TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 April 21, 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
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
5. Public Input
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail came forward and stated that he is concerned about South Windsor Ambulance Corps. selling their assets to AMR. Included in the assets will be their accounts receivable. The accounts receivable consists of items that have never been billed to people and some people will get liens put on their houses. Mr. Gonsalves explained that he has requested a bill from the South Windsor Ambulance Corps. and he still has not received a bill. There are a lot of people in this Town that may have never been billed. If a new company takes over they will look at the accounts receivable and they will go after everyone on that list that is over due. No one has followed up with their accounts receivable and someone needs to look at those.
Mr. Carl Werkhoven, 68 Oakwood Drive came forward and thanked the Council for approving a resolution directing the Town Manager to work with the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation regarding distracted driving. Mr. Werkhoven warned anyone on two wheels to be careful. The white line in the center of the road isn’t magic and people will cross over that line. Mr. Werkhoven stated that he will keep coming to the Town Council meetings until the streets are safe and also requested the Town Council to not support the legalization of marijuana.
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Bob Girardin, 104 Pine Knob Drive stated that the Town should not have given the 23 acres to the Connecticut Studios project. Mr. Girardin also voiced concern about the Town giving tax exemptions and felt that the Town needs change.
Mr. Jay Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Emergency Management came before the Town Council and explained that last September he came on board with four main objectives which were to create a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), apply for appropriate grants, work on emergency operation plans for the community and develop a plan moving forward for the community. The budget for emergency management was $15,000 and as of today we have received an EMPG grant in the amount of $12,864, CERT training grant in the amount of $1,400, CERT website in the amount of $300, and $1,500 in equipment. Today South Windsor received another $400 worth of brochures. The total is approximately $16,400. The CERT team has 25 members that will be graduating on Thursday, April 24th. The first three
missions are shelter management, augment our emergency operations center staffing, and make a more robust communication system. Mr. Gonzalez outlined how emergency management and the CERT team would be moving forward.
Mayor Anwar congratulated the Community Emergency Response Team graduates and thanked the Town Council for their support with this very important endeavor.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councilor Wagner reminded everyone to remember to use sun screen when outdoors to prevent skin cancer.
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 8, 2014 and Town Council Emergency Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2014.
Was made by Councilor Mirek
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Pubic Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Reports from Standing Committees
Councilor Wagner informed the Council that the Parks & Recreation Commission is requesting to maintain $275,000 in their capital budget that is listed for their strategic plan. This reflects their master plan and is already in the capital projects list but not in the recommended list from the Capital Projects Committee.
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
12. Consent Agenda
Councilor Yagaloff made a motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A.* through 13. B.* as the Consent Agenda. Councilor Snyder seconded the motion; and they were approved, unanimously.
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Greater Hartford Transit District Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Gary Pitcock (D) to the Greater Hartford Transit District Commission for a term ending December 12, 2016 to fill an unexpired term of Hugh Brower.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
13. Unfinished Business (Continued)
* B. Resolution Appointing Michael Baum (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Michael Baum (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 14, 2015 to fill an unexpired term of Stephen Wagner.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
C. Ridge Road Drainage (Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer to be present)
Mr. Doolittle explained that his department was asked to look at options to carry drainage away from yards on Ridge Roads where there is currently flooding. A consultant was hired who devised a system consisting of a few catch basins in Ridge Road and re-grading a section of the road to create a low spot to collect water. The idea was to tie into the existing drainage system on Deming Street, but it was found that the drainage system on Deming Street is undersized and not adequate to carry any more additional water. A preliminary design has been provided to the Town Council, as shown in attached Exhibit A. In order to complete this design, additional funds would be necessary to replace the drainage in Deming Street from Ridge Road. The estimated cost to complete this project is $360,000. The Council previously appropriated $120,000, with $100,000 for construction and $20,000 for design. An additional $260,000 would be necessary to complete this project. Mr. Doolittle stated
he would like to get the Council’s feedback before this project proceeds.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Doolittle explained that presently the existing drainage on Deming Street does not get any water from Ridge Road. Ridge Road will be crowned and a low spot would be created so water would drain to that area to a set of basins would be created to collect that water which would tie into the drainage system in Deming Street. The project has been on the list of Capital projects but has not reached a priority level to be funded yet. The proposed size of the piping that would be used in Deming Street is a split between 18 inch pipe and 15 inch pipe, but mostly 18 inch pipe. Three catch basins on the south side of Deming Street would
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ITEM:
13. C. (Continued)
be constructed as well as three on the north side. Presently there are no catch basins on the north side of Deming Street. For this plan there would be a total of eight new catch basins proposed on Deming Street.
Mr. Galligan stated that there are no funds left in referendum funds for roads, bridges and drainage that was done a number of years ago. Councilor Delnicki requested to see a reconciliation of those funds used.
Answering further questions, Mr. Doolittle stated that using the existing catch basins and increasing the size of the pipe may reduce costs but it has not been examined to determine that. It has been found when trying to reuse existing catch basins they are usually in horrible condition and need to be rebuilt. It is more expensive to try to rebuild catch basins then it is to put in new.
Councilor Snyder felt this to be a good plan. The engineering Department did exactly what the Town Council had requested. The engineering Department came up with a plan that will fix the water problem on Ridge Road and not affect any other properties.
Councilor Wagner questioned if this plan could be done in phases rather than all at once. Mr. Doolittle stated it is a good idea. Work would have to start down stream and then would work upstream. It would make sense to start with Deming Street which is lower than Ridge Road, prove the drainage on Deming Street and then move into Ridge Road. If the drainage on Ridge Road was done first, the system on Deming Street would be overtaxed and might cause additional flooding on Deming Road.
Mr. Doolittle explained that if water was drained from Ridge Road down to Summit Drive it would probably not save any money because that is a much more complicated system and there would still be inadequate drainage in Deming Street.
Mayor Anwar suggested two possible solutions to complete this project which are to put this project on a priority list for the next conversation of the Capital Projects Commission, or identify a long term strategy in the future for infrastructure.
ITEM:
13. Unfinished Business (Continued)
D. Discussion Item: Clean Energy Commission
Mayor Anwar stated that it is important as a community to recognize that a lot of technologies are changing with respect to clean energy. There was a Committee put together previously with a specific mandate that they completed and they have not been functional for some time now. It is time to create a new Committee to look at clean energy, specifically for funds and opportunities through the state and federal government that will benefit the South Windsor community.
Councilor Prague stated he is opposed to solar energy because it requires a subsidy of taxpayers money.
Mr. Galligan felt that the Commission could be helpful where there are areas of land that power lines run through the middle of the property. In those areas, solar farms or fuel cell farms can be established in these areas. This would help the Open Space Task Force to buy more open space with the funds that are generated from this type of use.
Councilor Delnicki suggested that the Town Council talk with members of the Open Space Task Force and SWALPAC to see if there is still interest in this type of use through these Commissions, especially if this type of endeavor could produce funds for the Town.
Mayor Anwar explained that there are so many different opportunities out there for financial gain for the community. A group needs to be established in order to maximize these opportunities.
Councilor Wagner stated that there are two trends happening presently, one is that the price of renewable energy has been plummeting which makes it more attractive. The other is the utilities still have to provide the infrastructure to completely power your house. It has been recognized that it costs money to do that.
Mayor Anwar recessed the Regular Meeting at 8:00 p.m. in order to go to the Public Hearing. The Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:19 p.m.
ITEM:
14. New Business
A. Discussion Item: Capital Workforce Partners
Mr. Tom Phillips, President of Capital Workforce Partners came forward to explain that Capital Workforce Partners provides workforce development programs and services to 37 municipalities in North Center Connecticut. Capital Workforce Partners coordinates service providers. These programs are critical in developing a skilled, educated and vital workforce. Led by a consortium of the region’s chief elected officials, and representatives from business, education, labor and public groups serving on its Board of Directors, Capital Workforce Partners is an essential “Partner” for economic development in the region. Capital Workforce Partners strategies are to strengthen career development and advancement approaches, strengthen systems to prepare youth with work and career-readiness
skills, drive sector-based programs and business partnerships and external/internal organizational improvement.
Mayor Anwar felt that as a community South Windsor needs to make policy decisions that will help our future. Previously people used to move to areas where jobs were available, but now businesses will work where there will be a workforce. South Windsor is competing with the world and this is the time for communities to invest into the workforce partnerships within the school system and businesses.
Mayor Anwar informed the Council that there will be a program called South Windsor Regional Economic Development Conference on May 1, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the South Windsor Town Hall.
B. Discussion Item: Connecticut Studios
Mr. Galligan informed the Council that two weeks ago DCK took interest in the Connecticut Studios project. Mr. Galligan explained that he took a trip with Dan Marsh and the Town Attorney to go over the project status with DCK and to find out what their intentions are regarding the project. DCK is going through a due diligence process to get a handle on whether they are going to take over the project. They are also looking at ways to make the project better.
ITEM:
14. B. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan also informed the Council that he received a call from the two principals who started this project and they are still interested in this project. They are trying to move forward.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the construction jobs from this project could produce between 200 to 300 jobs during the construction period. After construction is complete, some jobs would be necessary to build sets. The studio itself would have 50 to 70 jobs. This project could bring all types of services to South Windsor. The Town will need to sit down and think how to build a workforce for this project. Mr. Galligan made a suggestion that Mr. Tom Phillips from Capital Workforce Partners be a key player in helping to create a workforce. Mr. Galligan stated that he believes it would be over $1,000,000. coming to the Town. The Town should urge DCK to give an answer by the end of May or the beginning of June on whether they will be going forward
with this project. The power purchase agreement expires in October.
C. Resolution Supporting the Preferred Design Layout of Roadway Improvements for Avery Street from Kelly Road to North of Woodland Drive
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor was awarded Federal and State funding under the Surface Transportation Program (STP-Urban) for roadway improvements along Avery Street (from Kelly Road to north of Woodland Drive); and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council seeks to accomplish roadway improvements along Avery Street with the best geometrical alignment and provide facilities for pedestrians within the existing ROW, keeping impact to the abutting property owners to a minimum; and
WHEREAS, alternate layouts for improvements to Avery Street have been discussed at three public meetings in the last 10 months and public input has helped develop a preferred design layout for this project that includes sidewalks on the east side of Avery Street and the realignment of Beelzebub Road with Avery Street and Woodland Drive with a modern roundabout to provide traffic control at this intersection; and
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ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
WHEREAS, a public information meeting was held on April 21, 2014 to receive input from property owners and the public concerning the preferred design layout of the recommended improvements to Avery Street
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reaffirms the need for said project and supports the preferred design layout for improvements along Avery Street from Kelly Road to north of Woodland Drive as presented and described above and directs the Engineering Division to proceed to submit the preliminary design of these improvements to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for their review.
Was made by Councilor Prague
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
Councilor Prague made a motion to amend the resolution by substituting “with a modern roundabout to provide traffic control at this intersection” with “and make it a four way stop to provide traffic control at this intersection”. Councilor Delnicki seconded the amendment.
Councilor Yagaloff voiced concerns and said he would like to hear from other Council members before making a decision on the amendment.
Councilor Delnicki stated that he would be concerned with a radical change to this intersection. Proper alignment will be a significant improvement. This area does not seem like the right place to construct a roundabout.
Councilor Wagner said he would be supporting the roundabout as recommended by the Town Engineer.
Councilor Mirek voiced concern about the two slopes coming into the roundabout and stated she would support fixing the sight lines and straightening out the intersection.
Mayor Anwar stated he is inclined to support the roundabout. The Town Engineer worked through a long complex process which addresses concerns and creates a safety.
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ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the Amendment; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 5 to 3 with Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Prague and Councilor Snyder in favor of the Amendment; and Mayor Anwar, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Yagaloff voting in opposition to the Amendment.
Mayor Anwar then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution; it passed on a Roll Call vote of 7 to 1 with Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Pendelton, Councilor Prague, Councilor Snyder, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Yagaloff voting in favor of the Amended Resolution; and Mayor Anwar voting in opposition to the Amended Resolution.
D. Resolution Approving Refund of Taxes to Eleven (11) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to eleven (11) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $6,043.31, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit B.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
E. Budget Presentation: Human Services Department
Mr. Dennis Sheridan, Director of Human Services; Andrea Cofrancesco, Director of Adult and Senior Services; and Liz Langevin, Director of Youth and Family Services came before the Town Council to present the Human Services Department’s budget, as shown in attached Exhibit C.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Sheridan explained that Joann Moriarty used to be a full time employee but quit that position and became a contractual employee. Her current contractual position pays $30.00 per hour. The grant that the department is applying for is a $6,000 grant and are hopeful to get as much as possible to cover a portion of this position. Ms. Andres Cofrancesco explained that the CARES program a social day program.
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ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councilor Wagner stated that the Council has to keep in mind that as services expand with grants, that grant can go away in the following year and then the Town would have a budget increase.
Mr. Sheridan explained further that some of the assisted living facilities provide their own transportation. Ms. Cofrancesco added that the only way transportation is provided to individuals living in assisted living facilities is if they are coming to a program at the center. If they have a medical appointment to a surrounding doctor transportation is not provided.
Mr. Sheridan agreed that Human Services has been relatively successful in securing grants which is approximately $140,000 in grants. In the budget book it shows six bus drivers, but that has changed and there are really five bus drivers.
F. Budget Presentation: Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Kevin Cooney came forward to present the Volunteer Fire Department’s budget. The three areas that are being focused on for an increase this year are under professional services and includes stipens for our officers, physicals, and building maintenance. The Fire Department is beginning some shared services to try to offset some of those expenses.
Councilor Prague recommended to the Council that the whole budget be supported.
Councilor Pendleton stated that this is a wonderful budget and she would be supporting this budget.
Answering questions from the Council, Chief Cooney explained that if South Windsor had a paid department it would cost a minimum amount of $9,000,000.00. The Chief of the Fire Department in Vernon gets a stipend of approximately $25,000. Presently Chief Cooney stated his stipend is $5,300. Company three will be 3 years old next month.
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ITEM:
14. F. (Continued)
Deputy Chief Knipple came forward to explain the mechanical issues that have occurred with Company 3. He explained that last winter the heating started to leak. There was a design change in the boiler and over one door a pipe needed to be put into a different area. There are other items that have failed and needed to be fixed.
Councilor Delnicki stated he would like to know who engineered this system and who the contractor was because this is a brand new building and should not have these things occurring like this. Mr. Galligan said he would speak to Happ Fitts because the Public Building Commission should have any information that the Council would like. Mr. Clay Major reviewed the system and feels there are some things that he could change to make the system better. There is money to be saved.
G. Budget Presentation: Fire Marshal
Mr. Walter Summers, Fire Marshal explained that over the last fiscal year, the Fire Marshal’s Department completed 2010 Smoke Alarm Campaign with the grant that was received from FEMA. That grant/program, over 8,000 smoke alarms were handed out as well as it was made sure that every condo and apartment unit in Town has a working smoke alarm. Mr. Summers then reviewed the highlights of his budget, as shown in attached Exhibit D.
H. Budget Presentation: Police Department
Chief Reed, Police Department came before the Town Council to present the Police Department’s budget request in the amount of $5,983,000., which represents an increase of $324,797., over the current year’s budget. Chief Reed reviewed with the Council the requests that are being made, as shown in attached Exhibit E. Last year the Police Department cut $131,823 to get to a 0% increase and requested that the funding requested be provided this year to keep this agency moving forward in the demands of modern policing and the demands of the community. Chief Reed informed the Town Council that the Emergency Management budget has not been incorporated into the Police Department or any other Town budget at this time. Chief Reed
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ITEM:
14. H. (Continued)
encouraged the Town Council to provide funding for emergency management and preparedness activities budget, as shown in attached Exhibit F.
Mayor Anwar made a motion to extend the meeting to 11:10 p.m. Councilor Yagaloff seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Answering questions from the Council, Chief Reed explained that the department is having trouble retaining dispatchers. The Police Department has not worked with Asnuntuck Community College specifically but the State of Connecticut is beginning to run an academy because there are a lot of communities having the same problem. There presently is a 14 week training period.
Councilor Delnicki explained that Asnuntuck Community College has a program that produces an accreditation for a public dispatcher. It seems worthwhile to reach out and set up an internship.
Answering further questions, Chief Reed explained that there is one Police Officer at the Academy now who will graduate in about one month. There was also a Police Officer who graduated about three weeks ago. One of our lead candidates is currently employed and will not need an academy slot. The next academy slot available will be early July but are not sure we will have a candid ready so now we are looking at the end of the summer or October. Chief Reed told the Council that he is considering having three dispatchers work at the same time which may be an option to keep employees. The leadership changed from three Lieutenants to two. The Bark Park has transitioned from the Police Department budget to the Parks & Recreation Department budget. Chief Reed explained to the Council
that he would like to see the Police Department back to forty-three positions because the reality of hitting that number in the next twelve months may be slim. There is one person on the edge of leaving and three others who could retire at any time.
ITEM:
19. Executive Session
At 11:14 p.m. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss possible purchase of real estate for the Town and three issues involving potential claims and litigation. Mayor Anwar seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Individuals invited into Executive Session: Mayor Anwar, Councilors Delnicki, Mirek, Pendleton, Prague, Snyder, Wagner, Yagaloff, and Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan.
At 11:42 p.m. Councilor Snyder made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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