TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
SPECIAL WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 8:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Prague called the meeting to order at 8:03 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Cary Prague
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Lisa Maneeley
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Paul Oates
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council and stated that the Town of South Windsor needs to watch spending, cut out all non-essential items, and plan for the future.
The following individuals came before the Town Council to speak in favor of Recreation programs:
Cheryl Burdick, 220 Long Hill Road
Jennifer Seaman, 22 Ivy Lane
Debbie Manning, 98 Cornerstone Drive
Sue Ellen Lavigne, 155 Wood Pond Road
Brie Balducci, 97 Windsorville Road
Lisa Bretz, 66 Fitch Meadow Lane
Andrea Abbamonte, 224 Scott Drive
Susan Morrison, 67 Joseph Lane
Nancy Cavanaugh, 400 Avery Street
Cheryl Gerber, 24 Clinton Drive
Susan Lumus, Preschool Teacher with the Recreation Department
Dana Turer, 174 Debbie Drive
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the Recreation Department is not self sustaining, the overhead is approximately $1 million per year, but there has been no attempt to reduce the spending in the budget for the 4th R program, Camp Discovery, or Pre-School programs.
Special Budget Work Session – Town Council
May 13, 2009
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3. Public Participation
Councillor Maneeley informed the public that the Town Council does not get rid of programs, the Town Council gives the Department Head or Town Manager a bottom number to work with and it is their decision where cuts would be made.
Councillor McCann stated that he has not seen anything in the proposals that would impact the Recreation Department programs.
Councillor Hale reassured the individuals that came before the Town Council that the Town Council has not discussed cutting any of the programs. There have been discussions about relocating the programs, but never cutting them.
Councillor Pelkey stated that he would continue to support Recreation programs.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano said he believes the Recreation Department is a valued department and there has been no intention of cutting programs or services.
Councillor Oates stated that the Town Council has not had any discussions regarding cutting programs.
Councillor Havens said he appreciates the programs and will continue to support the programs.
Answering a question from Mayor Prague, Mr. Galligan explained that the overhead costs to run different Recreation programs for last year totaled $30,000, and this year, up until this point they have totaled $26,000.
4. Communications
Mayor Prague announced that on Saturday, May 16, 2009 the Town will be holding Armed Forces Day at Nevers Road Park. Fireworks will begin at dusk, which is between 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
5. Town Manager’s Report
Mr. Galligan stated that he gave the Town Council a revised copy of the tax rates for the last five years. There is also a memorandum from the Fire Marshal which includes a budget request and the duties of the Fire Marshal.
Answering questions from the Town Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Council has not given any indication to the Town Manager as to what they are looking for as far as a tax rate, or what your bottom line is in the general government budget. The proposal that was drafted for tonight would create a 2.26% increase to the budget and would not cut any programs.
Special Budget Work Session – Town Council
May 13, 2009
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5. Town Manager’s Report (continued)
Council members then discussed in detail how the fund balance and deficit could be handled. Mr. Galligan stated that it is his feeling that the Town will have projects that will produce revenues in next year’s budget.
At 9:45 p.m. Mayor Prague made a motion to take a fifteen minutes recess. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
The meeting reconvened at 10:10 p.m.
Council member then discussed different programs and/or areas where it is felt reductions could happen in the budget. Town Council members felt they should review the different ideas and give Town Manager, Matthew Galligan items that can be discussed at the next meeting.
Further questions were answered by Mr. Galligan.
6. Items for Discussion
A. General Government Budget
Item discussed above
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 11:02 p.m. Councillor Pelkey made a motion to adjourn the Special Budget Work Session. Councillor Maneeley seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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