TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS JUNE 7, 2004
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 7:06 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 Yacavone
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
Public Participation - None
4. Communication - None
5. Town Manager’s Report - None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Local Optional Additional Veterans’ Exemption (See attached Exhibit A)
Town Assessor Charles Danna stated that none of the towns which he has studied have any idea about what is going to happen, what their actions might be, or what the consequences of those actions might be. He noted that Section 12-81(f) of the Connecticut General Statutes--the municipal option to provide the additional exemption for veterans--has been in effect in South Windsor since 1992. At that time, the ordinance was approved allowing qualified veterans to have a $1,000 additional exemption applied.
6. A. (Continued)
At the time of the revaluation in 1994, all veterans’ exemptions were amended to adjust to the revaluation; and, by State Statute, the Veterans’ exemptions were changed so that currently South Windsor is allowing a $2,000 exemption to each qualified applicant.
Following a review by Mr. Danna of what is available and of what other towns are doing, it was recommended that the program be expanded so that there is a matching program with what the State offers. This would mean, at the minimum, a $4,000 exemption for a qualified applicant, rather than the current $2,000, with a $10,000 cap. If that person currently receives an $8,000 exemption under the State low-income program, the Town would provide a matching $8,000. Therefore, there would be graduating levels up to a cap of $10,000 for the qualified applicants to have the additional veteran’s exemption apply.
Based upon their current limited information, Mr. Danna indicated that no one knows how many qualified applicants may exist. In changing the income limits, it isn’t known how the Town will be affected. There are currently 68 qualified veterans, and his estimate was that there may be a minimum of 216. The Towns which have changed their programs have found that there is a substantial increase in applicants. Anyone who has a low income can qualify for the program as long as they served in active time of war and their income is below the $32,000 threshold.
As it presently exists, the income has to be less than $32,600 for a married veteran or less than $26,500 for a single veteran. This changes each year by a cost of living approach. If you are a Veteran who has served during a time of conflict, you have your honorable discharge on file with the Town Clerk’s office by October 1, and you qualify for a regular veteran’s exemption right now of $2,000, you would qualify under this proposed program for a matching $2,000. This translates into $62, which you would get, under this local option, as an additional reduction. So, if you are a typical veteran, you would be getting the original $62 reduction (under the current mill rate) because of your veteran’s exemption, and you would get an additional $62 reduction
under this local option. In addition, if you are over the age of 65, you would also get an additional$125, so that you would have a total reduction of approximately
6. A. (Continued)
$312 as a regular veteran’s exemption under the current program. The proposal is to double the local option, so instead of the $62, you would get $125. Mr. Danna emphasized that it is a local option and it may be decided that changes may be made to the program.
The process for this local option was reviewed—veterans must apply with the Assessor’s office and show that they meet the following qualifications:
They served during a time of conflict.
They have an honorable discharge recorded with the Town Clerk.
Their income is shown to the Assessor to be less than $32,300 for a married veteran or less than $26,500 for a single veteran. Those are net incomes—before standard adjustments.
Mr. Danna specifically noted that there is no age requirement for this local option.
Councillor Pendleton questioned disability ratings, and Mr. Danna explained that the Office of Policy and Management’s recommendation is that a totally disabled veteran would not qualify for this program. Mr. Danna said he didn’t believe that this was the intent of the Legislature. He said the Statute suggests that if an individual qualifies as an honorably discharged veteran, and there is no income, and it is recorded that the individual qualifies for the program, his (Mr. Danna’s) interpretation is that the disabled veteran who chooses to use this exemption of the severe disability, which gives a $10,000 or greater allowance, does not get disqualified because he is using that portion of the exemption. What he would qualify for would depend upon his percentage, up
to the $10,000 cap. Under the proposed program, that veteran would get a $10,000 exemption, whereas the average veteran who has no disabilities as a result of his action, would receive a $4,000 exemption.
In response to comments concerning the various income levels, Mr. Danna’s response was that it is difficult to determine how many veterans might qualify at different income levels. Councillor Pendleton suggested the possibility of a postcard being mailed to residents as a means of acquiring data. Mr. Danna said that there has been a great deal of interest shown by residents visiting the Assessor’s Office, but in most cases individuals have not qualified.
6. A. (Continued)
There is no restriction, according to Town Attorney Guliano, as to how many times the program may be changed within the year, as long as it stays within the parameters of the legislation.
As clarification, Mr. Danna emphasized that net worth has “no play” in this program.
Councillor Aman said he would have difficulty proceeding with a program that would “go with more than the $32,000 guideline.” For this type of aid from the Town, he felt the program should help the veteran who is in the lower income bracket.
It was noted by the Town Manager that this would need to be handled through an ordinance and would, therefore, require a public hearing.
B. New Refuse Pick-Up System
Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works, explained that the new refuse pick-up system will be starting August 1, 2004. There are two sizes of refuse containers which will be distributed to residents during the latter part of July. The 65-gallon container can handle the amount of two standard garbage cans; and the 96-gallon container can handle the amount of three standard garbage cans. Residents will be issued the larger container, unless they specify that they wish to receive the smaller one. The containers are on display at the Town Hall, the Library, and the Community Center. Information regarding the system is also provided on the web site.
Information concerning the new system was mailed to residents. There is a group of residents who did not receive this information, and Mr. Gantick explained that another mailing was scheduled for the following day. Residents can contact the Public Works Department either by mailing back the card which was included in their mailing or they may call the Public Works Department.
The primary reason for the Town converting to this new system related to its cost, which is estimated to be a couple of hundred thousand
6. B. (Continued)
dollars less than the current system. Mr. Gantick noted that the new system has been met with good reviews from other towns which have used it. It provides a neater neighborhood community; it cuts down on debris; and it cuts down on animals tearing open bags.
The program will begin during the week of August 1, 2004. Residents may have a second container if they wish, but there will be a cost of $70 for that additional container (regardless of size). They will need to contact the Public Works Department and pay for that extra container in July.
Mr. Gantick said that the new containers must be used because of the equipment which will be picking up trash—one individual will drive the truck and there will be a mechanical arm that will grab the container and dump it into the compactor truck. There will be no individuals on the back of the truck.
One container will be provided at no cost to the residents, and the containers are the property of the contractor. If there is any damage due to regular use, the contractor will fix or replace the containers.
Mr. Gantick recommended that garbage bags be used when placing trash in the containers.
Old garbage cans, both plastic and metal, will be collected during the week of August 9th. Metal containers will be collected on Wednesday—scrap metal day, and plastic containers will be collected on the resident’s regular trash day.
There must be a clear zone of 3 feet around the container. If two containers are being used, there must be 3 feet between them to allow the mechanical arm to perform adequately, and there must be 12 feet above. If there are trees or branches lower than 12 feet, they will need to be removed. The containers should be closed, with nothing sticking out of them. Sticks and branches may be placed in the containers. All refuse should be contained within these containers, as nothing else will be picked up. The following items must not be placed within the containers: demolition, hazardous waste, rocks, and concrete.
6. B. (Continued)
Each container will have an identification number which matches the property.
Councillor Fine indicated that an update needs to be provided with respect to recycling, and Mr. Gantick said that it is provided annually and information is also on the web site. He expressed his appreciation to Council members for being a direct line of communication to residents.
When asked about the use of the containers during the winter months when snow is on the ground, Mr. Gantick advised that it would be best to place them at the end of the driveway at one side or the other. He explained that the containers are sturdy and in wind tests were shown to withstand 35 mph winds.
Mr. Gantick stated that the condominium trash collection would remain as it currently exists.
As far as bulky waste is concerned, Mr. Gantick stated that, as of July 1, 2004, it will be collected weekly on trash day instead of monthly.
Councillor Delnicki asked if it might make sense to “look at doing this in-house as opposed to contracting out since we won’t have the workers’ compensation exposure that we would have with the traditional method.” Mr. Galligan responded that this is being monitored. It is a five-year contract, and if costs increase, it might be a possibility in the future.
Mr. Gantick was asked if there was a limit on the number of additional containers an individual could purchase, such as if an individual had an in-home business. He explained that there was not an actual limit placed on the number, but because of the 3-foot space requirement for each container, there would indeed be a space limit. Also, an in-home business which would generate that type of waste should be using a different method of trash removal.
The weight limit for the new containers is 250 pounds for the 96-gallon and 200 pounds for the 65-gallon container. The containers must be placed facing outward so that when the arm picks up the container the lid opens to dump the contents in the truck.
6. B. (Continued)
If, at some point, a resident decides to change the size of the container, he/she can call the Public Works Department and a change will be made without a fee.
7. Executive Session - None
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made at 7:55 p.m. by Deputy Mayor Pelkey. The motion was duly seconded by Councillor Delnicki and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attachment
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