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TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 May 6, 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 Edward Havens
Councillor John Pelkey
Member Absent: Councillor Lassman Fisher
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Mayor Aman called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
First to speak was Craig Zimmerman, 5-A Amato Drive, and Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission who said he wished to remind everyone that the Commission, and other sports organizations interested in active and passive recreation, would be back at the May 20 Town Council meeting to make a presentation on a proposed Referendum Question on a portion of the Master Plan in the November election.
Also, he added, with regard to the American Legion Baseball standpoint is to formally invite the Town Council, and the citizens of the South Windsor, to the Legion's Opening Ceremony on June 14, 2002, at 5:00 p.m., at Rotary Field.
Mark Glass, 406 Quarry Brook Drive, and President of the South Windsor Soccer Club was next to speak. He informed Council that he, too, would be present on May 20 for the meeting regarding the Referendum on recreation. He said he was also present to mention the lease from the Town the Club hoped to eventually obtain from the Town.
Mayor Aman then asked Mr. Glass for a brief overview on the lease the Club would be requesting from the Town.
Mr. Glass said that once the Referendum had failed in November of 2001, he had contacted the Town Manager and spoke with him regarding the possibility of leasing the land that was supposed to be for soccer fields to the Soccer Club. A 99-year lease, he continued, was discussed; and, once the lease was in place, he (as President of the SW Soccer Club) could apply for a grant from the United States Soccer Federation.
Continuing, and in an effort to clear up any questions regarding the use of these fields should they be built by the Soccer Club--(i.e.) could the lacrosse team use them. To this he replied that, obviously, if the Grant is received from the Soccer Federation the fields may only be used for Soccer. He pointed out that the area at Lawrence Road was big enough to accommodate not only soccer, but also lacrosse, walking trails, ponds, etc.; and soccer would only have its own little segment.
Mr. Glass said that the last he knew, Mr. Galligan was going to request that the Town Attorney work up a lease agreement for the Soccer Club. There were no further questions from the public.
Nancy DeMay, 69 Charing Road rose to speak to Resolution 17. I. which addressed the approval of the 2002/2003 Board of Education Budget. She said she wished to make one more request for the reinstatement of the SWEPT Program in the Board of Education Budget. She said she felt that the budget cuts were way too deep; and were in excess of what is acceptable.
Ms. DeMay asked the Town Council to allocate to the Board of Education in its Budget the amount of money it felt was acceptable beyond the amount put forth for acceptance. She felt strongly that South Windsor would hurt as a Town if the quality of education goes down. If, however, the Town Council could keep the program going in some way, she said, then it was her opinion that SWEPT would have some money, at least, to work with and have the time to analyze its options for the future.
Next to speak was Denise Pantason, 40 Perrin Lane, also spoke in favor of the reinstatement of the SWEPT program.
Don Mercure, 107 Marc Drive, and President of South Windsor's Little League, rose to again present the Little League Board of Directors position on the proposed revisions to the Master Plan. He then relayed to the Town Council the type of organization Little League was; and the type of issues they have to deal with including the fact that as soon as the population of South Windsor exceeded 20,000 the organization had to go to an American Division and a National Division in all of its programs. And, once any Division in its Major Leagues exceed 10 teams, it must go into an International Division.
Mr. Mercure then explained the growth experienced by the South Windsor Little League in each age group, and the scheduling problems resulting from said growth.
Karen Richard, 172 Pheasant Way, expressed her feelings and concerns with regard to the elimination of the SWEPT program from the Board of Education's 2002/2003 Budget.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Regular Meeting of February 4, 2002; Regular Meeting of March 4, 2002; Public Hearing of April 1, 2002; Work Session of April 1, 2002; Public Hearing of April 10, 2002; Regular Meeting of April 15, 2002; and Special Meeting of April 29, 2002.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
James Throwe, 1330 Main Street, and a Member of South Windsor's Patriotic Commission reported, for the Commission, upcoming events that have been planned for the Town. Namely, the Armed Forces Day Picnic in the Park event
to be held on May 18 at the Rye Street Park. He invited all the Members of the Town Council; and asked the Mayor to make a few Opening Remarks.
Mr. Throwe reminded those listening that this event included a beautiful display of fireworks honoring the Nation's Armed Forces. Members of the various military forces, he added, will be present.
The other event Mr. Throwe wished to describe to the Town Council was the Town's Memorial Day Parade. He said that this event is scheduled for May 30, 2002; with line-up time being 9:15 a.m. and step-off time being 10:15 a.m. He then described the route the Parade would take.
10. Communications and Reports from the Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan said that the Budget this evening reflects what has been done to date. He said there had been some adjustments that this evening's Budget Resolution now reflected. The only remaining change, he added, currently being requested through the Capital Projects Committee (in particular, Patrick Hankard) was that the bleacher project at the High School be done and as soon as possible. Mr. Hankard felt, too, that this was an item that should take precedence over the other Capital Project the alarm system.
If this were done, according to the Town Manager, it would affect the bottom line of the Budget being proposed because you were merely trading off one project for another.
Regarding another item, Mr. Galligan mentioned was a proposed Resolution of the Architectural Study for the elementary schools. He urged that this Resolution be adopted by the Town Council.
He pointed out that Capital Projects has a separate purchasing policy, with special provisions. He pointed out that Council had been provided a copy of that policy.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Streeter reported that he, and Councillor Barbour, had met (as Council liaisons) with the Public Building Commission last Wednesday. At this meeting, he added, tonight's Resolution regarding the $200,000 appropriation for the Elementary School Study was discussed, at length, prior to its submission to Council, in draft form, this week.
According to the Deputy Mayor, the Commission also briefly discussed the issue of the old Post Office building. The Commission, he added, awaits direction from the Council, and in particular the Council's Space Needs Subcommittee, regarding this issue. He commented, in conclusion, that he felt the issue of acquiring the old Post Office building was currently in limbo.
Mr. Galligan replied that the Owner has not, as yet, gotten back to him. He said that he had authorized Richard Boudreault, the Town's Assistant to the Director of Public Works, to offer the Owner the price the Town was willing to pay for the property. Again, he said, no indication of willingness to sell to the Town has been forthcoming from the Owner.
Councillor Havens then stated that the Town has sat on this thing for (possibly) two years. It continued to be his opinion that the Town could find many uses for this property; and that the time had come for the Town Council to decide, by vote, one way or another does it want the old Post Office property, or does it not.
Councillor Pelkey then commented on the excellence of the Community Chorus concert on Saturday evening. Noting that the Chorus still had only eight (8) men in its number, urged those men in the audience who liked to sing to join the group.
Councillor Delnicki, returning to the subject of the old Post Office property, asked the Town Manager if it would be a reasonable deal for the Town. He said that the Town Council awaited numbers will it be affordable. Town Manager Galligan said he would explain further at this evening's Executive Session.
ITEM:
Town Manager Galligan stated that the Town Council had never formally authorized him to negotiate for this property and return to Council with the figures. However, the Mayor, and other Councillors, reminded him that it had passed a Resolution several months ago authorizing the Town Manager to do just that.
Councillor Barbour said she had recently attended the Caregivers Luncheon at Timothy Edwards School, put on by the Magic Club, and the Town's Human Services Department. She then took a few minutes to recognize some of the people who had hosted this event, and the many other volunteers involved in these efforts.
Mayor Aman related his attendance this week at the Volunteers Reception: at the South Windsor Community Center. Over 200 people, he reported, were present many of whom were volunteers who make the Community Center work people who do Meals on Wheels Program, the Food and Fuel Bank; all of the Senior programs. The Mayor, again, thanked all of those volunteers.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. A. through 16. F. and 17. A. and B. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillors Pelkey and Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business
*A. Appointment of Peter T. Anthony, Sr. (D) as an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Peter T. Anthony, Sr. as an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2005.
*B. Appointment of Paul Baker (D) as an Alternate to the Inland-Wetlands Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Paul Baker as an Alternate to the Inland-Wetlands Commission for a term ending December 1, 2004 to fill the unexpired term of Thomas Hindson.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*C. Appointment of Edward Havens, Jr. (D) to the Water Pollution Control Authority
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Edward Havens, Jr., to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2005 to fill the unexpired term of Thomas Hindson.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Appointment of Michael Gauthier (D) as an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Michael Gauthier (D) as an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2004 to fill the unexpired term of Edward Havens, Jr.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Appointment of Robert F. Entigar (R) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Robert F. Entigar to the South Windsor Agricultural Land preservation Advisory Commission (SWALPAC) for a term ending November 30, 2004.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*F. Appointment of Thomas F. Foley (R) as an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Thomas F. Foley as an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2005, to fill the unexpired term of Herbert Asplund.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
G. Resolution Directing the Town Manager to Revise the 2002/2003 Town Budget to be Considered by the Town Council, by Restoring the
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council directs Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to revise the 2002/2003 Town Budget for Town Council consideration, by restoring $44,891 to fund a new
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Burnham
Before a vote could be taken, a discussion ensued with regard to this position
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. The Amended Resolution was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Nay the dissenting vote being cast by Councillor Havens.
17. New Business
*A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of David L. Guay (D) as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of David L. Guay as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission, said resignation being effective immediately, and thanks Mr. Guay for his willingness to serve his community.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*B. Appointment of Timothy M. Moriarty (R) as an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Timothy M. Moriarty as an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
C. Resolution Adopting the Budgets for the Special Revenue Pollution Control and Wastewater Treatment Fund and the Special Revenue Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2002/2003
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Special Revenue Pollution Control & Wastewater Treatment Fund Budget with expenditures totaling $2,629,109, and a Special Revenue Recreation Fund Budget with expenditures totaling $833,345, which budgets include the adjustments contained in Appendix A for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2002, and terminating on June 30, 2003. (See Appendix A, Budget Adjustment Summary, attached hereto and made a part hereof.)
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
D. Resolution Adopting the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2002/2003
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $44,884,496 for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2002, and terminating on June 30, 2003,.a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Prior to a vote being taken, Councillor Pelkey moved to amend the Resolution by adding $85,000 to the expenditures amount, thus totaling $44,969,496; the Amendment was seconded by Councillor Fine. The Motion to Amend was defeated 5 Nays to 3 Ayes, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Barbour No
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham No
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Delnicki No
Deputy Mayor Streeter No
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman No
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the original Resolution. The Motion was approved 5 Ayes to 3 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Barbour Yes
Councillor Fine No
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens No
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey No
Mayor Aman Yes
ITEM:
17. New Business
E. Resolution to Amend the Capital Improvement Budget
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an amendment to the 2002/2003 Capital Improvement Budget by increasing the funding of the Bleachers for the South Windsor High School by $56,250; reducing the funding of the Fire Alarm Upgrade by the South Windsor High School by $50,000; and reducing Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures by $6,250. (See Appendix B., Capital Improvements, attached hereto and made a part hereof.)
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Nay, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting vote being Councillor John Pelkey.
F. Resolution Adopting the General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2002/2003
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a General Government Budget with expenditures totaling $24,944,751, which budget includes the adjustments contained in Appendix C for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2002 and terminating on June 30, 2003. See Appendix C, Budget Adjustment Summary, attached hereto and made a part hereof.)
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Prior to a vote being taken, Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to Amend the Motion to reflect a total expenditure of $24,967,197, rather than $24,944,751. The Motion was approved, unanimously.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. The Amended Resolution was approved 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Barbour Yes
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens No
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey No
Mayor Aman Yes
G. Resolution Setting the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2002/2003
BE IT RESOLVED that a tax rate of 37.53 mills be levied on the Grand List of October 1, 2001 based upon Total Revenues excluding current taxes of $16,696,449 which includes an appropriation from Fund Balance in the amount of $1,300,000 to finance total expenditures of $69,829,247 made up of a Board of Education Budget of $44,884,496, and a General Government Budget of $24,944,751, both of which have been adopted by the South Windsor Town Council, and exhibits of which are on file in the Office of the Town Clerk for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2002 and terminating on June 30, 2003.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Prior to a vote being taken, Coucillor Delnicki moved to amend the Resolution by changing the Mill Rate to 37.55 mills; the General Government and Board of Education expenditures to a total of $69,851,693; and the General Government Budget to a total of $24,967,197 (all of this because of the previously Amended Resolution adding a part-time Human Services Specialist I to the General Government Budget). The Amendment was seconded by Deputy Mayor Streeter.
Mayor Aman called for a vote on the Amendments. The Amendments were approved, unanimously. The Mayor then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. The Amended Resolution was approved 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote as follows:
Councillor Barbour Yes
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens No
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey No
Mayor Aman Yes
H. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2002/2003, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2002-2003, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was Approved, unanimously
I. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Six (6) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to six (6) South Windsor taxpayers, said refunds totaling $2,159.99, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Burnham
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session
A Motion was made at 10:00 p.m., by Councillor Delnicki, to go into Executive Session to discuss the possible purchase of real estate, or an interest in real estate, by the Town. The Motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Streeter; and approved, unanimously.
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made following the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt.
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