TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 June 18, 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 Thomas 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
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council and stated that he would like permission to speak when the health issue comes up. Mr. Gonsalves stated that he totally objects to the way this is being handled, coming out of the under run in the Town. This will result in the fund balance being taken from. Each year the budget goes up and the fund balance goes down. This could result in the lowering of the Town’s credit rating and interest rates would go up. Mr. Gonsalves then said that he totally disagrees with the Board of Education not turning the surplus back to the Town for the fund balance. At the October 17, 2011 Work Session, the Council only spoke about the health care for 15 minutes.
Mayor Delnicki recessed the Regular Meeting at 8: 10 p.m. in order to finish the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:30 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 Minutes June 4, 2012; Joint Work Session with the Board of Education of April 3, 2012; Public Hearing Meeting of May 7, 2012; and Regular Meeting of June 4, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
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 McCann reported that the Council received a GIS Map of the Town with suggested priorities of sidewalks to be added to the Town. The priorities are color coded high, medium, low. It is suggested that these maps be placed at the Library, Town Hall and Community Center for the public to review and make recommendations. Mayor Delnicki also felt it should be put on the Town’s website.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano reported about the Athletic Fields Sub-Committee meeting with the Board of Education and explained that the Sub-Committee has offered to go back to the Board of Education on June 26, 2012. A few alternatives have been drafted as well as pricing. Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that those plans be given to the Council from Ray Favreau.
Councillor Yagaloff complimented the Sub-Committee. Councillor Yagaloff suggested that a method be drafted to educate residents and get input from residents regarding sidewalks while the reconstruction of roads are being done.
ITEM:
12. Consent Agenda
Councillor Anwar made a motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A. and Item 14. A. as the Consent Agenda. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Tony Duarte (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Tony Duarte (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families for a term ending September 1, 2013 to fill an unexpired term.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
14. New Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Karen Patterson (D) to the Human Relations 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 Karen Patterson (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2014 to fill the expired term of Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
B. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Enter into an Agreement with the State of Connecticut for the Construction, Inspection and Maintenance of Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Orchard Hill Elementary School
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded Federal Funding under the Safe Routes to School Program for the construction of pedestrian safety improvements for Orchard Hill Elementary School; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. B. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council on April 19, 2010 passed a resolution supporting this project; and
WHEREAS, several public information meetings have been held on this project and comments from Town residents have been incorporated into the final design of this project; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor will be responsible for conducting the bidding, contracting, construction administration and inspection portion of said project and the State of Connecticut requires that the Town of South Windsor enter into an agreement with the State for this portion of the project
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes its Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute the agreement entitled “Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and the Town of South Windsor for the Construction, Inspection and Maintenance of Pedestrian Safety Improvements at Orchard Hill Elementary School utilizing Federal Funds under The Safe Routes to School Program”.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Mr. Galligan stated he feels this is a great project that has been endorsed by the residents and school board. This project is being funded by outsourcing.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to bring Item 14. J. forward. Councillor Anwar seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
J. Discussion Item: Hi-G buildings (Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to present)
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has a buyer who has experience with Brownfield. The Town has an agreement with a contractor who is supposed to do things that he may not be fulfilling. The Town Attorney has reviewed this item and informed the Council that a hard stance with the contract may
ITEM:
14. J. (Continued)
be in order to make the contractor do what is supposed to already have been being worked on.
Dr. Constantino came forward and stated they he is ready to move forward and already had a tenant who is interested in using this building.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the Town Council contracted with an individual who was supposed to clean up this contaminated property. This project is putting the Town into a financial constraint. The individual has an obligation to clean up this property and there is a buyer who is interested in this property. The Town Council needs to do something about this.
Mr. Galligan stated he feels it is important for the individual to know that the Town Council and the Town Manager are upset and would like to either have him move aside or move the project forward. Mr. Galligan explained that the next step going forward would be to give the individual termination notices or enforce the contract.
Mayor Delnicki explained that this has been going on since 1995 and this was the closest solution the Town has ever had. Mayor Delnicki questioned if there was anyone who would object to going forward with the next step, there was none.
C. Resolution Approving the Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 and Salary Increase for Fiscal Year 2012/2013
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 and 1% merit based salary increase for Fiscal Year 2012/2013.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Councillor McCann
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that he evaluates each employee and their raise of not more than 1% is based upon merit. Some employees may get a raise with a maximum of 1% while others may not get a raise.
Councillor Prague stated that he feels any new employees of the Town should not be receiving the amount of benefits that are offered to present employees. The taxpayer’s money should be saved when hiring new employees. Council members discussed the benefits that Town employees receive.
Councillor Yagaloff suggested that the Town not refill positions at this time if an employee leaves. Councillor Yagaloff then stated that the Town employees have excellent benefits which makes up for the lower salary and he would support the resolution at this time.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the Council receive a listing of employees regarding how much time they use for sick, personal and vacation.
Councillor Anwar stated he would support this resolution but feels going forward discussions should be held with employees.
Mayor Delnicki requested that the Manager find out what other Towns are doing and find out what approach has been successful.
Councillor Havens felt that if there are Councillors that do not like what they see, they should vote no on this resolution. Councillor Havens stated he would support this resolution.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote, it passed on Roll Call of 7 to 2 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Havens, Councillor McCann, Councillor Snyder and Councillor Yagaloff all voting in favor of this resolution; and Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Prague voting in opposition of this resolution.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Solicit Requests for Proposals for the Purchase of Town of South Windsor Delinquent Municipal Tax Liens
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to assign various delinquent municipal property tax liens to a third party in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-195h of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Town has compiled a list of delinquent municipal property tax liens to be assigned
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manger, to solicit Requests for Proposals for the Purchase and Assignment of Delinquent Municipal Property Tax Liens.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would be voting in opposition for this resolution. The list is a handful of individuals who seem to be going through hard times. The Town should be holding discussions with each individual homeowner and trying to come up with a solution.
Councillor McCann was hopeful that the Tax Collector has been contacting homeowners to see if there is anything that could be worked out. The Town needs to have interaction with individuals versus sending letters.
Councillor Havens stated that the Town is run like a business and has to make business decisions and collect the money owed to them.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 3 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillors Anwar, Beaulieu, Havens and Prague voting in favor of the resolution; and Councillors McCann, Snyder and Yagaloff voting in opposition to the resolution.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
E. Resolution Agreeing to a Joint Grant Application with the Town of Coventry
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to apply for a grant with the Town of Coventry, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to utilize the Intertown Capital Equipment Purchasing Incentive Program; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor would jointly purchase computer equipment with the Town of Coventry; and
WHEREAS, South Windsor’s cost share for the computer equipment would not exceed $46,000 (forty-six thousand dollars); and
WHEREAS, thirty percent (30%) of the $46,000 would be reimbursed to the Town of South Windsor if the grant is approved
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, to enter into an agreement with the Town of Coventry to apply for the Intertown Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive Program for the purchase of equipment.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Havens
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that just by partnering with the Town of Coventry, South Windsor would have a savings of 30%.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
Councillor Prague made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to bring Item 14. G. forward. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Amending Retirement Plan
WHEREAS, Town of South Windsor, Connecticut (the “Employer”) is the plan sponsor of the Retirement Plan for employees of the Town of South Windsor, Connecticut (the “Plan”)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Employer desires to amend the Plan pursuant to the amendatory provisions set forth in the Plan to allow for early retirement under the ninety-five (95) rule.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the ninety-five (95) rule is when a combination of the employee’s age and number of years that individual has been employed with the Town equals 95, they are eligible for early retirement.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
F. Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of up to $500,000 to the Town of South Windsor and South Windsor Board of Education Medical Insurance Fund (SWMIF)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council established the SWMIF by Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, this fund shall be used for the purchase of insurance and services and the payment of administrative costs for Town and Board of Education employees and their dependents; and
WHEREAS, the actual claims for Town employees and their dependents, for the current fiscal year are significantly higher than projected; and
WHEREAS, as a result, surplus contributions made to the SWMIF by the Board of Education are being used to pay for the unexpected health insurance claims for Town employees and their dependents; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. F. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Town Manager believes it is in the Town’s best interest to replenish as much of the Board of Education’s SWMIF surplus as possible in the current fiscal year
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes any surplus from the 2011/2012 Government Fund Budget be first transferred to the SWMIF and should not exceed $700,000.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Mr. Galligan informed the Council that the amount should read $700,000.
Councillor Yagaloff made a friendly amendment that the number in the title should read $700,000 not $500,000.
The title to read as follows:
F. Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of up to $700,000 to the Town of South Windsor and South Windsor Board of Education Medical Insurance Fund (SWMIF)
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he feels there should be one fund and should not be taking Town surplus to pay back Board of Education surplus payments to the fund. Money should be allocated for this plan through the budget process, although this may have come up after the budget was completes so there should be a transfer of funds. There should be a per capita way to deal with this issue.
Mr. Galligan stated that he has been having discussions with the Superintendent that once there is money in the fund it should be used for everyone. A fund like this should be used to pay claims. The Town and Board of Education will work together to solve this problem.
Mayor Delnicki stated that the reason there is a surplus is because the Town Council implemented a spending freeze in January and reauthorized it a second time in the end of the fiscal year.
ITEM:
14. F. (Continued)
Councillor Snyder stated that she has had numerous discussions with the Board of Education members as well as the Superintendent and through those discussions it has been stated that the health care fund is a joint fund that both the Town and Board of Education contribute to, whoever needs the money takes it. The Board of Education has also instituted spending freezes and Councillor Snyder does not want the public to think that the Board of Education is not working with the Town.
Mr. Galligan reminded the Town Council that neither the Town nor the Board of Education could be self insured on their own. The Town Manager and Superintendent will be working together to create a policy for this fund.
H. Resolution Referring the Proposed Discontinuation of a Portion of Felt Road to the Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to the Requirements of Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, Felt Road is an unimproved “paper” road where it is located between Palmer Drive and Foster Street in South Windsor, Connecticut; and
WEHREAS, Wilfred E. Hebert, Jr. is the owner of 2355 Ellington Road, south Windsor, Connecticut, which property abuts the unimproved portion of Felt Road; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hebert has filed a written request with the Town Council and the Board of Selectmen that the portion of Felt Road which runs from a point approximately three hundred forty feet (340’) southerly of the intersection of Foster Street with Felt Road to be discontinued by the Town (said portion of Felt Road to be abandoned is depicted on a GIS map entitled “Felt Road Discontinuance Map”, Prepared by the Town of South Windsor, South Windsor, Connecticut); and
WHEREAS, any plan to discontinue a portion of a public road 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. H. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the plan to discontinue that portion of Felt Road that leads from a point approximately three hundred forty feet (340’) southerly of the intersection of Foster Street with Felt Road, as depicted on a GIS map entitled “Felt Road discontinuance” and prepared by the Town of South Windsor, South Windsor, Connecticut, 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 Anwar
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Councillor McCann informed the Council and the public that this is a continuation from a number of years ago when a different portion of Felt Road was discontinued.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Ten (10) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to ten (10) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $2,034.16, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
The motion was approved, unanimously
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
16. Public Input
None
ITEM:
17. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Anwar explained that he would like pharmacies to eliminate tobacco products in their stores. Councillor Anwar said he would like more discussion on this item in the future.
Councillor Prague informed the public and Council that there are two newspapers in the audience tonight, Hartford Courant and South Windsor Patch.
- Communications and Reports from Town Manager
None
19. Executive Session
None
20. Adjournment
At 10:47 p.m. Councillor Anwar made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
| 
