REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
TOWN OF GREENWICH
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS FOR
JUNE 2003 MEETING
ITEM NO:
1 (postponed from March 2003)
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen 0006se03
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Town Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Alarms Appeals Board for a term expiring 3/31/06.
CHARLES COYLE
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Charles Coyle. 54 John Street, Greenwich. New nomination as a regular member of the Alarm Appeals Board for a term expiring 3/31/06.
Retired Advertising and Marketing Director of Time Magazine. Presently, Director, Round Hill Association , Finance Committee, Round Hill Fire Department. Past RTM Rep. From Districts 10 and 11, RTC Rep. – District 10 and RTC Executive Committee.
ITEM NO:
2 (postponed from April 2003)
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Town Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Board of Ethics for a term expiring 3/31/06
ROBERT S. CURTIS
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Robert S. Curtis. 117 Shore Road, Old Greenwich. Renomination as a regular member of the Board of Ethics for a term expiring 3/31/06.
President, Curtis Associates – Real Estate Brokerage. Former 10 year member of Planning and Zoning Commission. Former Director of Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. Chairman of Grievance Committee – State of Connecticut Association of Realtors.
ITEM NO.:
3 (postponed from April 2003)
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Commission on Aging for a term expiring 3/31/06.
ALAN S. BERK
Explanatory Comments
Alan S. Berk. 14 Cornelia Drive, Greenwich. New nomination as a regular member of the Commission on Aging for a term expiring 3/31/06.
Wharton School – Univ. of Penn. BS in Economics – MS in Accounting , Certified Public Accountant. Past Board Chairman of The Jewish Home for the Elderly, Board member – Bruce Museum, member – National Institute for the Deaf, former member, National Advisory Board, appointed by US Secretary of Education, Fund for Peace board member.
DEPARTMENT: First Selectman
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Finance, Legislative & Rules Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
Resolved, that Sections 21 and 91 of the Town of Greenwich Charter be and the same are hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 21. Annual Budget [reports] and Operations Plans.
(a) By Departments, Divisions and Officers. The head[s] of [all] each department[s, officers or] and division[s] under the supervision and control of the Board of Education, the Board of Health, the Board of Social Services, [and] the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the First Selectman and all other officers and boards of the Town shall annually prepare and submit to their supervising authority [such boards, respectively,] a proposed budget report and an operations plan presenting the proposed financial and operational plans [of such departments, officers or divisions] for the ensuing fiscal year[, including detailed estimates]. The proposed budgets shall be presented at such time, in such form and with such content as shall be prescribed by the Board of Estimate and Taxation and shall contain such additional information as is requested by the First Selectman or the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Such proposed budgets shall include a detailed estimate of the amount of money which will be required to meet the obligations of the Town [in] for such board, department[s], office[rs] or division[s and] to provide for [their] its expenses for the ensuing fiscal year, shall list capital requests separately from operating expenses and shall identify capital items that are anticipated to be requested within at least the next five fiscal years but are not being requested at the present time. The operations plans shall set forth in such form as shall be prescribed by the First Selectman, a concise and comprehensive report of the administrative activities of the board, department, division or office showing services, activities and work accomplished during the current year and to be accomplished in the ensuing fiscal year. Such operations plans shall contain a table of organization for the agency preparing it and shall list any changes in personnel proposed in the budget request for the ensuing fiscal year. [The heads of all departments under the supervision and control of the First Selectman shall annually prepare the submit such reports to the First Selectman for review and revision by him. Such budget reports shall be made at the time and in the form prescribed by the Board of Estimate and Taxation.]
(b) Review and Revision by First Selectman. Upon completion of their review, and at such time as shall be prescribed by the First Selectman, such boards, departments, divisions and officers of the Town, shall submit such proposed budgets and operations plans to the First Selectman. The First Selectman shall review all proposed budgets received and shall make such revisions and modifications in such proposed budgets as the First Selectman deems necessary or appropriate, except for the operations budget submitted by the Board of Education, and, unless requested by the Board of Estimate and Taxation, except with respect to fixed charges as proposed by the Board of Estimate and Taxation. The First Selectman shall review all operations plans received and shall make such revisions and modifications in such operations plans as the First Selectman deems necessary or appropriate, except for those submitted by the Board of Education and the Board of Estimate and Taxation and, with respect to those plans submitted by departments, boards or officers not under the supervision and control of the First Selectman, only after consultation with such department, board or officer affected. Revisions and modifications to such proposed budgets or operations plans by the First Selectman shall not be such as to prevent any Town officer or board from performing or exercising any power, duty or obligation specified or mandated by Town Charter or state statute. In connection with such reviews, the First Selectman shall (1) develop goals and objectives and establish priorities for spending for the ensuing fiscal year; (2) establish priorities with respect to recommended capital spending for all Town agencies; and (3) develop a long range capital spending plan.
[(b)] [c] Submission to the Board of Estimate. On or before December 1 in each year, or at such other time as the Board of Estimate and Taxation shall prescribe, the First Selectman, for and on behalf of said boards, departments, divisions and offices [and the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Education, the Board of Health, the Board of Social Services, and all other officers and boards of the Town,] and the Board of Education, shall [prepare and] submit to the Board of Estimate and Taxation [a budget report] such proposed budgets, as revised, with such comments as are appropriate, presenting [their] the proposed financial plans for [the] said boards, departments [under their supervision and control], divisions and offices for the ensuing fiscal year, including detailed estimates of the amount of money which [the Town] will [require] be required to [meet its obligations in such departments and] provide for [the] anticipated operating and capital expenses [of such departments] for the ensuing fiscal year[; provided, for good cause shown, the Board of Estimate and Taxation may extend the above submission date for the Board of Education for a period not to exceed thirty days. Such budget report shall be made in the form prescribed by the Board of Estimate and Taxation]. Such proposed budgets shall be in such form as the Board of Estimate and Taxation shall prescribe. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing any board or officer from submitting a request for addition to, or reinstatement of, any item omitted from, or deleted from its budget directly to the Board of Estimate and Taxation in accordance with procedures prescribed by said board.
[(c)](d) Publication of Estimates. The Board of Estimate and Taxation shall, on or before April 10 in each year, cause to be published in a newspaper published in the Town, a summary of such estimates.
Sec. 91. Commission budget.
On or before December 1 in each year, or at such other time as the Board of Estimate shall prescribe, the Commission shall prepare and submit [to the Board of Estimate and Taxation] a budget request presenting its requirements for the ensuing fiscal year in accordance with Section 21. [Such budget request shall be made in the form prescribed by the Board of Estimate and Taxation.] The Commission may accept gifts for its purposes, but all of its expenditures, exclusive of such gifts, shall be within the amounts appropriated for its purposes.
(additions bold; deletions [brackets])
The foregoing proposal for home rule action requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Representative Town Meeting and approval at a referendum.
DEPARTMENT: Selectman
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Finance, Town Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
Resolved that Section 217 of the Town of Greenwich Charter be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 217. First Selectman[; power and duties] and Board of Selectmen.
(a) Departments and offices under supervision and control of First Selectman. All administrative functions relative to police, fire, highways, sewers and other public works, building inspection, parks, recreation, law, personnel and human resources, fleet management and purchasing for such [purposes] functions, shall be divided, under the supervision and control of the First Selectman, among administrative departments which shall include [the Department of] Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Law, Human Resources and Fleet Maintenance. The First Selectman shall have supervision and control, and shall be responsible for the administration, of all the affairs of the Town in respect to such departments, and may fix and determine the internal organization of such departments, the number and kinds of offices and positions, the methods of procedure and, subject to appropriation as otherwise provided by law, the rates of compensation.
(b) First Selectman [and board of selectmen]; powers and duties. The First Selectman shall be the chief executive officer of the town and the town agent and shall devote [his] full time to the duties of [his] the office. The First Selectman shall be an ex-officio member on all town boards, commissions and agencies and shall participate without vote unless otherwise provided by law. Except for the Board of Education, Board of Estimate and Taxation and Finance Department, the First Selectman shall have the authority to call meetings with all town boards, commissions, agencies and departments or their directors, superintendents or other responsible officials to review financial reports and monitor spending in accordance with the approved budget, to review and monitor the implementation of operations plans and to coordinate town operations where responsibility may lie with more than one town department, board or office.
(c) Board of Selectmen. The two selectmen other than the First Selectman who are elected as provided in this Charter shall, together with the First Selectman, constitute the board of selectmen. The First Selectman shall chair the board of selectmen. The First Selectman shall hold at least one meeting each month with the other selectmen for the purpose of keeping them generally informed of the business of the town. Upon five days’ written notice to the First Selectman, either of the two selectmen may place an item on the agenda of a meeting, which item shall be germane to the duties and responsibilities of the board of selectmen. Minutes of such meetings shall be taken and made available for public inspection. The First Selectman shall designate one of the other selectmen to act in [his] the place and stead of the First Selectman during [his] the absence or disability of the First Selectman. Such selectman when so acting shall have all of the powers and duties of the First Selectman.
[(c)] [d] Compensation of First Selectman and selectmen. The First Selectman shall be paid a salary appropriate for the chief executive officer and town agent, and the other two selectmen shall be paid salaries commensurate with their duties and responsibilities, but the salary of each of the two selectmen shall be no less than ten percent of the salary of the First Selectman, subject to the approval of appropriations by the Representative Town Meeting pursuant to Section 23 of the Charter. Provision for such salaries shall be included in the budget report submitted annually by the First Selectman to the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
(additions bold; deletions [brackets])
The foregoing proposal for home rule action requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Representative Town Meeting and approval at a referendum.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Separate enclosure
DEPARTMENT: Selectman
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Legislative & Rules, Town Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
Resolved that Section 38 of the Town of Greenwich Charter be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 38. Elective officers; terms.
(a) There shall be an election in the Town of Greenwich on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in odd-numbered years. At each such election[s only] the following officers shall be elected: members of the Representative Town Meeting, [a First Selectman, two (2) Selectmen,] five (5) members of the Board of [Tax Review] Assessment Appeals, a Tax Collector, a Town Clerk, seven (7) Constables, twelve (12) members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and members of the Board of Education. At the election scheduled in November of 2005 and at the election scheduled for each four years thereafter, there shall be elected a First Selectman and two (2) Selectmen.
(b) The First Selectman and the Selectmen shall hold office for four (4) years from the first day of December following their election and until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified. All other officers elected under the provisions of this act shall hold office for two (2) years from January 1 following their election and until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified, except members of the Board of Education, whose terms shall be as prescribed by law and who shall serve until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified [and except the First Selectman and Selectmen who shall hold office for two (2) years from the first day of December following their election and until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of office of the First Selectman and Selectmen elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1977 shall commence January 1, 1978 and shall expire November 30, 1979, or at such later date as the successors shall be elected and shall have qualified].
(additions bold; deletions [brackets])
The foregoing proposal for home rule action requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Representative Town Meeting and approval at a referendum.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Separate enclosure
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard V. Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 2-1-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term expiring 3/31/06.
EDMOND A. KAVOUNAS
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Edmond A. Kavounas. 99 Birch Lane, Greenwich. Renomination as a regular member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term expiring 3/31/06.
BA – Cornell University – JD – Fordham University.
Presently, President Real Estate Investment Company. Member of this Board since 1996 – Chair since 1998. Member, Democratic Town Committee.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard V. Bergstresser 622-7710
First Select man
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 2-0-1
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term expiring 3/31/06.
RICHARD MAITLAND
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Richard Maitland. 2 Tomney Road, Greenwich. New nomination as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term expiring 3/31/06.
Bach./Arch, Master/Architecture. Retired – Maitland/Strauss Architects. Member of Central/Eastern Middle School Building Committee.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term expiring 3/31/04.
MARTIN KAGAN
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Martin Kagan. 32 Lockwood Avenue, Old Greenwich. New nomination as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term expiring 3/31/04.
Harvard University, Diploma from Institute in Arts Administration, York University, Downsview, Ont., Masters in Environmental Studies and Waterloo Lutheran University, - Honor B.A.
Former member, California Presenters, Chair – OMG Center for Collaborative Learning, , former Chair – South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission. Member, south Pasadena Gold Line Arts Advisory Committee. Former board member – AGMA Health and Pension Fund, NY and former advisory board member – Madison National Bank, Washington, D.C.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergsstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term expiring 3/31/05.
GREG ALTZNAUER
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Greg Altznauer. 74 Evaristo Avenue, Greenwich. New nomination as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term expiring 3/31/05.
Lifelong resident. President of Friends of Greenwich Point. Active in Y.M.C.A. child care and Hamilton Avenue PTA. Twenty years + software executive.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Land Use Committee
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term expiring 3/31/05.
JOHN R. CONTE
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
John R. Conte. 32 Dairy Road, Greenwich. New nomination as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term expiring 3/31/05.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design – Professional development courses in Horticulture and Design. S.U.N.Y. at Farmingdale – Associate Degree.
CT State licensed Landscape Architect, CT State Licensed Arborist. Principle, Chief Landscape Architect – Conte & Conte, LLC. Board member – Boy Scouts of America, Greenwich Green and Clean, Family Centers, Inc. and past Planning Council member – United Way.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Land Use Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term expiring 3/31/08.
JAY M. HAVERSON
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Jay M. Haverson. 12 Stoney Ridge Lane, Greenwich. New nomination as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term expiring 3/31/08.
Bachelor of Architecture degree, Magna Cum Laude – Syracuse University, Master of Architecture – Columbia University.
Previously served onTown School Building Committees, taught architecture at Greenwich Academy , participated in Arts Alive – EMS and was 2002 award winner working with students of Brunswick School in CanStruction – fundraiaser for the Connecticut Food Bank.
DEPARTMENT: Board of Estimate & Taxation
CONTACT: Ed Gomeau – 622-7720
REFERRED TO: Finance, Legislative & Rules Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
Resolved, that Section 2 of the Town of Greenwich Charter be and the same is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 2. Membership; qualification.
(a) The Board of Estimate and Taxation shall consist of twelve (12) electors nominated and elected at large. Members shall be sworn, and shall hold office for two (2) years from January 1 following their election and until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified.
(b) They shall be taxpayers, shall hold no other elective office in the Town government, and shall serve without pay.
(c) Members of the Board of Selectmen shall be ex-officio members, without vote, of the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
(additions bold)
The foregoing proposal for home rule action requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Representative Town Meeting and approval at a referendum.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Separate enclosure
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Legislative & Rules, Parks & Recreation Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
To consider and act upon the following resolution requested by the Board of Selectmen:
Resolved, that Section 7-25 of the Greenwich Municipal Code be and is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 7-25. Pets.
No owners, keeper or person having charge of a dog or other animal shall permit or allow or be responsible for permitting or allowing such dog or animal to run loose or roam at large at any time upon any park, with the exception of off-leash dog park areas as designated by the Director, or to injure, chase, harass or otherwise disturb any person or any species of wildlife. Nothing herein shall prevent the Director from prohibiting dogs or other animals from specific parks, recreational places or facilities, buildings or structures or any part thereof.
(Additions in bold )
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
The Board of Selectmen finds and determines that dog owners and handlers constitute a significant group of users of Town parks and the Town wishes to establish an area in its parks specifically designated and designed for off-leash use by dogs and their owners and handlers for recreation, socialization, exercise and training.
The establishment of off-leash areas will afford dog owners and handlers with appropriate locations in the Town to socialize their dogs, reduce the number of off-leash dogs in other locations throughout the Town; encourage responsible pet ownership, and promote public health and safety.
ATTACHMENTS
None
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard V. Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Finance, Health & Human Services Committee
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0-0
To consider and act upon the following resolution requested by the First Selectman:
RESOLVED, pursuant to State Public Act No. 95-268, An Act concerning Neighborhood Assistance, the programs set out in the Explanatory Comments (attached) and complete applications filed in the Town Clerk’s office are hereby approved for the purpose of encouraging business contributions to non-profit organizations and government agencies providing important services in Greenwich.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
The Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act provides tax credits for businesses that contribute to community programs that have received both municipal and state approval. The programs include providing neighborhood assistance, job training or education, community services, crime prevention, energy conservation, or construction or rehabilitation of dwelling units for families of low and moderate income in the State.
Municipalities interested in submitting programs for inclusion in the 2003 program must hold a public hearing on their proposals, and the legislative body of each municipality must also vote to approve the programs. The programs should be detailed on the proposal forms. When the tax exempt organization and/or municipal agency receives both municipal and state approval for its proposed program(s), it is then up to that organization to secure funding for the approved program(s) from businesses, which in turn will receive a tax credit from the State of Connecticut. Basically, it is a way to give corporations and businesses an incentive to give money to non-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations and government agencies that aid the community.
Submitted for your approval for 2003 are 19 programs from 11 organizations with a total funding of $888,054.00.
ATTACHMENTS
List of 2003 applicants. A complete set of applications with program information are available in the Town Clerk’s Office.
DEPARTMENT: FLEET DEPARTMENT 2003 APRIL 22
REFERRED TO: Public Works Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $30,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to the account number identified below:
380-51100 Payments for Overtime Services $30,000
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Heavy overtime incurred during snowstorms and coverage for three (3) mechanics on light duty.
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department 0306denn
CONTACT: Chief Dan Warzoha Contact's phone #622-3951
REFERRED TO: Finance, Town Services Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $107,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to the account number identified below:
Z 206-59120-23051 Automotive - Haz Mat/Command Post $107,000
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
On May 8, 2003, the Purchasing Department opened bids for a new Hazardous Materials/Command Post unit. The Fire Department had budgeted $410,000 for the purchase of this vehicle. Pricing came in at $107,000 over budget. Some of the increase is due to new EPA diesel engine emissions standards. The remaining cost increase is the result of outfitting and engineering of the Command Post module of the vehicle which is designed to run fire-ground operations, hazardous material incidents, arson and fire investigations and provide communications interoperability.
ATTACHMENTS
DEPARTMENT: Fire Department 0306denn
CONTACT: Chief Dan Warzoha Contact's phone #622-3951
REFERRED TO: Town Services Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $21,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to the account number identified below:
Z 206-59120-23050 Automotive – Pierce Pumper $21,000
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
On May 8, 2003, the Purchasing Department opened bids for a new rescue pumper. The Fire Department had budgeted $401,000 for this purchase. Pricing for the unit came in $21,000 over budget. Cost increases were due to new EPA regulations regarding diesel engine emission standards. This change has required re-engineering of the engine and transmission components on the fire truck. The associated costs, plus a general price increase, have been passed along to the customer creating the $21,000 short fall.
ATTACHMENTS
DEPARTMENT: Board of Estimate & Taxation
CONTACT: Ed Gomeau – 622-7720
REFERRED TO: Finance, Legislative & Rules, Transportation Committees
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation
Resolved, that Sections 125, 142 and 145 of the Town of Greenwich Charter be and the same are hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 125. Determination of allotments; notice; amounts.
(a) All allotments by the Board of Estimate and Taxation from funds appropriated for the acquisition of improvements of public parking areas shall be allotted by seven (7) affirmative votes of the Board of Estimate and Taxation. In making any such allotment, the Board of Estimate and Taxation shall by seven (7) affirmative votes determine:
(1) What portion, if any, of such cost shall be reimbursed to the Town by the assessment of benefits in the manner hereinafter provided and the parking district to be benefited by such acquisition or improvement, and to be assessed for such benefits. In its determination of the area or areas of benefit, the Board of Estimate and Taxation may divide the same into benefit zones or sub-areas of benefit and may determine what portion in percentage of the total amount to be assessed as benefits shall be made a charge upon and apportioned by the Condemnation Commission over and upon each benefit zone or sub-area of benefit in proportion to the benefit received; and
(2) What portion, if any, of such cost shall be reimbursed to the Town by the laying and levying of taxes in the manner hereinafter provided and the parking district to be served by such acquisition or improvement, and to be taxed therefore.[;and]
[(3) What portion, if any, of net revenues to be derived from parking meters on the highways or public parking areas within any such parking district shall be applied on account of the portion of the cost determined to be reimbursed by the laying and levying of taxes as aforesaid.]
(b) Public notice of the meeting at which any such allotment and determinations are to be considered shall be given at least ten (10) days before the meeting by publishing a copy thereof in a newspaper having circulation in the Town.
( c) No appropriation or allotment of more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the acquisition or improvement of any parking area shall become effective until it and such determinations of the Board of Estimate and Taxation shall be approved by the Representative Town Meeting. The Town Meeting shall have power to increase but may not decrease the portion of cost to be reimbursed. [and may decrease, but not increase, the portion of such meter revenues to be so applied.] The approval of the Representative Town Meeting shall not be required for any appropriation or allotment of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or less nor for such determinations of the Board of estimate and taxation with respect thereto.
(d) All determinations made under this Section may be revised from time to time in the same manner in which the original determinations are to be made hereunder.
(additions bold; deletions [brackets])
Sec. 142. Parking Fund; use.
(a) A separate fund shall be established and maintained by the Town to account for:
(1) All amounts appropriated by the Town for the operation and maintenance of public parking areas, for the payment of principal of and interest on any notes and bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this Article, and all amounts allotted by the Town for the acquisition and improvement of public parking areas;
(2) All amounts collected as parking assessments, including interest;
(3) All taxes levied under the provisions of this Article, including interest;
(4) The balance of a[A]ll parking revenues, including meter revenues, collected prior to July 1,2004;
(5) The proceeds of all notes and bonds issued under this Article, and,
(6) All interest received on moneys in this Fund.
(b) The amounts received shall be used:
(1) For the acquisition or improvement of public parking areas;
(2) To reimburse the Town for any amounts advanced from the general fund for such purposes to the extent of funds not contributed by the Town for such purposes;
(3) To pay the capital expenses [of operation and maintenance] of the public parking areas; and
(4) To pay the principal of and interest on any notes and bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this Article.
(c) An allotment for any such acquisition or improvement shall continue in force until the cost thereof has been certified by the Comptroller. At that time the unencumbered balance of any such allotment shall be returned to the unappropriated surplus of the Parking Fund.
(additions bold; deletions [brackets])
Sec. 145. Parking meters; revenues.
(a) For purposes of traffic control and to provide adequate parking both on and off street, the Board of Selectmen shall have authority to acquire parking meters by purchase or lease, upon such terms as to the Board shall seem best, and to install, maintain, repair and operate such parking meters on such public highways within the Town and parking lots and other areas owned by the Town which to the Board shall seem necessary, and to establish such rates in the operation of any such meters in furtherance of the purposes above set forth which to the Board shall seem proper.
(b) Parking meter revenues collected commencing July 1,2004 shall [first] be placed in the general fund of the Town to be used, with the other general receipts of the Town, to fund appropriations [used] to pay the cost of acquiring, operating, maintaining and repairing the parking meters and [and any surplus shall be used to pay] other expenses in aid of traffic control, including the acquisition and operation of other parking and traffic control devices, and the acquisition, improvement and maintenance of parking lots or other off-street parking areas.
(additions bold; deletions [brackets]
The foregoing proposal for home rule action requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Representative Town Meeting and approval at a referendum.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Separate enclosure
DEPARTMENT: Public Works 0306PW01
REFERRED TO: Public Works Committee
VOTES: Board of Selectman 3-0-0
Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $25,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Public Works Account No. Z301-59950-23172, known as “King Street Traffic Interchange Study.”
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
The Town of Greenwich and the Village of Rye Brook New York are in the process of seeking consulting services to study traffic improvements to the interchange at King Street and Route 15, Merritt Parkway. The estimated cost is $50,000, to be shared equally by both communities. Therefore, this is to request a new appropriation of $25,000 as the town’s share of the study. Below is an explanation of this proposed work.
Problem Statement
In 1992, the NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) initiated a study to reduce accidents and improve safety through traffic operational mitigation measures at the Hutchinson River Parkway, Merritt Parkway and King Street interchange located in the Village of Rye Brook, New York State and the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut.
A project to improve this interchange was designed by NYSDOT, presented to the residents of Rye Brook and Greenwich, and because of community opposition and lack of consensus, the project was discontinued and funding withdrawn.
In 2001, a concerted effort was made by the municipal officials in both Rye Brook and Greenwich to revisit the traffic safety concerns at this interchange. Meetings were held with representatives from both communities, Westchester County, NYSDOT and ConnDOT regarding this endeavor. At this time, NYSDOT advised all of the participating agencies that no further staffing or funds would be dedicated to this endeavor until such time as a consensus has been reached with both communities on a conceptual design.
Study Objective
Both the communities of Rye Brook and Greenwich remain concerned about the serious safety and operational issues at this interchange. Rye Brook and Greenwich wish to have an in depth assessment to the problem through an intensive community outreach program and develop a recommended concept to be presented to both NYSDOT and ConnDOT. To accomplish the study objective these communities seek the professional services of a consultant knowledgeable with experience in public sector facilitation and a strong background in traffic engineering and transportation.
Time Schedule
The final reports and supporting documentation shall be completed for each effort within six (6) months from the date of authorization to proceed. All proposals must include a time line indicating the estimated completion dates for each of the tasks. Should delays be experienced because of unforeseen events or problems the time may be adjusted by mutual agreement. The Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich shall be the final authority for any adjustment to the schedule.
Project Budget
The budget for this project shall not exceed $50,000.00 (fifty thousand dollars).
Criteria for Evaluation of Proposal
The Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich have determined that it would be in the best interest to award the contract for the work specified to an individual, firm or organization with a proven record in the consulting field. Consideration will include, but not be limited to, the following criteria:
(1) Experience and expertise of the firm, including a list of at least three (3) similar projects performed by the firm within the last five (5) years, with a brief description of the projects and a contact number and a description of the experience relating to facilitation, traffic and transportation expertise.
(2) The name, responsibilities, training and experience of the key staff assigned to the study should be included.
(3) In depth discussion of study scope and consultant’s approach to performing the work, including dealing with specific local conditions, constraints and opportunities.
(4) Organization chart and proposed project schedule.
Attendance at Meetings
It will be necessary for the consultant to attend meetings to work with Village, Town staff and committee members to present findings of the study. Attendance at evening meetings will be required, as well as written minutes of meeting.
Scope of Services
* The consultant shall provide a detailed approach utilizing creative measures to achieve the stated Study Objective, while keeping within the guidelines of good engineering practices.
* These measures will be thoroughly detailed in both the positive and negative aspects of the recommended measures.
* The project goals must further include a detailed out reach program containing a firm understanding of problem issues and recommended strategies to mitigate these problems and concerns.
The following broad outline is suggested as a guide for development of the scope and should be considered by the Consultant.
Task 1 Existing Data Collection:
The Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich will supply the following data for this project:
1. Design as prepared by NYSDOT including:
a. Draft Design Report
b. Environmental Assessment Document
c. Technical Memorandum
1. Intersection Traffic Counts August 1, 2001 –August 9, 2001
2. Minutes of any Public Meetings held in the Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich.
Task 2 Public Outreach:
The consultant shall develop a program for extensive community involvement in this process. Groups to be involved in the process but not limited to are as follows:
* Arbors Homeowners Association
* Belle Fair Homeowners Association
* Blind Brook School Board
* Doral Greens Homeowners Association
* Glenville Homeowners Association
* King Merritt Association
* King Street Resident Association
* Northwest Greenwich Association
Once final consensus is reached a detailed presentation of the findings shall be presented to the Board of Trustees, Village of Rye Brook, the Board of Selectmen, Town of Greenwich, NYSDOT and ConnDOT. By mutual agreement this can be done separately or in various combinations. The Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich reserve the right to make this final determination.
Task 3 Analysis of Interchange Conditions:
The consultant shall consider all Task 1 data provided and input received during the course of the community outreach program. Strong consideration should be afforded to 1) traffic signal option and 2) roundabout concept as developed by NYSDOT. However, the consultant is encouraged to explore after all information is reviewed and collected.
Task 4 Recommendations of Improvement Strategies:
The consultant shall then provide a detailed list of recommendations to accomplish the objective.
Task 5 Reports:
The consultant shall provide at a minimum a Draft-Final Report, Final Report and minutes of all meetings. Fifteen (30) hard copies and two (2) electronic copies shall be provided.
DELIVERABLES
The consultant is expected to provide in their detailed scope a plan to accomplish these objectives. This plan shall be designed to determine and address concerns, document the program and provide a direction to be presented to both NYSDOT and ConnDOT. The final product shall be an easily understood document, graphic in nature, which will enable the Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich to move forward.
Ownership of the Work
The final reports, maps. Plans and supporting documentation shall belong to the Village of Rye Brook and the Town of Greenwich.
Submission of Proposal
Please submit six (6) copies of the submitted proposals to the following address by May 22, 2003 10:00 am:
Mr. Christopher J. Bradbury
Village Administrator
Village of Rye Brook
938 King Street
Rye Brook, New York 10573
Inquires
Questions regarding this request for proposal may arise as firms prepare their submittals. For answers to questions or to request clarification, please contact:
Mr. Richard A. Doll
Signal Systems Engineer
Department of Public Works
NOTE: This project will be awarded based upon both municipalities having the necessary funding in place prior to time of award.
ATTACHMENTS
None
DEPARTMENT: Public Works 0306PW01
CONTACT: Joseph P. Roberto, Highway Supt. (203) 622-7763
REFERRED TO: Finance, Public Works Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $64,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Public Works Account No. Z312-59120-23173, known as “Tractor Loader with Mower Attachment.”
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
This request is for a new appropriation of $64,000 to purchase a replacement tractor loader with mower attachment for the Highway Division. The reason for this request is the tractor loader’s destruction by fire. Funds are provided from the Risk Management Fund since the 2002-03 budget appropriation for Self Insurance Risk Retention claims is almost exhausted and also the size of this claim is greater than those normally reimbursed from the Self Insurance claims appropriation.
In July 2002, Highway Tractor Loader D0054 caught fire and was completely destroyed while cutting grass along the roadside. Fortunately there were no injuries. The tractor loader is used year round for roadside mowing during the summer, leaf collection in the fall, and it is fitted with a snowplow for the winter. It must be replaced and its absence this past year required equipment rentals.
Risk Management was promptly notified of the loss. Salvage value of $3,010 was deposited with Purchasing Dept. upon sale of salvage on 10/24/02 (A106-49212, Sale of Town Equipment). This claim was originally filed and denied under the Auto Physical damage coverage because the Insurance Co. argued it was a vehicle and it had a license plate on it. It is not on the schedule of vehicles covered. (Threshold is approx. over $50,000). Risk Management relentlessly pursued this under the All Risk Property coverage arguing it was movable equipment until the Town was ultimately reimbursed for $26,763 on or about March 31, 2003.
The Highway Superintendent, Fleet Director, and Purchasing Department prepared bid specifications for this replacement equipment while the insurance claim was being processed. Bid # 3924 was received on January 22, 2003, and the apparent low bidder meeting specifications is Stanton Equipment, Inc., from East Windsor, Connecticut. The tractor is a John Deere 5520, with John Deere Loader 541, and Tiger Mower attachment. The bid price is $62,211. On May 1, 2003, a 2% price increase will occurred thereby bringing the outlay to $63,455, (say) $64,000. Stanton Equipment, Inc., remains the low bidder. Once the order is placed, delivery will occur in 10 to 12 weeks.
ATTACHMENTS
None
DEPARTMENT: Public Works 0306PW01
REFERRED TO: Finance, Public Works Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $800,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Public Works Account No. Z345-59650-23013, known as “Cos Cob Fire Station Interior Upgrade.”
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
This is to request an additional appropriation of $800,000 to execute the contract for the Cos Cob Fire Station Interior Upgrade budgeted at $450,000 in FY 02-03. The entire project’s cost will be $1,250,000 that includes, furnishings per bid # 3951received on May 12, 2003.
The work is over budget for reasons later explained. As part of the Town Building Master Plan, the four fire stations, Cos Cob, Glenville, Sound Beach and Byram are scheduled for rehabilitation. Each of these buildings is in the highest grouping of important town buildings and individually each has a poor building condition score.
The Cos Cob Fire Station has been in service since 1922 and its unique architectural style prompted its placement on the State of Connecticut list of historic buildings. Except for an addition constructed in 1969, the station has operated in the same configuration and with original building systems although the technology of fire fighting has greatly advanced. The town has undertaken projects to protect the exterior of the building, however, the interior which directly supports the fire department operations, has not been altered since the building was constructed. Inspections of the interior space have found an outdated and uncontrollable steam heating system, improperly placed window air-conditioning units which cause deterioration to the casement windows and surrounding masonry, an outdated and overburdened electrical distribution and lighting system, large areas of under utilized space, and asbestos containing materials.
The proposed new building layout relocates the dormitory to the first floor, which allows quick and unobstructed access to the apparatus, and also improves general living conditions by providing a new dayroom/kitchen area and new toilets and showers. Because the Volunteers Meeting Room is on the second floor, the building will be fully A.D.A. assessable through the installation of an elevator or wheelchair lift option. All the building support systems, plumbing, electrical, heating, etc., will be replaced as well as the installation of insulating material in the exterior walls and ceilings for energy conservation.
As to the increase in cost estimate, $35,000 was appropriated in FY 01-02 for the Cos Cob Fire Station Interior Upgrade Design. Completion of the design overlapped the following year budget cycle causing DPW to submit an estimated cost for rehabilitation in FY 02-03 based on preliminary information. During the design period, after the $450,000 budget request had been submitted, five prominent factors surfaced that are driving the increase in the project’s work scope and cost as follows:
1. The building’s location in the AE12 flood zone required a much greater work scope to include complete replacement of the building’s primary and secondary electrical system.
2. The need to provide A.D.A. access to the second floor meeting room.
3. The wide use in the building of asbestos containing materials and the cost to abate.
4. The discovery of two complete ceilings in the apparatus garage and the need to remove both of them.
5. The cost of retaining use of the station by the Fire Department during construction.
Each of the above issues has been addressed to minimize the cost of the project, but they have not been eliminated, thereby requiring additional funding.
ATTACHMENTS
None
DEPARTMENT: Law Department
CONTACT: John Wetmore – 622-7876
REFERRED TO: Finance, Legislative & Rules Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $250,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Account No. 140-51400, “Law Department – Professional and Other Special Services, Legal.”
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
We respectfully request the additional sum of $250,000 be appropriated to Account 140-51400 (outside legal services) for the 2002-03 fiscal year. Through March 31, 2003, this office has expended nearly $327,000 over two fiscal years on the Morgan v. Town of Greenwich et al. lawsuit.
As you are aware, this office’s total outside counsel budget is $300,000. At this point in the fiscal year, this office has expended approximately $293,000. Almost $175,600 of that figure has been spent on the case noted above. Outside counsel was retained to handle this matter because a conflict of interest existed that prevented the Town Attorney’s office from representing the named defendants.
This department fully anticipates that based on the current status of the Morgan litigation matter, an additional appropriation may be necessary to fund this matter through the end of the fiscal year. In preparing this year’s budget, we sought additional amounts to pay for the anticipated expenditure. That additional fund request was deleted with advice from the Board of Estimate and Taxation that if this department determined that additional funds were needed during the course of the year, an interim appropriation could be submitted.
DEPARTMENT: Perrot Memorial Library - 710 N-1
CONTACT: Kevin McCarthy (203) 637-1066
REFERRED TO: Education Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate and Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $10,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to Account 710-54350 - Perrot Memorial Library.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
The Perrot Memorial Library experienced greater than anticipated snow removal expense during the winter of FY 2002-03. We need the additional appropriation to meet our operating costs for the remainder of FY 2003.
Attachments
None.
DEPARTMENT: Nathaniel Witherell 0306NW01
REFERRED TO: Finance, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $773,3000 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to the account number identified below:
51000 Salary & Fees Expense $773,300
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
ATTACHMENTS
Nathaniel Witherell
Request for Budget Appropriation
51000 Salary & Fees Expense
Notes
0306NW01 Requested Amount $773,300
1. Regular Salaries – The budget for regular salaries is $7,496,000 for the current year. Due to a number of unfilled positions, primarily in the Nursing Department, it is estimated that expenditures will be $312,000 less than the budget by year-end.
2. Overtime – It is estimated that fiscal year ‘03 overtime expenditures of $1,354,800 will exceed the budget of $1,014,800 by $340,000. This overage is a function of a miscast budget followed by a lack of management control during the year.
The overtime budget should have approximated $1,158,000. This means that before the fiscal year started, the budget was $150,000 lower than the predictable overtime for vacations, sick and holiday coverage.
Aside from the budgetary overtime shortfall, a lack of management systems and data caused $190,000 in additional overtime overage.
The staff vacancies stemmed from two main causes. First, the Town of Greenwich early retirement incentive program implemented at the end fiscal year ’02 led to six nursing department openings at Nathaniel Witherell. Secondly, nursing attrition from relocations, maternity leaves and other causes was higher than typical historical experience for the facility.
3. Part Time Staffing – As staff openings occurred in nursing and other departments, permanent full-time openings persisted. To fill the need, the part time staff grew and they worked a greater number of hours. Whereas the part time staffing budget is $1,244,300, expenditures are estimated to amount to $1,585,300 by the conclusion of the fiscal year. The difference is a $341,000 shortfall.
4. Nursing Pool – As a last resort, Nathaniel Witherell has to pay for nursing pool nurses to fill the daily licensed nurse schedule. Agency nurses currently cost around $45 per hour plus differentials for off-shift, weekend and holiday time. When regular staff and part time staff are unavailable at regular or overtime rates of pay, pool nurses are retained. The budget of $215,600 for pool nurses was less than needed by approximately $141,000. In addition, its usage was poorly managed, accounting for the remainder of the anticipated fiscal year ‘03 overage of $268,000.
5. Therapy Costs – Historically Nathaniel Witherell employed and retained a number of licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists plus rehabilitation aides. One month before the initiation of fiscal year ’03, Nathaniel Witherell’s registered physical therapist took advantage of the Town of Greenwich’s early retirement incentive program. Meanwhile, the facility planned to contract with Greenwich Hospital to staff its rehabilitation program. To tide the Witherell therapy department over until the Greenwich Hospital contract was struck, a number of physical, occupational and speech consulting therapists were retained, including the retired Nathaniel Witherell physical therapist.
At the beginning of 2003, the town granted a $145,000 supplemental appropriation to pay for the anticipated Greenwich Hospital contract. This increased the budget for rehabilitation to $293,000. As that contract has not yet been signed, it is estimated that $32,000 in lower net expenditures will be spent.
6. HDS Food Service – The total request is for $52,000. In March or April 2002 a decision was made to add one position to HDS staffing at a cost of $35,000. The position added was Dietary office manager. The budget was also short $17,000 for budgeted taxes and benefits.
7. Financial Consulting – The FY02 budget for financial consulting (non-CON) is $100,000. The amount anticipated to be spent for the year is $168,100, or $68,100 over the budget. Of the additional amount, $56,400 has been invoiced and paid and $11,700 anticipated to be spent during the remainder of the fiscal year. The additional expenses incurred were for the training of the Director of Finance, union labor relations reviews and suggestions, negotiations and recommendations for the establishment of a rehabilitation contract with Greenwich Hospital, review of HDS spending and other tasks requested by the Board. The overspending in this account has been stopped.
8. Agency Hiring Fees – There was no budget for agency and hiring fees included in the 2003 budget. Due to the early retirement incentive program offered by the Town of Greenwich and the general nursing shortage, Nathaniel Witherell experiences chronic nurse job openings. Adequate numbers of nurses from the local job market are unavailable. To fill some of the openings, the services of an agency were used to retain foreign trained nurses. The cost was $28,000 year to date. In addition it is anticipated that three more hires will be made before the end of the fiscal year, at an additional cost of $9,000.
The Admissions Department utilized a temporary agency person to assist the admissions director at a cost of $16,800.
9. Prior Year Expenditures – In the first quarter of 2003 an appropriation for the funding of prior year expenses was approved. The request contained paid expenses but also some encumbered funds. On reviewing the funds requested related to the encumbered, it was determined that they need not be paid. They were cancelled and therefore $6,100 is being returned to the town.
DEPARTMENT: Nathaniel Witherell 0306NW02
REFERRED TO: Finance, Health & Human Services Committee
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $73,800 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to the account number identified below:
52000 Service Expense $73,800
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
ATTACHMENTS
Nathaniel Witherell
Request for Budget Appropriation
52000 Service Expense
Notes
0306NW02 Requested Amount $73,800
1. Nurse Relocation - As there is a serious shortage of nurses in the Greenwich area, a two-year contract was signed to secure the services of four foreign trained RNs. The cost for their relocation is $12,800. It is anticipated that three more positions will likewise be filled before June 30, 2003, at an additional cost of $9,000.
Currently there are five open nursing positions at Nathaniel Witherell.
2. Telephone Expense - In 2002 The Nathaniel Witherell phone system was converted form its existing stand-alone phone system to the town system. In the transition a new switch was installed along with 75 new phone sets, 200 additional phone numbers, and an expansion in the number of trunk lines. The phone budget for 2003 was set at $51,000, $7,000 less than the previous year actual expenditures and $17,000 less than the projection for this year.
3. Interim Executive Director – Because of the leadership transition that has taken place at Nathaniel Witherell, it was necessary to find a temporary replacement. The funds were transferred from the appropriated amount in this account and moved to account 51300 (Part Time Staff) in the amount of $35,000. The funds in this account need to be replenished for the full amount of $35,000.
A buyout of the DVI bed rental agreement is scheduled for June 2003. The total cost of the buyout is $46,000.
DEPARTMENT: Nathaniel Witherell 0306NW03
REFERRED TO: Finance, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Estimate & Taxation 12-0-0
RESOLVED, that the sum of $32,300 be and the same is hereby appropriated to be added to the account number identified below:
53000 Supplies Expense $32,300
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
ATTACHMENTS
Nathaniel Witherell
Request for Budget Appropriation
53000 Supplies Expense
Notes
0306NW03 Requested Amount $32,300
1. Dietary Food/Supplies/Supplements - The non-labor cost of the food service operation is anticipated to be in excess of the Fiscal Year 2003 budget of $464,000 by $17,400 (3.8%). Additional amounts requested by object code are Food $2,500, Supplies, $9,400 and Food Supplements $5,500.
The occupancy in the nursing home was budgeted at 97.0% year-to-date while occupancy has averaged 98.1%, an increase of 1.1%. The cost of food and food supplements is over budget by 1.9%. When the 2003 budget was developed, it was prior to the HDS food service agreement and was the best information available at the time.
When the town imposed water restrictions last summer, the facility stopped running its dishwashers and used plastic and paper for food service, causing the supply budget to be overspent.
2 . Medical Surgical Supplies – Prescription and non-prescription medication dispensed to patients will be approximately $15,000 over a budget of $457,000 (3.3%). A combination of volume and price increases account for the overage.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Richard V. Bergstresser 622-7710
REFERRED TO: Appointments, Health & Human Services Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 2-1-0
RESOLVED, that the following named person, nominated by the Board of Selectmen, be appointed a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term expiring 3/31/06.
RONALD B. DRESKIN
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Ronald B. Dreskin. 55 Indian Field Road, Greenwich. New nomination as a regular member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term expiring 3/31/06.
Masters degree in Business Administration and over 17 years of senior financial and operational experience in field of healthcare. Previously served as faculty member of Columbia University School of Public Health. Previously served as Senior Vice President at CPMC as Executive Director of the Allen Pavilion, a full service 300 bed community hospital in NYC.
ATTACHMENTS
None
DEPARTMENT: Office of the First Selectman
REFERRED TO: Finance, Legislative & Rules, Town Services, Labor Contracts
VOTES:
RESOLVED, that the sum of $450,428 for the fiscal year 2002/03 be and the same is hereby appropriated to carry out the terms of the labor settlement between the Town of Greenwich and LIUNA Local 136.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Representative Town Meeting of the Town of Greenwich hereby approves such provisions of the labor settlement, if any, which may be in conflict with any charter provision, special act, ordinance, rule or regulation of the Town of Greenwich within the meaning of Connecticut General Statutes, Section 7-474 ( c).
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
The collective bargaining agreement between the Town and LIUNA Local 136 expired on June 30, 2002. The Town and LIUNA have reached an agreement for a successor agreement covering the three-year period July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2005.
The general wage increases of 3.25% effective July 1, 2002, 3.0% effective July 1, 2003 and 3.0% effective July 1, 2004 are fair to both the employees and taxpayers being within the parameters negotiated with comparable employees and other Town bargaining units. A number of provisions pertaining to Nathaniel Witherell were negotiated to meet its needs in remaining competitive in its industry including: effective July 1, 2003 all nursing classification will be placed on a separate salary and compensation schedule, flexibility in scheduling nursing employees; competitive hourly rates for part time nurses; and the subcontracting of its rehabilitation services. Effective July 1, 2004 the base salary schedule has been expanded sop that maximum salary is reached over nine (9) years rather than the current seven (7) years. This has the effect of reducing annual increments from approximately 6% to 3.2%.
The Town negotiated significant changes in medical benefits that will become effective July 1, 2003. The Town’s cost for health care will be based on the newly negotiated Point of Service Plan (POS). The Town will be responsible for 93 % of the cost of the POS will the employee paying 7% of the premium cost. An employee may continue to participate in the current PPO medical plan but must pay the difference between 93% of the POS premium and the full cost of the PPO medical plan. All employees will migrate to a new prescription drug plan that is approximately 15 % less costly then the current prescription drug plan.
Other negotiated changes include, increases to the Town’s match to employee 401-k contributions, 5 year vesting in the defined benefits retirement plan, improvements in management’s ability to regulate sick leave usage, and conditioning increments based job performance.
On balance I believe that this agreement is in the best interest of the Town and the covered employees.
ATTACHMENTS
Separate enclosure of
Comptroller Letter on cost of Contract
Cost Analysis with attachments
Summary of Negotiated Changes
DEPARTMENT: N/A
Joseph Siciliano, Director of Parks & Recreation 622-6477
REFERRED TO: Legislative & Rules, Finance, Parks & Rec Committees
VOTES: N/A
RESOLVED, that the following language is hereby adopted to become part of the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Budget Resolution:
FURTHER RESOLVED, that (a) the First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich be hereby authorized to accept receipts resulting from the activities of the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course; (b) these receipts to become appropriations upon recommendation of the First Selectman and approval of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and be added to the appropriate accounts within the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course Revolving Fund; (c) that for establishing funding for the appropriation accounts the Representative Town Meeting endorses the Department of Parks and Recreation Policy for the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course Revolving Fund.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS (Submitted by the Moderator)
At the May meeting, the RTM approved a budget of $1,526,977 for the G.E. Harris Golf Course Revolving Fund. The estimated revenues from the operation of the golf course total $1,534,846. The idea behind a “Revolving Fund” is that the operating and capital expenses of the golf course can be funded solely from the revenues generated by the golf course, thereby eliminating any contribution from the General Fund toward those expenses. In other words, the golf course is supposed to be self-supporting.
Prior to this year, it was the Moderator’s understanding that the golf course operation was otherwise subject to the basic Charter requirements for approvals of expenditures beyond those specifically set forth in the approved budget. Section 30 of the Charter provides that an appropriation in excess of the approved budget must receive the approvals of both the BET and RTM if in excess of $5,000.
The Moderator learned this year, however, that other Town officials have interpreted the language of the above resolution to mean that the RTM has given approval in advance for any interim appropriations provided that they do not exceed the amount of the revenues from the golf course operation. That is, the golf course can spend the $1,526,977 approved in the budget, and can spend an additional $1,534,846 (or whatever amount is taken in as revenue) without ever coming back to the RTM for approval!
Such an interpretation was made in a prior fiscal year when a tee renovation project was increased by approximately $63,000. No approval was sought from the RTM before that additional amount was spent.
The issue raised by this resolution is a simple one. If the RTM desires to give the golf course the ability to increase its budget over the approved $1.5 million by an amount equal to the revenues taken in during the year, without coming to the RTM for specific approval of increased spending, the RTM should adopt the resolution as presented.
The Moderator believes that such action would be a serious abdication of the RTM’s responsibility for the fiscal affairs of the Town. It is for this reason that the Moderator turned the Chair over to the Moderator Pro Tem so that he could address the motion to delete this language from the budget resolution.
If the RTM desires to hold the golf course to the requirements of the Charter regarding interim appropriations, it must amend the language of the resolution. The Moderator believes that any proposed amendment to the resolution should be drafted in committee, where all sides of the issue can be heard and all facts accurately determined.
The Moderator received a draft amendment of the resolution from Michael Ulasky, District 9. That draft is described below so that it may serve as a discussion point for the committees taking up this item:
Mr. Ulasky proposes that sections (b) and (c) of the resolution be deleted and a new section (b) be inserted as follows: (b) these receipts to be transferred to and deposited within the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course Revolving Fund as a source of cash funding.
Mr. Ulasky states that section (c) should be deleted because the Department of Parks & Recreation Policy for the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course Revolving Fund provides “that receipts become appropriations.”
As a final note, the budget resolution adopted at the May meeting contains virtually identical language regarding the School Lunch Revolving Fund. If the RTM agrees that a revolving fund is intended merely to establish a self-supporting funding mechanism, and not to create special exceptions to Charter requirements regarding expenditures in excess of an approved budget, the RTM should address the language dealing with the School Lunch Revolving Fund next year.
Hopefully, this exercise will impress upon the RTM the importance of scrutinizing the language contained in the budget resolution. The RTM should only give up responsibility granted to it knowingly and for good reason. The RTM should not be timid in rejecting proposed language that restricts its access to financial information or that gives blanket approvals to the expenditures of unknown sums of money in the future.
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