TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 December 15, 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 8:01 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Cary Prague
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Edward Havens
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
Mayor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Item 17. D. and Item 17. B. Councillor Havens seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
D. Resolution setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a proposed ordinance, an “Ordinance Establishing the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention and prevention Commission”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, January 5, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., in the council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a proposed Ordinance, an “Ordinance Establishing the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention and Prevention Commission” said Ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit B., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Maneeley
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
B. Resolution Supporting the “Safe Routes to School Programs” at Select Elementary Schools
WHEREAS, select South Windsor elementary schools wish to become part of the Safe Routes to School program; and
WHEREAS, the Safe Routes to School program will take place during the 2008/2009 school year; and
WHEREAS, Safe Routes to School program requires the formation of teams at each school, which can include parents and staff, to implement the education and encouragement components of the program; and
WHEREAS, the Safe Routes to School program encourages the formation of community-wide teams at each school; and
WHEREAS, the community-wide team will have representation from the Town’s Engineering, Planning, Police Services and Recreation Departments who will work together with parents and staff to identify, evaluate, and promote change to offer safer routes for our children and present this information to the Board of Education and Town staff; and
WHEREAS, the school program will include in-class safety education and encouragement activities to support an active lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, there are several existing bicycle and pedestrian paths and sidewalks which would be well used as safe routes to school through community education, cooperation and promotion; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education is enthusiastic about the potential for the Safe Route to School program because walking and bicycling increases the physical health of children; supports the goals of the schools district’s wellness policy; has the potential to reduce traffic congestion in and around the school; and improves the safety for students who walk or bike to school through increased enforcement and street improvements
ITEM:
17. B (continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to support the Safe Routes to School program at the select elementary schools.
Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would like to see the Board of Education create a safety policy for this program.
Answering questions from the Council, Ms. Lipe explained that Crossing Guards for this program will be put into the Board of Education budget. The purpose of the resolution tonight is to get the Town Council’s support of the program. The Committee will return at a later time to inform the Town Council of priorities when a plan is finalized.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this motion; it was approved, unanimously.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
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 Sessions of November 10, 2008 and November 24, 2008; Work Sessions of November 17, 2008, and December 1, 2008; Regular Meeting of November 17, 2008, and December 1, 2008; and Special Meeting of December 10, 2008.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
The new FOI requirements were briefly discussed. Town Manager Galligan explained that FOI only requires action minutes. There are communities that are cancelling their websites because the mandate to post minutes in a certain amount of time on the website can not be met. This issue needs to be reviewed further.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes (continued)
Councillor Hale requested that on the Special Work Session of November 10, 2008 verbatim minutes be attached.
Mayor Prague called for vote on the Motion; 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 Galligan stated that the contract for 765 Sullivan Avenue is scheduled for signing. The Town Hall Annex renovations and the I-291 Corridor project will be discussed later in the meeting.
Mr. Galligan reviewed revenue projects for the upcoming budget and stated that he is concerned with building permits and conveyance fees that are collected in the Town Clerk’s Office. Both these items presently have a shortfall compared to last year.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mr. Mike Gantick, Director of Public Works came before the Council to answer questions regarding the infrastructure program through the State of Connecticut. Mr. Galligan explained that the firehouse project could be put on the list, but would have to make sure that the Public Building Commission would like to do that.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (continued)
Council Members discussed shared services and also regional shared services.
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and voiced his concerns on how the South Windsor Town Council runs their meetings.
15. Consent Agenda
None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Addressing the Expected Shortfall in Revenues for the 2008/2009 Budget, (continued from 12/1/08 meeting)
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.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
16. A. (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 Councillor Oates
Councillor McCann reviewed friendly Amendments he would like on the Resolution, they are as follows (bolded items should be inserted):
1. The Town of South Windsor shall institute a hiring freeze until further notice. No full time or part time positions, except positions which are funded by programmatic fees, shall be filled without further action of the Council.
ITEM:
16. A. (continued)
4. No vehicles or equipment shall be ordered or purchased at a cost of more then $5,000 without prior notification to Council.
Language was taken out of the following as well as language inserted, #5 should read as follows:
5. The Manager shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the total actual expenditures for fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 is below budgeted amounts
Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan voiced his concerns if this resolution is approved.
Councillor Havens stated that the Town Manager has always brought back money each year and although the resolution is well intended, Councillor Havens said he does not want to micro-manage the town staff.
Councillor Pelkey said that he also feels this resolution would be micro-managing the Town Manager and town staff and would not support the resolution.
Councillor Maneeley felt that the resolution has high merits, but does not feel the Town Council should be approving resolutions for the Town to spend money that is already necessary to spend.
Councillor Yagaloff said he would support the resolution if there was a certain amount the Town was going to be reducing spending by, but there is not, and therefore would not support the resolution as written.
Councillor Hale complimented the resolution, but felt that the Town Manager knows that the Town Council would like the spending to come under budget, so she stated she would not support this resolution.
Councillor Oates stated that the intention of the resolution is already having an effect and he would support the resolution.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that the main intent of the resolution is good and he would be supporting the resolution.
ITEM:
16. A. (continued)
Councillor McCann explained that there is a recession which is going to get worse before it gets better. The Town should save money where is can and he would continue to support this resolution.
Mayor Prague stated he would like the Town Manager to consider seriously if open positions in Town need to be replaced. He would also like the Town Manager to cut conferences and be more cautious on spending.
Town Manager Galligan stated that he understands that the Town Council wants spending reduced and will keep a close eye on spending.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail felt the Town Council is knit picking and thought that any money that the Board of Educations turns back, should be turned back to the town.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this Resolution, it failed on a Roll Call Vote of 3 to 6 with Councillors Hale, Maneeley, havens, Pelkey, Yagaloff, and Mayor Prague all voting against the resolution; and Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Oates and McCann voting in fvaor of the resolution.
B. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $30,000 from the Contingency Account to the Redevelopment Agency Professional Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $30,000 from the Contingency Account to the Redevelopment Agency Professional Account, to cover the cost of hiring a consulting firm, The National Development Council to work on a project for the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
Town Manager Matthew Galligan explained briefly that he would like this company to evaluate a project that the town is reviewing to possibly do and requested that the amount be amended from $30,000 to $35,000.
Councillor Pelkey made a motion to Amend the amount in the Resolution from $30,000 to $35,000. Councillor Hale seconded the Amendment and it passed 7 to 2 on a Roll Call vote with the dissenting votes being cast by Mayor Prague and Councillor McCann.
ITEM:
16. B. (continued)
Council members discussed the hiring of the consultant and various questions were answered by the Town Manager.
Councillor McCann explained that he is voting against this amendment because he does not feel he has enough background in this matter that would support that the Town is getting information that will be resourceful to the Town.
Mayor Prague called for a motion on the Amended Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
C. Discussion Item – Meeting with the South Windsor Ambulance Corp.
(requested by Mayor Prague)
Mayor Prague began discussions stating that he had met with Larry Gormen a few weeks ago to discuss having the Ambulance Corp. come to update the Town Council on the Ambulance Corp.
Town Manager Galligan felt that the Ambulance Corp. should pay a reasonable rent. A contract will be drafted in order to have the Ambulance Corp. pay a fair rent. The contract will be brought back to the Town Council in order for a policy decision to be made on whether the Ambulance Corp. will pay rent and how much.
D. Discussion Item - Economic Policy for South Windsor
(requested by Councillor Yagaloff)
A discussion ensued regarding sending the economic plan out to Boards and Commissions to get their feedback. The Town Council decided to first review the plan at the January 5, 2009 meeting and then send it out to Board and Commissions for their input.
E. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Thirty-Six (36) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to thirty-six (36) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $3,441.85, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
ITEM:
16. E. (continued)
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion was approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Execute all Necessary Agreement/Contract Documents on Behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
WHEREAS, in 2001 the Town of South Windsor entered into a long-term contract with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service;
WHEREAS, the contract period is from 9/2001 to 9/2010; and
WHEREAS, the contract has and will result in grant money that will provide significant improvements to the Wapping Park Open Space project; and
WHEREAS, at the time the Town of South Windsor entered into this contract, a resolution authorizing Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to sign all necessary documents was never executed
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in order to correct this omission, the Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute all necessary agreement/contract documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan, as Town Manager of the Town of South Winds is also authorized and directed to execute any and all documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor which he deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such contract.
Was made by Councillor Oates
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (continued)
C. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for the Registrars of Voters for Calendar Years 2009 and 2010
WHEREAS, the Registrars of Voters are elected positions, serving a four-year term; and
WHERAS, the Registrars of Voters’ rate of compensation is, by State Statute, to be paid by the municipality
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby stipulates that the annual compensation for the Democratic Registrar of Voters and the Republican Registrar of Voters shall be $29,803, each, effective January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010; and shall increase to $30,846 effective January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Hale made a friendly amendment, where it says, “effective January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010”, should read, “January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009”.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Resolution, it was approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Endorsing Renovations to 1530 Sullivan Avenue
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor is presently in a lease/purchase agreement with Kerin & Kerin, LLC for property located at 1530 Sullivan Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor brought this project out to bid as directed by the Town Council, and received a bid from Cutter Enterprises, who was the lowest bidder, to complete renovations on said property
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby endorses the renovations to the Town Hall Annex, 1530 Sullivan Avenue; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to move this project forward and come back to the Town Council with appropriate funding for this project.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Oates voiced concern on how the Town would be paying for this project and he made an amendment as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that at the January 5, 2008 Town Council meeting, Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan shall provide the Town Council with figures for the funding for renovations to 1530 Sullivan Avenue, funding for eventual purchase of the property at 1530 Sullivan Avenue, and funding for operating expenses.
Council Members discussed at length the funding for this project.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Amendment; it was approved, unanimously.
At 11:00 p.m., Councillor Pelkey made a motion to extend the Regular Meeting to 11:10 p.m.; Councillor Havens seconded the motion; the motion failed, and the meeting ended.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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