TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 17, 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.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Cary CityplacePrague
Councillor Gary Bazzano
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
Following the Roll Call, Councillor Pelkey introduced the Human Relations Commission Chairperson Janice Favreau, who would be presenting the winners of the Second Annual Diversity Poster and Essay Contest.
Mrs. Janice Favreau explained that the title of the poster and poems were, “Cultures Can Connect”. Mrs. Favreau then announced the first, second and third place winners in the poster contest for grades K-5. Each child came forward to show their poster. Mrs. Favreau then announced the first place winners of the essay contest for grades 6-12. Each child came forward and read their essay.
Councillor Pelkey stated that the presentation that was held at the South Windsor Public Library would be aired on channel 15 on Sunday, April 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
5. Public Input
None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
ITEM:
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 March 3, 2008; Public Hearing of March 3, 2008; and Regular Meetings of November 19, 2007, and March 3, 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 presented his report as written, (Exhibit A).
Councillor McCann questioned if Council Members could receive an Audit Report for the Board of Education? Mr. Galligan stated he would try to get a report produced by the Board of Education that would get all information that the Town Council would like to review.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan explained that the subject for the Executive Session tonight is regarding the proposed Fire House. All Council Members will be updated on this issue. After sitting with the Tax Collector and Director of Finance, it is felt that the Town should be able to collect 99% of taxes due.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
ITEM:
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pelkey questioned why the upgrade to the High School fields was not shown in the budget? Town Manager Galligan explained that the subject needs to be decided upon by the Town Council prior to being put into the budget.
Councillor Havens asked if the Town has had any luck securing a site for the Wapping Fair? Deputy Mayor Prague stated not yet, but would be discussing this item further with Evergreen Walk.
14. Public Participation
None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. E., as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Hale
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business
None
ITEM:
17. New Business
*A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of James Kupchunos (D) from the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts, with regret, the resignation of James Kupchunos from the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission, said resignation to be effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Mr. Kupchunos for the time he has dedicated to servicing this community by his membership on the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*B. Resolution Appointing Anthony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation 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 Anthony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2008 to fill an unexpired term of James Kupchunos, and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
*C. Resolution Appointing John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2008 to fill an unexpired term and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2008 to fill an unexpired term and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Resolution Appointing Carol Flagg (D) to the Library Board 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 Carol Flagg (D) to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2009 to fill an unexpired term of Gladys Nadel and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*E. Resolution Reappointing James Kupchunos (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Agency 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 reappoints James Kupchunos (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Agency Commission for a term ending November 30, 2010 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
F. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2008/2009
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 7, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the placeSouth Windsor Town Hall, addressStreet1540 Sullivan Avenue, CitySouth Windsor, StateConnecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the proposed General Government Budget for Fiscal Years 2008/2009.
Was made by: Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by: Councillor Bazzano
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
G. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2008/2009
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., PlaceNameplaceTimothy PlaceNameEdwards PlaceNameMiddle School, Room Alt. #6, 100 Arnold Way, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the proposed Board of Education for Fiscal Years 2008/2009.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
H. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $26,950 from Contingency to the Registrar of Voters Budget
BE IT RESOLVED that the placeSouth Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $26,950 from the Contingency Account to various Registrar of Voters Accounts (per the attached Exhibit B), to cover the cost of the Democratic and Republican primaries held on February 5, 2008.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, by a Roll Call Vote, 8-0 with Councillor Hale abstaining.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
I. Resolution Approving the Close-Out and Transfer of Completed Sewer Fund Capital Projects to the Sewer Reserve for Capital Projects Account
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Water Pollution Control Authority, at its Regular Meeting on March 4, 2008, approved the close out of the completed Sewer Fund Capital Projects listed below; and
WHEREAS, the following Sewer Fund Capital Projects must be closed out by transferring the remaining balances to the Sewer Reserve for Capital Projects Account:
Project Name Account Number Amount
Manhole Rehabilitation 44601300-00320 ($ 4,028)
Nitrogen Removal/Disinfection Design 44610300-00320 ($ 6,000)
Odor Control System 44611300-00320 ($ 1,248)
Step Screen/Grit Elevator 44612300-00320 $ 7,500
addressStreetClark Street Station Improvements 44614300-00320 $ 26
Pleasant placeValley Station Pump Replace 44624300-00320 $ 27,951
Upgrade Pleasant Valley Pump Station 44632300-00320 $ 346,775
Upgrade Submersible Pump Stations 44633300-00320 $1,466,585
Total: $1,860,113
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $1,860,113 from various Sewer Capital Project Accounts to the Sewer Reserve for Capital Projects Account, number 44699300-00320.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
J. Resolution Approving the Transfer of Funds from the Sewer Reserve for Capital Projects Account to the Sewer Fund Operating Fund Balance
WHEREAS, through the budget process, over the years the Sewer Fund has transferred a substantial amount of money to the Capital Projects Fund; and
WHEREAS, as a result of said transfers the June 30, 2007 Sewer Fund Operating Fund Balance is a negative $3,002,139; and
WHEREAS, per the recommendations of the Town Auditors, the South Windsor Water Pollution Control Authority, at its Regular Meeting on March 4, 2008, approved the transfer of $3,002,139 from the Sewer Reserve for Capital Projects Account to the Sewer Fund Operating Fund Balance
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the same transfer of $3,002,139 from the Sewer Reserve for Capital Projects Account to the Sewer Fund Operating Fund Balance, to eliminate the negative operating fund balance in the Sewer Fund.
Was made by: Councillor McCann
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Prague
Answering questions from the Council, Town Manager Galligan explained that the Auditors wanted this money moved around because they did not like the Town having a negative balance. The money will stay within the sewer funds and will be not be used for operating costs, but for upgrades to the plant.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Motion, it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
K. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $4,500 from Contingency to the Public Works Refuse & Recycling Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $4,500 from the Contingency Account to Public Works Refuse & Recycling Professional Account, to cover the cost of updating the Alternative Analysis for the Sewer Plant Upgrade.
Was made by: Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Town Manager, Matthew Galligan explained that the approval of this resolution would enable Fred Shaw to access the money necessary in the account in order to update the cost of the Alternative Analysis Report for upgrades to the sewer plant. These estimates can then be used for the referendum. Mr. Galligan stated that he does not want this process delayed. He would rather the costs for each process be updated in order to have a complete comparison.
Councillor McCann stated he is not interested in spending money to get more information on hooking up to the MDC. At this point he would be willing to reject the MDC option based on upon the information that has already been received.
Councillor Havens said he would not support this resolution because he is not interested in hooking up to the MDC system and feels the Town has done a good job running the sewer plant.
Deputy Mayor Prague stated that after he and Councillor Bazzano met with representatives from MDC, he feels the Town should be open to reviewing the MDC option and reviewing what they have to offer.
Councillor Hale called for a point of order stating that Town Council Members should not be meeting with MDC representatives. Town staff has been negotiating with MDC.
ITEM:
17. K. (continued)
Councillor Yagaloff stated that presently it is known that MDC will be spending money on their infrastructures which in turn will be paid by the Towns that belong to MDC. The Town of placeCitySouth Windsor should not be in any relationship with MDC, and he is not in support of this resolution.
Mayor Streeter stated to Town Council Members that they should be wary of having meetings with external organizations. He then asked the Town Council Members to be forthcoming before meeting with other organizations.
Councillor Bazzano stated that there are eight member towns involved with MDC and he felt that there is a value in reviewing what MDC has to offer.
Councillor Hale suggested authorizing the payment to study the non-MDC process and then take a separate vote to see if MDC should be added to the resolution. Mayor Streeter stated he is inclined to move forward with the study to upgrade the estimates as a whole.
Councillor Pelkey said that he is not in support of the MDC option because the Town would lose control of their facility and the Town does not know the additional fee’s that would be incurred if the Town did hook into the MDC system.
Mayor Street called for a vote on this Resolution, it failed, unanimously.
L. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $6,800 from Contingency to the Economic Development Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $6,800 from the Contingency Account to the Economic Development Professional Account, to cover the cost of a study regarding a First Night Celebration.
Was made by: Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by: Councilor McCann
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. L. (continued)
Councillor Havens said he would not be supporting this resolution because presently the Town has an expensive budget, which should be focused on and this program is not necessary.
Mr. Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Coordinator came before the Town Council. He stated that he feels this program would help businesses throughout Town as well as bring the community together. This program would also be a great way to showcase the Buckland Gateway, PlaceTypeplaceTown PlaceTypeCenter, and other areas in Town. Mr. Stevenson then explained how this event would be structured.
Councillor McCann questioned if this event in other communities had any effect on economic development? Mr. Stevenson answered that he feels it has. Individuals that go to these events usually spend $15.00-$50.00 per person.
Councillor McCann then questioned if additional funds would need to be provided by the Town? Mr. Stevenson explained that the event may need support from the Town, but not additional financial contributions.
Councillor McCann stated that during rough economic times, he feels it is important to provide events in a community.
Councillor Pelkey voiced concerns that he has not heard of any financial support being provided by the business community? Mr. Stevenson explained that there will be financial support provided by the business community.
Councillor Yagaloff suggested that this proposed program be reviewed by the Town Attorney.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. L. (continued)
Mrs. Pam Amodio who belongs to First Night International came forward and stated that there are many ways to structure this program, but most involve Municipalities, Chamber of Commerce and other non-profit organizations. The liability is usually though special event insurance. There are many models that the Town Council could look at for various issues that may be of concern.
Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to table this Resolution in order to have the Town Attorney review this type of event (First Night). Councillor Havens seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
M. Resolution Approving the Write-Off of Taxes on Properties at addressStreet35 Main Street, Lots D-2, E-3, E-11, E-12, and B-6, Because of Abandonment
WHEREAS, there are evictions at 35 Main Street, Lots D-2, E-3, E-11, E-12, and B-6 in South Windsor, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, all possessions and personal effects no longer exist on these properties, including the actual structure
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the write-off of $3107.18 in taxes related to 35 Main Street, Lots D-2, E-3, E-11, E-12, and B-6, South Windsor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the placeSouth Windsor Town Council directs Town Manger Matthew B. Galligan to adjust the financial records of the Town to reflect said write-offs.
Was made by: Councillor Hale
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Answering questions from the Council, Town Manager Galligan explained that these properties previously had mobile homes on them and the owners of the properties removed the mobile homes from the lots. Writing off the taxes will save the Town money.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Motion, it was Approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
N. Resolution Approving the Write-Off of Taxes on Town owned property
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the write-off of $4,804.43 in taxes related to Town owned properties located at R048 Foster Street, L014 Clark Street, L013 Clark Street, and L025 Farmstead Drive, South Windsor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the placeSouth Windsor Town Council directs Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to adjust the financial records of the Town to reflect said write-offs.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Prague
Seconded by: Councillor McCann
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that these write-offs are for properties that the Town has bought.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Motion, it was approved, unanimously.
O. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Eleven (11) placeSouth Windsor Tax Payers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to eleven (11) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $4,028.97, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit C.
Was made by: Councillor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
None
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 9:53 p.m. to discuss the possible purchase of real estate for the Town. Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Town Manager Matthew Galligan, Jeff Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer, Mayor Streeter, Deputy Mayor Prague, Councillors Hale, Havens, Bazzano, Maneeley, McCann, Pelkey, and Yagaloff.
22. Motion to Adjourn
At 10:40 p.m., Councillor McCann made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting and Executive Session; Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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