TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
ACTION MINUTES Page 1 May 19, 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 Thomas Delnicki
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Mayor Aman called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.; immediately recessed it in order to continue the Public Hearing; and reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8:25 p.m.
5. Public Input - None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Budget Work Session of April 14, 2003; and Public Hearing of April 15, 2003 (Board of Education Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2003/2004).
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Marjorie Anthony, Chairperson of the Economic Development Commission, presented the Town Council with a Resolution from the EDC requesting that the Town’s Tax Incentive Program not state the number of employees a Company may be required to maintain in order to be eligible for the tax partnership/abatement with the Town of South Windsor. A copy of the EDC Motion is attached.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan reported that (1) The smallpox plan is complete. He thanked Town Manager Churchill, of Windsor, and South Windsor’s Pat Hankard for all their efforts and ingenuity. (2) The bond closing for the Town’s refinancing process will be held on May 30, 2003, at 12:30 p.m. He said that bond pricing was “unbelievable;” and interest rates were down; and the effective interest rate was about 3.21%.
The savings on this refinancing, according to Mr. Galligan, was about $250,000 in interest costs; and the bond payments and debt service schedule were refigured. so that over the next three years the Town would be reducing its debt service; and the debt would be retiring quicker.
Moody’s, he said, would not bring the Town from AA-3 to AA-2. Moody’s, he added, is very concerned about the “condition of the State of Connecticut;” and the municipalities’ Fund Balance.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Galligan reminded the Town Council Members that this Thursday evening (May 22), the Strategic Roundtable would be held. He hoped that all the Boards and Commissions, and Town Council Members would be present.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pelkey brought up the question of “parking at the Little League field.” He spoke of the problems not only of parking, but the traffic problems associated with it. When asked the price tag were Town forces to “put lines on that downfield parking lot, Mr. Galligan responded with $2,000 to $3,000. Councillor Pelkey reported that the “upper lot by the shack” was a “total disaster.”
Councillor Fine asked the status of the repairs to the Town Hall “portico walk-way. She also inquired as to whether an informational brochure had already been sent out on the “bulky waste” pickup. Mr. Galligan said it had.
Councillor Havens asked for a definition on what constituted “bulky waste.” The Councillor also reminded the Town Manager that the Town Council Members were supposed to have received a “draft” copy of the proposed bulky waste regulations and fees before it was sent out to the residents.
Councillor Barbour, stating that the budget process was now complete, suggested that Council now review other areas where reductions, similar to refinancing, could result. She then went over eight (8) additional areas where she felt money could be saved—with the request that the Town Manager come back to Council with his ideas on these suggestions:
1) Sell Union School;
2) Combine staff resources between the Bd. Of Education and Town staff for certain operations, etc.;
3) Ellsworth School should be evaluated;
4) Review a list of all Town-owned properties to determine if they are being
under-utilized, accompanied by suggestions of what the Town should do
with these properties.
5) Evaluate the Town’s “personal property;”
6) Review contracts with outside services to see if they still meet the need;
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
7) Check with “sister Towns” to see if we might combine on proposals that
might offer more savings;
8) Check our bank accounts to see if we are using “Sweep Accounts;”
9) Take another look at our “bill paying methods” to take advantage of
discounts and special terms that may be offered by our Vendors.
Mayor Aman then asked the Town Manager to schedule a Work Session to go over these items even though the Town may already be addressing them
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Barbour reported on the proceedings at the most recent Board of Education Meeting—notably, Dr. Wood’s announcement that the Board had an “unexpected balance” from the carry-over fund of approximately $141,000. The Board, she added, will be coming before the Town Council to request that these monies be returned to their budget to be used as a non-recurring expense.
Councillor Barbour next reported on the information presented to the Public Building Commission by (1) the architectural firm of Schoenhardt, hired by the Board of Education to determine South Windsor’s future elementary school needs; and (2) the report by the “vendor” examining the vents at Timothy Edwards Middle School—which report offered a solution to the problem with the vents that has plagued school administrators, she said, since their original installation.
Councillor Havens, once again, complained about the “lack of newspaper coverage” by The Hartford Courant—as an example, Councillor Havens noted that the information regarding the Town’s new Budget which was approved on a Monday evening, did not appear in this newspaper until Friday evening. Not only was the Councillor upset about this, but he felt it was a “disservice to the residents of South Windsor not to have received this information in a timely fashion.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Havens then asked the Town Manager had followed up with Council’s prior complaint regarding this; and, asked if the Manager thought a “Resolution” from the Town Council would help.
The Town Manager suggested a “letter-writing campaign” to the newspaper by our residents complaining about this. He also pointed out that the Board of Education had recently held a very important meeting where they had made “a lot of cuts in their Budget;” and, to date, there has been “nothing reported” in The Hartford Courant. He then went on to explain what he had learned with regard to changes in the management of this newspaper.
It was agreed that a “Resolution” by the Council, a copy of which would be forwarded to the Editor of The Hartford Courant might help. Again, the Town Manager stated that he felt a Resolution might be the best move at this time. Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager to prepare a Resolution.
Referring to a letter Council and the Town Manager had received from Larry Gorman, President and Chief of Services, from the South Windsor Ambulance Corps, Councillor Havens asked what needed to be done to address the comments made in the letter (a copy of which is attached). Mr. Galligan said he had called for a meeting with Mr. Gorman to go over the issues mentioned in the letter.
Councillors Paquin and Fine reported on the Town’s “Armed Forces Day” celebration and picnic held on Saturday, May 17. Both felt the day was a huge success; and Councillor Paquin offered her congratulations to the entire Patriotic Commission for all their work, and noted that the fireworks were “fabulous.”
Councillor Paquin also informed the Council that Councillor Pelkey’s son, John Pelkey, Jr., won (Statewide, for the 4th Grade) an Essay Contest sponsored by “The Hartford Courant.” The Essay, she added, was about “Our Neighborhood.”
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Fine, referring to the Town’s Charter, told the Town Attorney that she had never received from him, as previously requested, a definitive answer as to (1) what the Town “would be subjected to,” and “what would be bad about opening the Charter,” and is it time to convene a Charter Revision Commission.
Atty. Guliano said he had looked into this and all that remained was putting his findings into a “memo” form. Atty. Guliano said he probably could provide the information by Council’s next meeting. To Councillor Paquin’s question regarding when last there had been a Charter Revisions Comm., the answer was 1978.
Councillor Pelkey commented on the success of The Podunk Press. Saying that he was amazed at the number of calls he had received regarding the “bat houses” being constructed by his son’s Scout pack #389, the Councillor felt this was a reliable indication of how many residents read this publication.
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2003/2004
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Dorothy June Cottle (R) from the Human Relations Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Dorothy June Cottle from the Human Relations Commission, said resignation effective immediately; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sincerely thanks Mrs. Cottle for her many years of dedicated and compassionate service to her Town through her participation on that Commission.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Resolution Appointing Arthur J. Querido (D) to the Cable Advisory Board, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Arthur J. Querido to the Cable Advisory Board for a term ending June 30, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $10,000 from the Health and Life Insurance Account to the Town Clerk’s Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $10,000 from the Health and Life Insurance Account Number 1940-9007-130 to the Town Clerk’s Professional Account Number 1154-1540-320 to cover the unforeseen expenses associated with the substantial increase in the number of land record recordings.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $6,000 from the Municipal Casualty and Liability Insurance Account to the Pension Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $6,000 from the Municipal Casualty and Liability Insurance Account Number 1920-9004-320 to the Pension Account Number 1930-9005-130 in order to fully fund the Defined Benefit pension contribution.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Approving the Expenditure of $120,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account for “Improvements to the High School Cafeteria and Servery Ventilation”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, having held a Public Hearing earlier this evening on the expenditure of $120,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account for Improvements to the High School Cafeteria and Servery Ventilation, does hereby approve said expenditure from the 2003/2004 budget and authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to transfer said funds to a separate capital project account for said purpose at some time after July 1, 2003.
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by Councillor Barbour
Councillor Pelkey moved to Table this Motion until the Town Council’s next Regular Meeting; the Motion was seconded by Councillor Fine; and the Motion to Table was approved 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Barbour - Yes
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Burnham - Yes
Councillor Havens - No
Councillor Paquin - Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter - No
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Aman - Yes
F. Resolution Approving the Expenditure of $50,600 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account for “Replacement of High School Kitchen Equipment”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, having held a Public Hearing earlier this evening on the expenditure of $50,600 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account for the Replacement of High School Kitchen Equipment, does hereby approve said expenditure from the 2003/2004 budget and authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to transfer said funds to a separate capital project account for said purpose at some time after July 1, 2003.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Fine then Moved to Table this item until the next Regular Town Council meeting. The Motion to table was seconded by Councillor Pelkey; and 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 - Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter - No
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Aman - Yes
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Approving the Expenditure of $250,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account for “Resurfacing of High School Track”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, having held a Public Hearing earlier this evening on the expenditure of a total of $250,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account for Resurfacing of High School Track, does hereby approve said expenditure from the 2003/2004 budget and authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to transfer said funds to a separate capital project account for said purpose at some time after July 1, 2003.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Councillor Pelkey then moved to Table the Resolution until the Council’s next Regular Meeting. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Fine, and approved 5 Ayes to 3 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Barbour - No
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Burnham - Yes
Councillor Havens - No
Councillor Paquin - Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter - No
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Aman - Yes
H. Resolution Authorizing the Public Building Commission to Proceed with Schematic Drawings and Outline Specifications Addressing the Space Needs of South Windsor’s Elementary School Facilities
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need for, and supports, elementary school facilities that are conducive to a high quality contemporary education for our children
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. H. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reaffirms the designation of the Public Building Commission as the Building Committee for any and all projects necessary to provide a comprehensive solution to district-wide elementary and administrative space needs including, as necessary, renovation, expansion, demolition, new construction, or decommissioning; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes said Commission to proceed with preparation of the necessary schematic drawings and outline specifications addressing the space needs of South Windsor’s Elementary School Facilities.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Barbour
A long discussion by Members of the Town Council, the Town Manager, and Bd. Of Education Business Manager Don Neel ensued regarding this Resolution, and the possibility of a Referendum Question to address it, in November.
Following this discussion, Mayor Aman called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Five (5) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a property tax refund to five (5) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $699.97 and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
ITEM:
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Mayor Aman took this opportunity to remind everyone about the Memorial Day Parade.
Councillor Pelkey made note of a new “bicycle shop” in South Windsor on Oakland Road; and, on behalf of the Town Council, wished the owners success.
20. Executive Session - None
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made at 9:40 p.m., was duly seconded, and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts.: (EDC Resolution Letter)
(Letter from Ambulance Corps)
Exhibit A
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