TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 17, 2008
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 6:30 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Streeter called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Cary CityplacePrague
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation:
Mr. Robert Dickinson, addressStreet19 Birch Road came before the Town Council to request that enhancements for safe alternatives for non-motorized transportation be discussed for this year’s budget. Safety improvements are necessary in the Town of placeCitySouth Windsor for walking and bicycling.
4. Communications
None
5. Town Manager’s Report
To be discussed at the Regular Meeting
6. Items for Discussion
A. Board of Education Budget Presentation
Ms. Janice Snyder, Chairperson for the Board of Education came forward and announced the Board of Education Members as well as Administrators that have worked on this budget. Ms. Snyder then began the presentation of the Board’s proposed 2008/2009 Budget, (Exhibit A), by stating the budget will have an increase of 5.79% over last year’s budget. The total amount of the proposed 2008/2009 budget is $60,752,075.
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March 17, 2008
ITEM:
6. Items for Discussion (continued)
A. Board of Education Budget Presentation (continued)
Councillor Yagaloff voiced concern that the Board of Education has proposed twelve new positions. There are no new programs being proposed which could jeopardize the new positions. Councillor Yagaloff urged the Board of Education to be careful and not cut positions.
Answering questions from Council Members, Dr. Kosacka explained that the .5 position will be for an Athletic Director who may not assume a teachers position. The intent would be to have an individual available after school hours. Individuals need to work more than 20 hours to receive benefits.
Councillor Havens stated that the Board of Education will have to explain how the decision was made to create twelve new positions. The 5.79% increase should be looked at further and the Board of Education and the Town Council will need to work together to control costs.
In closing remarks, Mayor Streeter stated that the Board of Education has made reductions and there will be two months to work on the budget numbers. Mayor Streeter requested the Board of Education inform the Town Council if there are any cost savings that occur.
Councillor McCann made a motion to Suspend the Rules to go to item 6. C.; Councillor Havens seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
C. Presentation and Discussion Regarding Artificial Turf Fields a the High School.
Mr. Ed Duclos came before the Town Council and voiced concern regarding the unsafe condition and appalling appearance of the High School fields. Mr. Duclos presented a slide show, (Exhibit B), which provided a visual of the shape of the fields as they are at present and then requested that the Town Council support the proposal. Although lights have been proposed, they are not the primary goal. This proposal would save the Town money on maintenance of fields, reduce injuries to players and would also create aesthetically pleasing fields.
Ms. Amber Casiano and Ms. Adrianna Libutti both in their junior year at placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceTypeHigh School came forward to speak in favor of the replacement of grass with the proposed turf grass.
Mr. Orlando Casiano, a 22 year resident of placeSouth Windsor came forward. This cost comparison is based upon on a two acres multi-use field in CityplaceSimsbury. CitySimsbury is having the same issues that are being raised in placeSouth Windsor with regards to trying to maintain grass on fields due to the heavy use. The turf grass has been an asset to the Town of CityplaceSimsbury and has a 10-12 year life expectancy. After completion of a field with turf grass, the field can be used when raining and will not damage the field.
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March 17, 2008
ITEM:
6. Items for Discussion (continued)
C. Presentation and Discussion Regarding Artificial Turf Fields a the High School (continued)
The turf grass has lowered maintenance cost and increased playing time on the fields and currently placeCitySimsbury is in the process of deciding whether to place turf grass on another field in Town.
Answering questions from the Council, Town Manager Galligan explained that the financing rate would be at approximately 3.625% for eight years. When calculating that out, a house that is worth $300,000 would pay $27.90 per year for eight years.
Answering further questions from Council Members, Mr. Duclos stated that the existing track would not have to be ripped up to place the turf grass down. There is presently a concern that soccer could not be played on the football field because it is not wide enough. Stadium Field is in better condition than the Multi-purpose Field, but there is a benefit cost to doing both fields at the same time. Other Towns have received State funding for this type of project.
Mayor Streeter thanked Mr. Duclos for coming forward and stated that Mr. Duclos would be invited back for further discussions on this issue.
B. General Government – Budget Overview
Town Manager Matthew Galligan presented the General Government proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2008/2009, reporting a 7.37% increase in the total budget, which includes the Board of Education’s Budget, (Exhibit C presentation).
7. Executive Session
To be held during the Regular Meeting.
8. Adjournment
Councillor Hale made a motion to adjourn the Work Session at 8:00 p.m. Mayor Streeter seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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