TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
ACTION MINUTES Page 1 OCTOBER 20, 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
(Prior to reconvening the Regular Meeting, Mayor Aman took this time to read a “Proclamation” being presented by Council honoring South Windsor resident and teacher, Daria Plummer, who had been voted South Windsor’s “Teacher of the Year.”
The Regular Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.; immediately recessed to continue the Work Session; and reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
5. Public Input
Elizabeth Pendleton, 319 Hilton Drive, rose to speak on the Agenda Items relating to the evaluation and pay raises for the Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Clerk of the Council. As a citizen of South Windsor, she said, she would personally like to say “thank you” to these individuals for their efforts in the Town’s interest during the last year.
6. Environmental Health and Safety Message - None
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: September 15, 2003 Regular Meeting; and October 7, 2003 Regular Meeting
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Following a request from Councillor Paquin that the October 7 Minutes reflect her opposition to the Weapons Qualification Range, the Minutes were approved, unanimously.
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
First to speak was Mr. Robert Moeller, Chairman of the Patriotic Commission. Mr. Moeller that the Town would, again, be participating in Hartford’s Veterans’ Day Parade on November 8. Adding that he did not, as yet, have all the details, he asked that those wishing to march be at South Windsor’s Community Center on Saturday morning at 8:00---from where they would proceed to Hartford.
Mr. Moeller made special note that South Windsor would have no school band represented this year; that his letter requesting same had received a response from the Board of Education that there were “no funds” available to pay for their participation.
Mr. Moeller then went on to explain, in detail, the plans for South Windsor’s Veterans’ Day Commemoration activities—they being: 11:00 a.m. on November 11, at VMP where Colonel Daniel Michele (?) would be the guest speaker; and other participants in this ceremony would be a chorus from South Windsor’s High School sing our National Anthem; and taps being played by two Members of South Windsor High School Band.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan spoke to several subjects, namely:
He said he would be giving a brief presentation on the Town’s “web page;”
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
The Grant received for “lighting” at Nevers Road Park given by Representative Kerensky; however, it has seen been discovered that there is solid bedrock at that location. What was originally estimated to cost about $38,000 then went to $92,000 because of the bedrock present in the area. Feeling that this was not a prudent use of money, Rep. Kerensky then worked with State officials and came up with a new project to which the $38,000 might be given.
This new project, the Town Manager reported, was to the “Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve. Already, small trees obscuring the “Vista” of this land preserve were removed today. A “walking trail” will also be provided through this Grant.
A meeting he had with DECD regarding the $500,000 and I-291. Sen. LeBeau and Rep. Kerensky were present, and very helpful. Mr. Galligan assured the Town Council that this money was “intact and earmarked for South Windsor; and no going anywhere.” These funds, however, will not be released to South Windsor until the Town has completed an “Environmental Impact Analysis” as required by State Statute.
Mr. Galligan then spoke on information he had received from the Federal Government on Homeland Security. The Town, he added, has until the end of October to “get it in.” Four meetings, he added, have already been conducted on this assessment—one more meeting remains, he added, following which the Town would go on the “web site.”
Mr. Galligan reported that Christopher Dougan has officially been appointed South Windsor’s “Chief Building Official.”
Mr. Galligan reported that he did hear from the railroad about their clean-up needs along the Route 5 track area. The Town Manager was given the name of a “Mr. Foster” who the Town would be working with. Some clean-up work has already been done, he mentioned.
Mayor Aman inquired, once again, about the funds totaling approximately $600,000 due from the State of Connecticut for reimbursement to the Town for the purchase of Open Space. He said he assumed they had still not been received. Mr. Galligan responded that this was the case—no money as yet; however, he would follow up on this.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
The Mayor also asked Mr. Galligan if Police Chief Tyler has indicated when the “No Left-Hand Turn out of Town Hall onto Sullivan Avenue” ruling was going to be in place and actively enforced. Mr. Galligan said it was a matter of “signage” and those signs were being made up right now.
Further questions followed from Councillors.
Mr. Galligan and Mr. John Marchesseault (Data Processing Specialist), then conducted a data point presentation regarding the Town’s “web site.”
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Delnicki reminded everyone that this upcoming Saturday (October 25) was “Family Awareness Day.”
Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager about the value of bringing the O&W Heat Tax Abatement request back to Council. He asked for input on this. Mr. Galligan explained that O&W Heat has expanded in Town; and is telling the Town that the future holds the possibility of another expansion. With this in mind, the company hoped to not only establish a relationship with the Town, but to acquire some type of tax abatement for their new expansion. According to Mr. Galligan; the general feeling is that they are a “local business” and everything should be done to keep local businesses in Town.
Mr. Galligan said that, at this point, whether to grant a tax abatement, or not, is the Council's decision.
Councillor Havens said he felt O&W Heat should be afforded any of the tax abatement benefits other businesses enjoy. He also noted that the Economic Development Commission recommended it; and he concurred. He asked that the Town Manager find out at least how much it would cost the Town.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
On another item, Councillor Havens complained about the lack of parking spaces for Town Hall customers. It was his contention that not only were there too few spaces at the front parking area; but that the few there were mostly occupied by partrons of the “Library.”—a situation he felt was unnecessary considering the size of the Library’s parking lot adjacent to its Main Entrance..
Councillor Havens felt more parking spaces were needed at the upper level in front of the Town Hall. Mr. Galligan said he would speak with the Director of Public Works and the Chief of Police about this need.
His final item—Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager to seek a proposal for studying the need for improvement and/or expansion of the “speaker system” within the Council Chambers of the Town Hall.
Councillor Pelkey, too, (as did Councillor Havens) suggested that the Rich Boudreault (Asst. to the Dir. of Public Works) check out the newly installed sound system in St. Francis of Assisi’ Church.
Councillor Pelkey made mention of the recently held “Employees Recognition Day,” and the fact that Karl Reichle, Superintendent of Parks and Grounds, is the new “Employee of the Year.” He congratulated Mr. Reichle and thanked him for his work; and used this time to comment, favorably, on the quality of workmanship involved in the construction of the Town’s new Salt Storage Shed at its Public Works Facility on Burgess Road.
Councillor Delnicki recognized Mayor Aman’s letter to U.S. Representative Nancy Johnson pertaining to the tax abatement issue for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps personnel; and recruiting her assistance on this issue.
Deputy Mayor Streeter spoke of the celebration surrounding the East Windsor Hill Post Office’s 220th Anniversary of consecutive postal service. He particularly quoted the fact that this Post Office is “the longest consecutive operational Post Office in the United States.”
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Fine echoed Councillor Havens concerns regarding Town Hall parking at the upper level where visitors expect to be able to park.
On another matter, Councillor Fine asked the listening residents to go out to the front of their house, at night, and see if they can read their “house number” from the edge of the road. She felt a reminder was in order since if the resident cannot read the house number, then neither can an emergency vehicle looking for the home of a resident in trouble.
Mayor Aman expressed his concerns over a communication received from CCM regarding funding coming up. One notice in particular concerned him—that ECS funding will be in the “low 40,000 range for an increase next year.” Worse still, he added, the Town Manager received a similar communiqué a couple of days later stating that the funding will be “a little under $20,000” next year.
Continuing, the Mayor stated that no matter which figure you used, it was a “token amount” that ECS funding would be going up next year; and no “mid-year cuts” have been provided as yet. As soon as firm figures are received on these items, the Mayor felt the Town would have to start its planning immediately to determine how it would handle next year’s Budget—or even part of this year’s Budget.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 17. B., C., D., and E. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Burnham stated that he would be abstaining from the vote on this Motion. The Resolution was approved eight (8) Ayes to one (1) Abstention.
16. Unfinished Business - None
ITEM:
17. New Business
A. Acceptance of the Resignation of Mark Williams (R) from the Parks and Recreation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Mark Williams from the Parks and Recreation Commission, said resignation to take effect immediately.
Was made by: Councillor Barbour
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was Approved, unanimously
*B. Appointment of Deborah R. Burnham (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Deborah R. Burnham to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005, to fill the unexpired term of Mark Williams, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*C. Appointment of Jennifer E. Dolan (R) to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Jennifer E. Dolan to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission for a term ending September 1, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*D. Appointment of Sheila P. Strong (R) to the Human Relations Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Sheila P. Strong to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
*E. Appointment of Suzanne A. Rose (R) to the Human Relations Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Suzanne A. Rose to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2003, to fill the unexpired term of Dorothy (June) Cottle, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
F. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2003/2004
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves an annual salary of $113,500 for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2003/2004.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
Deputy Mayor Streeter took this time to assure the listening public that this increase would be retroactive to July 1, 2003. Also, Councillor Fine suggested that, in future years, some other method be considered in establishing the pay rates. She felt that it needed to be done in a more timely fashion which would make it easier to set the new salaries.
Councillor Havens then stated that he would be supporting the Resolution. However, he reminded everyone that the Town would be looking at some “difficult and troublesome times in the next two years.” He felt it was important to reward the Town Manager for the work he did in the past year; however, he said, the Town is looking at leaner revenues and the challenge of Evergreen Walk and the problems that project could present.
Mayor Aman then called for a vote. The Motion was approved unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
Prior to the next Resolution being read, Mayor Aman said he would be requesting that it be “tabled.” He said that Atty. Guliano has been ill over the last period of time and unable to meet with the Personnel Subcommittee or the Town Council.
G. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for Town Attorney Barry Guliano for Fiscal Year 2003/2004
(The above caption was read by Councillor Fine, who then immediately Moved to Table it. The Motion to Table was seconded by Councillor Pelkey; and was approved, unanimously.)
H. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for Fiscal Year 2003/2004 for the Clerk of the Council Based Upon 1,538 Hours Per Year
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $36,912, based upon 1,538 hours per year, for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2003/2004; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby stipulates that the Clerk of the Council position shall have benefits equivalent to the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification; and said benefits shall be calculated on a prorated basis according to the average number of hours worked in the previous Fiscal Year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said hourly increase and participation in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Package shall be effective July 1, 2003.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
I. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund to Thirty-Eight (38) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to thirty-eight (38) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $10,973.50, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
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 9:30 p.m., by Councillor Delnicki; duly seconded; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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