TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2013
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Delnicki called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu (arrived at 7:11 p.m.)
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Members Absent: Councillor Edward Havens
After Roll Call was complete, certificates and awards were presented to individuals who participated in the 6th Annual Penguin Plunge.
3. Public Participation
Chief Matthew Reed, from the Police Department came before the Council to inform the Council and public that the grand opening for the Tyler Regional Animal Care Shelter will be on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Chief Reed also stated that there is a budget presentation scheduled tonight for the IT Department and he would like to speak in support of that budget. The Police Department relies on the technology and it is important to maintain infrastructure.
Mr. Keith Mangene came forward and stated that he is not a South Windsor resident but has been trying to make a donation of a 5 acre parcel on John Fitch Boulevard to the Town of South Windsor and would like to know the status of this issue. Mr. Galligan explained that this issue will be addressed in the Town Manager’s Report.
Mr. Mike Sullivan, 24 Jared Court came forward to voice concern regarding the capital projects that are proposed to be complete through leasing over a period of time. Mr. Sullivan felt it is a bad idea since the items will not last for the period of time that they are being leased for.
ITEM:
4. Communications
Councillor Anwar felt that the Board of Education budget should not be voted on tonight until after the public hearing for the General Government is held.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the SEIU union will be represented by a new bargaining unit.
5. Town Manager’s Report
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that he met with Mr. Mangene regarding the Town receiving a 5 acre parcel on John Fitch Boulevard. After reviewing the land records, it has been found that Mr. Mangene is not the owner of the property but the property is in a trust and has to go through Probate. The Open Space Task Force did go through the property and evaluated it. They have recommended that other options be reviewed. Mr. Galligan agreed with the Open Space Task Force and feels a letter should be sent to the trust.
Mr. Galligan stated that the second issue is 85 Nutmeg Road and explained that issues have arisen and he feels the Council should move back to the first individual that was interested in this property.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the Town Council should have a future meeting regarding the 5 acres on John Fitch Boulevard and should consider using this property for conservation. Mr. Galligan stated that he would talk to someone from Fitch Meadow to see if they are interested in the property.
Councillor Anwar stated that the Open Space Task Force looks at these properties and does a great job. When discussions arise, someone from the Open Space Task Force should be involved in those discussions. Councillor Anwar then stated liability should be a consideration when reviewing land being given to the Town.
Mayor Delnicki suggested that a resolution be drafted regarding the property on John Fitch Boulevard.
Council members discussed a letter regarding layoffs received from The May Group. These layoffs could impact residents and will impact 35 people who are getting laid off. Mr. Galligan said he would contact the company and discuss this issue with them.
6. Items for Discussion
A. Volunteer Fire Department’s Budget Presentation
Chief Kevin Cooney came before the Town Council and presented the Volunteer Fire Departments budget, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Prague thanked the men and women of the Volunteer Fire Department and stated that he would support the entire budget.
Answering questions from Councillor Anwar, Chief Cooney explained that the reduction in the equipment budget will not be putting anyone at risk. If anyone is interested in additional information regarding the 75th Anniversary or wishing to donate funds toward it they can go on swfd2013.com or the Fire Department website.
Councillor Anwar stated that he would be supporting this budget.
At 8:00 p.m. Mayor Delnicki recessed the Special Work Session in order to call the Special Meeting to order. At 8:01 p.m. the Special Work Session was reconvened.
Council members discussed the pavement at the Fire Department headquarters. It was explained that different options have been reviewed and the option that seems most desirable is to have concrete where the fire trucks come out of the bays and then pavement in all of the other areas.
Mr. Galligan said he would meet with the Fire Chief and the Town Engineer to discuss the pavement and review costs.
Mayor Delnicki requested that the Town Manager find out from the Town Attorney if funds for pavement could be used at the Fire Department.
Answering further questions from the Council, Chief Cooney explained that currently the diesel fuel for the fire trucks is funded through the Volunteer Fire Department, but for the smaller vehicles, the Town gasoline is used. Councillor Snyder informed the Chief that the Volunteer Fire Department could contract with the State for fuel.
Chief Cooney told the Council that the lights being on all of the time at the Fire Department on West Road is a concern of the Fire Departments also. The Ambulance Corps is there all of the time.
Council members then discussed the importance of the Fire Department being a part of the Employee Assistance Program because the mental well being of the firefighters is as important as their physical well being. Mr. Galligan said he would look into the Fire Department going in with the Police Department for this service.
Mayor Delnicki stated that what the Fire Department does for this community is fantastic and then commended the Fire Department on their fund raising efforts.
Chief Cooney finished his statements by voicing support for the IT Department budget.
ITEM:
6. Items for Discussion (Continued)
B. Fire Marshal’s Budget Presentation
Mr. Walter Summers, Fire Marshal came forward with his staff to present their budget, as shown in attached, Exhibit B. Mr. Summers ended his presentation by explaining that the IT Department has done a tremendous job with the needs of his department and stated that he would be supporting the IT Department budget.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Summers explained that the survey that is part of the budget presentation was given to every person that his department comes in contact with through education and inspections. Mr. Summers then explained that the Fire Marshal’s Office has applied for another FEMA grant. At the end of this budget, the smoke detectors will be gone and if any Council member has any suggestions on how this department can fund more or acquire more it would be helpful. In the winter months, 70% of the calls are due to carbon monoxide with 70% not having carbon monoxide detectors at all. Mr. Summers discussed further the attempts the department has made to keep the community safe.
C. Information Technologies Department’s Budget Presentation
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that there was an item in the amount of $186,000 that was moved into the IT budget from the capital projects. It looks like there is an increase, but there is not. Mr. Galligan also informed the Council that maintenance contracts have also gone up and most of the budget is maintenance contracts.
Councillor McCann requested that in future budgets he would like to see specific costs that are associated with the department that is using those items under the IT Department budget.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that he feels this budget is appropriate but does not support the items under the capital projects for the IT Department.
Councillor Anwar said he would support this budget but would not support the fiber optics under the capital projects.
Councillor Snyder explained that there are a lot of items that are under the capital projects for the IT Department. If these items were put into the operating budget it would be too much of a hit on the operating budget. Mr. Galligan informed the Council that he is presently looking at leasing the capital projects for 10 years rather than 20 years. There are a lot of other Towns/Cities that are contacting the Town of South Windsor regarding the use of the dashboard.
ITEM:
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 9:06 p.m. Councillor Anwar made a motion to adjourn the Work Session. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Recording Secretary
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