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Saturday, January 23, 2016

Wallingford Fire Department requests the assistance of citizens “Help Clear Hydrants”

The Wallingford Fire Department requests the assistance of citizens to help clear hydrants.  Access to hydrants is critical to the safety of the community. 
The Fire Department is asking that residents adopt a hydrant during the winter season and make sure it is always accessible.  This is especially important given the recent volume of snow we have received. 

Please review the list of the hydrants to adopt the hydrant by your home.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

PRESS RELEASE 2016 Connecticut Civic Health Index Launched

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                    
January 19, 2016                                                           

- Press Release -

2016 Connecticut Civic Health Index Launched

IN-DEPTH REPORT MEASURES CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT IN THE CONSTITUTION STATE IN VOTING, VOLUNTEERISM AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Hartford:  A coalition of groups — including the Secretary of the State, Everyday Democracy, the National Conference on Citizenship and DataHaven — launched the 2016 Civic Health Index Report today. The survey evaluates the depth of citizen engagement through a variety of indicators such as voting, volunteering and other forms of community involvement. 

The report (DOWNLOAD HERE) gives Connecticut relatively high marks compared to the national average for volunteering (29.1 percent vs. 26.2 percent) and charitable giving (57.9 percent vs. 50.7 percent) in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Residents in Connecticut are also more likely than the rest of the country to have attended a public meeting (10.5 percent vs. 8.7 percent) or worked with neighbors to fix or improve something in the community (9.2 percent vs. 8.2 percent) during those years.

However, there are areas that reveal a stark need for improvement and subjects that are considerable cause for concern. 

Deep inequalities in income in Connecticut have had a negative impact on the civic engagement of people living in those communities. The report notes: “The stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor in our state — the so-called ‘Two Connecticuts’ — is as evident in statistics on voting behavior as it is in educational opportunity. Despite a generally higher level of educational attainment in our state, people who are poor or who have lower levels of formal education participate less in our government at all levels. This continues to be the primary challenge for the state, one that the data and findings in this report corroborate.”

In addition to socio-economic issues, the report raises question about how to engage particular demographics in political life. Young adults (18-to-24-years-old) in particular show lower levels of political and civic engagement. The report finds, “In 2013, young adults were significantly less likely than others to attend a public meeting (2.1% of adults 18 to 24 years compared to 11.8% of all other adults) or to give to charity (23.9% of adults 18 to 24 years and 62.5% of adults 25 years and older). Meanwhile, older people were much more likely to engage civically. Of the Silent Generation, 18.6% had attended a public meeting, and 70.2% donated to charity.” The report also notes that young adults were less likely to register and cast votes.

More work must be done to engage other communities as well. For example, voter turnout in the Latino community (47 percent in the 2012 presidential election) is considerably lower than among whites (65.8 percent) and African-Americans (62.2 percent). However, the report does identify programs that are working to increase participation, such as the Hartford Vota Coalition’s Latino Voter Engagement Project. An evaluation of the project found that 64 percent of the canvass participants voted in the 2012 Presidential Election and that those who were canvassed twice voted at a rate of 21 percent higher than the others. In addition, voter turnout among those who were part of the canvass was 9.1 percent higher than overall turnout in the same voting districts and 6.7 percent higher than the citywide turnout rate. 

In 2011, Connecticut released its first Civic Health Index. The project has grown nationally to more than 30 communities nationwide. 

The findings of the report are based on an analysis of the Census Current Population Survey, as well as other locally-available data sources, by the National Conference on Citizenship, DataHaven, and other partners involved in this project. The National Conference on Citizenship is a congressionally chartered organization dedicated to strengthening civic life in America.

Secretary Merrill said, “One of the most obvious metrics of civic health is voting. In recent years, we’ve made great improvements on voting access and convenience. However, democracy does not begin and end on Election Day. Strong communities depend on citizens who are working with each other as well as their elected officials. This report will help us identify areas of democratic participation that are in need of improvement and to focus our energies toward making them better.” 

Martha McCoy, Executive Director of Everyday Democracy, said, “Knowing the state of Connecticut’s civic health can help us gauge how well our communities are prepared to deal with economic adversity. Two studies commissioned by the National Conference on Citizenship and conducted by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University in 2011 and 2012 found that communities with stronger civic health are more resilient when hardship hits, have more effective governance, and are better places to live.”

Jeff Coates, Director for Research and Evaluation at the National Conference on Citizenship said, “The Connecticut Civic Health Index serves as an important tool for innovation and exploration to get people more involved in their democracy. This report reveals Connecticut’s civic health strengths and weaknesses. Working together, I know Connecticut residents can leverage their strong volunteering and neighborhood networks towards greater community action and an even better civic life.”

Mark Abraham, Executive Director of DataHaven, said, “This report is a measure of whether Connecticut residents feel included in the workings of society and government — key factors that along with other determinants such as income and health are among the major drivers of well-being and happiness at a population-wide level. We were pleased that we could supplement the national data from the Census with new neighborhood-level information from the DataHaven Community Wellbeing Survey's recent interviews of over 16,000 representative adults throughout Connecticut. The 2016 Civic Health Index report and future work by the partners involved will enable local communities to have the information that they need to effectively promote civic health.”

Michelle Riordan-Nold, Executive Director of the Connecticut Data Collaborative said, “This report adds to a growing base of civic data available in Connecticut and will enhance the ability of citizens, policymakers, and organizations to engage in data-driven decision making at the state, regional, and local level. We were pleased to be able to build an interactive website (http://civichealth.ctdata.org) to facilitate greater distribution of the important findings presented in this report.”

The majority of the data used within this report were collected through two supplements to the Current Population Survey: the Volunteer Supplement and the Civic Engagement Supplement. The Current Population Survey is a monthly survey of about 60,000 households (approximately 100,000 adults), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The selected supplements collect data on the volunteering, voting, and civic activities of adults age 16 and older for volunteering and 18 and older for the civic supplement. Volunteers are considered individuals who performed unpaid volunteer activities through or for an organization at any point during the 12-month period (from September 1st of the prior year through the survey week in September of the survey year).

To access the full report, click here.

Connecticut Civic Health Indicators and Findings

Latest Connecticut Estimates (from 2013, except for voting and registration)
Latest Ranking
Latest U.S. Estimates (from 2013, except for voting and registration)
Volunteering
27.8%
22
25.4%
Charitable Giving ($25 or more)
56.2%
12
50.1%
Attended a public meeting
10.4%
19
8.3%
Working with neighbors to fix or improve something in the community
8.6%
22
7.6%


Voting (2012)
62.7%
26
61.8%
Registration (2012)
70.5%
34
71.2%
Exchanging (giving or receiving) favors with neighbors (Frequently) [1][3]
11.7%
33
12.1%


Eat dinner with a member of household (Frequently) [1][3]
88.7%
28
87.8%

Talk about politics with friends and family frequently (Frequently) [1][3]
27.8%
29
27.0%


Contacted or visited a public official [1]
13.8%
19
10.8%

Bought or boycotted a product[1]
14.0%
21
12.8%
Voted in local elections (Sometimes or Often) [1]
63.5%
24
58.5%

Group membership [1][2]
35.1%
36
36.3%
Leadership role in organization[1]
11.3%
25
9.7%
Confidence in Corporations (some or a great deal of confidence) [1]
63.9%
36
64.5%

Confidence in Media (some or a great deal of confidence) [1]
59.2%
12
55.0%

Confidence in Schools (some or a great deal of confidence) [1]
88.1%
13
84.5%

Notes:
[1] For all of the indicators from the Civic Engagement Supplement (such as talking about politics and doing favors for neighbors), data are available for 2011and 2013 and the pooled data represents those two years, as the Civic Engagement Supplement was not administered in 2012.
[2] The percentage point estimate refers to the portion of people who said they belong to any of the groups presented (religious, school, neighborhood, civic or sports/recreation). If you would like separate estimates for different types of organization, please contact your liaison at NCoC.
[3] Frequently is a few times a week or more.
[4] Connecticut’s raw sample size was 1904 in the 2013 Volunteering Supplement and 2056 in the 2012 Voting Supplement. The 2013 Civic Supplement was administered to a third of those surveyed and samples sizes for questions ranged from 509 to 767. The size of margin of error can vary depending on the sample size, and the estimated rates. Based on our calculations, MOE range from +/- 4.2% for confidence in media to +/-1.3% for “working with neighbors.”

-30-


Patrick Gallahue
Communications Director
Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill
W:  860.509.6255
C:   860.463.5939

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Wallingford Town Council Swearing in Ceremony JAN 4, 2016

Wallingford Town Council Swearing in Ceremony
January 4, 2016


Friday, January 1, 2016

Some costs on raising a family (well, mine anyway) in Wallingford, CT from about 2007 through 2015

I wrapped up my tally of bills for 2015 and compared them with years gone by to see how costs have gone up and / or where we are consuming more.

Here are some of those details for my family of six (seven when you consider my mother-in-law lives here six months out of the year); obviously there are other kinds of costs to presume but these are the easiest to represent of the ones I tracked.


My kids will range in ages of 12, 10, 8, and 7 in 2016.

Wallingford annual budgets
2015-16 $155.73 million
2014-15 $152.29 million
2013-14 $147.94 million
2012-13 $145.10 million
2011-12 $141.00 million
2010-11 $140.38 million
2009-10 $139.77 million
2008-09 $135.00 million
2007-08 $135.00 million
2006-07 $129.00 million
2005-06 $122.80 million
The annual budget has increased 26.8% in total over the 11 years I have recorded.
That is an average increase of 2.436% a year


---------------------------------------------

Wallingford Mill Rates
Millrate Grand List Fiscal Year
27.47    2014
26.89    2013
26.22    2012
25.98    2011
25.22    2010
24.08    2009
23.20    2008
22.90    2007

The Mill Rate has increased 19.9% in total over the 8 years I have recorded.
That is an average increase of 2.4875% a year


---------------------------------------------

Property Appraisal (value) and Assessment (for taxing purposes) - 35 Lincoln Drive EXT

4 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
2 fireplaces (pellet stove inserts)
2,050 total living area (includes finished lower level)
0.50 acres (land) 

2015 Appraisal      - $289,900
2015 Assessment - $202,900
(based on revaluation).


2010 Appraisal      - $280,000
2010 Assessment - $196,000
(based on revaluation).


2004 Appraisal      - $265,000
2004 Assessment - $185,500
(based on sale price).


2002 Appraisal      - $237,000
2002 Assessment - $165,000
(based on sale price).


Appraisal change since 2002   +22.3%
Assessment change since 2002   +22.95%
That is an average increase of value of about 1.616% a year over the 14 years.
I have made no major improvements to the property.

---------------------------------------------

Property taxes (for my home)     

$5,327.22 - 2015
$5,231.62 - 2014
$5,165.96 - 2013
$5,142.44 - 2012
$5,192.80 - 2011
$4,613.56 - 2010
$4,527.66 - 2009
$4,469.16 - 2008
$4,225.22 - 2007
$3,814.55 - 2006
$3,481.94 - 2005

Increase in total over the 11 payments on record   +53%
That is an average increase of 4.818% a year
I have made no major improvements to the property.

 
The annual budget has increased 26.8% in total over the 11 years I have recorded.
The Mill Rate has increased 19.9% in total over the 8 years I have recorded.
 
My taxes have increased 53% over the past 11 years.
 

The value of my home has grown from $265,000 in the same 11 year span (since 2004) to $289,900.
 
That is a gain of 9.4%. My taxes increased 43.6% more than the value change of my home; that means the burden has shifted more to my residential dwelling than to other taxable entities in Wallingford (e.g. commercial / industrial).
 

The annual budget (the cost of running the town) has increased 26.8%. When you consider the differential of 43.6% above (the rise of the cost of doing business), that leaves a change of 16.8%.
 
16.8% more that I am paying, adjusted for inflation, than I was 11 years ago and it takes into consideration for the upwards rise of my home's value.
 
That shows the shrinking and shifting tax base of Wallingford TOWARDS the residential homeowner / property owner.

---------------------------------------------
Wallingford Electric

$1,942.89 for 2015, a total of 16,544 KWH
$2,041.30 for 2014, a total of 17,396 KWH
$1,953.73 for 2013, a total of 16,520 KWH
$2,273.09 for 2012, a total of 18,566 KWH
$2,129.10 for 2011, a total of 16,850 KWH
$2,257.42 for 2010, a total of 16,890 KWH
$2,458.02 for 2009, a total of 20,376 KWH
$2,116.04 for 2008, a total of 18,039 KWH

---------------------------------------------
Cable TV - primary service (not the add-on international service for my wife)
$1,452.66 for 2015 - Comcast
$2,306.16 for 2014 - Uverse/Frontier (NOV)/Comcast (DEC)
$2,161.38 for 2013 - Uverse
$2,389.05 for 2012 - Uverse
$2,346.23 for 2011 - Uverse
$1,923.59 for 2010 - DISH
$1,985.78 for 2009 - DISH
$2,128.95 for 2008 - DISH

---------------------------------------------
Wallingford Water and Sewer (never kept cubic foot totals; wish I did now)
$839.98 for 2015
$669.60 for 2014
$851.14 for 2013
$908.04 for 2012
$659.58 for 2011
$593.58 for 2010
$309.42 for 2009
$471.46 for 2008
---------------------------------------------



Groceries (out of diapers and into more food over the year; barely noticed the difference until 2012).$8,145.51 for 2015
$7,672.78 for 2014
$7,707.61 for 2013
$9,095.93 for 2012
$7,078.67 for 2011
$6,329.67 for 2010
$7,569.30 for 2009
$6,307.34 for 2008
 
 

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Wallingford's 2015 comprehensive annual financial report

Wallingford's 2015 comprehensive annual financial report
 
 
 
The total amount of taxes and fees collected this past year was $150,917,000 (this includes any monies delivered from the state and federal government) and the amount spent was $149,843,000; the surplus of that was $974,000.
 
 
LAYMAN EXPLANATION - You spent less than you earned (if we are talking about someone's salary). In this case we are talking about taxes collected from the tax payer - they taxed more than was necessary. Having said that, you can't get much better than this because it's less than 0.7 percent off the mark.
 
=========================================
 
The budget balance grew by $5,395,000.
 
LAYMAN EXPLANATION - Wallingford earned more than it expected to, by the tune of $2,827,000 (actual revenues against budgeted) and it spent (actual expenditures) $2,568,000 less than it expected to.
 
Wallingford underestimated their "earnings" potential and overestimated their "spending".
 
 
 
 

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Town of Wallingford Contacts 2014 - 2015

While this information is located in numerous different places we are posting it here so that there is a singular place to have it.

Town of Wallingford Contacts 2014 - 2015.

This information includes all the phone numbers, email addresses, and postal mail information for the Mayor’s office, Town Council, and the Board of Education.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Secretary of the State Urges Connecticut Voters to Familiarize Themselves with the Ballots for Their City or Town

clip_image001

Denise W. Merrill
Secretary of the State
Connecticut

For Immediate Release: For more information:

October 22, 2014                                                                  
Av Harris (860) 509-6255
Cell (860) 463-5939

- Press Release -

Merrill: All Connecticut Town Ballots for 2014 General Election Available for Viewing Online

Secretary of the State Urges Connecticut Voters to Familiarize Themselves with the Ballots for Their City or Town

Hartford: With just under two weeks to go before the 2014 general election, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill today announced to Connecticut voters that ballots for all Connecticut cities and towns are now available for viewing online.  Secretary Merrill is also urging the more than 1.94 million registered voters in Connecticut to familiarize themselves with the general election ballots by going online to the Secretary of the State’s website www.sots.ct.gov/vote  and following the link to see the ballot in their town.  The direct link to the town ballots is:

http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3179&q=555138

“I want to remind the voters of Connecticut that Election Day is around the corner, so now is the time to familiarize yourself with what candidates are running for which offices on the ballot,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief elections official.  “In addition to the individual candidates, there is also an important constitutional question on the ballot for all Connecticut voters that if passed would permit state lawmakers to loosen restrictions on absentee ballots and enact early voting.  Many important decisions at the state and federal level will be made by those who win the elections on November 4th.  I urge every voter in Connecticut to visit our website, see who is running, and familiarize yourself with the ballot you will be using on Election Day.” 

Voters who use the vote-by-phone system are also encouraged to contact their local Registrar of Voters if they are interested in using the preview and practice function of the system prior to Election Day.  On Election Day November 4, 2014 polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. throughout the state.  Voters can check their registration status online and find where their polling place is by visiting www.sots.ct.gov/vote.  The final deadline to register in-person for the general election is Tuesday October 28, 2014.

 

Av Harris
Director of Communications
Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill
(860) 509-6255 ofc
(860) 463-5939 cell
www.sots.ct.gov
Facebook
Twitter

Sunday, October 19, 2014

COMMENTS follow up from Louisiana governor stumps for Foley post in Wallingford Political Discussion

We had a post over in our Wallingford News and Information group on Facebook that generated some conversation that was better suited for our Wallingford Political Discussion group.

Wanting to preserve the original comments, I screen captured them all and put them into the comments section of the Wallingford Political Discussion post.

There were some reports of being unable to read those posts so I am importing those screenshots into this blog post for the sake of continuity.

bust1
bust2
bust3

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Governor Malloy scheduled to be in Wallingford this Sunday afternoon August 3rd

Governor Malloy is scheduled to spend some time in Wallingford this Sunday afternoon, August 3rd, in Wallingford Center at Gaetano's Tavern at 4 pm.
 
65876-governor-of-connecticut-dan-malloy
 
Please feel free to come and invite friends and family.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

AGENDA - REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – TUESDAY May 27, 2014

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Town Council Chambers

TUESDAY

May 27, 2014
6:30 P. M.
AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer – Reverend Margaret Jay, First Congregational Church of Wallingford

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds totaling $2,988.06 (#629-632 ) Acct. #1001001-41020 – Tax Collector

3b. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $4,000 to Youth Projects Acct # 10040100-58272 from Salaries & Wages Acct # 10040100-51000 -Youth & Social Services

3c. Acceptance of Donation for Youth & Social Services Special Fund Out to Pasture and Appropriation in the Amount of $194 to Donations Acct # 2134002-47152 and to Expenditures Acct # 21340100-58830 – Youth and Social Services

3d. Acceptance of Donation from Super Stop & Shop and Appropriation for FY 2014-2015 in the Amount of $2,500 to Professional Services-Entertainment Acct # 10050050-56746 and to Miscellaneous Revenue Acct # 1009052-47040 – Parks & Recreation

3e. Consider & Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $5,500 to Telephone Acct # 10022050-53000 from Utilities for $3,000 Acct # 10020050-53010 and from Office Expenses & Supplies for $2,000 Acct # 10020050-56100 - Police Department

3f. Acceptance of State Grant and Appropriation in the Amount of $7,141 to State Grants Acct # 100-9051-45122 and to Air Conditioning System Acct # TBD and Transfer of $7,141 to Air Conditioning System Acct # TBD from Gas & Oil Acct # 10020050-53100 - Police Department

3g. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $1,795 to Telephone Acct # 10020150-53000 from Four (4) Various Accounts – Fire Department

3h. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $26,883 to Replacement Pay Acct # 10020150-51500 from Four (4) Various Accounts – Fire Department

3i. Consider and Approve an Appropriation of Funds in the Amount of $1,000 to Revenue- Donations Acct # 215-1001-47010 and to Expenses-Tyler Mill Plantings Acct # Fund 215 TBD – Environmental Planner

3j. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $19,150 to Operations- Underground Lines Expense Acct #924 from Operations-Overhead Lines Expense Acct # 583 – Electric Division

3k. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $61,500 to Seven (7) Various Accounts from Employee Pensions & Benefits Acct # 926 – Electric Division

3l. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $1,000 to Purchased Services- Accounting Acct # 10010400-56724 from Regular Wages Acct # 10010400-51000 - Comptroller

3m. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Town Clerk - Mayor

3n. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Board of Education- Mayor

3o. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Board of Education Food Services- Mayor

3p. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Animal Control - Mayor

3q. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Police Department - Mayor

3r. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Comptroller - Mayor

3s. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Personnel - Mayor

3t. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Fire Department- Mayor

3u. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Water/Sewer Divisions - Mayor

3v. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Electric Division - Mayor

3w. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Public Works - Mayor

3x. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Purchasing - Mayor

3y. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Generic Hardware Stores- Mayor

3z. Consider and approve the Appointment of Nancy Miller to the Public Celebrations Committee for a two-year term effective immediately and expiring February 1, 2016 - Chairman Vincent Cervoni

3aa. Consider and Approve Authorization for the Director of Public Utilities to Execute Documents related to the possible siting in Wallingford of two additional Gas Turbine Generators by Wallingford Energy II, LLC.

1. Participation Agreement between WED and ISO New England, Inc. (IS ONE) providing for WED to conduct certain studies

2. Appendix 2, Interconnection Feasibility Study Agreement, among WED, ISO NE and Wallingford Energy, setting forth certain assumptions for use in the feasibility study.

3. Appendix Attachment for Project 8244, Interconnection Feasibility Study Agreement between WED and ISO NE, defining the scope of work for WED.

- Public Utilities

3bb. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment from Retained Earnings $1,910,000 to Purchased Power $3,100,000 Acct #555 and to Sales Residential $820,000 Acct # 440 and to Sales Commercial/Industrial $370,000 Acct # 442 – Electric Division

3cc. Schedule a Public Hearing to be conducted on June 10, 2014 at 6:45 P.M. to be held in connection with Neighborhood Assistance Program – Program Planning

3dd. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Public Hearing on the Budget Meeting of May 6, 2014

3ee. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of May 8, 2014

3ff. Approve Minutes of Regular Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting of May 13, 2014

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

6. Discussion and Possible Action on the Board of Education request for potential Appropriation of Funds from 2013-2014 in the Amount of $279,411 – Board of Education

7. Report on 2014 Town Fireworks Celebration - Councilor John Sullivan

8. Consider and Approve an Appropriation Request for Capital Items FY 2012-2013 totaling $959,088 as in the following list:

1. $112,121 Generator Civil Preparedness

2. $ 41,242 CCTV Security System Police Department

3. $ 15,725 Card Key System Police Department

4. $150,000 Living Quarters Addition Fire Department

5. $150,000 Storage Building Fire Department

6. $114,000 Road Side Mower Public Works Department

7. $191,000 Plow Truck w/Accessories Public Works Department

8. $185,000 Loader Public Works Department

- Comptroller

9. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200(6) (D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

Saturday, May 10, 2014

VIDEO - FY 2014 – 2015 BUDGET WORKSHOP May 5, 2014

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT
Special Town Council Meeting
May 5, 2014
6:30 P.M.
Town Council Chambers

FY 2014 – 2015 BUDGET WORKSHOP

AGENDA

 

1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call
3. BUDGET WORKSHOP

PARKS & RECREATION
PUBLIC WORKS
ENGINEERING
CAPITAL & NON-RECURRING
CAPITAL & NON-RECURRING FUND
CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS RESERVE
SIX-YEAR CAPITAL
BUILDING DEPARTMENT

 

Friday, May 9, 2014

AGENDA - REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - May 13, 2014

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT
REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Town Council Chambers

TUESDAY
May 13, 2014
6:30 P. M.

AMENDED AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer Father Thomas Walsh, Most Holy Trinity Church of Wallingford

2. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call


3.  Consent Agenda

       3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds totaling $7,856.30 (#602-#628 ) Acct. #1001001-41020 –Tax Collector

       3b. Consider and Approve 2002-2009 Tax Suspension List – Tax Office

       3c. Acceptance of Donation for Youth & Social Services STEM Academy Fund (formerly Young Astronauts) and Appropriation in the Amount of $ 1,000 to Donations Acct # 2264002-47152 and to Expenditures Acct # 22640150-58830 – Youth and Social Services

       3d. Acceptance of Donation for Youth& Social Services and Appropriation in the Amount of $ 65.00 to Donations Acct # 2134002-47152 and to Expenditures Acct # 21340100-58830 – Youth and Social Services

       3e. Acceptance of a Grant from Sears Hometown and Outlet Store in the Amount of $196 To Misc./Donations Revenue Acct # 1009052-47040 and to Continuing Education & Training Expenses Acct # 10020150-55700 – Fire Department

       3f. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $12,000 EMS Transport Fund Enterprise Fund) from Bad Debt Expense Acct # 50020155-59100 to a variety of accounts– Fire Department

        3g. Consider and Approve an Appropriation Special Revenue Fund Misc. Grants & Donations  in the amount of $1,000 to Donations –Revenue Acct # 2502002-47152 and to Continuing Education and Training Acct # 25020150-58830-10108 – Fire Department

        3h.  Consider and Approve an Appropriation of Funds in the Amount of $200 to Veterinary Acct # 10020100-56742 and to Misc Revenue Acct # 1009052-47040 – Animal Control

        3i. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $600 to Operating Expenses  Acct # 10020100-58735 from Telephone Acct # 10020100-53000 – Animal Control

        3j. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of 1,900 to Office Supplies & Expenses Acct # 10010401-56100from Salaries & Wages Acct # 10010403-51000  - Comptroller

        3k. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $81,000 to Capital and Non-Recurring Townwide Paving Acct # 30102013-57000-20073 from Capital and Non-Recurring Acct # 30102013-57000-20071– Public Works


        3l. Consider and Approve a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $26,850 to Misc. Non-Operating Income Acct # 43100421 and $25,082 to Transportation Equipment Acct # 43300392 and $1,765 to Appropriation from Cash – Public Utilities

        3m. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $2,494 to Salaries & Wages Acct # 1001115-51000 from Contingency Acct # 10019000-58820 – Public Utilities

        3n. Consider and Approve a Transfer of Funds in the Amount of $6,000 to Office Expenses & Supplies Acct # 10010300-56100 from Professional Services-Lawyers Acct #10010300-56710 – Law Department

        3o. Consider & Approve Resolution adopting the South Central Region Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorizing future revisions and plan maintenance as required for a period of five years –Mayor

        3p. Consider and Approve Tax Assessment agreement with J. Gavin Properties, LLC in  accordance with the Town’s Real Estate Tax Incentive Program for Manufacturers which provides for a seven-year reduction of 25% in the real property assessment – Law Department

        3q. Consider and Approve Appointment of David Leonardo as an Alternate to the Planning  and Zoning Commission to fulfill an unexpired term effective immediately and expiring  January 8, 2015 –Chairman Vincent Cervoni

        3r. Consider & Approve re-appointments to the Board of Ethics for a three-year term effective  immediately and expiring March 1, 2017 for the following:
   Sean Doherty
   Mary Paquette
   John Paul Venoit
   Reverend Dean Warburton


         3s.  Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting
  of April 15, 2014


        3t. Approve Minutes of Regular Town Council Meeting of April 22, 2014

        3u. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting of April 23, 2014

        3v. Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting of April 24, 2014

        3w.  Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting of April 28, 2014

        3x.  Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting of April 29, 2014

        3y.  Approve Minutes of Special Town Council Budget Workshop Meeting of May 5, 2014

        3z. Consider and approve Bid Waiver for Don’s Landscaping & Tree Service LLC in the  Amount of $12,250 for stump removal and tree planting – Public Works


4.  Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

6. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for FleetMasters, Inc. in an Amount up to $15,000 - Fire Department

7. Consider and Approve a Bid Waiver request for Steward & Stevenson Power Products LLC - Fire Department

8. Consider and Approve an Appropriation in the Amount of $66,000 to Distribution Revenues Acct # 200-1002-45000 and to Transfer to North Farms Fire Station Project Acct #200-80350-59220 - Fire Department

9. Consider and Approve an Appropriation in the Amount of $66,000 to Revenue-Transfer in from  CRRA Distr. Fund Acct # 306-9053-49015 and to Architect-North Farms Station Acct # 306-80350-57000-20080 – Fire Department


10. Conduct a Public Hearing for May 13, 2014 for 6:30 P.M. to Consider and Act on the following   Ordinance entitled:

AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,900,000 FOR THE PLANNING, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS 2014-2015 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $1,900,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE


11. Adoption of the Budget for Fiscal Year 2014-2015


I. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO ADOPT THE TOTAL GENERAL FUND REVENUE BUDGET OF $152,293,562  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014. SEE ATTACHED RECONCILIATION.
 
Council member______________________seconded the motion.



II. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO ADOPT THE TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE BUDGET OF  $152,293,562 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014. SEE ATTACHED RECONCILIATION.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.



III. Council member______________________
MOVED: ESTABLISH THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 AT 26.89 MILLS.

REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES IN EXCESS $100 SHALL BE MADE IN TWO INSTALLMENTS. THE FIRST OF WHICH IS DUE JULY 1, 2014, PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2014. THE SECOND INSTALLMENT SHALL BE DUE JANUARY 1, 2015, PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 2015. REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES OF $100 OR LESS SHALL BE PAID IN ONE INSTALLMENT DUE JULY 1, 2014 AND PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2014 AS PROVIDED BY CONNECTICUT STATUTE, CHAPTER 204, SECTION 12-144.

MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES SHALL BE MADE IN ONE INSTALLMENT DUE JULY 1, 2014 AND PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1, 2014 AS PROVIDED BY CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE, CHAPTER 204, SECTION 12-144A. DELINQUENT MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES SHALL BE PAID ONLY IN CASH OR BY CERTIFIED CHECK OR MONEY ORDER AS PROVIDED BY CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE, CHAPTER 204, SECTION 12-146. PROPERTY TAXES IN AN AMOUNT OF LESS THAN FIVE DOLLARS SHALL BE WAIVED.
CHECKS IN PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES WHICH HAVE BEEN RETURNED BY THE BANK SHALL BE SUBJECT TO A THIRTY DOLLAR ($30.00) FEE.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.


IV. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO ADOPT THE BUDGETS OF THE DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 AS HEREIN STATED:
Electric Enterprise Fund
Operating Revenues       $74,339,570
Operating Expenses       72,360,009 
Operating Income (Loss)      1,979,561
Non-Operating Revenue      1,435,555  Non-Operating Expenses      147,429
Net Income (Loss) Before Operating Transfers In (Out)  3,267,687
Operating Transfers (Out)      (1,894,445)  Net Income (Loss)       1,373,242
Working Capital: Sources of Funds     4,976,217  Working Capital: Use of Funds      4,976,217  Re-appropriation of Prior Years Capital Items    -0-



Water Enterprise Fund
Operating Revenues       $ 7,769,250 
Operating Expenses       7,406,806
Operating Income (Loss)      362,444
Non-Operating Revenue      176,750
Non-Operating Expenses      116,400
Net Income (Loss)       422,794
Working Capital: Sources of Funds     3,198,935
Working Capital: Use of Funds     3,198,935
Re-appropriation of Prior Years Capital Items    -0- 

Sewer Enterprise Fund
Operating Revenues      $ 6,979,500 
Operating Expenses       7,903,637 
Operating Income (Loss)      (924,137)
Non-Operating Revenue      357,362
Non-Operating Expenses      29,000
Net Income (Loss)       (595,775)
Working Capital: Sources of Funds     2,201,400 
Working Capital: Use of Funds     2,201,400
Re-appropriation of Prior Years Capital Items    -0- 


Council member______________________seconded the motion.



V. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO ADOPT THE BUDGET OF THE CAPITAL AND NON-RECURRING EXPENDITURES FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,894,445 REVENUES AND $1,894,445 EXPENDITURES.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.



VI. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO ADOPT THE BUDGET OF THE AMBULANCE TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,116,423 REVENUES AND $2,116,423 EXPENDITURES.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.



VII. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE SPECIAL FUNDS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWN OF WALLINGFORD FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 AS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.



VIII. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE SPECIAL FUNDS OF THE TOWN OF WALLINGFORD FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 AS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.



IX. Council member_____________________
MOVED: TO APPROVE CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS RESERVE FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2014 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,522,964 REVENUES AND $1,522,964 EXPENDITURES.

Council member ______________________seconded the motion.



X. Council member______________________
MOVED: TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THREE COPIES OF THE FINALIZED BUDGET. TWO TO BE FILED WITH THE TOWN CLERK AND ONE TO BE PLACED ON FILE IN THE WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Council member______________________seconded the motion.



12. Various Budget Motions provided by Comptroller, James M. Bowes

13. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200(6) (D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor