TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 24, 2003
TOWN COUNCIL – Special Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor John Pelkey
Members Absent: Councillor Barbara Barbour
Councillor Deborah Fine
Board of Education
Members Present: Kathleen Soucy Daugherty
Patrick Hennessey
David Joy
Victoria McCulloch
Thomas Reale
Janice Snyder
Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Wood
Bd. of Ed. Business Manager Donald Neel
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Aman at 7:00 p.m.
ITEM:
Public Participation
Roy Normen, Homestead Drive, advised the Council and public of a meeting of the Citizens for Evergreen Walk scheduled for the following evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. He explained that this is an attempt to organize citizens of South Windsor to support Evergreen Walk and to oppose the Buckland Hills Mall owners.
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Communications (Continued)
John Sessions, 609 Sandstone Drive (Plumridge Condominiums), stated that he was present to appeal his assessment. After explaining his situation, Mayor Aman explained that Mr. Sessions was appearing before the wrong group of individuals, he should be presenting to the Board of Assessment Appeals. Mr. Sessions apologized for wasting the Council’s time.
Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager if citizens were being provided with bags for their late spring cleanup, and Mr. Galligan said that bags were not being provided, but they were available for purchase at Lowes, Home Depot, Petersen’s Hardware, or similar stores. When asked if this decision had been his, Mr. Galligan responded affirmatively. Councillor Havens said he had received calls from residents who were not happy that bags were not being furnished, considering the money they pay out in taxes. Mr. Galligan explained that it is not “his policy,” it is simply that there is no money.
Deputy Mayor Streeter had also received calls concerning the leaf program and the fact that homeowner’s were “on their own.” He read from a petition signed by 77 residents of the Woodland development asking the Town Council to instruct the Town Manager to finish the service which was started and to continue to fund the leaf collection program in the 2003-2004 fiscal budget.
Mr. Galligan explained that some of the leaf collection equipment is owned by the Town and some of it has been modified. Sweeping is done partially by the Town and partially by Capitol Sweeping.
Residents had told the Deputy Mayor that when they called about leaf service, they were told that the leaves would not be picked up because of street sweeping and ball field preparation. This was not correct according to Mr. Galligan, who said that ball fields are not touched until almost May when street sweeping and spring cleanups have been done.
The Town Manager continued by reporting that the Town was looking at an additional $30,000 to $35,000 to come back and pick up the leaves, some of which is for overtime and some of which is for private contractors.
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4. Communications (Continued)
He said the contingency account was wiped out because of snow, and the leaf program itself, without staff time, runs about $130,000. Staff time runs an additional $67,000. If the Town staff were to go back and pick up leaves now, most of the leaves are filled with sand, so it would be necessary to go on people’s lawns with front end loaders to scrape up the leaves and load them into trucks.
The issue of manpower and time was once again addressed, together with the fact that other services would have to be pushed back if leaves were once again picked up. Deputy Mayor Streeter pointed out that there are only certain areas in Town where it would be necessary. The Town Manager said he would have leaves picked up if that was the Council’s decision, but that something “has got to go.”
Deputy Mayor Streeter said that he would like to see an amendment to the budget to have the leaf program, in its current state, fully funded for the next budget year.
Councillor Pelkey reported that he too had received numerous calls concerning the leaf collection problem. He referred to a previous resolution which had been defeated concerning the upkeep of Route 5 and suggested that the $4,700 for that project be used for this situation and, at the minimum, the Town should purchase the bags for residents. He also addressed the problem of litter in Town and encouraged residents, groups within the community, etc., to pitch in and help clean up.
The Connecticut Water Company will be responsible for the repairs to roads where water lines have burst underneath.
Upon Deputy Mayor Streeter’s comments that he was disappointed that so few Council Members voiced opinions concerning the taxpayers’ concerns on the leaf collection situation, Councillor Delnicki suggested that a resolution could be placed on a Council agenda.
Mayor Aman spoke of the problems related to the Town attempting to pick up the leaves now and was not in favor of that solution. He did not have a problem with the Town providing the bags.
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4. Communications (Continued)
Mr. Galligan asked for a consensus of the Council with regard to this situation. He said he could instruct staff to collect leaves, but it would have to be done between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. since over-time accounts, snow removal accounts, and the contingency have all been exhausted. Additionally, the staff will be behind in other work. He added that the entire Town would have to be done, since it would not be fair to pick and choose areas. He said the cost had previously been estimated at about $33,000 to go back again for leaves, and that cost had been calculated based on hiring contractors, overtime, etc.
Councillors Delnicki and Pelkey felt that the leaves should be cleaned up by the Town. Councillor Burnham, noting that many of his neighbors have already bagged their own leaves, said that he would be in favor of providing bags to residents. Councillor Paquin said she would defer to the Town Manager. Councillor Havens said he wished to think about it before providing his opinion.
Mr. Galligan said he would sit with the staff tomorrow morning and prepare figures with regard to manpower and costs, and he would then advise the Council.
Town Manager’s Report
Mr. Galligan noted that the staff has been working with the Town of Windsor concerning the smallpox issue and that the plan which is in place is going to be used as a model for other towns. South Windsor High School has been designated as the location for administering the vaccinations. Thus far in South Windsor, 92 nurses and 29 doctors have volunteered.
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Special Business
A. Resolution Rescinding Action Taken on Item 17.B. of the South Windsor Town Council Regular Meeting Agenda of March 17, 2003
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby rescinds the action taken on Item 17.B. of its March 17, 2003 Regular Meeting Agenda, a Resolution Setting the Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.
Made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Burnham
The Motion was: Approved, Unanimously
Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Board of Education Proposed Budget for Fiscal year 2003-2004
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in the Auditorium of 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.
Made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, Unanimously
Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Construction of Sidewalks on Bidwell Road in South Windsor
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, April 21, 2003, at 7:50 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place to receive citizen input on the construction of sidewalks on Bidwell Road in South Windsor.
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6. C. (Continued)
Made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, Unanimously
Resolution Offering a Reward of $2,000 for Information Regarding Vandalism at Veterans’ Memorial Park Pavilion
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council has recently adopted a policy of offering rewards to assist in solving or deterring crimes against public property; and
WHEREAS, sometime on March 17 or March 18, 2003, the new pool house at Veterans’ Memorial Park was broken into and vandalized; and
WHEREAS, the vandalism included a broken window and the spray-paining of graffiti both inside and outside the building
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council offers a reward of $2,000 to be paid for providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for committing the vandalism, said reward to be offered pursuant to the procedures of the recently adopted policy of the South Windsor Town Council.
Made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Burnham indicated his disgust at the destruction caused at Veterans’ Memorial Park. The cost of damages was calculated at $4,500.
Councillor Havens said he would not support a $2,000 reward and would prefer to leave this in the capable hands of the Police Department.
Mr. Galligan said that the Town’s insurance carrier is aware of the reward program. He said he would research the Town’s deductibles in order to provide
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6. D. (Continued)
a system of calculating appropriate amounts of rewards. Attorney Guliano stated that in addition to a potential savings on insurance, as a part of the policy, the Town would notify the prosecutor if someone is arrested and there is generally a policy under various plea bargains, where restitution would be made. He said that Councillor Pelkey had previously offered the following outline of the amount of the reward based upon the amount of damages suffered by the Town.
Damages Reward
0 - $5,000 $1,000
5,000 – 10,000 2,000
10,000 – 15,000 3,000
15,000 – 20,000 4,000
20,000 – 25,000 + 5,000
Stating that a vast majority of crimes remain unsolved, Councillor Pelkey stated that perhaps a reward would aid in recovery. He then moved to amend the resolution to change the reward amount from $2,000 to $1,000. The motion to amend was seconded by Councillor Delnicki.
Mayor Aman called for a vote on the amendment. It was approved on a Roll Call Vote, 6 Ayes to 1 Nay, as follows:
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens No
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Paquin Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Yes
(Councillors Barbour and Fine were absent.)
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6. D. Continued
The Amended Resolution was approved on a Roll Call Vote, 6 Ayes to 1 Nay, as follows:
Councillor Burnham Yes
Councillor Havens No
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Paquin Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Yes
(Councillors Barbour and Fine were absent.)
Presentation of Board of Education Budget
Kathleen Soucy Daugherty, Chairperson of the Board of Education, introduced members of the Board of Education and then presented the Board of Education’s Budget (see attached Exhibit A).
Ms. Daugherty stated that the Board acknowledges that this is not a maintenance budget. It provides growth and educational opportunities for the children. Last year the Council appropriated $44,884,496 for education, and in order to maintain programs, the Board is seeking an additional $2.4 million. In order to improve the schools and meet the needs of the high school population, the Board is seeking an additional $1.2 million.
In conclusion, Ms. Daugherty stated that the Board of Education is requesting that the Town Council approve the Board’s budget as submitted for a total 2003-2004 educational budget of $48,580,803. She said that South Windsor has an excellent school system, and “keeping us on top” requires a commitment from the community and its leaders.
Referencing the Two Rivers Magnet School, Mayor Aman said that he had been under the impression that it was ultimately going to save money for the Town; and he asked if the State had changed its obligations. Dr. Wood said it was never intended to be a savings for the Town; it was strictly an initiative to respond to the Sheff vs. O’Neil suit and reduce the
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6. E. Continued
racial socio-economic isolation in the Hartford area. He said the State did pay the entire costs of building the new school and also pays for a significant portion of the transportation. The State always indicated that they would pay up to about $3,300 per student for operating costs, and the Town makes up a portion of that difference, which is approximately $3,000 per student. Mayor Aman pointed out that that is considerably less than the $8,000 average cost per student. Dr. Wood agreed and added that, because the State is encouraging Towns to participate in such programs, the Town continues to receive reimbursement in the educational cost sharing formula for the students who go there even though they are not being educated in South Windsor.
Councillor Delnicki, referring to the current economic situation (including revaluation), said that there is a great deal of concern on the part of residents. He didn’t understand how the Board could recommend an 8.2% increase. Ms. Daugherty said the Board and the Council agreed in January that they would help educate the public on what their respective roles are. By Charter and by law, the Board is required to provide a budget to the Town which meets the educational needs of the students. They give that budget to a body—the Town Council—that is solely responsible for setting the bottom line.
Councillor Delnicki said that things in the world have changed drastically since January and that he hoped the Board and Council could transcend some of the total separation of charges and come to some kind of common ground. Ms. Daugherty said that the Board respects the Council’s role and what it is charged to do; and, while the two bodies have different charges, they have the same goal.
Councillor Pelkey questioned the numbers for ECS funding. Mr. Galligan stated that the $9.6 million was the Governor’s proposed budget last year and $9.2 is this year’s. Both numbers, he said, include transportation. He explained that they always use the Governor’s proposal, and these numbers come directly from the Office of Policy and Management. Councillor Pelkey noted that there was some discrepancy with numbers in that we had received more than the estimated amount. It was explained that the number isn’t listed until it is actually received.
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6. E. Continued
Tom Reale, 56 Case Hill Circle and a member of the Board of Education, said he felt compelled to dissent with the majority of his colleagues regarding the budget presented. He felt that the timing “was not right” for an increase triple the rate of inflation, with a 0% enrollment increase, on top of last year’s 0% enrollment increase. He said that anything other than a maintenance budget was wrong at this time, and he added that a maintenance budget was still twice the rate of inflation. He expressed concern that when the Board proposes a budget so disconnected from reality, they lose credibility.
He felt that the Board should be advocating to protect the high quality of the programs currently in place and should feel lucky to be able to achieve that in the current environment.
Keith Yagaloff, 65 Pheasant Way and a member of the Board of Education, stated that he also had not voted to approve an 8.2 percent budget. He did not agree with Ms. Daugherty that the Board should have an independent role in terms of the budget. He felt that the Board has a responsibility to manage its own budget and to propose a budget to the Town Council which is fair and reasonable given the circumstances. He felt that a lower budget could still provide an outstanding educational program for the students.
Mr. Yagaloff said that a 4 percent increase would be too low and make recovery extremely difficult. He, therefore, suggested a number somewhere between 4% and 8.2%.
Councillor Paquin asked what percentage of an increase would be necessary in order to cover the teachers’ contracts, and Dr. Wood’s response was 5.5 to 6%. He referenced Page 9 of the presentation packet – the “wage and price inflation” of 4.0%, together with the “health insurance increase” of 0.9 percent. He said that does not include any of the new positions which the Board felt were necessary to accommodate additional enrollment at the high school.
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6. E. Continued
In response to questions from Councillor Pelkey, Dr. Wood explained that the 1.3% listed as “HS enrollment” (on page 9 of the presentation packet) relates to the positions added to the high school to accommodate the increased enrollment which has occurred over the past two years and which is projected for next year. He said that there is a significant increase in students (300) at the high school between 1999 and 2004-2005.
Referring to Page 38 of the “South Windsor Public School 2003-2004 Summary Budget,” Councillor Delnicki noted the 90-student increase at the high school, as well as the 71-student decrease at the middle school and asked about a possible plan to reallocate resources. Dr. Wood said that because of the way the numbers are distributed at the middle school, there are not sufficient numbers to reduce any staff.
Dr. Wood said that if the Board had charged him with an opportunity to save money and reallocate resources, and it was presented to him without having to reduce programs, he would do it.
Councillor Delnicki asked if the wage and price inflation of the $1.7 million reflected the contractual wage increases of the new hires, and Dr. Wood said “no, it was strictly for the current level of teaching.” He said the majority of it is contractual agreements on wages and the increase in staff experience if they go from one step to another. The Councillor asked that the numbers be split so that they have an idea of wages versus the actual commodity price inflation, and Dr. Wood said a breakdown would be provided. Board of Education Business Manager Don Neel stated that approximately 80% of the budget is wages.
When asked if progress had been made in the current legislative session regarding collective bargaining, Mr. Galligan said that there needs to be binding arbitration reform and much has to do with the process itself. He said he handles all arbitration with the assistance of the Town Attorney, and those costs can be kept to a minimum. He didn’t see a change occurring.
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6. F. Presentation of General Government Budget
(See attached Exhibit B)
The Town Manager began his presentation by advising the Council and listening public that he has nothing to do with the Board of Education’s budget. He then presented the following information:
In the Town Government Operating budget there were over $2.2 million worth of requests. The Town continues to grow and population is up close to 15%. Because of tough economic times, new and current programs had to be eliminated in order to get the budget in line.
The information provided on “Schedule A” of Exhibit B was addressed. The requests from all Departments totaled $27.8 million and the Manager’s proposed budget totaled $25.6 million. There were $2.2 million worth of items eliminated. (See “Schedule C” of Exhibit B).
“Emergency Planning and Response” is a new program and $204,500 is a realistic number. In the event of a smallpox outbreak or some other catastrophe, substantial costs will be involved.
If the budget did not increase at all, the mill rate would probably have gone from 37.55 to 27.98 or 28.
Next discussed were the reductions. (A complete listed is included in attached Exhibit B).
Economic Development Coordinator – this position was eliminated.
Mosquito Control Program - $10,000 will remain to treat ponds and detention basins which the Town owns. The $20,000 being cut is the amount used to do every catch basin in Town.
Elimination of grants to various agencies under Human Services – these agencies provide a small amount of service to the community.
Reduction in blight ordinance – rather than an additional part-time individual, the Chief Building Official will have to handle this.
Police cars and other equipment – extend replacement cycle to four-year instead of three-year cycle.
Defer two new police officers to July 2004.
Close Union School.
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6. F. (Continued)
Eliminate hazardous waste program – recommended this every two years, as opposed to annually.
Eliminate leaf collection program – This is not the elimination of staff time; it is strictly overtime costs. There is $67,000 in man-hour time which runs the program.
Eliminate new stormwater Phase II initiatives – this will be deferred to the following year.
Eliminate building maintenance program.
Reduce overtime in Motor and Parks and Grounds Division – this is overtime currently budgeted.
Eliminate New Employee for VMP Building Maintenance – original plan had been to hire a new employee.
Reduce software and weather service - the Town has its own Doppler radar.
Eliminate trash pick-up in parks – years ago there was a trash program, and the original plan was to re-institute the program.
Eliminate replacement of recycling bins.
Revenues (see “Comparison of Annual Revenues” in attached Exhibit B)
The adopted revenues from last year are $10.3 million, and this year they are $10.4 million. There was an increase because the Town received extra money under the Governor’s proposal for ECS funding, even though we got hit on the transportation side. However, under “State of CT for Other Purposes – Manufacturer’s Equipment,” we were always able to get $1.1 or $1.2 million, and this year it was cut to $737,000. This is a program which worked very effectively as far as economic development to bring businesses in. The legislation does state that we can rebill those accounts if we wish to. The Town Manager has authorized the Finance Department to take a look at that and he is waiting for the legislation to see if Council approval is necessary.
As far as General Fund Interest, all of the accounts are down, and we are looking at about $400,000.
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6. F. (Continued)
There is about $700,000 less revenues and we are looking at close to $700,000 in expenditures, so the effect on the budget is about $1.5 million.
Expenditures
(See “Comparison of Annual Expenditures – By Expense” in attached exhibit B.)
“Materials and Expenses” from last year’s adopted to this year indicates a decrease of about $7,000. “Contractual Services” is about $60,000 less. The bulk of the expenses are in personnel costs. Out of the $723,000 increase in the budget, 62% of it falls in workers’ compensation, pension, health costs, etc.
Based upon the budget as it stands with the Board of Education at 8.2% and revaluation, the mill rate would be 30.55, a reduction of 7 mills from the current mill rate. The effect of this is that there would still be a tax increase due to revaluation. It would, however, help on motor vehicle taxes.
Two houses were used as examples, one being the Town Manager’s. With this budget on the real property, he would look at an 18% tax increase on the house. On the types of vehicles he owns, there would be 28% decrease. There would be an overall tax increase of 9.2%.
Looking at a typical house with an assessed value of $207,000, and adding 30%, it would be a house with a value between $260,000 and $285,000. Looking at a 12% increase on the real property and a $240 decrease on vehicles, a typical homeowner would have a 6.9% increase in taxes due to a combination of budget and revaluation.
The revaluations will now be done every four years, so there won’t be the massive swings, which occur when they are held every ten years.
Councillor Burnham questioned the increase in the budget for the Human Relations Commission, and Mr. Galligan said that the Commission would like to introduce some programs, and their budget was increased so that they may accomplish their goals.
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6. F. (Continued)
In response to a question concerning an increase in staff levels, Mr. Galligan explained that there are not 193 people; there are 143, which includes the library. He said that there are no new positions.
The Town Manager was asked to check into trash collection at condominiums being done by the Town, and he said that this is being looked into. Regarding the Town’s trash collection, he said there would be substantial savings if the Town went to a new system with a trash hauler where residents would have to invest in a specialized trash can which would be lifted by a mechanical arm.
Executive Session - None
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made at 9:35 p.m. by Councillor Havens. The motion was duly seconded by Councillor Delnicki and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attachments
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