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TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 March 4, 2002
TOWN COUNCIL - Regular Meeting
Council Chambers - South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Barbara Barbour
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Lassman Fisher
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor John Pelkey
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Before calling the meeting to order, Mayor Aman said that he had the pleasant duty of joining Patriotic Commission Chairman Robert Moeller in awarding Certificates of Appreciation to three (3) South Windsor residents. Mr. Moeller said that the reason for these awards was because these three gentlemen, at their own expense, had seen to it that a United States Flag was attached to every lighted telephone pole on Main Street, in South Windsor; and continue to see that they are maintained.
This selfless display of patriotism, Mr. Moeller continued, has had a residual effect on the residents of Main Street, who through their support and monetary donations have displayed that they are a solid patriotic part of Town
The three residents receiving these Certificates of Appreciation are: Jay Murtha, Kevin Foley, and Roger Tripp.
Mayor Aman then thanked these three gentlemen on behalf of the Town Council and stated that Main Street looks absolutely wonderful with all those flags flying. He then called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
5. Public Input - None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Special Work Session of January 14, 2002; Special Meeting of January 14, 2002; and Work Session of February 4, 2002.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Craig Zimmerman, 5-A Amato Drive, and Chairperson of the Park and Recreation Commission reminded Council that at 10:00 a.m., March 10, there would be a walk through of the Open Space parcels owned by the Town where recreation (either passive or active) is included in the Parks and Recreation Commission Master Plan . He said the tour will take about two (2) hours; and the Town would be providing transportation.
Again referring to the tour, Mr. Zimmerman said that Members, each, from the P&R Commission, and the Open Space Task Force, would also be present to provide information and answer questions. Mr. Zimmerman again invited Members of the Town Council to join them; as well as members of the public who routinely attended Park & Recreation Commission meetings.
Next to speak was Joseph Carino, a Member of the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Carino spoke to the Council about the proposed tax partnership with The May Company (Filene's Warehouse). For the Commission, Mr. Carino presented Council with a copy of the Resolution adopted by the EDC with regard to this proposal, and with its recommendations.
Mr. Robert Moeller, Chairperson of the Patriotic Commission, addressed the Council with regard to the creation of a cemetery for South Windsor's veterans. Continuing, Mr. Moeller said that the burial plots and internment could be paid for by the local veterans group; but it was up to the Town Council to determine if there was property suitable for such a cemetery.
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible
to Council - (Continued)
Speaking of three other Towns, Mr. Moeller said that in all of them their Public Works Department maintained the cemetery; and that one (1) Town did charge a perpetual care fee; and that he had checked with New Britain, East Hartford, and East Windsor.
Mr. Moeller pointed out that there are over 1,400 veterans in South Windsor who would be eligible for this burial; and pointed out that the South Windsor Patriotic Commission supports this proposal. The Chairman also suggested that perhaps South Windsor's Cemetery Association could designate a portion of the current cemetery (Wapping) for this purpose.
Councillor Havens replied that the Town is in the cemetery business and, by law, is required to provide burial plots for everyone in the community. And, he continued, it was his under standing that there was a piece of property adjoining Wapping Cemetery of about 14 acres that is presently for sale. In future plans for Wapping Cemetery, Councillor Havens asked that the Cemetery Association consider, at least, a section for veterans.
Pointing out that the idea had come from the Town of East Windsor which has its own Veterans Cemetery, Councillor Havens felt this was an idea the Town should pursue. He requested that Michael Gantick (the Town's Public Works Director and a Member of the Cemetery Association) bring this suggestion to the attention of the Association and report back to the Town Council on its viability.
On another matter, and the main reason for Mr. Moeller's presence this evening was to acquaint the Town Council with a project of the Patriotic Commission for Veterans' Memorial Park. The project, he said, is to establish and provide a lasting memorial to all veterans (past and current) who have served their Country. Part of this project, he continued, is the purchase of engraved bricks.
Mr. Moeller, and Elizabeth Pendleton of the Patriotic Commission, went on to show the Council the design of this memorial through the use of a perspective drawing. Briefly, the bricks will be placed so as to be in the shape of an eagle; and the large memorial stone already there will be placed above the head of the eagle, with flagpoles on either side.
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible
to Council - (Continued)
Continuing, Mr. Moeller said that the Vietnam Memorial would be moved over a few feet, and repaired. He also noted that there is a brick walk from the road up to the tail of the eagle. The engraved bricks, he said, may be purchased by or for all veterans, past and present, regardless of residence.
Construction for this project, according to Mr. Moeller, will start in June of 2002, with the removal of the Vietnam Memorial; and, hopefully, on November 11, 2002 this part of Veterans Memorial Park can be rededicated.
At the present time, the Chairman said, the estimated cost received is for the movement and repair of the Vietnam monument which will be approximately $2,500. No estimates have been received to date, he said, for the flagpoles, lights, seating, plantings, or benches, etc.; however, Mr. Moeller assumed that Mr. Gantick had already earmarked the funds for these things.
Continuing, Mr. Moeller said approximately 5,000 bricks are required for the project: and that he had received a call today from a representative from Redland Brick who informed him that the Company would be donating all 5,000 bricks; and Merwin Mason Supply would transport the brick and provide the sand base free of charge. Additionally, Mr. Moeller said he understood that the setting of the bricks would be done by donated labor.
Mr. Moeller said he felt very fortunate that there were so many people in Town willing to support this project.
The Town Manager added that the Public Works Department has donated some of its budgeted funds to get this project started.
After thanking the Patriotic Commission for this idea and all their associated work, Mayor Aman continued on to the next item.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan thanked Councillor Havens (owner of Imperial Oil and Plumbing) for his company's very generous donation of $1,000, again this year, for South Windsor's annual Easter Egg Hunt.
On another item, Mr. Galligan addressed an Item contained in this evening's Agenda for the approval of a tax abatement for The May Company (Filene's Warehouse). Another company that he recommended by considered for this tax partnership in the near future was Between Rounds on Route 5; DST (formerly Output Solutions); and . another environmental company wishing to relocate to South Windsor
According to Mr. Galligan, the Regional Dispatch Center discussions continue. There is now a Committee formed to review the intricacies associated with tri-or more Town transmission interconnection.
Regarding the student parking situation at the High School, Mr. Galligan reported that things seem to be improving. There is a guard posted on Ayers Road to make certain that the young adults parking in the Duprey Field area are safely conducted across that street. Mr. Galligan reminded Council that this is a temporary solution.
The Town Manager informed the Council that Evergreen Walk did get STC approval.
Also, according to Mr. Galligan, with the recent approval of the Town's Strategic Plan, he would be attending Civic and Social Club organizations a couple of times a week to explain the Plan to them. There would also be a Town Council/Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours here in the Town Hall where he would explain this Plan.
Mayor Aman asked when the new Communications Tower, recently built at the Police Department, would be transmitting. Mr. Galligan responded that, at present, the Siting Council was currently reviewing SNET's request to put users on the tower. The Mayor said that the bulk of the questions he had received had to do with when are the cell phone companies going to be included so that residents can get rid of their dead spots. Mr. Galligan was not certain exactly when this would be accomplished; but he would, however, call SBA to see where they were on the schedule.
Councillor Lassman Fisher, referring to the John Woods Appraisal of the Bruce Harvey War Memorabilia, asked if the final figures quoted were correct. For instance a value of $233,860; and the cost is $60,232. Atty. Guliano said this was correct. The Councillor, to the Town Manager, said she wished to make certain that a copy of this Appraisal went to Congressman Larson.
She then asked if the report contained the costs associated with preserving these items in encasements, etc. Atty. Guliano said this was not a part of this report; however, he has spoken with Mr. Wood about appearing before Council to make a presentation and answer questions of this sort.
Councillor Pelkey asked the Town Manager to schedule a meeting of the Capital Projects Committee, as soon as possible. Mr. Galligan said he would.
Town Atty. Guliano pointed out that he had included in the packet a copy of John Woods appraisal of the Bruce Harvey War Memorabilia Collection. He also noted that included in this report was an item by item listing and corresponding pictures.
Councillor Lassman Fisher said that it was important that Council remember that when putting questions to Mr. Woods regarding this collection that he is the appraiser of the goods; and he should only be consulted in terms of how to properly store and preserve these items, and what it would take to maintain them for posterity not in terms of which site or location would be appropriate.
The Councillor expressed concern over the suggestion of allowing additional time to read the entire appraisal. She felt that it was time to move this process along in order to avail, in particular, South Windsor High School students currently involved in a program recognizing World War II activities, etc. the opportunity to view this collection before the end of the school term.
Councillor Barbour asked if the Town could apply to the Federal Government for a Grant for this collection either for its purchase, or for its subsequent care. Atty. Guliano said this is something the Town ought to pursue. Town Manager Galligan stated that the Town has already had discussions with Congressman Larson's Office regarding programs that might be available.
ITEM:
(At this point, Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to Suspend the Rules of the Meeting, and move Agenda Item 17. E. forward to this time. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Pelkey; and approved, unanimously.)
17. New Business
E. Resolution Appropriating $1,500 from Contingency Fund as the Town's Contribution To Timothy Edwards Middle School's Uzbekistan Exchange Student Program
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the appropriation of up to $1,500 from Contingency Account #1910-9001-390 to defray the costs of bringing a student, this year, from Uzbekistan to South Windsor to participate in Timothy Edwards Middle School's Uzbekistan Exchange Student Program.
Was made by: Councillor Lassman Fisher
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Speaking on behalf of our visiting teacher and students from Uzbekistan and the participants of the Timothy Edwards Middle School and Secondary School #37 Student Exchange Program was Cindy Field (a recently retired Timothy Edwards Middle School teacher) and the South Windsor Coordinator of the Exchange Program. Ms. Field extended to the Town Council its heartfelt gratitude for generously supporting the endeavors of this group; and for continuing to fortify the bridge of understanding that has been built between South Windsor, Connecticut and Samarkand, Uzbekistan (formerly a part of the Soviet Union).
Councillor Lassman Fisher moved to Amend the Resolution by removing the words up to; and, because she felt that this Exchange Program is more important than ever because of the current World situation, moved that the amount be increased to $2,000, rather than $1,500.
Councillor Pelkey seconded the Amendment; and it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
Councillor Lassman Fisher requested that the Board of Education be made aware of the fact that the Town Council had approved this contribution; and that past history has been that both the Board and the Town Council contribute equally to this program.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Barbour, reporting on the recent Board of Education meeting, said that several students and their parents from the Marching Band were there to petition that this activity not be cut from the school budget.
On another school subject, Councillor Barbour said that Chairperson Daugherty had stated that in light of the new information received from the State that the school budget would be receiving approximately $500,000 less aid from the State this year and also in consideration of the possibility of a $200,000 increase in the tipping fees for CRRA she felt it was prudent to Table any Motion to bring forth a final budget which suggestion passed unanimously. In light of this, Councillor Barbour added, the Board of Education was still working on its Budget.
Mayor Aman then discussed a letter he had received regarding the bus service on Governor's Highway. This remains an issue, he added, and he would be meeting again with Connecticut Transit regarding moving the bus onto Ellington Road or Sullivan Avenue where it would service more people.
Regarding other issues and engagements, the Mayor informed the Town Council that the problem of parking at the High School should be taken care of this morning; his speech at the dedication of the new addition of Wapping Community Church; and his reading to the 4th Graders; various meetings regarding the CRRA/Enron debacle and resultant increase in tipping fees for South Windsor.
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. C. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
*A. Acceptance of Resignation of Elaine Britz (R) from the Park and Recreation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Elaine Britz from the Park and Recreation Commission, said resignation being effective immediately; and thanks her for the time she has devoted to serving her community.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*B. Appointment of Mark Williams (R) to the Park & Creation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Mark Williams to the Park & Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2003, to fill the unexpired term of Elaine Britz, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*C. Appointment of Herbert Asplund (R) as a Full Member of the Patriotic Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Herbert Asplund a Full Member of the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2002, to fill the unexpired term of Harvey Fine, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Authorizing an Expenditure of $2,000 for South Windsor High School's 2002 Operation Graduation
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes and directs Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to contribute $2,000 from Contingency Account #1910-9001-390 to the 2002 South Windsor Operation Graduation Fund to help defray the estimated $20,000 cost associated with this event.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Burnham
Councillor Lassman Fisher asked if anyone on the Town Council, or the Town Manager, knew if the High School was holding an auction this year for the purpose of helping to fund this event; and, she said, last year the Town donated a picture and a Town mug to this auction and she would like to see this done again. Mayor Aman and Town Manager Galligan replied that they did not know if an auction was planned; however, Mr. Galligan said he call Vice Chairperson Jan Snyder to try to find out.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Resolution it was approved, unanimously.
E. (Addressed earlier in the evening.)
F. Discussion Item - Tax Abatement Proposals
Town Manager Matthew Galligan, referring to a proposed tax abatement for The May Company (Filene's Warehouse). He explained that the Company wished to expand its Warehouse here in South Windsor. Mr. Galligan felt that granting this expansion would help to solidify future development in the area because many of the Filene stores would be serviced by this facility.
The Town Manager also pointed out that much of the tax revenue derived from this facility comes from the personal property in particular, a sophisticated computerized system, bar coding, etc. set up within this facility.
Mr. Galligan then went on to explain that, currently, Filene pays $310,000 in taxes and is, consequently, one of South Windsor's largest taxpayers. Continuing, he said a 34,600 sq. ft. addition is being proposed which, at approximately $0.82 per square foot would result in an additional $28,372 in taxes. However, with a 50% abatement, the actual additional tax revenue the Town would realize would be $14,186.
G Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Submit an Application, and Enter into a Contract, for an Historic Preservation Grant from the Connecticut State Library
WHEREAS, a Public Act Concerning Real Estate Filings and the Preservation of Historic Documents (P.A. 00-146) has established a dedicated fund to improve the care of local government records; and
WHEREAS, said Public Act is intended to assist Connecticut municipalities in their efforts to preserve and manage their historic documents; and
WHEREAS, said Public Act imposes an additional fee of three dollars to be collected by Town Clerks for the recording of land records, including deeds and mortgages
WHEREAS, Public Act 00-146 authorizes the Public Records Administrator of the State Library to provide training and technical assistance and administer a grant program for Connecticut
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Town of South Windsor, an application and contract with the Connecticut State Library.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
H. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign a Contract with the Connecticut Department of Social Services for Home Management/Counseling
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the town of South Windsor a contract with the Department of Social Services, State of Connecticut, for Home Management/Counseling.
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
I. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Three (3) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to three (3) South Windsor taxpayers, said refunds totaling $655.77, and as shown on attached Exhibit A..
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Amending Sections 10-200 through 10-205 of the South Windsor Code of Ordinances
(Deputy Mayor Streeter)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby amends Sections 10-200 through 10-205 of the South Windsor Code of Ordinances as shown on attached Exhibit B., and which Amendment is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance (Continued)
At this time, Atty. Guliano requested that the Town Council make a minor amendment to this Ordinance that being, in the last sentence it read: This Ordinance shall become effective April 1, 2002.
The Amendment was moved by Councillor Pelkey; seconded by Councillor Lassman Fisher; and approved unanimously.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
19. Communications and Petitions from Council - None
20. Executive Session
A Motion was made at 9:45 p.m. by Councillor Barbour to go into Executive Session to discuss the purchase of land. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and approved, unanimously.
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and duly approved following the conclusion of the Executive Session.
Respectively submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (Exhibits A and B)
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