TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS SEPTEMBER 2, 2003
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Aman called the meeting to order at 7”00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Barbara Barbour
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
Members Absent Councillor Paul Burnham
3. Public Participation - None
4. Communications - None
5. Town Manager’s Report
Saying that, this week, he would be offering his “Town Manager’s Report” during the Work Session rather than at the Regular Meeting, Mr. Galligan explained that it was because of the possibility of long discussions regarding “Referenda” that may be contained on the ballot at the November 4 elections.
The first item of discussion was the conveyance of the “I-291 Parcels” being proposed for Referendum approval. Mr. Galligan then stated that the South Windsor Redevelopment Agency was “pretty much in line to move ahead” with this project. The Agency, he said, was continuing to meet with members of the State’s Department of Office of Policy & Management to make certain the Grant monies for this project continue to “stay intact.”
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
The Town Manager then explained a Resolution included on the Regular Meeting Agenda associated with the Board of Education’s Capital Projects. All the projects are included in the budget, he said, and the Resolution was transferring monies left over from one project to those projects with overruns.
Mr. Galligan then went on to the Resolutions associated with possible Referendum Questions on the upcoming ballot in November—one seeking authorization for the possible conveyance of Town property known as “Union School;” and the other the conveyance of Town property referred to as “I-291 Parcels.”
Referring to the “Union School” question, Mr. Galligan said it was determined that it would probably be in the best interest of the Town (should the Town Council choose to convey this property) to go to a “negotiated sale” of same, rather than competitive bidding. This way, he added, and in consideration of its location on a designated “Scenic Road,” the Town would have control over what type of project would be going in at this site should it come to that.
Voter approval of the second Referendum Questions (“I-291 Parcels”), according to the Town Manager, would basically authorize the Town’s Redevelopment Agency to convey these parcels for economic development purposes. Mr. Galligan reminded the Town Council that these were the 22 acres given to South Windsor for one dollar ($1.00) by the State of Connecticut. He also reminded them of the caveat placed on this property which stipulates that, were the Town to sell these parcels for economic development purposes, it must then reimburse the State for the value of the land.
Continuing with his report, Mr. Galligan then conveyed recent information on the “Connecticut Resource Center” which informed the Town it had recently finished the Budget Plan for the Town of South Windsor. This was a Plan worked on through the State’s Department of Economic Development, he said, whereby a “forward projection” on South Windsor’s budgets has been made after their having looked at our Town budgets for the past 25 years.
Mr. Galligan said he was currently reviewing those numbers with staff to make certain the information is correct; and, he hoped this would soon be coming before Council for discussion. The primary determination, he added, is how does the Town get its Strategic Plan in line with its Budget.
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
A recent meeting with various groups in Town interested in the Town’s recreation programs and needs was held, according to Mr. Galligan, to discuss Rye Street Park and renovations. Cost estimates, he added, have been arrived at; and these estimates and other issues regarding this proposal will be discussed at Council’s September 15th Work Session.
According to Mr. Galligan, another presentation that will be made later in this Work Session is one that is proposing the reorganization of the Human Services Department. Mr. Dennis Sheridan, he said, would be making the presentation and both he and Mr. Sheridan agreed that the changes in the Department that were being proposed would improve the services to both Senior Citizens and our Teens.
The Town Manager said that another report being sought by Council and just about ready for presentation was the one Council had requested on Refuse Collection and Bulky Waste Collection. The meeting, he said, was needed to determine Council’s wishes as to whether the program should continue as is, or whether another avenue should be sought.
Stating that the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph Wood, and he had met and discussed the creation of a “different budget process,” Mr. Galligan said that the idea was that the public, too, should know (well in advance) some of the issues being proposed instead of receiving the Board of Education Budget in February, and the General Government Budget in March—leaving the Town Council one month in which to decide on the programs to be funded.
The idea of meeting with Council in September to discuss a “level budget” was developed, Mr. Galligan said. This would be the time, he added, to provide “costs” arrived at by then; and to discuss further with Council what it would take to keep the current level of services, and the current staffing. Also, at that time, he and Dr. Wood would be trying to get an indication from the Town Council what it was looking at for a “tax increase,” services programs, etc.
With this new process, the Town Manager added, there would be “months” (Oct through Dec.) to discuss programs and to “weed out” those that the Town should not be doing any longer, and to add those that would enhance the quality of the community. It was his, and Dr. Wood’s contention that one month was too short a period of time to discuss a $70 million budget. Mr. Galligan suggested a one-day Work Session, on a Saturday, to sit down and look at a Strategic Plan in conjunction with the “numbers provided.”
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
Mr. Galligan then went on to the recently received report from the Conn. Health Department that informed the Town of South Windsor that the tests conducted on a horse that had died in South Windsor a week ago had come back “positive” for West Nile Virus. The Health Department, he added, feels that the West Nile Virus issue is one that pertains to the entire State of Connecticut—since, to date, 57 Towns in Connecticut have had proven cases of the Virus in either horses or birds.
Mr. Galligan then provided suggested preventative measures, for humans, and precautionary steps suggested by the Health Department that homeowners could take to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from contracting the Virus.
Mayor Aman then asked to go back to the subject of the Union School, and what was being proposed this evening with regard to this property. He explained to the public that for the Town Council, under the Town Charter, to transfer title to Town-owned property, there must be voter approval (by Referendum). He further explained that the “transfer of title” could be to the Historical Society, the Wood Memorial Library, or to a non-profit or other organization. It made no difference, he added whether the Town was being offered $1 or $1 million for the property—Town Council still needed permission from Town residents to sell any piece of real estate owned by the Town.
There followed comments and questions from the Councillors on the topics the Town Manager touched upon.
Councillor Fine asked for some type of a “time-line” on the proposal for the creation of a Charter Revision Commission. Councillor Fine asked Mr. Galligan the status of this proposal. The Town Attorney stated that the Town Council would have to establish this Commission, by Resolution; and the Town Manager suggested a Work Session on this the week of September 15th.
The process was then discussed further.
Mayor Aman asked the Town Attorney to prepare a “draft” of what Council would actually be voting on; and he asked that this be ready for the Work Session at which the Charter Revision Commission would be discussed.
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
The Town Attorney reminded the Councillors that “it would take two (2) Resolutions”—the first to create a Charter Revision Commission; and, within 30 days of the first Resolution (or at the same time), Council has to appoint the Commission and make whatever recommendations it wished in terms of the issues to be looked at. Atty. Guliano said he would be happy to put these together in order to start the discussions.
Mayor Aman said one question he would immediately ask would be—was it necessary to make the appointments “by name;” or, would it be possible to indicate choices by saying (i.e.,) “one Board of Education representative; one Planning and Zoning Representative; etc.
Atty. Guliano replied that it would probably be necessary to provide names since “party affiliation” requirements would have to be met—thus providing a certain “balance” within the Commission.
Once again, the discussion subject returned to the proposed Referendum Question on Union School, including suggestions on how best to obtain information on avenues to follow for “historical grants” that could be sought in an effort to preserve and restore this building rather than going to any kind of a “conveyance.”
Atty. Guliano asked if it might be possible to update the Town Council on a couple of issues while still within this Agenda Item. Mayor Aman told him to proceed.
The first issue the Town Attorney said he wished to address was the Juknis matter that is still in progress. One of the greenhouses, according to Atty. Guliano, is down, and the other one is in the process of being dismantled. The deadline for cessation of business at that location was set for September 30; 2003 with the requirement that all the buildings be down by October 15; 2003.
The Town Attorney said that Town staff has already been on the property determining where “trails” might be located; preparing for “survey work,” etc.
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
The second issue, Atty. Guliano said, was that of the Town’s Open Space Grant from the DEP. He said he wished to provide an update on that project. (Attached is a “Timetable” of events pertaining to “Grant approval,” and meeting the requirements of the DEP in order to obtain reimbursement monies for the purchase of the Kelley/Waldron/Willard property; and the Mitchell Property (subsequently renamed the Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve). (A copy of this timetable is attached hereto.)
Atty. Guliano went into detail regarding these dates and the setbacks experienced in this 4-year process—particularly the problems associated with the State Attorney General’s Office.
Councillor Delnicki, noting that it would appear the Town has done everything it should have to merit reimbursement funds for these open space parcels. He asked if it might not be sensible for the Town Council to “originate a letter to the Attorney General about this issue.”
Atty. Guliano said that it might not be a bad idea—in fact, he added, that it would probably be a good idea to write the same letter to our State representatives.
Councillor Delnicki then asked the Mayor to consider originating a letter from the Town Council to the Attorney General and to our State representatives regarding this matter. Mayor Aman sought a consensus of the Town Council regarding these letters; and it was generally agreed that they should be sent.
Councillor Havens asked if the area would be cleared completely of any buildings. Atty. Guliano replied that there had been some talk of keeping one of the buildings for (perhaps) a club house for the open space users, etc. However, he stressed, if the Town was not interested in this building, the area would be completely cleared.
6. Items for Discussion
A. Reorganization of the Human Services Department
Dennis Sheridan, Director of Youth and Family Services, presented to the Town Council a plan he and the Town Manager have been working on for the past month relative to the reorganization of the Human Services Department.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Sheridan reminded the Town Council that Patricia Schneider, his co-director at Human Services, had been “hired back” by the Town of Glastonbury. This, he added, is the reason for “another plan” he and the Town Manager felt would work well for his Department.
Mr. Sheridan then provided a “visual aid” depicting an Organizational Chart for the Human Services Department; and proceeded to explain, in more detail, what was being proposed and how it would work. (A copy of the Organizational Chart is attached hereto.)
According to Mr. Sheridan, the proposal called for a single Director of Human Services; and two “Coordinators”—a Coordinator of Adult and Senior Services; and a Coordinator of Youth and Family Services. Mr. Sheridan then gave a brief history on the Department’s prior organization.
At this time in our history, he felt this structure would benefit both populations.
Town Manager Matthew Galligan then informed the Town Council that a current employee in the Human Services Department, Irene Dineen, would be promoted to the position of Coordinator of Adult and Senior Services. Mr. Galligan praised Ms. Dineen for her standing in the Department, and her popularity with the Seniors.
Next, the Town Manager said he would like to make Dennis Sheridan the new Director of Human Services; and, since Mr. Sheridan has been the Youth and Family Director to this point, it would be necessary to seek applications for the new position of Coordinator of Youth and Family Services.
Mr. Galligan added that there would be no increase in cost to the Town to accomplish this restructuring for various reasons; and, in this year’s Budget, the increase would “stay within the Department.”
Returning to the appointment of Dennis Sheridan, Mr. Galligan said that he “has been running the Department on a trial basis;” and the Town Manager favored having only one person “running the entire department.” He said he was always uncomfortable with having the department overseen by three (3) separate supervisors.
6. A. (Continued)
Dennis Sheridan reiterated the Town Manager’s feelings that appointing Irene Dineen to that position was an excellent choice. He added that “Irene is a veteran in the Department--a Case Worker veteran; and a program veteran. He said that the Seniors know her and like her; and he felt should will be a “great fit for the Department.” Mr. Sheridan also offered accolades to the other members of the Human Services staff.
B. Update on the Pleasant Valley Pump Station and Discussion re. Resolution 17. L. on the Regular Agenda of 9/2/03
Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works, provided background information on the upcoming Resolution 17. L. on the Regular Meeting Agenda. The issue, he said, involves the opportunity to seek low interest loans from the Department of Environmental Protection for one of the Town’s ongoing projects—namely, one of its Pump Stations.
Up until a year ago, Mr. Gantick reported, the State did not offer this type of program for facilities associated with the Town’s “collection system—namely, sewers and pump stations. He said that the Town would like to enter into a program similar to that entered into three years ago, the “Ultraviolet Disinfection System” at South Windsor’s Treatment Plan.
Continuing, Mr. Gantick said, that the Water Pollution Control Authority was presently going through their “authorization process” to enter into this process. The State process requires: (1) that the Town has the ability to repay the loan; and (2) that the Town agrees to go through the process the State has identified.
Mr. Gantick then informed the Town Council did approve both partial funding for this project in last year’s budget, and then the remainder of the funding was approved in this year’s budget; however, he recommended that the Town take advantage of the “low interest loan” being offered by the State—a 2% loan for 20 years.
Although, in this case, these funds would apply to the Pleasant Valley Road Pump Station, he predicted that, in the future, the Town would be doing the same thing next year for the remainder of the pump stations that the Town was working on—and, sometime in the more distant future, the same thing for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He reminded Council of last year’s “Facility Plan” which included a list of “updates” needed at the Treatment Plant that, eventually, would have to be addressed.
6. B.. (Continued)
Stating that this program is not for everyone, Mr. Gantick said, he wanted Council to know that the State Legislature had actually “capped” $30 million to be available for this program on an annual basis based upon priorities established through DEP. South Windsor’s pump stations, he added, are #9 on the list—so the Town just “makes it into the money.”
Another reason for the urgency of addressing this Resolution tonight is the fact that the Town’s application must be on the “Bond Commission’s Agenda;” and the closing date for entries onto this Agenda is in less then two weeks time. Therefore, all the paper work, Resolution approval, etc. must be delivered to the DEP staff so that they can make certain the application is correct; following this the DEP will get the Town onto the Bond Commission’s Agenda.
The Bond Commission, Mr. Gantick added, has not met in many months—probably not since last year. This fact, he said, makes the process tenuous.
Questions followed from the Town Councillors.
7. Executive Session - None
8. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made at 8:10 p.m., was duly seconded, and unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Timetable – Open Space Grants)
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