TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 February 5, 2007
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
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Prague (Arriv. at 10:30 p.m.)
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
ITEM:
5. Public Input - None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Pelkey urged the listening public who are well enough to do so to donate blood through the regularly scheduled blood drives conducted by the American Red Cross. Pointing out the lives that are saved and, at times, prolonged because of this donation, the Councillor emphasized the particular need this time of year because of lower numbers of donors during the cold weather.
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: Public Hearing of December 18, 2006 (Re.: Proposed STP Program Funds for Road Improvements); Regular Meeting of January 2, 2007; Special Meeting of January 8, 2007; and Regular Meeting of January 16, 2007.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
7. (Continued)
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Before a vote was taken, Councillor Moriarty called for an Amendment to correct an error in the Minutes of the Special Meeting of January 8, 2007, Item 4A. The Motion to Amend was seconded and unanimously approved. The Mayor then called for a Motion to approve the Amended Resolution. The Resolution was approved, unanimously
.
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Commun. from Officers and Bds. Directly Responsible to Council
Mr. Robert Moeller, Chairperson, Patriotic Commission came forward to report on the activities of the Patriotic Commission being planned for the next six (6) months of this year.
Prior to that report, Mr. Moeller reported on the success of the Commission’s Christmas Concert; and said that because of this success, the Commission has invited the102nd Army Band to a return performance—tentatively scheduled for December 2, 2007.
Returning to his report on the Commission’s future activities, Mr. Moeller reported that:
1. The Commission has received 83 entries in this year’s Essay Contest—for reasons unknown, much fewer than was received last year. He added that the Winners would be announced on May 1, 2007.
2. The Armed Forces’ Day Picnic in the Park will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at Nevers Road Park. Details, he added, would be provided shortly.
3. Memorial Day’s Parade and Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 28, 2007. The Parade will commence, he added, at 10:00 a.m.; and the ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Park. This year’s Parade will be dedicated to a lifelong resident of South Windsor—the late Sergeant Major Thomas Howe.
4. Flag Day Ceremonies will be held Saturday, June 16. This year’s ceremony, he added, will be held with American Legion Post 133 of South Windsor. Details will be forthcoming, he said.
9. Commun. from Officers and Bds. Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
The Chairman informed the Council Members that in the State’s 2006 Legislative Session, the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal was approve for issue. Since that time, 288 medals have been issued and mailed to qualifying South Windsor residents. The Patriotic Commission is hoping to conduct a ceremony at the Armed Forces Day Picnic in the Park on May 19 for those South Windsor residents who wish to have their medals presented to them in a ceremony. In order to access the “Registry” for these medals, according to the Chair, Veterans should fill out an application, whether eligible for the medal or not, outlining their military service information can be included in the Registry.
Mr. Moeller reminded South Windsor veterans that there are “25 proposed Committee Bills before the Select Committee of Veteran Affairs,” many of which, he added, concern property tax exemptions for Veterans. He urged them to see the Town’s Assessor, Charles Danna, to see if they may be eligible for any tax exemptions; and, if there are, you may have to fill out the proper paperwork.
In closing, the Patriotic Commission is urging all citizens to support a program being coordinated by the South Windsor Teen Center—that being a program called “Operation DVD” which is being conducted by the AMVET Society of Ct. to provide a “safe form of entertainment and distractions for our troops overseas.” Collection boxes have been set up by youth from the Town’s Teen Center in the Town Hall, the Town Garage, and the Police Department for the collection of new or used DVDs to be sent overseas.
Councillor Havens asked the Town Manager to have a Work Session to discuss, what options are available for veterans to receive tax exemptions. The Councillor asked for assurances that South Windsor was offering its veterans all the benefits available and being offered by other communities. Mr. Galligan said that South Windsor “was basically in the same ballpark” as other communities with what it was doing.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan, referring to material he had included in his packet to the Council, expanded on the following:
1. Veterans' benefits and a comparison with other communities. He agreed to a Work Session to discuss with veterans more fully, if that was what the Council wished.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
2. Information associated with the “Priest” house on Sullivan Avenue—a part of the Open Space acquisition made by the Town several years ago. The house was found to be in total disrepair and; thus, “non-rentable,” and should be taken down. The silo located on the property, however, was found to be sound and should be kept in order to retain some “history” about the site and its farming past. The silo, he added, has been winterized and secured.
3. The last time the Council met in a “Strategic Planning Work Session” with the Board of Education, according to the Town Manager, there was some talk about having three (3) more work sessions. He asked it these were meant to include the coordinator, Wayne Hunicke; or if it was intended that “staff” should do the coordinating.
4. Mr. Galligan then brought Council up to date on information he had obtained from meetings held by CRCOG, CCM, and the State Legislature. Sen. LeBeau and Rep. Aman, he added, did put a Bill in for Union School and the Bonding Commission.
5. He explained to the Councillors the need for a Public Hearing on “bonding” the funds for the new Fire House #3. In order that these bonds remain “tax free” it was necessary to provide assurances that the South Windsor Ambulance Corps, who would be leasing a portion of the facility, is a “not for profit” organization and they were providing no other business except ambulance services.
6. Another item the Town Manager said he wished to discuss with the Town Council, again, was the creation of a “Lieutenant’s” position within Police Services. He suggested it be during the Work Session of February 20th.
Questions were posed to the Town Manager regarding the upcoming Town Budget; the budget process; and the possibility of a “perspective outline” of what the Town’s budgets may be over the next five to ten years. The Manager was also asked if the Town was ready to proceed with starting some allowable work at Lawrence Road Park.
Following further questions regarding the future of Lawrence Road Park, Mr. Galligan said that he would prefer to answer the questions being asked in an Executive Session. It was decided that Atty. Penney would be asked to attend the next meeting of the Town Council in order to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation associated with Lawrence Road Park.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Galligan then explained, to some degree, following a Councillor’s question, just exactly what the “Ropes Course” and “Ropes Course 2” was; and what it entailed.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports from Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Havens complained about the condition of the entrance to the Town from the Route 5/Sullivan Avenue intersection. He specifically pointed to the unkempt conditions associated with two areas on the north side of Sullivan Avenue near that entrance. With existing businesses planning on building new facilities in this area, Councillor Havens felt it was imperative that this area be upgraded. He stated that as the properties in that area are being sold they are “being downgraded” and not being taken care of.
Councillor Moriarty said that he has received a myriad of complaints from nearby residents regarding the “herb farm” on Foster Street. He was told it was because of improper ‘zoning” now that the farm is unused. He suggested it was just as important to make South Windsor attractive to its residents as it was to those driving through the Town. Mr. Galligan said that the Town “has spent days and months” on legal discussions regarding that particular farm; and the Owner “has certain legal rights that we can’t get around.” He pointed out that the farm was there long before the houses were built; however, the Town and the Town Attorney would take another look.
As liaison to the Board of Education, Councillor McCann reported that the Board expected to receive its proposed budget from the Superintendent of Schools shortly. As a Member of the Elementary Schools Strategic Planning Study committee formed to address the needs of the school’s elementary schools, Councillor McCann said that the consultant will be providing a report on his findings on March 21—with the Planning Committee hoping to provide its own report to the Board of Education on April 11, 2007.
Councillor Pelkey, referring to South Windsor’s 10-year-old Blight Ordinance, felt it was time to take another look at this Ordinance. He asked that the Chief of Police, the Fire Marshal, Fred Shaw, and the Town Attorney review the letters of complaint sent to the Town and the input from citizens complaints that were not resolved because of “missing language” in the Ordinance. He asked that the staff mentioned have an opportunity to look at this material and return to Council with recommendations on how the Blight Ordinance could be updated.
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey also questioned proposed additional “parking” at the Charles Enes Community Center; and whether or not it was included in last year’s or this year’s Capital Projects Budget. Mr. Galligan said that he did not think it was in last year’s Budget. When the plans were made for the “Boundless Playground” a “parking lot A, and a parking lot B, were made and provided for the ability to expanded into Parking Lot B at some future date. He felt that that “future date” was eminent now.
Mayor Streeter referred to correspondence he received from Mr. Mark Petruzzi,78 Elizabeth Street, urging the mandate that all “access” driveways leading to residences with no frontage on a Town street, be built to the same standards as Town roads (a copy of his letter is attached). The Mayor also read a letter he had received from Mr. Kenneth S. Sek, 285 Griffin Road urging the Council to approve a “South Windsor Clean Energy Resolution.” (A copy of Mr. Sek’s letter is attached hereto.)
14. Public Participation
Louise Michaud, Amato Drive, asked that the Town Council seriously consider adopting the “20% by 2010” proposal associated with the topic of “global warming.”
Councillor Havens then moved to Suspend the Rules to move Agenda item 17. D. up to this place on the Agenda. The Motion was seconded by Mayor Streeter; and was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
D. Discussion Item – “20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign” for Connecticut Towns
Present to speak to this item was Ellen Castaldini who said she wished to provide more information about the Campaign; and to clarify information contained in her letter to the Town Council. In attendance with her was Colin Bennett, Clean Water Action, to help explain the cost information associated with this program.
Ms. Castaldini said the purpose of this campaign was to encourage municipalities to support “clean energy within Connecticut” for many reasons—principally for “health” reasons. She provided numbers associated with the incidence of asthma in children in Connecticut; fossil fuel’s association with global warming; the importance of energy independence; aids to economic development because of clean renewable energy sources; etc.
17. New Business
D. Discussion Item – “20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign” for Connecticut Towns
According to Ms. Castaldini, about 35 Connecticut Towns have already “signed on” to this program; and she said she hoped the Town Council would consider approving the “draft” Resolution she had provided—which Resolution agrees to the municipality’s purchase of 20% of their energy supplies from “clean energy” by the year 2010. (A copy of the proposed Resolution is attached.)
Ms. Castaldini then introduced Mr. Colin Bennett who then whet over the “cost estimate” previously provided with the Members of the Town Council. He also informed the Town Council that the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is offering a $5,000 Grant to the first 40 Towns that pass the previously referred to Resolution. The $5,000 is to be spent, he said, furthering clean energy in the Town.
Another incentive, according to Mr. Bennett, is for every 100 customers (households or businesses) in South Windsor that sign up for clean energy through the Connecticut Clean Energy Options Program, the Town will receive a $10,000 Solar Panel, free. Again, Mr. Bennett urged South Windsor to “move quickly” in order to avail itself of the $5,000 in Grant monies.
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Following their report, questions and comments from the Town Council were addressed by Ms. Castaldini and Mr. Bennett.
Those coming forward from the audience to give their comments on the “20% by 2010 Campaign” and proposal were:
Robert DeMallie, 2 Joseph Lane
Kathryn Hale, 54 Orchard Hill Drive
Robert Dickinson, 19 Birch Road
Bill Myers, 1141 Strong Road
All of the above spoke in favor of giving the above proposal serious consideration, as well as the need for more information with regard to “cost” and assurances with regard to the possible “binding” aspects of the proposed Resolution.
(At 10:10 p.m., and before proceeding with the Agenda, Mayor Streeter called for a three (3) minute recess of the Regular Meeting. The Regular Meeting was reconvened following the recess at 10:20 p.m.)
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business - None
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Suzanne Fitts (R) from the Library Board
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Suzanne Fitts from the Library Board, said resignation to be effective following the appointment of her successor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council takes this opportunity to extend its sincere thanks to Mrs. Fitts for her many years of involvement in the welfare of her Town; and, particularly, for her 27-year tenure on the South Windsor Library Board where her volunteer service and efforts were devoted to the maintenance of excellence in our Public Library, in its contents, and in the quality of its employees—and, always, in consideration of what was best for the Town of South Windsor and its “reading” public.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Appointing Elizabeth Asplund (R) to the Library Board to Fill an Unexpired Term and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Elizabeth Asplund to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Suzanne Fitts, and postpones consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute the Purchase and Sales Agreement and Other Documents Necessary to Transfer the Union School Property to the South Windsor Historical Society
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2006 the Town Council passed a Resolution authorizing the Town Manager and the Town Attorney to execute a contract with the South Windsor Historical Society for the sale of Union School containing certain terms and conditions set forth in said Resolution; and
WHEREAS, negotiations with the Historical Society have resulted in a proposed Purchase and Sales Agreement with additional terms and conditions, and said Agreement has now been presented to the Town Council for its review; and
WHEREAS, upon review, the Town Council believes that the execution of said Agreement is in the best interests of the Town of South Windsor.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan is hereby authorized to execute the Purchase and Sales Agreement presented to the Town Council and to further execute any other documents necessary to transfer the Union School property to the South Windsor Historical Society.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Discussion Item – “20% by 2010 Energy Campaign” for Connecticut Towns – (Ellen Castaldini, Local Representative, to address)
(Brought forward by Motion and addressed earlier in this meeting.)
E. Resolution Approving an “Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and the South Windsor Police Union Local 1480”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the proposed “Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and South Windsor Police Union , Local 1480, Council 15, AFSCME, AFL-CIO” for the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009.
Was made by: Mayor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business (Continued)
F. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager and the Town Attorney to Prepare Documents Necessary for the Acquisition of Property Referred to as Lot R048 East Side Foster Street Extension and Following Said Acquisition to Cancel Claims for Unpaid Taxes and Assessments, and to Remove Said Property from the Tax Rolls
WHEREAS, Ralph Winn, Jr. and others own a 4.3 +/- acre parcel of undeveloped land on the east side of Foster Street Extension, and known as Lot R048; and
WHEREAS, the current unpaid taxes on said property total $31,089.39; and
WHEREAS, there is an outstanding sewer assessment on this property that totals $26,538.02, and the South Windsor Water Pollution Control Authority will take up an abatement of this outstanding sewer assessment at is next meeting on February 6, 2007, and
WHEREAS, Ralph Winn, Jr. has offered to convey said property to the Town of South Windsor in lieu of a foreclosure action pursuant to Section 12-195 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor is desirous of adding said property to its current inventory of open space; and
WHEREAS, the proposed acquisition of Lot R048 East Side Foster Street Extension was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes and thereafter received a positive vote from said commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan and Town Attorney, Halloran & Sage LLP, are hereby authorized to prepare all documents necessary for the acquisition by the Town of South Windsor of Lot R048 East Side Foster Street Extension, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, contingent upon abatement of the outstanding sewer assessment by the Water Pollution Control Authority and acquisition of said property, the Tax Collector is authorized to cancel all claims for unpaid taxes and assessments and remove said property from the tax rolls in accordance with Section 12-195 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Contribute $2,000 to South Windsor High School’s 2007 Operation Graduation” Fund
(Councillor Pelkey)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to transfer $2,000 from the Contingency Fund to the Town Manager’s Professional Account—said $2,000 to then be used as the Town’s contribution toward South Windsor High School’s 2007 “Operation Graduation Fund.”
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
H. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $5,500 from Contingency to the Town Council Budget for Three Strategic Planning Joint Sessions with the Town Council and Board of Education
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $5,500 from the Contingency Account to the Town Council Professional Account, to cover the cost of three additional Strategic Planning Joint Sessions with the Town Council and Board of Education.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Havens
The Motion failed 4 Nays to 3 Ayes, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor McCann Yes
Councillor Havens Yes
Councillor Moriarty No
Councillor Pelkey No
Councillor Prague No
Councillor Yagaloff No
Mayor Streeter Yes
17. New Business (Continued)
I. Resolution Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Surplus Vehicles
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby declares the following Public Works vehicles to be “surplus equipment” and authorizes Town Manager Matthew Galligan to sell, or otherwise dispose of, the following vehicles:
1994 Ford Crown Victoria - 4-Door Sedan
(Vehicle Identification #2FALP71W5RX199099)
1994 Ford Crown Victoria - 4-Door Sedan
(Vehicle Identification #2FALP71W8RX199100)
1993 Ford Tempo - 4-Door Sedan
(Vehicle Identification #2FAPP36X3PB205925)
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
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 - None
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 10:45 p.m., a Motion to Adjourn was made by Councillor McCann; was seconded by Councillor Pelkey; and was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (3)
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