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Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 3-2-09
TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

Minutes Page 1  March 2, 2009


TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall

1.      Call Meeting to Order

Deputy Mayor Bazzano called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.

4.      Roll Call

Members Present:        Mayor Cary Prague
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Paul Oates
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff

Also Present:           Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager

5.      Public Input

Mr. Ryan Paggioli, 133 Hayes Road came forward to address the Town Council.  Mr. Paggiloi stated that there will be a Penguin Plunge on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Crystal Lake in Ellington.  Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the plunge will be at 12:00 p.m.  There is also a way to register online, www.soct.or.  All monies raised will help support Special Olympics Connecticut.

Mrs. Gail Paggioli stated that the Eastern Regional Director of Special Olympics Connecticut who could not make tonights meeting wanted the Town Council to know that the Ellington Plunge is one of nine in the State, the 2008 plungers raised $20,000.  As of February 25, 2009 there are ninety-eight (98) plungers registered online for $15,000.  

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

        Councillor Pelkey urged residents to become blood donors.  


7.      Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings

        
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings:  Work Sessions of January 20, 2009 and February 2, 2009; Special Meeting of January 27, 2009; Public Hearing of February 2, 2009; and Regular Meetings of January 5, 2009, January 20, 2009, and February 2, 2009.

Was made by Councillor Oates
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion 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 thanked the Council for acting quickly on the resolution to order the retrofit for the mandated renovations to the Veteran’s Memorial Pool.  The retrofits have been ordered and the pool will be up and running for the opening season.  There will be close to 300,000 pools across the country this year that will not be able to open because there is not enough equipment to get out to everyone who needs it.  

Back in May of 2008, a resident came to the Town requesting that a wildlife crossing sign be erected in the area of Route 30 near Victorian Woods because there were a lot of animals being killed in that area.  The Town worked with the Department of Transportation and has recently received a letter stating that a deer crossing sign will be put up.

The Town Council has been invited to the next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting which will be held on March 10, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. to listen to representatives from CRCOG who will be giving a brief presentation on the benefits of Complete Streets.

Town Council members should have received an updated budget presentation.

Town Council should have also received an updated listing of bonded road and drainage capital improvements projects.

Mr. Jeff Doolitte, Town Engineer notified Representative Bill Aman about proposed cuts from the bridge grant program budget of $35,000,000.    Representative Aman found out that the State is going to hold at least $7,000,000. of that money, but it has not been determined how that money will be dispersed.

The town has recently sold some bonds and received 3.16% in interest rates which will save the town approximately $804,000 in interest rate costs.  

Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the town will probably be switching vendors for the AED machines because they are still on back order with the present vendor.  Sergeant Scott Custer has been asked to review this situation and the Town Council will be updated at a later date.  
        
Mr. Galligan then informed Council members that there is funding available to begin architectural plans for an addition to the Community Center (Senior Center).  The town will be seeking federal funding but there has been discussions regarding the Wapping School becoming available at a later date and the town using that building.  Councillor Yagaloff requested a break down of costs for the pre-school program and also would like a break down of short term bonds, what the project cost is and the interest being paid out.  Mr. Galligan stated he would provide those items to Councillor Yagaloff.

Councillor Pelkey felt that it would be in the towns best interest to do a value assessment cost of space versus programs.  The Town Council should also request information from the Board of Education regarding the Wapping School.  Councillor Havens stated that the Community Center project should not be held up because the senior population if growing.  Councillor Pelkey explained that Councillor Yagaloff wants to evaluate what programs are going on in that building.  There may be the ability to manipulate programs to other buildings.

Mr. Galligan also stated he would update the Council regarding the status of the Treatment Plant project after he is updated by Mr. Gantick.

Councillor Hale requested that an update on the Firehouse project be provided to the Town Council by the Public Building Commission, and/or Chief Crombie.  Councillor Oates requested with that presentation that the Town Council be updated on what the remaining property would be used for that the town purchased with the Firehouse property.

Councillor Hale then informed the public that to qualify for the Senior Citizen Property Tax Program, an income for a single person is up to $35,500 and for a married couple is up to $41,300.

Mayor Prague announced that the final meeting for the Buckland Transportation Study is March 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Windsor Library, Friends Room.

Answering further questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan said he would have Mr. Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works come before the Town Council at the next meeting to discuss the pavement plan that was established.

The problem that the town has faced in the past trying to regionalize the Communications Center is trying to get all the different towns to work together and make joint decisions.

  • Reports from Standing Committees
None

  • Reports of Temporary Committees
None

Councillor Yagaloff informed the public that the Fields Committee will be drafting a resolution for the next Town Council meeting regarding the South Windsor High School athletic fields.

Councillor Pelkey reminded the Town Council and the public that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on March 14, 2009.

14.     Public Participation

        None

15.     Consent Agenda

Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. K., as the Consent Agenda.

Was made by Councillors Hale and Maneeley
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 was none.

Mayor Prague called for a vote on the Consent Agenda; it was approved, unanimously.

17.     New Business

* A.    Resolution Appointing Elizabeth Kuehnel (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning 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 appoints Elizabeth Kuehnel (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 12, 2011 to fill an unexpired term of Daniel Jeski and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)


* B.    Resolution Appointing John Blondin (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/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 appoints John Blondin (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 to fill an unexpired term of Anthony Duarte and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* C.    Resolution Appointing Hugh Brower (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/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 appoints Hugh Brower (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 to fill an unexpired term of John Blondin and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*D.     Resolution Appointing Frank Bonzani (D) to the Public Building 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 appoints Frank Bonzani (D) to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011 to fill an unexpired term of Daniel Jeski and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)


* E.    Resolution Reappointing John Mitchell (R) an Alternate 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 John Mitchell (R) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2012 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* F.    Resolution Reappointing Audrey Delnicki (R) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/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 Audrey Delnicki (R) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* G.    Resolution Reappointing Carol Heffler (R) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/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 Carol Heffler (R) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)


* H.    Resolution Reappointing Theresa Dickey-Gaignat (R) to the Personnel 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 reappoints Theresa Dickey-Gaignat (R) to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* I.    Resolution Reappointing William Jodice (R) to the Building Code 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 reappoints William Jodice (R) to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term ending January 1, 2014 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

*J.     Resolution Reappointing Richard Siedman (R) an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control 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 Richard Siedman (R) an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2011 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* K.    Resolution Appointing Linc Streeter (R) an Alternate to the Connecticut River Assembly 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 Linc Streeter (R) an Alternate to the Connecticut River Assembly for a term ending January 12, 2012 to fill and expired term and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

16.     Unfinished Business

        None

17.     New Business

  • Resolution Authorizing the South Windsor Town Council to Remove Robert “Joe” Mongeon (R) from the Board of Assessment Appeals
WHEREAS, under the Town Charter, Chapter 5, Section 502 (b), the South Windsor Town Council has the authority to remove any member of a Board, Commission, or Committee appointed by it if such member has absented himself/herself from all meetings of his/her Board, Commission, or Committee for a period of three consecutive months; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Robert “Joe” Mongeon (R) a Member of the Board of Assessment Appeals has been absent from the Commission meetings for more than a period of three consecutive months; and

WHEREAS, there have been attempts to seek a resignation from Mr. Mongeon to no avail

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to Section 502 (b) of the Charter, the South Windsor Town Council hereby removes Mr. Robert “Joe” Mongeon as a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals effective immediately.

Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Oates
The motion was approved, unanimously

  • Resolution Appointing Susan Rose (R) to the Board of Assessment 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 Susan Rose (R) to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011 to fill an unexpired term of Robert “Joe” Mongeon and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

Was made by Mayor Prague
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously

  • Resolution Approving the Transfer of $42,912 from Various Completed Project Accounts to the Orchard Hill and Pleasant Valley Pump Replacement Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $26,165 from the completed South Windsor High School Elevators Upgrade project and $16,747 from the completed Replace Chimney Stacks at South Windsor High School project, for a total of $42,912, to the Orchard Hill and Pleasant Valley Pump Replacement Account to fund the replacement of the heat circulator pumps at Orchard Hill Elementary School and Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously

  • Resolution Approving the Transfer of $2,303 from the completed South Windsor High School Elevators Upgrades Project to the completed School Security Project
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $2,303 from the completed South Windsor High School Elevators Upgrade project to the completed School Security project to fund the amount of the School Security project that was over budget.

Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously

  • Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign the State/Municipal Project Grant Agreement for the Reconstruction of Felt Road Bridge over Farm Brook
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded a grant from the State of Connecticut Local Bridge Program to fund 31.19% of the eligible project costs for the replacement of the Felt Road Bridge over Farm Brook

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes its Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute the agreement titled, “Project Grant Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and the Town of South Windsor under the Local Bridge Program for Felt Road over Farm Brook, Bridge No. 132002, State Project No. 9132-0002”.

Was made by Councillor Oates
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously

  • Resolution Authorizing the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for the Lease of Property Located on 425 Avery Street
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor solicited competitive bids on three separate occasions for the lease of property located on 425 Avery Street, also known as the Orchard Farm, consisting of approximately 29 acres; and

WHEREAS, on each occasion, a single bid proposal was received from Mr. Brian Gavitt who has been the operator of the orchard during the bidding process

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby waives the requirement for competitive bidding for the lease of land for the purpose of operating an orchard on 425 Avery Street.

Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano

Answering various question from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained the Town would like to waive the competitive bidding process because Mr. Gavitt has been the only individual interested in leasing this property, he has been investing capital into this property to continue the farming on this property, and it costs the Town money each time to go out to bid.  

Councillor Yagaloff made a suggestion that the Town should increase the period of the lease from five years to ten years.  The purpose of competitive bidding is not just to get the Town the lowest price, but also to allow anyone who wishes to compete for the opportunity for use of the land.  I will vote against for the concept that it is not an emergency situation and would prefer to get to the same goal by offering a longer lease term.  Mr. Galligan explained that the Town used to have ten year leases until people started to complain that it was competitive and the lease was too long for one individual.

Councillor Oates stated that farming is a tough business and the more the Town Council can encourage farming the better.

Mayor Prague called for a vote on this resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 7 to 1 with Mayor Prague, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Hale, Havens, Maneeley, Oates, and Pelkey all voting in favor of the resolution; and Councillor Yagaloff voting against the resolution.

  • Resolution Accepting a Street within the Kilkenney Heights Subdivision and the Copper Ridge Subdivision
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts the deed for a street within the following Subdivisions:

        Kilkenney Heights Subdivision

        Maskel Road (partial)  -  1,125 linear feet

        Copper Ridge Subdivision

        Copper Ridge  -  830 linear feet

Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously

  • Resolution approving a Refund of Taxes to Thirty-Three (33) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to thirty-three (33) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $26,689.83.  

Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
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

At 9:25 p.m. Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss potential development of land in the Town of South Windsor (I-291 Corridor), and possible purchase of real estate for the Town of South Windsor (Jurgelas Property on Chapel Road and Nelson Property on 490 Deming Street).  Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion, and it was approved, unanimously.

The following individuals went into Executive Session:  Town Manager Matthew Galligan, Mayor Prague, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Hale, Councillor Havens, Councillor Maneeley, Councillor Oates, Councillor Pelkey, and Councillor Yagaloff (Councillor Yagaloff will only be sitting in on the discussion of possible purchase of real estate for the Town of South Windsor – I-291 Corridor).

22.     Adjournment

At 10:05 p.m., Councillor Maneeley made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and Regular Meeting; Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,



                                                
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council