TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 October 7, 2002
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Lassman Fisher
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor John Pelkey
Members Absent: Councillor Barbour
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Prior to calling the meeting to order, Mayor Aman recognized Thomas Donnelly, 1475 Main Street, and father of Major Michael Donnelly. Mr. Donnelly was present to thank, on behalf of his son, Major Donnelly, the Town Council, the Open Space Task Force, and all those responsible for the honor of having named the Town’s Open Space parcel known as the “Mitchell” property the “Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve. Standing in the Chambers this evening was the sign that will be erected on Sullivan Avenue at the entrance to this Preserve.
Councillor Lassman Fisher then read a Proclamation Declaring “October” National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Mayor Aman then called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.; and following the Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, requested a Roll Call.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Marjorie Anthony, speaking as the Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Stating that the Parade is always the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, or March 15, 2002 this year. She informed the public that the “Colleen Pageant” has
5. (Continued)
applications for a scholarships available; and, anyone interested in applying should contact her at home. Another new thing this year, she added, was that the City of Hartford was going to charge the participants of the Parade for the first time. She said that in previous years, the City has “waived” the fee; however, this year, they are expecting $14,000. Mrs. Anthony went on to say that it cost the “Celtic Committee” itself $14,000 just to put the Parade on—paying for buses, marching bands, etc. Because of this, she said, each Town would be expected to contribute toward this expense.
Mrs. Anthony asked for “volunteers” to come forward to help raise this money.
Next to speak was Mary Etter, Library Director, said she was present to make the Members of the Town Council and the public aware of a series of programs that begin this week at South Windsor Public Library—namely, a four-part discussion series led by an Editor at the Journal Inquirer and a Ph.D. This series, she continued, would dwell on the “community and the examined life.”
The series, according to Mrs. Etter, would start on Thursday evening (10/10) at 7:30 p.m., and would meet on alternate weeks. It would be considering four (4) books—The Future of Success, Bowling Alone, The Examined Life, and American Ground (subtitled: The Unbuilding of the World Trade Center).
She then listed other upcoming activities scheduled at the Library.
Mr. Dave Krupa, 70 Perrin Lane, said he was present this evening to ask for “truth in politics.” Mr. Krupa informed the Council that he was also the Chairman of a Political Action Group called “Citizens Against Taxes”—an organization, he added, that was formed to defeat the Referendum Question on the November 5th ballot.
Mr. Krupa then went on to voice his concerns with regard to the presence of the Referendum Question on the ballot; and, the fact that he felt the Council “may be misleading the voters and the taxpayers,” by approving ballot language for the Referendum that implies that the cost of the proposal is $4,650,000. Stating that it was his opinion that the “real total for this proposal is $7,000,000—when you add construction and interest on the debt.” Even the $7 million figure did not include maintenance costs, he said.
5. (Continued)
According to Mr. Krupa, “many people feel that spending $7 million on recreation, in this environment, is the wrong priority at the wrong time.”
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Acceptance of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Regular Meeting of September 3, 2002; Work Session of September 17, 2002; Public Hearing of September 17, 2002 (Approp. of $30,000 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account to cover costs associated with the reconstruction of Pleasant Valley Road and Clark St.); and Regular Meeting of September 17, 2002.
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications and Petitions from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Robert Moeller, Chairman of the Patriotic Commission, updated the Town Council on the progress of the project at VMP. He noted the new lighted flagpoles, the installation of monuments and planters, stone dust distribution, changes in the roadway, and work already done on landscaping. Approximately 200 bricks have been purchased so far, and are presently being engraved, he reported—as are the three (3) new monuments.
Mr. Moeller said that, to date, everything is on schedule for the “dedication” on Veterans’ Day, November 11. On that day, he added, in addition to the regular ceremony, there will be a “rededication,” and letters of invitation have been sent out to Governor Rowland, State Legislators, and Congressmen. The State’s Adjutant General, he reported, has been invited to be the Guest Speaker at these ceremonies on November 11.
9. (Continued)
On another matter, Mr. Moeller reported that the Veterans’ Day Parade, in Hartford, would be held on Saturday, November 9; and he invited all the Council Members to join in the march. It would be, he added, the same schedule as last year—with buses standing by at the South Windsor Community Center to transport marchers to the location in Hartford for the “step off.” Those wishing to march, according to Mr. Moeller, should be at the Community Center no later than 8:30 a.m.
Marge Anthony, Chairman of Economic Development, presented to Council a Resolution approved by the EDC recommending a “Tax Partnership/Abatement” with “19 John Fitch Boulevard II, LLC (d/b/a Between Rounds). This abatement was associated with the company’s plans to construct a 6,400 square foot building on property located at 19 John Fitch Boulevard, featuring approximately 2,800 square feet of industrial and light manufacturing; 1,900 square feet of business—800 square feet plus 900 square feet of restaurant and retail space.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan spoke to the following subjects:
a. Invitations to the Fuel Cell dedication at the High School have gone out. The date of the Dedication is October 18, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at the fuel cell location at the High School. Guests, he added, are expected to be there by 9:15 a.m.
b. On October 16, 2002, there will be a “tabletop” discussion on “Preparedness Plans”—including EMS, Disaster Plans, Terrorism Plans, etc. Part of the exercise, according to the Town Manager, is to determine how quickly Town officials can respond to a disaster.
c. The Town is taking a look at “union School” trying to determine a use for it; and Wood Memorial Library will be doing a survey of their building. Agenda Item #17.G. is a transfer of monies in order to pay for Architectural and Planning Services for Union School in order to determine its future—rehabilitation, “mothballing,” or selling it.
10. (Continued)
d. Mr. Galligan recognized the Town’s Public Works representatives’ stellar performance at the “Annual Snow Plow Roadeo.” This year, he said, Mark Collins, Danny Jacobsen, Ian MacGregor, and Mike Spielman (Street Services and Parks & Grounds employees) all came away with “top” awards—making South Windsor the overall winner in this year’s competition.
e. Condominium reimbursement for fire hydrants. Mr. Galligan said that there are still Condo Associations who have not submitted their bills for reimbursement. This means, he added, that the Town is carrying a liability on the books totaling $21,000—which will continue to increase as the Associations delay submitting their bills.
Mr. Galligan suggested that the Town Council may wish to establish an “ending date” so that this liability is not carried from year to year. In the meantime, additional notices will be sent out reminding the Condo Associations that they must submit their bills.
f. Leadership Roundtable – November 13, 2002 – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is the Town’s “Strategic Plan” initiative where all Boards and Commissions, and Town Councillors meet to discuss common goals, and new ideas on how to handle some of the Town’s future needs.
Mayor Aman to Town Manager – Asked that he look into “tree cutting” at the intersection of Rye Street and Commerce Way. He asked that the branches of evergreens now obstructing sight line be trimmed. Also, at the Priest property, the Mayor formally requested that the “brush” and “sumac” and small trees blocking the view of that property be cut now while they are small.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Havens read a letter from Human Services Department asking him to announce a need for weekend deliverers of “Meals on Wheels.” He asked that anyone willing to do this call Irene Deneen at 648-6361, Ext. 319.
ITEM:
13. (Continued)
Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager to elaborate on the request by the Little League for funding to irrigate the field at Wapping School. According to Mr. Galligan, he said the Town has told Little League that it would put the bids out and receive the cost estimates on this job. Because of the expertise of the Town’s Parks and Grounds Superintendent, Karl Reichle, it was felt that he had the expertise to determine if the cost estimates were realistic and fair.
Following this process, Mr. Galligan said, the Little League would go ahead with the irrigation at those particular fields.
Councillor Havens again brought up the subject of using Cox Cable TV as a vehicle to sell our Town. He noted that surrounding Towns such as Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, Manchester, and Newington were already utilizing the Public Access capabilities of Cox Cable to present a TV program series regarding their Towns.
The Councillor asked for “volunteer” amateur producers, directors, etc. to help with this process. Mr. Galligan said that also needed were people who knew how to “edit” and “cut” in order to run a program; and mentioned that Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Wood, had mentioned that Timothy Edwards Middle School had an “excellent media training facility,” and there were probably students there who could help out with such a program.
When asked by Councillor Havens how soon this process could commence, Mr. Galligan replied that “the volunteers have to be committed”; and, at this time this is the biggest issue.
At this point, Marge Anthony (EDC Chairperson) came forward to report that the Economic Development Commission is in the process of “putting something together along those lines.” Elaborating, she said that what was being planned was a half-hour show to run either “every other week,” or “once a month”—and once that could be repeated, if necessary.
Continuing, Mrs. Anthony said that information on the Economic Development Commission, and the things they were doing, would be providing during this broadcast. Also, she said, they would be asking representatives of the Town Council, the Board of Education, and other Boards and Commissions to be guests on the show. Another option being considered was a “phone-in” where people could call in and ask questions.
ITEM:
13. (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey reminded the Council and the listening public that it was time, once again, to be aware of the “Reward Fund” he had set up in previous years concerning “destruction of political signs.” The money is still available, he said; and he had already noticed some destruction to political and referendum signs this year. Stating again that it mattered not whether the sign was “for” or “against” a particular issue; or the candidate was a Republican or a Democratic, etc., the “right to vote” or “express oneself” was sacred, and the fund was there to help make certain this was respected.
Mayor Aman agreed with Councillor Pelkey and added that it was a fact that, in the past, the offense of defacing signs, etc., not only makes the entire community look bad but has been taken very seriously by the District Attorney in each case.
Councillor Lassman Fisher reminded the public that this Saturday, October 12, the Hartford Marathon would be run. She added that the “Run” would commence at 8:00 a.m. in Bushnell Park in Hartford, and part of its route would be the entire length of Main Street in South Windsor.
Mayor Aman informed the Council and listening public that this past week he and the Town Manager had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of a new magnet school in East Hartford named the Two Rivers Middle School. Saying that he was “extremely impressed” with the building itself and the “state of the art technology incorporated into it, the Mayor said that it was also the “most logical use of space” he had ever seen in the construction and design of a school building.
14. Public Participation
Craig Zimmerman, 5A Amato Drive and Chairman of the Recreation Commission, commenced the Council on behalf of the Commission, and himself, for the time and effort Council had expended on what was to be included in the Referendum Question. He also asked the Town Council if it was not common practice in a Referendum Question to use a figure that related only to the basic improvement or construction cost, and did not include interest, etc. Town Manager Galligan replied that, usually, Bond Counsel gave the “principle” amount of the bonds.
ITEM:
14. (Continued)
Mr. Zimmerman then voiced measures that the public could take to have their questions addressed. He said that material would be put out by the Commission; there would be a map in both the Town Hall and the Library depicting what was being proposed; and information could be picked up in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Tim Moriarty, 90 Skyline Drive, came forward to pass on to Councillor Pelkey a “case number” for the South Windsor Police Department with regards to vandalism of signs this past week-end—that number being 0219109. He said he wished to make a contribution to the fund referred to by Councillor Pelkey.
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
A. Acceptance of the Resignation of Councillor Marianne Lassman Fisher (D) from the South Windsor Town Council Effective October 21, 2002
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts, with regret, the resignation of Councillor Marianne Lassman Fisher, from the Town Council effective Monday, October 21, 2002; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council wishes to take this opportunity to extend its sincere thanks to Councillor Lassman Fisher for her nine (9) years of commitment to the well-being of South Windsor’s residents and businesses; and, in particular, for her four years of dedicated leadership as South Windsor’s Mayor.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Fine, Deputy Mayor Streeter, Councillors Havens, Delnicki, Pelkey, Burnham, and Mayor Aman all, personally, thanked Councillor Lassman Fisher for her service to the Town and dedication to the welfare of its residents—particularly its young people.
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
B. Appointment of Judith E. Paquin (D) to the South Windsor Town Council Effective October 21, 2002 to Fill the Unexpired Term of Marianne Lassman Fisher, and the Tabling of Same Until the Next Regular Town Council Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Judith E. Paquin to the Town Council for a term expiring November 10, 2003, to fill the unexpired term of Councillor Marianne Lassman Fisher, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Havens
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Appointment of Daniel Rys (R) as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission, and the Tabling of Same Until the Next Regular Town Council Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Daniel Rys (R) as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Discussion Item – A Proposed Tax Partnership/Abatement between the Town of South Windsor and “Between Rounds” (Marge Anthony, Chairperson of Economic Development Commission, to discuss.)
Mayor Aman asked the Town Manager if, considering Marge Anthony’s presentation earlier in the meeting, there was more to add to this subject. Mr. Galligan said that Mrs. Anthony had “touched base” on many of the particulars;
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
and, what he would like to do now is prepare, for Council’s next meeting, the Personal Property numbers associated with this proposed tax partnership. The Town Manager also pointed out that another “very expensive proposition” for this Company is the need for either an engineer’s design of a “special septic system,” or, an extension of the sewer lines in the area.
Councillor Pelkey spoke in favor of this proposal, saying that this Company has been considering their expansion since he was a Member of the Economic Development Commission in 1997. He felt that it spoke well of South Windsor that this company really wanted its business to remain in South Windsor. Mrs. Anthony also pointed out that the Company’s facilities in other Towns are much larger, and very attractive. What is being proposed for South Windsor, according to Mrs. Anthony, is a larger retail and restaurant area; and, as is now the case, will be the Company’s Corporate Headquarters.
Councillor Burnham again asked if the 6,400 sq. ft. building being proposed is “in addition to” its present facility, or does that figure include “the entire” operation when complete? The Town Manager answered the question by stating that “the entire building, when done, is going to be 7,500 sq. ft.” Of the 6,400 sq. ft. mentioned, he said, approximately 2,800 sq. ft. in additional building.
Councillor Burnham then questioned the Town Attorney on the “wording” regarding employment levels—both presently and to be required in the future. Atty. Guliano agreed that more information was needed to define this aspect of the Agreement before a Resolution is placed on Council’s next Agenda.
Because of the location of this business on Route 5, Mayor Aman said that he felt the aesthetics of that area “are very very important,” and one of the items associated with a tax partnership located in that area of Route 5 is, for him, the “look and the entry to it.” Saying that he was not certain “how to write ‘aesthetics’ into a Resolution,” the Mayor did feel, however, that it should be clear somehow that one of the reasons for this tax partnership is to make certain that that piece of property “look very nice.”
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
E. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute Contracts or Amendments With the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Regarding Receipt of Federal Funds for Bioterrorism Response Preparedness
BE IT RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, is authorized to make, execute and approve, on behalf of the Town of South Windsor, any and all contracts or amendments thereof with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health to receive federal funds for the purpose of enhancing bioterrorism emergency response preparedness and capabilities.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Before voting on this Resolution, Deputy Mayor Streeter requested background information regarding it. Town Manager Matthew Galligan explained that there is Grant money available that has been “funneled down” through the Federal Government to the State’s Health Department, and Connecticut’s municipalities are now eligible to apply for a portion of this Grant money. What has to be decided, he added, is how the Town wishes to use it—for education, inoculation, etc. Regardless of which purpose the Town chooses, the Grant requires formal acceptance, and authorization to the Town Manager to execute the necessary contracts, etc. before proceeding further.
Mr. Galligan advised the Council that additional questions be directed to the Town Attorney. Mayor Aman asked Atty. Guliano if he had additional comments; and, the Town Attorney replied that the actual amount of the Grant was $7,780.61; and he then read to them the purpose of the Grant—“To upgrade State and local (a) public health jurisdictions; (b) preparedness for, and response to, bioterrorism; (c) other outbreaks of infectious disease; (d) and other public health threats and emergencies.”
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Resolution. The Resolution was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
F. Resolution Approving the Expenditure of Town Funds for the Publication and Distribution of Documents to the Residents of South Windsor Regarding Referendum Question for “Appropriation of $4,645,000 and Bond Authorization 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”
(Deputy Mayor Streeter)
WHEREAS, a Referendum has been scheduled for November 5, 2002 regarding the “Appropriation of $4,645,000 and Bond Authorization 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”; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to provide neutral information to the residents of South Windsor regarding said Referendum; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes Section 9-369b allows a municipality, by vote of its legislative body and subject to the approval of its municipal attorney, to authorize the preparation and printing of materials if such materials do not advocate the approval or disapproval of the question; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to distribute, by mail and otherwise, the documents now on file in the Office of the Town Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the State Elections Enforcement Commission staff has reviewed said documents and stated, in writing, that none of these materials “would be deemed by the Commission to advocate a position on the referendum,” so that as long as the Town Council and Town Attorney approve them, “they may be distributed to all residents and taxpayers at municipal expense, and certainly may be provided upon request to anyone requesting it under the FOI Act”;
ITEM:
17. F. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the preparation, printing, and distribution of the documents as on file in the Office of the Town Clerk, and subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Referring to the wording “printing and distribution of documents,” Councillor Pelkey asked for clarity as to whether the material received by Council in its packets was what was being referred to, or was there something different that they have not seen. Atty. Guliano replied that Council has been provided with those documents. However, he did inform Council that “not all of those documents may be provided because some of them (documents contained in the packet) are duplicative.
When asked about the “timeline” for distribution of the informational documents, Mr. Galligan replied that he hoped to get the package to the Town Council within the next 24-48 hours for its review; and, if the Town Council approves it, send it to the printer by next week; and the printer then mails it directly from their offices. He hoped that everyone would have it by the middle of October.
Councillors urged South Windsor voters to get out and vote on November 5; and not to forget to vote on the Referendum Question—whether “for” it or “against” it. Mayor Aman then asked the Town Manager to move forward with the inserts or ads in The Journal Inquirer, South Windsor News, and the Community Reminder.
Following further questions, discussion on what would be provided, and what had been done in prior years, Mayor Aman called for a vote on the Resolution.
The Motion was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $8,350 from Contingency to the Town Manager’s Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $8,350 from Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to the Town Manager’s Professional Account Number 1131-1310-320 to pay for Architectural and Planning Services for Union School.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Mayor Aman pointed out that this is a Capital Projects Account; and Union School on Main Street is a “very old building” that not only did not meet ADA requirements, but had many maintenance problems. At the moment, he said, Wood Memorial Library is looking for “partnership” with the Town to take a look at that building; and this $8,350 would be used for the purpose of having the building looked at to determine what needed to be done. He asked the Town Manager to explain in a little more detail.
Mr. Galligan said this building has been discussed on many occasions—one, in particular, being following the Council’s vote to acquire the “War Memorabilia.” Before the Town can use Union School for any purpose, he added, an analysis of the building must be provided as well as a total cost to renovate it. Following this architectural and planning analysis, the Town Council will have a better idea of what this building may be used for.
According to the Town Manager, this is an opportune time to do this is because Wood Memorial Library is taking a look at their building; looking for an expansion of their facility; and felt that before they spent a lot of money expanding perhaps the “building next door” would be an opportunity to do something “jointly”—such as, creating a “cultural arts center,” to store artifacts and museum pieces, and determine if it could be done at a “reasonable” cost.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. G. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan did point out that the Town and Wood Memorial Library would be sharing the cost of this Study by splitting the bill in half.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Resolution. The Resolution was approved, unanimously.
H. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund for Thirty-Five (35) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a property tax refund to thirty-five (35) South Windsor taxpayers, said refunds totaling $6,545.44 and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - The Mayor mentioned the new carpet recently installed in the Council Chambers; and the fact that the “old” carpet had lasted since Town Hall was built—35 years.
Marge Anthony addressed a discussion earlier in the meeting when the Town Manager was asked to cut the brush on the Town-owned “Priest Property.” Mrs. Anthony expressed her concern that the Town was unaware of the fact that Mrs. Priest had three (3) very rare trees growing on this property that should not be touched. The Town Manager assured her that care would be taken; and that the intent of the request had nothing to do with “trees,” but rather with the brush growing along the front of the property.
Mr. Galligan said that, as a safety precaution, he would make certain that Karl Reichle (South Windsor Tree Warden) was aware of the value of these trees, and so mark them.
ITEM:
20. Executive Session – If needed, to continue discussion of possible purchase of real estate, or an interest in real estate, by Town of South Windsor; and to discuss possible extension of lease of Union School to South Windsor Child Care Center. - None
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made at 9:45 p.m. by Councillor Fine; seconded by Deputy Mayor Streeter, and was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts.
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