TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
ACTION MINUTES Page 1 October 7, 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
Absent: Town Attorney Barry Guliano
The Regular Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m., immediately recessed to continue the Work Session, and reconvened at 8:30 p.m. Two Proclamations were read—one denoting October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” was read by Councillor Barbour; and another recognizing “White Cane Awareness” week was read by Deputy Mayor Streeter.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
The first person to come forward to address the Council was Mrs. Pat Conrad, 864 Strong Road. Mrs. Conrad said she had serious concerns regarding the placement of a Weapons Qualification Range at the Town’s “Thomas L. Burgess Public Works Facility” property on Burgess Road.. She asked Police Chief Gary Tyler—
If the 20 days practice in the course of the year included all types of weapons?
Would there be “night” practice?
Considering the problems in the past with the wells in the area, she expressed concern about “lead poisoning, and asked if the soil would be “sifted;
ITEM:
5. (Continued)
Considering the other activities going on in the area (i.e., hunting, model airplane flying, etc.) and if the officers are going to be using the area to “practice,” she asked if someone would have to be there all the time.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings - None
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Marjorie Anthony, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, gave a review of the Commission’s activities in recent months. She spoke of the “Marketing and Communications Committee” within the EDC; and specifically referred to the work they have done, including
The video completed and shown on Evergreen Walk;
The “Citizens Program”
The Committee sent out a “Business Survey;” and it has already been returned. This Survey, she said, was very successful
The Commission’s (and subsequently the Town Council’s) approval of an “EDC Incentive Plan;”
An index of “vacancies” around Town, and land available.;
And the “hosting” by her, and the Town Manager, of Real Estate Agencies in an effort to get these agencies to discuss their feelings with regard to these “vacancies.”
(Mrs. Anthony then ran the video on Evergreen Walk for the Town Council, audience, and viewers to see.)
ITEM:
10. Communications and reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan spoke on the following subjects:
A Resolution included this evening regarding the approval of monies for a “Tax Abatement for our Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Corps personnel.
An analysis done by CERC (Conn. Economic Resource Center) regarding the forecasting of future Town budgets over the next couple of years, and the impact on the community. Mr. Galligan felt that the projection of future costs would assist the Town with decisions being made today that would affect future costs and could result in cost avoidance.
The “DST Realty” issue which, according to Mr. Galligan, he and the Town Assessor, Charles Danna, were continuing to monitor to determine if there might be “certain equipment that is eligible.” They would continue to work with our State Legislators to try to ease this situation.
Two items needing immediate attention at an upcoming Work Session—A decision regarding the proposal for Rye Street fields; and the consideration of a “Special Events Ordinance.”
Another Work Session discussion item the Town Manager wished to see addressed soon was with regard to the “establishment of bench marks and trend data for the Town of South Windsor”
Mr. Galligan then informed the Town Council that Karl Reichle was seeking an appointment to the State of Connecticut’s _______________
Following the Town Manager’s Report, Mayor Aman asked that the proposed “Special Events Ordinance” be reduced form its present length of “7 pages long,” to, hopefully, “one page.” He felt it was far too lengthy and unwielding.
Councillor Pelkey expressed his pleasure with the fact that the Town would be going forward with the “bench mark process.” The Councillor then expressed his concern that Police Department personnel had not discussed the idea of a Weapons Qualification Range, at Burgess Road, with Public Works personnel. He suggested that when an “internal” project such as this was being formulated, staff should be ironing out the problems together prior to its reaching the Town Council.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees
Councillor Barbour reported on a recent meeting of the Capital Projects Committee; and said that their discussions had centered on Rye Street Park Improvements. Those in attendance at this meeting, the Councillor stated, were recommending the following:
Remove the existing lights from the first softball diamond, and build two mid-size soccer fields in the “outfield” of that diamond;
Rearrange the lights on the other softball diamond to light one football/lacrosse field and one softball diamond.
These recommendations, she continued, carried a price tag that would be paid for out of the leftover 2002/2003 Recreation Department Capital Projects Budget; plus the money from the Soccer Association.
Mayor Aman said the feeling he took from that Capital Projects meeting was that they “definitely wanted something to be done; and this is something that can be done fairly quickly and with the money currently allocated.” This, he added, would be coming forward in a Town Council Work Session, soon; followed by a Resolution instructing that the Town go ahead, and how it would be funded.
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Aman said he had one item he wished to discuss with Council—that being that he wished to schedule an Executive Session, only, for next Monday evening to “do the Town Manager’s annual review.” He asked that the Members of the Town Council contact the Clerk of the Council to state whether they were able to attend Monday evening’s meeting (even though it was “Columbus Day); of if they would prefer another day next week.
The Mayor felt that it was only fair that this Council determine the “raises for our three staff members would receive prior to the Election.”
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Burnham said he wished to speak to the Resolution included on tonight’s Agenda regarding the renaming of the southern section of Ellington Road. He thought that the idea of naming it “Spielman Road” after the family of the same name who lived in that area for many years, was an excellent idea.
Councillor Burnham said that he and Mayor Aman wished to congratulate our Volunteer Firefighters for the “good job” they did of stopping the fire at the Avery Street Reform Church from spreading any further than it did. He pointed out that their quick work saved the Sanctuary of that Church from also being destroyed.
Councillor Havens reminded Council of the Hartford Marathon being held this Saturday, October 11, a portion of whose route would be through South Windsor’s Main Street.
Other information Councillor Havens said he wished to convey to the Council was that on September 29th he and Councillor Fine had been invited to CCSU to be present for a luncheon in honor of Atty. John J. Woodcock III, recognizing Atty. Woodcock as “America’s Father of the Lemon Law”—Connecticut being the first State of adopt such a law. Presently, he added, “virtually all the States now have this law.”
Saying he had received both a letter, and a telephone call, regarding the Town’s Salt Storage Shed at the Town Garage, Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager if the figures he was given were correct. The cost of this project, according to Mr. Galligan, will be between $500,000 and $600,000 before it is done.
Much of this cost, according to the Town Manager, is due to the “requirements” because of its proximity of the landfill, 120 acres of wetlands, a stream, etc. A safe housing must be provided for all this because of environmental and DEP regulations.
Councillor Havens said that he knew of a South Windsor resident who went to West Hartford to dispose of their hazardous waste, and were turned away. The Councillor stated that this, once again, pointed up the need for a place to dispose of hazardous waste until next year. Another resident, however, had gone to the Town of Ellington for the same reason and was accommodated.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Havens asked if anyone has called the Town Hall to determine what can be done with this waste in the interim between legal collections.
Mr. Galligan said he had received no calls; however, he said he could not speak for any calls the Public Works Director may have received. Councillor Havens suggested that the Town Manager contact neighboring communities to see if a “reciprocal agreement” might be worked out.
Councillor Delnicki reminded the Councillors of the Human Services Department “Family Awareness Day” which would be upcoming on Saturday, October 25.
14. Public Participation
Library Director Mary Etter came forward to report on upcoming programs next month. “Booked for Lunch” on October 22, and in observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she said, would have author Susan Shea, a breast cancer survivor, as its guest.
Another program she wished Council and the listening public to be aware of is a scheduled “Candidate Forum” sponsored by the Friends of the Library, and the South Windsor Jaycees. This program will be held the evening of October 22, in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, and will include both Town Council and Board of Education candidates.
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Appointment of Peter DeMallie (U) as Representative to the Central Regional (Tourism) District (formerly “Greater Hartford Tourism District”)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Peter DeMallie the Town’s representative to the Central Regional (Tourism) District for a term ending September 1, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Burnham
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
A. Resolution Appointing Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLC as Town Auditors
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints the
firm of Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLC, of Farmington, Connecticut to audit the books and accounts of the Town of South Windsor, as provided in the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the fee for said auditing services by Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLC will be $34,900 for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2004; and $36,600 for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2005, and for a term expiring December 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Councillor Havens then moved, with the permission of the Council Agenda Item 17. D. up to this time--that being a “Discussion Item – Possible Designation of a Poet Laureate for the Town of South Windsor.” The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki, and was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
D. Discussion Item - Possible Designation of a “Poet Laureate” for the Town of South Windsor (Requested by Councillor Havens)
First to come forward to speak on this subject was Library Director Mary Etter. Ms. Etter provided the definition of a “Poet Laureate,” and that 30 States had Poet Laureates—however, it was unique that a municipal Poet Laureate be named. She reported that there is no single “Job Description” for this position—in fact no description at all.
Next to address Council was Ms. Bonnie Enes, a South Windsor resident, then addressed the Council seeking this designation. Ms. Enes gave her interpretation of the duties that accompanied this appointment, and why she felt a “Poet Laureate” would enhance those cultural and artistic programs offered by the Town.
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Mayor Aman asked Mary Etter to return to Council, after a meeting of the art group, with a job description type summary of how this person should be appointed, etc. He felt that if Council wished to do this it would be an appointment similar to “Town Historian.” The Mayor was of the opinion that the person designated “Poet Laureate” would be spending a lot more time with the arts group and the Library than she/he would be coming before the Town Council.
B. Discussion Item – “Budget Forecasting Analysis” presentation by Marjorie Anthony, Chairman, Economic Development Commission
Ms. Anthony said she was present this evening with an “almost finished goal,” that being the 25-year study on “where we were; where we are; and where we need to be.” After a brief statement addressing the subject of this analysis, Ms. Anthony said they still awaited a report back from the Board of Education—which report would not be finished until the end of October or the beginning of November.
She then introduced Jeff Blodgett, Vice President of Research, and Dale Shannon, Senior Economist, from CERC (Conn. Economic Resource Center). Mr. Blodgett and Mr. Shannon then conducted a slide presentation of the Analysis.
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $13,330 from the High School Bleachers Capital Project to the High School Dire Alarm Upgrade Capital Project
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Board of Education has indicated that the High School Bleachers Capital Improvement Project is complete; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the completed High School Fire Alarm Upgrade project is $13,330 more than the original budget of $50,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $13,330 from the High School Bleachers Capital Project Account No. 004-4300-4336-320 to the High School Fire Alarm Upgrade Capital Project Account No. 004-4300-4344-320 to cover the funding deficit.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
D. Discussion Item re. the Designation of a Poet Laureate
(Addressed earlier in the Agenda.)
E. Resolution Approving the Renaming of the Southern Section of Ellington Road from Burnham Street, North, to the Cul-de-Sac at the Railroad Tracks
WHEREAS, The Connecticut Department of Transportation has reconstructed the south end of Ellington Road (Route 30) such that the intersection of Ellington Road and Route 5, and the railroad crossing on Ellington Road have been moved north to a point opposite the ramps for I-291 eastbound; and the southern section of this road now begins at Burhnam Street and ends in a cul-de-sac by the railroad tracks, and
WHEREAS, The Town of South Windsor has agreed to assume ownership of, and maintain, the southern section of this road from Burnham Street to the cul-de-sac by the railroad tracks upon completion of this construction project, and transfer of this section of road from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to the Town of South Windsor, and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of public safety and maintenance to rename the section of road that now begins at Burnham Street and ends in a cul-de-sac at the railroad tracks, and
WHEREAS, Arthur Spielman, an active member of this community for many years, lived in this section of Ellington Road from 1938 until he passed away in 2003—having farmed the land in this area until the year 2000
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the section of road that now begins at Burnham Street and ends in a Cul-de-Sac by the railroad tracks shall be renamed from “Ellington Road” to “Spielman Road.”
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
At this time, Councillor Delnicki moved to take Agenda Item 17. G. out of order. The Motion was seconded; and approved 8 to 1 Abstention. (Councillor Fine recluse herself from any discussion or vote on Agenda Item 17. G. because of a possible conflict of interest.)
G. Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of $57,750 from Contingency Account to Volunteer Abatement Account; and Approving the Payment of $57,750 from the Volunteer Abatement Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to provide funds to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc. in lieu of tax abatements, to be used for any purpose the above corporation chooses
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the transfer of $57,750 from the Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to the Volunteer Abatement Account Number 0300-0205-718; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the payment of $57,750 from the Volunteer Abatement Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc. in lieu of tax abatements to be used for any purpose.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was approved, unanimously, 8 to 0.
F. Discussion Item – Naming of Kelley/Willard/Waldron Property
(Requested by Councillor Delnicki)
Councillor Delnicki, assuming that the reimbursement monies have been received from the State of Connecticut for these Open Space parcels, stated that the Subcommittee on the Naming of Public Lands and Buildings had met several times recently to discuss possible names for these parcels.
Names brought up at these meetings for consideration, he said, were “Stoughton Park,” and “Wapping Park” (with special recognition of the Stoughton portion of the lands in the Park).
ITEM:
17. F.
Councillor Delnicki said that, ideally, he would like to see as a goal this evening a discussion concerning one name to bring forward as a Resolution in the very near future.
The following people from the audience then came forward to speak on this issue:
Mr. Howard A. Willard, Jr., 141 Main Street, Old Wethersfield, Ct.
Mrs. Doris Burgdorf, 1245 Main Street, South Windsor
Mr. Roy Norman, 158 Homestead Dr., South Windsor
Mrs.. Terri Kyc (Town Historian), 447 Main Street, South Windsor
Councillor Barbour said she had written a letter, previously, to the Subcommittee regarding the naming of “parks.” She then read a portion of that letter in which she suggested that an area to be named “Remembrance Park” (a natured wooded sanctuary) where all South Windsor’s “volunteer heroes” may be honored. This would be a permanent place, she said, listed on our Town Map and have proper on-site signage.
Councillor Delnicki pointed out the “struggle” with a name. He asked what he might do to get a feeling for the Council’s choice. Mayor Aman, noting that this was the first “formal” presentation of suggested names for these parcels; and urged the Council to “talk informally amongst ourselves” and see if there is a consensus one way or another on this sensitive issue.
The Mayor said he felt uncomfortable to voice that one name is more worthy than another; however, .a choice has to be made soon.
At this juncture, Councillor havens moved to extend the meeting beyond 11:00 p.m., in order to complete the Agenda. The Motion was duly seconded; and unanimously approved.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued).
H. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Agreement with Mr. Bruce Harvey Regarding the Termination of the Town’s Original Resolve to Purchase Mr. Harvey’s War Memorabilia Collection
(Deputy Mayor Streeter)
WHEREAS, a proposal to purchase and display an extensive and valuable collection of War Memorabilia owned by Mr. Bruce Harvey has been in abeyance for the last three or four years, because of associated storage and maintenance considerations; and
WHEREAS, there is presently no funding available to create a “Museum” or adequate storage space to house this collection, nor is said funding expected in the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, funding considerations aside, the Town does not currently possess the expertise needed to operate and maintain a Museum housing valuable contents such as this collection, thus leaving the door open to possible future damage and deterioration of its contents
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to enter into discussions with Mr. Bruce Harvey with regard to the termination of any prior agreements between both parties with regard to this War Memorabilia Collection; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the expeditious and mutually-agreeable conclusion of this agreement would, most importantly, now allow Mr. Harvey to pursue other avenues for the sale and preservation of his valuable war memorabilia collection.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued).
I. Discussion Item – Suggested Resolutions to Dangerous Situation when Exiting Town Hall/Library Facilities onto Sullivan Avenue
Chief Gary Tyler and Police Department Agent Thomas Martin appeared to offer suggested ways to address dangerous situation. Chief Tyler distributed a “South Windsor Police Services Traffic Unit Traffic Study Report;” and both Chief Tyler and Agent Martin explained the contents of the report. (A copy of the report is attached.)
J. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund to Forty-five (45) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a property tax refund to forty-five (45) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $16,815.19 and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was approved, on a Roll Call vote, 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention. The Motion to Abstain was cast by Councillor Havens because of a possible conflict of interest.
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 cast at 11:25 p.m., was duly seconded, and approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (Exhibit A., and Traffic Study Report)
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