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Town Council Approved Regular Minutes 3/1/2010
TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

Minutes Page 1  March 1, 2010


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

1.      Call Meeting to Order

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

4.      Roll Call

Members Present:        Mayor John Pelkey
        Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
        Councillor Gary Bazzano
        Councillor Thomas Delnicki
        Councillor Janice Favreau
        Councillor Kathryn Hale
        Councillor Kevin McCann
        Councillor Cary Prague
        Councillor Keith Yagaloff

Also Present:           Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager

5.      Public Input

        None

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

        None

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 February 16, 2010; Public Hearings (4) of February 16, 2010; and Regular Meetings of January 4, 2010, and February 16, 2010.

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

8.      Public Petitions

        None

ITEM:

9.      Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council

        Mr. Hap Fitts, Chair of the Public Building Commission came before the Town Council to give updates on the Fire Department/Ambulance Facility and the expansion of the Senior Center.

        Fire Department/Ambulance Facility

        Work is being done inside the building which is going well.  The roof is on and there is masonry and brick work happening.  The project is on schedule and it is hopeful that completion will be towards mid-year.  There were problems with the steel fabricator, but all has been taken care of.  The budget is being watched carefully.

        Expansion of the Senior Center

        The architect has been selected and has met with the senior citizens.  There are two plans that have been developed which consist of 10,000 square feet.  All requirements from the Fire Marshal and Planning Department are being worked on.  The Public Building Commission is working hard and is looking at a June application date to receive the grant money of $750,000, but the project estimate is between $2 to $3 million dollars.  

        Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Fitts explained that there would be a lot of site problems if the expansion is located where the patio presently is located.  The other proposed area for the expansion is at the end of the building towards the high school and does make more sense.  Both expansions would create parking problems and the solutions for both plans would be about the same.  

        Mr. Galligan reviewed the process for the grant funding for the senior center expansion.  The senior center expansion will meet the criteria set forth by the federal government.  There is a point system in place which requires the applicant to attend meetings.  Mr. Galligan explained that he has attended all the required meetings and has received all points.  A letter will be submitted to the Community Development Block Grant saying that the Town is ready to go forward with a project and the project will be described in this letter.  A public hearing will have to be scheduled in the Council Chambers after the decision is made whether to move forward with an application for this project.  Another way the town could fund the expansion of the senior center is to request funding over the next two funding cycles.  The Town may have to search for another mechanism to supplement the cost of this project.  

ITEM:

9.      Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council

        Expansion of the Senior Center (continued)

The Town Manager informed the Town Council that he goes onto the internet at times to go through different agencies to see if there is any grant money available.  

Councillor Yagaloff stated that he agrees with the Mayor that the extension going off the side of the building towards the high school would look better because the one in the back is going to change the middle room in the Community Center quite a bit.

Mr. Fitts explained that the Public Building Commission has worked with the Planning Department and with the Fire Marshal to be sure that the configuration is workable.  There are a lot of considerations on how to place the addition.  It is not know at this point when construction could begin.  If other space becomes available where the Recreation Department could be relocated, the money could be spent to reconfigure space internally.

Councillor Hale stated that she is also in favor of the addition going off the side, but parking should not go in the rear.  Council members then discussed having pervious parking on site.

Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the town would have to either appropriate money from the budget or go for bonding if there is not enough money received from the grant money to complete the project.  A public hearing is required before the town submits the application in June.  

Mayor Pelkey stated that he feels a referendum should be held which would be for $2 to $4 million dollars.  The referendum question would be to help fund projects, such as the senior center expansion, that may not receive enough grant money to complete the project.  The Town has a lot of projects where grant funds are used, but it is not known how to fund the remaining of the project.  This referendum would be used for those purposes.

It was the general consensus of the Town Council to construct the addition to the left of the existing building.


ITEM:

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager

        Mr. Galligan reported on the following issues:

  • The Fire Department has finished their bid specifications for a pumper truck.  This item will be going out to bid and the Council will be informed what the price is when the process is complete.
  • At the next Town Council meeting, Mr. Galligan stated he would like to go into Executive Session to discuss funding mechanisms for Connecticut Studios.
Councillor Yagaloff would like to know what the total amount of overtime is projected for the balance of this year.

11.     Reports from Standing Committees

        None


12.     Reports of Temporary Committees

Mayor Pelkey informed the Council that the Town Attorney Search Committee will be meeting on March 9, 2010 and March 10, 2010.

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council

Councillor McCann stated that recently he has only received communications regarding Connecticut Studios from newspaper articles.  Most recently the Connecticut Studios has filed an application with the Planning & Zoning Commission, but the plan does not include a hotel, restaurant, or retail space and the reason given for that at least in the newspaper report was that the retail environment is not strong enough to support those things.  This is a significant difference from the plan that was brought forward to the Town Council.  The economic report that the Town Council received was based on the entire project, not on a project that just included the studios themselves.  Councillor McCann feels that an updated economic impact report should be done prior to the Town Council being in a position to go forward.  This is a large project that potentially could have a large impact on the Town, not just financially, but on the character of the Town itself.  Councillor McCann then stated that he looks forward to

ITEM:

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council (continued)


getting an updated economic impact and having discussions that focuses on the specifics of the financing that would be involved with this project.

Council members discussed in the length the financing difficulties of this project.

Mayor Pelkey informed the Council that on Saturday, March 13, 2010 the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hartford will be held.  The parade steps off at 11:00 a.m.

Mayor Pelkey also informed the Council that on Monday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, prior to the Town Council meeting there will be a “Pinewood Derby Race Off” for the Boy Scouts who have won in each age bracket.  It is the 100th year of boy scouting and it was felt that this would be a good way to introduce the public to the Boy Scouts.   The Town Council is working on ideas for a special event for the Girl Scouts.

14.     Public Participation

Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, felt that prior to the Town Council making any decisions on the sewer fee’s, a public hearing should be held.  There are 20% of the people in this Town that are on septic and should be allowed to come before the Town Council to state their position on this matter.  Mr. Gonsalves also stated that he would like to see the sewer charge be based on water usage.

Ms. Carol Flagg, 140 McGrath Road came before the Town Council and stated that she is disappointed that the Town Council is making a decision on the senior center expansion without any senior citizen input.  Ms. Flagg also stated that taking the Recreation Department out of the Community Center is still not going to give Seniors the room that is needed.

15.     Consent Agenda

Motion to accept Agenda Items 16. A. through 16. E. as the Consent Agenda.

Was made by:  Councillor Hale
Seconded by:  Mayor Pelkey
The motion was:  approved, unanimously

ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business

* A.    Resolution Appointing Frank Bonzani (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Frank Bonzani (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 14, 2011 to fill an expired vacancy.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* B.    Resolution Appointing Anthony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Anthony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2011 to fill an unexpired term of Mario Marrero.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

* C.    Resolution Appointing Kyle Zimmer (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Kyle Zimmer (D) an Alternate 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)

* D.    Resolution Appointing Karen Patterson (D) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Karen Patterson (D) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2011 to fill an unexpired vacancy.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)


ITEM:

16.     Unfinished Business (Continued)

* E.    Resolution Appointing Stephen Lewis (D) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Stephen Lewis (D) an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2013 to fill an expired term of Kevin Ricker.

(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)

17.     New Business

 A.    Resolution Adopting the Final Draft of the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Master Plan, Connecting Our Community, Dated January 29, 2010

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need to address the growth of the town and the impact on its ability to provide for safe walking and bicycling, and the need to develop a new corresponding plan; and

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Park and Recreation Commission has created a sub-committee known as the “South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways” so charged to prepare a long-term Master Plan to make South Windsor a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community, which Master Plan has been completed; and

WHEREAS, citizen participation on the sub-committee was a critical element in assessing the community and in the development of the Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Master Plan is designed as a comprehensive dynamic document and work-in-progress to guide the best and most efficient development of South Windsor’s walking and bicycling infrastructure including multi-purpose trails, safer and more pedestrian/bicycle friendly roads now and in the future; and


(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17.     A.      (Continued)

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Master Plan will be incorporated into the Park & Recreation Commission’s Master Plan, which in turn becomes a subset of the Town’s overall Master Plan of Conservation & Development

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts and adopts the final draft of the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Master Plan, Connecting Our Community, dated January 29, 2010; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need to move forward with the implementation phase of the plan.

Was made by Councillor Favreau
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey

Councillor Favreau stated that she is pleased to introduce this resolution, not only because it addressing increasing the recreational opportunity, but more importantly is promotes an enhanced quality of life in the Town.  Having a plan in place will allow the Town to explore grant money opportunities and also enhances the open space that the Town presently has.

Councillor Yagaloff encouraged residents to make use of these trails so eventually they can be expanded upon.

At 9:14 p.m. Councillor Bazzano requested a short recess to review an amendment that may be proposed; the Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:26 p.m.

Councillor Delnicki explained that there was going to be an amendment made to this resolution, but in discussing the amendment with the subcommittee, it was felt that the subcommittee as a whole should review the amendment and if they feel it is an appropriate action to take, it will be brought back to the Town Council.

Councillor McCann stated that he is in favor of this resolution and feels the Town Council needs to move forward with the implementation phase of this plan.  


ITEM:

17.     A.      (Continued)

Councillor Prague complimented the subcommittee on their very comprehensive work they have done on their plan and stated that he would support this resolution.

Mayor Pelkey called for a motion on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.

Mayor Pelkey presented a proclamation to Ginny Hole for all the work that she has done.  Ginny Hole thanked the Town Council for their support.

B.      Discussion Item:  Prohibiting Smoking at Parks and/or Athletic Fields

Councillor Bazzano began discussions on this topic stating that smoking is unhealthy and should not be mixed with sporting activities.  Councillor Bazzano stated that he would like to see an ordinance established that has a fine associated with the violations of this ordinance.  This could include parks or just athletic fields.

Councillor Favreau said she is in full support of enforcing no smoking in the parks but feels the Recreation Department should be included in the decision making of this Ordinance.

Councillor Delnicki felt that it might be a good idea to hold a public hearing to hear from the residents.  It would also be prudent to look at what other communities around us have done to address smoking in their parks and at their athletic fields.  

Mr. Ray Favreau, Director of Recreation explained that the Board of Education facilities already have no smoking policies in their buildings and on their grounds so that is one item we can take off the list right a way.  Every community handles this issue differently.  Mr. Favreau stated that he will review this issue and come back to Council with recommendations.

ITEM:

17.     New Business (continued)

  • Resolution Clarifying the Sewer Fee Policy, the Setting up of a Formal Capital Improvement Plan, a Capital projects Plan and Corresponding Financing for the Town of South Windsor Sewer Treatment Plant
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to lower sewer user fees in South Windsor; and

WHEREAS, Town Council is in the process of developing the Town’s 2010/2011 budget; and

WHEREAS, the Town Attorney has provided the Town Council with legal opinions concerning the appropriation and funding of expenses related to capital projects, capital reserves and capital improvements for the sewer system, and the Town Attorney has determined that the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) does not have authority to make appropriations for said expenses nor does the WPCA have the authority to collect sewer fees to pay for said expenses; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council has a fiduciary responsibility to give clear and direct guidance to the WPCA in order for them to plan for and recommend to the Town Council for final approval, guidance and direction on the sewer system’s capital needs and improvements, both current and longer term; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council also wishes to give guidance to the Town Manager and the Bond Council in order for them to develop and recommend to the Town Council for final approval a plan for financing long term capital needs (such as the pumping stations) as well as new plant construction; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Town Council to ensure that all appropriations for sewer system related matters, including capital projects, capital reserves, and capital improvements as well as the collection of all revenue for said appropriations, conform with all Town Ordinances and State Statutes

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)



ITEM:

17.     C.      (continued)

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT

1.      Any bonds to be issued for the new sewer plant shall be secured by the full faith and credit of the Town of South Windsor.

  • A revised plan to upgrade the sewer system pumping stations shall be re-submitted to the voters of South Windsor in a Referendum to be held on November 2, 2010.
  • The WPCA shall provide to the Council their preliminary estimates of 2010/2011 Operation and Maintenance expenses on or before March 9, 2010.
  • The WPCA shall provide to the Council their preliminary estimates of 2010/2011 capital projects and capital reserves needs on or before March 9, 2010.
  • The Town Council shall be provided with balances of all WPCA capital accounts (as of February 28, 2010) and projections of said capital accounts to June 30, 2010.
  • No contracts for appropriations for replacement of pumping stations, sewer system capital projects and no payments for pumping stations and other capital items shall be made without prior approval of the Town Council.
Councillor Hale made a motion to amend the resolution to add #7 as follows:

7.      The Town Council and WPCA shall meet during the month of March, 2010 to discuss policies for capital projects and capital accounts.

Mayor Pelkey seconded the motion.  

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)


ITEM:

17.     C.      (continued)

After discussion regarding the amendment was held, Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the amendment; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 7 to 2 with Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Hale and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the amendment; and Councillor McCann and Councillor Prague voting in opposition of the amendment.

A lengthy discussion was held regarding the amended resolution.  Mayor Pelkey then called for a vote on the amended resolution, it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5 to 4 with Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Hale and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the amended resolution; and Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor McCann and Councillor Prague voting in opposition of the amended resolution.

22.     Adjournment

At 10:56 p.m. Councillor Hale made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting.  Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,



                                                
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council