TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 January 17, 2006
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 “Interim” Town Attorney present)
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Streeter at 8:00 p.m., was immediately recessed in order to continue the Work Session, and then reconvened at 8:20 p.m.
Item
5. Public Input
First to speak from the audience was James Throwe, 1330 Main Street, and Democratic Town Chairman. He said he was addressing Agenda Item 17. P. the Proposed Amendment to Ordinance #173, an Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts.
Mr. Throwe urged the Town Council to “not mess with the Ordinance” and with work “that has already been done.” He pointed out that he felt many problems were solved when the Districts were reduced from seven (7) to five (5). And either way, the Town had “the same number of voters and the same number of machines; and the number of machines is not a problem.” The Chairman felt that, the creation of the five (5) Districts was “workable;” and again urged the Town Council to leave the Ordinance alone.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
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7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Work Session of December 19, 2005; Regular Meeting of December 19, 2005; and Special Meeting of December 28, 2005.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Prior to voting, Councillor Pelkey said he would be abstaining from the vote because he was not present at the Special Meeting of December 28, 2005. Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention on a Roll Call vote, the abstaining vote being cast by Councillor Pelkey.
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Ms. Lee Carmon, 208 Dogwood Lane, and a Member of the Human Relations Commission, spoke to the Council regarding the need for such a Commission in South Windsor. She gave several examples of the different types of “discrimination” existing in South Windsor, and how they might be addressed.
Ms. Carmon also spoke of the various programs sponsored by the Human Relations Commission—such as—cosponsoring the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Exhibit; the Family Awareness Day Event at the Community Center; and by volunteering, in November, at the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Dinner. Ms. Carmon then introduced the Chairperson of the Human Relations Commission, Janice Favreau.
Ms. Favreau said that the most often asked question regarding this issue was “What is Human Relations?” The simple reply, she added, is that “Human Relations consists of all the interactions in our daily lives.” She went on to explain more fully.
Continuing, Ms. Favreau explained that the Commission’s “Vision is embodied in the “Mission Statement,” which says ‘It is our role to encourage communication and mutual respect among all citizens in the Town of South Windsor.’ She felt that the Commission’s value lies not only in its role as a “watchdog” for the community but, also, as a sounding board for everyone in the community. She felt that however or whenever people come together, human relations are involved.
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9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
Going on to “Goals and Objectives,” the Chairperson said “It is our ‘goal’ to promote and assist in developing an environment of fairness and respect among citizens by insuring that responses to acts of exclusion, bias, and discrimination are meaningful and consistent. This can be accomplished, she added, through the receipt of complaints regarding an “equity of treatment;” “violation of human rights or opportunities,” or “disharmonious human relations.” Once such complaints are received, she said, the Commission can try to resolve them through mediation or refer the person to the appropriate outside agency.
Another goal of the Commission, according to Ms. Favreau is to develop ways to measure and monitor community relations, race relations, civil rights issues and, in particular, those that call inter-group conflict.
Concluding her report, the Chairman said that presently, the Commission has filled all Democratic slots, and the Commission is “actively seeking Republican and unaffiliated voters to fill the remaining five (5) positions. She also informed those listening that the Human Relations commission’s next meeting will be Thursday, February 2, 2006, at 7:30 p.m., in the Sprenkel Room at Town Hall.
Ms. Favreau also stressed, among other things, the importance of establishing a “liaison” with South Windsor’s Police Department, Human Services Department, and the High School’s Student Human Relations Committee. She continued by listing, additionally, other planned events and workshops aimed at addressing discrimination and other social behavioral problems.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan, refraining from again speaking on the GIS System discussed previously in the Work Session, went on to mention the fact that Craig Stevenson, the Town’s Economic Development Coordinator, was present this evening to discuss contractual issues with the Town Council—perhaps, ;he suggested, in Executive Session.
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10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
The Town Manager mentioned the letter he had sent to the Registrars of Voters because of his concerns with the upcoming elections, and the redistricting Ordinance that had recently been approved by Council. the Secretary of State’s recent comments, he said, regarding the new voting machines “raised the red flag” for him—particularly in the case of a gubernatorial election—where 71% to 80% of the voters come to the polls; or a Presidential election when as much as 96% of the voters go to the polls.
Mr. Galligan wanted to bring this to Council’s attention because, although there are enough lever machines to go around, the purpose of the new machines would be to move people quicker. He was concerned about crowding and parking problems now that the number of Districts has been lowered from seven to five—and the old lever machines still being in use. He expressed concern with the number of voters who have already been told that their voting district has changed.
Other items in his report that the Town Manager said he wished to elaborate on were:
1) The three (3) land purchases mentioned and the fact that Resolutions were included on this evening’s Agenda referring them to the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, as required.
2) Homeland Security-Emergency Management Committee Meetings; and the fact that NIMS has required an “Evacuation Plan” from the Town. This, he added, is moving along quickly; and the GIS Plan discussed at Work Session would be a very effective tool for emergency management, etc.
3) As a follow-up to the orientation presentation by the Public Works management people last week, his issuance of a Memorandum to staff asking that the thermostats in Town buildings be set at 68º; a reduction in the number of Town “cell phones” in use; a cut-back in the number of hours for the contractual cleaning company. According to Mr. Galligan, could result in anywhere between a $10,000-$12,000 saving.
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10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
4) Another item mentioned by the Town Manager was with regard to the recently rejected Teachers Contract—and that was the formation of an “Arbitration Panel.” Dr. Wood would be keeping him informed of the Panel’s progress; and any time set aside for testimony from the Town Manager or a Member of the Town Council.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki complimented the Town Manager for his move to set the temperatures in Town buildings—particularly in light of the increasingly higher cost of heating fuel. Referring to information received recently from State Representative Bill Aman—notably Public Act 05-173 (Payment for Services Provided by Volunteer Fire Companies), the Deputy Mayor asked if South Windsor would be eligible to avail itself of any funds available for our own Volunteer Fire Department’s emergency services on “limited access highway” (I-291). The Deputy Mayor asked if, through the Grant mentioned in the information provided by Rep. Aman, there were any funds available for South Windsor’s Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Galligan said he would investigate.
Councillor Yagaloff asked the Town Manager what he and Town staff were now doing in terms of spending time on the arbitration of the Teachers’ Contract. If the situation arose where the Board of Education submitted the same contract to the “Arbiter” as was submitted by the Teachers’ Union, and posing a hypothetical question, Councillor Yagaloff asked why Town staff would want to spend any time preparing? Would it not, he questioned, be better to wait until after the Council got a better picture of what was happening with the arbitration before proceeding further.
At 9:10 p.m., following this discussion and as a part of the Town Manager’s Report, Mayor Streeter made a Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss economic development issues with the Town Manager and Economic Development Coordinator Craig Stevenson. The Motion was seconded by Councillor McCann, and was approved, unanimously.
Town Council ended its Executive Session at 9:25 p.m.; and reconvened the Regular Meeting at 9:30 p.m.
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11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports from Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Deputy Mayor Delnicki reported that he and other Members of the Town Council had attended the Police Department “Promotional Ceremony” last Saturday evening. He, again, congratulated those promoted and wished them luck.
Councillor Pelkey then informed Council that on the previous Friday, he had the opportunity to attend the new “Fred Astaire Studio” in South Windsor. The Grand Opening, he added, provided the opportunity of holding a fund-raiser for the Town’s “under-construction” Boundless Playground.. $1,000 for this Playground was raised at this event.
Another effort that greatly benefited the Boundless Playground was made by the Civics Class at South Windsor High School. Councillor Pelkey visited this class today, he said, and was presented with a check for $5,100 . Another upcoming event mentioned by the Councillor to be held on behalf of the Playground would be held on February 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Casino. He said that Post Road Stages has donated the bus for this trip; and the Casino was donating “comps” worth $40.00 to everyone. The event would be taking place on Saturday, February 25, 2006.
Councillor Havens paid tribute to the prompt response of South Windsor’s Police Department to a call from the home of relatives of Councillor Havens, living in South Windsor, \ when their house was being broken into at 1:00 a.m. one morning, recently. He said he has been told by family members that it took the Police Officers (in three cruisers) only two (2) minutes to respond to the call.
The Councillor also recognized the “great work” our Public Works Department has done in the recent snowstorms.
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14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. O. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Before calling for a vote on the Consent Agenda, Mayor Streeter asked if there were any items to be removed. Councillor Pelkey removed Agenda Items 17. I. and 17. J.; and Mayor Streeter requested that Agenda Item 17. G. be removed from Consent Agenda and acted upon separately.
Following the removal of these items, a vote was called for on the Amended Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through F, 17. H., and 17. K through O. The Amended Motion was approved, unanimously. Council then acted upon those Items removed from the Consent Agenda.
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
*A. Resolution Reappointing Kathleen-Mary Sharos (D) to the Library Board for a Term Ending November 30, 2009, and the Tabling the Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Kathleen-Mary Sharos to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council
Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*B. Resolution Reappointing Gladys Nadel (D) to the Library Board for a Term Ending November 30, 2009, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Kathleen-Mary Sharos to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same to the next Regular Town Council Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
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17. New Business (Continued)
*C. Resolution Appointing David Sorenson (R) an Alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints David Sorenson an Alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending November 14, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Resolution Reappointing Joan Murphy (R) to the South Windsor Housing Authority, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor town Council reappoints Joan Murphy to the South Windsor Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2010, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Resolution Reappointing Dorothy Corcoran (R) to the Mass Transit Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Dorothy Corcoran to the Mass Transit Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*F. Resolution Reappointing Robert Dickinson (R) to the Mass Transit Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Robert Dickinson to the Mass Transit Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
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Regular Meeting – Town Council
January 17, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Reappointing Carolyn Mirek (R) to the Mass Transit Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Carolyn Mirek to the Mass Transit Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was approved 8 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote. The Abstaining Vote was cast by Mayor Streeter.
*H. Resolution Reappointing Bruce Snow (R) to the Mass Transit Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Bruce Snow to the Mass Transit Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
I. Resolution Reappointing Gene Jay (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Gene Jay to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
J. Resolution Reappointing Mark Sluboski (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Mark Sluboski to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
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Regular Meeting – Town Council
January 17, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
*K. Resolution Reappointing James Snow (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints James Snow to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*L. Resolution Reappointing Robert Dickinson (R) to the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Robert Dickinson to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2011, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*M. Resolution Appointing Frank Ferrero (R) to the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Frank Ferrero to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*N. Resolution Reappointing Thomas Berstene (R) to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Thomas Berstene to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
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January 17, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
*O. Resolution Appointing Jonathan D. Foster (R) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission (SWALPAC), and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Jonathan D. Foster to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission to fill a vacancy with an unexpired term ending November 30, 2007, and hereby tables the same.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
P. Resolution Introducing a Proposed Amendment to Ordinance #173, An Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts;” and Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on Said Amendment.
WHEREAS, Connecticut’s Secretary of State is allowing municipalities to continue to use existing lever voting machines in 2006; and
WHEREAS, $33 million in Federal funding will be made available to Connecticut in 2007 to help defray the municipal costs of new voting technology; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council approved Ordinance #173 prior to the Secretary of State’s recent decision regarding voting machines
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby introduces a proposed Amendment to Ordinance #173, An Ordinance Establishing Voting Districts, said Amendment changing the effective date of the Ordinance to January 1, 2007, with the caveat--“or until such time as the Secretary of State authorizes the HAVA-compliant voting machines;” and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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Regular Meeting – Town Council
January 17, 2006
17. P. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, February 6, 2006, 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 the proposed Amendment. (A copy of the proposed Amended Ordinance #173 is attached as Exhibit A., and is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.)
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Mayor Streeter expressed his concerns with setting up this Public Hearing prior to meeting with the Registrars of Voters regarding this reversal. Town Manager Matthew Galligan agreed.
Councillors Yagaloff did not feel that the Resolution, as presently presented, was “valid.” He explained that he had written Ordinance #173—which, he added, had taken some time to write—that the Ordinance was codified; and that it was not valid to merely change its “effective date.” Someone, he added, must go back and “write the Ordinance for the current mapping for seven (7) Districts.” He pointed out that Council, if they approved this Resolution, would create a “vacuum” where there would be no voting districts whatsoever during this point of deferral. He closed by stating that he could not support this Resolution.
Councillors Pelkey and Fine, for the reasons they voiced, would not be supporting this Resolution.
After further discussion, the Mayor asked if there was a Motion to Table this Resolution. Deputy Mayor Delnicki so moved, it was seconded by Mayor Streeter; and was approved, on a Roll Call vote, 7 Ayes to 2 Nays, as follows:
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Regular Meeting – Town Council
January 17, 2006
17. P. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Fine No
Councillor McCann Yes
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Moriarty Yes
Councillor Pelkey No
Councillor Prague Yes
Councillor Yagaloff Yes
Mayor Streeter Yes
Q. Discussion Item: Review of Boards and Commissions Membership Needs; Attendance; etc. (Requested by Various Chairs of Boards and Commissions)
Coming forward, first, to address this issue was Joseph Carino, Chairperson of the Water Pollution Control Authority. Mr. Carino thanked the Town Council for putting this item on the Agenda. He felt that the system being utilized at the present time to fill vacancies on Boards and Commissions was “broke.”
Continuing, Mr. Carino reiterated circumstances when he had to “dismiss applicants” coming before the WPCA because of the “lack of a quorum.” At that time, he recalled, he made a proposal to the Town Council and it was, he contended, “ignored.” The system we have now, he said, is an antiquated system, and should be changed. Again a year and a half ago, he added, he approached the two Town Committee Chairmen asking them to please submit names because he “was short three people.” He contended that he not only never got a response, but never saw a name come up to the Town Council for appointment.
In the last twelve months, Mr. Carino said, he has “twice” dismissed applicants and told them he could not handle their application because he did not “have a quorum” on the Water Pollution Control Authority. The days of depending upon the political party Chairpersons to acquire sufficient numbers of residents to serve on these Board and Commissions, he felt, were over. He went on, then, to point out that there are 6,730 “unaffiliated voters” in South Windsor.
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January 17, 2006
17. Q. (Continued)
Looking at the 140 people presenting serving on Boards and Commissions, he told Council, there are three (3) unaffiliated voters listed. He once more asked the Town Council to form a committee of dedicated people that will go out and “solicit for help; screen the applicants; and, have a ‘waiting list’ of people available when there is a vacancy.
Mr. Carino said he felt it was shameful that the Town was experiencing a 15% vacancy rate on its Boards and Commissions. He recommended (1) that the “liaison” appointments be completed—that there be one at all the Boards and Commissions; and (2) before making an appointment to a Board or Commission, consult with its Chairperson to determine if he or she has another recommendation.
Again, Mr. Carino emphasized that “it sets a bad example for the Town” to have to turn applicants away from a meeting because there is no quorum. It can be expensive for that applicant, he added, if they are bringing paid professionals (such as engineers or consultants) with them to these meetings.
Councillor McCann extended his and the Town Council’s thanks to Chairman Joe Carino; and Chairwoman Janice Favreau for staying to a late hour this evening in order to bring their concerns to the Town Council.
R. Discussion Item: “Is it Time for Another “Citizens’ Satisfaction Survey?” (Requested by Deputy Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Prague)
(At this time Councillor Fine moved to table Agenda Item 17. R.. However, Mayor Streeter pointed out that Assistant Town Planner Michele Lipe has been waiting all evening to address this item. The Mayor said he would entertain a Motion to move Agenda Items 17. U. through 17. Y. up to this point in the meeting. Councillor Fine so moved; it was seconded by Deputy Mayor Delnicki, and approved unanimously.)
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17. New Business (Continued)
U. Resolution Referring the Town of South Windsor’s Proposed Purchase of Land Located at 625 Sullivan Avenue to the Planning and Zoning Commission Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Town Council intends to purchase land on Sullivan Avenue to construct a new Fire Station to replace the current Fire Station #3; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has selected the property identified as #625 Sullivan Avenue as the most suitable and cost-effective property for the new Fire Station #3, and
WHEREAS, any plan to purchase land must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section
8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the purchase of property identified as #625 Sullivan Avenue be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
V. Resolution Referring the Town of South Windsor’s Proposed Purchase of Property Identified as L014 Clark Street to the Planning and Zoning Commission Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor Open Space Task Force has prepared an Open Space Master Plan that identifies properties that are desirable for Town ownership for open space, and
WHEREAS, the property identified as L014 Clark Street is one of the properties included in the Open Space Master Plan as desirable for Town ownership for open space, and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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January 17, 2006
17. V. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has recommended to the Town Council that this property be purchased for open space; and,
WHEREAS, the Town Council intends to purchase said property for open space in accordance with the Open Space Master Plan, and
WHEREAS, any plan to purchase land must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the purchase of property identified as L014 Clark Street be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
W. Resolution Referring the Town of South Windsor’s Proposed Purchase of Property Identified as L006 Abbe Road Extension to the Planning and Zoning Commission Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor Open Space Task Force has prepared an Open Space Master Plan that identifies properties that are desirable for Town ownership for open space, and
WHEREAS, the property identified as L006 Abbe Road Extension is one of the properties included in the Open Space Master Plan as desirable for Town ownership for open space, and
WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has recommended to the Town Council that this property be purchased for open space; and,
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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17. W. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Town Council intends to purchase said property for open space in accordance with the Open Space Master Plan, and
WHEREAS, any plan to purchase land must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the purchase of property identified as L006 Abbe Road Extension be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
X. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Contract with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services for a SBG Home Management Grant
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to enter into a Contract with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services for a SBG Home Management Grant of $13,703, the term of which Contract is October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Y. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Ten (10) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund or property taxes to ten (10) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $1,054.97, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit B.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
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January 17, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
(Mayor Streeter then brought the meeting back to Agenda Item 17. R.)
R. Discussion Item: “Is it Time for Another “Citizens’ Satisfaction Survey?” (Requested by Deputy Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Prague)
Deputy Mayor Delnicki thanked Assistant Town Planner Michele Lipe for staying so late to address this topic. He reminded those listening that the last time a “Citizens Satisfaction Survey” had been done was in November of 1998—with the results being published in February 1999. He felt that this type of survey should be done every five (5) years, rather than the seven recently experienced. He felt that this Questionnaire was an Ideal opportunity to gauge the feeling of the community as a whole.
The Deputy Mayor suggested that some of the questions posed seven years ago were still appropriate, and some were not. He also pointed out the creation of “Evergreen Walk” since that previous Survey which, of itself, would provide areas for comment. Referring to the cost of the Survey seven years ago, the Deputy Mayor guessed it was somewhere around $10,000-$15,000.
Coming forward to answer his question, Michele Lipe said that the cost was much lower than that—somewhere around $7,000-$8,000 (and included a “direct mailing to 1,500 households; and paid pre-postage for the Questionnaire’s return). Ms. Lipe also suggested that Council “investigate doing something on the Internet.” The last Survey done, she reminded Council, staff took “geographic regions” and tried to draw samples from these, rather than taking a chance on getting “too many condos or too many of a certain type of household. Using this system, according to Ms. Lipe, staff was able to get representative results of the public; and received a 40% to 50% response rate which, she added, is very high for any type of survey direct mail.
The Deputy Mayor asked Ms. Lipe to explain the procedure used for sampling back in 1998. Ms. Lipe said that staff took the household count in the four different regions and did a representative sample of 1,500. She cautioned that the one danger would be to get so few responses that “broad generalizations were made” based on these few responses.
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January 17, 2006
17. R. (Continued)
Councillor Prague said that, for a living, he does surveys for Towns and surveys for groups—the latest being surveys for the Recreation Department from which he received a 30% response both times. He, too, felt that the Survey should be done both through a “hard copy” to residents, and on the Internet. He stated that one of the reasons he was requesting another Survey is his concern that when the Town has a Referendum on the ballot, Council had “no clue on how people are going to vote.”
It was Councillor Prague’s opinion that this was the difference between “selling” and “marketing.” He felt that Council needed to figure out what people really wanted, and then find a way to get it to them. Referring specifically to the questions on the previous Survey, Councillor Prague felt some were “a little complex for the average person.” He said he wanted to make certain that on any new Survey, the average person will know exactly what was being asked.
The Councillor suggested that Council solicit questions from the public, the Town’s Boards and Commissions Members, and Members of the Town Council and the Board of Education. He suggested questions such as “What type of store would you like to see at Evergreen Walk, or anywhere in this Town?” “Would you like to see an Irish Pub, or some other type of entertainment such as a comedy club, or some type of night life?” “Do people like VMP (Veterans’ Memorial Park)?” He pointed out that VMP is a beautiful facility, yet only about 19% of the Town has used it. He asked, “Why is that?” Do people still want an indoor swimming pool? And are they willing to pay for it?”
Summing up, Deputy Mayor Delnicki asked Mr. Galligan and Ms. Lipe for a firm price” to conduct this Survey “traditionally; and a secondary price to incorporated the “internet” component—both of which he requested as soon as possible. Another request, he added, was a “very strict timeline,” and a “very small committee” to spearhead this effort. The Deputy Mayor concluded by emphasizing the importance of this Survey and the influence the resultant responses will have on the future of the community.
Councillor Pelkey voiced his reservations about using the Internet to acquire Survey results. He said he was very much aware of how internet results can be manipulated. Because of the late hour (almost 11:00 p.m.), he suggested that this topic be discussed at another upcoming meeting.
MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
January 17, 2006
17. R. (Continued)
Mayor Streeter said that, in the meantime, he would appoint a Subcommittee of the Town Council consisting of Deputy Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Prague, and Councillor Fine to work with Michele Lipe and come up with “some figures” for another meeting.
The Mayor then asked if there was a Motion to extend the meeting beyond 11:00 p.m. There was none. He then adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts.: (Exhibits A., and B.)
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