TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 May 5, 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
A moment of silence was taken in memory of Mr. Joseph Russo who passed away on May 1, 2014. Mr. Russo was the founder of the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. and a person who has done a lot for the Town of South Windsor.
5. Public Input
Mr. Carl Werkhoven, 68 Oakwood Drive came forward and thanked the Fire Chief for his apology for using his telephone while driving. Mr. Werkhoven then went on to say that there is going to be a child that gets killed by someone who is on their cell phone while driving. The South Windsor Police Department needs to crack down on drivers in South Windsor.
Ms. Bonnie Rabin, Collector of Revenue for the Town of South Windsor came before the Town Council to request that the Town Council consider changing the part time position in her office to a full time position. In 1980 there were three employees and presently there are three full time positions and one part time position to collect $86,000,000. There are other ventures that are coming into our department and the office will not be able to handle the workload with the current staff.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that he would like to raise the following questions/comments:
- What is the fund balance as of today?
- What does the Town Manager estimate the additional under runs that will be added to the fund balance to be?
- How much fund balance is going to be used for the budget?
- What percentage of payroll will be used for pensions and for healthcare?
- Included in the Board of Education’s budget there is $500,000 for retirees which means these individuals get two and half times more in sick and personal time then people in the private industry. Non-certified employees should not get these benefits.
- The Board of Education has a surplus and they are using that surplus to fund the pension. There is another item in their budget of just over $470,000 that is available right now. As of April 19, 2014 it was still available. What are they going to do with that $470,000 if it is indeed not used in that account?
Mayor Anwar presented the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways with a proclamation recognizing the month of May as “National Bike Month”.
Mr. Robert O’Connor came forward and thanked the Council for their support and leadership. There is a bicycle program which educates 4th graders as part of the curriculum in the schools in bicycle safety. Mr. O’Connor invited the Council and public to events during the month of May. On May 7th, Bike to School Day, On May 16th, Bike to Work and on May 18th, a Community Bike Ride. On June 8th Connecticut Trails Day will be held.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Anwar stated that May is also known as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Prevention Month. This is the time to use the appropriate protections when you are out in the sun. It is also COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Month. Smoking is the number one cause of this disease and is preventable, as well as Stoke Awareness Month.
ITEM:
7. Adoption of Minutes
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Public Hearing Minutes of April 23, 2014; and Regular Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2014 and April 21, 2014.
Was made by Councilor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Pubic Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Councilor Wagner stated that the Open Space Task Force will also be involved with Trail Days on June 8th at Lawrence Road Park.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
12. Consent Agenda
None
13. Unfinished Business
None
Deputy Mayor Havens made a motion to Suspend the Rules in order to bring Items 14. C., D., E., F., and G. forward. Councilor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business
C. Resolution Adopting the Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts a Board of Education Budget with expenditures totaling $68,555,567, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2014 and terminating on June 30, 2015, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Board of Education budget was reduced by approximately $150,000 more from what was discussed previously where $300,000 was being reduced. This additional reduction has not been discussed with the Superintendent.
Councilor Snyder summarized what has happened with the Board of Education budget. Originally, the Board of Education came in with 1.94% increase to their budget. When the Town Council and Board of Education met for a Work Session meeting, the Board of Education announced that they brought the budget down another $436,000 from healthcare savings reducing the increase to 1.29%. Other reductions were discussed which reduced the Board of Education’s request to .85% and now it is being proposed to reduce the Board of Education another $150,000 which will bring the increase to .63%. This reduction has not been vetted with the Board of Education or the Superintendent and the Town Council does not know what the ramifications are of this reduction. Councilor Snyder stated she would not support
this budget at this time and feels the $150,000 should be put back into the budget.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town’s increase to the budget is 3.74%.
Councilor Yagaloff stated that he feels the Board of Education did a great job and brought in a low budget request which was realistic. Unfortunately the Council is still looking at a tough economy. The change tonight is small but is relevant which is felt that the Board of Education can afford. Next year is entirely a different situation. Councilor Yagaloff felt that is a fair budget that he is willing to support.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar explained that originally the democratic side of the Town Council wanted to cap the budget increase at 1.5%, but after further conversations it was found that a more realistic increase would be 1.75% in order to get items into the budget that are felt to be necessary. The needs on the Town side are higher this year because in past years the Town side has had cuts that need to be returned to the budget so it was felt that a cut to the Board of Education is necessary.
Councilor Mirek stated she would not support cutting the Board of Education budget further. The Town Council is unaware how this cut will affect the Board of Education and this cut will create larger expenditures next year.
Councilor Wagner felt that the Town is under staffed and the work load has increased. There are needs on the Town side that have to be met. Councilor Wagner reviewed some of the proposed increases on the Town side, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Council members had a discussion regarding the health care. Councilor Prague felt that the Board of Education should be getting more in their budget and also stated that he feels the funds from the health insurance were taken inappropriately by the Town. Mr. Galligan stated that the $350,000 in the health insurance has nothing to do with the Board of Education budget.
Deputy Mayor Havens stated that unfortunately during the budget season not everyone can get what they want and there has to be compromise. Deputy Mayor Havens felt that this is a fair budget and would support it.
Councilor Delnicki voiced concern about taking an additional $150,000 from the Board of Education budget.
Councilor Pendleton stated that the Council has to make critical choices during the budget process and informed the Council that the Board of Education is getting 99.35% of what they had requested.
Mayor Anwar stated that this budget is not the Board of Education versus the Town. The Town of South Windsor needs to take care of responsibilities and there are items that need to be put back into the budget.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town budget are items that are being put back into the budget because they are needed. In previous years the Town has worked with cuts/less and has made it work.
Answering questions from Councilor Snyder, Mr. Galligan stated that putting the $150,000 back into the Board of Education budget would create a total budget increase of 1.92%. It would cost an average house costing $300,000, $12.50 more in taxes per year.
Mayor Anwar stated he does not want to increase the taxes any further then what is being proposed. There are over 500 seniors that had to pay $1,000 more per year last year.
Councilor Yagaloff said that he already compromised going from a 1.5% increase to a 1.75% increase and would not want to go up any further.
Councilor Prague stated that the Board of Education’s budget has been cut 50% from the original request.
Mr. David Joy, Chairperson for the Board of Education came forward and stated that the Board of Education at this point does not have a reaction because the Board has not met to talk about this proposal. Mr. Joy said he is concerned about the message that this discussion sends to our community. The Board of Education takes the financial responsibility quite seriously and there are responsibilities that need to be met. Chairperson Joy reminded the Council that next year will be a steep climb.
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, a member of the Board of Education stated that the Town Council has a tough decision. Mr. Zimmerman reviewed numbers that have been reviewed during this process and stated that a .6% increase probably has not happened since he was in school.
Mayor Anwar reviewed the proposal on the table, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the motion; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5 to 4 with Mayor Delnicki, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Yagaloff voting in favor of the resolution; and Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Prague and Councilor Snyder voting in opposition to the resolution.
ITEM:
14. New Business
D. Resolution Adopting the Budget for the Special Revenue Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts a Special Revenue Recreation Fund Budget with expenditures totaling $2,231,963; for Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2014, and terminating on June 30, 2015.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
E. Resolution Adopting the General Government Budget for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby adopts a General Government Budget with expenditures totaling $37,711,536, for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2014, and terminating on June 30, 2015, a copy of which Budget is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councilor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
Councilor Delnicki voiced concerns with the amount of positions being returned to this year’s Town budget. In previous years the Town Council faced tough economic times and had to right size staff. Those economies have been lost in this budget.
Deputy Mayor Havens stated that he would support the proposed budget.
Councilor Prague made a motion to amend the resolution to add $18,000 into the budget to equalize payment for the Parks Superintendent to other Superintendents pay. Councilor Snyder seconded the motion.
Mr. Galligan explained that when evaluations are done, this position will be reviewed. This position as well as the HR Director and a position in IT will be handled through the budget.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councilor Prague withdrew his motion. Councilor Snyder withdrew her second.
Councilor Wagner reminded other Council members that most of the increases in this budget go towards the safety of the Community. Council members then discussed the viability of going to referendum for bonding of infrastructure in the future.
Councilor Pendleton stated she would be supporting this budget and thanked Dennis Sheridan for his service to the Town.
Councilor Delnicki read a letter from Paul & Gloria White speaking in opposition to an increase in the budget, as shown in attached Exhibit B.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 8 to 1 with Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Prague, Council Snyder, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Yagaloff voting in favor of the resolution; and Councilor Delnicki voting in opposition to the resolution.
F. Resolution Setting the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
BE IT RESOLVED that the tax rate of 35.51 mills be levied on the Grand List of October 1, 2013 based upon Total Revenues excluding current taxes of $18,570,732, which includes an appropriation from Fund Balance in the amount of $1,000,000 to finance total expenditures of $106,267,103 made up of a Board of Education Budget of $68,555,567 and a General Government Budget of $37,711,536, both of which have been adopted by the South Windsor Town Council, and exhibits of which are on file in the Office of the Town Clerk for the Fiscal Year commencing on July 1, 2014, and terminating on June 30, 2015.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
14. New Business
G. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 and the Tabling of Same
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2014/2015, and hereby tables the same.
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
H. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Seven (7) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to seven (7) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $3,530.79, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit C.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
A. Resolution Waiving Competitive Bidding for the Purchase of Technology Equipment
WHEREAS, the Town completed the IT equipment competitive bidding process as required by the Town Charter and directed by the Town Attorney; and
WHEREAS, in reviewing the bids against various state and national contracts that are available, it was found that the Town could save over $3,300.00 by using the Dell/ASAP state contract for purchasing the specified Microsoft software; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. A. (Continued)
WHEREAS, in order to proceed, the Town has been informed by the Town Attorney that approval by the Town Council is necessary to waive competitive bidding
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the waiving of competitive bidding for the purchase of technology equipment.
Was made by Councilor Delnicki
Seconded by Mayor Anwar
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that the Town went out to competitive bidding and then found out that the state contract was cheaper.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
B. Resolution Waiving Competitive Bidding for the Purchase of a WatchGuard Server and Wireless Equipment
WHEREAS, for the past 15 years the Police Department has done business with WatchGuard who is responsible for the Police Department’s in-car audio and visual recording systems; and
WHEREAS, last year the Police Department began the process of upgrading the in-car system from DVD recordings to a solid state in-line recording system and were able to upgrade three of the units; and
WHERAS, this is a capital expense in excess of the $5,000 bid threshold, and it is felt it would be impractical to put this project out to bid as the equipment being purchased is all part of the WatchGuard system who is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the system
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the waiving of competitive bidding for the purchase of a WatchGuard server and wireless equipment.
Was made by Councilor Prague
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan read a letter into the record regarding petition to remove South Windsor Ambulance Corps as EMS Provider for the Town of South Windsor, as shown in attached Exhibit D. Mr. Galligan thanked Councilor Yagaloff for his testimony. Mr. Galligan also informed the Council that the bill was approved regarding EMS providers.
Councilor Yagaloff explained that this change in ambulance service has been an effort that the Town Council and Town Manager have stuck by for almost two years. The Town Attorney did a wonderful job. This effort will enable Ambulance Service of Manchester to provide ambulance services to South Windsor.
Mayor Anwar stated that it is also a sad day because SWAC has been a part of this community for a long time.
17. Public Input
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and voiced disappointment that not one Council member questioned the Board of Education regarding the fund that has an under run by $480,000. Property taxes in this region are the highest and other states are going to get new jobs because companies are going to go to those states rather then come to Connecticut.
Ms. Mary Hockenberry, 16 Foxglove Lane came before the Town Council and thanked the Town Manager for his efforts with the ambulance service. South Windsor is an example for all of the other Towns.
18. Communications and Petitions from Council
Councilor Pendleton complimented the Town Manager and Councilor Yagaloff for work well done regarding ambulance service in Town. Councilor Pendleton then congratulated South Windsor High School for being ranked 1,362 out of 19,000 schools.
ITEM:
19. Executive Session
At 9:51 p.m. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss potential claims and litigation. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Individuals invited into Executive Session: Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilors Delnicki, Mirek, Pendleton, Prague, Snyder, Wagner, Yagaloff, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan, and Chief Matthew Reed.
At 10:17 p.m. Councilor Snyder made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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