TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 April 15, 2013
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. and then recessed the Regular Meeting in order to finish the Work Session. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
5. Public Input
None
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 of April 1, 2013; Special Budget Work Session Minutes of April 8, 2013; Regular Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2013; and Public Hearing Minutes of April 9, 2013.
Was made by Councillor McCann,
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
- Reports of Temporary Committees
None
12. Consent Agenda
Councillor Anwar and Councillor McCann made a motion to approve Items 14. A. through 14. C. as the Consent Agenda. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion, and it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Appointing Karen Wagner (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 Wagner (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2015 to fill a vacancy and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
12. Consent Agenda (Continued)
- Resolution Appointing Caroline Taylor (D) to the Housing Authority 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 Caroline Taylor (D) to the Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2017 to fill an expired term of Jay Knipple and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
- Resolution Appointing Michael Kelly (R) an Alternate to the Park & Recreation 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 Michael Kelly (R) an Alternate to the Park & Recreation Commission for a term ending December 31, 2013 to fill an unexpired vacancy and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
13. Unfinished Business
None
14. New Business
- Resolution Approving a Transfer of $15,000.00 from the Contingency Account to the Fire Department
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $15,000.00 from the Contingency Account to the Fire Department to cover costs associated with the Fire Department’s 75th Anniversary.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated that the Volunteer Fire Department has been doing a very good job raising funds and has raised a substantial amount of money for the 75th Anniversary but at this time these funds are needed.
Councillor McCann stated that the Fire Department does a tremendous service to the Town. It provides volunteer services of a very high quality that saves the Town a lot of funds. Councillor McCann questioned if the Volunteer Fire Department requested these funds?
Mayor Delnicki answered that they did request this.
Councillor McCann then stated that he would support this request.
Mayor Delnicki explained that if the Fire Department is able to raise an excess fund of what they need, they will return the excess back to the Town Council. This is an opportunity to show case the Town.
Councillor Anwar stated he would support this resolution. The Volunteer Fire Department saves the Town a lot of money being a volunteer organization.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into a Licensing and Right-of-Way Agreement with Somerlark Properties, LLC
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute a Licensing and Right-of-Way Agreement with Somerlark Properties, LLC for the use of Town open space; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to sign and execute any other necessary documents to execute this agreement on behalf of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the principles for Somerlark are in the audience tonight. They would like to create a parking lot and there is a well that they would like to continue to use also. This issue has been reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands Agency, Engineering Department, I and the Town Attorney has written the agreement. This is a License Agreement and the Town will have a specific term on it that can be renewed later. Mr. Galligan stated that he recommends that the Town Council allow Somerlark to use this property.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that this Council has deep appreciation of small business owners. The Town Council would like this business to be successful should be helping this business as much as possible.
Councillor McCann stated that this is an opportunity for the Town to expand and enhance the parking for the Donnelly Preserve in the open space that is adjacent to the Donnelly Preserve. This also provides access management for Sullivan Avenue.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town is working with the owners who would like to put in some picnic areas and the Town could be a joint partner with them to develop the open space further. This company is not asking for any financial assistance from the Town and it looks like this will be a very nice restaurant.
Councillor McCann liked the idea of that the building is becoming operational again.
Councillor Anwar welcomed Somerlark to Town stated he would be supporting this resolution.
Mr. Galligan stated that there would be a working relationship between the Town and Somerlark. This will help make changes in the future. There may be an ability to connect this property to the Donnelly Preserve.
The owner of the Dairy Queen stated that the Town has been very welcoming and helpful.
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councillor Havens stated he would support this motion. This gentleman hired South Windsor contractors as well as kids from South Windsor.
Answering questions from the Council, the owner of Dairy Queen explained that the business will be open all year round and has hired 65 kids from South Windsor.
Mr. Robert Dickinson, 19 Birch Road came forward and questioned if the business was going to have sidewalks installed? Mr. Galligan explained that there are no sidewalks at all on that side of the road but it should be considered in the future to install sidewalks on that side of Sullivan Avenue.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
F. Resolution Appropriating 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 not exceeding $30,000.00 of LoCIP Funds for construction associated with the placement of safety answering service equipment at the Police Department.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
Mr. Galligan explained that when this project was first started it was estimated to cost $100,000.00, but because of the age of that building there were unforeseen circumstances which have required more funds.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Contribute $200.00 to the South Windsor Community Foundation
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to transfer $200.00 from the Contingency Fund to the Town Manager’s Professional Account, said $200.00 to then be sent to the South Windsor Community Foundation to be contributed towards South Windsor Voices II.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Councillor Prague explained that he would be amending this resolution to go directly to the South Windsor Voices II as an agency of the Town.
Mr. Galligan stated that he would not have a problem doing that as long as there is a one page contract with them as to what they are going to do with the money. When funds are given to a private group, the Town needs to have some type of contractual relationship with that group.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that if there is a conflict because there are members on the Council that are serving as fiduciaries for the Community Foundation then those members should abstain.
Councillor Prague made a motion to table this resolution; Councillor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
H. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Contribute $2,000.00 to South Windsor high School’s 2013 “Operation Graduation Fund”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to transfer $2,000.00 from the Contingency Fund to the Town Manager’s Professional Account, said $2,000.00 to then be used as the Town’s contribution towards South Windsor High School’s 2013 “Operation Graduation Fund.”
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. H. (Continued)
Was made by Councillor Snyder
Seconded by Councillor Havens
Councillor Snyder explained that this program has a long standing history of keeping kids and our community safe. Councillor Snyder thanked the Council.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that this is an opportunity for the Town to keep children safe. Councillor Yagaloff said he would support this motion because it is a small amount to contribute for a very important program.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Submit an Application for Funding up to the Amount of $1,000,000.00 to the CRCOG Transportation Committee for New Sidewalks Along Ayers Road and Nevers Road
WHEREAS, The Capital Region Council of Governments has solicited municipal projects in order to distribute about $4,000,000.00 in Federal funding that is expected to be available for pavement rehabilitation and stand alone sidewalk projects through the Federal Surface Transportation Program; and
WHEREAS, new sidewalks on Ayers and Nevers Road from Graham Road to Wyndemere Court are eligible for funding under this program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to submit an application for funding up to the amount of $1,000,000.00 to the CRCOG Transportation Committee for new sidewalks along Ayers Road from Graham Road east to Nevers Road and along Nevers Road from Ayers Road south to the existing sidewalks by Wyndemere Court; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, should funding for said Plan be approved, the South Windsor Town Council will fund the design of the project and will fund 20% of the ROW and construction costs, or $200,000.00 as required by project guidelines.
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Councillor McCann
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that usually these grants come from the federal program and it is given to the regional CRCOG’s to administer and the Town applies through them.
Mr. Doolittle came forward to answer further questions that this is STP urban funds. There would be 80% federal participation through CRCOG and 20% Town participation. This project is approximately 3,200 to 3,300 linear feet.
Councillor Anwar added that this is very important. The federal government has funds for this and South Windsor needs sidewalks. The homes that have sidewalks next to them with access to other areas are at an increased value.
Councillor Yagaloff questioned if this is priority road that has been identified by the Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee? Councillor McCann explained that this is one of the priorities that were identified by the Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee.
Councillor McCann explained that this area is a priority because these sidewalks will connect parks, neighborhoods, schools and community resources. This area is in the heart of those types of properties that will enhance the accessibility by bikes and pedestrians.
Mayor Delnicki asked if there would be any homes impacted with sidewalks that presently do not have them. Mr. Doolittle explained that most the property is Town owned. There are three private properties that sidewalks would be in front of. Those residences will be notified.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Public
Ms. Susanne Errickson, Wyndemere Court questioned if the sidewalks will be on both sides of the street? Mr. Doolittle explained that that the sidewalks will be on the south side of Ayers Road and the east side of Nevers Road. There will be no sidewalks on the west side of Nevers Road and there is no plan for them.
Mr. Skip Bourke, 91 Murielle Drive who is with the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways came forward and to speak in support of this sidewalks plan.
Mr. Ken Sek, 285 Griffin Road came forward to voice support for this project. It is an excellent opportunity to get funds from the State for a worthwhile endeavor.
Mr. Robert Dickinson, 19 Birch Road also came forward to speak in support of this resolution.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this motion; it was approved, unanimously.
J. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Submit an Application for Funding up to the Amount of $1,000,000.00 to the CRCOG Transportation Committee for Pavement Rehabilitation of a Portion of Governors Highway
WHEREAS, The Capital Region Council of Governments has solicited municipal projects in order to distribute about $4,000,000.00 in Federal funding that is expected to be available for pavement rehabilitation and stand alone sidewalk projects through the Federal Surface Transportation Program; and
WHEREAS, Governors Highway is eligible for funding under this program and is structurally in poor condition
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. J. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to submit an application for funding up to the amount of $1,000,000.00 to the CRCOG Transportation Committee for Pavement Rehabilitation of a portion of Governors Highway between Route 5 and Talbot Lane; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, should funding for said Plan be approved, the South Windsor Town Council will fund the design of the project and will fund 20% of the construction costs, or $200,000.00 as required by project guidelines.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Answering questions from the Council Mr. Galligan explained that the funds in the bond resolution are air marked for other areas already. Governors Highway is high on the list to get done and the right-of-way is 50 feet. Councillor McCann stated that there would be plenty of room to provide full access and complete streets program for that area.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
K. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Nine (9) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to nine (9) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $3,189.45, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councillor Havens
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
The motion was approved, unanimously
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
ITEM:
16. Public Input
None
17. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councillor Havens reminded the Council that there is still no coverage by the Hartford Courant. There should be dialogue with the Hartford Courant again complaining about this issue. Mayor Delnicki stated that he would send a letter to the Hartford Courant discussing this matter.
18. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
None
19. Executive Session
None
20. Adjournment
Councillor Anwar made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:41 p.m. Councillor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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