Town Council May 1 Meeting in a Minute

WPCA

The Town Council gave Kurt Weiss the go-ahead to put together the numbers to move ahead with the .

Committee Reports

Emergency Communications reported that the .75 fee on the phone bill for 911 was approved by the House and Senate, which should fund grants. Town Manager said North Branford should be in line for those funds as far as regionalization of emergency communication.

The is continuing its work. Mayor Anthony Candelora is involved with coordinating contracts for entertainment. Public works director Fran Merola is working on electrical upgrades. Mandatory meetings for vendors and food vendors are upcoming. This year, the food vendors will set up under a professionally installed tent with gutters.

Town Manager’s Report

The following topics were discussed in Town Manager Richard Branigan’s report.

Letters have been sent out to the construction team and the design team of looking to coordinate the HVAC work to make sure the system is functioning properly.

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Superintendent Scott Schoonmaker sent a letter to the facilities unit to clarify  expenses around reimbursement. Branigan said there was “some confusion on those numbers that we’ll be going over with [ in the next week.”

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The Town Engineer’s office has updated plans for the . Once the final budget for the project is set, it will go out to bid. Final numbers will determine what pieces of the project will be alternates and what will be a part of the base.

“Our goal is still to have sod down by Labor Day and we should be inshape to do that,” said Branigan.

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A draft of the has been presented to the Permanent Project Building Committee that worked with the revised budget.

“It accomplishes what we need to do to get in the door,” said Branigan. “It’s not extravagant, but we’ll have what we need.”

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Town offices are coordinating road improvement project money and will have a more detailed discussion at finance sub-committee.

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In union negotiations, the state comptrollers sent out healthcare options. The town is waiting on comparison numbers, but Branigan said the projected savings of $500,000 is “very realistic with some improvements in the plan.” The next step is to analyze the numbers with the Board of Education and business manager and then negotiate with the unions.

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In response to ’s upcoming from the , Branigan requested the Council approve a temporary lift on the hiring freeze to replace her. The Council chose to discuss the issue in executive session.

Resignations and Appointments

Sheree Dolan, Michael Burton and William Bergers were reappointed to the Ethics Commission. Deputy Mayor Al Rose questioned how the Commission functioned. Branigan reported that Town Clerk Lisa Valenti refers complaints to the Ethics Commission and she will distribute a set of rules and ordinances.

ESDHD Fee Schedule

Michael Pascucilla, director of East Shore District Health Department, addressed the Council regarding recent fee increases. He presented the ESDHD’s report on its fees and explained the services it provides.

Did you know the full Town Council meetings are available on YouTube?