PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
March 3, 2014
8:00 p.m.
South Windsor Town Council
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on a Proposed Ordinance
Referring all Recreational Related Proposals to the
Park & Recreation Commission
Mayor Anwar called the Public Hearing to order at 8:00 p.m.; and requested that the Clerk of the Council read the call of the meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto). There were approximately twenty-five (25) people present in the audience.
Mayor Anwar asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
Mr. Kevin McCann from 170 Lisa Drive came before the Council. Mr. McCann felt that this is not the proper subject of an Ordinance. The Council should not pass an ordinance to restrict themselves, a policy should be established rather than an ordinance. The combination of adding Mr. Grigorian to the Park & Recreation Commission with passing an ordinance like this, demonstrates to the community that the people who are behind both that appointment and this ordinance are not proponents of recreational development in this Town. Mr. McCann urged the Council to reject this ordinance tonight.
Mr. Alan Larson, 46 Jacques Lane and Chairperson of the Park & Recreation Commission stated that in the past the Commission has been bypassed and not given a chance to make recommendations before projects were considered and/or moved forward by the Council. This ordinance gives the Park & Recreation Commission the ability to review a new project first, study and do the research for the Council including comparing it to the Park & Recreation Master Plan, and make recommendation to the Council how to move forward. This is an enhancement to the existing process. Mr. Larson urged the Council to approve the ordinance.
Mr. Mike Sullivan, 24 Jared Court stated he supports the proposed ordinance and the concept behind it. Mr. Larson just explained from his position a logical reason why it should be approved. Mr. Sullivan said he feels this will avoid this Town Council and future Town Council’s of having an appearance of a political stance regarding a project.
Mr. Matt Riley, 12 Heatherwood Drive felt that if the Town Council passes this ordinance, the Council should make sure that people appointed to Commissions do not have a conflict of interest. An important question for the Town Attorney is if there is in any way the appearance of a potential conflict of interest, should that individual be appointed to that Commission?
Proposed Ordinance Referring all Recreational Related Proposals to the
Park & Recreation Commission
March 3, 2014
Page 2
Mayor Anwar then asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those supporting the proposed Ordinance Referring all Recreational Related Proposals to the Park & Recreation Commission: 9
Those in opposition of the proposed Ordinance Referring all Recreational Related Proposals to the Park & Recreation Commission: 9
The public hearing was closed at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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