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Town Council Regular Meeting Minutes (draft) 2/7/2011
TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

Minutes Page 1  February 7, 2011


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
        Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
        Councillor Gary Bazzano
        Councillor Tom Delnicki
        Councillor Janice Favreau
        Councillor Kevin McCann
        Councillor Cary Prague
        Councillor Keith Yagaloff

Also Present:           Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager

5.      Public Input

None

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

Councillor McCann stated that with the amount of snow there has been strain on residential roofs as well commercial roofs.  Councillor McCann requested an update regarding Town owned building roofs.

Mr. Galligan, Town Manager explained that after the second storm, the Town decided to get the snow off all of the roofs.  There are six facilities which equals approximately 3 to 4 acres of roof.  An engineer inspected the roofs and the Town is in good shape.  The Town has spent approximately $32,000 clearing the snow from the roofs, but if anything had happened it would have cost the Town a lot more.

Councillor Favreau reminded residents that there is probably going to be a lot of business springing up to clear roofs.  Residents should make sure that the individuals who they hire have insurance as well as a license.

        


ITEM:

7.      Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings:  Special Work Session of November 8, 2010; Work Session of January 3, 2011; Regular Meeting of January 3, 2011; and Special Meeting of January 24, 2011.

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

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 Galligan reported on the following items:

  • Connecticut Studios is still moving forward.  There has been a time schedule when items will happen.  The Town has hired an Appraisal Company to look at the property and there will be a study done which will consist of a feasibility study, study on their proforma’s and a study on their personal background finances.  This study will be key to get bonding in the future.  
  • A Classified advertisement has been put into the paper for the Health Department.  Interviews for this position will be scheduled as soon as possible.
  • Murtha Cullina had given the Town an indication that there were federal monies coming for solar panels and the Town may want to look at some of our buildings in order to reduce some of our energy costs.  An RFP proposal was done and have had a lot of interest.  Clay Majors is working on this item and will advise the Council as this project progresses.
  • I will be on vacation from February 16th to the 22nd.  I will be visiting Gary Tyler, former Chief of Police.  


ITEM:

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)

  • Town staff has been concerned about roofs that have collapsed in South Windsor.  There have been over 62 calls regarding roofs with only a few that have actually had a problem.  The Building Inspectors, Fire Marshal and Fire Department have been very busy checking on various roofs.  The Town learned that through FEMA and SBA that there will not be any reimbursements through these groups.  FEMA explained that normally businesses and residential structures are covered through insurance for this type of damage.
  • Received a report from Fidicuary who is the company that handles our pensions.  As you know over the past couple of years the Town worked with Fidicuary to ask various questions about the pension and various adjustments were made to the pensions.  The Town has recouped everything that we had lost to date and then some by readjusting.
  • Did have ratings done by Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s.  The bonds and notes are being floated on January 4, 2011.  Both companies concur that the Town management is doing very well managing the Town and have maintained our AA2 with Moody’s and our AA with S & P.  A report will be sent to the Town to show how the Town can enhance ratings in the future.     
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town and the Town Council will have to review various policies to enhance the Towns ratings in the future.

Councillor Favreau thanked and congratulated the Town Manager on his fiscal management skills which have greatly contributed to the excellent ratings that the Town has received.  Councillor Favreau then reminded those members of Council who have not provided the Personnel Committee with their evaluations to do so as soon as possible so the Personnel Committee can meet and provide the Town Manager with goals for the remainder of the year.   

Councillor Delnicki questioned if the Town is really saving money in the long term contract for electrical?  Mr. Galligan stated that this contract is based on generation and delivery and is combined with other Town’s through CCM but he would make sure that is accurate information he is providing to the Town Council.  Councillor Delnicki stated that if the rate is generation and deliver then the Town has a good deal.



ITEM:

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)

Councillor Bazzano requested that Clay Majors meet with Mike Bolles regarding solar panels.  Councillor Bazzano then stated that he feels the Town is doing a great job with snow removal in Town.

Councillor members then discussed the snow plowing and clearing of the snow near residential mail boxes.  Mr. Galligan explained that residents should clear near their mail boxes.  This is an unusual year and there is no place to put the snow.   If the Town cuts back the snow on the roads there will be other issues that the Town will have to deal with.  Mr. Galligan informed the Council that there is only $16,000 left in the snow removal budget.  Public Works is now working on getting the site lines clear and also clearing catch basins.     

Councillor Yagaloff questioned if there is a policy for the individuals who plow Town roads which gives concern for the homeowner while they are plowing.  

Mr. Galligan explained that in the year 1989 the number of employees in Public Works is the same amount that you have today.  In 1989 there were 65 miles of road that needed to get plowed and the routes took approximately 35 to 38 minutes.  Today the Town now has 145 miles of road and it takes approximately one hour fifteen minutes to complete a route.  When the snow is heavy, the plows have to double up on the main routes in order to keep those clear for emergencies and the Town would not get to the residential routes until after that.  South Windsor Public Works employees are very good and have different awards to show that.  Mr. Galligan stated that he would get the Town Council copies of the policies and the mandates.  

Councillor Yagaloff felt as long as the residents understand that the snow plow drivers are doing their best and take into consideration the burden that is created on the residents and trying to lessen that burden, that is all the Town Council can ask of the employees.

Councillor Delnicki stated that the Public Works employees who are plowing are doing a great job with all of the snow.  The major goal is to keep the roads as safe as possible and they are doing one heck of a job.

Councillor McCann reminded homeowners that they should make sure that the house numbers are identifiable from the street for emergency purposes.

ITEM:

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)

Councillor Favreau stated that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection announced as of February 4, 2011 the launch of their e-recycler program and has approved a list of e-recyclers.  It is my understanding that South Windsor is currently signing a contract with one here so that we can have local collection of electronic items such as computers.  Mr. Galligan explained that the contract was signed today.  Discussions will be held regarding when, where and how these type of items will be picked up.

Mayor Pelkey caused residents that they should be aware of gas meters being damaged as a result of snow coming off of roofs.  Mayor Pelkey also warned residents to be careful with the difficulty of site lines at different locations because of the amount of snow.

11.     Reports from Standing Committees

None

12.     Reports of Temporary Committees

Mayor Pelkey informed the Council that there was a meeting with the Committee who is dealing with the matching Mini-Grants.  He has received feedback from Councillor Yagaloff, but if there is any other feedback from other Council members, please contact him.

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council

Deputy Mayor Havens thanked the Public Works Department for all of their hard work and stated that he has not received any complaints regarding the plowing this year.

Deputy Mayor Havens then requested a Moment of Silence for John Samsel who passed away last week.  Deputy Mayor Havens thanked John and his family for the amount of hours of volunteer work that has been given to this community.

Councillor Prague stated the John was a good friend and he would miss him dearly.  Councillor Prague then stated that John was the type of individual who would plow for different individuals who could not afford to hire someone.  He gave to this community tremendously in many ways.


ITEM:

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)

Mayor Pelkey stated that John was an individual who helped run this community and there will be a lot of voids that will need to be filled.

14.     Public Participation

None

15.     Consent Agenda

Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to approve Items 17. A. through 17. B.  Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and they were approved, unanimously.

17.     New Business

* A.    Resolution Accepting the Resignation of M. Saud Anwar (D) from the Human Relations Commission

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of M. Saud Anwar (D) from the Human Relations Commission, said resignation to be effective immediately; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to M. Saud Anwar for the time he has dedicated to serving his community by his membership on the Human Relations Commission.

(Approved by Consent Agenda)

* B.    Resolution Appointing Winifred Wilson (D) to the Personnel Board of Appeals and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Winifred Wilson (D) to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2013 to fill the expired term of Edwina Futtner and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

(Approved by Consent Agenda)


ITEM:

17.     New Business (Continued)
C.      Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Kathryn Hale (D) from the Town Council

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of Kathryn Hale (D) from the Town Council, said resignation to be effective immediately; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Kathryn Hale for the time she has dedicated to serving her community by her membership on the Town Council.

Was made by Mayor Pelkey
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki

Mayor Pelkey stated that Kathryn Hale dedicated many years to the service of this Town and he appreciates the work that she did.  The residents were well served by Ms. Hale and he stated he would miss her on the Town Council.

Councillor Favreau stated that she was proud to serve as a Councillor with Kathy Hale.  Kathy is very dedicated and very passionate for this community.

Deputy Mayor Havens stated that Kathy is a good person and is very knowledgeable, will miss her on the Town Council.

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

D.      Resolution Appointing M. Saud Anwar (D) to the Town Council and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints M. Saud Anwar (D) to the Town Council for a term ending November 7, 2011 to fill the unexpired term of Kathryn Hale and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Councils next regularly scheduled meeting.

Was made by Councillor Favreau
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki


ITEM:

17.     D.      (Continued)

Councillor Favreau stated it is an honor to offer this resolution appointing Dr. Anwar as a Councillor to fill the unexpired term of Kathy Hale.  Dr. Anwar is a special and unique individual and he brings these qualities to any position that he undertakes.   Dr. Anwar will bring his dedication and his integrity to work on the Council on behalf of the residents of South Windsor.  

Councillor McCann stated that South Windsor is honored and blessed to have a man of Dr. Anwar’s stature join the Town Council.

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

E.      Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Contract with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services for a SBG Home Management Grant

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council Authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to enter into a Contract with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services for a SBG Home Management Grant in the amount of $13,006.00, the term of which Contract is October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011.

Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey

Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this grant will allow South Windsor Human Services to help individuals and is administered by Dennis Sheridan and the employees at Human Services.

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

ITEM:

17.     New Business (Continued)

F.      Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on an Ordinance Establishing The Connecticut Studios Project Special Services District

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 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 an Ordinance Establishing “The Connecticut Studios Project Special Services District”, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.

Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki

Mr. Galligan explained that Attorney Dave Panico from Robinson and Cole is present tonight to explain this Ordinance to the Town Council.

Attorney David Panico explained that this is the Ordinance that was promised during the Connecticut Studios discussions and the adoption of the bond resolution that would establish a Special Services District for the property owners just in the TIF District.  So the TIF District and the Special Services District have the same boundaries.  It is necessary to create this Special Services District to provide the extra tax revenue that has been talked about for the construction of the infrastructure improvements and to provide some additional services that the property owners will take over as part of the project.  The Ordinance provides for some special generic definitions in Article I and then Article II which are specific towards the Connecticut Studios Project Special Services District.  The district will get all of the Special Services District powers that are provided for under the Statute.  There are various definitions that conform to the bond resolutions in Section 11.  In Section 12 of the Ordinance the Connecticut Studios Special Services District is being established.  There are seven different land categories which goes to the way the studio will tax the property and develop the Special Services District Tax which will not be taxed the same way as the Town taxes.  It will be based on building square footage for the developed property, a certain tax for the undeveloped property, and another different tax for the property that is going to have the hotel on it.  Under the Statutes it is allowed to tax in a manner that seems fitting for the Special Services


ITEM:

17.     F.      (Continued)

District Tax.  Again the purpose of this district is to provide for the Connecticut Studios project and for any Special Services that are going to be performed within the district.  The Town has to approve the Ordinance in order for the property owner to hold a mini-referendum to approve the Ordinance.  There has been additional property provided to the district should the property owners want to expand the district to additional adjacent properties.  The Town will have to establish a Board consisting of six Town members and one property owner member.  It has been suggested that five members of the Redevelopment Agency and the Mayor be the individuals for the Town and the property owner member begin with Mr. Ralph Palumbo.  Each year a new property owner should be elected.  Attorney Panico gave the Town Council more details regarding the Board.  The effective date of the Ordinance will be upon the issuance of the bonds.  If the bonds are not issued, the Ordinance would not take effect.

Answering questions from the Council, Attorney Panico explained that the issue of the easements versus the ownership of the public infrastructure will be addressed in the Development Agreement.  The Agreement will be presented to the Town Council for input.

Councillor Yagaloff informed the public that the Connecticut Studios project is moving forward.  The Special Services District is specific for this development and will give the Town some authority and ability to collect additional revenue if the development is successful.  Councillor Yagaloff added that if there is a problem with the TIF, that issue can come back to the Town Council for revisions.

Mr. Galligan stated that the Board that will be established will create a budget for the Special Services District.  The funds budgeted will be used for plowing and other expenses associated with the Special Services District.

Attorney Panico explained to the Council that the Board being established for the Special Services District will determine what amount will be taxed upon the district.  The Town will then have an obligation to impose the tax levy with the property tax bill.

ITEM:

17.     F.      (Continued)

Councillor McCann stated that there is a definitional portion of the Ordinance that says public improvements include properties which are owned, administered, managed or operated by the Town or subject to an easement for use by the Town, so there is something in the Ordinance that governs the fact that the public improvements do include properties upon which the Town has an easement.  Councillor McCann then stated that he would be reviewing this Ordinance further and will forward any questions or concerns to Attorney Panico or Mr. Galligan.

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

G.      Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Thirty-Seven (37) South Windsor Taxpayers

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to thirty-seven (37) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $28,705.43, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.

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

H.      Discussion item:  Agreement between the South Windsor Board of Education and the South Windsor Education Association (requested by Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan)

Mr. Galligan began discussions by explaining that the law says any time the Board of Education negotiates an agreement with South Windsor Education Association, the Town Council has the obligation to either deny the agreement or if nothing is done the agreement will pass within 30 days.  If any Council member does not like this agreement, a resolution should be drafted which would deny this agreement.

Mayor Pelkey stated that this agreement directly affects his wife and he would recuse himself from these discussions.  Deputy Mayor Havens Chaired this portion of the meeting.

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

ITEM:

17.     H.      (Continued)

Councillor Yagaloff said he reviewed the agreement and feels it is a fair agreement.  

Councillor Prague stated that there is a continuing benefit to the Town with the additional funds that have been put back into the budget.

Councillor McCann stated that the Board of Education budget is the largest component of the overall budget.  Salaries are the largest portion of the Board of Education budgets, and the largest portion of the salaries are the teachers.  Councillor McCann felt that this contract is fair, effective and cost savings and will benefit South Windsor.

Councillor Delnicki thanked the Board of Education for making an effort to help with the budget process.  

18.     Passage of Ordinance

None

19.     Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)

        None

20.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)

        None

21.     Executive Session

At 9:35 p.m. the Town Council went back into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue; tax incentive negotiations; draft contract with the Ambulance Corp.; and personnel issue regarding the Board of Education Contract.

The following individuals went into Executive Session:  Mayor Pelkey, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councillor Bazzano, Councillor Delnicki, Councillor Favreau, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann, Councillor Yagaloff, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan, and Craig Stevenson who is the Economic Development  Consultant for the Town of South Windsor.


ITEM:

22.     Adjournment

At 11:20 p.m. Mayor Pelkey made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session, Work Session and Regular Meeting.  Councillor Favreau seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,



                                                
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council