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OCTOBER 11, 2007

ATTENDANCE: Carvin Hilliard, Chair; Douglas Sutton, Kelly Straniti, Douglas
Hempstead

STAFF: Thomas Hamilton, Director of Finance, Fred Gilden, Comptroller

OTHERS: Munro Johnson, Redevelopment, Karen Del Vecchio, IT Director
Lisa Biagiarelli, Tax Collector; Tom Schadlich, Norwalk Library
Roland Goslind, J. F. Ryan Associates; Michael Stewart, Timothy
Sheehan, Redevelopment Agency Director

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Hilliard called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

1. Claims Committee: receive the monthly Claims report; review and approve claims as required for Claims Report dated: October 11, 2007

** MR. SUTTON MOVED THE ITEM

Ms. Biagiarelli presented her report and said that she needed to draw the Committee’s attention to three special requests in the report.

**THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Narrative on Tax Collections dated October 11, 2007- Receive Report and discuss.
3. Monthly Tax Collector’s Report Dated September 30, 2007 - Receive Report and discuss.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED AGENDA ITEM 3 RECEIVE MONTHLY TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2007.

Ms. Biagiarelli reviewed her report. She explained that the word “demand” in her report is a term prescribed by state statute and is not meant to imply rudeness to the taxpayer. Ms. Biagiarelli then reviewed the revenue from both the back taxes and the current tax income with the Committee.

**THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Update on the status of the tax revaluation.

Mr. Hamilton introduced Mr. Gosland and Mr. Stewart. He then informed the Committee that revaluation does not earn the City one extra dime in taxes, but insures that the tax burden is spread out equally. Mr. Hamilton said that presentations about the revaluation had been given to ENNA recently.

Mr. Stewart then reviewed the process of notifying the property owners about the upcoming revaluation. He explained that parts of Norwalk have been contacted about this and data mailers have been sent to approximately 63% of the property owners.

Mr. Stewart explained that it was important for the teams to be allowed to do interior inspections. Approximately 18% of the residents have flatly refused to allow the appraisal team in. The interior inspections are done to accurately reflect the market value of the property.

Mr. Goslind said that those properties that have not been assessed since 1997 have a requirement that they be inspected now. Mr. Goslind then reviewed the type of information on a property record card. The front of the card has all the ownership information and the back of the card has all the special features, improvements and permits that are active. Living spaces have a higher value than a garage or unfinished basement. Mr. Goslind pointed out that an exterior examination might indicate that a building is two stories, but in truth and fact, the building may have cathedral ceilings.

Mr. Stewart said that IT has been working with them to set appointment schedules. This will be accessible via the Internet for the property owners to schedule an inspection visit.

Ms. Straniti had a number of specific questions about the data mailer. The property owners will not be notified of the values until all the data is in, most likely in October or November of 2008. Mr. Goslind explained that the appraisals are mass appraisals rather than specific market appraisals. Currently, the assessors are collecting data, not assigning value. Ms. Straniti asked if there were penalties for those who refuse entry to the assessors. Mr. Stewart explained that there was no penalty, but after a reasonable attempt, the assessor may estimate the value of the property. However, if the assessor is refused entry, the informal appeal is much more difficult. Ms. Straniti asked if the assessor notes violations. Mr. Stewart explained that the assessor only has the permit information that was available at the time of the printing. The assessor is not an enforcement agency. If Planning and Zoning wish to utilize the information, they can.

5. Norwalk Library Public Access PC Refresh and Disk Drive Software:
a. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Dell Computer for the purchase of 36 Dell PCs for the main library per Dell quote 386448465, dated 9/14/2007, NASPO/WSCA contract A63307, for an amount not to exceed $33,056.28, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (07/08 Capital Budget, no special appropriation required).
b. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Centurion Technologies for the purchase of 120 Cornerstone Driveshield Licenses with maintenance for the main library per Centurion quote L1-071907, dated 7/19/2007, for an amount not to exceed $2,360.94, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (07/08 Capital Budget; no special appropriation required).

** MS. STRANITI MOVED THE ITEM.

Ms. Del Vecchio introduced Tom Schadlich from the Norwalk Library. Ms. Del Vecchio said that the PCs at the library are now between five and seven years old now. This is not a capital budget item. She reviewed the Driveshield License program and listed the reasons why it is important to renew the license.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Large Format Copier for the Department of Public Works
a. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to A & A Office Systems for a Savin 2404 large format copier with roll feeder type 240B, post script option, dwg/dwf/dxf option, and paper cassette tray and a 3-year service contract for an amount not to exceed $15,184.00, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (07/08 Capital Budget; no special appropriation required).

Ms. Del Vecchio explained that the current DPW large format copier is over 12 years old, out of warranty and no longer supported by the manufacturer. The updated machine will allow many more features. The proposed unit came in under budget and there is no special appropriation needed at this time.

Mr. Hilliard asked if leasing had been explored. Mr. Hamilton explained that it was a specialty unit and has about a 10 year life cycle.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Norwalk Police Department NEXGEN Software Annual Maintenance Renewal
a. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to NEXGEN Solutions, LLC, a sole source provider, for the renewal of the annual maintenance and support agreement for the Norwalk Police Department’s Law Enforcement Administration System (LEAS) software for a sum not to exceed $18,500.00, for the period 7/01/2007 through 6/30/2008, account 010600-5269 (Approved operating budget item; no special appropriation required).
b. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to NEXGEN Solutions, LLC, for the renewal of such annual maintenance for NEXGEN LEAS, including any technical support and upgrades, subject to the availability of future funding.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED THE ITEM.

Ms. Del Vecchio explained that the Police Department uses this software as the backbone of the police data management system. LLC is a sole source provider.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Desktop Refresh Program
a. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase orders in accordance with City Procurement Guidelines for personal computer workstations, laptops and monitors according to City IT Department specifications, for an amount not to exceed $86,968.18, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (07/08 Capital Budget, no special appropriation required) (Desktop Technology Refresh).
b. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue purchase orders to a qualified vendor for inventory, sanitization, preparation for resale and/or responsible disposal of obsolete electronic equipment in accordance with City Procurement Guidelines for an amount not to exceed $3,200.00, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (07/08 Capital Budget, no special appropriation required) (Electronic Asset Disposal Program).
c. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase orders for the replacement of up to 8 aging printers for an amount not to exceed $4,000.00, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (07/08 Capital Budget, no special appropriation required) (Desktop Technology Refresh/Printers).

** MS. STRANITI MOVED THE ITEM.

Ms. Del Vecchio explained that this was an ongoing plan to evaluate the equipment in City Hall, the Main Library, Public Works Center and the Fire Stations. An estimate of the refreshment costs. Ms. Del Vecchio said that this year, the department is looking at a tablet PC unit. The Fire Department is very excited about this technology because it affords them the opportunity to do the work on site. Ms. Del Vecchio then explained that this request also includes the disposal of old equipment.

Mr. Hempstead asked some details questions about old equipment. Ms. Del Vecchio explained how the department recycles and reuses the old equipment.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. File Server
Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to HP for an HP ProLiant DL380-G5 server and peripherals for the Norwalk Police Department server refresh for an amount not to exceed $8,785.00, per HP quotation 1425104-2, dated 9/27/2007, account 09080600-5777-C0375 (approved IT Capital, no special appropriation required).

** MR. SUTTON MOVED THE ITEM.

Ms. Del Vecchio then reviewed the details of this request for the Norwalk Police Department. These units can not be upgraded and are the Department’s most critical need. Instead of getting two smaller servers, now there is technology available to use only one server.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. Special Capital Appropriation and bond authorization for Wall Street Development Project:
Approve Resolution appropriating $4,400,000 for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure improvements related to the Wall Street Redevelopment project and authorizing the issuance of $4,400,000 bonds of the City to meet said appropriation and pending the issuance thereof the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose.

** MS. STRANITI MOVED THE ITEM.

Mr. Hamilton reviewed the request. Mr. Hamilton reminded everyone that the Land Disposition Agreement was approved earlier this week. Mr. Hamilton explained that the Finance Office had analyzed the information prepared for the Redevelopment Agency from the National Development Council. This included a financial analysis and a tax analysis.

Mr. Hamilton said that the Finance Office had looked at different scenarios, such as what would happen if Phase 1 & 2 were completed but for whatever reasons, the third phase was not able to be completed. He also pointed out that the agreement caps the City’s liability at 4.4 million dollars. Mr. Hamilton explained that under any of the scenarios that he ran, the end result would still be a net financial gain for the City. Mr. Hamilton said that from a strict financial viewpoint, he was convinced this would have a positive impact on the City. It would also benefit the downtown area. Mr. Hamilton said that he had not calculated the spill over impact for the areas around the developments. He said that he strongly supported the appropriation before the Committee.

Mr. Hempstead asked why this proposal was being presented to the Committee at this time. Mr. Hamilton explained that if this Council approves an LDA and the new Council does not agree, it would be very difficult.

Mr. Hempstead asked whether this would affect the bond rating. Mr. Hamilton said the City was at the end of the six year bond limit period because of the various school projects. Mr. Hamilton then reviewed the difference between a general obligation bond and the current proposal with the Committee. He also pointed out that there was additional revenue that will help to pay for the debt service, unlike bridge or school project, where no additional revenue is generated.

Mr. Hempstead expressed concerns about the timing of this approval. Mr. Hamilton said that he felt that it was good for the same Council that approves the LDA to approve the financing for Phase 1 and 2. A discussion of these issues then followed. Mr. Hempstead said that he would feel more comfortable if some type of threshold was added to Section Four. Mr. Hamilton agreed to this.

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO AMEND SECTION 4 TO INCLUDE A STATEMENT THAT TEMPORARY BORROWING IS CAPPED AT 2.4 MILLION FOR PHASE 1.
** THE MOTION TO AMEND THE ITEM PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM 10 AS AMENDED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. Resolution, authorizing the close-out of a capital project Roosevelt Center Roof Project (Project Account No. 09077100-5777-C0389).
12. Resolution, appropriating $65,800 for a Special Capital Appropriation for the Fodor Farm Project (Project Account No. 09084031-5777-C0432).

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED AGENDA ITEMS 11 AND 12.

Mr. Hamilton explained that this request is needed because there were underground oil tanks located on Fodor Farm that required

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

13. Receive Board of Estimate and Taxation Special Appropriations from October 1, 2007 meeting.

Mr. Hamilton explained that some of the items covered by this request were as a result of the April 15, 2007 heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding damage. He mentioned the Silvermine School playground where the embankment had been undercut and several trees have to be removed.

14. Receive Capital Projects Quarterly Status Report dated September 28, 2007.

This is a new report that the Budget office has worked with the IT department to track the status of projects. It allows the departments to provide a narrative update for their various projects. Mr. Hamilton said that there were a few departments that had delayed. Mr. Hempstead asked which departments were tardy. Mr. Hamilton replied that it was DPW. Mr. Hamilton said that this issue had been resolved and almost all the reports were in now. Mr. Hamilton reviewed the details of the report with the Committee. Mr. Hempstead asked if the report would be online. Mr. Hamilton made a note regarding this.

15. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute an agreement with The Segal Company to provide health benefits consulting services to the City for a five-year period for a total amount not to exceed $214,000. Account #019010-5258.

** MR. SUTTON MOVED THE ITEM.

Mr. Hamilton said that there were five responses to the RFP, three of which were proposing amounts in excess of $100,000. The Segal Company, which the City has utilitzed since 1994 was selected by the selection Committee. Mr. Hamilton said that there is a consultant available to help with budget projections. There will also be insurance monitoring of Cigna. The company also is involved in arbitration, claims and various other aspects. Mr. Hamilton said that he felt that Segal was doing a fine job and felt that there was no real reason to change at this time.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

16. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia, to execute a contract with Insurance Programmers Inc., a sole source provider, to provide health and dental claims administration services for City of Norwalk retirees and their dependents for a five year period in an estimated amount not to exceed $105,000 during FY 2007-08 (pricing based on $18.00 per person. Per month for retirees over 65, and $8.00 per person per month for retirees under age 65. Subsequent year pricing will be negotiated). Account #169010-5258.

** MS. STRANITI MOVED THE ITEM

Mr. Hamilton explained that Insurance Programmers, Inc. (IPI) is a sole source supplier. Prior to 2000, the collective bargaining required the City to provide the retirees with the benefits that they were receiving at the time of their retirement. Retirees after 2000 receive whatever the current benefit package offers for the City employees. It is important to update the IPI contract at this time. The previous contract predates the HIPA regulations. IPI has also agreed to include performance standards.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

17. Approve the Minutes of the following Finance Committee Meetings: September 17, 2007.

** MR. SUTTON MOVED THE ITEM.
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS SUBMITTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURMENT

** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO ADJOURN
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Service