TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 May 15, 2006
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
Before Mayor Streeter called the Regular Meeting to order he presented a check to the Orchard Hill School Playground Committee for $5,000 and a check for $2,000 to the “Operation Project Graduation” Committee.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Timothy Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Member Absent: Councillor Edward Havens
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
ITEM:
5. Public Input
State Representative Bill Aman of 878 Strong Road came forward to inform the Council that the General Assembly finished up their short session last week. He said that there are going to be activities that are directly going to impact the Town of South Windsor and its residents. He discussed the bill of cleaning up the brown fields. He also discussed the status of the tax deduction for college savings.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
State Representative Aman also discussed what has been done with the End of Life Decisions. He explained that this is an attempt to have a unified policy for a health care representative. He explained some of the results that came from a survey that he conducted on how people felt about the right to die. He also explained some of the results of the survey regarding the estate tax.
State Representative Aman explained a debate that the General Assembly had, regarding access to birth certificates of adoptees.
He also discussed how he was happy to hear that South Windsor Town Council passed its own version of Eminent Domain, because State Legislature could not come to an agreement as to what type of Eminent Domain bill was proper and therefore none ever came to the floor for a vote.
One of the other bills that State Representative Aman discussed was the bill banning keg parties on people’s front lawns. He said that it is designed to go after are the after graduation keg parties and spring weekends at colleges that involve underage drinking.
He discussed some tax relief items. He explained an act allowing towns to free some property taxes on individuals who are 70 years of age or older and have lived in the town for at least one year. The other act he discussed was the one regarding the golf courses.
State Representative Aman discussed the problems with generating electricity and zone pricing for gasoline.
He said that if anyone would like a copy of the document he gave to the Council, they can contact the Town Hall and he will get a copy mailed to them.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Prague asked everyone to be careful driving by the medians on Buckland Road because there are Town employees working there.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Regular Meeting of April 3, 2006; Work Session of April 17, 2006; Regular Meeting of April 17, 2006; Budget Work Session of April 24, 2006; and Work Session of May 1, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Commun. from Officers and Bds. Directly Responsible to Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan reminded the Council that on May 24, 2006 there will be a ground breaking ceremony for the Public Works Facility.
He said that Jeff Doolittle is putting together the first phase of the site work for the Boundless Playground. The second phase will be the playground equipment, and the third phase will be the landscaping.
He wanted the Council to be aware of the Clean Water Fund and how there will be a special session between the Governor and the Legislature on the bonding for that. He said that this would really benefit the Town and would be nice to have the project move forward.
Town Manager Galligan said that the resolution that was tabled for $13,000 for Ellsworth School was tabled because the Council wanted to make sure that the Park and Recreation Commission were in favor of doing such a project. Mr. Ray Favreau said that the park and Recreation Commission are in favor of bringing it to the Council for approval.
He also explained that the Ropes Course Grant went to OPM and it has been approved, so this project can move forward.
Town Manager Galligan answered a few questions for Councillor Moriarty. Councillor Prague discussed the Boundless Playground project in further detail.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees
Councillor Fine said that she met with the Advisory Committee the other day and these people are very concerned and active members of the Community Center. She explained that there are a lot of problems over there, including space needs, room scheduling problems, parking situations, and the handicap parking is terrible. She said that Janice Favreau and Ray Favreau will be meeting to discuss these problems.
Mayor Streeter noted that the Personnel Committee should probably be getting together and the next meeting is in June.
12. Reports from Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pelkey discussed the issue regarding the discussion at the last meeting regarding opening day of baseball. He stated that he wanted to clear up any misunderstandings regarding him being the person to throw out the first pitch on opening day. At the last meeting Councillor McCann said that Councillor Pelkey called and asked to be the one to throw out the first pitch, when in fact, Councillor Pelkey said that they had called and asked him to, that he did not call and ask.
Councillor Pelkey quoted what was said by Councillor McCann off of the verbatim transcript that he had requested. Councillor Pelkey said that what Councillor McCann said was untrue, and to confirm, Councillor Pelkey said that he had called the League President and the person that had called him to see what their comments were on what had transpired. He said that both of them agreed with Councillor Pelkey, in that they had asked him to throw out the first print. Councillor Pelkey read a letter dated May 15, 2006 into the record from the person that had called him. The letter read as follows:
Dear Mayor and Town Council Members,
During the May 1, 2006 Town Council Meeting, the subject of Opening Day Little League Baseball was discussed. During that discussion, the matter in manner, by which Councillman John Pelkey was selected to throw the first pitch came up. Town Councillman Kevin McCann suggested that Town Councillman John Pelkey made a call to the Little League and asked if he could throw out the first pitch. I would like to clean up a few details, so that everyone associated with the Town Council understands our
ITEM:
13. (Continued)
process. First, John never contacted us to throw out the first pitch; second, the Executive Board asked me to contact John Pelkey regarding this event. Kyle Lancaster, the Proprietor of Outback Steakhouse was selected by the Little League Executive Board along with John Pelkey to throw out and receive the first pitch. Outback Steakhouse has been a major contributor to our Opening Day Ceremony for several years. Mr. Lancaster has provided free food and service the past three seasons for over 1,000 people per ceremony. Councillor Pelkey not only has been a coach for five years but also a significant volunteer for offering his time for instruction, field maintenance, and fund raising. He has never missed an Opening Day Ceremony since inception. I contacted Mr. Pelkey
asking if he would be available to receive Kyle Lancaster’s first pitch. The Little League Board also asked if Mr. Pelkey, as we requested, confirm with State Senator Gary LeBeau, if he could make his annual appearance. Unfortunately, Mr. Lancaster could not make the 10:00 a.m. Opening Pitch, due to complications associated with the Outback Steakhouse field preparation set-up. John, along with Senator Gary LeBeau graciously helped out with the opening pitch honors making the day special for the many parents and children in attendance. I want to thank the Mayor and the Town Council for their support and hope you all can attend our 50th Anniversary celebration on June 3, 2006.
Respectfully yours,
Kenneth Sarpu
Vice President, Operations
South Windsor Little League
118 Berle Road
South Windsor 06074
John Pelkey stated that he found it troubling, and what he found most troubling was that his credibility was called to task by another Councillor as to what went on. He hopes that the record is now set straight.
ITEM:
13. (Continued)
Mayor Streeter said that on Saturday, May 13th, he was fortunate to attend a grand opening at Apsara Boutique at Evergreen Walk. He said that they were joined by State Senator LeBeau, Representative Aman, and Councillor Prague for the Ribbon Cutting, as well as Miss Teen Connecticut and Miss Connecticut.
He also reported that on Sunday, May 7th, several of the Council and Representative Aman were able to attend the Ceremony of Engine 6 at Fire House Company 2.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. A., B., and C., (and) 17. A. through H. as the Consent Agenda.
(Please read dark headings, only, on Consent Agenda items.)
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business
*A. Resolution Reappointing Jennifer Dolan (R) to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Jennifer Dolan to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission for a term ending September 1, 2007.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Resolution Reappointing Teri Dickey-Gaignat (R) to the Personnel Board of Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Teri Dickey-Gaignat to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2008.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
16. (Continued)
*C. Resolution Appointing Elizabeth MacDonald (R) to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Elizabeth MacDonald to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission for a term ending September 1, 2007.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
D. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2006/2007
(Councillor Yagaloff)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2006/2007.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Submit a Grant Application to the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management for Phase II Improvements to Ellsworth School Gymnasium
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes that the Ellsworth School gymnasium, at 1737 Main Street, is a widely used recreational facility in critical need of repairs; and
WHEREAS, the Town is seeking to complete Phase II of improvements to this facility which carried a total estimated cost of $18,500 - $5,500 of which has already been funded; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to submit a Grant Application to the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management for the remaining $13,000 cost associated with Phase II of this project, which improvements include interior painting, stage repairs, basketball goal and scoreboard replacements ;
ITEM:
16. E. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the first priority in any improvements to be made to Ellsworth School Gymnasium should be safety;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the basketball goals and backboards shall be installed at a safe distance, no less than 7 feet, from all fixed objects, including walls and the stage, and the end lines of the basketball court shall be repainted at a safe distance, no less than 3 feet, from all fixed objects, including walls and the stage, prior to any other improvements at the facility
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to submit a Grant Application to the State’s Office of Policy and Management for $13,000, said funds to be used to complete Phase II improvements to the Ellsworth School gymnasium.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
There was a brief discussion regarding safety in the gym. Councillor Yagaloff asked that who ever is the one completing the grant application, if they can take a look at the safety aspects.
Councillor McCann said that he had a similar concern as Councillor Yagaloff. He explained that this grant affects exclusively the cosmetics of this facility and they ignore the present fundamental issues with using the full size basketball court at the facility. He proposed an amended to this resolution.
Councillor McCann made a motion to approve the amended resolution; and the amended resolution was seconded.
Mayor Streeter asked Mr. Ray Favreau, Director of Recreation to come forward and discuss what the reducing of the size of the court would be to the standard. Mr. Favreau explained that the only standard size court is at the High School. He said that Ellsworth is substandard and that this would just make it smaller. He explained that there are some issue with making it smaller.
ITEM:
16. E. (Continued)
Councillor Fine asked what determined Councillor McCann’s decision to suggest the 4 feet and 8 feet distances. Councillor McCann said that it has to do with the sizing of the court and that they are based on the physical constraints with the size of the building and factory into that, the recommendations from the Boards that govern basketball.
Councillor Pelkey asked Mr. Favreau if the lines on the court were changed to make it bigger. Mr. Favreau said that the court was sanded down about five years ago and restriped it to widen the court. He explained that the wall and stage is padded and they were trying to work with what they had to get as close to regulation size as they could.
There was a brief discussion regarding the removing of the stage and its affects.
Mr. Favreau stated what programs are currently run out of that gym and that he would have to evaluate the size of the gym with the suggested changes, but he thinks that even with the changes, they will be able to continue the current programs.
Councillor Pelkey asked Mr. Favreau to inform everyone about the boundary lines in the other gyms in Town. After discussion, Councillor Pelkey proposed to amend the amendment to say that there should be 2 ft. 8 in. from all fixed objects. Mayor Streeter said that will be looked at after the current amendment is taken care of.
Councillor Yagaloff discussed the situation and stated that he would rather have something more general that stated something to the effect that the safety will be looked at as a priority during the renovations. He thinks that by stating 4 ft. as a minimum is kind of micromanaging, he would rather see 3 ft. or 2 ft. 8 in.
Councillor McCann said that he accepts the invitation from Councillor Yagaloff to adjust this a little bit. Councillor McCann requested Councillor Prague to withdraw his second of Councillor McCann’s motion. Councillor McCann submitted a revised amendment to state that the end line should be no less than 3 feet from the walls and the backboards no less than 7 feet from the fixed objects. Councillor Prague withdrew his second. Councillor McCann withdrew his original amendment and submitted his revised amended; that revised amended was seconded; after some further discussion, the revised amendment was approved unanimously.
Councillor Prague said that at the last meeting he tabled this item because he wanted to make sure that the Parks & Recreation Commission was also in favor of this. He said that he is glad to hear that they are also in favor.
ITEM:
16. E. (Continued)
Mr. Favreau wanted to make sure he had clarification in the priority order for when he has to write the grant application. Town Manager Galligan said that he will work with him.
Mayor Streeter asked for a vote on the resolution, all were in favor; the motion was approved unanimously.
17. New Business
*A. 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, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Elizabeth Asplund, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Resolution Appointing Clifford Slicer (D) to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Clifford Slicer to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill a vacant unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*C. Resolution Appointing Mark Abrahamson (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Mark Abrahamson an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2006 to fill a vacant unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
17. (Continued)
*D. Resolution Appointing Daniel Jeski (D) to the Building Code Board of Appeals, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Daniel Jeski to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term ending January 1, 2009 to fill a vacant unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*E. Resolution Appointing Thomas Deming (D) an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Thomas Deming an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2008 to fill a vacant unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*F. Resolution Appointing Walter James Kupchunos (D) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Walter James Kupchunos to the Inland/Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2008 to fill the unexpired term of Audrey Wasik, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*G. Resolution Appointing Kenneth Jeski (D) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Kenneth Jeski to the Inland/Wetlands Agency for a term ending December 1, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Philip Forzley, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
ITEM:
17. (Continued)
*H. Resolution Appointing Krista Marchesseault (D) to the Economic Development Commission, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Krista Marchesseault to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill a vacant unexpired term, and hereby tables the same.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
I. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Five (5) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to five (5) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $1.774.96, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued) - None
21. Executive Session - None
22. Motion to Adjourn
Deputy Mayor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.; Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa Perry
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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