TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 16, 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 8:03 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
Ms. Janice Favreau, Chair of the Human Relations Commission and announced the winners of the Poetry and Poster Contest.
5. Public Input
Mr. Timothy Moriarty, 90 Skyline Drive came before the Town Council to congratulate the Councillors on their work with Connecticut Studios. He also congratulated the Board of Education for a well put together budget, although it is his feeling that there are more places for savings and improved efficiencies that would benefit the children of South Windsor.
Mr. Happ Fitts, Chair of the Public Building Commission gave the Town Council a status report on the Firehouse project and the costs associated with that project.
Answering various questions from the Council, Mr. Fitts explained that a construction manager has been hired for this project. The idea for this project is to take the plans from 625 Sullivan Avenue and transport it to 765 Sullivan Avenue with the necessary modifications.
Councillor Yagaloff voiced that he feels this is a good time for the town to be doing this type of project and is also good for local contractors who need work.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (continued)
Town Manager, Matthew Galligan informed Council members that there is an appropriation of $25,000 on the agenda tonight. This will provide fund in order to begin work on other areas of the property at 765 Sullivan Avenue that will not be used for the fire house project. The property at 625 Sullivan Avenue will be put on the market after a new analysis is complete.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Agenda Items 17. F., 17. G., and 17. H. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
H. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Move Forward with Architectural Plans for the Expansion of the Community Center (Senior Center) located at 150 Nevers Road
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council is aware that the population of senior citizens is growing each year; and
WHEREAS, the Community Center has limited space and is in need of additional square footage for different senior activities; and
WHEREAS, during the 2008/2009 budget, the amount of $90,000 was appropriated into the budget under Capital Improvement Projects for the Community Center Plans; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor will seek federal funding through a Community Development Block Grant
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to move forward with the architectural plans using $90,000 appropriated previously and any federal funding that becomes available for the expansion of the Community Center (Senior Center) located at 150 Nevers Road.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Hale
(Resolution Continued Next Page)
ITEM:
17. H. (continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that he has heard on several occasions that more space is needed for seniors and this resolution will begin the process to create more space for seniors.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Community Development Block Grant is federal funds through the state. The Town would have to complete for funding with other towns. The main criteria of this grant is that the addition of the building can only be used by seniors and the project has to be shovel ready. The Town would like to begin the architectural plans so that when the Town applies for the grant, the project will be ready to begin.
Councillor Havens, Councillor Oates, Councillor Pelkey, Councillor Yagaloff, and Mayor Prague all were in favor of the resolution.
Answering further questions from Council members, Mr. Gallgan said that he would put out an RFP and would also contact DECD. He then stated that he would look at other options for different programs that are run at the Community Center.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Submitting the Indoor Pitching and Batting Facility Project to the Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Park and Recreation Master Plan has identified the need and desire to build an indoor pitching and batting facility; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2008, the South Windsor Town Council unanimously voted to match any private funding to build such a facility up to $50,000; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. F. (continued)
WHEREAS, for over a year a group of concerned citizens formed a committee to get the process moving, conceived a design, raised substantial funding, met with town staff, had two informal pre-approval meetings to review their plans with the Planning & Zoning Commission, and is now ready to finalize those plans; and
WHEREAS, any plan that includes the use of Town monies, must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion was approved, unanimously
- Resolution to Restore and Provide High-Quality High School Athletic Fields
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to provide safe, sustainable, high-quality athletic fields for use by South Windsor High School athletes; and
WHEREAS, the number of athletes and hours of usage of the existing fields has grown substantially over the past twenty-five years due to the increase participation in sports among girls and boys; and
WHEREAS, the number of athletic fields has not increased to keep up with the increased demand; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of the Town to maintain the existing fields in excellent condition has been hampered by the wear and tear of this expanded usage; and
WHEREAS, a recent independent study conducted by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference indicated that our athletic fields are in need of repair and restoration; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. G. (continued)
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to restore the quality of its fields and address the need to provide sufficient fields to meet the existing and foreseeable demand
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council adopts and endorses a three-stage plan to be implemented in cooperation with the South Windsor High School Administration and the Board of Education, beginning immediately to address the immediate, mid-range, and long-range need for outdoor athletic facilities for use by High School student athletes, as follows:
- Immediately begin testing of existing conditions of the existing Upper Fields on Ayers Road, utilizing up to $35,000 from the Capital Non-Recurring Account, to assess the base material and determine the need for excavation and installation of an appropriate base and drainage.
- Begin restoration of the Upper Fields in the spring of 2009, including necessary excavation, grading, the installation of an appropriate base, drainage, irrigation, appropriate soils, and grass to create safe, sustainable high-quality fields, with at least one of the fields ready for use in the fall of 2009 and the second one for the spring of 2010.
- Temporarily allow the three (3) existing fields at Nevers Road Park to be used simultaneously for High School sports programs while the Upper Fields are being rebuilt.
- Install safety netting at Nevers Road Park to avoid injuries from cross field play.
- Allocate resources to restore the Nevers Road Park fields from increased usage.
ITEM:
17. G. (continued)
- Assess and provide intensive maintenance as necessary to restore and improve the quality of all other athletic fields at the High School.
- Provide the resources to maintain all High School fields in the best condition possible.
- Allocate the necessary funding from the Capital Projects Account, or such other sources as may be presented to Council by the Town Manager.
- Direct the Town Manager to develop two (2) year and five (5) year plans to address the need to provide and maintain sufficient fields for South Windsor High School athletic programs, including the ability to rest and rotate fields to keep them in excellent condition, and exploring all options for providing safe, high quality fields including the development of other available portions of Nevers Road Park.
Was made by Councillor McCann and Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Yagaloff, who was part of the subcommittee, stated that there has been a lot of discussions regarding the safety issues that the fields possess presently. These safety concerns should be addressed immediately.
Councillor McCann explained that this resolution also entails the maintenance of these fields and he encouraged all Town Council members to support this resolution.
Councillor Pelkey stated he feels this is a good solution to the problem with the fields at the High School and rotating the use of fields is imperative. Councillor Pelkey stated he would support this resolution.
Councillor Oates, Hale, and Havens all stated they would support this resolution.
ITEM:
17. G. (continued)
Answering a question from Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor McCann explained that this project will not raise taxes because it will be funded over the current fiscal year as well as the next fiscal year
Councillor Pelkey suggested a friendly amendment which would read as follows:
1. Immediately begin testing of existing conditions of the existing Upper Fields on Ayers Road, utilizing up to $35,000 from the Capital Projects Account, to assess the base material and determine the need for excavation and installation of an appropriate base and drainage. (previously read non-recurring)
Councillor McCann agreed to the friendly amendment.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Prague stated that he recently learned that the State of Connecticut is offering a $500 rebate to anyone who has installed a boiler in their homes. The date can go back to July 1, 2007.
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 Session of March 2, 2009; and Regular Meeting of March 2, 2009.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Maneeley
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
None
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the following items:
- South Windsor has been selected to received funding through the Clean Water Fund for the Water Pollution Control Plant.
- Council members have received the budget in detail. There will be no presentations by staff done this year.
Answering questions from Council members, Mr. Galligan explained that the Governor made an announcement that South Windsor would be receiving the funding for the Water Pollution Control Plant through the Clean Water Fund and that is as certain as the Town can be at this point. The Town Council and Water Pollution Control Authority will be meeting to discuss sewer rates for the upcoming year. This discussion should be held after March 25, 2009 because the town will be meeting with the State to receive information regarding the town receiving money through the Clean Water Fund.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Pelkey stated that a committee to name public facilities was formed a few years back. The process was never formalized. Councillor Pelkey suggested that a subcommittee be restarted and procedures for naming public facilities be brought back to the Town Council.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that no financial information regarding the Water Pollution Plant were ever presented to the public, if they were, the referendum would not have passed.
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. L., as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillors Havens and McCann
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
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.
16. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Elizabeth Kuehnel (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* B. Resolution Appointing John Blondin (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (continued)
* C. Resolution Appointing Hugh Brower (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*D. Resolution Appointing Frank Bonzani (D) to the Public Building Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* E. Resolution Reappointing John Mitchell (R) an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* F. Resolution Reappointing Audrey Delnicki (R) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
* G. Resolution Reappointing Carol Heffler (R) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* H. Resolution Reappointing Theresa Dickey-Gaignat (R) to the Personnel Board of Appeals
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* I. Resolution Reappointing William Jodice (R) to the Building code Board of Appeals
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
*J. Resolution Reappointing Richard Siedman (R) an Alternate to the Water Pollution Control Authority
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
* K. Resolution Appointing Linc Streeter (R) an Alternate to the Connecticut River Assembly
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.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
17. New Business
- Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2009/2010
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 6, 2009, 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 the proposed General Government Budget for Fiscal Years 2009/2010.
Was made by Councillor Pelkey
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2009/2010
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at Timothy Edwards Middle School, room Alt. #6, 100 Arnold Way, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Years 2009/2010.
Was made by Councillor Oates
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
C. Resolution Submitting Road and Drainage Capital Improvement Projects to the Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has a list of Road and Drainage Capital Improvement Projects that were approved for funding by a Bond referendum that passed in November, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Capital Projects Committee wishes to add the following projects to this list for funding by the Bond Issue: Sand Hill Road Pavement Rehabilitation, Lawrence Road Reconstruction and Hayes Road Reconstruction; and
WHEREAS, any plan for improvements to Town streets, bridges, culverts, drainage and sewerage systems must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the three (3) projects listed above be included I the list of Capital Improvement Projects funded by the Bond Issue and also be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Pelkey informed the Council that these projects were not what was put out on the referendum. These projects have become more urgent and there is a lack of funds for these roads so the projects had to be reshuffled.
Mr. Galligan stated he would have more information on the capital projects list during the budget season.
Councillor McCann said he would support this resolution because it would make more sense to do these projects now when the costs are down. Mayor Prague agreed with Councillor McCann statement.
Mayor Prague called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
D. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $25,000 from the Contingency Account to the Development of 765 Sullivan Avenue Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $25,000 from the Contingency Account to the Development of 765 Sullivan Venue Capital Projects Account. Said transfer is to cover the costs of survey work for the portion of the property not being used for the fire house.
Was made by Councillor Maneeley
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
- Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Twenty-Three (23) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-three (23) South Windsor Residents, the total of said refunds being $5,445.91.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Pelkey
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
ITEM:
21. Executive Session
None
22. Adjournment
At 10:32 p.m., Councillor McCann 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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