TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 January 16, 2007
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 Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillors Absent: Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Ms. Nadine Caron, 34 Pleasant Valley Road, said she was present this evening to see what she had to do to secure “sidewalks” in her neighborhood, on Pleasant Valley Road. She cited the lack of areas where children might walk, skate, ride their bicycles, etc., because of the busy nature of this road.
Mayor Streeter asked that Town Manager Galligan provide this information to Ms. Caron during the upcoming week.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message - None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings - None
8. Public Petitions - None
ITEM
9. Commun. from Officers and Bds. Directly Responsible to Council - None
Janice Favreau, Chairperson, Human Relations Commission, was present this evening to announce the “roll out” of the first annual Poster/Essay Contest, sponsored by the Commission; and the theme of which is: “Diversity Makes Us Strong.” She then introduced the Commission’s Secretary, Lee Carmon, who provided details regarding this contest.
Ms. Carmon reminded those listening that the Commission had partnered, for the first time last year, with a school—namely, with the High School’s Multi-Cultural Fair, held by their Human Relations Committee. This year, in addition to that, the Commission will be “branching out a little further” by commencing work on the “Diversity Makes Us Strong” project last September.
Ms. Carmon said that she has spent a great deal of time working with the school’s “Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, David Archibald,” and attending various Social Studies meetings of different Grade Levels in an effort to “tie-in” with the curriculum. After months of meetings, she added, the program was ready to be presented; and following teachers’ suggestions Kindergarten through 5th Grade would participate in a “Poster/Art Entry” by adding a “sentence or a thought”—with 5th Grade adding a paragraph.
For the Middle School and the High School, according to Ms. Carmon, the Commission went with its original intent—which was an “essay,” with teachers developing a Thesis Statement they felt would challenge and entice the youth to take part in this program. Again, the “roll-out” was today; and having received the “blessing of the Assistant Superintendent to send the flyers home through the schools, over 5,000 copies have been printed up and delivered, today, to all five of the elementary schools, the Middle School, and the High School.
There will be a “first,” “second,” and “third” prize for each grade (K through 5) for the posters; and, the “essays” will be judged collectively as the Middle School group, and collectively as a High School group. The Awards Ceremony will be in the “Exhibition Room” in the Library on the evening of March 15, at 7:00 p.m. All “first prize winners,” she reported will receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond; 2nd and 3rd prize winners, in all the categories, will receive a Certificate; and all the “youngsters” in K through 5 who submit a poster will receive a Participation Ribbon on their art work.
ITEM
9. Commun. from Officers and Bds. Directly Responsible to Council - None
In conclusion, Ms. Carmon said that they hoped to have the opportunity at the Town Council’s March 19th meeting, to present the two “1st prize essay authors” to read their winning essay to the Council—and, hopefully, in spite of their young age, to have the 1st Prize artists in attendance that same evening.
Janice Favreau said she was “very pleased” to announce that the Boundless Playground Committee had secured the sponsorship of their newest business partner in Town, “Citibank;” who, at its Grand Opening had presented a very generous donation to the Boundless Playground. She then introduced the Branch Manager of South Windsor’s newest business, Citibank, to say a few words.
Ms. Favreau added that Citibank was the Contest’s first sponsor; and their donation had paid for the printing of those 5,000 flyers, as well as the cost for the Savings Bonds for the 1st Prize Winners.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the following:
1. The case involving J. M. Equipment has been settled at the amount stated, checks received, and legal documents have been signed.
2. $15,000 has been returned to the Town’s Building Department by its former Administrative Secretary under the terms agreed upon with regard to “rehabilitation” and family “reimbursement.” This check, he said, has also been deposited and cleared.
3. Union School “lease” has been sent to Atty. Bond. The Town Attorney did inform Mr. Galligan that this, too, needed an 8-24 referral to Planning and Zoning Commission—as does the old Post Office project.
4. A letter was sent by the Town to a perspective company wishing to come into Rye Street, concerning the Town’s position as to what economic development incentives it would be willing to give in order to create a partnership with them. They have received that letter; and the Town Manager will be meeting with them tomorrow (2/17).
ITEM
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
5. As a Member of CCM’s Board of Directors, a possible trip to Washington, D.C. in March to “lobby for programs that New England needs to keep up in order for its communities to survive. He mentioned the fact that Senator Dodd has announced that he will be “throwing his hat in the ring” of the Presidential nomination. On that trip, he said, he will be sitting down with the State’s U.S. Representatives to highlight regional concerns and possible new programs that could keep the areas’s costs down by providing cost-effective services to the community.
6. Director of Finance Ray Favreau has informed him that the “Ropes Course” is now complete; and has been inspected as of January 11, 2007. Appropriate staff will be trained in order to receive certification in the use of that Course. Also, future plans are to “market out” the Ropes Course to corporations and private organizations. This, he added, will help to defray some of the future maintenance issues. He thanked State Senator Gary LeBeau for obtaining the funds to complete this project.
7. Lawrence Road Park – The Town Manager has met with staff, and gone through items and their costs concerning this Park. The staff has reviewed the information received from the Architect—who has indicated to staff where the Town can reduce some costs, save some money. A new Grant has just come out that could provide funds for “trails” through a Park. The Grant, he added, could be “very lucrative;” and the application must be submitted by February, with notification of award, if successful, arriving some time in March. This “very competitive Grant” is for 80% (20% from the Town); and is being conducted by the State’s
Department of Environmental.
8. Mr. Galligan also noted that the Town Councillors, each, have been given a copy of the Appraisal of the old Post Office-- which document was received at noon today.
Councillor McCann again asked about the missing “speed limit signs” at Philip R. Smith Elementary School. Mr. Galligan said he would remind Police Chief Tyler to get that information to the Town Council.
ITEM
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey, referring to the “Ropes Course,” asked if there is a planned “Ribbon Cutting” ceremony. Mr. Galligan said that a small ceremony plus, perhaps, a demonstration of how the “Ropes Course” works, was being planned-- however, it might not be held until early Spring.
Councillor Pelkey pointed out that it should no longer be necessary for our “teens” to go out of Town for training on these “Ropes Courses” as they have in the past; and this should be remembered during the budget process. The Councillor also suggested that not only was the South Windsor Chamber a means of letting Town businesses know that we have this facility; but, perhaps, it would be a good idea (in the case of large manufacturing businesses who are not active Chamber members) to get the word out to them.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports from Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
As Town Council Liaison to the Board of Education, Councillor McCann reported that at the Board’s January 9th meeting, there were two particular issues that arose—(1) the Report on the Board’s Budget through the 2nd Quarter of 2006/2007 where there was a total unallocated surplus of $4,756.00; and (2) a report on Day Care Transportation—the busing of students to and from Day Care Centers in South Windsor from the five Elementary Schools, and other schools, in Town.
Continuing to discuss the Day Care Transportation, Councillor McCann reported that there has been a Board of Education policy that has been in effect for several years that has provided for this transportation that are located “in the school-designated district on each one of the elementary schools.” What has recently been discovered, he added, is that some of the Day Care Centers actually have buses from more than one school that go to that particular Center. The Board of Education is currently taking a look at this “as being a factor in their cost of transportation.” If anyone would like to have a copy of either of these two reports, Councillor McCann said he had copies enough for the Councillors.
Councillor Pelkey, reporting on the “Silk Town Chorus” event at the High School last Sunday, and its success, told the Town Council that because of this event the Boundless Playground had received a “down payment” on a “final” donation. Once the Chorus has determined what their expenses had been to conduct this concert, the total donation could be determined. He preferred to wait until that time before reporting on the total donation.
Councilor Pelkey also reported that the Chorus group was very impressed with South Windsor High School’s advanced technical and acoustical equipment, etc. in the High School Auditorium, and how well received the Concert was. The Councillor understood that all three performances were sold out.
Another item broached by Councillor Pelkey was the willingness of Citibank to participate in any community service projects, etc. He, too, thanked Citibank for its donation to the Boundless Playground project; and felt that this new business would be an invaluable partner to the Town of South Windsor.
Mayor Streeter then read a Proclamation designating February 2, 2007 as “Wear Red Day for Women Day,” a day set aside to recognize that cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death among women—claiming the lives of more than 6,000 women, in Connecticut alone, each year.
14. Public Participation - None
Mary Etter, Director of the Library, was present to inform the Town Council Members of the programs that will be “kicking off” the 2007 year for the Library. Tomorrow, January 17, Marianne Tirone Smith, the published author of eight (8) novels, as well as some non-fiction will be a guest of the Library at its “Booked for Lunch” event at 12:15; and will be talking about her “well-respected memoir” Girls of Tender Age.
On next Saturday, January 20, she added, the “kick-off” for the Winter Pops Series (now in its 7th year) will be held. It has been very well received; and this week the Library will be welcoming “Grass Roots.” Doors open at 7:00 p.m.; concert at 7:30 p.m.
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business - None
ITEM
17. New Business
A. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Refer the Sale of Union School, 771 Main Street, South Windsor to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2006, the South Windsor Town Council approved the sale of Union School to the South Windsor Historical Society with certain conditions outlined in that Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of South Windsor authorized Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan, and Town Attorney Duncan J. Forsyth (Halloran & Sage) to execute a contract for said sale; and
WHEREAS, according to State Statute 8-24, this sale is to be referred to South Windsor’s Planning & Zoning Commission prior to the execution of said contract
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan is authorized to refer the sale of Union School, 771 Main Street, South Windsor, to the Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Before voting on this Resolution, Councillor Havens wished to know what Planning and Zoning’s responsibilities were with regard to this referral—he asked “do they set certain conditions?” What is their direct responsibility?” Town Manager Galligan responded that the Statutes require that a municipality refer issues relating to “land use” to the PZC—who then has 45 days to review such material. After their review, the Commission is to “give input to the Council” who can then either select or reject that input. Basically, according to the Town Manager, this is a “mechanism” to insure that the Town’s “land use agency” is looking at the sale of Town-owned land, or the purchasing of land by the Town.
Councillor Pelkey asked if Planning and Zoning could make suggestions such as “access to the property; suggestions on parking—things of that nature?” Those suggestions, Mr. Galligan responded, will probably come up at the time of application; or at the time of the site plan or when the use of the building is decided.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
ITEM
17. New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Refer Proposed Lease and Possible Purchase of Property Identified as 1530 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission
WHEREAS, on October 23, 2006, the South Windsor Town Council approved a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager and the Town Attorney to enter into appropriate contracts for the lease of, and possible option to purchase, the former Post Office building at 1530 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor; and
WHEREAS, according to State Statute 8-24, this lease and possible purchase of the former Post Office building at 1530 Sullivan Avenue is to be referred to South Windsor’s Planning & Zoning Commission prior to the commencement of such lease and possible purchase
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan is authorized to refer the proposed lease and possible purchase of property identified as 1530 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission, pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Mr. Galligan explained that an Appraisal was done on this property, as requested by Council—a copy of which was distributed to Council this evening. Two approaches were used to this Appraisal—one, a cost analysis; and one a “straight market” based upon a “sale approach.” The “appraised value,” he said, as of January 3, 2007 is $1,120,000. Under the “cost approach” (where you separate the land value out and look only at the square footage of the building), according to the Town Manager, it was $1,385,000.
There followed questions on this Appraisal that were posed to the Town Manager by the Councillors.
Councillor Moriarty said he was in favor of this Resolution; and saw no reason to “hold up other parts of the process.”
ITEM
17. B. New Business (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Delnicki announced that he “remained a skeptic” about purchasing the old Post Office.” He wished there was a way the Appraisal could “look forward”
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Resolution. The Motion was approved 6 Ayes to 1 Nay, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Deputy Mayor Delnicki - No
Councillor McCann - Yes
Councillor Havens - Yes
Councillor Moriarty - Yes
Councillor Pelkey - Yes
Councillor Prague - Yes
Mayor Streeter - Yes
C. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Twenty-Eight (28) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-eight (28) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $4,952.46, or 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)
Councillor McCann, referring to the Appraisal report on the Post Office, said that the Council needed time to go through that Appraisal and come to a decision that this Appraisal does, or does not, satisfy the Town Council with respect to the lease or purchase of the Post Office building. He, therefore, suggested that this Appraisal be place on the Agenda for discussion at an upcoming Meeting, as well as the lease or purchase of the old Post Office.
ITEM:
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued) - None
21. Executive Session
Deputy Mayor Delnicki moved to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue. The Motion was seconded by Mayor Streeter; and was approved, unanimously.
22. Motion to Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned immediately following the close of the Executive Session, or at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (Exhibit A.)
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