TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 October 3, 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 Saud M. Anwar (arrived at 8:04 p.m.)
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 Favreau informed the public that there will be a Health and Safety and Medication Disposal Day on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Along with this Health and Screening Fair you may get a flu shot which is covered by Medicare Part B, Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Connecticare or it is $35.00 by cash or check. Other services include blood pressure check, blood sugar check, general oral screening, bone density check, nerve and muscle evaluation and armchair massages. If anyone is looking for further information they can visit the website.
There will also be another Medication Disposal Day at the Police Department on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Mayor Pelkey added that it is important to dispose of medications at these events. Medications should not be flushed down the toilet because it will get into the water stream and will become a public hazard.
ITEM:
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message (Continued)
Councillor McCann reminded the public and the Town Council that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All women should make sure they get the appropriate screening.
Mayor Pelkey added that breast cancer is not restricted to women only so it is important to be aware that it is not only a female disease.
Councillor Prague announced that Saturday, October 8, 2011 there will be a Volunteer Appreciation Day at Geisslers Supermarket sponsored by the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Town Clerk’s Office will be a drop off point for food and donations to the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank during the month of October.
Councillor Favreau stated that unfortunately Connecticut has moved up in the standings to number two in the country with the highest rate of breast cancer. More concerning is that the Town of South Windsor is one of the highest Towns with the incidents of stage 3 breast cancer in the State of Connecticut.
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 September 26, 2011; Public Hearings (2) of September 26, 2011; and Regular Meeting of September 26, 2011.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Councillor Yagaloff stated that on the Special Work Session Minutes it shows that Councilor Prague was present which he was not and it shows me as coming in as 7:03 p.m. which I was there on time. On the Regular Meeting under Communications, the second paragraph says “acquisition” and should say “accusation”.
Mayor Pelkey called for a vote on this motion with the amendments; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
- Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager, Matthew Galligan reported on the following items:
- The Town of South Windsor contacted three Towns to see if they are interested in using the Old Firehouse at 124 Sullivan Avenue for a Regional Canine Facility. The three Towns reviewed the property and have a strong interest. Cheryl Assisi from CRCOG is working with OPM to see if the grant for $515,000 can be transferred from Evergreen Walk to this building. The Assessor will be coming up with a value of the building of what the Town would receive in taxes if it the property were used for a different use. The savings the Town will receive from outsourcing the animals will also be considered. This could be a very viable project. The Town Manager will get back to the Town Council with further information when it becomes available.
- At the last CRCOG meeting, the Town Manager attended and stated to the Board his displeasure with how C.R.R.A. started to change their bids at the last minute. CRCOG will be addressing that issue.
- At the last C.R.R.A. Board meeting, the Board did not approve the $20 recycling fee to pay for municipalities, but put that off until November. The deadline date to get the contracts into C.R.R.A. for the disposal of waste has been extended until October 1, 2011.
- Councillor Prague requested the revenue and expenditure numbers to date for the fiscal year of June 30, 2011. The fund balance would be reduced by $413,000 at this point. During the fiscal year the Board of Education passed a resolution saying that any surplus they had would go into the Health fund or Pension fund which could also help the Town as well as the Board of Education if these items come up short in the future.
- FedEx took out their first building permit for $91,000. The project seems to be moving forward and their plans and specifications are done. They are working with Town staff at this time.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
- Satellite Tool is requesting a tax abatement for their proposed expansion. The Economic Development Commission has already approved this tax abatement.
- Attended the Senior Luncheon on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Community Center. There was a large number of Seniors that participated in the program. The Town Council will need to review and address their space needs in the future.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town of South Windsor has been using 124 Sullivan Avenue for a temporary animal shelter. The Town of Vernon wanted to charge South Windsor $24,000 for services. At this point the Town can spent $3,000 to put kennels in the building and save a lot of money towards this item. If this building were to become a Regional Animal Shelter, the Town could charge an annual fee which would also include a capital fee within the fee, so in five years if the building needs more updates then money would be available. Mr. Galligan explained that using the building for a regional facility is being reviewed presently and all the fees associated with this issue. If the Town were to sell the building, the Town would receive taxes for the
property and depending on what is put in the building taxes on the personal property. There have not been any complaints about the noise in the facility while the shelter is there temporarily. It is an industrial area with no residential around it. The shelter would have to house dogs and cats and is a permitted use under zoning. The building would have to be hooked up to the Town’s sewer system.
Deputy Mayor Havens stated he does not feel a regional animal shelter is the proper use of this property. An animal shelter could be placed in a lot of other areas other than a main street in the Town.
Councillor Prague requested a list of all the different employee plans, how much the Town contributes to each pension plan, how much the Town contributes to each health care and how much the employee contributes to the health plan.
Councillor Prague also requested that if there is a Council member that is a liaison for any Board and/or Commission, please send minutes to the Council.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
The Commission held a discussion regarding Emergency Management. It was felt that the Council should be educated on emergency preparedness versus emergency management and who is involved with what function. Mr. Galligan suggested that a tabletop exercise be held and funded by the Town Council. This would educate the Council to see how things work.
Mayor Pelkey stated that he was at the ribbon cutting for Maine Oxy and informed the Council that the owner of the company praised the Town staff on their abilities.
Councillor Prague explained that funds are being raised in order to place a gazebo in the back of the Community Center on the patio. The South Windsor Rotary Club has issued a community challenge. Rotary will match any donation that is given for the gazebo. They will donate up to $6,000 which is 50% of the total cost of the gazebo.
Councillor Anwar suggested that when a company is interested in starting a new business in Town, there should be one place for the individual to go and get everything they need. Mr. Galligan explained that if a business calls the Economic Development Coordinator or the Town Manager’s Office, there will be a meeting set up to inform the company of everything they need to do.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan stated that since the article came out about South Windsor being the 35th Best Place to Live, there seems to be more interest in vacant buildings. Mr. Galligan suggested that if the economy gets better, the Town Council should review creating its own revolving loan fund for an incentive for smaller businesses that are occupying vacant buildings in Town. Another way to handle vacant buildings in Town would be to create an incubator program which would house a lot of small businesses in one building.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the Town should be supporting the purchase and development of the building at 124 Sullivan Avenue to turn that into a viable business.
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to Suspend the rules in order to bring Item 17. F. forward. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
17. New Business
F. Discussion item: Economic Development Incentive for Metals Testing Company
Mr. Peter DeMallie from Design Professionals, Inc. came before the Town Council. Mr. DeMallie explained that the owner of Delisle Inc., d/b/a Metals Testing Company began the business in 1980 with only seven employees. Mr. Delisle built a facility at 80 Kimberly Drive in 1990 and has expanded that facility twice. The building is now 30,000 square feet with fifty-four employees and possibly four additional employees in the next month. Mr. Delisle is seeking to expand the building again. He owns a site next to his and would like to erect a building just shy of 13,000 square feet to compliment the existing headquarters which will also have improvements done to it. A variance has been secured from the Zoning Board of Appeals which gives the company a 14’ x 50’ climate controlled
enclosed connection between the two buildings. The personal property going into just the new building is approximately $2,500,000. The Economic Development Commission has approved a four year, 50% abatement. Mr. Delisle would like to remain in South Windsor and plans to employee sixty-three employees when the new building is built.
Answering questions from the Council Mr. Delisle stated that there are approximately seven employees that are residents of South Windsor.
Councillor McCann stated this is the kind of success story the Council wants to see. A company that came into Town and has created a successful business with expansions. Councillor McCann noticed that there are two business names involved on this application so the proposal should be clear when it is agreed upon.
Deputy Mayor Havens stated he would be supporting this tax abatement.
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to Suspend the Rules to bring Item 14 and Item 17. E. forward. Councillor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Council and stated that he would like to know if the Town’s health care plan is more expensive then the State of Connecticut’s. The health plan, pension plan and health benefits cost sharing all need to be discussed by the Town Council. Mr. Gonsalves also stated that he disagrees that the Board of Education did not turn the surplus back over to the Town. Mr. Gonsalves said he totally disagrees with the WPCA system and feels the Town should get a ruling from the courts to see how that should really be run. The last item Mr. Gonsalves stated was that it is too bad that the Town of South Windsor does not have a League of Women voters so all the Council members could indicate to the public what their positions are.
17. New Business
E. Resolution Endorsing the Buckland Area Transportation Study
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has conducted and completed the Buckland Area Transportation Study which identifies alternatives to address near and long term transportation needs within and around the Buckland commercial area; and
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments, the Town of Manchester, the Town of South Windsor, area stakeholders and the public had an opportunity to offer input and guidance into the study process
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of South Windsor endorses the recommendations identified in the Buckland Area Transportation Study
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
Mr. Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer came before the Town Council. He explained that the study of the Buckland area began in 2006. It was funded through a grant and the study goals were to plan operational and safety improvements along the major transportation elements in the area and the
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Buckland Corridor area; included roads, access driveway, transit bicycle and pedestrian services. The study was to identify transportation improvement alternatives that promote quality of life for users of all transportation modes. There has been a lot of development in the Buckland Transportation area in the last twenty or thirty years. There is a lot of traffic, particularly around the holiday periods, leaving the many intersections and road segments with a lot of congestions. The concern was that could lead to possible traffic failure in the future especially if development continues at the rate it has been going. The first phase of the study was to collect data to find out existing conditions, existing transportation conditions, existing traffic and project that forward into the future to
2030 for the area to see what would happen if nothing changed. Those results are summarized in the 1 of 4 studies which looks at existing and future traffic conditions. There have been many public meetings and public involvement opportunities as part of this study. Through those meetings, alternative concepts improvements to roadways in the area were developed and they were refined through the process to a few viable concepts and these are documented in the second manual study which is called “Future Conditions Report”. Additional recommendation for improvements to transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities are contained in the third technical memorandum (manual) and the fourth technical memorandum contains land use management strategies for the Town of Manchester and Town of South Windsor to consider for future development in the area. Following are recommendations that affect South Windsor the most:
- To relocate the access to I-291 (lower left hand corner of the figure). Right now you can only get on I-291 directly from I-84 if you are on I-84 before the Buckland area. The recommendation is to move the ramp onto 291 to the frontage road or the access road that leads onto 84 from Pleasant Valley Road and also to I-384 from Pleasant Valley Road. This would continue to have a connection to I-84 but it would allow people direct access to I-291 from Pleasant Valley area and the Buckland Hills area. It would take some of the traffic load off of the surrounding streets which people use currently to get to I-291.
- Improve exit 63 by providing a new off ramp from I-84 west bound onto exit 63 for traffic traveling westbound towards South Windsor on
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Rte. 30. If you are heading west bound on I-84 and you want to go towards South Windsor at that exit you would get off at a ramp before the existing ramp right now and go right down Rte. 30 towards South Windsor. If you wanted to go on Rte. 30 towards Manchester or Vernon you would get off at the existing ramp and that would have a right only exit at the end of it. So what that does is it eliminates a lot of left hand turns at that intersection. There would still have to be access to Avery Street and it could be through any one of those configurations but by eliminating a lot of the left hand turns, you are going to allow the intersection to function better. There are also improvements in the works being designed by Connecticut. Department of Transportation for the eastbound exit ramp at exit
63 including widening those lanes and providing for better turning movements there and the study did not include those recommendations but because they are already ongoing it has been encouraged for this recommendation to continue.
- Make a connection from Pleasant Valley Road to Tamarack Avenue and Evergreen Walk through the Simon property, the vacant property behind and adjacent to the plaza at Buckland Hills or next to or behind Joanne Fabrics. This connection would not connect to Smith Street, it would probably go under Smith Street or possibly over Smith Street and would provide additional access to Evergreen Walk directly from Pleasant Valley Road, thereby taking some of the traffic off of Buckland Street and Buckland Road. The developer of Evergreen Walk was involved in this process and they are aware of this possibility and they are in accordance with it. They are not in a position to build it at this point but they have set up their general plan of development so it could accommodate that if it can get built in the future and any plans that come in for that
vacant piece of property the developers would be made aware that this is something that is wanted for them to consider and allow for in their development plans.
- Realignment of the east end of Deming Street where it connects to Oakland Road. Right now it connects at a pretty severe or sharp angle. Realign that so it is more of a T intersection to allow for a little bit better of traffic flow in and out of that intersection. That is more of a minor improvement but that is something that would help the area.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
- Provide sidewalk connections where they are missing in the area and provide cross walks and pedestrian signals at intersections along major roads such as Buckland Road. This is one of the things the Town cited in our application for funding for the sidewalks along Buckland Road to connect from Deming Street up through Town Center.
There are other major improvements that would help the area such as a new bridge across 84 which will give a more direct access into the mall area; relocating the HOV ramps at exit 62; provide auxiliary lanes between exit 62 and exit 63 off of I-84; changing traffic light timing; adding traffic lights in certain areas; and making improvements to transit service in the area. There has been a lot of discussions about a circulator route between Evergreen Walk and the Manchester shopping area, improvements to facilitate more bicycling and pedestrian use in the areas as well. These are the major recommendations of the study and these are all in the final report. At this time the Town is looking for the Town Council to endorse this study.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Doolittle explained that the highlighted roads that were discussed for widening are all part of the overall plan, but are local roads so they would be in the jurisdiction and discretion of local authorities. Roads such as Clark Street and Deming Street were discussed as part of the plan but the Town would have full control over those areas. The Smith Street overpass or underpass would be discussed by the Town working with a developer but it would be less likely to receive federal funds because it would be a local road. .
Councillor McCann stated that this is an important matter for the Town and he would not be ready to endorse this matter tonight. Councillor McCann voiced concern with the widening of Slater Street stating he would assume that it would also include opening up the dead ended portion to allow traffic to flow along Slater Street from Deming Street to the Buckland Mall. Councillor McCann requested that more information be provided to the Town Council.
Mr. Doolittle responded that more information could be provided and confirmed that the plan does not recommend reconnecting Slater Street in South Windsor to Slater Street in Manchester.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Anwar felt that this issue needs to be reviewed further by the Council before the Council should endorse this plan.
Council members then discussed the ability to synchronize the traffic lights along Buckland Road. Councillor McCann stated that when this item came before the Planning & Zoning Commission, they were supposed to be synchronized. Mr. Galligan explained that the lights can not be synchronized when there is someone existing out of a side complex, there needs to be an override to allow those individuals to exit but this item can be revisited with the State Traffic Commission.
Answering further questions from the Council, Mr. Doolittle stated that the final report is on-line minus the appendixes. Mr. Doolittle stated he would make sure that the Council gets a copy of the final report and any questions that the Council may have can be directed to either him or Michele Lipe, Director of Planning. A decision on whether the Council will endorse this plan should be done within the next month or two.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that this is a going to be a complicated endorsement and the Town can not change the study so the endorsement language may have to be changed in terms of the significant impact this plan may have on the Town. This plan could significantly impact neighborhoods in South Windsor. Councillor Yagaloff questioned if the Town is limited to the language?
Mr. Doolittle explained that the language was from CROCOG and it is purposely simple. The plan does not get into a lot of details in order to give the Town’s control over issues.
Councillor Favreau stated that she feels this needs to be reviewed in more detail and she would not be able to endorse the plan at this time.
Councillor Prague explained that this plan would take a long time to be implemented, but agrees with the Council that it should be reviewed carefully because it would be pushing traffic into residential areas.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Delnicki also felt this plan should be reviewed carefully and items that the Council feels should be taken out should be removed from this plan in order for the Town Council to endorse this plan.
Mayor Pelkey made a motion to postpone the resolution endorsing the Buckland Area Transportation study until a future meeting to be determined at a future time. Councillor Yagaloff seconded and the motion was approved, unanimously.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
Mayor Pelkey reported that the Naming of Public Lands and Buildings Sub-Committee will be meeting on October 13, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Caucus Room to discuss a couple of naming opportunities, one being the naming of the Bark Park in memory of Chief Gary K. Tyler.
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Anwar reviewed the Town of South Windsor health care costs and pension costs from 2008/2009 to present.
Councillor Delnicki requested that the Town Manager quantify what the difference would be for a family to participate in the Town health care plan versus the cost for a family in the State of Connecticut’s health care plan.
15. Consent Agenda
None
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Timothy Appleton (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Timothy Appleton (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Appointing Adam Reed (D) a Full Member to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Adam Reed (D) a Full Member to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2011.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Mayor Pelkey
The Motion was approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Reappointing Kent Carlson (D) to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Kent Carlson (D) to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2014.
Was made by Councillor Favreau
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The Motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
16. Unfinished Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Reappointing Scott Andrusis to the Redevelopment Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Scott Andrusis to the Redevelopment Agency for a term ending December 31, 2014.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
The Motion was approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Reappointing Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency for a term ending December 31, 2015.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was approved, unanimously
17. New Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Herbert Asplund (R) to the Patriotic Commission 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 reappoints Herbert Asplund (R) to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2014 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The Motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Appointing William Carroll (R) to the Patriotic Commission 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 William Carroll (R) to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2014 to fill the expired term of Robert Moeller and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The Motion was approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Appointing Leonard B. Glasser (R) a Full Member to the Patriotic Commission 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 Leonard B. Glasser (R) a Full Member to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2013 to fill a vacancy and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
The Motion was approved, unanimously
D. Resolution Appointing Gene Botteron (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission 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 Gene Botteron (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending August 31, 2014 to fill the expired term of Leonard B. Glasser and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councillor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was approved, unanimously
G. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Thirty-Two (32) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to thirty-two (32) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $6,775.12, and as more fully described in attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion 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
21. Executive Session
None
22. Adjournment
At 10:33p.m. Deputy Mayor Havens made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Mayor Pelkey seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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