TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 December 19, 2011
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Delnicki called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:07 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Tom Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Saud M. Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
Councillor Ed Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
None
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
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: Work Session Meeting of December 5, 2011; Two Public Hearings of December 5, 2011; and Regular Meeting of December 5, 2011.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Anwar stated that the only change he noticed was that it should say Mayor Delnicki called the meeting to order, not Mayor Pelkey on the Work Session minutes.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the minutes with the noted amendment; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the following items:
- On January 3, 2012 Michele Lipe, Town Planner will be coming to the Town Council meeting to discuss the South Windsor Plan of Conservation and Development. The Town Council can evaluate the information, review the information and be prepared to go the scheduled meeting on January 31, 2012 to discuss the plan further.
- On December 8, 2011 attended a meeting with C L & P to represent various local municipalities to resolve the storm-related issues in a more efficient and effective manner.
- It has been brought to the Town’s attention by Murtha Cullina that the Demolition Delay Ordinance previously approved will need corrective measures.
- December 16, 2011 was the last day for debris clean-up, but there is still debris being picked up that was left out that week. A spring clean up may be advised.
- The Town Council will receive in writing from DEP and the EPA from Region 1 the reasoning behind South Windsor being placed on the EPA watch list.
- A map of the firehouse property has been enclosed for Town Council review. The subdivision line shows more than ample coverage for any type of project to be done on the remaining piece of property. The property abutting the Michael Donnelly Preserve will all be combined. IWA/CC has reviewed this and is in agreement of the map.
Ms. Betty Warren, Chair of IWA/CC came before the Town Council and stated that the plan before the Town Council should maximize the use of the site that is not regulated and preserve areas that abut the preserve.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Ms. Barbara Kelly, Vice Chair of IWA/CC stated that IWA/CC would like to see this matter resolved.
Mr. Galligan informed the Council that this proposal would need to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission for approval.
Council members discussed at length Parcel B and how it should be handled. Mayor Delnicki suggested that a resolution be drafted and put onto the next Council agenda.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano voiced concern regarding the Ambulance Corps. There was an incident at Ellsworth Elementary School. South Windsor’s ambulance was already on a call so ASM was called in and it took them twenty minutes to get to the school. South Windsor has two ambulances, but only one is being used. Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the Town Manager find out why this is happening.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that if residents call up regarding debris pick-up after the December 16, 2011 deadline, each call will have to be handled on a case by case basis. Residents have the opportunity to bring their debris to VMP, but that will be closing on Thursday, December 22, 2011. There is also the opportunity to bring debris to other Towns.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that South Windsor should have paramedics that can be life saving responders. Mr. Galligan stated that there are several ways to handle this item which can be discussed at a later time.
Councillor Prague stated that the Town Council received financial statements of the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. and should be provided to Council members again. Councillor Prague agreed that two ambulances should be used in Town and a better response rate is necessary.
Council members discussed debris management further stating that in the future it may make sense to set up contracts with local contractors prior to a storm happening. This could also be done with shoveling snow off of roofs. Mr. Galligan informed the Town Council that the Town has received a letter from FEMA saying that the Town will be receiving a check from the Storm Irene debris management.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Anwar felt that if the Town does the Citizen Survey, it is important for the Town to know what special services the residents may need during or after a storm. Mr. Galligan explained that C L & P has a list of individuals with special needs and the Town is requesting that C L & P share that list with the Town. The Town does not need to know what is wrong, they would just need to know if any special accommodation would be necessary.
Councillor Anwar reiterated that he feels seven residents would be necessary for the Civil Preparedness Agency rather than three. The resident could help coordinate the Town response. Mr. Galligan stated that Chief Reed will be at the next Town Council meeting to discuss this matter.
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor McCann informed the Council that every meeting since November has had an appendix on the back of the agenda. This meeting it is missing and should be on each agenda going forward.
Councillor Anwar noticed that the graffiti on the box at the corner of Sullivan Avenue and Rte. 74 is still there. Councillor Anwar suggested that the Town Manager call the C L & P CEO’s office. Councillor Anwar also commented again that he would like to discuss sidewalks in the near future.
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council and stated that many times the Town Council goes into Executive Session, but the reason for going into Executive Session is not disclosed. Mr. Gonsalves also requested that as part of the questioning for the Citizen Survey, a question asking why residents do not come to the Town Council should be included.
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Item 16. A., through 16. B. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
The motion was approved, unanimously
17. New Business
- Resolution Reappointing Joan Walsh (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Joan Walsh (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2015.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
B. Resolution Reappointing Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2015.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
17. New Business
A. Resolution Addressing the Expected Shortfall in Revenues for the 2011/2012 Budget
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to prepare in advance for anticipated lower revenues, and avoid budget deficits
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective immediately upon passage of this resolution:
1. The Town of South Windsor shall institute a hiring freeze until further notice. No full time or part time positions, except positions which are funded by programmatic fees shall be filled without further action of the Council.
2. Neither the Manager nor any Department Head of the Town shall authorize overtime other than on a critical need basis until further action by Council. To the extent possible, the Department shall adjust their shifts to provide necessary coverage without overtime. The Manager shall direct the Department Heads to provide the Manager with periodic written reports of overtime which they deem to be a critical need. The Manager shall make the determination of what is and what is not a critical need. The Manager shall report monthly to Council with a statement of critical need overtime.
3. The Town of South Windsor shall cancel all out-of-state travel by Town personnel, including trips for seminars, training, “fact-finding”, marketing, etc. until further action by Council. To the extent that previously planned out-of-state training is available at a substantial savings to the Town through the alternative means of video conferencing, teleconferencing, the internet, or similar means, Town personnel shall utilize such alternative means.
4. No vehicles or equipment shall be ordered or purchased at a cost of more than $5,000 without prior notification to Council.
5. the Manager shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the total actual expenditures for fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 is below budgeted amounts.
6. This Resolution shall expire on March 9, 2012, unless extended by Council.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. A. (Continued)
Councillor McCann explained that this resolution is essentially the same resolution adopted in January of 2010. The Town has been hit with costs to help with the clean up of Storm Albert and needs to recover to the level of fees that the Town used to collect. The Town Council needs to maintain the budget because the Town does not want a repeat of last year’s deficit. Councillor McCann requested that the Town Manager give input as to what type of policies he has implemented in the past.
Mr. Galligan explained that revenues are not doing that bad. At the last staff meeting, staff was asked to put things off and the Town Attorney has agreed to reduce his retainer. At this time revenues are short $33,000 but Building fees and collections are both doing good. Mr. Galligan started that the expenditures are a concern and the Town is looking where costs could be reduced or hours could be reduced.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he completely supports this resolution and also stated that there was not deficit last year.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Establishing a Temporary Sub-Committee to Review Issues Associated with the Water Pollution Control Authority
WHEREAS, a referendum was passed for the planning, acquisition and construction of upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility; and
WHEREAS, there is concern regarding sewer use rates, reserve funds and budgeted expenditures; and
WHEREAS, in the past there have been attempts to resolve these issues
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby establishes a Temporary Sub-Committee to address issues associated with the Water Pollution Control Facility; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Sub-Committee will consist of Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan as the Chairperson, two members of the South Windsor Town Council, two members of the Water Pollution Control Authority, two members of the public and any individuals that the Chairperson feels would be necessary.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Mayor Delnicki stated that the sewer rates have been a major issue for the Council as a whole and there are two new issues which are the EPA watch list and the service area. Mayor Delnicki requested something from the Sub-Committee within 60 to 90 days.
Mr. Galligan explained that implementation may take time because of the budget process. Mr. Galligan also informed the Council that he would like to bring in some individuals from Water Companies.
Councillor McCann felt that the sewer service area map which will have impact on property owners should be added to the resolution.
Councillor McCann suggested that under paragraph 2 after reserve funds, insert “sewer service area map”. Councillor Prague seconded the motion
Councillor Anwar was in support of the resolution but felt that more issues should be included in the resolution. Best practices should be implemented into the resolution.
Mr. Galligan felt that WPCA would like to see some changes and feels that the Town Council has given enough information for the Sub-Committee to move forward with this issue.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the Sub-Committee has to also review how commercial condominiums are charged for sewer bills. The language in the resolution should include policies and commercial and residential billing.
Mr. Galligan suggested language such as all people are billing in a fair and equitable manner.
ITEM:
17. B. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff offered a friendly amendment, after Councillor McCann’s amendment insert billing policies. Councillor McCann accepted this as a friendly amendment.
Mayor Delnicki offered another friendly amendment to include the EAP issues; Councillor McCann accepted this as a friendly amendment.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment; it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Delnicki then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it was approve, unanimously.
The amended resolution to read as follows:
WHEREAS, a referendum was passed for the planning, acquisition and construction of upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility; and
WHEREAS, there is concern regarding sewer use rates, reserve funds, sewer service area map, billing policies, EAP issues and budgeted expenditures; and
WHEREAS, in the past there have been attempts to resolve these issues
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby establishes a Temporary Sub-Committee to address issues associated with the Water Pollution Control Facility; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Sub-Committee will consist of Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan as the Chairperson, two members of the South Windsor Town Council, two members of the Water Pollution Control Authority, two members of the public and any individuals that the Chairperson feels would be necessary.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
- Resolution Establishing a Sub-Committee for the 2011 Citizen Survey
WHEREAS, in 2006 the Town of South Windsor conducted a Citizen Survey with the objective of better understanding overall satisfaction on issues of quality of life and rating Town services, both the importance of service and the quality of the service; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council feels it is time to conduct another Citizen Survey because the economy has changed so dramatically since 2006 and citizens may have different priorities; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council feels that a sub-committee would be beneficial to review past survey questions and draft the questions that will be used for the 2011 Citizen Survey
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council establishes the 2011 Citizen Survey Sub-Committee consisting of three Town Council members as well as the Town Planner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that after a draft is complete of the 2011 Citizen Survey, it will be brought back to the Town Council for their review and approval.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Prague explained how the process works with the creation of the survey questions. Councillor Prague felt that the information in the survey is valuable and he would be supporting this resolution.
Councillor Prague made an amendment to change 2011 to 2012 throughout the resolution. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Delnicki stated that when the 2006 survey was done it was totally different economic times. The Council will get a lot of insight from the answers on this survey. Mayor Delnicki then stated that he would like input from citizens on this survey.
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the survey helped with the changing of the Parks Division and also helped Human Services Department learn what senior citizens were looking for. The Boundless Playground and the Bark Park are other items that were established after the survey. Other items that were sought by the public were items that were too costly.
Councillor Anwar stated that all the items that have been mentioned are qualitative components and surveys are meant to be quantitative. The Town Council would get much more information from the public if we reached out to the public. The other issue is that $6,000 towards a survey is still funds that are taken away from the budget.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he thinks it would be worthwhile if the survey did not cost $6,000. The Town Council is having trouble getting information out to the public at this point and that is something that he would be willing to put $6,000 towards.
Councillor Havens stated he would not be supporting this resolution because he also feels that the Town Council should be focused on getting information out to the public.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that if the Town Council does not have anyone from the public sitting on this committee, the questions will be biased. There will not be questions that the public wants to know, such as what you think of the Council or why the public does not attend the Town Council meetings.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5 to 4 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Beaulieu, McCann and Prague voting in favor of the Resolution; and Councillors Anwar, Havens, Snyder and Yagaloff voting in opposition to the approval of this Resolution.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
The resolution to read as follows:
WHEREAS, in 2006 the Town of South Windsor conducted a Citizen Survey with the objective of better understanding overall satisfaction on issues of quality of life and rating Town services, both the importance of service and the quality of the service; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council feels it is time to conduct another Citizen Survey because the economy has changed so dramatically since 2006 and citizens may have different priorities; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council feels that a sub-committee would be beneficial to review past survey questions and draft the questions that will be used for the 2012 Citizen Survey
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council establishes the 2012 Citizen Survey Sub-Committee consisting of three Town Council members as well as the Town Planner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that after a draft is complete of the 2012 Citizen Survey, it will be brought back to the Town Council for their review and approval
- Resolution Endorsing the Regional Performance Incentive Program Package Proposal, Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Submit an Application Package for Funding and Enter into an Agreement on Behalf of the Town of South Windsor
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2011 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed five (5) grant project applications which were approved for submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has expressed an interest in taking part in the GIS Expansion grant
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby endorses the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal referenced in Section 5 of Public Act 11-
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
61 (an Act concerning responsible growth) and authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to submit an application to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Performance Regional Incentive Grant Program and to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Havens
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that if the Town were to participate in this grant for GIS, the Town would save anywhere from $16,000 to $18,000.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this Resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Forty-Two (42) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to forty-two (42) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $4,580.42, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
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
ITEM:
21. Executive Session
Mr. Galligan explained that earlier in the meeting a public comment was made that the Council does not announce what the topic is when going into Executive Session. Mr. Galligan stated that the Town Council always states the reason for an Executive Session. The Executive Session is always listed on the agenda even when there is not an Executive Session. This gives the Town Council the ability to go into Executive Session at any meeting even if something is not listed, but it would still be announced.
22. Adjournment
At 10:20 p.m. Councillor McCann made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councillor Anwar seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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