TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 March 6, 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 Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Councillor Kevin McCann
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
(No “Interim” Town Attorney present)
The Meeting was called to order by Mayor at 8:00 p.m., immediately recessed to continue an Executive Session, and reconvened at
ITEM #
5. Public Input
Mary Etter, Library Director, came forward to inform Council of two events and innovative additions to what is being offered by the Public Library.
The first item was an upcoming “Summer Job Fair,” scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. This event will be in conjunction with the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce—and will be particularly aimed at community high school and college students in the community, and employers who might have Summer jobs available for those students.
Ms. Etter then spoke of a new service offered by the Library which started last week—that being that the Library has joined 22 other libraries in the Capitol Region by making available to the public “down-loadable” audio books. She added that one could “log in from home; and some can be “burned to CD,” however not all.
The particulars associated with these “down-loadable audio books” is that up to five books at a time could be checked out; they can be checked out for two weeks; and, after two weeks, they “do not become overdue, they become inaccessible.”
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 2
March 3, 2006
ITEM #
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Fine spoke on the dangers presented by the possibility of a “bird flu” epidemic. She mentioned that her pulmonary physician, who lives in South Windsor and who has been offering his services in Iraq and updating himself on the incidence of bird flu in Europe, wishes South Windsor to be in a state of preparedness in case this infectious disease ever reaches the United States.
Councillor Fine said that the Town Manager had recommended that she speak with his Assistant, Judy Hall, and the ongoing inter-Town Committee she has been working with referred to as the “Mass Dispensing Clinic #31.”
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to approve the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Budget Work Session of January 23, 2006; Work Session of February 6, 2006; Regular Meeting of February 6, 2006; and Special Work Session of February 15, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
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 that: (1) The town is in “good financial shape; and has added about $1 million to its Fund Balance this year. He said that the Auditors financial letter would be coming to Council shortly. Continuing, the Town Manager said that the Town’s Budget this year is under expended by close to $800,000; and there were new revenues.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki mentioned that this year would be a good year to bring the Auditor in to do a presentation—particularly in light of the four new Members on the Town Council. Likewise, he added, he felt it would be beneficial for the Council’s Audit Committee to meet the Town’s Auditors and sit down with them for a short meeting.
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 3
March 3, 2006
ITEM #
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
On another matter, Deputy Mayor Delnicki mentioned an article he had read in Connecticut Town and City regarding increases in electric rates for municipalities and the effect on their budgets—except for nine (9) municipalities who are “locked into long-term electricity prices through the “Energy Purchasing Consortium” of CCM. The article claimed that these communities would be saving an average of 27% compared with CL&P standard offer.
The Deputy Mayor went on to read for the Council Members and listening audience more of the article. He then asked if the Town of South Windsor was taking advantage of this offer. Mr. Galligan said that the Town just signed up “a month ago;” and would be providing more information to the Deputy Mayor and the Council as soon as he received it.
Councillor Yagaloff complimented the Town Manager on the strong financial report that he provided, and the increase in the Grand List and how strong it is compared with similar neighboring Towns. The Councillor then mentioned that the Board of Education, over the last two weeks, has had a “big issue” with their insurance costs through the self-insurance program; and mentioned at their recent meeting that “their self-insurance was not doing well;” and they were building in an additional 20% on their self-insurance because of its failure to cover anticipated costs.
Saying that, with regard to the self-insurance program, nothing has been heard from the Town Manager regarding the Town side of this program—and whether or not it is meeting expectations, etc. He then asked Mr. Galligan what the Town’s experience has been with the Town’s self-insurance program.
Mr. Galligan responded that he was not aware there was a problem. The reports being received, he said, indicate that the paid claims are less than what the premium cost for the last year. Following this, Mr. Galligan questioned how anyone can make an analysis as to how the “self-insurance program” is doing right now when a full year of claims has not yet been received.
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 4
March 3, 2006
ITEM #
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
The Town Manager said that an analysis should be forthcoming from the Town’s brokers soon; however, the broker was telling him that the Town is “right where it should be.” Councillor Yagaloff and Town Manager Galligan both felt that it should be remembered that by going to “self-insurance,” the Town saved itself $1.6 million in cost avoidance.
Councillor Pelkey mentioned an issue that continues to arise with regard to “vandalism at Rye Street Park.” He asked about the technical feasibility of installing the same type of outdoor direct line phones to the South Windsor Police Department that have been installed at Nevers Road Park. The Town Manager said he would check to see if this was possible.
Councillor Pelkey expressed concern about vandalism interfering with future plans for the Rye Street Park.
On another matter, the Town Manager said he wished to again emphasize, for the public’s information, that Evergreen Walk received no tax abatements in their move to South Windsor. This applies, as well, he added to the anticipated arrival of L.L. Bean at Evergreen Walk in the near future.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Streeter mentioned the recent “Business After Hours” a program sponsored by South Windsor’s Chamber of Commerce, here in the Town Council Chambers. He felt it was well attended, and all Town departments were represented. He also spoke of his “happy” participation, at Wapping School, in the Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration.
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 5
March 3, 2006
ITEM #
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Havens, too, said he was present at the Chambers program in Town Hall. He added that he was approached at this function by a senior citizen who spoke to him of the growth of the senior citizen population in this community and the functions of the Senior Citizen Advisory Board. The Councillor then advocated that the Town Council appoint (as was done years ago) a direct Town Council liaison to that body. Councillor Fine volunteered to be that liaison; and awaits official appointment by the Mayor.
Councillor Fine asked if the Town would be paying for Councillors’ tickets to the Town’s Rotary Auction. After some discussion regarding the Rotary’s generous donations, over the years to Town and its interests, Mayor Streeter asked for a consensus from the Councillors as to their wishes with regard to this. The consensus was that the Town should pay for the Members of the Town Council to attend the Rotary Auction.
Appearing before Council following this discussion was Lincoln Streeter who, speaking on behalf of the Rotary Club, told the Council that they could accommodate those wishing to attend, and welcomed their attendance at the upcoming Auction.
Councillor Pelkey, for the absent Marge Anthony, reminded everyone about the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Hartford on Saturday, March 11. Councillor Havens reported that the South Windsor contingent would be “stepping off” 5th in line at 11:00 p.m. on that day; however, those marching should be there earlier in preparation. Councillor Pelkey also gave an update on recent and anticipated fund-raising events for the Boundless Playground.
Councillor Fine lauded the Chamber of Commerce’s—and, particularly, Director Cate Evans’, for its new E-Mail Newsletter. She urged all those who had not given their E-Mail address to the Chamber to be sure to do so.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki made note of the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Hartford Federal Credit Union which he attended together with other Councillors,
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 6
March 3, 2006
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. H. as the Consent Agenda. (Please read the dark headings, only, on the Consent Agenda items.)
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
*A. Resolution Appointing Andrea Momnie (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Andrea Momnie (R) a Member of the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Resolution Appointing Richard J. Mabey (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Richard J. Mabey to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*C. Resolution Appointing Joseph Orsini (R) an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Joseph Orsini an Alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 7
March 3, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
*D. Resolution Appointing Edwina Futtner (R) to the Personnel Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Edwina Futtner to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill a vacancy with an unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*E. Resolution Appointing Richard M. Scheller (R) to the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Richard M. Scheller to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2007, to fill the unexpired term of Timothy Moriarty, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*F. Resolution Appointing Lavina Wilson (R) to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Lavina Wilson to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill a vacancy with an unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*G. Resolution Appointing Roy E. Szoka (R) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Roy E. Szoka an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 8
March 3, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
*H. Resolution Appointing N’Marie Crumbie (R) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints N’Marie Crumbie an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2007, to fill a vacancy with an unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
I. Resolution Appointing Ronald J. Mirek (R) to the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Ronald J. Mirek to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
J. Resolution Appointing David Peck (U) to the Human Relations Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints David Peck to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2008, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Havens
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 9
March 3, 2006
17. New Business (Continued)
K. Resolution Appointing a Town Auditor
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints the firm of Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLC, of Farmington, Connecticut, to audit the books and accounts of the Town of South Windsor as provided in the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the fee for said auditing services by Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLC will be $38,425 for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2006; and $40,000 for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2007, and for a term expiring December 2007.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
A brief report on the activities of the Audit Committee leading up to this appointment was made by the Chair of that Committee, Deputy Mayor Delnicki. The Deputy Mayor also went on the record as reiterating the concept of “auditor rotation”--which precedent was set in 1995 by the then Town Council. When this Auditor has completed its 2006/2007 term, he added, the firm will have been the Town’s “Auditor of Record” for four (4) years; and, in keeping with the above-mentioned precedent, it was the Audit Committee’s opinion that the Town Council elected in 2007 should initiate “auditor rotation” and seek to secure auditing services from other than Kostin, Ruffkess & Company.
Following this report, Mayor Streeter asked for a vote on the Resolution. The Resolution was approved, unanimously.
L Discussion Item – Proposed 2006/2007 Budget Preparation
(Requested by Town Manager Galligan)
Mr. Galligan said that one of the things he will be doing differently this year, in addition to providing detailed information on a CD, is to include the budget information in a “binder” with, once again, “details” associated with the different Departmental budgets. The information, he continued, will be arranged according to Department—and when budget discussions regarding the “larger departments” such as Public Works, Recreation, Police, etc. come up, breaking them out into even greater detail for Council’s examination.
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 10
March 3, 2006
17. L. (Continued)
What is being proposed, according to the Town Manager, is to provide Council with individual departmental budget information several days prior to the scheduled Town Council meeting at which that department’s budget will be discussed. This, he said, will offer Council an opportunity to look at the information and have prepared questions ready for that department’s representative(s) when the time comes.
There followed a discussion regarding not only the accessibility of detailed budget information from both the General Government and the Board of Education, but a process that would also enable the Councillors to question parts of the budgets without the formality of a regular meeting.
M. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes for Twenty-four (24) South Windsor Taxpayers
(Councillor Fine)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-four (24) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $10,017.68, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey referred to a letter he had received from a resident who had come to him regarding what she felt was a “bad experience” she had with the Town’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He added that he felt P&Z had acted fairly with her. The Councillor felt that this incidence, together with others he has been aware of over the years, points up what he felt is a need for a “printed guide” or pamphlet explaining the “workings” of various Town agencies; and offering suggestions to the public on how to prepare to come before any of these agencies.
ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Town Council
Page 11
March 3, 2006
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
21. Executive Session - If needed to continue earlier Executive Session.
At 9:35 p.m., Deputy Mayor Delnicki moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Fine; and approved, unanimously.
22. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned following the conclusion of the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
| 
