TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAY 10, 2007
placeSOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the meeting to order at 7:04 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
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
3. Public Participation
Mr. Donald Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated that during the budget meetings it would be helpful for the public to have a copy of expenditures from last year and the request budget for this year. Town Manager Galligan said something could be prepared next year for the public.
Mrs. Janice Snyder, Chairperson for the Board of Education came before the Town Council to announce that the Board of Education has decreased their budget for next year. This year’s current budget structure is $54,820,012 and next year’s proposed budget structure is $57,429,400. The summary information on the proposed budget increase is $2,609,388. Earlier during the budget season the Board of Education proposed a 4.99% increase and the change of $125,000 cost savings was found in health insurance for next year which decreases the budget to a 4.76% increase.
ITEM:
4. Communications
Councillor Kevin McCann reported that a member of our community, Dr. Saud Anwar who took part in a ten day mission of peace to Israel as part of a 20 person delegation from the United States. They met with various political, economic, academic, and religious leaders in placecountry-regionIsrael in an attempt to bridge some of the differences between the Arabs and Israeli. Dr. Saud Anwar has been involved in the Muslim community throughout the United States for quite some time and has agreed to come to the May 21, 2007 Town Council meeting to discuss his peace mission.
5. Town Manager’s Report - None
6. Special Business
A. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $10,000 from Contingency to the Salary Contingency Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $10,000 from the Contingency Account to the Salary Contingency Account.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Approving a Renegotiation of the Current Town Manager’s Employment Agreement in order to effectuate his continued Employment with the Town of South Windsor
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council provides the following incentives in order to retain Matthew B. Galligan as Town Manager:
· A lump sum incentive payment of $37,500
· Effective July 1, 2007 a salary of $140,410
· One extra week of vacation
· Effective July 1, 2008 six (6) months of severance payment in the event of termination by the Town Council
ITEM:
6. B. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Attorney is authorized to update the current employment agreement to effectuate these changes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the lump sum incentive payment be taken out of Salary Contingency Account.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor Havens
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
All Council Members stated they were pleased to see Town Manager Matthew Galligan stay with the Town. Deputy Mayor Delnicki stated that although he is pleased to welcome the Town Manager Matthew Galligan back, he is not in favor of bonuses and therefore will have to vote against this resolution.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion was Approved 7 Ayes to 1 Nay, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting vote being cast by Deputy Mayor Delnicki.
Town Manager Matthew Galligan thanked the Town Council and stated he is very happy to be staying in placeSouth Windsor and will continue to do great things for the Town.
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $6,076.50 from Contingency to Police Support Services Equipment Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $6,076.50 from the Contingency Account to the Police Support Services Department Equipment Account to cover the remaining payment for a new Crown placeStateVictoria for the Police Department.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
This is a replacement of a police vehicle that had been struck and totaled at a DUI checkpoint.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
6. Special Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Approving a Waiver of Interest on a Tax Lien
WHEREAS, the Human Services Department is requesting the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor to waive the interest amount of a lien, thus allowing a client to sell their home
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of CityplaceSouth Windsor waives the interest on said lien in the amount of $468.26.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Councillor Yagaloff asked if Human Services is still recommending that this be done at this time? Mrs. Irene Murray answered yes.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion was Approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $37,442 from Contingency to the placeSouth Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Grant and Contribution Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $37,442 from the Contingency Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Grant and Contribution Account for the following:
Replacement Thermal Imaging Camera $ 5,000
Upgrade Portable Radios $ 6,192
Replacement Extrication Equipment $15,250
Replacement Computer Server $11,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes payment of said $37,442 to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
ITEM:
6. E. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Delnicki stated that he is in favor of this resolution and the Town Council should send a message to the Volunteer Fire Department that the Town Council stands behind them. This is very important equipment and should be funded in the most expeditious manner.
Councillor Pelkey stated that he also supports this resolution but feels the amount for the upgrade of portable radio line item should be a total of $23,220; therefore an amendment should be made to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $54,470 from the Contingency Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Grant and Contribution Account for the following:
Replacement Thermal Imaging Camera $ 5,000
Upgrade Portable Radios $23,220
Replacement Extrication Equipment $15,250
Replacement Computer Server $11,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes payment of said $54,470 to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki stated that he is in support of the amendment and questioned if there are sufficient funds in the account? Ms. Crucitti, Director of Finance stated that there are sufficient funds.
Councillor Yagaloff expressed that although he is in support of this resolution he is disappointed by the process that was used to take money from the Volunteer Fire Department’s budget for training and then money being given to the Fire Department through contingency for this equipment.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Motion. The Motion was Approved unanimously.
ITEM:
6. New Business (Continued)
F. Resolution Adopting the Budgets for the Special Revenue Pollution Control and Wastewater Treatment Fund and the Special Revenue Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2007/2008
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Special Revenue Pollution Control & Wastewater Treatment Fund Budget and Capital Expenditures Budget totaling $3,114,000; a Special Revenue Recreation Fund Budget with expenditures totaling $964,244 commencing on July 1, 2007, and terminating on June 30, 2008.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
G. Resolution Adopting the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2007/2008
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $57,429,405, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2007 and terminating on Jun 30, 2008, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Councillors Yagaloff and Pelkey both felt that the problem with the Board of Education budget is that the school system will be falling behind because no new programs are being added to the budget.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion was Approved 5 Ayes to 3 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting votes being cast by Councillors Havens, Pelkey and Yagaloff.
ITEM:
6. New Business (Continued)
H. Resolution Adopting the General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2007/2008
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts a General Government Budget with expenditures totaling $31,256,748, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2007 and terminating on June 30, 2008, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Mayor Streeter displayed a power point presentation for the public to view budget adjustments. The budget will be a total of $88,660,153.00 which is an increase of 5.22% from the previous year, but the mill rate will remain at 32.54% which is a 0% tax increase.
Councillor Havens voiced two items of concern that he feels could create issues for next year’s budget as follows: additional revenue of the Fire Marshal fees which is not guaranteed yet and the reduction of $350,000 from the Capital Fund to fund the first portion of the purchase of Sullivan Avenue Annex. Plan is to double up on the payment next year and there will be other issues that will come up next year. Object to both these issues and can not support this budget.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he is in favor of having a 0% increase in the tax rate, but not in favor of counting on the Fire Marshal fees to set the budget. Councillor Yagaloff then suggested an amendment to the budget to fund $50,000 for a comprehensive study for the space needs for the PlaceNameplaceSenior PlaceTypeCenter. This could be funded by reducing each item in the budget by 0.005%; Pelkey seconded the amendment.
Councillor McCann stated that at the presentation at the Board of Education there was a plan presented that will take care of senior needs at the Community Center. Do not think there is a need to add $50,000 for a study.
Mayor Streeter explained that there was a function this past week at the Community Center and he talked with Mary Martin who is the head of the Senior Advisory Committee and told her that the Space Needs Committee will be setting up a meeting towards the end of this month once the budget is taken care of. Any decisions should wait until after the meeting has been held.
ITEM:
6. H. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the seniors have been coming to the Town Council since he has been on the Town Council and they have complained about there not being enough space and what the Town Council should at least support the spending of $50,000 to come up with a comprehensive plan in order to do something about this issue.
Councillor Pelkey felt that what is being presented tonight is an effort to fulfill what the citizens came to the Town Council and said needs to be done. The Community Center is crowded and the need to expand the building is necessary.
Councillor Havens concurs with Councillor Yagaloff and Pelkey and is in support of this Amendment.
Councillor Prague stated that he is in agreement that a study should be done to show how the Town can best handle the seniors needs, but disagrees on the spending of $50,000. The first step should be to get a group of senior citizens and Human Services staff to form a Committee. The Committee should make the decision of what is necessary for the expansion of the Community Center and then an Architect can be hired to begin their work. Councillor Prague said he could not support the idea of just a study.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment. The Amendment Failed 3 Ayes to 5 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Streeter, Deputy Mayor Delnicki, Councillors McCann, Moriarty and placeCityPrague.
Councillor Yagaloff suggested another Amendment for the proposed budget to include $50,000 for the Fire Department equipment and the training for the Volunteers by reducing the overall budget by 0.005% so there will be no net increase in the budget and it will remain at 0% increase, Councillor Pelkey seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that there is a need for the equipment and he would like to have the process accelerated. The goal is to get these vital items into the budget, but not remove other programs that are necessary.
The Town Council discussed the process by which this money would be taken from each item. Town Manager Galligan stated that this process may be something to look at next year, but he felt it would be a complicated process to figure out tonight.
ITEM:
6. H. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff felt that these items can be managed to 99.6% of the budget. Things do not get done if no one is willing to look beyond the mathematical difficulties that may arise.
Mayor Streeter stated that if this idea were in the process, departments would then start needing 101% and items would get cut back to the real number.
Councillor McCann said he supported the transfer of funds to purchase some of the equipment that the Fire Department needed and he is also in support of reasonable funding. This process would cut various items within the General Budget.
Coucillor Pelkey suggested that this item be tabled and the Town Council can come back to this discussion later in the meeting, Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion. The Motion Passed 6 Ayes to 2 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting votes being cast by Deputy Mayor Delnicki, and Councillor Prague.
Councillor Pelkey suggested an Amendment to the General Budget to add an item for $50,000 in order to fund a comprehensive study for the Police Department Communication Dispatch System so that it can be upgraded, Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion.
Councillor Pelkey said he had learned that the Police Department has lost four Dispatchers just one month after each began and felt that part of the problem is that the placePlaceNameCommunications PlaceTypeCenter the Town has at the Police Department is outdated.
After a lengthy discussion on where the money would come from to support this item, Councillor Pelkey took the amendment off the table and made and Amendment to include $50,000 to fund a comprehensive study for the Police Department Communication Dispatch System. The $50,000 will be achieved by removing $50,000 as a line item from the Salaries Account for Police Officers. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the Amendment.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment. The Amendment was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
6. H. (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey then suggest another Amendment which is to put back into the Capital Projects Account the $350,000 that was removed from the Budget, Councillor Yagaloff seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff questioned if the lease option on the Old Post Office is for four years? Town Manager Galligan explained that four years from now the Town Council will have to let the owner know 120 days before the end of the fourth year if there is any intention on the Towns part to purchase the building.
Councillor Yagaloff then stated that the Town was planning on budgeting $350,000 for four years which would allow the Town to purchase the building in four years. Now that the $350,000 is being taken out of the budget, it seems that the purchase will not happen because the money is not being budgeted. Councillor Pelkey then added that it seems that the direction on the purchase of the building is changing and Councillor Pelkey would like to have a vote to see if there is a commitment.
Mayor Streeter explained that there is a definite commitment by this Council to go ahead with the lease, as there is money put in the budget for the lease. The Town Council is also committed to eventually purchasing this building.
Councillor McCann stated that he is in support of the list on the Capital Projects budget but needed to put it into the context of the entire budget before he could make a commitment that he would support the spending for every item on there. Councillor McCann explained that he has had an opportunity now to put that information into the context of the entire budget and will be voting against this Amendment.
Councillor Moriarty also stated that he would not be able to support this Amendment.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment. The Amendment Failed 4 Ayes to 4 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Streeter, Deputy Mayor Delnicki, Councillors McCann, and Moriarty.
Councillor Pelkey suggest an Amendment to include the use of the $350,000 in LoCip Funding in the budget to go towards the renovation of the Old Post Office, Councillor Havens seconded the Amendment.
ITEM:
6. H. (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey commented that this is a 0% impact on the budget.
Mayor Streeter questioned if it is the intent to use LoCip funds for renovations to the Old Post Office? Town Manager Galligan explained that it is an eligible use and would begin the process.
Councillor Yagaloff felt using the LoCip Funds would give the Town Council the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the future and do intend to lease and then purchase that property. Mayor Streeter said that this is an Amendment for the renovation not for the purchase. Councillor Yagaloff stated that this would show the Town Councils goal and commitment to renovate the building for the purchase.
Town Manager Galligan explained that the LoCip funds will require a public hearing which will require an explanation of what the money would be used for. After the public hearing the Town will submit information to the State for their approval. If approved, the State will then let the Town known when funds are available.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission rejected the 8-24 review and the Town Council is still waiting for a ruling from the Town Attorney. The Town Council should not be committing monies for something that we don’t know is a true deal and will more than likely will have to come back to the Town Council for a super majority vote. Deputy Mayor Delnicki said he is entirely against this.
Councillor Yagaloff explained that the Town Attorney has reviewed that document and the lease purchase agreement and recommended that we sign it. The Planning & Zoning Commission rejected it because it was lease. Town Manager Galligan said that the Planning & Zoning Commission had a problem approving the 8-24 review because they did not have a lease to review. He then stated that if the Town Council would like get things rolling and use the building, money will be necessary to being the process.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment. The Amendment Failed 3 Ayes to 5 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Streeter, Deputy Mayor Delnicki, Councillors McCann, Moriarty, and CityplacePrague.
Councillor Yagaloff suggested an Amendment to the budget to include $10,000 for the gym safety upgrade at the placePlaceNameEllsworth PlaceTypeSchool. Such monies to be funded from the fund balance, Councillor Pelkey seconded the Amendment and it passed unanimously.
ITEM:
6. H. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff suggested another Amendment to the budget to include $10,000 for the Matching Mini-Grant Program and to fund such amount from the fund balance, Councillor Pelkey seconded the Amendment and it passed unanimously.
Councillor Pelkey stated that based on the conversation and the debate tonight, he would like to take the tabled item off of the table.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment General Government Budget. The Budget Passed 5 Ayes to 3 Nays, on a Roll Call vote, the dissenting votes being cast by Councillors Havens, Pelkey and Yagaloff.
Mr. Don Gonsalves came before the Town Council and stated that it sounds great to have a 0% budget increase; however he totally disagree with what is being done because the Capital Projects are being overlooked. Things that should be done right now are being deferred to the future. This will be penalizing future tax payers.
I. Resolution Setting the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2007/2008
BE IT RESOLVED that a tax rate of 32.54 mills be levied on the Grand List of October 1, 2006 based upon Total Revenues excluding current taxes of $68,212,142, which includes an appropriation from Fund Balance in the amount of $1,520,000 to finance total expenditures of $88,686,153 made up of a Board of Education Budget of $57,429,405, and a General Government Budget of $31,256,748, both of which have been adopted by the South Windsor Town Council, and exhibits of which are on file in the Office of the Town Clerk for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2007 and terminating on June 30, 2008.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he could not support this because in the past two years there has been a $9,000,000 increase and there are no new programs to show for this increase.
Councillor Pelkey asked what the percentage increase in spending is this year? Town Manager Galligan said it is approximately 5.22% and that would include the Capital, Capital Leases, Debt Service, Town and Board of Education.
ITEM:
6. Special Business (Continued)
J. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2007/2008 and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2007/2008, and Hereby tables the same.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Mayor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 9:58 p.m., a Motion to Adjourn was made by Deputy Mayor Delnicki; seconded by Councillor Pelkey; and was Approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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