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TOWN COUNCIL |
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR |
ACTION MINUTES |
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October 4, 2005 |
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: |
Mayor Edward Havens Deputy Mayor John Pelkey Councillor Thomas Delnicki Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton Councillor Cary Prague Councillor Matthew Streeter Councillor Roseann Williams Councillor Keith Yagaloff
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Member Absent: |
Councillor Fine
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Also Present: |
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan Town Attorney Barry Guliano |
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Mayor Havens called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m. and presented a Proclamation to the South Windsor Senior Center congratulating it on its “25th Anniversary.”
5. Public Input
Reverend Mark Abernethy, Senior Minister at Wapping Community Church gave a presentation on The Peace Pole Project. The Reverend Abernethy invited everyone to come to the Church on Sunday October 23rd at 11:30 a.m. to view the dedication of this Peace Pole and create a lasting symbol in South Windsor for what they hope will be movement for “Peace on Earth.” The Peace Pole will be located on a piece of land east of a strip of land between the Wapping Community Church parking lot and the Library parking lot. He explained that the Peace Pole embodies one of their deepest hopes as a human community that peace may indeed prevail on earth.
John Drake from the Church spoke about the technicalities of the Peace Pole. He explained that it is a white cedar pole and will be about 2 feet into the ground. There may be a circle or square of stone or chipped brick and two or three shrubs around it. He said that they would like to put it where there is currently a bush, that will have to be removed, and that there is a street light there that will light the pole even at night.
Town Manager said that he will be contacting Public Works to coordinate with the Church to help them put it in. He felt that it is a very good project.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Kevin McCann of 170 Lisa Drive discussed his concern with fuel costs. He explained that everyone has seen the dramatic increase and the Town may experience the same impact. He asked if the Town has locked in at a specific price to protect against this type of increase. He explained why this should be addressed.
Town Manager Galligan explained that two weeks ago he submitted an Excel Spreadsheet to the Council concerning fuel, oil, and gasoline costs and its effect on the budget. He said that the bottom line, if their cost continued to soar, the Town would be looking at a $52,000 additional expenditure in fuel costs. He also explained that the Town does cooperative purchasing/bidding from CROG. He said that CROG does not lock in, but the prices are usually way below what the market will bare. He did say that they are still working with CROG to try and lock in prices. The Town Manager said that they will continue to monitor the situation and a few other areas that have been affecting.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings - None
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan reported on the following items:
1. South Windsor being designated, nationally, as “One of 100 Best Communities for Children in the United States.” He said the Town would be putting up a “banner” in Town in celebration of this honor.
2. “Fuel Bank” – Councillor Delnicki asked for a report on the financial status of the Fuel Bank.
3. Referring to tonight’s Resolution Approving Refunds to Taxpayers on their property taxes, Mr. Galligan reported that this Resolution on the last Agenda was in error; and, therefore, was being incorporated into this week's—with a final total for both.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
4. Mr. Galligan, referring to Agenda Item 17. N. – the Adoption of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) – Explained the need for adopting, as a public policy, the NIMS concept of emergency planning and unified command. He urged the Council to approve this proposal.
5. Again referring to this evening’s Agenda, the Town Manager explained, in greater detail, the need for Agenda Item 17. L., a Resolution Approving the “Explanatory Text for Each of Four (4) Referendum Questions that will be on the Town’s November 8th ballot.
6. At the Mayor’s request, the Town Manager explained what would happen here should South Windsor experience the threat of a hurricane. And, along this line of thinking, fielded questions from the Councillors regarding the method of evacuation of people within our Nursing Homes and Continuing Care facilities; what type of public transportation is available for use during an emergency (Post Road Stages, and Laidlaw buses were mentioned); and was the Town Manager planning to repeat another “Tabletop Drill” Exercise.
7. The discussion regarding emergencies then moved on to “tornadoes” and “how many layers deep have been planned to meet shelter requirements in the event of this type of catastrophe; looking into a “reverse #911 system,” and “#311”—both of which notify residents that we need help, or they need to help out; and, particularly, pushing for a “national dispatch center” that would be invaluable in the case of such emergency situations.
8. A discussion ensued regarding the fuel cell at the High School, the fact that it used 22% less gas than other heating devices; and whether or not the Town could “lock into” a certain price to pay for the gas.
9. The Town Manager was also asked to look into an exemption of interest on
overdue taxes for those residents whose spouses were serving in the Armed
Forces in Iraq or somewhere else in the Middle East.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council - None
ITEM:
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. C. through 17. H. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Williams and Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business – None
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Peter Anthony, Jr. (D) from the Park and Recreation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Peter Anthony, Jr. from the Parks and Recreation Commission, said resignation to be effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council wishes to thank Peter for the 15 years he has devoted to this Commission and to the youth of our community and wish him well as he undertakes his new responsibilities as a father and as a high school coach.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Audrey Wasik (D) from the Inland-Wetland Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Audrey Wasik from the Inland Wetland Agency, said resignation effective immediately; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council thanks Audrey for her many years of volunteer service on a variety of Boards and Commissions and for her obvious dedication to the welfare of her community and its citizens.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
*C. Resolution Appointing George Caye (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints George Caye to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Peter Anthony, Jr., and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Resolution Appointing Robert O’Connor (D) as an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Robert O’Connor (D) an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term commencing November 9, 2005 and ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Resolution Appointing Shirley Leich (D) to the Human Relations Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Shirley Leich to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2006, to fill the unexpired term of Myrna Symes, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
*F. Resolution Appointing Kathy Morlock, (D) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Kathy Morlock to the Inland-Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2008 to fill the unexpired term of Audrey Wasik, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*G. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth Warren (R) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Elizabeth Warren to the Inland-Wetland Agency for a term ending June 1, 2009, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*H. Resolution Reappointing John Phillips (R) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints John Phillips to the Inland-Wetlands Agency for a term ending June 1, 2009, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
I. Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and the Town of South Windsor for a Grant to Fund 31.19% of the Replacement of the Felt Road Bridge Over the Farm Brook and the Appropriation of $20,500 for the Design of Said Bridge
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has conducted a study of 4 bridges owned and maintained by the town and prioritized these bridges according to their need for repair and eligibility for state and federal funding; and,
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
WHEREAS the Town has determined that the Felt Road bridge over the Farm Brook needs to be replaced and is eligible for a grant from the State of Connecticut under the Local Bridge Program; and,
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded a grant from the State of Connecticut Local Bridge Program to fund 31.19% of the eligible project costs for the replacement of the Felt Road bridge over the Farm Brook; and,
WHEREAS, The Design cost for this project is estimated to be $57,500 and there is $37,000 in the capital account used for the bridge study:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes its Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to accept the Commitment to Fund letter from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Local Bridge Program for the Felt Road Bridge over Farm Brook, Bridge No. 132-002; and,
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that, having held the required Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 4, 2005, at 7:45 p.m., the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the transfer of $20,500 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account Number 44201300-00320 to the Bridge Study Account Number 44019300-00320, for the design of the replacement of the Felt Road Bridge over the Farm Brook.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
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.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
J. Resolution Introducing an Amendment to Section 9-201 of the Code of Ordinances, Town of South Windsor, Connecticut entitled Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts; and Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing regarding same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council introduces an Amendment to Section 9-201 of the Code of Ordinances entitled Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts, a copy of said proposed Amendment being on file in the Office of the Town Clerk; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, October 17, 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 the proposed Amendment to said Ordinance.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
K. Resolution Approving a Transfer of $20,000 from Contingency Fund to the Human Services “Food and Fuel Program” Account
WHEREAS, the cost of home heating oil has reached an all-time high, and may go higher; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Human Services Department administers a “fuel bank” that is intended to aid those residents who are in need of financial assistance in meeting the costs associated with heating their homes; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council realizes that this will be an unusual heating season that will place unprecedented demands upon the “fuel bank”
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. K. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council directs Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to transfer $20,000 from the Town’s Contingency Fund Account to Human Services Food and Fuel Bank Account; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the distribution of these funds will be administered by the Human Services Department and will be used, solely, for the purpose of providing economic assistance to South Windsor residents unable to meet the cost of heating their homes this winter.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
Before a vote could be taken, Councillor Delnicki amended the Resolution in the 4th paragraph to read - ……”to transfer up to $20,000 from…….”
The Motion to Amend was seconded by Councillor Streeter, but was defeated 5 Ayes to 3 Nays on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Pendleton No
Councillor Prague Yes
Councillor Yagaloff No
Councillor Streeter Yes
Councillor Williams No
Deputy Mayor Pelkey No
Mayor Havens No
Mayor Havens then called for a vote on the original Resolution. It was defeated 5 Nays to 3 Ayes, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Pendleton No
Councillor Prague Yes
Councillor Yagaloff No
Councillor Streeter Yes
Councillor Williams No
Deputy Mayor Pelkey No
Mayor Havens No
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
L. Resolution Approving the Explanatory Text for Each of Four (4) Referendum Questions to Appear on November 8, 2005 Ballot
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Clerk, in accordance with Section 9-369b of the Connecticut General Statutes, to have printed concise and explanatory text of the following Referendum Questions:
$8,250,000 for a new South Windsor Fire and Ambulance Facility, and the Issuance of Bonds for Same
$4,300,000 for Construction of an Addition and Renovations to the South Windsor Police Facility and the Issuance of Bonds for Same
Possible Conveyance, by Competitive Bidding, of Town Property Know as “Fire Station 3,” and Further Identified as 124 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor
$4,000,000 for the Acquisition of Land or Interests in Land for Open Space
to be voted on November 8, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
M. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $5,000 from the Contingency Fund to the Town Council’s Professional Account for the Printing and Mailing of Explanatory Text for Referenda Included on November 8, 2005 Ballot
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $5,000 from the Contingency Fund to the Town Council’s Professional Account to cover the cost of the printing and mailing of explanatory text for Referendum Questions #1, #2, #3, and #4 to be voted on at the municipal election to be held November 8, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Nay by Councillor Yagaloff
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
N. Resolution Approving the Adoption of the National Incident Management System
WHEREAS; Emergency Response to critical incidents, whether natural or manmade, requires integrated professional management, and
WHEREAS; Unified Command of such incidents is recognized as the management model to maximize the public safety response, and
WHEREAS; The National Incident Management System, herein referred to as NIMS, has been identified by the Federal Government as being the requisite emergency management system for all political subdivisions, and
WHEREAS; Failure to adopt NIMS as the requisite emergency management system may preclude reimbursement to the political subdivision for costs expended during and after a declared emergency or disaster and for training and preparation for such disasters or emergencies.
THEREFORE, it shall be the public policy of the Town of South Windsor to adopt the NIMS concept of emergency planning and unified command. It shall further be the policy of the Town of South Windsor to train public officials responsible for emergency management.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the South Windsor Town Council adopts as a public policy the NIMS concept of emergency planning and unified command.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it shall be the policy of the Town of South Windsor to train public officials responsible for emergency management.
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
O. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Sixty-Eight (68) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to Sixty-Eight (68) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $27,967.15, and as more fully explained on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Pendleton
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - Mrs. Virginia Macro came before Council to explain the “Executive Summary” of the Citizens Network Study Committee on “Finding a Better Way: Financing Local Public Education in Connecticut.” (A copy of this Executive Summary is attached as Exhibit B.)
20. Executive Session
Deputy Mayor Pelkey moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Fine; and was approved, unanimously.
21. Motion to Adjourn
Following the Executive Session, a Motion to adjourn was made at 10:45; was duly seconded; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts: [Exhibit A. (and) Exhibit B.]
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