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Meeting was called to order at approximately 4:35 p.m. by Chairperson John Pelkey.
Members Present
Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works
Kathy Hale, Town Council
Patrick Hankard, Dir. of Facility Services, Board of Education
Dr. Robert Kozaczka, Superintendent of Schools
Donna McKenty, Business Manager, Board of Education
John Pelkey, Mayor, Town Council (Chairperson)
Janice Snyder, Board of Education (Vice Chairperson)
Members Absent
Lisa Maneeley, Chair, Board of Education
Cary Prague, Town Council
Guests Present
Ray Favreau, Director of Recreation
Scott Roberts, Director of Information Technology
Walter Summers, Fire Marshal
- Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
None
Mayor Pelkey gave a brief explanation of the items on the Capital Projects List for the new Committee Members.
Fire Marshal Summers gave a brief explanation of the Fire Alarms Upgrade project. Mr. Hankard explained that there are two studies underway. The Lawrence Associates are looking at the High School issue and The Salamone Associates are looking at all Town and Board of Education buildings.
Mayor Pelkey stated that the SWPD Renovations to the Communications Room just received a $350,000 Federal Grant to put towards the $1,250,000. The Town Manager said that he still needs to look into if this project can be done over time and possibly put another grant towards the total.
He wanted the Committee to be aware that when the Old Fire House is sold, the money is to go back into the Capital & Nonrecurring Budget.
Mr. Gantick explained that this list consists of all projects known to date, but they are not listed in any priority. If an item does not get completed in the current year, it gets moved to the next year. Not all items have a cost listed, but if he was informed of the cost, it is included.
With regard to the Town Hall Windows, Mayor Pelkey suggested that maybe stimulus dollars could be used.
There was a brief discussion regarding the Systemwide Time and Attendance System (BOE) and its feasibility.
Mayor Pelkey stated that there is an energy subcommittee, which is the Town Council Energy Taskforce. Kathy Hale is Chairperson. There are a number of very interested citizens that participate. Currently it is mostly made up of residents, but it might be a good idea to have a representative from the Board of Education on the Committee. Mayor Pelkey and Councillor Hale gave a brief explanation about the subcommittee’s goal.
Mr. Gantick explained the section of the Capital Projects List that is labeled “Capital Needs Asset Summary by Building”. Mr. Gantick and Mr. Hankard will be giving a presentation regarding the reports on the various buildings during the January meeting.
This list also provides projects broken out by Boilers/Generators/Underground Storage Tanks, Parking Lot Paving, Communication & Studies, Road/Sidewalk/Bridge/Culvert Work, Drainage/Erosion/Watercourses, Parks/Fields/Open Space Improvements, Machinery/Tools/Heavy Equipment/Trucks, Reserve Funds, and Large Projects Requiring Referendums/Bonding. The items that are not self-explanatory were briefly explained.
The Town wide mapping – GIS cost was explained by Mr. Gantick and Mr. Roberts. Mayor Pelkey asked that a refresher presentation be done at a future meeting. Mr. Roberts stated that they are currently working on a video that will air on Channel 16. They will be presenting to the Council at a January or February meeting.
Town Manager Galligan explained the importance of Town records being scanned because it can all be linked to the GIS mapping. He met with a company that will be submitting a proposal to help with scanning. It is not currently included in the Capital Projects budget, but in the future, maintenance costs may need to be included.
Mayor Pelkey suggested that various systems be handled in a holistic approach rather than by separate departments.
Councillor Hale pointed out that the Town Clerk’s Office is not as advanced in computerization as most other towns. The Committee discussed various options that would be helpful and convenient for residents. The Town Manager explained some of the areas that the Town is currently working on.
There was discussion regarding the need for sidewalks in some areas of Town. Michele Lipe will be presenting information to Council on the Safe Routes to School program.
Mr. Roberts explained what they would like to do to update the Town’s website to make it more functional.
Mr. Gantick explained the Landfill Improvements item and how it was never properly closed down 30 years ago.
The $50,000 for Emergency Operations Equipment was put in the budget post 9/11. Towns need to be prepared to handle the first 72 hours of an emergency. Should there be an emergency that affects a number of towns, it is important for South Windsor to have some of their own supplies.
Mr. Roberts explained the importance for funding the Master Plan for Town Computers. He said that he would come in February to provide an update. The Town and Board of Education will be working together to at least have both plans on the same timeline.
Mr. Favreau gave an update on the Park and Recreation Master Plan. A final draft should be ready in January. He explained that the Plan tends to focus on new and improvements that increase the park and recreational facilities in Town, as opposed to taking care of what we currently have in providing maintenance. The only changes for this year is that an annual allocation has been added for the Walk and Wheel Ways Initiative and a few items were reprioritized. He stated that they are still short over $1M to accomplish these ten years worth of Park & Recreation Commission identified projects. The Commission requested that the Capital Projects Committee look over the Plan and consider an additional $175,000 for the upcoming year.
Mr. Hankard discussed the Federal Office of Civil Rights Compliance Review of South Windsor High School. The review focused on accessibility issues at the building or where the students of that building regularly attended classes or events. Last year’s Capital Plan funded $80,000 to work towards full code compliance. Rick Lawrence from Lawrence Associates will be at the January meeting to answer any questions. $940,225 is the total cost of updates needed. They are hoping that 47.5% will be reimbursed by the State.
The Town Manager suggested that all ADA Compliance issues should be wrapped together and brought before the Council for Referendum.
5. New Business
None
6. Old Business
None
7. Adjournment
Councillor Hale made a motion to adjourn at 5:58 pm; Dr. Kozaczka seconded that motion; and approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
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Vanessa Perry
Recording Secretary
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