TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 April 5, 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. and recessed the Regular Meeting in order to finish the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:14 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
Mr. George Marcotte, of 24 Podunk Circle came before the Town Council to speak in favor of the elimination of the Moderate Priced Housing program.
Mrs. Mary Etter, Director of South Windsor Public Library came before the Town Council to inform the Council and public that on Saturday, April 24, 2010 the South Windsor Library will be hosting different activities to celebrate Earth Day.
Ms. Nancy Yario, 20 Andreis Trail stated that she would like to see a Task Force formed to discuss issues regarding the Bark Park. She would like a fence erected on the south west corner of the park in order to alleviate some of the noise that is occurring. Mr. Galligan requested that Ms. Yario call his office to set up a meeting to discuss this issue. The Chairperson of the Bark Park could be invited to attend also.
Ms. Cate Evans, Director of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce came before the Town Council to update them on Chamber events.
ITEM:
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Favreau announced that April is National Autism Month. The National Autism Foundation will be sponsoring an event on April 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Plainville. For more information, please visit their website.
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 15, 2010; Special Work Session of March 22, 2010, Joint Work Session with Water Pollution Control Authority of March 24, 2010; Regular Meeting of March 15, 2010, and Special Meeting of March 22, 2010.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Councillor Favreau made Amendments to the following meeting minutes: Special Work Session of March 22, 2010 and Joint Work Session with Water Pollution Control Authority of March 24, 2010
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Councillor Hale requested that Council members reconsider the Nelson property and she would like an update from the Town Manager regarding that property and also the Jurgelas property.
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the following items:
- The Town needs to view Frank Niederwerfer’s property across from the Wildlife Sanctuary to see if we are interested in purchasing that property.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (continued)
- A letter was forwarded to the Town Council from Bonnie Gearin thanking Human Service Department.
- Dennis Sheridan and Marcia Banach have advised the Town Council to eliminate the Moderate Price Housing Program.
- IT Department has been nominated for a “Best Practices” Award.
- The Town Council has received a list of the Town Attorney fees
- Another appraisal has been done on the Nelson property to separate the house. Waiting for a report from the Town Attorney to find out what the next step will be to move forward.
- Mr. Jan Exman has been working to clean up the Hi-G building. Mr. Exman will submit a report when all of the legal items are complete.
- The Towns’ Health Director has left the Town of South Windsor. The Town is working with Manchester and Windsor to see if they are interested in a regional approach.
- There has been an increase of $56,140 in revenues. This change is not being changed in the expenditures projections.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the half an hour of work performed by the Town Attorney was for an opinion that was given to Mr. Favreau, but will check into that further. Town Council members discussed reasonable rent and accommodations for use of space by Probate Court. Mr. Galligan stated that he has requested from the Superintendent of Schools to provide tapes of the Board of Education meetings to be aired on Channel 16. Mr. Galligan then stated that he would contact The Hartford Courant to see if they would be reporting more about South Windsor.
Councillor Prague stated that the plaques used for the tree memorials in the front of the Town Hall are almost falling apart and need to be replaced. Last Friday the Town held the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. There were approximately 2,000 participants and Councillor Prague thanked Deputy Mayor Havens and Imperial Oil for sponsoring that event. There were 25,000 eggs that were dispersed for this event.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports from Temporary Committees
Councillor Hale reported that the Clean Energy Task Force will be participating in Earth Day. The Task Force will be teaching individuals how to apply for reduced costs of electricity and clean energy. This will help lower individual electricity bill and also help the Town of South Windsor earn a free four solar panel electricity system which will produce free electricity for the Town. Any one interested are requested to bring their last electric bill. The Clean Energy Task Force is also trying to set up an electronics recycling program.
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Pelkey informed the Town Council and public about the different events/vendors that will be participating in the Earth Day celebration.
Councillor Prague stated that there are companies out there that are supplying energy and are cheaper then C L & P and are also offering clean energy options as well.
14. Public Participation
None
15. Consent Agenda
None
16. Unfinished Business
None
ITEM:
17. New Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Charles Margolis (D) to the Human Relations Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Charles Margolis (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
- Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on the Participation in a Small Cities Community Block Grant for the Expansion of the Community Center for Senior Citizen Programming
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 19, 2010, at 7:15 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 Participation in a Small Cities Community Block Grant for the Expansion of the Community Center for Senior Citizen Programming.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Mayor Pelkey made an Amendment to change the time to 7:00 p.m., Councillor McCann seconded the Amendment and it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. B. (continued)
The Resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 19, 2010, at 7:00 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 Participation in a Small Cities Community Block Grant for the Expansion of the Community Center for Senior Citizen Programming.
C. Resolution Addressing the Expected Shortfall in Revenues for 2010/2011 Budget
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Connecticut has notified the State Legislature of projected budget shortfalls for fiscal years ending in 2010 and 2011, and is implementing substantial budget reductions for the State, and has called for additional major budget tightening for the next two fiscal years; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor receives a substantial portion of its revenues each year from the State of Connecticut, which may be lowered as a result of budget reductions by the State; and
WHEREAS, the Town Manager of South Windsor has reported to Council an expectation of lower revenues from a variety of sources in the current fiscal year and for the next fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, Council wishes to prepare in advance for anticipated lower revenues, and avoid budget deficits
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective immediately upon passage of this resolution:
- The Town of South Windsor shall institute a hiring freeze until further notice. No full time or part time positions, except positions which are funded by programmatic fees, shall be filled without further action of the Council.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
- Neither the Manager nor any Department Head of the Town shall authorize overtime other than on a critical need basis until further action by Council. To the extent possible, the Department shall adjust their shifts to provide necessary coverage without overtime. The Manager shall direct the Department Heads to provide the Manager with periodic written reports of overtime which they deem to be a critical need. The Manager shall make the determination of what is and what is not a critical need. The Manager shall report monthly to Council with a statement of critical need overtime.
- The Town of South Windsor shall cancel all out-of-state travel by Town personnel, including trips for seminars, training, “fact-finding”, marketing, etc. until further action by Council. To the extent that previously planned out-of-state training is available at a substantial savings to the Town through the alternative means of video conferencing, teleconferencing, the internet, or similar means, Town personnel shall utilize such alternative means.
- No vehicles or equipment shall be ordered or purchased at a cost of more than $5,000 without prior notification to Council.
- This Resolution shall expire on May 17, 2010, unless extended by Council.
- The Manager shall bring to Council for approval on May 10, 2010 a plan to take reasonable steps to ensure that the total actual expenditures for fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 is equal to or below the expected revenue and income for that year.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Mr. Galligan stated that Irene Murray from the Human Services Department will be retiring. This position is a key position and needs to be filled after Ms. Murray retires.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. C. (continued)
Councillor McCann explained that this resolution is a continuation of a plan to lower revenues. Measures taken by the Town Manager and staff have helped, but he feels it is prudent to continue efforts as stated in this resolution.
Answering questions from other Council members, Councillor McCann explained that the resolution calls for restrictions on travel and if an employee has an important trip they can come to the Town Council for approval.
Councillor Prague stated that he is not in favor of eliminating positions, but with Irene Murray retiring there may be an opportunity for the Town to save money. Mr. Galligan stated that since he began working in South Windsor, there have been a number of management positions that have been eliminated. Ms. Murray’s position is being evaluated, but it is his feeling that this position is essential. The Human Services Department has reorganized previously.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he feels if the Board of Education has a surplus, it should be applied to the Town’s deficit to help balance the budget.
Councillor Delnicki stated that he agrees that the Board of Education’s surplus should be put back into the general fund. Councilor Delnicki also stated that the continuation of this resolution tonight is a prudent step that the Town Council should continue.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this motion; it was approved, unanimously
Councillor Hale made a motion to Suspend the Rules, to go to Item 17. D. and then Item 18. A., Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17 New Business (continued)
D. Resolution Terminating the Moderate Priced Housing Program
WHEREAS, the Town Council adopted a Moderate Price Housing Program on May 13, 1991 in order to aid and assist the initial sale and resale of moderate priced individual housing units in the Town of South Windsor; and
WHEREAS, subsequent legislation by the Connecticut General Assembly has provided an affordable housing statutory scheme which provides for low and moderate priced housing opportunities throughout the State of Connecticut, including South Windsor; and
WHEREAS, the Town Manager, Director of Human Services and Director of Planning have all recommended that the Moderate Price Housing Program be terminated in accordance with Article VII, Section 2 of the Program’s Regulations and that any restrictions or encumbrances on units purchased under this Program be released and removed
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in accordance with Article VII, Section 2 of the Moderate Price Housing Program Regulations, the Program is hereby terminated and any restrictions or encumbrances on units purchased under this Program are hereby deemed released and removed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Town officials take any and all actions necessary in furtherance of this Resolution.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that moderate priced apartments are a State program and this resolution would have no effect on that program.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this motion; it was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Adopting an Amendment to Ordinance #165 and #166 of the Code of Ordinances, Section 14-31 Concerning Building Code – Construction and Alteration Fees
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts an amendment to Ordinance #165 and #166 of the Code of Ordinances, Section 14-31 Concerning Building Code – Construction and Alteration Fees, said ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit B., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Councillor Hale explained that this is an amendment that was initiated by Town staff. Following a public hearing, changes have been implemented into the ordinance. Additional fees will not be imposed on residents doing small projects. Fees will be increased on larger projects, and the fees will help with taxes.
Councillor McCann felt that this is not the right time to raise fees.
Councillor Prague stated that after discussing this issue with residential builders, he feels these fees are reasonable.
Councillor Delnicki stated that his concern initially was penalizing home owners and this ordinance does not do that. Councillor Delnicki then stated that with the Connecticut Studios project coming in, these adjustments will benefit the taxpayers of South Windsor.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the motion; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 7 to 2 with Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Hale, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of approval; and Councillor Bazzano and Councillor McCann voting in opposition of approval.
ITEM:
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Item 17. F. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
F. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Nine (9) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to nine (9) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $1,424.89, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
E. Discussion item – Update on the Everbridge Emergency Notification System (Town staff to be present)
Mr. Walter Summers came before the Town Council to update them on the Everbridge Emergency Notification System. Mr. Summers explained that over the last month the Town has been working on trying to get residents to enroll in Everbridge. The Committee has held a few sign ups at the Community Center which helped enlist 125 senior citizens. There will be a mailer sent to residents regarding the Town conducting a test of the system on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:30 am. Town staff will be monitoring the test.
Mr. Summers answered a variety of questions from the Council.
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 10:41 p.m. Deputy Mayor Havens made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councillor Hale seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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