TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 May 19, 2014
TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting
Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
Deputy Mayor Havens called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
4. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor M. Saud Anwar (arrived at 7:03 p.m.)
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
Kari Olson, Town Attorney
Mr. Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works came forward to present individuals with awards in the categories of the Rich Boudreault Award (Gary Schacht), Citizen Award (Friends In Service Here, “F.I.S.H.”), and Business Partner Award (Slater Construction) for National Public Works Week.
5. Public Input
Mr. Len Glasser, Vice Chairperson of the Patriotic Commission came forward give a quick update to the Council on the parade. Mr. Glasser thanked the Highway Department, Police Department and the Parks & Recreation Department for their great help. The parade will be held on May 26, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The participants are asked to be there at 9:00 a. m. When the parade reached Veterans Memorial Park, a ceremony will take place. Mr. Glasser then told the Town Council that the event “Evening in the Park” took place this past weekend with over 1,500 people in the park. The event was very successful and ended with fireworks.
Mr. Jim Morrison, 167 Ayers Road came forward to discuss his displeasure with the Planning & Zoning Commission approving an application from the South Windsor Little League and the Town of South Windsor requesting plan modification to construct a new 2-story concession facility and press box. Allowing the facility
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
lights to remain on and concession to remain open until 10:00 p.m. which is an additional half of an hour. The approval allows the field to be used for special events without defining what a special event is. These requests are significant and should have required a public hearing because the Little League application change of rules is significant. It should be noted that the 38 game limitation was violated 18 times for a total of 56 days. Many of these 56 days, the lights were on past the 9:30 p.m. rule. Mr. Morrison stated he would support the rules going back to what they were and that some how the Little League is forced to abide by the rules.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Councilor Wagner stated that there was a very serious bicycle accident on Buckland Road. Councilor Wagner reviewed some of the rules of the road.
Mayor Anwar put a letter into the record from Timothy Wentzell, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
7. Adoption of Minutes
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Special Budget Work Session Minutes of April 16, 2014 and April 28, 2014; and Regular meeting Minutes of May 5, 2014.
Was made by Councilor Prague
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
Councilor Wagner made an amendment to the April 28, 2014 minutes. Under the Town Manager’s Report there was a discussion regarding the Marijuana Dispensary and the rules under which they operate. Councilor Wagner requested that the last sentence be changed to read “State Regulations governing marijuana dispensaries and their security system are very stringent”. This will help recognize that it is not the Zoning Board who sets those rules in those cases but it is regulations that are passed down from the State.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote; it was passed, unanimously.
ITEM:
8. Pubic Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Ms. Ginny Hole, Mr. Robert O’Connor and Mr. Ken Sek from the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways came forward to invite the Town Council to a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 2, 2014 at Wapping School at 8:50 a. m. in honor of the new bicycle fleet and trailer that was purchased by the South Windsor Parks & Recreation Commission.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
12. Consent Agenda
None
13. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing a Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2014/2015
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, as Rate Maker for Fiscal Year 2014/2015.
Was made by Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
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14. New Business
A. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on an Amendment to the South Windsor code of Ordinances, Chapter 74 – Parks and Recreation – Article II. Commission, Section 74-31. Established, Terms
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, June 2, 2014, at 8:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on Amendments to the South Windsor code of Ordinances, Chapter 74 – Parks and Recreation – Article II. Commission, Section 74-31. Established, Terms, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
Councilor Wagner explained that recently the Town Council passed the revision to Section 74 that added a process by which the Parks & Recreation Commission will get involved with proposals that come before the Town Council. At the time of the revision, the number of members was changed from 10 to 9.
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
- Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on Amendments to the South Windsor Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 – Civil Emergencies – Article I. In General, Article II. Civil Preparedness Director, Article III. Civil Preparedness Agency, and Article IV. Advisory Council
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, June 2, 2014, at 8:15 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the South Windsor Town Hall, 1540 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on Amendments to the South Windsor code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 – Civil Emergencies – Article I. In General, Article II. Civil Preparedness Director, Article III. Civil Preparedness Agency, and Article IV. Advisory Council, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councilor Mirek
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
Answering questions from the Council, Town Attorney Kari Olson explained that this Ordinance was prepared by the Chief of Police and revised by the Town Attorney.
Councilor Snyder stated that on Section f, Article III, the Town Manager and the Director and Co-Director or any Deputy is authorized to seek out assistance from regional entities such as CCM, CRCOG, Capitol Region Emergency Planning Council and other similar organizations. Councilor Snyder questioned if the state and federal government could be added into that because they can be tremendous resources for a local community and political subdivisions.
Councilor Yagaloff said he agrees with Councilor Snyder’s comments and then stated he was looking for the State Statutes that this Ordinance mirrors and found the State Statutes under Civil Preparedness but the draft Ordinance does not match up with the State Statutes. The area of specific concern is Section 26-5 because it does not give the Town Council the ability to make decisions.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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14. B. (Continued)
Ms. Olson, Town Attorney explained that this Ordinance was provided to her by the Chief of Police and it was patterned after a similar Ordinance for the Town of Meriden. Ms. Olson said she reviewed the draft and compared it to the General Statutes. Also reviewed was the existing Ordinance where language was taken from and put into the new draft. This is a work in progress and recommended changes can be incorporated into the Ordinance. This Ordinance is not inconsistent with the Civil Preparedness Statutes or with the Town’s authority to enter into this type of plan.
Councilor Yagaloff stated that overall it is a very powerful Ordinance that provides the Town with a response plan during emergency situations. It is not clear what the Town Council can do during the period of the emergency
Mr. Galligan explained that the State is writing a certain way so that there is a separation between the powers of the Council and himself.
Councilor Yagaloff then stated that if the Council wants to make a decision by way of a vote on a Special Meeting that is something that needs to be considered. During a civil emergency, the Town Council should have the ability to convene a meeting to take public input and to vote.
Mr. Galligan felt that with the Town Council Rules and Regulations, the Town Council already has the ability to make decisions during an emergency.
Ms. Olson stated that the Town Council’s legislative powers are in the Ordinance, but the emergency plan is really what everyone should abide by. Emergency appropriations are allowed to be done by the Town Council. The emergency plan is also a place where direction can be given.
Councilor Yagaloff requested a copy of the Meriden Ordinance.
Ms. Olson explained that she does not see this Ordinance as changing the Town Council’s legislative powers over the Town Manager or over the health, safety and welfare of this community. This Ordinance empowers the Town Manager to move forward with an emergency plan.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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14. B. (Continued)
Councilor Delnicki questioned if during and emergency situation if the Mayor could call for an emergency meeting to address a situation that is not being attended to appropriately in the Town Council’s opinion and act on a resolution?
Ms. Olson explained that this Ordinance does not take away the Town Council’s power to act in the best interest of this community, to declare emergencies or to execute any of your other powers under the Charter. It doesn’t say that the Town Manager has to declare an emergency or is the only one who can declare an emergency; it simply says he now has the power to declare an emergency.
Deputy Mayor Havens questioned in the absence of the Town Manager, who could declare an emergency? Ms. Olson stated that the Mayor or the Town Council would have the authority to declare an emergency. The Ordinance also provides for Directors and Co-Directors of the emergency team. When the Town Manager is away, he usually names someone to take over and act in his absence.
Mr. Galligan stated that this Ordinance is expanding the original Ordinance. Mr. Galligan also stated that in his absence he names who will be acting on his behalf.
Councilor Prague said that when there is an emergency he would like the Town Manager in control, or his designee because these individuals are trained. The Town Council should not overrule the Town Manager during an emergency situation.
Councilor Wagner felt that a succession plan should be established in the case of the Town Manager not being available because of the emergency situation. Town Attorney Olson explained that there is nothing in the existing Ordinance but in the new Ordinance there is a succession plan. Mr. Galligan explained that this type of situation would be in the Town’s standard operating procedure plan. Under the plan, the Emergency Operation Person would be Chief Reed. If Chief Reed is not available it would go down through his command and/or it depends on the event.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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14. B. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the old Ordinance is being revised. Councilor Pendleton suggested that the Ordinance be personalized for the South Windsor community. Councilor Pendleton questioned if the Ordinance gives the Town the authority to search and seize someone’s property in the time of a State of Emergency?
Town Attorney Olson said she does not believe the Town would have that power. That is something that the State and Federal Government may have.
Mayor Anwar stated that conversations began three years ago because it was believed that the establishment of CERT Teams was necessary as well as a Civil Preparedness Advisory Committee. The previous Ordinance does not look at the broader comprehensive approach that the Town needs. This enhanced Ordinance is a mechanism to protect all of the different community groups, (elderly, special needs, etc.).
Councilor Snyder felt that the Town Manager should be in the position of making decisions when an emergency happens. The Town Council should not be overriding any decisions made by the Town Manager during an emergency. The standard operating procedure should not be something that the public knows about.
Councilor Yagaloff felt that the section that reads “The judgment of the Town Manager shall be the sole criteria necessary to invoke emergency powers provided in the Town Charter, the Code of Ordinances of South Windsor and other appropriate authorities”. That statement might be inconsistent with what Councilor Delnicki was asking and where the Town Attorney stated that the Town Council could invoke emergency powers. It should say “In addition to emergency powers that may be invoked by the Town Council under other conditions under the Charter”. When it says sole criteria it could be confusing. The second concern is where it says “that the Council may convene to perform its legislative powers”, should include “including its powers to make decisions concerning
the actions of the Town Manager”. This would clarify any confusion. In the future a Town Manager could be hired that is not as experienced as Mr. Galligan. Councilor Yagaloff said he would circulate something that can be discussed at the next meeting.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. B. (Continued)
Councilor Mirek did not feel like the Council would be giving up any legislative authority because the Town Manager has his duties and the Town Council is still able to address issues as they arise.
Town Attorney Olson said she appreciates Councilor Yagaloff’s opinion regarding the one particular sentence. Town Attorney Olson explained that the Council certainly wants to make changes they feel is necessary and make sure the Ordinance works for the Town. This Ordinance that is front of the Council is not the Ordinance that is in the State Statutes, it is an Ordinance that was drafted by another Town based on the powers and obligations to the Civil Preparedness Statutes. Town Attorney Olson cautioned the Council that changes can be made to the Ordinance, but there are parts of the Ordinance that must remain in order to comply with State law.
Councilor Delnicki requested that the Town Attorney mark up a copy of the Ordinance to show what has to be in the Ordinance when modifications are looked at. Town Attorney Olson said she would provide to the Council a copy of the Statute that talks about local municipal civil emergency preparedness. Mayor Anwar felt that if a Council members would like to see a certain change in the Ordinance, they should send an email to him and he would pass it by the Town Manager and Town Attorney. After the changes are complete, a copy will be sent to the Council members.
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that when a storm hits and it becomes necessary, the State will open up their EOC and then the Town would get a message through something like Everbridge. In the October storm the Town opened up our EOC and then all of the Towns and the State are connected through Everbridge.
Answering further questions, Town Attorney Olson said she did not take the state law any further to see if it was part of the federal law.
Mayor Anwar explained that changes will be made to this Ordinance and will be sent to the Town Council for review.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Establishing a South Windsor Agriculture, Arts, and Nature Center Committee for the Priest Property
WHEREAS, the Priest Farm is an important part of our Towns historical agricultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Priest Farm is property owned by the Town and dedicated towards use and preservation of agricultural background; and
WHEREAS, a number of volunteers in our Town feel the need to collectively help recognize the agricultural background and strengthen the agricultural arts and build on the natural beauty in our community; and
WHEREAS, an initial meeting was held between the various Town departments, committees and task forces to evaluate the need for a long-term strategy and vision and implementation of that vision on the Priest Farm property; and
WHERAS, everyone present in this meeting strongly felt the need for the creation of a permanent committee for the South Windsor Agricultural, Arts and Nature Center on the Priest Farm property
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby creates a bipartisan committee for planning of the South Windsor Agricultural, Arts and Nature Center on the Priest Farm property, to include at least one representative from the following groups: South Windsor Food Alliance, Open Space Task Force, South Windsor Rotary Club, Planning & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission, South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission, South Windsor Land Trust, Park & Recreation Commission, Historic District Commission and four Town Council members (two from each political party); and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
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14. C. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the purpose of the Committee would be to help create a project celebrating the farm heritage of South Windsor, focused on agricultural heritage and sharing the aesthetic charm of agriculture with the presence of farmland and active farming activities along with heritage farming, agricultural, and artwork, including farm animals for beauty. The facilities are to become a source of education and the creation of a beautiful open space close to the Town center.
Was made by Councilor Yagaloff
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
Mr. Andy Paterna explained that this property is in a great location. The property has 75 acres with tremendous history. There are enough people in Town that are interested in working on this project and would like to see the property used for such things as a community garden, demonstration farm, farm museum, or a South Windsor Tobacco museum. There is so much potential for this property and so much opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate the farming heritage of South Windsor. The property needs to be evaluated and then the committee will go from there.
Mayor Anwar stated that there was an initial conversation on this topic with various groups and at that time it was pretty much unanimous that people felt it was important to have a committee that will look at opportunities for this property for the long term.
Councilor Snyder said she would support the establishment of this Commission and felt that there is probably no community group that will not be positively affected by this. Councilor Snyder then requested that she be allowed to be one of the representatives on this Committee.
Deputy Mayor Havens explained that he was on the Council when the property was purchased by the Town. There is an opportunity to discover the hidden gem and he would support this resolution.
Councilor Delnicki stated he would support this resolution and felt this would be a preservation of South Windsor’s heritage.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar requested that Councilor Delnicki serve on this Committee.
Councilor Wagner suggested that this Committee be made a temporary Committee for four years rather then a permanent Committee. Councilor Wagner also questioned if four Council members would be necessary and it the Town Council would consider two. Another issue is where it says, “two from each political party”. It would be more appropriate if that read, “no more then two members of any political party”.
Councilor Pendleton stated she is in favor of the establishment of this Committee and would request that she be a part of it.
Councilor Yagaloff agreed with the change suggested by Councilor Wagner regarding two members from any political party. There seems to be a lot of interest from Council members so four Council members may be appropriate. As far as a permanent Committee versus a temporary Committee, as long as there is not a time limit on the Committee, the Council can eliminate the Committee by way of a vote.
Councilor Wagner made an amendment to the resolution to change the wording at the end of the first paragraph to read “no more then two members from any political party”. Councilor Yagaloff accepted this as a friendly amendment.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
D. Resolution Designating the Public Building Commission as the Building Committee for State Project Number TMP-132-ZWF, Orchard Hill Elementary School
WHEREAS, the referendum authorizing construction of a new Orchard Hill Elementary School was passed on March 25, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the deadline for the grant application for the state reimbursement is June 30, 2014
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby designates the Public Building Commission as the Building Committee for State Project Number TMP-132-ZWJF, Orchard Hill Elementary School; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes said Public Building Commission to proceed with preparation of the necessary schematic drawings and outline specifications for the project; and authorizes South Windsor’s Superintendent of Schools to file application for a School Construction Project Grant.
Was made by Councilor Delnicki
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
Councilor Yagaloff explained that the Town Council has already voted to have the Public Building Committee for this project. Tonight there is a specific State Project Number and the authorization to do the work for the school construction project grant. The Public Building Committee is a high functioning committee and has already gotten their timelines and their project outline for this work. They know their deadlines and have scheduled visits to other elementary schools.
Answering questions from Deputy Mayor Havens, Mr. Galligan explained that the Commission has funds under the Capital Account of $104,000 for a previous project for elementary schools.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on this motion; it was approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Establishing an Energy Committee
WHEREAS, it is the best interest of the Town of South Windsor and its citizens to actively pursue feasible means of lowering energy consumption and costs; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Town to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in the functioning of all Town facilities; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
WHEREAS, it is found that the most expeditious and appropriate means of gathering the information necessary to inform the Town and its citizens about energy conservation and clean and renewable energy options is through a committee charged with that duty; and
WHEREAS, it is determined that it is in the best interests of the Town that the Energy Committee be formed pursuant to the following:
- The Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be appointed by the Town Council. The members of the Committee shall include at least one member of the Town Council, the Director of Public Works, the Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent of Schools designee, and four (4) additional members of the public representing diverse interests as property and/or business owners, at least one of which also shall be experienced in the fields of energy management, clean energy, renewable energy, public outreach, architecture, building construction, or building trades; and
- The Energy Committee shall select a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary at its first meeting following the start of the calendar year; and
- The Energy Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Investigate appropriate and cost-effective opportunities for implementing energy efficiency measures in all aspects of South Windsor’s public buildings, including operational changes and changes in maintenance or capital improvements. These recommendations shall be forwarded to the Town Council or appropriate municipal agency or official as designated by the Town Council.
- Research and facilitate the use of clean, renewable energy within the Town of South Windsor.
- Educate South Windsor residents about clean energy options, energy efficiency, and energy conservation.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
- Identify appropriate Federal and State incentive and grant programs that provide opportunities for clean, renewable energy, energy efficiency, or energy conservation.
- Take advantage of unique opportunities and resources within South Windsor for providing clean, renewable energy to help fulfill local energy needs.
- The Energy Committee shall serve in any advisory capacity only and its recommendations shall not bind the Town to take any specific action or require that it appropriate any funds.
- All meetings and records of the Committee shall be in compliance with applicable state statutes. A status report shall be provided by the Committee to the Town Council no later than December 30th of each year or as may be directed by the Town Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor hereby establishes the foregoing Energy Committee to provide advice to the Town Council regarding ways to promote clean power options, encourage the development of renewable energy in South Windsor, and make recommendations for energy conservation, all in accordance with the duties and responsibilities set forth herein.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Mayor Anwar
Councilor Wagner stated he is in support of the establishment of this Committee but would recommend in the first paragraph where it says “energy consumption and costs”, for it to read “energy consumption, costs and environmental impact”. Also in paragraph 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e it talks about “clean renewable energy”, it should read “clean energy and renewable energy”. Councilor Pendleton and Mayor Anwar both agreed to a friendly amendment.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Councilor Yagaloff pointing out an inconsistency in membership. The paragraph regarding membership should say at least seven members or only one member of the council. Councilor Pendleton and Mayor Anwar agreed to a friendly amendment to read “the Committee should consist of at least seven members”.
Mayor Anwar explained that it is easy for the mayor to try to appoint some individuals to a Committee but he explained he is hoping that there will be a mechanism created to have a broader buy in from the rest of the Council.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town is not involved with Clean Cities. Councilor Snyder explained that Clean Cities is out of Southern Connecticut and are a public agency with great ideas about saving energy.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution, it passed on a roll call vote of 8 to 1 with Councilor Prague voting in opposition of this resolution.
F. Discussion Item: Solarizing South Windsor discussion with C L & P
Ms. Diana McCarthy-Bercury from CL & P and Mr. Michael Canney who is an intern with CL & P came before the Town Council to ask the Town to commit to the Clean Energy Communities Program. Ms. McCarthy-Bercury went through the program and how the Town would go about committing to the Program, as shown in attached Exhibit B.
Mr. Galligan told the Council that a resolution will be brought forward at the next meeting regarding C-Pace which is a program where commercial properties put solar on their roof. If a resolution is passed, the Town will get 10% of the municipal purchase.
Answering questions from the council, Ms. McCarthy-Bercury explained that projects that have been done by individuals or contractors would be counted as part of the program, Energize Connecticut, as long as that person is receiving a rebate or getting reimbursed for a portion of the project. If anyone is interested in participating in the Solarize Connecticut program, they should contact Michael Canney at (860) 665-3392 or by email, michael.canney@nu.com.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
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14. F. (Continued)
Councilor Delnicki stated that the Town of south Windsor presently buys our electricity through the CCM purchase and has saved a huge amount of money over the years. A substantial component of this is hydroelectric power. Councilor Delnicki questioned if the hydroelectric power that the town buys through CCM would qualify as a 20% purchase? Ms. McCarthy-Bercury explained that unless the Town is retaining the renewable energy credits for it, no. Ms. McCarthy Bercury then explained that when general energy is produced it has an impact on the environment where an emission is released. When energy is generated through solar panels, hydro-turbines, or wooden turbines, you don’t have an emission so then the Town would get a renewable energy credit. This program is an attempt for Towns to
say 20% of the Town’s energy is being covered by renewable energy and will not have a negative impact on the environment. Ms. McCarthy-Bercury reviewed how the town would be awarded points.
Mr. Galligan stated that this plan is a way to keep motivation going throughout Town and find the best ways to reduce as much energy use as possible in order to avoid brown outs during the summer. The town will continue to participate in the CCM power purchase consortium.
Ms. McCarthy-Bercury said she would check with Connecticut Green Bank to see if the 20% purchase of hydropower form TransCanada will qualify for the Solarize Connecticut program.
Councilor Wagner stated that the program is good but the Committee will have to put a lot of thought into what the real environmental impacts are when decisions are made.
G. Discussion Item: Capital Projects
Mayor Anwar felt that the Council should discuss Capital Projects and the discussion regarding the Infrastructure Bond together. As the Town generates more taxes, the Town Council needs to find a strategy of having a certain percentage of those taxes used for the Capital Projects fund. Also within the Capital Projects there is a need to maintain infrastructure. The Town Council should have a discussion on going to referendum for a $10
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. G. (Continued)
million dollar infrastructure bond. Another discussion that needs to be held is how the Capital Projects can be funded each year in the budget.
Mr. Galligan stated that there are a lot of items that need to be accomplished throughout Town. The last infrastructure bond program was very successful.
Mr. Gantick explained that investing funds into infrastructure will reduce future costs and impacts. Answering a question from Councilor Pendleton, Mr. Gantick stated that the State would look for the Town to fix any manholes on State roads because it is a Town utility. It costs approximately $500.00 per manhole.
Mr. Galligan explained that there are only three ways to fund Capital Projects which are to bond, appropriate funds out of the general fund or grants. Mr. Galligan then explained to the Council that he is reviewing ways of budgeting Capital Projects through the creation of an Ordinance.
Council members discussed at length the ability of taking out a bond in an amount between $10,000,000 to $15,000,000. Mr. Galligan stated that it is important for a schedule to be developed and a decision on the appropriate years to do projects.
I. Discussion Item: Little League Complex
Mr. Galligan stated that he would be willing t file an application to change the use of lights at the Little League field back to the original times set forth in a previous application where the cut off for lights was at 9:30 p.m. and the lights started to dim at 9:15 p.m. if there is a consensus of the Council.
Councilor Wagner felt that this would probably lead to a public hearing where e3veryone could be heard. Ultimately this is a Planning & Zoning Commission decision.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Councilor Yagaloff stated that he agreed with Deputy Mayor Havens that discussions regarding this issue should be brought up to the Little League and neighbors and perhaps this could be resolved before a final application is complete.
Councilor Delnicki suggested that in the future items such as this be brought to public hearing to avoid these types of problems.
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan explained that the drug use card that the Town has from CCM has saved taxpayers $22,000 to date.
17. Public Input
None
18. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Anwar questioned Council members if they would like to reorder 400 Town coins in the amount of $2,320.00? These coins are given to community members and guests. Town Council members gave a unanimous consensus for the Town coins to be reordered.
19. Executive Session
At 10:45 p.m. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation and discussion of the lease, sale or purchase of real estate. These items have multiple components. Councilor Wagner seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
19. Executive Session (Continued)
Individuals invited into Executive Session: Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilors Delnicki, Mirek, Pendleton, Prague, Snyder, Wagner, Yagaloff, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan, Town Attorney Kari Olson and Shari Fiveash.
At 11:40 p.m. Councilor Prague 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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