TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 October 20, 2008
TOWN COUNCIL - Regular Meeting
Council Chambers - South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Prague called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and then recessed the Regular Meeting in order to finish the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Cary Prague
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Ed Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Paul Oates
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor McCann reminded the Town Council and public that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
7. Adoption of Minutes
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Special Work Session of August 18, 2008; Work Session of October 6, 2008; and Regular Meeting of October 6, 2008.
Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
The Motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mr. Robert Moeller, Patriotic Commission came forward and updated the Town Council and the public on upcoming events. Mr. Moeller then announced that the new Chairperson for the Patriotic Commission is Kent Carlson, the Vice Chairperson is John Stonoha, and Doris Avery will remain the Secretary to the Commission.
Councillor Pelkey announced that the Human Relations Commission will be putting on a puppet show at Family Awareness Day. The puppet show will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will address "bullying".
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan explained that the Town Council received a report entitled, "Proposed South Windsor Fire Department Property". Town Councillor Members should review the report and then address any questions to the Town Manager. The explanatory text for the Elementary School Project Referendum has gone to the State Election Commission for their review.
Discussion ensued regarding the Firehouse Project. The Town Manager answered various questions from the Council Members.
Councillor Pelkey made a motion to Suspend the Rules to go to Item 16. I. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business
I. Discussion Item: Senior/Veterans Tax Relief - requested by Councillor Hale
Mr. Galligan, Town Manager informed the Town Council that there were so few people that applied for the tax relief because the program was started late.
Councillor Hale suggested that pamphlets be available in the Tax Office and Assessors Office to inform the necessary individuals regarding this program.
ITEM:
16. I. (continued)
Mrs. Liz Pendleton, 319 Hilton Drive came before the Town Council to request that Mr. Danna, the Town Assessor come before the Town Council at a later meeting to explain how many people are receiving this benefit and how much they are receiving.
Councillor Hale also requested that the Town cross check to see who received this benefit last year to make sure they received the benefit this year.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council - None
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council and stated that the residents of South Windsor should be receiving information regarding the referendum that will be held on November 4, 2008. Mr. Gonsalves also stated that he would like to have the Town Council provide a status report at each meeting of outstanding projects.
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 16. A. through 16. E. and 17. A. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillor Maneely and Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Before calling for a vote on the Consent Agenda, Mayor Prague asked if there were any Items to be removed, there were none.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Consent Agenda; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Leonard B. Glasser (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Leonard B. Glasser (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2011.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
B. Resolution Reappointing Kent Carlson (D) to the Patriotic 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 Kent Carlson (D) to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2011 and postpones consideration until the Town Council's next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
C. Resolution Reappointing M. Terrie Kyc (D) an Alternate to the Patriotic 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 M. Terrie Kyc (D) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2011 and postpones consideration until the Town Council's next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. Unfinished Business (continued)
D. Resolution Reappointing Evelyn Marrero (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Evelyn Marrero (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families for a term ending September 1, 2011.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
E. Resolution Reappointing William Flagg (D) to the Connecticut River Assembly
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints William Flagg (D) to the Connecticut River Assembly for a term ending January 12, 2010 to fill an unexpired term of Kathy Hale.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
17. New Business
A. Resolution Appointing Philip Koboski (R) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals 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 Philip Koboski (R) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011 to fill an unexpired term of Andrea Momnie and postpones consideration until the Town Council's next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
F. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $166,080 from Various Accounts to the Police Operations Overtime Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $12,154 from the Street Lights Utilities Account; $6,384 from the Casualty & Liability Insurance Account; $53,259 from the Capital Leases Professional Account; and $94,283 from the Pension Employee Benefits Account for a total of $166,080 to be transferred to the Police Operations Overtime Account, to cover overtime costs for fiscal year 2007/2008.
Was made by Councillor Oates
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
After a lengthy discussion it was decided to add "from the fiscal year 2007/2008 budget", as a friendly amendment to make the resolution more clear. The language would read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer from the fiscal year 2007/2008 budget of $12,154 from the Street Lights Utilities Account; $6,384 from the Casualty & Liability Insurance Account; $53,259 from the Capital Leases Professional Account; and $94,283 from the Pension Employee Benefits Account for a total of $166,080 to be transferred to the Police Operations Overtime Account, to cover overtime costs for fiscal year 2007/2008.
This friendly amendment will also be inserted in Items 16. G. and 16. H.
G. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $33,470 from the Public Works Refuse and Recycling Account to the Hydrants and Water Lines Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer from the fiscal year 2007/2008 budget of $33,470 from the Public Works Refuse and Recycling Other Purchase Services Account to the Hydrants and Water Lines Utilities Account, to cover the hydrant fees for fiscal year 2007/2008.
ITEM:
16. G. (continued)
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
H. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $16,070 from Various Accounts to the Town Attorney Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer from the fiscal year 2007/2008 budget of $15,000 from the Salary Contingency Account and $1,070 from the Casualty & Liability Insurance Account for a total of $16,070 to be transferred to the Town Attorney Professional Account, to cover attorney fees for fiscal year 2007/2008.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
17. New Business
B. Resolution Approving a Transfer of $3,544 to the Registrar of Voters Budget from the Contingency Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $1,128 to the Part-Time Wages Account; $554 to the Office Supplies Account; $157 to the Operating Materials Account; $1,595 to the Professional Account; and $110 to the Rentals and Leases Account for a total of $3,544 to be transferred to the Registrar of Voters budget from the Contingency Account. Said transfer is to cover the costs of the September 9, 2008 Referendum.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Hale
Council members discussed budgeted items and if the Registrars should review their budget to find the funds to pay for this item out of their own budget.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this resolution, it was approved by a Roll Call vote of 6 to 2 with the dissenting votes being cast by Councillor Yagaloff and Mayor Prague.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
C. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $5,000 from Contingency Account to the Town Council's Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $5,000 from the Contingency Account to the Town Council's Professional Account; to cover the cost of the printing and mailing of the explanatory text and written material for Referendum Question #3, #4, and #5 to be voted on at the municipal election to be held November 4, 2008.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor McCann
A lengthy discussion was held regarding where the money should come from to fund this item.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the motion. It failed on a Roll Call vote of 4 to 4 with the dissenting votes being cast by Councillor Hale, Oates, Pelkey and Yagaloff.
D. Resolution Suspending Expenditures for the Lawrence Road Park Project
WHEREAS, many people in South Windsor are currently experiencing economic stress; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council feels an obligation to reduce expenditures during the current national economic crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has previously authorized funds to construct a park at Lawrence Road; and
WHEREAS, although this is a worthwhile project, the current national economic situation requires that the Town Council take extraordinary measures to curtail immediate spending
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the expenditures for the Lawrence Road Park project be suspended until further action of the Town Council.
ITEM:
17. D. (continued)
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Mayor Prague
After a lengthy discussion regarding this issue was held, a friendly amendment was suggested, which consisted of tabling this item in order to have the Park & Recreation Commission let the Town Council know their opinions regarding this project and other proposed projects.
Councillor Pelkey made a motion to table this item until the next meeting. Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Approving the Use of Up To $40,000 for the Implementation of Safety and Security Measures at Veteran's Memorial Pool
WHEREAS, the Town Council understands the need for more safety and security measures to be implemented at the Veteran's Memorial Park Pool; and
WHEREAS, in the last five years there have been significant acts of vandalism at Veteran's Memorial Park Pool which have caused nearly $100,000 worth of damage, as well as injury to a police officer
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of up to $40,000 to procure, install and implement improved safety and security equipment and services at the Veteran's Memorial Park Pool; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the money will be used for safety and security items to include additional lighting, video surveillance, and if economically feasible, the replacement of all or a portion of the existing fence surrounding the pool area.
Was made by Mayor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Maneeley
Town Council members felt there is a need to have more security measures implemented at the Veteran's Memorial Pool. There was a lengthy discussion what account the money would be taken from in order to fund this project.
ITEM:
17. E. (continued)
Councillor Pelkey made a motion to amend the resolution. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the amendment and it was approved, unanimously.
The amendment to read as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of up to $40,000 to be expended from the Park & Recreation Contingency fund to procure, install and implement improved safety and security equipment and services at the Veteran's Memorial Park Pool; and
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
F. Resolution Suspending all Spending for Social Events for Council Members and Snacks during Council Meetings
WHEREAS, the Town Council sees a need to reduce expenditures during the current national economic crisis
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council directs that all spending for social events for Council members and all expenses to provide snacks for the Council during Council meetings shall be suspended effective immediately.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
Council Members discussed this item, giving their feelings toward this issue.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this resolution, the motion failed on a Roll Call vote of 2 to 6 with the dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Prague, Councillor Havens, McCann, Maneeley, Oates and Yagaloff.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
G. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Twenty-Eight (28) South Windsor Taxpayers
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 $4,563.46.
Was made by Councillor Oates
Seconded by Mayor Prague
The motion was approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance - None
19. Communications and petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued) - None
21. Executive Session - None
22. Adjournment
At 10:58 p.m., Councillor Havens made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting; Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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