TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
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
5. Public Input
Mr. Jim Yungk of 121 Farnham Road came forward and stated that he was talking with the Mayor of Vernon this past week and was informed that the Mayor of Vernon had spoken with individuals in South Windsor regarding South Windsor hooking South Windsor’s sewer system into the Vernon’s sewer system. It was stated that this could have been done for a lot less money than what is being proposed with the upgrades to the South Windsor Plant. Mr. Yungk asked the Town Council to have Mr. Galligan look into this matter.
Mr. David Lynn, 181 Farm Road came before the Town Council to compliment the crew doing the leaves for their hard work and dedication.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
ITEM:
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.
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 informed the Town Council of the following:
- Will be writing letters to the State of Connecticut regarding the stimulus package for public works projects and will have the Town Council sign them.
- The Council has received a letter from the Bond Council regarding the Fire House Project and the ability to reduce of square footage. The square footage can not be substantially reduced due to the referendum.
- The signs prohibiting tractor trailer truck traffic on Troy Road will be erected as soon as they are reviewed by Commander Reed.
- The “Town Honoree” for the St. Patrick’s Day parade this year will be Matthew Galligan.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor McCann informed council members that the school administration is following up on the audit for the last fiscal year to resolve the reporting item in the town audit. The school administration has been in contact with the present auditor as well as the past auditor. The Superintendent of Schools has begun working on the budget for this coming fiscal year.
Councillor Yagaloff read a letter from Philip Crombie, Sr. into the record, (Exhibit A). He also requested that the original resolutions that were supposed to be on the Regular Meeting agenda that were discussed at the agenda meeting be included as an attachment, (Exhibit B). He stated that he believes that items 17. I. and 17. J. on tonight’s agenda are not the same resolutions as discussed at the agenda meeting.
14. Public Participation
The following individuals came forward to voice their comments regarding 765 Sullivan Avenue, fire/ambulance project:
- Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail
- Mrs. Pat Conrad, 864 Strong Road
- Chief Philip Crombie, Fire Department
- Mr. John Woodock, 395 Buckland Road
- Mr. Jay Knipple, 52 High Tower Drive
- Mr. Tim Shepard, 585 Main Street
- Deputy Chief Skilton, Fire Department
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to accept Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. H as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
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)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
* 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)
* 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)
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
* 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)
* 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.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
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)
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
Council members discussed this issue and questions were answered by Town Manager, Matthew Galligan.
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
ITEM:
17. I. (continued)
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.
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.
J. Resolution Suspending Negotiations to Purchase 765 Sullivan Avenue and Reviewing Options for Utilizing 625 Sullivan Avenue for a New Fire/Ambulance Complex
WHEREAS, the Town has authorized through referendum the acquisition of property, design, and construction of a 23,500 square foot fire and ambulance facility for no more than $8,250,000; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the needs of the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department and wishes to complete the facility as soon as possible; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the referendum, the Town of South Windsor has previously purchased 625 Sullivan Avenue for the purpose of constructing a fire/ambulance complex and delays have arisen from the existence of an endangered plant (“sedge”) on the property; and
WHEREAS, there has been no written agreement binding the Town to purchase any other property for the fire/ambulance facility; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has not identified the source of funds for the purchase of any other land for the facility; and
ITEM:
17. J. (continued)
WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has expressed its reservations about the purchase of 765 Sullivan Avenue in part for Open Space use and the Planning and Zoning Commission responded in the negative to the 8-24 referral from the Town Council; and
WHEREAS, the state of the local, state and national economy has changed since the authorization to negotiate a contract for the purchase of 765 Sullivan Avenue and recognizing continuing deteriorating economic conditions the Town Council wishes to save $1.8 million by building the fire/ambulance facility at 625 Sullivan Avenue if at all feasible; and
WHEREAS, there are opportunities for cost effective alternatives to move the sedge to the satisfaction of regulatory agencies allowing for the construction of the fire/ambulance complex at 625 Sullivan Avenue
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council instructs the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to cease negotiations for the purchase of 765 Sullivan Avenue; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council instructs the Town Manager to proceed with the project at 625 Sullivan Avenue and to re-engage the Army Corps of Engineers, DEP, or other necessary regulatory authorities, identifying a location and costs that may be incurred to host the sedge, and to keep South Windsor Town Council informed as to progress in this matter.
Councillor Oates withdrew this resolution.
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
ITEM:
17. K. (continued)
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
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.
ITEM:
17. K. (continued)
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
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.
ITEM:
17. M. (continued)
- 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 Work Session. 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
O. Discussion Item – Town Hall Annex (Mike Gantick to be present)
Mr. Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works came before the Town Council to update the Council on bids results of the Town Hall Annex. There were twelve responders to the plans and specifications. The low bidder was Cutter Enterprises with a base bid of $898,000.00. There were a number of alternatives that were listed in the based bid. If we are going to purchase this building than it is highly recommended that the Town proceed with those alternatives, and the total building cost would be $1,195,000.00. There are also other items that would have to be done with this building to make it functional which would give a bottom line cost of $1,455,000.00. After the owner allowance of $308,000., the Town’s renovation
project cost would be $1,147,334.00.
Council Members voiced various concerns and questions were answered by Mr. Gantick and Mr. Galligan.
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
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
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
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
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
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
ITEM:
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.
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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