TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 September 18, 2006
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
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 Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary Prague
Members Absent: Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Ms. Daria Plummer, 235 Orchard Hill Drive, and a teacher at Wapping Elementary School, came forward to thank the Town Council for their approval of funds to replace the windows at Wapping Elementary School. She also praised staff and the company chosen for this job for the great job they did—particularly noting the short time it took them to remove and replace all the windows and clean up the area beautifully—notably two weeks.
Ms. Plummer wanted the Council Members to know “what a difference the new windows make;”—noting the fact that “there’s no flooding; and no river runs through it.” She added that she has “reclaimed space,” and, more than anything else, the children’s learning conditions have been improved.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Next to speak was Patricia Conrad, 864 Strong Road, who read a statement that is here made a part of the record:
“On July 14, I sent an e-mail to the Town Council about possible ramifications concerning the demolition of the ‘Red Bard’ on Sullivan Avenue, at Strawberry Fields.
”At Its July 17 meeting, there was a brief discussion about my e-mail, implying that my concerns would be researched. Having no communication from the Town after the next meeting, I sent another e-mail on August 24. At the next Council meeting, September 5, there was more brief discussion about my second e-mail—but, this time, the Town Manager reported that he had answers from the Planning and Zoning Department; and that he would forward them to me and, also, to the Town Council.
‘”After the September 4th meeting, I sent a 3rd e-mail to correct what I perceived as a misconception of something in my August E-mail; and I added another question. That e-mail hasn’t been dealt with yet, but tonight would be the first time you could deal with it, anyway.”
“This Saturday, September 16, I finally received an answer to my July 14 e-mail. It is that answer that brings me here today. Today, I delivered two packets to the Town Manager’s Office—one for Mr. Galligan, and one for the Council reiterating my original concerns about the Red Barn along with documentation supporting my original questions, and new questions that developed after reading the correspondence that I received from Planning and Zoning and the Town Manager. “
Ms. Conrad concluded her remarks by stating that the number of attachments to the packet delivered today is “eleven (11);” and, although she was not expecting an answer to her questions this evening, she was requesting that the three previous e-mails, and today’s packet be made a part of the public record, along with the correspondence she received from the Town Manager and Town Planner Marcia Banach. (These documents are on file in the Office of the Town Council.)
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Next to speak were Cathy Morin, 91 Farm Brook Lane, President, and Lori Stewart, 65 Farm Brook Lane, Treasurer--of Wapping Elementary PTO. Ms. Morin explained that they were, once again, present to update the Town Council on the PTO’s efforts to provide a new playground for Wapping Elementary School. She reminded Council that they had appeared before Council last Spring to explain to Council what they hoped to accomplish, and to solicit Council’s support for the project.
Since that Spring appearance, Ms. Morin said that the PTO sought quotes for a new playground that would fit within the “tiny spot” available for at Wapping. The final quote for the playground, following the attainment of their “501c3 status” is $42,500. Ms. Morin was proud to state that Wapping Elementary School has raised $20,190, itself—which is now in an account for that purpose. She added that they were, once again, before Council to seek its approval of their application for a “Citizens Mini-Grant” from the Town for the playground.
Town Manager Matthew Galligan, in answer to the Mayor’s query, said that he had received their application; found it to have met all the criteria established by the Council; and, consequently, has approved it. Only Council approval remains, he added. The current balance in the Town’s “Matching Mini-Grant Account” is $8,167; and he recommended granting a full $5,000 to the Wapping Elementary PTO for the purpose of a playground at that School.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Streeter, once again, brought up the subject of watching out for school children, when driving, now that school is back in session—included in that warning was a caution to watch out for children and buses at the school bus stops.
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: Work Session of July 17, 2006; Regular Meeting of July 17, 2006; Special Meeting of August 21, 2006; Executive Session of September 5, 2006; Public Hearing of September 5, 2006 (Cornerstone Drive); and Regular Meeting of September 5, 2006.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings (continued)
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Councillor McCann said he wished to make it clear to the listening public that no Minutes of an Executive Session were being approved. Councillor Moriarty pointed out that, in the past, this was merely to “acknowledge” that an Executive Session has taken place. Councillor Fine pointed out that “if there are no Minutes for an Executive Session, then we cannot approve an Executive Session.”(*)
Councillor Pelkey moved to remove the Executive Session Minutes from the Resolution. The Amendment was seconded by Councillor Fine; and approved unanimously.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Motion. It was approved, unanimously.
(*)(Clerk’s Note:: The error lie in the fact that the Minutes were labeled “Executive Session;” when, in fact, they should have read “Work Session.” The Notice of a meeting, what time it was called to order, who was present, the purpose for calling an Executive Session, and the time the meeting was adjourned constitute “Minutes,” and must be filed. The correct designation has been made to the Work Session Minutes of September 5, 2006; and they have been filed in the Office of the Town Clerk.
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 pointed out that some of the items in his Report have already been discussed; and some will be further discussed as associated Resolutions arise further along in the Agenda.
With that, Mr. Galligan said he preferred to have John Marchesseault, the Town’s Computer Support Specialist, give the public an overview of the Town’s new “website.” He added that Mr. Marchesseault has been working on this for the last 15 months, through “Virtual Town Hall” and some of the Town’s vendors, at a very low cost.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Marchesseault, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, informed Council that a little over 15 months ago, and at the urging of the “Virtual Town Hall” people, the need for a new website has been apparent. Adding that, although he “likes the control the Town had with Manchester,” 15 months ago, Virtual Town Hall offered “something we couldn’t get out of Manchester; and I took advantage of it—and at no extra cost to the Town.”
Mr. Marchesseault then showed what the website looks like now if a person were to go to southwindsor.org; the “Meeting Calendar,” the “Announcements” and the “Community Calendar.’ He noted that all of these documents “update, automatically” with no input from Town staff.
For demonstration purposes, Mr. Marchesseault then discussed Town Departments. He began by using, as an example, the Planning Department and its “links” to its own “note section;” “regular web pages;” “PDF files;” “Subdivision checklist;” and “Zoning Regulations”--to name a few. He then made note of the fact that he could not do all of this himself in light of all the new material he was working on. He took time to mention staff help; and, particularly, the help being given to him by Vanessa Perry, Town Attorney’s Office.
Referring to Boards and Commissions and the Town Council, Mr. Marchesseault
showed the Members what he presently had with regard to information on the Councillors. He added what was still needed—for instance, a current biography of each Councillor that could be shared with the public.
Mr. Marchesseault then went on to explain further benefits of the new website—such as the “interaction” between any of the pages (something that was not available at the Manchester site. And, he added, we got it “without all the extra work of having to update the web page every single day.”
When asked by a Councillor if there are any features provided by the old website that are no longer provided in the new website, Mr. Marchesseault responded that the only feature that is “temporarily postponed” is “Home Sales; and, he added both the Police Department site and the Recreation Department site are still being hosted by Manchester.
Other questions followed that were addressed by Mr. Marchesseault.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
Deputy Mayor Delnicki reported that the Citizens Survey Committee, consisting of Councillors Fine and Prague, Michele Lipe (Asst. Town Planner), and the Deputy Mayor will be meeting soon because “the Surveys are all in.” He said they would be going over these Surveys; reviewing the results; and, hopefully, will have a preliminary report to make at the next Town Council meeting in October.
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Streeter mentioned several events he had recently attended—including an Award Dinner for newly designated Eagle Scout David Anastasio.
Councillor Havens, after reading a recent newspaper article concerning old “tobacco barns,” said that, for some time, he has been thinking about a means to preserve and restore salvageable tobacco barns existing in South Windsor. One in particular he referred to was located in “Evergreen Walk;” another, used as a “billboard” for our High School graduation classes, is located in the middle of Nevers Road Park.
The Councillor asked that everyone remember “what South Windsor and the Connecticut Valley was 30 or 40 years ago; and what tobacco means to our heritage.” He asked the Town Manager to look into this; and said he would be happy to contribute toward a preservation program for saving some of these barns before they deteriorate beyond “saving.”
On another matter, Councillor Havens said he was still looking for a sign on Buckland Road welcoming the public to South Windsor. He stressed that “everyone still thinks they’re in Manchester” because there is no sign to designate that they have crossed the Town line into South Windsor.
Mr. Galligan responded that he was still working with the Evergreen Walk people to “put something down there.” Councillor Havens reminded him that this has been promised for three years; and requested that the Town Manager let the Evergreen Walk people know that the Council is interested in doing something along this line--soon.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Prague paid tribute to South Windsor’s Volunteer Firefighters and their “save” of a house structure in danger of being destroyed by fire on Old Parish Drive at 1:00 a.m. this morning. The firefighters, themselves, felt it was a “good save” considering the extent of involvement. He thanked the Department and the firefighters for their bravery and professionalism. Councillor Fine later informed the Council that, for the first time, a Fire Department “Explorer” had participated in actually fighting that fire rather than just “laying down hose” for the other firefighters. She felt it pointed up just how important the “Explorer Unit” is to our Volunteer Fire Department.
Councillor McCann, referring to the tobacco barn located in Evergreen Walk that Councillor Havens had mentioned earlier, informed those listening that “as part of the approval of the General Plan of Development for Evergreen Walk a few years ago, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the General Plan which called for the adaptive reuse of one or two of the tobacco barns on that property. He wanted Councillor Havens to know that this had been addressed; and anticipated that it would continue to be addressed.
14. Public Participation - None
At this point, Deputy Mayor Delnicki moved to “Suspend the Rules and bring up Agenda Item 17. F. out of order.’ The Motion was seconded by Councillor McCann; and was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
F. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Issue $5,000 of Matching Funds to the Wapping Elementary School PTO to Assist in the Funding of Playscape Equipment at the School, said Funds to be Appropriated from the "South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program"
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council, at its Regular Meeting of June 20, 2005, created a "South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program;" and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. F. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Wapping Elementary School PTO has duly submitted a proper Application for matching funds of $5,000 to assist in the purchase of Playscape Equipment; and
WHEREAS, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan has reviewed and approved this project and Application, and has determined that it meets all of the criteria of the "South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to issue $5,000 of matching funds to purchase Playscape equipment for Wapping Elementary School from the "South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program;" and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, on its own behalf and on behalf of the children of South Windsor, extends its thanks to the school's PTO for its active participation and fund-raising efforts on behalf of Wapping Elementary School.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Councillor Prague took the time to enumerate the projects that have come to fruition—in part, due to the financial assistance afforded by the Citizens Mini-Grant Program. He also suggested that a letter be sent to the Board of Education urging that agency to consider the establishment of a similar program—particularly in light of the number of projects, associated with the schools, that have already benefited from this program.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. It was approved, unanimously.
15. Consent Agenda - None
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Roseann Williams (D) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Roseann Williams an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Reappointing Clifford Slicer (D) to the Building Code Board of Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Clifford Slicer to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term ending January 1, 2011.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Reappointing Doris Avery (D) to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Doris Avery to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2009.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Reappointing Peter DeMallie South Windsor Representative to the Central Regional Tourism District
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Peter DeMallie South Windsor’s Representative to the Central Regional Tourism District, said term to expire on September 1, 2009
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting Ownership of LHS Optical Scan Voting Machines
WHEREAS, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 has developed a uniform set of requirements for each voting system used in an election for Federal Office; and
WHEREAS, the Election Assistance Commission has determined that lever voting machines are not compliant with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut has used Federal funds advanced through the Help America Vote Act to purchase voting machines in compliance with this law, these being the “LHS Optical Scan Voting Machines;” and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor is a municipality in the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the town of South Windsor, through its elected officials and the employees thereof, is responsible for conducting primaries and elections, Federal and otherwise, within its borders; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor, through its Town Council, is responsible for providing suitable voting machines for use within its own municipality
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts ownership of said “LHS Optical Scan Voting Machines,” and will begin to use said voting machines with the first election of November 7, 2006.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Mayor Streeter
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the new machines, ending with the expressed intention of having the Registrars of Voters present at an upcoming Town Council meeting to explain, in further detail, the capabilities and workings of the new voting machines. When asked when the new machines would be arriving in South Windsor, Mayor Streeter said that at a meeting he had attended at the State Capitol, he gathered that the intent of the Secretary of State was to have the machines into the hands of the Towns soon so that there can be a “training period” for the voters.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Accepting Ownership of an IVS Voting System
WHEREAS, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 has developed a uniform set of requirements for each voting system used in an election for Federal office; and
WHEREAS, included among the requirements of the Help America Vote Act is a provision that every polling place must maintain at least one voting machine created to ensure private and independent voting capabilities for persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the “IVS Voting System” has been recognized to be in compliance with the requirements of the help America vote Act, including the provision of accessibility for persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut has used Federal funds advanced through the help America Vote Act to purchase voting machines in compliance with this said accessibility provision of the Help America Vote Act, these being the “IVS Voting System;” and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor is a municipality in the State of Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor, through its elected officials and the employees thereof, is responsible for conducting primaries and elections, Federal and otherwise, within its borders; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor, through its Town Council, is responsible for providing suitable voting machines for use within its own municipality
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts ownership of the said “IVS Voting System,” and will begin to use said voting machines with the election to be held on November 7, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $24,418 from Contingency Account to Various Registrars of Voters Accounts
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $24,418.00 from the Contingency Account to various Registrars of Voters Accounts to cover the cost of the Primaries held on August 8, 2006, said accounts more fully described in attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Councillor McCann pointed out that the Exhibit A. alluded to in this Motion was not attached to his Agenda. Mayor Streeter called for a two minute recess in order to copy and distribute the missing attachment. When it was provided by the Clerk of the Council, Councillor McCann then noted that there were now two (2) “Exhibit A.’s” and moved to Amend the Resolution changing the attachment’s designation to “Exhibit B.” The Motion to Amend was seconded by Deputy Mayor Delnicki, and approved unanimously.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
D. Resolution Approving an Hourly Wage Increase and Fringe Benefits Equivalent to Those Approved by Council for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007
(Councillor Prague)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves an hourly wage increase of 3.5% for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2006/2007 said wage increase and benefits being equivalent to those approved by Council on July 17, 2006 for the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification Plan for Fiscal Years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said benefits will be calculated on a prorated basis according to the average number of hours worked in the previous Fiscal Year; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the hourly wage increase and participation in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Package shall be effective as of July 1, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Amend the “Fringe Benefits Description” for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Year 2006/2007 and 2007/2008
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to amend the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 “Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Description” to reflect the Defined Benefit Pension percent of 2.50% of participants’ Final Average Earnings as outlined in the “Summary Plan Description for the Retirement Plan for Employees of the Town of South Windsor, Connecticut, Town Non-Bargaining Employees.”
Was made by: Councilor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
F. (Addressed, and unanimously approved, earlier in this meeting)
G. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Fifty-One (51) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to fifty-one (51) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $3,454.15, or as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor McCann referred to a Memorandum received from Director of Recreation Ray Favreau regarding Ellsworth School gymnasium improvements—namely, two options for “padding” the end walls at this facilities’ gym. The options, he said, included “padding the entire walls of both the east and west ends of the gymnasium.”
He felt that what the Town Council was actually looking for was a resolution of the safety issue at the “west end” of the gymnasium; and w3hat it would cost to increase the padding at that end of the gym. He did not feel this was addressed in Mr. Favreau’s report.
Town Manager Galligan said that one quote contained in the memorandum is to “just put on two additional pads at the end;” and the other quote, he added, is supposed to be to increase the “thickness” of the pads. Mr. Galligan said that Mr. Favreau is trying to work with the Contractor.
Councillor Pelkey in an effort to clarify the recommendations intended within Mr. Favreau’s memorandum, pointed out that, perhaps, the “two walls” referred to by the Recreation Director meant the walls “on either side of the middle padding. Mr. Galligan concurred.
Councillor McCann also felt that were this the case, it was “still too expensive”—and pointed out that the lower of the two estimates is $6,517. He felt it “would have been much simpler and much less expensive to the Town” to take up the offer of a contractor to install the new baskets at a safer distance from the walls, and to “put down the striping where it belongs.” He concluded his remarks by asking for a “clarification of Option A. and Option B. on the padding.”
Mr. Galligan said he would ask for a more detailed report, and have it available by the next Town Council meeting—the contractor, he added, had only provided this information “at about 5;30 tonight.” Two additional contractors, he added, are to provide information; however, they too are difficult to reach.
Another item on Councillor McCann’s list was an update on Fire Station #3. However, he had noted that the Town Manager already intended to have someone present from the Public Building Commission at an early upcoming Council meeting. Mr. Galligan replied that Mayor Streeter had already contacted PBC Chairperson, Hap Fitts; and, as of this date, Mr. Fitts was scheduled to appear before Council at its next (October 3rd) meeting to provide this update.
ITEM:
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Mr. Galligan, continuing to address the Fire Station #3 project, said that the only “issue” he was aware of that was associated with this project were “some issues going back and forth on the Contract with the Construction Manager,” namely, the responsibilities of the Construction Manager. He added that, apparently, the Town’s Attorney, Halloran & Sage, has a “difference of opinion as to how the Contract should be established.” Consequently, Mayor Streeter requested the Town Manager to set up a meeting between the parties involved to finalize this contract.
Continuing with his list of items, Councillor McCann then asked about the distribution of defibrillators at the Town’s elementary schools and other Town buildings that were added to the most recent Town budget. He pointed out that Eli Terry Elementary School has not, as yet, received its defibrillator; and wondered if this was the case at the other elementary schools, the Public Library, and other public buildings. He requested an update on this distribution.
Councillor Moriarty, agreeing with Councillor McCann’s concerns, also felt that Mr. Favreau’s memorandum to the Town Manager needed clarification; and it was time to reach a mutually agreeable solution to the safety issues at Ellsworth gymnasium.
20. Communications and Petitions from the Town Manager (Continued) - None
21. Executive Session
At approximately 9:40 p.m., a Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Delnicki to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. The Motion was seconded by Councillor McCann; and approved, unanimously.
22. Motion to Adjourn
The Meeting was adjourned immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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