TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 July 30, 2012
TOWN COUNCIL – Special Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Delnicki called the Special Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
2. 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
Dwight Johnson, Town Attorney
The Special Meeting was recessed at 8:02 p.m. in order to finish the Special Work Session. The Special Meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m.
3. Public Participation
None
4. Communications
None
5. Town Manager’s Report
None
ITEM:
6. Special Business
A. Resolution Approving an Appropriation Not to Exceed $3,000 for the Printing, Distribution, and Collection of a “South Windsor Capital Improvement Survey for Potential Referendum” to Randomly Selected Households within South Windsor
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council intends to send out a Survey to 1,500 randomly selected households in the month of August in order to gather information from the electorate on their wishes of what should go out to referendum
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby allocates an amount not to exceed $3,000 to fund the costs associated with the printing, distribution, and collection of the “South Windsor Capital Improvement Survey for Potential Referendum”.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Havens
Councillor Prague stated that this survey will gauge the interest of the residents and will provide awareness to residents.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he would not be supporting this resolution because he feels items need to stand out on their own instead of being combined.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano voiced concern that if the survey is being done to show priorities that the Town Council should follow, then dollar amounts should not be shown. More explanations should be given to different items also.
Councillor Anwar stated that the survey will help clarify whether items should be lumped together or separated. Councillor Anwar felt they should be separate and dollar amounts should be given. The items that are necessary may need to be taken out of the referendum and another way to fund them may have to be found.
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Beaulieu felt that dollar amounts should be included on the items because financing needs to be understood by the residents. The purpose of the survey is to prioritize items that should be accomplished. As the survey stands now, can not support.
Councillor Havens said he would support the resolution.
Councillor Snyder felt that the year and age of some of the items should be included, explanations should also be included and the cost of the items should be included. Councillor Snyder said she would support the survey, but would like to see some changes.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he would not support the survey because he feels the survey needs more information and also feels the Town Council should be making decisions regarding going to referendum because it is not the resident’s responsibility.
Mr. Matt Riley said he feels the Council can make a decision on what projects should go to referendum.
Mayor Delnicki requested that the age of the buildings and the dollar amounts be included in the survey as Council members have asked for.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 7 to 2 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of approval; and Councillor Beaulieu and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition to approval.
B. Resolution Adopting the South Windsor Capital Improvement Program dated July 2, 2012
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor implemented a Capital Project Plan in April 1998 to combine Town and Board of Education government capital needs; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. B. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Capital Project Plan needed to be reviewed and redefined to include a clear and concise definition and process; and
WHEREAS, the Capital Project Budget has not been appropriately funded to meet South Windsor’s growing capital improvement program needs; and
WHEREAS, the new South Windsor Capital Improvement Program dated 7/2/12 will identify Capital Project Definitions; Policies; Program Goals; Financial Sources; and Accounting & Stabilization Funding to provide a strategy moving the Town forward
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council officially adopts the South Windsor Capital Improvement Program dated 7/2/2012.
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he felt this is a strong document and would be an excellent guide. Councillor Yagaloff thanked Councillor Snyder and the Committee.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
C. Resolution Withdrawing the Town’s Membership to the Connecticut River Assembly
WHEREAS, the CRA has played an important part in improving the health of the Connecticut River, and protecting this important regional resource; and
WHEREAS, interest in the organization has been waning over several years, and it is not as active now as it once was; and
WHEREAS, it is being recommended that CRCOG cease its staff support effective June 30, 2012 due to staff cutbacks, limited financial resources, and competing work demands; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. C. (Continued)
WHEREAS, municipalities have the option of continuing participation, or acting to withdraw from the Assembly, but if membership drops below eight, the organization will cease to exist based on the statutes which formed the organization
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the withdrawal of the Town’s membership to the Connecticut River Assembly.
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor implemented a Capital Project Plan in April 1998 to combine Town and Board of Education government capital needs; and
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Mr. Galligan explained that he was sent a letter stating the CRCOG felt they have accomplished their goals and objectives. Mr. Galligan recommended that the Town Council approve this resolution.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
D. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute an Assistance Agreement with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
WHEREAS, the Town Council approved a resolution at the January 19. 2012 Regular Meeting authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to file an application to the State of Connecticut for $1,300,000 in order to undertake the I-291 Corridor Municipal Development Project and to execute an Assistance Agreement; and
WHEREAS, under this same agreement, the Town has received an additional $500,000 in STEAP Grants, raising the total amount being offered to the Town to $1,800,000
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. D. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is: (1) Cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the State Assistance imposed by the “Small Towns Economic Assistance Act”; (2) that the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the Town of South Windsor in an amount not to exceed $1,800,000 is hereby approved; and (3) that it has been adopted as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties provided in subsection (a)(1) of Connecticut General Statutes Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a, respectively, as amended by Public Acts 07-142 and 07-245; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan is to provide such additional information to execute such other documents as may be required; to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is necessary; to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto; and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this is a continuation of the I-291 grant. The Town has received an additional $500,000 grant which will be used to help promote the I-291 area. This grant money can not be used for anything other than the I-291 corridor. Mr. Galligan then explained the different items that these funds would be used for.
Mayor Delnicki requested that a list be provided to the Council.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
6. Special Business (Continued)
E. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Retirement Plan for Employees of the Town of South Windsor
WHEREAS, the Town Council for the Town of South Windsor (“Council”) has determined that it is in the best interest of the Town of South Windsor and its employees to amend the Retirement Plan for Employees of the Town of South Windsor, Connecticut (the “Plan”) to clarify and continue the Plan’s provisions for pre-retirement death benefits in the case of a Plan participant who continues employment as a “Late Retired Member” (after attaining his or her applicable normal retirement age), and to make certain other conforming changes to the Plan that the Council considers necessary and appropriate
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor hereby adopts and approves Amendment 15 to the Plan in the form attached hereto, as shown in attached Exhibit A, effective for distributions commencing and deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2012, on the condition that such Plan as amended continues to constitute a qualified plan of deferred compensation pursuant to Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and that such Plan and any related trust continues to be tax exempt pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager of the Town of South Windsor is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to execute Amendment 15 to the Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager of the Town of South Windsor is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to do any and all acts and execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the foregoing resolutions.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Councillor Beaulieu explained that the language as it exists today is in the Summary Plan, but not included in the Plan itself. Approval of this resolution will make the language consistent in both the Summary Plan and the Plan.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
6. Special Business (Continued)
F. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Fourteen (14) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to fourteen (14) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $10,221.65, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
The motion was approved, unanimously
G. Discussion item: Repeal of Sections of the Sidewalk Reimbursement Ordinance (requested by Councillor McCann)
Councillor McCann stated that the Town Council members should have received an opinion letter from the Town Attorney with regard to the sidewalk ordinance and the enforceability of that ordinance. The ordinance as it exists presently imposes costs on abutting landowners for the repair or installation of sidewalks. The subcommittee has reviewed the recommendations of the Town Attorney and that subcommittee has made a recommendation to the Town Council that the Council put on its agenda the repeal and/or amendments sections 86-82, 86-83, 86-84, 86-87, 86-88 and 86-89. As part of the recommendation, the Town would preserve the right for the abutting landowner to still be responsible if they or their agent causes damage to the sidewalk.
Councillor Anwar stated she would be supporting the changes/repeals to this ordinance.
Councillor Anwar stated that he supports the changes/repeals to this ordinance and feels this will be a step in the right direction which will help residents recognize the value of sidewalks.
Councillor Yagaloff said he would be supporting the changes/repeals to this ordinance. The Town Council should review sidewalk policies next.
Councillor Beaulieu voiced support for this ordinance and stated that it makes sense to do amendments and/or repeals.
ITEM:
6. Special Business (Continued)
H. Discussion Item: 1530 Sullivan Avenue – Old Post Office (requested by Councillor Anwar)
Councillor Anwar stated he would like to get input from Council members on different ways this property could be utilized.
Councillor Havens stated that he would not have a problem with leasing a portion of this building out but the original purpose of buying this property was for Town use. For years this property has not been used.
Mr. Galligan explained that he would be submitting an application for a STEP Grant to help cover costs associated with the renovation of this building. There is an idea to use this building for regional office space. The only Town office that is being considered to be moved there is Information Technology. Small companies could use this building and hopefully this could help those businesses grow.
Ms. Shari Fiveash explained that the Small Business Administration and the Chamber of Commerce have been working together for some time now. Housing available for a regional office would be good and would also include the East of the River Chamber of Commerce Association as well as the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce. The vision is to have South Windsor be regionally associated with surrounding communities.
Councillor McCann stated that the last time the Town Council looked to renovate this building it was going to cost between $1,400,000 to $2,100,000. The Town should beware of going into competition with the private sector.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that Information Technologies Department is being considered to move into this building so they can manage some of the technology for the businesses that would use this facility. This idea is a business incubator that would not be a long term.
Mayor Delnicki stated that before he would support something like this he would like to know what the operating costs would be as well as renovation costs that would not be covered by the grant. He also would like to know who would be paying for these items.
ITEM:
6. H. (Continued)
Councillor Anwar made a motion to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. to finish this agenda item. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion; and it failed and the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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