TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 April 26, 2010
TOWN COUNCIL – Special Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Pelkey called the Special Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Councillor Janice Favreau
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Input
Mr. Matthew Peresi came before the Town Council on behalf of Timothy Edwards Middle School. He explained that Timothy Edwards Middle School Science Olympiad Team has won the State competition and will be heading to Champaign, Illinois on May 20, 2010 to compete in the National Science Olympiad tournament. Anyone wanting to donate money to help with the cost of the trip may send a check out to TEMS Science Olympiad, attention Kristen Heck, 100 Arnold Way, South Windsor, CT 06074.
Mayor Pelkey explained that the trip will cost between $25,000 to $28,000 and there is nothing in the budget to cover these costs. Mr. Robert Dickinson requested that this information be put on the Town of South Windsor’s website.
Mr. Joseph Etter, 36 Austin Circle came before the Town Council. He stated that he feels the Town Council should be communicating with the Board of Education regarding the budget.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (continued)
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that if the Board of Education has any money left over from last years budget, that money should be turned back to the fund balance of the Town.
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, 5A Amato Drive and a member of the Park & Recreation Commission came forward and voiced his concern regarding upping the fees for Recreation programs to the covrer administrative costs. Mr. Zimmerman stated that this would be a mistake and programs are already high enough.
Mr. Andrew Paterna, 301 Strawberry Lane and a member of the Park & Recreation Commission. Mr. Paterna also voiced concern regarding upping the fees for Recreation programs to cover administrative costs.
4. Special Unfinished Business
- 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 Hale
The motion was approved, unanimously
- Resolution Approving the Close-Out and Transfer of Completed Capital Projects to Various Other Capital Project Accounts
WHEREAS, emergency repair work was performed on the underground oil tank located at the South Windsor Police Department, at a cost of $14,954; and
WHEREAS, the total cost of construction for the completed Multipurpose Fields at South Windsor High School Capital Project exceeded the original budget by $29,110; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
4. B. (continued)
WHEREAS, the Bridge Condition Study, Lawrence Road Culvert, and Buckland Road Resurfacing capital projects are complete and have unexpended account balances; and
WHEREAS, the completed capital projects must be closed out by transferring the remaining balances to other capital projects or the General Fund Reserve for Capital Projects account
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $70,451 from the following completed capital projects: $5,927 from the Bridge Condition Study, $21,974 from the Lawrence Road Culvert, and $42,550 from Buckland Road Resurfacing. Of the said $70,451, $14,954 shall be transferred to the Emergency Oil Tank Work Capital Project, $29,110 shall be transferred to the Multipurpose Fields at South Windsor High School Capital Project, and $26,387 shall be transferred to the General Fund Reserve for Capital Projects account.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Mayor Pelkey explained that this resolution will balance out accounts because the Town is close to year end.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Authorizing the Town Council to Refer the Conveyance of 1.2 acres and 9.5 acres by Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. to the Town of South Windsor to the Planning & Zoning Commission as Required under CGS Section 8-24 for a Report
WHEREAS, Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. is the owner of two parcels of land approximately 1.2 acres and 9.5 acres respectively which have been utilized for the operation of its private water company; and
WHEREAS, Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. is no longer in need of said properties as the private water company is no longer in existence; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
4. C. (continued)
WHEREAS, Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. wishes to donate these properties to the Town of South Windsor as open space or for other municipal purposes; and
WHEREAS, the conveyance of these properties will be beneficial to the Town of South Windsor; and
WHEREAS, the possible conveyance of these properties to the Town of South Windsor requires review by the Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the conveyance of 1.2 acres and 9.5 acres by Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. to the Town of South Windsor be referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission for review pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon favorable review Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, is hereby authorized to take all action necessary in order to acquire said properties for the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town is not responsible to take care of the dam and there is no tax liabilities. The agreement will be between the Town and Avery Heights Water Association, Inc. so the Open Space Task Force will not be involved.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
4. Special Unfinished Business (continued)
- Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to contribute $1,000 to South Windsor High School’s 2010 “Operation Graduation Fund”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manger, Matthew B. Galligan to transfer $1,000 from the Contingency Fund to the Town Manger’s Professional Account, said $1,000 to then be used as the Town’s contribution towards South Windsor High School’s 2010 “Operation Graduation Fund.”
Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Approving the “Write-Off” of Taxes on Property at 1530 Sullivan Avenue
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the write-off of $8,945.68 in taxes related to 1530 Sullivan Avenue (Old Post Office), South Windsor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council directs Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to adjust the financial records of the Town to reflect said write-off.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Mr. Galligan explained that these taxes were accrued while the Town was leasing this building.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would be voting against this resolution because he was against the concept of purchasing this property. Councillor Delnicki also stated that he would be voting against this resolution because he is against the purchase of this building and feels it is a waste of taxpayers money.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
4. E. (continued)
Councillor Hale explained that she would be voting in favor of this resolution even though she feels the original lease of this property was poorly constructed. The lease agreement would have cost the Town more than the purchase of the property.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5 to 2 with Councillor Yagaloff and Councillor Delnicki voting against approval.
F. Discussion Item: Board of Education Request for Guidance on School Budget (requested by Councillor Prague)
Councillor Prague began discussions by stating that the Town Council wants the best education possible and he feels the Town Council should schedule extra time to discuss the Board of Education budget and to give them guidance. Councillor Prague stated that the Health Savings Plan should be discussed further and feels it is a good solution for all. Innovative ideas should be discussed so that there will be no teacher layoffs or larger class room sizes.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the proposed increases to the Board of Education budget are unacceptable. Councillor Yagaloff explained that he feels the budget should be cut to a 2 or 2 1/2% increase and suggested the following: 1) five new positions on the Board of Education are intervention specialist and not teaching positions and should be cut; 2) the proposed position of a Data Specialist be cut out of the budget; 3) switch the employees to the Health Savings Account which will save approximately $900,000 and have not affect on anyone’s benefits; 4) the pre-payments of $700,000 of surplus money into next years budget should be cut out of the budget; and 5) the position of the Superintendent, because he is retiring this year, should be combined with the Assistant Superintendent. An
experienced office person could be hired at approximately $70,000 to support the duel role and this would reduce the administration costs. .
Councillor Hale stated that the Board of Education has never taken any action on changing their budget before the final budget is voted on by the Town Council. The Town Council has no authority to tell the Board of Education how to spend their money. Councillor Hale requested that employees of the school look into the Health Savings Account.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
4. F. (Continued)
Councillor McCann felt that the Mayor and Chair of the Board of Education should be having some type of dialogue regarding the budget so that the Chair of the Board of Education has some idea of what the Town Council is thinking.
Councillor Delnicki stated that this year has to be different and can not be business as usual. Items that are being suggested on the Board of Education side of the budget should be carried over the Town budget also.
Mayor Pelkey explained that as Mayor he has control over one vote which is his own. At the offset of this budget season it was made clear that the Town Council would have to change the dynamics of how the budget is done this year to come up with a budget. Mayor Pelkey stated that shared services has been brought up previously, it is up to the Board of Education to let the Town Council know they are ready to discuss shared services. A sub-committee has been established and hopefully discussion with ensue regarding shared services.
Councillor Bazzano felt that it is important to work with the Board of Education to come up with a bottom line number.
Mr. Galligan stated that shared services has been mentioned in the past and it was rejected. The Town and Board of Education should be working together towards the same goal which should be to save as much money as possible for the Town. Mr. Galligan shared an article from PM Magazine regarding how towns have handled reducing their budgets which the Town of South Windsor has done most of the items listed, but the Board of Education has not worked towards the same goals. Employees for the town are very happy with the HSA’s and the town employees are not paid health going out the door. The Town is doing things differently to save money and Mr. Galligan feels the Board of Education has to begin to do things differently.
Councillor Bazzano felt that the town should give the Board of Education a number earlier so they could work on their budget. Mr. Galligan stated that the entire Council should get together and recommend a number to give to the Board of Education.
Mayor Pelkey reiterated that the Town Council can only tell the Board of Education the bottom line number.
ITEM:
5. Special New Business
A. 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, May 17, 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
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Council members discussed funding methods. Mr. Galligan stated that the Town is researching any and all options available for funding of this project. Mayor Pelkey stated that he would like to go forward at a later date with a referendum authorizing for $3 to $4 million of bonding money that would be used on projects like this that have grant money available, but is still short on funding to complete the project.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
B. Discussion item: WPCA Budget (requested by Mayor Pelkey)
Mayor Pelkey began by stating this year the WPCA budget will require a more in depth review of the operations due to the upgrade of the plant and pump stations. As a result, three options of how to handle the WPCA have been distributed to Council for review (Exhibit A). A referendum will be held in November to help fund the upgrade to the remaining pump stations. There will need to be more explanation given to residents so they will understand what is being voted on. There may also be an opportunity for the Town to receive federal dollars.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. B. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff reviewed each option stating that he feels option 1 would probably work best because the Town would still be building a capital reserve base of $588,000 per year and pump stations could still be done if the referendum did not pass.
Councillor Hale felt that since the economy is the worst in many years, the option showing the “Council Recommendation” would be best to try to make the sewer charge as low as possible and still maintain the system.
Councillor McCann stated that he believes that the residents of the Town count on the Town Council to maintain a descent school system, keep them safe, and make sure the sewage does not back up into their homes. In making sure the sewage does not back up into anyone’s home, the pump stations need to be operating properly and maintained properly. The WPCA brought forward a budget that includes pump station upgrades and Councillor McCann felt that is appropriate because it is their obligation to make sure that they system continues to operate properly. Another issue is if there is a catastrophic problem with the sewer system, WPCA needs to respond immediately so the capital reserve account should not be drawn down. Councillor McCann also suggested that the Town Council should build into the
budget a transfer from the general town fund for the use of the town buildings to the WPCA. In doing this, costs would be spread across the town for the use of those buildings.
Councillor Prague felt the Town should be putting aside funds for in reserves. He then stated that he does not have an issue with going to referendum to bond the pump station upgrades because this a 20 to 30 year item and is something that should be bonded. Councillor Prague said he wants to make sure the Town does not bond any operating expenses.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Shaw explained that the intent of the user system is to have a means to fairly and equitably determine what the user fee should be based upon actual cost. This is done by trying to determine the amount of flow, so the bill is based on a metered reading for the business condominiums. WPCA will be discussing this item further and a policy will be drafted in the near future. Where the Town can not take a
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. B. (Continued)
metered reading a flat rate is used based upon the average of 1,700 residential units in Town with a minimum charge of $340.00 per 93,000 gallons.
Councillor Delnicki felt that the Town should use the lowest rate to charge for sewer usage because times are tough and residents can not handle these increases.
6. Executive Session
At 10:05 p.m. Councillor Hale made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss the possible purchase of real estate for the Town of South Windsor (190 & 260 Niederwerfer Road; Peck Property at 1682 Main Street; and Jurgelas Property on Chapel Road) and discuss a personnel issue. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Mayor Pelkey, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Hale, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague, Councillor Yagaloff, and Town Manager Galligan.
7. Adjournment
At 10:40 p.m. Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and Special Meeting. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Attachments: Exhibit A
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