TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 2, 2015
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 Andrew Paterna
Councilor Liz Pendleton
Councilor Matthew Riley
Councilor Janice Snyder
Councilor Stephen Wagner
Members Absent: Councilor Thomas Delnicki
Councilor Carolyn Mirek
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Keith Yagaloff, Town Attorney
5. Public Input
Ms. Margaret Shea, 266 Abbe Road came forward to announce the representatives from South Windsor for the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14, 2015 at 11:00 p.m. Ms. Shea introduced Ms. Daria Plummer as our Town Honoree and Mr. John Mitchell as our Town Marshal.
Ms. Ginny Hole, 185 LeFoll Boulevard came before the Town Council to announce that South Windsor Walk & Wheelways will be hosting a Moon Walk on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at Nevers Road Park. The walk will be a 1.5 mile walk through the park with the group walk beginning at 7:45 p.m.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated he has reviewed the Town audit report. The Town has underfunded the pension program for 8 of the last 10 years. The Town has an obligation in the report for $9.5 million dollars for retiree benefits not including the pension. Mr. Gonsalves questioned where the $9.5 million dollars figure is from? Also in the audit report there is a statement that says, “The Town in accordance with various bargaining collective agreements provides retiree medical benefits for the lifetime of retired members and covered dependents”, which was not supposed to be in the report.
ITEM:
5. Public Input
The following individuals came forward to speak in opposition of giving the Scannell project a tax abatement:
Ms. Kathy Kerrigan, 1838 Main Street
Ms. Daryl Ramsey, 1688 Main Street
Mr. David Raymond, Main Street
Ms. Jessica Glass, Main Street
The following individuals came forward to speak in favor of giving the Scannell project a tax abatement:
Mr. Stan Nadolny, 153 Clark Street
Mr. David Patria, 565 Nevers Road
Mr. John Schweir, 59 Sullivan Avenue
Ms. Barbara Schweir, 59 Sullivan Avenue and 89 Sullivan Avenue
Ms. Allison Donnely, 135 Sullivan Avenue
Mr. Bob Waldron, 196 Newberry Road
Mr. Billy Mitchell, 2 Christine Lane
Mr. Peter DeMallie, 35 Peterson Way and President of Design Professionals, Inc.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Fire Marshal Walter Summers and Fire Chief Kevin Cooney came forward to remind residents to change the batteries in their smoke alarms this coming up weekend when clocks are moved forward. They also thanked residents who are shoveling out fire hydrants near their homes.
7. Adoption of Minute of Previous Meetings
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings: Regular Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2015.
Was made by Councilor Paterna
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
The motion was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Councilor Wagner informed residents that due to the inclement weather the Solarize South Windsor program deadline had been extended until March 31, 2015. There will be a Solarize Workshop scheduled on Monday, 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
10. Reports from Standing Committees
None
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
None
12. Consent Agenda
Councilor Wagner and Councilor Snyder made a motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A.* through 13. D.* and Items 14. A.* through 14. B.* as the Consent Agenda. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion.
Town Attorney Yagaloff suggested taking Item 13. A. off of the Consent Agenda because there will be a discussion item regarding the terms for the Board of Assessment Appeals later in the meeting. Item 13. A. was eliminated from the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the remaining items on the Consent Agenda; they were approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
13. Unfinished Business
* B. Resolution Appointing Matthew Montana (D) to the Public Building Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Matthew Montana (D) to the Public Building Commission for a term ending November 30, 2015 to fill the unexpired term of Tim Wentzell.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* C. Resolution Appointing Courtney King (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Courtney King (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 30, 2017 to fill the unexpired term of Cody Guarnieri.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* D. Resolution Reappointing Wayne McKinney (D) to the Demolition Delay Committee
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Wayne McKinney (D) to the Demolition Delay Committee for a term ending December 31, 2016.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
14. New Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing Peter DeMallie (U) to the Central Regional Tourism District 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 reappoints Peter DeMallie (U) to the Central Regional Tourism District for a term ending September 1, 2015 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
* B. Resolution Reappointing Lavina Wilson (R) to the Demolition Delay Committee 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 reappoints Lavina Wilson (R) to the Demolition Delay Committee for a term ending December 31, 2016 and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
C. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Peter Jennings (R) from the Demolition Delay Committee
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of Peter Jennings (R) from the Demolition Delay Committee, said resignation effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Peter Jennings for the time he had dedicated to serving his community by his membership on the Demolition Delay Committee.
Was made by Councilor Riley
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
D. Presentation on Complete Streets
Ms. Emily Hultquist from CRCOG came before the Town Council to make a presentation on Complete Streets, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Answering questions from the Council, Ms. Hultquist explained that there are grants available through DECD and OPM for Complete Streets. A percentage of project funds need to be used towards Complete Streets.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Councilor Wagner stated that a lot of the Town’s infrastructure is already done so when the State comes through to repave a road it is hard to ask for a wider road that would accommodate a bike lane, but the Town has been able to get at least a wider shoulder. There are challenges with implementing Complete Streets in some cases. Ms. Hultquist stated that the Town will have to review what can be done with the funding that is available.
Ms. Hole, Co-Chairperson for the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways came forward to inform the Council and public that Route 194 and Route 130 are both going to be resurfaced. The South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways has put together a list of items that they would like to see done in order to implement some of the Complete Streets concepts. This list will be sent to the Town Engineer who can present the list to the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Robert O’Connor, Co-Chairperson for the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways explained that the South Windsor Walk & Wheel Ways would like the Town to consider a Complete Streets policy so the Town will have something in place that needs to be followed.
Deputy Mayor Havens thanked Ms. Hultquist for the presentation of Complete Streets because he now understands the concept of Complete Streets.
Mayor Anwar explained that the Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee has been discussing Complete Streets for a long time and would like the Town Council’s commitment towards Compete Streets so the subcommittee can move forward with a policy for Complete Streets.
There was a unanimous consensus of the Council members to move forward with a Complete Streets policy. The Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee can move forward with a policy.
ITEM:
14. D. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar read a proclamation into the record regarding “The Mayors’ Challenge”. U. S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is challenging mayors and local elected officials to take significant action to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities over the next year.
Ms. Hole thanked Mayor Anwar and the Council for taking part in the “Mayors’ Challenge” and looks forward to the development of a Complete Streets policy. Mr. O’Connor explained that 80 Mayors in the country have already signed up for this challenge.
E. Resolution Approving Offer of a Tax Assessment Agreement with Scannell Properties #205, LLC
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor’s Tax Partnership Program, established pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-65b, is intended to encourage the development and expansion of quality businesses in Town through tax and other economic incentives, and is designed to retain and attract businesses that will generate substantial additional tax revenues and employment opportunities for the Town while providing quality goods and services; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Economic Development Commission recommends, pursuant to said program, that a tax assessment agreement be offered to Scannell Properties #205, LLC as an incentive to develop a three (3) lot industrial subdivision on Sullivan Avenue with a land cost of approximately three million nine hundred thousand ($3,900,000) dollars and the first building to cost approximately twelve million nine hundred thousand ($12,900,000) dollars (excluding land and soft costs) and contain approximately 292,000 square feet for a warehouse and distribution center with other buildings to be developed later
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council is pleased to offer a tax assessment agreement between the Town and Scannell Properties #205, LLC reducing the amount of the estimated real property assessment of the Real Property for each lot and building by 70% for a period of seven (7) years. The estimated tax benefit reduction for the first building will be approximately $224,458 annually, commencing with
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
the Grand List following the date the Certificate of Occupancy is issued for Lot 2 of the Sullivan Avenue Industrial Park (the “Facility”); provided, however, that if such assessment is changed by any future Town evaluation, the new assessed value of the Facility shall be reduced by the percentage applicable to the year within the seven (7) year period such assessment is changed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council’s offer to Scannell Properties #205, LLC is conditioned upon Scannell Properties #205, LLC (1) meeting the estimated $12,900,000 construction cost figures for the first building and agreeing to the estimated assessment figure; and (2) continuing to pay the real estate taxes on the Facility for a minimum of ten (10) years from the date the Certificate of Occupancy is issued; if Scannell Properties #205, LLC fails to meet either of these conditions, Scannell Properties #205, LLC shall refund the Town of South Windsor all of the tax benefit reductions it has received; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a tax benefit reduction of 70% for a seven (7) year period shall also be provided for each of the 2 additional lots within the Sullivan Avenue Industrial Park from the date the Certificate of Occupancy is issued for each building upon the same terms and conditions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council’s offer is contingent upon Scannell Properties #205, LLC’s execution of a written agreement reflecting the terms set forth in the Resolution and such other terms as the Town may require.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that $12,900,000 is the total cost of the project. The $3,900,000 the Town can not give any incentive on that amount. There is no tax abatement on personal property. The benefit to the Town is approximately $300,000 during the 7 year period and then the Town will pick up the rest. The abatement is for a 7 year period and the Town would like the company to
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
stay in Town for 10 years. If the company does not stay the extra 3 years, they would have to pay the tax benefit reductions it has received.
Councilor Wagner stated that he plans to support this resolution and believes that abatements encourage businesses to move to South Windsor and the Town needs to support these businesses. This land has been for sale for 20 years and now the sale of this land will generate revenue for the Town.
Deputy Mayor Havens said he agrees with Councilor Wagner but questioned why the Town has to give this company an abatement? Mr. Galligan explained that South Windsor is competing with New Jersey and Massachusetts for this business. If South Windsor does not give an incentive for this project, the project will go somewhere else. Also if there are no jobs in the community then no one will be buying homes in the community and in turn could make the education system go down. Tax abatements help to make the business climate moving along in South Windsor.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan stated that the Town is looking at permit fees in the amount of $325,000.
Councilor Paterna said he would be supporting this resolution.
Councilor Pendleton stated that she understand the Main Street residents concerns, but the Town will be looking at major tax increases if there is not revenue coming into Town. Councilor Pendleton then stated she would like to see some type of screening and would like a change in the tax abatement agreements in the future. If a company is getting an abatement for 7 years, she would like to see that the company is required to stay in Town for an additional 7 years.
Mayor Anwar read two letters into the record speaking in opposition to this tax abatement (Robert Raymond and James Kerrigan), as shown in attached Exhibit B and C. Another letter from John Mitchell was also read into the record speaking in favor of this tax abatement, as shown in attached, Exhibit D.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. E. (Continued)
Mayor Anwar explained to the public that the Planning & Zoning Commission can not deny an application if the property is identified for the purposed intended. Mayor Anwar then stated that he would be supporting this resolution but he would like to set up a time to sit down and discuss a long term strategy to preserve the historic district.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
F. Resolution Approving a Transfer of $48,998.80 from the Contingency Account to the Public Works Department Overtime Accounts
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $31,998.80 from the Contingency Account to the Streets Overtime Account (#13112100-00111) and $17,000.00 from the Contingency Account to the Fleet Overtime Account (#13113100-00111) to cover costs associated with overtime from snow removal.
Was made by Councilor Riley
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town is presently short approximately $4,000.00 in the overtime account and in that account there is also outside contractors. There has been a lot of snow fall this year.
Mayor Anwar stated that the Town Council appreciates the work that the Public Works Department does in keeping the roads safe.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
G Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Concerning the Capital Projects Budget
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 6, 2015, 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 a Proposed Ordinance Concerning the Capital Projects Budget, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
Councilor Pendleton felt that the Town Council needs to have a policy in place to make sure that the Capital Projects will be funded each year.
After a lengthy discussion, Councilor Paterna made a friendly amendment to change the public hearing to April 20, 2015. The friendly amendment was accepted by Councilor Pendleton and Councilor Wagner.
The amended resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Monday, April 20, 2015, 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 a Proposed Ordinance Concerning the Capital Projects Budget, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the amended motion; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
H. Resolution Authorizing Town Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for a $50,000 Vibrant Community Grant for the Main Street Preservation Study
WHEREAS, The Planning & Zoning Commission, guided by the Town Plan of Conservation and Development previously adopted in 2013, identified the area of Main Street as a significant area of concern for historic preservation and future development and create the Main Street Sub-Committee in 2014 to review the zoning in the area; and
WHEREAS, through the work of the Main Street Sub-Committee, a Vibrant Community Grant through the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation was identified as an opportunity to engage all stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue on the future for the Main Street area; and
WHEREAS, the Main Street Sub-Committee prepared a grant proposal and was awarded the Vibrant Community Grant of $50,000 by the State of Connecticut for a Preservation Study of Main Street through a competitive process; and
WHEREAS, the Town prepared a request for proposal for this study, interviewed three potential firms, and chose The Cecil Group to conduct this study; and
WHEREAS, the Town has negotiated a contract and scope of work for this project that is incorporated into the contract with the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and wishes to move forward with this project that will positively impact the Town of South Windsor and particularly the preservation of the unique character of Main Street
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to enter into an agreement with the Connecticut Trust for the $50,000 Vibrant Community Grant for the Main Street Preservation Planning Study.
Was made by Councilor Paterna
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. H. (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Ms. Lipe who is the Director of Planning explained that The Cecil Group is the firm that has been selected to conduct the study and they have three main charges for the Main Street area which are reviewing the zoning in the area, streetscape proposal, and identify some key properties that are not residential in nature and see if there are any economic opportunities that would be palatable on Main Street with the other kinds of growth on Main Street. The Historic District Commission will be asked to be a part of the subcommittee for this study as well as the Town Historian will be invited to the meetings. It is hopeful that an educational component will come out of this study and this will be a way to preserve Main Street.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to amend the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 “Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees of the Town of South Windsor” by eliminating the positions of Director of Human Services (Pay Grade 10), and Youth & Family Services Coordinator (Pay Grade 6); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to further amend the Plan by adding three (3) new positions to the “Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees” of the Town of South Windsor for Fiscal Years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, those of Director of Adult and Senior Services (Pay Grade 10), Director of Youth and Family Services (Pay Grade 7), and Assistant Director of Adult and Senior Services (Pay Grade 7).
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. I. (Continued)
Mr. Galligan explained that when Mr. Dennis Sheridan retired from the position of Director of Human Services the department was reorganized. These changes were made as part of the budget last year but a resolution is necessary to officially change the job classification listing.
After a lengthy discussion, Councilor Paterna made a friendly amendment to add language into the resolution explaining that these changes represented a savings in the amount of $65,000 from the 2013/2014 budget to the 2014/2015 budget with a reduction of one full time employee. Councilor Snyder and Councilor Wagner both accepted the friendly amendment.
The amended resolution to read as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to amend the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 “Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees of the Town of South Windsor” by eliminating the positions of Director of Human Services (Pay Grade 10), and Youth & Family Services Coordinator (Pay Grade 6); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to further amend the Plan by adding three (3) new positions to the “Job Classification and Fringe Benefit Description Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees” of the Town of South Windsor for Fiscal Years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, those of Director of Adult and Senior Services (Pay Grade 10), Director of Youth and Family Services (Pay Grade 7), and Assistant Director of Adult and Senior Services (Pay Grade 7); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council acknowledges that these changes represent a savings in the amount of $65,000 from the 2013/2014 budget to the 2014/2015 budget with a reduction of one full time employee.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the amended motion; it was approved, unanimously.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
J. Resolution Authorizing the South Windsor Sidewalk & Bikeway Sub-Committee to Extend the Expiration Date of the Committee
WHEREAS, a Temporary Sidewalk & Bikeway Sub-Committee was established in 2012 to make recommendations to Council on the implementation of improvements and expansion of safe pedestrian and bicycle ways throughout the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Sub-Committee is to bring to the attention of the Town Council whatever measures the Sub-Committee believes necessary to improve the Town’s policies and ordinances regarding safe pedestrian and bicycle ways; and
WHEREAS, in 2013 the Sub-Committee’s expiration date was extended for two years; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to allow this Sub-Committee to continue to make strides in improving safe pedestrian and bicycle ways throughout Town
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the South Windsor Sidewalk & Bikeway Sub-Committee to extend the expiration date of the Sub-Committee to March 31, 2017; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Sub-Committee shall continue to report to Council on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as determined by the Sub-Committee.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
Councilor Wagner stated that this Committee has spent a lot of time reviewing the best alternative to connect the Town Hall/Library with the South Windsor Center. This subcommittee should be allowed to continue.
Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the resolution; it was approved, unanimously
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
- Resolution Authorizing the Town Manger to Contribute $2,000 to South Windsor High School’s 2015 “Operation Graduation Fund”
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to contribute $2,000.00 to South Windsor High School’s 2015 “Operation Graduation Fund”, said funds to be taken out of the Town Manger’s Professional Account.
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Havens
The motion was approved, unanimously
- Discussion Item: Membership of the Board of Assessment Appeals – Town Attorney to discuss
Town Attorney Yagaloff explained to the Town Council that the terms for members on the Board of Assessment Appeals do not follow the charter, ordinance, or by-laws and will need to be corrected. The resolution tonight reappointing Deborah Duarte an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals with a term ending November 30, 2018 is incorrect and should read November 30, 2017. After reviewing the Town Charter, ordinances and by-laws for this Board, a plan has been established that will be brought to the Council in the form of a correcting resolution which will correct all of the terms for this Board. The other alternate position will have a term ending November 30, 2015. The three full current members have a term ending November 30,
2015. There are two republicans and one democrat. The Town Council will have to decide which republican position will be extended to November 30, 2017. These changes will coincide with the elections.
Answering questions from the Council, Town Attorney Yagaloff explained that there are three full members and two alternates for this Board. A correcting resolution will be drafted for the Town Council to set the terms in line with the Town Charter, ordinance and by-laws. These terms need to end on November 30th right after an election.
ITEM:
13. Unfinished Business (Continued)
A. Reappointment of Deborah Duarte (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Deborah Duarte (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term ending November 30, 2017.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
14. New Business (Continued)
M. Discussion Item: A Grant up to $10,000 for the Priest Property (requested by Councilor Paterna)
Councilor Paterna explained that he received a call from the State Historic Preservation Office requesting a certified resolution from the Town Council authorizing the Town Manager to sign for a $10,000 grant for the Priest Property project. The State Historic Preservation Office is meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 to discuss this grant. In two weeks, a resolution will be put on the agenda for the Council to make a decision on authorizing the Town Manage to sign for the grant.
Mayor Anwar questioned if the Council should add this item to the agenda? Councilor Paterna stated that he felt it was up to the Council on whether this should be added to the agenda or if it should wait until the next meeting.
Answering questions from the Council, Councilor Paterna explained that the grant would be used for a feasibility study for the Priest Property to inform the Town how this property could be used. The Town would be obligated to spend the funds within one year and could not demolish the building. The resolution being proposed to be added to the agenda would only be to allow the Town Manager to sign an agreement with for a grant in the amount of $10,000.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
Councilor Wagner made a motion to add an Item (14. N.) to the agenda allowing the Town Manager to enter into and execute an agreement with the State of Connecticut, State Historic Preservation Office for a grant in the amount of $10,000 for the Priest Farm property, subject to review and approval of the agreement by the Town Attorney. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
N. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Enter into and Execute an Agreement with the State of Connecticut, State Historic Preservation Office for a Grant in the Amount of $10,000
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to enter into and execute an agreement with the State of Connecticut, State Historic Preservation Office for a grant in the amount of $10,000 for the Priest Farm property, subject to review and approval of the agreement by the Town Attorney.
Was made by Councilor Paterna
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
- Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the following items:
- The Town had a note sale/bond sale. The money is available and the Town has closed on that money for the road improvements and there is money for the Board of Education to do the school project.
- There will be an Executive Session in the near future regarding the PBA contract.
ITEM:
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
- The Mayor of East Hartford and he were on a Fox segment called The Real Story discussing the Governors budget and the impacts of that budget on the Town’s throughout Connecticut. The one concern that South Windsor has is the State is looking at a State wide mill rate where the State would collect the money and send it to the Town’s. It is felt that the Town’s will never see those funds.
- There is $30,000 that the Fire Department could give back to the Town but since their maintenance account was cut $25,000 in last years budget Mr. Galligan felt that the $30,000 should go into the Fire Departments maintenance account.
- At the Capitol tomorrow, CCM will be announcing their new Executive Director.
- A strategic planning process could be held the first week in April on a Saturday.
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that Mr. Gonsalves mentioned tonight that the pension was not fully funded 8 out of 10 years. In the past there was no requirement by S & P or Moody’s to pay the Town’s pension. The Actuary would tell the Town how much to pay and it was up to the Council if they wanted to match that number or not. In 2009 or 2010, S & P and Moody’s said they would like to see Town’s contribute the actual required contribution. At that time the Town Council passed a policy to get to the ARC in a three year period. The Town reached the ARC in a three year period so the taxpayers would not be affected doing it in one year and this is why it may have looked like the Town did not fully fund the pension, but it was taken care of. The new GASB that is coming
out wants the Town to meet the unfunded liability as well as the ARC.
Mr. Galligan also explained that in the past, the Town paid 75% of the health benefits going out the door for the Police Union. Since that time, the Town had negotiated that those individuals that had this benefit would end at age 65. For new employees coming in they do not get health benefits when they retire. The Town does allow retirees to buy health at a group rate, but the retiree pays 100% of the cost. This is shown as a liability to the Town even though there is no retiree that has bought the health benefit. The report should be worded differently because the Town’s liability should not be reflected.
(Discussion Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Mr. Galligan voiced concern regarding a statement made by Mr. Gonsalves that the Town has not received $1.3M from FEMA. The Town has received everything that FEMA was required to give the Town. Mr. Galligan reviewed the whole situation with the Council and requested Mr. Gonsalves to come to him with his concerns and questions.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the new GASB rule should not affect the ARC (actual required contribution) or what the Town has to allocate on an annual basis. The bonds that were floated were 20 year bonds and the Town really does not go past 20 years.
Mr. Galligan told the Council that the Auditor is requesting a Fraud Policy and Whistleblower Policy on finances. The Auditor will be forwarded samples of what other Towns have done. When those policies are send to the Town, they will be reviewed with the Audit Committee and then a recommendation to the Council will be made.
17. Public Input
Ms. Mary Etter, Director of the South Windsor Public Library came forward and informed the Council and public that to celebrate their 90th birthday, Hartford Foundation, partnering with WNPR will be participating this month in a program called “Words to Give By”. This program will allow individuals to visit a webstie (WordsToGiveBy.org) to tell a story of every day generosity. The South Windsor Public Library has been chosen to hose a recording session on March 31st.
18. Communications and Petitions from Council
Mayor Anwar announced that on March 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the South Windsor Public Library in the Friends Room there will be a community forum to discuss Police and Community Relationships.
ITEM:
19. Executive Session
At 10:31 p.m. Councilor Wagner made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a possible tax assessment agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information contained therein which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to C.G.S. §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(5)(B). Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
The following individuals were in Executive Session: Mayor Anwar, Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Paterna, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Riley, Councilor Snyder, Councilor Wagner, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan and Town Attorney Keith Yagaloff.
At 10:50 p.m. Councilor Wagner made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
20. Adjournment
At 10:50 p.m. Councilor Wagner made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councilor Pendleton seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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