TOWN OF placeCitySOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 May 5, 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 8:56 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Matthew Streeter
Deputy Mayor Cary CityplacePrague
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kathyrn Hale
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor PersonNameKevin McCann
Councillor PersonNameJohn Pelkey
Councillor PersonNameKeith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Following the Roll Call, Mayor Prague presented a proclamation to Dennis Sheridan and Jo-Ann Ciccaglione congratulating the placePlaceNameSouth Windsor PlaceNameTeen PlaceTypeCenter on its 20th Anniversary.
5. Public Input
Ms. Nancy Yario, 20 Andreis Trail came before the Town Council to voice her concerns regarding the PlaceNameplaceBark PlaceTypePark. Mayor Streeter directed the Town Manager to meet with Ms. Yario regarding this issue when he meets with Mrs. Aleksandrowicz.
Councillor Pelkey made a motion to Suspend the Rules to go to items 17. D. and 18. A.; Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
17. New Business
D. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $10,000 from the Contingency Account to the placeSouth Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Grant and Contributions Account
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (continued)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $10,000 from the Contingency Account to the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department Grant and Contributions Account, to cover the cost to purchase a replacement hurst tool motor for the Fire Department.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
Chief Philip Crombie came before the Town Council to explain that this replacement Cityplacehurst tool is used for the gasoline motor. The materials vehicles are made with have changed over the years and this replacement motor gives the hydraulic capability to operate the tool.
Mayor Street called for a vote on this Motion, it was approved, unanimously.
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Adopting an Amendment to Ordinance #148, Section #90-6, an “Ordinance for Tax Relief for Certain Homeowners Age 65 or Over or Permanently and totally Disabled.”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts an Amendment to Ordinance #148, Section #90-6, an “Ordinance for Tax Relief for Certain Homeowners Age 65 or Over or Permanently and Totally Disabled”, said Ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit C., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Friendly amendments were made to Exhibit C, which consisted of under (1) changing $2,000 to $4,000; under (2) changing $200 to $195; and under (4) changing $350,000 to $250,000.
Councillor McCann suggested Amending the Ordinance under E5. After the word homeowners in the first line it should read, residing in homes occupied by the qualified homeowner, spouse, and caregiver. Mayor Streeter seconded the Amendment.
Mayor Streeter stated that this is not a large benefit and is concerned that the other occupants in the house could also be caregivers as well as the children of the people receiving the benefit, so he said he was against this Amendment. Mayor Streeter suggested that Councillor McCann and Hale explore different language to amend this Ordinance.
Councillor Havens and Deputy Mayor Prague stated that they are not in support of this Amendment.
Councillor Hale then suggested to put into the Amendment that the only person benefitting have owned said home for five years or more.
Councillor McCann felt that would be a good solution and withdrew his previous Amendment. Mayor Streeter withdrew his second.
Councillor Hale made a Motion to Amend this by adding the benefit shall apply to homeowners who have owned said home in placeSouth Windsor for a period of at least five years. Mayor Streeter seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the issue is being complicated. A senior may have lived in another home in placeSouth Windsor for 50 years and decides to down size. They would now not be eligible for this benefit. This Amended Ordinance should be left as it is.
Mayor Streeter agreed and stated he would not support the suggested Amendment.
Councillor Hale withdrew her Motion, Mayor Streeter withdrew his second.
Mayor Streeter called or a vote on the original Motion with the friendly Amendments. The motion was approved, unanimously.
Deputy Mayor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules to go to item 17. F.; Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
17. New Business
F. Resolution Concerning Wildlife Crossing
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has preserved open space and wildlife sanctuaries for the benefit of our community and those animals living within our borders; and
ITEM:
17. F. (continued)
WHEREAS, traffic has increased on all town roads, whereby increasing the number of animals killed by motor vehicles; and
WHEREAS, concerned citizens have noted the abundance of wildlife in the area of Route 30 near Victorian Woods, including foxes, mink, groundhogs, opossum, and other wild animals, and that unfortunately there has been an increase in the number of animals being killed on the road in that area; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council is interested in protecting all wildlife within our town borders
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council directs the Town Manager to contact the State Department of Transportation to obtain permission to erect wildlife crossing signs on Route 30 near Victorian Woods, and that once such permission is obtained, the Town Manager is directed to arrange for the installation of such signs, and further that the Town Manager will obtain citizen input as to the appropriate design and location for the signs.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
Ms. Sarah Hambrick, addressStreet208 Twin Circle Drive came before the Town Council. She explained that the signs would encourage vehicles to slow down.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that this particular resolution seems appropriate because the Town wants to protect wildlife. This resolution would also have to go through the Department of Transportation because it is a State road.
Councillor McCann said he feels that animals can also become hazardous to individuals. A report should be requested from the Police Department prior to putting up signs. If there is a problem with wildlife then it should be addressed.
Councillor Yagaloff felt this resolution is very important to be passed because wildlife should be protected. These signs will draw people’s attention to the natural state of the Town and will allow people to acknowledge that there is wildlife crossing.
ITEM:
17. F. (continued)
Mayor Streeter acknowledged that this resolution will also protect individuals driving by alerting them that there is a wildlife crossing and they will slow down. Mayor Streeter also felt that other areas in town should be assessed because the signs could be erected throughout the State roads in Town,
Mayor Streeter suggested an Amendment to read “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council directs the Town Manager to contact the State Department of Transportation to obtain permission to erect wildlife crossing signs on Route 30 near Victorian Woods and all other possible areas of State roads in Town as recommended by the Traffic Division of the Police Department, and that once such permission is obtain, the Town Manager is directed to arrange for the installation of such signs and further that the Town Manager will obtain citizen input as to the appropriate design and location for the signs”. Councillor Pelkey seconded the amendment, and it was approved, unanimously.
Councillor McCann suggested another Amendment to read, “WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council is interested in protecting all motorists and wildlife within our Town borders”. Mayor Streeter seconded the amendment, and it was approved unanimously.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Resolution, it was approved, unanimously.
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 Session of April 7, 2008; Special Work Session of April 14, 2008; Public Hearings of April 7, 2008 and April 14, 2008; and Regular Meeting of April 7, 2008.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion was: approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan gave a brief update regarding his recent business trip to placeStateArizona. He then informed the Council of two items on the agenda which would take money from the Contingency Account. One item is for $2,000 to buy the senior bus presently used, and the second item is to use money to pay for an inspection of Aldi’s refrigeration system
The Council discussed a report produced by the State of StateConnecticut which reviews tax increases within the Town’s of the State of placeStateConnecticut.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Answering questions regarding the High School turf fields, Mr. Galligan explained that he has been directed to put out an RFP. There have been numerous discussions with the Town Attorney and one thing that is necessary for this process is to do an 8-24 referral to Planning and Zoning Commission. An Architect will need to be hired in order to plan accordingly because there is a water redirection that will need to be done. All three fields will cost approximately $2.3 million. This item will be discussed further during the budget discussion.
Answering further questions from Councillor Hale regarding the Town Hall Annex, Mr. Galligan stated that he is trying to get the owners of the building to do some of the renovations, which in turn will lower costs to the Town.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward to discuss the letter he had written to the Town Council requesting an item to be put on the agenda for a discussion. Mr. Gonsalves stated he does not like the way the Town runs their public hearings. Resident’s questions to concerns should be answered.
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. A., and Items 17. A. through 17. B., as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by: Councillor Yagaloff and Maneeley
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Before calling for a vote on the Consent Agenda, Mayor Streeter asked if there were any items to be removed. Councillor Bazzano requested that Agenda Item 17. A. be removed from Consent Agenda and acted upon separately.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on the Consent Agenda; it was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
*A. Resolution Appointing Diane Gerber (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families 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 Diane Gerber (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families for a term ending September 1, 2008 to fill an expired term, and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled Meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
*B. Resolution Appointing Evelyn Marrero (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families 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 Evelyn Marrero (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families for a term ending September 1, 2008 to fill an expired term, and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Leonard B. Glasser (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Leonard B. Glasser (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2008 to fill an unexpired term of Paul Mozzicato.
Councillor Bazzano made a motion to postpone consideration of this Resolution until the June 2, 2008 meeting. Mayor Streeter seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Amending the “placeSouth Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program,” to Clarify Language Regarding “Programs”, (postponed from the April 7, 2008 meeting).
WHEREAS, on June 20, 2005 the South Windsor Town Council established the Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program to encourage town citizens to help achieve the common goal of “One Town One Future” by becoming participants and partners with their Town Government; and
ITEM:
16. B. (continued)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council has approved since it’s inception a number of requests for Citizen Matching Mini-Grants in a variety of areas and wishes to encourage Town citizens to continue to invest in their community by participating in various private sector projects and initiatives that will benefit or enhance the Town of South Windsor and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to clarify the meaning of the word “Programs” as described on the application under the heading “The intent of this matching grant program is to.” (see Exhibit A)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council adopts the new Section 5 of the Citizen Matching Mini-Grant application as more fully described in Exhibit A.
Councillor Pelkey explained that this amendment will clarify the original intent of the Matching Mini-Grant Program.
Mayor Streeter stated he did have concerns, and feels that this amendment is creating a program where there would be an enrollment fee for. He then stated he is not in favor of this amendment.
Mayor Streeter then called for a vote on the Motion. The Motion Failed 4 Ayes to 5 Nays on a Roll Call vote. This dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Streeter, Deputy Mayor Prague, Councillors Bazzano, Maneeley and McCann.
17. New Business
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $2,000 from the Contingency Account to the Adult and Senior Department Equipment Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $2,000 from the Contingency Account to the Adult and Senior Department Equipment Account, to cover the cost to purchase a bus from the Hartford Transit District.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was: approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
E. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $2,850 from the Contingency Account to the Fire Marshal’s Operating Material Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $2,850 from the Contingency Account to the Fire Marshal’s Operating Material Account, to cover the cost of an inspection of the refrigeration system at Aldi’s.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has an obligation to inspect this system. There are no individuals in town or surrounding towns that have the ability to inspect this system.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that this company has had significant abatements from the Town. A resolution should be drafted so that future businesses would be responsible to pay for their own outside consultant inspections.
Mayor Streeter called for a vote on this Motion, it was approved, unanimously.
G. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Six (6) placeSouth Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to six (6) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $473.82, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was: approved, unanimously
H. Discussion Item: 2008/2009 Proposed Budget
Council Members discussed and asked questions regarding handouts that the Town Manager distributed (Exhibit D).
Council Members then reviewed the proposed cuts and asked various questions.
ITEM:
17. H. (continued)
Mayor Streeter stated that a Special Meeting will be scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in case all agenda items at the Special Meeting on May 12, 2008 are not finished.
The Mayor made a motion to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m.; Councillor McCann seconded the motion; the motion failed and the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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