TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 January 7, 2008
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.; Recessed the Regular Meeting in order to finish the Work Session and Public Hearings. The Regular Meeting began at 8:32 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Cary placeCityPrague
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor PersonNameKevin McCann
Councillor PersonNameJohn Pelkey
Councillor PersonNameKeith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Bazzano informed the Council and residents that there is a program available called StateplaceConnecticut Home Energy Solutions. If you have natural gas or electric to heat your house you can take part in this energy alternative solution for free. Individuals that have oil or propane would have a charge of $200.00. The company comes out to your house and will change light bulbs, insulate windows, doors and pipes. The number to call to have them out to your home is 1-800-924-2247 or call C L & P or Yankee Gas.
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 Session of December 17, 2007; and Regular Meeting of December 17, 2007.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings (Continued)
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Maneeley
Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to postpone the decision on the Regular Meeting of December 17, 2007 until the next meeting in order to have verbatim minutes typed regarding Item 16. J. which would be attached to the Regular Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Councillor Havens and Approved, unanimously.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it was Approved, unanimously.
8. Public Petitions
Mr. Don Gonsalves came forward and stated that he feels the sewer charge should not be a flat charge; it should be tied into the water and based upon usage. It is stated in the budget that the charge is on a proportional basis related to flow and strength of wastewater, the Town is not following this statement. This statement should be followed or should be changed in the budget.
9. Communications from Officers and Board Directly Responsible to Council
Mrs. Janice Favreau the Chairperson for the Human Relations Commission came before the Town Council to give a brief history of activities that have been held, as follows:
· On October 27, 2007 Diversity Day was held which was combined with Family Awareness Day.
· On November 8, 2007 Wendy Allen gave a presentation on “In Search of America’s Sole” and presented her art at the South Windsor Public Library.
· On December 22, 2007 Wendy Allen gave two presentations at the placePlaceNameTimothy PlaceNameEdwards PlaceNameMiddle School.
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Board Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
Mrs. Favreau then told the Town Council some events that are coming up. They are as follows:
· The Second Annual Diversity Poster/Poem Contest will begin with flyers going home with school children on January 15, 2008. The contest will end on February 15, 2008. An awards presentation is planned for March 13, 2008.
· On January 9, 2008 Dr. Anwar will be making a presentation at the South Windsor Public Library. The presentation is titled, “Opening Doors to Understanding”.
Mrs. Mary Etter, placeSouth Windsor Public Library came forward to discuss the presentation that will be given on January 9, 2008 by Dr. Anwar. She stated that this is the fourth year that the South Windsor Library has co-sponsored an event with the Human Relations Commission. On January 24, 2008, at A Book for Lunch program being held at the South Windsor Library, the book titled “Three Cups of Tea” will be discussed.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan reported on the following items:
· Updated the Town Council on the Fire House project. There is a deadline of January 15, 2008 to have contact with the Army Corp. to try to get information on the mitigation that is planned. After the mitigation plan is approved, a full plan will be submitted to DEP for approval. The Public Building Commission should be coming to the Town Council with a full report at a later date.
· The grant application to OPM was submitted on January 31, 2007 for Regional Services.
· The Town has received a STEAP Grant in the amount of $500,000. Staff is giving input to where they feel the money should be used and will come to Town Council for input at a later date.
· Updated the Town Council regarding a Wal-Mart store being developed in placeSouth Windsor.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey expressed concerns regarding the Wal-Mart store and felt that architectural enhancement will not help this development. The project will create a greater traffic problem in the area, as well as noise.
Councillor McCann addressed the following issues:
The Wal-Mart development or any other big box development would be of great concern to the Town and also voiced concerns about the change in traffic patterns with this type of development.
Would like to get a report on how much of the $59,000 allocated to the Public Works Department for the leaf collection was spent and if it was not all spent, could it be put back into the Contingency Fund.
Would like to review the schedule the Town uses regarding the repaving of roads in Town.
Has the new BINGO board been erected at the Human Services Department? Mr. Galligan said he believes the new board is being used.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he feels Wal-Mart can not bring anything positive to placeSouth Windsor. The Town Council does not vote on this issue but can gather information, ask questions, and give an opinion regarding this development.
Councillor Yagaloff then asked why Recreation is just bringing forward the 8-24 referral for the addressStreetRye Street fields when the Wapping Fair had been moved out of PlaceNameplaceRye PlaceNameStreet PlaceTypePark previously so the fields could be done. Mr. Galligan explained that staff wanted to make sure that the Wapping Fair would not be coming back to placePlaceNameRye PlaceNameStreet PlaceTypePark prior to making any changes at the park.
Councillor Yagaloff then requested that an analysis be done on the 4th R Program. He would like to see how much it costs to run the program, how much is spent on materials, and the costs for the schools? Mr. Galligan explained that the Board of Education bills the Town for the use of the schools. The rest of the costs for this program can be discussed at the next Work Session.
Councillor Hale felt it would be helpful for Town Council Members to have received more information in regards to dollar amounts for the upgrade to the Treatment Plant and pump stations.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Hale then stated that she has serious concerns regarding the devaluation of surrounding property, crime and traffic if a Wal-Mart were developed in placeSouth Windsor. More information should be reviewed and the kind of impacts this would have on the quality of life in placeSouth Windsor.
Councillor Bazzano informed Town Council that they should not be giving their opinions on the Wal-Mart project because it is a pending application. He then gave a brief summary to the Town Councillor on the application that was heard when he was on the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Councillor Bazzano questioned if the Mobil Station on addressStreetOakland Road is closed for good? Mr. Galligan said that the station is not owned by Mobil and he would find out more information for the Council.
Councillor Bazzano asked what consists in the new snow plan that was discussed in the Park & Grounds report. Mr. Galligan explained that the way the employee shifts are being handled have changed and the way the routes are done have changed. The Town is also in the process of looking to change the sand and salt mixture used for the roads. There is a study being performed with UConn using grant monies to understand environmental impacts.
Councillor Havens stated he feels that the bonding for the Sewer Treatment Plant should be a burden that is placed on the whole community, not just the sewer users. Mr. Galligan explained that the only way that could be done is if the Town does a bond referendum. Under the Clean Water Act, the Town would have to use the revenues of the sewer.
Councillor Havens then stated that he is not in favor of the Wal-Mart Project and feels the Town Council should be asking questions regarding this development. Mr. Galligan responded that it is the Planning & Zoning Commissions jurisdiction and any questions the Town Council may have should be forwarded to them.
Councillor Bazzano called for a Point of Order. He exclaimed that the Wal-Mart issue should not be discussed. Councillor Yagaloff felt that Town Council Members have the right to voice opinions. Mayor Streeter ruled on the Point of Order, agreeing that Town Council Members could have an opinion on this issue.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Havens asked for an update on the Town Hall Annex. Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has authorized the Architect to come up with plans and documentation.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan said he would have Robinson and Cole take a look at the possibility of separating the cost of the improvements that could go under the Clean Water Fund and then the cost of the upgrades that would make the Treatment Plant more efficient under the general fund.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pelkey said he had a chance to go to the Community Chorus Winter event that was held at the placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceTypeHigh School. It was a very enjoyable program and a good event for our Town.
Councillor Yagaloff informed the public and Town Council members that the Board of Education will be making a very important decision on the Elementary School referendum on January 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at PlaceNameplaceTimothy PlaceNameEdwards PlaceNameMiddle School, Room Alt. 6.
14. Public Participation
None
15. Consent Agenda
None
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
None
17. New Business
A. Resolution Appointing M. Terrie Kyc (D) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints M. Terrie Kyc (D) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2008, to fill an expired term and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
Mayor Streeter called for a five minutes recess. The meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
B. Resolution Appropriating $39,300,000 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 $39,300,000 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 $39,300,000 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 $39,300,000 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 A.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Hale
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
Town Manager, Matthew Galligan explained that the Town has been aggressive in keeping Town infrastructures in working order. This resolution allows for the Town Council to appropriate money in case DEP says that the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor can be moved up on the list ahead of other Towns that are not ready to go forward with their upgrades to their Treatment Plants.
Councillor McCann stated that this resolution does not commit the Town to go forward with this project unless the Clean Water Fund obligations become available. Mr. Galligan verified that statement and explained that if those funds are not available there is no appropriation. At that point the Town would have to go back to the drawing board and figure out how the Town would be funding these upgrades.
Councillor Yagaloff began by stating he fully supports the upgrades, but if the Town does not get funding from the Clean Water Fund at the 2% rate, it is important to reconsider the different avenues that could be taken to fund this project. To get a tax deduction with the General Obligation Fund at the 4% rate would probably be an important component because it would apply to all tax payers, whereas the Clean Water Fund cost would be allocated to individuals that use the sewer.
Councillor Pelkey felt it is important for the Town to move forward with trying to get this funding because the more delay in the project, the greater the cost becomes to the Town.
Answering questions from Council Members, Mr. Shaw who is the Superintendent of Pollution Control explained that when the Town was looking at various options for these upgrades, one option looked at was to pump all of the sewerage up to the MDC facility. That option was the most expensive. It involved putting in a pump station down where the plant is now located and pumping up into placeEast Hartford to the MDC facility. There would be a lot of piping involved with that option. The option of charging by usage was also considered, but it was felt the cost of putting in meters to measure the flow, having people maintain that equipment, and obtaining that information would be an even greater cost for everyone. Relative to the charge that South Windsor presently charges compared to other Towns,
South Windsor is probably in the bottom third of the State.
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
Mayor Streeter stated that a referendum will still need to be set up in case the Town does not get funding, how soon would the Town be looking to go to referendum? Mr. Galligan answered that the Town would look to go to referendum probably in April, so in January may need to set up a public hearing.
Mayor Streeter then requested that a fiscal analysis be done to compare financing at 2% which would only charge the users compared to financing at 4% which would be charged to all tax payers.
Mr. Shaw informed the Council that the Town is still waiting for DEP to give feedback on the final design and would probably not get any feedback before February.
Mayor Streeter stated that he is in favor of this resolution and urged the other members to move forward with this.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion; it was Approved, unanimously.
C. Resolution Appropriating $2,675,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to Dry Pit Pump Stations in the Town of South Windsor and Authorizing the issuance of $2,675,000 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 $2,675,000 for the Planning, Acquisition and Construction of Upgrades to Dry Pit Pump Stations in the Town of South Windsor and authorizing the issuance of $2,675,000 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.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
Mayor Streeter reiterated his statement from the previous resolution saying he is in favor of this and urges other Town Council Members to move forward with this.
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
D. Resolution setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a proposed Amendment to Ordinance #151 – Historic District Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a Proposed Amendment to Ordinance #151 – Historic District Commission.
Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that a final draft of the ordinance will be forwarded to all Town Council members as soon as it is reviewed by the Town Attorney. This item can be discussed at the next Work Session prior to the public hearing.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Motion, it was Approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Submitted the placePlaceNameRye PlaceNameStreet PlaceTypePark Project to the Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor Recreation Department has prepared a Recreation Master Plan that identified recreational improvements to fields and/or creation of fields throughout the Town; and
WHEREAS, placePlaceNameRye PlaceNameStreet PlaceTypePark has been identified as a location for the creation of fields; and
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has been awarded a STEAP Grant in the amount of $250,000 from the State of Connecticut for the creation of fields at the Rye Street Park; and
WHEREAS, any plan to use grant monies for improvements to fields and/or creation of fields must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the use of the STEAP Grant monies for the creation of fields at PlaceNameplaceRye PlaceNameStreet PlaceTypePark be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Councillor McCann made a friendly amendment to the Resolution (first paragraph) to read as follows:
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor Park and Recreation Commission has prepared a Recreation Master Plan that identified recreational improvements to fields and/or creation of fields throughout the Town; and
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Resolution. It was Approved, unanimously.
F. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Enter into a Contract with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services for a SBG Home Management Grant
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council Authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to enter into a Contract with the State of StateplaceConnecticut’s Department of Social Services for a SBG Home Management Grant of $14,114, the term of which Contract is October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor McCann
ITEM:
17. F. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town gets this grant every year. It is for seniors that can not leave their homes. This grant subsidizes some of the costs for visiting nurses, helps the Town to send Conservators out to make sure bills have been paid, and checks their house for cleanliness.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Resolution. It was Approved, unanimously.
G. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Nine (9) placeSouth Windsor Tax Payers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council Approves a refund of property taxes to nine (9) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $1,569.80, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit C.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Prague stated that two weeks ago the Council had a nomination of Joan Walsh for the Greater Hartford Transit District. Deputy Mayor Prague explained that there is another individual that was asked by the Republicans to sit on this seat. There was no slight meant towards Joan Walsh. Mayor Streeter said he talked to Joan the next day and she was fine not being up for that position. The person that was asked will probably be coming forward on a future resolution, but obviously this was no intent of slight towards Joan.
ITEM:
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
Town Manager Galligan told Town Council Members that Halloran & Sage, answered the question posed by the Council regarding the Patriotic Commission, it is in each Councillors packet.
Councillor Hale proposed that all Commissions and Committees of the Town that are not statutorily or by Charter required to be an odd number should be amended to be an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. This would be something that would cut down the amount of political energy put behind some of these things. Party affiliation has been a factor in many of the appointments and it is a concern. Councillor Hale said she would be proposing this as a resolution for a future Council Meeting.
Mayor Streeter felt it would be a better idea to form an Ad-Hoc Committee to look into the possibility of a Charter revision. Councillor Hale stated that she will be submitting something forward that are not impacted by the Charter and the Town Council can act on that and then Council can set up an Ad-Hoc Committee. Councillor McCann wanted Council Members to not lose sight of the unaffiliated voters that are in Town and the opportunity for them to serve on some of the Commissions. That is something that Council needs to take into consideration with any changes that might be made in the make up of any of our Commissions.
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manger (Continued)
None
21. Executive Session
Deputy Mayor Prague made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:20 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue and pending claims and litigation; Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; it was Approved, unanimously.
22. Motion to Adjourn
The Executive Session and Regular Meeting were both adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid, Clerk of the Council
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