Feb. Committee Meeting Agenda

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

FEBRUARY 25, 2008

7:00 P.M. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Community Development Citizens

Advisory Commission (Joyce Blandon) for a term ending

3/31/11

2. Appointment to the Community Development Citizens

Advisory Commission (Peter G. Curtis) to fill a term

ending 3/31/08 and to a full term ending March 31, 2011

3. Transfer of Funds - Economic Development - $150.

(Longevity) INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Amendment to Agreement for Consulting Services for the

design of the Farmington Canal Greenway Phase III

7:05 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $32,500.

($30,000.Heating Fuel)($2,500. Water) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $89,250.

(Landfill Materials & Supplies) ($25,000. FROM FINANCE

BUDGET)($64,250.FROM E & C ACCOUNT)

3. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept.- $75,000.

($50,000.Snow Removal)($25,000.Overtime) $50,000.

FROM E & C ACCOUNT - $25,000. FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT

7:10 P.M. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE STATUTORY

PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF CERTAIN CATS

1. Transfer of Funds -Police Dept.-$500.(Vehicle Maintenance)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

2. Transfer of Funds - Police Dept. - $500. (Traffic-Radar

Equipment) INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Police Dept. - $750. (Advertising)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Transfer of Funds -Police Dept. -$25,000.(Overtime/

Administration) INTERNAL TRANSFER

5. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept. - $200,000. (Sub/Straight

Time) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

6. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept. - $1,520. (Food Products)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

7. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept.$5,000. (Overtime) INTERNAL

TRANSFER

8. Ordinance to implement the Statutory provisions concerning

the regulation of certain cats

9. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, accept &

expend Funding up to $55,000. in State of CT LOCIP funds

for Phase II Preconstruction Surveys and Engineering Services

for the Proposed Animal Control Facility

7:15 P.M. ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION:

1. Appointments to the Clean & Green Commission (Scott Howland)

(Martha Nabstedt)(Jack O'Donnell) for terms ending 11/1/10

2. Re-Appointment to the Clean & Green Commission (Diane Hoffman)

for a term ending November 1, 2010

3. Re-Appointment to the Inland Wetlands Commission (Michael

Milazzo) for a term ending April 30, 2010

4. Appointment to the Natural Resources & Open Space Commission

(Richard Bell) for a term ending Feb. 1, 2010

7:20 P.M. FINANCE COMMITTEE:

1. Refund of Property Taxes collected prior to July 1, 2007

(2) totaling $4,239.74

2. Refund of Property Taxes collected after July 1, 2007

(10) totaling $13,990.36

3. Refund of Property Taxes for Certificates of Correction

issued after 7/1/07 (22) totaling $4,643.40

4. Resolution waiving a percentage of the payment in lieu of

taxes (PILOT) owed by the Hamden Housing Authority

5. Abatement of $171,154.75 for Taxes for the Davenport/Dunbar

Residences at 125 Putnam Ave.

7:25 P.M. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance Amending and Restating the

Employees Retirement Plan of the Town of Hamden

1. Appointment to the Ethics Board (Ann M. Pari) for a term

ending January 31, 2012

2. Transfer of Funds - Registrar's Office - $150. (Overtime)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Town Clerk - $2,000. (Advertising)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Ordinance amending and restating the Employees Retirement

Plan of the Town of Hamden

7:30 P.M. RECREATION COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Parks & Recreation Commission

(Ron Treanor) for a term ending January 31, 2013

2. Appointment to the Human Rights & Relations Commission

(Marcia Smith Glasper) to fill a term ending April 30, 2008

and for a full term ending April 30, 2011

3. Appointment to the Library Board(Pamela Mangini)for a term

ending January 31, 2013

4. Transfer of Funds - Parks/Recreation- $l,125.(Recreation/

Spring/Summer) INTERNAL TRANSFER

7:35 P.M. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1. Appointment to the Human Services Commission (Lucille J.

Ranciato) for a term ending March 1, 2010

2. Appointment to the Commission on Disability Rights &

Opportunities (Roberta Bonocchi) for a term ending

October 31, 2008

3. Transfer of Funds - Community Services - $500. (Overtime)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Resolution authorizing the Mayor, through Sleeping

Giant Day Care, Inc. to apply for, accept & expend a

Grant in the amount of $240,750. from the State of CT.

Dept. of Social Services and to enter into an Agreement

for a Child Day Care Program for the period January 1,

2008 to December 31, 2008

5. Resolution authorizing the Finance Director to borrow up

to $44,148. from the General Fund for the Advancement of

Operational Expenses to Sleeping Giant Day Care, pending

receipt of State Funding for Calendar Year 2008

Memo - Dadio Farm Sub-Division = Town Revenue

Memo

To: Leslie Creane, Town Planner

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District

CC: Al Gorman, Council President

Carol Noble, President Pro Tem

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Dale Kroop, Director, Economic Development

Al Savarese, Town Engineer

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008
Re: Dadio Farm Sub-Division

Can you please give us a brief status report, in writing, regarding the progress of the Dadio Farm Sub-Division project.

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Engineering - Sidewalk Update

Memo

To: Al Savarese, Town Engineer

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District

CC: Jack Kennelly, Chair, Public Works & Engineering Committee

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008

Re: General Sidewalk Repair List

Can you please give me an updated progress report, in writing, of the current general Town wide sidewalk repair list.

In addition, if you could add some narrative on how much funding is currently in place for the next round of repairs, when this work is scheduled to begin and how much of the back list it should complete.

As always, thank you for your kind assistance with this request.

Memo - State Street Streetscape

Memo

To: Dale Kroop, Economic Development Director

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District

CC: Al Gorman, Council President

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Jack Kennelly, Councilman at Large

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008
Re: State Street Streetscape Project

Could you please give me a progress report on the plans for completion of the State Street Streetscape Project, in writing, with the latest cost estimates.

Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Feb Memos - Econ Development

Memo

To: Dale Kroop, Economic Development Director

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District; Chair, Finance Committee

CC: Al Gorman, Council President

Carol Noble, President Pro Tem

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Mike Betz, Finance Director

Scott Jackson, CAO

Date: 2/11/2008

Re: Grant Reimbursement

Due to the tightness of the current Fiscal Year's budget, I wanted to inquire about your potential ability to draft some additional grant dollars for your department's staff.

Any additional grant funds would obviously ease the burden on the general operating budget and would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your consideration.

Council Memo and Related Work Update

Memo

To: Mike Betz, Finance Director

From: Curt Leng, Councilman, 6^th District; Chair, Finance Committee

CC: Mayor Craig Henrici

Al Gorman, Council President

Carol Noble, President Pro Tem

Matt Fitch, Majority Leader

Betty Wetmore, Minority Leader

Scott Jackson, CAO

Finance Committee Members

Date: 2/11/2008

Re: 2007-2008 Budget Report

In an effort to keep the Finance Committee more informed of the status of the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year budget, I'd like to respectfully request a status report to be presented at the February 25^th Council Committee meeting. The status update should include your professional opinion on the overall status of the expenditures and revenues, general projections and information on any position or negative trends that we should be aware of.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this report. It is certain to help keep us as informed as possible as we prepare to make our decisions on the Town's financial decisions each month.

Obama Has a Weekend SWEEP !!

Maine Puts Topper On Obama Weekend Sweep

Obama Takes Delegate Lead With Wins In 4 States; Clinton Manager Steps Down

(AP/CBS) Illinois senator Barack Obama finished a series of weekend primary and caucus contests undefeated as he bested Hillary Clinton in Maine today, according to CBS News estimates.

Obama’s victory in the Maine caucuses follow on the heels of his Saturday sweep in which he won Louisiana’s primary contest as well as caucuses in the states of Washington and Nebraska.

His winning margins ranged from substantial to crushing. In Maine, he led 59 percent to 41 percent with 91 percent of the precints reporting. In Louisiana, Obama defeated Clinton, 57 percent to 36 percent. He won in Nebraska by a 68 percent to 32 percent margin and in Washington 68 percent to 31 percent.

Obama's victory in Maine -- and the ease with which it came -- actually exceeded expectations, even though he swept the caucuses held on Super Tuesday. Clinton had the backing of the state's governor, John Baldacci, and its proximity to New Hamsphire and Massachusetts, both of which Clinton has already won this year, led some analysts to expect a close race.

Even Obama's own campaign said they didn't expect to win Maine, according to a document the campaign said was accidentally leaked earlier in the week.

In the delegate chase, Obama has pulled ahead of Clinton, even when the support of uncommitted super delegates is figured in. According to CBS News estimates, Obama holds a razor-thin lead with 1,134 delegates overall to 1,131 for Clinton.

Town Audit Results in for 2006-2007 Budget

From the New Haven Register:

Hamden ends year with half-million surplus

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — The town ended the last fiscal year with a surplus of more than a half a million dollars, bringing its fund balance to just over $7 million. Auditors Robert and David Cappelletti, father and son from the Woodbridge accounting firm of Levitsky & Berney, appeared before the Legislative Council Monday night to review the report, which they completed in December. It covers the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2007. As of June 30, the fund balance was $6.54 million, an increase of $1.7 million over the previous year. But when the $578,976 surplus from fiscal 2006-07 budget of $163.64 million is added in, the fund balance grows to $7.08 million. The fund balance should be 5 percent to 7 percent of the budget, Finance Director J. Michael Betz said. Betz said the surplus and increase in fund balance “was driven by expenditure control and favorable variances in every category.” Advertisement Mayor Craig B. Henrici said before the meeting that the audit shows the town is on the right track, and is a “testament” to the finance department. Councilman Curt Leng, D-6, chairman of the council’s audit subcommittee, noted improvements over last year’s audit and said that with a few exceptions, it was “very sound.” The audit once again said the town has not properly funded the pension fund for several years. With the $15.9 million contribution of 2007, the fund contained 56.4 percent of what it is supposed to have. The long- term liability is $104 million. “I guess you have a plan in place to increase funding each year,” Robert Cappelletti said. Henrici has said he plans to once again ask the council to consider pension obligation bonds to cover the liability, which the council didn’t go for last year. The town’s medical self-insurance fund also has a deficit. In 2006, it was $3.39 million. Money was added in 2007 so now the deficit is $1.52 million. “We’ve shown increases in the self-insurance fund. ... We’re heading in the right direction,” said Councilman James Pascarella, D-at large. Council President Al Gorman, D-at large, said the Board of Education has responded to the part of the audit that calls for an improvement in how it monitors monthly bank reconciliations on its accounts payable and payroll accounts. “We’re very pleased with the rapid response. It’s the first time they responded on paper,” Gorman said. David Cappelletti noted that communication has improved between the school board and town finance divisions. The audit also noted that invoices are being paid in the Department of Parks and Recreation without the assurance that proper documentation is on file, and is recommending that proper information exist before invoices are paid.

Endorsement Letter - Obama for President !

Obama the Right Choice for our Country

In politics, I’ve long been a supporter of positive change and tangible improvement plans, whether in our Town, our State or our Country.

Soon, we will have a chance to make a choice for the candidate that will represent the Democratic Party in the 2008 election. I proudly support Barack Obama and ask that you give him, his policies and positions and his new brand of unifying politics a careful look as you make your decision on who to support in the February 5^th primary.

On issues ranging from health care, to foreign policy, education, fiscal and tax policy and on and on – Obama is the candidate of real, demonstrable change. I think he’s the kind of candidate who as President can heal the wounds created by 8-years of the Bush/Cheney Administration.

We need a President who can heal international wounds – make America a leader on the world stage again – not just with military might – but with diplomacy and leading by moral example.

We need a President who can address the countless domestic problems that have been either created or ignored over the last 8-years.

We need a President that can inspire a new generation of Americans to come back to public service, volunteerism and civic involvement.

I truly believe that Barack Obama can be that President.

The usual politics of saying and doing anything to get elected has created the apathy we see today and it’s not what we need in a leader at this critical time in our history.

I ask you today to take a close look at Obama as you prepare to cast your ballot on Feb. 5^th – I think you’ll be impressed with what you see.

Sincerely,

Curt Balzano Leng

Councilman, 6^th District

Council Committee Agenda Jan/Feb Cycle

AGENDA

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

JANUARY 28, 2008

7:00 P.M. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:

PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance amending the Town's Economic

Development Incentive Policy

1. Re-appointments to the Economic Development Commission

(Nathan Schatz)(Richard DePodesta) for terms ending

Jan. 31, 2013

2. Re-appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission

(Robert Roscow)(Ann Altman) for terms ending Jan. 31, 2011

3. Appointment of Alternate member to the Planning & Zoning

Commission (Gregory Tignor) to fill a term expiring

Jan. 31, 2010

4. Re-appointment of Alternate member to the Planning

& Zoning Commission (Ralph Marottoli) for a term ending

Jan. 31, 2011

5. Appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals (William

Reynolds)for a term ending January 31, 2013

6. Ordinance amending the Town's Economic Development

Incentive Policy

7. Resolution authorizing the Town to enter into a

reimbursable and Maintenance Agreement with the

State of Connecticut

7:05 P.M. PUBLIC WORKS & ENGINEERING COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Public Works Dept. - $100,000.

(Snow Removal Supplies - $65,000)(Overtime - $30,000.)

(Sanitary Cleaning Supplies - $5,000.) $70,000 FROM

E & C ACCOUNT; $30,000. FROM L/C OVERTIME ACCOUNT)

7:10 P.M. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

1. Resolution authorizing the Town to accept a gift of $5,000.

from the Frank P. Cesare Memorial Fund

2. Transfer of Funds - Police Department - $8,500. (General

Supplies/Armory) INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Transfer of Funds - Police Department - $2,000. (Food

Products) INTERNAL TRANSFER

4. Transfer of Funds - Fire Dept. - $104,523. (Sub/Straight

Time) INTERNAL TRANSFER

7:15 P.M. ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION:

1. Re-appointments to the Natural Resources & Open Space

Commission (Marigrace Larke)(Edward Kennedy)(Thomas

{Parlapiano) for terms ending Feb. 1, 2011

2. Appointment to the Inland Wetlands Commission (Andrew

Brand) for term ending April 30, 2010

3. Resolution supporting the Connecticut Clean Energy

Communities Program and authorizing approximately $2,800.

towards the purchase of Clean Energy

4. Amendment to Resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept &

expend $20,300. in Grant Funds from the State of Ct. for

a Trail to Link the Farmington Canal with the Town Center

Park

7:20 P.M. FINANCE COMMITTEE:

1. Refund of Property Taxes collected prior to July 1, 2007 (1)

totaling $16.99

2. Refund of Property Taxes collected after July 1, 2007 (7)

totaling $3,676.05

3. Refund of Property Taxes for Certificates of Correction

issued after 7/1/07 (19) totaling $29,798.34

4. Refund of Property Taxes for Court Judgments (1) totaling

$313.04

5. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of RFP for Insurance/Risk

Management Consulting Services including Agent/Broker of

Record Services

6. Approval of Bid Waiver in favor of RFP for Construction

Manager/Cost Estimator for Hamden Police Station/Memorial

Town Hall

7. Transfer of Funds - L/C Office - $500. (Repairs/Equipment)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

7:25 P.M. ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:

1. Re-appointment to the Board of Ethics (Colin Odell) for a

term ending January 31, 2013

2. Appointment to the Civil Service Commission (Judith Kozak)

for a term ending August 31, 2013

3. Approval of Retirement Benefits (Carole Ireland) $25,869.14

(Elderly Services Dept.)

4. Approval of Retirement Benefits (Kenneth Forsythe) $7,088.52

(Police Department)

7:30 P.M. RECREATION COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Library - $600. (Shift Differential)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

2. Transfer of Funds - Library - $8,750.(Overtime)

$3,016.INTERNAL TRANSFER -$5,734. FROM L/C OVERTIME

ACCOUNT

3. Resolution authorizing the acceptance & expenditure of

Agricultural Viability Grant Funds and authorizing the

Mayor to sign an Assistance Agreement for such funds with

the State of Ct. acting by the Dept. of Agriculture

4. Resolution authorizing the waiver of Ice Rink Fees for

MADD's Annual "Skate for Leah" fund raiser

7:35 P.M. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1. Transfer of Funds - Community Services - $10,000. (Family

Relocations) FROM E & C ACCOUNT

2. Transfer of Funds - Elderly Services - $250. (Longevity)

INTERNAL TRANSFER

3. Appointment to the Veterans Commission (Edward Schultz)

for a term ending October 26, 2009

Superintendent Presents Budget

This article came from the NH Register and discusses the Superintendent's budget presentation to the Board of Education. The Board of Education now has a chance to review and possibly change the proposal, then it gets sent to the Mayor for his review. Looks like everyone is going to have to sharpen their pencils this year - in every department.

Curt

Hamden schools seeking 6.95% increase

By Ann DeMatteo , Assistant Metro Editor

HAMDEN — Superintendent of Schools Frances M. Rabinowitz is seeking a 6.95 percent increase in school spending for 2008-09. The proposed budget is $79.28 million, or $5.15 million over the current $74.13 million budget. Of the proposed increase, $4.2 million, or 5.69 percent is nondiscretionary, meaning that it’s eaten up in salary and contractual increases, special education costs, utilities and transportation. The remaining 1.26 percent of the proposed increase, or $934,207, is for discretionary spending, “what I really feel are the basics needed to strengthen reading, language arts and technology and to prepare kids for the 21st century,” Rabinowitz said Tuesday night. Advertisement Rabinowitz said she originally was hoping for a lower percentage increase, given the town’s fiscal condition, but the numbers didn’t work out that way. School board members said after the meeting they were pleased with the presentation, but didn’t know if the entire amount would be approved by them or later, by Mayor Craig B. Henrici or the Legislative Council. “I think the superintendent put together a real and really necessary budget, but I don’t know how we can possibly fund it,” said board Secretary John Keegan. “The challenge will be to dig in to it and find out where we can make reductions and at the same time preserve the good ideas.” Rabinowitz said the budget proposal, her first since becoming superintendent in September, allows what she wants to do from a curriculum and class size perspective. The proposal calls for 10 new teachers: a technology literacy specialist; three elementary teachers to keep class sizes at 20 in primary grades at Spring Glen, Ridge Hill and Dunbar Hill schools; two special education teachers; a speech pathologist; two elementary math specialists; and an English as a Second Language teacher. The budget called for two more special education aides and three technology support positions. Had she not reduced requests from administrators, the budget would have been $5 million higher, she said. The budget also includes $40,000 to buy “guided reading books” for grades three through six. “I want to encourage grouping in grades,” she said, explaining that at that age, not all children may be on the same level and some need extra help with reading. She also wants to introduce Mandarin Chinese at Hamden High School. The town would share the costs with an outside organization. The budget also calls for a state-funded school readiness program for 15 children ages 3 and 4 at Helen Street School. It also supports unfunded mandates. Rabinowitz said she will use existing staff to cover state law dealing with in-school suspensions. Her goal is to keep class sizes no higher than 20 in kindergarten through grade two and no more than 25 in other grades. If the budget were to be cut, Rabinowitz said she would look to other areas before adding to class sizes. Raises of about 3 percent for the superintendent, assistant superintendent and other nonunion employees are reserved in the budget, but Rabinowitz said not everyone may receive that amount.

Veteran and Elderly Tax Committee Public Hearing #1

On Monday we held our first Veterans & Elderly Tax Team (VETT) committee public hearing.

Despite pretty good advertisement from the local press, we only had a small showing of residents, but the ones who came had good stories and were determined to have their voices heard.

Most of the residents who spoke discussed our Veteran Program. Carol Riccio, of the Elderly Services Department, came to speak in favor of Senior assistance, and pointed our that a follow-up meeting during day-time hours would work better for seniors.

I'm in the process of putting together a 2nd Public Hearing, in cooperation with the Elderly Services Department, and should be ready to announce that meeting early next week.

I hope to have as many seniors attend as possible - we want to hear from you !

I'll keep you posted.

Changes Article from Hamden Journal This Week

Changes in store

Kate Ramunni, Correspondent January 10, 2008 Email to a friend Voice your opinion

A new year dawns with new beginnings on the horizon for several town departments as plans move forward to provide new homes for the town's emergency services.

And as with every new year, a new budget season looms as town departments prepare their requests that the mayor, and ultimately the Legislative Council, will tackle this spring.
Top on the list of priorities for the coming year are new headquarters for both the police and fire departments. Mayor

Craig Henrici wants to renovate the old Memorial Town Hall into a new police headquarters, while the former D'Addio Farm on Putnam Avenue is slated to house a new fire headquarters.
The Memorial Town Hall for decades was home to the town's municipal offices, but former Mayor Carl Amento moved those offices to the new, more modern Government Center on the corner of Dixwell and Evergreen avenues.
Since then, the old building has sat vacant for the most part, though its auditorium is still used for Legislative Council meetings. The recently displaced Connex Credit Union now occupies space there after fire destroyed its home in the Hamden Plaza.

Henrici said one of his top priorities is moving the police headquarters, currently located next door, into the old Town Hall. The current police department and an old garage on the site would be demolished to make room for parking, and an addition would be constructed to the Town Hall.

Other town department offices could move in to the building once it is renovated, he said. The replacement of the Circular Avenue firehouse has long been in the works, and with the town's purchase of the former D'Addio Farm property, that will happen, along with a new fire headquarters.

To pay for it, a portion of the property would be sold, Henrici said, since all of it is not needed for the project. Those projects, and the new Town Center Park planned for the old Meadowbrook Golf Course, are the most important issues the town is tackling, Councilman Curt Balzano Leng said.

"One of the biggest responsibilities we will have as a council this coming year is making the right choices about such large projects as the new police facility, the new fire facility and Town Center Park," he said. "These are multi-million dollar projects that will impact the town and have a lasting effect for the next 50 years." Leng said he also is hopeful that a new town committee will bear fruit for two important and deserving segments of the population: Seniors and veterans.

"From a finance perspective, I'm looking forward to working with the new members of the Veterans and Elderly Tax Team on some very progressive tax relief programs for senior citizens and veterans," he said. "We have to prove that we can help those residents that most need our assistance. We can take some very positive steps to help people this year." But once again, it's going to be a tough year budget-wise, he said.

"As for the overall financial picture," said Leng, "I think we are on a much more solid footing than we were two years ago. That being said, this coming budget we need to find new approaches to minimize our too-high tax rate. We need to consider a range of unconventional things, such as potentially combining departments for efficiency, making sure that the Board of Education moves its offices into Hamden Government Center for increased communication and shared resources.

"I think we're going to have to take a long, hard look at cutting additional dollars from a number of department budgets," he said. "We have to stabilize our taxes - it's not an option anymore - it's a necessity."
Board of Education Chairman Michael D'Agostino said the board understands the financial restraints the town is under and will take them into consideration when it sends its budget to the mayor.

"We are again committed to sending the mayor and council a responsible budget request - one that appropriately balances our educational needs with the town's fiscal reality," he said. "The new superintendent is already consolidating and revising some administrative positions and evaluating the programs that work and those that do not.

"Our immediate goal, of course, is to make sure that all of our schools make adequate yearly progress as required by state and federal law," he said. "The board will also be forming a new task force in the new year to review our residency requirements."