TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 19, 2012
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.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Tom Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
Councillor Ed Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff (left 8:03 p.m.; returned 9:12 p.m.)
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
The Regular Meeting was recessed at 8:04 in order to go back to the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:17 p.m.
5. Public Input
Mr. O’Neil of 177 Greenwood Drive came before the Town Council to request the establishment of a skate park. This has been requested in previous years but has never been constructed. There are many recreational activities throughout Town, but a skate park has not been constructed yet. There are many people who would like to use a skate park. It would give more things for kids to do.
Ms. Mary Etter, Director of the South Windsor Public Library came forward to inform the Town Council about the programming that will be covered at the Library during the month of April.
Mr. Arthur Jennings of 35 Shagbark Road stated that he knows there is a new member being suggested for appointment to the Board of Education. Mr. Jennings feels this person should not be appointed and finds it hard to believe that the Town Council would recommend having this person on the Board of Education.
Mayor Delnicki recessed the Regular Meeting at 8:24 p.m. in order to go back to the Work Session agenda. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:04 p.m.
ITEM:
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor Anwar reported that this month is the National Nutrition Month. Our nutrition has a significant impact on our body. If we have balanced nutrition there is an opportunity to prevent different diseases. This month is also the National Colon Rectal Cancer Awareness Month. It is recommended at the age of 50 to have a colonoscopy. It is one of the main ways to identify cancer early enough where it can still be curable.
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 March 5, 2012; Two Public Hearings of March 5, 2012; and Regular Meeting of March 5, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Councillor McCann
The motion was approved, unanimously
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
Councillor Anwar reported that the Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee will be having a guest speaker regarding Complete Streets at the April 10, 2012 meeting. There is an Ordinance that makes the residents responsible for repairs to sidewalks in front of their homes. The Committee is trying to find a way to change the Ordinance. In the last three years there have been no residents who have had to reimburse the Town for repairs to sidewalks.
ITEM:
12. Consent Agenda
Councillor Prague made a motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A. through 13. C., and 14. A. through 14. B., as the Consent Agenda. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion.
Councillor Anwar requested that Item 13. C. be removed from the Consent Agenda in order to have a separate discussion on that item.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the remainder of the Consent Agenda; it was approved, unanimously.
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Gene Botteron (R) a Full Member to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Gene Botteron (R) a full member to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending December 31, 2014.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* B. Resolution Appointing Arthur Sladyk (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Arthur Sladyk (R) an Alternate to the Patriotic Commission for a term ending December 31, 2014 to fill the unexpired term of Gene Botteron.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Katie Graham (R) a Full Member to the Park & Recreation 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 Katie Graham (R) a full member to the Park & Recreation Commission for a term ending December 31, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* B. Resolution Appointing Daniel Van Horn (R) an Alternate to the Park & Recreation 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 Daniel Van Horn (R) an Alternate to the Park & Recreation Commission for a term ending December 31, 2013 to fill the unexpired term of Katie Graham and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
13. Unfinished Business
C. Resolution Appointing Rick Stahr (R) to the South Windsor Board of Education
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Rick Stahr (R) to the South Windsor Board of Education for a term ending November 4, 2013 to fill the unexpired term of Timothy Kenefick.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
ITEM:
13. C. (Continued)
Councillor Anwar stated that he is concerned with this appointment because of the video that was shown on the website. Councillor Anwar understands that people do make mistakes and Mr. Stahr has apologized for these actions but Board of Education members are role models for students. Councillor Anwar stated he would not feel comfortable with this appointment, and would not be supporting this appointment.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he feels Mr. Stahr’s apology is sincere and he has learned from this experience that it was inappropriate. People do learn from their mistakes and Councillor Yagaloff stated he would be willing to give Mr. Stahr another opportunity and support this appointment .
Councillor Havens stated that everyone from the Council has the responsibility to pick and choose vacancies and feels that the Republicans have made a good decision and will support this appointment.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 8 to 1 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Havens, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague, Councillor Snyder and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the resolution; and Councillor Anwar voted in opposition to the resolution.
14. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Authorizing the Settlement of a Heart and Hypertension Lawsuit
WHEREAS, there have been previous discussions in Executive Session regarding this Heart and Hypertension lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s insurance company, CIRMA, and the law firm handling this case, Pomeranz, Drayton & Stabnick, have reviewed the claims, defended the Town in this lawsuit and believe that it is in the Town’s best interest to settle said claim; and
WHEREAS, the settlement relieves the Town of any future liability
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the settlement of said heart and hypertension lawsuit in the amount of $175,000.00, to be paid in two (2) installments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $87,500 is to be paid out of the General Fund Workers’ Compensation budget for fiscal years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Councillor McCann stated he does not disagree with this resolution in general but questions if this Council can bind a future Council as to what fund and what budget the settlement comes out of.
Mr. Galligan explained that one of the payments should be in this current budget and the next payment will be in next year’s budget.
Councillor McCann made a friendly amendment to change 2012/2013 to 2011/2012 and 2013/2014 to 2012/2013. Councillor Yagaloff and Snyder accepted this amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that this is a fair settlement for the Town and believes this should be supported.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the amended resolution; it was approved, unanimously
The resolution to read as follows (with a friendly amendment):
WHEREAS, there have been previous discussions in Executive Session regarding this Heart and Hypertension lawsuit; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s insurance company, CIRMA, and the law firm handling this case, Pomeranz, Drayton & Stabnick, have reviewed the claims, defended the Town in this lawsuit and believe that it is in the Town’s best interest to settle said claim; and
WHEREAS, the settlement relieves the Town of any future liability
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the settlement of said heart and hypertension lawsuit in the amount of $175,000.00, to be paid in two (2) installments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $87,500 is to be paid out of the General Fund Workers’ Compensation budget for fiscal years 2011/2012 and 2012/2013.
D. Resolution Submitting Road and Drainage Capital Improvement Projects to the Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has a list of Road and Drainage Capital Improvement Projects that were approved for funding by a Bond Referendum that passed in November 2006; and
WHEREAS, the following projects are included on this list and are in the design and permitting stages:
- Rye Street Drainage by the East Windsor Town line
- Long Hill Road Drainage
- Foster Street Drainage near Saginaw Road
- Foster Street and Miller Road Intersection Drainage
- Strong Road Drainage and Reconstruction from Rte. 5 to east of Nutmeg Road
- Slater Street base rehabilitation between Oakland Road and Deming Street (added to list under Road Resurfacing Program in May 2011); and
WHEREAS, any plan for improvements to Town streets, bridges, culverts, drainage and sewerage systems must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the six (6) projects listed above be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Doolittle, Town Engineer explained that the Foster Street and Miller Road Intersection Drainage is a new project where there is no drainage presently. The Town needs to receive the final permit from the Department of Transportation for the project regarding the bridge over Stoughton Brook. Mr. Doolittle said he received an email today and is hopeful that construction would begin this year.
Councillor McCann pointed out that these particular projects are being added to the list and the Town is not taking any of the other projects off of the list.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Supporting the Design of Roadway Improvements for Avery Street from Kelly Road to North of Woodland Drive
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded Federal and State funding under the Surface Transportation Program (STP-Urban) for roadway improvements along Avery Street (from Kelly Road to north of Woodland Drive); and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council seeks to accomplish said roadway improvement project with the best geometrical alignment, keeping impacts to the affected abutting property owners to a minimum; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council seeks to provide facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists as is feasible within the existing ROW, with minimal impacts to abutting properties or utilities, and within the normal cost range for such facilities; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
WHEREAS, a public information meeting was held on March 5, 2012 to receive input from property-owners and the public concerning the conceptual improvements to Avery Street; and
WHEREAS, the Engineering Division will develop alternate layouts for the roadway improvements including pedestrian and bicycle facilities and seek public feedback on these alternatives that will be considered in the preliminary design
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reaffirms the need for said project and supports designing, permitting and constructing roadway improvements along Avery Street from Kelly Road to north of Woodland Drive; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council intends to fund the Town’s share of the Design, ROW acquisitions and Construction of Avery Street, that is estimated to be $327,000.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Doolittle explained that this will come back before the Council.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he just wants to make sure that the public will have more opportunities to voice any concerns they may have.
Answering further questions of the Council, Mr. Doolittle stated that the Town will give the public an opportunity to give their input regarding this plan. There will be small workshops held also but do not know the format at this time.
Mayor Delnicki stated that he hopes that the public’s input is included in this project.
Councillor Havens stated that he would be supporting this resolution and it is important that the residents are included in all meetings.
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councillor McCann stated that he is glad to see that included in this resolution is a statement that the Engineering Division will develop alternative layouts for roadway improvements including pedestrian and bicycle facilities. It is important to explore the various methods and alternatives for doing that.
Mr. Ken Sek, 295 Griffin Road came before the Town Council and stated that the Town Council will always hear from individuals that do not want something that is being proposed. There are a lot of individuals in favor of sidewalks. Mr. Sek stated that he has had sidewalks in his neighborhood for 35 years and he is in support of sidewalks.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
F. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $25,782 from the Contingency Account to the Park & Recreation Maintenance Contract Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $25,782 from the Contingency Account to the Park & Recreation Maintenance Contract Account to cover the costs associated with budget shortfalls due to storm damage.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this is money that will eventually be reimbursed by FEMA.
Mr. John Caldwell stated that most of the repairs on the batting cages will be done in-house, although some of these funds will also be used for that purpose.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $7,060 from the Contingency Account to the Environmental Health Department’s Professional Account
WHEREAS, it was a very active mosquito season during the summer of 2011; and
WHEREAS, the mosquito population for the upcoming summer is anticipated to be worse than last year due to the very mild winter; and
WHEREAS, the Town has developed a plan to utilize integrated pest management techniques to control mosquitoes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $7,060 from the Contingency Account to the Environmental Health Department’s Professional Account to provide funds for an integrated mosquito management program.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Councillor Beaulieu stated that she is in support of this resolution. She has been down at Ellsworth School and the mosquitoes are already horrible.
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council how the program works.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
H. 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
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective immediately upon passage of this resolution:
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. H. (Continued)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 alternatives means of video conferencing, teleconferencing, the internet, or similar means, Town personnel shall utilize such alternative means.
- No vehicles or equipment shall be ordered or purchased at a cost of more than $5,000 without prior notification to Council.
- 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.
- This Resolution shall expire on June 20, 2012.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Havens
Councillor McCann explained that this is a continuation of a resolution that addresses a concern that the Council has with respect to the revenues to be generated during this fiscal year. Balancing the budget depends on both the expenditures and revenues coming in.
ITEM:
14. H. (Continued)
Councillor Havens stated that this is a good idea but the Town has a Manager that has been here for 15 years and that responsibility should be that of the Manager.
Councillor McCann stated that he has a great deal of respect for the Town Manager and would not continue with this resolution without consulting with the Town Manager first to make sure he is on board with this.
Mr. Galligan felt that this is a policy decision and would like the support of the Town Council.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
I. Discussion Item – Department Budget Presentations (requested by Mayor Delnicki)
Mayor Delnicki stated that he felt it would be a good idea to ask the Town Council what they would like to see from the Department Heads for the budget presentations.
Councillor Snyder stated that she would like to see a clear explanation of what the factors are for an increase of 2% or more.
Councillor Anwar requested that it would be helpful to have all of the departments make a presentation.
Councillor Prague stated that the Town of Tolland has an incredible budget book. Their budget shows the goals from last year and if they had met their goals. What their budget was for last year, what their budget is for this year and it also includes a 5 year history of the personnel. The budget book for next year should be changed to that format.
Mayor Delnicki felt that staffing levels should be included in department presentations.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that departments should be ready to justify why different programs can not be eliminated.
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the budget request that came in were over $2 million dollars to restore programs and cuts were made which brought the budget requests to $1.4 million dollars. Half of the $1.4 million dollar requests are for health insurance, workman’s compensation, liability insurance, etc. Discretionary spending is approximately $600,000.
Councillor McCann stated that all input is welcome from all Councillors and he looks forward to working together on this budget. Councillor McCann felt that the Council should receive a comparison of the past three years for both the budgeted amounts and the actual expenditures. Efficiencies within the budget should be shown to the Council. The Public Works Department should be restructured showing the best efficiencies.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano felt that a priority based budget is important and the Town should be doing this. Mr. Galligan explained that the Town would never have a priority unless 9 members of this Council can agree that tax increases and taxes are not the only issue. The Council can not have priorities unless you are willing to spend money. The Council should keep their level of service until the economy gets better. Any future growth in the grand list could go to priorities, but a policy needs to be set. There is no formal policy at this time.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano felt that a policy decision was set last year when the Public Works Department was restructured. There needs to be other areas in Town where the same thing could be done.
Councillor Snyder stated a strategic plan needs to be set as well as goals that are set by the Council which tell the Town Manager and Town staff exactly what is wanted by the Town Council. A process also needs to be established by the governing body.
Mayor Delnicki stated that the budget is going to be a function of balancing wants versus needs versus what the residents in this community can afford. The Council can not lose sight of the tough economic times. The Town Council needs to challenge the Department Heads to justify items and to come up with better ways to do things.
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Councillor Beaulieu questioned where the Citizen Satisfaction Survey stands which shows the direction residents would like the Council to go in? Mr. Galligan explained that he would have to find out where the new survey stands but will send the Council survey results from the past. The strategic plan and the Town’s Top Ten list can also be sent to the Council.
Mayor Delnicki stated that the Town Council has discussed having the Town Council Orientation on March 26, 2012, but there are several people that can not make it that night, so it will be cancelled. Mayor Delnicki requested that the Councillor members send dates they are available on Wednesday’s in April to the Clerk of the Council.
J. Discussion Item – Beautification Committee (requested by Mayor Delnicki)
A discussion on this item will be held at the Special Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2012.
15. Passage of Ordinance
A. Resolution Adopting Amendments to Article IV, Blight and Nuisance Ordinance
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts amendments to Article IV, Blight and Nuisance Ordinance, said Ordinance more fully described in attached Exhibit A., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Anwar voiced concern regarding this Ordinance. People may be away from their homes for a long period of time due to illness. There are a lot of people who are making tough decisions every day regarding different issues. Residents may not be able to take care of the outside of their homes in a manner that a neighbor may not consider to be good. This may add to problems to individuals in the community.
ITEM:
15. A. (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated that this Ordinance ensures that a home is vacant or in foreclosure in order for this Ordinance to be applied to it.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Ordinance would also apply to a house where the owner walks away from the home and it is in disrepair.
Councillor McCann stated he has concerns regarding this Ordinance, but it strikes a balance between individual property rights and the property rights of the neighbors whose property is being devalued by a blighted property. This Ordinance provides a tool for the Town to use to address those situations.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that Section IV does not define that the Council is restricting this to abandoned properties and should be corrected and decided upon at another meeting.
Councillor McCann stated that he does not see a provision under the public nuisance section, Section IV or under the minimum standards in Section V for the inclusion of vacant property or abandoned property. That is something that should be addressed by the Town Attorney.
Mayor Delnicki stated he would not have a problem postponing the action on this Ordinance in order to get the clarification from the Town Attorney so Council members will not have any concerns.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the concept was that this was going to replace the old Blight Ordinance but clearly the Council wanted the Ordinance to be restricted to vacant, foreclosed or abandoned properties. The entry onto property would be restricted to abandoned properties. It should define the nuisance and it should say that the provisions regarding entry or provisions regarding abandoned properties are as per defined in Section III. The goal for changing this was to make it clear the Town is not going to allow entry onto occupied properties.
Councillor Anwar stated that he would like to make sure there are protections in place in case residents are gone from their properties for a length of time.
ITEM:
15. A. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan stated that legally vacant means that the resident has either been evicted, the property has been abandoned or there is nobody there. The Town has never thrown anyone out of their homes.
Councillor McCann felt that the Town Council needs to focus what we want to do with this Ordinance and whether the restriction to vacant and abandoned buildings applies only to the entry into the property by the Building Official as stated in the Ordinance as written or should the fact that a property is abandoned or vacant be applied across the board and only vacant and abandoned properties would have this Ordinance apply to them at all. The way that the Ordinance is written, the Ordinance applies to properties whether they are abandoned or not. If you are failing to maintain your property to the point where it becomes a blighted property then this Ordinance would apply. With respect to the enforcement mechanism, there is a restriction on the Building Official or Enforcement Officer that they can not
enter upon the property without the permission of the owner unless the property is abandoned or vacant.
Mayor Delnicki stated that the intent was when someone abandons the property it becomes vacant for an extended period of time, it becomes foreclosed. This should be sent back to the Town Attorney to make sure it is doing exactly what the Council wants it to do and if it is not, then the Town Attorney should come back with appropriate changes and then the Council can go forward.
Mr. Galligan stated that he believes the Town Attorney rewrote the whole Ordinance.
Councillor McCann stated that if it was the intent of the Council that the entire Ordinance apply only to vacant and abandoned properties the Town Council needs to get that message to the Town Attorney so that this Ordinance can be drafted in that manner. This Ordinance applies to all properties with respect to the blight whether they are occupied or abandoned. The enforcement mechanism is the same for an abandoned or occupied property.
ITEM:
15. A. (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated that his intent was not to eliminate the old Ordinance the Town had on the books because that is still a useful tool for situations that need to be addressed. The new Ordinance was to addressed properties that are vacant, foreclosed or abandoned.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that it does not say anywhere that this is a replacement and if it is it should clearly state that. Councillor Yagaloff thought this was a new Ordinance that would take care of abandoned, vacant or foreclosed property.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to postpone action on this Ordinance until the April 2, 2012 meeting to get clarification from the Town Attorney. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
16. Public Input
None
17. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor McCann introduced to the Council a new game called Pickle Ball. This game is becoming popular in other communities. It is a tennis like game that is played with a net, paddle and a wiffle ball. The purpose of this sport is to simply the game to make it easier to learn and play; and use a ball that will not go as far. This sport is very popular with seniors and younger children. Councillor McCann requested that the Recreation Department explore the ability to play this sport on a tennis court in South Windsor.
Mayor Delnicki informed the Council that he had attended the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Girl Scouts at Evergreen Walk.
Councillor Prague informed the Council that the Pitching and Batting Facility has opened. A grand opening will be held in April. Councillor Prague thanked former Mayor Pelkey, Ray Favreau and Craig Zimmerman for all of the work that has been done to make that project a reality.
ITEM:
18. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan explained that Councillor Anwar had a meeting regarding a survey he had done on senior health. Unfortunately he was not allowed to have the meeting at the Community Center because there were senior activities going on. He held the meeting in the Council Chambers but was not authorized to televise this meeting because it was not Council endorsed. Mr. Galligan requested that the Town Council consider a policy on this type of issue, if televising is allowed or not.
Mayor Delnicki suggested that a Committee be established to write a policy.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated he would like more discussion on this issue because he does not support Council members doing things in the public individually.
Councillor Anwar stated that as long as there is one set of rules for everyone that is acceptable. Seniors wanted to understand the results of the survey.
Mr. Galligan explained that Cox Cable has a studio and if it is a public announcement maybe Cox Cable should provide a studio for individuals. A policy could be established that Town Council members could be allowed to use the studios.
Councillor Havens felt that the Council should stay away from doing individuals items.
At 10:58 p.m. Councillor Prague made a motion to extend the meeting ten (10) minutes. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
19. Executive Session
At 10:59 p.m. Councillor Snyder made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss three (3) possible tax assessment agreements which would result in disclosure of public records or information contained therein which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §and §1-210(b)(5)(b) and to discuss a personnel issue, (agreement between the Town of South Windsor Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description for Non-Bargaining Unit members). Councillor McCann seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
The following individuals went into Executive Session: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager; Mayor Delnicki; Deputy Mayor Bazzano; Councillor Anwar; Councillor Beaulieu; Councillor Havens; Councillor McCann; Councillor Prague; Councillor Snyder and Councillor Yagaloff.
At 11:11 p.m. Councillor Snyder made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session and Regular Meeting. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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