TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 June 4, 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 bring forward 16. A. and present certificates to essay contest winners; Deputy Mayor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Daniel Jeski (D) a Member of the Town Council
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Daniel Jeski (D) to the Town Council to fill a vacancy that will expire on November 12, 2007.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Mayor Streeter
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
(Prior to formally reconvening the Regular Meeting, the Rules were Suspended in order to recognize the Patriotic Commission Essay Contest Winners)
Speaking for the Patriotic Commission, and with regard to the annual “Essay Contest” sponsored by the Commission, Teri Dickey-Gaignet invited each of the “First Place” Winners to come forward and read his/her essay. “addressStreetFirst Place” Winners were: 2nd Grade: Sahith Obbu; 5th Grade: Emma Yagaloff; 8th Grade: Aamir Addona; 11th Grade: Tracy Margiott and Chris Marra. She then named the :First”, “Second”, and “Third” Place Winners of this year’s contest, in each of the four age categories, and they were presented with “Certificates of Recognition” from Mayor Streeter on behalf of the Town Council.
5. Public Input
Ms. Liz Pendleton, addressStreet319 Hilton Drive came forward to address the Town Council. She explained that it was stated in the newspaper that the Evergreen Walk revenue was saved. Two years ago the budget was $80 million dollars and this year it is $88 million dollars. Eight million dollars has been spent over the past two years, not saved and she stated that there was nothing to show for the $8 million dollars.
Ms. Pendleton then asked why the Strawberry Festival is being announced as a Town sponsored program. This event is not a Town sponsored program, it is a political fund raiser. This event should not have a banner at the 4-corners announcing it because the rules state that only Town sponsored event banners are allowed to be hung at the 4-corners. Ms. Pendleton also believes that Town Employees should not be doing any demonstrations or work at the Strawberry Festival.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Pelkey announced, that nobody should be playing on the equipment at the Boundless Playground. The playground is still a danger because construction work is still being performed.
Councillor Yagaloff questioned if mosquito spraying is performed on ponds, subsurface waters or catch basins? Mr. Galligan responded that catch basins are sprayed as well as all Town owned properties.
ITEM:
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: Work Sessions of March 19, 2007, and April 16, 2007; Public Hearings of April 16, 2007; and Regular Meetings of March 19, 2007 and April 2, 2007.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Delnicki
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
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 discussed the following items:
· The Boundless Playground Grand Opening is being held on June 30, 2007 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
· Recommending approval of the resolution regarding the Matching Min-Grant for the South Windsor Arts and Education Committee which is for the creation of a program for the five elementary schools.
Councillor Pelkey questioned how the issues with the Strawberry Festival, (banner at the 4-corners and Town employee participation), came about and who authorized the Town employees to become involved in this political event? Mr. Galligan explained that he made the decision to allow the Strawberry Festival banner to be erected at the 4-corners because the Town had been doing that for 10-12 years prior to him becoming Town Manager. As for the Town staff, all organizations usually hire off-duty Police Officers to patrol the event, but Town Police Officers will usually go to the event and take a quick look just to support the
ITEM:
10. Communications and reports from Town Manager (continued)
off-duty Police Officer. As for the Public Works Department, there are times during all events that an employee from Public Works may make sure that the area stays clean.
Councillor Pelkey asked if the Town Manager authorizes the Public Works Department to put on demonstrations? Mr. Galligan stated that the demonstrations by Public Works are on a voluntary basis
Councillor Pelkey stated that Town staff is participating in the Strawberry Festival which is essentially a political fundraiser. Councillor Pelkey said he would be drafting an Ordinance that would address this issue.
Councillor Yagaloff said he feels that with all of the rules and regulations there should not be any reasons for the rules to be followed. He then stated that he does not feel any employees on their off hours should be told what they can or can not do and also noted that he has known others that have been rejected from putting a banner at the four corners. Mr. Galligan responded that the banner could be taken down and he would make sure that no paid Town Employees are at the Strawberry Festival.
Councillor Prague informed the Council Members that the Manchester Police and Explorers have been hired for the Strawberry Festival.
11. Reports from standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pelkey explained that he was not implying that Town employees should not be participating in the Strawberry Festival, he is saying that they should not be there representing the Town.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (continued)
Councillor Pelkey then informed the Council that he attended the Memorial Day Parade and felt the attendance was a little down this year along the roadways. He also felt that more seating for the elderly should be provided and asked the Patriotic Commission to look into that for next year. Councillor Pelkey would also like to have displayed on the web-site the essays for the Essay Contest winners. Mayor Streeter added that attendance was probably down due to the weather.
14. Participation
Mr. Don Gonzales, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward to address the Town Council. He stated that he disagrees with the way the Town Council operates their meetings. He feels that item #14 is unnecessary.
Mr. Gary Bazzano, 53 Spinners Run came forward and stated that he has never seen an event become so political and is applaud.
Mrs. Kathy Hale, addressStreet54 Orchid Hill Drive came forward to address concerns regarding the amendments to the Rules. The first concern is the time that is allowed for citizens to speak. It is the Councils job to listen to the citizen, not to let the citizens wait all night to be able to speak. Secondly the statement, “and avoid personalities or impugning of improper motive to any person”, should be deleted from the Rules. Next the Environmental Health and Safety Message should be eliminated to save time. If a Councillor has something really important to say about an issue it can be brought up during Communications from the Council.
Mrs. Hale then stated that the Strawberry Festival is a political activity, not a civic event. The Republicans have abused the use of Town property for political purposes and that is not appropriate.
15. Consent Agenda
None
ITEM:
17. New Business
A. Resolution setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed “Ordinance Adopting Fire Marshal Fees”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council sets Monday, June 18, 2007, at 7:45 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceTypeTown Hall, addressStreet1540 Sullivan Avenue, CitySouth Windsor, StateConnecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on said proposed Ordinance.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Councillor Pelkey requested that the Fire Marshal send all information available to the Council as soon as possible for review.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. It was Approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to issue $3,000 of Matching Funds to the South Windsor Arts in Education Committee to Assist in the Funding of a Cultural Arts Program for Creative Writing, said Funds to be Appropriated from the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Min-Grant Program”
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council at its Regular meeting of June 20, 2005, created a “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Arts in Education Committee has duly submitted a proper application for matching funds of $3,000 to assist in the Cultural Arts Program for Creative Writing; and
WHEREAS, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan has reviewed and approved this project and application, and has determined that it meets all of the criteria of the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Min-Grant Program”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to issue $3,000 of matching funds to the Cultural Arts Program for Creative Writing from the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”; and
ITEM:
17. B. (continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, on its own behalf and on behalf of the children of South Windsor, extends its thanks to South Windsor Arts in Education Committee for its active participation and fund-raising efforts on behalf of the five elementary schools.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Pelkey and McCann both stated they would be supporting this resolution, but Councillor McCann felt that the Town Council needs to look at perimeters that can be applied to the Matching Mini-Grant Program and not get into a situation where the Council has a repetitive funding mechanism for programs that are to continue into the future. Councillor McCann then also stated that he would rather see the Town Council use those funds from the Matching Mini-Grants to have something concrete in place that would continue to benefit the Town for many yeas to come.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. It was approved, unanimously.
C. Resolution Amending placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceTypeTown Council Rules and Procedures
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures be amended as follows:
Article IV, Section 2 – Rules Governing Items in Section 1 of this Article be amended as follows:
1. The addition of a new section, Item #5 to read as follows:
a. This segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Chair with the consent of a majority of the Council present.
b. When recognized by the Chair, the elector shall approach the lectern, give name and address, and avoid personalities or impugning of improper motive to any person.
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
c. The elector may address the Council on any matter, and may request the Council to suspend the Rules to move up any item on the Agenda.
d. The elector shall limit his/her speaking time to three (3) minutes. This limit may be exceeded, except when invoked by any Member of the Council with the consent of a majority of the Council present.
e. During this segment of the meeting, electors wishing to speak to any matter not on the Agenda shall take precedence over those wishing to speak to an item on the Agenda.
2. Amending Item #14 as follows:
b. The word “stand” is deleted, and replaced with the words “approach the lectern”
3. Adding new section e. and f. to Item #14 to read as follows:
e. During this segment of the meeting, electors wishing to speak to an item on the Agenda shall take precedence over those wishing to speak to any other matter.
f. Council Members shall refrain from engaging in any extended response or discussion of any comment or question presented by an elector during this segment, but may respond during discussion or deliberation of any item on the Agenda, and may request additional information from any elector present at the time of discussion or deliberation.
Article V, Agenda, Section 1 – Preparation to be amended as follows:
1. Adding new section f. to read as follows:
f. The Agenda shall contain the following notice:
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
Public Meetings are the time and place at which the Town Council conducts official business of the Town. The Council reserves time and invites the public to be heard during three segments of each Public Meeting, as follows:
Item #5. Public Input. A segment of up to twenty (20) minutes (which may be extended by the Chair with consent of Council Members present) is set aside to hear from the public on any matter. Precedence is given during this segment to any elector who wishes to speak to any matter not on the Agenda, except that any elector may request the Council to consider suspending the rules to move up any item on the Agenda. Electors generally are to limit their comments to three (3) minutes each, and shall avoid personalities or impugning of improper motive to any person.
Item #8. Public Petitions. An elector may petition the Council, in writing, to include a new item on the Agenda for the next Regular Meeting of Council. An item duly presented in writing shall be placed on the Agenda for such Meeting. Electors shall refrain from any discussion of the item until the next Regular Meeting, except when the Chair, with the unanimous consent of the council Members present, shall suspend the Rules.
Item #14. Public Participation. A segment of up to thirty (30) minutes is set aside to hear from any elector prior to the Council Members beginning discussion or deliberations on any matter on the Consent Agenda, Unfinished Business, New Business, or passage of Ordinances. Precedence is given during this segment to any elector who wishes to speak to any item on the Agenda. The Members of Council shall not engage in any extended response or discussion of any comments or questions during this segment, but may respond during discussion or deliberation of any item on the Agenda, and may request additional information from any elector present at the time of discussion or deliberation. Electors generally are to limit their comments to three (3) minutes each, and shall avoid personalities or impugning improper
motives to any person. The Council appreciates and encourages the active and orderly participation of the public in all Public Meetings. Any elector (a person registered to vote in placeSouth Windsor) may participate at the time and in the manner stated above. When recognized by the Chair (generally the Mayor, or the Deputy Mayor) the elector should approach the lectern, give his or her name and address, and speak freely in accordance with these procedures.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
Councillor McCann reviewed the draft changes and then proposed an Amendment under Article IV, Section 2, Item #5 which presently reads, “This segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes” and it should read, “This segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes”; and in Article V, Section 1, Item #5 (Pubic Input) presently reads, “A segment of up to ten (10) minutes”, should be changed to read, “A segment of up to twenty (20) minutes”; Mayor Streeter seconded the amendment and it was Approved unanimously.
After a lengthy discussion, Deputy Mayor Delnicki made and Amendment to the Resolution, changing the word “elector” to “any South Windsor Resident or Taxpayer”; Councillor Pelkey seconded the Amendment and it was Approved unanimously.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment Resolution, it was Approved unanimously.
D. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to eight (8) placeSouth Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to eight (8) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $2,274.53, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Prague
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
ITEM:
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 10:10 p.m., Deputy Mayor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn; Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was Approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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