TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 December 5, 2005
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
(No Town Attorney Present)
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Streeter at 8:00 p.m.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Mary Etter from the South Windsor Public Library extended to the Town Council and the Public, an invitation to celebrate two special editions to the Library and Library/Town Hall Complex at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2005. The first celebration is the first part of a Sculpture Garden that will continue to be placed over the next year on the lawn in the front of the buildings towards Wapping Church. The second celebration is for the refurbishing of the preschool area, which was started by the MOMS Club of South Windsor - North Chapter and matched with a Citizens Matching Mini-Grant from the Town Council.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Havens asked the Town Manager to go over the parking bans, shoveling, and sidewalk snow removal for the public. Town Manager Galligan explained that people will be required, within 48 hours, to remove the snow from their sidewalks that are in front of their house, dwelling, or commercial establishment. He also explained that the Town has a crew that does the sidewalks around the High School, Nevers Road, and various other places. Should anyone need help shoveling, they can call Dennis Sheridan at Human Services, and he will get some of the teens to help shovel for the seniors that need help. He asked everyone to please be careful.
ITEM:
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message (Continued)
Mayor Streeter asked the Town Manager to confirm that there is no parking on the streets once there is snow, so that the plows can get through.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki also discussed the importance of shoveling around the fire hydrants.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings -
Motion to approve the Minutes of the following Town council meetings: Regular Meeting of November 7, 2005; and Work Session of November 21, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
There was discussion about the minutes in that not all current Councillors were Councillors during November at the time of these meetings. The minutes were approved 7 Ayes to 0 Nays with 2 Abstentions, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Deputy Mayor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor McCann Abstain
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Moriarty Abstain
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Councillor Prague Yes
Councillor Yagaloff Yes
Mayor Streeter Yes
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mr. Bob Moeller, Chairman of the Patriotic Commission congratulated the Council. He reminded everyone about the Patriotic Commission’s 102D Army Band Concert on Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. at Timothy Edwards Middle School. He explained what the concert will consist of. There is no charge, but he said that they do request that all attendees bring a new unwrapped toy or gift card.
Mr. Moeller discussed their essay contest. He should be finalized and distributed to the schools prior to the Christmas recess. He explained that Congress has
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
designated September 17th, the date the Constitution was signed in 1787, as Constitution Day. All schools receiving federal funds were mandated this year to teach the Constitution on September 16th. The Patriotic Commission has been working with the school system in using suggested topics for the essay contest that the students studied throughout the year.
Councillor Pelkey asked if our other State Representative Mike Christ was invited. Mr. Moeller said that they will take care of it.
Councillor Pelkey gave condolences to Mike Christ for the loss of his brother.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan discussed how they met last year for the budget, staffing levels, and processes. He suggested that they do the same again this year. He said that next meeting will start with the Police Department and he will provide a schedule for the others that he schedules in the future.
Town Manager Galligan also informed the Council of the lawsuit that the Town won when the Judge ruled from the bench to dismiss the case concerning the State property that the Town had acquired for Evergreen Walk concerning easements. The Judge said that the Town did what they were supposed to do. Town Manager Galligan said that there are still about 11 more cases out there concerning Evergreen Walk and they will continue to monitor them.
The Board of Education has reached an agreement with the Teachers Contract, which he distributed to the Council. Under the State Statute the Town Council has 45 days to disapprove, if they approve it, then they do nothing for the 45 days. If the Town Council disapproves they need to put a resolution out there disapproving it and send it back to the Board of Education. The Board of Education would either have to start all over or possibly go into arbitration.
The Town Manager also reminded the Council about various upcoming functions.
He also explained that this year the budget is going to be done using Munis. This will allow for items to be analyzed in the future.
Town Manager Galligan spoke about the Interim Town Attorney. He said that they have been very good and very responsive.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
The Town Manager explained for Deputy Mayor Delnicki the extensive training that is going to be needed so that the budget process can be done in Munis.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki asked the Town Manager to provide a status on the economic conditions of the fuel bank for the next meeting.
Councillor Fine wanted to be on record as being opposed to holding meetings down stairs off camera. She feels that the public has the right to be involved in knowing what is being done.
Councillor Fine asked if there was any way that it can be shown in the Teachers Contract what is new in this contract as compared to the last contract. The Town Manager said that he would ask Dr. Wood to provide it.
Councillor Fine spoke about how the Community Center has an ongoing project of collecting bottles to be used towards the fuel bank.
Councillor Pelkey also concurs with Councillor Fine about the hearings being held on camera. He would like to take a different approach this year. He knows that the reason they would like to go downstairs is because it gives a little bit more of an informal atmosphere and it is a way of having a round table affect. The unfortunate part of it is that the camera situation doesn’t work. The Board of Education is currently having forums with the citizens about what the school building is all about. The school buildings are public buildings and that they should be used for more than just school. They should have activities after hours for the public. He explained that both the High School and the Middle School have great media rooms. He suggests that maybe the Town Council
could use those rooms for the hearings so that they can have the atmosphere but still be on camera.
Councillor Pelkey said that as far as the attorney work is concerned he and most of the Councillors are blind to what is being done. He would like to see at the next meeting or before then, what they have worked on and what they have prioritized to do, and have them include a time line. The Town Manager said he would ask them for that.
Town Manager Galligan informed Councillor Pelkey and the Council that the leaf collection is basically finished, but residents can still bag leaves and they will be picked up until the second week in December. The Town Manager said that he
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
thought that Public Works was able to get 2 rounds in, in every neighborhood, and possibly three in some.
Councillor Pelkey also asked about some of recent patching that has been done on certain roads and whether they are temporary or not because they give a jolt when driven on. The Town Manager said that they would be looked at.
Councillor Pelkey asked about the estimates that were given regarding the lighting that was done at the Wapping Tennis Courts. The Town Manager said that they probably went around and got quotes.
Councillor Yagaloff asked that the Teacher’s Contract be put on as a discussion item and that a Resolution be placed on a meeting agenda prior to the expiration of the 45 days.
Councillor Yagaloff also agreed with Councillor Fine about not knowing what was changed in this contract. He also discussed some other issues he had with the contract. He said that it is not their job to go into it that deeply, they may want to, but at the very least they need to have a comparison about how much this is costing us and what happened last time to this time. He said that if the Board of Education does not want to break it down for them, he would be happy to take a copy of the old contract and go through it himself. The Town Manager said that the numbers should be public now and he will also ask for a copy of the analysis that was done.
Councillor McCann clarified that with respect to the Work Sessions for the budget are open to the public and anyone who would like to attend is welcome. He said that the Work Sessions for the budget are to work on the budget and that he feels the appropriate place to do that is down stairs off camera.
Councillor Havens said that he has mixed emotions about the Work Sessions for the budget being downstairs but has no problem going downstairs.
Councillor Havens also discussed the teachers Contract and said that he thinks it is good that the Council is interested it.
Town Manager Galligan explained for Councillor Havens that the bulky waste is included in the tonnage and the Town is being charged $70 a ton. Councillor Havens said that this might be an item that the Council might want to look at.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Havens recommended that in regards to the Steap Grant, he asked if the Council was going to have a choice of what is applied for in that grant. The Town Manager explained that the Mayor has asked him to set up a meeting between the Union School people and the Wapping Jaycees. Councillor Havens recommended to the Council that they apply at least $100,000 for the renovation of Union School.
Mayor Streeter asked for a motion to extend this portion of the meeting because it has exceeded 10 minutes. Councillor Pelkey moved to extend this portion of the meeting; it was duly seconded; and approved unanimously.
Councillor Pelkey spoke more about the Work Sessions being held downstairs.
Town Manager Galligan informed Councillor Fine about what was included in the 79 911 calls, and they discussed if there was overlapping.
Councillor Fine discussed a phone call she had with a resident that does not get their trash picked up every week and on the week following has too much trash and gets in trouble. They then discussed the cost of having an extra container. Town Manager Galligan discussed that when resident’s trash isn’t picked up, he would like to know because he penalizes the company for that.
Mayor Streeter said that he can see the Town Manager’s point of wanting to hold some of the Work Sessions down stairs. He read Section 4 of the Town Council’s Rules and Procedures, which supports the idea of holding meetings downstairs and off camera if necessary.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council - None
14. Public Participation - None
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 16. A. through 16. Q. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business
*A. Resolution Appointing Christopher Lariviere, Jr. (R) an Alternate Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Christopher Lariviere, Jr. an Alternate Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Resolution Reappointing Frank Ferrero (R) to the Board of Assessment Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Frank Ferrero to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*C. Resolution Reappointing Mark Lillis (R) to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Mark Lillis to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*D. Resolution Reappointing Mark Patitucci (R) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Mark Patitucci an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*E. Resolution Appointing Edwina Futtner (R) to the Historic District Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Edwina Futtner to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*F. Resolution Appointing Paul Oates (R) an Alternate to the Historic District Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Paul Oates an Alternate to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Edwina Futtner.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*G. Resolution Reappointing Richard Muller (R) to the Inland-Wetlands Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Richard Muller to the Inland-Wetlands Agency for a term ending June 1, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*H. Resolution Reappointing Katherine Chiapetta (R) to the Library Board
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Katherine Chiapetta to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*I. Resolution Appointing Mark Peterson (R) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Mark Peterson to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission to fill an unexpired term ending November 30, 2007.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*J. Resolution Appointing Jason Race (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Jason Race to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*K. Resolution Appointing Paul Mozzicato (R) as an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Paul Mozzicato an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2008.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*L. Resolution Reappointing Howard E. Fitts (R) to the Public Building Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Howard E. Fitts to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*M. Resolution Reappointing Charles E. Lyons (R) to the Public Building Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Charles E. Lyons to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*N. Resolution Reappointing Carol S. Kelley (R) to the Public Building Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Carol S. Kelley to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*O. Resolution Appointing Robert C. Wilson (R) to the Public Building Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Robert C. Wilson to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Kenneth Fitzgerald.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*P. Resolution Reappointing Susan Rose (R) an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Susan Rose an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2008.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*Q. Resolution Reappointing Teri Dickey-Gaignat (R) to the Zoning Board of Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Teri Dickey-Gaignat to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2009.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
R. Resolution Reappointing Daniel L. Jeski (D) an Alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Daniel L. Jeski an Alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill the unexpired term, as Alternate, of Michael Sullivan.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Approving an Appropriation of $17,000 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account for Roofs at Police Headquarters
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves an appropriation of $17,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account for the replacement of three (3) metal roofs on the Police Headquarters building at 151 Sand Hill Road.
Resolution continued on next page
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Town Manager Galligan gave the public a brief overview of the project at the request of the Mayor.
Councillor Pelkey asked if the damages that were caused by the leaking roof were going to be repaired under these costs. Town Manager Galligan said that it will be done under general maintenance.
B. Resolution Designating the South Windsor Board of Education as “Building Committee” for State Project Numbers TMP-132-MVXW, Window Replacement for Wapping School, and TMP-132-MMTP Asbestos Abatement for Wapping School
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need for, and supports the removal of asbestos around, the windows at Wapping Elementary School and the need to replace these windows
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby designates the South Windsor Board of Education as the Building Committee for State Project Number TMP-132-MVXW, Window Replacement for Wapping School; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby designates the South Windsor Board of Education as the Building Committee for State Project Number TMP-132-MMTP Asbestos Abatement for Wapping School; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes said Board of Education to proceed with preparation of the necessary schematic drawings and outline specifications for the projects; and authorizes South Windsor’s Superintendent of Schools to file applications for a School Construction Project Grant for each project.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Resolution continued on next page
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he is in support of this, but for the record, he hopes that the Board of Education, going what they are going through right now with the hiring of a new Superintendent and gearing up for the Elementary School renovation project, his concern is that they are able to stay on top of this because they are not insignificant dollars. He stated that with either one of these two projects they could take off in the direction that they may not be able to accomplish it with the dollars that are budgeted. He asked that everyone watch this and make sure that it gets done within budget.
Councillor Pelkey discussed that there are 3 opportunities for grant money. He also wanted to make everyone aware that they do not have a problem with asbestos or lead paint, but that it is built into the building itself and will be exposed when the windows are removed, which is why the project won’t start until school is out this summer in June.
Councilor Pelkey also discussed that when grant moneys are received the money should be put back into the Capital Projects Budget, which is not really stated in there. He was not sure if something should be added to the resolution. Town Manager Galligan said that he did not think that needed to be done. He said that this resolution is the State’s resolution and any deviation to this could hurt the Town.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki wanted to put Councillor Yagaloff’s concerns over the Board of Education running the project to rest. He said that he believes Pat Hankard is probably the go to person here and knowing his talents, skills, and abilities, he has no concern whatsoever in him running this project.
C. Refund of Property Taxes to Seven (7) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to seven (7) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $570.35, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Resolution was approved, on a Roll Call vote, 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention—the vote to Abstain being cast by Councillor McCann.
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Mayor Streeter discussed the events that he was able to attend as Mayor the past weekend.
Councillor Pelkey discussed that over a year ago they appointed the first Poet Laureate of the Town and that she should be reappointed by resolution. He also asked if she could give an update on her activities. Mayor Streeter stated that it is not necessary to have a resolution but he has no problem doing so and that he would love to have her come.
20. Executive Session - If needed to continue discussion from earlier Executive
Session regarding possible purchase of real estate for Town
Mayor Streeter stated that it was not necessary to continue the Executive Session from earlier in the evening.
21. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to Adjourn was made at 9:10 p.m.; was duly seconded; and approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa Perry
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
| 
