TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 December 5, 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 meeting reconvened at 8:15 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 Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Councillor Cary Prague
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 November 21, 2011; Regular Meeting of November 21, 2011; and Emergency Meeting of December 1, 2011.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council. Mr. Gonsalves stated that he would like to petition the Council to include a new item on the agenda for the next regular meeting. On October 17, 2011 there was a Work Session with one item on the agenda which was healthcare costs for the Town of South Windsor.
Councillor McCann called for a point of order. There may be some confusion on what a public petition is. There is a very specific definition of a public petition and if there is one it should be submitted to the Council
Mr. Gonsalves explained that it says on the next regular meeting, how does someone get an item on the agenda.
Councillor McCann explained that there are a set of rules with what constitutes a petition and how many signatures need to be on the petition to bring it forward to Council.
Mayor Delnicki read into the record what Item 8 says by definition of the Town Council rules. Mayor Delnicki then requested that Mr. Gonsalves hold his remarks until Item 14.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan stated that he and Councillor Havens went to Central Connecticut State University to talk to a class of students that are taking a Local Government course. Councillor Havens explained what it is like to serve as a Mayor and/or Councillor for over 40 years. Also discussed were the different forms of Government.
Mr. Galligan reported on the following:
Debris is still being picked up. Some areas will need a bobcat to help with debris pickup.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
There was an article about our Sewer Plant being on an EPA watch list. Still discussing this situation with DEP who does not understand why South Windsor is on that watch list. There will be a meeting set up with DEP.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that after he finds out why South Windsor is on the watch list, he will be preparing a written report and will send that to the Town Council.
The last day for debris pickup will be on December 16, 2011 and this will be on the Town’s website. Pick up will resume in the spring time and hopefully the cost at that time will also be covered by FEMA. If you read FEMA regulations, sometimes FEMA will cover cleanups for up to 180 days after the event as long as if can be proven that the debris is still from Storm Albert.
Mayor Delnicki requested that a copy of the contract that was signed with Ashbritt and SAIC be distributed to the Council members.
Answering further questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that the VMP parking lot will be cleared for Saturday, December 10, 2011 for Wreaths Across America.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the Town Manager check with Public Works that the Carson Way neighborhood debris is going to be taken away. There have been no debris pickups in that area yet. Mr. Galligan responded that Public Works has been notified and Public Works will be notifying Ashbritt to make sure they do get out there.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano then questioned if Everbridge could be used to notify residents that the last day for debris pick up will be December 16, 2011? Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has a policy that needs to be followed when using Everbridge. If it is not possible to use Everbridge, the Town could use Facebook to notify residents.
Answering questions from Councillor Anwar, Mr. Galligan explained that the feasibility study is being done to decide whether the Town would like to convert 124 Sullivan Avenue into a Regional Animal Control Shelter with all three Towns involved. For the Town to build this facility in a different location would cost the Town more because there are certain requirements that the Town would be required to do if a new building were constructed.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Councillor Anwar requested that the Town look at all aspects of the feasibility.
Councillor Anwar felt that seven residents would be necessary for the Civil Preparedness Agency instead of three residents. There are a number of residents that have voiced interest in sitting on this Agency.
Councillor Anwar then questioned how the oil fired boilers and burners to natural gas as the Town Hall and Library would impact any fire related issues? Mr. Galligan felt that the exposure to any type of combustion would be the same. The Town is in the process of reviewing to see if the money can be saved. That will be brought to Council if it is decided to go forward with this process.
Mr. Galligan stated that the Ambulance is supplied by the Town with fuel but are then billed for the fuel.
Mr. Galligan explained that Supervisors from the Town Garage go out at night to inform their crews where to pickup leaves the next day. It is being suggested that the residents who have already had their leaves pickup once to bag any other leaves they would like pick up. The Town will keep trying to pick up leaves until there is snow.
Answering question from Councillor McCann, Mr. Doolittle the Town Engineer came forward and explained that the concrete has been poured for the handicap ramp at the Community Center. The next step is to get the railing and the portico in place. Mr. Doolittle stated that he has been told that the railing will not be done for approximately two weeks. The week before Christmas the ramp should be complete.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Human Services Department inner offices are being reconfigured to make it more conducive for the Social Workers to have privacy.
Mayor Delnicki requested that the Town Manager quantify the savings of converting from oil to natural gas on the boilers. Mr. Galligan explained that Town staff is in the process right now of doing.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated that this has been done where he works and there has been a significant savings.
Mayor Delnicki questioned where the Town stands on the cost benefit analysis on the Regional Animal Control Shelter? Mr. Galligan explained that he is waiting for the actual plans from the Architect from CRCOG who is figuring out how many cages would be needed on the inside, what is the roof condition, is another generator needed, etc. All this information is needed in order to do an adequate evaluation. All these figures can be compared to a business going in there and what the Town currently pays for services for the animals right now.
Councillor Anwar questioned if there is a specific schedule for trimming of some of the grass in the parks? Mr. Galligan stated that the Town does not do open space any more. There are some instances where the Streets Department might trim near the road and then the Parks Department would have to go in and do the rest. Mr. Galligan explained that he would need more information to find out what area of Town that is being talked about. The Town has had the same number of Public Works employees since 1989.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that there was a reorganization last year with Recreation Department and the athletic fields and the Public Works Department and he has been hearing is a lot of effort is going into the recreational fields and other parts of recreation such as the trails through Nevers Park have been neglected. Councillor Yagaloff requested that Parks & Recreation and Public Works come in and give a report on the reorganization and how each department is doing with their budgets after the storm.
Mr. Galligan stated he would have both department heads come to the next Work Session on December 19, 2011.
Councillor Haves requested an update on The Connecticut Studios project.
ITEM:
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Galligan stated that he feels the Town Council has done everything financially and fiscally responsible in this project. The Town Council has adopted all of the resolution and has everything in place to make this happen. Under the TIF district there are a lot of requirements that the developer has to do. Right now the hotel has been solidified, but the solar farm still has to be solidified. There are a number of things that have to be done and once they are done, Connecticut Studios can come back to the Town Council and get restarted with the process. The bond market is crazy and the Town should not be going into the bond market at this time.
Councillor Havens said that he is not very happy with locating an animal shelter on Sullivan Avenue. At this point he feels the Council should make a decision on whether any more time is going to be spent on this issue. The Town needs to have a shelter but Sullivan Avenue is not the proper location.
Mr. Galligan explained that the funds have to be spent on an animal control facility and if the funds are not spent on an animal control facility, then the funds go back to the State.
Councillor Havens stated that this is additional responsibility that the Town Manager will have of running the dog pound, funding it, taking care of it, collecting the fees that are necessary to keep it running and making some money with it.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Council has a decision on this and the Town Council should get more information.
Mayor Delnicki stated that his understanding is that on some of the fields there is a separate company that does the trimming and the Town does the actual cutting. You might want to take a look at that and that would account in the delay for doing trim work versus cutting work.
Mr. Galligan said that the Town does use outside contractors that do some of the signs in Town and the Route 5 area.
Mayor Delnicki felt the regional dog shelter is located on the furthest part of Town. The Town Council is waiting for information from the Town Manager on the cost benefit analysis before any decisions are to be made on this issue.
ITEM:
11. Reports from Standing Committees
None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Anwar requested that the Town Manager take care of the graffiti on the utility box on the corner of Sullivan Avenue and Rte. 74. Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has notified Cox Cable because the Town can not touch a utility box that belongs to another company. The Town is working on this issue.
Councillor Anwar felt that the Town Council needs to have discussions on the WPCA. The WPCA sewer fees where set up by WPCA and the previous Town Council had nothing to do with it. WPCA has some challenges and responsibilities and the Town Council needs to reassess our relationship with them and identify how a safe system can be put into place without burdening our community. Would like a future meeting on this issue.
Councillor Anwar stated he would like to work on establishing a subcommittee on sidewalks and bike trails.
Answering further questions from Councillor Anwar, Mr. Galligan explained that DEP did not talk to anybody about violations at the Water Pollution Control Plant. The newspaper article was a watch dog group that went on the website of EPA and DEP knew nothing about the article. DEP does all of the monitoring and reports any violations to EPA, but DEP does not know of any violations.
Mayor Delnicki said he would like to establish a panel that would be chaired by the Town Manger and would look at the WPCA operations to come up with an equitable solution to address issues regarding items such as the 1/20th payment or the payment of the improvements to the plant. The panel would be made up of a couple Council members, a couple WPCA members and a couple of residents.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that according to the newspaper article, South Windsor has been on three consecutive watch lists that were disclosed. It has been reported that South Windsor had quarterly violations for 11 out of the last 12 quarters for the last three years totaling 39 violations. Councilor Yagaloff
ITEM:
13. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
requested an accurate report go out to the public and Council regarding these violations. Councillor Yagaloff also suggested the Town use some force with the utility company in order to have the graffiti on the utility box painted over.
Mayor Delnicki reported on the following items:
- Congratulated Glenn Bittner on becoming an Eagle Scout.
- Saturday, December 10, 2011 Wreaths Across America will be held.
- Legion Post 133 will be holding a ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park honoring all the men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces or who have served.
- On Saturday, December 3, 2011 the Fire Department held The Torch Light Parade at Evergreen Walk
- Wood Memorial Library is hosting one of Connecticut’s biggest ginger bread house exhibits until December 15, 2011. They are open Monday and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and weekends from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Received a letter from Richard Roback concerning the Buckland Area Transportation Study.
- Received a letter from Mike and Evelyn Thayers commending the Town staff regarding the cleanup of debris after Storm Alfred.
14. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council and stated that at the October 17, 2011 Town Council Work Session there was one item discussed which was health care. This should be left under unfinished business and another discussion should be held regarding this issue. A comparison of the most expensive benefits for the State of Connecticut to Town benefits was discussed. Mr. Gonsalves requested that the Town benefits be compared to the average benefits in the United States.
Mr. Gonsalves then questioned if the mortgage has been removed that is sitting on the Connecticut Studios property? Mayor Delnicki informed Mr. Gonsalves that the mortgage has not been removed yet.
ITEM:
15. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Item 17. A., through 17. B. as the Consent Agenda.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was approved, unanimously
17. New Business
- Resolution Reappointing Joan Walsh (D) to the Board of Assessment 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 reappoints Joan Walsh (D) to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2015 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
B. Resolution Reappointing Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning 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 reappoints Stephen Wagner (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2015 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 Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a contract for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant with the Connecticut State Library
WHEREAS, a Public Act Concerning Real Estate Filings and the Preservation of Historic Documents (P.A. 00-146) has established a dedicated fund to improve the care of local government records; and
WHEREAS, said Public Act is intended to assist Connecticut municipalities in their efforts to preserve and manage their historic documents; and
WHEREAS, said Public Act imposes an additional fee of three dollars ($3.00) to be collected by Town Clerks for the recording of land records, including deeds and mortgages – two dollars of which will be forwarded to the State library for the funding of this Historic Documents Preservation Account; and
WHEREAS, Public Act 99-146 authorizes the Public Records Administrator of the State Library to provide training and technical assistance and administer a grant program for Connecticut’s municipalities, and authorizes the State Librarian to appoint a committee to advise on the development and implementation of regulations regarding the operation of this grant program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan, South Windsor Town Manager is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said contract shall continue to be in effect until May 31, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would not be supporting this resolution tonight because presently it is very expensive to file documents on the land records and he does not believe an additional fee should be charged.
(Resolution Continued on the Next Page)
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated that there are no additional costs associated with this resolution and the resolution will allow the Town Clerk to preserve historic documents.
Mr. Galligan explained that the State requests this document on a yearly basis which helps to preserve documents and the fee is already in place and is not additional.
Councillor Yagaloff reiterated that he is not in agreement of extending the grant because there will be a fee imposed.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Resolution. It passed on a 6 to 2 Roll Call with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Beaulieu, McCann, Snyder and Havens voting in favor of approval; and Councillors Yagaloff and Anwar voting in opposition of approval.
D. Discussion Item: Buckland Transportation Study (Jeff Doolittle and Michele Lipe to be present)
Ms. Jennifer Carrier, Director of Transportation Planning for CRCOG came before the Town Council. Ms. Carrier explained that the transportation study started in 2006 and was complete in 2009. This study has already been brought to the Town of Manchester and they have endorsed this project. The project was managed by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. There was a tremendous amount of community involvement in this process. The key issues and areas of concern that were identified early in the process were access from Buckland Road to I-291, traffic flow and safety problems surrounding interchange 62 and 63. The study looked at a full range of issues and evaluated recommendations for freeway and roadway.
Ms. Carrier reviewed the Buckland Transportation study as shown in attached Exhibit A. Projections are estimated to the year 2030. CRCOG is looking for the Town of South Windsor’s endorsement for this project. If this were endorsed by the Town, the plan would be brought to CRCOG’s Policy Board and then eventually incorporated into CRCOG’s long range transportation plan.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Ms. Carrier explained that the amount of traffic in the mall area is a combination of the existing infrastructure and the way the interchange is set up. The improvements suggested in the study help to distribute traffic because it gives more options.
Ms. Carrier stated that she does not know the specifics regarding the HOV lanes, but can review that with the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Doolittle explained that the idea of eliminating left turn lanes from the intersection of Avery Street and Deming Street is to make it more efficient.
Answering more questions, Ms. Carrier explained that Smith Street was evaluated as an underpass. Pleasant Valley would go under Smith Street and connect to Evergreen Walk at the surface. This would be done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the developer, the Town of Manchester and the Town of South Windsor.
Councillor Anwar voiced concern regarding this plan having negative impacts on properties and homes. Ms. Carrier explained that this plan is a study to show the projected traffic to the year 2030 and other aspects have not been considered yet. There are still many years of planning that will go into this study. If the Town of South Windsor endorses this plan, there will still be many adjustments made which will also be brought back to the Town for endorsement.
Councillor Yagaloff requested that when construction on this project does happen, he would like to have modeling available to impacts to residents properties and a study showing where the noise will travel.
Mayor Delnicki voiced concerns regarding the HOV lanes, the transit center and the single point urban interchange. Mayor Delnicki stated that there are items that would need to be changed before he could endorse this plan.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Ms. Carrier explained that CRCOG has worked with communities in the past to come up with a resolution for their concerns. Ms. Carrier reiterated that there will be many more processes that would need to occur before any construction were to happen.
Mr. Doolittle stated he would be talking to the Department of Transportation staff to see what other information they have and get back to the Council in the near future.
E. Discussion Item: Funding Options for Debris Management
Mr. Galligan reviewed the different options available to pay for debris management and recommended that the Town bond the amount that the Town will be responsible for.
F. Discussion Item: Spending/Hiring Freeze
Councillor McCann explained that in November of 2008 he had brought a resolution before the Council to institute austerity measures because the economy was heading into a recession. The resolution finally passed in January of 2009. The year ended in funds being returned to the general fund as a result of this proposal. The following year the Town Manager adopted those same policies. The Town was unable to do as good this year, but came up with approximately $900,000 in savings. Councillor McCann stated he feels it is time for the Town Council to begin discussions of again instituting a spending/hiring freeze because going forward there will be significant challenges in the budget such as payment of the debris management and the first installment of the improvements to the Sewer Plan. The
Town Council should set a policy that gives the Town Manager direction.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the bonding for the debris will be a smaller issue. The larger issue will be the 1/20th payment for the Sewer Plant. It will be necessary to have a policy change. The Town Council will also need to get a report from the Board of Education regarding the federal funding. The Council needs to consider a resolution for a hiring/spending freeze.
ITEM:
17. G. Citizen Survey
Mayor Delnicki began discussion by explaining the last citizen survey was done in 2006. In 2006 the economy was a lot better and it seems like a good time to see where citizens feel money should be spent. At this time it would be important to understand how much a survey would cost the Town.
Ms. Michele Lipe, Town Planner came forward and explained that in 2006, 2,000 people were surveyed. There was a bulk mail done and two weeks after residents received the survey there was a post card sent out as a reminder to return the survey. The total cost was approximately $6,500. Ms. Lipe suggested that the Town Council consider doing the study online. This would save the Town money and time.
Mayor Delnicki stated that his only concern about doing the survey online would be that not every age group or demographic area would be selected for the survey. Mayor Delnicki requested that Michele get and estimate on the cost to do the survey through the mail.
Councillor Havens felt that the survey should be done through the mail. This would be a good time to do a survey in order for the Town Council to plan the Town budget.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated he would like to see the Town Council endorse a survey and felt the survey should be done as soon as possible.
Councillor Anwar explained that if you look at seniors 65+ year of age, 15% of our seniors do not use computer. If you look at seniors 85+ year of age, about 35% to 40% do not have computers or access to computers. So if done online, a sizable portion of the senior community would not be included. Councillor Anwar also felt that $6,000 or $7,000 is too much to spend on a survey.
Councillor Beaulieau requested that a cost analysis be done for 1,500 survey’s to be sent out and also for 2,000 and 2,500.
Mayor Delnicki thanked everyone for a good discussion on the survey and then stated that he would prefer to do the survey by mail versus online.
ITEM:
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 10:37p.m. Councillor Havens made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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