TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 May 21, 2007
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceTypeTown Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Immediately recessed the Regular Meeting and then reconvened the Regular Meeting at 11:00 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary CityplacePrague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
Mayor Streeter made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to have a guest speaker, Dr. Saud Anwar, come forward to make a presentation; Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was Approved, unanimously.
Councillor McCann stated that it gives him great pleasure to introduce Dr. Saud Anwar. Dr. Anwar is a resident of South Windsor who recently returned from a Peace Mission in the placeMiddle East. He is present tonight to spread the word that people have much more in common than the minor differences that distinguish us.
Dr. Saud Anwar came forward to discuss Islam and what is said about other religions. Dr. Anwar reviewed his trip to Israeli and the Middle Eat and discussed the different components of the trip which included the spiritual and political components. Dr. Anwar then identified problems and also the solutions.
5. Public Input
Mr. Daniel Jeski, 70 Mohegan Trail came forward to announce that there will be a Testimonial Dinner honoring Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, Former Town Attorney Barry Guliano and Marge Anthony on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility beginning at 5:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending should contact Joan Walsh at 644-6000.
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, 5A addressStreetAmato Drive came forward to invite the Town Council and the community to the opening ceremonies on June 15, 2007.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
None
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan informed the Town Council that he is in the process of reviewing all outstanding issues for all levels of staff and will be putting together an extensive report. The report will then go out to Council Members and can be reviewed at a later meeting.
The Department of Economic and Community Development has finished the I-291 Environmental Impact statement. Copies of this report can be found in the Town Manager’s Office, Planning & Zoning Department, Engineering Department and Town Clerk’s Office.
Town Manager Galligan then thanked the Town Council and the community for keeping him in placeSouth Windsor. He stated he will continue to work hard to make this a top community in the State of placeStateConnecticut.
11. Reports from standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Havens asked what the delays in the construction of the new Fire Department Facilities were? Town Manager Galligan explained that the DEP has found an endangered plant there, but can be relocated. The other issue is that DEP is saying there is a vernal pool there. Jeff Folger has been watching this area and says it is dry.
Councillor Prague announced that the new placeSouth Windsor maps are complete. The maps were done at no cost to the Town.
Councillor Pelkey stated that there is a lot of progress at the Boundless Playground. The area is still under construction. Councillor Pelkey announced that the grand opening will be on June 30, 2007 and urged parents and grandparents to wait until the grand opening before allowing children on the playground.
Councillor McCann requested that if any Town Council Member has changes to the draft proposal changes to the regulations to inform the Committee. A decision will be made on this item at the June 4, 2007 meeting.
Councillor Prague suggested that a Committee be formed to look at senior space needs.
Mayor Streeter told the Council Members that he attended Picnic in the Park, a ribbon cutting for Top Shelf Liquor, a ribbon cutting at Wood Memorial Library, an Eagle Court of Honor, and three Girl Scouts who received the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Memorial Day parade will be held on May 28, 2007 with line up between 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonzales, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council. He stated that prior to items like the Regulations being changed, a copy should be given to the public so that the public and give input also.
15. Consent Agenda
None
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2007/2008
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2007/2008.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Amending Salaries of Registrars of Voters and Deputy Registrars of Voters
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council is responsible for establishing the compensation received by the Registrars of Voters, Deputy Registrars of Voters, and the Assistants for their services pursuant to Section 9-194 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Registrars of Voters are elected Officials of the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes the salaries of these positions to be comparable so that the salary is relative to the position; and
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2007 the Town Counci passed a resolution on this matter which it now wishes to amend in order to reflect the duties and requirements of Registrars pursuant to State law
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the salary for each Registrar of Voters shall be the same, regardless of tenure; and
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the salary for each Deputy Registrar of Voters shall be the same, regardless of tenure; and
(Resolution continued on next page)
ITEM:
16. A. (continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Registrars of Voters each having been independently elected to their respective office, shall not be subject to oversight by the Personnel Subcommittee of the South Windsor Town Council, bur rather shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth in Title 9 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Mayor Streeter explained that the Town Attorney reviewed and changed the wording of this Resolution from its original version. Both Registrars of Voters have reviewed this Resolution and both are happy with the Amended Resolution.
Councillor Yagaloff questioned if the Town Council could decide at any time to do an audit or review of the Registrars of Voters time cards? Mayor Streeter answered that this issue could be discussed with the Town Attorney at the time the Council feels it is necessary to do an audit or review of their hours.
Councillor Pelkey suggested an Amendment to this Resolution to read as follows:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council Amends the Resolution passed on March 5, 2007; Councillor Havens seconded the Amendment and it was Approved, unanimously.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution, it was Approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Contract for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant with the placePlaceNameConnecticut PlaceTypeState Library
WHEREAS, a Public Act Concerning Real Estate Filings and the Preservation of Historic Documents (P.A. 00-146) has established a dedicated fund to improve the care of local government records; and
(Resolution continued on next page)
ITEM:
17. B. (continued)
WHEREAS, said Public Act is intended to assist StateplaceConnecticut municipalities in their efforts to preserve and manage their historic documents; and
WHEREAS, said Public Act imposes an additional fee of three dollars ($3.00) to be collected by Town Clerks for the recording of land records, including deeds and mortgages—two dollars of which will be forwarded to the State Library for the funding of this Historic Documents Preservation Account; and
WHEREAS, Public Act 99-146 authorizes the Public Records Administrator of the State Library to provide training and technical assistance and administer a grant program for Connecticut’s municipalities, and authorizes the State Librarian to appoint a committee to advise on the development and implementation of regulations regarding the operation of this grant program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan, South Windsor Town Manager is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said contract shall continue to be in effect until May 31, 2008.
Mayor Streeter informed the Town Council that this Resolution has been done for about eight years, and enables the Town to get money when the Town Clerk does preservation. The language is required, so no amendments can be made. Town Manager Galligan added that the Town is receiving $17,000 this year.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Resolution; it was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $9,100 from Contingency to the Police Administration Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $9,100 from the Contingency Account to the Police Administration Professional Account to cover costs associated with the East Central Narcotics Division.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Chief Gary Tyler came before the Town Council to explain why this money is needed. The East Central Narcotics is made up of South Windsor, CityManchester and placeCityGlastonbury and has recently moved to a new building. The $9,100/year is needed to pay our fair share of utilities and rental.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Resolution, it was Approved, unanimously.
D. Resolution Appointing Daniel Jeski (D) to the Town Council 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 Daniel Jeski as a Member of the Town Council for a term ending November 12, 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Deborah Fine, and postpones consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Mayor Streeter
Councillor McCann stated that this is a special appointment because this is a replacement of a member of the Town Council, Deborah Fine, who served for ten years. She served the Town well, with distinction and did the right thing in her mind and in her votes. I have worked with Dan Jeski and would like to welcome him as a member of the Council.
Councillor Pelkey stated that Dan has been attending the meetings for the past 3-4 months and will be up to speed on the actions.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Resolution, it was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
E. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Donald Mercure (D) from the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Donald Mercure from the Economic Development Commission, said resignation to be effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the placeSouth Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Mr. Mercure for the time he has dedicated to servicing his community by his membership on the Economic Development Commission.
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey explained that he had asked Mr. Hankard to look into the savings for our recent Capital Projects and I am pleased to report that they are significant, totaling $35 to $358 per year. These annual recurring savings include the High School boiler replacement project for $23,487, the Ellsworth boiler replacement project for $7,332 and the Wapping window replacement project for $4,539. As the cost of energy escalates in the future, these types of projects will have a strong impact for fiscal savings for our community.
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued) - None
21. Executive Session - None
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 9:24 p.m., Councillor McCann made a motion to adjourn; Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was Approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
|