TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 17, 2003
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Edward Havens
Deputy Mayor John P. Pelkey
Councillor William Aman
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Muriel Yakavone
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
Public Participation
Communications – Non
Town Manager’s Report – None
Items for Discussion
Union School – Including Appointment of Committee to Accept and Evaluate Requests for Proposals
James Dina, 789 Main Street, reported that a number of residents who live within a mile radius of Union School had gotten together to discuss various issues, one of which was Union School. The group has named themselves “Residential Recapture.” Mr. Dina suggested that someone from this group be appointed to the Committee.
6. A. (Continued)
Walt Fitzpatrick, 1846 Main Street, a member of the Historic District Commission--which had evaluated the Union School--said that it was their charge to preserve historic buildings and maintain the colonial character of Main Street and South Windsor to the maximum extent possible. He requested that a member of the Historic District be included as a member of the committee.
Mr. Galligan stated that he had already included a member of the Historic District Commission as well as a staff member, and he would work with the group mentioned by Mr. Dina.
Doris Bergdorf said that she and Anne Fiore were present this evening at the request of Sam Brady, President of the South Windsor Historic Society, to request that a delegate from the Society be included on the Committee.
A time table has not yet been set for the work of the Committee, according to the Town Manager.
Councillor Streeter volunteered to serve as a member, and Councillor Fine recommended that Councillor Yakavone serve as a member.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey reminded the Town Manager that he had suggested that the Requests for Proposals be printed in trade papers, as well as the normal newspapers.
Dr. Bruce Burnham, Main Street, indicated the importance in preserving the Union School as a historical building and offered his help to the Committee.
Councillor Aman referenced issues which would need to be addressed up front—how money would be obtained for the rehabilitation, as well as the estimate of $150,000 per year to keep the building open once it has been rehabilitated.
Jean Howat, 763 Main Street (next to the Union School), noted that they had a wonderful summer because there was no soccer or industry at the building.
6. B. Rye Street Park Playing Fields
Mr. Galligan said they had looked at developing additional fields and a recurring issue was where the Wapping Fair would be held. The Capital Projects Committee decided to look at expanding the two softball fields in order to create two soccer fields and a football/lacrosse field. The cost would be about $284,000. There is about $261,000 in Capital Non-Recurring, of which $175,000 has always been earmarked for recreation, with the balance resulting from under-expended accounts. There is another $14,000 remaining from the $75,000 originally set for the design. In order to keep the costs down, a great deal of work will be done by staff. The Soccer Club has committed about $25,000 for the field soccer fields.
A public hearing would be required in order to get money from the Capital Non-Recurring account.
Construction would take place during the spring/summer, with actual use of the fields the following spring.
Cary Prague (Vice Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission), 60 Krawski Drive, said he would like to see lighting done at some of the other fields in Town.
Craig Zimmerman (Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission) , 5-A Amato Drive, felt that funds should be designated within the Capital Projects Budget so that they are available each year for various projects.
Gene Jay (representing the South Windsor Soccer Club), 18 Carrie Lane, agreed with Mr. Zimmerman’s comments.
Councillor Fine asked that the Town Manager obtain the cost figures for the Wapping Fair.
Executive Session
A motion was made at 7:40 p.m. by Councillor Delnicki to go into Executive Session to discuss pending and proposed litigation and an emergency extension of sick leave. The motion was seconded and was unanimously approved.
Executive Session (Continued)
At 8:00 p.m. the Regular Meeting was called to order and was immediately recessed so that the Executive Session portion of the Work Session could be continued. The Executive Session ended at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made immediately following the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
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