TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 November 17, 2003
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor Edward Havens
Deputy Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor William Aman
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Muriel Yacavone
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.; immediately recessed it in order to continue an Executive Session; and reconvened the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
ITEM:
5. Public Input - None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message – Councillor Streeter reminded those listening of the dangers of raking their piles of leaves into the street.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the Work Session of September 1, 2003.
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mary Etter, Library Director, reported on upcoming events and programs to be held at the Library, including a two-part series involving discussion of both the book and the movie version of “To Kill a Mockingbird;” an event to be held on Saturday evening referred to as “Telebration,” where the Library is one site in an international network that celebrates the “oral tradition”—including three storytellers telling tales for adults.
The last event, Ms. Etter reported on, was the appearance of author and attorney Steve Goddard who will be discussing his book “Race to the Sky,” which is about the Wright Brothers and their efforts to be the first to fly.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan reported on the need for expediency in the appointment of Council representatives to two “important committees” within the Town government—the “Pension Committee,” and the “Capital Projects Committee.” He reported on the political makeup of these committees.
During his evaluation, Mr. Galligan said it was decided that Council should meet, at regular intervals, with the Town Manager to set priorities.
Referring to the new Members on the Town Council, Mr. Galligan said his office would be contacting them to set up an “orientation program” schedule. At this time, he added, their Budget books, and Capital Projects books, etc. would be provided.
The Town Manager then referred to the Board of Education Work Session the Members of Council had been invited to on November 12 to add their input on the discussion scheduled on “Elementary Facilities.” He went on to say that he did receive a call from Dr. Joseph Wood stating that the Work Session at which the subject of the future plans for Elementary Facilities was scheduled to be discussed, would not be held—nor the subject discussed or decisions made with regard to it.
This, Mr. Galligan added, turned out not to be the case. Even though the Work Session was cancelled, the subject was discussed, at length, during the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, and decisions were made.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
With regard to Economic Development, Mr. Galligan reported that (1) four (4) tax partnerships were presently being reviewed; and (2) there will be a groundbreaking ceremony, at some point, for the Evergreen Walk project; and he would inform the Council of the date as soon as he was made aware of it.
In answer to Councillor Aman’s query regarding the balance in the account designated for architectural fees for the school project, Mr. Galligan reported that on 11/17/03 when he reported back to Councillor Aman it was $161,000; and today he received two bills from the Public Building Commission—one for $26,000; and the other for $51,000—bringing the balance down to $83,000.
He asked for permission to send a letter to the Board of Education and the Public Building Commission informing them of the latest balance, and letting them know that “the fund is dwindling down.” He was not certain if the remaining $83,000 would be enough to pay for the planned schematics by the architect.
Councillor Aman told the Town Manager that he felt it was very important that Mr. Galligan send out that letter to the Board and the PBC letting them know that only $83,000 remained in the account; and he could not figure out where Council would find additional money for architectural fees.
Councillor Aman then reminded the other Members that, during the Timothy Edwards Middle School project, the policy regarding how much the PBC could spend for architects and engineers was changed because, at that time, the Commission had gone “way over budget” in that account and no additional funds had been appropriated.
Another item Mr. Galligan said he wished to mention was that DST Realty of Connecticut wished to amend the tax partnership contract they had entered into with the Town of South Windsor. The changes they were requesting, he said, were “changing the 10-year requirement to a 5-year requirement; and changing the number of employees required from 475 to 375. The Town Manager discussed their reasons for this request, and other considerations they were looking for.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Questions followed from Council regarding the issue of funding for schematics on the elementary facilities project. The Mayor reinforced Councillor Aman's feelings that the Town Manager should let the Board of Education and the Public Building Commission know, soon, of the balance in the architect’s account for this project.
Two suggestions that followed from the Councillors were: (1) Invite the Chairman of the Public Building Commission before Council to update them on the elementary facilities project; and (2) invite the Chairperson of the Board of Education to come before Council when the request for more monies for schematics was being brought forward.
Several Councillors voiced their concern that, by cancelling the proposed Work Session on this subject to which Council had been invited, there were many unanswered questions—not the least of which was what exactly was the Board of Education going to propose for Referendum—renovation of 4 schools, and closing Wapping School; or a plan that included the closing of Wapping School.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Aman, referring to the previous discussion on Union School, asked the Mayor to write out a “charge” for the Committee (what Council expects the Committee to do). The Councillor said that one of the problems he has observed with “citizens committees” is that, unless you tell them up front what you expect them to do, they spend an inordinate amount of time discussing what their responsibilities are, and what they are supposed to be doing.
He suggested that as the different “committee representatives” are named, they should at that time be told what Council expects that committee to do.
14. Public Participation None
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agency Items 16. A., B., C., and D. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business
*A. Appointment of Deborah R. Burnham (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Appointment of Jennifer E. Dolan (R) to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*C. Appointment of Sheila P. Strong (R) to the Human Relations Commission
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*D. Appointment of Suzanne A. Rose (R) to the Human Relations Commission
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
17. New Business
A. Resolution Rescinding Fees Associated with Bulky Waste Pick-up
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2003, the South Windsor Town Council approved, as an Amendment to the General Government Refuse and Recycling Revenue Budget, an increase of $45,000—said revenue to be generated from fees charged for bulky waste pick-up; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council, at that time, approved this Amendment with the proviso that it be revisited in the near future to determine if the bulky waste program, and the fee schedule now associated with it, were not only meeting the needs of the community, but had resulted in no new related problems
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, upon reconsideration of this Amendment, has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of South Windsor to rescind the required fee for bulky waste pick-up, effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to refund all fees collected to date from said program.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
Before a vote could be taken on this Resolution, and because of a concern as to where the $45,000 would be coming from to replace the anticipated revenues from the fees for this service, Councillor Streeter Moved to Table. He suggested the Resolution return to Council at its next meeting, but include a transfer of $45,000 from another account (or accounts) to make up the deficit.
Mayor Havens agreed with the idea of returning with a more complete Resolution; however, Councillor Pelkey pointed out that this program is continuing to lose money and the sooner the fee schedule is eliminated, the less the Town will lose.
Before a vote was taken a member of the audience asked to speak. The speaker was Lincoln Streeter, 56 Bramblebrae, who questioned the wisdom or need to “refund” fee money already collected under this program. It was his contention that if the public understood the rules of the program and availed themselves of the service. why the need to refund these fees.
The Motion to Table was defeated 6 Nays to 3 Ayes on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine - No
Councillor Aman - Yes
Councillor Paquin - No
Councillor Delnicki - Yes
Councillor Pendleton - No
Councillor Streeter - Yes
Councillor Yacavone - No
Deputy Mayor Pelkey - No
Mayor Havens - No
Mayor Havens then called for a vote on the Resolution. The Resolution was approved 7 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Aman - No
Councillor Paquin - Yes
Councillor Delnicki - Yes
Councillor Pendleton - Yes
Councillor Streeter - No
Councillor Yacavone - Yes
Deputy Mayor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Havens - Yes
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution to Enter into an Agreement with the State of Connecticut for the Construction, Inspection, and Maintenance of Pleasant Valley Road and Clark Street Utilizing Federal Funds Under the Urban Component of the Surface Transportation Program
(Councillor Aman)
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded Federal and State funding from the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), Surface Transportation Program (STP), to Reconstruct Pleasant Valley Road from the Manchester Town Line to Clark Street and Clark Street from Chapel Road to Pleasant Valley Road including the intersection of Pleasant Valley and Clark Street; and,
WHEREAS, The Final Design has been completed by the Town of South Windsor and the necessary Rights-of-Way and Easements have been acquired by the Connecticut Department of Transportation; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation will be responsible for conducting the bidding, contracting, construction administration and inspection portion of said project and requires that the Town of South Windsor enter into an agreement with the State for this portion of the project
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes its Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to execute the agreement titled: “AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND THE TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE OF PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD AND CLARK STREET UTILIZING FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER THE URBAN COMPONENT OF THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM”
Was made by: Councillor Aman
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
A discussion ensued as to when this project will start. Mr. Gantick replied that he expected the project to be started late Spring of 2004, or early Summer. With regard to the remaining “garage” on the site, plans were to leave it where it is—in spite of the fact that it is close to the road.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey asked the Town Manager to arrange with the Police Department’s traffic division to have a “traffic counter” and “speed device” located at this site for at least a two-week period. He was of the opinion that any road about to be constructed, or reconstructed, should have this type of base line information. Following the construction, counts should again be taken for comparison purposes.
Councillor Fine asked to Table the Resolution until these traffic counts were obtained. Town Manager Galligan informed her that it was too late to put this off—that the Town was “so far into this project” that if it Tabled this Resolution at this point, the Town would “never get a $3,000,000 Grant again from the United States Government.
The Motion was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Nay on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Aman - Yes
Councillor Paquin - Yes
Councillor Delnicki - No
Councillor Pendleton - Yes
Councillor Streeter - Yes
Councillor Yacavone - Yes
Deputy Mayor Pelkey - Yes
Mayor Havens - Yes
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Authorizing an Emergency Extension of Sick Leave to a Town Employee
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the use, for emergency purposes, of twenty-five days of unearned sick leave by Michael J. Murphy, Plant Operator I, following the exhaustion of his accrued sick time and vacation time--said sick leave to be repaid by him, as earned, and pursuant to Section V., Subsection 8 of the Town of South Windsor’s Personnel Rules and Regulations.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund to Fifty-Six (56) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a property tax refund to fifty-six (56) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $9,736.19, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Pelkey used this time to congratulate brothers Jeff and Mark Schneider, two South Windsor High School students who recently took home a Regional Science prize of a $3,000 scholarship for their work in developing a study on the spread of “West Nile Virus.” The next step for these two young men, according to the Deputy Mayor, is to travel to Washington, D.C. for a chance to win the $100,000 Grand Prize.
On behalf of the Town Council, Deputy Mayor Pelkey congratulated Mark Jeff; wished them well in Washington, D.C.; and invited them to appear before Council upon their return to share this experience with their fellow citizens.
ITEM:
20. Executive Session (Not needed)
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made by Councillor Paquin at 10:00 p.m.; was seconded by Councillor Fine; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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