TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
ACTION MINUTES Page 1 SEPTEMBER 2, 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 Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor Edward F. Havens
Councillor John Pelkey
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
The Regular Meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m. Before moving to Item 5. Public Input, Mayor Aman asked for a Motion to bring Agenda Items 17. E. and 17. F. forward for discussion and action at this time. His request was predicated on the presence of a number of residents being present who were attending this meeting specifically because of these two items.
Deputy Mayor Streeter then moved to Suspend Town Council Rules and move Agenda Items 17. E. and 17. F. up to this point in the meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Pelkey; and approved unanimously.
17. New Business
E. Resolution Authorizing Possible Conveyance of Town Property Known as “Union School,” and Identified as 771 Main Street, South Windsor by Negotiated Sale
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council is contemplating the sale of Town property known as “Union School,” and identified as 771 Main Street, South Windsor; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council, because of its concern regarding the future of Main Street and the unique nature and location of Union School (771 Main Street, South Windsor) believes that competitive bidding with sealed bids would not be in the best interests of the Town
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the possible conveyance of title to the “Union School,” located in the Town of South Windsor and owned by the Town, identified as 771 Main Street, including land; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council finds that the conveyance of said property by competitive bidding with sealed bids would not be in the best interests of the Town due to the unique nature and location of Union School; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the parcel of land and structure identified as 771 Main Street, if sold, will be by negotiated sale; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is hereby authorized to transfer title and execute any and all documentation necessary to consummate said conveyances; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resolution shall become effective upon its approval by the Town electors at a Referendum called by the Town Council for such purpose.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
A Motion was made by Councillor Pelkey to amend the Resolution by changing the 6th paragraph to read:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager, upon the approval of the Town Council, is hereby authorized to transfer title and execute any and all documentation necessary to consummate said conveyances; and
The Amendment was seconded by Councillor Paquin, and was approved unanimously.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
A lengthy discussion ensued on this Resolution. Those rising to address the Town Council by expressing their concerns and offering their suggestions with regard to the future of the “Union School” were:
James Dina, 789 Main Street, South Windsor, who spoke of a coalition of Main Street neighbors who, together, had formed a group they have named “Residential Recapture.” He offered the services of this group to Town officials and staff in the Town’s efforts to reach a decision with regard to the future of “Union School.”
Wayne McKinney, 1118 Ellington Road – Mr. McKinney read into the record a letter sent to the Town Council by the South Windsor Historical Society relaying their views and suggestions with regard to the future of “Union School.” A copy of this letter is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Dr. Bruce Burnham, 1909 Main Street – Dr. Burnham not only presented his own opinions regarding the future of “Union School,” but also read into the record a letter sent to the Town Council from South Windsor’s Historic District Commission regarding “Union School.” A copy of this letter is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Other residents voicing their concerns and opinions with regard to Union School’s future were:
Virginia Macro, 1828 Main Street
Elsie Woolam, 1225 Main Street
Peter Jennings, 1764 Main Street
Attached, also, for the record, is a copy of a hand-delivered letter to the Town Council received from Anna Fiori, 23 Pleasant Valley Road, delivered just prior to this meeting, in which Ms. Fiori expresses her concerns and suggestions regarding Union School.
Following the residents’ comments and questions, and those of the Members of the Town Council, the Mayor called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. The Resolution was approved 6 Ayes to 3 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Barbour No
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham No
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Paquin No
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Yes
F. Resolution Providing for Referendum of Town Electors (Re: Union School)
BE IT RESOLVED that the Resolution entitled “Resolution Authorizing Possible Conveyance of Town Property Known as ‘Union School,’ and Identified as 771 Main Street, South Windsor by Negotiated Sale” heretofore at this meeting adopted, be submitted to the Town electors for approval or disapproval at a referendum to be held in conjunction with the general election to be held on November 4, 2003, and that the warning of said referendum state the question to be voted upon as follows:
“Shall the Resolution entitled ‘Resolution Authorizing Possible Conveyance of Town Property Known as ‘Union School,’ and Identified as 771 Main Street, South Windsor by Negotiated Sale,’ adopted by the Town Council September 2, 2003 be approved?”
The ballot label for said question will read as follows:
“Shall the ‘Resolution Authorizing Possible Conveyance of Town Property Known as Union School, and Identified as 771 Main Street, South Windsor by Negotiated Sale’ be Approved? YES NO.”
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. F. (Continued)
The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Barbour No
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Burnham No
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Paquin Yes
Deputy Mayor Streeter Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Mayor Aman Yes
(COUNCIL THEN RETURNED TO THE REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS.)
5. Public Input
Mary Etter, Library Director, provided Council with information on upcoming Library “events,” including an event being presented at the upcoming Wapping Fair.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Regular Meeting of June 2, 2003; Work Session of July 7, 2003; Regular Meeting of July 7, 2003; Special Work Session of July 14, 2003; Work Session of July 21, 2003; and Regular Meeting of July 21, 2003.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager - (Mr. Galligan presented his report at the earlier Town Council Work Session.)
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Aman reported that he, Councillor Havens, Police Chief Tyler, and several Police Officers had met last week to discuss “left-hand turns” when exiting the Town Hall/Library driveway onto Sullivan Avenue. The Mayor said there was unanimous agreement among those present that something had to be done to “prohibit” the left-hand turns out of this driveway—that traffic has reached a point where it is “unsafe” to continue to do so.
Other alternatives than a total prohibition of left-hand turns were discussed; however, he said, it was agreed that these alternatives would be impossible to enforce and would lead to “a lot of confusion and other types of accidents.” Things discussed in this effort were “signage” in the areas; how to reeducate the public not to make a left-hand turn, etc.
After consulting with the Public Works Department, the Police Department representatives would return to Council at the end of September or during the month of October with a presentation on how they propose to educate the public; and to present any changes to the paving at the end of the driveway, etc.
Councillor Havens agreed that this was the gist of the meeting; and added that the Town was asking the new tenant of the old Post Office building to abide by this “no left-hand turn regulation.” He felt it was only fair that the Town, itself, do likewise. He said that Sullivan Avenue was “getting 25,000 cars here daily;” and it is important that “children, parents, citizens” and staff be protected.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Both the Mayor and Councillor Havens agreed that the present situation was a fatal “accident waiting to happen.”
Mayor Aman then noted that the State had passed its Budget; and that CCM, in its report on this, did not even give “new year’s budget figures” even though it is a “2-year budget,” because it felt the numbers would be changed.
Councillor Barbour then spoke to her idea, several weeks ago, to using bonding to rehabilitate the Town’s infrastructure. She noted that the “road referendum” drew much positive attention; however, the lines seemed to be drawn, she implied, between those interested in favor of bring the Town’s roads up to standard at a minimal interest cost; and those unwilling to commit to any additional spending until more information is know about the Town’s elementary schools.
The Councillor said she understood this reasoning, and had requested that the Town Council postpone passing any Resolution at this time requesting a Referendum to bond the road projects.
On another matter, Councillor Barbour then read a letter of resignation from the South Windsor Redevelopment Agency that she had written and directed to the Chairman of that Agency, Town Manager Matthew Galligan. The letter was dated July 29, 2003. She noted that the letter stated her resignation was effective immediately.
Councillor Burnham reminded Council of the upcoming Wapping Fair, this Thursday through Sunday, and its events—including the annual softball game between the Fire Department volunteers and the Police Department personnel (the benefits of which would go to the “Make a Wish Foundation”).
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 17. A., B., C., and D. as the Consent Agenda
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda (Continued)
Before a vote was taken on the Consent Agenda, Deputy Mayor Streeter asked to table Resolution 17. C., Reappointment of Thomas Foley as an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission—the reason being that Mr. Foley’s current appointment did not expire under August 31, 2005.
The Motion to table was approved unanimously.
The Motion to accept Agenda Items 17. A., B., and D. as the Consent Agenda was approved, unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
*A. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth MacDonald (R) as a Member of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Elizabeth MacDonald to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission for a term ending September 1, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Resolution Reappointing Timothy Moriarty (R) as a Member of the Patriotic Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Timothy Moriarty to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2006, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Authorizing Conveyance of Town Property Known as “I-291 Parcels” to the Town of South Windsor Redevelopment Agency for the Purpose of Developing the Land for Economic Development Purposes
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council would like to convey the Town properties known as “I-291 Parcels” to the Town of South Windsor Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of developing the land for economic development purposes; and
WHEREAS, said “I-291 Parcels” are more particularly described in maps filed in the South Windsor Town Clerk’s office, entitled “Town of South Windsor Map Showing Land Released to the Town of South Windsor by the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation John Fitch Boulevard – Route 5 Scale 1" = 40' Feb., 1997 James F. Byrnes Jr., P. E. Chief Engineer – Bureau of Engineering and Highway Operations, Town No. 132, Proj. No. 70, Serial No. 27B, Sheet 1 of 1” and “Town of South Windsor Map Showing Land Released to the Town of South Windsor by the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation at I-291 John Fitch Boulevard – and Ellington Road Scale 1" = 40' May 1998 James F. Byrnes Chief Engineer – Bureau of
Engineering and Highway Operations, Town No. 132 Proj. No. 70, Serial No. 27C Sheets 1 and 2 of 2.”;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the conveyance of title to the “I-291 Parcels” located in the Town of South Windsor and owned by the Town, as identified in the maps filed in the Town Clerk’s office as described above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the said “I-291 Parcels” be conveyed to the Town of South Windsor Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of economic development; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the disposition of such land be in accordance with the Statutes of the State of Connecticut and the Municipal Development Project Plan as required for such agency; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. G. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager is hereby authorized to transfer title and execute any and all documentation necessary to consummate said conveyances; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resolution shall become effective upon its approval by the Town electors at a Referendum called by the Town Council for such purpose.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
It should be noted, for the record that Councillor Barbour reclused herself from any discussion or vote on this Agenda Item because of her membership on the South Windsor Redevelopment Agency during I-291 discussions and votes.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on this Resolution; and it was unanimously approved, 8 Ayes to 0 Nays.
H. Resolution Providing for Referendum of Town Electors (Re: I-291 Parcels)
BE IT RESOLVED that the Resolution entitled “Resolution Authorizing Conveyance of Town Property Known as ‘I-291 Parcels’ to the Town of South Windsor Redevelopment Agency for the Purpose of Developing the Land for Economic Development Purposes” heretofore at this meeting adopted, be submitted to the Town electors for approval or disapproval at a referendum to be held in conjunction with the general election to be held on November 4, 2003, and that the warning of said referendum state the questions to be voted upon as follows:
“Shall the Resolution entitled ‘Resolution Authorizing Conveyance of Town Property Known as “I-291 Parcels” to the Town of South Windsor Redevelopment Agency for the Purpose of Developing the Land for Economic Development Purposes’ adopted by the Town Council
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. H. (Continued)
The ballot label for said question will read as follows:
“Shall the ‘Resolution Authorizing Conveyance of Town Property Known as “I-291 Parcels” to the Town of South Windsor Redevelopment Agency for the Purpose of Developing the Land for Economic Development Purposes’ be approved?” YES NO
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Before a vote was taken, Councillor Havens voiced his concern for the public’s understanding of these two Referendum Questions—Union School, and the I-291 Parcels. He asked what the Town would be doing to educate the public regarding these prior to the election.
Town Attorney Guliano replied that, as long as the Town is “neutral” in the language it uses, some type of explanatory publication, or brochure, can be prepared; and this may be one thing the Town may wish to consider.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved unanimously, 8 Ayes to 9 Nays. Again, it should be noted for the record, that Councillor Barbour reclused herself from any discussion or vote on this Agenda Item because of her membership on the South Windsor Redevelopment Agency during I-291 discussions and votes.
I. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Sixty (60) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to sixty (60) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $18,649.07, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Havens
The Motion was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote. The vote to abstain was cast by Deputy Mayor Streeter because of a possible conflict of interest.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
J. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $32,116 from Various South Windsor Board of Education Capital Projects to the Orchard Hill Elementary School Parking Lot Repaving Capital Project
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education expects the Design of the High School Running Track project to have a surplus of $31,069, and the Ventilation Improvements to the High School Servery Area project to have a surplus of $26,393; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the completed Orchard Hill Elementary School parking Lot Repaving project is $32,116 more than the original budget of $60,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $30,000 from the Design of the High School Running Track project (Account #004-4300-4340-320) and $2,116 from the Ventilation Improvements to the High School Servery Area project (Account #004-4300-4339-320) in order to cover the funding deficit in the Orchard Hill Elementary School Parking Lot Repaving Project (Account #004-4300-4345-320).
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
There followed a discussion on the size of the overrun on this project, and what factors may have contributed toward it. Following this discussion, Councillor Burnham Moved to Table this Resolution. However, there was no seconding of the Motion; and, therefore, no vote taken on the tabling.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote on the Resolution, and it was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote. The vote to abstain was cast by Councillor Burnham.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
K. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to amend the 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 “Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees of the Town of South Windsor” by eliminating the positions of Adult & Senior Services Division Director (Pay Grade 5), and Youth and Family Services Division Director, (Pay Grade 5); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to further amend the Plan by adding three (3) new positions to the “Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees of the Town of South Windsor for Fiscal Years 2002/2003 and 2003/2004, those of Director of Human Services, at Pay Grade 7; Adult and Senior Services Coordinator, at Pay Grade 3; and Youth and Family Services Coordinator, at Pay Grade 3.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The elimination of the Division Directors positions mentioned in the Resolution, and the creation of three (3) new positions within the Human Services Department, including the reasons for these changes were explained by the Town Manager, and current Youth and Family Services Division Director Dennis Sheridan.
Mayor Aman called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
L. Resolution Appropriating $450,000 for the Engineering, Design, and Construction of Upgrades to the Pleasant Valley Pump Station and Authorizing the Issuance of $450,000 Clean Water fund Obligations of the Town Under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program Secured Solely by Revenues of the sewerage system and Authorizing the Town to Enter Into Grant and Loan Agreements
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appropriates $450,000 for the engineering, design and construction of upgrades to the Pleasant Valley Pump Station, and authorizes the issuance of $450,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program secured solely by revenues of the sewerage system , and authorizing the Town to enter into Grant and Loan Agreements, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit B.
(See attached Exhibit B.)
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session - None
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to Adjourn was made at 11:00 p.m., was duly seconded, and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts.: (3) Letters re. “Union School” (Historical Society, Historic District
Commission; and Anna Fiori, 23, Pleasant Valley Road.)
Exhibit A. (and) Exhibit B.
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