TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
TOWN COUNCIL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011
CAUCUS ROOM EMERGENCY MEETING
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Pelkey called the Emergency Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Ed Havens
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Kevin McCann (arrived at 6:07 p.m.)
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Councillor Janice Favreau
Also Present: Matthew Galligan, Town Manager
Fred Shaw, Superintendent of Pollution Control
Karl Reichle, Superintendent of Operations
3. New Business
- Resolution Requesting the Governor, Attorney General and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management Certify that the Cleanup from Storm Alfred in South Windsor is a “Dire Emergency”
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at approximately 10:30 a.m., Governor Malloy informed Town officials that he, the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management would consider the cleanup efforts as a “dire emergency” from the aftermath of Storm Alfred on a Town by Town basis and in accordance to Section 7-379 of the Connecticut General Statutes but to do so the Governor would require a formal letter from the Chief Elected Official requesting such a ruling and in addition to the letter he desires the governing body to also pass a resolution making such a request; and
WHEREAS, Mayor John P. Pelkey has already drafted, signed and delivered such a letter in order to keep the Towns efforts moving forward as quickly as possible; and
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Emergency Meeting – Town Council
November 11, 2011
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3. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, during the Emergency Meeting of the South Windsor Town Council on Friday, November 4, 2011 the Town Council already approved a resolution allowing the Town Manager to borrow up to $1.5 million dollars for the cleanup effort once the Governor, Attorney General and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management declares the cleanup effort a “dire emergency”; and
WHEREAS, each moment of delay in this process puts South Windsor citizens at risk from the massive amount of debris that litters our Town
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council in addition to Mayor John Pelkey’s request, and acting on behalf and for the safety of the citizens of South Windsor, formally requests that the Governor, Attorney General and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management certify that the cleanup from Storm Alfred in South Windsor is a “dire emergency”; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council directs the Clerk of the Council to draft an approval letter on its behalf and delivers it to the Governor, Attorney General and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in the most expeditious manner.
Was made by Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor Bazzano
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that approving this resolution would allow the Council the ability to float a bond for the cost of this debris clean up. The Town could still use their budget if decided or a combination of both methods could also be done. This decision could be made when the debris clean up is approximately half way through. Robinson and Cole would still have to prepare a bond resolution if the Council decided to float a bond and this resolution were approved.
Mr. Galligan then informed the Council that the Town had given both companies (Ashbritt Inc. and Science Applications International Corporation) three sites to look at where they could have a debris site. All three sites are wet and the contractor’s searched further for a property and found one in the I-291 area which is approximately 18 acres. The cost to lease this property would be $5,000 per month. The owner of the property received a $10,000 security deposit which will be returned if there is nothing wrong with the property after this process is complete.
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3. A. (Continued)
The whole process will cost approximately $6,000,000, but the Town will only be responsible for 25% and FEMA will be responsible for 75%. The contract with Ashbritt, Inc. and Science Applications International Corporation is for $40.00 a cubic yard and will include hanging limbs as long as they are on Town property or in the Town’s right of way. FEMA will not allow Town’s to go down private roads or on private property. Condominiums will have to bring their debris out to the main road. Another option is for residents to bring their debris down to Veterans Memorial Park.
Mr. Galligan stated that CCM has asked him to be their representative at a forum which will be discussing the different problems that occurred while C L & P restored the power after the storm. The forum will also provide different ideas and improvements.
It residents would like to find out when debris will be picked up on their street, they can look at the website, facebook, everbridge and/or newspapers. As much as possible is going to be picked up before Thanksgiving. Around Thanksgiving this process will stop until after the holiday. They will presume to pick up debris weather permitting. Residents do not have to worry about the length the debris is because there will be a crew that will cut up pieces of debris if it is necessary. If the arm of the truck can not reach debris, the Town will notify residents to push their debris closer to the road.
Councillor Delnicki thanked Mayor Pelkey for the letter that was drafted, signed and delivered in an expeditious manner.
Mayor Pelkey explained that he would like this process to be done as soon as possible for the safety of residents. Mayor Pelkey stated that he had introduced something called “Opportunity Bonds”. If the Town Council had endorsed this item there would have been funds available for this type of situation. Mayor Pelkey urged the next Council to review this item in the future.
Councillor Prague informed the public to be careful of hanging limbs.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that when the Council was informed that FEMA is going to cover 75% of the cost for the debris pick up and the Town would be responsible for 25%, it was an easy decision to have professional company come through with the appropriate equipment and get this done right. Councillor Yagaloff then stated that he is concerned with the cost of this process and would like to see half of the cost to be paid for by the budget and the other half to be paid for by floating bonds.
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3. A. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council and public that the Town has identified areas they are able to get to where residents already have leaves out. The Town will go get those leaves now. There will also be a bag collection for leaves and the Town is working with USA so those bags can be picked up on Saturday’s. Residents also have the option of bringing their leaves down to the Town Garage on Burgess Road. If plastic bags are used, the leaves will have to be emptied from that type of bag when they are brought to the Town Garage. The Town may also be following the debris management trucks. The Town feels there is an obligation to the residents to pick up the leaves the best way possible until the snow comes.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that biggest threat will be if the leaves are mixed with the snow. The leaves could also clog the drains and there could be freezing on the roads. Another threat is when the snow does come and there is additional weight on existing trees, there may be additional damage that occurs. The sooner the Town makes a decision on how this will be paid for, the better will be given the unknowns that could occur moving forward.
Councillor Anwar felt that the Public Works Department should be cutting down limbs that could either fall and injure individuals or take power lines down.
Mr. Galligan stated he would agree with that, but C L & P is responsible for trimming any hanging limbs that are on wires. The contractors will take any hanging limbs down that are on Town property or on the Town right of way. If there are hanging limbs on private property that is something the Town is not allowed to do because the Charter prohibits the Town to spend public dollars on private property. FEMA will be sending an individual to talk to the Town about helping residents.
Answering further questions from Council members, Mr. Galligan explained that the percentage rates for notes are 1% or a little less. Residents or contractors that are working for South Windsor residents will be allowed to bring debris to the front parking lot of Veterans Memorial Park. There will be someone there who will monitor who comes in.
Councillor McCann stated the Council should also be addressing the limbs and trees that have fallen into streams throughout Town. If that debris gets into the culverts they would be likely to back up those culverts and the Town would have a serious problem on roadways. Councillor McCann questioned if Public Works has assessed this problem and will the streams be able to be cleared out in conjunction with this debris removal? Mr. Galligan stated he would have to get back to Council on this issue.
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November 11, 2011
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3. A. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Havens stated that he does not remember South Windsor ever being affected in this manner because of a storm. There are many issues that need to be addressed, but the debris pick up should be the first thing that gets done.
Mr. Galligan stated that local contractors should contact Fred Shaw, Jeff Doolittle or him to see if their services are needed.
Mayor Pelkey made on final appeal to the Governor, Attorney General and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to please declare this a dire emergency so that the Town can clean up from this storm and keep all citizens safe.
4. Adjournment
At 6:45 p.m. Mayor Pelkey adjourned the Emergency Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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