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TOWN COUNCIL |
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR |
ACTION MINUTES |
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May 16, 2005 |
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: |
Mayor Edward Havens Deputy Mayor John Pelkey Councillor Thomas Delnicki Councillor Deborah Fine Councillor Judith Paquin Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton Councillor Cary Prague Councillor Matthew Streeter Councillor Roseann Williams
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Also Present: |
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan Town Attorney Barry Guliano |
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ITEM:
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 8:40 p.m.
Mayor Havens informed the public that this meeting is Councillor Paquin’s last Council Meeting. He thanked her for her involvement in the Town Council and Board of Education. He wished her the best and thanked her very much.
Mayor Havens read the list of South Windsor residents who have served, or are currently serving, in either “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” or “Operation Nobel Eagle.”
5. Public Input - None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Williams informed the public that Eastern Connecticut Health Network is sponsoring the “Colossal Colon” at the Buckland Hills Shopping Mall. It starts on June 2nd through June 5th during regular mall hours. Councillor Williams explained that this was put together by a 23 year old that is a survivor of colon cancer, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in North America.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Public Hearing of April 11, 2005 re. Board of Education’s Proposed 2005/2006 Fiscal Year Budget; Work Session of April 18, 2005; Budget Work Session of April 25, 2005; Work Session of May 2, 2005; and Regular Meeting of May 2, 2005.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings(Continued)
Was made by: Councillor Paquin
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Pelkey made a one-word correction to the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 2, 2005.
Councillor Streeter commented that in the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2005, in the third paragraph in Item 5 Public Input, it was quoted that it was Ms. Daria Plummer’s opinion that the quality of our school system has “eroded and been corroded” in recent years because of budget cutbacks. Councillor Streeter was heartened and very happy to see that her school was named the “Elementary School of the Year,” which a Proclamation was given for. Councillor Streeter said that Ms. Plummer was one of the reasons that the school was named “Elementary School of the Year.”
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to
Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Councillor Fine asked Town Manager Galligan if the list of service people that Mayor Havens reads each meeting can be posted on the Town’s website. Town Manager Galligan said that they could do that. Councillor Pendleton added that when the names are given, for the bulletin board, the families that submit information know that it is for public viewing and no addresses are given.
Town Manager Matthew Galligan spoke on the following issues:
He stated that he and the Superintendent of Schools met with the Shared Services Committee today and they finalized the report. They are looking to hold a joint meeting during the June 20 Work Session and start the meeting around 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He discussed that this will be an ongoing process.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
He discussed that the Committee has met regarding the distribution of Union School and that he is working on getting information for their business plan and looking for possible grant money. He said that once he gets them that information, the Committee will meet with representatives of Union School, and have a final report for the Town Council.
He explained that there is a Resolution before the Council tonight for a request of $30,000 to hire an architect to look at the Fire House and the Public Safety Building. He said that he now understands that they may need to look at a $40,000 figure instead of the $30,000.
He then discussed that on May 11, 2005, MASSCONN, which is the Dunkin Donuts facility on Commerce Way, had their groundbreaking. He thanked Planning & Zoning, Inland Wetlands, and our staff, for working out the issues that MASSCONN ran into.
Town Manager Galligan explained Senate Bill #222, which will now give the ability to exempt golf courses from having to pay taxes to their respective towns. He said that if this Bill is to pass, the Town will lose over $84,000. He is trying to work with the Committee to revise the Bill, because they are trying to exempt the banquet, restaurant, and clubhouse facilities also. He said that this Bill will affect 69 towns in Connecticut.
He then discussed that Michael Gantick provided a list regarding the 2005 Street Resurfacing Progam.
Town Manager Galligan said that he received an email from Chief Philip Crombie, which stated that the Fire Department put their AEDs in and that all but six of their staff has completed the AED/CPR training.
Town Manager Galligan then addressed several questions put to him by the Councillors.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
1. Mayor Havens asked Town Manager Galligan and/or Chief Crombie for their thoughts on fire departments getting reimbursed by insurance companies for performing duties such as cleaning up hazardous waste and using such reimbursement money to help fund their departments. Town Manager Galligan said that he had heard rumors about that. He said that fire departments and even the DEP are starting to charge for the cleanup. He said that he would talk to Chief Crombie and get some information to the Mayor about it.
2. Mayor Havens also commented on the closing of the Naval Base in New London. He wants to give support in the fight to keep the Naval Base open. He asked that there be a Resolution for next meeting. He also thought that maybe South Windsor can give a small donation. If the Naval Base closes, he said that we will lose prestige, tax money, business, and our importance. Town Manager Galligan said that he thinks a Resolution from the governing body would be appropriate to support that the base stays open.
3. Councillor Prague informed everyone that the annual “Tip a Cop” was being held at the Red Onion Restaurant on May 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
4. Councillor Prague also informed everyone that on June 10th and 11th at the High School, the American Cancer Society is sponsoring the Relay for Life. (More information can be found at the American Cancer Society website.)
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing A Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2005/2006
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2005/2006.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Judith Paquin (D) from the South Windsor Town Council
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Judith Paquin from the South Windsor Town Council, said resignation to become effective June 1, 2005; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that her fellow Town Councillors on behalf of themselves and the citizens of South Windsor thank Councillor Paquin for the hours she volunteered in service to her community on both the Board of Education and the Town Council, and wish her every success in her future endeavors.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Fine spoke on James Throwe’s behalf and thanked Councillor Paquin. Deputy Mayor Pelkey and other Councillors also thanked Councillor Paquin and wished her well. The Motion was approved unanimously.
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter Into a Non-Emergency Interagency Agreement with the Town of Manchester Connecticut
WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute §7-148cc authorizes two or more municipalities to jointly perform any function that each municipality may perform separately under any provisions of the General Statutes or any special act, charter, or home rule ordinance upon entering into an agreement to such effect with other municipalities; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute §7-148cc requires that any such agreement be approved by each participating municipality in the same manner as ordinances are approved, or, if no ordinances are approved, in the same manner as the budget is approved; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned municipalities recognize the benefits of joining together for the performance of law enforcement and police services; and
WHEREAS, the undersigned municipalities wish to cooperate in the joint performance of law enforcement and police services by granting full powers of arrest to full-time sworn police officers of participating municipalities
17. B. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to sign and enter into a “Non-Emergency Interagency Agreement” with the Town of Manchester, Connecticut in accordance with the terms outlined in said Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Adopting the Revised Master Plan of Development for Parks & Recreation, Dated May, 2005
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the continuing need to address the growth of the town and the impact on its recreational facilities and the need to update its current plan of development adopted in March of 2001; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Park and Recreation Commission has been charged by the South Windsor Town Council to manage the adopted long-term Master Plan of Development for Parks and Recreation facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Master Plan is designed as a comprehensive dynamic document and work-in-progress to guide the best and most efficient development of the South Windsor’s Park and Recreation infrastructure now and in the future
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts and adopts the revisions dated May, 2005 as amendments to the Master Plan of Development for Parks and Recreation, dated March, 2001; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need to move forward with the implementation phase of the revised plan.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Pelkey moved to amend the Resolution by making the following change to the second to last paragraph:
17. C. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts and adopts the revisions dated May, 2005 as amendments to the Master Plan of Development for Parks and Recreation, dated March, 2001, with the exception of the Lawrence Road Park Plans which will be placed in year 2, so that further negotiations and concerns can be addressed and worked out with the area neighborhood; and
The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki. Councillor Streeter asked for an explanation, which Deputy Mayor Pelkey and Town Manager Galligan gave. Mayor Havens stated that he supports the Amended Resolution. Councillor Delnicki said that he feels that this Amended Resolution will provide an opportunity for the Park and Recreation Commission and the Lawrence Road community to come to an agreement. Councillor Delnicki also commended Mr. Zimmerman for all of his hard work on the Plan.
Mr. Zimmerman asked the Council if a Public Meeting can be scheduled to discuss Lawrence Road.
The Motion to Amend was approved, unanimously. Mayor Havens then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. The Motion was approved, unanimously.
D. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on the Transfer of $30,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account to the Capital Projects Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, June 6, 2005, at 7:00 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 the transfer of $30,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account to the Capital Projects Account, as follows:
$30,000 - for Services of an Architect for Proposed New Fire House
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
Councillor Delnicki then moved to amend the Resolution to reflect “the transfer of $40,000…..” and “-$40,000 – for Services of an Architect for Proposed New Fire House.” The Motion to Amend was seconded by Councillor Streeter; and approved unanimously.
17. D. (Continued)
Councillor Fine asked Town Manager Galligan a few questions regarding this Resolution, which he answered.
The Amended Resolution was approved unanimously.
E. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Nine (9) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to nine (9) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $1,189.53, and as shown on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Pendleton
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
F. Discussion Item - Matching Grant Program
Deputy Mayor Pelkey distributed information regarding the South Windsor Matching Grant Program, which is attached as Exhibit C. Deputy Mayor Pelkey explained the idea and intent of the Program. Town Manager Galligan gave some examples and additional information. Questions by Councillor Streeter were then answered by Deputy Mayor Pelkey. Mayor Havens suggested that the Program move forward.
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session - To discuss pending and/or potential claims and litigation regarding town property, easements and rights-of-way
Motion made, at 9:55 p.m., by Deputy Mayor Pelkey to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending and/or potential claims and litigation regarding town property, easements and rights-of-way. Motion was seconded by Councillor Fine; and was approved, unanimously.
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to Adjourn was made at 10:20 p.m., following the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa Perry
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (Exhibits A, B, and C)
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