 

Betty Wassmundt, Old Turnpike Road, urged the Council not to go forward with the Downtown Partnership Project saying this is not the right economic time. (Statement Attached)

 

Mayor Paterson requested Item 3 Rules of Procedure be the next item on the agenda.  By consensus the Council agreed.

 

III.                  NEW BUSINESS

 

1.      Adoption of Budget and Recommended Appropriations

 

Cherie Trahan, Controller, presented information on two of the flagged items noting the estimated 07/08 conveyance tax has been increased to $220,000 and the interest income has been reduced to $550,000.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the Manager’s proposed budget with the following modifications:

1.      Increase budgeted salary & benefits for Registrars - $30,000

2.      Increase legal budget for Planning and Zoning - $5,000

3.      Reduce transfer to Capital Projects – ($50,000)

4.      Reduce transfer to Parks and Recreation – ($25,000)

Mr. Schaefer noted that with these changes the Town Government Budget will have increased 1.9% and the mill rate increase would be 1.37 mills.

Reviewing the changes, Town Manager Matt Hart commented that the Registrars’ salary is now based on estimated work requirements, the GIS mapping for the Planning Department has been restored, the Town Council Media project has been deferred and new funding has been eliminated for the Southeast Park project.  Comptroller Cherie Trahan explained the transfers from the General Fund would go over to the CNR fund, which will then support the Capital Projects.  The $50,000 reduction in the transfer into the CNR was accomplished by the changes described above and a few minor lease purchase changes.

 

Council member discussed the proposed amendments.

Mr. Nesbitt moved to divide the question and requested a vote on each of the four proposed amendments and the motion to approve the General Fund budget.  Seconded by Ms Koehn. 

                        The motion passed with Mr. Schaefer and Mr. Clouette in opposition.

 

Mayor Paterson asked for a vote on the increase budgeted salary and benefits for the Registrars.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mayor Paterson asked for a vote on the increase to the legal budget for Planning and Zoning.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mayor Paterson asked for a vote on the reduction of the transfer to Capital Projects. Motion passed with Ms. Koehn in opposition.

 

Mayor Paterson asked for a vote on the reduction of the transfer to Parks and Recreation.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to adopt the Manager’s proposed budget with the approved changes.

 

Mr. Nesbitt moved and Ms. Koehn seconded to amend the main motion by reducing the Downtown Partnership expenditure by $62,000.

Motion was defeated with all in opposition except Mr. Nesbitt.

 

Mr. Nesbitt moved and Ms. Koehn seconded to decrease the transfer out to the Parks and Recreation Fund by $50,000.  Mr. Nesbitt offered this motion as an incentive to management to put into place some of the changes presented by the recent study.  Motion failed with all opposed except for Mr. Nesbitt.

 

Mr. Schafer moved and Ms. Blair seconded to increase the contribution to the Windham Area No Freeze by $500.  Motion passed with Mr. Schaefer, Mayor Paterson, Mr. Haddad, Mr. Clouette and Ms. Blair in favor, Mr. Nesbitt, Mr. Paulhus and Ms. Koehn in opposition and Ms. Duffy abstaining.

 

 

 

Ms. Koehn moved and Mr. Nesbitt seconded to add a $25,000 transfer to the CNR Fund for the telemedia project. 

Members agreed that if funds become available during the year the issue could be revisited. 

Motion failed with all in opposition.

 

Ms. Blair requested an item she flagged, increasing hours for the Fire and Emergency Services administration assistant, be revisited during the year.

 

Motion to approve the Manager’s proposed budget with adopted changes passed with all in favor except Ms. Koehn who was in opposition.

 

Mr. Schaefer and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the following resolution:

RESOLVED: That the Capital Fund Budget for the Town of Mansfield, appended totaling $2,586,300 is hereby adopted as the capital improvements to be undertaken during fiscal year 2008/09 or later years.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the following resolution:

RESOLVED: That the proposed Capital and Non-Recurring Reserve Fund Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 in the amount of $663,085 be adopted.

Director of Finance Jeff Smith noted that the amount projected as Interest Income would not be realized this year, therefore at the end of next fiscal year a negative number is shown.  He recommended Council go ahead and pass the budget this year and if we receive additional money from the state the shortfall would be addressed.  If additional money is not received then he will return to the Council and make the necessary adjustments.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the following resolution:

 

It is further resolved, that the following Appropriations Act be recommended for adoption at the Annual Town Meeting for budget consideration:

RESOLVED: That the proposed General Fund Budget for the Town of Mansfield for fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 in the amount of $33,580,440 which proposed budget was adopted by the Council on April 21, 2008, be adopted and that the sums estimated and set forth in said budget be appropriated for the purpose indicated.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the following resolution:

 

It is further resolved, that the following Appropriations Act be recommended for adoption at the Annual Town Meeting for budget consideration:

RESOLVED: That in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-51, the proportionate share for the Town of Mansfield of the annual budget for Regional School District No. 19 shall be added to the General Fund Budget appropriation for the Town of Mansfield for fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 and said sums shall be paid by the Town to the Regional School District as they become available.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the following resolution:

 

It is further resolved, that the following Appropriations Act be recommended for adoption at the Annual Town Meeting for budget consideration:

RESOLVED: That the proposed Capital Projects Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 in the amount of $2,586,300 be adopted provided that the portion proposed to be funded by bonds or notes shall, at the appropriate times, be introduced for action by the Town Council subject to a vote by referendum as required by Section 407 of the Town Charter.

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Schaefer moved and Mr. Clouette seconded to approve the following resolution:

 

It is further resolved, that the following Appropriations Act be recommended for adoption at the Annual Town Meeting for budget consideration:

RESOLVED: That the proposed Capital and Non-Recurring Reserve Fund Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 in the amount of $663,085 be adopted.

 

 

Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

2.      Review of Material for Town Meeting.

Materials are being prepared for the Town Meeting in an attempt to make the process as straightforward as possible for residents.  Controller Cherie Trahan has started to work on the list of programs that maybe changed at the meeting.  Mr. Clouette suggested a flow chart showing the provisions of the new Charter be available for the public.  Members also suggested the Moderator explain the process and that staff be available to make the necessary adjustments to all relevant sections of the budget as it becomes necessary.

Mayor Paterson reported both childcare and rides would be coordinated through the Department of Human Services.  The Town Clerk will coordinate the voting procedures with the Registrars of Voters.  The League of Women voters will be offering refreshments.

 

3.      Rules of Procedure for Town Meeting

 

Town Attorney Dennis O’Brien was present to answer questions about establishing rules for the Annual Town Meeting.  Mr. Clouette suggested a rule not allowing a motion to close debate until everyone wishing to speak has had the opportunity to do so.  Attorney O’Brien, referencing CGS § 7-7, noted that rules other than standard parliamentary procedure must be enacted by ordinance.  Mr. Nesbitt commented that at a CCM meeting for newly elected officials he was told the Council has the ability to set whatever rules they wish.  Attorney O’Brien will review relevant case law and the Town Manager will forward the CCM speaker’s contact information to Attorney O’Brien.  Information will be presented at the April 28th Town Council meeting.  Attorney O’Brien also noted the Charter states that the budget adoption vote shall be by paper ballot. 

 

 

IV.