TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 January 19, 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 then recessed it in order to finish the Work Session agenda. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:18 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Councillor Gary Bazzano (arrived at 8:05 p.m.)
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor John Pelkey
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that information that had been passed out tonight should have been passed out last week in order to give everyone a chance to review. The sewer rates that will be charged in the future are going to drive citizens out of Town and need to be addressed.
Mr. Matt Riley, 12 Heatherwood Drive came before the Town Council and stated that he was present to represent Friends of South Windsor Swimming. Mr. Riley requested that the Town Council support swimming at South Windsor High School.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Favreau informed the public and the Council members that anyone wanting to dispose of old computers (hard drive) should call Public Works by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday to request a metal pickup. Monitors can be picked up with bulky waste. The computers memory should be removed.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
None
8. Public Petitions
None
Councillor McCann made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Items 17. H., 17. I., and 21 (Personnel Issue – Town Clerk). Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
17. New Business
- Resolution for a “Citizens Matching Mini-Grant” to The Down to Earth Garden Club to Assist in Funding for a Butterfly Garden
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council created a “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program” on June 20, 2005; and
WHEREAS, The Down to Earth Garden Club, has duly submitted a proper application for matching funds in the amount of $500 to create a Butterfly Garden adjacent to the main parking lot in Nevers Road Park; and
WHEREAS, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan has reviewed and approved this project and application and has determined that it meets all of the criteria of the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to issue $500 of matching funds to The Down to Earth Garden Club from the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Councillor Favreau stated that she supports this resolution and highly recommends that the Town Council approves this resolution.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. H. (Continued)
Councillor Havens thanked the club for all of their work and stated he would support this resolution.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution for a “Citizens Matching Mini-Grant” to The Friends of South Windsor Swimming to Assist in Funding To Expand the South Windsor High School Swim Team
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council created a “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program” on June 20, 2005; and
WHEREAS, The Friends of South Windsor Swimming, has duly submitted a proper application for matching funds in the amount of $2,400 to expand the South Windsor High School Swim Team; and
WHEREAS, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan has reviewed and approved this project and application and has determined that it meets all of the criteria of the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to issue $2,400 of matching funds to The Friends of South Windsor Swimming from the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Mr. Galligan explained that the original request was for $3,000 but the budget only had $2,400.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
21. Executive Session
At 8:50 p.m., Councillor Hale made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue regarding the Town Clerk. Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
21. Executive Session (Continued)
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Hale, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff.
The Executive Session adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Council members discussed the coyote problem in the Farm Brook and Scott Drive area. Mr. Galligan stated that he would have the Animal Control Officer look into this problem further.
Answering further questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that there is an extension on the grand list because the motor vehicles just came in and are being worked on.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
Mayor Pelkey reviewed changes that have been made to the Public Park Open Space and Facility Naming Policy. Council members then discussed who should be responsible for the appearance and size of the sign. Also discussed was how the voting for an item should be handled. Mayor Pelkey stated that he would work with the Committee on these issues, have the Town Attorney review the policy and it could then come back to the Town Council for review.
Councillor Bazzano stated that he has heard discussions of the Red Sheppard Field being renamed. He requested that the name for the Red Sheppard Field remain as is. Mr. Galligan stated he would discuss this matter with Town staff.
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Prague informed the Council that he had attended the Public Building Commission meeting last Wednesday where they discussed the status of the Firehouse. At the meeting being held on Tuesday, January 20, 2010 the Public Building Commission will be discussing the Community Center expansion. Councillor Hale said that she would attend that meeting.
Councillor Bazzano requested that at the next scheduled meeting a discussion item regarding smoking at athletic fields and parks be discussed.
14. Public Participation
None
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 16. B., 17. A., and 17. B. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillor McCann and Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously
16. Unfinished Business
* B. Resolution Appointing Richard Muller (R) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Richard Muller (R) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2011 to fill the unexpired term of Roy Szoka.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
ITEM:
17. New Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing William Flagg (D) to the Connecticut River Assembly and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints William Flagg (D) to the Connecticut River Assembly for a term ending January 12, 2013 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
* B. Resolution Appointing Arthur Jennings (D) to the Building Code Board of Appeals and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Arthur Jennings (D) to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term ending January 1, 2015 to fill an expired term of Mark Lillis and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA)
16. Unfinished Business
A. Discussion item: Vision State for the Town of South Windsor (requested by Councillor Prague)
Councillor Prague brought this item forward because he feels the Town Council should form a Committee that would review the vision statement for the Town and discuss changes that should be implemented into the statement due to the changes that have occurred with the Town since the last vision statement was approved.
ITEM:
17. New Business
C. Resolution to Rescind a Previously Approved Motion from the December 21, 2009 Meeting to Reduce the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2009/2010
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby rescinds a previously approved motion from the December 21, 2009 meeting to reduce the Board of Education’s Budget by $1,834,504 for Fiscal Year 2009/2010.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Yagaloff explained that the purpose of the Town Council rescinding the previously approved motion is that the Town Auditors have reviewed this situation and do not agree with the method that the money is being handled. This item will be discussed further in the future.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Authorizing the Amendment of Revenues in the Approved 2009/2010 Budget
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the amendment of certain revenue line items in the Approved 2009/2010 Budget as follows:
- Reduce Education Cost Share Revenue by $1,834,504; and
- Increase Board of Education Revenue by $1,834,504
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business
E. Resolution Concerning Outreach for Senior Citizen Tax Relief Program
WHEREAS, the Town Council has a program for Senior Tax Relief under CGS. Section 12-129 Local Option Tax Relief for Senior citizens and Disabled Citizens; and
WHEREAS, some people who qualify may not be aware of the availability of this program, particularly since outreach has primarily involved persons attending the Senior Center; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the Town to identify all people eligible for the current program before any modification of the program is considered
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town shall produce and air a public service announcement on Cable Channel 16, (which can be done at no cost); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Registrar of Voters and the Assessor shall work to identify those persons who may qualify for the programs (by virtue of age and property ownership) who have not previously applied for the program. Persons so identified shall be notified of the availability of the program by mail and by any other means deemed appropriate by the Town Manager; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Human Services Department shall advise the Town Manager on any additional outreach efforts which may be undertaken and any cost associated therewith.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Councillor Hale stated that two years ago this program was amended to increase the benefit level. The Town’s program follows a State program, but the Town’s program has a wider scope than the State. There are a number of individuals in Town that do not know about this program and Councillor Hale is hopeful that this resolution will provide more outreach efforts.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor McCann suggested a friendly amendment which would be to insert language after outreach efforts “for seniors and other taxpayers”. Councillor Hale and Mayor Pelkey accepted as friendly amendment.
The Resolution would read as follows:
WHEREAS, the Town Council has a program for Senior Tax Relief under CGS. Section 12-129 Local Option Tax Relief for Senior citizens and Disabled Citizens; and
WHEREAS, some people who qualify may not be aware of the availability of this program, particularly since outreach has primarily involved persons attending the Senior Center; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the Town to identify all people eligible for the current program before any modification of the program is considered
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town shall produce and air a public service announcement on Cable Channel 16, (which can be done at no cost); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Registrar of Voters and the Assessor shall work to identify those persons who may qualify for the programs (by virtue of age and property ownership) who have not previously applied for the program. Persons so identified shall be notified of the availability of the program by mail and by any other means deemed appropriate by the Town Manager; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Human Services Department shall advise the Town Manager on any additional outreach efforts for seniors and other taxpayers which may be undertaken and any cost associated therewith.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
F. Resolution Setting the Salary and Benefits for the Town Clerk
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk is an elected position, servicing a four-year term; and
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk’s rate of compensation is to be paid by the municipality; and
WHEREAS, the Personnel Committee discussed this position and decided upon a salary
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby stipulates that the Town Clerk’s position shall be equivalent to a Grade 8 in the current Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification, with an annual compensation of $70,224, effective January 1, 2010; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk’s annual compensation with be adjusted each July 1st, starting in 2011, in accordance with the management plan.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Councillor Favreau stated that the Personnel Committee did compare salaries from other municipalities and the proposed salary for Ms. Trahan is in the range of other municipalities. Ms. Trahan has served the Town for eleven years and is certified.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
G. Resolution Amending a Previously Approved Appointment
WHEREAS, at the January 4, 2010 meeting, Mr. Hugh Brower was appointed a full member to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending June 1st; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. G. (Continued)
WHEREAS, at the December 21, 2009 meeting, there were two other appointments made to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission, but the terms were amended to be consistent with the Town Charter to December 1st
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby amends Mr. Hugh Brower’s term to December 1, 2013.
Was made by Councillor Favreau
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
J. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to File an Application For and Execute an Assistance Agreement with the Connecticut Department of Economic and community Development
WHEREAS, pursuant to the “Small Towns Economic Assistance Act,” the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of South Windsor make an application to the State of Connecticut for $1,300,000 in order to undertake the I-291 Corridor Municipal Development Project and to execute an Assistance Agreement
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is: (1) Cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the State Assistance imposed by the “Small Towns Economic Assistance Act”, (2) that the filing of an application for a State financial assistance by the Town of south Windsor in an amount not to exceed $13,00,000 is hereby approved; and (3) that it has been adopted as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties provide din subsection (a)(1) of Connecticut General Statutes sections 4A-60 and 4A-60A, respectively, as amended by Public Acts 07-142 and 07-245; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. J. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required; to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered; to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto; and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
K. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Twenty-Nine (29) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-nine (29) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $5,528.62.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
The motion was approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
None
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
None
ITEM:
21. Executive Session
At 10:39 p.m. Mayor Pelkey made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue – Union Negotiations of AFSCME Local 1480 South Windsor Police Union. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Hale, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff.
22. Adjournment
At 10:55 p.m. the Executive Session and Regular Meeting were adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
| 
