TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 3, 2008
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceTypeTown Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
The Mayor said a prayer and then introduced a proclamation that was being given to Sarah B. Hills who turned 100 years old. Representative Aman presented a citation from Governor Rell and the General Assembly. Her son, placePlaceNameWesley PlaceNameHills came forward to accept the proclamation and citations for his mother.
Mrs. Mary Tully, addressStreet1010 Strong Road, Chair for the South Windsor Celtic Parade Committee came forward and stated she is pleased to announce that Sergeant Tom Field of the South Windsor Police Department has been selected as the “Celtic Honoree of the Year” for 2008.
Another proclamation was given to Mr. Thomas Field from the South Windsor Town Council.
Mr. Tom Field came forward and thanked everyone for this honor.
Mr. Del Conroy from the VFW presented Mr. Field with a plaque.
Mrs. Mary Tully stated that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 in CityplaceHartford. The parade convenes at the Capital and steps off promptly at 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Tully then invited Town Council Members to a dinner being held in Mr. Field’s honor on Sunday at the Mill on the River.
The Regular Meeting was recessed at 8:26 p.m. to finish the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:58 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Cary placeCityPrague
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor PersonNameKevin McCann
Councillor PersonNameJohn Pelkey
Councillor PersonNameKeith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
ITEM:
5. Public Input
Mrs. Mary Etter, Director of the South Windsor Library came forward also speaking on behalf of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce and South Windsor Library to inform the Town Council that on Saturday, March 8, 2008 the 4th Annual Summer Job Fair for High School and College students will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the South Windsor Library.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Work Sessions of February 4, 2008, and February 19, 2008; and Regular Meetings of February 4, 2008, and February 19, 2008.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
None
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:
· Thanked Town Council Member for attending the South Windsor Town Council Workshop. A Work Session may be necessary to prioritize items that the Council Members felt should be worked on.
· Asked Town Council Members to review “Model Practices for Municipal Governments”.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued)
· Attended a meeting with the CRRA Board. There were concerns regarding the tipping fees, but concerns were subsided when it was found that the tipping fees will be raised to $3 which will equal $72 a ton. The lawsuit was also discussed at this meeting. The Town had received a check from CRRA and have been informed that CRRA is not looking for the check to be returned.
· The program “Walk in my Shoes” has been very effective. Departments have gained a lot of knowledge.
· The Annual Report has been distributed.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Discussions ensued regarding the Wapping Fair. A site for this function is being sought. The amount of land that is necessary to run this fair is 12 acres and the property would have to be able to support vehicles.
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward to voice concern regarding the discussion held in the Work Session regarding the Water Pollution Control Facility. The data that is being worked with is old and needs updating. Mr. Gonsalves stated he would like to know what the cost per household would be if this facility were upgraded.
15. Consent Agenda
None
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
None
17. New Business
A. Discussion Item – “First Night” to be held on New Year’s Eve
Mr. Craig Stevenson started discussions by explaining what this program would consist of. The idea would be to have a series of events during the month of December. The events would commence with “First Night” on New Years Eve, which would take place at Evergreen Walk. All other events would take place throughout the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor. This would enhance the quality of life for placeSouth Windsor residents. placeSouth Windsor businesses would also benefit from these functions. A feasibility study could be performed to determine what kind of support and success these functions would have in Town. Mrs. Pam Amodio who helped run this type of event in placeCityHartford has volunteered to help with the startup of these events. Economic Development
Commission has endorsed this event unanimously.
Deputy Mayor Prague explained how he had found out about this type of event. He then stated he would like to see a Sub-Committee made up of various individuals to investigate the possibility of running this type of event.
Councillor Hale voiced concern about using tax payers money on this type of event. Mr. Craig Stevenson explained that this event would be a community event. Events would happen at Evergreen Walk as well as other areas throughout the Town. Funding will be solicited throughout the community. Town monies used will be limited.
Councillor McCann felt that this type of event could be a very nice function for the Town. Important that this be a Town wide event. Not opposed to the Town participating in an economic development capacity.
Mr. Stevenson explained that the startup of these events would be a three step process: 1) does the Town like this concept; 2) should a feasibility study be done; and 3) the Town would have to get an accurate portrayal of what this function would consist of and how it would be structured, as well as what the Town’s role and private sectors role would be.
ITEM:
17. New Business
A. Discussion Item – “First Night” to be held on New Year’s Eve
(continued)
Councillor Havens felt this is worthy of further pursuit and he is in support of the idea.
Councillor Pelkey stated that the overall concept is fine, but would like to know who takes the money in and how does it get distributed? Deputy Mayor Prague answered that the South Windsor Community Foundation would act as the fiduciary. A Sub-Committee would be formed to run the actual event.
B. Discussion Item – Demolition Delay Ordinance
Mrs. Virginia Macro, Chair of the Historic District Commission came forward to discuss this item. There is nothing presently in Town that slows down the process of the demolition of historic structures. This Ordinance would inform interested parties that a structure of historic interest is being considered for demolition.
After a lengthy discussion was held and concerns expressed, it was decided that this issue would have to be looked at further and criteria within the Ordinance would have to spelled out more precisely before moving forward.
Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to Suspend the Rules to go to items 17. D., and 18. A.; Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
D. Resolution Concerning an Indoor Baseball and Softball Facility
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the importance of organized recreational programs for its youth; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s Baseball and Softball Youth Recreation Programs are an asset to the placeSouth Windsor community; and
ITEM:
17. D. (continued)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to show its support for the construction of an indoor baseball and softball facility, as such facility will provide badly needed additional opportunities for instruction and coaching within the Town’s baseball and softball programs
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby resolves to match funds raised by the community to construct an indoor baseball and softball facility adjacent to the Rotary Field; that said matching of funds shall not exceed a $50,000 contribution by the Town; that the fundraising shall be coordinated through the South Windsor Community Foundation; that the facility shall meet all zoning regulations and requirements of Town staff, and Planning & Zoning Commission, including meeting applicable building and fire regulations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plan for the construction of a baseball and softball facility be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the placeSouth Windsor Town Council expresses its best wishes for the community fundraising effort, and hopes that the Town’s support and financial contribution will hasten the approval and construction of this facility.
Councillor Yagaloff explained that while he read this resolution he revised it with friendly amendments.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Yagaloff felt that this resolution would allow for private fund raising to begin and would save the Town a tremendous amount of money.
Councillor Hale stated that she would support this resolution because it will save the Town money and will improve the baseball and softball programs.
ITEM:
17. D. (continued)
Council Members discussed the process in which this would be approved and constructed. It was decided that the 8-24 referral in the resolution would be taken out as a friendly amendment. This would create the ability for the Town Council to review the plan after approvals have been put into place by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Adopting an Amendment to Ordinance #151, an “Ordinance Establishing an Historic District within the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor”
BE IT RESOLVED that the placeSouth Windsor Town Council hereby adopts an Amendment to Ordinance #151, an “Ordinance Establishing an Historic District with the Town of South Windsor” said Ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit B., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: approved, unanimously
17. New Business
C. Resolution Accepting Parcels A, B, D, and E as town-owned land if the Dzen Tree Farm Subdivision is approved by the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission
WHEREAS, Mannarino Builders, Inc. has filed a subdivision application, dated January 8, 2008, with the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a 64 lot subdivision; and
WHEREAS, Mannarino Builders, Inc. has proposed the conveyance of five distinct parcels of land to the Town of South Windsor as depicted on a certain map entitled Dzen Tree Farm Key map prepared for Mannarino Builders, Inc., Maskel Road and Barber Hill Road South Windsor, CT., dated August 29, 2007, revised to January 9, 2008; and
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has recommended that the Town of South Windsor accept only those parcels labeled open space “A”, “B”, “D”, and “E” on said map; and
WHEREAS, said parcels may contain soils which have been contaminated by the historical use of fertilizers and/or pesticides; and
WHEREAS, the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor is agreeable to accepting the conveyance of open space parcels “A”, “B”, “D”, and “E” upon the approval of the subdivision application by the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission and the satisfaction of all conditions set forth in any such approval, including the satisfactory remediation of said parcels
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby expresses its willingness to accept open space parcels “A”, “B”, “D”, and “E” depicted on the above-referenced subdivision map at such time as Mannarino Builders, Inc., has complied with all conditions of any subdivision application approval and has remediated the property to the satisfaction of the Planning & Zoning commission and the Director of Planning.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Mayor Streeter
Councillor Hale suggested amending the last sentence of this resolution by having it contingent upon the remediation plan being satisfactory to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Director of Planning and the Town Council. Councillor Pelkey seconded the amendment.
Discussions ensued regarding the amendment and Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the amended resolution. The vote carried on a roll call vote of 5-2 and 1 abstention as follows:
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
Deputy Mayor Prague Aye
Councillor Hale Aye
Councillor Bazzano Nay
Councillor Havens Abstained
Councillor McCann Nay
Councillor Pelkey Aye
Councillor Yagaloff Aye
Mayor Streeter Aye
Mayor Street then called for a vote on the amended resolution. The vote carried on a roll call vote of 7-0 with 1 abstention as follows:
Deputy Mayor Prague Aye
Councillor Hale Aye
Councillor Bazzano Aye
Councillor Havens Abstained
Councillor McCann Aye
Councillor Pelkey Aye
Councillor Yagaloff Aye
Mayor Streeter Aye
E. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Ten (10) South placeCityWindsor Tax Payers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to ten (10) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $13,296.72, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: approved, unanimously
ITEM:
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (continued) – None
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued) - None
21. Executive Session
Deputy Mayor Prague made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:52 p.m. to discuss pending claims and litigation. Councillor McCann seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Town Manager Matthew Galligan, Mayor Streeter, Deputy Mayor Prague, Councillors Hale, Havens, Bazzano, McCann, and Pelkey.
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 11:06 p.m., Mayor Streeter made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting and Executive Session; Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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