TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 October 4, 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., recessed the Regular Meeting at 8:02 p.m. to finish the Work Session and then reconvened the Regular Meeting at 8:55 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Havens
Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
Ms. Diana Branscombe, 49 Deepwood Drive came forward to give the Town Council an update from the Friends of South Windsor Swimming. There are sixteen girls on the High School Swim Team. The first meet was two weeks ago against Enfield which they won. Ms. Branscombe invited the Town Council to the first home meet against Hall High School at Star Hill in Tolland on October 5, 2010 at 3:45 p.m. Ms. Branscombe then thanked the Town Council for the Matching Mini-Grant that was provided to the Friends of South Windsor Swimming. Ms. Branscombe also thanked Councillor Prague, Ray Favreau and the Parks and Recreation staff for working with the group when Star Hill was not able to open on time with their construction delays. The girls were able to swim at VMP at the end of the summer. Friends
of South Windsor Swimming have a website at www.southwindsorfoundation.org for anyone who is interested in viewing the site.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Bob Larochelle, 156 Morgan Farms Drive, came forward and stated that he is speaking as a long time resident of South Windsor, a Councilor at South Windsor High School and an employee of the South Windsor school system for the past twenty-two years. Mr. Larochelle urged Council to support the Resolution for funding to complete the Memorial Garden at the High School. Mr. Larochelle who is a member of the schools Bereavement Team since inception stated he has witnessed first hand the efforts to help both students and staff deal with the devastating effects of grief and loss within the school community. These deaths are so often sudden and unexpected. The initiative to construct a memorial garden at the high school is a natural extension and an outgrowth of these important efforts to reach out to members
of the community.
Mr. Michael Sullivan, 24 Jared Court came to the Town Council to follow up on discussions regarding apartments at Evergreen Walk which has been presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Absent from discussions was the economic impact statement which indicated that the combination of the commercial and the residential is necessary to offset the additional tax burden that the Town would be looking from the residential development alone. The Planning & Zoning Commission was concerned that if there was separation of the residential from the commercial, only the residential would be developed and then there would not be off setting of tax revenues from the commercial. Mr. Sullivan then questioned how the town is going to make up the $800,000 that will be lost in permit fees and taxes because the
project has been scaled back.
Mr. Sullivan stated that he appreciates the Town Council for asking the hard questions regarding the Connecticut Studios project and looks forward to seeing all information available to the public which will include all of the financial aspects.
Councillor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules and bring item 16. A. forward. Councillor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution for a “Citizens Matching Mini-Grant” to the Town of South Windsor to Assist in the Funding of the Creation of a Memorial Garden in the Front of the South Windsor High School (Postponed from the 9/7/2010 meeting)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council created a “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program” on June 20, 2005; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has duly submitted a proper application for matching funds in the amount of $5,000 to help with the costs associated with the creation of a memorial garden in the front of the South Windsor High School which will honor all students and faculty who have passed away while attending/working at South Windsor High School; 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 $5,000 of matching funds to the Town of South Windsor from the “South Windsor Citizen Matching Mini-Grant Program”.
Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Hale
Ms. Heather Brindisi, School Social Worker at South Windsor High School came forward to answer questions from the Council. Ms. Brindisi explained that the first $5,200 was a donation from the Class of 2010 and then Ms. Brindisi petitioned the South Windsor Town Council to approve the Matching Mini-Grant application from the Bereavement Team for the creation of a memorial garden at South Windsor High School. The Bereavement Team was formed as a response to the death of a Tolland High School student five years ago. South Windsor aided Tolland in dealing with this tragedy and then decided to form a group at South Windsor High School in order to be prepared to handle these types of situations. The Committee would like to remember the anniversaries of students/faculty that have passed away while attending/working at South
Windsor High School and thus a memorial garden was felt to be appropriate. A list of twenty-seven students and 7 staff
ITEM:
16. A. (Continued)
who have passed away while at the high school has been established and will be included in the memorial garden. This project was discussed with local landscaping companies who were asked for their expertise. The project is not complete yet. There will be a dedication ceremony after the project is complete to be unveiled to South Windsor High School and the South Windsor community.
Answering questions from the Council, Principal Dan Sullivan explained that the funds for this Matching Mini-Grant will be transferred to South Windsor High School Activity Fund if approved by the Town Council. The project is being funded so far with the $5,200 donation which will be sent to the vendor and if the Matching Mini-Grant is approved tonight that will also be sent to the vendor, the total bill to the vendor is $10,600. Further work will not be performed until more funds are raised. The next steps would be to engrave the bricks and then some additional walkways and lighting.
Councillor Prague stated that he feels this is a great cause but has never seen a project be done without having the funds first. Councillor Prague stated that he believes fund raising should have been done because there are plenty of businesses in Town that would donate for this cause.
Answering further questions from the Council, Principal Sullivan stated that the value of the project is estimated at $17,435. The cost of the project was quoted by Jay’s Landscaping at $10,600 which includes labor. The project has received a donation of $5,200 from the Class of 2010 and is requesting a Matching Mini-Grant in the amount of $5,200.
Mayor Pelkey stated that the landscaper has given a donation of their service that have been performed.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Pelkey informed the public and Council that on Saturday, October 9, 2010 the MDC Environmental Hazardous Waste Collection will be held at South Windsor High School. South Windsor is doing this event with East Windsor and will give South Windsor a 40% savings doing hazardous waste collection this way. Residents can go on the MDC website to see what items can be disposed of.
Councillor McCann stated that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is the 25th Anniversary of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. Although more people are aware of the disease there is still not a means of preventing breast cancer. This disease is not just found in women, men should also be aware of this disease.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
None
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan gave his report during the Work Session. This portion of Communications and Reports from Town Manager will be questions that have arose of his report.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that more handicap spaces will be provided at Rye Street Park. Chief Reed and Mr. Ray Favreau will be discussing this issue and making a decision where the spaces will be located. When these issues have been decided upon the Town Council will be provided with that information.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Prague thanked the Parks Department for working on fixing the tennis courts at Timothy Edwards Middle School. The quote to outsource these improvements was approximate $24,000. The cost for the Town to do these improvements is approximately $15,000. Mr. Galligan stated that other items that are being worked on are the installation of irrigation systems at different parks.
Councillor McCann felt that the maintenance of the fields by the Parks Department seems to be working well. One of the next steps that should be addressed is to develop a policy for the use of the fields. This would help determine who would be entitled to use the individual fields at a certain time. Mr. Galligan responded that it is hopeful that a policy will be developed by November, 2010 and will be brought to the Town Council at that time. The policy that is being discussed is allowing teams that are “in season” to get the prime locations. Other groups would be allowed to use the other locations.
Mr. Galligan then explained that proposals for changes to the Bark Park will be presented to the Town Council on October 18, 2010. There are items that can be done internally at no cost. The plan discussed presently is seeking to have no parking on Chief Ryan Way except for the handicap parking. There would be a trail developed to come from the parking area to the Bark Park. Mr. Galligan stated that he is still working with Mrs. Yario to help with her concerns. Councillor McCann stated that a concern of Mrs. Yario is that people are taking their dogs throughout the park, not just in the Bark Park. Mr. Galligan explained that dogs are allowed in the parks as long as they are on a leash.
Mr. Galligan stated that the STEAP grant that the Town has received for $200,000 will be used to begin to renovate the Ambulance Corp. area after they move to the new Fire House. The cost for other renovations to the Police Department will be brought to Capital Projects in order to establish a budget. Mayor Pelkey requested that when this item is brought to Capital Projects he would like it in a format of how much would be used in so many years.
Mr. Galligan then explained that the $350,000 grant from the Federal Grant will be used to upgrade the communication systems in the Dispatch Center at the Police Department.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
ITEM:
12. Reports from Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Prague announced that the South Windsor Spelling Bee has 275 registered students and the first Spelling Bee will be held on October 14, 2010 at Eli Terry Elementary School. If anyone is still interested in registering there is approximately ten days left to do so.
Councillor McCann stated that in the sewer bills there was a notice that states there was financial relief during these challenging economic times which reduced the standard annual charge last year by $52.00. It goes on to say that the reduction was possible largely by the commitment of the Town Council to assume responsibility for loan payments that are coming due for the Sewer Use Treatment Plant Upgrade. Councillor McCann wanted to inform the public that this is not something that will be happening each year. Mr. Galligan stated that in the budget the Town Council did reduce the sewer fee.
14. Public Participation
None
15. Consent Agenda
None
17. New Business
A. Resolution Amending the Public Hearing Date for the Demolition Delay Ordinance
WHEREAS, at the September 20, 2010 meeting the South Windsor Town Council set a public hearing for Monday, October 4, 2010 at 7:15 p.m., to receive citizen input on the establishment of a proposed ordinance, a “Demolition Delay Ordinance”; and
WHEREAS, the Chairperson of the Historic District Commission has a conflict with the date that had been set
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council amends the date of the public hearing to Monday, November 15, 2010 at 7:15 p.m.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Councillor McCann stated that he feels the postponement of the public hearing for this ordinance will allow the Town Council the opportunity to address the issues that were presented at the meeting of the Town Council. Mayor Pelkey explained that the Historic District did need more time to review the changes that the Town Councillor’s proposed.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign a Memorandum of Understanding Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has officially qualified as a Connecticut Clean Energy Community by meeting the necessary requirements; and
WHEREAS, as a result, South Windsor has earned a 1 kilowatt solar PV system from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund; and
WHEREAS, the next step to facilitate this process of receiving the 1 kilowatt solar PV system would be to sign and execute a Memorandum of Understanding and any other necessary documentation
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute a Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between the Town and Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and any other necessary documentation.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Councillor Hale explained that after many months of trying, the Town has exceeded the number of Clean Energy signups by households in Town so that the Town has qualified for a free solar panel. The panel takes sunlight and converts it to energy and is being provided by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund who will install it for free as long as the Town has enough sign ups to receive a second panel. The Town is presently fourteen clean energy signups short of receiving a second panel. The Town has discussed locations to place the panels and some of the ideas are Town Hall and Public Library, but other locations have also been discussed. Councillor Hale encouraged the Town Manager, Town Council and anyone else who is listening to please sign up for Clean Energy. There are sign up sheets available
in the Town Hall Lobby, at the Public Library or contact Kathy Hale at (860) 644-8080.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the maintenance is supplied by Connecticut Clean Energy but the Town does become the owners so as the Town goes forward the maintenance costs on the system will be the responsibility of the Town. Mr. Galligan stated that he would look further into the issue of the cost of maintenance but does not feel there is any penalty if the Town does not maintain the panels because it is too costly.
Councillor Delnicki recommended that the panels be put at a school for educational purposes as well as an energy saver.
Councillor Hale stated that this system is a grid connected system and believes that the maintenance costs are small. There are many other Towns that have these solar panels and have not heard of significant maintenance costs.
Councillor Prague felt that the solar panels are not cost beneficial.
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
Councillor McCann stated that the solar panels will not have a significant impact on the electricity used by the Town of South Windsor or the cost of the electricity. They are a symbol of the wave of the future. The Town Attorney should be reviewing the agreement if the Town decides to enter into one. There is nothing in the agreement regarding the installation of the system. Mr. Galligan stated that he will review this contract to make sure that the installation and other variables are included in the contract.
Mayor Pelkey stated that before there is any further discussion on this item, more information will need to be gathered before the Town Council can make a decision. Feedback from other Towns who already have solar panels should be sought to see if they have had any issues.
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to postpone this Resolution to the November 16, 2010 meeting. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
C. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Sixty-Six (66) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund o property taxes to sixty-six (66) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $6,078.31, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Hale questioned the tax refund in the amount of $1,999.46 refund on page 2 and asked the Town Manager to please come back to the Town Council with an explanation.
Councillor Hale made a motion to Amend the Resolution to remove the tax refund for $1,999.46 and approve the remainder of the tax refunds. Mayor Pelkey seconded the motion to Amend; and it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Pelkey called for a motion on the Amended Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
The Amended Resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves a refund of property taxes to sixty-five (65) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $4,078.85, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
18. Passage of Ordinance
None
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
The Town Council received an insert in the packet which has to do with blight and the changes in powers of the Town. Mayor Pelkey requested that the Town Manager get a report back from Town staff to see if the change in the powers of blight may be beneficial to the Town with any of the blight complaints.
20. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
None
21. Executive Session
None
22. Adjournment
At 10:15 p.m. Councillor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Attachments:
Tax Refunds – Exhibit A
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