Attendance: Please see attachment for attendance
Minutes
October 25, 2007
.
I.
Chairman
II. Guests
A. Municipal
Consortium for Fiscal Responsibility
Chairman Miller introduced Michael Guarco, Chairman of the Board of Finance in Granby, CT. Mr. Guarco distributed folders outlining his program. Mr. Guarco assured the Council that members of both CCM and COST serve on the steering group of the Municipal Consortium. So far, 115 towns have become involved. He is concerned about too many mandates and asked for a resolution of support from the CRVCEO, local support from individual CEO’s, together with resolutions of support from local boards of finance and education.
First Selectman John E. Adams of Granby explained that this is a grass roots effort to address problems such as having to pay the prevailing wage for municipal construction projects. The current exemptions for new construction and renovations were established before several rounds of inflation. The consortium recommends that the exemption be raised to $1,000,000 to bring it in line with the current cost of minor projects. He would also recommend that Binding Arbitration be reformed and that there should be no more unfunded mandates.
Chairman Miller read portions of a letter from the Chairman of the Region 4 Board of Education regarding the teacher negotiation cycle.
Ralph Eno stated that these reforms have been on the wish list for as long as he can remember. He added that he has served in various capacities since 1991 and moved that the Council adopt the resolution as presented. The motion was seconded by Brad Parker.
Tim Griswold asked if the limits should be $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 to reflect the current two tier system. Ralph noted that that idea had been discussed by CCM. It was agreed that it would be cumbersome to amend the resolution that is already supported by so many.
Tony Bondi asked if taking a stand would aggravate legislators.
Martin Klein noted that he would abstain from voting until he has the concurrence of other members of the Killingworth Board of Selectmen.
Susan Bransfield will also abstain for similar reasons.
Senator Daily reminded the Council that she has a background in local government and enjoys a wonderful relationship with the Selectmen.
Martin Klein asked if the wage requirements are a part of Davis-Bacon.
Eileen Daily agreed that they are part of Davis-Bacon and therefore federal.
Dick Smith commented that paperwork adds more to a project than prevailing wages.
Brad Parker suggested that it might be wise not to vote on such an all-encompassing matter at the same meeting that it is introduced.
Chairman Miller noted that the text had been emailed prior to the meeting but had only been received in hard copy today.
Jon Brayshaw noted that, like the others, he could not vote today. He added the concern that any organization entails a cost of operation. He cited the production of the packets.
Mr. Guarco assured him that there are no costs involved. The handouts were provided by the Town of Granby. Some of the computer work was done at home.
Dick Smith noted that although he agrees with the concept, he has no faith that the changes will be made.
Mr. Guarco suggested that some towns simply agree to support the concept.
Heart and Hypertension was mentioned. Senator Daily clarified that all volunteer firefighters are already covered. A pending bill only affects paid staff.
Chairman Miller asked if the mission of reducing local costs is regarded as offensive by the state legislators.
Linda Orange assured him that she has a good working relationship with both Brad and Eileen. She reminded the Council that many of the mandates that affect local budgets, such as No Child Left Behind, are federal requirements, not state law.
Eileen Daily noted that the Municipal consortium resolution is already a part of the platform of both COST and CCM.
Ralph Eno withdrew his motion.
Selectman Adams explained the coding of his map and noted that this is the first time he has had the opportunity to discuss the matter with legislators at an RPO meeting.
B. Middlesex Community College
Marlene Olson announced that Middlesex Community College is seeking grass-root input in program design. The college wants to create career pathways. She will be working in the “lower county” for three months. Her base will be in the Essex Library. She will be asking industry and other potential employers what skills and training are needed and what is missing. She asked for advice about who she should meet with.
II. Minutes
Tony Bondi moved that the September 2007 minutes be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Brad Parker and unanimously approved.
IV. Business
A.
Legislative
Report
Senator Daily reported that the bond package is still waiting. She noted that East Haddam is being impacted. If the second attempt fails, plans are in place to use a portion of the state surplus.
Ralph Eno asked about the status of the Probate Court.
Senator Daily agreed that the outlook is bad. Consolidation is not advertised at the grass-root level but is supported in committee. More vigilance is needed. The administrative budget is out of control. It might be helpful for local judges to put together a list of suggestions that could improve the system.
The appointment of Judge Barbara Quinn as Court Administrator gives a glimmer of hope.
Susan Bransfield mentioned the introduction of new voting machines and new election laws. Those who have used the electronic system before assured her that it works well and has been well received.
Local concerns were discussed.
Jeff Nelson reported that Governor Rell
has appointed Justin Verneer as her military assistant.
Jeff reported that Governor Rell was in Killingworth last week for the funeral of Crpl. Palmieri
Jeff reported that the governor has issued a drought advisory.
Another bonding bill is pending.
Brad Parker noted that East Haddam has problems due to the veto of the bond package. He mentioned that after a package has been adopted, the Governor still has line item control over the items.
Jeff mentioned that the year began with a legislative attempt to alter the system because the governor was using her discretion.
Ellen Paul reported that the office of Congressman Courtney will be moved two blocks to a more desirable building in Norwich.
Congress is expected to be in session until Thanksgiving. Another S chip bill is pending. The non-discrimination bill is being expanded again. There may be some discussion about the trans-gender portion. A federal tax break for volunteer firefighters is pending. Currently, a federal tax must be paid on the tax break given by states and/or localities.
Representative Courtney intends to continue his School Tour.
On behalf of the 2400 households and 6500 people that he represents, Marty Klein asked for a Post Office in Killingworth.
V. New Business
Chairman Miller listed the towns that have hosted the CRVCEO this year. He
asked for volunteers for November. Tony Bondi offered Haddam as the host
town. Chairman Miller opted to decide after November 7.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Wini Olson