Council - Regular Meeting

There we go. We're in business. Thank you. You did. Mr. Strong, if you would like to take the podium or just come up to the seat. You're fine. Coming up to the You're good. Whatever you're comfortable with. We just gave in. Dan said he has a really long one. Make sure the notes state that Emily was tardy. Well, I'm guessing between Mr. Zawatsky's and mine, it'll be about 15 minutes maybe.

So, we'll try to keep it brief. So, anyway, as you all know that Mr. Zawsky was not able to be here this evening and he previously sent out an email for the council to review what he wanted to cover at the retreat. So basically, I'll just touch upon those briefly and give you the opportunity to ask any questions if you'd like and I'll do my best to answer those and uh I did get some updates from Mr. Zawatsky before he left just so I made understood what he was looking for. So, so as you noticed, one of the first things that he did, you know, was uh he took a different approach this time and I think it was a very well done approach as opposed to looking for strengths and weaknesses and some of the things that's been done in the past. And so, the first thing he touched upon was the rightway permits and how they seem to be working very well. As all of you know, with uh some of the boring that's been done within the town, the town's been able to recoup those costs, and we'll continue to do so. And uh it also allows some of the concerns with the neighborhoods and things in regards to making sure their yards get fixed and all that getting done that we actually have some clout with the bond and the insurance and some of those things to make sure that all gets taken care of. And um I think one thing he was very proud of by that revenue coming into the planning department, you know, as he noted there that out of three out of four years, he's been able not to be a financial drain on the town. And it's nice to see, you know, that that department meets their budget and exceeds it a lot of times from a revenue standpoint. So, it's worked out very well. Moving on to the new permitting system which is the SDL. So they continue to improve the system and as Mr. Zawatsky noted there they still have some issues

with it but uh even as of yesterday got to make sure I get my dates right. Yesterday there had some been some additional improvements and I think it's gradually getting there and I think it's a lot of it is is every community is a little bit different and how they work with some of the GIS systems and some of those things and it's just trying to get that data downloaded and then also to figure out how Mr. Zawatsky and Gelena would like the permit process to look like and what those permits look like. But it seems to be coming along and I'm sure it'll get there over time, but it's going to take a little while longer. But they're making a lot of headway on it. I think moving on to item number three had on here was the hiring of a consultant and that's basically being driven by the requirements from the MS4 and some of the IDM and state mandates revolving around the MS4 and as noted in there we've been co-permits with the county as long as I can remember and they've done a nice job of uh helping work through this process with their consulting firm. But as we all know, there comes a time that that consulting firm I'll answer questions for a while, but after a while, you know, they're like, well, if we're going to continue to ask answer those questions, we should get compensated for that. And it appears like with most things, it's not moving fast enough. Knowing there's more in mandates coming down from the state by the end of this year, I think it's getting a comfortability that if IDM would come in the future and they do their inspections and things that uh Mr. Zolotsky would feel comfortable that he has things in place from a permitting and understand the the process and uh

have someone he can rely upon to help him create this and make sure that he's compliant with the town of Cisco. So, so he's looking for, you know, that dollar amount someplace to be in that 15 to $20,000 range. Not looking for it this year, but to put in his budget for next year if the council would be agreeable to that when he presents his when he presented his budget. So,

okay. I think we'll have a better idea of our financials about midway through the year. And as he noted, you know, we were fortunate the last two audits where they went around looked at all of our buildings and everything else that we did pass those, but it consent continues to evolve around the storm water and MS4. And then the last thing that he had there was a membership dues. So he works a lot with White River Alliance and they do a lot of the MS4 training as well as storm water training. And in the past, I believe they're you can help me with this and probably I think he probably talked to you about it, but I think they were charging it for a participation of $500 fee and I think they raised that to $3,000. And so he was able to talk to them this year and they did not charge any extra, but their inspect expectations next year they would like to be compensated for $3,000 is what their membership would be to the White River Alliance to uh continue to supporting and working with the town of CSRO. So that's why he put a placeholder in there of $2,500 additional. And certainly if he wouldn't use it, he would use any of that was left over for some of his training that he's continuing ongoing training.

What kind of training did he get through that group? They uh help him with storm water and then also they help him with the MS4 and some of the things out of the stormwater board and MS4 you have to have ongoing training and he's able to utilize them for some of his training as well as what they do for training counts for training on behalf of the town as well. So, you probably saw the uh signs that we had out here that uh stood up right in the entrance way here a couple of meetings and some of the literature that were there. So, they provide all those things for ongoing training which you know we do have to do ongoing training. other questions or thoughts? But other than that, I think things seem to be going well in the the plan department and continue to move forward. And as you know, as you well know, Mr. Zilotsky does his best to continue to do his ongoing training and get additional certifications on behalf of the town and itself. So

I think Brings, really nice job. seems to have a lot of respect interacting with people even No, I do get very positive feedback on Frank interactions with residents. Well, I can say his first approach is I'll always go talk to someone and try to iron out the issue and last resort is any action that he would have to take and he does a very good nice job of meeting with everyone and having those discussions and most of the time they come to an agreement and you know things move on from there. Awesome. Yep. Awesome. Very people orientated from that aspect.

Absolutely. So the 2500 he mentions is actually going to be 3,000. Well, no, he has he's keeps keeps 500 in his budget. So he's looking for an additional 2500. Okay. Just to make sure that, you know, whatever they require that he would have that in his budget next year to uh Okay. to benefit him with the White River Alliance. Mr. Ever, you had a question there. I'm sorry. Our new online system like fees and payments through that system.

Yes, they can. So, they can pay there or they can come in and pay. That's correct. So, this is where I get a little confused which is which, but they have you have a system in your office and they have a separate system in their office, but yes, you can pay online. Well, I was coming to you rather than to see if that's working. Okay. When they do pay online, it's relatively new. Okay.

And then I think the other thing, so I think there was a question about the 15 to $20,000 where that name came from. So Mr. Zawatski did reach out to an engineering firm that you know he sort of been working with the county and just sort of said you know can give me a range if if you consult with us and this is would like for what that to look like. That's where he got that 15 to $20,000 number. Needless to say he'd have to get quotes and things. So that could be less or in that range, but he felt comfortable saying that's the range that he would need for a consultant. And I think the other piece of that is just making sure that he is meets all the legal requirements from the NS4 as well. So

Mr. I really like what the details he put on this report and then I just ask for one other piece of information for future retreats. Sure. I think that was a good ask and as uh Mr. Zolski stated there, he enjoys working for the town and looks forward to working with the town for many more years and working with the council and the department heads. So, those are type of people we want around Thank you very much. You're welcome.

Mr. Strong, if you could step to the podium, please.

Yes, sir. Good evening, council. So, for me, it's a little bit different than it is, Mr. Zawatkin, some of the other department heads because, you know, one of the things in the position I am as project coordinator, I can't say that I really ever have any needs or wants. So, you know, for me to walk in and say, "These are something I'd like to see in the budget or something I want in the budget." I really don't have any of those things. I think, you know, my life sort of revolves more around what the council wants and what the community wants from from this position. It's not directly of what Dan Strong would like, but more what the expectations from the council and I think the residents of the community. So, with that being said, I don't have that list, if you will, and I tried to avoid coming back with, you know, spelling out the things I've done in the past and some of those things. But uh I think you know one of the things I can share with you is as you know took this position in 2022 and we had a a lot of projects going at that time and I came off the council at that particular time with all those projects that we felt that you know in speaking to the council members at that particular time that you know that continuity of keeping some of the projects moving forward because at that particular time you know we had the wastewater treatment plant we were working on. We were looking for additional water sources, uh potential of a new water plant. We were talking about the NRG property. We had some new development and all those exciting things going on. So, that's sort of how I sort of landed in this position. And I I think probably most of you knew that, but I thought, you know, I would touch upon that to sort of say how I got in this position to start with. So I think you know the thing that I you know from the start I think when I stepped in the position you know my goal was as I mentioned earlier was always to support all of you in whatever way I

could uh to trying to make all your lives easier and to make a difference every day that when I show up to the office that I'm making a difference in the community and hopefully making a difference for all of you. It was also to be a resource for all of you, the department heads, the residents, the businesses, and assist with the day-to-day operations of the town as needed. So, that's sort of, you know, how I've tried to handle things over the last, you know, three or guess it's been over three years now. And I think when I

But, you know, I think when I originally stepped in the position, I thought I was going to be in in three to six months. Boy, did that change. And uh so, But I you know I want to share with you I feel that we have great department heads. They are great to work with and you know they're very all of them are very knowledgeable in what they do. Uh the thing that you know from this council's perspective and that's certainly not saying anything in the councils in the past but all of you are very engaged with the department heads as your leazison. I know you talk to them quite often which is you know great to hear from them and they certainly respect that but also I know you're very engaged within the community and I think that's a huge plus for all of you that you have that engagements within the community. Certainly makes all of our jobs easier. I know it makes the department head's jobs easier and it certainly makes my role a lot easier. So, you know, some of those things that helps all of us and you know, from council's perspective, you do lead and that's very important for all of us and you do a nice job with that.

Thank you for that. And as far as your job description goes, I I I'm sure I'm not speaking alone here, but I think you far exceeded any expectation that anybody had of what you would do in this role. So, thank you very much. I I've told you this before, but you're you're such a critical part of this team. I don't even know how we do this without you. Right. Thank you. No, thank you. So, I mean, it means a ton. It really does.

I appreciate that. That means a lot, you know, just because, you know, I enjoy what I do and uh I do it because you know, I do enjoy it, at least most of the time. There's always those little things as uh the council faces periodically, too. So, I can't stand up here and say it's 100% of the time, but you know, I appreciate your kind words. No, absolutely, man. We appreciate you. So, I don't think I really had anything else. I think at this point I'll answer any questions or anything you see that uh you would like or anything I can do different or but it's amazing.

I don't even know how to Sorry. I mean, how do we not have a request for any budgetary? So, I I guess my request, Dan, would be any complaints, any and all complaints, just go to your doorstep. Okay. I know we can't take votes in this, but I think at the next meeting, I'm just I'm just joking. Sure. I understand.

You manage everything. You do a fantastic job. I agree with Joe. We wouldn't be where we are without your your efforts and the time that you put in and your leadership and guidance. So, thank you. The community is changing and it's it's because of the efforts that you and many others but but that you lead. So, thank you. Well, thank you. Well, you know, I have to thank all of you for allowing me to do what I do. Wow.

So, you know, it certainly makes it a lot easier that you give me the latitude that you do and, you know, the things that I can sometimes I can handle the dayto-day things, you know, on the limited basis, but you give me that flexibility as well as some of the other things I do and certainly makes it easier for me. And I'd like to think it makes it easier for the department heads when I interact with them. So, thank you for that.

The time that you put in doing your stuff and what it takes off of our plate, at least what it takes off of my pl It allows me to go out and do the stuff in the county that I feel need to be done for our longterm future. And I wouldn't be able to do that without behind the scenes and I think it's going to pay off in a big way soon. So I don't know what else to say.

Well, I can tell you that I've I probably almost on an average of once and some weeks more a week come to Dan for help uh or guidance or direction and he's always willing to help u never says no and it's very much appreciated. So thank you. Thank you. Well I certainly didn't come here to for you all to compliment me but I appreciate the kind words. So that was that was not my intent. So

you always go above and beyond and we never have to worry about anything that you're all as well. all the department heads and the employees to have that rapport is so important

and just having the confidence the confidence you put in me knowing you're back there when somebody like Mark Brand says well hey can I just call Dan about this absolutely you know and I have no qualms about even asking you about it because I know you're going to handle it so I I don't know what I mean I know we're giving you a lot of feedback. I I don't I don't know what else to give you, Dan. I mean, you're fantastic. Thank you. I appreciate that. So,

yeah, Dan, I I can't echo everything, you know, everything everybody say. It's just it's fantastic and I think I bug you multiple times a week, every week. So, appreciate that. Um I think everything we're all dealing with right now, it's going to continue to get busier, right? I I look at you as someone who has probably the best visibility amongst all of us and kind of what's happening across the different departments. And so if you can continue to give us feedback in terms of, you know, maybe I think something's really important right now, but maybe because of other things that are happening, we need to pause on that or wait or whatever. I think I respect your input and encourage you to give all of us that input because, you know, we each interact with certain departments more than others and so we don't the visibility that you have all the time. So that feedback's super helpful to us and you do a good job of it now and I would just say I would love more of it because I can't see everything you see

because you're you're in the in there every day and so um well top of that you have relationships that I I don't have. Yeah. I mean that's a critical piece of making this work. So I I've tried to build all those relationships but there's certain people they're going to gravitate towards you and I'm great with it. Everything you do is fantastic. Well, I appreciate the feedback. It's really well received. So, don't hesitate to bring us more. Now, some if there is one criticism, you you can push back on us more. If I'm doing something stupid, tell me I'm doing something stupid. You don't have to be nice about it.

I I hope all the kind words and that you've heard tonight. I know he's been telling me for some time he's thinking about dialing back and retiring and oh it just breaks my heart but I'm hoping that everything they said encourages you. Dan's been my rock since I started in my position and we do grants together. We do elap stuff together minutes. Um I always run them by him first. The very first set of minutes I did said hey kind of nervous about these. Do you mind reading them over? He's done that seven years. since that day. Every set of minutes, he's like,

and he's he's so kind. How about if did you see this? How about if we what do you think about this? And you're so gracious when you offer your suggestions. I'm like, oh yeah. And sometimes I just totally forget minutes. I'll say I'll go back and get it. He's like, now what did you really mean here? He's so kind. Um I'm just I would be lost without you and and and you do such a wonderful job and I've never seen you lose your cool. I have never seen you say anything D heard you say anything. I just think you're one of a kind and we're so blessed to have you and you know how much I love you. So bottom line is taking you for granted. You truly are the most critical piece to our success.

You're here. Well, thank you and I appreciate the feedback and you know certainly we'll work on that trying to make sure bring us more of your thoughts if we need it. Well, there's so much value when you give us when you share your visibility with us. There's so much value. So, never take as much as you can share with us.

Well, I want to share it with you. I never take those things as criticism. I always take them as an opportunity to do a little bit better and no try to improve. So, I appreciate any any comments like that. So certainly, but uh you know, you've certainly all made this position a lot easier for me. And like I say, I think we all make a great team and again, I'll emphasize that you know, we have great department heads and I'll be the first to admit then that as I've told you many times that if you mention something and I bring it up, it can be as simple as putting a flag on the pole out here. All I had to do was notice it. I said something to Jimmy and it wasn't very long. He coordinated with the fire department. and we have a new flag and a new rope up. So, they just, you know, seem to want to do their jobs and uh help make the town a better place. And I think they all do a nice job as well as all of you do. So,

100%. We we've got a welloiled machine right now. I mean, it's just makes it a lot easier, especially with what we've been dealing with. We'll continue to deal with not having that on our plate. So, I'll share with you. I always enjoy our conversations when we all have the anytime I have an opportunity to speak any of you and you know feel free to call me anytime and chitchat about anything but I do always enjoy the conversations and uh hopefully I'm able to help you but I'll share with you I always learn something new from each of you when we have those conversations. So I do have a question for both of you. You made some about him not building the town for stuff.

Is he not working? Is he not taking his hourly wages or is he not entering hours or do we need to put him on salary to make sure? I don't I'll have to get back with you on that. Okay. I I know I just didn't want that on recording. I I I know. But we need to correct that and stop allowing him to get away with that. I've I've mentioned it many times. He turns in his time card. I'm like, Dan, he's like, "No, I'm He says sometimes I'm doing plan stuff. Sometimes I messing up your taxes at the end of the year by paying you strongly encourage are we messing up your taxes at the end of the year by paying you or what?

He is very he's too generous. Yeah, we're we'll fix it. We'll So he told me as long as he gets his dry cleaning paper I tried to be fair with Yep. That was what my original say. I just want to dry from dry cleaning. That's all they ever wanted from me. And I was I was okay with that at first, but I always wondered how his shirts were always dry cleaner. Dry cleaning just so I pay for his dry cleaning. It's all he needed. I feel stupid saying it, but that's what he said. Never. I paid for them. They're very nice.

Well, I I think that's all I had. And again, thank you all for your kind words. It's greatly appreciated and that means a lot. I hope you understand that. So, thank you. let us know what we can do to help as well. Okay. Don't you know if there are issues that you need your name? Okay, I got it. I'm here as well. So, well, I hope you all know enough that if there's an issue that I think you know about, you'll be the first to hear about it and especially if it's a department and I know something about it and I feel you need to know, I hope you all understand. I would certainly keep you informed. If there's something I really don't

Well, if that ever happened, you'll know in advance that it's coming because I would never let the I would never let the bus run over you without telling you that uh you either needed to get out of the road or be prepared. So, Dan, thank you very much. No, thank you. Thanks again. That's all I had. Appreciate the time. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody have anything else? No. Not. I'll entertain a motion to close the retreat. Motion to second. All in favor?