TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 July 2, 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.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Daniel Jeski
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Tim Moriarty
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Cary CityplacePrague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
Mr. Keven Crotty, the General Manager of Parksite Plunkett-Webster was presented a proclamation by Mayor Matthew Streeter for the donation of materials so that the Town could construct boardwalks throughout the Major Michael Donnelly Preserve.
Proclamations were also presented by Mayor Streeter to South Windsor Community Foundation, the Boundless Playground Committee and Town staff with special recognition to Jeff Doolittle of the Public Works Department, Ray Favreau of the Recreation Department and Jo-ann Ciccaglione of the Human Services Department who participated in the project of the Boundless Playground. Councillor Pelkey was presented a proclamation for all of his hard work and dedication making the Boundless Playground a success and an asset to the community.
5. Public Input
None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
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 June 18, 2007; Public Hearing of June 18, 2007; and Regular Meeting of June 18, 2007
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
Mr. Donald Gonsalves of 40 Bayberry Trail stated that he wrote a letter to the Town Council. He would like to have a preliminary review placed on the July 16, 2007 agenda regarding the project for the elementary schools.
Mr. Lee Santos, addressStreet513 Deming Street came before the Town Council and presented a signed petition with twenty-five signatures to post “No through trucks” signs on addressStreetDeming Street. Neighbors on and around Deming Street have signed this petition because they are concerned with the current traffic situation on Deming Street with the additional volume and safety issues that will result in the future when another retail shopping plaza, Deming Plaza, is complete on the recently sold land just in front of Calvary Church.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Ms. Edwina Futtner who is a Member of the Economic Development Commission came forward to speak in favor of a tax abatement agreement between the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor and Jay’s Landscaping.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan discussed the following items:
1. Mr. Galligan attended a workshop at the Department of Economic and Community Development on the Small Cities Advisory Grant. These grants are administered by the State of placeStateConnecticut but are federal dollars. Funds could be used to expand the Community Center, but if approved, the project has to begin immediately. Mr. Galligan
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
recommended that the Town work on a plan for the expansion and apply for the grant in February
2. Town of CitySouth Windsor staff along with Town of placeCityWindsor staff attended a tabletop exercise concerning the Mass Dispensing Operation for Pandemic Flu. On August 8, 2007 there will be a drill performed at the High School to make sure the plan is viable. A joint meeting with the Board of Education and Town Council will be held to bring everyone up to date with this issue.
3. The Town of placeCitySouth Windsor has received an award from CRCOG in recognition of exemplary inter-town cooperation. The award was presented to the towns of South Windsor, CityWindsor, East Windsor, CityBloomfield and placeCityManchester for forming a Metro Traffic Unit.
4. On Thursday, June 28, 2007 Mr. Galligan attended the Board of Education meeting regarding the elementary school project.
Councillor Yagaloff questioned the number of children that attend the pre-school program at the Community Center and how many children have signed up for the “4th R Program” thus far? Town Manager Galligan said he would have Ray Favreau, Director of Recreation report those numbers at the next Town Council Work Session.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki asked for the status of the Troy Road Tractor Trailer Truck Ordinance, and requested that the addressStreetDeming Street petition be discussed at the next Work Session. Town Manager Galligan will get the status of the Troy Road Tractor Trailer Truck Ordinance from Town Attorney Forsyth.
Councillor Pelkey discussed the strain on the parking area at the Community Center and requested to see the cost estimates for the expansion of parking to include parking for the Boundless Playground also.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
ITEM:
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Streeter announced that the Registrars have twenty-one old voting machines. Anyone interested in purchasing these machines will need to contact the Registrars Office at 644-2511 extension 275 or extension 276..
The Grand Opening Celebration for the Boundless Playground was held on June 30, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at addressStreet150 Nevers Road. Councillor Prague congratulated Councillor Pelkey on the excellent job he did with the fund raising for this project. A discussion also ensued on the possibility of erecting a fence around the Boundless Playground in the future.
14. Public Participation
Mr. Donald Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated that he would like a discussion on the Debt Policy regarding Assumption of the policy of additional debt. In the instructions it says the Town shall not assume additional tax supported general purpose debt without conducting objective analysis. Mr. Gonsalves felt that the language is too vague. The second item is the community’s ability to assume its supported additional debt. Mr. Gonsalves would like to see some objective discussion on “objective analysis” and “community’s ability”, because they are two different things. Mr. Gonsalves also stated that there are individuals that can not afford this and he would like to know what is meant by objective analysis.
15. Consent Agenda
None
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Jeff Prague (R) to the placeSouth Windsor Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council Appoints Jeff Prague a Full Member of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Commission for a term ending September 1, 2007 to fill a vacant seat.
Was made by: Councillor Moriarty
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
The motion was: Approved, 8-0 with Councillor Prague abstaining
17. New Business
A. Resolution Amending a Job Classification and Compensation Plan for a Non-Bargaining Unit Member
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby Amends the Job Classification and Compensation Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Member of the Town of South Windsor to eliminate the position of Assistant to the Town Manager, Pay Grade 6 and approves the new position of Director of Human Resources at Pay Grade 7 of said Job Classification and Compensation Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Member.
Was made by: Councillor Jeski
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Approving a Tax Assessment Agreement with Jay’s Landscaping
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor’s Economic Development Incentive Program, established pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-65B, is intended to encourage the development and expansion of quality businesses in Town through tax and other economic incentives, and is designed to attract businesses that will generate substantial additional tax revenues and employment opportunities for the Town while providing quality goods and services; and
Resolution Continued on Next Page
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Economic Development Commission recommends, pursuant to said program, that a tax assessment agreement be offered to Jay’s Landscaping to construct a 6,400 sq. ft. office and shop located at addressStreet473 Sullivan Avenue in CityplaceSouth Windsor, StateConnecticut at an estimated cost of $720,000 in land and building improvements
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a Tax Assessment Agreement between the Town and Jay’s Landscaping reducing the amount of the assessment of the new office building and facility to be constructed at 473 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut, having an estimated overall assessment of $680,880 by 50% for a period of three (3) years; therefore the estimated assessed value of this new facility would be $353,140 for a period of three (3) years, commencing with the Grand List following the date of the Certificate of Occupancy on the new building, unless said assessment is changed by the Town in any future revaluation, in which case, the assessed value of said improvements to the real property shall be reduced by 50% of said
assessed value after revaluation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council offers Jay’s Landscaping this Tax Assessment Agreement upon the condition that the business shall (1) meet the construction cost figures and agree to the estimated assessment figures; (2) continue operations in South Windsor for a minimum of ten (10) years; and (3) maintain its local facilities approximately at a minimum of the currently proposed levels of employment during this ten-year period; and, it if fails to meet these conditions, Jay’s Landscaping agrees to refund the Town of South Windsor all of the tax savings described herein which the Company has received.
Was made by: Councillor Prague
Seconded by: Mayor Streeter
Councillor Prague, Deputy Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Havens all spoke in favor of this resolution.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion Passed 8 Ayes to 0 Nays with Councillor Yagaloff abstaining, on a Roll Call vote.
ITEM:
C. Resolution Adopting an Investment Policy, Fund Balance Policy and Debt Service Policy in order to maintain the fiscal stability and continuity of the Town of CityplaceSouth Windsor’s Financial Statements
WHEREAS, the Town of CityplaceSouth Windsor has always been fiscally conservative in it’s dealing with financial statements; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council has always been fiscally responsible in the areas of Debt Service, Fund Balance and Investment Policies; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council now wishes to take those practices and procedures and put them into formal written policies
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby Adopts the following Debt Policy (Exhibit A), Investment Policy (Exhibit B), and Fund Balance Policy (Exhibit C); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager, Finance Director and Staff are to follow these policies in all future endeavors when preparing financial information and budgets so that the Town can maintain its fiscal stability.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Town Manager Matthew Galligan explained that these policies have been recommended by Rating Agencies and then explained each policy separately.
Councillor Pelkey asked why in the Debt Policy there is the policy and also explanations of the policy? Town Manager Galligan explained that you want to make sure you have all of the calculations, some is policy and some are explanations of the policy. Answering further questions from the Town Council, Town Manager Galligan stated that the objective of the Fund Balance Policy is to build the fund balance up as much as you can up to the 10% of . The General Fund Undesignated Fund Balance is presently at 4.9%. With these policies the Rating Agencies will rate the Town better with the policies being approved.
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
Town Manager Galligan explained after further questions that if an electorate went out to referendum and approved several different projects that brought the Town over debt service, there is no obligation on the Town Council to take that debt. The Town Council has the ability to decide to stay within the debt policy and which project will be funded.
Councillor McCann stated that although the Town has followed these policies over the past several years, it is important to have these policies in writing so that even if Town Staff changes, these policies will be followed.
Councillor Yagaloff asked since this debt policy uses a word “the Town” is this policy for the schools also? Town Manager Galligan responded that the only person that can issue debt is the Town, under the law Board of Education can not raise debt.
Yagaloff then asked if an objective analysis has to occur prior to voting on the referendum or after voting on the referendum? Town Manager Galligan explained that the decision is up to the Town Council, the analysis could be done prior to or after the referendum. Councillor Yagaloff stated he would prefer to see some type of preliminary objective analysis prior to voting on the referendum.
Councillor Yagaloff expressed that he is concerned that the Town Council has used undesignated fund balance to balance the budget. The balance should not go under the minimum range. One of the Town Councils first objective when the debt policy is implemented should be to bring the undesignated fund balance to a level that meets the minimum requirements. The funds are supposed to be used for emergency situations and not to balance the budget.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
D. Resolution setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on the transfer of $89,875 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account to the Capital Projects Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, July 16, 2007, at 7:45 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the transfer of $89,875 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account to the Capital Projects Account, as follows:
89,875 – for Professional Services Associated with the
Renovation of addressStreet1530 Sullivan Avenue
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Councillor Yagaloff
Councillor Moriarty stated that he is in favor of the purchase of the Old Post Office, but without having several options of plans to choose from he feels the amount appropriated should be a smaller amount.
Councillor Moriarty suggested an amendment to this resolution by reducing the amount being appropriated to $50,000; Mayor Streeter seconded the motion.
Discussion on the amendment began with Councillor Pelkey reminding the Council Members that the amount being spent will be discussed at the July 16, 2007 meeting. This resolution before the Council tonight is for a decision on whether to hold a public hearing or not. When it comes time to spend the money, it is the Town Councils decision of how much to use, the Town Council does not have to spend the whole $89,875.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki felt that prior to entering into this process, a vote should be taken on the preliminary plans. Deputy Mayor Delnicki stated that he is not in favor of moving the Council Chambers down to the Old Post Office, and therefore not in favor of this resolution.
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Councillor Havens acknowledged that the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor is growing and if the Town Council does not act now, it will be a larger burden on the tax payers in the future.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the Town is presently in a lease purchase agreement with the owner. Steps should be made to move ahead and support this project. This resolution is for a public hearing. The public hearing should be held in order to receive citizen input on this project.
Councillor Prague said that although he would like to see some more plans presented, he will be supporting this resolution because he would like to see the project move forward. Three to four alternatives should be presented.
Deputy Mayor Delnicki requested at the July 16, 2007 meeting a vote is taken on the preliminary plans.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion Passed 7 Ayes to 2 Nays on a Roll Call vote. This dissenting votes being cast by Deputy Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Moriarty.
E. 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 $1,116.71, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit D.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
None
ITEM:
19. Communications and Petitions from Council
None
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
None
21. Executive Session
None
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 10:07 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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