TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
SPECIAL WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Anwar called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor Saud Anwar
Councilor Thomas Delnicki
Councilor Carolyn Mirek
Councilor Liz Pendleton
Councilor Cary Prague
Councilor Janice Snyder
Councilor Stephen Wagner
Councilor Keith Yagaloff
Members Absent: Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Also Present: Matthew B.Galligan, Town Manager
3. Public Participation
None
4. Communications
Councillor Snyder reminded the public that tomorrow, March 25, 2014, is referendum day for the elementary school proposal. Residents should make sure they vote.
Councilor Mirek stated that April is Donor Awareness Month.
Councilor Wagner informed the Council and the public that on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 the Planning & Zoning Commission is holding a Special Meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the Madden Room. A consultant from Planimetrics will be reviewing zone changes which could have an impact on how Wapping Center looks.
5. Town Manager’s Report
None
ITEM:
6. Items for Discussion
- General Government Budget Presentation
- Town Council Budget Presentation
- Town Manager’s Budget Presentation
Mr. Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager came before the Town Council and presented the General Government budget, as shown in attached Exhibit B.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town and Board of Education currently do a lot of shared services. The areas that have been discussed in the past are the IT Department, Finance Department and Maintenance Department. The proposals of shared services within those three areas could be discussed with the Board of Education at the Joint Work Session.
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that in past budgets, there have been items taken out of the budget that now need to go back into the budget. After reviewing this proposed budget, the Council can work with Town staff to determine what priorities get done and when.
Councilor Prague stated that he is in favor of spending increase for items such as salt, emergency management, but is not interested in increasing staff by even one position.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan commented that overall, union workers are received larger percentage increases then management. Some union workers with overtime are making more then supervisors.
Councilor Mirek requested that the Town Council members receive a report on overtime pay for Public Works and Police Department. Mr. Galligan explained that he is trying to show the Council what the cost drivers are so when the Department Heads come up to do their budget presentation, the Council can really analyze it and discuss it. The current position of Economic Development Coordinator makes $30,000 and out of that $30,000 it is being proposed to use $24,150 for a full time position. In the IT Department there was a savings when a position opened because there was not anyone hired to take over that positions for a while. A higher salary was negotiated for the person who took over that position and the Town wants to make sure that that position is funded at the higher salary. In the Police
Department salary, that number represents a new position as well as a salary increase for other Police Officers. The reinstatement of equipment in Public Works would be for major equipment. The kitchen at the Human Services Department has always been in their budget.
Councilor Snyder requested that the Town Council members receive a list of new positions being proposed. The list should include the department, benefits, salaries, etc. Councilor Snyder also requested that a list of increases be done for each department.
ITEM:
6. Items for Discussion (Continued)
Mr. Galligan informed the Council that the grant list has increased by 1.67% which is $1.3 million dollars.
Mayor Anwar stated that this budget is letting the Town Council and public understand what is needed in the future. All of the priorities have been stated in the budget and it will be up to the Council members to set priorities. The Council can decide what should be funded this year and a plan can be established of what should be funded in the future.
Councilor Yagaloff stated that the increase to salaries is approximately 12% which represents about $1.8 million dollars and he would like to understand the new positions that constitute this increase in salaries along with the fringe benefits, health insurance and the overtime. Councilor Snyder’s request for a list of new positions will help the Council make decisions. An explanation of equalization of positions will be necessary for the Parks & Recreation Department. Councilor Yagaloff then requested supporting documentation for the request by the Town Manager of changing the Assistant to the Town Manager position to Assistant Town Manager.
Councilor Delnicki stated that he is concerned with this budget proposal and feels a 10% increase is huge. Councilor Delnicki requested the costs of the contracts.
Councilor Wagner requested a list of tax abatements that are in effect right now. The length of time these tax abatements will be in effect should also be included.
Mr. Galligan informed the Council that there was an increase in the debt service of $600,000.
Mayor Anwar stated he would like Council members to send any questions they may have to the Clerk of the Council with the Mayor and the Town Manager also receiving a copy.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came before the Town Council and stated that he would like to understand the Pension number. Last year the Town was underfunded by $500,000 and then this year the Town put in $83,000 to spend which is less then last year. The Town Council should have a public meeting with the WPCA so their budget can be discussed. Mr. Gonsalves also proposed that the health care be reviewed by the Town Council.
ITEM:
6. Items for Discussion (Continued)
D. Boards & Commissions Budget Presentation
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan stated that any information requested tonight will be sent to the Council. The budget will be in the Public Library, in the Town Clerk’s Office, at the Community Center and on the Town’s website. Any surplus the Town may have will be calculated out and an estimate will be given to the Town Council. The Wood Memorial Library would like an increase of $20,000 but Mr. Galligan explained that they are not a grant agency and he would have to review the contract. Cemeteries are requesting an additional $5,000 for clean up from storms.
Mayor Anwar informed the Council that handouts that were received by the Council were given to the Council from the Public Building Commission.
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 8:50 p.m. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn the Work Session. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Recording Secretary
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