TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Action Minutes Page 1 November 17, 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 8:10 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Cary Prague
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Paul Oates
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Duncan Forsyth, Town Attorney
7. Adoption of Minutes
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Work Session of October 20, 2008; Regular Meeting of October 20, 2008; Special Work Session of October 27, 2008; and Special Meeting of November 10, 2008.
Was made by Mayor Prague
Seconded by Pelkey
Councillor McCann made a correction to the Regular Meeting minutes of October 20, 2008.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 17. A. through 16. H as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda (continued)
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.
17. New Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development 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 Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2012 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* B. Resolution Reappointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
(Councillor Hale)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2013 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* C. Resolution Reappointing Jean Klein (D) an Alternate to the Historic District 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 Jean Klein (D) an Alternate to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2013 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
* D. Resolution Reappointing Dwight Johnson (D) to the Housing Authority 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 Dwight Johnson (D) to the Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2013 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* E. Resolution Reappointing David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations 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 David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* F. Resolution Reappointing Janice Favreau (D) to the Human Relations 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 Janice Favreau (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
* G. Resolution Reappointing Tony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands/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 reappoints Tony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* H. Resolution Reappointing John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands/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 reappoints John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
Mayor Prague made a motion to recess the meeting at 9:06 p.m. for ten (10) minutes. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion and it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5-3 with the dissenting votes being cast by Councillors Hale, Pelkey, and Yagaloff.
The meeting reconvened at 9:16 p.m.
I. Resolution Requesting the Public Building Commission to Bid the Current Fire/Ambulance Plan
WHEREAS, construction costs have increased over the last several years due to changes in material costs; and
WHEREAS, the recent economic downturn has opened the possibility of favorable construction costs; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. I. (continued)
WHEREAS, obtaining an understanding of the total project costs will enable the Town Council to be better informed regarding options to implement the fire/ambulance plan
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council requests the Public Building Commission to complete its value engineering process, prepare final construction drawings for construction of the proposed fire/ambulance facility out to competitive bid, and to report back to Town Council all bids received.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Mayor Prague
Councillor Hale made a motion to amend the resolution to read as follows:
WHEREAS, construction costs have increased over the last several years due to changes in material costs; and
WHEREAS, the recent economic downturn has opened the possibility of favorable construction costs; and
WHEREAS, obtaining an understanding of the total project costs will enable the Town Council to be better informed regarding options to implement the fire/ambulance plan
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council requests the Public Building Commission to complete its value engineering process, prepare final construction drawings for construction at 765 Sullivan Avenue, an put the proposed fire/ambulance facility out to competitive bid, and to report back to Town Council all bids received.
Councillor Pelkey seconded the amendment.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Amendment, it failed on a roll call vote of 3 to 5 with the dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Prague, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Maneeley, McCann, and Oates.
ITEM:
17. I. (continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano reiterated the motion made. Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Resolution, it passed on a roll call vote of 2 to 6 with the dissenting votes being cast by Councillors Hale, and Pelkey.
K. Resolution Approving the Issuance of a Request for Qualified Developers and Conceptual Plans for the Transfer and Sale of 625 Sullivan Avenue
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor is the owner of 625 Sullivan Avenue and had acquired that property for a specific public use that is no longer being considered; and
WHEREAS, the Town is eager to return that property to the grand list and enhance future tax revenues; and the Town is desirous to attract businesses that will generate substantial additional tax revenues and employment opportunities for the Town while providing quality development and economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2008 the voters overwhelmingly gave approval to the Town Council to divest itself of 625 Sullivan Avenue
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to circulate a request for qualified developers to come forward and demonstrate their qualifications and concepts to purchase and develop the property at 625 Sullivan Avenue; such request shall emphasize the following principles:
The end use of proposed development shall target the following types of quality businesses:
- Corporate headquarters
- Corporate satellite offices
- Campus-style office development
- Research and development facilities
- Manufacturing facilities
- Multi-use facilities
ITEM:
17. K. (continued)
The Town is interested in attracting business that will:
- Generate additional tax revenue through real estate and/or personal property taxes.
- Provide employment opportunities
- Provide high quality goods and services.
- Improve the aesthetics of the community or this particular area.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Hale
After some discussion, Councillor McCann made a motion to table this item. Councillor Oates seconded the motion to table and it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5-3 with the dissenting votes being cast by Councillors Hale, Pelkey, and Yagaloff.
Mayor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation regarding 765 Sullivan Avenue. Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion and it failed on a Roll Call vote of 5 to 3 with the dissenting votes being cast by Councillors Hale, Pelkey, and Yagaloff, (this motion needs a 2/3rd’s vote by the Council to pass).
M. Resolution Addressing the Expected Shortfall in Revenues for the 2008/2009 Budget
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Connecticut has notified the State Legislature of projected budget shortfalls for fiscal years ending in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and is implementing substantial budget reductions for the State, and has called for additional major budget tightening for the next two fiscal years; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor receives a substantial portion of its revenues each year from the State of Connecticut, which may be lowered as a result of budget reductions by the State; and
WHEREAS, the Town Manager of South Windsor has reported to Council an expectation of lower revenues from a variety of sources in the current fiscal year and for the next fiscal year; and
ITEM:
17. M. (continued)
WHEREAS, Council wishes to prepare in advance for anticipated lower revenues, and avoid budget deficits
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective immediately upon passage of this resolution:
- The Town of South Windsor shall institute a hiring freeze until further notice. No full time or part time positions shall be filled without further action of the Council.
- Neither the Manager nor any Department Head of the Town shall authorize overtime other than on a critical need basis until further action by Council. To the extent possible, the Department shall adjust their shifts to provide necessary coverage without overtime. The Manager shall direct the Department Heads to provide the Manager with periodic written reports of overtime which they deem to be a critical need. The Manager shall make the determination of what is and what is not a critical need. The Manager shall report monthly to Council with a statement of critical need overtime.
- The Town of South Windsor shall cancel all out-of-state travel by Town personnel, including trips for seminars, training, “fact-finding”, marketing, etc. until further action by Council. To the extent that previously planned out-of-state training is available at a substantial savings to the Town through the alternative means of video conferencing, teleconferencing, the internet, or similar means, Town personnel shall utilize such alternative means.
- No vehicles or equipment shall be ordered or purchased without prior notification to Council.
- The Manager shall take necessary steps to ensure that the total actual expenditure for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 are at least 5% below budgeted amounts.
- This Resolution shall expire on June 30, 2009, unless extended by Council.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
After a lengthy discussion was held regarding this issue, Councillor McCann made a motion to continue this item to the December 1, 2008 meeting. Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion, and it was unanimous.
ITEM
17. New Business (continued)
N. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Change the Signer(s) on the Rockville Bank Gorski Escrow Account
WHEREAS, the Gorski Escrow Account was established by the prior Town Attorney; and
WHEREAS, the normal practice is to have the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Town Treasurer as signers on Town bank accounts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Matthew B. Galligan to change the signers on said bank account to Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, Gretchen E. Bickford, Town Clerk, and Susan A. Rose, Town Treasurer.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
P. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Negotiate and Execute all Necessary Agreement/Contract Documents on Behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to negotiate and execute all necessary agreement/contract documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut for a cash grant toward the purchase of wheelchair-accessible motor vehicle for services to elderly and/or disabled persons.
Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Counncillor Hale
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
Q. Resolution Extending the Term of Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency
WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency was established by the Town Council on September 15, 1997; and
WHEREAS, it has come to the Town Council’s attention that when the Redevelopment Agency was established, it was stated that all five members would have staggering terms; and
WHEREAS, presently all five members have a term ending December 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council hereby authorizes the Redevelopment Agency terms to meet the requirement established in 1997
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the term for Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency will be extended to December 31, 2010
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Counncillor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
R. Resolution Extending the Term of Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency
WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency was established by the Town Council on September 15, 1997; and
WHEREAS, it has come to the Town Council’s attention that when the Redevelopment Agency was established, it was stated that all five members would have staggering terms; and
WHEREAS, presently all five members have a term ending December 31, 2009; and
ITEM:
17. R. (continued)
WHEREAS, the Town Council hereby authorizes the Redevelopment Agency terms to meet the requirement established in 1997
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the term for Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency will be extended to December 31, 2011.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Counncillor McCann
The motion was approved, unanimously
S. Resolution Appointing William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency 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 William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency for a term ending December 31, 2012 to fill an expired term of Bernard Demko and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor McCann
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
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to go into Executive Session at 11:05 p.m. to discussion potential litigation regarding 765 Sullivan Avenue. Councillor Pelkey seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Town Manager Matthew Galligan, Town Attorney Duncan Forsyth, Mayor Prague, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Hale, Maneeley, McCann, Oates, Pelkey, and Yagaloff.
ITEM:
22. Adjournment
At 11:40 p.m., Mayor Prague made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and 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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