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TOWN COUNCIL |
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR |
ACTION MINUTES |
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September 19, 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 Elizabeth Pendleton Councillor Cary Prague Councillor Matthew Streeter Councillor Keith Yagaloff
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Also Present: |
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
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Absent: |
Councillor Roseann Williams Town Attorney Barry Guliano |
(NOTE: Because of a major problem with the Town’s videotaping equipment this evening, no sound was broadcast over the TV; and the Clerk of the Council’s “audio tapes” are mostly inaudible. The following transcript is primarily from shorthand notes.)
The meeting was called to order at 8:10 p.m.
Before addressing the Agenda, Mayor Havens said he wished to recognize the South Windsor Junior and Senior Swim Teams for winning the “2005 Central Connecticut Swim League Summer Championship.” The Mayor also recognized the Veterans Memorial Park Lifeguard Staff for winning the “2005 Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association State Lifeguard Competition.” (Recreation staff explained the competition involved in order to win these honors.)
The Mayor then requested that those present in the audience who were members of these winning teams please stand and receive the audience and Council applause.
Next to be recognized by the Mayor, and for a different reason, were three VMP Lifeguards—Katie Walsh, Michelle Vielleux, and Sarah Jondreau for their “quick thinking” and emergency lifesaving First Aid response at the scene of an auto accident on Pleasant Valley Road, near the VMP facility on August 27, 2005.
ITEM:
5 Public Input
Recognized next was Craig Zimmerman, Chairman of Park and Recreation Commission, for having won this year’s prestigious “Secretary of State’s Public Service Award for Youth Sports Leadership” on August 19, 2005. Mayor Havens paid special tribute to all of Mr. Zimmerman’s efforts, over the years, on behalf of South Windsor’s youth.
Officer Lopez, South Windsor Police Department, reported on the “Safety First Fair, held to raise funds to help build and maintain the Boundless Playground. He said he was at this evening’s meeting to present on behalf of himself, Police Officer Rebecca Ricciuti, Members of the South Windsor Fire Department, South Windsor Ambulance Corps, and South Windsor Human Services, a check for $3,000 made out to the Town in the hopes that it will benefit the Boundless Playground.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey accepted the check and, on behalf of the Boundless Playground, thanked all those responsible for raising this money.
Next to speak was Pastor Tom Milkie, Messiah Lutheran Church, said he was present to inform the public of another opportunity to contribute toward the Boundless Playground project. He said that a Miniature Golf Tournament was being sponsored by the Church; and the cost of a ticket was $10, with $3 of that money going toward the Boundless Playground.
He then presented a flyer to each of the Councillors showing that the Tournament would be held on Sunday October 9, 2005, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the “Fairways Golf” on Ellington Road. Mayor Havens read the information for the listening public.
Also coming forward to report on upcoming Library programs was the Director, Mary Etter.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Special Work Session of August 29, 2005; and Action Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 6, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Robert Moeller, Chairperson, Patriotic Commission reported on the following:
Veterans’ Day Parade – Sunday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.; Timothy Edwards Band will be participating. Bus will be leaving from Community Center parking lot; bus will then be in Parade for those who would have difficulty walking the route.
Veterans’ Day Ceremony – Friday, November 11, 2005, at 11:00 a.m., Veterans’ Memorial Park.
Annual Memorial Day Student Essay Contest – Beginnings underway.
102nd Army Band will hold a Christmas Concert at either the High School or Timothy Edwards Middle School. The “target date” is either December 10th or 11th, with the time still to be determined. The Christmas Concert will be free of charge; however, because of the season, everyone is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy which will be given to either the National Guard Family Support Center or Governor Rell’s Operation Elf (if one is held this year).
Mr. Moeller then went on to request that the Town Council, sometime in the near future, consider an Amendment to Ordinance #152, Section 1, an Ordinance establishing a “9 Member Patriotic Commission, with two (2) Alternates.” The Amendment he was requesting would change that membership number from “9 members and two (2) alternates” to “10 members and two (2) alternates.”
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
Mr. Moeller asked, specifically, that the Patriotic Commission be “freed from the political majority yoke;” and felt that having a membership evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans would assist in that effort.
Continuing, the Patriotic Commission Chairman stated that anyone wishing to be a Member of the Patriotic Commission should be recommended because of his or her desire to promote “patriotism,” not because of their political affiliation.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
‘Mr. Galligan addressed the following:
“Shared Services” – 9/19/05 – Shared Services sub-committees met and were given new “charges” with a “draft” of their action plan due back to the Shares Services Steering Committee” by October 19, 2005. Steering Committee will report back to Town Council in the near future.
Ayers Road Tennis Courts – Will be going to “Capital Projects Committee. Initial Repair Costs - $7,500; plus $19,000 to replace the lights for a total of $26,500.
Councillor Delnicki asked if a Resolution was needed on this; or would a simple “consensus” do. He felt it made sense to use the $7,500 to repair for now. Mr. Galligan responded--“Not unless I do not have the money—it was not budgeted. He asked for a consensus.
Councillor Pendleton said she would like to see the tennis court lights fixed. On another matter, and regarding “Shared Services,” the Councillor reminded everyone that, back in the Spring, the Council had a “Shared Services “ meeting; and, at that time, the Board of Education did not have a “Business Manager.” She asked if this position can be eliminated; and, if so, did the Town’s Finance Department have the ability to absorb the duties of the Board of Education’s Business Manager’s position. Mr. Galligan replied that the Business Manager’s position was “Certified;” and said that he knew the Superintendent of Schools wanted to keep the position of Business Manager as a Board of Education position. Mr. Galligan
suggested that Mayor Havens send a letter to Dr. Wood regarding this.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Pendleton then said that would like the Town Manager to “gather information from the Superintendent of Schools; and ask the “acting” Business Manager, Don Mercure, to look into this.
Councillor Prague, referring to the “Budget Comparison Sheets” that Council received asked that “one more column be added” - that being a column noting “projected dollars and percentages.” The Councillor also complained about the number of “real estate” signs all over Town. He stated that he felt Public Works Department personnel should “remove these signs—particularly at 4-Corners.
Again referring to the position of Board of Education Business Manager, Councillor Yagaloff said that at the time Donald Mercure (former Business Manager) retired, he had asked if it was necessary to replace someone in this position. Now, he added, the Town Council is asking that same question; and he questioned if it was not the duty of the “Shared Services” committee to be “going to the Board of Education with their recommendation.” He ventured that “if the Shared Services Committee has the opportunity to save significant amounts of money, it should be up to them.”
Mr. Galligan commented that he thought it was up to the Board of Education to step up and say “this is something the Shared Services Committee should take a look at.”
Following Councillor Yagaloff’s suggestion that the Town Council’s liaison to the Board could go to their next meeting with the suggestion from the Council, Councillor Streeter stated that he would prefer that the liaison bring a letter to the Board meeting from the Mayor regarding this.
At this time, Councillor Streeter moved to Suspend the Rules in order to introduce a Resolution not included on the Agenda. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Prague; and approved unanimously. Councillor Streeter then presented the Resolution which was seconded by Councillor Delnicki. Councillor Yagaloff amended the Resolution; the Amendment was seconded by Councillor Streeter and was approved unanimously. The Amended Resolution read as follows:
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
WHEREAS it is the consensus of the South Windsor Town Council to pursue a remedy for the lighting at the Ayers Road tennis courts
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to order the electrical repairs at a cost not to exceed $7,500; and that said funds come from an appropriate and accessible line item in the Town’s Budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if it is necessary to acquire the funding for this project from Contingency funds, the Town Manager shall return to Council with the appropriate Resolution requesting same.
Mayor Havens then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution and it was approved, unanimously.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Pelkey (1) Offered Council’s congratulations to Jennifer Anderson, Youth & Family Services Coordinator in the Human Services Department, for receiving the CYSA Program of the Year Award for her PALS CARE program! (2) thanked those responsible for the check presented to Council this evening from the receipts of the “Safety First Fair, held to raise funds to help build and maintain the Boundless Playground; and (3), responded to Robert Moellers plea for one more Member being added to the Patriotic Commission in order to bring its total number to 10, rather than 9—thus insuring, he felt, a “non-political” makeup of that agency.
Councillor Delnicki advised his fellow Councillors that, at its next meeting, he would be bringing forth a Resolution for Council’s consideration providing more dollars from the Town’s Contingency Fund for the Fuel Bank at Human Services. He felt that it was going to be a very difficult and costly year for those needing assistance with their fuel bills; and he wished to insure that the “Bank” was prepared for this greater need.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Town Manager Galligan said that he would work-up a report on the Food and Fuel Bank and how much it used normally each year. Mayor Havens suggested that individual people, clubs, groups, etc. be encouraged to help replenish this fund.
Councillor Fine commented on the “instructions” regarding leaf pick-up this Fall. She asked that Council receive up-to-date reports on this program.
Councillor Pendleton referred her fellow Councillors to a letter she had provided to them regarding her plans to request an additional category on Council’s Regular Meeting Agenda. The new regular item would follow Item #10, and would be “11. Communications and Reports from Town Attorney.” As stated in her letter, she was requesting a Resolution addressing this addition be included on the Town Council’s Agenda for October 4, 2005.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Herbert F. Asplund (R) a Member of the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Herbert F. Asplund to the Patriotic commission for a term ending August 31, 2008.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Reappointing Robert Moeller (R) a Member of the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Robert Moeller to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2008.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
16. B. (Continued)
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Binh T. Nguyen (R) from the Human Relations Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Binh T. Nguyen from the Human Relations Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council wishes to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Nguyen for his years of volunteer service on this very important Commission.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was; Approved, unanimously
B. Discussion Item: Update on Final Report on “Redistricting” by Committee Members
Appearing before Council to explain the final report were Frances Knipple, Democratic Registrar of Voters and Janice Murtha, Republican Registrar of Voters. (See attached, as Exhibit B., the Redistricting Committee’s Report and Map depicting five (5) Voting Districts.)
C. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Appropriation of $20,500 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account for the Design of a Replacement Bridge on Felt Road over Farm Brook
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Tuesday, October 4, 2005, at 7:45 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 an appropriation of $20,500 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
Account, said appropriation to be used to meet design costs for the replacement of the Felt Road Bridge over Farm Brook.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote. The Abstaining Vote was cast by Councillor Delnicki, who added that he would recuse himself from any discussion, or votes, on this subject because of a “conflict of interest” due to the proximity of his residence to this bridge and the Farm Brook.
D. Discussion Item - Veterans’ Memorial Park and Pool – Summer Season “Close-Out;” New Revenue Initiatives; Success of “Benefits for Businesses Program;” etc.
Mr. Ray Favreau, Director of Recreation, provided his report on the above. (Attached, as Exhibit C.)
E. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on an Application for Modification or Expansion of Use for a Town-Owned Subdivision Open Space Parcel at “Vintage Hills Subdivision”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, October 17, 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 an Application for Modification or Expansion of Use for a Town-Owned Subdivision Open Space Parcel, said open space parcel being located at “Vintage Hills” Subdivision.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
F. Resolution Approving a Tax Refund to Twenty-six (26) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-six (26) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $11,550.64, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote; the abstaining vote being cast by Councillor Pendleton.
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Referring to an earlier discussion associated with the “Boundless Playground” and the fund-raising efforts on its behalf, Deputy Mayor Pelkey mentioned the plans to have a “Miniature Golf Tournament” as a Benefit for this cause. He felt that this sort of effort tied in very well with a recent visit he had made to several classes at South Windsor High School at which he had an opportunity to speak to students about the importance of “community involvement.” He felt, also, that this related, directly with the mandate passed by the State Legislature requiring that all students, before graduating from High School, take a “civics class” to learn about just that—community involvement.
20. Executive Session
At 10:20 p.m., Councillor Fine moved to return to Executive Session to continue the discussion from an earlier Executive Session regarding personnel matters. The motion was duly seconded; and was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to Adjourn was made immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Session at 10:45 p.m.; was duly seconded, and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (Exhibits A., B., and C.)
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