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Town Council Regular Meeting 12-17-2007
TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

Minutes Page 1  December 17, 2007

TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall

1.      Call Meeting to Order

Mayor Streeter called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m.

4.      Roll Call

Members Present:        Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Cary placeCityPrague
Councillor Gary Bazzano (arrived at 8:30 p.m.)
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor PersonNameKevin McCann
Councillor PersonNameJohn Pelkey
                                Councillor PersonNameKeith Yagaloff

Also Present:           Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
                        Duncan Forsyth, Town Attorney

Verbatim Minutes have been attached as Exhibit F, as requested.

Pages from the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee web-site have been attached as Exhibit G, as requested.

Prior to the start of the meeting Mr. Tim Friend who is the Supervisor at the Treatment Plant, came forward to explain what the “Project of the Year” consisted of.  Mr. Friend then introduced the three employees who were involved in this project.  They were Bruce Lundie, Charles Albert, and David Geng.  Each employee thanked the Council and stated that they were hopeful that the Town Council would support the necessary upgrades to the Plant.

5.      Public Input

Mrs. Sue Shepard of addressStreet585 Main Street came before the Town Council to inform the Town Council that there is a large tree on the northeast corner of addressStreetSullivan Avenue and Rte. 5 that is lit for our servicemen and women.  She thanked all of the individuals involved in this project.
ITEM:

5.      Public Input (continued)

Mr. Robert Moeller, Chair of the Patriotic Commission came forward and stated that this is a wonderful idea that shows the servicemen and women the Town is in support of their efforts.  This should be fostered around this time every year.  Mr. Moeller then named some charities that residents could support with donations to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation Inc.  The money that goes to that charity goes to the scholarships to families who need the money.  Checks can be made out to CTNGFI, Streetaddress360 Broad Street,

placeCityHartford, StateCT., PostalCode06105.  Residents could also purchase food, gas, or gift cards from Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, etc.  These they can send to the Director of Family Support, addressStreet360 Broad Street, CityHartford, StateCT., PostalCode06105.  Note on the envelope that this donation is for family support projects because they have a lot of families that need things like these.  Mr. Moeller presented Sue Shepard with a South Windsor Patriotic Commission commemorative coin for the work that she has done this month.

Mr. Doug Faraday, addressStreet7 Larkspur Lane came to address the Town Council regarding the reappointment of Tim Appleton to the Inland Wetlands Commission.  He first stated that he is a registered Democrat in Town and is concerned about Mr. Appleton’s actions during the last election campaign.  Mr. Faraday asked the Town Council to not reappoint him to the Inland Wetlands Commission.

Mr. Herb Asplund, addressStreet56 Tumblebrook Drive came forward and stated that he is a member of the Republican Nominating Committee and a member of the Patriotic Commission.  He comes forward tonight as a resident of placeSouth Windsor.  There are approximately seventeen elected Boards and Commissions responsible to the Town Council.  My concern tonight is the Patriotic Commission.  It has nine members, all of which are strong participants.  If we lose a member, from either party, we lose an asset to the ongoing strength of the organization.  He requested that the Town Council consider changing the Patriotic Commission from nine members to ten members.  The person we lost because she was not reappointed is a phenomenal asset to the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor.  Her participation on the Patriotic Commission will be missed.  

Deputy Mayor Prague read the list of men and women from placeSouth Windsor who are serving our country.

ITEM:

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

Councillor Prague warned all who are looking at the holiday lights to please be careful and watch where you are driving.

7.      Adoption of Minutes

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council meeting:  Regular Meeting of October 15, 2007.

Was made by:    Councillor McCann
Seconded by:    Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, by a roll call vote of 6 to 0 with Councillor Maneeley abstaining

8.      Public Petitions

None

9.      Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council

Mr. Robert Moeller, addressStreet203 Sandston Drive and Chair of the Patriotic Commission came forward to state that he would like the Patriotic Commission taken out of the political arena because the agenda of the Commission has nothing to do with politics.  He explained that in his six years as the Chairperson and two years as Vice Chairperson he has never been contacted by either nominating committee regarding changes in membership of the Patriotic Commission.  Mr. Moeller requested to the Town Council that the Patriotic Commission have ten members and two alternates and then suggested that the Patriotic Commission be able to recruit their own members and/or replacements and submit any required letters directly to the Town Council for approval.  Mr. Moeller then announced effective January 14, 2008 he would be stepping down as Chairman of the Patriotic Commission, but will still remain a member of the Commission.  

10.     Communications and Reports from the Town Manager

        Mr. Galligan, Town Manager submitted reports on the following items:

·       Athletic fields and how the Town maintains them.
·       Food and Fuel Bank and the balance that is in there.
·       Fees to date for this fiscal year for the Town Attorney fees.

ITEM

10.     Communications and Reports from the Town Manager (continued)

Mr. Galligan spoke to Fred Shaw who is the Towns Recycling Coordinator.  Mr. Shaw will be analyzing the data that was brought up by Councillor Pelkey.  Mr. Galligan explained to the Town Council that recycling for residents run in cycles.  The Town will keep an eye on this situation and may put another educational pamphlet out reminding residents that recycling is a top priority and can save the tax payers money.  

There are two resolutions on tonight for the Clean Water Fund.  The Town is not in line for that money yet, but since we are ready to go, this issue will be discussed with DEP to see if they will bump us up in line.  

Another resolution before the Town Council tonight is regarding the Regional Performance Incentive Program.  This is the last requirement which will allow the Town Manager to enter into an agreement for a regional grant.  There are ten projects that are on the list.

A new program the Town will be participating in is to have Town employees pay $12.00 each quarter to wear jeans on Fridays.  The money collected will be given as donations to a particular charity.  The first quarter the money will be donated to the Food and Fuel Bank and the second quarter the Town will be looking to donate to Operation Graduation.

Another program that has just been started is called, “Walk in My Shoes”.  This will allow cross training between departments in the Town.  Supervisors will work with different departments in Town to see how and why decisions are made in other departments.  

Councillor Yagaloff asked the Town Manager if he could have Scott Roberts provide the Town Council with the issues that are causing failures with the emergency notification systems in other communities and then if the Town did put a system in place, what would be done to ensure that the system will not have failures.  Mr. Galligan explained that he had seen an article in the CCM magazine and felt that the Town Council should reconsider this issue and have a work session on this issue.  A report will be brought to the Town Council for review.

ITEM

10.     Communications and Reports from the Town Manager (continued)

Councillor Havens asked, under what authority does the Town have the ability to sign and obligate the Town to the general revenue bonds for the Sewer Treatment Plant without a public hearing or involvement of the citizens?  Mr. Galligan explained that it is State Statute.  The State Statute when it comes down to the clean water fund, the Clean Water Act gives you the authority to be able to use the State’s purchasing power and bond power in order to do that without having a referendum.  If the Town did not go through the Clean Water Fund and the Town did it ourselves, then there would need to be a referendum and would follow the normal charter procedure.  

Councillor McCann stated, with respect to the emergency notification system, he feels it is a good idea to review systems that have been put into place.  As part of that review the Town Council should take a look at the operations of similar systems throughout the country.  Councillor McCann said he read a report recently about the operation of Reverse 911 in the placeSouthern California fires.  That was the largest evacuation of people in a short period of time in the placecountry-regionUnited States.  Councillor McCann feels the Town should get some information concerning how that worked under those circumstances and how it might be applicable to the Town for the various types of emergencies that might happen.

Mr. Galligan explained that Mr. Roberts, the IT Supervisor, wants to approach the Council regarding a 911 emergency notification system.

Councillor McCann thanked the Town Manager for the report on the athletic fields.  The report gives good information on to the responsibilities that the Public Works Department is capable of doing for our fields.  The report also gives the demand of the use for each field.  The Town has a large investment in athletic fields in Town and feels it is important that the fields are maintained.  Councillor McCann explained that he has been meeting with an informal group that is about ready to make a presentation to the Capital Projects Committee and eventually the Town Council with respect to a study of the athletic fields that serve the High School athletic programs.  The report on Attorney fees should be reviewed periodically.  The report shows that the Town is using that resource wisely and trying to keep control of costs.  Councillor McCann also felt it would be a good idea to review the status of legal matters with the Town Attorney on a regular basis.  One other subject that Councillor McCann would like to get updated on is the building of the new fire house.  

ITEM

10.     Communications and Reports from the Town Manager (continued)

Councillor Yagaloff voiced concern about there not being a public hearing on the two resolutions on the agenda tonight for the appropriation of $328,000,000 and $2,500,000. )

Mayor Streeter asked the Town Attorney to give an opinion to the Town Council in regards to changing the Patriotic Commission to possibly a tenth member and/or adding two alternate members?

Deputy Mayor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules and move Items 18. A. and 16. FF out of order; Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was Approved, unanimously.

18.     Passage of Ordinance

A.      Resolution Adopting an “Ordinance Providing for Preferences to Town Based Bidders on Town Contracts” in the Town of CityplaceSouth Windsor

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor Town Council hereby Adopts an “Ordinance Providing for Preferences to Town Based Bidders on Town Contracts” in the Town of South Windsor, said Ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit E., a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk.

Was made by:    Councillor McCann
Seconded by:    Mayor Streeter

Councillors Yagaloff, Maneeley and Havens all abstained from voting on this issue.

Mr. Tom Delnicki of addressStreet130 Felt Road came forward to address this issue.  He stated that he had brought this issue forward and gave some history regarding this topic.  Different concerns that have been expressed are as follows:

        This issue being an anti-capitalistic proposal

Mr. Delnicki stated that it ensures that there is fair and honest competition but it also recognizes the fact that there are individuals that have decided to set their businesses up in this community and pay their taxes.


ITEM:

18.     Passage of Ordinance (continued)

This ordinance would prohibit awarding contracts to the most qualified or most responsible bidder.

There was a resolution that passed in 1995 regarding local preference for placeSouth Windsor businesses.  The resolution read as follows:  “WHEREAS, pursuant to the said public bidding procedure, the Town is required to select the lowest responsible bidder”, not most responsible, not most qualified, but lowest responsible bidder.

        The prices of good and services are going up.

This ordinance would give smaller businesses in Town an opportunity.

There are a number of communities that have local bidding ordinances.  Many of them have a much higher value then the 3% which could drive away individuals from entering into the bidding process.

Councillor Bazzano questioned whether there should be a maximum number on the contracts?  Mr. Delnicki explained that he feels the 3% range is a good catch all percentage.  After one year if the Town Council has a problem with the 3%, it could be amended.

Councillor Pelkey went through some scenario’s and questioned how these issues would be addressed.  Town Attorney Duncan Forsyth explained that the Town would have to use discretion when making decisions on each bid.

Councillor McCann voiced concern that after a while, out of Town bidders would not bid on projects in Town.  It takes time and money to put a bid package together.  The Town Council should seek other ways to help businesses in placeSouth Windsor.  Councillor McCann then stated he is not ready to go forward with this ordinance.

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion.  The Motion Failed 1 Aye to 4 Nays with 3 abstentions (Councillors Havens, Maneeley and Yagaloff) on a Roll Call vote.  The dissenting votes being cast by Councillors McCann, placeCityPrague, Bazzano and Pelkey

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business

FF.     Resolution Appointing Halloran & Sage LLP as Town Attorney, (postponed form the November 19, 2007 meeting)

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor Town Council hereby Appoints Halloran & Sage LLC as Town Attorney to serve for a two (2) year term under the same contract provisions that currently exist.

Was made by:    Councillor Havens
Seconded by:    Mayor Streeter

Mayor Streeter made a motion to go into Executive Session at 9:19 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  Councillor McCann seconded the motion and it was Approved unanimously.

The meeting reconvened at 9:55 p.m.

Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Motion regarding the Appointment of the Town Attorney.  It was Approved unanimously.

11.     Reports from Standing Committees

        None

12.     Reports of Temporary Committees

None

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council

Councillor Pelkey reminded the Town Council and public that Wendy Allen will be doing a presentation on December 21, 2007 at placePlaceNameTimothy PlaceNameEdwards PlaceNameMiddle School.  The program will run from 12:20 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. and then again from 1:30 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.

Mayor Streeter announced that he attended, as well as many of the Town Council members, the PACT graduation at the South Windsor Police Department on Tuesday, December 7, 2007.  This is the tenth year that two graduations were held within one year.


ITEM:

14.     Public Participation

        Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward to state that he disagrees with approving $38 million for Plant improvements without a public hearing.  This item will increase the taxes and the public should have input on this.

15.     Consent Agenda

        Motion to accept Agenda items 16. A. through 16. DD. as the Consent Agenda.

Was made by Councillors Yagaloff and Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Havens

Before calling for a vote on the Consent Agenda, Mayor Streeter asked if there were any items to be removed.  Councillor Maneeley removed Agenda Item 16. J.; and Mayor Streeter requested that Agenda Item 16. B. be removed from Consent Agenda and acted upon separately.

16.     Unfinished Business

*A.     Resolution Appointing David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2008 to fill an expired term of Jayne Carlson.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*C.     Resolution Appointing Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2008 to fill an unexpired term of Donald Mercure.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*D.     Resolution Appointing Joseph Kennedy (D) to the placeSouth Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Joseph Kennedy (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010 to fill an expired term.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*E.     Resolution Reappointing Krista Marchesseault (D) to the Economic Development Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Krista Marchesseault (D) to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*F.     Resolution Reappointing Virginia Macro (D) to the Historic District Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Virginia Macro (D) to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2012.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*G.     Resolution Reappointing Shirley Leich (D) to the Human Relations Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Shirley Leich (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2009.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*H.     Resolution Reappointing Jay Knipple (D) to the Housing Authority

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Jay Knipple (D) to the Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2012.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*placeI.        Resolution Reappointing Mario Marrero (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Mario Marrero (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*K.     Resolution Reappointing Barbara Kelly (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Barbara Kelly (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*L.     Resolution Reappointing Sandra Jeski (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Sandra Jeski (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*M.     Resolution Reappointing Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*N.     Resolution Reappointing James Kupchunos (D) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints James Kupchunos (D) an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*O.     Resolution Reappointing Cile Decker (D) to the placeSouth Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Cile Decker (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*P.     Resolution Reappointing Robert Waldron (D) to the placeSouth Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Robert Waldron (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*Q.     Resolution Reappointing Cliff Slicer (D) to the placeSouth Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Cliff Slicer (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*R.     Resolution Reappointing Thomas Barrett (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Thomas Barrett (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*S.     Resolution Reappointing Cliff Slicer (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Cliff Slicer (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2010.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*T.     Resolution Reappointing Marcia Andrus (D) to the Library Board

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Marcia Andrus (D) to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*U.     Resolution Reappointing Harvey Fine (D) to the Mass Transit & Highway Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Harvey Fine (D) to the Mass Transit & Highway Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*V.     Resolution Reappointing Marilyn Morrison (D) to the Mass Transit & Highway Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Marilyn Morrison (D) to the Mass Transit & Highway Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*W.     Resolution Reappointing James Neary (D) to the Mass Transit & Highway Advisory Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints James Neary (D) to the Mass Transit & Highway Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*X.     Resolution Reappointing George Caye (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints George Caye (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*Y.     Resolution Reappointing Andrew Paterna (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Andrew Paterna (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*Z.     Resolution Reappointing Daniel Rezende (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Daniel Rezende (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*AA.    Resolution Reappointing Ken Jeski (D) to the placePlaceNamePublic PlaceTypeBuilding Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Ken Jeski (D) to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*BB.    Resolution Reappointing Glenn Beaulieu (D) to the placePlaceNamePublic PlaceTypeBuilding Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Glenn Beaulieu (D) to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

*CC.    Resolution Appointing Daniel Jeski (D) to the PlaceNameplacePublic PlaceTypeBuilding Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Daniel Jeski (D) to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011 to fill an expired term.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*DD.    Resolution Appointing Daniel Jeski (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Daniel Jeski (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 12, 2011 to fill an expired term.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

B.      Resolution Appointing Joan Walsh (D) to the Greater Hartford Transit District

        BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Joan Walsh (D) to the Greater Hartford Transit District for a term ending December 12, 2008 to fill an unexpired term.

Was made by:    Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by:    Councillor Pelkey

Mayor Streeter explained that he asked this to be removed from Consent Agenda because prior to the resolutions coming on he had a discussion with someone that may be interested in serving in this capacity.  Mayor Streeter made a motion to table this item (16. B.) in order to bring the name of the other person up for consideration.  Deputy Mayor Prague seconded the motion and it passed with a roll call vote of 5 Ayes to 3 Nays with the dissenting votes from Councillor Yagaloff, Havens and Pelkey.


ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (continued)

J.      Resolution Reappointing Timothy Appleton (D) to the Inalnd Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Timothy Appleton (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011.

Was made by:    Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by:    Councillor Pelkey

Councillor Yagaloff stated that this gentleman is a person who has volunteered on this Commission and there have been no complaints regarding his public service.  He should not be a tool or a weapon in a political power play by the Republican Party.  This item was taken off of the Consent Agenda for political reasons only.  The Town Council has to start moving ahead as an elected body and to cease making political attacks on one another.  

Councillor McCann said that he agrees with Councillor Yagaloff but finds it interesting to hear this coming from the individual who has created a lot of controversy with respect to a recent FOI request that essentially continued the campaign bitterness.  Councillor McCann stated he welcomes the future of getting rid of the political in fighting.

Councillor Pelkey stated that this individual is qualified to serve on this Commission.  He has been on this for a couple of years now and has done a great job.  There have been no complaints.  The only time I heard of someone being voted against was because it was felt that they just were not qualified.  The Democrats have the right to have certain amount of people on that Board and Commission.  This is the person that the Democratic Town Commission has selected.

Deputy Mayor Prague came forward to make a statement regarding this issue.  He stated that there were many ways that individuals decided to campaign which he felt were all fair and completely acceptable.  In early October of this year, members of the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee filed a freedom of information request for e-mails from Jan Snyder, the Chairperson of the Board of Education from the Connecticut Department of Transportation where she is a placePlaceNameMunicipal PlaceTypeState worker.  Someone’s livelihood has been jeopardized.  It is one thing to obtain these e-mails, it was another thing to flaunt them and then attack individuals.  Deputy Mayor Prague stated that his private thoughts between members of his party for campaign purposes have been violated.  Deputy Mayor Prague said that he would be voting no on this appointment.

ITEM:

16.     J. (continued)

Councillor Havens stated that this is just a tit for tat rejection of a Democratic appointment and Town Council Members should be working together.  Councillor Havens said he will support Mr. Appleton’s appointment.

Councillor Yagaloff clarified that his FOI request is a separate issue from the FOI request that was done during the election.  The FOI request that was submitted in December will be dealt with by the Board of Education on its own.

Mayor Streeter stated that he would be supporting the reappointment of Tim Appleton because that is the way it has always been done and that is the way he feels it should be.  

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion.  The Motion Failed 4 Ayes to 3 Nays with Councillor McCann Abstaining on a Roll Call vote.  The dissenting votes being cast by Deputy Mayor Prague, Councillor Bazzano and Councillor Maneeley.

EE.     Resolution Approving a Tax Assessment Agreement with placePlaceNameWentworth PlaceTypePark, (postponed from the November 19, 2007 meeting)

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

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Economic Development Commission recommends, pursuant to said program, that a tax assessment agreement be offered to Generation 2 (Wentworth Park) to construct a 8,100 square foot professional office condominium facility at Felt Road, South Windsor, Connecticut, at an estimated cost of at least $1,500,000 for land, building and off-site improvements

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

16.     EE. (continued)


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a Tax Assessment Agreement between the Town and Generation 2 (Wentworth Park) reducing the amount of the assessment of new building having an estimated overall assessment of approximately $135,000 by 50% for a period of three (3) years, commencing with the Grand List following the date of the Certificate of Occupancy on the new construction, unless said assessment is changed by the Town in its upcoming 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 Generation 2 (Wentworth Park) this Tax Assessment Agreement upon the condition that the business shall (1) meet the improvement 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 the 10-year period; and comply with all of the conditions of approval imposed upon the site plan approval by the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission at its meeting of March 27, 2007, and if fails to meet these conditions, Generation 2 (Wentworth Park) agrees to refund the Town of South Windsor all of the tax savings described herein which Generation 2 (Wentworth Park) or its successors have received.

Was made by:    Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by:    Councillor Pelkey

ITEM:

16.     EE. (continued)

        Mr. Craig Stevenson who is the Economic Development Coordinator came forward to address the Wentworth Park Project.  He explained that the project is located on addressStreetOakland Street.  It is beautiful three building facility housing a lot of professional offices and includes about 18 businesses, the majority of which came from out of Town.  Mr. Sawyer passed out a listing of the businesses that are there and where they came from, (Attachment A).  The Town does not often do incentives for small businesses.  This development has been very successful and Mr. Sawyer and his partner are looking to develop an additional building on the site, bring in potentially as many as six new businesses to Town.  Mr. Stevenson explained what the benefit for each person who bought one of the condominiums would be and also the taxes that this project would provide for the Town.  Mr. Sawyer and his partner do not take any of the incentive it is passed to the operating businesses that come here.  There are other Towns such as CityManchester, East Hartford, placeEast Windsor, and Ellington that all have incentive programs; we are competing with these Towns.  This incentive makes a good deal better.  It is good common sense to want to have your business in placeSouth Windsor, this makes it better, seals the deal and it also helps these smaller businesses by taking a little bit of the pressure off of them as new property owners and ensures their success going forward.  

        Mr. Jeff Sawyer, President and owner of Generation 2 and developer and builder of PlaceNameWentworth PlaceTypePark stated that 18 of the 21 companies that bought at PlaceNameWentworth PlaceTypePark were from out of Town and I think the tax abatement was a huge benefit in bringing these companies to placeSouth Windsor.  Some of the companies that have come to placeSouth Windsor have been established for 10+ years in other Towns.  The tax abatement was something that they really look for and really wanted the benefits for them to come to placeSouth Windsor.  The benefit of the tax abatement is to be used as a sale piece.

        Craig Stevenson stated that one of the reasons a tax abatement was offered on the previous phase of the project was because of the difficulty with regard to the development of the piece of land.  There is actually a square brook that runs around the current Wentworth Park Project and this created some environmental challenges that made developing that piece a little bit difficult.  With this new proposed development, there is also a challenge which is immediately behind the Mobil Station that had the gasoline spill.  There are some environmental issues will need to be addressed.  This incentive would again help overcome that complexity.


ITEM:

16.     EE. (continued)

        Answering questions from Deputy Mayor Prague, Mr. Sawyer explained that for the development of this next phase there will be an agreement entered into with Exxon.  They will be coming to clean up a small section of the property.  That is part of the contract going forward to buy the property and we are working through that with Exxon’s Attorneys right now.  There has been one condo out of twenty-four that has resold at a higher price than they had purchased it.

        Deputy Mayor Prague then stated that when he first saw this tax abatement he was going to vote against it, but after hearing how the incentive would be working and that the developer would not receive any of the incentive he would be supporting this resolution.

        Councillor Pelkey stated that he is very impressed that in the first phase there are 18 of the 21 companies that located in there that came from out of Town.  I think one of the things that probably inspire me to vote for this tonight is the quality of the job that took place.  This incentive is a good sales tool.

        Councillor McCann expressed his concern of not knowing what type of businesses would be located in these condominiums.  Mr. Sawyer explained that they would be the same type of businesses that are housed at placePlaceNameWentworth PlaceTypePark, such as insurance companies, law firms, accounting firms, and maybe some medical.

        Councillor McCann told Mr. Sawyer that medical offices would require an application before the Planning & Zoning Commission.  Councillor McCann then questioned if there were any projected amounts available for personal property tax on items that would be within these buildings?  Mr. Stevenson explained that he would estimate approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per square foot.

        Councillor McCann asked if the tax abatement for the three years would be $34,850.34?  Mr. Stevenson stated yes.  The gross revenue for years 1-7 for this project would be $172,925.65 minus the incentive the Town offers.  If this project does not move forward and this property stays land and in the condition that it presently is, the Town would collect $24,156.07.  These numbers are all based upon the current mill rate.

ITEM:

16.     EE. (continued)

        Councillor Yagaloff stated that when this item was previously discussed, he was not aware that eighteen of these businesses were from out of Town.  The goal with this incentive is to bring new businesses to Town that wouldn’t otherwise be here and he stated he would support this resolution.

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Resolution, it was Approved unanimously.

17.     New Business

A.      Resolution Approving the Transfer of $8,580 from Contingency to the Building Department Part-Time Wages Account to Fund the Position of Part-Time Data Entry Clerk

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $8,580 from the Contingency Account to the Building Department Part-Time Wages Account, to cover the wages of the Part-Time Data Entry Clerk hired to assist the Building Department’s staff.

Was made by:    Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by:    Mayor Streeter
The motion was: Approved, unanimously

B.      Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to Submit an Application Package to the State Office of Policy and Management for Funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program and Enter into an Agreement on behalf of the Town of South Windsor

WHERE, Public Act 07-239 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide $8.6 million in incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and

WHERE, the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17.     B. (continued)

WHERE, on November 13, 2007 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package of the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s member municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and

WHERE, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capital Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and

WHEREAS, the Town of CityplaceSouth Windsor has expressed an interest in taking part in the projects listed in Exhibit A.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby endorses the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program.

Was made by:    Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by:    Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:

17.     New Business (continued)

C.      Resolution Appropriating $38,000,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility Treatment Plant in the Town of South Windsor and Authorizing the Issuance of $38,000,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program Secured Solely by Revenues of the Sewerage System and Authorizing the Town to Enter into Grant and Loan Agreements

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appropriates $38,000,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility Treatment Plant in the Town of South Windsor and authorizing the issuance of $38,000,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program secured solely by revenues of the sewerage system and authorizing the Town to enter into Grant and Loan Agreements, and as more fully describe din attached Exhibit B.

Was made by:    Deputy Mayor Prague
Seconded by:    Mayor Streeter

Mayor Streeter suggested an amendment to the resolution to read as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, January 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue as the time and place for a public hearing to receive citizen input on the potential appropriation of $38,000,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility Treatment Plant in the Town of South Windsor and authorizing the issuance of $38,000,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program secured solely by revenues of the sewerage system and authorizing the Town to enter into Grant and Loan Agreements, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit B.

Councillor Pelkey seconded the amendment

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment, it was Approved, unanimously.

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17.     C. (continued)

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution, it was Approved unanimously.

D.     Resolution Appropriating $2,500,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to Dry Pit Pump Stations in the Town of South Windsor and Authorizing the Issuance of $2,500,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program Secured Solely by Revenues of the Sewerage System and Authorizing the Town to Enter into Grant and Loan Agreements

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appropriates $2,500,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to Dry Pit Pump Stations in the Town of South Windsor and authorizing the issuance of $2,500,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program secured solely by revenues of the sewerage system and authorizing the Town to enter into Grant and Loan Agreements, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit C.

Was made by:    Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by:    Mayor Streeter

Mayor Streeter suggested an amendment to the resolution to read as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, January 7, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue as the time and place for a public hearing to receive citizen input on the potential appropriation of $2,500,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to Dry Pit Pump Stations in the Town of South Windsor and authorizing the issuance of $2,500,000 Clean Water Fund Obligations of the Town under the State of Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program secured solely by revenues of the sewerage system and authorizing the Town to enter into Grant and Loan Agreements, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit C.

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17.     D. (continued)

Councillor Pelkey seconded the amendment

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amendment, it was Approved, unanimously.

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution, it was Approved unanimously.

E.      Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Accept Unclaimed Funds from the Office of the State Treasurer

WHEREAS, it ahs come to the attention of the Town of South Windsor that certain unclaimed funds in their name have been identified in the Office of the State Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor to go forward and claim such funds

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby Authorizes Town Manger Matthew B. Galligan to submit the necessary documents to the Office of the State Treasurer, a division of unclaimed property, identified as claim #6055824; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan upon receiving such unclaimed property will then distribute and disburse such property as necessary.

Was made by:    Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by:    Councillor Havens

Answering questions from Town Council Members, Mr. Galligan explained the type of items that have been unclaimed and then told the Council that the amount of approximately $7,000 will go back into the General Fund.

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion, it was Approved unanimously.

ITEM:

17.     New Business (continued)

F.      Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Enter into Three Agreements with UTC Power Corporation for the south Windsor Fuel Cell Stack Replacement and Maintenance

WHEREAS, the Fuel Cell Stack has reached the end of its operational life; and

WHEREAS, the Town wishes to replace said stack and continue contracted maintenance at the Fuel Cell by UTC pursuant to the year 2002 Agreements between UTC Fuel Cells and the Town; and

WHEREAS, the Clean Energy Fund pursuant to the year 2002 Agreement will pay for said fuel cell stack replacement and maintenance

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby Authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute the three agreements with UTC Power Corporation entitled, “Work Order Agreement”, (for fuel cell stack replacement); “Premium Service Agreement”, (5-year maintenance of Fuel Cell), and “Full Service Agreement”, (Bridge Maintenance Agreement between expired Maintenance Agreement and start of Premium Service Agreement).

Was made by:    Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by:    Deputy Mayor Prague

Councillor Yagaloff questioned if the Clean Energy Fund pays for each of these agreements?  Mr. Galligan stated that is correct.  The Town Attorney has been working with Mike Gantick on all of these agreements.

Councillor Yagaloff asked if the Town knows what the estimate is even though the Town is not paying for this?  Mr. Mike Gantick said the stack replacement is $375,000 and the maintenance starts at $50,000 per year and the last year of the agreement will be $56,000.

Answering questions from Councillor McCann, Mr. Gantick explained that the only cost to the Town is for the gas.  

Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion, it was Approved unanimously.


ITEM:

17.     New Business (continued)

G.      Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Twenty-Eight (28) placeSouth Windsor Tax Payers

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-eight (28) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $7,533.78, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit D.

Was made by:    Councillor Havens
Seconded by:    Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously

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 11:02 p.m., Councillor Havens made a motion to adjourn; Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was Approved, unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,


                                        
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council