TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 October 15, 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 7:00 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: Chief Matthew Reed, Acting Town Manager
3. Public Participation
Ms. Mary Sullivan, Wyndemere Court came before the Town Council and stated that she does not want to see fields all around Wyndemere Court. This proposal will add traffic and noise pollution to an area that already has enough traffic and noise pollution around it. It has been stated that the new financial plan will not touch Town taxes. Eventually everyone is going to want to pave the gravel parking area and lights will be wanted in the future. These items will cost the taxpayers. There were a lot of people that did not know about tonight’s meeting which falls on a religious holiday. Ms. Sullivan requested that the Town Council not approve this proposal at tonight’s meeting.
Mr. Jim Throwe, 1330 Main Street explained that he is a past Town Council member and when he was on the Council they did not approve anything without going to referendum because it was required by the Town Charter. Leasing and 63-20 Corporations are just ways of getting around the Town Charter.
Ms. Jan Nicholas, 60 Nevers Road felt that a referendum for this proposal is necessary in order to allow all residents to have a say regarding this proposal. There are many other pressing needs in South Windsor that are more of a priority. There are many other fields in South Windsor where synthetic turf could be proposed.
ITEM:
3. Public Participation (Continued)
Mr. Jim Morrison, 157 Ayers Road also felt a referendum should be done for this proposal. There is a cost to residents even with a STEAP grant and having the Town Manager try to come up with $46,000 out of the budget every year seems like the Town does not remember the tough budget year it was this year.
Ms. Carol Hatch, Wyndemere Court stated that these fields will bring a lot of noise to the area and there are other priorities to consider such as repairs to the schools and a larger senior center for the seniors.
Mr. Richard Grigorian, 369 Main Street felt that there is not a need for these athletic fields. A survey or audit of the athletic fields should have been done before a proposal was planned. Mr. Grigorian went through the amount of soccer fields there are in Town and the amount of hours that the fields are used and stated that there is not a need for more fields.
Mr. Mohammad Quraishi, 111 Frazer Fir Road explained that he has just moved to South Windsor recently from Coventry. In South Windsor there seems to be plenty of fields and he expressed dissatisfaction with these fields being leased rather than a purchase.
Mr. Mike Sullivan, 24 Jared Court voiced frustration with the lack of respect that has been shown to a Council member and his religious holiday. During the budget process there was $50,000 approved for this project to do engineering studies, why have those studies not been done and how can the Council reach a decision without doing that work first. This project really discredits that the Council members have the best interests of the Town at heart. The athletes in the community may want this project to be approved, but the rest of the community does not.
Ms. Betty Warren, 494 Abbe Road and Chair of SWALPAC came forward to speak to the Council. This area is presently leased out to a farmer for the next five years and that lease should not be broken when there are other areas that can be used for fields. This project should go to referendum and not be decided on at a special meeting that is being held on a religious holiday.
Mr. Taseen Anwar, 93 Rockledge Drive came forward and explained that today is a Muslim religious holiday and in the future it would be appreciated if Council members would show respect for all religions.
ITEM:
3. Public Participation (Continued)
Mr. Jim Neary, Ellington Road came forward and stated that right now the Board of Education is having a meeting that everyone should be at, not here. The CREC school has created two fields that the Town can use which eliminates the need for this proposal. There are other needs in Town that are more of a priority then the creation of fields.
Mr. Joe Candeias, 258 Nevers Road felt that this proposal is trying to achieve a purpose for a select few. Mr. Candeias read a letter that was put into the record in 1987 when this property was bought. The letter explained that open space is something the Town should encourage, farmers should be encouraged to farm and the Town should keep greenery.
Ms. Bridget Kelly who is a sophomore at South Windsor High School explained that the High School students want a turf field at the Stadium Field on the South Windsor High School campus. The high school already has parking spots, locker rooms, a trainer, a concession stand and a place to evacuate in case of severe weather.
Ms. Jackie Kenny, a senior at South Windsor High School stated that she supports having a synthetic turf field at the high school. The fields across the street would only be able to be used for practice, not for games.
Ms. Jill Kazmarek, a sophomore at South Windsor High School said that the students take pride in wearing South Windsor on their jerseys but are embarrassed by their fields which have caused injuries.
Ms. Kristin Winuck, a senior at South Windsor High School stated that synthetic turf fields are necessary on the campus of South Windsor High School.
Mr. Al Larson, 46 Jacques Lane and Chairperson of the Park & Recreation Commission felt that this proposal is a compromise to reduce costs by $1.5 million dollars and fully supports this proposal. In the future these proposals should go through the Park & Recreation Commission. Mr. Larson also stated that the Board of Education and Recreation program should share in the revenue producing opportunities and all should be allowed to use these fields.
Ms. Nilofer Haider, 185 Fairview Drive stated that respect should have been given to the Muslim holiday.
ITEM:
3. Public Participation (Continued)
Ms. Sania Zaheer, 35 Cardinal Way stated that the Muslim community would like the Council to respect our holiday and keep the Muslim community in your planning.
Ms. Susan Strange, 178 Palmer Drive stated that in the minutes of a prior meeting, Deputy Mayor Bazzano said the subcommittee had looked at putting turf at the high school but the neighbors were adamantly opposed. Where it is presently being proposed, the neighbors seem adamantly opposed. A referendum should be held to get the voice of all residents.
Mr. John Mitchell, 40 Windy Hill Drive came forward and stated that it was not that long ago that Council approved a budget for 2013 and here the Council is making a decision to spend $900,000 out of this new budget. The Town Council should be holding down spending. There are much bigger priorities in Town that should be addressed. Mr. Mitchell questioned if the resolution is contingent on the receiving of grant funds?
Mr. David Hodge, 83 Murielle Drive felt that this plan was a compromise and hopes that when the referendum for the schools comes around everybody will support that.
Mr. Eric Lajoie, 170 Candlewood Drive stated that he has been hoping for a field proposal for a long time. He stated that he has supported everything in Town in regards to the youth and elderly.
Mr. Charlie Regulbuto, 59 Riverview Drive came forward and stated that he is not here to support or oppose this project. This project should go to referendum and the Council should discuss the surplus.
Mr. Steve Wagner, 181 Tumblebrook Drive stated that he does not believe that anyone intended to have a meeting on a Muslim holiday and suggested that a calendar with all of the holidays be established so this will not happen again.
Mr. Mike Mundo, 249 Maskel Road first apologized for a meeting being held on a Muslim holiday. Mr. Mundo then stated that the community will benefit from this proposal which has been scaled down from the original proposal in an attempt to meet the concerns of the public.
ITEM:
3. Public Participation (Continued)
Mr. Dana Weber, 41 Jonathan Lane felt there is a need for this proposal. This proposal is a step to change the Town for the better.
4. Communications
Deputy Mayor Bazzano made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to take Items 6A and 6B out of order. Councillor Beaulieu seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
6. Special Business
A. Resolution Concerning Nevers Park Fields Project
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need for additional fields for the high school sports programs; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council recognizes the need for additional fields for recreation programs and general recreation; and
WHEREAS, Nevers Park was intended for a variety of uses, including passive and active recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Town owns approximately 11 acres located on Nevers Road, across from Ayers Road, which may be utilized for passive and active recreation; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council established an Athletic Fields Subcommittee which has met over a period of more than a year and which has developed a conceptual plan for sports fields on the 11 acre Town owned site; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the need to balance the recreation needs of the community with other needs, as well as the need to manage taxes and spending; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Town Council is cognizant of and concerned about the impact of passive and active recreation at the 11 acre site upon neighbors, including senior citizens
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council will proceed at this time with a small portion of the Athletic Fields subcommittee’s conceptual plan as follows:
- To be constructed for a cost of approximately $900,000, on artificial turf field 220’ x 320’, a gravel parking area, gravel access road, necessary berms and fencing to screen neighboring properties, drainage improvements as required by the Town, gating to control access to the facility and fields, and natural turf field in the remaining area of the conceptual plan.
- To be constructed a Miracle Field with funds to be raised by private and in-kind donations.
- To be constructed a cricket pitch within the area of the natural turf fields.
Funding for this project shall be as follows:
- The Town Council directs the Town Manager to seek a STEAP grant and other sources of State and Federal funding to assist in payment for the project.
- The Town Council directs that the Town Manager shall negotiate a lease purchase for the artificial turf field, which shall be limited solely to the field and shall not include the conveyance of land or the establishment of a 63-20 or 501c(3) corporation, such lease to be brought to Town Council for review prior to signing.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
- The Town Council directs that the payments for the project, net or set offs for grants and other sources of State and Federal funding, funds from recreation reserves accounts, and/or contingency funds, shall not exceed $47,000 per year amortized over a ten year period, such funding to be paid from the South Windsor Operating budget after review of existing expenditures and reprioritization within said budget. The amount up to $47,000 per year will not have the effect of increasing taxes.
- The Town Council shall establish a Miracle Field Work Committee, which shall include bipartisanship membership from the Town Council, whose charge shall be to direct the fundraising and planning and installation of the Miracle Field, using private and in-kind donations.
- The Town Council shall establish a joint committee with the Board of Education to discuss the installation of artificial turf at the high school track.
6. This field project is contingent upon a satisfactory resolution of the issue of whether the 11 acres can legally be encumbered by this planned active recreation project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council thanks the members of the Athletic Fields Subcommittee, including Deputy Mayor Bazzano and Councillor Yagaloff, for their dedicated work on this project, and directs that the subcommittee shall meet from time tot time to discuss options for additional improvements to the Nevers Park fields project as well as additional recreation fields needs for the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Yagaloff
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Bazzano explained that the subcommittee will meet with the Board of Education to discuss the establishment of a synthetic turf field at South Windsor High School. In the meantime, high school students will be using this field. The subcommittee came together and discussed this project with neighbors and after listening to different concerns, the plan has been changed to incorporate needs of the neighbors. A STEAP grant will be applied for in April and this project will not move forward until there is funding.
Councillor Anwar voiced concerns with this proposal stating that no one who will be impacted by this proposal has supported it. Although this project has been scaled down, in the future more proposals will be brought forward which will create the larger proposal that has been brought to the Council previously. The Town had a tough year with the budget and this proposal will add another burden onto the budget process. A referendum should be held for this project. A traffic study of the area has not been done. Councillor Anwar stated that he would not support this resolution.
Councillor McCann explained that there is a bipartisan resolution before the Town Council to address field needs in the Town of South Windsor. Councilor McCann stated that he supports this compromise which is reasonable and affordable. No bonds will be issued for this project; therefore a public hearing is not necessary. The high school field would be difficult to put synthetic because there are constraints with that field.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that when this project was first presented he stated he would not be able to support a large project. This is a scaled down project which will be a benefit to the community.
Councillor Beaulieu stated that she would be supporting this project. It is the right time and it is what the Town needs.
Councillor Havens stated he would not be supporting this resolution because the public has voiced concerns.
Councillor Snyder felt that this plan is a compromise which she could support. This plan will allow cricket to be played in South Windsor.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Prague made a motion to amend the resolution to eliminate “funds from recreation reserve accounts”. Councillor Beaulieu seconded the amendment.
Councillor McCann stated he would vote for the amendment but is not comfortable taking it out.
Councillor Yagaloff stated he is totally against taking it out and would not support the amendment.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the proposed amendment. It failed on a roll call vote of 4 to 5 with Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague and Councillor Snyder voting in favor of the amendment; and Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Anwar, Councillor Havens, and Councillor Yagaloff voting in opposition to the amendment.
Mayor Delnicki stated that this proposal will forever change the landscaping of that area. It is most likely the Town will not receive two STEAP grants, (one for athletic fields and one for the Old Post Office). A cricket pitch could be established elsewhere in Town. Mayor Delnicki said he would not support this resolution. The Town needs to focus on the school referendum.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano explained that the synthetic field is being proposed in this location because it is near the high school. There is no other area to put a cricket pitch.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution, it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 3 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague, Councillor Snyder and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the resolution; and Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar and Councillor Havens voting in opposition to the resolution.
ITEM:
6. Special Business
B. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Negotiate, Sign and Execute all Necessary Agreement/Contract Documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to negotiate, sign and execute all necessary agreement/contract documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management for a STEAP grant in the amount of $500,000 to go towards the addition at Nevers Road Park of an artificial turf field, natural turf fields, associated parking and site modifications, said addition to occur at 11 acres of land located on Nevers Road, South Windsor.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Bazzano
Seconded by Councillor Snyder
Councillor Anwar felt that the Emergency Operation Center is more of a priority and would be voting against a STEAP grant being used towards a recreation project.
Councillor Havens stated he would not support this resolution.
Deputy Mayor Bazzano explained that recreation does stir up economic development.
Councillor Yagaloff stated that the resolution is worded so that if the Town can not get a STEAP grant, no other Town funds can be used. The project is contingent on the STEAP grant.
Mayor Delnicki stated that Tolland may have received a STEAP grant for their athletic field but they also have a great lobbyist, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman lives in Tolland.
Mayor Delnicki called for a vote on the resolution, it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 3 with Deputy Mayor Bazzano, Councillor Beaulieu, Councillor McCann, Councillor Prague, Councillor Snyder and Councillor Yagaloff voting in favor of the resolution; and Mayor Delnicki, Councillor Anwar and Councillor Havens voting in opposition to the resolution.
ITEM:
7. Adjournment
At 9:34 p.m. Councillor Prague made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting. Deputy Mayor Bazzano seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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