Representatives from the fire department presented the proposal to join PERA, emphasizing the potential benefits such as cost savings and improved pension plans. Currently, the fire department incurs costs of $3,000 for agreed-upon procedures and $6,000 for annual audits, costs that could be reduced to an estimated $2,100 by joining PERA. Additionally, the state offers a financial incentive of $110,000 for each new plan established, plus an extra $1,000 per firefighter, an attractive prospect for the department.

The transition to PERA is expected to simplify operations and improve the department’s financial health, providing a more competitive retirement package that could help attract and retain firefighters. This includes the ability for firefighters who have served in other communities to transfer their pension credits, an important factor given the recruitment challenges facing volunteer fire departments. Concerns about the management and control of funds were addressed, with assurances that while investments would be managed by the state under PERA, the funds would remain earmarked for the fire department’s use.

The council also discussed a related proposal to increase the retirement benefit to $2,500 per year of service for eligible firefighters. A motion was made to authorize the city administrator and fire chief to initiate the process of joining PERA and increasing the retirement benefit, which passed without opposition.

Another agenda item was the approval of a low bid from Schneider Excavating for the Fant Run service extension project. The project involves installing sewer and water services for a parcel of land being divided into three separate lots. Schneider Excavating’s bid of $75,100 was notably lower than the competing bid of $117,679. The council approved the motion to accept the bid, with construction expected to commence within two to three weeks and a completion timeline of three to four weeks, although a short-term street closure will be necessary.

In other business, the council considered transitioning to a new online payment system. The current provider, RevTrak, was evaluated against a potential new provider, Nuve Paya, which offers enhanced features like a more user-friendly interface, automated payment scheduling, and better billing visibility. The city anticipates significant cost savings, reducing monthly fees from $1,500 to $2,000 with RevTrak to a lower amount with Nuve Paya. A motion to execute the proposal with Nuve Paya was passed unanimously.

The meeting also featured a presentation by the Winsted Ambassadors, who shared their experiences over the past year, participating in over 50 events and volunteering in various community activities. They expressed gratitude for the city’s support and highlighted the program’s role in developing confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills among young women. The ambassadors encouraged young girls to participate in the program, noting the scholarship opportunities and community engagement it provides.

Finally, the council heard updates during the open forum segment, including the anticipated opening of the brush site and details regarding upcoming city council and mayoral filings. The filing period for these positions is set from July 30 to August 13, with general elections scheduled for November 5. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.