 |
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 September 3, 2002
TOWN COUNCIL Council Chambers
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
ITEM:
5. Public Input
First to speak was Roseann Williams, 4 Foncine Lane, who said that it had come to her attention that school would be in session on Veterans Day; and, the unsubstantiated report that the observation of Veterans Day was
Next to speak was Roy Normen, Homestead Drive. Following his remarks supporting the placement of a Referendum Question regarding new recreational facilities on the November Ballot, Mr. Normen asked that the Town Council support Agenda Items 17. K. and L. as they appeared on this evening
With regard to the overall Referendum Question, Mr. Normen was of the opinion that educating the public on the particulars associated with this Question, could increase its chances of approval at the polls.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Normen pointed out that, in his opinion, the I-291 Corridor site would be a
The failure of the previous Referendum, in his opinion, was because $2.3 million out of the total $4.1 million was going to be used for football and lacrosse at the Priest property; and Mr. Normen used this opportunity to commend the Town Council, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Town Manager for all the work that has been done on this proposal over the last few months.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to adopt the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Regular Meeting of June 3, 2002; Regular Meeting of June 17, 2002; Public Hearing of June 24, 2002 (Re.: The
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Reporting for the Patriotic Commission was James Throwe, 1330 Main Street. Mr. Throwe informed the Town Council that the Commission had contacted churches in Town to determine how many of them had a bell tower, or a bell that could be rung on September 11, at the four times suggested by Governor Rowland, in honor of those who lost their lives last September 11.
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
Mr. Throwe said that four churches in Town had the capability and were pleased to be asked to participate. The churches that are able to participate are: First Congregational Church (Main Street); St. Francis of Assisi Church (Ellington Road); St. Peter
Following this portion of his report, Mr. Throwe updated the Council on the planned
Mr. Throwe
Next to speak was Mark Lillis, 667 Griffin Road, who said he was not happy with the extravagant items contained in last year
It was Mr. Lillis
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported that U.S. Congressman John Larson had held a Press Conference in South Windsor to inform Town officials, and the listening public,
(Item Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
10. (Continued)
money allocated to Volunteer Firemen through their point system, and through the abatement of taxes or rebating of taxes, so that it would become
Continuing, the Town Manager reported on a one-day Seminar held by the State
Mr. Galligan wanted the community to know that the Town has an EMS Plan, a Disaster Plan, and a Plan at the schools; and after working hard to obtain it
Referring to the
Concluding his report, Mr. Galligan said that the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) has asked him to be the Vice Chairman of Public Safety for their program. He said he has accepted; and would be meeting with them in October. Also with regard to CCM
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Streeter then read into the record a letter the Town Council had received from George Charlton to the Town Council voicing his objection to the proposal for a Referendum Question on additional recreational fields; suggesting that the Town Council consider reducing taxes, instead of increasing them, and asking for answers to specific questions with regard to current status of
Councillor Lassman Fisher then asked to comment on Roseann Williams
The Councillor felt it was telling the veterans that
She, too, requested that a letter be sent to the Board of Education (if the other Town Councillors agreed), asking them to reconsider this decision and close the schools on Veterans Day. The Councillor suggested that any programs the school system was to commemorate Veterans Day be held either the day before November 11, or the day after.
Mayor Aman said that if the Town Council wished a letter to be sent out to the Board of Education the, obviously, he would send it. However, adding his own opinion and as a veteran he did not feel honored on Veterans Day when it was a day
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Burnham then asked the Town Manager if he had a timetable on the Rye Street Park playground. Mr. Galligan replied that he had received, today, a Memorandum from Parks & Grounds Superintendent Karl Reichle telling him that there is so much damage at the playground location that the old
When asked by Councillor Burnham if the same surface would be installed. Mr. Galligan said it probably would be the same. The Councillor felt that unless lights were installed illuminating the area in order to thwart further vandalism, it was unwise to install the same surface, at those costs. Councillor Burnham asked if any thought had been given to moving the playground from its present location to a location more to the front of the Park where passersby could observe it. Mr. Galligan felt this was a good suggestion, and he would look into it. (A discussion regarding the wisdom of replacing the special playground surface that had been used previously continued to be in question.)
The Councillor then reminded the Town Council Members of the upcoming
Councillor Fine reiterated Councillor Lassman Fisher
On another matter, Councillor Fine felt that the suggestion to move the Rye Street Park Playground closer to the road required careful consideration because of the
Addressing the previous remarks regarding the observance of Veterans Day, Councillor Barbour (as Council liaison to the Board of Education) said she was in attendance at the meeting where this was discussed. She reiterated the plans the School Board had discussed for programs on that day; and pointed out that a
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Havens, pointing out that he, too, is a Veteran, also asked the Mayor to send the letter to the Board of Education regarding Veterans Day. He felt that, at the very least, the letter would serve as a reminder to the Board to observe all important Holidays. He did not feel that the statement that, given a day off, the kids
Councillor Lassman Fisher, after seeking advice from the Town Attorney as to its appropriateness, asked for a consensus of the Town Council on this issue.
Councillor Delnicki, although agreeing with the Mayor as to how young people use their days off, felt that there was a
Stating that she will be a candidate for Probate Judge in November and, as she added, since no one was running against her it looked like she might win, Councillor Lassman Fisher said one of her most enduring issues since she came onto the Town Council was the one of children
The Councillor stated ways these programs might be fitted into the curriculum; and offered to have an expert in self-defense, or the martial arts, present at an upcoming Town Council meeting to discuss how best to incorporate this into a school program.
Mayor Aman suggested that since the Town
(The meeting was delayed for about 10 minutes to allow for a correction to the public address and recording system in the Chambers.)
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Saying that he and his wife, too, have recently discussed their concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children; and how best to protect them or teach them to protect themselves, Councillor Burnham mentioned that the South Windsor Jaycees have been looking into this issue and how to provide training in Town. He also mentioned that a gentleman would be present at the upcoming Wapping Fair who has volunteered to come into Town and teach the Jaycee
Councillor Burnham thought it might be a good idea if the Town
Mayor Aman asked Councillor Lassman Fisher to put together a program dealing with this concern for one of the upcoming meetings
Referring to a previous discussion regarding the observance of Veterans Day by closing schools--Mayor Aman said he realized he was in a
14. Public Participation
Craig Zimmerman, Chairman of Park and Recreation Commission, rose again to urge other
Mr. Zimmerman also wanted to use this opportunity to make people aware of how long a process this entire project is; and state that he was anticipating a
ITEM:
14. Public Participation (Continued)
Recreation Commission for the time they devoted to the original Master Plan; and now the revised Master Plan. He also thanked the members of the public who conducted surveys, attended public meetings; and, in particular, thanked Ray Favreau (Dir. of Recreation) and the Recreation Department staff; and the Consulting Firm of Vollmer Assocs, and its staff; and acknowledged the contributions of the leaders of the organized sports groups.
Mr. Zimmerman, again, provided statistics that pointed out the reasons for the need of additional recreational facilities: i.e., the Town
He then reiterated the figures given previously by the Town Manager: i.e., for a house with a market value of $200,000, it would cost them $35.00 more a year
Referring to what would be done to
Noting that there were, indeed, several people present to discuss the proposed Referendum Question, Mayor Aman asked for a Motion to move forward to this point Agenda Items 17. K. and L. The Motion was made by Councillor Lassman Fisher; Councillor Pelkey seconded the Motion. The Motion was approved unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business
K. Resolution Appropriating $4,645,000 for the Renovations, Repairs, and Improvements to Lawrence Road Park, Nevers Road Park, and Town-owned Land Known as I-291 Park and Authorizing the Issuance of $4,645,000 Bonds of the Town to Meet Said Appropriation and Pending the Issuance Thereof the Making of Temporary Borrowings for Such Purpose
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appropriates $4,645,000 for the planning, acquisition and construction of renovations, repairs, and improvements to Lawrence Road Park, Nevers Road Park, and Town-owned land known as I-291 Park, as described in plans entitled
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the issuance of $4,645,000 bonds of the Town or so much thereof as shall be necessary for such purpose, to meet said appropriation and pending the issuance thereof the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose as more fully described in attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Pelkey passed around a photograph of a much less expensive Playscape that, he felt, would fit the needs at the I-291 Park, in particular. The Councillor also provided the other Members of the Town Council with information he had sought out and received regarding what could be done to make our Parks more accessible to handicapped children. Of particular note, he said, was an organization in Bloomfield known as
This organization, he added, makes a distinction between ADA compatible playgrounds and a ITEM
17. K. (Continued)
Stating that one of the suggested costs for the Boundless Playground, according to Councillor Pelkey, was between $150,000 to $175,000; and the State of Connecticut, during its last Session, appropriated $2 million for matching funding for these playgrounds.
In conclusion, the Councillor suggested that the funding of $350,000 at Lawrence Road be eliminated; to lower the funds for the I-291 Park playground to about $25,000; and proposed that the $175,000 earmarked last year for the Recreation Plan be utilized in the Lawrence Road Park for a Boundless Playground; and, if the matching funds are received from the State, he pointed out, this would bring the monies available for that area up to $350,000. Councillor Pelkey also pointed out that
Some discussion ensued about reducing the bottom line of the Referendum Question by implementing the suggestions put forth by Councillor Pelkey.
Councillor Havens was of the opinion that Councillor Pelkey
Assuming the Referendum Question passes for the specific projects and amount stated in the Question, Councillor Delnicki asked Town Attorney Guliano if the Town could then apply for State Grant monies for some of these projects
ITEM
17. K. (Continued)
Town Manager Galligan and Atty. Guliano were in agreement that this occurs because even though $4.6 million is
Atty. Guliano added that
Councillor Lassman Fisher thanked Councillor Pelkey for bringing the
Mr. Sorge stated that the money being considered in these playground proposals would certainly provide for a play structure that could be considered
Councillor Delnicki then asked the Town Attorney if there were any
ITEM
17. K. (Continued)
Atty. Guliano did add, however, that the Town should understand that it could not use any monies let over for anything other than what was listed in the Referendum Question. And, in answer to a question by Council, Atty. Guliano stated that the Town would be free to do something with the approved monies that was
Councillor Delnicki, referring to the letter received from Mr. George Charlton of Nevers Road and the issue of the
Atty. Guliano did warn, however, that at some point there is the issue that
Councillor Barbour, for the
Town Manager said that, following the Referendum, the Town would have each proposal designed, put it out to bid, get all the final cost estimates and, at some point, get back to Council with the issues.
ITEM
17. K. (Continued)
Getting back to the playgrounds originally planned for the Parks, Deputy Mayor Streeter reminded Council that these playgrounds were, originally, an important part of
Deputy Mayor Streeter then recommended that the bottom line figure in the Referendum Question not be reduced.
At this time, Councillor Pelkey moved to amend the Resolution by changing the wording in
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. It was approved unanimously.
L. Resolution Providing for Referendum of Town Electors
BE IT RESOLVED that the Resolution entitled
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM
17. L. (Continued)
1.
The ballot label for said question will read as follows:
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Following this Resolution, and vote, Mayor Aman returned to Agenda Item #14. Public Participation which had not been completed because of a Motion to address Agenda Items 17. K. and L. He asked if there were any further members of the audience who wished to speak.
Coming before Council at this time was Mr. Joe Candeias, 258 Nevers Road. Mr. Candeias said he wished to encourage an Ordinance prohibiting loud speakers (or public address systems of any kind), and lights in sports complexes located close to residential areas. Stating that he lives next to one of these complexes, he added that he was
Although, according to Mr. Candeias, several of these are temporary or portable public address systems, it is a
ITEM
14. Public Participation (Continued)
Next to speak from the public was Gerry Boisvert, 18 Alexander Place, spoke in support of the Referendum Question and felt it was important to move forward with the proposal.
Gene Jay, 18 Kerry Lane, asked the Town Council to endorse the proposal as now stands, and not cut the amount further than it has been over the last six months. He felt that if the
Don Mercure, 107 Mark Drive, President of the South Windsor Little League, also asked the Town Council to approve the Referendum Question as it now stood, and not cut back the money being asked for any further. At this point in time, Mr. Mercure felt it would be folly to get into any discussion from
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Items 17. C. through I. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Accepted by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
A. Acceptance of the Resignation of Richard Nicholson (D) from the Inland-Wetlands Agency and Conservation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Richard Nicholson from the Inland-Wetlands Agency and Conservation Commission, said resignation being effective immediately; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM
17. A. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Nicholson for contributing his time and energies, over many years, to the well-being of the Town of South Windsor, and its residents, by serving both as a former Member of the Town Council, and as a willing and knowledgeable Member of several Boards and Commissions.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Acceptance of the Resignation of Ralph Mosher (R) as an Alternate on the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Ralph Mosher as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission, said resignation effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council thanks Mr. Mosher for the time and energy he contributed in service to our Town.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was Approved, unanimously
*C. Appointment of Cary Prague (R) as an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Cary Prague as an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM
17. New Business (Continued)
*D. Appointment of Dwight Johnson (D) as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Dwight Johnson as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission to fill the unexpired term of David Guay for a term ending November 30, 2003, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Appointment of Dan Rezende (D) as a Full Member of the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Dan Rezende as a Full Member of the Park and Recreation Commission to fill the unexpired term of Gladys Nadel for a term ending November 30, 2003, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*F. Appointment of Andrew Paterno (D) as an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Andrew Paterno as an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission to fill the unexpired term of Dan Rezende for a term ending November 30, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM
17. New Business (Continued)
*G. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $1,657 from Contingency
Account to the Town Clerk
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the transfer of $1,657 from Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to the Town Clerk
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*H. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $27,115 from the Casualty and Liability Insurance Account to the Inland-Wetland/Conservation Commission, Probate Court, Hydrants and Water Lines, and Building Department Budgets
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the following transfer for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year: $27,115 from the Casualty and Liability Insurance Account Number 1920-9004-320 to the following accounts:
Inland-Wetlands/Conservation Commission
Advertising Budget 1112-1130-310 $ 820
Probate Court Grants and Contributions 1121-1210-380 77
Hydrants and Water Lines 1221-2240-360 25,063
Building Department Salaries Budget 1230-2400-110 1,155
$27,115
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
*I. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $12,302.50 from Contingency Account to the Registrars of Voters Account to Pay for Republican Primary for U. S. Representative from the First District
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the transfer of $12,302.50 from Contingency Account #9001 to the Registrars of Voters Account to pay for the Republic Primary on September 10, 2002 for the Office of U. S. Representative from the First District, said transfer to be applied as follows:
Account # Amount
1125-1250-113 $2,443.50
-114 2,176.00
-221 766.00
-310 63.00
-320 6,144.00
-330 110.00
-360 600.00
$12,302.50
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
J. Authorization of Banks and/or Financial Institutions for Depositories of Town Funds for Fiscal Year 2002/2003
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, in accordance with Section 205 of the Charter of the Town of South Windsor, hereby authorizes the Town Treasurer to sue the following banks and/or financial institutions for depositories of Town funds under the jurisdiction of the Town Treasurer for the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year:
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. J. (Continued)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, in accordance with Section 205 of the Charter of the Town of South Windsor, hereby authorizes the Town Treasurer to use the following banks and/or financial institutions for depositories of Town funds under the jurisdiction of the Town Treasurer for the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year:
Bay Bank Connecticut, N.A.
Citizens Bank
Columbus Bank & Trust
Fleet Bank
MBIA Peoples Bank
Reich & Tang Mutual Funds
Savings Bank of Manchester
Rockville Bank
State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, N.A.
State Treasurer Sovereign Bank
Tolland Bank
Webster Bank
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
(Agenda Items 17. K. and 17. L. were addressed earlier in this meeting.)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
M. Resolution Approving the Refund of Property Taxes to 38 South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the refund of property taxes to 38 South Windsor taxpayers, said refunds totaling $8,981.32, and as shown on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
N. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing Regarding an Additional Appropriation of $30,000 for Increased Rights-of-Way Costs Associated with the Pleasant Valley Road/Clark Street Reconstruction Project
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Tuesday September 17, 2002 at 7:30 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 appropriation of $30,000 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account Number 004-4200-4201-320 to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for Rights-of-Way costs associated with the reconstruction of Pleasant Valley Road and Clark Street.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
After a brief discussion, the Resolution was approved, on a Roll Call vote, 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, as follows:
Councillor Barbour Yes
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham No
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. N (Continued)
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Delnicki No
Councillor Lassman Fisher (Absent from vote)
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Yes
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session - None
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to Adjourn was made at 10:45 p.m., duly seconded; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (A. and B.)
| |
