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TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 June 17, 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 Marianne Lassman Fisher (left at 8:30 p.m.)
Councillor John Pelkey
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
Prior to calling the meeting to order, Mayor Aman read a Proclamation recognizing
State Representative Nancy Kerensky presented a check from SNET to the Youth and Family Services division of Human Services in support of an after-school program entitled Food, Fun and Fitness.
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Aman at 8:15 p.m.
ITEM
Public Input - None
Environmental health & Safety Message - None
Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to approve the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Work Session of April 29, 2002, and Work Session of May 20, 2002.
Made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The motion was approved on a Roll Call vote, 7 Ayes, 1 Abstention, as follows:
Councillor Barbour - Abstain
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Burnham - Yes
Councillor Havens - Yes
Councillor Delnicki - Yes
Councillor Lassman Fisher - Absent
Deputy Mayor Streeter - Yes
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Aman - Yes
8. Public Petitions
Mayor Aman noted that a Petition had been accepted during the Work Session this evening.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Dennis Sheridan, on behalf of the Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission, reported on numerous activities of the Commission (see attached Appendix A.) A video of some of those activities was shared with the Council. Certificates were then presented to students involved in some of those activities.
Mr. Sheridan noted specific concerns of the Commission, such as binge drinking and cold remedy abuse by youth groups, unsupervised parties and the use of the drug known as ecstasy.
A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Streeter to move Item 17. D. forward; the motion was seconded and was unanimously approved.
17. D. Resolution Naming the South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary on Niederwerfer Road the Frank Niederwerfer Wildlife Sanctuary
WHEREAS, Frank Niederwerfer, a native son, has demonstrated his love for South Windsor and its citizens by his devotion and efforts to preserve the Town's agricultural and open space heritage; and
WHEREAS, Frank Niederwerfer has coupled this covenant with a vigilance and stewardship for the maintenance of these parcels, in particular the Town of South Windsor
WHEREAS, for many years it was Frank Niederwerfer's hard work within the Sanctuary, with occasional assistance from the Town's Public Works staff, that provided hiking and bird-watching enthusiasts with what for many years was South Windsor's only true walking trails; and
WHEREAS, to this day, and because of all his years of dedicated resolve to its care, the South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary remains one of our Town's most valuable leisure-time and passive recreational resources
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of South Windsor is both honored and pleased to name this most beautiful refuge the Frank Niederwerfer Wildlife Sanctuary, said designation to become effective immediately.
Made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the following items:
It was learned, through research of the liability issue concerning the skate park, that contact sports are much higher in liability than this sport.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
It is not in the Town's best interest at this time to go forward with a street light program. The cost of replacement lights is quite high, as well as the transmission costs.
Between 800 and 1,000 letters had been mailed out regarding the public hearings which were held this evening.
Regarding Item 17.K., the transfer of $4,000 from Contingency Account to the Town Manager
Before the Council this evening is the Emergency Medical Services Plan, which is quite extensive. The State of Connecticut has mandated that each municipality have their emergency medical plan with specific procedures. A committee was formed with the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the Town Manager, Commander Hart, a representative from AMS, Larry Gorman of the Ambulance Corps, and Fred Shaw, who coordinates the emergency planning material. That Committee tried to review every possible scenario in the Emergency Medical Service Plan. The Plan has been submitted on a State level, and everyone has signed off on the document. It will be expanded as time passes.
Regarding the tax abatement for fire and ambulance volunteers, Councillor Delnicki suggested that it might be appropriate for a letter to Federal legislators concerning the services performed by volunteers. He suggested that this be done while the Tax Abatement Committee is performing their tasks. Atty. Guliano agreed that it was something which could be done at the federal level. Mayor Aman asked that the Town Attorney draft a resolution, since there would be an added impact if a resolution accompanied the letter. He asked that it be ready for the next scheduled meeting.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Aman noted that he was still waiting for comments concerning the Planning & Zoning Plan of Development.
Mayor Aman also said that anything done pertaining to a referendum question should be addressed by the Council as a group. He asked the Council members to notify Council Clerk Pat Brown with their vacation schedules to make it easier to schedule Work Sessions during the summer.
Referencing an article in
Mayor Aman questioned the money from DEP for two grants and how the Town stands right now. Atty. Guliano stated that he was waiting for Certificates of Title from the firm which handled the closings on those properties. He said those are the last items for which he is waiting and the materials will be delivered to the DEP. Atty. Guliano estimated that the funding would be in early July.
Several Councillors spoke of the
Craig Zimmerman said that during the Public Hearing someone had quoted the cost of making the softball field at Ayers a parking lot and moving the softball field across the street at $1 million. He said that was not a correct figure. He discussed once again information presented at the Public Hearing this evening regarding times of games, etc.
Mr. Zimmerman asked that the Town Manager or Town Attorney explain at a meeting the proposed uses for the Priest property and the Barton property at the times they were purchased. Responding to the question which has been asked numerous times of
He said if people want to see drawings of what it actually looks like, then those drawings will cost a lot of money between $100,000 and $200,000. It was his understanding that they would wait until it went to referendum
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16.A. and 17. A., B. and C. as the Consent Agenda.
Made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
A motion was made by Councillor Pelkey to remove Item 17. A. The balance of the Consent Agenda
Unfinished Business
*A. Appointment of J. Paul Oates (R) as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints J. Paul Oates as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2002.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
New Business
*A. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $11,700 from Contingency to the Central Services Part-time Wages Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $11,700 from Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to Central Services Part-time Wages Account Number 1192-1921-113, to cover the cost of a part-time position to help with the ongoing digital archiving project.
Made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
A motion was made to table the resolution and the motion was unanimously approved.
*B. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $5,350 from Salary Contingency to the Building Department and Fire Marshal Budgets
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $5,350 from Salary Contingency Account Number 1910-9015-390 to the following Building Department and Fire Marshal Accounts:
$1,750 to: Building Department's Temporary Wages Account
Number 1230-2400-114; (and)
$3,600 to: Fire Marshal's Part-time Wages Account
Number 1221-2210-113
to cover additional wages in both departments.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
17. *C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $7,400 from the Municipal Insurance Account to Various Departments
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $7,400 from the Municipal Insurance Account Number 1920-9004-320 to the following various Town Department Accounts:
$7,000 to: Town Clerk Professional Account
Number 1154-1540-320;
$200 to: Historic District Advertising Account
Number 1112-1122-310; (and)
$200 to: Housing Authority Account
Number 1112-1125-330
Said transfer is to fund accounts that are, or will be, over-expended for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
D. Resolution Naming the South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary on Niederwerfer Road the Frank Niederwerfer Wildlife Sanctuary
This item was moved forward and covered earlier in the meeting.
E. Discussion Item - Public Hearing Results on Barton Property and Nevers Road Park Property
Mayor Aman said that, due to time restrictions, this item would be covered at the next Town Council meeting. Mr. Galligan said that items would be highlighted on the map for that meeting.
17. F. Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of 2,190 Square Feet of Land at the South End of Slater Street, by the Town of South Windsor, for the Purpose of Constructing a Cul-de-Sac
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to construct a paved cul-de-sac at the south end of Slater Street according to the Public Improvement Specifications; and
WHEREAS, to construct said cul-de-sac the Town needs to acquire 2,190 square feet of property from Paul A. and Mona L. Mills, of 322 Slater Street, and the appraised value of this property is $4,720
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby agrees to accept, by deed, 2,190 square feet of property from Paul A. and Mona L. Mills as shown on a Plan titled
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute a deed for the transfer of said property from Paul A. and Mona L. Mills to the Town of South Windsor for the amount of $4,720, which amount is to be taken from the Buckland Winchester Settlement Fund, Account Number 001-0300-0205-059.
Made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
Town Attorney Guliano noted that the word execute in the last paragraph of the Resolution should be changed to accept. A motion to amend the Resolution by making this change was then made and unanimously approved.
17. G. Resolution Approving the Construction of a Cul-de-Sac at the South End of Slater Street and the Appropriation of Buckland Winchester Settlement Funds to Cover the Cost of Said Construction
WHEREAS, the south end of Slater Street is closed and barricaded at the Town Line such that there is inadequate space for emergency vehicles, school busses, maintenance vehicles, delivery vehicles or other large service vehicles to turn around, thereby posing a safety hazard to these vehicles and the public; and
WHEREAS, the construction of a paved cul-de-sac at the south end of Slater Street according to the Town Public Improvement Specifications will allow these vehicles to safely turn around, thereby increasing the safety of this end of the street
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves of the construction of a paved cul-de-sac at the south end of Slater Street according to plans titled
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to have constructed a paved cul-de-sac at the south end of Slater Street, using the monies available in the Buckland Winchester Settlement Fund, Account Number 001-0300-0205-059.
Made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. H. Resolution Appointing the South Windsor Board of Education as School Building Committee for the Orchard Hill Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education will have surplus funds from the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year Board of Education Budget and wishes to expend these funds on the Orchard Hill Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education has an opportunity to have a portion of the cost of this project supplemented by the School Construction Grant
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints the South Windsor Board of Education the School Building Committee for the Orchard Hill Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as the School Building Committee, the South Windsor Board of Education is to authorize the preparation of necessary schematic drawings and outline specifications for said project; and to authorize the Superintendent to file an application for a school construction project.
Made by: Councillor Lassman Fisher
Seconded by: Councillor Burnham
Councillor Pelkey questioned the reason the Board of Education was handling this, and Mayor Aman explained that it was due to the way the Grant application was completed.
The Motion was approved, unanimously.
17. I. Resolution Appointing the South Windsor Board of Education as School Building Committee for the High School Bleacher Replacement Project
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education will have funds in the Capital Projects Budget for Fiscal Year 2002/2003 and wishes to expend these funds on the High School Bleacher Replacement Project; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education has an opportunity to have a portion of the cost of this project supplemented by the
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints the South Windsor Board of Education the School Building Committee for the High School Bleacher Replacement Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as the School Building Committee, the South Windsor Board of Education is to authorize the preparation of necessary schematic drawings and outline specifications for said project; and to authorize the Superintendent to file an application for a school construction project.
Made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
J. Resolution Appointing the South Windsor Board of Education as School Building Committee for the Eli Terry Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education will have surplus funds from the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year Board of Education Budget and wishes to expend these funds on the Eli Terry Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education has an opportunity to have a portion of the cost of this project supplemented by the School Construction Grant
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints the South Windsor Board of Education the School Building Committee for the Eli Terry Elementary School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as the School Building Committee, the South Windsor Board of Education is to authorize the preparation of necessary schematic drawings and outline specifications for said project; and to authorize the Superintendent to file an application for a school construction project.
Made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
K. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $4,000 from Contingency Account to the Town Manager's Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $4,000 from Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to the Town Manager's Professional Account Number 1131-1310-320 to pay for a Public Safety Answering Point Radio Engineering Study associated with the Regional Dispatch Center.
Made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. L. Discussion Item: Naming of
Councillor Delnicki said he would be looking to discuss this item at the next meeting of the Town Council and explained that there is a mandate by the DEP pertaining to signage. He noted that Ryan Reitsma, as part of his Eagle Scout project, has performed quite a bit of work on this property and would also have a sign made with the name of the property. Ryan has suggested the name Podunk Park.
Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Fifteen (15) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the refund of property taxes to fifteen (15) South Windsor taxpayers, said refunds totaling $6,969.94, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Resolution Amending the Drain Layers Permit and Inspection Fees
BE IT RESOLVED that the Permit and Inspection Fee for obtaining a Drain Layers Permit, as referenced in South Windsor Code of Ordinances, Section 98-131(a) et seq., shall be increased from twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to fifty dollars ($50.00), effective August 1, 2002.
Made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
Councillor Pelkey moved to amend the Resolution changing the fee from $50 to $60 to bring it more in line with actual costs. The motion was seconded by Councillor Fine.
The Amendment was approved on a Roll Call vote, 6 Ayes, 2 Nays, and 1 Abstention as follows:
Councillor Barbour - Yes
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Burnham - Yes
Councillor Havens - No
Counci8llor Delnicki - Yes
Councillor Lassman Fisher - Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter - No
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Aman - Abstain
The Amended Resolution was approved on a Roll Call vote, 6 Ayes, 2 Nays, and 1 Abstention as follows:
Councillor Barbour - Yes
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Burnham - Yes
Councillor Havens - No
Councillor Delnicki - Yes
Councillor Lassman Fisher - Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter - No
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Aman - Abstain
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Amending Section 14-31 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Engineering Inspection Fees
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby amends Section 14-31 of the South Windsor Code of Ordinances to add Subsection (i) as follows:
Engineering Inspection Fees
Where an engineering inspection is necessary to establish compliance with an approved site/plot plan for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy according to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, an inspection fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) shall be assessed when the request for a site inspection is made.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said Amendment is to become effective August 1, 2002.
Made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Pelkey asked if this was a fee which had never before been charged, as opposed to an increase in a fee, and Atty. Guliano stated that that was correct; it is a new fee. Atty. Guliano explained that there are many Certificates of Occupancy which are granted without this inspection fee.
The Motion was approved, unanimously.
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session - To discuss strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation.
A motion was made by Councillor Fine to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation and also to discuss the negotiation of the possible purchase of property by the Town. The motion was duly seconded and was unanimously approved.
21. Motion to Adjourn
A motion to adjourn was made at 10:50 p.m. It was duly seconded and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attachments
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