TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 October 17, 2005
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor Edward F. Havens
Deputy Mayor John P. Pelkey
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Elizabeth Pendleton
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Roseann Williams
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Havens at 8:00 p.m.; immediately recessed it in order to continue an Executive Session; and reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8:15 p.m. Councillor Delnicki read the list of those serving in the United States Armed Forces in Iraq and the Middle East.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Ms. Jennifer Edwards, 44 Hayes Road, spoke to the Town Council regarding the “North Chapter of the South Windsor “MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support).Club.” She said that at a recent tag sale for the “Boundless Playground, the Club had raised $1,300 on behalf of that undertaking to help the children in our community. Also speaking on what this group works toward was Kathy Reed, 45 Ellsworth Circle, who reported that she was present this evening for the MOM’S Club, to request that the Town “match” that amount through the Town’s Mini-Grant Matching Funds Account. Mrs. Reed added that, presently, the MOMS Club has has been working with Mary Etter, Director of the South Windsor Public Library for about five months to establish a
reading and activity area in the “pre-school” section at that facility.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (continued)
Next to speak was Kevin McCann, 170 Lisa Drive, who said he was present to give praise and recognition to the employees of the Town’s Public Works Department. Mr. McCann referred, specifically, to the Little League Fields construction and maintenance; the creation and maintenance of the “islands” on Buckland Road in the vicinity of Evergreen Walk; and, in particular, the work of the Public Works Department employees this past week-end to prevent traffic accidents during the severe stormy weather and in light of the incidents of the “sinkhole” on Miller Road.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings
Motion to adopt the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Work Session of September 6, 2005; Work Session of September 19, 2005; Work Session of October 4, 2005; and Regular Meeting of September 19, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
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
Town Manager Matthew Galligan reported on the following
1) Setting a Public Hearing to Amend Ordinance #172 – Tractor Trailer Truck Traffic on Beldon Road and Portions of Governor’s Highway.
2) The fact that municipalities are now allowed to not charge interest on taxes to service men and women. He referred to the Towns of Enfield and Vernon having already adopted Ordinances allowing this.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
3) The fact that the “Volunteer Firemen’s Abatement Program” was not budgeted for the current Fiscal Year due to the fact that this money has always been earmarked and taken from Contingency. He stated that, with this in mind, $56,500 had to be transferred to Contingency; and a “bona fide list” of those who are entitled under this program was provided to Council.
4) Town staff will be giving a presentation on the “Boundless Playground” project in order to bring the Town Council up to date on its progress, and what work is being proposed on this project over the next few months.
Mr. Galligan spoke also on the “official opening of the Holiday Season at Evergreen Walk on November 6, 2005, along with The Shops at Evergreen Walk, the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce, the Highland Park Market, and LA Fitness. One of the “kick off” events will be a Fuel Drive spearheaded by Highland Park Market; a Winter Coat Drive; a Toy Drive, all to benefit the community.
Also, at this event on November 6, there will be--an unveiling and dedication of a sculpture by Karen Rossi; a ribbon-cutting for Highland Park Market and the initiation of a Food Drive at their location at Evergreen Walk. LA Fitness will have some of their national instructors giving demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Performances by the South Windsor horal Group, the Community Chorus, the Community Bank, and the bands, also of the schools of Ellington and Manchester. He added that “Scott Haney, on behalf of Channel 3’s “Giving Tree for Kid’s Camp” will be on hand for the tree lighting.
On another topic, the Town Manager reminded Council that South Windsor’s annual “Employee Recognition Day” was scheduled for Friday, October 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Maneeley’s.
Mr. Galligan reported that he had met with “Moody’s; and that both Moody’s and Standard & Poors have given the Town a Double A rating.
Status of Senior Bus on order—will be delivered sometime in February 2006; and the Town is being asked to pay $5,000 more than was originally requested.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Over the week-end, South Windsor’s Police Dispatchers received over 60 storm-related telephone calls.
Application for $2,300 for Matching Funds from Mini-Grant Program was received from MOMS Club. They were asking the Town Council for a matching $2,300. The money, as previously mentioned, was to go toward a “Pre-School” section at the South Windsor Public Library for a total cost of $4,600.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey commented on the “100-year rainfall” this past week-end, and the places that were flooded that had never flooded before. He asked the Town Manager if there would be any State funds coming to South Windsor because of the emergency operations.
Mr. Galligan replied that he had contacted the State today regarding this, and they (State representatives) would be coming out to look at the damage soon.
Councillor Yagaloff complimented volunteer firefighters and the job they did over the week-end. Reminding the Town Manager that he was new on the town Council, the Councillor asked for more details associated with the “Abatement Program” for Volunteers.
Councillor Pendleton asked the Town Attorney the reason for the reduction from $99 to $89 as a fine for an infraction against Ordinance #172. Referring to the signs posted on Beldon Roads and portions of Governor’s Highway regarding tractor trailer truck traffic on these roads, Councillor Prague asked that the word “Fine” be indicated on the signs.
Councillor Delnicki informed Councillor Yagaloff that the abatement for groups such as the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department is $250; $500; or $1,000—depending upon the amount of time donated as a volunteer in that organization.
Mayor Havens asked the Town Manager about the status of the placement of portable toilets, trash receptacles, benches at the Town’s parks. He made reference to a letter recently received from a resident regarding this
ITEM
11. Reports from Standing Committees
Councillor Yagaloff, reporting as liaison to the Board of Education, reported that:
i) The Board of Education has requested that he ask the Town Council for an update regarding the surplus monies they have made a request for previously, but have not yet received. (The Mayor said that the Council had already discussed this, and had decided to “let the new Town Council address this issue.)
ii) The Board of Education is scheduling meetings for the elementary schools renovations; and the Town Council will be advised of the dates of the meetings and the role that the Town Council would play in a meeting where the Council may be expected to have “active participation.”
iii) Councillor Yagaloff explained to the Board of Education in his update that the Town Council had addressed the issue of “fuel costs and the effect of fuel costs on our budget;” and he asked the Board if they were preparing their updates as to the effect of fuel costs on their budget and whether or not they may, at some point, ask the Town Council for a supplement to their budget because of these issues. He added that the Board is in the process of preparing a fuel cost analysis; and will provide it to the Town Council, shortly.
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Pelkey reported on his attendance at the “Rededication of South Windsor’s VFW Post #10251” on Saturday, October 15, at which event the Post was renamed in honor of Major Michael W. Donnelly. Mayor Havens thanked Recreation Director Raymond Favreau for his part in setting up this event.
Deputy Mayor Pelkey moved to “Suspend the Rules” at this time in order to place a Resolution on this evening’s Agenda addressing the “rent money” needed by the MOM’S Club is asking for. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki. The Motion was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business
Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Issue $2,300 of Matching Funds to the South Windsor MOMS Club from the Contingency Account
(Requested and Moved by Deputy Mayor Pelkey)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council created a “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program” on June 20, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor MOMS Club has duly submitted a proper Application for matching funds of $2,300 to purchase furniture for a new Children’s Reading Center to be located in the South Windsor Library; and
WHEREAS, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan has reviewed and approved this project and Application and has determined that it meets all of the criteria of the “South Windsor citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to issue $2,300 of matching funds to the South Windsor MOMS Club from the Town’s Contingency Fund; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council thanks the South Windsor Moms Club for their active participation in projects of this type on behalf of all the citizens of South Windsor.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
At this time, Deputy Mayor Pelkey again Suspended the Rules in order to move forward Agenda Item 18. A. because of the number of people in the audience waiting to speak to the issue. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Delnicki; and was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Approving an Amendment to Section 9-201 of the Code of Ordinances – “An Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves an Amendment to Section 9-201 of the Code of Ordinances – “An Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts;” and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of said Amended Ordinance is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk, and is attached hereto as Exhibit D.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Republican Registrar of Voters Janice Murtha, on behalf of herself and Democratic Registrar of Voters Frances Knipple, extended their thanks to Scott Roberts (the Town’s IT Manager) for all of his help. Councillor Williams, too, thanked Mr. Roberts for his help to staff.
(Council now returned to the normal order of the Agenda.)
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing George Caye (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission
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.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Appointing Robert O’Connor (D) as an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission
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...
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously.
C. Resolution Appointing Shirley Leich (D) to the Human Relations Commission
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.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Appointing Kathy Morlock, (D) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency
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.
(Before there was any discussion on this Resolution, or any action was taken, Deputy Mayor Pelkey Moved to Table it; and it was, therefore, tabled.)
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
E. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth Warren (R) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Elizabeth Warren to the Inland-Wetland Agency for a term ending June 1, 2009.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
F. Resolution Reappointing John Phillips (R) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints John Phillips to the Inland-Wetlands Agency for a term ending June 1, 2009.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Introducing an Amendment to Ordinance #172, an Ordinance Prohibiting Tractor-Trailer Truck Traffic on Beldon Road and Portions of Governor’s Highway in the Town of South Windsor and Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on Said Proposed Amendment
(Deputy Mayor Pelkey)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby introduces an Amendment to Ordinance #172, an Ordinance Prohibiting Tractor-Trailer Truck Traffic on Beldon Road and Portions of Governor’s Highway in the Town of South Windsor; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
17. A. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, November 21, 2005, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Ct. as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on said proposed Amendment, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, and is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Pendleton
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2005/2006
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves an annual salary of $126,000 for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2005/2006.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Approving a Transfer of $7,500 from Contingency Account to Fund the Lighting Project at the Ayers Road Tennis Courts
WHEREAS, at its Regular Meeting of September 19, 2005, the South Windsor Town Council authorized remedial electrical repairs of the lighting at the Ayers Road tennis courts at a cost not to exceed $7,500; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $7,500 from the Contingency Account to the Public Works Building Maintenance Repairs Account to fund the lighting project at the Ayers Road tennis courts.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of $56,500 from the Contingency Account to the Volunteer Abatement Account; and, Further Approves the Payment of $56,500 from the Volunteer Abatement Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to provide funds to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc. in lieu of tax abatements, to be used for any purpose the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc. chooses
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the transfer of $56,500 from the Contingency Account to the Volunteer Abatement Account Number 10000205-10718; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes the payment of $56,500 from the Volunteer Abatement Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Inc. in lieu of tax abatements, said funds to be used for any purpose.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of William Grace (D) from the Inland/Wetlands Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of William Grace from the Inland-Wetlands Agency, said resignation to become effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council takes this opportunity to thank Bill for his years of dedication to the well-being of his community as South Windsor’s Probate Judge, and for the many years of expertise and commitment he brought to his volunteer service in South Windsor as a Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for nine years (eight of them as its Chairman); and, more recently, the two years of he devoted to the Inland-Wetlands Agency; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
17. E. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council wishes William Grace many years of enjoyment, and success in all his future endeavors.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Before proceeding further, Councillor Yagaloff took time to offer further accolades regarding Judge Grace’s contributions to the Town; and to add to the best wishes for his future endeavors.
F. Resolution Appointing Timothy Appleton (D) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency to Fill the Unexpired Term of William Grace, and the Tabling of Same to the Next Regular Town Council Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Timothy Appleton to the Inland-Wetlands Agency for a term expiring December 1, 2007, to fill the unexpired term of William Grace, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
G. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Fifty-One (51) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to fifty-one (51) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $8,162.90 and as shown on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was Approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention—the single abstaining vote being cast by Councillor Streeter.
17. New Business (Continued)
H. Resolution Introducing an Ordinance to Waive Interest on Property Tax Due for any South Windsor Real Property-Owners Whose Spouse is on Active Duty in Iraq and Who, Further, is Serving in the Middle East
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby introduces a Proposed Ordinance to Waive Interest on Property Tax due for any South Windsor Real Property-Owners whose spouse is on active duty in Iraq and who, further is serving in the Middle East; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, November 21, 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 Proposed Ordinance, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C., and a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Councillor Pendleton
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Approving an Amendment to Section 9-201 of the Code of Ordinances – “An Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts”
(This item was addressed earlier in the evening.)
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Mayor Havens commented that this would be Council’s last meeting until November 21—which, of course, would be “after our municipal elections.” He used this time to thank everyone who served with him. Also speaking was Councillor Streeter who said this was the 22nd Council of the Town of South Windsor; and there had been 11 Democratic majority Councils, and 11 Republican Councils in that time; and the “tie-breaker” would be coming up.
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Pelkey also told Mayor Havens that “it has been a pleasure working as your Deputy for the last two years.” He felt he had experienced “a lot of growth during those two years.” Councillor Delnicki mentioned that his first term on the Town Council had been with Mayor Havens; and he looked forward to serving with him again.
20. Executive Session – No further Executive Session needed at this time.
21. Adjournment
A Motion to Adjourn was made by Councillor Fine at 9:40 p.m.; was seconded by Deputy Mayor Pelkey; and was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (Exhibits A., B., C., and D.)
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