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 Judith Paquin
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Roseann Williams
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Absent: Councillor Deborah Fine
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
The Regular Meeting had been called to order at 8:00 p.m.; was immediately recessed in order to continue the Work Session; and, after a brief recess, was reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
At this time, Councillor Delnicki moved to Suspend the Rules and take Agenda Item 16. A. out of order. The Motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Pelkey; and approved, unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Cary Prague (R) to the South Windsor Town Council to Fill the Unexpired Term of William Aman
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Cary Prague to the Town Council for a term expiring November 14, 2005 to fill the unexpired term of William Aman.
Was made by: Councillor Aman
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Town Clerk Gretchen Bickford then came forward to administered the Oath of Office to newly-selected Councillor Cary Prague
ITEM:
16. A. (Continued)
The Town Council then welcomed Councillor Prague into their number. Councillor William Aman, newly elected State Representative for the 14th Assembly District, now vacated his seat on the Town Council, and Councillor Cary Prague was seated.
5. Public Input
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, Chairman, Park and Grounds Commission, said that this evening he was not only representing the Commission but also the American Legion Baseball Program, and himself. He thanked former Mayor William Aman and wished him well; and said that Mr. Aman had always been a strong supporter of the Recreation programs in Town, as well as various other areas involving recreation programs, referenda, etc.
Mr. Zimmerman also took this time to congratulate and welcome Cary Prague to the Town Council. Councillor Prague, he reminded Council, had been the Deputy Chair on the Park and Recreation Commission, and a good friend of recreation in Town. He wished him well, also.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to adopt the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Work Session of December 20, 2005; Regular Meeting of December 20, 2005; and Work Session of January 3, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Pendleton
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Councillor Williams invited the Council Members, and the listening audience, to an Open House at Rockville Hospital on Saturday, January 22, 2005, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., to view the Hospital's new Emergency Department.
ITEM:
9. (Continued)
Councillor Pendleton, referring to the Board of Education's "Budget Review Calendar" she had received, passed along the following meeting dates of the Board of Education to the Council Members: January 27; February 1, 10, 15, and 17; and March 1. The Councillor said she would be making copies of the accompanying information indicating what will be covered at each of those dates.
Mayor Havens then said he had heard from Councillor Debbie Fine, and wished to pass along her remarks to the Council. In her note, Councillor Fine said she wished to thank her fellow Councillors, friends, and family for all the support they have shown (to her) this past month. The Councillor also told the Town Manager she "loved the new Town Manager's Report format ;" congratulated new Councillor Cary Prague on his appointment and told him she looked forward to working with him; and looked forward to seeing everyone at the February meeting.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan remarked that the important issue of "Probate Court" had been addressed in this evening's Work Session.
He continued by reminding Council that there is scheduled a Joint Meeting with the Board of Education on January 24, 2005-at which three (3) items would be discussed-(1) Shared Services; (2) Establishing a "Self-Insurance Fund;" and (3) the upcoming 2005/2006 Municipal Budget.
Mr. Galligan then referred to the new format of the Town Manager's Report to Council. MUNIS, he continued, is up and running now; and, he felt, it was great to do "accounts payable," etc. all electronically; and next, he said will be the "financials." He added that other Town departments, such as the Tax Collector, will be coming on line in the next couple of months.
Explaining the new format for his Report, Mr. Galligan said that, rather than have Department Heads attend Council Meetings, this was a method to provide "highlights" of important issues, first; and then, subsequently, have staff appear in the months of January and February to provide information on what has been done. Additional items such as new personnel, etc. will provide Council with insight as to activities and changes in the Town government.
ITEM:
10. (Continued)
At the February 7 meeting, according to the Town Manager, new Police recruits (including dogs) would come before Council to be introduced. He stated that there were eight (8) new officers, and a new "dog."
In answer to a question from Council regarding the Town's "snow removal budget," Mr. Galligan said that, currently, the Town was 43% of its budget with four storms having occurred already. He predicted that, at this rate, the possibility existed that if you add another four storms the possibility was there that he would be returning to Council sometime in February for more money for snow removal.
It was generally felt that Town crews responsible for removing the snow from the roadways were doing a wonderful job.
Councillor Pendleton said she wished to inform those listening that she was very impressed with South Windsor's Volunteer Fire Department-notably because of their response to two (2) fire alarms, simultaneously, at 3:30 a.m.-one at the Town Hall; and the second at Town Center. Continuing, she said that "all the apparatus was out; two Supervisors in each area; one Dispatcher handling both calls; etc." She concluded by remarking that the "professionalism of our staff and the volunteers that we have in this Town just blows me away." All the Councillors agreed.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Streeter paid tribute to the 13 years of volunteer service to his Town former Mayor and Councillor William Aman had contributed as a Member of the Town Council. He reminded those listening that Mr. Aman was one of .only six Mayors in South Windsor who have served more than one term. Councillor Streeter said that he was honored to have served under and with Mr. Aman on the Town Council; and that Mr. Aman had been a "role model" for him.
Mayor Havens agreed and added that Mr. Aman had, indeed, served the Town well; and was continuing to serve the Town.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. B. through 16. G. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
Councillor Delnicki saying that because of a "conflict of interest" he would be abstaining from voting on Agenda Item 16. F. moved to amend the Motion by removing 16. F. from the "Consent Agenda." The Motion to Amend was duly seconded and approved, unanimously..
Mayor Havens then called for a vote on a Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. B., C., D., E., and G. as the Consent Agenda. The Amended Motion was approved, unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Cary Prague (R) to the South Windsor Town Council to Fill the Unexpired Term of William Aman
(This item was addressed earlier in the meeting)
*B. Resolution Appointing Gary Bazzano (R) a Full Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to Fill the Unexpired Term of Suzanne P. Choate
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Gary Bazzano to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending November 14, 2005 to fill the unexpired term of Suzanne P. Choate.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
*C. Resolution Reappointing Yvette Chabotte (R) to the South Windsor Housing Authority
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Yvette Chabotte to the South Windsor Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2009.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Resolution Reappointing Bruce Burnham (R) to the Historic District Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor reappoints Bruce Burnham to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Resolution Reappointing John J. Mitchell (R) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints John J. Mitchell an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2008.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
F. Resolution Reappointing Audrey Delnicki (R) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Audrey Delnicki to the Inland/Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2008.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter'
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention-the Abstaining Vote being cast by Councillor Delnicki.
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
*G. Resolution Reappointing Carol A. Heffler (R) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Carol A. Heffler to the Inland/Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2008.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
17. New Business
A. Resolution Introducing a Proposed Ordinance Creating a "Town of South Windsor Medical Insurance Fund;" and Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing Regarding Said Ordinance
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby introduces a Proposed Ordinance creating a "Town of South Windsor Medical Insurance Fund," as more fully described in attached Exhibit A; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, February 7, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on said Ordinance.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Sixteen (16) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to sixteen (16) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $4,249.50, and as shown on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session - If needed, to continue earlier Executive Session
discussions regarding pending claims and litigation; and possible sale
of land by Town's Redevelopment Agency.
Town Manager Matthew Galligan explained that the "pending claims and litigation" portion of the requested Executive Session would have to await the presence of Town Attorney Barry Guliano; however, he continued to require an Executive Session to discuss with Council the possible sale of land by the Town's Redevelopment Agency.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey then moved to go into Executive Session to discuss the possible sale of land by the Town's Redevelopment Agency. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and was approved, unanimously.
21. Motion to Adjourn - Motion to adjourn was made immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted;,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt.: (Exhibits A. and B.)
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