TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Pelkey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Cary Prague
Also Present: Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation
None
4. Communications
None
5. Town Manager’s Report
None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Demolition Delay Ordinance
Ms. Virginia Macro came before the Town Council to introduce the Demolition Delay Ordinance, (Exhibit A). This ordinance is based upon a model from the State after several years of research. The purpose of this ordinance is provide a review process before the demolition of a building that is 50 years or older. If an application is submitted a public hearing will be held and then within 30 days of the public hearing the committee will determine if the property should be preserved. Presently there is no method to announce the demolition of historic buildings
Answering various questions from Commission members, Ms. Macro explained that at the public hearings anyone interested in the subject would be allowed to speak. The meaning of “no viable alternative” in the ordinance is to make individuals understand that there may be an alternative use for a certain building or moving a building may be another alternative that individuals may not be familiar with historic preservation.
Councillor McCann stated that people who own property have the right to do what they want with their property. This ordinance seems to require them to go through another Board and puts a lot of power in those individuals hands to determine what can be done with someone else’s property. Even those there are already regulations, but those regulations pertain only for the historic area of South Windsor. Ms. Macro stated that she feels it is important for South Windsor to preserve the character of the Town.
Councillor McCann then stated that he would like to see the ordinance directed towards historic properties in South Windsor. Going to the extent of properties 50 years or older seems to be too much.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that there should not be anything in the ordinance that is subject to fines, penalties or imprisonment. Imposing fines or imprisonment on demolition by neglect should be defined really well in the ordinance.
Councillor Hale felt that the ordinance should pertain to homes 70 years or older and this would also help with Councillor’s concerns.
B. Board and Commission Recognition Event
Councillor Bazzano stated that the Board and Commission Recognition Event was previously eliminated from the Town’s budget. Councillor Bazzano felt that the Town Council should hold a dinner event which would only be for the Board/Commission members to show the Town’s appreciation towards Commission/Board members.
C. TIFF Financing for Connecticut Studios
Mr. Dan Marsh, who works as a consultant for the Town with National Development Council came before the Town Council. Mr. Marsh explained how TIFF Financing for Connecticut Studios would work, (Exhibit B).
The Work Session was recessed at 8:03 p.m. in order to hold a Public Hearing. The Work Session was reconvened at 8:07 p.m.
Mr. Marsh answered various questions from the Town Council.
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 8:20 p.m. Deputy Mayor Havens made a motion to adjourn the Work Session. Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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