Town of South Windsor, CT Agendas & Minutes Archive

Regular Meeting 7/15/02


	TOWN COUNCIL TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR ACTION MINUTES Page 1 JULY 15, 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 Prior to calling the meeting to order, Mayor Aman presented Certificates of Appreciation to 27 South Windsor Boy Scouts for their volunteer work on the Town's Kelley/Waldron/Willard open space property. Speaking for all the Scouts present was Ryan Reitsma who, as his Eagle Scout project, chose this endeavor and recruited the valuable assistance of the other Scouts. Mayor Aman then called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. ITEM: 5. Public Input - None 6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None 7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings Motion to approve the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Regular Meeting of May 20, 2002; Public Hearing of June 17, 2002 (Re. Use of Barton Property for Athletic Fields; and Improvements to Nevers Road Park). Was made by: Councillor Havens Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey The Motion was: Approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention by Councillor Barbour ITEM: 8. Public Petitions - None 9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council Robert Moeller, Chairman of the Patriotic Commission, spoke to the Council about the status of the Memorial Walk at Veterans Memorial Park. One change he wanted Council aware of was one of note that being that there would now be three (3) memorial stones one each for World War I, World War II, and the Korean Conflict. Mr. Moeller, using the schematic drawing of the Walk, etc., pointed out exactly where these memorial stones would be placed. Continuing, Mr. Moeller informed the Council and the listening public that (1) the Commission was still looking for donations of labor and material for this project; (2) the electrical work will be hooked up soon; and, since March, the Commission has received donations of electric poles and lamps. The Chairman also wanted the public to know that now is the time to let him know if they wished to purchase and dedicate a brick. He then introduced John Raphael, Chairman of the memorial project. Mr. Raphael said that the Commission has been working closely with Mike Gantick, Director of Public Works, and his staff on such things as the final stakeout (which will be on August 27); the removal of existing flagpoles; and the grading of the site. The Public Works personnel, he said, would be installing additional monuments; but they are presently purchasing these and the benches for the site. The delivery of 5 tons of stone dust will be sometime in September. Also, with regard to the final work on this project, the representatives from the Patriotic Commission said that the Public Works personnel would be doing the final landscaping; the bricks will be set in place in the early part of October; 140 bricks will be sent out for engraving Mr. Moeller said that a cut-off date sometime in mid-September was necessary in order to have the dedication ceremony on November 11. He pointed out, however, that this was an ongoing project that may continue after November 11. When asked to remind everyone of the cost to purchase a memorial brick, Mr. Moeller replied $35 per brick; and the inscription on each brick is being limited to 13 characters per line with a limit of two lines per brick. Forms to be filled out by those wishing to purchase a brick may be picked up at the Town Hall, Library, or the Fire Department buildings, or by using the Web Site to obtain the forms which may then be filled out, and mailed in. Also, in conclusion, Mr. Moeller told the Town Council that a groundbreaking ceremony was being planned; and he would make certain that every Member of the Town Council was informed when that date had been determined. 10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager Mr. Galligan reported on the following: a. DST Realty Connecticut, Inc. (d/b/a DST Output) - This evening's Agenda includes a Resolution approving an additional Tax Assessment Agreement with this firm. Mr. Galligan said that, with this new tax agreement, new taxes derived from the addition would amount to approximately $23,779. b. Sidewalks at Ayers Road - Referring to the sketch he had this evening, Mr. Galligan said this topic is scheduled for a full discussion later on in the meeting. c. Digital mapping from the State d. Mr. Galligan thanked the Town Council for its decision to conduct a Work Session in the Madden Room last Monday. He felt that a great deal of work had been accomplished; and Council had provided him with the direction he needed to continue on with this project. e. CRCOG and the Growth Council, according to Mr. Galligan, have joined forces, somewhat, in providing the municipalities with services. A recent Invoice received from the Growth Council was for $4,300. Previously, he added, when the Town paid separately the Bill from the Growth Council had been $5,400; and since this item was not currently budgeted for, the $4,300 would have to come out of Contingency funds. f. Mr. Galligan reported that the Fuel Cell at the High School has been installed and the connections are presently being made with the hope that it will be up and running on August 15. He said that he would let the Town Council know as soon as a formal ceremony dedicating this equipment is scheduled. g. In October of this year, Mr. Galligan said that a table-top discussion of the Town's plan for emergency services. He wished the Council to know that the State was impressed with the Town's initiative, and foresight, in placing a fuel cell at the High School particularly since the State estimated that should an emergency situation arise, this facility could probably house from 3,000 to 5,000 people. h. Dr. Wood, Supt. Of Schools, had contacted the Town Manager regarding the Board of Education If the school made changes to any of the various recreational facilities within their system, the Town Manager felt these sites could possibly quality for funds under the Board of Education's Construction Grant thus the wisdom of including Mr. Gantick and Mr. Favreau on this Committee in order to receive their input. I. Regarding economic development - Mr. Galligan informed the Town Council that the Gerber building had been sold, and it presently looked as though someone might add an additional 80,000 square feet on that property for a distribution center; and, in the meantime, someone may be using that building temporarily for two years. Mr. Galligan concluded by reporting that there are two or three other prospective new businesses considering a move to South Windsor. One, in particular he said, would be relocating from another Town primarily because the Owner of the business is a South Windsor resident and wished to relocate his business to his hometown. Following the Town Manager's report, Deputy Mayor Streeter said he wished to reconsider his decision not to join the Growth Council this year particularly in light of the fact that the Towns of Farmington, West Hartford, and Enfield had rejoined. The Deputy Mayor then asked for an update on the Salt and Sand Shed being constructed at the Public Works Garage site. Mr. Galligan said he believed that the Town had received all the required approvals from the State agencies; an Architect had been chosen; and the Town was now ready to go. Mr. Gantick then reported, in detail, on the status of this project concluding his remarks by saying that the Town would go out to bid in about three weeks; and have the facility constructed and ready to use by the end of October of this year. Reporting on the status of CRRA and the Town's involvement with that Agency, Mr. Galligan reported that the two issues that were currently outstanding for CRRA was their acquisition of a new President and a Chief Financial Officer. There still remained the issue of electricity; and he expected a hit next year in the Town's budget for tipping fees; and estimated that this was something the Town should continue to watch. Mayor Aman stated that he was happy to see that Mike Pace took over as Chairman. Mr. Pace, he added, was a 1^st Selectman in his municipality as well as a Member of the Task Force which Mayor Aman, Mr. Galligan, and Atty. Guliano have been attending. He felt that Mr. Pace was someone who thought the same way as he, Mr. Galligan, and the Town Attorney thought. There followed several other questions for the Town Manager namely, identification of application pending questions; the availability of Grants in the Town's establishment of an emergency center at the High School (with its fuel cell). Councillor Havens echoed support for the rejoining of the Growth Council since, he felt, that anything that happens in Hartford, affects the Town of South Windsor. However, he did feel that the agency's assistance should be reevaluated again next year. With regard to the fuel cell, Councillor Havens suggested that signs indicating where, at the High School, the fuel cell was located should be posted, at the front of the High School, for the public's information. Councillor Havens, referring to a news story in The Journal Inquirer regarding the old Post Office building and its new Owner, had stated that the Town might be interested in renting some of the offices that will be established there, asked Mr. Galligan if this was true. Mr. Galligan said that no one, to this point, had approached him about this. 11. Reports from Standing Committees - None 12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None 13. Communications and Petitions from Council Mayor Aman informed the Council Members that thank you notes to the Council had been received from both South Windsor High School, and Cheney Tech. for the Town's contribution to each of their Operation Graduation functions. The Mayor also reported to the Council that, today, the Superintendent of Schools, the Chairman of the Board of Education, the Town Manager, the Director of Personnel for the school system, and he had met to discuss teacher negotiations for the next three years. The Board of Education, he added, has always requested that a Member of the Town Council sit in on the negotiations so that Council is aware of the issues when, in the Fall, a Resolution comes before it for requesting action on the new Contract. He asked for a volunteer from the Council. Councillor Havens said that he had a Public Service announcement to make that he had received from Valerie Ballard, Director of Adult and Senior Services. The announcement was regarding meals to be served over the weekend to frail elderly and at risk individuals in South Windsor. He said this program, which at any given time served approximately 30 individuals, was being coordinated with a local church; and stressed the need for volunteer drivers for delivery of these meals either on Saturday afternoons, or Sunday mornings. The Councillor continued by saying that anyone who wished to volunteer should contact Irene Dineen at Human Services (648-6361). Councillor Havens then asked the Town Manager to give the listening public an update on the proceedings surrounding the Town's Recreation Plan. Mr. Galligan said that, following the July 8 special Work Session, Gary Sorge (of Vollmer Assocs.) had made the adjustments requested to the Plan; and would be at the Town Hall this Wednesday, July 17, to speak with the Town Manager about the changes, and whether or not they complied with what the Town Manager assumed were the Council's wishes. Cost estimates, according to the Town Manager, would then be worked up in anticipation of their availability for the Town Council's August 12 Special Work Session and Meeting. If, at that meeting, the Town Council is comfortable with what is presented, Mr. Galligan said that plans and specifications would be prepared in case the Town Council decided, at the September 3rd meeting, to go to Referendum with these recreational facilities. Again, Councillor Havens stated that we must let the public know what has been added, what has been changed, and where we're going. ITEM: 14. Public Participation - None 15. Consent Agenda - None 16. Unfinished Business - None 17. New Business A. Resolution Appropriating $50,000 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account for Drainage Improvements to Buckland Road WHEREAS, during a heavy rainstorm, water flows from the rear of property listed as Numbers 300 and 326 Buckland Road, out, onto this Road and thereby floods this road; and WHEREAS, the drainage pipes in and around Buckland Road by property Numbers 300 and 326 are insufficient to handle the stormwater flow from this area during a heavy rainstorm NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the appropriation of $50,000 from Capital Non-Recurring Expenditures Account Number 004-4200-4201-320 for drainage improvements along Buckland Road and on the properties listed as Numbers 300 and 326 Buckland Road to alleviate the roadway flooding in this area. Was made by: Councillor Burnham Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey The Motion was: Approved, unanimously B. Resolution Approving a Salary Increase for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2002/2003 BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $_______ (to be provided at 7/15/02 Town Council meeting) for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2002/2003. (Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to Table this Resolution. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and approved, unanimously.) C. Resolution Approving a Salary Increase for Town Attorney Barry Guliano for Fiscal Year 2002/2003 BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $_______ (to be provided at 7/15/02 Town Council meeting) for Town Attorney Barry Guliano for Fiscal Year 2002/2003. (Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to Table this Resolution. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and approved, unanimously.) D. Resolution Approving a Salary Increase for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2002/2003 (Deputy Mayor Streeter) BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $______, (to be provided at 7/15/02 Town Council meeting) based upon 1,560 hours per year for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2002/2003; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby stipulates that the Clerk of the Council position shall have benefits equivalent to the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification; and said benefits shall be calculated on a prorated basis according to the average number of hours worked in the previous Fiscal Year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said hourly increase and participation in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Package shall be effective July 1, 2002. (Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to Table this Resolution. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and approved, unanimously.) E. Resolution Authorizing a Tax Assessment Agreement between DST Realty Connecticut, Inc. (d/b/a DST Output) and the Town of South Windsor for Additional Improvements to Their Property WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor's Economic Development Incentive Program, established pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-65b, is intended to encourage the development and expansion of quality businesses in Town through tax and other economic incentives, and is designed to attract businesses that will generate substantial additional tax revenues and employment opportunities for the Town while providing quality goods and services; and WHEREAS, the South Windsor Economic Development Commission recommends, pursuant to said program, that a tax assessment agreement be offered to DST Realty Connecticut, Inc. (d/b/a DST Output) with respect to a proposed expansion of their facilities NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a Tax Assessment Agreement between the Town and DST Realty Connecticut, Inc. (d/b/a DST Output), reducing the amount of the assessment of the new additional improvements to the real property, which amounts to $3,166,250 (+/-), by 80% for a period of seven (7) years; therefore, the assessed value of improvements to the real property shall be $633,250 (+/-) for a period of seven (7) years, commencing with the Grand List following the date of the Certificate of Occupancy, unless said assessment is changed by the Town in its upcoming revaluation, in which case the assessed value of said improvements to the real property shall be reduced by 80% of said assessed value after revaluation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council offers DST Realty Connecticut, Inc. (d/b/a DST Output) this additional Tax Assessment Agreement upon the condition that the business shall (1) meet, and agree to, the estimated assessment figures; (2) continue operations in South Windsor for a minimum of ten (10) years; and (3) maintain its local facilities during this ten-year period at an employment level of approximately 475 employees at said local facilities; and, if it fails to meet these conditions, the Company agrees to refund to the Town of South Windsor all of the assessed abatement(s) described herein which the Company has received. Was made by: Councillor Pelkey Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter The Motion was: Approved, unanimously F. Resolution Approving a Sidewalk Improvement Plan for the Installation of Sidewalks and Crosswalks on Ayers Road Abutting Property Owned by the Town of South Windsor WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has conducted a Public Hearing regarding the installation of sidewalks on Ayers Road, in accordance with Sections 86-85 and 86-86 of the South Windsor Code of Ordinances; and WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council finds, after such Public Hearing, that the installation of said sidewalks and crosswalks will serve the public necessity and convenience NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to have designed and constructed sidewalks abutting property owned by the Town of South Windsor on Ayers Road BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the construction of two crosswalks, for public safety, the location of which are to be determined based upon a detailed design of said construction; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to make application for $51,000 in LoCIP Funds for the design and construction of said project. Was made by: Councillor Barbour Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki The Motion was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Nay, on a Roll Call vote, with Councillor Havens being the dissenting vote. G. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter Into a Contract with an Accredited Certified Public Accountant To Investigate Other Possible Avenues for Acquiring a Tax Abatement Policy for South Windsor's Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Personnel WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council believes that it would be beneficial to retain a Certified Public Accountant to assist in investigating other possible avenues for reestablishing a Tax Abatement Policy for South Windsor's Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Personnel which will not be subject to Federal or State Income Taxation or Withholdings; and WHEREAS, said Certified Public Accountant should be directed to assist the Committee of the Town Council established for purposes of reestablishing such a Policy; and WHEREAS, the Certified Public Accountant should be directed to work directly with representatives of the Volunteer Fire and Ambulance personnel in bringing their perspective and input into the investigation of other possible avenues for reestablishing the Tax Abatement Policy to be conducted by the Committee of the Town Council established for that purpose NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan is authorized to enter into a Contract with an Accredited Certified Public Accountant to assist in the investigation of other possible avenues for reestablishing a Tax Abatement Policy for South Windsor Was made by: Councillor Lassman Fisher Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki The Motion was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote. The abstention was cast by Councillor Fine, who did so because of a Conflict of Interest. H. Resolution Approving the Acceptance and Expenditure of $100,000 Received from a Will by the South Windsor Police Department WHEREAS, $100,000 has been left to the town of South Windsor Police Department in the will of Clyde E. Johnson, Jr., under the conditions of the will as described in Exhibit B. attached hereto; and WHEREAS, the Town Council must approve the acceptance of said revenues and the conditions thereto, as the Police Department is a Department of the Town of South Windsor NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the acceptance of the funds devised to the South Windsor Police Department in the will of Clyde E. Johnson, Jr., with said funds to be used in accordance with the conditions set forth in the will as described in Exhibit B. attached hereto. Was made by: Councillor Fine Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki The Motion was: Approved, unanimously I. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing Regarding the Approval for the Town of South Windsor to Enter Into a Joint Agreement with Three Other Municipalities Regarding Joint Narcotics Enforcement BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, August 12, 2002, at 6:45 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the approval of the Town of South Windsor entering into an Interagency Agreement with the Towns of Glastonbury, Manchester, and Vernon for the establishment of a joint Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, which proposed Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit C., and is on file with the Town Clerk. Was made by: Councillor Delnicki Seconded by: Councillor Barbour Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to amend the Resolution by changing the time of the Public Hearing from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Motion to Amend was seconded by Councillor Delnicki, and approved, unanimously. Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution, which was approved, unanimously. J. Resolution Approving the Refund of Property Taxes to Five (5) South Windsor Taxpayers BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to five (5) South Windsor Taxpayers, said refunds totaling $3,383.50, and as shown on attached Exhibit D. Was made by: Councillor Havens Seconded by: Councillor Burnham The Motion was: Approved, unanimously 18. Passage of Ordinance None 19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None 20. Executive Session - Because of the late hour, the Executive Session planned for this evening was cancelled. 21. Motion to Adjourn At 10:30 p.m., a Motion to Adjourn was made by Councillor Pelkey; was seconded by Councillor Delnicki and approved, unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Patricia R. Brown Clerk of the Council Attmts. (Exhibits A., B., C., and D.)