TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 January 6, 2014
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Anwar called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 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
5. Public Input
Mr. John Branigan, 96 Pine Knob Drive came before the Town Council and stated that he was before the Town Council to address Item 14. U. on the agenda regarding the Town Ambulance Service. South Windsor Ambulance has been providing emergency medical service to the community for over 32 years. Twenty-two years as a volunteer service and 10 years as a full time paid ambulance service. They have provided quality basic life support and care to the Town as well as being active in the community. South Windsor Ambulance is a non-profit organization that is dedicated and committed to South Windsor. South Windsor Ambulance was asked by this Council to upgrade its level of service, which they have. Mr. Branigan urged the Council to reconsider having South Windsor Ambulance provide advanced and
basic life support to the Town of South Windsor.
Ms. Roseanne Williams, 182 Smith Street stated that the Town is fortunate to have its own ambulance service for the past 32 years. In 2004, South Windsor Ambulance went from being a volunteer service to a paid service which enabled them to give the best to their patients. Any fund raiser that is held, all of the proceeds go back into the services that they provide. South Windsor Ambulance is ready and able to provide South Windsor with 24/7 paramedic services. There would be no harm in letting South Windsor Ambulance have a chance with this upgrade to paramedics and see how the new administration works.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Ms. Mary Young, 976 Pleasant Valley Road explained that she was the first EMT in Massachusetts in 1973 and was in that position for 14 years. Ms. Young stated that her husband has had to use the South Windsor ambulance service at least 10 times in 4 years and the service is wonderful. Ms. Young also urged the Council to keep this service in Town.
Mr. Philip Fleury, 8 Rockland Drive, Ellington came before the Town Council and explained that he is the Executive Director of the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. Mr. Fleury stated that he and the leadership are disheartened and stunned that they have to sit before the Town Council tonight to try to save the South Windsor Ambulance. The South Windsor Ambulance has proudly been serving South Windsor for 32 years. The South Windsor Ambulance Corps. was a small volunteer organization responding to just over 300 calls for service per year to a professionally staffed agency responding to over 2,100 calls in 2013. South Windsor Ambulance Corps. is heavily involved in the South Windsor community. The South Windsor Ambulance Corps. has worked diligently over the last 9 months to gear up and be ready to
provide ALS care to the Town, its residents and visitors in the response area of the Town. The South Windsor Ambulance has been working with the State and Local Medial Control to be ready to provide the service that the Town needs and wants. Mr. Fleury requested that the Town Council allow South Windsor Ambulance Corps. to continue to serve the residents and visitors for years to come.
Attorney Allison Bloom came forward and stated that she is the attorney for South Windsor Ambulance Corps. Attorney Bloom stated that it is her obligation to inform the Council that South Windsor Ambulance Corps. holds the Basic Life Support primary service area assigned for the Town of South Windsor and so if tonight or at any point the Council votes to award a contract for the Basic Life Support portion of emergency medical services to any provider other than South Windsor Ambulance Corps., the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. will in fact vigorously pursue and defend its legal rights in Court. Attorney Bloom stated, make no mistake that any attempts to circumvent or otherwise interfere with my clients legal property rights is a violation of Connecticut State Statutes and the EMS Regulations of the State of
Connecticut and will be met with legal action.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Tom Dillon, 34 Barber Hill Road came forward and urged restraint on voting for the ALS and BLS providers tonight until the Council has done more research. It was stated that a long history of complaints prompted the Town’s Request for Proposals. Mr. Dillon requested that those complaints be made public so they can be verified. Mr. Dillon then stated that it has been said that South Windsor Ambulance Corps. does not pay for fuel or rent. The Town should have formulated a rental agreement with South Windsor Ambulance Corps. for the space they use at the Fire Department. Mr. Dillon then questioned why South Windsor Ambulance Corps. is not paying for fuel? Presently there is a whole new South Windsor Ambulance Corps. and Mr. Dillon felt that they should be given a chance. The
BLS provider can not be changed without going to OEMS and pleading the case, and Mr. Dillon said he doesn’t believe there has ever been a case successful where the R2 has been removed without the provider surrendering their license. If the Town Council approves going with another provider for BLS services, the Town will have a law suit that Mr. Dillon stated he does not want tax dollars going toward.
Mr. Greg Roberts, 106 Candlewood Drive and President of the Condominium Association at Mill River Meadows came before the Town Council. Mr. Roberts explained that he has an open door policy on Saturdays and this past Saturday discussions ensued regarding South Windsor Ambulance Corps. It was stated that the Town needs to keep a local entity in Town who responds to seniors and those on fixed incomes who need help.
Ms. Cindy Beaulieu, 19 Cody Circle came forward and voiced concern regarding an Economic Development Advisory Committee being established. There is a Commission that is in place. If there is a concern, then the Commission should be looked at and changes made. Another item of concern is the elimination of the Work Session; the public only has two opportunities to speak now, at the beginning of the meeting and at the end of the meeting. The other issue is that the Town Manager’s Report will not be heard by the public because it is at the end of the meeting, unless moved forward by the Council. Another piece that falls to the end of the meeting is Communications of the Council which is an area where a lot of the Council Members discuss items that were brought up by the public.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Ed Devanncy, 365 Diane Drive explained that he is the Founder of the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. When the organization first started, it was all volunteer and there was an agreement with the Town that the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. could purchase gas through the Town at cost. There is a new slate of people that make up the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. and Mr. Devanney felt the Council should support them, give the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. a chance to prove themselves.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Anwar warned residents to be careful because of the melting snow and water on the roadways with the temperatures dropping.
Councilor Pendleton requested that Town citizens help clean out fire hydrants of snow and ice that are near their homes if they are not done. It is very difficult for firefighters to go to a house fire and have to clear the hydrant.
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 16, 2013; and Regular Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2013 and December 16, 2013.
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
None
ITEM:
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Mr. Al Larson, 46 Jacques Lane and Chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission came forward and stated that back in November Mayor Anwar called him and asked him how the Park & Recreation Commission could be improved. It was discussed about how in the past the Commission had been by-passed and not given a chance in some instances to make recommendations when a project was considered and/or moved forward by the Council which has been a reoccurring occurrence over the years. Coincidently the Park & Recreation Commission was drafting language to allow the Park & Recreation Commission the opportunity to review new projects first and make recommendations back to the Council. The Park & Recreation Commission knows their role as an advisory commission. An Ordinance has been drafted and
forwarded to the Town Manager for review by the Town Attorney. Council members will be sent a copy of the draft from the Attorney.
At the last Town Council meeting the Ordinance was not an item on the December 16th agenda, although a premature discussion ensued. Some Councilors made erroneous assumptions and statements about the Ordinance which they have not even seen in its final proposed form and also about past projects. Also in question was the Park & Recreation Commission member’s motivation and suitability to serve. As volunteers and tax paying voters, the Park & Recreation Commission feels these comments were inappropriate, irresponsible and unfair particularly since Committee members were not present as a group to make comments. Mr. Larson stated that the only thing the Park & Recreation Commission is requesting is the ability to review a new project first, study and do the research for the
Town Council including comparing it to the Park & Recreation Commission Master Plan and make recommendations on how to move forward. This is an enhancement to the existing process only and serves to assist the Council in making decisions. The Park & Recreation Commission looks forward to a future Town Council meeting to discuss the Ordinance properly giving it due consideration before making a decision on a public hearing.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
ITEM:
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
Councilor Yagaloff made a motion to suspend the rules and go to Item 14. U. Deputy Mayor Havens seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
14. New Business
U. Resolution Approving Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC as Ambulance Provider for All Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support Calls in the Town of South Windsor
WHEREAS, the Town Council had concerns about the quality of Emergency Medical Services in the Town of South Windsor concerning ambulance service; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council had put together an Ambulance Service Committee to review ambulance service in the Town of South Windsor; and
WHEREAS, the Ambulance Service Committee has met and put together a Request for Proposal to determine the best level of service with the most efficient cost; and
WHEREAS, the Ambulance Service Committee received three proposals and reviewed each one to make a determination on which proposal provides the best level of service with the most efficient cost; and
WHEREAS, the Ambulance Service Committee has determined that the Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC should be awarded the contract for these services, as they were able to provide Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost to the Town of South Windsor
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. U. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to execute any and all documents in pursuit of having Ambulance Service of Manchester, LLC be the Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support provider for the Town of South Windsor; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any such documents should be reviewed by the Town Attorney for appropriateness.
Was made by Councilor Yagaloff
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
Councilor Yagaloff stated that the Town has had two ambulance services in Town for 25 years. The Ambulance Service of Manchester has provided all of the advanced life support care and all of the paramedic service for the Town of South Windsor. The second ambulance service is South Windsor Ambulance Corp. who provides basic life support for the Town of South Windsor. Ambulance Service of Manchester has recruited staff, paid for vehicles, has made investments into their business so that they can provide advanced life support systems for South Windsor and have never asked for anything in return for the infrastructure and for the development of their advanced life support service. South Windsor Ambulance Corp. has been in Town for 32 years. Councilor Yagaloff questioned if the confidential report
can be discussed tonight?
Attorney Bloom advised the Council against discussing that report because it is still confidential.
Councilor Yagaloff explained that the Council has had the benefit of reviewing that report which was prepared by the former Director of OEMS and led to some changes by South Windsor Ambulance Corps. The Council has raised repeated complaints about SWAC starting about five or six years ago. The complaints had to do with how come SWAC only has two vehicles, one of which is chronically out of service and unavailable for use. The other complaint was why SWAC was not making efforts to upgrade its paramedic service. In fact when the new ambulance facility was constructed we went to SWAC and said here is what we will do for you. We will give you this facility,
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. U. (Continued)
we will not charge you for fuel, we are not going to charge you for anything if you agree to at least make some effort to move ahead to get to paramedic service and SWAC said no. SWAC has been asked for years to sign a lease and they have refused. The Town has offered SWAC below market rates for space and the Town has been paying for their fuel which they also have refused. Even after this child had died, SWAC did not have two vehicles on the road to support a Town of 27,000 people. So SWAC has had profound leadership failure and organizational failures. When SWAC decided to make a change, they pushed Mr. Gorman out and brought a new gentleman who is trying to establish an organization. ASM has been providing ALS service, the most advanced life support service and paramedic service
available for 25 years. They have the infrastructure, they have everything in place and the Town is looking for an organization that can do both, ALS and BLS. ASM has the capacity to provide both ALS and BLS. SWAC has had organizational failures for years and now they want to come forward and say we are going to build an organization to go beyond basic life support, now we are going to add in the advance component. Councilor Yagaloff stated he does not have any confidence in SWAC’s ability to make the organizational change that needs to be made to protect the residents of the Town of South Windsor. SWAC needs to make changes to their Executive Leadership; they need to separate their Executive Leadership from their Board of Directors and they need to answer basic questions about why for years did they only put one vehicle on the road when the other one was in disrepair. The Town Council is basing a decision on the resolution tonight on
all of the information that was available of the Council.
Answering questions from the Council, Mayor Anwar explained that the previous Council made a decision last year that the Town of South Windsor is in need of Advanced Life Support Services which was based on the demographic shift. The Committee that reviewed the RFP’s unanimously decided that Ambulance Service of Manchester had the best proposal.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. U. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the three responses that the Town received were from AMR, ASM and SWAC. An evaluation by the Town Attorney was done and although SWAC put in a proposal, they did not have ALS capabilities at the time of the proposal. The Town had to take this fact into consideration and consider the ramifications if the Town selected SWAC for ALS services. The Town will now need to go to the Office of EMS and make a case in order to allow ASM to provide both BLS and ALS services to South Windsor.
Mayor Anwar stated that he feels with the current ambulance service there has been failure at the previous governing system level as well as the leadership level. This decision is about the Town providing the best safety and sustainability for its residents. ASM has nine ALS vehicles and 22 other ambulances for BLS that are available.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan explained that at the time the RFP was closed, SWAC stated they would be going through the process to get ALS services, but they were not qualified to do so at the time of the RFP. The Town will bring information to the Department of Public Health as to why the Town feels the necessity to change the PSA.
Councilor Mirek stated that the Town people and demographics are changing with a third assisted living facility being constructed. Advance Life Support Services is something the Town of South Windsor needs
Councilor Delnicki stated that the Committee’s biggest concern is the staff at South Windsor Ambulance Corps., who do a great job. The Committee would like to see as many of those individuals hired by ASM which the Committee would also like to see made a condition if possible. The Town Attorney basically told the Committee that the proposal submitted by SWAC did not meet the requirements of what was issued publicly. If this resolution is approved, it may be moot depending on what happens at the State level.
Deputy Mayor Havens said that this is a difficult decision but he would reluctantly support this resolution.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. U. (Continued)
Councilor Pendleton explained that she does not make a decision on anything without all of the information possible being provided to her. The decision this evening is going to be hard but she informed the public that the decision tonight will be made in the best interest of the citizens of South Windsor.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
12. Consent Agenda
Motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A. and 14. A. through 14. T. as the Consent Agenda.
Councilor Mirek, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Pendleton made a motion to approve Items 13. A., and 14. A. through 14. T. as the Consent Agenda. Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion.
Deputy Mayor Havens requested that Item 14. Q. be removed from the Consent Agenda; and Councilor Wagner requested that Item 14. P be removed from the Consent Agenda.
ITEM:
13. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Reappointing William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency
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
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business
A. Resolution Reappointing James Kupchunos (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals 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 reappoints James Kupchunos (D) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2017 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
B. Resolution Appointing Steven Carty (D) a Full Member to the Zoning Board of Appeals 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 Steven Carty (D) a full member to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2017 to fill the expired term of Thomas Berstene (R) and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
C. Resolution Reappointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District 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 reappoints Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2018 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
D. Resolution Reappointing Carol Flagg (D) to the Library Board 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 reappoints Carol Flagg (D) to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2017 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
E. Resolution Reappointing Alan Larson (D) to the Park and 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 reappoints Alan Larson (D) to the Park and Recreation Commission for a term ending December 31, 2017 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
F. Resolution Reappointing Joseph Kennedy (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory 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 reappoints Joseph Kennedy (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
G. Resolution Reappointing Cile Decker (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory 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 reappoints Cile Decker (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
H. Resolution Reappointing James Kupchunos (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory 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 reappoints James Kupchunos (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
I. Resolution Reappointing Wayne McKinney (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory 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 reappoints Wayne McKinney (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
J. Resolution Reappointing Robert Waldron (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory 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 reappoints Robert Waldron (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
K. Resolution Reappointing Sandy Jeski (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory 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 reappoints Sandy Jeski (D) to the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
L. Resolution Reappointing Dwight Johnson (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 reappoints Dwight Johnson (D) to the Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2018 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
M. Resolution Appointing Cody Guarnieri (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning 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 Cody Guarnieri (D) an alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 30, 2017 to fill a vacancy and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
N. Resolution Appointing Arthur Jennings (D) a Full Member to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation 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 Arthur Jennings (D) a full member to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2017 to fill an expired term of John Phillips (R) and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
O. Resolution Appointing Joseph Durette (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation 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 Joseph Durette (D) to the Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission for a term ending June 1, 2017 to fill an expired term of Hugh Brower (D) and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
R. Resolution Reappointing Karen Wagner (D) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory 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 reappoints Karen Wagner (D) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2017 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
S. Resolution Reappointing Winifred Wilson (D) to the Personnel Board of Appeals 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 reappoints Winifred Wilson (D) to the Personnel Board of Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
T. Resolution Reappointing Dwight Johnson (D) to the Economic Development 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 reappoints Dwight Johnson (D) to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2017 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
Q. Resolution Appointing Edward Havens, Jr. (D) a Full Member to the Water Pollution Control 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 Edward Havens, Jr. (D) a Full Member to the Water Pollution Control Authority 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.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion carried on a roll call vote of 8-0 with Deputy Mayor Havens abstaining.
- 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
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
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
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; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee shall include the following individuals, the Mayor, the Town Manager, no less than two (2) other Town Council members (who shall be appointed by the Mayor, at least one from each political party), the South Windsor Economic Development Coordinator, the Executive Director or Representative of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chairperson or Representative of the Economic Development Commission, and the Chairperson or Representative of Planning and Zoning Commission. There will be up to 15 (fifteen) members of the Committee. The other members will be appointed by the Mayor based on their expertise in the fields of economic development and the specific areas of expertise related to it. Advisory Committee members shall adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct,
shall not disclose confidential or proprietary documents or communications, and shall not utilize their membership to solicit business for their personal benefit or that of the organizations they represent. The Advisory Committee shall be subject to the notice and meeting requirements of the Freedom of Information Act; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the purpose of this Committee shall be to make recommendations to the Economic Development Commission to implement and improve South Windsor policies and strategies that would make the Town of South Windsor a more receptive Town for existing and new companies, as well as recommendations to increase the visibility of South Windsor at the Local, State and National levels in order to increase economic development opportunities for the Town; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Committee shall report both to the Economic Development Commission and to Town Council on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as determined by the Advisory Committee; and that the Economic Development Commission will be asked to report on its recommendations to the Town Council at the same time; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Committee shall terminate two years after appointment, unless continued by further action of the Town Council.
Was made by Mayor Anwar
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
Mayor Anwar reviewed a handout that the Council received, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Councilor Mirek stated that the Town already has an Economic Development Commission which could be strengthened without having to create another committee. Councilor Mirek then questioned if anyone from the Redevelopment Agency would be a part of the Economic Development Advisory Committee?
After a short discussion, Councilor Mirek made a friendly amendment to add “the Chairperson or Representative from the Redevelopment Agency” as a member to the Economic Development Advisory Committee. Mayor Anwar and Deputy Mayor Havens accepted the friendly amendment.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
Councilor Snyder felt that the Economic Development Commission and the Redevelopment Agency should be working with the Town Manager to identify businesses, what the current market place is for different businesses in Town. Councilor Snyder stated that her concern is that the Town Council is adding another layer of bureaucracy. Fifteen members on a Committee is very large and almost unmanageable. Why can’t the scope or bylaws of the Economic Development Commission and the Redevelopment Agency be strengthened? The membership should be chosen by consent of the Council. Another concern is that the Town Manager should be in contact with the economic development community and the one who works confidentially with prospective businesses, not volunteers.
Mayor Anwar explained that nothing will be taken away from the Town Manager. The Economic Development Advisory Committee will consist of experts in such areas as regionalism, workforce development and transportation. This Committee will discuss ways to make South Windsor more receptive to new businesses and what needs to be done.
Mr. Peter DeMallie from Design Professionals came forward and explained that with respect to the composition of the Committee, the idea was to have a group of individuals from the Town and then have individuals who have expertise that go throughout the region, state and maybe nation. These individuals will have expertise in work force development, transportation, commercial real estate and economic development. The Committee will discuss how the Town can better position itself for economic development working in South Windsor as well as with other communities and regional industries. It will also be discussed how to work regionally. Mr. DeMallie closed his statements by explaining that the notion is to bring expert advice to the Town Manager and Economic Development on how the Town can better
position itself to achieve greater economic development.
Mayor Anwar stated that this Committee will be a group of people that will be having a roundtable discussion. This Committee will be able to inform the Town what is going on in the rest of the State and what the Town should be doing for different policies. This Committee will not have any authority on the governance. The Council will be invited to come and listen.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
Ms. Shari Fiveash suggested that large companies in Town be brought in so the Town could better understand what brought their company to South Windsor.
Councilor Wagner stated that he see’s this Committee complimenting Economic Development Commission. The Economic Advisory Committee will advise Commissions and Boards in Town how to work together to achieve the type of economic development the Town is looking for and how to work with other Towns. Councilor Wagner stated he would be supporting this resolution.
Councilor Delnicki felt that it would be a worthwhile Committee that could yield some positive benefit. South Windsor needs to grow the tax base.
Councilor Yagaloff stated he would support this resolution which could spread the word regionally that South Windsor has economic opportunities.
Councilor Pendleton said she would welcome these experts ideas, suggestions, guidance and leadership that could create economic development in South Windsor.
Deputy Mayor Havens thought that Council members should be recruiting individuals to the Committee that may have a specialty and could add to the Town’s economic development. The Town has a lot of residents with a lot of talent.
Councilor Prague stated that he is opposed to creating an Economic Development Advisory Committee because he does not want individuals from Hartford or Springfield determining South Windsor’s future. Councilor Prague also stated that he does not want to see bus transportation going down Old Main Street, Route 5 or Evergreen Walk. The Town Council has to protect what South Windsor is and that is a very good community.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has enough land to work with for economic development. South Windsor has some areas in the industrial area but a lot of the focus has been on smaller parcels of property. There are large tracks of land and then there is other property where you have to put parcels together working with multiple property owners. Some areas of concern for existing buildings is the ceiling heights, electrical phases, communications lines, piping and informational technology items.
The resolution to read as follows:
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
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; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee shall include the following individuals, the Mayor, the Town Manager, no less than two (2) other Town Council members (who shall be appointed by the Mayor, at least one from each political party), the South Windsor Economic Development Coordinator, the Executive Director or Representative of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chairperson or Representative of the Economic Development Commission, the Chairperson or Representative of Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Chairperson or Representative of the Redevelopment Agency. There will be up to 15 (fifteen) members of the Committee. The other members will be appointed by the Mayor based on their expertise in the fields of economic development and the specific areas of expertise related to it. Advisory Committee
members shall adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct, shall not disclose confidential or proprietary documents or communications, and shall not utilize their membership to solicit business for their personal benefit or that of the organizations they represent. The Advisory Committee shall be subject to the notice and meeting requirements of the Freedom of Information Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the purpose of this Committee shall be to make recommendations to the Economic Development Commission to implement and improve South Windsor policies and strategies that would make the Town of South Windsor a more receptive Town for existing and new companies, as well as recommendations to increase the visibility of South Windsor at the Local, State and National levels in order to increase economic development opportunities for the Town; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Committee shall report both to the Economic Development Commission and to Town Council on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as determined by the Advisory Committee; and that the Economic Development Commission will be asked to report on its recommendations to the Town Council at the same time; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Advisory Committee shall terminate two years after appointment, unless continued by further action of the Town Council.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
13 B. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a roll call vote of 6 to 3 with Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Yagaloff voting in favor of approval; and Councilor Mirek, Councilor Prague and Councilor Snyder voting in opposition.
- Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Twenty-Four (24) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to twenty-four (24) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $5,361.23, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councilor Prague
Seconded by Councilor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously
15 Passage of Ordinance
None
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan informed the Council of the following:
- a Council Orientation will be held on January 13, 2014 and a Strategic Planning meeting will be held on January 27, 2014.
- At the January 21, 2013 meeting, a Joint Meeting will be held with WPCA.
- Town staff will begin the budget process in order for the Town Council to receive a draft budget in March.
- The Audit Committee will be discussing whether to put out an RFP for a new auditor. The Town had a very good year. The fund balance went from an undesignated $3.5 million dollars to over $5 million dollars which brings the fund balance up a little over 5% of undesignated to 6.6% total fund balance of the budget. There is a good strong fund balance in health insurance.
ITEM:
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town had some salt left over from last year and would be purchasing more so there should be enough for this season. The salt is spread in advance before a storm hits and then there are areas that ice up which would need to be re-salted. The Town received a grant for a brine solution mixing station and has ordered a brine applicator that has not arrived yet. Mr. Galligan stated he would have to inform the Council when that is expected. Mr. Galligan said he would look at the proposal of LED lights in the parking lot of the Town Garage. LED lights are expensive to purchase, but the operational costs are lower then regular lights. The CERC Training classes that will begin on January 23rd will be announced on the Town website as well as through a
press release.
Councilor Delnicki noted that he heard the downside to the brine is that if it is going to get too cold, the brine can’t be put down because it will freeze. Councilor Delnicki then requested that Mr. Galligan find out how many slots are available for the CERC Team.
17. Public Input
Mr. Kevin McCann, 170 Lisa Drive came before the Council and voiced concern over the Council adopting a budget freeze despite the fact that there have been very good economic reports. Another concern is that the Connecticut Studios reverter has been extended on the very day that the developers creditor foreclosed on the property where this project is proposed, seemingly without knowledge by several members of the Town Council that this had occurred. It brings into question if the timing of this is correct or whether the information is getting out to all of the Councilors in order to properly address the needs of the Town. Tonight the Council created an Economic Development Advisory Committee at the same meeting where a business has been fired in Town that employs 40 people. This sends a mixed
message. Another issue is the Town Manager has been told to apply for a STEAP grant for an EOC. The previous Council told the Town Manager to apply for a STEAP grant for the construction of an athletic complex. The Town can only receive one STEAP grant in the amount of $500,000 in any calendar year. This Council has created a conflict for the Town Manger to determine what the priority is. Mr. McCann suggested that the Council follow the principle that a Council should not undo what a prior Council has done.
ITEM:
18. Communications and Petitions from Council
Answering questions from Councilor Snyder, Mr. Galligan stated to the Council that he would sit with the Director of Finance to figure out the collection rate, and look at expenditures to determine where the Town stands regarding the budget. A report will be sent to Council members.
Mayor Anwar informed Councilor Snyder that agenda meetings are scheduled the Wednesday before a Council meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Mr. Galligan explained that in 2006 there was a bond approved in the amount of $10 million dollars to do road work and bridges were included. Mr. Galligan said he would get an accounting of every project to date as well as funding showing what the balance is. This could be posted on the website as projects are complete.
Councilor Yagaloff thanked the Town Manager for his good work managing the budget, particularly with the increase in the fund balance.
19. Executive Session
None
20. Adjournment
At 9:30 p.m. Deputy Mayor Havens made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councilor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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