TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 June 21, 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
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Members Absent: Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Item 16. A. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Craig Zimmerman (D) to the Board of Education
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Craig Zimmerman (D) to the Board of Education for a term ending November 7, 2011 to fill an unexpired term of Brian Salerno.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was approved, unanimously
Mrs. Lori Trahan, Town Clerk came forward to swear in Mr. Craig Zimmerman to the Board of Education.
ITEM:
Councillor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Item 17. F. Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
F. Resolution Authorizing a Retirement Incentive Program for Town Department Heads
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to provide a one time Retirement Incentive Program to Department Heads, in an effort to reduce future costs; and
WHEREAS, eligible employees must be at least 55 years old on their retirement date and have a minimum of 20 years of service with the Town; and
WHEREAS, eligible employees will be required to notify the Town Manager, in writing, of their decision to participate in this program by Friday, July 2, 2010 and retire, during the 2010/2011 fiscal year, on a date that the Town Manager determines to be in the best interest of the Town; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council believes it appropriate to provide the following benefits to the eligible Department Heads in recognition of their dedicated service to the Town of South Windsor
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to provide a Retirement Incentive Program for eligible Department Heads with the following benefits:
- Payment of any accrued vacation and sick time as calculated by the Director of Finance; and
- An individual medical insurance policy for twelve months; and
- For any defined pension plan participant, increase benefit service credits by up to 4 years, as determined by the Town Manager; and
- Or any combination of the above.
Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor McCann
ITEM:
17. F. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that there may be some individuals that will take advantage of this incentive in July. If there is an individual who does take this incentive and they have an assistant, the assistant will take the position of that person who is taking retirement and the assistant positions will not be replaced. Mr. Galligan then stated that other positions may also be looked at to be given this incentive.
Councillor Prague stated that he is happy to see this incentive and feels the Town Manager is thinking in a creative way to save the Town money. The Board of Education has stated that they will be giving a surplus of $4.1 million dollars back to the Town. Councillor Prague feels that with the surplus there should be enough money to reinstate the Assistant Town Clerk position to full time because although the office does not generate the funds it used to, there is still a tremendous amount of work.
Answering questions from the Town Council, Mrs. Trahan explained that there have been three people in that office for approximately 40 years and the office really needs two full time Assistant Town Clerks.
Councillor Prague made an Amendment to the resolution to include a transfer of $25,000 from the Contingency Account to the Town Clerk’s Full Time Salaries Account to cover the cost to reinstate the Assistant Town Clerk’s position from part time to full time. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion.
Councillor McCann stated that he made a mistake during the recent budget deliberations focusing on income without looking at the work load regarding the Town Clerk’s Office. The work load has not decreased, it may even have increased.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Amendment; it was approved, unanimously.
Mr. Larry Torff, 521 Quarry Brook Drive came before the Town Council. Mr. Torff stated that the position (amendment) has nothing to do with the remainder of the resolution that is being discussed. Mr. Torff then stated that the proposal is too flexible and a 4 year pension seems to be too much.
ITEM:
17. F. (Continued)
The Amended Resolution to read as follows:
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to provide a one time Retirement Incentive Program to Department Heads, in an effort to reduce future costs; and
WHEREAS, eligible employees must be at least 55 years old on their retirement date and have a minimum of 20 years of service with the Town; and
WHEREAS, eligible employees will be required to notify the Town Manager, in writing, of their decision to participate in this program by Friday, July 2, 2010 and retire, during the 2010/2011 fiscal year, on a date that the Town Manager determines to be in the best interest of the Town; and
WHEREAS, due to the surplus from the Board of Education Budget, there will be a transfer of $25,000 from the Contingency Account from Fiscal Year 2010/2011 to the Town Clerk’s Full Time Salaries Account to cover the costs to reinstate the Assistant Town Clerk position from part time to full time; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council believes it appropriate to provide the following benefits to the eligible Department Heads in recognition of their dedicated service to the Town of South Windsor
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to provide a Retirement Incentive Program for eligible Department Heads with the following benefits:
- Payment of any accrued vacation and sick time as calculated by the Director of Finance; and
- An individual medical insurance policy for twelve months; and
- For any defined pension plan participant, increase benefit service credits by up to 4 years, as determined by the Town Manager; and
- Or any combination of the above.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
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 January 19, 2010 and June 7, 2010; and Regular Meetings of January 19, 2010 and June 7, 2010.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Galligan stated that he would like to have Mr. Scott Roberts explain a grant that the Town has received.
Mr. Scott Roberts, Director of IT came before the Town Council. He explained that Northeast Utilities was looking for communities to look at social media to better communicate and inform the public about government through facebook. The Town of South Windsor has received the grand and over the next year will be working to put strategic plan together to reach citizens better. The only cost to the Town would be $500.00.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Roberts explained that the grant money will be used for advertising. Northeast Utilities will work with the Town to put together a social media for an entire year to facilitate a plan. If this takes too much of staff time the Town can decide not to do this anymore. Only certain employees will have administrative rights to post anything. Mr. Roberts then informed the Council that any future information regarding this issue will be forwarded to the Town Council through the Town Manager’s reports.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Council members discussed the payment associated with Sewer Plant upgrade. Mr. Galligan informed the Council that the Sub-Committee that was formed with be discussing this item and a recommendation will be brought back to the Town Council for discussion and decision.
Mr. Galligan stated that there has been no new information gathered regarding the Mobil Station on Oakland Road. Mr. Galligan will have the Economic Development Coordinator Craig Stevenson try to find out information on the property.
Mayor Pelkey stated that at the July 19, 2010 meeting Mr. Jan Exman will be updating the Council on the Hi-G building.
Mayor Pelkey also stated that Gerber will take 1 to 1 ½ years to move out of their building in South Windsor. Mayor Pelkey was informed that the personal property tax for Gerber is $42,000 and should not impact the Town.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation
Mr. Larry Torff, 521 Quarry Brook Drive came forward and stated that he had noted that there would a discussion item tonight regarding a Referendum item on $10,000,000 for Road Improvements. Mr. Torff feels it is necessary for the Town Council to provide the public with a complete report on how the previous referendum money of $10,000,000 was spent prior to a referendum on another $10,000,000.
15. Consent Agenda
None
16. Unfinished Business
B. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Thirteen (13) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to thirteen (13) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $10,479.07, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Approving the Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Year 2010/2011 and 2011/2012
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description of Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Years 2010/2011 and 2011/2012.
Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Approving an Increase in Hours and Fringe Benefits Equivalent to those Approved by Council for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a full-time work schedule for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2010/2011 at the Clerk of the Council’s current hourly rate and with benefits being equivalent to those provided for in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said work schedule will be based on an average of 37.5 hours per week during the 2010/2011 Fiscal Year and participation in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Package shall be effective July 1, 2010.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
- Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign the Local Bridge Program Supplemental Application for the Reconstruction of the Main Street Bridge over Stoughton’s Brook, State Project No. 9132-0017
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded a grant from the State of Connecticut Local Bridge Program to fund 31.19% of the eligible project costs for the repair of the Main Street Bridge over Stoughton’s Brook
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes its Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign the Local Bridge Program Supplemental Application on behalf of the Town of South Windsor for the Main Street Bridge over Stoughton’s Brook, Bridge No. 132-017
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Councillor McCann
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
Councillor McCann stated that this is one of the projects that were on the list of major capital projects using the $10,000,000. The Council will need a complete report on expenditures but the Town has accomplished several items on that list. Councillor McCann stated that he feels this has been a successful program and would support the resolution.
Mayor Pelkey explained that this project was a priority because of the 31.19% backing. A bridge study was done and based on that study bridge projects were prioritized.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that last fall projects were changed, but the only thing that has changed were dollar amounts.
Mayor Pelkey then stated that even though the projects were prioritized previously, it was always understood that the list could be shifted around based on dollars available and priorities.
Answering further questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this project was delayed due to the State of Connecticut not having enough people to review items and when this was reviewed because it is a historic road and scenic road there was more work to be done.
Councillor Delnicki requested that as information changes it be updated on the website.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Enter into and Sign an Agreement with Capitol Region Council of Governments Regarding the Use of Federal Homeland Security Grant Funds to Support Regional Set-Aside Projects
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan, as Town Manager of the Town of South Windsor is authorized and directed by the South Windsor Town Council to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
The motion was approved, unanimously
E. Discussion Item: Referendum Items as follows:
- Town Economic Assistance Act
- $10,000,000 for Road Improvements
- Opportunity Bonds
- Expansion of the Community Center for Senior programming
Town Economic Assistance Act
Mr. Galligan began discussions explaining that this act gives the Town Council the ability to look at existing businesses that may need help, either by lowering their taxes as long as the business capitalize their business. There are public hearings associated with this and a referendum is required to be held every five years.
Mayor Pelkey stated that there are a number of buildings that have been vacant for a long period of time and this particular program would allow the Town to do creative financing and be able to get those buildings occupied. In the next few weeks there will be a resolution on this item in order for it to go to referendum in the fall.
Mr. Galligan stated that he would like Sandy Dawson from Robinson and Cole to come in and discuss this item with the Town Council. Ms. Dawson would be able to answer any questions regarding this issue.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
$10,000,000 for Road Improvements
Mayor Pelkey explained that he wants to make sure that Council members agree to go forward with $10,000,000 or if anyone has a different number to go forward with would like to hear about that.
Councillor Prague stated that he feels the Town should go forward, but would like to know which roads will be proposed to be done.
Councillor Delnicki requested that a list be provided to the Town Council which consists of what previous referendum funds were spent on, surpluses from the previous referendum and what will be proposed with the referendum being suggested. Council members discussed this and agreed that a list should be compiled.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town offered incentives on different projects in order to get projects done faster so that residents would not be disrupted for a long period of time. Mr. Galligan also stated that he would meet with staff and put together a list for the Town Council.
Opportunity Bonds
Mayor Pelkey explained that the concept of this is to have funds for projects that the Town is receiving a grant for but would need matching funds to complete the project. A public hearing would have to be held for these items, but would allow the Town to participate in this type of grant. This would give the Town an advantage over other Town’s.
Mr. Galligan stated that the Bond Council has reviewed this concept and said the Town would be able to do this.
Expansion of the Community Center for Senior Programming
Councillor Prague stated that he is in favor of this item and feels it should be done with or without a grant. The senior population is growing and space is necessary.
Deputy Mayor Havens felt this item is worthy of Council support.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Delnicki stated that this is one item he feels the Council as a whole will support.
Town Manager Galligan told the Town Council that appropriations should be done in the full amount. Mr. Galligan then stated that he has heard a lot of talk through the years of Wapping School closing and being used for space for the Town. Enrollment may be down presently, but what happens when the enrollment becomes greater in the future and another school is needed.
Mayor Pelkey said that the Board of Education just needed to add 3 ½ teachers to their budget because the projections had changed, so projections do change and flexibility needs to be a factor to accommodate change.
G. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $100,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account to the Town Wide Mapping GIS Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council, having conducted the required Public Hearing at 7:35 p.m. on June 21, 2010, approves the transfer of $100,000 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account to the Town Wide Mapping GIS Account, to cover the cost of maintaining the current GIS system, layer development and training as discussed.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that he would put this item into the operating budget in the future if the Council does not want it in the capital projects budget.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
- Resolution Amending a Previously approved Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for the Appropriation of $56,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Account for the Painting of Ellsworth School Exterior
WHEREAS, at the June 7, 2010 Regular Meeting, the Town Council approved a resolution setting Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 7:35 p.m. as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the appropriation of $56,000 from Capital and Non-Recurring Account for the painting of Ellsworth School Exterior; and
WHEREAS, it has been decided by the Capital Projects Committee that these funds would be more appropriately used for Miscellaneous Pavement Projects
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby amends the resolution setting a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 7:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place to receive citizen input on the appropriation of $56,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditure Account to fund Miscellaneous Paving Projects.
Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
The motion was approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Authorizing Membership in The Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority
WHEREAS, the municipalities constituting the Mid-Connecticut Project have been researching solutions for long-term solid waste disposal when their contract with the Connecticut Resources Recover Authority expires in 2012; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
18. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, 49 municipalities have expressed interest in joining efforts to find long-term solid waste disposal solutions; and
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments has performed a regional solid waste options analysis and successfully tested the presence of alternatives in the private market through a Request for Information for Integrated Regional Solid Waste Management Services covering Transfer, Transportation, Disposal and Process/Recycling Services; and
WHEREAS, the Capital Region Council of Governments Executive Committee has authorized CRCOG staff to facilitate the forming of a solid waste management authority to represent municipalities interested in conducting an RFP and negotiating for long-term solid waste disposal services; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has expressed preliminary interest in taking part in the solid waste authority formed with the assistance of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, to be known as the “Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority” (“CCSWA”), and has authorized the payment of a fee of $500 to help defray the professional fees necessary to draft a model ordinance (the “CCSWA Ordinance”) for local passage; and
WHEREAS, the Town has reviewed the CCSWA Ordinance and found its provisions acceptable, said ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit B., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town does hereby adopt the CCSWA Ordinance, thereby making the Town a member of the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
18. A. (Continued)
Town Manager Matthew Galligan explained that the CRRA contract expires in 2012. Approving this item will ensure the Town will be able to participate and be a member of The Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority. If the Town decides to go in a different direction, it is not committed to this membership.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that he did question the Town Attorney on whether Councillor Delnicki would have a conflict of interest in this matter. The Town Attorney stated that there was no conflict of interest so Councillor Delnicki would be allowed to participate and vote on this item.
Councillor McCann made a motion to Amend this Resolution adding an additional clause that the Town has conducted the required Public Hearing on May 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. and has received public input. Mayor Pelkey seconded the Amendment and it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
The Resolution to read as follows:
WHEREAS, the municipalities constituting the Mid-Connecticut Project have been researching solutions for long-term solid waste disposal when their contract with the Connecticut Resources Recover Authority expires in 2012; and
WHEREAS, 49 municipalities have expressed interest in joining efforts to find long-term solid waste disposal solutions; and
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments has performed a regional solid waste options analysis and successfully tested the presence of alternatives in the private market through a Request for Information for Integrated Regional Solid Waste Management Services covering Transfer, Transportation, Disposal and Process/Recycling Services; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
18. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Capital Region Council of Governments Executive Committee has authorized CRCOG staff to facilitate the forming of a solid waste management authority to represent municipalities interested in conducting an RFP and negotiating for long-term solid waste disposal services; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has expressed preliminary interest in taking part in the solid waste authority formed with the assistance of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, to be known as the “Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority” (“CCSWA”), and has authorized the payment of a fee of $500 to help defray the professional fees necessary to draft a model ordinance (the “CCSWA Ordinance”) for local passage; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has conducted the required Public Hearing on May 3, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. and has received public input; and
WHEREAS, the Town has reviewed the CCSWA Ordinance and found its provisions acceptable, said ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit B., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town does hereby adopt the CCSWA Ordinance, thereby making the Town a member of the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority.
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
None
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
None
21. Executive Session
None
ITEM:
22. Adjournment
At 9:54 p.m. Councillor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid, Clerk of the Council
Attachments: Exhibit A & B
| 
