TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 June 5, 2006
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the meeting to order at
2. Roll Call
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 Galligan
5. Public Input
Speaking for the Patriotic Commission, and with regard to the annual “Essay Contest” sponsored by the Commission, Teri Dickey-Gaignet named the “First,” “Second,” and “Third” Place Winners of this year’s Contest, in each of four age categories. She then invited each of the “First Place” Winners to come forward and read his/her Essay. “First Place” Winners were: 1st Grade: Alexander Andrusis (7 years old); 5th Grade: Lauren Dansereau (10 years old); 8th Grade: Jay Park (13 years old); and 10th Grade: Christopher Marra (15 years old). (Attached, and made a part of this record, is a list of the 12 Winners.)
Following their readings, the Winners were presented with--Gift Certificates from the Patriotic Commission on behalf of the Town of South Windsor; “Certificates of Recognition” from Mayor Streeter on behalf of the Town Council; and “Citations” from State Representative William Aman on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly.
Following these presentations, Robert Moeller, Chairperson of the Patriotic Commission, thanked South Windsor’s Junior Women’s Club for the flowers they planted at the Memorial Monument at Veterans’ Memorial Park, and presented them with a “Certificate of Appreciation” for all their work at that site over a number of years.
Mr. Moeller asked for one more minute to thank all the children and participants in South Windsor’s Memorial Day Parade. This year’s Parade, he added, was “one of the largest.”
Mayor Streeter then asked for a round of applause for all the young people who participated in the Essay Contest; and proceeded to thank the Patriotic Commission for all their work—including the Contest, the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, and “Picnic in the Park” on Armed Forces Day.
Mayor Streeter then called for a short recess. The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
Next to speak was State Representative Bill Aman, 878 Strong Road, South Windsor announced that Mary Etter, Library Director, has been appointed to the State Library Board, upon the recommendation of Rep. Aman.
Mary Etter, Library Director, came forward to invite the Town Council to the last two programs in the adult program series this year—namely, the annual “Salad Luncheon,” which is also the Friends of the Library’s Annual Meeting on June 12, at noon, at the Wapping Church. The last program, she said, is on June 28th, at which author Stephen Torres, a Professor at MCC, will discuss the “police procedurals” and “mysteries” he writes (on the side).
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
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 May 1, 2006; Special Meeting of May 8, 2006; and Regular Meeting of May 15, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
Mayor Streeter then read the Petition received by Council that was included in this week’s packet. The Petition read: “Petition to Increase the Air Conditioning” in the Recreation Department’s Gymnasium during the adult aerobics classes held on Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.; and on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.”., The Mayor informed the listening public that, according to Council Rules, there would be no discussion this evening on this Petition. It would, however, be discussed at a future meeting.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan said that Council had already discussed the first two items in his report. He then went on to remark on the “groundbreaking ceremony” for the new addition to the Public Works Facility on Burgess Road. He made special note that the General Contractor was a South Windsor firm, who—in turn—was hiring South Windsor subcontractors to assist in the work.
The next item the Town manager brought to the Council’s attention was his meeting with outgoing Superintendent of Schools Joseph Wood, and the final report on “Shared Services” they had drafted at this meeting.
Mr. Galligan and Craig Stevenson have met “a few times” to discuss economic development projects. He and Mr. Stevenson, he added, have been looking at places hosting “conferences” that would aid them in “bringing in new business” for corporate offices. They would try to determine what type of companies they were looking to bring to South Windsor; and would be seeking input from the Council with regard to this.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki, reminding the Town Manager and the Council that about a year-and –a-half ago, veteran tax exemptions in South Windsor had been adjusted with an eye to a future update on how it was working. He felt that the time was probably now; and asked if there was a way to get an update on this program. Mr. Galligan said that he would ask the Assessor’s Office to come up with some type of update.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff asked why the Nevers Park Baseball Field’s lighting was being put off until possibly the Spring of 2007. Mr. Galligan said that, as he recalled it, the Little League had said that if the Town would redo some of the fencing and put in an irrigation system, they (the Little League) would put up the lights. It was Mr. Galligan’s feelings that the Little League “has some issues with the installation,” and speculated that, perhaps, some of the costs came in higher than was expected. The Town, he said, has done all it was supposed to do; and Planning and Zoning has approved the lights; it now remained for the Little League to “get a handle on the cost.”
Another question posed by Councillor Yagaloff was the ongoing concern with “attendance” at Veterans’ Memorial Park—and how to increase it. The Town Manager replied that this was, basically, a “weather-related” function. Mr. Galligan continued by stating that, presently, with the fees being down, Recreation Director Ray Favreau has informed him that he has had the highest one-month total in revenues for the VMP pool because the “fees went down.”
Finally, Councillor Yagaloff questioned the new rate for sewer usage being imposed by the Water Pollution Control Authority. He asked who sets the rate—and did Council have to approve the new rate. Mr. Galligan informed him that, by State Statute, the Water Pollution Control Authority sets the rates.
Councillor Moriarty, expressing concerns brought to him by residents, asked about the “pedestrian bridge” linking Eli Terry School and Brook Street used by those children who walk to Eli Terry each day informed the Manager that some of that asphalt and the earth supporting it was washed away a few days ago. The Town Manager said he would send someone out to take a look at it.
The Councillor’s second concern was regarding “Valero Gas Station” across from Duncan Donuts on Sullivan Avenue where the entire curb line (including the storm drain) and all the way up to the sidewalk has been destroyed by “people passing on the right” and breaking up the curb. Mr. Galligan said he would pass it on to the State’s Dept. of Transportation.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports from Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Fine read an announcement stating that South Windsor Police Community Service Officer William Beeler has been “called back to active military duty for the third time in recent years;” and will be activated to provide support at the Air National Guard Base” in Windsor Locks,” beginning June 5, 2006.
Councillor Prague wanted the public to have information regarding VMP’s fees this year. He informed those listening that both the daily pass and the annual pass have been reduced. Another new feature, he said, was that the Town has contracted with Auntie Dawn’s Bake Shop to provide “cold sandwiches” and a “fruit cup.” Other features—(1) VMP is now accepting credit cards at the Park, itself, for fees, etc.; and (2) “Free Day” at VMP for everyone is Sunday, June 25.
Councillor Prague said that he wished to address his concern regarding the “proliferation of illegally-placed ‘signs’ on Town property.” He mentioned, specifically, “at 5-Corners;” at the Nevers Road/Sand Hill Road intersection; etc. He felt it was important for the public to know that “you just can’t put up real estate signs, tag sale signs, and event signs in the middle of Town property without a specific permit.” He said that a permit may be obtained at the Town Hall’s Planning Department.
Councillor Prague said he would like to see the Town have some type of policy, Resolution, or Ordinance regulating this practice.
Councillor Pelkey asked the Town Manager if the “curbing program” meant to repair curbs damaged over the winter months was over for the year. Mr. Galligan said he was not sure, but would check.
Mayor Streeter asked for an update on the State’s “STEAP” Program. Mr. Galligan said that the Bond Commission usually meets the last Friday of the month; and, usually, an applicant is informed about 24 hours before their application is going to be addressed at that meeting. To date, he added, no one has told him that the Town is not going to receive a grant.
With regards to Rye Street Park, and the Wapping Fair, Mayor Streeter asked the Town Manager to write a letter to Paul Petrillo, Wapping Fair Committee, letting him know that while waiting for a decision regarding the STEAP Grant, the Town will continue negotiations with regard to the Fair’s future location.
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Havens stated that he had recently spoken with Brian Rivard, the Union School Committee, who said he was getting “a little impatient” after three years of waiting for some help in saving the Union School building. Mr. Rivard did state that if the Grant was not approved, or if some type of help was not forthcoming from the Town, the Committee is preparing to ask the Town to “sign the building over to his group.”
Mr. Havens also mentioned the unsightly “landscaping” problems at both the triangle at Ellington Road and Route 5; and the large welcoming sign depicting the Town’s civic organizations which is located on the west side of Route 5 just before its intersection with Sullivan Avenue. He asked that something be done with these areas—even though it was a State highway.
Councillor Havens and Mayor Streeter paid tribute to the Little League’s 50th Anniversary celebration; and to those sponsoring the event.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki commented on the recent “Connecticut Emergency Management Symposium,” sponsored by CCM; and held in Cromwell. He had particular accolades for the Keynote Speaker, the Mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi, who spoke on “all the trials and tribulations of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.”
The Deputy Mayor also requested that Councillors having “questions” they would like to see included on the “Citizens Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire” get those questions into the committee within the next couple of days so that they can be considered.
Mayor Streeter commented on the success of the Memorial Day tribute to our Nation’s fallen heroes. He congratulated the Patriotic Commission on “the great job” they did. He also mentioned the groundbreaking for the Public Works facility expansion; the 50th Anniversary of Little League and the celebratory festivities associated with that event.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. A. through H. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Mayor Streeter asked if there were any items that the Council wished to remove from the Consent Agenda. Councillor Pelkey requested that Agenda Items 16. G. and H. be removed from the Consent Agenda.
The Motion to approve Items 16. A. through F. as the Consent Agenda was approved unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business
*A. Resolution Appointing David Peck (U) to the Human Relations Commission
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*B. Resolution Appointing Clifford Slicer (D) to the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*C. Resolution Appointing Mark Abrahamson (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*D. Resolution Appointing Daniel Jeski (D) to the Building Code Board of Appeals
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*E. Resolution Appointing Thomas Deming (D) an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*F. Resolution Appointing Walter James Kupchunos (D) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency
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.
APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA
*G. Resolution Appointing Kenneth Jeski (D) to the Inland/Wetlands Agency
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.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Pelkey then moved to “Table” the Resolution. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Yagaloff; and approved, unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
*H. Resolution Appointing Krista Marchesseault (D) to the Economic Development Commission
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.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Pelkey then moved to “Table” the Resolution. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Yagaloff; and approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of M. Terrie Kyc (D) from the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Terrie Kyc from the Economic Development Commission, said resignation to become effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council not only thanks Mrs. Kyc for her time and dedication to the efforts of this important Commission, but, also, for the numerous hours she has devoted in volunteer service to a variety of Town agencies.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Appointing Sue Larson (D) a Member of the Open Space Task Force, and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Sue Larson to the Open Space Task Force, to serve this agency as a “residential representative,” and hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by; Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Eleven (11) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to eleven (11) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $1,908.67, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
21. Executive Session –
Deputy Mayor Delnicki moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, and the possible purchase of property by the Town of South Windsor.
22. Motion to Adjourn
Mayor Streeter announced that following the conclusion of the Executive Session, the Regular Meeting of June 5, 2006 would be adjourned. The Executive Session adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Cc: Attmt. A.
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