TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 18, 2005
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. He informed the listening audience that there was a “long” Agenda this evening; and he also stated that the Town Council, as is its usual practice, would not be conducting any meetings during the month of August, unless a situation arose that required a Special Meeting.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Edward Havens
Deputy Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Asst. to the Town Manager Judith Hall
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Absent: Councillor Roseann Williams
Town Manager Matthew Galligan
3. Public Participation - None
4. Communications - None
5. Town Manager’s Report - None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Ayers Road Tennis Courts – Lighting (Requested by Ray Favreau, Director of Recreation)
Mr. Favreau said he had requested this item because he wanted the opportunity to bring the Council up to date on the status of the lights at the tennis courts on Ayers Road, next to Wapping School.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Favreau then referred to a “hand-out” he had distributed earlier in the evening (copy attached), in which the exact location of the tennis courts that would be discussed this evening was described.
Saying that these particular tennis courts were constructed in 1972; and, unfortunately, this past Fall experienced “unreparable damage.” He explained that the current lighting system, at that time, was destroyed. Again, he asked the Councillors to refer to photographs included in the handout that showed the type of damage he was speaking of.
The tennis courts on Ayers Road are the only lighted tennis courts in Town; and, according to Mr. Favreau, are 6 of 15 public tennis courts in South Windsor—the remaining being 4 at Rye Street Park; 4 at Timothy Edwards Middle School; and, one at the Margaret Drive Subdivision.
In addition to all of the open recreation play of the general public, the tennis courts on Ayers Road, he added: Service the High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Boys and Girls Tennis Teams; the Town’s Summer tennis lessons which usually accommodate between 200 and 235 registrants; and the Town’s two Annual Open Tennis Tournaments (about 100 people).
Referring to the photos depicting the extent of the damage to the electrical system at the tennis courts, he added that the circuit breakers shown not only are damaged but, further, longer comply with current codes. He then enumerated what could be done to rectify the situation.
Mr. Favreau reported that, over the last four to six months he has had Town staff, electrical contractors, and sports’ lighting experts come out and look at this system. He then referred to the quote included in the attached report from Higgins Electric for “replacing” that current lighting system.
Another information sheet Mr. Favreau directed Council’s attention to was the one outlining some of the things considered—i.e., removing and disposing of all of the existing electrical components; relocating the electrical service box and meter; increasing or improving the current lighting system to a “recreational quality lighting system that would increase from 12 poles to 23 poles;” and adding a series of “On and Off Switches.”
6. A. (Continued)
An “add-on’ also being looked into, according to the Recreation Director, and one that he was not “absolutely sold on” was the possibility of using “coin operated” timers that would, potentially, generate revenue that could offset the electric bill at the tennis courts. The devices are not expensive, he said; but added that “history” and reports from other Parks and Recreation Directors throughout the State have reflected “poor luck with coin-operated machinery”—because of vandalism, theft, breakdowns, etc.
According to Mr. Favreau, the “bottom line is” the replacement of that entire system (if we start from zero), according to Higgins Electric is $137,000. Part of that total amount, he added, was the inclusion of the removal of the existing “grade” at that location that presently creates a “very tight situation.” Not only would the “grade” be removed, but a “retaining wall” would be constructed at that spot, thus providing a means to access the lights, the poles, etc. for service. Presently, he said, you can’t do this without removing fencing and using a “lift” to access this equipment.
The $137,000, according to Mr. Favreau is “just a quote and not a formal price;” and what he was requesting was that the Town Council consider looking at replacing and repairing that system—possibly through the use of Contingency Fund monies, or funds from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures. He suggested that, with Council’s approval, the Town develop specifications for this work, and then “go out to bid” before doing anything.
Mr. Favreau then thanked the Council for its time; and asked if there were any questions.
Mayor Havens said that it had been brought to his attention that “the only problem we had there was that the lights were being turned off.” He asked why that situation could not be corrected—and was this not possible without doing the complete job described by the Director. Mr. Favreau explained that, right now, the service is completely disconnected for safety and health reasons—that it just could not be “powered up” because of charred units, melted-down circuits, etc.
The Mayor asked what shape the tennis courts themselves were in; and, Mr. Favreau responded that they were “the best six tennis courts in Town.”. He reminded the Mayor that they had been “reconstructed” about 10 or 12 years ago, and they are on a “yearly” maintenance schedule—where, every year, two of the six courts are completely crack-sealed, resurfaced, and relined.
6. A. (Continued)
The Mayor then asked why this was not brought to Council’s attention prior to the finalization of this Fiscal Year’s Budget. Mr. Favreau replied that it was; however, because electrical contractors are very busy and difficult to pin down to an inspection visit, no one became aware of the extent of the damage until much later.
Mayor Havens voiced his concern that considering that the Town was just getting into its new Fiscal Year Budget, it would now be difficult to come up with the extra money needed for this replacement and repair work. However, he also felt that it was something that Council “should take a look at; because, if we’re going to continue with tennis courts, we might as well keep them up; and have enough lighting to take care of it.” He added, however, that (at this point in time) he did not know “where in the world we’re going to get $140,000 to spend on this lighting; but it’s something we should consider in our future budget deliberations.”
Councillors questioned such as: How much actual use these particular courts got? Was there any public “outcry” that the problem be addressed? What is the current electrical cost at these courts, per year? If the new system goes in and additional lighting is added, was Mr. Favreau projecting power costs to be lower because of the new efficiency of that system?
Deputy Mayor Pelkey said that he did not recall this being an identified item on the Town’s Capital Projects Plan—anywhere on the Plan. Mr. Favreau said that this was correct. The Deputy Mayor continued by stating that, to him, this points out a “failing” of it not being on the Plan somewhere—even if it was 10, 15 to 20 years out—it should have been identified.
The Deputy Mayor advised Mr. Favreau that, in order to plan properly for such projects, the Capital Projects Committee has to know about it. Every project out there, he added, has to be identified; and if these tennis courts are not currently on the Capital Projects’ list, the money being sought for the repair or replacement of the electrical system for them should be coming out of Park & Recreation’s Capital Projects; or, if it is felt that the Town should be picking up that tab, someone is going to have to give the Committee a “cost estimate” for not only the “lighting” at the tennis courts, but also to replace those courts in 10, 15, or whatever more years they are left.
6. A. (Continued)
When asked if any Park and Recreation programs were conducted out of those tennis courts, and if there was a fee charged, Mr. Favreau replied that they were used for Park and Rec. programs, and there was a “Registration Fee” for tennis lessons for between 200 and 235 registrants and for about 100 people participating in the Tennis Tournaments.
The Deputy Mayor asked if there was any potential for the increased use of those Courts, and if additional revenue was anticipated were the lighting to be improved. Mr. Favreau replied that, actually, because of the lack of lighting at these tennis courts, the Town was not able to conduct evening tennis lessons this year, affecting about 30-40 people (mostly adults) who would usually be taking lessons.
Saying that he was in charge with “electrical and facility maintenance” for the MDC in Hartford, Councillor Delnicki said that, after looking carefully at the pictures provided in the report, he was compelled to ask….”just to fix what’s there (one circuit breaker failed in the entire system) what’s the cost on that?
Mr. Favreau responded that “no one even wants to do that—the electricians won’t do that.” He said they felt there was too much damage and rust to just go in and fix small parts. He added that even the back of the “meter” is charred; and the wiring, itself, is unknown.
Councillor Delnicki then asked if anyone has “checked the integrity of the wire going to the pole?” Mr. Favreau replied that some of them had been checked. The Councillor, referring to the “substantial amount of money” being sought for this project said that, again, after looking at the pictures, it appeared to him that it was the fact that “the power feed to one of the poles, failed.”
Councillor Delnicki questioned “scraping the entire system, as opposed to replacing the low distribution center and, probably, the meter socket.” He said he, or one of the men who worked for him at MDC, would be happy to take a look at the system and the areas of concern prior to Council’s consideration of an expenditure of “nearly $140,000” to remedy the problem.
6. A. (Continued)
Saying he was certainly no “electrical expert,” Mr. Favreau said he was basing his report upon information provided by Town staff and expert electrical contractors. However, he added, he welcomed any guidance.
(At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Havens recessed the Work Session in order convene the scheduled 7:30 Public Hearing re. “Amendment to Ordinance – Peddlers Application and Permit Fees.” The Work Session was reconvened at 7:40 p.m.)
Councillor Pendleton asked why there was an “overload?” Mr. Favreau said that no one was really certain why; however, it was known, from the beginning (for approximately 33 years), that the circuits were “undersized;” and speculation would have it that, over time, the system wore down. When asked when this happened, Mr. Favreau replied that it had occurred in the Fall of 2004.
Councillor Pendleton suggested that, perhaps, enough repair be done, now, to provide the tennis-playing residents with courts that are lighted. She did not feel it was fair to the public to deprive them of lighted courts this season just because Council did not wish to do this “massive renovation.”
Councillor Prague stated that he was “bothered” by the large bid of $140,000; and mentioned the fact that, within the last year or two, the South Windsor Swim and Tennis Club, had entertained quotes to “light” its existing six (6) tennis courts. The winning quote it had received, he added, was in the low $60,000s—he added he couldn’t imagine that it had “doubled” within the last one or two years.
Councillor Prague then asked if it might not be “cheaper” to light the tennis courts at Timothy Edwards Middle School, and get those in better shape? He asked if it might not be possible to light two (2) of the courts, rather than the six. He added that in all the times he has played in that facility, he did not recall having seen more than two (2) courts in use at night.
The Councillor concluded his remarks by suggesting that Council question whether the $140,000 might be better spent on something such as a “skate park for young people; increased water features at VMP; could we finish our Boundless Playground?”
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Favreau replied that “the cost of $140,000 is just a ‘starting point;’ and it is just that because ‘none of the electrical contractors wanted to quote on a Band-Aid fix. He compared it with the situation at Rye Street ballfield when it was decided not to relamp that field because of the $90,000 quote that was received. Again, in that case, he said, the contractors who quoted “did not want to Band-Aid fix an exhausted 35-year-old system”
The Recreation Director said that it was possible, as suggested by Councillor Prague, to light only two (2) courts; it was also possible to move the lighted courts to Timothy Edwards School. However, according to Mr. Favreau, the tennis courts at Timothy Edwards are cracked and need to be resurfaced before lighting them.
The Director reiterated his claim that the Ayers Road facility is the one that “makes the most sense” for a variety of reasons—they are centrally located and the only ‘lighted’ courts in Town; in close proximity to the High School which uses these Courts for its ‘varsity’ tennis team’ which needs those lighted courts; have recently been reconstructed; and are the best maintained.
Councillor Yagaloff agreed with Councillor Delnicki’s suggestion that an electrician take a look at the situation, perhaps a member of Town staff, to determine if the wiring is safe; and if the work required to remedy the lighting situation at these tennis courts (short of spending the $147,000) is a possibility.
The Councillor was concerned that the Town finds a “practical” method of resolving the problems associated with the lighting—one that won’t require an electrician to “look for a $140,000 job to build like new.” He felt that the Town too often “reconstructed” rather than simply try to “repair.”
Mayor Havens, addressing the Recreation Director, stated that the consensus of the Council was evident; and asked that Mr. Favreau look into having it “fixed as reasonably as you can” to get the courts through this tennis season. The possibility of a more extensive resolution, he added, would be addressed further down the line.
Mr. Favreau said he would be happy to have someone take a look at it.
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Pendleton, on another issue, reminded Mr. Favreau that he was going to report back to Council on the success (or lack of success) the Town’s program for “Partnership for Businesses.” She asked if that report could be provided in September when Council returned from their August hiatus. Mr. Favreau replied that he would provide that update.
Mayor Havens, too, had a comment for the Director of Recreation unrelated to tonight’s Discussion Item. He then presented a “petition” to Mr. Favreau signed by young people requesting that the Town have a “Skate Park.” He asked Mr. Favreau to speak to that issue a little this evening.
Mr. Favreau said that in the newly revised Master Plan of Development for Parks and Recreation, adopted in May, in the third year of the 10-year Plan—in the 2007/2008 Fiscal Year, a Skate Plan is scheduled. This, of course, is pending the Capital Budget allocations by Council, each year, toward the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Mayor Havens suggested that Park and Recreation Commission and the Director might wish to consider “moving this item up to an earlier target date (such as this year or next Year) because of the popularity of this type of recreational facility. Mr. Favreau responded that he would be meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission next week; the Master Plan would have to be revised one more time to allow for the Lawrence Road Park issue-—this, he added, might be a good time to bring up the subject of a Skate Park, and its construction earlier than planned for.
The Mayor asked if anyone wished to speak on this issue. There were two young men in the audience who came forward to speak in favor of a Skate Park. They were:
Tim Saimond, 50 Ash Road
Matt (?), Wood Pond Road
Deputy Mayor Pelkey, addressing the Director and referring to the upcoming Park and Recreation Commission meeting, suggested that he let these two young men know when that meeting would be held. Mr. Favreau replied that it was scheduled for July 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Hall’s Caucus Room.
The Deputy Mayor suggested to the two young speakers that they might wish to attend this meeting to “pitch” for the Skate Park.
6. A. (Continued)
Mayor Havens then asked for a brief report on Veterans’ Memorial Park Pool—attendance, etc.
Mr. Favreau replied that attendance was averaging well over 500 people per day; and the new feature instituted this year was the “sale of ice cream” which was doing “very well.” When asked about the “video games” that were being considered in the beginning of the year, Mr. Favreau replied that they only video-type game was the old “Packman” game, and it was doing O.K.
Councillor Streeter asked if there were any “days” lost because of contamination of the pool. Mr. Favreau responded that, because of the new pool, they no longer lose full “days,”—“time” at a particular tank, only; and the Park does not have to be closed because of this, he added.
7. Executive Session
At 7:55 p.m., Deputy Mayor Pelkey moved to go into Executive Session in order to discuss personnel matters. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and was approved, unanimously.
8. Adjournment
The Work Session was adjourned at approximately 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Report to Town Council on “Wapping Tennis Courts”)
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