Town of South Windsor, CT Agendas & Minutes Archive

Regular Meeting 3-17-03

TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

MINUTES Page 1 March 17, 2003

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 Deborah Fine

Councillor Judith Paquin

Councillor Edward F. Havens

Councillor John Pelkey

Members Absent

Councillor Delnicki

Also Present: Town Attorney Barry Guliano

Asst. to the Town Manager Judith Hall

Absent: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan

Mayor Aman called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Before proceeding further, Mayor Aman presented Ms. Janice Snyder (Board of Education Member and Chairman of the 2003 “Operation Graduation” Committee) with a $2,000 check from the Town to help defray the expenses of the “2003 Operation Graduation” program.

(The Mayor then called a brief recess in order to allow those present the opportunity to hear President Bush’s announcement that the Untied States would be going to war with Iraq.)

ITEM:

5. Public Input

Marge Anthony, Pleasant Valley Road, came forward to thank all of those who took the time to march in Hartford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, representing the Town of South Windsor.

6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None

ITEM:

7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings - none

8. Public Petitions - None

9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council -None

10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager

Judy Hall, Assistant to the Town Manager, reported that Town Manager Galligan was not present this evening because he was invited to participate in the “First Annual Fuel Cell Investment Summit,” sponsored by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

Another item Ms. Hall reported on was that the Town of South Windsor was being recognized by the Governor’s Program for Mentoring by awarding Town Manager Galligan for “outstanding support for a mentoring program, on April 1. The Town currently has, she continued, 9 or 10 Town employees participating in this program. She offered special thanks to Sharon Schall, Human Services Department, and Cindi Yakoubian, Board of Education—both of whom put this program together and continue to work hard to keep it going.

Ms. Hall’s final comments to the Council were that the Budget document was being worked on, very hard, by the Town’s Finance Department; and would be distributed this upcoming Friday.

11. Reports from Standing Committees - None

12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None

13. Communications and Petitions from Council

Mayor Aman, too, spoke of the success of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and echoed Marge Anthony’s praises of the participating Timothy Edwards Middle School Band. He said he understood the need for 150 “uniforms” particularly in light of the fact that the Band used four (4) buses; and the Mayor noted the Band’s enthusiasm.

ITEM:

13. (Continued)

Another item the Mayor commented on was the High School’s production of “Anything Goes,” which he and family attended on Saturday evening. He added that, once again, he was “amazed at the skill level” of the young people performing (in one capacity or another) in this performance.

Councillor Barbour, Council liaison to the Board of Education, reported that at the last Board meeting she had asked school administrators if any consideration had been given to having a discussion with the teachers’ union regarding a “possible postponement of the increase recently negotiated.” As a result of this question, she continued, she received a letter dated March 11 from Dr. Wood. Supt. Of Schools, which she read to the Council and listening public (copy attached).

14. Public Participation - None

15. Consent Agenda

Motion to accept Agenda Items 16. A. through 16. G. as the Consent Agenda.

Was made by: Councillor Burnham And Councillor Paquin

Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

16. Unfinished Business

*A. Appointment of James Golden (R) as Full Member of the Board of Assessment Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints James Golden a Full Member of the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2003 to fill the unexpired term of Anatoli Dubecky.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16. (Continued)

*B. Appointment of Robert “Joe” Mongeon (R) as an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Robert “Joe” Mongeon as an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2006.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*C. Appointment of Thomas Barrett (D) as an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Thomas Barrett as an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2006.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*D. Appointment of Gary Pitcock (D) as an Alternate to the Historic District Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Gary Pitcock an Alternate to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2003 to fill the unexpired term of Helen Flynn.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*E. Appointment of William Grace (D) to the Inland Wetlands Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints William Grace a Full Member of the Inland Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2003, to fill the unexpired term of Richard Nicholson.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16. (Continued)

*F. Appointment of Janice Favreau (D) to the Human Relations Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Janice Favreau to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*G. Reappointment of Anita Cappalla (D) to the Human Relations Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Anita Cappalla to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

17. New Business

A. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2003/2004

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, April 7, 2003, 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 Proposed General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.

Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter

Seconded by: Councillor Barbour

(Action on Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. A. (Continued)

Deputy Mayor Streeter moved to amend the time of the Public Hearing to 6:30 p.m. rather than 7:30 p.m. The Amendment was seconded by Councillor Barbour, and was approved, on a Roll Call vote, 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, as follows:

Councillor Barbour Yes

Councillor Fine Yes

Councillor Burnham Yes

Councillor Havens No

Councillor Paquin No

Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes

Councillor Pelkey Yes

Mayor Aman Yes

Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the “Amended Resolution.” It was approved 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:

Councillor Barbour Yes

Councillor Fine Yes

Councillor Burnham Yes

Councillor Havens No

Councillor Paquin No

Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes

Councillor Pelkey Yes

Mayor Aman Yes

B. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2003/2004

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in the Auditorium of the South Windsor High School, 161 Nevers Road, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. B. (Continued)

Was made by: Councillor Havens

Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

(Note to File – This Resolution was later rescinded because of the observance of “Passover” on April 16 and 17. and was reintroduced, changing the date to Tuesday, April 15)

C. Resolution Authorizing a Tax Assessment Agreement between Gator Associates/Advanced Performance Glass, Inc. and the Town of South Windsor

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 Gator Associates/Advanced Performance Glass, Inc. to construct a 5,000 square foot warehouse addition to their existing building on property at 26 Schweir Road, South Windsor, Ct., at a cost of approximately $153,573 for land and building improvements

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a Tax Assessment Agreement between the Town and Gator Associates/Advanced Performance Glass, Inc. reducing the amount of the assessment of the new addition which is estimated at $78,550 based upon estimated building improvements, by 50% for a period of three (3) years; therefore the estimated assessed value of improvements to the real

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. C. (Continued)

property would be $39,275 for a period of three (3) years, commencing with the Grand List following the date of the Certificate of Occupancy on the new addition, 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 50% of said assessed value after revaluation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council offers Gator Associates/Advanced Performance Glass, Inc. this 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), maintains its local facilities approximately at a minimum of the currently proposed levels of employment during this ten-year period; and, if it fails to meet these conditions, Gator Associates/Advanced Performance Glass, Inc. 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 Barbour

Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

D. Resolution Authorizing a Tax Assessment Agreement between Dynamic Materials Corporation and the Town of South Windsor

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. D. (Continued)

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Economic Development Commission recommends, pursuant to said program, that a tax assessment agreement be offered to Dynamic Materials Corporation to construct a 7,200 square foot Light Manufacturing addition to their existing building on property at 283 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Ct., at a cost of approximately $800,000 for land and building improvements

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a Tax Assessment Agreement between the Town and Dynamic Materials Corporation, reducing the amount of the assessment of the new building addition which is estimated at $121,700 based upon estimated building improvements, by 50% for a period of three (3) years; therefore, the estimated assessed value of addition improvements to the real property would be $60,850 for a period of three (3) years, commencing with the Grand List following the date of the Certificate of Occupancy on the new building addition, 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 50% of said assessed value after revaluation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council offers Dynamic Materials Corporation this 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 approximately at a minimum of the currently proposed levels of employment during this ten-year period; and, if it fails to meet these conditions, Dynamic Materials Corporation 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 Fine

Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

ITEM:

17. New Business (Continued)

E. Resolution Authorizing a Tax Assessment Agreement between Parksite Plunkett-Webster and the Town of South Windsor

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Economic Development Commission recommends, pursuant to said program, that a tax assessment agreement be offered to Parksite Plunkett-Webster to construct a 105,000 square foot building on property at 455 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Ct., at a cost of approximately $3.6 million for land and building improvements, said building to consist of a 101,000 square foot warehouse, and 5,000 square feet of office space

NOW, THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a Tax Assessment Agreement between the Town and Parksite Plunkett-Webster reducing the amount of the assessment of the new building improvements, which is estimated at $1,896,890 based upon said new improvements, by 50%, for a period of three (3) years; therefore, the estimated assessed value of improvements to the real property would be $948,445 for a period of three (3) years, commencing with the Grand List following the date of the Certificate of Occupancy on the new building, 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 50% of said assessed value after revaluation; and

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. E. (Continued)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council offers Parksite Plunkett-Webster this 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, and increase employment during this ten-year period from 33 to 45 employees; and, if it fails to meet these conditions, Parksite Plunkett-Webster 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 Appropriating $6,300 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account for Additional Deck Installation at Veterans’ Memorial Park Pool

WHEREAS, after a year of operations at the Veterans’ Memorial Park Pool it has been found that the deck around the diving boards and walkways should be expanded to provide for public safety

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the appropriation of $6,300 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account Number 004-4200-4201-320 for the installation of additional decking at Veterans’ Memorial Park Pool.

Was made by: Councillor Havens

Seconded by: Councillor Fine

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. F. (Continued)

The Motion was approved 5 Ayes to 3 Nays , by Roll Call vote, as follows:

Councillor Barbour No

Councillor Fine Yes

Councillor Burnham Yes

Councillor Havens No

Councillor Paquin No

Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes

Councillor Pelkey Yes

Mayor Aman Yes

G. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $66,816.28 from the Benedict Drive Pump Station Improvement Project to the Sewer Fund Capital Reserve Account

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $66,816.28 from the completed Benedict Drive Pump Station Improvement Project Account Number 4600-4606-320 to the Sewer Fund Capital Reserve Account Number 4600-4699-320.

Was made by: Councillor Paquin

Seconded by: Councillor Fine

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

H. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Submit an Application and Enter into a Contract for an Historic Preservation Grant from the Connecticut State Library

WHEREAS, a Public Act Concerning Real Estate Filings and the Preservation of Historic Documents (P.A. 00-146) has established a dedicated fund to improve the care of local government records; and

WHEREAS, said Public act is intended to assist Connecticut municipalities in their efforts to preserve and manage their historic documents; and

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17. H. (Continued)

WHEREAS, said Public Act imposes an additional fee of three dollars ($3.00) to be collected by Town Clerks for the recording of land records, including deeds and mortgages—two dollars of which will be forwarded to the State Library for the funding of this Historic Documents Preservation Account; and

WHEREAS, Public Act 99-146 authorizes the Public Records Administrator of the State Library to provide training and technical assistance and administer a grant program for Connecticut’s municipalities, and authorizes the State Librarian to appoint a committee to advise on the development and implementation of regulations regarding the operation of this grant program

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Town of South Windsor an application and contract with the Connecticut State Library.

Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter

Seconded by: Councillor Burnham

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

I. Resolution Approving a Property Tax Refund for Nine (9) South Windsor Taxpayers

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the refund of property taxes to nine (9) South Windsor taxpayers, said refunds totaling $9,709.68, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.

Was made by: Councillor Burnham

Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter

The Motion was: Approved, unanimously

ITEM:

18. Passage of Ordinance - None

19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)

It was at this point that Councillor Fine reminded Council that the date set for the Public Hearing on the Public Hearing on the Board of Education’s Proposed 2003-2004 Budget was the beginning of “Passover.” A short discussion ensued regarding rescheduling of this meeting as soon as both the Town Council and the Board of Education could reach a mutually convenient date, and still meet the required timeframe for this Public Hearing.

20. Executive Session - None

21. Motion to Adjourn

At 9:30 p.m., a Motion was made to adjourn; was duly seconded; and was approved, unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia R. Brown

Clerk of the Council

Attmts. (2)