TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
ACTION MINUTES Page 1 November 20, 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.; immediately recessed in order to continue the Work Session; and reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent” Councillor Deborah Fine
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Mr. Joe Campbell, 385 Foster Road, came forward to protest the removal of saplings along Burgess Road by the Town’s Parks and Grounds Division; and to petition Council for reconsideration.
Mr. John Mitchell, 40 Windy Hill Drive, told the Town Council he was present this evening to contest the Council’s decision to lease the old Post Office building on Sullivan Avenue; or to purchase same at a cost of $1,450,000. He asked that Council move to rescind its previous Motion approving the lease or purchase of this building; and to consider the tax revenues that would be lost over the next 10 years (about $106,000) or the $10,644 per year the Town is currently receiving from the present owners.
5. Public Input (Continued)
Next to speak was Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, who spoke on the Referendum Question approved at the November 7 election. He felt that the Referendum Question was “poorly written;” and speculated on the usefulness of the Citizens Survey Questionnaire since it did not reflect nearly the same results as the Referendum with regard to bonding for capital projects.
Teri Dickey-Gaignet, Patriotic Commission spoke on the change in date for receipt of next Memorial Day’s Essays by South Windsor students—namely, conducting the Contest at the end of this year rather than the Spring of 2007—and the reasons for that change. She also discussed what the topic would be; and the prizes that would be awarded for each category.
Another announcement by Ms. Dickey-Gaignet was that next year’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 28th.
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 October 3, 2006; Work Session of October 16, 2006; Public Hearing of October 16, 2006 (Re. “Mutual Assistance Agreement with the Town of Manchester for the Designation of Fire Marshals); Regular Meeting of October 16, 2006; and Special Meeting of October 23, 2006.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
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 referred to two of the Resolutions on this evening’s Agenda—one for the STEAP Grant; and another for the Boundless Playground. He informed Council that both must be passed by the Town Council in order to move forward to acquiring those Grants.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Last week, Mr. Galligan reported that he had added a CCM Meeting, a CRCOG Meeting, etc. Referring to the discussion held earlier during the Work Session, he said that several of the things Mr. Lyle Wray, CRCOG, had mentioned were on that Agency’s Agenda for Legislative action.
Saying that he had received a “News Release” recently from CL&P informing him that the Company was, again, looking for a rate increase—specifically, 8.3% increase. Again, he said, the Town would file whatever information the Town Council wished with the Department of Public Utility Control to receive regarding its displeasure with the prospect of yet another increase. He asked Council for input. He asked if there were questions from the Council.
Councillor Yagaloff asked Mr. Galligan (1) if it was possible to let the Councillors know about “Hearings” that were to be held for either the CL&P issue, or Conn. Water Company increases, or MDC? (2) Speaking for Councillor Fine, Councillor Yagaloff reminded the Town Manager that she had requested a listing of litigation matters in addition to the one already provided involving Halloran & Sage.—specifically, two other lawsuits—one of which was the Lawrence Road Park issue.
Councillor Yagaloff suggested that Mr. Galligan ask Atty. Penney to provide options to continue on with Lawrence Road Park. The Councillor did not feel (a) that a person should be able to dictate what the Town may, or may not, do with regard to this Town property.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki, speaking with regard to the CL&P rate increase request, asked the Town Manager if the Town was “locked in” with a rate through the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Mr. Galligan responded that this increase would affect the residents; however, it would not affect the Town. The Deputy Mayor also suggested that the Town Council “sponsor a Resolution (as it did with the Connecticut Water Company rate increase) taking a stand on behalf of the taxpayers. He asked for a consensus of the Council that would support a Public Hearing in the Town. He received a consensus agreeing with his suggestion.
Councillor Prague asked why the Town was cutting trees along Burgess Road. His question was echoed by Mayor Streeter. Mr. Galligan explained the role of the Town’s “Tree Warden,” and the fact that when Mr. Reichle acting as Tree Warden, does not have to answer to the Town Manager. However, Mr. Galligan said he has spoken with Mr. Reichle regarding this matter; and Mr. Reichle had forwarded his file on this to the Manager. Continuing, Mr. Galligan said he had instructed Mr. Reichle (who was leaving on vacation) that “nothing should be done until he (the Manager) had reviewed the file. Mr. Reichle agreed.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
In conclusion, Mr. Galligan said he would be contacting Mr. Reichle next Monday upon his return from vacation. Perhaps, following this, Mr. Reichle, Mayor Streeter, and the Town Manager could go out to take a look at the site.
Other comments followed. Mr. Campbell spoke, briefly, once again.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
Councillor Prague thanked the voters of South Windsor for passing the Referendum Question by a “wide margin.” He had questioned “many voters” as they exited the polls on November 7 as to why they had voted for the Referendum. In general, he added, most voters felt that “we need good roads, safe bridges, and proper drainage.” The Councillor said he “took exception” to the comment calling “this list of projects a slush fund.”
Councilor Prague said that he had requested that the Town Manager have put up on the Town’s website the current list of 25 projects that were part of the Referendum; a full description of each project; the estimated cost and the estimated start date of each project; and that the information be kept updated throughout the next 10 years to let the public know “that their money was being spent exactly as it was supposed to be spent.”
Councillor Yagaloff made a “Point of Order” because he did not feel that Councillor Prague’s comments should come under “Reports from Standing Committees.” He felt that Councillor Prague’s comments were his personal opinion. The Councillor also took issue with the amount of time spent under “Communications and Reports from Town Manager” on the “tree issue.”
Mayor Streeter recognized his request.
12. Reports from Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Streeter asked the Town Manager if the Town’s GASB-34 Infrastructure where we have to keep track of everything? Is that still considered a Capital Project, he asked. Mr. Galligan replied that it is “most definitely” capital in nature.” That reporting process, he added, comes on board next year.
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Expanding further, Mr. Galligan said that GASB-34 says “you’ve got to go around and look at every road possible; take pictures; and determine its condition and value; get back to historical cost and then project forward.”
Councillor Moriarty thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to apologize for his “vehement and, at times “venomous” comments at a Town Council meeting held six weeks prior to this date, against the Town’s possible lease and/or purchase of the old Post Office building on Sullivan Avenue.
The Councillor also apologized for the fact that at the following Town Council meeting he walked out of an Executive Session being held on the same subject. He said that “his motives may have been forthright, but his behavior was inexcusable.” He said he “insulted the Town of South Windsor; he insulted my fellow Council Members;” and added that the language he used (though not directed at anyone) was not professional.
Councillor Moriarty, saying he has had six weeks to think about this, apologized again, individually, to the Town Councillors, the Clerk of the Council; and to missing Councillor Deborah Fine.
Councillor Yagaloff then told Councillor Moriarty that his apology was accepted; and “we’re all human.” Addressing Mayor Streeter, the Councillor said he wished to return to a previous issue, and took exception to portions of tonight’s Agenda being used in what he felt was in an inappropriate way.
That being the case, Councillor Yagaloff said he would be using this opportunity to give his opinion of the Referendum. He said he voted against the proposal; and agreed with the sentiments of Mr. Gonsalves this evening—that it was a $10 million opportunity to spend money. He added that he personally thought that if there was a Discussion Item, these things should be discussed; however, if there was no Discussion Item, Council should not be asking questions about such things as GASB-34 under the “Communications and Reports from the Town Manager” item.
In summary, Councillor Yagaloff felt the Town Council should “stick to the Agenda.” He said he was joining in with the rest of the group; however, it was “not the right way.”
Mayor Streeter said this has always been an issue with previous Mayors—people having problems with how they run the meetings.
14. Public Participation - None
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Louise Neary (D) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Louise Neary an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission to fill an unexpired term ending November 30, 2007.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Reappointing Peter Anthony, Sr., (D) a Member of the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints Peter Anthony, Sr. a Member of the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2009.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Reappointing James H. Throwe (D) to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council reappoints James H. Throwe to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2009.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Discussion Item: – “Citizens Satisfaction Survey” Results – (Members of the Town Council’s “Survey Subcommittee” (and) Michele Lipe, Asst. Director of Planning provided this Report.)
B. Discussion Items: Updates on: (1) Local Option – “Veterans’ Exemption;”
(2) Local Option — “Elderly Freeze;” (3) Revaluation Phase-In; and (4) “New Manufacturing & Equipment Local Taxation” (Charles Danna, Assessor, reported on these items.)
C. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the State of Connecticut for a Grant for Improvements to the Nevers Road Park Playscape—Also Known as “My Friends Place Playground”
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has been awarded a Grant from the State of Connecticut in the amount of $100,000 for the Nevers Road Park Playscape known as “My Friends Place Playground”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to execute on behalf of the Town of South Windsor a “Personal Services Agreement” with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to construct the Nevers Road Park Playscape known as “My Friends Place Playground;” and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan was appointed Town Manager of the Town of South Windsor on January 16, 1996, and will continue into the future; and, as the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of South Windsor and is duly authorized to enter into Agreements and Contracts on behalf of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the State of Connecticut for a Grant for Improvements to Rye Street Park and Barber Hill Road Public Recreation Areas
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has been awarded a STEAP Grant from the State of Connecticut in the amount of $250,000 for improvements to Rye Street Park and Barber Hill Road public recreation areas
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
17. D. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute, on behalf of the Town of South Windsor, a “Personal Services Agreement” with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to complete improvements at Rye Street Park and Barber Hill Road public recreation areas located within the territorial limits of the Town of South Windsor; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan was appointed Town Manager of the Town of South Windsor on January 16, 1996, and will continue into the future; and, as the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of South Windsor and is duly authorized to enter into Agreements and Contracts on behalf of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
E. Discussion Item – Capital Projects – Planning Ahead
(Requested by Councillor Pelkey
(Because of the late hour, a Motion was made, and approved, to Table this Item and make it the first order of business on the Town Council’s December 4, 2006 Regular Meeting Agenda.)
F. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Sixty (60) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to sixty (60) South Windsor residents, the total of said refunds being $7,840.61, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
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
At 10:35 p.m., a Motion was made to go into Executive Session to discuss the following:
Possible acquisition, by the Town of South Windsor of Properties
Potential Settlement of a Tax Case
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
22. Motion to Adjourn
A Motion to adjourn was made immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Session.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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