TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 October 15, 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 Cindy Beaulieu
Councillor Ed Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
After roll call was complete, Mr. Kent Carlson from the Patriotic Commission came forward and invited the Council to participate in the Greater Hartford Connecticut Veterans’ Day Parade on November 4, 2012. A bus will be available from the Community Center for anyone who wishes to go.
Mr. Carlson also informed the Council that on Sunday, November 11, 2012 there will be a ceremony at Veterans’ Memorial Park at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Carlson presented Councillor Prague with a Patriotic coin for all of the various things he has done for the Commission.
5. Public Input
Mr. Herb Asplund, 56 Tumblebrook Drive came before the Council to discuss political signs explaining that he could not find any regulations regarding the placement of political signs. He explained that it is his understanding that signs are only allowed on private property with the exception of election day. Presently there seems to be signs everywhere. Mr. Asplund stated that he sent an email to Denise Marrow and suggested that she take charge of campaign sign controls. In a response email from Denise Marrow she explained that signs are controlled by Town ordinance. The State has regulations regarding state roads but as stated
ITEM:
5. Public Input
previously he could not find an ordinance regarding the placement of political signs. Mr. Asplund suggested that something be done for the next election season to alleviate the congestion of political signs around Town.
Ms. Ginny Hole, 185 LeFoll Boulevard came forward to invite the Town Council and residents to the South Windsor Bicycle Friendly Community Ceremony and Bike Tour on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. held at the Jacobs View Pavilion which is next to the Boundless Playground next to the Community Center. Sandy Fry from CRCOG will be presenting the award from the League of American Bicyclists. Mr. Tom Condon will be the MC who is one of the editors of the Hartford Courant. There will be a 10-20 mile bike ride to show the parks, open space and Main Street.
Mr. Kent MaWhinney, 24 Stevens Road came before the Town Council to speak about the proposed Hockey Rink/Recreation Facility at Evergreen Walk. There is a proposed Community Center with an indoor community hockey arena as well as an outdoor rink, an eight lane swimming pool, diving pool, a therapy pool, an indoor basketball court and trails. This proposal would help to satisfy the needs of the whole community. The swimming pool would alleviate the swim team from going to different Town’s. This facility will also help the different businesses at Evergreen Walk and will also help fill any vacant stores at Evergreen Walk. In order to keep young professional in Town, South Windsor needs to have services that other Town’s do no offer. This facility will be beneficial if the
elementary schools in South Windsor go to a half day schedule on Wednesdays. The present Community Center on Nevers Road could be used solely as a Senior Center. The project would be built through a 6320 Corporation with low interest rates. Mr. MaWhinney stated he feels this is a real project and believes with the Town Council’s support could come to fruition.
Mr. Bob Beaulieu, Deepwood Drive, came forward and stated that he has lived in Town for 48 years and would like the Council to consider this proposal. Mr. Beaulieu said he is proud of South Windsor and feels this proposal would be a wonderful asset to the Town.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Al Larson who is Chairperson of the Park & Recreation and lives at 46 Jacques Lane explained that at the last Park & Recreation meeting, the Commission passed a motion to support the proposed Recreation Center at Evergreen Walk to include the full size gymnasium, indoor swimming pools, meeting rooms, hockey rink and trails. Mr. Larson stated that he looks forward to the discussion item later in the meeting on the 6320 Private Public Corporation.
Mr. Bob Feher, President of the Youth Hockey Association came before the Town Council and stated that this proposed project will have benefits for everyone. Mr. Feher requested that the Town Council members keep an open mind when considering this project. There are figures and numbers that all make sense and the hockey makes is feasible and viable as well as an indoor swimming pool. The project is a viable, innovative project that overlooks the entire Town and benefits the entire Town.
Mr. Richard Gregorian, owner of the South Windsor Arena came forward and explained that he has been in business for 40 years and has lived in Town since 1957. South Windsor Arena is where the South Windsor Youth Hockey program began. It is very tough to look pretty after 40 years, but there has not been a single complaint or comment about the quality of ice, which is fine. Mr. Gregorian explained that in 1986 South Windsor Arena was planning an expansion of the building with another rink but then Glastonbury, Enfield, Bolton, and Newington opened, so there was not a need to build one. South Windsor Arena is not going anywhere and would hate to be in competition with the Town of South Windsor. There is only a limited amount of time in a day that the prime ice time can be used. Once that
prime ice is gone, there are odd hours and one of the disagreements with this particular President is South Windsor Youth Hockey wanted to give South Windsor Arena back hours and take other selective hours that are already being used, unfortunately South Windsor Arena can’t please everyone. South Windsor Arena established South Windsor Youth Hockey and will always be receptive to South Windsor Youth Hockey.
Mr. Mike Moriarty, 415 Chapel Road stated he supports this project that is being proposed tonight. This type of proposal is going to keep people in Town and will draw new people to come to South Windsor. This type of proposal covers all aspects of the community.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. David Arildsen, 31 McGrath Road came forward and state he has been a resident for 40 years and currently runs an Adult Hockey League which consists of four teams, and would like to be able to expand that program. Mr. Arildsen said South Windsor has a fantastic swimming program with fantastic swimmers and the Swim Teams would benefit from this facility. A facility like this would bring people to what South Windsor has built which is a method of retail to really compete against the Buckland Hill Mall.
Councillor McCann informed the public that this item is on the agenda and will allow everyone from the public the opportunity to speak on this item later in the meeting. Councillor McCann stated that there is business to take care of and at the appropriate time he would bring forward a motion to suspend the rules and bring this forward so the Town Council can accommodate folks that came out this evening.
Mr. Joey Paris, 45 Gordon Drive stated he is in support of this project and is proud of South Windsor. This proposal will make the Town an even better place to live.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor McCann reminded the Council and the public that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although there is treatment for breast cancer, it all depends on early detection. There are some break through research programs but much more needs to be done. Councillor McCann encouraged everyone to become informed, get screened and to be involved.
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 Meetings of July 30, 2012, and October 1, 2012; Special Work Session Meeting of August 28, 2012, Public Hearing of October 1, 2012; Special meeting of July 30, 2012; and Regular Meeting of October 1, 2012.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mr. Hugh Brower from the IWA/CC came before the Council to clarify the mitigation that is being proposed for Connecticut Studios project. In terms of the birds, Wapping Park is one of the mitigation areas. There is one other area that has not been publicly addressed because the Commission does not want to disclose the other location at this time. The birds are supposed to be able to find these locations on their own. The State has been working on this issue.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
12. Consent Agenda
None
13. New Business
A. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $5,646 from the Town Clerk Professional Account to Various General Fund Operating Budgets (Tabled from October 1, 2012 meeting)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $5,646 from the Town Clerk Professional account, to cover the following 2011/2012 expenditures:
- $159 to the Zoning Board of Appeals Advertising account
- $5,487 to the Town Attorney Professional account
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor McCann
(Resolution Continued on the Next Page)
ITEM:
13. A. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that the retainer used to be $12,500 and was negotiated down to $9,000. There are still payments going to Halloran & Sage and Robinson & Cole. Mr. Galligan stated he would give the Council the actual cases that have been worked on, hours and how it applies against the retainer.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he would be supporting this resolution.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Advising the Town Manager to Adopt a New Format for the Budget Book, Based on Tolland, Connecticut’s Award Winning Budget Book
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to follow best practices in the Town of South Windsor budget book; and
WHEREAS, Tolland, Connecticut has been a multiple year winner of the Government Finance Officers Association award for budgeting; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor would like to produce a budget book capable of winning that award within two years; and
WHEREAS, the budget book should contain a section of each department and should include: goal based budgeting (prior year accomplishments and next year’s goals), FTE’s (full time equivalents-people), organization charts, graph of total expenditures and revenues, graphs of expenditures, over-time and percent of the budget actually spent by department, a table of numbers indicating the detailed expenditures for the last three years and projected for the current fiscal year and a budget for the next fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the budget book should be built using the Tolland budget book as a guide and be fully implemented within two budget cycles; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM
14. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, when the budget is finalized, it should be calendarized on a monthly basis within MUNIS and monthly reports be compared to the budget for the Town Council each month
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby advises Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to take whatever steps are necessary to prepare a goal based budgeting process in budget year 2013/2014 for the six largest departments including tabular, graphical, and diagrams and the entire Town budget by the 2014/2015 budget year.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Answering questions from Councillor Prague, Mr. Galligan stated he feels this change to the budget can be implemented but it will require the Town Council to adopt different policies and procedures. The change in the budget process is a good idea but will be a challenge and take time.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he is surprised that the Town Council would want to set objectives to win awards. He would prefer if the Council set objectives to reduce spending, set targets for economic development or to spend time on other projects. If the Town Manager wants to do this and will have enough time to complete all his other tasks, Councillor Yagaloff said he would support this but if this is something the Town Manager does not want, he would not support it.
Mr. Galligan stated he would like to see the Council unanimous on this decision. This is something that has been proposed in the past but other Town Council’s did not support.
Councillor Snyder feels it is important that the Council change the budget process. The Council should set goals and objectives so the Town expenditures are put toward goals. The restructuring of the budget book will make it more clear to residents and will allow the Town Council to set specific goals.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM
14. A. (Continued)
Councillor Havens agrees that there is not enough time spent on the budget, but does not like the way this issue was handled. The Council and the Town Manager should have discussed this further before a resolution was brought forward. The Town Manager already has a lot on his plate. The bottom line is how much the Town Council is going to add to the tax base. Councillor Havens stated he would not support this resolution.
Councillor Prague explained that the change will be a tool to set policies and adhere to policies. This process is not about winning awards, it is about turning data into understandable information.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 2 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of approval; and Councillor Havens and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition to approval.
Councillor McCann made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to go to Item. 14. E. Councillor Beaulieu seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
- Discussion Item: Hockey Rink/Recreation Center (requested by Councillor Beaulieu)
Mr. Kent Mawhinney came before the Council and explained that the financing program that would be used to construct this Hockey Rink/Recreation Center is a 6320 Corporation. Mr. Mawhinney then explained the process of financing through a 6320 corporation. The proposed facility will provide classrooms for the pre-school and would allow the seniors citizens to have their own facility on Nevers Road. In the proposed Recreation Center, there will be a pool for swim meets, a therapy pool and a diving pool. There will be two hockey rinks, one indoor and one outdoor. There have been discussions with The Whale and they would be able to use the rink for their practice and they would be willing to donate their time to help teach the youth of South Windsor. The outdoor skating rink could be
converted into something for camp use for the summer program. This facility could serve all ages of South Windsor and could also help boost the surrounding business in South Windsor.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM
14. E. (Continued)
Mr. Kent Mawhinney reviewed the revenue stream, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Councillor Yagaloff explained that his family came to South Windsor for the school system and he supports recreation. There are small surpluses that come back to the Town to help with the fund balance each year. The Council has been opposed to paying debt back for 30 years. The current Community Center will still be used so there should not be funds available from that facility. There is a Teen Center at the Community Center which is vital to be there for teens. The Town Council just received information tonight and will need time to review this information. Councillor Yagaloff stated he would not be opposed to a facility that can stand on its own because tax dollars would not be used to compete with other businesses in Town.
Councillor McCann explained he grew up in an area where there were three rinks and those rinks were full all of the time. This is a good opportunity. Councillor McCann stated he has tried to get ice skating in this Town but has not been successful. Councillor McCann questioned where the revenue numbers have come from?
Mr. Kent Mcwhinney stated he is prepared to give the Town Council backup for every number on the chart. Councillor McCann requested that that information be given to the Town Manager’s Office.
Councillor McCann said there is a need for more rinks in Town and this project is a good concept with great features. This is the time to take advantage of this opportunity.
Answering questions from Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Mr. Mcwhinney explained that it would be feasible to build an ice rink without the Recreation Facility, but it most likely would not be at Evergreen Walk.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated he would be interested in seeing if a field type stadium would fit with this proposal. Placing a field with this proposal would alleviate concerns of the neighbors on Nevers Road. Deputy Mayor Bazzano requested that the cost per household be drafted for this type of proposal.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM
14. E. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan suggested that Mr. Dan Marsh run through the numbers and come back to the Council with a report.
Mayor Delnicki felt that the Town Council needs to have Dan Marsh take a look at this to see whether these numbers are accurate and if they work.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that he would not be looking to increase staff for the Recreation Programs because everyone from the Community Center would be moved to the new facility. There would be a need to have a professional company run the hockey rink and Lifeguards at the pools.
Mayor Delnicki stated that he views this proposal as Evergreen Walk being the big winner here because there are other retail businesses in Town that have been here for 30-50 years.
Mr. Richard Gregorian, owner of the South Windsor Arena came forward again to speak. Mr. Gregorian explained that the original owner of all of the other skating rinks that were built in other Towns have not survived and are on their second and third owners. If business were easy then anyone and everyone would do it. The proposed project will have trouble because the main user will be using all of the prime ice time and the other times will be hard to rent. The Town may have difficulty generating enough revenue to support the lease. The Town will also need to generate enough funds for maintenance of the ice rinks. Everything costs a lot of money and needs to be fixed immediately to ensure funds keep flowing.
Mr. Ken Sek, 285 Griffin Road requested that the South Windsor Community Band be kept in mind if additional space is allocated in this new facility.
Mr. Darren DeMartino, 36 Judge Lane came before the Town Council and stated that he does not have any children that swim or play hockey but feels the Town needs to do a project like this in order to invest in the Town and keep South Windsor moving forward. A project like this makes sense and interest rate are low. It is a good time in the economy to do a project like this.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Ms. Diana Branscombe, 49 Deepwood Drive came forward to speak in support of this facility. This would be great for the community.
Mr. Michael Mundo, 249 Maskel Road said that this facility will bring other people from other Towns to South Windsor and they would be spending money in South Windsor. This could help the property values in South Windsor increase and could also make people want to buy homes in South Windsor. This is a long term goal and overall will benefit everyone in the community.
Mayor Delnicki stated at this point Mr. Galligan will have to obtain information from Dan Marsh and come back to the Council with that information.
C. Discussion Item – Political Signs on Town Property (requested by Deputy Mayor Bazzano)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano began discussions by stating everybody has the right of free speech, but there is a problem with visual clutter around Town. The Town does not have any regulations or ordinances that restrict political signage around Town. Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated he finds it very unappealing to go to the polls on Election Day and find fifty signs for the same candidate at the poll. So the two things Deputy Mayor Bazzano said he would like to talk about is the reduction of signs at polling places and having stricter rules on posting political signs on Town property.
Mr. Galligan stated the only policy the Town does have is not to have political signs on Town property.
Mayor Delnicki explained the he stopped putting small lawn signs at the polling places probably 4 years ago because he would rather see them at someone’s house then at the polling place. On Town property any sign that is not supposed to be there should have to get approval.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the amount of sign clutter is horrible. The Town has signs every where for every purpose. The issue about the political signs at the polling places is an issue for the politicians to work out. Political signs should not be on Town property but should be on private property. Politicians should get a committee together. Councillor Yagaloff questioned what would happen to activity signs in Town?
Mr. Galligan explained that there was a proposal in the past to have an area where activities that are happening in Town could be posted in a specific area in Town and also there was an attempt to have all activities on an Event Calendar on the website. Mr. Galligan suggested that the Town Attorney handle this issue through an Ordinance that the Planning & Zoning Department could oversee.
Councillor Havens stated that the Town Council could provide the Town Chair with a certain number of rules and regulations. That should take care a lot of the signage. Some signs have to get permission through Planning & Zoning.
Mr. Galligan added that he signs off on some also.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano said he would like to start doing something with this before the next election.
Mr. Hugh Brower, 25 West Road explained that he is involved with the Trolley Museum and the way it works in East Windsor is a permit has to be filled out and the Town has two or three designated areas where signs can be placed up. If someone puts an event sign anywhere else the Planning & Zoning Department will take it down. In the Town of South Windsor I see more commercial signs then anything else and feel if regulations are done, commercial signs should be included.
ITEM:
14. New Business
D. Discussion Item – 6320 Corporation (requested by Councillor McCann and Councillor Beaulieu)
Mr. Galligan came forward to review information regarding 63-20 Corporations, as shown in attached Exhibit B.
Mayor Delnicki requested that the Town Council go to the next item, Item 15. A. before the conclusion of the meeting.
Councillor McCann stated he would like to continue discussions regarding 6320 Corporations at the next meeting because questions need to be answered regarding this issue.
15. Passage of Ordinance
- Resolution Adopting Amendments to the South Windsor Code of Ordinances, Chapter 86, Article III. Sidewalks
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts amendments to the South Windsor Code of Ordinances, Chapter 86, Article III. Sidewalks, as shown in attached Exhibit C., a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously
14. New Business
D. Discussion Item – 6320 Corporation (Continued)
Mr. Galligan returned to his review of 63-20 Corporations, as shown in attached Exhibit B.
ITEM:
20. Adjournment
At 11:00 p.m. Councillor Havens 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
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