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 Roseann Williams
Also Present: Barry Guliano, Town Attorney
Absent: Councillor Matthew Streeter
Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Mr. Alex Georgeadis, 105 Greenfield Drive, appeared before Council to resurrect an issue he had discussed with different Town Councils, and different Town Managers, since 1987. The issue, he said, was with regard to two (2) lots (one on Greenfield Drive; and one on Farmstead Drive. After several attempts by the Developer of South Windsor Heights to build on these lots, he said, it was denied because of neighborhood objection to building on lots that had drainage problems; lack of available sanitary sewers, etc.
According to Mr. Georgeadis, the "Bond for Deed" was never called in by the Town. Since 1987, he added, he has received promises from three (3) Town Managers that this would be done; and, despite assurances from the Town Planner that the information given by Mr. Georgeadis is, indeed, correct has still not been called in.
This evening's visit, according to Mr. Georgeadis, was prompted by his concern over recent renewed interest by, perhaps, buyers in these parcels of land. He said he was present to ask the Town Council to make certain that the Bonds for Deed are called in; since, as of today, the parcels are still in the name of South Windsor Heights.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Saying that he wished to respond to some of Mr. Georgeadis' concerns, Town Attorney Barry Guliano said he was not certain which piece the gentleman was referring to since he, at present, had between 10 to 15 similar parcels-where he is given information stating that he received information that property was supposed to be deeded back in the 1980's and there is an attempt by the Town to take that property now. He added that, when trying to get a "conveyance of property" which, in many cases, is 20 years old (or older), tracking it down is difficult; and, if not found, could not be solved by simply "drafting a piece of paper" and filing it on the land records.
The Town Attorney added, however, that he would certainly look into the specific situation and parcel mentioned this evening to determine why the disposition of these parcels had not been taken care of.
Councillor Aman asked if taxes were being paid on the properties referred to this evening. Atty. Guliano said he had no idea. Mr. Georgeadis responded that his research had revealed that no taxes have been paid on these properties since "sometime in the 1960's."
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Public Hearing of September 20, 2004 (Conveyance of Utility Easement for Summerwood); Public Hearing of September 20, 2004 (Refurbishment of Oak Street Park); Work Session of October 4, 2004; Regular Meeting of October 4, 2004; Work Session of October 18, 2004; and Regular Meeting of October 18, 2004.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mary Etter, Director the South Windsor Library, reported on the Library's activities.
Ms. Etter relayed a few statistics from the previous Fiscal Year that had to be gathered for other purposes. Last year, she noted-- (1) 186,204 people visited the Library; (2) the Library has a collection of over 125,000 items; (3) "circulation" jumped 5.65% to 263,000; (4) over 11,000 reference questions were answered; (5) 269 programs were sponsored by the Library to an attendance number of 6,345 (a 12% increase over the previous year); and, (6) the increase in the cooperative partnerships, big and small with other Town agencies such as the Board of Education, the South Windsor. Human Relations Commission; the Patriotic Commission; and the South Windsor Historical Society-to name a few.
Councillor Paquin pointed out that the services of the Library costs the taxpayers an average of approximately $40 per year. She felt that was "fabulous," and was a great service.. Deputy Mayor Pelkey reminded the Council Members and the listening audience that "memorial" books in someone's name may be donated to the Library. Ms. Etter said that the Library now has "cards" that can be purchased, in advance, and returned to the Library sometime in the future denoting the person's name that you wished to be remembered.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Michael Gantick, speaking in the absence of the Town Manager, reminded the Town Council Members that the "Leadership Roundtable Meeting" was to be held on December 13, here in the Town Council Chambers. The items on the Agenda, he added, will be an update on "shared services;" and update on the Park and Recreation Master Plan; and, an update report from Mr. Craig Stevenson on the Town's economic development activities.
Mr. Gantick also updated the Council Members on the "leaf collection" program. He said that this program has resumed after "a little winter surprise." He said that, to date this year, Town crews have collected about 12,000 cubic yards of leaves; and the second round of collection will start on Wednesday, the 17th.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
A copy of the Town's "Snow and Ice Removal Plan" provided to the Councillors this evening, according to Mr. Gantick, will be going out to residents' homes in about a week.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Pelkey thanked South Windsor's Volunteer Fire Department on their quick and life-saving work at a "devastating" fire at Pleasant Valley Condos on October 28. At least four (4) of the residents of these damaged condominiums lost all of the contents of their home; and these contents were uninsured. He thanked the three local newspapers for publicizing this fact and those who responded to an appeal for assistance. He added that there is a "victims" account set up at the Rockville Bank if someone wished to make a contribution.
The Deputy Mayor also alluded to the "great" coverage of Town news we were getting in the Rockville Reminder; and thanked the Reminder's correspondent, who was present at this evening's meeting.
Councillor Williams reported on an invitation received by the Council to attend a "Ground-Breaking Ceremony" for the ECHN Medical Building at Buckland and Deming Streets. The Councillor gave a brief background on ECHN; and said that some of the services being provided in this building will be: Physical therapy, including an aquatic pool; and a full array of imaging services.
Councillor Pendleton asked Mr. Gantick to pass along the request to Mr. Galligan that she would like to gather information from our Police Department regarding the possibility of having a Police "Explorers Post" at our local Police Department. She asked that the Police compile, or create, or combine whatever information they have regarding this; and that a discussion regarding this be the topic for an upcoming Town Council Work Session.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 17. C. through 17. P. as the Consent Agenda.
(Please read the dark headings, only, on those Items listed as Consent Agenda)
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
A. Acknowledgement of the Resignation of Anita Cappalla (D) as a Member of the Human Relations Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council acknowledges and accepts, with regret, the resignation of Anita Cappalla from the Human Relations Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council thanks Ms. Cappalla for the volunteer hours she has dedicated, in several capacities, to serving her community.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Acknowledgement of the Resignation of Donald Gates (R) as an Alternate to the Inland-Wetlands Agency
(Councillor Streeter)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council acknowledges and accepts, with regret, the resignation of Donald Gates from the Inland Wetlands Agency; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Windsor Town Council wishes to use this opportunity to thank Mr. Gates for his many years of volunteer service to his community.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
*C. Resolution Reappointing Mark Abrahamson (D) to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Mark Abrahamson to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Resolution Reappointing Cile Decker (D) to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Cile Decker to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Resolution Reappointing Sandy Jeski (D) to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Sandy Jeski to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
*F. Resolution Reappointing James Kupchunos (D) to the Agricultural Land Preservation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints James Kupchunos to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*G. Resolution Reappointing David Patria (D) to the Building Code Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints David Patria to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term ending January 1,
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*H. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth McGuire (D) to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Elizabeth McGuire to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission for a term ending September 1, 2006, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*I. Resolution Appointing Marjorie Anthony (D) South Windsor's Representative to the Greater Hartford Transit District, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Marjorie Anthony as South Windsor's Representative to the Greater Hartford Transit District for a term ending December 12, 2008, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
*J. Resolution Reappointing Audrey Wasik (D) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Audrey Wasik to the Inland/Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2008, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*K. Resolution Reappointing M. Terrie Kyc (D) to the Patriotic Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints M. Terrie Kyc to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*L. Resolution Appointing Ronald Banks (D) to the Personnel Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Ronald Banks to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*M. Resolution Appointing Kathryn Hale (D) as South Windsor's Representative to the Connecticut River Assembly, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Kathryn Hale as South Windsor's representative to the Connecticut River Assembly for a term ending January 12, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
*N. Resolution Appointing Susan J. Burnham (R) a Full Member of the Economic Development Commission to Fill the Unexpired Term of Daniel Rys, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Susan J. Burnham a full member of the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill the expired term of Daniel Rys, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*O. Resolution Appointing Michael Patitucci (R) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission to Fill the Unexpired Term of Susan J. Burnham, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Michael Patitucci an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2005, to fill the unexpired term of Susan J. Burnham, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*P. Resolution Appointing Walter Fitzpatrick (R) a Member of the Historic District Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Walter Fitzpatrick a Member of the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2006, to fill the unexpired term of Kathleen Brady, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
Q. Resolution Authorizing Release of Property at 24 Podunk Circle from Requirements of Town's Moderate Price Housing Program
WHEREAS, by letter dated June 25, 2004, George Marcotte requested that the Town Council release his property at 24 Podunk Circle from the requirements of the Town's Moderate Price Housing Program; and
WHEREAS, the matter was referred to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission and the South Windsor Housing Authority for comment in accordance with Town regulations; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held on the matter on September 20, 2004, at which the applicant was allowed to present facts and arguments regarding his request, all in accordance with Town regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby releases the property at 24 Podunk Circle from its dedication to the Town's Moderate Price Housing Program and the requirements of that Program, for the reasons stated below. (An amendment would be required stating the specific reasons which the Town Council deems appropriate for release of this property from the Program, unless the resolution is defeated; a two-thirds vote of the Town Council is required to approve release of the property from the Program.)
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
A lengthy explanation of the Moderate Price Housing Program was provided by Town Attorney Guliano; following which he advised that the requested release not be granted until such time as the applicant could provide evidence that he had tried to sell the house and had difficulty doing so-or that they had been offered an opportunity to relocate and have not been able to do so.
Mr. George Marcotte, 24 Podunk Circle came forward to explain, in detail, the reason for this request for release of his property from the requirements of the Town's Moderate Price Housing Program.
Following these discussions, the Motion was defeated, on a Roll Call vote, 8 Nays to 0 Ayes.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
R. Resolution Authorizing a Transfer of $47,711 from Contingency Fund to the Volunteer Abatement Account and Approving the Payment of Said Funds to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to provide funds to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc. in lieu of tax abatements, said funds to be used for any purpose the corporation chooses
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the transfer of $47,711 from Contingency Account Number 1910-9001-390 to the Volunteer Abatement Account Number 0300-0205-718; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the payment of $47,711 from the Volunteer Abatement Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc., in lieu of tax abatements, and for whatever purpose the corporation chooses.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Aman
(Before a vote was taken, Councillors Pendleton and Fine recused themselves because of a possible conflict of interest.)
The Motion was approved 6 to 0.
S. Resolution Authorizing the Addition of Banknorth, N.A. to the List of Approved Depositories of Town Funds for Fiscal Year 2004/2005
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, in accordance with Section 205 of the Charter of the Town of South Windsor, hereby authorizes the Town Treasurer to include the following financial institution as a depository of Town funds under the jurisdiction of the Town Treasurer for the 2004/2005 Fiscal Year:
Banknorth Connecticut, a Division of Banknorth N.A.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
T. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund to Thirty-three (33) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to thirty-three (33) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $32,255.73, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was approved by Roll Call vote, 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention-the abstaining vote being Councillor Fine.
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Mayor Havens asked the Councillor Members to allow Mr. Craig Zimmerman a few minutes to address the Council. Mr. Zimmerman, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Commission, then took a little time to explain the reasons he wished to have a Work Session in December with the Town Council.
Mr. Zimmerman went on to explain that the Park and Recreation Commission, in conjunction with the Town's Recreation Department, has redone the Master Plan to be more in line with the Capital Projects Committee and their funding. Parks and Recreation, he added, is on the Capital Projects Committee Agenda for this upcoming Monday; after which, the Commission could come back to the Town Council to walk the Council through the changes-basically, he said, they Commission took the $20,000,000 original Master Plan and whittled it down to sometime that, with Town staff help on individual projects, could be done for the $100,000 to $200,000 a year the Capital Projects Committee is anticipating putting aside for that purpose.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey, referring to the "comprehensive report" put together by the Town Attorney regarding the Moderate Price Housing Program, asked Atty. Guliano how that research might be preserved for future reference. This issue, he added, comes up from time to time; and, he hoped, the information provided could be safely stored.
Atty. Guliano said that the information was set up now so that the indexing system would allow just those files referring to the "Request for Release" could be pulled.
20. Executive Session - None
21. Motion to Adjourn
Councillor Delnicki moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.; it was duly seconded; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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