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1

MINUTESOFTHETOWNCOUNCILMEETINGOFTHETOWNOFSOUTHINGTON

June24, 2013

TheTownCounciloftheTownofSouthingtonheldapublichearingregularmeetingonMonday, June24, 2013attheMunicipalCenter

AssemblyRoom, 196MainStreet, Southington, CT. JohnC. DobbinsChairman, calledthepublichearingtoorderat7:03o'clock, p.m.

ThefollowingCouncilpersonswerepresent, viz:

JohnN. Barry CherylLounsburyLouisMartocchio PeterJ. Romano, Jr. AlbertA. Natelli, Jr. ChristopherJ. PalmieriStephanieA. Urillo JohnC. Dobbins, Chair

Ex-officiomemberspresentwereasfollows, viz:

MarkJ. Sciota, DeputyTownManager/TownAttorneyGarryBrumback, TownManager

Absent: DawnA. Miceli, Councilwoman

PUBLICHEARING

JOHNC. DOBBINS, Chairman, Presiding:

FinalReportoftheCharterRevisionCommissionAttachment1)

TheChairannouncedhewouldliketotakecareofacoupleofhousekeepingmattersandthankedthecharterrevisioncommissionwhoareherethisevening, acknowledgedthemandthankedthemforwhattheydid. WehaveBrianCallahan, AndyMeadeandDennisConroyherethiseveningthatwerepartofthatcommission.

Ihopethatallparticipantsthiseveningwillbeshowcourtesyandberespectfultoeveryoneinattendance.

I’dliketohaveBrianCallahancomeforwardandspeak.

1. BrianCallahan, ChairmanoftheCharterRevisionCommission, statedthatheappreciatedtheopportunitytoserveonthatcommissionanditwaseducational, veryinteresting, IlearnedalotandIthinkwedidagoodbodyofworkwe’repassingontothetowncouncil.

IhaveastatementIwouldliketoreadandthenhaveitenteredintotheMinutes.

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Readthestatement – Attachment2)

2. JohnLeary, 244HartStreet. MemberoftheBOF. ButIcomebeforeyouasanindividualmemberandnotaschairmanoftheBOFasmycommentswillbemyown.

Heexpressedhissupportforrevisingthechartertohavethepoliceandfiredepartmentsreporttothetownmanager. Itistimetobringthesedepartments, aswehavedonewiththeparksandrecreationdepartmentandCalendarHouse, undertownmanagerialcontrolwiththeoversightprovidedbytheelectedtowncouncil. Thatleavesonlythelibraryreportingtoanappointedboard.

Whyshouldpoliceandfireandotherdepartmentsreporttothetownmanager? Fortunately, ourpoliceandfiredepartmentsoperateinaccordancewithnationalstandardsandsubjecttoongoingtraining, thereforetheyprovideaverywellstandardizedservice.

Twomainreasonsformakingachange:

1. Undercentralizedmanagementtherewillbeonefulltimeprofessionalmanageraccountableforthemanagementandgovernanceoveralldepartments. Thetownmanagerunderthedirectivefromtheelectedtowncouncilcansetthevision, missionandcultureoftowngovernmentanddevelopandexecuteastrategyandservicelevelswithin, betweenandamongalltowndepartmentswithouthavingtogothroughboardsandcommissionstoseeifchangescouldbemade.

2. Aswemovetodevelopcentralfunctions, thetownmanager, theassistanttownmanager/townattorney, therehasbeentalkabouthavingahumanresourcesdepartment, we’reintheprocessofbuildingatowninformationtechnologiesdepartmentandweengageinsharedservicessuchaspurchasingandgrantwritingfunctions, weneedtohavethemanagerialauthoritytoleveragetheservicesacrossalldepartments.

Iurgeyoutosupportthecharterrevisionandmoveforwardwithhavingalldepartmentsreporttothetownmanager.

3. MichaelBunko, 195HorbartStreet. WhileIdoagreewiththeproposalsbeingbroughtforwardwithrespecttofinance, asaresidentandanindividualwhoalsowearsafewhatsinthecommunity, Irespectfullyrequestthatyouvotenoonthecharterrevisioncommissionproposaltoeliminatetheboardsoffirecommissionersandpolicecommissionersandreplacethemwithpublicsafetyboards.

CitedMeriden’stroublewiththeirpoliceofficersandthetownmanagerwantingtocloseafirestation. Idon’tthinkwewanttobecomeaMeriden.

Cheshirereportedtheirfiredepartmentislargelyavolunteerdepartmentwithsixpaidmembers. Oursisapaiddepartmentsupplementedbyvolunteers. Notcomparingapplestoapples.

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Cheshire’spublicsafetyboardplaysalimited, passiveadvisory, notregulatoryrole, whoseprimaryfocusischangingthesignsintown.

WilliamWelch, pastcouncilorandcommissionerwhoservedthistownformanyyears, statedhisbeliefsagainstthisproposalandwasignoredbythecharterrevisioncommission.

Theydidn’thearfromanytownorcitymanagerthatoperatesunderacouncil/managerformofgovernmentthathasaseparateboardofpoliceandfirecommissioners. Why? Theydidn’tinviteanyone.

Howcanyoumakeajudgmentaboutwhatisbestforthetownwithoutgatheringinformationfrombothsidesoftheequation? Thiswasonesidedfromdayoneasevidencedbythefactthetownmanagerandtownattorneywasdirectedtodraftthelanguagerelatedtothischangebeforetheyheardfromanybody.

Theydidn’thearfromanymemberoftheboardoffirecommissionersorpolicecommissionersfortheirinput. Theydidn’tinvitethem. Howcanyoumakeajudgmentwithouthearingfromourcurrentcommissioners? Thatshocksme.

ChairmanLearyaddressedthemwhentheyweremakingdecisionsrelatedtohisboard.

Theydidn’thearfromthetownmanagerastohisthoughts.

Theydidn’thearfromthechiefsofthedepartmentsthatwouldbeimpacted.

Youhavenoempiricalevidencetosayanythingneedstochange. Thebottomlineisfromallprofessionalangles, noonehasmadeanyeffortwhatsoevertobringanyoneonboardorgathertheinformationneededtomakeaninformeddecision. Sowhyarewehere?

Ifthecommissionhadtakenthetimetoaddressallangles, gatherallthenecessaryinformationfromallresponsiblepartiesandthedatatomakeaninformeddecision, therewouldbenoreasonformetoaddressyoutonight.

Thegoalsofmakingthischangeremainunclear. Itwasfirsttoutedasmakingthesedepartmentsmoreefficientandithasridiculouslychangedtoachainofcommandissueinaparamilitaryorganizationwhichiscurrentlyinplace.

I’veobjectedtostatementsmadethatourcommissionersdon’tknowwhatthey’redoing. Bothpoliticalpartieshaveappointedhardworkingindividualsandvolunteersonmanyboards/commissionsthathavemultipledegrees, businessexperienceinfinance, budgeting, supervisionandnegotiations.

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Southingtongainsmultipleefficienciesfromthisfreeprofessionalgroupandseasonalsignmanagementisnotoneofthem. Continuingtoappointtherightpeopletotherightboardswillinsurethingswillcontinuetoruntherightway.

Iheardcharterrevisioncommissionerssaymakingchangeforthesakeofchangeisnotgoodpolicy. Thepoliceandfiredepartmentsalwaysdidtheirjob. ThesystemhasworkedverywellasfarasI’mconcerned. Themorepeoplewehavelookingatthestuffthebetteroffwe’llbe. Theproposedchangestothepolice & fireboardsarenotreflectiveofthewaySouthingtonhasbeenorshouldbe.

Ourtownisagovernmentofthepeople, bythepeopleandforthepeople. It’snotadictatorshipinthehandsofoneorafewpersons.

Discussionofpastchiefselections. Thepolicyhasbeentopromoteallpersonnelandwehaveanoutstandingdepartment. Thedepartmentmakesoutabudgetastowhatthedepartmentneedsandnotwhatthetownwantstogiveus. ThetownmanagerhasfullauthoritynowtodowiththebudgetashepleasesasdoestheBOFandthecouncil.

Thecouncilmajoritycanmakeitspositionclearonthehiringofanewchief.

Finally, Ibelievetheimplementationofthismoveisanegativecommentontheefficiencyofnotonlythecommissionsbutthedepartmentpersonnelasbeingoffensive. I’mconvincedSouthington’scitizensandvotersarebright, intelligent, articulateindividualsthatcareaboutourfutureandclearlywillbeabletoseethroughthis.

Irespectfullyrequestyouvoteinawaythatdemonstratestothecitizenspresentandwatchingtonightthatyouaretheindependentthinkersthatweexpectedyoutobewhenweelectedyouandnotpeopleholdingtoapoliticalparty.

Maketherightdecisionandprovewecangoverntherightwaywiththeinvolvementofasmanycitizensaspossible. Ifitisnotproperlyaddressedtonight, itcertainlywillbeinNovember.

Thankyou.

4. MaryBaker, 50BurningTreeDrive. Readapreparedstatementandsubmitteditfortherecord. (Attachment3)

5. SharonO’Brien, 190MoorehillDrive. IamamemberofthepolicecommissionwithmytermendinginNovember.

Thecharterrevisioncommission’sdecisiondoesnotaffectmepersonallybutitdoesaffectmytownandthat’swhatconcernsme. Iamspeakingtonightasacitizenandataxpayer.

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Changingthemanagementstructureofourtownwithoutspecificandclearreasonscanleadusinthewrongdirection. Thisproposalfailstodemonstrateclearneedbutittakesawayalayerofchecksandbalancesandaccountability.

I’vebeenaskingforareasonforthischangeoverthepastmonths. I’veheardmanyanswerssuchasitistherightthingtodoorit’smoreefficient. Buttheycan’ttellmewhyorhow.

ItwassuggestedIlookinFriday’spaperandIdid. And, IfoundalettertotheeditorwrittenbyMr. Callahan. Afterreadingittwice, Icouldfindnoreasonsfortheproposedchange. ( LettersubmittedbyMr. CallahanfortheMinutesduringhispresentation – Attachment1.)

Astocommentsinhisletter, removingalayerofoversightisnotthebestwayformetomanageourtown’soperations. SpokeofMeriden’stownmanagercomingtothecommission. ShenotedissuesMeridenhadwithnepotism, federalinvestigationandconvictionofthepolicechief’sson.

Astothecommentthepolice & firecommissionersareappointedbytheirpoliticalpartiesprimarilyfortheirdedicationandsupportoftheirparty. And, nothingelse.

Shedetailedtheprocessonehastogothroughtobeappointedbyapoliticalpartytoaposition.

Alsoclaimedinthatlettertotheeditor, commissionersarenottrainedinpoliceandfiredisciplinesandIsaythattheverybackgroundandexperienceofthecommissionersiswhatmakesthosecommissionssucharelevantformofoversight. Commissionersareverywellqualified. Theirroleistoserveinanadministrativecapacityandtheirexperiencesupportsthemwell. Combinededucationofthefivepolicecommissionersincludes11collegedegrees, atleastonedoctorate, andseveralprofessionaldesignations. Yearsofexperienceinbusinessmanagement, computerengineering, finance, insurance, realestateandeducation. Theyarequalifiedforthejob.

Thelastpointofreferencefromthelettertotheeditoristhestatementthat “goodleadershipistheabilitytorecognizepotentialproblematicareasbeforetheyarebrokeandmakechangestopreventfailure.” I’dlikeMr. Callahantoidentifythosethingsthatarebrokeonthefireandpolicedepartmentsandhowheproposestofixit.

Ourtownmanageriswelllikedanddoingagreatjob, thecurrentpoliceandfirecommissionstructureshouldremaininplaceaspartofourchecksandbalancesystem.

Economicdevelopmentwasaprioritywhenthetownmanagerwashiredanditstillis. Let’skeepthefocusofwhatweneedtodowhereitbelongsandmakeSouthingtonanevenbetterplacetolive,

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workandplay. Let’snotgetsidetrackedbyfrivolouschangesthatdon’thavereasons.

Justgivemeareason, alittlebitisenough. ThisiswhatIamnotgetting. Please, votenotonight.

Thankyou.

6. AndyMeade, 362EastStreet. Mr. Meadegaveahistoryofwherethemanagementteamhascomefrombeginninginthe1960’sandhowtheCharterwaswrittenatthattimewithallthedifferentboardsandthosedepartmentsnotinthehandsofthetownmanager.

Astimewentonithasbecomemorecentralizedandtheonlyareanotcentralizedaretwoofthemostimportantboardsinthetown: fireandpolice.

Spokeofthefireandpolicechiefsappointedalwayshavingcomeupthroughthedepartmentranks.

IthinkSouthingtonhasbecomeoneofthebesttownsinthestate. Ourfacilities, ourmunicipalbuildings, andthecouncilorsthathavecomethroughherehavedoneafinejob. Butitistimetocompletelycentralize. Itdoesn’tmeantherestillcan’tbeanadvisoryboardforthepoliceandfiredepartment.

Whenitcomestohiringanewchiefandtherunningofthedepartment, weleaveitinthehandsofthecouncil/managerformofgovernment. Themostqualifiedpersonispicked.

Thechargethatwearegoingtohandpickamanisaninsulttothepeopleonthecharterrevisioncommission, tome, tothinkwewoulddosomethinglikethattohurtthetown. It’saslapinthefacetothetownmanagerandourass’ttownmanagerthattheywoulddothis.

Istronglyurgethecounciltovotethisinthewayitis.

Southingtonisaveryattractivetowntocometoandlivein. Istronglyurgeyoupeopletovotethiswayandactuallystrengthenourcharterandcentralizeourgovernmentthewayitshouldbe.

Thankyou.

7. BillKnoegel, 96WoodberryHill, Southington. IwishLeslieCottonwellonherretirementandheryearsofservicetothetown. And, IwanttothankTownManagerBrumbackontheenthusiasmhecausedinthetownwiththemodernizationsorelyneed.

Iwasonthelastcharterrevisioncommissionandunderstandtheimportanceofsuchanundertaking. Idonotfeelthedocumentshouldbeopenedupattheslightestwhimbutthereshouldbeperiodicupdating.

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Iamachampionofregionalizationandconsolidation. I’veseensomeeffortsbythetownmanagerthatareencouragingandIdonotseeinthefuturewecanrelyonthestateandfederalgovernmenttofinancesomeofouroperations. Weneedtolookatgreatercooperationwithneighboringtownstodefraycosts.

Ithinkitneedstobetakenintoaccounthowwemeasurethevariousdepartmentsandwhatthey’redoing. Arewegettingtheresultsforwhatthetaxpayersarepayingfor. Weneedgoodinfrastructureandeducationtomakethetownenticing. Weneedgoodlandmanagementtonotletthistownbecomeoverpopulated.

Iunderstandthetownmanagerwantstoconsolidatethedepartmentstoconserveresources, however, Ifearthatthepolicedepartmentsthroughoutthecountryhavebecometooparamilitarysince9/11. IwantaprofessionalpoliceforcebutIfearputtingthecontrolofthepolicedepartmentunderthetownmanagerallowsfortoomuchconcentrationofpowerandpossibleabuses. Ibelieveincivilianboardsandcommissionstomonitorthepolicedepartment.

Ialsobelievethefiredepartmentlikewisecouldbepronetoinaudible) andforthatreasonIdonotbacktherecommendationsfrom

thecharterrevisioncommissionregardingthisparticularmatter.

Thankyou.

8. SamLongo, 5OldTurnpikeRoad. IamheretomakesomerecommendationsaboutthewayIfeel. Theselectionofthefireandpolicechiefarewithacommitteesothatmeansitisagroup. Wearetalkingabouthavingoneindividual, thetownmanager, dothatparticularjob. I’mwiththephilosophythatI’dratherhaveagroupdecideonafinaldecisionratherthanoneindividualmakingadecision.

Thingsareokaynow, butoncewesetthepattern, wehavetolivewithituntilfurtherchangescome. Sinceitisworking, leaveitalone. Leaveitalone. What’reyougoingtofix? Nobody’scomplaining. Ifitisworking, leaveitalone.

Madetheanalogyofatrialbyjuryratherthanajudgemakingthedecision.

It’sworking. Leaveitalone. Noconcentrationofpowerinthetownmanager’sposition. Don’tmakeanychanges. Leaveitalone.

9. TonyD’Angelo, 46BrookviewPlace. ManysaidmanythingsIwantedtosaysoIwon’twasteanyone’stimeandrepeat.

I’vesaidbeforethatIagreewiththefactthatthetownmanagershouldbeevaluatingdepartmentheads. It’sagoodideaforaprofessionaltodotheactualevaluationofdepartmentheads.

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Ialsobelieveinefficiencyingovernment, too. And, centralizinggovernment.

AllI’veheardaboutthisplanisitisgoodforthetown. I’vereaditisano-brainer. Iguesspeopleagainstthisreallyhavenobrains.

Thecommissiondidtheirduediligencewhentheydidthefinancialpart.

Asfarasthepoliceandfirecommission, theyreallydidnot, Idon’tthink. Theydidn’ttalktothetownmanager; theydidn’ttalktothefireandpolicechief. Theydidn’ttalktothefireandpolicecommissioners. Theyreallydidn’tfindoutwhatwasgoingoninSouthington. Theydidn’tdotheirduediligenceonthatpart.

I’veheardthereare30recommendationsaboutthepoorlymanagedfiredepartment. Butwhenamemberofthecharterrevisioncommissionaskedforthereport, hewastoldtherecommendationshavenothingtodowiththecharteratall. Notoneofthoserecommendationssaidtodoawaywiththefirecommission. Theyweretalkaboutmanagerialandstructuralissuesaboutthefiredepartment.

Wehearaboutefficiencyingovernment. Iagreeandbelieveinthat.

Whatwehavenowisafireandpolicecommissionthatreallyoverseesthosedepartments. Theydothedaytodayoperationsandiftheywanttomakeachangeinthedepartment, aslongasitdoesn’taffectthebudget, theygototheirrespectivecommissionandmakethechanges.

Withthenewproposedchangerecommendedbythecharterrevisioncommission, whathappensisthatthepoliceorfirecommissionwillgiveadviceandthenthechiefhastotalktothetownmanagertofindoutifthischangecanbemade. Ifhesaysfine, thenthetownmanagerhastobringittothecouncilandthenthecouncilmakesthedecision.

You’readdingstepstotheprocess. Youaremakingitcentralandmoreefficient.

Theproposalhaspublicsafetyadvisoryboards. Iwouldrecommendyou:

1. Makearecommendationtothecharterrevisioncommissiontomeetagainandtotallyeliminatethefireandpolicecommissionbecausethisisjustsmokeandmirrors. Wehavethisgroupthatisanadvisorygroup. Soeitheryougetridofthementirely, senditbacktothecharterrevisionorkeepitthesame.

2. Anotherchangeisnotinthebestinterestofthetownisyouarenowgivingittoonenon-electedpersontoselectanewchief.

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Thatoneperson, non-elected, canpickachiefwithoutapprovalfromanyone. Withoutapprovalfromthepolicecommission. Withoutapprovalfromthetowncouncil.

Orkeepitthesame.

IwouldliketoseethecommissiongetinputfromtheSouthingtontownmanager, thepoliceandfirechiefsandthepoliceandfirecommissionsaswell. NotpeoplefromMeridenorCheshire, peoplefromSouthington.

ThisproposedchangeisnothingmorethananinsurancecardincasetheRepublicanslosecontrolinNovember.

Thankyou.

10. DickFortunato, 36BucklandStreet, Plantsville. IcongratulatedyouallformakingthearrangementnowinplaceattheCalendarHouseSeniorCenterapermanentsituation. Thisisthekindofsituationthatcouldhappenagain.

Hespokeofthesimpleprincipleofmanagementandwhathappenswhenyouviolateit. Youneedclearorganizationalstructureandstraightlinesofauthority.

Checksandbalanceswerediscussedasbeingappliedwheneverybodyisaccountabletosomebody. HereinSouthingtonyouhaveatowncouncilmanagedmunicipalityformofgovernment. Thetowncounciliselectedeverytwoyearsbythepeopleofthetownwhohavetheultimateauthoritytore-electyouornotre-electyou.

Comparedthetowntoacorporation. Thetownmanagerisonthespoteveryday. Hewasappointedbythisgroupandhasproventodoastellarjobinhisjob. He, inmyview, isveryqualified.

ThepoliticalpeoplecanstillbeavailabletoyouinanadvisorycommissionsuchaswehaveatCalendarHousenow, TheSeniorCitizenAdvisoryCommission.

ItisavolunteereffortintheSeniorCitizenAdvisoryCommissionjustasitiswiththefireandpolicecommissionersnow. Allyouhavetodoisgettwoorthreepeopleonacommissionwhofeelstheyhaveabeefwiththechiefandyou’vegotaproblem.

Wehavethetownmanagerwhohastodeftlydancetoacertaintunesohe’snotsteppingonthosetoesoronthepolicedepartment’stoesandthat’snotefficient. It’sinefficient.

Checksandbalancesarenotinplacenowundertheseconditions.

AlotofthingsIwasgoingtosayIdon’thavetobecausethey’vebeensaid. ThereareoneortwothingsIwouldliketosay:

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I’mgladtoseetherearepeoplewhoIbelieverepresentbothpartiesintheaudiencewhoarespeakingonbothsidesofthesequestions.

Iwaselatedwehadaunanimous8-0voteontheCalendarHousesituation.

Let’snotbecomeatownthattakeseveryopportunitytofindapoliticalissueforthenextcampaign.

Iaskyoutoconsidermakinganyadjustmentsyouwant. Certainly, Iwouldkeepthesepeopleonthecommissionpresentlyandfuturepeopleinanadvisorycapacity. Theirtalentispowerfulinanadvisorycommission.

Thankyou.

11. ArthurCyr, 103BerlinAvenue. I’mheretosupportalloftheproposedchangestothecharter. Ourfinancialitemsarerealsimple. WestillhavetheoversightofthetownmanagerandtheBOF. Thoseareprettyself-explanatory.

Themostcontentiousoftheissuesaretheonesregardingourpublicsafetyboards. I’dliketothankChairMaryBakerofthefirecommissionwhospokeearlier. Shetriedhardinthelastyearorsothatshe’sbeenchairofthefireboard, butonepersoncanonlydosomuch.

Whydoweneedcharterrevisionnow? Whereistheempiricalevidence? Therearethreereasonswhywehavecharterrevisionandneedcharterrevisionanditisprettymuchcentralizedinmyopiniononthefiredepartmentandtheboardoffirecommissioners. Forthepastthreeyearsthatcommissionhasnotfunctionedcorrectly.

Mr. BunkogotonthatboardinNovemberorDecemberofthispastyear. He’sbeentrying, butitstillisnotfunctioningproperly.

Thatdepartmentayearorsoagoappliedfora $770,000federalgrant. ItwassenttousbyCongressmanLarson. We, asatown, declinedit. Ifwehadproperproceduresomebodywould’vehadtosignthatbeforeitwenttoWashington. That’sembarrassingforthistowntohaveadepartmentrunninglikethat. Goingoffandsettingpolicyanddoingwhattheywant.

OurBOFauthorizedanoperationalreview. Itcamebackwitha100pagereport. Thirtypriorityrecommendationsforimprovementsandchanges. But, oneofthemwasn’ttochangetheboardoffirecommissioners. Thatwasn’tthechargeofthatreview. Theywerechargedwithmakingourfiredepartmentbetter. And, thatreviewdidexactlywhatitwassupposedto.

Overthelastyearorso, therehavebeensomepersonnelconflictsandclashesinthefiredepartment.

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Thosearethreereasonstopassthisandsenditontothevotersandareasonforthevoterstomakethischange.

Allthereportsareavailableonline.

Somepeoplesaythisisarushedprocess. Gotitdoneinthreemonths. Thisisprobablyoneofthemostefficientcharterrevisionswe’lleverhaveinthistown. Hecomparedittothepreviouscharterrevisioncommissionwhichtook18months.

Hestatedthatasfarascommentsfromthepublic, thetowncouncilishereeverytwoweeksandtheycancomeandtalktotheimportantpeopleintown – you.

Itwassaidthatourfoundingfatherswantedthecharterthisway. Theysetitupin1968thisway. IfI’mnotmistakenwealsovotedindistrictsandwehadtochangethat. We’vehadperiodicchangesthroughoutthelast40yearsandthepeoplewhorevisedourcharterinthe60’sweresmartenoughwhentheyrevisedittothisformofgovernment, theyleftustheoptiontoperiodicallyopenit. Theywantedittochangeandprogressforward.

IfIhadmyway, we’dtakeawaybothcommissionersentirely. Idon’tseetheneedforthem. Ifeelit’sanhonorariumposition.

AyearagoyoudidthesamethingtotheSeniorCitizensCommissionandthere’sbeenallkindsoferroneousletterstotheeditorsayingitwasaterriblethingtodoandnowwe’lldoterriblethingstoourotherdepartments. ItisnicetohavepeoplecomefromCalendarHouseandsaythey’realotbetterorganizednow. Alotmorehappinessandalotmorecontroloverwhatisgoingon. They’reworkingonacapitalplanunderthedirectionofthetownmanager. IfyouthinkwemadeamistakeattheCalendarHouse, gotalktothepeopleattheCalendarHouse. Talktothepeopleontheiradvisoryboard. Gotalktothepeopleinthesisterorganization: CalendarHouseMembershipAssociation. They’rethrilledwithdirectmanagementbythetown.

Spokeaboutpoliticalpatronagebeingathingofthepast. Ifyoucan’tdothejob, leaveittoaprofessionalmanager.

Youarecitizensfirstandlastbesthopeforthistown. Thereisnoreasonforsomeonetogototheparksboardorfireboardorpoliceboardfirst. Comerighttoyouguysfirst. You’llprobablysendittoadepartmentmanagerthroughthetownmanager. That’sthewaythisshouldrun.

Lastly, lookatourtownseal: Southington, CityofProgress. Let’smoveforward.

Thankyou.

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12. DennisConroy, 54Malcein Drive. Iservedatyourappointmenttothecharterrevisioncommission.

Tonightyouvoteonthesechangesandyoucanvoteindividuallyandnotinlockstepwithyourparty.

1. Section601: Weneverheardanyreasonastowhythereisaneedtochangethissection. Theothersectionchangeswevotedontorecommendwerebasedneedsdocumentedandexamples. Notonememberofthecouncilcameforwardtoexplainwhytheywantedchanges. Notthechair, notthemajorityleadernoranyoneelse.

2. Thewordefficiencyhasbeenusedbutneverexplained.

3. Weonlyheardfromrepresentativesoftwocitygovernments: CheshireandMeriden. Baseduponnewsreports, aconvictionandresignation, Meridenisnotanexampletocopy.

CommissionerZalaskywantedtoinviteothersandadirectivewentoutfromthechairsayingtodisregardanyrequestsunlessheapprovedit. Virtuallystiflinganyefforttogetotherinformationfromothertownsotherthanthosetwo.

4. Weheardaboutareportthatmaderecommendationsforthefiredepartment -- improvement. Itdoesn’tmeanthereissomethingwrong, justroomforimprovement. Italsohadastatement: “ TheICMA

theorganizationthatconductedthisreview – foundthatSouthingtonhasaverycapablefiredepartmentandstaffforthedeliveryoffireservices.”

5. Iheardaremarkthatseekingthegrantfor $750,000isareasontomakeachangeinourfiredepartment. SeekingbacksomeofthemoneythatourcitizenssenttoWashingtonisnotsomethingwewanttopunishpeoplefororholdtheirfeettothefire. It’ssomethingthatshouldbeencouraged.

Theideatheappointedcommissiondidn’thavetherightexperiencetodothejobisludicrous. Yougetinvolvedbecauseyouwanttobepartofacitizengovernment.

Manypointedoutacorporationstructureisthewaytogo. Imakeapointthatcorporationsexistforprofitwhilegovernmentistheretoprotectthecitizensandprovideserviceatthelowestpossiblecosts. Twodifferentconcepts, twodifferentmissions. Nocomparison.

Thiscommissionwenttoofast. Weshould’vetakenmoretimetoinvestigateandseekmoreinformationaboutthecommissionsofpublicsafety.

IheardMr. Brumbackcalledaprofessional. Wepayprofessionalsnow: PoliceChiefandFireChief. And, they’redoingaprettygoodjob.

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Manypeoplebelievetheyshouldbeabletovoteelectedofficialsoutorputtheminbaseduponwhatishappeningingovernment.

Oneotherthingshould’vecomeupisthatyouarenotconsideringwhenmakingachangetothecharterlikethis, wealsoaffecttheunioncontractswehavewiththepoliceandfiredepartments. Wemayhavetogobackandgetagreementfromtheunionsonthewrittenlanguage. Younevergetachangewithoutgivingupsomething. Orgivingbacksomethingorgainingsomethingnew.

Whatisthecostofmakingthesechangestothepoliceandfiredepartment?

Thankyou. Iurgeyoutovoteno.

13. BennyCamusso, MeridenAvenue. I’vebeenattheCalendarHouseforthelast10years. Wehadupsanddownsandseemedtostraightenitout, butmyconcernisyoudothebestforthetown. Whatcanwedoforthepeopleintown? What’sgoodforthetown?

ForgetaboutMeridenandCheshireandworryaboutSouthington.

14. JohnDeMello, 56HobartStreet. IwenttoafewofthecommissionmeetingsandIspokeinfavorofthischange. ThechangeofgettingridofsomethingthatIthinkhasbeenadinosaur. IthinkthechangeinSouthingtontogetridoftheseboardswhicharesopolitical, itdoesn’tmean --- I’msayingtherearepeoplethatwereselectedbythepoliticalparty.

Ihearwedidn’ttakeenoughtimeoncharterrevision.

Meridenhasablackeyebecausethepolicechief’ssonwasarrested. Iguesswe’reconvictinghimbeforeitgoesintothecourtsystem. GobackyearswhenMeridenhiredanoutsidechiefandseewhatitcostthetown.

PoliceandfiredepartmentsinSouthingtondon’twantoutsidechiefs. Mostoftheguysworkedtheirwayupanddreamedofbeingthechiefonedayintheirhometown. They’regoodenough. Aprocesstogothrough. Whoeveristhebestcandidatewillrisetothetownwhentheytakeoveraschief.

Ihearaboutpeopleonthesecommissionsbeingrubberstampstothechief. Theydon’tthinkontheirown, notrainingandnoexperience. Someofthem. IcantellyouinsomepolicedepartmentsthatI’veworkedwithguyswithsomuchtraining; theydidn’tknowhowtobeacop.

IaminfavorofthechangeandthatiswhyIcameheretonight. Thankyouverymuchforallowingmethetimetospeak.

Hearingnootherspeakers, theChairclosedthepublichearing.

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Whereupon, thepublichearingwasclosedat8:15o’clock, p.m.)

MINUTESOFTHETOWNCOUNCILMEETING

OFTHETOWNOFSOUTHINGTONJune24, 2013

TheTownCounciloftheTownofSouthingtonheldregularmeetingonMonday, June24, 2013attheMunicipalCenterAssemblyRoom, 196MainStreet, Southington, CT. JohnC. DobbinsChairman, calledtheregularmeetingtoorderat8:15o'clock, p.m.

ThefollowingCouncilpersonswerepresent, viz:

JohnN. Barry CherylLounsburyPeterJ. Romano, Jr. LouisMartocchioAlbertA. Natelli, Jr. ChristopherJ. PalmieriStephanieA. Urillo JohnC. Dobbins, Chair

Ex-officiomemberspresentwereasfollows, viz:

MarkJ. Sciota, DeputyTownManager/TownAttorneyGarryBrumback, TownManager

Absent: DawnA. Miceli, Councilwoman

AprayerwasrecitedbyDr. AlbertA. Natelli, Jr, Councilman.

ThePledgeofAllegiancewasrecitedbyeveryoneinattendance.

Therewereapproximately35otherpersonsinattendance. thTheChairnotedfortheMinutesthattodayisthe90 birthdayof

JennieUrilloandthatisspecial.

JOHNC. DOBBINS, Chairman, Presiding:

II. Minutes

MotiontoapprovebyMr. PalmieriwassecondedbyDr. Natelli. Motionpassedunanimouslyonavoicevote.

III. CouncilmanicCommunications

Mr. Martocchiobeganbycongratulatingthisyear’sgraduatingclassofSHS. IhadthehonorandluxurybeingthereasIhadasongraduatethisyear. Extraordinaryevent. Studentswerewellspoken. Processranseamless. Incredible, reallymovingmatter. Ifyou

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haven’tgone, whetheryouhaveaseniorornot, it’sreallyworthgoing. Whenwetalkabouttomorrow’sfuture, thesekidsareextraordinary.

Ididparticipateintheallnightgraduationparty. Notonlydidthekidsonceagainimpressmewiththeirmaturityandcohesivenessinthewaytheyallseemedtobandandworktogether, butIwasamazedbytheamountofparentsandcommunitymembersthatdidn’thavechildrenintheschoolthatvolunteered. Theysayfrom7:30intheeveningthru5:00am. Studentsappearedtohaveawonderfultime. Allvolunteersappearedtohaveasmuchorabettertimethanthestudents.

Again, Icongratulatetheclassandthankallmembersofthecommunitythatparticipatedinthiswonderfulevent.

Mr. PalmieriaddedhewasatthegraduationandalsosawDr. Natellithere, aswell. Heintroducedgraduatesintheaudience.

Applause)

Dr. Natellistatedthiswasthethirdyearinarow, tothebestofhisknowledgethateverystudentatSHSgraduatedontime. Thatinandofitselfiskindofremarkablefor500+ studentsinaclass. CongratulationstotheBoardofEducationandthestudentswhomadethathappen.

Mr. PalmieriinformedthecouncilthatCouncilwomanMiceliapologiesbutcouldnotbeherebecauseofaworkobligation.

ndHeadvisedheattendedthe2 AnnualSTEPSTreeDedicationwiththChairDobbins. ThatwasMonday, June17 atMaryOurQueenChurch. I

commendthegroupformakingadifference. ThetreededicationisinitiatedfromstudentswhoarepartofSTEPS. Thanksforallyouaredoing.

HenotedheattendedtheBecauseof26EventonthePlantsvillethTownGreenonSaturday, June15. Ithanktheorganizersandmembers

ofthepublic, schoolstudentsandstaff, whocameoutandstoodbehindthat. Wehadtworeallyspecialguestsofhonor: Mr. BlumenthalandtheGovernorwhopartookintheevent. Thankyouallinvolved.

stHealsostatedheattendedthe1 AnnualMilitaryLunchwithCouncilmenNatelli, MartocchioandCouncilwomenLounsburyandUrillo. Ican’tsayenough. Itwasawaytohonorthegraduatingseniorswhoareenteringthemilitaryandgivingthemtheircordstowearatgradation. Aproudmomentforall.

Dr. UrilloaddedmembersoftheAmericanLegionwerethereandtheypresentedsomethingtoeachofthetenstudentsandcongratulatedthemonenteringthemilitary. Iwillsayourtownmanagergaveaveryeloquentspeechattheluncheon, fullofemotionandfullof

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prideforourstudentswhoareenteringthemilitary. It’sanhonor. Areallyspectacularluncheon.

Mr. Barrycommendedtheorganizersofthe26Event, LisaandErin, whocametoacouncilmeetingseveralmonthsagotoorganizetheevent. ItwasawonderfuleventtohonorNewtown. ThankyoutoGovernorMalloyandSenatorBlumenthalforbeingpartofthatimportantevent. FromthestagingareaatthePlantsvilleGreenmanystudentswenttotherailstotrailswhichisarealassetforourcommunity.

ThelasttimeweextendedthetrailandconnectedtoCheshirewaswhenIwasChairandChriswasalsoonthecouncil. Thatwasagreataccomplishmentasitdidnotcostthetaxpayersintheirtaxbillsanymoney. TotallyfundedbythefederalgovernmentandCongressmanLarsonwasveryinstrumentalingettingusthegrantforthepath.

ThereasonIbringupthisissueisbecausemanyofusreceivedaletterfromtheEPAtalkingaboutSolventsRecovery. Thereisamajorongoingcleanupgoingonthere. PartoftheagreementwasthatSolventsRecoverywasgoingtopaythenorthernextensionuptoLazyLanefromCurtisStreet. It’sbeensolongandI’venotseenanymovementintermsoftheexpansionnorth.

ArewemovingforwardwiththeexpansionthatSolventsRecoveryispayingfor? What’stakingsolong?

AttorneySciotaadvisedandexplainedtheyarestartingthecleanupnow. And, Ibelieveitisinfrontoftheirpropertywheretheyhavetherailstotrailsresponsibility. ThetownwouldhavefromCurtisStreettothebridgeasitsresponsibility.

Mr. Barryclarified: AccordingtotheEPAnewsletter, theSolventsRecoverygroupispavingtheentiretrailbetweenLazyLaneandCurtisStreet. . .

Howmuchlongerdowehavetowaitforthemtodowhattheysaidtheyaregoingtodo? AttorneySciotaexplainedthepresentationlastyeartoallofuswastheyweregoingtocleanupthesoilfirst. We’lldoublecheckthetimingbutIknowrightnowthey’reworkingverycloselywiththetownasoneoftherequirementsistomeetwiththepropertyownersinthearea. We’llgetanupdate.

Mr. Barrysaiditisimportanttogetatimeframe. Iwouldliketoseesomemovementintermsofactuallygettingatimecommitmentofwhenitisgoingtotakeplace.

Mr. Romanoadvisedhedidnothaveareportofspecialcommittees, butIwillupdatethepubliconthepavementmanagementsystem. Currentlyfivecrewsaredoingrepairworkontheundergroundinfrastructureoftheroadsthataregoingtobepavedinthisyear’sprogram. Aftervideoofdrainageandsanitarynetworkstherewasmoreworkthatwasneededtoberepaired. Sotheyhavestoppedworkingon

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BellevueAvenueforacoupleofweekswhiletherepairsaredone. TheyhopetorestartBellevueinanotherweek.

Milling & pavingisscheduledtobegininearlytomid-JulyonHobartStreet, PleasantStreet, FlandersStreet, MillStreetandMarionAvenue. ShuttleMeadowhasbeendone. Thereareabout37streetsthataregoingtobegettingcracksealingdone. We’reintheprepstages. Thereisalotofactivitygoingon.

TheLittleLeaguebaseballseasonisover. LocalplayfortheTownofSouthington. Inthenorth, theA’swon. ManagerRickBouchardandCoachesJeffKrarandJohnNadeau. Thewest, theRoyalswonwithManagerJoeCofrancescoandPatHendersonandSkipGriffin. Thisyear’stownchampionship, thesouthplaysthewestandthenorth. Itwasthesouththatwonitallforthetownthisyear. ThatwastheGiantswithManagerKevinCreen, KeithJusnaldo (sp) andAaronJarrosp). I’dliketothankalltheparents, thedads, thecoaches, the

moms, theteammoms, peopleworkingtheconcessionandthegroundscrew. It’sagreatthingtohaveinyourcommunity --- thatgreatavolunteergroupthatdoeswhattheydo. I’dliketowishthenorth, westandsouthgoodluckindistrictplaywhichwillbegoingonandI’llupdateyouatfuturemeetings.

IV. ReportofSpecialCommittees

A. RegionalHealthDistrictthDr.UrilloreportedtheymetlastWednesday, June19 withall

membersinattendance. Thehealthdistrictisfiscallyhealthy. Ourhealthdirector, ShaneLockwood, hasinitiatedseveralinitiativesandtherearearticlesinthepaperfromsanitariansonWestNileVirusandLyme’sDisease.

WehavenoupdatewithregardtotheBristol-BurlingtonRegionalHealthDistrictbutameetingisanticipatedbytheendofthesummer.

TheexcitingnewsisthatthenewwebsitefortheregionalhealthdistrictwaslaunchedlastWednesday. Theaddressis: www.pshd.organdit’sforthePlainville-SouthingtonHealthDistrict. Reallyphenomenalwebsite. It’llgiveyouonlineapplications, feesforapplicationsandinitiativestoprotectthehealthofthetown.

Thetattoobodypiercingordinanceisbeingworkedon. SanitariansareexpectingallthepublicpoolsincludingLakeCompounceandhotelsintheareatobeopen. ThereisatanningpolicyandMr. LockwoodhasdroppedoffbookmarksatthelibraryandatLakeCompouncetoprotectpeoplefromtanning. Thestatelegislaturepassedalawthatyouhaveto18yearsoldtogoin. Thetitleis: Don’tGetBurned. Ithasalltheadviceaboutindoortanning.

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VI. TownManager’sReportandCommunications

A. Resolution – HistoricDocumentPreservationGrant – signingauthorization (Attachment4)

TheTownClerkhasappliedforahistoricaldocumentpreservationgrant. Thisresolutionisauthorizingthetownmanagertoexecuteanddeliverthenecessarydocumentsinthenameofandonbehalfofthemunicipality. It’sa $6,500grantthatwillbeusedtocontinuebackfileconversionoflandrecordsontothewebsiteforaccessbyresidentsandoutoftownresidents.

B. HighwayRoof

Thequotescameinonreplacingthatonepieceofroofforthehighwaygaragethatwasoverlookedintheoriginalbid. We’rerecommendingthatYoungDevelopersofNorthfordfor $8140.00. They’llbeusingthesamesystemthatwasusedontheoriginalroof. Thesameguarantee. Thereisasmallamountinthereforanyreplacementofdamagetotheframing, bracing, etcetera.

C. MemorialParkBathhouseroof

Thatroofneedsrepairsintheamountof $7200. Wehavebeentryingtogetthistoyoupriortothepool’sopeningandwehadadifficulttimegettingquotesfromanyonetodothissmalljob. Wehaveonequotefor $7200. Theparksfolksarededicatedtotryingtodothisrepairandkeepthepoolopenatthesametime, buttheyarenotsuretheyareabsolutelygoingtobeabletodothat. Weaskforyourapproval. ThishadgoneasatransfertotheBOFattheirlastmeeting.

D. ReportofBoardofFinance

Theyhadaseriousandsignificantmeeting, yearend, withmostjusttransferringmoneybetweenaccountsinordertobalanceaccounts. Everythingisinorder. Thereisstillagoaltoreturnasmuchas $1millionbacktotheundesignatedfundbalance. ThereweretransfersmadethatwillallowthethreeareasthattheBOFchargedthetowngovernmentwithpayingforfromnextyear’sbudgetinordertobeabletoreducethetaxesthisyearandthathasbeenaccomplishedwiththisBOFdocument, aswell.

E. EnergyServicesCompanyrecommendation

We’refinallyrecommendinganenergycontractingfirm. ItisNORESCOthatwearerecommending. Wehadtwovery, veryqualifiedfinaliststhatwereinterviewed. WhatNORESCOapartwastheirwillingnesstouseasthefirstresortlocalSouthingtonbusinessesandthey’veasignificantpresenceinourareaandarelookingforwardtoworkingwithSouthington. WearerecommendingNORESCO. TheenergycommitteeisunanimouslyrecommendingthemalongwithECGastheowner’srepresentative.

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Mr. Palmierinoteditisfavorabletheyagreedtouselocalcontractors. That’simportanttohighlight.

F. PoliceDepartmentMutualAidAgreementwithCheshire

ThisisarequestbeforeyoutoauthorizeamutualaidagreementbetweentheTownofCheshireandtheTownofSouthingtoninordertoprovidepoliceofficerstoroadjobsandotherextradutiesjobsintheeventthatatowncannotfulfillthespotstheyhave. Thespecificprocedureswillbeironedoutbetweentherespectivechiefs. ThisissomethingbothtownsfeelwouldbeusefulanditwillbedoneifourorCheshire’sdepartmentcannotfulfilltheirpositionstomakesurewehaveanadequatenumberofofficerstocovertheprojectsfromeithertown.

VI. TownAttorney’sReport

A. ReportonStatewideEmergencyManagementDrill

Mr. SciotareportedthetownsucceededinitsobligationtotheGovernor’soffice. Hedirectedalltownstoprepareforanemergency

thmanagementdrillJune20. ThenorthwestareaofthestatelastThursdaywashitwithamajoricestormknockingoutallpowerinthatareaforthedrill. Southingtonwasputonasupportroll.

Thefirstthingwechosetodois setupinthefiredepartmentwhichisoursecondarylocationtotestitouttoseeifsomethinghappenstothepolicedepartmentwecanmovetothatlocation. Iamhappytosaythatlocationwasalsosuccessful.

Wetestedallofourcommunication. Alldepartmentheads, BOEandgovernmentside, allareasofcommunicationweresuccessful: email, cellphone, telephonelandlines. WehadanopportunitytotestourhamradiobetweenSouthingtonandTorrington.

Theonenegativeiswearelookingforsomegrantsinthatallofoursatellitephonesareoldandnotgood. Wewanttogetthreesatellitephones: oneintheemergencymanagement, oneatthepolicedepartmentandoneatthefiredepartment.

Interestingthingswewereaskedtodo: wedidsendoutanEverbridgemessagetoallCERTmembersand60-somethingpercentofthemrespondedsayingtheywerepreparedtomoveforward.

Virtually, wedidsend24uptoTorringtonusingthepolicebusandtransport. CaptainPocockdrovethetransportinourscenario.

Thankstopublicworks, wesenta4membercrewplusatruck.

Weeventsentthefiretruckuptherewitha4membercrew.

Therequestwereceived --- weweretheonlytownintheregionthathadit – threeportablelightsplusagenerator.

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District5andDistrict3coordinated. Southingtonhasnowalotofassetsandiftheyneedthemwewouldbewillingtoshare. ThecriteriabeingaslongasSouthingtondoesn’tneedthemwearewillingtoshare.

WesentanATVupthere, too.

TheregionalizationpartiswecombinedPlainville & Southington’sEOC. PlainvillecameandoperatedoutofourEOCandwehaven’tthereportbackyetbuttheywereveryimpressedwiththat.

Wewereabletotestalmosteveryoneofourprocedures.

I’dliketothanktheSouthingtonfiredepartment, policedepartment, healthdistrictandAMR.

TheGovernor’sofficeandDistrict3werepleasedthatSouthingtonhadeverythingoperating.

Dr. Natelliaskedaboutusingreverse9-1-1forthePD. Didthatcomeupatall? Mr. SciotasaidwetheITDepartmentgettingquotes. Therearetwoways: first, youcanbeonanasneededbasisorsecond, youpayonayearlybasis. Wehavetalkedaboutthatandwe’reprobablyleaningtowardstheoneyouuse “X” numberoftimesayear. It’salotcheaper. Nofinaldecisionhasbeenmade, yet. Thetechnologyisthere.

Itdidn’tcomeupinthisdrillaswehadnoissuesinSouthingtonnotedMr. Sciota. SouthingtondidnothavetheicestormhitusonThursday.

Wereceivedwordthatthehistoricalsocietygrantyouappliedustoapplyfor, the $9,000matchinggrant, togetthearchitectforthewindowshasbeenapproved. Thesecondstepisthebiggrantthey’regoingtoneedforthewindows. They’llworkwiththetownonthat.

Idoneedexecutivesessionforaveryminorrealestatematterandpersonnelforthecouncil.

TheChairthankedallfortheirhardworkonthetrainingasitisnecessaryforthetown.

VII. PublicCommunications

1. ArthurCyr, 103BerlinAvenue. I’vebeenworkingonaspecialprojectsoIdon’thavemypadwithmetonight. And, Ihaven’thadachancetobuzzaroundtownandseeallkindsofstuff.

I’dliketotaketheopportunitytopersonallyandpubliclythankMs. Cottonforheryearsastownclerkfor20years. Ourtownclerk’sofficeisoneofthebestruninthestate. Sheandherstaffarevery, veryhelpful. Theorganizationissomuchbetterthanitwasdecadesago.

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Wethankyouforyourdecadesandyourefficiency. Yourreplacementwillhavebigshoestofill.

Thankyou.

2. DennisConroy, 54MalceinDrive. IjustheardthereportonthemutualaidagreementwithCheshireandIwouldcautiontherecouldbeunioncontractissueswiththat, too.

Thetownmanagersaidtheyareworkingthroughthat.

Secondly, Iforgottomentionifyoufolkswanttolookatreasonswhytovoteonthischarterrevisioncommission’srevisionsforthefireandpolicedepartment, allyouhavetodoistakeamomenttoreadCommissionerMikeBunko’spresentationtoyou. HecoveredallthebasesandMs. O’Briendidthesamething.

Thankyou.

3. BrianCallahan. DuringthepresentationanddiscussiononthecharterrevisionitwasstatedbysomeoneonthecharterrevisioncommissionthatIsentoutanemailsayingdon’tgooutandmaketherequestswilly-nilly, sotospeak, ofpeopletocomefromoutoftowntospeaktothecommission. Ididthat.

ThereasonIdidthatisbecausewevotedunanimouslyonthecommissiontoabidebyRobert’sRulesofOrder. And, thatwasallrequestsweretogothroughthechair. WehadacommissionergoingoutonhisownandwantingtobringinpeopleliketheWestHavenpolicedepartmentwhichalsoisunderfederalinvestigation. ButIsaidno, you’vegottocomethroughthechair. That’swhythatwasdone. Pointoforder, thankyou.

VIII. OldBusiness

A. ActiononReportofCharterRevisionCommission

Thechairreviewedtheoptionsthatwereavailabletothecouncil:

AcceptthereportasisandsendittothevotersinNovember.

Sendthereportbacktothecharterrevisioncommissionforrestudyofanissue.

Approvecertainpartsofthereportanddenyothers.

Denytheentirereport.

Heaskedtohavediscussionandvoteoneachsectionindividually.

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Section601: Mr. Martocchiomadeamotiontoaccepttherecommendationofthecommissionaspresented. Ms. Lounsburyseconded.

Mr.PalmierirequestedwetakeOption2forthisitemwhichissendthereportbacktothecommissiontorestudy. Weheardfromseveralspeakersthatgueststhatcameinrelatedtothistopicwereonesideddespiterequestsforotherspeakerstocomeinandgiveadifferentperspectiveandhavespeakersfromourtowntogiveaperspectiveandthatdidn’toccur. I’dliketosenditbacktothecommissiontogetmoreinformationandthemakeamoreintelligentdecisionbaseduponbothsidesoftheissue.

Mr. Barrysecondedthatmotion.

Attorneysaidtheoriginalmotionwouldhavetobevotedonandifthat’sdefeatedthenthatmotioncouldbetakenup.

Mr. Palmieristatedhewasn’tmakingitintheformofamotion. Butwecantableit.

Mr. BarryechoedMr. Palmieri’spointwhenyoubringinMeridenasaguideformanagementofourpublicsafetydepartments, tome, isnotverysmartbecauseoftheirfederalinvestigation, indictments, andconvictions. Notagooddecisionbythecommission.

Let’sgetmoretownsandlookatthem. Let’sgetdifferentviewpointstomakeadecision.

Mr. PalmieriaskedforthecharterrevisioncommissiontohearfromtwotownsinthestatethatdooperatethewaySouthingtondoesandhearabouttheirefficienciesandnotjusthearfromtheothersideoftheissue.

Mr. Barrysaidlet’sthinkabout. Alegitimateissue. Howcanabodyof8tonightsaywe’renotright? Youarelookingatourgoverningbodythatgovernsus. Let’sgetmoreinformation.

Dr. Natellipointedoutthissystemhasbeenusedsince1966. Weunderstandhowitworksandwe’reinterestedinothersystems, notlikeours, areworkingandwhatthebenefitsandrisksare. IknowwhatIhaveandIneedtoknowwhatIdon’thave.

Idon’tseethechangeinthecharterfornowbutforinthefuture. It’sbeingsetupforGenX, GenY, andMillenniumBabiestofitintothisandgetthemtoparticipate. And, that’swhyIcansupportthechange.

Governanceneedstobeoverhauledandlookedat. Isupportthat.

Thisisnotchangeforthesakeofchange, butforme, itischangethatisbeingsetupforthefutureandIcansupportthateasily.

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Ms. LounsburyfeltthatthestatementMeridenisthewrongplacetogoisexaggerated. I’msorryforthesituationthey’rein. Shewasconcernedthatwedonotcontinuewithpoliticalpatronage. Becauseofsize, governmenthaschanged, policetacticshavechanged, firetacticshavechanged. Wereallyneedpeoplewhoknowwhatthey’redoingtokeepupwiththat. Weneedtoputasysteminplacethatallowsaday-to-dayonsitemanagementofboth. It’stoobigabudget. It’stoobigaconcernforthesafetyofourpopulation. Itnolongercanbe, inmyopinion, decidedonbywhichpartyisinofficeandwhotheyputinoffice. That’snotagoodsystemanymore. We’veoutgrownthatsystem. WhatIwanttoseeshouldasituationariselikeMeriden’sinourtownthatitishandledreasonably, quicklyandfairly.

Mr.Martocchioclarifiedhedidfollowthecommittee’smeetingsandnotes. Idon’tthinkanyoneonthecharterrevisioncommitteeeverytriedtomirrorormimictheMeridensystem. Ithinktheidea, whetherweagreeordisagree, wastogetinputfromsurroundingtowns.

Secondly, thereisanulteriormotivebehindthecommissionorthecouncil. Iwanttopointoutthattherepublicanscontrolvirtuallyeverysinglecommitteebyamajorityacrosstheentiretown. Tothinkthereissomemotivetoreplacethefirechieforpolicechiefthatseemscounterproductivebecausenoactioncouldbetakenanditcouldbedonewithoutaproblemandawholelotlesscontroversy.

Mr. Palmierisaidonereasoncitedforthechangeiscentralizedgovernmentanditanswerstothetowncouncil. Theseappointmentsdoanswertothetowncouncil. Ultimately, theauthoritydoesstopatthetowncouncilrightnow. Noreasontomakethatchangetohaveitcometothetowncouncilultimatelybecauseitdoes.

Theseconditemisasfarasappointmentsandpeople’sresponsibility; bothpartieshavenoreappointedpeopleifwefeelthey’renotdoingagoodjob. Again, theauthoritylieswiththetowncounciltonotreappointpeopleshouldtheynotbedoingagoodjob.

Thirdly, regardlessofwhetheryouaretalkingaboutaspecifictown, mypointissimplyweheardfromtwotownsthathaveoneform. Wedidn’thearfromanyothertownsthathadadifferentformofhierarchywiththepoliceandfiredepartment. Let’shearfromtheothersideaswell.

Ipersonallydonotthinktherewasanulteriormotive, buttheagendawassetbeforethecommitteewasformedandtheyweretoldspecificallytheirdirective.

Asfarasthetimeframe, Ithinkitwasalittleconsolidated, compactandmaybeitwasalittlerushedandwedidn’thavetimetohearfromothertowns.

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Checks & balances, Icertainlyagreethathavingfivepeopleperboardweighinonadecisionversusonepersonweighing inforbothseparateboardstakingtenpeopleoutand havingonepersonmakethosedecision, Ithinkthereismoreoversightwithhavingthefivedifferentpeople.

Weheardreferencetothefiredepartmentgrant. Idon’tthinkchangingtheboardmakeupisgoingtomakeadifference. Wehandledthatsituationwithasysteminplacethatanytypeofgrantcomesbeforethetowncouncil.

Finally, thereisastarkdifferencebetweenapublicsafetyboardforpoliceandfireandaCalendarHouseboard.

Ihopewereconsiderandsenditbacktoreanalyzeandgetsomemoreinformationtomakeanintelligentdecisionbasedonbothsidesoftheissueandnotone.

Mr. Barryconcludedbyreferencingafewofthepreviouscomments:

Concerningthemilitary, peoplewhoprotectusshouldberespectedandhonored. Thebestthingyoucandoforthiscountryistoserveinthemilitary. Butwhenpeopletalkaboutcharterrevision, policeandfire, asapara-militarysetup, givemeabreak. ComparingthearmedforcesoftheUnitedStatestotheTownofSouthington? It’sdangerousandludicrous.

Spokeaboutcitizengovernment. Greattopeopleinvolved.

TogiveabureaucratultimatepowerisnotwhatAmericaisabout.

Mr. Romanosaidwewereallelectedtothetowncouncil. Certainthingswearenotallowedtomakedecisionsonandtheyhavetobevotedonbythepeople. Wearenotallowedtochangethecharter. Thatistheresponsibilityofthepeopleofthiscommunity. Peopleonbothsidesarepassionateaboutthis. Weoweittothepublictoletthemmakethisdecision. IamgoingtosupportthisbecauseIthinkwehaveaveryeducatedcommunitythat’llmaketherightdecision.

Ms. Lounsburyalsocommentedaboutthechainofcommandwithinthepoliceandfiredepartmentsespeciallyinacrisissituation.

Mr.Palmierisaidthisisanapprovalbaseduponaonesidedpresentationastherewasnoaccuratepresentationfortheothersideoftheargument. Thetown’speoplecan’tcallinwitnessesandhearfrombothsidesoftheargument. That’swhyIamaskingfortheopportunitytogohavethisgoback, makeanintelligentdecision, andcomebacktous. Justrevisittheissue.

RollCall: Palmieri: NoRomano: Yes

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Urillo: YesBarry: NoLounsbury: YesMartocchio: YesNatelli: YesDobbins: Yes

Motionpasses.

Section708 – DivisionofPurchases.

Mr.Palmierimadeamotiontoapprove. Ms. Lounsburyseconded. Motionpassed8to0onarollcallvote.

Section733

Mr.Palmierimadeamotiontoapprove. Mr. Romanoseconded. Motionpassed8to0onarollcallvote.

Section736 – ContractsforPublicWorks

Dr.NatellimadeamotiontoapproveandMr. Palmieriseconded. Motionpassed8to0onarollcallvote.

Mr.Sciotaadvisedyounowhavetomakeadecisiononwhenyouwanttosendthistothevoters. OursuggestionistosenditduringtheNovemberelectionwhichisNovember5, 2013.

Mr. RomanosomovedtosendthistothevotersattheelectiononthNovember5. Mr.Martocchioseconded. Motionpassedunanimouslyona

voicevote.

Asforthequestions, Mr.Sciotamadethesuggestiontherewouldbe3questions. Question1wouldbebaseduponSection601.

Question2wouldcombineSection708 & 736sincetheyhavetodowithincreasingthedollaramounttogoouttobid.

And, thenaSection733fortransferswouldbeQuestion3.

Mr.Martocchiosomovedthemotionforthethreequestionsaspresented. Ms.Lounsburyseconded.

Thequestionsarewrittenbythetownclerkandthetownattorney. Theywouldbepresentedtothetowncouncil. Theythengotothesecretaryofstate’sofficeandthatwouldbebeforeyourAugustmeeting. ThesequestionswouldbepresentedtoyouattheJulymeeting. Thequestionshavetobesenttothesecretaryofstateby

thSeptember5. Theyrespondwithin3or4weeks.

Motionpassedunanimouslyonavoicevote.

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B. ActiononResolution – HistoricDocumentPreservationGrantauthorization

Dr.Urillomadeamotiontoapprovethehistoricpreservationgrantfor $6500. Ms.Lounsburyseconded. Motionpassed8to0onarollcallvote.

C. ActiononHighwayRoof

Mr.RomanomadeamotiontoapproveYoungDevelopersofNorthfordfor $8,140. Dr.Natelliseconded. Motionpassedunanimouslyonavoicevote.

D. ActiononMemorialParkBathHouseRoof

Mr.Martocchiomadethemotiontoapproveaspresented. Mr. Romanoseconded. Motionpassedunanimouslyonavoicevote.

E. ActiononReportofBoardofFinance

Ms.LounsburysomovedthemotiontoapprovetheBOFReportaspresented. Mr.Martocchioseconded. Motionpassedunanimouslyonavoicevote.

F. ActiononEnergyServicesCompany

Mr.PalmierimadeamotiontoapproveNORESCOaspresented. Dr.Urilloseconded. Motionpassedunanimouslyonavoicevote.

G. ActiononPoliceDepartmentMutualAidAgreementwithCheshire

Dr.NatellimadeamotiontoacceptthepolicedepartmentmutualaidagreementwithCheshireaspresented. Ms.Lounsburyseconded.

Mr. Barryaskedabouttheunions. Mr. Brumbackstatedtheunionsarefinewithit.

Mr. Sciotaaddedthatwhilewearetalkingabouttheunionaspect, wehavebeeninvolvedwiththeuniontheentiretimeduringcharterrevision. Mr. Barrysaidhedidn’tseethatanywhere. Mr. Sciotasaidthelaborlawyerhasbeenlookingatthattheentiretime. Mr. Barrysaiditwasn’tintheMinutes. Howisanyonesupposedtoknowthat?

Mr. Sciotasaidthequestioncameuptonightandhewantedtomakesurethequestionwasanswered. Mr. Barrysaid, byyousayingyouconsultedwiththelaborunionsontheissue, isthat --- Mr. Sciotaclarifieditwasthelaborlawyer. Mr. BarryaskedifitwastheMinutes. Mr. Sciotasaiditwouldn’tbe. Wedon’tdiscussthat. Mr. Barryfeltthatwaspartofthewholediscussion. Mr. Sciotadisagreed. Ifwe’retalkingwiththelaborlawyeronsomethingthat’stakingplace, weusuallydon’tputitintheMinutes.

28

EXECUTIVESESSION

TheSouthingtonTownCouncilenteredexecutivesessionimmediatelyfollowingtheTownCouncilmeetingwiththefollowinginattendanceinordertodiscussrealestateandpersonnel.

ThefollowingCouncilpersonswerepresent, viz:

CherylLounsbury PeterJ. Romano, Jr. AlbertA. Natelli, Jr. ChristopherJ. PalmieriJohnN. Barry LouisMartocchioJohnC. Dobbins, Chair

Ex-officiomemberspresentwereasfollows, viz:

MarkJ. Sciota, DeputyTownManager/TownAttorneyGarryBrumback, TownManager

Absent: DawnA. MiceliandStephanieA. Urillo, Councilwomen

Arealestatematterwasdiscussed. Mr. BrumbackandMr. Sciotaleftthemeeting

Apersonnelmatterwasdiscussedbythecouncil.

Nomotionsweremadeorvotestakenduringexecutivesession.

Mr. Palmierimadeamotiontoadjournfromexecutivesession. Mr. Romanoseconded. Motionpassedunanimously.

Executivesessionwasadjournedat9:35o’clock, p.m.)

REGULARSESSION

Dr. NatellimadeamotiontoadjourntheTownCouncilmeetingwhichwassecondedbyMr. Palmieri. Motionpassedunanimously.

Meetingwasadjournedat9:35o’clock, p.m.)

MarkJ. SciotaActingSecretary

June24, 2013

To: TownCouncilmembers

From: MaryBaker50BurningTreeDriveSouthingtonmbaker@southington.orgcell: 860-919-5124

IamofferingmyopiniononthecharterrevisionproposaltochangethemanagementresponsibilitiesfromthePoliceandFireCommissionstotheTownManager. IamcurrentlyservingfortheCouncilintheroleofChairmanoftheFireCommission. Myopinionismyownanddoesnotrepresenttheopinionofthecommission.

IhavefullyenjoyedmyappointmenttotheFireBoard. Ihavehadtheopportunitytoworkwithdedicatedandtalentedfirefighters, bothcareerandvolunteerpaid-on- totheTowntobeexemplary.

IwouldbeinfavoroftheTownmanageroverseeingtheFireandPoliceDepartmentstoprovidedaytodaymanagementoversightaswellastomaximizeTownresources.

Iamavolunteerandworkfull-time. IbelievethattheManagercouldbetterassisttheChiefstoaddressanyoperationalcomplexitiesthatmayarise. IstronglybelievethattheCouncilshouldhireaHumanResourceOfficertoassistwiththemanagementoftheTownstaff. Whilethecommissionersrepresentavoiceforthepublic, IbelievetheCouncilcanfulfillthatrole. IcurrentlyhaveaTowne-mailaddress, whichispostedonthewebsitealongwithmycellphonenumberandhavereceivedvirtuallynocorrespondenceoropinionsfromthepublic.

TheFireAdministrationhasdoneaterrificjobofmanagingtheFireDepartment

moreresourcestotheDepartmentsbypotentiallypoolingresourcesfromotherDepartments. Thefirefightersgoaboveandbeyondtheirfirefightingduties, managingcomputersoftwareinstallationsandwritinggrants, forexample.

IbelievetheTownwouldhavegreatlybenefittedfromacceptingtheSAFERgrant. TheTownhastodecideonthelevelofstaffingwewishtoprovide. IbelievetheFireCommissionwouldalwaysvoteonthesideofsafety, thatforthepublicaswellasthefirefighters. PleasereadtheMayminutesoftheFireBoard, http://www.southington.org/filestorage/17214/19115/12770/12712/16810/scan0250.pdfCaptainSauciermadeacompellingargumentregardingincreasedstaffing. Commonsensetellsmethatwecannotkeeppresentingthesamebudgetandhaveitcutyearafteryearandexpectadifferentoutcome. Ihaveresearchedothercombination (careerandpaid-on-call) FireDepartments, includingManchester, Middletown, Ridgefield, TorringtonandWallingfordanditappearstomethatthoseTownsspendupwardsoftwenty-five (25) percentmoreinFireServicespendingperresidentthanSouthington.

IftheTownManagerwereoverseeingtheDepartments, youwouldhavegreatercollaborationbetweenthePoliceandFireDepartments, CouncilandFinanceBoardinreachingspendingandsafetygoalsforSouthington. ByhavingtheTownmanageroverseethePoliceandFireDepartment, IbelievetheresidentsofSouthingtonwillbeprovidedthebestlevelofservicepossible.