TOWN COUNCIL - Regular Meeting
Council Chambers - South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor Edward Havens
Deputy Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor William Aman
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Muriel Yacavone
Also Present: Judith Hall, Assistant to the Town Manager
Barry Guliano, Esq., Town Attorney
Absent: Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
ITEM:
5. Public Input
State Representative Nancy Kerensky appeared before Council this evening, stating that she was present to discuss two issues:
The first was her "traditional appearance to sum up what has been going on in the Legislature-particularly those items that directly affect the Town of South Windsor.
The second reason for being present was because it will be her last time appearing before Council as South Windsor's State Representative. Rep. Kerensky said that she has truly enjoyed her role as South Windsor's Representative for the last 10 years. She also mentioned that she has been in one "public office" or another for a total of 27 years.
In general, Mrs. Kerensky stated that (1) it has been "very enlightening to go to the State Capitol; (2) she spoke of the "outstanding" Town staff South Windsor has, including Board of Education staff, and spoke of how fortunate its citizens were to enjoy this fact. She again mentioned that it had been an honor and privilege to have served in this position; and said that she would miss the people, the contacts, and the events she has attended in her capacity as a State Representative.
ITEM:
5- Public Input (Continued)
In terms of the "budget summary"--Mrs. Kerensky reported that the total amount of money the town had received from State Grants was $10,294,858; as compared to last year where the sum was $9,727,899. She cautioned Council to remember that when they heard about dollars received from the State they were to also remember that the Town does get other types of dollars from the State that do not show up in the Budget-she gave as an example the Small Town Economic Development Assistance Grant.
Mrs. Kerensky referred to another innovative measure being taken by the State for public safety-that being, "in-pavement lighting" within State roads at specific busy and dangerous crossways. One such project is scheduled to be installed across Ellington Road from "The Mill on the River" to its new parking lot across from the restaurant. When it is done, it will be the only project of its kind in Connecticut.
Before concluding her remarks, Rep. Kerensky mentioned all the work that has been done at the Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve; and the several "public safety" projects that have been accomplished in South Windsor (she named a few) thanks to the good offices of the State of Connecticut.
Mayor Havens, on behalf of South Windsor's residents, thanked Mrs. Kerensky for the more than 20 years of public serve she contributed to our community.
Councillor Williams informed Rep. Kerensky that she was "much more than a State Representative," and thanked her for befriending so many of South Windsor's residents and for her obvious commitment to the Town of South Windsor.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Deputy Mayor Pelkey used this item to bring to the public's attention a new program being proposed by the Connecticut Light & Power Company. Under this new program, he explained, the customer would pay a small fee added to their electric bill each month that would allow the company to create a service for the removal of appliances, 10 years old or older, from customers' homes, when needed. The Company, he added, will even pay customers $50.00 to get rid of these appliances since they pose danger to small children when left hanging around the house.
ITEM:
6. (Continued)
Councillor Williams then added a second health message by providing a website the listening public may access to acquire information on "flu vaccine" availability-that website being www.findaflushot.com .
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to approve the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Regular Meeting of September 7, 2004; Work Session of September 20, 2004; Public Hearing of September 20, 2004 (An Appeal for Release from the "Moderate Priced Housing Program"); and the Regular Meeting of September 20, 2004.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mary Etter, Director, South Windsor Public Library came forward to inform the Members of the Town Council of several upcoming events being sponsored by the Library, or the Friends of the Library-among them:
On Saturday, October 23 - An evening of poetry being sponsored
In conjunction with South Windsor's Poet Laureate, Bonnie Enes.
During the Fall season, according to Mrs. Etter, the Library would
be highlighting "authors" - particularly, local authors.
She reminded those listening that, currently, and once a month,
State Representative Nancy Kerensky was present at the Library to
meet with constituents about any issues they wished to bring to
her attention.
Mayor Havens asked the Director if the numbers of people using the Library had increased. She answered that they had. He then asked that Mrs. Etter get back to Council with more definitive information-such as how much they had increased.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Judith Hall, Assistant to the Town Manager, in the Manager's absence, reported on the following:
The "Ribbon-Cutting" ceremony for Evergreen Walk is to be held at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, October 29th. More details would be forthcoming. Another event that Mrs. Hall reminded Council about was the scheduled "Open House" at the Major Michael J. Donnelly Land Preserve on October 24. She said that staff would conduct guided tours; and that rides back to the main site would be provided from West Road.
Thanking the Members of the Town Council who had attended the "Employees' Recognition" Luncheon held at Maneeley's on October 15 Mrs. Hall announced to the public that the "winning" project was the Every 15 Minutes program; and the "Employee of the Year" was Chris Dougan, Chief Building Official.
Mrs. Hall then asked Director of Public Works Michael Gantick to provide Council with a preliminary report on the upcoming Leaf Collection Program. Mr. Gantick then explained the program, which would be commencing on November 1. He referred Council to this year's "Leaf Collection" brochure; and again warned the listening public of the dangers associated with raking leaves into the roadway. The Director also provided the number of the Town's "hotline" for more refuse collection information-namely, 648-6371.
Councillor Aman informed Mr. Gantick that a resident had called him to complain about streetlight maintenance in the Norton Lane area. He said that one of the complaints was that bulbs were not being replaced. He said he was aware that streetlights are the responsibility of the Connecticut Light and Power Company. However, he asked that South Windsor's Police Department be contacted to determine if there is a problem between the time they notify the Company of a bulb that is out, and the time the Company replaces it.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Pelkey reported that he had received a letter from Congressman John Larson regarding the issue of a proposed tax abatement for emergency responders. He then proceeded to read the letter; and asked that it be made a part of this record. (A copy of Congressman Larson's letter is attached.)
Councillor Pendleton acknowledged the letter Mayor Havens and Council Members had received from Dr. Joseph Wood, Superintendent of Schools, conveying the Board of Education's approval of Council's request that the South Windsor High School Band be allowed to participate and perform at the Grand Opening ceremonies of Evergreen Walk.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
A. Resolution Dedicating Portions of Town Property on Buckland Road as a Limited Public Way and Dedicating and Accepting Structures Constructed Within Such Public Way
WHEREAS, the developers of the shopping center and lifestyle center known as "Evergreen Walk" on Buckland Road, South Windsor, have agreed to construct, maintain and repair an open and unobstructed road and access way across certain parcels of land of the Town of South Windsor and shown as SW R.O.W. 1 and SW R.O.W. 2 on the survey incorporated into the deed from the developers to the Town of South Windsor, said two parcels of land being located at and near the entrance to Tamarack Avenue from Buckland Road, and in an area abutting Buckland Road, thereby creating a roadway running from entrance to entrance to the north, along and parallel to Buckland Road and Hemlock Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the developers have agreed to construct, maintain and repair identification signage as approved by the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission at the entrance to such public way from Buckland Road; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of South Windsor has reviewed the CGS §8-24 Referral (Dedication of Right-of-Way at Evergreen Walk) sent to them by the South Windsor Town Council and has notified the Town Council that it "sees no conflict with any approvals granted nor with any zoning or planning considerations."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor hereby dedicates the portions of its property at the end of Tamarack Avenue, and shown as SW R.O.W. 1 on the survey incorporated into the deed, as a limited public way for passage by the public by foot and motor vehicle, for use in drainage, lighting, utilities, emergency, detour, patrol and enforcement purposes and for all purposes that a highway may be used, and hereby dedicates the portions of its property abutting Buckland Road, and shown as SW R.O.W. 2 on the survey incorporated into the deed, as a limited public way for passage by the public by foot and motor vehicle and for use in drainage, lighting, utilities, emergency, detour, patrol and enforcement purposes and for all purposes that a highway may be used. Such property shall not be considered a "public highway" for purposes of liability, maintenance and repairs by the Town; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the developers of the shopping center and lifestyle center known as Evergreen Walk, having previously agreed to grant easements to the Town of South Windsor on adjacent property ("Grantors"), have agreed to construct, maintain and repair all structures within the aforementioned public way and assume all liability and hold the Town harmless for their condition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grantors shall construct, maintain and repair identification signage as approved by the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission at the southerly entrance to such public way from Buckland Road and the Town of South Windsor hereby dedicates and accepts such identification signage for purposes of property identification and directional assistance for vehicular traffic.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Atty. Guliano explained the content and purpose of the Resolution. Following his explanation, Mayor Havens called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Approving Hourly Wage Increase and Fringe Benefits For the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves an hourly wage increase of 3.5% for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2004/2005 and benefits equivalent to those approved by Council in June of 2004 for the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said benefits will 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 the hourly wage increase and participation in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Package shall be effective as of July 1, 2004.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund for Thirty-Five (35) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a property tax refund to thirty-five (35) South Windsor residents, the total of said refunds being $4,342.06 and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session - To continue discussion of personnel matters, if needed.
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to Adjourn was made at 8:55 p.m.; was duly seconded; and approved,
Unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt.
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