TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 December 16, 2013
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Anwar called the Regular Meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor M. Saud Anwar
Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Councilor Thomas Delnicki
Councilor Carolyn Mirek
Councilor Liz Pendleton
Councilor Cary Prague
Councilor Janice Snyder
Councilor Stephen Wagner
Councilor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
The Regular Meeting was recessed at 8:04 p.m. in order to finish the Work Session agenda. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:55 p.m.
5. Public Input
Mr. Mike Sullivan, 24 Jared Court came before the Council and voiced his concerns regarding a tax abatement being offered for residential apartments. Mr. Sullivan also questioned why a hotel has not been built yet.
Mr. Richard Grigorian, 369 Main Street stated that he met with Ray Favreau who is the Director of Recreation and they were in agreement that the best place for a synthetic field is at the High School. When school is out, the Town would also have the ability to use the field. The field would not be affected by weather and could be used for longer periods of time. The remainder of property on Nevers Road should be held in order to be used for its intended purpose which was agriculture or open space.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Matt Riley, 12 Heatherwood Drive stated that the proposed fields on Nevers Road would be closer for the High School students then the presently used fields. The Town Council recognizes the need for additional fields for high school sports programs as stated in the approved resolution dated October 15, 2013. The 11 acres is the perfect site for additional fields. There is a resolution on the agenda tonight which directs the Town Manage to apply for STEAP grant funds for the Old Post Office which is being proposed to be used for an EOC/Business Incubator. The EOC plan has not been fully vetted and the Town Manager has already been instructed to apply for STEAP grant funds for the creation of athletic fields on Nevers Road. If the resolution moves forward for the EOC/Business Incubator, the
Town Council will need to address how the field’s project will be funded. Farming is not the intended permanent use of the property on Nevers Road.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councilor Wagner stated that when driving fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. The Town needs to manage fatigue with Snow Plow drivers.
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 December 2, 2013; Special Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2013; and Regular Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2013.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
Mayor Anwar stated that the minutes for the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2013 would be eliminated from being approved tonight because the Town Council has not received those minutes for review.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes (Continued)
Councilor Wagner proposed the following amendments on the Work Session Minutes of December 2, 2013, (highlighted):
- Under Communications - Councilor Wagner informed the public and the Council that the Planning & Zoning Commission will be holding a Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd. CRCOG will be at the meeting to discuss Sustainability Zoning Regulations. Planimetrics will meet with them as they initiate their work on a plan for the Town Center.
- Under Item 6. A. – Councilor Delnicki suggested that the amount discussed in the Ordinance be changed. Anything under the amount of $1 million dollars would require a simple majority vote of the Council, anything over $1.5 million dollars would require a referendum, and anything over $1 million dollars up to $1.5 million dollars would require a super majority vote of the Council.
- Under Item 6. B. – Councilor Snyder suggested that a place on the agenda for the Town Manager’s comments be shown with each resolution.
The motion was approved, unanimously with the suggested amendments
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Councilor Pendleton read the list of the South Windsor residents who have served, or are currently serving, in either “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” or “Operation Nobel Eagle” or are serving in the military in support of our country.
Councilor Yagaloff requested that Mr. Andy Paterna from the Park & Recreation Commission come before the Town Council to address the following:
- The position of the Park & Recreation Commission regarding the synthetic turf project at Nevers Road.
- The Director of Recreations position on the field’s proposal on Nevers Road.
- Why the Park & Recreation Commissions is requesting the Town Council to send a draft Ordinance to the Town Attorney that would require all recreation projects to go through the Park & Recreation Commission.
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
Mayor Anwar informed the Council that the Park & Recreation Commission feels they were bypassed by the previous Council regarding the athletic field’s proposal on Nevers Road. The Ordinance would be a way for a process to be established.
Councilor Yagaloff felt that the Park & Recreation Commission should come and speak to the Town Council. The Park & Recreation Commission should have voiced their concerns when the project was being discussed by the Town Council. When the project was being discussed it was stated that the Commission supported the project. Mr. Favreau was a member of the Athletic Fields Subcommittee and never spoke in opposition to the project. The Town Council is the governing body of this community.
Mr. Andy Paterna came before the Council and explained that the Ordinance has nothing to do with the field’s project but is about projects in general. The Park & Recreation Commission has a Master Plan and feels that the Commission should do some of the leg work. The Commission is not trying to take authority away from the Council, however the Park & Recreation Commission feels the Council’s time is better spent if discussions regarding recreation projects take place within the context of the Park & Recreation Commission’s Master Plan and then the Commission would come back to the Town Council and give a recommendation regarding the different projects. The Ordinance would have the Town Council discuss a project but then refer that project to the Park & Recreation
Commission. Mr. Paterna then stated that he could not speak for Mr. Favreau regarding the athletic field’s project.
Councilor Yagaloff reiterated that he did not hear a single member of the Park & Recreation Commission come before the Council and say they did not support the project or felt they were being bypassed. This issue would be better managed by better communications rather than an Ordinance that takes away total control of the Council.
Mayor Anwar felt that the Council should review the Ordinance because it really is about strengthening the process.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Paterna explained that the Park & Recreation Commission would like the Council to consider entertaining an Ordinance that would set a process.
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the Park & Recreation Commission has a Master Plan that is supposed to be followed. When projects that are not in the plan are approved, projects in the Master Plan suffer. An Ordinance may not be necessary, but a process needs to be established where the Park & Recreation Commission feels comfortable discussing projects with the Council.
Mr. Gary Bazzano, Chairperson of the Athletic Fields Subcommittee came forward and explained that he never heard anything from Park & Recreation Commission members about issues with the project. There was never a formal endorsement from the Park & Recreation Commission but Chairperson Al Larson did come forward at a Town Council Meeting and stated that the final plan was a compromise to reduce costs by $1.5 million dollars and fully supports the proposal. In the future, these proposals should go to the Park & Recreation Commission. Mr. Larson also felt that the Board of Education and recreation programs should share in the revenue producing activities and should be allowed to use these fields.
Mayor Anwar stated he would like a better process created. Mayor Anwar said he spoke with Mr. Bazzano about the Athletic Fields Subcommittee being a subcommittee of the Park & Recreation Commission because there is a lot of specialized knowledge and also there is a need for fields but when and where involves further dialogue.
Councilor Wagner suggested that instead of an Ordinance being created, it may be better to put these ideas into the Town Council Rules and Procedures. Councilor Mirek concurred with the suggestion that Councilor Wagner made.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
ITEM:
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
Councilor Wagner reported that the Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee would be meeting on December 17, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sprenkel Room. Mr. Galligan added that Mr. McCann will be chairing that Committee. That Committee will be reviewing the construction of sidewalks in the Town Center area and also how they would be financed. Mayor Anwar explained that the intersection of Sullivan Avenue and Buckland Road (Town Center) is in need of a mechanism that would allow people to walk safely in that area.
12. Consent Agenda
None
13. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Apply for a STEAP Grant with the State of Connecticut for Improvements to the EOC/Business Center in the Town Hall Annex (Postponed from the December 9, 2013 Special Meeting)
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has been awarded a previous STEAP Grant from the State of Connecticut in the amount of $500,000 for the improvements to the EOC/Business Center in the Town Hall Annex; and
WHEREAS, the Town has prepared plans and specifications for an EOC/Business Center in the Town Hall Annex; and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to move forward with this project that will positively impact the Town of South Windsor and other surrounding communities and provide a training center for disaster preparedness for these communities and business development; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council would like to apply for an additional $500,000 in STEAP funding for the next round of applications in April 2014
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 A. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to apply for a STEAP Grant in the amount of $500,000 for improvements to the Town Hall Annex for an EOC/Business Center in the Town of South Windsor in which the Town Council will accept such grants for such purpose; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Matthew B. Galligan was appointed Town Manager of the Town of South Windsor on January 16, 1996 and will continue in the future, and as the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan serves as Chief Executive Officer of South Windsor and is duly authorized to enter into agreements and contracts on behalf of the Town of South Windsor.
Was made by Councilor Delnicki
Seconded by Mayor Anwar
Councilor Delnicki explained that he was opposed to the Town purchasing the Old Post Office, but the Town did and this is a project that needs to be completed. There is value in the Town going forward with a second STEAP grant for this project because it will help the Town with funds necessary to renovate the building so it can be used and it will not impact property taxes. This proposal will not reverse the action previously approved by the prior Council where STEAP funds are being sought for the construction of athletic fields.
Mr. Galligan reviewed the proposal for the Old Post Office building. In the past, the Town has applied for STEAP funds for an EOC but has not been successful in receiving those funds. The grant will now include a small portion of the building to be used for a business incubator which will give individuals the ability to use this facility to try to expand their businesses. The current EOC is located at the Police Department and by creating the necessary space needed for an EOC, the Town capabilities would be expanded. There is also consideration being given to have the IT Department housed in this building to manage the EOC and expand their offices. Both grants are worthy (EOC/Business Incubator and athletic fields), but the Town Council may want to consider splitting the financing between LoCIP
funding and STEAP funding. Mr. Galligan voiced concern regarding
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 A. (Continued)
being asked what the Town’s priority is if both projects are competing for STEAP funds and he would like input from the Council members.
Deputy Mayor Havens stated he would be supporting the resolution because he would like to see the Old Post Office building being used. The Town Hall has had space issues and he would like to see the Old Post Office used to benefit the Town.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that this project has been reviewed for a long time and a plan has been developed. At this time the EOC is being proposed for South Windsor and not regionally because the grant would be coming to South Windsor. Once the EOC is up and running there will be an opportunity to review regionalization with other Towns. This building will become the EOC/Business Center as opposed to the Town Hall Annex.
Councilor Pendleton stated that in the future she does not want to hear that the Town Hall needs extra space because originally that is why the Old Post Office was purchased.
Councilor Yagaloff stated that he is a big supporter of the Emergency Operation Center although not a big supporter of the Business Incubator but may be if a good model is used. The prior Council supported moving forward with the EOC and directed the Town Manager to apply for a STEAP grant for the EOC and in fact the Town received the first STEAP grant in the amount of $500,000. The process should not stop now because the process of creating the EOC has already begun. The Town Council has also directed the Town Manager to apply for a STEAP grant for the creation of athletic fields. It is a terrible way to conduct business where the Town is setting itself up for failure on one of the projects. It was discussed at the last meeting that LoCIP funds could be used for one of these projects, is that
still a possibility?
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 A. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that it is a possibility to use LoCIP funds for one of the projects. The LoCIP funds would be better used for the field project but it was indicated to him that a resolution for LoCIP funds to be used for the fields project not be done at this time. Mr. Galligan explained that there was also discussion about the bridge project that needs to be done which will cost the Town approximately $700,000 in which LoCIP funds would be a way to fund that project.
Councilor Yagaloff felt it is not a good policy to have competing projects moving forward in a way that the main funding source for both projects is through STEAP grants, this could divide a community. Councilor Yagaloff stated that he would be abstaining on this resolution because he does not want to vote against the EOC but does not know if this funding mechanism is the right way to go forward because of the competing projects.
Mr. Galligan stated for the record that he did give a proposal at the last meeting for funding of both projects.
Mayor Anwar felt that the Town would be increasing the Town’s success by having two grants.
Councilor Mirek stated that in October it was decided to apply for the STEAP funds for the fields and questioned if there could be an opportunity to split the funds up between the two projects?
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town could split the grants and go for $250,000 for one and $250,000 for the other. The grant is not due until April. The reason the athletic fields project is moving forward with the application for STEAP grant funds is in case there is any left over funds from the previous funds.
Councilor Delnicki felt that it was a mistake to vote on applying for a STEAP grant for athletic fields when the Town Manager was away on vacation. The Town Council did not have enough time to fully question the whole concept on what would be appropriate for the STEAP grant. Councilor Delnicki stated that he would be supporting the resolution.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 A. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution, it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 1 to 1 with Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Mirek and Councilor Snyder voting in favor of approval of the resolution; Council Wagner voting in opposition of approval of the resolution, and Councilor Yagaloff abstained.
14. New Business
A. Resolution Reappointing William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency 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 William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency for a term ending December 31, 2017 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Establishing a Temporary Economic Development Advisory Committee
WHEREAS, economic development generally refers to the sustained concerted actions of policy makers and communities that promotes the standard of living and economic health of a specific area; and
WHEREAS, economic development can also be referred to as the quantitative and qualitative changes in the economy; and
WHEREAS, a report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Connecticut was last in economic growth last year, the only State in the Nation where the combined values of goods and services produced shrank compared with 2011; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14 B. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has been active with respect to economic development efforts; and
WHEREAS, developers planning economic development projects in Connecticut and South Windsor have been concerned about the economic opportunities in South Windsor and have found other States to provide better growth opportunities
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby establishes a Temporary Economic Development Advisory Committee of no less than two (2) members from the Council who shall be appointed by the Mayor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the purpose of the Committee shall be to make recommendations to Town Council on the implementation of the improvement of South Windsor policies that would make the Town of South Windsor a much more receptive Town for existing and new companies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Committee shall report to Town Council on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as determined by the Advisory Committee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Committee shall terminate two years after appointment, unless continued by further action of Town Council.
Was made by Councilor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
Mayor Anwar made a motion to amend the seventh paragraph to eliminate “Town Council” and replace it with “Economic Development Commission”. Councilor Yagaloff seconded the amendment.
Mayor Anwar stated that 78% to 80% of all growth in South Windsor comes from the existing businesses. The Economic Development Commission for the Town consists of community members who are volunteering their time and efforts to help review projects, assess the projects and see how these
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14 B. (Continued)
projects may benefit the Town. There are other individuals that have expertise in economic development and understands that what happens in other Towns has an impact on South Windsor. These individuals could help South Windsor with economic development. The strategy needed in South Windsor to benefit from the regional growth that is happening would require individuals with expertise in regional growth. Creating an Economic Development Advisory Committee will enhance economic growth and help to make South Windsor a viable Town with more dependence on business tax base revenue then the ongoing demand on the resident that is being taxed.
Councilor Pendleton questioned why an Economic Development Advisory Committee would be necessary when the Town already has an Economic Development Coordinator?
Mayor Anwar explained that while it may take one part time or full time person to do some of the work that is needed the Town has a need to broaden its strategies. Establishing an Economic Development Advisory Committee will enhance the Economic Development Commission, not restrict them. Not a lot of businesses outside of Connecticut are coming to Connecticut and in order to be able to use this opportunity to make South Windsor better, we need a broader group of people to look at this.
Councilor Mirek stated that businesses not coming to Connecticut has a lot more to do with the State then South Windsor. Councilor Mirek expressed her concern explaining that the individuals on this Committee may not know the history of everything that has already been done. It will take a lot of effort to get everyone to work together and the Council does not want to see individuals from other Commissions resigning because of the establishment of this Advisory Committee.
Mayor Anwar stated that the individuals he pictures for the Advisory Committee will be knowledgeable about the past, present and more importantly the future. It will be a specific group that will tell the Council about the bigger industries, coordinating with other Towns, transportation and the workforce development. The Committee will be comprised of individuals with certain expertise.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14 B. (Continued)
Councilor Wagner felt that this is a good idea and stated he would support this endeavor.
Mr. Galligan felt that policies should be reviewed and established to help with economic development.
Mayor Anwar told the Council that the Advisory Committee would consist of the Economic Development Coordinator, a member of the Economic Development Commission, at least two Council members, the Town Manager, a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission and others with a certain expertise. The Advisory Committee will comprise of approximately 15 individuals who will be chosen by the Mayor.
Councilor Yagaloff stated he would support the establishment of the Advisory Committee if the Ethics Policy were adopted by this Committee so that the Advisory Committee knows that members are not to utilize this for their own business advantage.
Answering questions from the Council, Mayor Anwar explained that the recommendation of policies is one of the critical items the Advisory Committee will do. This will help South Windsor be more receptive to new businesses. The Advisory Committee will be comprised of individuals that will use their networks to get more businesses to be interested in South Windsor.
Councilor Pendleton voiced concern that the resolution was not explaining what the establishment of the Advisory Committee is trying to accomplish. Councilor Pendleton made a friendly amendment to the seventh paragraph to add “strategies” after policies.
Councilor Mirek felt that this item is not ready for approval and should be reviewed further. Mayor Anwar explained that he feels this item is ready to move forward. South Windsor has been behind in this area for quite while. The Chairperson of the Economic Development Commission has stated that the Commission is in agreement of the establishment of this Advisory Committee
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14 B. (Continued)
Councilor Mirek then voiced concern about not knowing who the individuals are that will be appointed to this Committee.
Councilor Delnicki suggested that in the resolution it be defined who will make up the Advisory Committee.
At 11:00 p.m. Mayor Anwar made a motion to extend the meeting in order to finish agenda item 14. B. Councilor Wagner seconded the motion, but the motion failed and the meeting ended.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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