TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
SPECIAL WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2009
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Prague called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Cary Prague
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano (arrived at 7:25 p.m.)
Councillor Kathryn Hale (arrived at 7:15 p.m.)
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Paul Oates
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff (arrived at 7:55 p.m.)
Also Present: Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation
Mr. Tom Munsell, 35 Stephanie Lane came before the Town Council and voiced his concerns regarding the budget.
4. Communications
Councillor Hale informed Council members and the public that the Town of South Windsor is eligible for a Clean Energy Grant. She will be working with Town Manager, Matthew Galligan; and Superintendent of Pollution Control, Fred Shaw to determine how the Town could use this grant to lower energy costs.
Council members discussed at length the process that should be followed in order for the Town Council to determine the Town of South Windsor’s budget. It was decided, as has been done in the past, that the majority would come back with a number that can be discussed.
Answering questions from the Town Council, Dr. Kozaczka, Superintendent of Schools explained that thirty-two positions will be eliminated which consists of twenty-four teaching positions, seven para-professional positions, and one administrative position. The items that are driving the increase in the Board of Education budget are health insurance, special education, out of district placement, salaries, and the pension fund. Unions were asked if they would take concessions, but the Teacher’s Union responded that they would not, the Administrator’s Union is taking a vote on May 20, 2009, and the Non-Certified Union has not answered.
Special Budget Work Session – Town Council
May 6, 2009
Page 2
ITEM
The Work Session was recessed; the Regular Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. The Work Session was reconvened at 8:18 p.m.
5. Town Manager’s Report
None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Board of Education Budget
Councillor Yagaloff stated that education and public safety are priorities in the budget process. The Town Council has the responsibility to provide the Board of Education with real numbers that are fiscally appropriate.
Answering questions from the Town Council, Ms. Snyder, Chair of the Board of Education stated that taking a 0% increase would be catastrophic to the education system. Enrollment is decreasing at a slower rate than anticipated previously. Taking a 0% increase would eliminate programs.
The Board of Education answered other various questions.
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 10:14 p.m. Councillor Hale made a motion to adjourn the Special Budget Work Session. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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