Chairman of the Police Commission, Richard Philips presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Lyette Segerdahl, Active Member Weston Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Technician. 

 

Lyette has served as Firefighter for the Town of Weston for the past 14 years and 9 years as an EMT.  She has volunteered many hours as organizer for the Memorial Day parade for 13 years, purchasing agent and is in her third term as member of the Beautification Committee. Lyette has served for 3 years on the Jarvis Military Academy board and interpreter for the Weston Police Department.  Lyette is actively involved with ADAP, Norfield Fair, Americares and several other local and regional organizations.

    

          *                    *                     *                     *                     *                     *           

 

Pursuant to the above legal notice, the meeting was called to order at 8:11 PM by First Selectman Woody Bliss.  Mr. Bliss introduced the head table. Director of Finance, Rick Darling; Town Administrator, Tom Landry; Town Clerk and Clerk of the meeting, Donna M. Anastasia; Superintendent of Weston Schools, Dr. Lynne Pierson; Board of Education Chairman, Ellen Uzenoff; Board of Finance Chairman Gerald Sargent; Legal Counsel Ken Bernhard and Moderator, Susan Moch.  Mr. Bliss stated The Board of Selectmen had nominated Susan Moch to serve as Moderator of the meeting.  Motion was unanimously passed that Susan Moch be appointed Moderator of the meeting.  Ms. Moch appointed John Hammerslough to serve as Parliamentarian.  Ms. Moch read the State statutes (CGS 7-6) on eligibility to vote and fraudulent voting.  She asked all non-eligible voters sit in the non-voting section.  Ms. Moch stated Donna Anastasia, Town Clerk is the Clerk of the Meeting.

 

Motion unanimously passed to waive the reading of the Call.  Ms. Moch directed the Clerk to enter the Call into the record of the meeting.  (See pgs. 1-3)

 

Ms. Moch read the procedures for making motions and the rules for addressing the Town Meeting.  Ms. Moch explained how a motion can be amended.  She discussed taking votes by voice vote, by standing vote or if necessary paper ballots.  Discussion will be only on the items of the Call.  Mr. Bliss addressed the audience with some opening remarks about the Town Budget. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald Sargent, Chairman of the Board of Finance presented the following motions:

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $587,928.  FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $2,929,150. FOR GENERAL ADMINISTRATION.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $251,223. FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $4,900. FOR PROBATE COURT.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $39,411. FOR ELECTIONS/REGISTRARS.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $48,600 FOR BOARD OF FINANCE. 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $22,802. FOR TREASURER.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $111,164 FOR ASSESSOR.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $102,080. FOR TAX COLLECTION.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $500. FOR BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS.  MOTION SECONDED, AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $184,000. FOR LEGAL COUNSEL. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $117,537. FOR TOWN CLERK.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $87,394. FOR PLANNING & ZONING COMMMISSION.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.   

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $450. FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $2,050. FOR ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $93,369. FOR BUILDING INSPECTOR.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $1200. FOR BUILDING COMMITTEE.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $1,552,251. FOR POLICE SERVICES.

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $198,026. FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $62,036. FOR FIRE MARSHAL.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $61,681. FOR ANIMAL CONTROL.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $315,068. FOR COMMUNICATIONS CENTER.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $1,260. FOR SW CT EMG SERVICES.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $11,932. FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $121,053. FOR REGIONAL PARAMEDIC.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $1,590,928. FOR PUBLIC WORKS - HIGHWAY.  Patricia Heifetz, Ledgebrook Court,  questioned the cost per hour of a public works employee.  Ms. Heifetz questioned the repair of a fence.  Question called.  Vote on line item.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $106,958. FOR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $178,396. FOR WESTPORT/WESTON HEALTH DISTRICT.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $1,545. SW REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH BOARD.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $69,419. FOR CONSERVATION COMMISSION.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $20,900. FOR WESTON WATER UTILITY.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $34,380. FOR SCHOOL/TOWN WATER SUPPLY.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $64,413. FOR HUMAN SERVICES.

 Janet Neilly, Goodhill Rd.  The town does not support the Human Services department.  Ms. Neilly would like to increase the budgeted amount by 10,000.  but only reductions are permitted at Town meeting. 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $45,280. FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $73,171. FOR COMMISSION FOR THE ELDERLY.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $354,062. FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $162,806. FOR RECREATION DEPARTMENT.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $115,742. FOR PARKS AND FIELDS.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

 

 

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $67,126. FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL POOL.

Speaker inaudible.  Comment regarding the actual cost of energy for the pool.  Town Administrator Tom Landry explained some of the cost has been assumed by the Board of Education in this budget. 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.   

 

 

TOTAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S BUDGET                               $9,792,191                 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION                                                               $40,051,557

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $40,051,557. FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET. 

Ruth Glazer, Sachem Rd.  Ms Glazer expressed thanks to the Board of Education and Administrators of the school and disappointment regarding the reduction of the Board of Education budget this year. 

Ray Rauth, Georgetown Rd.  Mr. Rauth would like to see a more cost effective approach to the educating of our students. 

Mike Foster, Ledgewood Dr.  Mr. Foster noted the less than 5% increase is a job well done. 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.  

 

 

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $50,000. FOR THE LAND-ACQUISITION LACHAT PROPERTY I.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 Mark Harper, Dillon Pass.  Mr. Harper would like the agreement between the Town and the Nature Conservancy clarified.  Mr. Harper would like to know endowment amount and if the Nature Conservancy has to match this amount.  First Selectman Bliss stated the fund is 400-500K. 

 

 

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $50,000. FOR THE LAND ACQUISITION LACHAT PROPERTY II.  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $75,000 FOR ASSESSOR REVALUATION 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $95,000. FOR DPW SNOW REMOVAL TRUCK.

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $55,000. FOR TOWN BUILDING REPAIRS.

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $450,000. FOR NATURE CONSERVANCY-LACHAT CENTER 

Robert Machson, White Birch Ridge.  Can the town of Weston back out of this agreement and if so at what cost?  Ken Bernhard, Legal Counsel explained our obligations set forth in the agreement are clear.  The town would likely lose for not following through on contractual obligations.  Mary Ann Barr, Ladder Hill.  Was there a hearing on this issue and when was the hearing and legal notice published?  First Selectman Bliss noted the Public Hearing on June 17^th, 2004 and a legal notice was published.  The residents of that meeting voted on a voice vote to move forward. 

John Albright, Buttonball.  Mr. Albright would like to ask legal counsel what his measure of damages to the Nature Conservancy is if we breech this agreement.  There has not been any advancement of funds or any performance by the Nature Conservancy.   The agreement carries no requirement for the Nature Conservancy to perform in any way under any time constraints at all.  Can the damages be assessed right now.  Ken Bernhard stated that in the event the Nature Conservancy advanced funds and funds should have been paid by the town, the Nature Conservancy would look to the town for those funds.  Mr. Albright stated that there have been no funds expended and no zoning approval. Ken Bernhard explained the Town of Weston and the Nature Conservancy are joint owners of the property.  The town has an executive responsibility to its residents that funds will not be forwarded for the project and the project not progress. 

Steve Patton, Pent Rd.  Mr. Patton stated there is a joint Building Committee composed of residents of the town and members of the Nature Conservancy.  This committee was formed by the Board of Selectman to prepare a master plan.  There have been expenses incurred along the way for Consultants.  The Nature Conservancy has paid all of these expenses, at this point as we move forward we will continue to pay these expenses until such time the Town’s appropriation will share its funds. The Nature Conservancy has spent approximately 200K to date.  Mr. Bernhard explained the funds should be made available as the project progresses. 

Dick Bochinski, Slumber Corners.  Chairman of the Lachat Building Committee. The agreement between the Town of Weston and the Nature Conservancy had an agreement in 2004. This agreement was approved by the Board of Selectman and by Town meeting. The scheduled construction was to begin in the fall of 05-06.  The town was unable to bear any financial commitment because of the increase in the budget due to bonding costs.  Once funding leveled out the project was to begin for 06-07; spread out over four years.  Money is to be spent on a shared basis. Money is spent only when an expense incurred.  Due to the expenses of the design and development those costs come due to the town after July 1.  We do not know when the building program will take place, possibly in the 06-07 year. 

Andrew Neilly, Goodhill Rd.  Mr. Neilly served on the board of the Nature Conservancy.  Mr. Neilly noted that P&Z had turned this down and a revised proposal was to be done.  It seems inappropriate to be funding this at this time even though the obligation is there.

Amy Kindwall Sanborn, Old Hyde Rd.  I believe there was an agreement to have a center on this property, while its critical to maintain our relationship with the Conservancy the scope of this project is not what was agreed to.  This may not be the time to act on this project until we have a plan and know the scope and we can preserve the legacy of Ordway and LaChat.  

Jim Maggio, High Noon Rd.  It appears that the town is hog-tied to the Nature Conservancy in this agreement.  If the Conservancy considered suing the town this would be an indication of the imbalance that existed. 

Jon Russell, Wells Hill Rd.  Mr. Russell would like to know what venues if any are available to the town to not move forward with this project.  Ken Bernhard stated the actual obligation doesn’t incur until there is a cost. At which time all parties have an obligation to contribute 50% of the cost of the construction of the 1.5M.  For budgetary purposes the administration has put this 450K to ensure the town has the wherewithal to pay money if and when the project gets approved by P&Z commission and when there are actual construction costs incurred.    

Carolyn A Armbrust Mulcahey, Godfrey Rd.  Reduce line item to zero.

Margaret Wirtenberg, Wilson Rd.  Stated that it has been 9 years since this property was first purchased.  The Nature Conservancy has done some wonderful things for us.  The project is a great concept and I hope there will be a great education center there one day.

 

 

Susan Moch noted the original appropriation of 450,000 and there is a motion to amend. 

 

Motion to vote on the original 450,000 appropriation by voice vote.    (Opposed)

 

Motion made to vote on the reduced 100,000 appropriation by voice vote.          

Motion made to vote on the reduced 100,000 appropriation  by standing vote.   

 

Standing Vote conducted by Registrars and Counters.  100  No

                                                                                                  68  Yes

 

Line item Nature Conservancy Lachat Center  reduced to zero.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $27,000. FOR ANIMAL CONTROL VEHICLE.

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $40,000. FOR BOE/P&R TURF REPLACEMENT FUND MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $31,000. DPW ONE TON PICK-UP 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $12,500. PARKS & REC BLEACHERS MOREHOUSE  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $25,000. PARKS & REC DRIVEWAY MOREHOUSE  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED

 MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $17,680.00 DPW FUEL PRINTER/MONITOR  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $175,000.00 FIRE ENGINE #3  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $120,000.00 DISPATCH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $100,000. PUBLIC SAFETY GENERATOR

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

Bill McDonough, Scatacook Trail.  The town should be aware of the energy that can be sold for example to CL&P from a generator.  Line item should be removed.  Tom Landry explained the safety hazard of the existing generator. 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $50,000. BOE CURTAIN DRAIN EAST HOUSE

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $100,000. BOE MS/HS REPLACE ASPHALT PAVING  MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $300,000. BOE HS PARTIAL ROOF

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.

Joann Pfund, Ravenwwod Dr.  Would like the town to consider a total replacement. 

 

TOTAL  CAPITAL  IMPROVEMENT  BUDGET                              $1,773,180. 

Amended  Item #60.  Nature Conservancy LaChat Center                    (450,000)

                                                                                                            $1,323,180.

DEBT SERVICE BUDGET                                                             

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $3,014,943. FOR DEBT INTEREST.

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. 

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $3,560,000. FOR DEBT PRINCIPAL. 

MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED.  

 

 

                                                            Debt Interest                                        $3,014,943

                                                            Debt Principal                           $3,560,000

                                                            Total Debt Service Budget                    $6,574,943

 

 

TOTAL TOWN BUDGET                                                                 58,191,871

          Amended Item #60  .  Nature Conservancy LaChat Center     57,741,871

 

MOVE THE APPROPRIATION OF $58,191,871.  FOR THE TOTAL TOWN BUDGET.  

 

Less:  Estimated Budget Revenue                                                          3,267,469

 

Net to be raised by Taxation                                                                 54,924,402

 

Proposed Mill Rate @ 97.6% Collection = 22.94        

 

Mills for Uncollectible Taxes = $.55 

 

Estimated amount for Uncollectible Taxes= $1,350,600           

 

FOR THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

Sherwood B. Bliss, First Selectman

Glenn Major, Selectman

Richard Miller, Selectman  

MOTION MADE TO ADJOURN.  MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED TO ADJOURN THE TOWN BUDGET MEETING AT 10:30 P.M..

Respectfully submitted,

Donna M. Anastasia

Town Clerk and Clerk of the Meeting

Dated April 21^th, 2005