TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 November 18, 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 Judith Paquin
Councillor John Pelkey
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Absent: Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Prior to the formal start of this meeting, Mayor Aman presented a Town Council Proclamation to William Myers, South Windsor’s 2003 Teacher of the Year.
The Meeting had been called to order at 8:00 p.m., immediately recessed to continue the Work Session, and reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Andrew Hildebrand, 40 Ordway Drive, prefaced his remarks by informing Council that he was a 10- year Member of the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, and a paramedic in Hartford for over 10 years. He said he was present this evening because his parents still reside in South Windsor; and he was a lifelong resident of South Windsor. He said he was present this evening ‘on behalf of myself.”
Continuing, Mr. Hildebrand said that it was his opinion that South Windsor needed to “have an ambulance staffed in this Town 24 hours per day, seven days a week.” By “in” this Town, he stressed, he meant having an ambulance located “within the borders of this Town—not an ambulance that can respond within 4 minutes to the Town line; not an ambulance that can respond from another Town to this Town; but, within the Town limits.”
ITEM:
There are many ways, he said, to go about this—you can “contract” people to do this; you can encourage and possibly bolster the volunteerism in South Windsor with regard to the ambulance; etc. Citing incidences when “timing” is essential, Mr. Hildebrand went on to offer examples where an ambulance located within the borders of South Windsor would be important.
Mr. Hildebrand stated that Council may see him again if this is not addressed soon, as he felt it was about time the people of South Windsor had their own ambulance—one that was located within easy access of our residents.
Next to speak was Lucy Albetski, 20 Hanover Lane, who was present to speak as a Member of the Executive Board of the South Windsor Community Chorus. Ms. Albetski thanked the Town Council for its support; and said she wished to invite the Council Members to the Chorus’ Winter Concert on December 7, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at Timothy Edwards Middle School auditorium. Ms. Albetski also used this time to invite all those in the listening audience who might be interested in joining the Chorus to call its President, Mr. Lee Mann at 875-2589.
Mr. Keith Yagaloff, 65 Pheasant Way, said he was present to “address the military display at the South Windsor Public Library. He said it was quite an extraordinary collection and a great deal of “symbolism” of our military history, and of some of the terrors of our past (he cited, for example, the Nazi and Fascist uniforms).
Mr. Yagaloff asked that the Town Council see to it that someone put together a “brochure” or “pamphlet” to accompany the display.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to approve the adoption of the following Town Council Minutes: Work Session of October 21, 2002; and Regular Meeting of October 21, 2002.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
(Mayor Aman, prior to Mr. Galligan’s addressing this item, asked that the Town Manager address the issue of the item brought to Council’s attention by Mr. Hildrebrand. He asked that a Work Session be scheduled in the near future to address the issue of a possible need for an ambulance to be housed within the borders of South Windsor. He further asked that, at said Work Session, Members of the Ambulance Corps be present to answer questions, etc.)
Town Manager Matthew Galligan then went on to report on:
Strategic Planning’s round-table meeting with representatives from all the Town’s Boards and Commissions held on a previous evening. Although the “turnout was a little light,” Mr. Galligan felt much was accomplished.
The documents associated with the DECD Grant received for I-291 were received today. A Resolution from the Town Council will be required to “certify” the acceptance of this Grant. Also, the Redevelopment Agency would be meeting, he added, that will “set the Budget, set financing and options, and make a recommendation to the Town Council as to how to get this project done.
The Town Manager reported that Hap Fitts, Chairman of the Town’s Public Building Commission, is currently working on the Union School issue; and has met with Wood Memorial Library; and have “revitalized” the contract and separated out the issues affecting the Library and those affecting Union School. The report should be forthcoming soon as to what can be done with Union School to render it usable.
The Town Manager then said that the Capital Projects Committee, which meets monthly, is reviewing the “10-Year Budget” submitted by the Redevelopment Agency.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Galligan then reminded the Councillors of the “pre-Opening Reception” being held by the new Stop & Shop to be held on Wednesday, December 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Referring to the status of economic development, the Town Manager informed the Town Councillors that “Expo” has submitted Plans to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Public Hearing on this will be on Tuesday, November 26. Also, he said, ECHN recently submitted their Plans for Evergreen Walk, where they’re planning on doing a 35,000 sq. ft. Office Building – Prompt Care.
The South Windsor Housing Authority’s project is ready to go, according to Mr. Galligan; however, they are awaiting Grant monies to aid in their “congregate care, or assisted living” project plans.
Mayor Aman reminded the Town Manager that it had been suggested at a recent Strategic Planning session that the “graphics” shown on Cox’s Public Access Channel prior to Town Council meetings, and during their break, would be a good place to list openings on Boards and Commissions to let the public know where volunteers are needed. He asked Mr. Galligan to follow through with this suggestion and see that a “graphic” is made up.
Councillor Fine asked about the status of the “Cox Cable Generator Boxes.” Mr. Galligan reported that he has not been involved in this process. He asked Mr. Gantick, Director of Public Works, if he had any update for the Council. Mr. Gantick reported that he was keeping in contact with CRCOG regarding this particular issue—and, to date, “nothing has really moved on this.”
Mr. Gantick said he wished at this time to inform the Mayor that, this evening, a PowerPoint presentation was requesting that anyone wishing to volunteer to serve on any Board or Commission contact the Clerk of the Council. At this point, he continued, the positions available were not listed; however, if Council wished this could be done.
Councillor Delnicki said he wished to provide some information regarding the “generator” issue. He said he had acquired information regarding this that he had already passed on to the Town Attorney—and, that, it is his understanding
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
that Cox Cable is in the process of attempting to secure permission from each and every property-owner in the Town of Glastonbury, in writing. He said that Cox has a “fairly aggressive program that they are looking to institute once they obtain, in writing, the permission for the generators “already sited next to abutting propertyowners.”
Councillor Delnicki again stated that the Town Attorney has been informed of this; and, in fact, has a copy of the letter sent out to Glastonbury residents abutting these generators, or the site for future generators.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Barbour, as liaison to the Board of Education, reported that the Town Council had requested a joint meeting with the Board of Education on December 2, 2002 to discuss the ramifications of the recent agreement between the Board of Education and the Teachers Union.
The Councillor also reported that a portion of the 2001/2002 Budget surplus was used to replace the asbestos-containing floor tiles at the Eli Terry/Orchard Hill Schools. This work, she added, was done over this past Summer; and once State reimbursement is received, the project will cost the Town just a little over $25,000
Also from the recent Board of Education meeting, Councillor Barbour announced that the “Gifted and Talented Committee” of the Board is working on recommendations for a cost-effective program of instruction this coming year.
Councillor Havens then voiced his observations gleaned from the defeat of the Referendum Question in the recent election. He said that although you hear many different reasons for the defeat, the primary reason voiced by almost everyone was the “genuine fear of increased taxes; and the fact that they didn’t buy the $35 per year program.”
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Burnham passed along the information that “Carla’s Pasta,” one of South Windsor’s newest companies, received an award as “One of the Top Ten Suppliers for 2002,” by a Texas-based nationwide food company. He extended congratulations on behalf of himself and the Town Council.
Councillor Fine mentioned a phone call received at her home from a solicitor calling on behalf of South Windsor’s Police Department. She said she had already spoken to Police Chief Tyler about this, and was told by the Chief that South Windsor’s Police Department does not solicit donations; and the Councillor warned that anyone in South Windsor receiving such a phone call should ask the caller: “Are you a professional fund-raiser?” If the response is “Yes,” then the resident should say “No,” because the fund-raiser, according to the Deputy Mayor, takes between 60% to 70% of the money donated.
Mayor Aman and Deputy Mayor Streeter reported on the various Veterans’ Day observances throughout Town, well as Hartford’s Veterans’ Day Parade on Saturday, November 9. Both gentlemen reported favorably on those programs conducted within our school system; and seemed convinced that these school programs were probably the most meaningful way for the children of our Town to observe the day
14. Public Participation
Richard Kelley, 49 Rosemary Lane, rose to address the issue of a proposed Ordinance setting inspection fees for inspection of site work on newly-approved Site Plans of Development and Subdivisions. He began by asking the Town Manager to look for alternate ways to raise revenue other than through taxes. Mr. Kelley then went on to request that the Members of the Town Council and listening audience put themselves in the place of a “business person in South Windsor.”
Stating that in spite of his understanding of the Town’s desire to be able to “pay as you go,” Mr. Kelley felt the Town was “double dipping” with this type of fee. He suggested that if a developer was coming into Town with a large project, and the Town needs staff to supervise that type of project “let the Developer pay for it”—as did the Town of Manchester, he added, when it did Buckland Mall. One of Manchester’s requirements, he continued, was to put a certain amount of money aside to pay for inspectors who work for the Town.
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
A. Resolution Appointing Keith Yagaloff (D) to the South Windsor Board of Education for a Term Ending November 10, 2003, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Keith Yagaloff to the South Windsor Board of Education for a term ending November 10, 2003 to fill the unexpired term of Judith Paquin, and hereby tables the same until the next Regular Town Council meeting.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Acknowledging the Resignation of Amanda Lisowski (R) from the Library Board
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council acknowledges, with regret, the resignation of Amanda Lisowski from the South Windsor Library Board, said resignation being effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council extends its thanks to Ms. Lisowski for her contributions on behalf of the Library Board and the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $2,170 from Contingency Account to the Town Manager’s Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the transfer of $2,170 from Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to the Town Manager’s Professional Account Number 1131-1310-320 to cover the $1,500 cost of food services, and $670 cost of sanitary services provided to the volunteer firemen while on duty at the Strawbridge Condominium Complex fire on October 3, 2002.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Approving Tax Refunds to 26 South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-six (26) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $34,057.40, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Prior to a vote being taken, Councillor Havens as Town Manager Galligan to explain, for the listening public’s information, the reason for the large total amount for these refunds. Mr. Galligan explained.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
Before proceeding further with the Agenda, Mayor Aman said he was turning the meeting over to Deputy Mayor Streeter, and recusing himself from any discussion or vote on Agenda Items 17. E. and 18. A., because, as a building contractor, he had a definite “conflict of interest.” The Mayor then left the dais.
Councillor Havens, too, because a substantial portion of his business consisted of providing building contractors with plumbing and heating supplies, recused himself from any discussion or vote on either of these two Agenda items.
Deputy Mayor Streeter asked that a Councillor move Agenda Item 18. A. up to this point in the meeting. Councillor Paquin so moved; it was seconded by Councillor Delnicki, and unanimously approved.
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Approving the Passage of an Ordinance Establishing Inspection Fees for Subdivisions and Site Developments
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the passage of an Ordinance Establishing Inspection Fees for Subdivisions and Site Developments, as shown on attached Exhibit B, a copy of which Ordinance is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Town Engineer Jeff Doolittle came forward to explain the proposed Ordinance, and its need. Mr. Doolittle stated, for the record, that this is an issue “that’s been around for awhile,” and is just now coming before the Town Council and the public. Explaining that the duties of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department included the inspection of site work and other site developments—thus aiding the developer in completing quality site work, and insuring that it is constructed realizing a quality of site work.
The problem of cost to the Town arose, according to Mr. Doolittle, when some developers initially and consistently fail to meet the Town’s requirements for site work the first time, and several inspections become necessary before the “quality improvements” asked for by staff have been made and Town approval can be issued.
ITEM:
18. A. (Continued)
Continuing, Mr. Doolittle said that the “fee” being proposed would cover “subdivision and site inspections of infrastructure—which includes roads, paved driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, storm drainage pipes and structures, sanitary sewer mains, bike and walking paths, erosion and sediment control measures, turf establishment, landscaping, and other activities as are necessary.”
Also, according to the Town Engineer, this Ordinance would cover inspections that are begun at the time construction begins; and ends at the time construction ends or when a subdivision is accepted for maintenance, for example; or when a Certificate of Occupancy is granted to a building on a private site development.
The Town Engineer then enumerated what the fee did not cover; and answered questions put to him by the Town Councillors. The main thrust of the Town Councillors’ difficulty with this proposed Ordinance was (1) the affect it would have on economic development—bringing in new businesses, and encouraging old businesses to expand within South Windsor; (2) the development of a fee schedule that could be deemed “arbitrary and capricious” by builders; (3) what would probably be construed as an “unfair” fee on and by the majority of developers who consistently made every effort to meet Engineering Department standards by the first site inspection.
Following questions and further discussion with the Town Councillors, Councillor Pelkey moved to Table the Resolution. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki. Deputy Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion to Table was defeated, 4 Ayes, 2 Nays, 2 Abstentions, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Barbour No
Councillor Fine No
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens Abstained
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Paquin Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter No
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Abstained
ITEM:
18. A. (Continued)
Councillor Fine then “Moved the Question.” And, following a Roll Call vote of 6 Ayes, 1 Nay, and 2 Abstentions, the question was “moved.” The Roll Call vote was as follows:
Councillor Barbour Yes
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens Abstained
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Paquin Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter No
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Abstained
Following this vote, Deputy Mayor Streeter called for a vote on Resolution 18. A. The Resolution was unanimously defeated.
E. Resolution Setting Inspection Fees for Inspection of Site Work on Newly Approved Site Plans of Development and Subdivisions
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, in accordance with an Ordinance Establishing Inspection Fees, adopted this 18th day of November, 2002 and made a part of the South Windsor Code of Ordinances, does hereby establish a rate of $45.23 per hour for said fee. (This Resolution must follow approval of Agenda Item 18. “Passage of Ordinances.” Therefore, #18 must be moved forward during this meeting.)
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Defeated, unanimously
F. Discussion Item: Strategic Planning Budget
Town Manager Matthew Galligan led the discussion on this subject; and initiated his report by explaining that this was a “new approach” to the budget process which would entail taking the Town’s “Strategic Planning” process, and combine it
ITEM:
F. Discussion Item: Strategic Planning Budget (Continued)
with the upcoming budget planning. One of the issues being addressed under this new process was the “timing” of the budget process, and to provide to Council, early on, budget objectives that did not, initially, include “numbers.” Presently, he continued, Department Heads are beginning to submit their budgets to him; and, with that, their 10 top “goals” for the upcoming year; and, using the strategic planning process determine how those goals may be met.
Mr. Galligan then provided a sample of this process, including what Department Heads had listed as “needs” and “priorities.” In some cases, he added, one department’s priorities may affect the one, two, or three of the “Top 10” list. Another thing this process takes a look at, he said, was what were the main concerns and issues—what the strategic responses to take care of those issues might be; and what the “success indicators” may be.
Another objective, Mr. Galligan said, is a “traffic calming program.” He said he had asked Department Heads for two, possibly three, goals that he/she wished to accomplish; and, if each of 18 Departments provide that information (which could amount to as many as 36 goals and objectives) a look could be taken at that list to determine how these goals and objectives affect other departments, the entire community, and which goals and objectives meant the most to the residents. By this method, he added, the Town Council could set priorities.
Mr. Galligan reminded the Council that every department head was “vying” for the same resources; and, with this method, “everyone is under the same template; and everyone was looking into—what am I supposed to do, by Charter; what have I accomplished last year; and what do I expect to accomplish this year; and what strategic programs am I going to put in to take care of our top 10 list.”
Continuing, the Town Manager said that what he and staff were hoping that the Town Council would review this process; meet with department heads to talk about the programs included; and make a decision as to what programs are needed--what programs should be replaced by one that would meet the needs of several areas; and, in the process, not consider “dollars” at the moment, but rather gain an understanding of what programs were of a “priority” nature to each individual department.
ITEM:
F. Discussion Item: Strategic Planning Budget (Continued)
Summarizing, Mr. Galligan asked “what programs do we want to put in here that will generate either productivity, public safety, a better working environment, or maybe additional revenues.” Concluding, he added, that what he would like to do, if the Mayor would set up the necessary “Work Sessions,” is recommend that they be held “downstairs,” where perhaps everyone could “roll up their sleeves and talk about some of these programs and issues.”
Mayor Aman agreed with the idea of the Work Sessions; and, he added, that he felt these were something that could not be done in an hour. He suggested a Monday evening that was not a regularly scheduled meeting night of the Town Council. Since, in many cases, the programs are “interrelated,” Councillor Barbour asked if it would not be prudent to have them appear together at the Work Sessions. Mr. Galligan agreed..
Councillor Pelkey said he had not objection to the scheduling of extra Work Sessions; however, he did have a problem with their being scheduled for “downstairs and off camera.” Stating that they all had their thoughts regarding why the “Referendum” failed; however, he felt that the public was unaware of “how much dialogue took place on that particular question.” The Councillor also felt that when speaking of doing a strategic plan for the Town Government, this is the time the public should really understand that the Town Council was looking at to do things differently; and meeting off camera, he felt, was “sending the wrong message to the public.”
Concluding, Councillor Pelkey said he would rather have a session where the public could “tune in and follow and guide us.”
Mayor Aman said he did not agree with Councillor Pelkey regarding these Work Sessions; and felt it was important that the staff members have the opportunity to address the Town Council “in a more informal setting, where ideas could be more brainstormed.” The Mayor added that he felt when people were “on camera” they were much less likely to “talk freely.” He added that, obviously, when into the actual Budget discussions—these discussions should be televised; but noted that, even when held downstairs, the public is more than welcome to attend.
Councillor Havens agreed with Councillor Pelkey and recommended that a compromise be reached where “a few of the meetings are held downstairs, and a few up here” and televised.
ITEM:
F. Discussion Item: Strategic Planning Budget (Continued)
Looking at it from a “staff” level, Mr. Galligan pointed out that one of the most successful meetings prior to last year’s Referendum Question was held downstairs when, in one night, the Town Council went through 5 parks and plans, and came up with a viable plan to place before the public. What was trying to be accomplished, he added, was “to create a relationship between the staff and the Council.”
18. A. (Addressed earlier in meeting.)
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Streeter asked that Richard Kelley, 49 Rosemary Lane, be allowed to address the Council again this evening. Mr. Kelley used this time to remind Council of the “drainage problem on the east side of Buckland Road.” At this location, he added, the area is zoned “Gateway Zone.” He said Council cannot expect two or three property-owners in this area, including himself, to “solve the problems on Buckland Road on property they do not own.
Mr. Kelley added that the reason the Town had to spend money on the project previously referred to by Councillor Pelkey is because the “Church” is isolated from both drainage and sewers. If the Town plans on developing Buckland Road, Mr. Kelley suggested that everyone work together—even if it comes to the point of this Town Council claiming “Eminent Domain.”
20. Executive Session - None
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made by Councillor Havens at 10:45 p.m., seconded by Deputy Mayor Streeter; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (Exhibits A. and B.)
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