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Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/20/2010
TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

Regular Minutes Page 1  September 20, 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.

4.      Roll Call

Members Present:        Mayor John Pelkey
        Councillor Gary Bazzano
        Councillor Tom Delnicki
        Councillor Kathryn Hale
        Councillor Kevin McCann
        Councillor Cary Prague (arrived at 8:20 p.m.)
        Councillor Keith Yagaloff

Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Havens
                                Councillor Janice Favreau

Also Present:           Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager

5.      Public Input

Ms. Mary Etter, Director of the South Windsor Public Library came before the Town Council.  Ms. Etter stated that the Library has been very busy this year with a number of days having an excess of 1,100 visitors and several thousand items coming in and going out each day.  South Windsor Public Library has just begun its Fall programming with the Children Department staff members attending the open houses at the South Windsor schools.  The South Windsor Library has begun some of the children programs and the adult program season begins very shortly.  The South Windsor Library has received $25,655 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in helping the Hartford Foundation celebrate their 85th birthday.  The funds will be used for 10 additional wireless computers and printers (5 in the Adult Library and 5 in the Children’s Library),  Self check stations at each of the circulation desks, one computer work station which will be dedicated to downloading audio books.  Borrowers will be able to borrow those audio books on-line as well as ebook titles.  Other items that will be included in the cost is course selections of specific software, additional ebook readers, and audio books will be purchased.




ITEM:

5.      Public Input (Continued)

Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated that the numbers taken for tax collection are down and questioned if it is due to one or two individuals or if the numbers are down across the board?  Mr. Gonsalves then stated that the traffic at Evergreen Walk is down and wondered if Evergreen would be coming to the Town for any reductions in taxes?  If Evergreen Walk is having any financial trouble, the Town could also have trouble.  Mr. Gonsalves requested that a discussion regarding the old Post Office be put on a future agenda because he would like to know if there are any plans for that property.

Ms. Nancy Yario, 20 Andreis Trail requested that that aesthetic reviews be done prior to any buildings or signage being placed on public parks throughout Town.

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

Councillor Hale announced that there will be a Medication Disposal Day on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the South Windsor Police Department from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Unnecessary medication will be accepted for disposal, but no needles.

7.      Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings:  Work Session of September 7, 2010; and Regular Meeting of September 7, 2010.

Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Hale
The motion was approved, unanimously

8.      Public Petitions

        None

9.      Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council

        None

ITEM:

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager

Mr. Galligan reported on the following items:

  • The Town of South Windsor did not receive the Community Block Grant which was going to be used for the expansion of the Senior Center.  This project will be going to referendum in November.
  • Public Works staff gave a presentation at the Convention Center to other Towns who are interested in the process South Windsor has been using for snow removal using salt and sand measurements.
  • Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works and Scott Roberts, Director of Information Technologies gave a presentation regarding GPS to teach others the various uses of GPS that South Windsor has been involved with.
  • After discussions were held with Dr. Kate Carter, the process for any Matching Mini-Grants that involve the schools will be to have all projects signed off by the Principal of the School and the Superintendent.
  • Discussions have been held with the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding a zone change at Fire Station #3, 124 Sullivan Avenue.
  • At Evergreen Walk none of the major tenants are looking to get out of their lease.  From the peak 3 to 4 years ago until the down slide last year, sales were down approximately 15% and presently sales have climbed approximately 8%.  A 13,000 square foot space has been leased out to a new company.  Another new company is moving in next to L.L. Bean.  Two other companies will be coming in on a seasonal basis and there is also a new restaurant coming.
  • Historically the collection rate has averaged out to 98.7% (1999-2009).  The collection rate presently is very good, but staff will watch it to make sure it stays good.
  • The Old Post Office is being reviewed for a Regional Dispatch Center.  The Town is waiting to see if a grant application is approved.
Responding to a Council members concern, Mr. Galligan stated that he would try to contact the owners of 7 Carriage Drive and begin the blight process.

Council members discussed in length residential being incorporated into Evergreen Walk.

Mr. Galligan stated that he has had discussions with Dr. Kate Carter and feels the Town and Board will be working better together.


ITEM:

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)

Councillor Hale felt that the Town Council and Board of Education should discuss HSA benefits again because there could be a substantial savings.  The Town Council needs to give some guidance to the Capital Projects Committee on ideas of how to fund road repairs.

Mr. Galligan explained that a lease agreement with the Ambulance Corp. has been drafted, but Workers Compensation is an issue being reviewed by the Town Attorney.  A report will be given at the next meeting.

11.     Reports from Standing Committees

None

12.     Reports of Temporary Committee

None

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council

Councillor Delnicki stated that there is only one handicap parking space at Rye Street Park.  Mr. Galligan said he would look at that situation because there should be more handicap spaces.

Councillor McCann felt that the Parks Department is doing a tremendous job.  The fields at Rye Street Park are outstanding.

Councillor Hale requested that the edge for the island in the middle of Sand Hill road be painted yellow.  Mr. Galligan thought it would be stamped concrete.

14.     Public Participation

None

15.     Consent Agenda

None

16.     Unfinished Business

None

ITEM:

17.     New Business

A.      Resolution Accepting the Resignation of N’Marie Crumbie (R) from the Zoning Board of Appeals

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts, with regret, the resignation of N’Marie Crumbie (R) from the Zoning Board of Appeals, said resignation to be effective immediately; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Ms. Crumbie for the time she has dedicated to serving her community by her membership on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously

B.      Resolution Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Surplus Vehicles

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby declares the following vehicles to be “surplus equipment” and authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sell, or otherwise dispose of the following vehicles:

1990 Ford E-350 Econoline Cube Van, VIN #1FDKE37H9LHB89241.  Mileage 59,461.  Condition:  poor.  Previously owned by the Board of Education and was declared surplus by the Board of Education on June 21, 2010.  Unit #A9067.

2000 Ford Ranger 4 x 4 Pick Up, VIN #1FTZR15X3YTB20829.  Mileage 59,000.  Condition:  poor.  Unit #A5040.

2000 Ford E-150 Econoline Van, VIN #1FTRE1429YHAO1056.  Mileage 68,000.  Condition:  poor.  Unit #A7139.

1987 Ford Mustang, VIN #1FABP42E5HF207034.  Mileage 65,700.  Condition:  fair-good.  Unit #1538.

        1984 Miller Paving Box.  Serial #382A.  Condition:  poor.

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)


ITEM:

17.     B.      (Continued)

Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki

Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town usually tries to bid the surplus vehicles out but some times they are traded in.

Councillor McCann felt it makes sense to sell these vehicles but is hopeful that the Town will be able to maintain the vehicles better.

Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.

C.      Resolution Approving the Transfer of $3,000 from the Contingency Account to the Town Council’s Professional Account

WHEREAS, the Board and Commission Recognition Event began in 1998 and was last held in 2008.  After the 2008 “Recognition Event” this item was eliminated from the budget; and

WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to again recognize the volunteers who serve on Boards and Commissions

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $3,000 from the Contingency Account to the Town Council’s Professional Account to cover expenses associated with the “Recognition Event” honoring Members of Boards and Commissions who have generously volunteered their time to serve the Town of South Windsor.

Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor McCann

After a short discussion, Mayor Pelkey made a motion to postpone this Resolution until December 20, 2010 meeting to see if expected revenues come in.  Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.

ITEM:

17.     New Business (Continued)

  • Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on the Establishment of a Proposed Ordinance, a “Demolition Delay Ordinance”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, October 4, 2010, at 7:15 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 establishment of a proposed Ordinance, a “Demolition Delay Ordinance” more fully described in attached Exhibit A., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.

Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Yagaloff

Councillor McCann stated that the suggestions on this ordinance at the September 7, 2010 meeting need to be input into the ordinance and he would be voting against putting this ordinance to public hearing until this ordinance is worked on more.

Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 6 to 1 with Mayor Pelkey, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Hale, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff all voting in favor of approval and Councillor McCann voting against approval.

E.      Resolution Referring the Installation of a Proposed Wireless Communications Facility near Veterans’ Memorial Pool to the Planning and Zoning Commission Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes

WHEREAS, presently there is no cell phone service or emergency communication service in the area of Pleasant Valley Road; and

WHEREAS, SBA Towers II LLC is proposing to install a wireless communication facility, including a communication tower, antennas, cables and related structures and improvements in the vicinity near Veterans’ Memorial Pool; and

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17.     E.      (Continued)

WHEREAS, this wireless communication tower will eliminate the area from having no cell phone reception or emergency communication service; and

WHEREAS, any plan that includes the use of Town property, must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statues

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the installation of a wireless communications tower be submitted to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statues.

Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.

  • Resolution Submitting the Proposed Purchase of Approximately 5.5 Acres of Conservation Easements at property located at 682 Main Street (Peck Property) to the Planning and Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statues
WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has recommended that the Town of South Windsor purchase conservation easements consisting of approximately 5.5 acres located at 1862 Main Street (Peck Property) from the Land Trust Conservation Commission; and

WHEREAS, any purchase or property for the Town must first be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan is directed to refer the proposed purchase of conservation easements consisting of approximately 5.5 acres located at 1862 Main Street (Peck Property) from the Land Trust Conservation Commission to the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statues.

Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey



ITEM:

17.     F.      (Continued)

After a lengthy discussion regarding the wording in the resolution, Councillor McCann made an Amendment to the Resolution to take out “from the Land Trust Conservation Commission”.  Councillor Yagaloff accepted the Amendment as a “Friendly Amendment”.

The Resolution to read as follows:

WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has recommended that the Town of South Windsor purchase conservation easements consisting of approximately 5.5 acres located at 1862 Main Street (Peck Property); and

WHEREAS, any purchase of property for the Town must first be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan is directed to refer the proposed purchase of conservation easements consisting of approximately 5.5 acres located at 1862 Main Street (Peck Property) to the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statues.

Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 6 to 0 with Councillor Hale abstaining.

  • Resolution Referring the Possible Sale of Excess Property Located at 765 Sullivan Avenue to the Planning and Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
BE IT RESOLVED that the possible sale of excess property located at 765 Sullivan Avenue, which is not needed for the construction of a fire station at said location, at a price and in accordance with any and all terms and conditions as may be presented to, and approved by the Town Council, be referred to the South Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration in accordance with the requirements of Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously

ITEM:

17.     New Business (Continued)

H.      Resolution Approving the Transfer of $21,496.24 from the Contingency Account to the Registrar of Voters Budget

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $21,496.24 from the Contingency Account to various Registrar of Voters Accounts (per the attached Exhibit B), to cover the cost of the Democratic and Republican primaries held on August 10, 2010.

Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was approved, unanimously

I.      Resolution Approving the Transfer of $8,975.00 from the Contingency Account to the Information Technologies Professional Account

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $8,975.00 from the Contingency Account to the Information Technologies Professional Account to cover the cost of implementing MUNIS Citizen Self Service Web Portal.

Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Hale

Mayor Pelkey made a motion to postpone this Resolution until the October 18, 2010 meeting.  Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it 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

        None

22.     Adjournment

At 9:35 p.m. Councillor Prague made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting.  Councillor Hale seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,


                                                
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council

Attachments:
        Demolition Delay Ordinance – Exhibit A
        Registrar of Voters – costs of primaries – Exhibit B