TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 October 7, 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 agenda.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Thomas Delnicki
Deputy Mayor Gary Bazzano
Councillor M. Saud Anwar
Councillor Cindy Beaulieu
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Janice Snyder
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Councillor Edward Havens
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
5. Public Input
Mr. Roy Normen, 158 Homestead Drive came before the Town Council to discuss the revaluation. Mr. Normen explained that his house was not properly classified and needed different items corrected. Homeowners need to review all of the details of the revaluation. The taxes went up 7.3% which was not expected because the revaluation went down. The Town Council needs to have more information about the impact and changes on the methodology used had on properties. Some residents may be paying more than they should. Hope the Council looks at this in more detail to see whether something could be done or if there is a better approach in the future.
Mr. Richard Gregorian, 369 Main Street came forward and stated that he feels more thought should be given to projects that are being brought forward before they are presented to the public. It would be in the best interest of the Town to withdraw the fields proposal until the plan if vetted out. If the field is needed then the public will support but it is not known if the fields are needed.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Ms. Susan Strange, 178 Palmer Drive came forward and requested that if the field proposal is moving forward that it be sent to referendum to get the voice of all residents. The Council should indulge concerns of all neighboring abutters like was given to those living near the High School.
Ms. Jackie Kenney who is a student at South Windsor High School, Captain of the Field Hockey team and a player on the Lacrosse team as well came forward. Ms. Kenney explained to the Council that for Lacrosse the team had to have try outs in the Senior parking lot. For Field Hockey the team had to try out in the outfields of lower Duprey. Field Hockey is more dangerous on grass because the ball can pop up and cause injury. The teams can not practice when it is wet because it digs up the field. Having a turf field would allow teams to practice in multiple conditions. It is supported to have the turf at the Stadium Field but would be happy to have a turf field across the street as well.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councillor McCann informed the Council and public that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is very important to pay attention to your bodies, talk with your doctor and be examined. If this disease is caught early, it can be successfully treated.
7. Adoption of Minutes
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Work Session Minutes of September 3, 2013 and September 16, 2013; Public Hearing Minutes of September 16, 2013; Special Meeting Minutes of September 30, 2013; and Regular Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2013 and September 16, 2013.
Was made by Councillor McCann
Seconded by Councillor Deputy Mayor Bazzano
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
Mayor Delnicki explained that the Town Council received correspondence from Kelly Road residents, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions (Continued)
Mr. Galligan informed the Council that he will be going out to review this situation and work on a solution.
Councillor Anwar explained that he had a discussion with people from the neighborhood and they feel that these traffic strips do not calm traffic in the area at all. The noise pollution is affecting the quality of life of residents in that area. It is hopeful that in the future traffic calming measures will be reviewed carefully.
Councillor Prague stated that he feels these strips make a lot of noise and feels stop signs or some of type of sign should be considered instead of these strips.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that this type of material is used in crosswalks so using them as traffic calming devices may be a little confusing. The other problem is that when trucks go over those strips, they bottom out and people hear the noise. Councillor Yagaloff suggested that the strips be resurfaced or modified rather than just pulling the strips out and patching the roads.
Mr. Galligan explained that some of the other States is they have arrows which gives drivers a forewarning they are coming towards a device and it is a slight in-grade and then slight downgrade. The Town will look into different solutions.
Mayor Delnicki informed Council members that the City of Hartford has done a good job with road humps which are removable during the winter.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Reports from Standing Committees
Councillor Prague explained that he attended an Insurance Control Commission meeting and then requested that the Clerk of the Council send all of the information from that meeting to Council members.
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
ITEM:
12. Consent Agenda
Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to approve Items 13. A. through 13. C. as the Consent Agenda. Councillor Anwar seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
13. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth McGuire (D) to the Cable Advisory Committee
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Elizabeth McGuire (D) to the Cable Advisory Committee for a term ending June 30, 2015.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
B. Resolution Reappointing Anthony Duarte (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Anthony Duarte (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families for a term ending September 1, 2015.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
C. Resolution Appointing Debbie Duarte (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Debbie Duarte (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2014 to fill an existing vacancy.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business
A. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Open Space
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, October 21, 2013, at 7:15 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for Public Hearing to receive citizen input on a Proposed Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Open Space, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councillor Beaulieu
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
Mr. Galligan explained that noted in the bond issue for funds to be used to purchase open space, an ordinance needs to be approved by the Town Council.
Councillor Anwar stated that going forward; it needs to be explained in detail the purpose of open space that is purchased by the Town.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that passive recreation versus active recreation should be clarified.
Councillor Prague explained that he was on the Council when the Foster Farm was purchased and see’s no reason why a piece of that property could not be used for trails. Mr. Galligan stated that the contract would have to be revisited.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on this resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
B. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $26,446 from the Social Security Account to Various General Fund Operating Budgets
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $26,446 from the Social Security account to the following budgets, to fund amounts over expended in fiscal year 2012/2013:
- $3,001 to the Hydrants & Water Lines Utilities account
- $10,237 to the Street Lights Utilities account
- $273 to the Capital Leases account
- $11,678 to the Casualty & Liability Insurance account
- $1,257 to the Unemployment Compensation account
Was made by Councillor Anwar
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that at the end of each fiscal year, the Town has to balance out all of the accounts.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
C. Resolution Agreeing to a Joint Grant Application with the Town of Coventry and the Town of Tolland
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to apply for a grant with the Town of Coventry, Connecticut and the Town of Tolland, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to utilize the intertown Capital Equipment Purchasing Incentive Program; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor would jointly purchase computer equipment with the Town of Coventry and the Town of Tolland; and
WHEREAS, South Windsor’s cost share for the computer equipment would not exceed $46,000 (forty-six thousand dollars); and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
WHEREAS, thirty percent (30%) of the $46,000 would be reimbursed to the Town of South Windsor if the grant is approved
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Matthew B. Galligan, Town manager, to enter into an agreement with the Town of Coventry and the Town of Tolland to apply for the Intertown Capital Equipment Purchase Incentive Program for the purchase of computer equipment.
Was made by Councillor Prague
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Mr. Galligan stated that the Town can not apply for this grant without another Town being involved. The Town will make a list of all the old computers so a program can be established where the old computers can be given to senior citizens.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
- Resolution Approving an “Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and UPSEU, Local 424, Unit 65 – Municipal Employees”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the proposed “Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and UPSEU, Local 424, Unit 65 – Municipal Employees” for the period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2016.
- Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Eighty-Six (86) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to eighty-six (86) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $10,479.13, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councillor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councillor Anwar
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
- Discussion Item: Order of Procedures in the Town Council Rules and Procedures (requested by Councillor McCann)
Councillor McCann explained that about 1 ½ years ago the Town Council Rules and Procedures were changed. Councillor McCann suggested that a subcommittee be established to review the Rules and Procedures, particularly in terms of public input and public participation.
Mayor Delnicki felt this to be a good suggestion but felt that after the election the new sitting Council should decide on how they would like to run their meetings and make changes if necessary.
- Discussion Item: Capital Improvement Fund (requested by Councillor Snyder)
Councillor Snyder questioned Council members if moving forward if this Committee should continue.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the Capital Projects Committee does valuable work because the Council needs to know priorities.
Councillor McCann stated that the Town Council should have input of what is put on the Capital Project priority list. Maintenance items should be put into the general budget.
- Discussion Item: Review of Revaluation (requested by Councillor McCann)
Councillor McCann felt that the Town Council should discuss and understand how the revaluation works. The process should be reviewed to ensure that it is fair across the board.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
I. Discussion Item: Athletic Fields Proposal (requested by Deputy Mayor Bazzano and Councillor Yagaloff)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano explained that the subcommittee has changed the plan to include one synthetic field, a dedicated area for the Miracle Field, a parking lot, the water quality features and screening for neighboring properties. The plan has been developed in a way so the taxpayers are not affected. The lights on the field have been eliminated from this plan.
Councillor Yagaloff reviewed the aspects of the scaled down plan explaining that the total of the project would be $900,000. A STEAP grant in the amount of $500,000 could be sought which would leave the Town with a cost that could be amortized each year of $46,000.
Mr. Galligan explained that there is debt coming off but reminded the Council that the Board of Education is discussing a referendum in March for elementary school facilities. Mr. Galligan stated that Tolland did a STEAP grant to do their artificial field, but there are other grants out there.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that the Town Departments could share in the impact.
Mayor Delnicki questioned if there is intent to have another public hearing to put the plan on the table so people know what is being proposed? Would requesting a STEAP grant for this project hurt the STEAP grant the Town is trying to get for the Old Post Office? Has a traffic study been done?
Councillor Anwar voiced concern that the request for a STEAP grant on this project would affect the STEAP grant for the Old Post Office which includes an Emergency Operation Center. Mr. Galligan explained that the grant would stay with the building.
Councillor Anwar stated he does not feel this project is a priority at this time.
Councillor McCann commended Deputy Mayor Bazzano and Councillor Yagaloff for listening to the public and coming up with a compromise. A public hearing regarding the athletic fields has already been held and there is no reason to hold another. The Council has heard from the Town Manager how this could be done without any impact to taxes. Councillor McCann stated that he would support this proposal.
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Councillor Beaulieu stated that the subcommittee has been meeting for 18 months. The plan has gone through 13 revisions. The public hearing was not something that had to happen. Councillor Beaulieu said she is interested in having the Town Manager come up with a way to pay for this.
Councillor Yagaloff made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to add a resolution to the agenda setting a time and place for a public hearing on the revised field proposal for October 21, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Councillor Anwar seconded the motion.
Councillor Yagaloff felt that since there is a new Town Council that will be sitting soon, they should have the opportunity to discuss this item.
Councilor McCann stated that it is important for the public to hear about the plan, but does not think a formal public hearing is necessary again.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that a public hearing was held a couple of weeks ago and he does not support holding another public hearing.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the motion; it failed on a roll call vote of 5 to 3 with Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the motion; and Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor Prague, Councillor McCann and Councillor Snyder voting in opposition of the motion.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to move forward with Item 16 and Item 9. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reviewed his Town Manager’s report as shown in attached Exhibit C.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that an additional $700,000 will need to be built into next year’s budget for a bridge project. A CERC Team will be established with Emergency Management.
ITEM:
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Ray Favreau explained to the Council that the fencing for the Boundless Playground has not been erected because the skate park is proposed to be near the Boundless Playground and will need fencing around it also.
At 11:00 p.m. Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. to finish Item 16 and 19. A. Councillor Beaulieu seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
Council members discussed the generators proposed at the different Town buildings.
19. Executive Session
At 11:14 p.m. Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss possible purchase of real estate for the Town. Councillor McCann seconded the motion; and it was approved unanimously.
At 11:29 p.m. Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
20. Adjournment
At 11:30 p.m. Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councillor Yagaloff seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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