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REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING
TOWN OF GREENWICH
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS FOR
APRIL 2007 MEETING
DEPARTMENT: RTM Special Committee on The Nathaniel Witherell
CONTACT: Bob Richardson 203-531-7538
Fred DeCaro 203-943-4705
REFERRED TO: All Committees
VOTES: Special Committee 7-0-0-4 (03-15-07)
WHEREAS, the citizens of Greenwich are known for their generosity and community spirit; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Greenwich have created many well-run not-for-profit organizations that enhance our Town’s quality of life ranging from the arts and music to the most serious emergency, acute, and elder care;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it is the sense of the Representative Town Meeting, that upon completion of any renovation/construction project, The Nathaniel Witherell should be converted to a locally controlled not-for-profit organization.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
At its May budget meeting, the RTM will be asked to consider a resolution appropriating initial funding for the planning, design and construction of renovations and improvements to The Nathaniel Witherell Skilled Nursing Facility. The renovations and improvements will cost an estimated $36.8+million which is to be funded by the Town’s short-term notes and 20-year bonds.
In September 2004, when the RTM first addressed the need to rehabilitate Witherell’s physical plant and a change in governance was recommended, it was anticipated by supporters and opponents of not-for-profit governance that additional opportunities to address the governance issue would arise before appropriations for major construction were approved. The April meeting should be ideal for a thorough debate on governance, and the Special Committee has proposed this resolution in an effort to resolve the issue – one way or another – before consideration of any budget appropriations in May.
The Special Committee, in its report of August 31, 2004, made a comprehensive analysis of Witherell’s circumstances. Our analysis included research and visits with first class not-for-profit organizations in the health care field. We found that the need for a change in governance to be a principal element in preserving Witherell as a viable institution to benefit current and future residents. Since the issuance of our report, the Witherell Board has accomplished much in improving the operation of the facility, and further improve-ment is anticipated by the Board. Nonetheless, substantial subsidies from the Town have been required, and the organization has yet to break even.
Conversion to a not-for-profit upon completion of the project is still a compelling need. In an industry highly regulated by the Federal and State governments, not-for-profit status would free the organization from the limitations of municipal government and would enhance the prospects for moderating or eliminating Town subsidies in the future. The suggestion that we defer even the discussion of the governance issue until some time after 2011 when $36.8+ million will have been expended strikes us as irresponsible. It would be a recipe for going back to the old business as usual and, as such, would be a disservice to the taxpayers of Greenwich.
DEPARTMENT: Board of Education 0703ED01
REFERRED TO: Education & Finance Committees
VOTES: Board of Education 7-0-0
Board of Estimate and Taxation Pending
RESOLVED, that the sum of $482,042 is hereby appropriated to be added to account A6401792 52220- Electric Service. Said appropriation to come from Contingency.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
With detailed data on electric rate structures now available, total district electric service cost of $2,162,042 are forecast for the 2006-07 fiscal year. The resulting budget line overruns for electric service are in turn estimated at $482,042. Expenditure estimates for each of the district’s 25 accounts, encompassing eight (8) different CL&P rate structures were computed to arrive at this forecast. This estimate has been updated as of 2/28/07.
DEPARTMENT: Nathaniel Witherell 0704NW01
REFERRED TO: All Committees
VOTES: N/A
“WHEREAS, the Representative Town Meeting at its meeting on September 20, 2004, adopted a “sense of the meeting” resolution approving a construction project estimated to cost $45.2 million affecting the Nathaniel Witherell Skilled Nursing Facility, subject to a variety of recommendations and conditions proposed by a Special Committee including a recommendation that upon completion of construction the Nathaniel Witherell be transferred by the Town to a new not-for-profit corporation which would assume responsibility for its operation;
“WHEREAS, the present Board of Directors has now supervised the operations of Nathaniel Witherell for nearly 3 years, has proposed a less costly renewal project and has complied with and satisfied nearly all the recommendations and conditions set forth in the prior sense of the meeting resolution;
“WHEREAS, the present Board of Directors of Nathaniel Witherell believe, for a variety of reasons, the recommended transfer of Nathaniel Witherell to a new not-for-profit corporation is an unwise course of action.
“NOW, THEREFORE, be it
“RESOLVED that it is the Sense of the Meeting that if the Nathaniel Witherell Renewal Project currently under consideration by various Town bodies shall be approved by the appropriate authorities, the Nathaniel Witherell shall continue to be owned by the Town of Greenwich and operated as a Town Department unless the RTM shall, at a future date following completion of the Project and based upon a study of the facts then prevailing, urge that appropriate governmental bodies initiate steps to change the form of ownership and operation of Nathaniel Witherell.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
This resolution calls for the Nathaniel Witherell (“TNW”) to remain today under the Town of Greenwich ownership and operation. The resolution is proposed essentially for two reasons: first, TNW today is a fundamentally different institution than the model studied by the Special Committee nearly four years ago, and, as such, will best serve the Town of Greenwich as a Town of Greenwich enterprise; second, the Board of TNW, cognizant of the concerns voiced over the years by the Report of the Special Committee and others, has come a long way to address successfully the concerns of that Special Committee.
In 2002 the prior Board of TNW applied for a Certificate of Need to demolish the existing TNW and build a new somewhat smaller facility on the same site. In 2004 the RTM approved, in a non-binding sense of the meeting resolution, proceeding with that project at an estimated cost of $46.6 million through the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Town. A Report of a Special Committee endorsed by the RTM contained a number of conditions and recommendations, including the condition that upon the completion of construction the Town transfer TNW to a not-for-profit corporation for that organization to operate.
The current Board of TNW has acted positively on all the Special Committee’s recommendations except the last recommendation regarding the transfer to a non-profit corporation. The Board has carefully considered the Special Committee’s recommendation based on a variety of grounds it enumerated. In the first place, the Special Committee stated that TNW cannot operate effectively as a Town Department; however, what has been accomplished at TNW during the last 2 1/2 years proves that, where good management exists, any inefficiencies which may be associated with Town government can be mastered. In the second place, the Special Committee asserted that TNW cannot operate profitably as a Town Department; however, this premise is open to serious question as evidenced by the Board’s long range
business plan which projects a positive cash flow from TNW’s operations after debt. Operating results at TNW (before TOG allocations) for the seven-month period ended January~31, 2007 have increased by $403,116 in comparison to the corresponding period a year earlier. Next year’s annual budget reflects a 5.8% increase in revenues and a 5.4% decrease in expenses over the current year’s budget. In the third place, it was said that municipal ownership of TNW would make fundraising very difficult; but independent fundraising experts who looked at this question at the request of the RTM said that ownership of TNW was irrelevant~--~regardless of whether TNW is operated as a Town Department or by a new not-for-profit corporation, the Greenwich community would support it if a credible case for support could be made. That case can and is being made. Finally, but perhaps most important, the Board’s long range business plan identifies 6
key objectives and sets of strategies necessary to advance and improve services, facilities and amenities of TNW and to achieve the cash flow positive criteria required by the RTM’s 2004 sense of the meeting resolution. It is not realistic to assume that a new not-for-profit corporation would immediately step in to embrace these long range business plans and execute these strategies at the time of new occupancy in addition to taking on responsibility for the day-to-day operation. There are simply too many moving parts to hand over to a new owner/operator. The concept is likely to fail, the Town will have to step in, and the financial impediments will be so great that it is doubtful the facility will ever meet the financial strategies contemplated by the Board’s current business plan.
As with all organizations, where good management exists, most problems do not exist or can quickly be addressed. A Town owned and operated facility places the responsibility for effective management with the Town, right where it should be, next to the ultimate financial guarantor. There are other advantages in remaining a TOG Department: As a Town Department, TNW receives special respect and support from the State’s Department of Social Services. As a Town Department it enjoys the benefits of representation in Hartford by 3 Representatives and a State Senator who are sworn to represent the Town’s interests. The financing and Certificate of Need negotiations will be greatly facilitated if it is confirmed that TNW will remain a Town Department through start-up of the renewed
facility. Due to its long history as a Town Department the TNW staff shares a unique feeling of pride and ownership that translates into employment stability and an exceptional level of care. And for many prospective residents TOG ownership is an important consideration and selling point in the TNW admissions process.
The RTM should permit the present Board of TNW to be allowed to execute against its current plan. This project has been in the works for almost 7 years; there is now a viable plan that meets nearly all the criteria established over those 7 years and represents an answer to a compelling need for Greenwich frail and elderly residents. It is not only prudent but absolutely necessary that the Board now move forward. The question of governance is a very legitimate issue for the Town. Indeed, the current Board has always favored a close examination of the question. It should, however, be studied at a future date when it is possible to analyze the effects of the renewal project and the achievements of the present Board and management of TNW. Such a comprehensive and objective analysis and
assessment would make an examination of the question of ownership more fruitful and germane. As was noted above, TNW today is fundamentally different than the model studied by the Special Committee nearly four years ago.
Attachments
On file in Town Clerk’s office -
28 pages of original signed petitions by registered voters of the Town of Greenwich,
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Ed Gomeau 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 3/31/10.
KATHRIN D. BROWN
Explanatory Comments
Kathrin D. Brown. 399 Riversville Road, Greenwich. New nomination as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term expiring 3/31/10.
B.A. Smith College, Certificate in Landscape Design, New York Botanical Garden.
Principal – Katie Brown Landscape Design. Board member of Garden Education Center.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: Ed Gomeau 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 3/31/11.
ANNE YOUNG
Explanatory Comments
Anne Young. 11 Ledge Road, Old Greenwich. New nomination as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission for a term expiring 3/31/11.
Master of Science in Information Science, University at Albany, American Arts Course, Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Bachelor of Science, Public Relations – Boston University.
Presently, Curator or Archives, Historical Society of Town of Greenwich. Past Junior League of Greenwich.
DEPARTMENT: Selectmen
CONTACT: James A. Lash 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 Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term expiring 3/31/010.
PATRICIA BURNS
Explanatory Comments
282 Taconic Road, Greenwich. New nomination as a regular member of the Nathaniel Witherell Board for a term expiring 3/31/10.
BA, NYU. Director - Product Development- Estee Lauder, Inc.
Red Cross Board Member, Co-Chair of Financial Development, United Way Board Member – Co-Chair Women’s Initiative/Sole Sisters, Junior League Sustainer Board, and member Breast Cancer Alliance Luncheon/Raffle
DEPARTMENT: First Selectman
Abby Wadler 622-787
REFERRED TO: Legislative & Rules & Parks & Recreation Committees
VOTES: Board of Selectmen 3-0
RESOLVED,that the town of Greenwich acting through its First Selectman enter into a lease agreement with Childrens Day School, Inc of Greenwich, Connecticut for space at the Western Greenwich Civic Center.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS –
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation 0703PR01
CONTACT: Craig Whitcomb (203) 618-7626
Joseph A. Siciliano (203) 622-6472
REFERRED TO: Finance, Land Use & Parks & Recreation Committees
VOTES: Board of Parks & Recreation 8-0-0
To consider and act upon the following resolution requested by the Director of Parks and Recreation and approved by the Board of Parks and Recreation:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Greenwich accept a gift totaling $60,000.00 from The Friends of Greenwich Point for a Nature Play Area to be installed to the rear of the south concession area at Greenwich Point.
EXPLANATORY COMMENTS
Explanation by the Director of Parks and Recreation:
The Friends of Greenwich Point is celebrating its 50th year of advocacy for Greenwich Point. Founded in 1956 as the Greenwich Point Committee, the group has faithfully kept to the fulfillment of its mission statement:
“Our mission is to act as an advocate for Greenwich Point. We are committed to responsible stewardship and public education to preserve and enhance Greenwich Point’s diverse natural environments and beauty; to safe and appropriate recreation; and to the maintenance of its facilities. The Friends of Greenwich Point will also initiate and carry out projects related to its mission, complementing the efforts and resources of the Town”.
The name of the group was changed to the Friends of Greenwich Point in 1998 and memberships were opened to patrons of “The Point”. The current membership comprises approximately 450 Greenwich families.
The Friends of Greenwich Point is now asking the Town to accept a gift of a Nature Play Area to be installed in the area behind the south concession area, an area 70 x 95 feet previously the site of a locker building demolished more than ten years ago.
The proposed design, submitted for your review, was developed by Martin Environment Design, an award-winning certified playground design firm.
Key components for the approximately 6,650 square foot area include:
Trees and shrubbery – for shade, habitat and natural beauty
Play equipment designed to be appealing to young children and constructed of natural-looking material
All hardware is galvanized steel, all plastic is rotationally molded polyethylene
Split rail fencing with wire mesh around parking lot areas
Benches to allow parents to supervise their children’s play comfortably
No trees will be removed, only new salt-tolerant trees added.
The proposed plan does not encroach on areas outside of the neglected area. The plan calls for removing remaining concrete and replacing it with grass and plantings. It does not impact the building that houses the changing rooms or concession stand.
The wood fiber base and landscaping fabric for the play area meet all required guidelines
The play equipment will be built into the natural slope of the landscape and in the shadiest part of the area. The new trees will provide additional shade.
The area created in the alcove between the changing rooms and rear of the concession stand will have a sand base, boulders chosen from many that have been moved to the maintenance area of the Point. They will have rounded edges for safety and arranged for playing and seating.
The design conforms to 1998 CPSC and ASTM guidelines. A certified National Playground Safety Inspector oversees the design and on-site implementation.
Although the focus of the project will be the installation of equipment appealing to young children, the proposed gift will include trees and shrubbery recommended by a professional landscape designer and approved by Parks and Trees. The play equipment will be constructed with materials mimicking nature insofar as possible and will meet all safety requirements. Benches are proposed to allow parents to supervise their children’s play comfortably.
ATTACHMENTS
Nature Play Area Landscape Design
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