TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 May 13, 2013
TOWN COUNCIL – Special Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Delnicki called the Special Meeting to order at 8:06 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
Councillor Edward Havens
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that he does not appreciate Council members challenging the numbers he has presented to the Town Manager regarding the budget. A Council member wants to reduce the amount put into fund balance and Mr. Gonsalves stated he totally disagrees with the fund balance being reduced to $400,000 instead of $800,000. Every year the School Board has kept the surplus from their budget and has spent it on unbudgeted items. The surplus should not be spent on unbudgeted items and should be returned to the general government budget. Mr. Gonsalves then stated that he has requested for quite a few years to have a pubic meeting reviewing the pension fund. These numbers have never been reviewed publicly. Another item that should be discussed
publicly is heath care costs. Mr. Gonsalves also felt that any extra items presented for the budget above and beyond what the Town Manager has presented should not be approved in this budget year.
Mr. Larry Torff, 521 Quarry Brook Drive came before the Council and stated that this budget year South Windsor residences were able to experience a best budget practice process and a budget process at its worst. The Board of Education established a multi year strategic plan that has guided them. The Superintendent budget guidelines were provided and the Superintendent provided her budget to the Board of Education which they reviewed for Town Council review. The Town
ITEM
3. Public Participation (Continued)
does not provide a strategic plan or Town Manager Budget guidelines. After the public hearing, Council members presented further projects that they are proposing to be put into the budget. Mr. Torff reviewed projects that are being proposed and gave input regarding the necessity of these projects as well as doing these projects through different financing options. The Town Manager’s proposed budget seems like the best plan and all of these extra projects should not be included in the budget.
Mr. John Mitchell, 41 Eagle Drive came forward and stated that seniors and the business community can not be burdened by overspending now or ever. The Town should not create an innovative way to avoid the referendum process. All significant projects should be brought to the public for their approval.
Mr. Gene Botteron, 34 Victor Lane came before the Town Council to address the budget. The budget presented by the Town Manager should be reviewed and reduced where possible. The additional $800,000 in spending initiatives that are proposed should be eliminated. The taxpayers in South Windsor and Connecticut are paying enough taxes right now. Many people are not in a position to pay additional tax burdens. Mr. Botteron then stated that he feels that the taxpayer should have the opportunity to vote on all important spending initiatives.
Ms. Deborah Morrison, 167 Ayers Road requested that the Town Council be fiscally responsible to the majority of the taxpayers because it is a tough economy.
Mr. Scott Higgins, 48 Cornerstone Drive stated that paying taxes is not something that people want to do but he has a desire to make sure the Town stays as a desirable destination. Offering services that will attract families into Town will maintain the property values. The Town Council needs to be prudent on how funds are spent and needs to make sure that South Windsor stays desirable.
Mr. Mark Jarvis, 71 Park View Drive came forward and stated that he would like to see continued growth and projects being funded in Town and believe if you want to see continued growth then taxpayers will need to pay for it.
Mr. Darren DeMartino, 36 Judge Lane stated that if taxpayers pay more taxes just for status quo, there is nothing that keeps the Town unique and makes people want to come to South Windsor. If funds are not spent to make improvements to the Town, then South Windsor will fall behind.
ITEM
3. Public Participation (Continued)
Mr. Mike Sullivan, 24 Jared Court said that if the Town Council approves the additional items being proposed onto the budget above and beyond what was proposed by the Town Manger will have unintended consequences. If there is a large increase to the budget and then there is an emergency situation or need that arises, it may not be able to be done.
Mr. Alan Larson, 46 Jacques Lane and Chair of the Park & Recreation Commission came forward and stated that the additional items regarding athletic fields that have been presented for the budget will allow South Windsor to grow and continue to be a desirable community and should be approved.
Ms. Connie Pignatiello, 795 Chapel Road and 55 Quarry Brook Drive stated that her children have been educated in South Windsor and she feels that her children have learned just as much on the athletic fields as they have in the classroom. All children should have the opportunity to compete and give their best in ways other than in the classroom. Ms. Pignatiello hopes that the Town Council will consider funding the fields for the children of South Windsor.
Mr. Matt Riley, 12 Heatherwood Drive came before the Council and stated 85% of peer communities have turf fields in their Town. South Windsor is in need of having a turf field and the cost relative to the value is small.
4. Communications
Mayor Delnicki read into the record a letter from Bob LeVallie speaking in opposition of increasing the budget with additional items then what was proposed by the Town Manager; Richard Roback speaking in opposition of increasing the budget with additional items then what was proposed by the Town Manager; Hal Reed speaking in favor of additional items being proposed to the budget then what was proposed by the Town Manager; Tom Murtha speaking in opposition of increasing the budget with additional items then what was proposed by the Town Manager; and Laura Peterson speaking in opposition of increasing the budget with additional items then what was proposed by the Town Manager.
5. Town Manager’s Report
Mr. Galligan reviewed a memorandum that was distributed to the Town Council. The new taxable grand list is $2,442,900,215 which is based on the prior year’s assessments.
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5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
Answering questions from Councilor McCann, Mr. Galligan explained that the Council had directed him to hire three Maintainer positions, but since it is a tough budget year Mr. Galligan stated he decided to wait until the budget process was complete. Mr. Galligan explained further that he did not want to hire individuals and then have to lay them off because of budget constraints. If the Council wishes to pass a resolution for the hiring of three positions, Mr. Galligan said he would then move that forward.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that his recollection was that the vote was for the decision on whether to lift a hiring freeze. The Town Manager was given discretion as to how the Town would hire those positions. Councillor Yagaloff commended the Town Manager and felt that the Town Manager did the right thing by not hiring for those positions until the budget is complete.
Councillor Beaulieu said that she agrees with Councillor McCann on this and is surprised those positions were not filled.
Mr. Galligan explained that in the past he has hired new employees and then shortly later had to fire one worker. This budget is a tight budget and as a manager Mr. Galligan said he feels he should move in the direction that he feels is appropriate for the Town.
Councillor Anwar thanked the Town Manager for his efforts and questioned if changing the Police Officers from full year to half year will impact the Police Department? Mr. Galligan explained that by the time an individual is hired and goes through the academy it will probably be six to seven months down the road.
Councillor Anwar then questioned if reducing the tree maintenance from $70,000 to $40,000 will have an impact? Mr. Galligan felt that the Town spent a considerable amount of time and money trimming back trees after Storm Alfred and so tree maintenance could be reduced.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan stated that with new construction projects coming forward it would be alright to increase new construction. The projects that are being considered under the capital projects are for all of the generators, GIS and leasing of computers.
Councillor Anwar stated that he likes the idea of leasing the computers.
ITEM:
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki commented that it is his recollection that the Town Manager stated during a public session that he was going to hold off on hiring the Maintainer positions until after the budget was complete.
Councillor McCann stated that in the Town Manager’s memo, the collection rate was adjusted from 98.75 to 98.9%, what is the reasoning behind that? Mr.Galligan answered that there was a request to review that. The Town has gone between the ranges of 98.65% to 99%. Council members discussed in length the collection rate. Councillor McCann stated that he would be comfortable relying on Mr. Galligan’s expertise. The Council then discussed the difference of using $400,000 of fund balance versus using $800,000 of fund balance.
6. Unfinished Special Business
None
7. New Special Business
A. Resolution Adopting the Budget for the Special Revenue Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2013/2014
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts a Special Revenue Recreation Fund Budget with expenditures totaling $2,103,229; commencing on July 1, 2013, and terminating on June 30, 2014.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Special Revenue Recreation fund does not include any Recreation Capital funding.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
7. New Special Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Adopting the General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2013/2014
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts a General Government Budget with the Expenditures totaling $34,744,580 for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2013, and terminating on June 30, 2014, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Mayor Delnicki
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
Mayor Delnicki explained that after receiving numerous of concerns from residents he decided to contact the minority leader and they worked together to come up with a budget that would not compromise Town services. After the budget is complete, the Town Council will be taking a look at policies and procedures for leasing. A four year plan will need to be developed to reduce and phase out the fund balance starting in the next budget cycle. Pension is also another concern and will need to be discussed. In this proposed budget, the generators, GIS, and computers will be leased.
At 8:37 p.m. Mayor Delnicki called for a recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:51 p.m.
Mayor Delnicki explained that the only other item included in this budget proposal is pay to support a half of a position for a police officer. All other items proposed previously by Councillor McCann have been eliminated.
Councillor McCann stated that the Town can not stand status quo if the Town wants to be a more fiscally sound Town and a better Town going forward. Some of the amenities proposed previously for the budget should be included. This proposal tonight raids the fund balance which the Town should not continue to do. The previous plan wanted to begin to reduce use of the fund balance this year. The second item was to fund the Town side of the pension plan. Over the next four years it was planned to increase the funding to the pension. An additional police office was previously proposed. Improvements to facilities were proposed, particularly to the Town’s athletic facilities.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. B. (Continued)
Answering questions regarding Capital Projects, Mr. Galligan explained that the trucks for the Public Works Department have always been in the operating budget. This year the trucks will be leased over 5 years versus 3 years. The underground storage tank removal, the boiler replacement, the Little League shack renovation, the Fire Headquarters paving parking lot, the realignment of the softball field on Ayers Road, and the fiber optic communication network have been removed from the proposed capital budget. The total of $287,000 has been reduced to $122,000.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made an Amendment to the resolution to add $100,000 to the budget to realign the softball field on Ayers Road. Councillor McCann seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the budget that has been proposed is a prudent budget and he did not think tonight there would be votes on individual items. The proposed budget was done non-partisan and does not cut any Town services. This budget funds the emergency generators and the GIS system. Fund balance is being used to buffer the payments from the sewer plant. Councillor Yagaloff explained that he would not be supporting any of these amenities. These items can be accomplished through other means.
Councillor Beaulieu felt that each and every item being brought forward has a benefit to everyone and should be discussed thoroughly. Councillor Beaulieu said she feels strongly that the softball field should be realigned because it has been identified as a safety concern. Another item she fully supports is increasing the Town’s contribution to the pension plan. In order to bring the discount rate down to 7.5% rather than 8% is to contribute funds. The total amount necessary is $500,000 above and beyond the ARC. $125,000 would need to be contributed each year for 4 years rather than come up with the entire $500,000 in one year. The Capital Projects should be funded in its entirety. In the last 6-7 years the Town has not funded Capital Projects properly and should continue with
the plan brought forward.
Councillor McCann stated he is also in support of the funding for the realignment of the softball field.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. B. (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated he would not support this item because if it has been such a concern then why is the proposal of a Skate Park being done before a safety concern.
Councillor Havens stated he would not be supporting these funds to be used for the realignment of a softball field because the timing for these amenities is terrible.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment. It failed on a roll call vote of 4 to 5 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the Amendment; and Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition to the Amendment.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made an Amendment to the resolution to add $20,000 more for a Police Officer. Councilor McCann seconded the Amendment.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment. It passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 3 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the Amendment; and Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition of the Amendment.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made an Amendment to the resolution to add $50,000 for the planning of the 11 acres on Nevers Road to move toward field improvements. Councillor Snyder seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff said he would only support a small scale project going in at Nevers Road. Over time the project would then grown. To start the planning at this time, funds should be used through the Contingency Account. This project should not be voted on tonight as part of the budget because it has not been vetted through the lease arrangements and the scope and size of the project have not been established. Councillor Yagaloff stated he would not support this Amendment tonight. The project needs to be done appropriately at the right time and in the right way.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. B. (Continued)
Councillor McCann voiced disappointment over the Council not supporting this project as a whole and stated he would be supporting $50,000 to begin this project.
Councillor Anwar stated he would not be supporting this Amendment tonight because the public has consistently spoken through referendums that this is not a priority at this time.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano felt that this $50,000 will allow the Town to move forward with making sure the area can support fields.
Both Mayor Delnicki and Councillor Yagaloff felt that the funds being proposed for this project could come from Contingency.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment. It passed on a roll call vote of 5 to 4 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the Amendment; and Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition to the Amendment.
Councillor Beaulieu made an Amendment to the resolution to add $125,000 to the budget for the pension plan. Councillor McCann seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Beaulieu explained that the contribution would be above what the current ARC contribution is presently. The pension is at a dangerously low level and putting funds towards the pension will help the funding status of the plan.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the Town has an Actuary that tells the Town what should be funded and this would be unnecessary spending.
Councillor Prague stated he would not be supporting this Amendment at this time.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Actuary had suggested that the Town could bring the discount rate down.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. B. (Continued)
Mayor Delnicki stated he would not support this.
Councillor McCann explained that the Actuary is waiting for the Pension Committee to come back to him with what the Committee feels is an appropriate discount rate that the Committee feels comfortable using. The Actuary crunches the numbers; he does not set policy or decide what the appropriate discount rate is.
Councillor Beaulieu added that other communities are lowering their discount rates and it is appropriate to lower the discount rate from 8%.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment. It failed on a roll call vote of 4 to 5 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the Amendment; and Mayor Delnicki, Councilor Anwar, Councillor Havens, Councillor Prague and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition of the Amendment.
Councillor Snyder made an Amendment to the resolution by adding $98,960 for Capital Projects into the budget to cover additional projects for leasing with the exception of fiber optics. Councillor McCann seconded the Amendment.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that this is an unusual year because there is a new approach that is being taken which is to borrow money for the next 10 years for Capital Projects which he said he could not support.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment. It passed on a roll call vote of 5 to 4 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the Amendment; and Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition of the Amendment.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that with all of the Amendments he has the budget at $34,913,540.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. B. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff reviewed a memo from the Town Manger. In the memo the Town Manager states he can save $103,018 by taking time to do bidding and ordering of the computers and GIS. Mr. Galligan explained that if the Town starts the leases in January, there would be a savings.
Councilor Yagaloff made an Amendment to the resolution to reduce the budget by $103,018 based upon the cost savings that the Town Manger says he will have if he takes the time to bid and order the lease items. Councilor Anwar seconded the Amendment.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this would not effect the Town’s acquisition of the assets that the Town is acquiring through these leases but it could delay computers by 3 to 5 months.
Mr. Galligan stated that the new budget would be $34,810,522.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment, it passed, unanimously.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it passed, unanimously.
The resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts a General Government Budget with the Expenditures totaling $34,810,522 for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2013, and terminating on June 30, 2014, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
ITEM:
7. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Setting the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2013/2014
BE IT RESOLVED that the tax rate of 34.90 mills be levied on the Grand List of October 1, 2012 based upon Total Revenues excluding current taxes of $17,796,833, which includes an appropriation from Fund Balance in the amount of $400,000 to finance total expenditure of $102,934,462 made up of a Board of Education Budget of $68,123,940 and a General Government Budget of $34,810,522, both of which have been adopted by the South Windsor Town Council, and exhibits of which are on file in the Office of the Town Clerk for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2013, and terminating on June 30, 2014.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
Mayor Delnicki explained to Mr. Gonsalves that he would have an opportunity to talk regarding this issue.
Councillor McCann called for a Point of Order stating that the Council is in deliberations and the public is not part of the deliberations on the budget.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the difference in the mill rate between 34.85 and 34.90 is the adjustment to the taxable grand list. The mill rate being proposed is using Councillor McCann’s adjustment to the grand list.
Councillor Yagaloff addressed the issue of public participation. The Council has a policy that members of the public are invited to participate on any agenda item. A Town Council member can also request that a member of the public speak to an issue.
Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he would not support a mill rate of 34.90 because that will only penalize the taxpayers.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. C. (Continued)
Councillor Prague said he is in support of lowering the fund balance from $800,000 to $400,000.
Councillor Anwar made a friendly amendment to change the mill rate to 34.85. Deputy Mayor Bazzano did not accept the friendly amendment.
Councillor Anwar made an Amendment to the resolution to change the mill rate from 34.90 to 34.85 and to change the fund balance from $400,000 to $800,000. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the Amendment.
Councillor McCann stated he would not support increasing the use of fund balance beyond $400,000. The Town Council should not raid the fund balance.
Councillor Beaulieu voiced concern of using $800,000 from fund balance and stated that she would support using $400,000 but not $800,000.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward to speak. Councillor McCann called for a Point of Order stating that there are specific times for the public to speak. During those times, any member of the Council can request information from anyone in the public.
Mr. Gonsalves stated that the public has not been involved in any discussions regarding the change to the fund balance.
Councillor McCann stated he would not support the Amendment because he feels the budget should not be funded through the fund balance.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Amendment; it failed 4 to 5 on a roll call vote with Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the Amendment; and Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in opposition to the Amendment.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
7. C. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff felt that using this mill rate is wrong and is sticking it to the taxpayers and he would not support this.
Answering questions from Councillor Prague, Councillor Yagaloff explained that the fund balance should be used when times are bad, like now. It should not be used in good years.
Councillor Anwar stated that for the past 4 ½ hours the Town Council has been discussing the budget proposed by the Mayor and Councillor Yagaloff. The entire Town Council approved it. It is not appropriate to change calculations at this point.
Mayor Delnicki stated that when creating this budget, he trusted the Town Manager’s judgment on how much of fund balance should be used and would not be able to support the use of $400,000 of fund balance rather than $800,000.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the Resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 5 to 4 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the Resolution; and Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition of the Resolution.
- Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2013/2014 and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manger, as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2013/2014, and herby tables the same.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Executive Session
None
9. Adjournment
At 11:27 p.m. Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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