TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2011
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Pelkey called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Tom Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Saud M. Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
Councllor Ed Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation
Mr. Herb Asplund, 56 Tumblerook Drive and a member of the Patriotic Commission came before the Town Council to discuss Terms for Boards and Commissions. Mr. Asplund explained that on July 18, 2011 the South Windsor Town Council approved an ordinance going from nine members to ten members. In the ordinance it states the Town Council would appoint the tenth member in October of 2011. The rest of the Patriotic Commission’s terms end in August and Mr. Asplund is requesting that the tenth members’ term be the same date as the rest of the Patriotic Commission.
Mr. James, Throwe, 1330 Main Street and a member of the Patriotic Commission came forward and stated he would like to re-enforce everything that Mr. Asplund has offered.
4. Communications
None
5. Town Manager’s Report
None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Terms for Boards and Commission
Deputy Mayor Bazzano began discussions by explaining that terms for all Boards and Commissions are all inconsistent with each other. Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the Town Council first adjust the term for the Patriotic Commission
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
members to October and then he would like to see all the dates of expiration of the Boards and Commission terms to December 31st. The terms that are set by ordinance could be done by holding a public hearing and amending the ordinance with the necessary change. If terms are set by the Charter, the Town Council will not be able to change those terms. These changes will give conformity to the terms of the Boards and Commission.
Councillor Havens felt this is something that should be explored by the Town Council, but should be brought to the Town Attorney to see if this is something that can be done.
Mayor Delnicki stated that this issue should be brought to the Town Attorney, but he would be in favor of acting on the Patriotic Commission now.
Councillor Anwar said he would be in support of this proposal and feels uniformity is a good idea as far as the terms are concerned.
Councillor McCann suggested that the Town Council go forward with the amendment to the Ordinance for the Patriotic Commission which will give equal representation from both parties on the Commission. Doing this may give the Council ideas for other Boards and/or Commissions.
Mayor Delnicki directed the Council Clerk at the next meeting to schedule a public hearing for the amendment of the Patriotic Commission terms. The term should be set for December 31st. After the Town Attorney has reviewed the other Boards and Commissions and given the Town Council a report on this issue, the Town Council can move forward on the remainder of the Board and Commission terms.
B. Continued Improvements of Athletic Fields
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that although athletic fields have come a long way, he would like to see the continuation of improvement to the fields and additional locations sought for more fields. Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that a temporary sub-committee be established to review this issue as well as lighting for fields and the type of turf used on fields. The sub-committee could consist of the Town Manager, two individuals from the Park & Recreation Department and individuals who are associated with sports around Town.
Mayor Delnicki suggested that Deputy Mayor Bazzano bring a resolution forward at the next scheduled meeting to establish a temporary sub-committee.
Councillor Anwar felt that the Town has excellent facilities and needs to make sure other areas in Town are not being overlooked.
ITEM:
6. C. Status of Parks & Recreation Department and Street Services/Public Works
Councillor Yagaloff explained the reason for this discussion is to see if the reorganization of Public Works and the Recreation Department have had any impacts on the level of service or budgets.
Mr. Ray Favreau, Director of Parks & Recreation came before the Town Council. Mr. Favreau reviewed the Parks Division Core Maintenance duties, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Answering questions from the Commission, Mr. Favreau explained that there were ten full time Maintainers in the Parks Division of Public Works that moved over to the reorganized Parks & Recreation Department. These individuals have done basically the same duties, just under a different administrator. On contracted services the Town spends on a normal basis under $100,000. This year the Town will spend more because of Storm Alfred.
Mr. John Caldwell, Superintendent of Parks explained to the Council that Public Works and the Parks & Recreation Department work as one union when it comes to emergencies or the sharing of workloads. A lot of items have remained the same, just the format of the departments themselves have changed. Answering further questions, Mr. Caldwell explained the Town truck that follows the leaf collection truck are individuals who will get out and help with the leaf collection and/or traffic. Mr. Caldwell also explained that that as far as parks and other areas in Town that are mowed throughout Town, the Town only has one trimming crew and they go out and mow either before or after the large mowers and usually not on the same day. This is the reason why you would see the grass at two different heights. There is not enough staff or equipment to alleviate this problem.
Mr. Galligan stated that the budget has increased over the years due to equipment expenses. The Town did spend funds on additional equipment in order for the Town to do some things in-house. There has not been any increase in staffing.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that a sign reading “Red Shepard Field” be erected at the Multi-purpose field.
Mr. Caldwell stated that any overtime pay is paid from the Department that the individual works for no matter what the project that is being worked on.
Mayor Delnicki recessed the Work Session at 8:00 p.m. in order to call the Regular Meeting to order. The Work Session was reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
Councillor Prague stated that he is very proud of Public Works and Parks & Recreation. There is no such thing as too efficient because the Town is doing more and making the Town better.
ITEM:
6. C. (Continued)
Councillor Anwar felt that the Town can not make one group of residents happy and not another. The Town will have to find a balance going forward with the different responsibilities to fields and parks.
Councillor Snyder stated that the Parks & Recreation Department should be proud of themselves and should continue doing a great job.
Mayor Delnicki felt the collaborative efforts between the Parks & Recreation Department and Public Works is very good and should continue.
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 8:07 p.m. Councillor Anwar made a motion to adjourn the Work Session. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Recording Secretary
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