TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Regular Minutes Page 1 June 16, 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
5. Public Input
Ms. Lorraine Gaffney, 300 Benedict Drive came before the Town Council to address the Avery Heights neighborhood. The roads in the Avery Heights neighborhood are deteriorating. The roads need to be totally ripped out and catch basins that have not been replaced yet need replacing. The longer these improvements are not done, the more it will cost. Ms. Gaffney requested that the Town give a commitment to the neighborhood that something will be done.
Mr. Matthew Davis, 12 Manor Lane came before the Council to address concerns regarding the Avery Heights neighborhood, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Mr. Robert West, 129 Benedict Drive stated he loves the Town as well as the neighborhood. Where the road was sealed there is grass growing through the pavement. There is standing water after every storm and with the snow melt. The neighborhood would like to know when something will be done to improve these conditions.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Robert Hornish, 79 Benedict Drive explained he was on the Council many years ago and there were never petitions to have the Council do their job. The neighborhood is looking for the Town to fix the roads the way they should be.
Mr. David Hodge, 83 Murielle Drive came before the Council to discuss the turf field project that is proposed to be discussed tonight. Mr. Hodge stated he was pleased to see this item on the agenda. A turf field is needed for safety of the players. This field could be used for practice so the other fields could be used for game play.
Ms. Pam Beaudry, 26 Mountain View Road stated that she is opposed to having a turf field at the high school. The roads in the Avery Heights neighborhood are much more important then a turf field. There are three concerns with having a turf field at the high school; 1) the money and the non-renewable resource; 2) the noise from the loud speakers and the people at the field; and 3) the toxic run off.
Ms. Willa Berghus, 18 Mountain View Road came forward to speak in opposition to artificial turf fields. The quality of life will change greatly if turf fields are put in at the high school. This field is a want and not a need and Ms. Berghus requested that this be thought of very carefully because of the long term affect it could have on this community. Ms. Berghus then urged the Council to consider how the extended use will affect the quality of life on the neighborhood.
Mr. Erik Hill, 36 Mountain View Road stated that he is very frustrated that this topic is before the Council again. He and his neighbors are opposed to a turf field being installed at the South Windsor High School. When the current field was put in, it was promised by the Board of Education that all sorts of things would be put into place to minimize its impacts on the neighborhood. A turf field will create more usage and noise to the area. There is a proposal of a turf field across the street and there is no need to propose a turf field at the high school.
Mr. Vincent Bacho, 18 Rockwell Court came to speak in favor of a turf field at the high school. He felt that there would always be noise regardless if this turf field is implemented. The turf field would boost moral in the schools which in turn would increase the ticket sales and concession sales. A turf field would also increase play time for athletes which would help the teams playing ability.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Mr. Frank Macchi, 250 LeFoll Boulevard came forward to request that the Town Council not put forth an application to overturn a decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission. The Planning & Zoning Commission approved an application previously to extend the lighting of the Little League field until 10:00 p.m. These
improvements were requested for the safety of the children who play sports on this field. The South Windsor Little League is a good neighbor and is requesting that nothing be changed to the previous approval. Mr. Macchi then pointed out that the softball field should be turned around for safety concerns. There are people sitting along Ayers Road and it is a very dangerous situation.
Mr. Luke Ouellette, 54 Pond Lane stated that he has lived in South Windsor for 52 years and has paid approximately $200,000 in taxes. He had come to the Town three years ago and showed a small pot hole on the corner of Spruce Street and Benedict Drive that needed repairing. Nothing has ever gotten done and now the pot hole is much larger. Any questions/concerns seem to be disregarded.
Ms. Cindy Beaulieu, 19 Cody Circle came forward and explained that the last Council tried to have the softball field reconfigured. That is a safety threat in Town with spectators sitting along a heavily used street. Money should be put into the budget and that should be fixed. The Town has bonded road money to repair roads and those funds should be reprioritized to take care of the Avery Heights neighborhood. The previous Council had a subcommittee that spent 18 months to figure out what the Town needed for athletic fields. A plan was established and approved for additional fields. Putting turf on an existing field does not create new fields which are needed in Town.
Mr. Derek Von Nieda, 144 Gilbert Lane stated that he is in support of a turf field at the high school. There are a lot of injuries on fields and a turf field will help to subside injuries such as concussions.
Mr. Roy Normen, 158 Homestead Drive came forward to speak regarding the artificial turf field at the high school. The Board of Education budget was cut and now there is talk about leasing for a turf field. The Town Council needs to prioritize projects and should be working towards receiving the STEAP funds for the proposal of a turf field across the street from the high school. The second priority would be to acquire funds for an EOC.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Ms. Christine Lagasse, 315 Benedict Drive stated that she has a lake at the end of her driveway in the Avery Heights neighborhood. In the winter it is an ice rink and is very dangerous.
Ms. Kristin Heckt, 3 French Lane came forward and stated she is dismayed as a taxpayer that the roads in South Windsor are that bad. Ms. Heckt explained that her family moved here in 2000 on the promise of excellent schools, a solid recreation department and a Town that was committed to “One Town, One Future”. There was a plan back then for recreation and fields. It is 2014 and we are still having the same conversations and getting no where. The Town should go back to the plan that was approved last year. The high school field is pathetic and is unsafe. The softball field has needed to be fixed for the last 20 years and should be done. Keeping children engaged in recreational activities is a very solid function after school. It keeps them engaged in their community, safe,
healthy and it keeps them out of trouble. Ms. Heckt requested that the Town Council refocus their efforts to get the STEAP grant to do what needs to be done to get the fields done. There are recyclable turf fields.
Ms. Hannah Phillips, 416 Farmington Avenue and a teacher at South Windsor High School came forward to speak in favor of a turf field at the high school. Spending money on a turf field is spending money on the kids of South Windsor. There are countless skills that are taught on the field.
Ms. Mary Etter, Director of the South Windsor Public Library came forward to remind the public about the Citizenship classes that are being offered at the South Windsor Library every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The classes are free and people can continue to join. There is no need to have gone to the earlier information session to join these classes. The classes will not stop until students are ready to take the test.
Mr. David Joy, 100 Bramblebrae and Chairperson of the Board of Education stated that there is a resolution to authorize the Town manager to work with the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools for the creation of an artificial turf field at the high school. The resolution suggests that the Board of Education has taken a position on this idea and I wanted to clarify to the Town Council and the public that the Board has not deliberated on the matter and thus has no formal position for such an idea. An artificial turf field at the high school has not been a
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
priority for the Board of Education this year. That is not to say the idea does not have merit and is not important to the high school. The Board of Education has been working on priorities that have been driven by a three year strategic plan. The Board of Education has focused largely on the work to develop, obtain support and now to execute on a long range plan to address our aging elementary facilities and we are grateful for the communities support on Phase I of that plan. The Board of Education has also been focused on the financial status of the district. If a thoughtful plan to address the districts outdoor athletic space needs can be created and a feasible funding source can be identified to support that plan then a plan could be placed on the Board’s agenda for deliberation.
Tonight the resolution is a well intentioned idea that in its present form doesn’t need a resolution. Mr. Galligan is empowered to talk to Dr. Carter and they could discuss the development of such a plan that could be deliberated by both the Town Council and Board of Education.
Ms. Mary Hockenberry, 16 Foxglove Lane came before the Town Council. Ms. Hockenberry stated that she feels the girl’s softball field should be reconfigured to create a safer situation. Having safe fields and more fields will help students to be stronger citizens. Coaches don’t just teach kids how to play softball; they teach them how to look into their future to see what they need to do. Ms. Hockenberry requested that recyclable fields be used if a turf field is approved.
Mr. Matt Riley, 12 Heatherwood Drive came forward to talk about the resolution that allows the Town Manager to speak with the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools about the installation of a synthetic fields at the high school. There are 20 high schools in our educational peer group and at least 18 provide a synthetic field surface for their high school athletes to play on. There were two Committee’s that were established in a resolution from October 2013. One Committee was suppose to explore the de elopement of a Miracle Field and the other was suppose to explore the possibility of installing turf at the high school. Mr. Riley questioned the status of these two Committee’s. Mr. riley then questioned the financial sense of turfing over a perfectly good grass field as opposed to
creating a new turf field across the street from the high school. The development of the 11 acres will benefit the community and the high school.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
Ms. Angela Ricotto came forward and voiced support on a turf field being developed at the high school. Sports help change individuals outlook on personal relationships and how they feel about themselves. Ms. Ricotto stated she would hate to see kids miss an opportunity to be involved in sports and benefit from a turf field. A turf field can really benefit the future of South Windsor. People should not overlook the importance of athletics and how it can change and help a person.
Ms. Jill Kaczmarek, 135 Talcott Ridge Road came forward and stated that having a turf field is very important and would create a safer environment for athletes because the field would not freeze and there would not be holes in the field. Play on a turf field is completely different and would allow South Windsor to be more competitive.
Mr. Richard Grigorian, 369 Main Street stated he is an advocate of having a turf field at the high school. The reason why so many of the high schools have turf field is that STEAP grants are given for the creation of turf fields at schools. The State will not issue a STEAP grant for farm land or recreational areas. Mr. Grigorian said he agrees that South Windsor athletes are at a disadvantage when playing other schools that have synthetic fields.
Councilor Yagaloff made a motion to Suspend the Rules and take Item 14. D. out of order. Councilor Wagner seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
14. New Business
D. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Work with the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools for the Creation of a Turf Field at South Windsor High School
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor feels that there is an opportunity for the creation of a turf field at South Windsor High School while the track is being improved; and
WHEREAS, funding for the creation of a turf field will come from a Design/Build/Lease/Purchase program, such program shall not include lights
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to work with the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools for the planning, design and funding of a turf field at South Windsor High School, subject to appropriations.
Was made by Councilor Yagaloff
Seconded by Mayor Anwar
Mayor Anwar stated that he put this item on the agenda and the reason for putting this resolution on the agenda was because the track is proposed to be improved so it was felt that a turf field should be considered at the same time. The Town applied for a STEAP grant for the creation of a turf field and the Town has been verbally informed that there is no STEAP grant that will come toward the field project that was approved by the previous Council. The Town wants to plan the ability for the creation of a turf field. In other communities, turf fields are being built at schools. Lights are not proposed for this plan so the fields would be used the same amount of hours as they are at this time.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the property across the street was bought for approximately $3 million dollars and included Nevers Road Park as well as the 11 acres. The plan was to expand Nevers Road Park for active and passive recreational use.
Councilor Mirek stated that the STEAP grant should not be denied because it is farm land because the Town did not purchase the property for that use. Mr. Galligan explained that the application that was submitted for a project, it is asked in the application if any farmland is being taken away. They use a point system to evaluate who will receive the STEAP grant. The problem that this project has is that the DEEP is giving money out for the preservation of farmland and it may be a public policy issue that one agency is giving money out for the preservation of farmland when another is giving out money to take away farmland. Councilor Mirek clarified that the Town did not spend $3 million dollars for farm land; it was bought for active and passive recreation. Mr. Galligan then explained that
there have been no decisions
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
made on the STEAP grants yet and most of the decisions will come out at the end of the year. The applications for the STEAP grants are under review and the Town will hear about the outcome at a later date. Mr. Galligan gave the Council a history of the Town discussing turf fields. The decision to hold off on doing anything with the track would be up to the Board of Education.
Councilor Yagaloff stated that it is his understanding that the track at the high school is being ripped up this summer and feels that if the turf field is going to be done, it should be done at the same time as the track. Councilor Yagaloff said he would be supporting this resolution and the Board of Education should make their own decision about their needs and the financing.
Councilor Snyder felt that there should have been a turf field at the high school many years ago once the controversy was established that the turf was not harmful to children it should have been put in at that time. There have been no decisions regarding the STEAP grants yet, but tonight the Council has been told that it does not look like the STEAP grant is going to be approved for the fields. This project should be discussed through the Board of Education at this time.
Mr. Galligan explained that he wanted resolution that would give him direction because he is being asked to spend money that has not bee appropriated. The only way money is spent is if the Council puts in the budget or approves a project. Mr. Galligan informed the Council that this project is not in lieu of a STEAP grant and also informed the council that there will be $115,000 in Contingency beginning July 1st.
Councilor Snyder stated that there are so many things that need to get done and she does not understand why this project is being rushed. There is more information necessary to make a decision.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar explained that this resolution would request that the Town Manager begin discussions with the Superintendent of Schools so the Board of Education can have a discussion and make a decision if this is the way they would like to move forward. Mr. Galligan stated that this resolution would let the Board of Education know that the Town Council is on board to discuss this project. The idea for this project is not to extend play, but to make a safe playing surface. The Board of Education will need to review this project to determine if this will meet their needs. There are no lights proposed for this project nor are there any conduits proposed for this project.
Councilor Delnicki questioned if the Board does not act on this project and they don’t identify funding, this issue would go away. Mr. Galligan agreed with Councilor Delnicki’s statement. The approval of this resolution by the Town Council will show the Board of Education that the Town Council is willing to move forward, but it is up to the Board of Education to decide what they would like to do. Mr. Galligan also stated that this resolution will give him clear direction of what the Council would like him to do. Councilor Delnicki felt that if there is going to be an appropriation over $25,000 there should be a public hearing. The Council should not push payments until the next budget year. Mr. Galligan said he would get a legal opinion from the Town Attorney regarding this issue.
Councilor Wagner question what the time line for this project would be if the Board of Education wants to move forward with this project? Mr. Galligan stated that actual construction time would be approximately 65 days. The bidding process would take two to three weeks. This project could go into October or November before it is complete.
Councilor Wagner then questioned if the Town side of the budget is participating in this, would there be any benefits to the Recreation Program? Mr. Galligan said that would be something discussed with the Board of Education. Presently the Town uses the Board of Education’s gyms and fields.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Councilor Prague stated he would not be voting in favor of this because this project is being too rushed. Councilor Prague said he would support this if the Town gets a STEAP grant and there is funding available for this project. The Town needs to stop spending money when the Town doesn’t have it. There is a conduit under the track at this time.
Deputy Mayor Havens said he would support this resolution which is strictly an entry resolution. This project is going to go to the Board of Education and they will support it or they will not support it. If the Board of Education does not support this project, Deputy Mayor Havens stated he would not disagree with them. The Board of Education knows the wants and needs of the fields.
Councilor Mirek stated she would support this resolution because discussions regarding this issue need to be held. The Town Council will still need to know the status of the STEAP grant when a decision is made.
Councilor Pendleton felt that the discussions have been held too long and never stayed on subject and said she would support this resolution. Councilor Pendleton made a motion to move the question. Councilor Wagner seconded the motion; it failed on a roll call vote of 5 to 4 with Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Pendleton and Councilor Prague voting in favor of moving the question; and Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Snyder, Councilor Wagner and Councilor Yagaloff voting in opposition to moving the question.
Councilor Delnicki stated that his focus is on where the money is going to come from as well as the Board of Education having to make a decision on this item. The Board of Education has the final say and discussions should be held regardless of the decisions made. Councilor Delnicki said he would be voting in favor of this resolution because discussions with the Board of Education need to begin regarding this issue.
Councilor Yagaloff stated that if the tearing up of the track can be stopped he would be in favor of slowing the process down. Councilor Yagaloff then requested that Craig Zimmerman be given an opportunity to speak regarding this issue.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, 5A Amato Drive came forward to speak to the Town Council. Mr. Zimmerman stated he feels the majority of the Board of Education would be in favor of this field but the project needs to be discussed because of the financial aspect. The advantage of turf is the availability of the field when the weather is conducive to playing sports.
Councilor Snyder said that she would support this which only allows the Town Manager to discuss this project with the Superintendent at this time. Councilor Snyder expressed concern that people would think this project is in lieu of the proposed fields project that is waiting for a decision regarding STEAP grant funds.
Councilor Prague question if this item would be on the Board of Education’s next agenda? Mr. Joy explained that he spoke with Dr. Carter today and she would be interested in bringing information to the Board and having discussions regarding this item, but there are no funds in the budget for next year.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
Councilor Yagaloff made a motion to Suspend the Rules to bring Item 14. F. forward. Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
F. Discussion Item: Road Projects/Infrastructure Bond
Mayor Anwar explained that the Town Council has discussed taking out a bond for infrastructure and road maintenance as has been done in the past. A referendum would be held in November but the Council at this time will need to decide on the appropriate amount to bond.
Mr. Gantick reviewed the Pavement Management Update, as shown in attached Exhibit B as well a the Pavement Condition Index Map, ash shown in attached Exhibit C. to replace 140 miles of road the cost would be a little over $2 million dollars a mile. It would cost approximately $5.5 million dollars to do a total reconstruction of the Avery Heights neighborhood.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. F. (Continued)
Councilor Yagaloff felt that it is important to get the bonding referendum passed because there is not enough money to do maintenance. Within these funds, councilor Yagaloff stated he would like to be fair to everyone in Town because taxpayers dollars are being used.
Mayor Anwar felt that the Pavement Condition Index Map should be placed on the Town’s website. If the Town Council approves moving forward with a referendum, the community will need to know how the funds will be used.
Councilor Prague stated he is comfortable bonding between $12 million dollars to $15 million dollars. Councilor Prague felt that the Avery Heights neighborhood should be done and questioned how long it would take to do the entire Avery Heights? Mr. Gantick explained that once a survey and engineering are complete, it would be like a three year project.
Councilor Wagner said e would be in favor of going for a bond to get some of the infrastructure taken care of. Councilor Wagner also felt that the Pavement Condition Index Map is very useful.
Councilor Delnicki felt that Avery Heights should be a priority if the referendum passes.
Mr. Gantick explained that the Town should do about 14 miles of road per year. The Town has done a lot of crack sealing, but all that does is stops the road from cracking to some degree. Good pavement will last 20 years and then get very brittle.
Mayor Anwar felt the process should be that the Council make a decision if a referendum should be held in November; then make a decision on the amount to bond; and review a priority list. Mayor Anwar stated it would be best not to vote on a referendum until the community is educated on this item because after the vote, if approved, the Council and no longer discuss this item.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. F. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Gantick explained that there are 260 houses in the Avery Heights neighborhood. In order to stabilize the conditions of the roads, the Town should be spending $3.5 million dollars per year into the unforeseeable future. Councilor Wagner stated that when setting priorities, the Town should meet with utility companies to try to get an understanding where they may have priorities and can work together.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Mayor Anwar stated that the summer is here as well as the sun and mosquitoes. People should use insect repellents and sun screen to protect themselves.
7. Adoption of Minutes
None
8. Pubic Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Councilor Wagner responded to Mr. Macchi’s comments he made during Public Input regarding the timing of the lights on the Little League field. Councilor Wagner explained the way the time increased to 10:00 p.m. This issue will be going back to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Councilor Wagner encouraged anyone with comments to go to the meeting to present them.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
Councilor Wagner stated that he is still looking for individuals to be on the Energy Committee.
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
ITEM:
12. Consent Agenda
None
13. Unfinished Business
None
14. New Business
A. Resolution Appointing Hal Reed (D) to the Library Board and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Hal Reed (D) to the Library Board for a term ending November 30, 2017 to fill the unexpired term of Carol Flagg and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Councilor Yagaloff
The motion was approved, unanimously
B. Discussion Item: Proposed Cell Tower, 90 Brookfield Street
Mr. Galligan explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission was notified that there is a company planning to put a cell tower on 90 Brookfield Street. The company looking to do this is here to present this to the Council.
Mr. Keith Coppins representing North Atlantic Towers came before the Town Council. Currently on 90 Brookfield Street there is an existing 140 foot communication tower that Environmental Services uses for their two way radios. The proposal is to remove that existing one and put a new tower in the back of the property. A technical report was completed for this new tower.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. B. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Coppins explained that this tower will improve reception in the vicinity and in the technical report there is a map showing where the new coverage will be. North Atlantic Towers is an independent entity that has ownership of the tower and leases out signals to different cell carriers. The existing 140 foot tower will be removed from the property and a new tower which is 164 feet will be put up.
Mr. Galligan told the Council that this item is before the Council to make the Council aware of this proposal. There will be a public hearing through the Siting Council and all of the abutting neighbors will be notified.
C. Resolution Waiving Competitive Bidding and RFP Process for the Purchase and Upfitting of Three (3) New Police Vehicles
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Police Department intends to purchase three (3) 2015 Ford Utility Police Interceptors; and
WHEREAS, Natick Auto Sales, Inc., d/b/a MHQ Municipal Vehicles of Middletown, CT has been awarded a state contract by the Department of Administrative Services for the purchase and equipping of such vehicles; and
WHEREAS, MHQ Municipal Vehicle of Middletown has proven to provide law enforcement agencies across the state with a reliable and efficient single source of purchase, upfitting and maintenance of police vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the complexity of police vehicle equipment installation is such that it is in the best interest of the community to utilize a single vendor with expertise and experience in maintaining such vehicles; and
WHEREAS, MHQ Municipal Vehicles of Middletown, CT is the only vendor in the region that provides this comprehensive service
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby waives the competitive bidding process as described in Section 714 of the Town’s Charter and authorizes the use of a Department of Administrative Services contract for Ford Police Interceptors.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. C. (Continued)
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
Mr. Galligan explained that when the Town goes out to bid on these vehicles it will cost more to buy the car separately and then go out and buy the equipment and have it installed.
Chief Matthew Reed from the Police Department stated that the equipping of the police vehicles has become more complex through the years. All of the systems come together and it makes sense and is more efficient to have a single point for the purchase and maintenance of these vehicles.
Councilor Snyder explained to the Council and the public that although competitive bidding is being waived for the Town, the Department of Administrative Services contract was bid through the State process.
Answering questions from the Council, Chief Reed stated that the cost savings is approximately $1,100 per vehicle by using this contract as opposed to going out to bid. MHQ Municipal Vehicles of Middletown, CT have a state line and a municipal line. So they have a group that does all of the State Police outfitting and a group that does all of the municipal outfitting. If this resolution is approved the Town will probably receive the vehicles in early fall.
Mayor Anwar felt that taking the waiving of competitive bids case by case may delay the process but it keeps the public informed.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
E. Resolution Approving the Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description for Non-Bargaining Unit Members for Fiscal Years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Was made by Councilor Prague
Seconded by Mayor Anwar
Mr. Galligan explained that this is the same salary schedule except that the Town Council added a Fleet Service Manager into the budget. The Personnel Committee is working on the salary for the Director of Human Services but that position has always been in this schedule.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
G. Discussion Item: An Ordinance for Water Pollution Control Authority
Councilor Wagner explained that the Water Pollution Control Authority has actually reduced the rate for residences. They have changed the balance of where the revenue is coming from to improve the balance between residents and commercial/industrial users of the sewer system. However, one thing they would like to do would require an Ordinance and that is to provide special discounts for people who meet certain criteria related to low income. WPCA will be coming to the Council asking for the Council to approve the program that they have already endorsed. The Town Attorney is currently drafting that Ordinance. This is basically to inform the Council that this is going to happen.
Councilor Wagner also stated that it has been noted that the WPCA has terms of six years. It has been discussed that these terms are too long and should be shortened to 4 year terms or 2 year terms.
Mayor Anwar agreed that the term should be less than 6 years and felt that a 2 year term would be preferable.
Deputy Mayor Havens stated he would like to have discussions with the Water Pollution Control Authority regarding this issue.
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
ITEM:
16. Communications and Reports from the Town Manger
Mr. Galligan reported on the following:
- The Town will be advertising for an Economic Development Coordinator position.
- A new EMS plan will be established and sent to the State.
- The Planning & Zoning Commission will be having public hearings for changes they are proposing to Section 10 – Route 5 and Section 9 – South Windsor Center.
There is a Emergency Statewide Exercise this weekend. Chief Reed will be participating as well as Jay Gonzalez. There will be people monitoring the Town’s EOC. Information will be provided to the Town.
A new two story building will be constructed as a doctors office at Evergreen Walk.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a text amendment in the Buckland Gateway Zone which would allow a gas station with gas pumps if this type of use is requested.
The Town is close to coming to an agreement for the 3 acres on Sullivan Avenue for a micro brewery. Mr. Galligan then stated that it is his understanding that there may be another company coming in with a micro brewery.
Just recently was in a Strategic Planning Process and feels this is the direction the Town Council should revisit and move forward with.
DCK did not come in because they are trying to make an agreement. They would like to wait for that agreement to be complete before they meet with the Town. There was talk about changing the site plan.
17. Public Input
None
18. Communications and Petitions from Council
None
ITEM:
19. Executive Session
None
20. Adjournment
At 10:58 p.m. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Deputy Mayor Havens seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
| 
