PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
April 26, 2010
7:30 p.m.
South Windsor Council Chambers
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on the Proposed General Government Budget
Mayor Pelkey called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m.; and requested that the Clerk of the Council read the call of the meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto). There were approximately thirty (30) people present in the audience.
Mayor Pelkey asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
Mr. Tom Berstene, 95 Rimfield Drive came forward and stated that he feels there is a political game going on and the Board of Education and Town Council need to work together for all residents. Mr. Berstene then stated the following: The Town should not be bonding; bonds should not be used for operational funds; bonds should only be approved by residents; there has not been any cost benefits shown on shared services; and the Board of Education should move forward on savings with the health benefits.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated that he is upset because nothing has been cut in this Town, only increased spending. Mr. Gonsalves feels the Town Council should be discussing the 53rd pay period which will cost the town $257,000 and the Town Council should also be informing the public that the fund balance is short $3 million dollars.
Mr. Larry Torff, 521 Quarry Brook Drive came before the Town Council and stated that the Town Manager’s approach is clear, but there have been no suggestions on how to lower the budget from any Council members. Mr. Torff suggested ways to save the Town money and also strongly feels that the fund balance should not be used to balance the budget this year.
Ms. Johanna Perkins, 1544 Main Street requested that the Town Council please try to find savings and keep the property tax increase to a minimum.
Mr. Frank Ferrero, 801 Dzen Way said that many people can not continue living in this Town if the taxes keep going up.
Mayor Pelkey read a letter into the record from Charles & Dorothy Wilkins of 205 Orchard Hill Drive requesting that the Town Council either reduce taxes or have no increase in taxes.
Following comments from the audience, Mayor Pelkey asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those in favor of the budget as proposed: - 0
Those opposed to the budget as proposed: - 15
Those in favor of increasing the proposed budget: - 0
The public hearing was closed at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Deborah W. Reid, Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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