Plainville Town Council Budget Meeting - 03/10/26

001All right. Good evening, everyone. It's uh Tuesday, March 10th. Uh it's about 6:30 and we're going to continue our budget work sessions. Uh tonight we are starting with our public works and water pollution control department. Um who got the short straw and gets to sit in the front here. >> Uh well actually uh M >> or is this one that they don't have to? The check must have cleared, huh? Yeah. Uh if I may, um yeah, we going to start with roadways and I'd like to introduce uh the new superintendent, Gabe. Yes. Handra. If if Gabe want to come up to the front here. Um and uh >> so so apparently it was you that pulled the short. >> Pleasure to meet you. >> Nice meeting you. Thank you for uh >> wherever you wherever

002you can. As long as you hit one of the mics uh that we can >> big button on the bottom there. >> Yep. >> All right. The budget book in the front is open to you might already have it printed out, but that's open to what the council has in front of them as well. >> Okay. Well, we'll follow along there. >> Perfect. >> Yeah. So, we'll open with uh 305 uh Mr. Chairman. But also, while we have gave here after 305, if we skip to 320 and 3:23, then that'll cover everything for uh superintendent. >> Good. Yeah. Then we'll let him get out of here if he wants. >> Sounds good. Well, welcome. Thank you for being here. >> Kind of hit the ground running, I guess. >> Absolutely. >> But uh um I

003don't know if there is there anything within this department 305 budget we need to know before we ask any questions or make any comments from anyone? >> No, I mean in general uh small increases, most of it uh uh like the salaries were contractual as well as uh uh we're in the midst of hiring another uh maintainer driver. uh another position we need filled. Um but that's pretty much uh that's pretty much it. Uh let's see what do we have here. Um second line uh part-time that was uh due to a combination uh combining two accounts which you saw there. >> All right. That was one of my questions. What was the reduction due to? So thank you for that. >> Yep. All right. >> And then same thing if you run down to the

004operating supplies, that's another uh similar situation, a combination of account combining two of two accounts and that attributes the increase. >> Okay. >> On that line. >> Yeah, we have a lot of they're not duplicate, but they're administratively sometimes it's hard to you know the department number and the uh object number. It's really they're really the same accounts. So, operating supplies and um rentals, I mean, it's really the same thing. >> Okay. >> So, we just we're trying to make it easier administratively for both the department itself to track and then for my staff internally to either do POS or cut checks or remember, you know, fewer account numbers, if you will. >> Yeah. Um, and we're looking at kind of revamping the whole public works departments at some point down the road to make

005a department just for supplies and so that you know both roadways and buildings and grounds and, you know, can use the same account numbers and all that. >> Okay, >> that's down the road. Right now, we're just trying to combine them and make less line on them so we have a trail to build when we start building the new department. >> Okay. >> And Mr. chairman gave you if you may want to talk about >> uh further down in uh his budget other service and charges under 435 other contractual u you have a um uh I'm sorry yeah other contractual I'm trying to find my page here for 18,000 and uh I believe that's for the the radios. >> Yeah. Yeah. Uh we requested the 18,000 increase and that is for uh revamping the uh

006the radios. They're pretty much obsolete in in the department. um makes it very hard to communicate. um new radios makes it will definitely make us more efficient safety and uh you know coming off the winter it was it was tough keeping track of everybody and uh so uh that would be a huge huge help to uh the department >> and with the new radios like we have the infrastructure I don't know if they need towers or repeaters or what I you know I don't know what the right term I'm looking for but you know is it just the new radios we have that other infrastructure that we What we're doing here is uh the company that we uh got the bid from was uh Goosetown. Uh yeah, the PD has them. Yep. So, we figured

007we'd hop on with them. So, just try to keep everybody the same. So, if PD needs to get a hold of us, >> you know, we can work with them. They can communicate with us. We can communicate with them need be during the winter time. >> Um and it we don't have to do the infrastructure, which would, you know, I didn't really look into the numbers, but I think they're really exorbitant. >> Yeah. you know, moneywise to to redo that that part of uh the radio system. >> Okay. >> All right. Any other comments or questions? >> No. >> All right. >> Mr. Chair, >> go ahead. >> Like to make a motion to fund department 305 in the amount of 1,125,20. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Uh any other comments or questions?

008All those in favor? >> I I. >> Any opposed? And we're going to go to >> 713. >> All right. So motor vehicle and equipment pool >> costs associated obviously with what they do in terms of of repair. >> Okay, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes. >> Motion to fund department 320 in the amount of $162,490. >> Second. >> Motion in a second. Any comments or questions? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. And we'll also look at 323. Correct. >> Yes. The uh transfer station. >> Next page. And that will be a transfer station. We'll be opening up what? April 4th or something. Is that >> Yeah, >> we're getting close. >> Is it the fourth? Fourth. >> Is it the fourth? I guess. Right. Okay. Um, again, this is just

009a part-time salary increase, it looks like. Is that under part-time and then, uh, >> yeah, and a few other contractual uh, small items, $700 and then, you know, 900, $20 in the transfer station line item. >> Is that Do we know is that just additional contracts or or is that an increase in what we currently have? >> It's just a cost estimated cost increase on what we currently have. Okay. >> Nothing uh different. The salary is the same hours uh with a slight uh you know 3% pay increase for part-time individuals. One new individual of the two we had previously, but um same hour, same everything. >> Okay. All right. Any uh comments, any questions from anyone? >> No, >> Mr. Chairman. >> Yes. Go ahead. Um motion to fund department 323 in the amount

010of $116,15. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. I think we're done. That was quick. >> We'll make it more painful this >> Yeah. We want you to come back on Monday, so make it easy. Thank you very much for your time and welcome. >> Thank you. >> Building and grounds next or water pollution control. >> Well, >> does it matter? >> They're both here. So, uh, you know, and Andy's here for the long haul. So, if you want to get >> Joe and and Josh out early. >> I think Joe likes it here, though. >> Joe does like it here. >> Love coming. >> Yeah, but he doesn't have any gifts tonight. We got gifts last time you showed up. >> All right. So, water

011pollution control is under section 12, page 12. >> All right, you're on. So we have level funded everything that we can level fund as far as the operation and maintenance um with the exception of one line item which is going to be uh 52435 um under other services and charges. I have a 5% increase in that to cover increased sledge hauling and sledge transport. >> Okay, >> and treatment at Matabas. So those rates are going up. Unfortunately, looking at the budget, it is lower than last year as you will see because of capital going down. Is that making sense to you? Yeah. >> So, the budget down 121. >> We're down 121,000 in total. >> Yeah, that's what our >> I was looking for the percentage >> at 2.37% in total. Um the operational costs

012which you know are just that operational are up 80 grand or 3.14%. And obviously the majority of that again is uh salaries. But we also have an estimated because of the projects we're doing um shuttle metal primarily we have an estimated um clean water fund payment principle and interest next year in this budget as well. Um we are anticipating that to close at some point during 27 >> hopefully later. >> Yeah. So, uh, you know, we we need we budgeted something just in case. And that would be a 2% loan over 20 years. >> All right. Any uh comments, any questions? No. Um, the only thing I would mention is in this in this budget, uh, when you when you approve this budget, the capital is in there. Do you want to go over the

013capital? >> Probably. Yes. It probably makes sense to >> that way. It's just one one vote >> breakdown on that. >> Capital for WPC can be found on page 14-5. >> All right. It's at the uh bottom very bottom part of the page there >> starting at line 126. >> Okay. >> 126 you said. >> Yep. >> Okay. Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Do you want to run through them at all? Just >> Yeah, I'll run through them. Um, so there's a $225,000 appropriation for equipment repair and collection system maintenance. We do this every year um in case something unforeseen should happen, broken pipes, um motors and and stuff going down to the treatment plant because we have to maintain the maintain the process for public health. We have uh INI manhole repairs.

014We're going to try to do more this year. This is actually more than I normally ask for. >> Yeah. But as part of that facilities plan that we did, we were able to identify about 70 or 80 that we would like to get done now. >> Okay. >> And that'll that'll cut down on the INI. So now that we've identified them, I want to appropriate the money so we can get out there and get them done. >> Yeah. >> And that I think that'll be money well spent. >> And will that you know, and I know we just spent, you know, last week or whenever you were here last talking about, you know, putting tanks or, you know, holding tanks. I can't remember exactly what phrase they use, but >> they use this the term

015sistern, I think. >> Okay. >> You know, but and but we can still address some of these INI issues and that's what you're representing here is trying, you know, there are some, you know, lowhanging fruit, so to speak. >> There is this is the this is the lowest hanging fruit. Okay. >> Um we have some other areas that I'll be talking to Mike and and and Rob about that we'd like to bring forward to the to the uh the council to consider. you know, and that was specifically that Journey Road project in the area down by the tracks, >> okay, >> where the flea market is. Those are the areas that we had talked about. >> Okay. >> Uh there's also $34,000 for a camera >> I think you have on there. Um and then

016there's $50,000 for a pickup truck. We have a pickup truck with a frame that's not repairable. Um so it's it's not safe to drive. So, it'll be something that I'll try to trade in and not give to another department because I don't think anybody should be driving it and let a dealer deal with it. That makes sense to everyone. >> Yep. >> It's 40 on the camera. >> 40 on the camera, on the truck. >> 40 on the camera. >> Okay. >> Total of 395. >> All right. Anyone with any questions regarding any of the capital items? >> No, they all make sense. >> Yeah. Yeah, Mr. Just to be what we're really looking at is under the town manager proposed column. >> Yes. Make sure you're you're looking under the town manager proposed column.

017I mean, you could look at the others, but yes, >> the one with the largest numbers. >> Yeah, >> those are the ones I want you to approve. >> Actually, yeah, there was just like there's actually only one u not much of a difference. >> Yeah, we finished up a lot of capital programs last year projects and that was really good, >> Mr. Chair. Yes. >> Is the camera uh for just for security? Is that what it is? >> No, this is actually a camera that we use in the sewer pipes to inspect the interior of the pipes. Um we we have a a vehicle that we purchased not too long ago, um which handles bigger pipes. So, this is going to be for smaller diameter pipes that we need to look into. And the

018beauty of this camera is that the camera itself will be interchangeable with the truck that we bought. So, we're buying the same brand, uh, the same camera. So, if once you go down, we can we can switch back and forth. >> Thank you. >> That gives us some redundancy. And that's really important for us because when you need the camera, you need the camera. >> All right. Any other questions or comments? All right. Let me get back to So on the revenue side, we really do we need to approve a re we really don't have to approve a revenue site. Correct. Let me phrase it that way. We're just looking at the expenditure side on page uh 13 of section 12. >> Correct. >> Okay, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> Like to make a

019motion to fund department 340 in the amount of where are we? 5 million $6,132. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Any other comments or questions? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries. Um, in the capital that's already in here. >> It's part of >> that's already part of this operating budget number you just approved. >> All right. All right. >> All right. >> That's it. >> Thank you. >> Spring. >> Thank you. >> Summer. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> What do you think? >> Let's go summer. >> Remember, everyone's welcome for a tour. >> Did um >> how how how much flow increase did we see over the last couple days because of the snow melt? >> Um actually, >> you don't have to give

020me a number because I might not want to know that. But >> um less than we have in pastures really. Um >> Oh, interesting. Does it, >> you know, a lot has to do with how dry the ground is and and how fast it it, you know, we had a few different melts, so it was able to absorb long, but we did exceed the permit as we always do. So, >> just checking. >> We'll fix that. >> Thank you both. >> Thank you. >> All right. And I guess that leaves for this section uh the buildings and grounds department. That's uh department 310. That's on section seven, page seven. Yes. So, under the buildings and grounds department, I'll take care of reporting on the budget. Um, it is uh mostly driven by personnel contractual increases

021there at the top. Uh but you'll also notice under the supplies section there are increases for operating supplies, repair and maintenance, and auto supplies and parts. Um the build the the budget here has been pretty much held steady over the last many years. Uh and we're getting to a point now where we're trying to enhance our preventative maintenance schedule for both buildings and parks and equipment. Um and to do that, you know, we obviously need the right equipment, the tools uh to do that. So, you know, we've been replacing backflow preventers. That's an item that the council's approved in the past for capital. It's again in capital this year. Uh these types of improvements go a long way to keep our buildings, you know, safe and functional. So that's really the the the justification for

022those increases there. Overall though, the department has an increase of uh $68,000 at 5.2%. >> All right. Any uh any questions? Any comments? All right, >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> Make a motion to fund department 310 in the amount of $1,378,600. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Um, all those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. Uh, that completes this section. >> No. Uh, budget 315 municipal building. >> That's right. >> I checked off the wrong thing. Thank you. So, we're just turning the page >> to municipal building maintenance. >> Yeah. 315 has kind of morphed into my area. Um, >> you sound so happy about it. >> Well, it it Well, yeah. Yes and no. Because it's utilities and utilities are up and and it's something that um

023you know, we cannot control. Um, electricity is the biggest driver. Uh, we've seen that with uh, Eversource and your home bills, I'm sure. >> Um, water. Um, I did not budget the full increase on water cuz, you know, maybe we, >> you know, get lucky and and not hit it. >> Okay. >> What they're saying we should spend in the course of 12 months. >> Okay. >> Um, they give us a calendar year um number. Uh obviously we're on about a fiscal year, but um so I'm hoping that you know we we come in a little bit. Uh I have to raise it something because the rates are just going up. >> Yeah. >> Um you know, we did save like I mentioned last night on on heating, oil, uh gas, and diesel we did

024lock in. So that's a good thing at this point. Same number of gallons. I think it might have increased um gas u some g some some gallons in gas but with stand we're still down overall with that. Um the other contractual is the custodial contract um that we took on where we added rather uh the senior center. So we added it for this year. It's budgeted in the senior center this year. >> We felt it's more appropriate to budget it here with the other contracts we have for custodial services. Okay. So while there is an increase here on this line Adam, you'll see a decrease in the senior center 420, >> okay, >> of a number close or actually it exceeds this because of the uh a change in in um dollars for what we're

025doing there. So again, an increase here but offset by a decrease in another budget. So you know, overall I it it's up 6.98% or $111,000, but it's kind of out of my hands. >> All right. And just, you know, as far as electricity rates, you know, like at at our homes, you know, we can pick our supplier and try to save. Is there any, you know, as a municipality, is there anything like that that's offered or anything you guys? >> Yeah, we do. We uh we're currently using Well, Constellation is the biggest one and we lock in for multiple years on that as well. Like we do um Yeah. So we have our electrical consultant who is extremely good and believe me trying to lock in for electricity is um you know for your home

026individual use it's it's it's great it's simple you can go online and do it boom good >> with this because we're a municipality it is like Greek to me and you know we trust our consultant um a lot he's really really good and he talks and we just kind of go okay >> um and he always comes up with a great rate. So when Constellation's contract is up, he tells us a year in advance. We go out and look then cuz you can buy uh electricity way in advance. Um so we I think we're locked in right now. What is it? 26 right now. We're locked in I think till 29 um maybe. And I'm sure he'll be calling us, you know, sometime after the first of the year in 27 to start looking again.

027Um it's it's you know it's a it's just uh we got a decent rate. Let's put it that way. >> Um and we lock in as soon as we can. Just like gas and diesel on an annual basis. These we can lock in for multiple years >> cuz it seems like towards the end of 25. You used to be able to get some pretty good deals on residential supply and it seemed like those kind of went away where Eversource was almost for a while the cheapest out there which seemed odd. I went back to Eversource actually and I got to look again and go somewhere else. >> Yeah. I we at our household we just actually we were with Eversource and we just found something. It's only four months but you know that's the other

028thing. The length seems to be >> a lot shorter but you know the delivery I know delivery has gone up and you know we that side we're kind of stuck with but okay. >> Yep. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. Is there any thought to when we redo a roof putting solar panels getting an offset like the library? >> Yeah, that's the other thing. Our solar farm that we have in um Franklin or when we have Franklin that's the oldest field that we well the oldest contract we have with regards to solar. So those panels are beginning to not produce as much or give us back as many credits as they have in the past. It is something again that I think we need to look at going forward whether to try to get out of

029that contract which would you know raise our cost on another side but um or move to another farm or whatever again it's something that I believe um our consultants with the landfill I think they can look into that as well as our we have asked our electricity uh consultant too to look into it and again that that contract I was not involved in back in the day that was all previous time manager. Um I don't really know much about it other than we're not getting the credits we used to. I know again it's just degrading equipment I believe. >> Where's the solar farm? >> It's in Windham Franklin area off of 30 32. >> Right off the 32 right by the >> I didn't the old mushroom factory. >> This is all news to me.

030I didn't know we got credits for >> Yeah. We um we for the town side we have the >> li we credit uh we had our biggest users if you will. So, it's a library, WPC, fire station, and I believe town hall. >> Okay. >> The four town buildings. And we have um I think it's Wheeler and Lynen maybe on the on another one. And then we have a another specific one just for the sewer plant. >> Are we are we are we able to put up solar panels like on the library and do the reverse meters? >> That's an Andy question. We certainly can explore it, especially as we're looking at a at a new roof. We have a decent consultant team that we've used to assist us through that process. So, it's certainly

031something we can explore. >> Yeah. I mean, I on the residential side, I paid $54 this month, including >> Yeah, that I paid $54 total for electricity this month. Um, I don't know if it's I'm sure it's different on the municipality side or >> Yeah, definitely outside of my expertise, which is why it's good that we have the the consultants, but uh definitely something we could look into to see if it's worth u investing in. >> Yeah, especially if we're redoing a roof. >> Yeah. Right. But I I think some of the issues for for the library are uh limiting in the sense that >> u half of it is a flat roof >> and that's where the mechanicals are. >> Yeah. and the uh front-facing main street slope is that's that's where it'll be.

032That's where you'll see it. You can't hide them on the back side, right? >> Uh and I think with uh the structure there, it's probably limited to the amount of panels you can get, but we'll certainly happy to check it out. I just want to >> anything to save a few >> easy slam dunk that it's a >> it's a difficult roof to to try to >> I I was just using that as an example because that's the next roof we're doing. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Good point. Okay, Mr. Chair. Yes. Uh Rob, uh on the telephone, um you know, that's kind of a history, an interesting history there >> with the numbers. >> Yeah. >> So, the telephone um we're still part of the legacy um phone system we have here in town hall.

033Um trying to get out of it. Um it's um part of the issue is that system also controls the police department which needs hardline um bookups. So um it um together with um our phone consultant company we used to have back in the day are looking at ways to get this price down. Um the biggest part of this price is Frontier and it's this system I think it's called Centrics Centric system we have here that's really extremely antiquated. We probably have phone lines on there we don't know we even have or use any longer because we do have the voiceover IP with all the town phones. So that's going over the fiber >> but we're still paying for some of these lines. you know, we need hard hard lines for say alarms at the pump

034stations, um various building alarm systems, and again, it's primarily for the police department that we need the hard wiring for, but we're trying to again get this down as low as we can. Um Frontier went up, I believe it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 30% January 1st, which is why these numbers are going up. Um so I immediately contacted Kevin. He goes, I know we're on it. We're on it. We're on it. So >> hopefully some will have some sort of resolution over the course of the next 12 months, but at the at this time I >> Okay. >> I got to budget what we're going to spend, >> right? >> Just in case. >> All right. Any other questions, comments? >> Mr. Chairman? >> Yes. >> Motion to fund Department 315 in the

035amount of 1,78,000. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Um, any last comments or questions? All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. I think now we have completed that section. >> Thank you. Um, we're kind of on time. Everybody pat yourselves on the back. That's good. All right. So, next on our agenda, we get to uh talk to our director of the senior center and I believe is at the assistant back there. I'm sorry, I can't see with the podium there, but >> um welcome. >> Thank you for being here. >> Absolutely. >> Uh the uh in our book uh the senior centers in section 8 uh page 17. I'll give this to you. >> All right. So, if you want to take a few minutes, give us uh

036anything you want to share. >> Sure. Thank you. Thank you for having us. Stephan and I are excited to be here for our first budget. Um so, we just want to start with our proposed budget for fiscal year 27 is flat, but it remains um maintaining our core services and programs and everything that we do for our seniors for the uh center. Um this year what we did with two full-time positions is we restructured it. So we used to have an assistant director, a director and a social worker. Stephanie has merged her position where it is now assistant director and social worker. And we broke out the programming aspect of it. So we hired a programming manager who is just strictly doing all the programming. And I think that's a valuable asset to the senior

037center because she just dives right in and does it all start to finish. Um so that's that's been a wonderful transition. Our cafe opened successfully this past October. We had a grand reopening. Um and it's growing every day. We had a great day today. Our kiche sold out. Um but we're also offering different um exciting menus and special events like we did a baked potato bar. We're doing a St. Patrick's Day celebration with music. Jenny is actually playing for us. Um, so we're expanding that and doing some fun things to bring the cafe to life because it's when when we opened it, I was like, "Wow, it's only two days a week that we're there to ours." So, we spent all that time and money renovating it. We wanted to um do more usage with

038that. Um, we also introduced a new membership form this year, which also has a participation waiver on it. So for years we haven't updated members contact information or even members. Some have passed away, moved and all that. So with that we're able to bring up to date what our actual membership looks like, how many we have and how many are participating and all that. Um our newsletter also got a nice overhaul. Um we used to print it in-house on duplicators and now it's being professionally done. um that is funded by um all advertising and it's color and it's exciting. It's so much easier to read. Members are loving it. They can actually find programs now. Before did you read our newsletter? No, it's too hard to read. So, it's nice nice to have that um

039new and exciting. Um we also are in the midst of a com uh community survey that is out. We opened it on the 20th of February and it'll go till March 20th. Um, we have it here downstairs in the municipal center. We also have it at the library. We ran a table at Nazos. Um, we went to housing, uh, the food pantry. It's at OM. So, we're trying to get the entire entire community to look at it and take part in it to see what we can do to improve and enhance the senior center. Um, and I think that's it. Things are exciting. participation is high and we're having fun. >> Good. Good. Um, any comments, any questions from anyone? >> No. >> Okay. Um, anyone care to make a motion, >> Mr. Chair? >>

040Yes. Go ahead. >> Motion to fund department 420 in the amount of $360,44. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Uh, all those in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh we also have department 425 which is the um transportation fund that's in section page 23. Uh anything you think we should know be >> well I mean transportation you know continues to be a very valuable asset at the senior center. We actually had a member the other day who comes three days a week to the peak center who looked at Ed and I. Ed is the uh transportation coordinator and said um this service has saved my life because he's lost his vision and he can't get out. So we pick him up three at least three days a week so he can come

041exercise and stuff. So you know we continue to do all the fundraising. Um last year we raised $8,457. We're exploring new ways to continue um to build up on the fundraising because we know how valuable that service is for our members. We did get a new van last year, a five passenger van. So, we have four buses, well, three buses in one van in our fleet now, which sometimes all all four of them are on the road with trips and um daily transportation. Um dispatching is been in-house for a year now. And with that, um, our transportation rides have been up just our daily rides 24%. So, it's it's wonderful to have it all inhouse. Um, Ed does a great job arranging, you know, and figuring out how to get everyone in and he'll even

042jump in the van and take care of it if someone needs to get somewhere. So, it's definitely growing and it it is a very valuable asset. >> You know, Mr. Yeah, I usually report on report reported on it quite a number of times the increase of it and it's interesting that the in-house dispatching has really had an impact on the uh on the usage. >> It is. Yeah. Because you know being when H it was tough because someone would call and say oh I'd like to go so and so you know even if it was like to Nazos or something like nope we have stuff scheduled can't do it. Okay. Whereas Ed will, you know, he may pick someone up earlier or like I said, he'll go himself, he'll rearrange >> five or 10 minutes

043to figure it out. >> Correct. He will figure it out. And we do have a great complement of drivers right now. Um so that we have some swing shift ones. So if if there's a busy part of the day, normally in the middle of the day, he'll call that person in or schedule it so that we can address all the rides we need to. >> Okay. All right. Any other comments? Any other questions? All right. Um, trying to find the number we need to act on. 425. There we go. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Make a motion to fund department 425 in the amount of $96,270. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. Motion carries. Thank you very much. >>

044Excellent. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Have a good night. I now we have the fire chief. You're not scheduled for 7:15, but do you want to get going? >> It's up to you guys. >> No, that's fine. >> Okay. >> 615. >> All right. So, page or section six, page 15, we're headed to. All righty. So, good evening, Chief. >> How are you? >> Good. Um, we'll let you uh give us any information you think we need to know >> um to start obviously we're we're still going through the healing process. Um, which will probably go on forever. I know it hits home, but I appreciate everyone's here. Your support through this past six, seven months. It's it's tremendous. Um fire-wise, we are up to like I'm going to call

045it 857 calls and that's just in nine square miles, one station, maybe 40 guys. So, that's uh that's rough. Every year I've taken over, it's it's gone up every year. I think it's gone up in the past, Chiefs, too. >> Mhm. >> Um, other towns don't know how we do it, >> but we seem to to pull together and do it. Um, I'm not going to lie to you. It manpower is coming along, but it it's hard. >> You know, people don't have the the time >> to put into this. It's it's a lot of time. It's a lot of schooling to get going. Um, we made the new the new rules and um bylaws and everything and Senate program which is great. The uh retention >> is getting better. Yeah. >> So, we're we're

046moving along. We if we get five people, we'll probably keep three of three of them or stay. A lot of them say, "Well, >> I know I had to get up in the middle of the night." >> Yeah. >> And then you get the younger kids that are eager and ready to go. So, >> it it's coming along. We we're definitely moving forward. Um, which is a good thing. >> Yep. >> But so is our need for services is moving a lot forward too. >> You know, Farmington says you do 800 calls a year, 850. And we don't do any EMS, >> right? >> They do. And they're at they're just above us. >> So, you know, when the bell rings, we go no matter what. So, >> I assume this year will probably be

047a few more than last year, and we'll figure out how to work through it. But, uh, you have any questions for me? >> Yeah. Anyone have any questions or comments? The budget's pretty self-explanatory. >> Yeah, it's pretty transparent. Um, nothing really changes with us. A lot of it is basic contracts and and renewal of equipment. Um, that's pretty much that goes up. It's hard to say percentages. I know I've um we're in the midst of getting new gear. >> Y >> um gear is when you buy new gear, it's good for 10 years. If it sits on the shelf at the manufacturer or the sales, the clock is ticking. >> Okay. >> So, if we get it and has only got 5 years left. >> Yeah, that's >> So, I just ordered 14 sets the

048other day. >> Yep. Um in July we'll probably order more, but uh we're getting to that point where we're running out of room. >> Yeah. >> Um little play with that uh that number of 10 years. So um that's moving along. So I'm pretty happy there. You get tired of, you know, looking at their gear and it's old and it's wrinkled and it's beat and they got to have something to go to the new guys got to have something to go to school with. So we'd rather give them gear that's had five years and by a guy that's a regular new gear. >> Y >> because it gets beat up at at school constantly. So that's a plus. That's a big thing. And you know got a couple of items that we're going to purchase

049more uh what you would call the jaws of life. We're more we're going to buy two more cutters which the new ones now are battery operated. So there'll be no no more hydraulic lines coming off the trucks. They just don't make it anymore. >> Okay. >> So we're moving up. We got a handful of u battery operator tools which are are great. >> Um as long as you remember to charge the batteries. >> Yeah. >> But uh yeah, I'm happy the way it's going. It's moving forward. >> And and the fires, how many hours do they put in for fire school typically? Yeah, once >> I want to say 120 150 they start in se the end of August and it won't finish till the 1st of December. That's just fire one. That's your basic

050course. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Um pretty much that is here's a fire. >> Yeah. >> And then when you go to fire two, here's a fire. What's it going to do? It's more same subject, same book, more in each subject is more entailed on what to do. And we're pushing everyone to be fire, too. And that helps with our OSHA rating. >> Uh, and helps as overall better firemen. >> So, yeah, it's quite a few hours. Most of us, like me and the guys that are my age, we all did it before we got married. >> Yeah. >> It was a lot easier. I got a couple of guys, they they struggle, but they still seem to get up and go. >> Yeah. >> You know, >> but uh we are excited, you know, we

051have appointed several or more than several, I think, you know, more than a half dozen or so. six in one night. >> Yeah. So, >> so coming along >> keep a few, you know, hopefully twothirds of some of them around. >> I've got a kid that applied >> I think a couple weeks ago >> and uh he's already fully trained. I think he came from another town, so he's already got his fire one, fire two EMP. >> Bring it on. >> Yeah. >> Saves us money. >> Yes. >> But he knows what to do and how to do it. >> Yeah. >> Perfect. >> Good. Uh what does our recruitment process look like? >> What do you mean? >> Uh as far you know, for example, uh are we in contact with the high as

052far as a pipeline for hiring the recruitment process? >> Yeah, they have to be 18 years old. Um they'll have to go through their hiring process, which is a uh the background check, uh the police check. Um then they'll give an starts off with an interview. Then we send the the uh the company vote on it. Let this let this application move forward and then uh we give it off to you guys for your blessing and it comes back to us and we send them to an orientation and it's it doesn't go that fast. It takes a few three or four months to get it and we tell everybody be patient. We're working on to get that changed faster but if they like it they're going to stay and they usually do. Yeah. And do

053you like advertise to be part of the volunteer? Like is it word of mouth more? So >> yeah, any kind of um fundraiser or if we're called out to a school to do something, we always put the table out, put flyers out. I know Captain MSA had made uh some nice brochures. >> Yep. >> With pictures of us in there. >> Um what we do, how we do it, you know, help your community. And it it works. We've had some people come since, you know, July. >> Yeah. >> But I think they were just following in the the means of want to help and they kind of stepped back. So we'll sit and interview them. But um >> well just, you know, piggybacking off what the work that was done the last couple years, you

054know, we've gotten to this point. We've added some, you know, we've added a decent number here. And >> yeah, >> like is there is there a time or you know I don't know what do other volunteer fire departments or fire companies do as far as recruiting? Is there an active like ad campaign or is there you know >> you know any kind of trade magazine that that you know >> no it's just it's just plainville >> you know I'm talking to the chief in Southernington and the chief in Farmington you know Southernington is partial paid or really half paid half volunteers and they're having a hard time farmington's having a hard time getting so everybody around the state's having the same problem around the whole country but we try to Um like the Bloomfest, we'll

055put something out there. We're looking possibly to do an open house which we we'll put tables out there. We put a table out to pasta dinners and we grab a few people here and there. >> Yep. >> And if we can grab one or two and turn their ear, then that's great. >> So, >> and one of the one of the things we added with the new ordinance and the incentives was a referral bonus for active firefighters if they referred somebody. I forget the numbers, but it was >> I think it was 250. >> 250 to refer them and then after they're there for a year, they get another 250 >> and then they get the the other 250 and they get paid now. They get paid for going to school. >> Yeah. >> Um

056school for the first guy from school. >> Yeah. >> It's it's every Tuesday and Thursday and a handful of Sundays or a handful of Saturdays. >> Yeah. >> Until you're done. >> But it's it's not a hard test. Like I said, you'll find class easy if you like it. You'll find class very easy. >> Yeah. >> You know, there's there's a book you got to go through. Some days are just studying. Some days are are practicals where you're outside. You know, it's raining or snowing, you're out there. So, and the fire too is the same way, just a little shorter. So, we we look to push them towards that. It makes our life a little easier when they come in and they know what's going on. And I just I didn't mean to sidetrack. I

057don't know if Councilwoman Buchanan did you get an answer to your question. I'm sorry I cut in and kind of >> No, that was actually more the direction that and I I liked hearing the other information as well. It's helpful. Um but that was really what I was asking. Are are they seeking us or are what are we doing to find them? >> It's kind of a little bit of both. >> Yeah. You know, you might show up to someone's house and next thing you know, neighbor two doors down is coming to apply and they just want to help people. And that's what we're all about. We want to help cuz when we're called out, somebody's having a bad day, >> you know. So, and it the fulfillment of it, you know, I'll walk through

058the store or Nazos and people just thank you, >> you know, thanks for taking care of the town and and goes a long way. I got to say I've been I've spent a lot more time down there or since I become the liaison and >> the room has changed. It's it's it's a happier place to be. >> Yeah. >> And I'm amazed at how how much you guys get done. >> Yeah. >> With volunteers. Yeah. >> You know, the trucks still have to be washed. The floors got to be clean. The kitchen's got to be clean. >> Pasta supper's coming up soon. >> Yep. you know, um we did the uh the breakfast with Santa. >> Yeah. >> Um we didn't tell anybody at first, but since, you know, the town gave back to us

059back in July when we had a hard time, >> um all the breakfastes were free and the people were just amazed. >> Yeah. >> Well, they they were giving donations. >> It was like they paid. >> Yeah. >> We say, "You don't have to pay. This is our give back to the town for really putting us number one for a while. >> Yeah. >> So, you know, small stuff like that to try to get this community, you know, kind of where it was, but times change. We understand that and people's commitment changes, jobs, a lot of people work in town, used to work in town, don't now. >> But we rely on our mutual aid from Southernington. uh Farmington and Bristol is a is is a great we we have uh we train together sometimes

060so we're all in the same so now if these guys go to fire one we can go to Farmington if I fire with them because they're going to do it the same way and same way with Southernington >> everything is done the same way you know you put up the ladder the same way you're going to squirt the hose the same way >> so we rely on one another more now than ever you know so if we're short on manpower We're going to pull the plug and get other towns in to help us out. >> Yeah. >> So, we learned a lot in the past year. >> All right. Uh, any other comments? Any other questions, >> Mr. Chair? >> Yes. >> Make a motion to to fund department 210 in the amount of 501,650.

061>> Second. >> Motion and a second. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Now, do you have some capital items? >> Um, >> I forgot what page that was on. >> Assistant town manager. Do you remember off the top of your head? >> Yeah. 143. >> 14. Let's just turn to that. Let's see. Jim, glad the font's not very small. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Create another list. >> Page is >> I think it's page 17. Yes. or uh line 17 >> it starts. >> Yeah, the replacement gear is the big thing. Um >> I don't know if this is the right place to talk about it about the um >> getting new apparatus years ago. We were on a uh a program that put away I'm going to just shoot you

062a number 250,000 a year. >> Yep. >> And in five years you'll have enough to buy a truck. that was taken away by councils a year back just got rid of it and few years ago they're saying you need a truck now. Yeah. The truck doesn't wait. We've got a uh 1999 pumper. We have a 2004 pumper. They're kind of twins. Well out of their their realm that need to be replaced and we've been talking with it with with the managers and >> and Ben and yourself. >> Yes. Yeah. Um, I think we got a good lease on this one. Right now, if you buy a fire truck, it's going to go for 1.3 mil and you're not getting it for four years. >> No matter what truck it is. >> It's unheard of. The

063government is looking into this. Why it's taken so long? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Well, one of our We use uh K. >> Yep. >> Which is part of uh the Bulldog. They have a truck for us. They make five or six of these trucks. Pretty plain jane. We can add a handful of our stuff to them. Um, we can be out the door for $780. $780,000 and I can have it in July. >> So, you know, we don't need the big extravagant stuff anymore. Um, of course we'd like it, but we're not we're not going to wait four years for a truck. And that's a lot of the a lot of the country is having that problem. Yeah. Um, so if we we need two, so if we buy two, which however they find the

064money for it, and I asked him, I if we only can afford one now, he goes, I can't give you a discount now, but if you buy another one within a year, I can go back and give you 16% off >> the whole deal, >> which it's better than nothing. >> Yeah. Well, and that's what and I I guess you're referring to like there's floor models available. >> It's what we call in the older days a plane Jane. It just comes w with with basic stuff. We'll have to throw some of our stuff on to it. So that a couple bucks out of our pocket, >> but we're well under a million dollars. >> Yes. Yes. >> Well under a million now. Our ladder that we bought 2020 was like 1.2. >> Yeah. >> It's

065going for 2.5 now. >> Wow. >> So we we bought at the right time. We got lucky. We didn't know that was going to happen. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um they're a great company and they're just waiting to hear hear back from us. Um and uh we'll take it from there. But >> yeah, cuz I know >> something moving forward. >> Yeah. And and I it sounds like in at least with this floor I want to say pretty much floor models. You know, it's something, you know, we have had discussions and and I think as we get through the budget process, that's something that's on our radar, you know, come, you know, as we get into the spring here to try. You do we want to take advantage of that? >> Yes. >> This this

066opportunity. >> There's a large city in Connecticut, and I don't want to give the names, they're they've bought three or four, and they want four more, and they want the one we're looking at. >> All right. >> If it's not feasible for us right now, I understand. But it's there because they're making them down the line. >> Yep. >> Um because we've used K or all K in the firehouse. They told me we have a gold card. Doesn't come with any money, but >> they tell me that, you know, they'll move us right up. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Well, certainly that is on our radar and, you know, as we get through the next couple weeks here, I'm sure we're >> It's always nice to sit back and know you're getting a new.

067It's like Christmas for us. >> Yep. >> It doesn't happen often, but it is nice. >> Yeah. >> And needed. Yeah. >> And unnecessary. >> Most importantly, needed. Yeah. >> Yeah. Because they're starting to, you know, the older trucks are starting to nickel and dime. >> Y >> um we just replaced the transmission in 2013. >> They wasn't expecting that. So, there goes part of that big budget for repairs, >> right? >> So, but I think we're doing overall I think we're doing well. All right. Um, any other comments, questions, anything capital related? Anyone have a question on what's listed there? >> Um, I think, uh, Thursday night, is that capital night? >> Yeah. >> Um, you know, we'll be taking out the capital budget in total on Thursday night. But, um, thank you. >>

068Oh, no problem. >> for coming in. And >> I have applications in the car if anybody wants one. Yeah. >> Well, thank you. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Your support all year. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Is that an application for a fireman? >> Yeah. Why not? >> Got someone. I would be such a crap if I >> would really. >> You'd be like, "Hold on. I'm going." >> All right. Um, next to Chief Chief Beneli is here. Good evening. We're going to spend some time uh talking with the uh police chief. We're going to go to section six, page six to start. Good evening. Thank you for being here. >> Good evening. Thank you for having me. >> How are you? >> Good. How are you? Good. >> Good. >> Um >> just

069you want to anything you want to share? Anything regarding the budget? I'm sure there's going to be some things we'll want to discuss. as we look into this. >> I'll take my uh my cues from you guys. >> That's fine. >> Anything in the Yeah, I just Anything in the budget that's out of the ordinary? Anything that's >> I think I think for me um you know, I understand when I go into my budget requests that um I don't come in with a huge wish list. Uh you know, there's there's really only certain things that are are necessary. Um, you know, I know we're going to talk about CIP and that'll be, you know, Thursday or we can I know we'll discuss a little bit uh tonight. I only had a couple of >> brand

070new uh requests on the CIP. Most of those items in the capital. Uh >> we could argue whether they should be capital or not, but those are recurring maintenance costs and >> uh contractual costs and things of those nature. The only two things I asked for were new firearms, which I had asked for last year, and I I gave them up to get uh a brand new access control system, uh because the one we have now is running off of Windows 98, I think, or 2000. >> Yeah. >> And and so that's just it is working with me on that to to have that overhauled. Uh and so I I know that the firearms uh were were not given to me this year. Um but I knew to start early. So hoping next year uh

071when these current firearms reach their you I think their 10year mark is when they should be replaced. And there's a whole host of reasons of why I wanted to have them replaced to begin with. Uh so hopefully I can get those. I I talked with the town manager and I I told him that I could go another year without having the brand new firearms. The the only other item I asked for was a brand new patrol vehicle. >> Um I knew that I wasn't going to ask for two. I wanted to be realistic. So, I only asked for one which was denied. Um, again, if if you we want to talk about it here now, we could >> want to do capital. >> Yeah, we might as well. I mean, we're all here. >> Okay.

072>> We have you. Why don't we do it tonight? >> Sure. >> Um, if there's any followup, we certainly can let you know. Um, >> back to >> We're going back to section 14, starting on page three. See where the police section? And it looks like it's right there >> on page three in section 14. >> Starts number 11. No, >> number >> starts with number nine. Six. >> Six. >> Yeah, starts with six. Um, and again, you know, we got two columns. We got the request from the department and then the recommended or proposed from the town manager. >> Right. And what the chief is, Mr. Chairman, uh, yes, the chief and I had talked about what uh didn't realize were there three items there. Uh item number 11, the police dispatch and record

073system. Uh that is 25,000 is under a contractual maintenance item. So might be one of those um like we did a few years ago with Goosetown that it may be more appropriate to move that into operational along with item number um >> uh 13, the police body cameras at 28,000. And then uh down on uh 15 the forensic software all three of those are uh and that is 17,000 that comes to a total of 70,000 that uh you'd have to move into the operating budget if you wanted to. But I think, you know, Rob has some some ideas to maybe lessen the the the the blow uh so to speak uh in terms of budget numbers. But you again, not trying to blow up the chief's budget, but um you know, they are um what

074he needs based on continuing the contract, right? An obligation, not as a oneoff and you know, capital item that you purchase and you're done. >> Yep. So, um, that was a conversation we started. I haven't fully vetted it, but I Rob and I had a chance to talk a little bit. And so, um, I think there's a path forward. Um, just depends on how you want to skin the cat. So, >> so these three items are need to be funded this year. >> Yeah. >> Need to be continued every every year. >> We have um we funded these items before in CIP and like we did with Gtown, it's really not a capital item. They are recurring maintenance uh software contracts, no different than we have another year with the department for software or um

075you know cameras or whatever. Um because we have budgeted these dollars previously in CIP, we do have some residual monies left in these three line items. So as the town manager said, the the recom um uh proposed cost of these three items together is 70,000. uh with the residual monies I can probably generate 20 out of CIP and if we move 50 into operating that'll you know whatever bills come in when they come in because they come in staggered over the course of the year for example the dispatch doesn't come in till May so we haven't spent anything on it yet until May um you know we we would spend the money in CIP first then whatever remains on any bills that have to do with these three items would be taken out of the

076general fund if budgeted for 27 Um what would then happen in 28 is that these three items would open up for other you know one time or equipment type related items for example perhaps the the the guns that the chief was talking about. So it would, you know, we're slowly again taking out the recurring maintenance type items out of CIP to really have CIP be equipment one-time purchases or larger ticket >> dollar values or something, you know, really keeping in in in in um in line with the over $5,000 and fiveyear type of situation, whereas these are annual recurring maintenance costs and really should be in the operating budget. That makes sense. >> All right. >> The the stationary LPRs, uh, I think we're going to be on we have maybe one year left on

077that contract. >> Okay. >> And then we own those particular cameras, six or seven cameras. Um, again, I'll be looking to at the end of this budget cycle, if there's any money left, I'll be looking to try to get more LPRs, probably through a company called Flock. Uh, again, that's that's up in the air, but I do know I want to increase our stationary license plate readers. Um, also body armor is is on the CIP. Uh, so I I want to make sure that also doesn't get because that's a recurring cost as well. >> Yes. Yeah. >> It's a union contract issue and we set aside that amount of money believing at about nine officers uh per per year will need to have their body armor replaced. Body armor has to be replaced every five

078years per per manufacturer and per contract. So that's about 45 people. And so that's about where we where we stopped. We do get a bulletproof fest grant usually annually. Um I know Rob handles the grant with Lieutenant Canoy which I think pays 50%. >> Supposed to >> Yeah. >> Supposed to. >> Oh, it the way it comes in is uh again staggered and sometimes it shows more money than >> we have. So if we if if we decide that yes, you know, we should move these items to the operating, I guess, for the council and, you know, we're not necessarily looking to reduce the CIP by that amount. We're, you know, I'm sure there's four pages of stuff we can do with, you know, the money that would be left if we move these things

079out. >> Well, they they're not in the proposed CIP 427. So because they are you know, per the chief required are absolutely necessary. Um, again, we feel as though they are an operating budget item. So, we would recommend increase the police budget by 50,000. >> I'll probably have 20,000 residual to pay again through >> the CIP out of CIP. Y >> those line items theoretically will be closed going forward, say fiscal year 28. And then to you know again that $70,000 could be made available assuming level funding going forward for other items that the chief may need down somewhere down the road. >> Yeah, that makes sense. >> Okay, Mr. Shar, wrap up the the two >> items that would stay as CIP are the two that the manager proposed then which are the LPRs

080using a little jargon there and the defibrillators. Those would remain in >> the capital budget. Yeah, >> the defibrillators um are trying to think re um we could apply those towards a lowup grant from the state of Connecticut. >> Oh, >> so those are you know so we get 186,000 and change and you'll see on there as a revenue source we we targeted 186,000 12,000 of it was the defibrillators. >> Okay. >> Um so we did target we did do that for 25. I'll do it again for 26 and we're proposing it for 27. So, we're I think what we're discussing then is taking the things things some several things that appeared on for page 14-3 as a CIP request and putting them in into the operating budget. >> Right. Because it's more appropriate to

081be in the operating budget. Yes. Okay. >> Just want to kind of summarize. >> Yeah. Forensic software. >> Yep. >> Uh the body cameras. >> Yep. >> And what was the other? >> The dispatch. >> Oh, dispatch. Records. Yep. >> Records. >> Okay. And then going forward for 28 within the police budget, we'll budget appropriately at 100% of whatever the costs happen to be for that fiscal year 28. >> And does it make sense to leave the body armor and CIP because we get a half a grant for it? >> It it kind of does because that you know that's um it's equipment and it lasts more than could last more than 5 years. You know I you know it's >> again we could put everything in the operating budget if you want either you

082know one way or another it's got to be funded somehow. It's just a matter of which pocket you're taking the money from. I'm just thinking it's it's if we need to replace nine sets a year that >> Well, I mean it's it's like like um the fire chief said too, you know, we have to place so so many so much gear. Um it does last more than a year. Our operating budget is one year. >> Oh, I got you. >> So, you know what I mean. It it you know whether they last five years or >> you know 10 as long as it's more than one theoretically CIP could you know what I mean? >> Gotcha. Our operating budget is only an annual one-year budget. >> That makes sense. All right. >> And then I

083had asked for uh one vehicle. >> Yeah. >> Uh which would be a patrol vehicle. >> Okay. Uh if you remember last year I did a real breakdown to try to put together a fleet replacement program uh because I didn't feel it appropriate that vehicles could be at the whim of of being cut just because we wanted to save $60,000. >> Uh kicking that can down the road only puts the fleet at a at a at a disadvantage. Um, I had planned on purchasing uh vehicles to replace the administration vehicles, the patrol sergeants vehicles. Uh, saving the detectives for last. Unfortunately, they usually get our castoffs. If the car can still drive, they'll get it. Uh, if we have vehicles that can't be used for first responder capabilities, then we give them back to the

084town now. I think we've supplied the town with two or three vehicles at this point. Um, knowing that they they would have less use and of course didn't need to be used as first responder vehicles. Uh, if I do not get at least one vehicle this year, uh, then I would have to of course wait until 20 28 July. Uh, the last time I purchased a vehicle that went specifically to the frontline uh, patrol was 2025. And the year prior I got no vehicles. So 24 I got no vehicles. 25 one police patrol vehicle, one admin vehicle. 25 26 which is this cycle I got the uh sergeants a vehicle to replace the one that they had which was very old. And then of course another administrative vehicle. So I was looking to at least

085replace one uh patrol vehicle. Um, I also like to come up with ideas of where the money can be taken from. Earlier this uh this year, approximately uh the first week of of August, I made a change in the fees that the police department charges for the use of the vehicles on private duty. So, when an officer is out doing a a private duty job, a road job where he's directing traffic for a company, we were charging $24 an hour for the car. every single hour the officer got paid. The car was also tacked on a $24 an hour rate. That rate had not been changed in many years. And I thought it appropriate to at least go up to $30 an hour. That $6 an hour change uh over the,000 or 1500 hours of

086private duty is well over 60,000 which in and of itself can pay for the patrol vehicle and the upfitting costs for it. And so that's sort of the rationale I went into uh by changing that. Now, I know that money goes into the uh police fees or uh police special revenue fund. Um but there are departments such as Southernington and others where the money that they charge for private duty goes directly back in to fund police vehicles knowing that that's always a a piece of equipment, large dollar item that's on the chopping block and they want to be able to keep their fleet rolling. So, I would ask that that the police vehicle be uh looked at and if the money can be found to to get that patrol vehicle, I would very much like

087to do that. Plus, when you order these vehicles, you would have already had to do do it, which I did. So, there's one vehicle waiting for us. >> Don't worry, I didn't make any promises. Uh those those vehicle any department that orders them, we'll we'll just swipe them up. If if we don't buy it, somebody else will because it's a black Ford SUV and and that's what departments are buying. So, Okay. Um, but I I always have to set up my buyer, my dealer ahead of time to know how many vehicles I believe I'm going to get so that he can get his hands on them well in advance of July 1st >> so that we're ready to go. >> So that's it for the the CIP. >> Okay. >> All right. So I guess

088you know unless does anyone have any specific questions or comments with anything we've said so far? >> Yes. >> Yeah. Just to confirm, um, the money from the fees is already counted into our revenue side of the budget >> of the general fund. Yes, >> the general fund. Yeah. >> So, I mean, it's it would be that would be a decision of you, the council, to direct X number of dollars perhaps >> of those fees generated to if it was for a police car purchase to the CIP fund to purchase the vehicle. um you know it would it would impact the general fund revenue all things being equal it would lower the revenue which means an increase in the mill rate just by that you know very small in the whole scheme of things if

089it's say 60 grand >> um but at the same time it would be a reduction in revenue >> okay wanted to make sure we understood that >> all right so it you know I don't know so we got a couple things we're looking at is you know moving items out of the CIP into the operating budget >> um and obviously the you know the request the chief has made here tonight and and um you know I think that part we'll probably deal with on Thursday. So I would say all the CIP or the capital items we discussed plan on discussing those Thursday night to come to you know resolution what we would like to do. But as far as the operating budget and moving those items is that something you guys want to try and

090do tonight? Do we want to have Rob put together the numbers for us? Although he probably can hit a button and tell us right now >> 50,000 increase. >> Do you want to handle the operating budget tonight >> and then the capital on Thursday night? >> I think we handle it tonight. >> Okay. Um how much time do you need to give us the new number? >> It's already done. >> Okay. Yeah. >> The new number would be $6,67,000. >> All right. Somebody writing that down? >> I got it. >> Excellent. >> Already added that. Well, I'm not done yet, so hold it there. >> No, that's all right. >> Well, you can keep going. >> I wrote it in pencil, so >> Okay. >> So, go ahead. On >> on the operational side, um

091I did ask for uh a new police uh position uh having our authorized strength go from 42 to 43. If you also remember last year um and I know council woman Buchanan wasn't on the council last year I gave a presentation regarding you know a long sort of a longterm plan uh to get us up to staffing levels where I think we should have probably been 20 years ago. Um and was very pleased that two officers were added. Um I was able to get very good officers that are now working in the field and they're doing a great job. One of them was a certifi certified officer from Yukon uh who's now works for us doing a great job. Um and so again, you know, my my plan at least for my tenure here and

092I plan on staying a little bit longer uh is to get us up to 45 uh officer strength. Uh putting of course most of those eggs in the patrol basket. Uh at the same time that I'm asking for extra people, I I did value engineer. So again, I did get rid of positions that were in the police department that I thought could be better served going to the patrol side. So we used to have a traffic officer, got rid of that position. Used to have a support services sergeant, I got rid of that position. We used to have six, actually seven detectives, and now we're down to four. Uh, and so I keep an eye on them to make sure that they can still do the job they need to do given less manpower. But

093again, I'm gonna have to put somebody back in the detective division within a year or two. We have uh probably some retirements coming up in two to three years because the senior guys are are detectives and they might be leaving. So I have to look at secession planning for that. Um and so I'm also trying to get to a a point in the department where we can go from a threeperson minimum, a three officer on the road minimum to a four officer on the road minimum. that would probably be the most consequential change in the police department since it was founded. Uh they've worked with three patrolmen out in the out in the field since the 1970s and it's a lot busier than it was in 1970. Uh if you remember last year I gave

094you the numbers for uh the crime rates in Connecticut. Planeville fell at number nine. this year uh the next year which is 2024 uh crime stats uh and this is according to the uh NYERS reporting NYERS is the national incident based reporting system every time there's a crime uh we have to designate what type of crime that is those statistics are double and triple checked by our records division and then sent off to the state of Connecticut where they then publish the statistics and then of course it goes off to the national as well. We ranked 18th for the crime rate per 10,00 people uh at 39.6. Uh just below us was Bridgeport, Meridan, Stanford, Norwok, and Middletown. Now, I can't verify the veracity of these uh this data. I'm not sure if those departments

095have as good of records manager that that I have. Um however, those are the statistics. I think the important thing to note is that of the top 18, and when I say top, the the 18 uh towns that have the the highest neighbors crime rates, the average amount of police officers per those towns is 119. And uh we're at 40. There are some departments that have less. Willamantic has 39. Grten City has 29. Derby has 33. Those are towns that have less police officers but have a higher crime rate than us. Um, again, uh, speaking to, you know, how busy the town is. Uh, there's there's a lot of crime going on. There's a lot of things happening. Uh, we pretty much keep it under wraps if we can. We do our job silently. We

096don't want uh the public to really, you know, have to worry. You know, we keep a very safe and secure town, and it's a great town. Um, but it really needs to have four officers on the road. Uh this gives the officers the ability to do a lot more proactive police work. They can do more of that that traffic work that needs to be done. Uh the town manager can speak to to the the citizens that come in and want that traffic uh enforcement done on their streets. Uh it also allows them to to just be, you know, out there more often uh taking on, you know, less case work that puts them in a chair for an 8 hour shift when they should be out there patrolling. Uh and it gives them of course

097the safety of having a backup. You know, when an officer makes an arrest, usually that's a two officer process where he needs backup for the field uh out in the street and he needs to back up back at the police department because uh on the evening and midnight shift there's really nobody else there other than a sergeant, three officers. So, um that's that was that's my plan. And I and with that extra person, uh I can make that leap. It's not going to be without growing pains in the police department because sometimes you have to take uh put the cart before the horse. Uh take a few steps forward to take a few steps back. But that was my that's my ultimate goal uh is to get to that 45 officers and it's and it's

098needed. So thank you so much. >> All right. Um, and just, you know, and outside of this process, I don't know if it it makes sense to have you come back at some point and kind of give us an update on where you are or we are as a town with that plan that you put together. Um, because it was, you know, certainly it was beneficial for us to hear it. Uh, you know, I don't know if you, you know, and I I don't know when we can do that, but, you know, I think that's important that we probably touch base on that plan again. uh especially like you said, we do have a new member of the council um you know and see where we are and you know see how we can go

099forward you know outside of this budget process but certainly I think you know I don't know if anyone else I don't want to talk for anyone else but you know certainly you know I would like to consider adding another patrol officer I >> I'm not I don't think we're I would be ready tonight to vote on anything but certainly you know we do have four more nights to this scheduled. You know, I would like to return to this operating budget if if you guys are okay with that. >> I'm okay with that. >> Yeah. >> And I would just encourage if there's any questions, I'm sure the chief or even the town manager would be happy to answer any questions. If we had them, I I don't mean to like cut you off. If you

100have more, if you have more, please share what you want to talk about next. I don't want to >> just make it good news. >> Yeah, >> good news. Yeah, >> it's all good news. Uh the the other item that I had requested and it it sort of went handinhand with with the extra officer but not not a necessity was that uh I wanted to make a promotion uh within the police department and create a position of patrol lieutenant. So one of the one of the other items that I've tasked myself with when I became uh the police chief here was to uh organize the police department in in a way that I saw best met the needs of the department. and of course followed along the lines of of law enforcement theory in general.

101And if you remember, we did not have a captain's position. We had nobody who was a second in command. So I was able to with your help and with the town management's help to have a person promoted to the rank of captain. And that would be somebody who is considered really a deputy chief. They're second in command and they are outside of the union. So, it's myself and that other person who are two people that are not union members, which was important to me. The police department has three main divisions. You have your patrol division, which is the largest division, and those are the patrol officers and sergeants that are out in the field, as well as the school resource officers. You have your administrative division, and then you have your uh detective division or

102your investigative uh division. Most police departments have, if they have the personnel, will even have a captain that's in charge of those divisions. I wanted at least somebody of the rank of lieutenant uh to be in charge of those divisions. So, I have a lieutenant in charge of the detective division. That was also a change that was made possible by by this council. And I have a lieutenant that also is in the administration division. I do not have anybody in charge of the patrol division other than my second in command who is busy doing many other things. So for him to then take under his belt having to uh supervise and manage and take care of the largest division in the police department is uh is uh is a little difficult. And so I envisioned

103having a lieutenant in charge of each one of those divisions. Uh which makes logical sense to me. Y >> um and so that's what I wanted to do. The difference in pay, I think we worked out to around $21,000 for the first year and then it goes up as the sergeant reaches the second step. It's a tiered process of maybe another 4,000. Uh I would not ask to have uh that patrol position replaced. Again, that's taking a step forward, doing something important, and then of course paying for it on the back end by not having that person on patrol because a patrol officer has to go to sergeant, and then that sergeant that's there goes to lieutenant. So now I have that hole in patrol. So, you know, again, I'm I'm trying to uh, you

104know, put things into place that I feel are important for the for the ongoing future of the department and at the same time trying to to fill those holes. >> So, you're your your new patrol officer this year that you're asking for is going to fill the hole that's created by >> pretty pretty much that's probably the way it would work out. Um again there are other places uh you know I know we had talked about the board of ed uh and the school resource officers. I have two officers that are attached to the school full-time for the entire school year and uh you know they do an important role. I'm very supportive of the school resource officer uh positions. I do know that the security uh department there, the security director has done a

105lot of work there to hire a great staff that at least assist those officers with, you know, the main safety issues that are there. uh if there are any at the school and to respond if there's emergencies. Um uh but again I I think when Chief Katania and I had done some research was looking to fill positions uh with SRO's for the very first time. Uh it was told to me that they were supposed to be paid for by the board of ed. uh the board of ed did not want to do that, but it was important enough for the chief uh especially given, you know, Sandy Hook in 2012 is when he started to to try to have this happen. It was important for him to fill those those positions. And so he did

106uh with two officers. And so I may have to have a tough discussion with the superintendent about, you know, me getting one of those people back or them having to to to at least pay a certain percentage so that that money could then come back to me so that I could hire somebody to fill that position. So, uh, again, I wanted to, you know, not make that as a threat, but, you know, to put that out there now because now is the time to start thinking that way because if, uh, I wait until, say, August before the start of the school year and then spring that on somebody, that's not going to be a good a good way to go. So, I wanted to throw that out as at least a possibility uh to be

107able to help fund uh, one of my new positions. >> All right. Any questions? Any comments, >> Mr. Chair? >> Yes, go ahead. >> Just a question uh for the town manager, I believe. Is the additional police officer included in the full-time salary police in your proposed budget? >> Not the officer, just the promotion. >> Okay. But not the not the officer. >> No. >> Okay. All right. Any other questions, comments? Just to follow up on that. So adding the adding the officer is 140,000 >> approximately. Is that was that the number? I'm sorry. >> 75 300 75,320 >> estimated because the contract expires June 30th year plus the benefits. >> Uh well I benefits aren't in this budget per se. >> Okay. >> It's just a salary that's would be >> so it would

108be another $75,000 income. Correct. >> Okay. >> Right. Any other comments or questions? So I I guess just to summarize um you know the promotion that's in the budget as it the proposed budget um extra or another patrol officer that we would need to add and that was the 75,2 or 320 that you just mentioned. We're also considering the capital items that we believe should be in the operating. That was a $70,000. >> Well, again, those are not budgeted in capital right now. So, it would just be >> But our operating we would have to add 70,000 to our operating >> 50 because we have residual >> or 50. I'm sorry. Yes. Because you had the 20 for CIP. >> Okay. So, those would be added in whatever budget line they would correct or appropriate

109for. >> Yes. >> All right. Mhm. >> Am I missing anything? I >> think so. >> I'm a little reticent to to add those to the operating budget. They always mean capital. Yeah. >> Um especially if it's going to affect any of my other requests. Uh, and you know, obviously if I'm asking for an extra officer that's 75,000, adding another 50, uh, depending on what it looks like on paper and how it's, uh, sort of sold to the public for their vote, uh, is important. So, >> Okay. >> Um, I would like that to be taken into consideration. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Any other uh, comments, thoughts, questions? Um, so I think we're we'll take your operating and capital up, you know, probably Thursday night if everyone's comfortable with that. I mean, we

110do, like I said, we do have four more of these work sess work sessions scheduled. Um, but thank you. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate you coming in and uh explaining all that to us. And like I said, we'll be Thursday night we'll be talking about your department again. You welcome to be here. >> What time does that start? Um, we do start at 6:30. Uh, we are meeting, we do have the board of ed and the capital budget, but uh, I would imagine we're going to start with the board of ed at 6:30 and then after we're done with the board of ed, we would probably take this up along with the capital. >> Probably sevenish. >> So, sevenish, I would say. >> Thank you so much. >> All right. Thank you. >> Appreciate it.

111Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> You, too. >> Um, we do still have animal control and emergency medical services. Is there I mean I don't I don't know if you have anything you need to share. Animal control is section uh actually it's the next page from the police department. Um >> that was pretty straightforward. I there was really no changes. I think it actually my budget actually reduced uh for the for the upcoming fiscal year. >> So I think we're good with that. Um >> and just I do have a quick question. I I was notified that the state has put new guidelines for 2029 regarding dog pounds. Is it do we still call them dog pounds? >> Uh yes, >> we do. I don't I'm not sure if we changed that or

112not, but you know, and you if you don't know specific answer, that's fine. But you know, where are we in relation to those new >> I think >> regulations, I guess. Donna. So, I think the the main regulation we were concerned with is that you had to have a certain type of uh non-chain link fence that went up to at least I think three or four feet tall. Uh and then on a certain type of a run. Uh and I think she said they're they're well uh uh in place to get that stuff done. >> Okay. U so I don't think there's going to be any major capital uh expenditures or requests to actually build on to the facility or anything of that nature. I think uh I think it's just going to be a

113very simple change again don't >> right >> do that but I know it had to do with >> and if you find out information after tonight that you think you know feel free to send it on. >> Yeah I remember us discussing that and and she had set me at ease and uh with the explanations she had given me. I just don't remember all the details, but I knew it had to do with with making sure that uh the dogs can't bite through a chainlink fence. It has to be a certain height. >> Okay. >> Probably sheet metal or something to that effect. >> Okay. >> So, we can make that happen. >> All right. Anybody Anybody? Yeah. Anyone else with a question, comment? >> Nope. >> No. Mr. Chair, >> yes. >> Motion to

114fund department 205 in the amount of $14,300. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Uh, all those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. I think we just turn the next uh turn the page to the emergency medical services department 206. I believe this is uh >> we pay per capita. >> I thought this got >> Oh, it got zeroed out two years ago. That's right. >> So, we don't have to. So, after this year, we won't have this page anymore. >> It's really zero. It was zero this year and it'll be zero next year. The only reason it's in the book is because there's an actual cause for 25. >> Yep. And that will fall off. >> That'll fall off. Okay. >> Okay. >> All

115right. Well, thank you, >> Mr. Chair. Before the chief leaves. >> Yes. Sorry. >> Okay. Uh just, you know, trying to think about what we are going to be considering on Thursday night. Would that include consideration of the police vehicle too, >> which doesn't manager's proposed budget? Yeah, I I did not write that down or confirm that was another followup. So, I would add that to the list of what what I identified earlier is is a patrol vehicle. >> So, yes, >> I think about it all. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Thanks. Have a good night. >> All right. We are uh let's see. We are the last item on our agenda for tonight is revenues. That's way back in section 3, page five. Um there we go. So

116it's this I imagine we're going to look to the finance director. Any changes from what uh what's on the page here? >> Yeah. And then you know it's really um you know, we're we're bumping up building permits a little bit based on again construction value. Uh, you know, as um technical services director mentioned, I think last night, you know, building permits are still up. We're busy. Um, so it it makes sense to kind of bump that up a little bit. Again, I don't want to bump it up too high to go over. So, you know, being conservative, we're bumping it up 75,000. Um, prior to that, sorry, I missed motor vehicle supplement again. um you know it's the structure is different with regards to motor vehicles but at the same time um you know any

117new vehicles are costing more money too. So the same you know it's going to be a higher price hopefully for from a revenue standpoint. Um the police fees this is where the chief was discussing the fact of the increase in the auto fee to the private contracts for special duty. Um I am bumping it up 90,000 again. Um, if you with the council were to redirect some of that money, the line item dollar amount, not necessarily the increase, but the dollar amount to a another fund, then we would just lower this line item to where you would whatever dollar amount you don't want to show it, you know, here and show it to another fund. But again, um, with our construction projects we have going on in town and they are going to continue in

118the near future with, um, I'm blanking out right now. Um somewhere over there by Camp Street, Bradley Street. Um I think we have another lot project uh coming on board Widing Street. Um it's pretty much wrapped up right now. But we have a lot of construction duties that require police officers. So this line item alone, even if it wasn't for the increase in in fees, would probably increase. >> So it's prudent to bump up the dollar amount for that right now. Again, if you elect to take some of that and put it somewhere else, that's up to you. Um everything else is well we have a new in line item um that really just came into to uh being in at the end of 25 for the EV charging stations we have >> around town

119and we are generating some revenue so we're budgeting $6,000 which you know >> not a lot in the whole scheme of things but it is more $6,000 more than we budgeted before. Um interest income again rates are pretty good still um you know so we're looking at an increase for that for 27 obviously the big area is intergovernmental revenue and the big number that it will jump out at you there is ECS it's flat and in fact decreasing it's decreasing for the way we're paying for some of our services that we um you know our correct invoices and things like that um but we capped out this year on the state catching up that level we capped out. So um our budget is essentially flat. Where there is an increase is in the motor vehicles.

120Now that's going to fluctuate. So if our mill rate is above 32.46, which is the cap at the state level, we do get a pilot we get pilot monies back the following year. If our mill rate goes down below 3 32.46, this would completely go away. >> Okay. So it's we're getting an increase in 27. Okay, because we theoretically, you know, couldn't charge enough on the motor vehicles. So they're recouping a percentage, a very small percentage, but a percentage. Um, so it looks like it's good revenue, but really it's it's, you know, it's an increase, but it's not an increase because ECS stayed flat. >> Um, everything else is pretty level with regards to conveyance tax. Again, sales are happening for higher values. So, you know, a slight bump in that revenue line item is

121appropriate. Um, where we do have two new revenue aligned items this year are the transfer in that we mentioned from debt management last night. Uh, this is that 172,000 that's above and beyond the 4.4 million expenditure in the debt. And then the one time, we're assuming one time transferring from the landfill closure fund where we have revenue sitting. You know, we're still trying to figure out if there's going to be revenue generated from this going forward, if we're going to have ongoing expenditures going forward, but the fund is sufficient at this point in time to at least uh give some mill rate relief to the general fund to the tune of $250,000 next year. We'll revisit it again in 28, see where we are. Hopefully, we have more information on the landfill closure at that

122point in time and we can then determine whether uh you know we can keep this line item and still substantiate the dollars coming from the landfill trusts fund or change it, lower it, eliminate it. We'll have to play that by air, but at least for 27, we're confident that it's a good number to help relieve um the mill rate. Um currently, we have left the use of fund balance at the same $1.4 million we've had for the last, I believe, four years now. Um, you know, administratively, we would like to see that be reduced. >> Um, I think when we go out to market, you're going to see the rating agencies point that out. >> Yeah. >> Um, so when the report comes, if it is pointed out, I'll bring it back to you. But

123this is a, you know, we've essentially not raised taxes for four years, over four years to the tune of $5.6 million. So it's it's low. It kept the mill rate lower. Yes. But we're at a point where our fund balance is also getting to a percentage that may be below our threshold. If we had that money sitting in fund balance, we wouldn't be in that position. >> No. >> So that's what the rating is and are going to point out. >> Okay. >> In my in my opinion, but we'll see how that goes. Um and that's really all the revenues at this point. Um again, trying to be conservative as we always have to a degree. Um and these can change throughout the process. up until you set a mill rate. So, we can well,

124we'll continue to look at these as we go along and if we need to revise any of these numbers, we certainly will. >> All right. Um, and I know that, you know, it's a short session at the state level, but is there any indication that they're talking about any revenues potentially changing or is, you know, is that pretty much off the table now? >> From a revenue standpoint to the towns, no. They want to put more mandates on us, which will cost us more. So, there's a lot of those that are out there that are still, you know, trying to be um talked about and, you know, >> Yep. >> I I believe there's a bill to bump up ECS. >> Yeah. I I mean, again, I'm not confident. >> Okay. >> Only because, you

125know, we got to, you know, there there's talk about special education. I know that that's going to bump up, but that's not a non-budgeted >> number. You know, they're looking, you know, the town a roads and things like that. They bumped it up, but again, it's not budgeted in our general budget. Um, so it, you know, they're putting monies where, you know, where they should be looking, like we talked about in the grand list, exemptions. You know, they mandated veterans exemption. They mandated manufacturing exemptions, but they're not paying for any of it. They mandated and capped the motor vehicle tax, they're not paying for it to the level they should be paying for it. >> So, that's all lost revenue to us. And what was that number with these mandates? The off the top of

126your head, you have >> the um the veterans alone was 4.4 million. >> Now, again, you want to do everything you can for veterans. It's a it's a worthy cause, >> but if it's going to be a mandate, at least give us something. >> Well, and there is an impact. >> Yeah, there is an impact. Yeah, I think again the impact is a lot larger than the legislature thought. So, in their defense, you know, but I don't think they're not looking at to change it though. >> At least I haven't heard anything anyway. Um the manufacturing consumptions that went away 101 15 years ago. I mean that's that's a big one. >> Yeah, >> that's a big one. That's bigger than the 4.4 million. >> Okay. >> All right. Anyone uh any questions or comments

127regarding revenues? I know if you get any new information, we can always revisit this up until the mill rate. >> The revenues can be adjusted up until you set the mill rate. So, we'll we'll uh stay on top of things. If anything does change at the state level, you'll be the first to know. Okay. Um yeah. >> All right. Um anything else? I know that completes what's on the agenda. Is there anything else we need to know tonight? Um we're good. All right. So, um we are back on Thursday evening again. I had mentioned uh we're here at 6:30. we will be discussing or talking to the board of education. I would suggest if you do have questions or comments for the board of ed if you want to forward them to the superintendent. Uh

128sometimes it's nice to get some of the answers ahead of time. Um otherwise we will talk about the capital budget and as part of our process following up with the police department budget as well. >> Excuse me everyone's about to conclude. Yeah. >> Oh, you're I'm sorry. Yes. >> Planning and zoning. >> I thought she looked familiar. >> Well, thank you for saying something. >> I thought she looked familiar from last meeting. All right. Um, if no one else has any comments or questions, a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> All right. We will be back Thursday evening at 6:30. Thank you everyone.