TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 February 19, 2008
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.; Recessed the Regular Meeting in order to finish the Work Session; and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:17 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
Jack Abramsky of addressStreet85 Brook Street, Travis Maneeley of addressStreet326 Quarry Brook Drive and Connor Colburn of 530 Quarry Brook Drive came forward to address the Town Council.
Mr. Connor Colburn began the discussion by requesting the creation of a skate park in the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor. He distributed a petition with 265 signature for the record and then stated that all other sporting activities have an area in Town except skate boarders. The Town recently created a dog park and he felt that if the Town can have a dog park, the creation of a skate park is feasible.
Mr. Jack Abramsky came forward and stated that he has been skating for approximately three years, but has had to skate on the streets or skate parks in other Towns. There is no where for skate boarders to skate in Town.
Mr. Travis Maneeley stated that they have discussed this issue with the Park & Recreation Commission. A location for a skate park has been discussed, but it would be preferable to have a skate park in close proximity to the High School so kids could walk there after school. The skate park in CityplaceManchester is very small
ITEM:
5. Public Input (continued)
and closed a lot of the time. The skate park in placeCityWindsor is constructed of concrete and hurts when you fall. A preferable material that the ramps at the proposed skate park for placeSouth Windsor would be constructed with laminate wood.
Mr. Connor Colburn came forward again and stated that the Park & Recreation Commission have stated many ideas. One thing that was suggested was to put a roof over the skate park which would cost around $3,000. If that can not be funded, it would be our intention to try to fund a roof after the skate park is complete. This skate park would keep kids active who may otherwise not be, and it would also keep kids out of trouble because they would not be skating on public property.
Deputy Mayor Prague read the listing of placeSouth Windsor residents who have served, or are currently serving, in either “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” or “Operation Nobel Eagle”.
Councillor Hale made a motion to Suspend the Rules to go to items 17. A., and 17. B.; Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
17. New Business
A. Discussion Item – Indoor Baseball Facility
Mr. Craig Zimmerman of addressStreet5 Amato Drive came before the Town Council to discuss a proposed indoor baseball facility which would be located at the Rotary Field. This facility would be for hitting and pitching. The size of the facility will be determined with the Planning & Zoning Commission. Access to the building would be 12 months out of the year.
Answering various questions from the Council Members, Mr. Zimmerman explained that the door locations, window locations and lighting will be determined through the Planning & Zoning Commission approval. The Town Manager and Recreation Department will determine who manages this facility.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the concept of a resolution for this item that will be written is to have the Town match up to 50% of the total cost with a
ITEM:
17. A. (continued)
cap. During the fund raising process this can be explained to residents in order to make them comfortable that this project will not be left undone. Mr. Zimmerman added that anything beyond $100,000 would have to be funded by fund raisers.
Answering additional questions from the Council, Mr. Zimmerman stated that this facility will also be used for baseball and softball practices because there are not enough fields for practices. The different users of the facility will be charged with operational costs.
Mr. Galligan stated that a code system will be installed in this facility. This will determine the charge to each user of the facility. The funding for this project will probably come out of Capital Projects or LoCIP funding. This facility could be rented to other Towns, when placeSouth Windsor residents are not using it.
Mr. Zimmerman explained that cleats will be able to be used in this facility.
Councillor Hale suggested that solar panels be looked at for this facility, which would keep operational costs down.
No one from the public came forward to comment on this project.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that anyone wanting to make a donation to this project can send their check to addressStreetP.O. Box 1341, made out to South Windsor Community Foundation.
B. 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 Monday, March 3, 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 McCann
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
ITEM:
17. B. (continued)
Councillor Hale questioned if a second public hearing for a Demolition Delay Ordinance could be added onto this resolution? Mr. Galligan explained that the Demolition Delay Ordinance is a separate issue that needs to be looked at by Town staff.
Mayor Streeter stated that the Demolition Delay Ordinance will be discussed at the next Work Session and then during the Regular Meeting a public hearing could be set for March 17, 2008.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this motion; it was approved, unanimously.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
None
8. Public Petitions
The Town Council received a petition with 265 signatures for the construction of a placePlaceNameSkate PlaceTypePark (Exhibit C)
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan reported on the following items:
· The Town has made a decision to hire a new Sanitarian versus joining a Region. This will save the Town money.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued)
· The Town has sold bonds for the Fire House and Open Space. The Town received an interest rate of 3.87%. The Town has also sold notes and received 1.0339%.
· The Town Council has received the Towns Audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. There were items that have been brought to the Town Councils attention.
· Recently there was a tragedy that happened at a Council Meeting in another State. There has been a study done on the security of each public building and different measures have been discussed and/or put into place. At the March 3, 2008 meeting this issue can be discussed in Executive Session with Commander Reed.
· When plans and specs are complete, an 8-24 referral to the Planning & Zoning Commission will be necessary for the proposed Indoor Baseball Facility.
· There is a resolution before the Town Council tonight regarding the placePlaceNameBark PlaceTypePark, regulations need to be adopted.
· The Town Council has received an agenda for the South Windsor Town Council Workshop that is being held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Police Department. This workshop is very important for Town Council members to attend.
· A resolution for the Dzen Tree Subdivision was received today and will be on the next meeting agenda.
· A company in placeSouth Windsor called Aerodyne Alloys LLC has been selected as being one of the best companies to work for. There will be an awards ceremony on March 25, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
· Connecticut Water Company will be having a public hearing on February 25, 2008 at the PlaceNameplaceEnfield PlaceTypeTown Hall. The public hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Prague announced that the Board of Education has passed a 5.72% increase for their budget. The Chamber of Commerce announced the awards that will be presented April 10, 2008 for Businesses of the Year. ECHN will be awarded “Business of the Year”, Mitchell Fuel will be awarded the “Family Owned Business of the Year”, Peterson Hardware will be awarded the “Small Business of the Year”, and RSK Kellco will be receiving “The Beautification Award”. Deputy Mayor Prague then stated that more vandalism has taken place and is urging for security measures to be taken to prevent further vandalism.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued)
Answering questions from Councillor Yagaloff, Town Manager Galligan explained that the copy of the audit that the Town Council received was for the Town and The Board of Education. The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Robert Kozaczka, is in a disagreement of the audit because it is showing that the Board of Education is $174,000 over expended. These discrepancies will be in the Management letter. After several questions regarding the fund balance, Mr. Galligan explained the calculations that go into the final number for the fund balance.
Answering questions from Councillor McCann, Mr. Galligan stated that the amount that the Town bonded for was approximately $8.6 million. The notes the Town took out were about $3 million. During this process it was also decided to refinance $3.3 million which will produce a savings to the Town of approximately $123,000.
Mr. Galligan reviewed the pension numbers and health insurance numbers that were in the audit report. For the pension, the Town gets a range amount from the Actuary and then budgets the minimum amount. The Town’s rating agencies are now requesting that all communities start looking at the range and use the maximum amount rather than the minimum amount. The amount under the health insurance includes the self funded plan. The Town’s Health Broker, Webster Insurance, reviews the history of claims and then determines the amount the Town needs to contribute and the amount the Board of Education needs to contribute which is part of each entities budget.
Deputy Mayor Prague reviewed the situation on the addressStreetDeming Street and questioned if the new shipment of electronic signs that were just delivered would be erected on addressStreetDeming Street? Town Manager Galligan stated that they would be.
Deputy Mayor Prague then stated that he would like ongoing discussions about the signage on addressStreetDeming Street and other road calming measures that could be put into place. Mr. Galligan informed the Council that he is working with Representative Aman on this issue.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued)
Answering questions from Councillor Pelkey, Mr. Galligan explained that the idea for the self insurance was that the money put into the fund would stay within the fund even if there were excess. This would build up the fund and any increase in the insurance could be covered to keep the balance level.
Councillor Pelkey voiced concern regarding the amount of money that the Board of Education had taken from this fund ($125,000) because if the money was left in the fund it may be able to be self sufficient eventually.
Councillor Pelkey then stated that when he was looking through the financial statement, he did not see the Town’s total value of assets? Mr. Galligan stated that he would get that information to Councillor Pelkey.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Streeter informed the Council Members that he had attended the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department 70th Reception. He also attended a meeting regarding the Advisory Buckland Study. The purpose of that meeting was to discuss local roads.
Deputy Mayor Prague stated the Councillor McCann, Havens, Town Manager Galligan and himself had attended the grand open house this evening for Jay’s Landscaping.
Councillor McCann announced that the Town has received communication from CRCOG. CRCOG has been awarded $5.2 million dollars and within that amount $515,000 will be dedicated to the Animal Control Facility in placeSouth Windsor.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward to request that a status be reported at least once a month on the Water Pollution Control Facility and also questioned the status of the money the Town was trying to receive for the improvements to the Water Pollution Control Facility.
15. Consent Agenda
None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Sandra Jeski (D) to the placeSouth Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Sandra Jeski (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion was: approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Reappointing Nancy Simonds (D) to the Personnel Appeals Board
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Nancy Simonds (D) to the Personnel Appeals Board for a term ending November 30, 2009.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Mayor Streeter
The motion was: approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
C. Resolution Approving the placePlaceNameBark PlaceTypePark Regulations
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the attached Exhibit A, Bark Park Regulations, as required by the Town Charter, Section 74-72.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Prague
Seconded by Mayor Streeter
Councillor Yagaloff suggested the following Amendment to #18 of the regulations:
Violations of these regulations shall constitute a violation of the Town Ordinance. After receiving three warnings, violators may be subject to the issuance of an infraction notice resulting in a fine as prescribed by law.
Councillor Pelkey seconded the amendment.
Councillor Hale stated that she likes the concept, but made a friendly amendment to have it read “after receiving two warnings”. Councillor Yagaloff accepted this suggestion as a friendly amendment.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Amendment, it was approved, unanimously.
Councillor Pelkey voiced his concern with #12 which says, “no toddlers or small children are allowed within the fenced area”. Councillor Pelkey felt that a size should be specified. Town Manager Galligan said he will discuss this issue with Chief Tyler, Police Chief.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution, it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
D. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Twenty-Eight (28) South 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 $6,389.98, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (continued)
None
20. Communications Reports from Town Manager (continued)
Councillor Pelkey requested the following information from the Town Manager:
· To have the Shared Services Sub-Committee update the Town Council
· Find out if the Town has the ability to enable residents/employees to get tax information off of the computer for their tax returns.
Councillor Hale questioned the status of the Water Pollution Control Facility and the monies that the Town is trying to receive for the project? Mr. Galligan explained that he does not believe the Town will be bumped up on the list in order to receive funds for this project, but will have to go to referendum for this project. Robinson and Cole are in the process of preparing numbers for the referendum.
Answering further questions from Councillor Hale, Mr. Galligan explained that the reassessments are complete and Mr. Danna, the Town Assessor, should have final number soon, but there is still an appeal process. The Town does everything possible to inform residents about the appeal process.
ITEM:
20. Communications Reports from Town Manager (continued)
Councillor McCann answered the last question asked by Councillor Hale stating that the time line for residents to apply for the Senior Citizen Tax benefits are from February 1, 2008 to May 15, 2008.
21. Executive Session
None
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 10:02 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
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