TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS FEBURARY 19, 2008
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Deputy Mayor Prague called the meeting to order at 7:01p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter (arrived at 7:58 p.m.)
Deputy Mayor Cary placeCityPrague
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff (arrived t 7:15 p.m.)
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation:
Jack Abramsky, Connor Colburn and Travis Maneeley came forward to inquire about the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor constructing a skate park. They introduced a petition into the record with 265 signatures. They stated that they have visited two skate parks (CityManchester and CityWindsor), but CityManchester is very small and never opened, and the placeCityWindsor skate park is constructed of concrete which hurts badly when you fall. The skate park would keep kids from skating at other public facilities, thus keeping kids out of trouble. The skate park would also keep kids healthy and active. The preferable location would be in the vicinity near the High School so kids could walk there after school.
Deputy Mayor Prague stated that further discussions should be held with the Park & Recreation Commission because they are the body that would make a decision regarding this issue and the Town Council will see what can be done in the future.
4. Communications
None
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February 19, 2008
ITEM:
5. Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Matthew Galligan informed the Town Council Members was requested that the audit has been completed. Town Staff will be meeting with the Audit Committee to review any problems. Under the audit the Town has increased fund balance and the Town’s rating agency has requested that the Town make larger payments to health and pension funds. Presently the Town is in a good position and a full report can be provided to the Council Members upon request.
6. Items for Discussion
A. Discussion regarding the STEAP Grant Monies and Economic Development
Mr. Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Coordinator for the Town came forward to explain that the Town has the opportunity to access funds under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program which is a State Program that was created for Towns to obtain State funding to help develop the grand list, and work at economic development related projects. After discussions with the Town Manager it was decided that these monies would be used in two ways, which are: 1) Initiate a program using State fund that would offer cash grants to businesses that would like to renovate existing buildings. The funds would be distributed based upon how much each business would be contributing in future revenues to the Town of CityplaceSouth Windsor; and 2) Establish a business incubator. There would be a feasibility study done to
help to determine where incubators would be most useful and the type of industry that would be most productive in an incubator.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Stevenson explained that he has been in contact with someone who is an expert in developing incubator programs and if the Town decides to do such a program, it would be Mr. Stevenson recommendation that the Town hire an expert to help start an incubator program. Mr. Stevenson then stated that he is not aware of any specific program to enhance the Town’s information technologies in an area, but the Town could use STEAP funds if the Town were to identify an area to do this type of enhancement. Teaming with a college for a business development opportunity would be an option that the Town could pursue. The process would take academic knowledge and research study that goes on at the college and then transfer that information to the private sector which would
create some economic stimulus.
Answering further questions, Mr. Stevenson stated that a feasibility study could be done to provide various information as well as show how much the Town needs to be involved in this program. The study will cost approximately $15,000 and the funding could be covered with grant monies. Councillor Havens stated he feels this idea of the Town performing a feasibility study is a good investment for the Town’s economic future.
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February 19, 2008
ITEM:
Mr. Stevenson explained that with an incubator situation, every community would benefit themselves if they are able to address the issue of developing affordable housing in that certain Town.
Town Manager Galligan informed the Council that the grant application will be submitted. The Town will not find out if the grant has been approved for a couple of months. There are individuals running businesses out of their homes, this incubator program will allow these businesses to take the next step where they can move their business out of their homes and still be able to stay in placeSouth Windsor. This program will also be a benefit to the Town.
7. Executive Session
Councillor McCann made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:39 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue and pending claims and litigation. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Town Manager Matthew Galligan, Deputy Mayor Prague, Councillors Hale, Havens, Maneeley, McCann, and Pelkey.
8. Adjournment
Deputy Mayor Prague made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and Work Session at 8:14 p.m. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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