TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 May 7, 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 8:01 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
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
The following is a list of resident who came forward to speak in favor of keeping the pre-school program in its present location at the Community Center:
Carolyn Venn, 101 Rugby Lane
Kim Leman, 20 Ridgefield Road
Jason Bowers, 127 Gorski Drive
Marie Krupa, 72 King Fisher Circle
Kate Brennan, 35 Indian Trail
Julie Abrams, 20 Gail Lane
Mike Mundo, 249 Maskel Road
Mr. Andrew Henchliffe, 23 Tallwood Drive came forward to speak in favor of a skate park for the Town of South Windsor.
Mr. Robert O’Connor, 126 Krawski Drive came before the Town Council to request that the Council support the six resolutions on the agenda for the use of funds from the Park & Recreation Capital Projects.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Ms. Joanne Colby, 1581 Main Street in East Hartford explained she was there to support the dog shelter and stated she would donate any time necessary to the dog shelter. Ms. Colby also suggested that someone speak to Wethersfield because kids have raised funds for their dog shelter and have also donated their time to this cause.
Mayor Delnicki recessed the Regular Meeting at 8:24 p.m. in order to finish the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:45 p.m.
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 April 16, 2012; Public Hearing of April 25, 2012; and Regular meeting of April 16, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
The motion was approved, unanimously
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
ITEM:
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
Councillor McCann reported that the Sidewalk & Bikeway Sub-Committee had him meet with the Town Engineer to discuss the challenges of making the Strong Road improvements making the road bicycle friendly and pedestrian friendly. There are challenges there due to the limited amount of width in the right of way and the location of the utility poles. The Town Engineer will be reviewing ways to make that area as bicycle and pedestrian friendly as possible. Councillor McCann also met with Ray Favreau and John Caldwell regarding the trail connectors between neighborhoods. Discussions entailed what would be feasible to get done over the next two years. The Sidewalk & Bikeway Sub-Committee will discuss this item and it will be brought to the Town Council in the near future. The
Sub-Committee is also reviewing a recommendation to repeal two Ordinances concerning the building of new sidewalks and the maintenance and repair of sidewalks in front of abutting property owners. The Town Attorney will need to review these Ordinances to give directions regarding the repealing of these Ordinances.
Mr. Galligan informed the Town Council that the WPCA Taskforce would like to have the Council review the draft report at May 21, 2012 Town Council meeting.
12. Consent Agenda
Councillor Anwar made a motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A. and 14. A., as the Consent Agenda. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing Andrew Paterna (D) to the Park & Recreation Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Andrew Paterna (D) to the Park & Recreation Commission for a term ending December 31, 2015.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency 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 Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency for a term ending December 31, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Counci’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to bring Item 14. I. forward. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution Appropriating $100,000 of LoCIP Funds for Construction Associated with the Placement of Safety Answering Service Equipment at the Police Department
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council having conducted the required Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m. on May 7, 2012, hereby approves the appropriation of $100,000 of LoCIP Funds for construction associated with the placement of safety answering service equipment at the Police Department
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
Chief Reed came forward and explained that there have been problems with the consoles at the Police Department and it is felt that it is necessary to replace them at this time. The LoCIP funds are for the construction of the area to create the necessary space for three new consoles.
Councillor Prague stated he would fully support this request.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would be supporting the contract. It is a basic and fair contract.
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Councillor McCann and Councillor Anwar both stated they would be supporting this request.
There was unanimous consensus of the contract for the consoles.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Thirteen (13) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to thirteen (13) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $8,918.69, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Councillor Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Approving the Use of $95,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $95,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account for the design/build of a Skate Park.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Beaulieu
Councillor Havens stated that he would support this but does not feel this is the appropriate time to be bringing items forward while the budget is still be worked on.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano said that when he first came onto the Council there where kids coming before the Council requesting a Skate Park and he would gladly support this item.
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff explained that this is not new spending. These funds have already been collected and have been sitting in an account. The proposed Skate Park is scaled down from what was originally proposed. This project should get completed as soon as possible. Councillor Yagaloff requested that reports on the progress of these projects be given to the Town Council.
Councillor Prague stated he supports a Skate Park and wondered if a location has been decided upon yet. Councillor Prague suggested that the Bark Park be moved further back and the Skate Park be located where the Bark Park presently sits. Mr. Favreau stated a number of locations have been identified and are being reviewed further. Timothy Edwards Middle School, Nevers Road Park and Rye Street Park are the areas that are being reviewed for the Skate Park. If the Skate Park is located on school grounds there would not be any access during the school day. There will not be a fence around the park, lighting or electricity. Mr. Favreau stated that skate boarding is ranked fourth in injuries and there will be rules that will need to be followed at the Skate Park.
Mayor Delnicki stated that the intent for the design of the Skate Park is that the kids are involved. There are not a lot of local contractors that have a lot of experience in constructing a skate park and if a local contractor is found then the Town Council would have to waive competitive bidding. Councillor Anwar felt that competitive bidding should be held.
Commission members discussed having Mr. Favreau come back frequently to the Council to give updates on the project.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Approving the use of $30,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $30,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account for water features at Veterans Memorial Park.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to amend the resolution by inserting after for, “purchase and installation of”. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the amendment.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the amendment; it was approved, unanimously.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 8 to 1 with Councillor Havens voting in opposition to this resolution.
The resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $30,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account for purchase and installation of water features at Veterans Memorial Park.
- Resolution Approving the use of $30,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $30,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account for safety fencing at My Friend’s Place at Nevers Road Park.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Councillor Havens
Councillor Snyder explained that since this park was constructed there has always been a concern about kids wandering away and feel this is an important safety feature.
Councillor Anwar stated that he agrees with Councillor Snyder and feels that all the projects that are on the agenda tonight have taken all the different aspects of our community into consideration.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would not be supporting this item if there are no families coming forward and voicing concerns. Mr. Favreau explained that there have been individuals who have come forward and expressed concern.
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councillor Havens said that he would be supporting this item because safety is the number one issue. There should be no chances taken of a child getting hurt.
Mayor Delnicki stated he feels the Council needs to take into consideration that this may be setting a standard for all playgrounds in South Windsor.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Approving the use of $5,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $5,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account for the installation of a handicap rail at Veterans Memorial Park.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved; unanimously
- Resolution Approving the use of $20,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $20,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account for maintenance of neighborhood connector paths.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Councillor McCann stated that maintenance does not fully describe what these funds will be used for. Improvements will be done to the paths such as surfaces being installed which would vary depending on the use of the path. The idea is to open up the paths so that bikes, wheelchairs, skate boards as well as walkers would be able to use these paths.
Councillor Anwar felt that if efficiencies are used, more than three paths could be done with the suggested funds. Mr. Favreau stated that as many as possible will be done with the $20,000.
ITEM:
14. G. (Continued)
Councillor Prague stated he would not be supporting this project because Lawrence Road has not been completed yet. Mr. Favreau explained that Lawrence Road will be continued to be worked on but will be a long term project that will be done in-house.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that this progress will change the community in a very positive way allowing bicycle and walking friendliness.
Mayor Delnicki stated that he would not be supporting this project. A comprehensive plan should be established prior to moving forward. The Council needs to exert a little fiscal restraint.
Mr. Robert O’Connor, 126 Krawski Drive came forward and explained that the Town Council approved the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways Master plan and the trail connections were a part of that plan. New trails are not being established, the existing paths are being improved and will be fixed for safety reasons.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 7 to 2 with Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Prague voting in opposition.
- Resolution Approving the use of $40,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the use of $40,000 from the Recreation Capital Project Account to refurbish the playing surface to accommodate one (1) regulation tennis court, two-three (2-3) youth tennis courts and two-three (2-3) pickle ball courts at Rye Street Park.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Favreau explained that the current tennis courts are in poor condition at Rye Street Park and are on the border of being shut down. If this resolution is approved, these courts will be used as all of the other courts in Town are. The use will be changed also to include pickle ball and youth tennis courts.
Councillor Havens stated that he would be supporting this resolution.
Councillor Beaulieu noted that the tennis courts are in terrible condition and she would be in support of this resolution but would like to know if the youth tennis courts are necessary.
Mr. Favreau explained that there are three advantages to creating youth tennis courts at this time which are 1) presently there are no facilities to create Junior Leagues and this would allow the Town to create a team; 2) There is presently a tennis lesson program and the younger kids use the regulation courts which they struggle with. Creating the youth tennis courts could provide a more user and age group friendly facility; and 3) The United State Tennis Association is now doing matching grants for youth tennis courts and this could save the Town money. Mr. Favreau stated that also creating these courts will allow for pickle ball courts to be established that have been requested. Creating the pickle ball courts at Rye Street Park will be a permanent solution and at this time a temporary
solution is being sought.
Councillor Anwar stated he has not heard that there are not enough tennis courts in Town. If these were being created strictly for pickle ball he could support this but since these are also be slated for tennis courts he does not think funds should be spent there.
Councillor McCann stated that he would support this because he feels that the responsibility of the Town Council is to maintain existing facilities. Facilities should be kept usable and safe. It is even better that pickle ball courts can be created for the individuals who would like them.
Mayor Delnicki said he would not be supporting this and feels that the Town Council should be using fiscal restraint on some items at this time.
Mr. John Caldwell came forward and stated that there are a lot of people who use Rye Street Park and the more facilities that are there would be better for the users of the park.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 3 with Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar and Councillor Prague voting in opposition.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
J. Discussion Item – General Government Budget
Mr. Galligan explained that he has come up with approximately $300,000 in reductions with $200,000 coming from Public Works. The other suggestions he stated he would give to the Council in writing so that he can also explain what would be impact.
Mayor Delnicki request that the information be provided to the Council by May 11, 2012.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that as of April the current collections are at 90% and the overall collections are almost 99%. At this time Mr. Galligan said he does not feel the Town should be looking to sell anything off because of the current market. There was an offer on the original firehouse but the Town is not in the position to give any bargains. Building fees should come in this year as proposed as well as the Town Clerk fees. FedEx building fees have come in this year and will also come in next year. There is a huge project that may come in at the corner of Deming Street and hopeful to have signed agreement by next week. The Planning & Zoning Commission is working on a phasing plan for Evergreen Walk. Incentives may be sought on some of
these projects. It is hopeful there will be some movement with the Connecticut Studios project soon.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that a 3.75% increase is inappropriate and a number will need to be worked on that the taxpayers can live with and will leave services where they are.
20. Adjournment
At 11:02 p.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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