TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 October 18, 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 7:30 p.m. and then recessed the Special Meeting in order to finish the Work Session. The Special Meeting was reconvened at 7:44 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Kathryn Hale
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Input
Ms. Nilofer Haider came before the Town Council representing the Human Relations Commission. Ms. Haider stated that the Human Relations Commission will be holding an event called “Celebrating Diversity”. The event will be held on October 30, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the South Windsor Community Center at 150 Nevers Road. Anyone having questions or concerns regarding this event can contact Nilofer Haider at matnil@aol.com or call (860) 648-0600.
Councillor Favreau encouraged people to stop by this event. It is amazing how many cultures and nationalities there are in the Town of South Windsor.
Mr. George Hill, 20 Andreis Trail came before the Town Council. Mr. Hill stated that he is frustrated that the Bark Park was not approved by the Town Council. It is his understanding that only the Council has the authority to spend funds on a project or approve capital projects. The Bark Park did not follow the proper process and did not allow residents to address their concerns regarding this project. Mr. Hill went on to state that he feels the Bark Park is in violation of the
ITEM:
3. Public Input (Continued)
Town Charter because there is not supposed to be unleashed dogs on Town property.
4. Special Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to One (1) South Windsor Taxpayer
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to one (1) South Windsor Taxpayer, the total of said refund being $1,999.46, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Hale
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this was an accident where the taxpayer paid real estate taxes twice and is now being refunded.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Motion; it was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $8,975.00 from the Contingency Account to the Information Technologies Professional Account (Postponed from the 9/20/2010 Meeting)
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
Councillor Prague stated that he is in favor of this because this system will enable residents to pay their taxes on-line through debit cards, on-line checks or credit cards. Eventually it will expand to enable resident to apply for building permits and access other information in order to save a trip to Town Hall. Councillor Prague questioned who would be responsible for paying the 2% to 3% credit card charge if residents
ITEM:
3. B. (Continued)
decide to pay taxes by credit card? Mr. Galligan explained that there are different ways that this could be accomplished, the Town Council could budget for this fee or the fee could be charged to the individual using the credit card. If an individual uses a Discover Card, the card holder is responsible for the fee.
Councillor Prague stated that this would be a convenience to the taxpayers and he is in support of this program as long as the taxpayer would be the one to incur any extra costs.
Mr. Galligan explained that the whole purpose of this system was not just for paying taxes but also allowing people the ability to get on-line and get certain Town services.
Councillor McCann felt that this is a worthwhile program but feels it is premature for the Town to spend $9,000 on it when there may be more important items that need attention in the next six months.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that giving individuals the ability to access land records and tax records on the internet is worth the expense. Councillor Yagaloff felt that there is no value in the credit card component and stated he is not in favor of the Town paying for the incurred costs that come along with residents using their credit card to pay taxes.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on the Motion; it was approved by a Roll Call vote of 7 to 1 with Mayor Pelkey, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Hale, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of approval; and Councillor McCann voting against approval.
Mayor Pelkey recessed the Special Meeting in order to call the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. The Special Meeting reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
ITEM:
5. Special New Business
A. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Sign and Execute an Agreement for the Purchase of an Easement (Referred to as the Peck Property)
WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has recommended that the Town of South Windsor purchase a conservation easement consisting of approximately 5.5 acres (referred to as the Peck Property); and
WHEREAS, the proposed purchase was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes at the September 20, 2010 Town Council Meeting; and
WHEREAS, the referral had a positive response by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their October 12, 2010 meeting
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manger, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute an agreement for the purchase of an easement that is approximately 5.5 acres for the negotiated amount of $100,000 to the South Windsor Land Conservation Trust in order to secure all easements involved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute any other necessary documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Councillor Favreau
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Councillor Favreau explained that this Resolution is simply to clarify a previous agreement in order to be able to save a tree line behind the house that is on Main Street.
Councillor Hale stated that she would be abstaining from this Resolution.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this Motion; it was approved on a Roll Call vote of 7 to 0 with Councillor Hale abstaining.
ITEM:
5. Special New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Fifty-Two (52) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to fifty-two (52) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $9,106.62, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Prague
The motion was approved, unanimously
6. Executive Session
None
7. Adjournment
At 8:06 p.m. Councillor Hale made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Attmt.: Exhibit A (Refund of Taxes)
Exhibit B (Refund of Taxes)
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