TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
Minutes Page 1 March 16, 2015
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: Deputy Mayor Edward Havens
Councilor Thomas Delnicki
Councilor Carolyn Mirek
Councilor Andrew Paterna
Councilor Liz Pendleton
Councilor Matthew Riley
Councilor Janice Snyder
Councilor Stephen Wagner
Members Absent: Mayor M. Saud Anwar
Also Present: Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager
Keith Yagaloff, Town Attorney
5. Public Input
Mr. Mike Berghuis, 18 Mountain View Road came before the Council to speak in opposition of the project at the high school field where it is being proposed to put artificial turf on the field. Mr. Berghuis explained that his property abuts the field and he is concerned about the amount of the time the field will be used. Mr. Berghuis questioned if there would be any limitations on how often and how much that field is used. There are also health concerns around the artificial turf because the field runoff will go into his property. This turf could be dangerous to the health of the surrounding residents.
Ms. Cindy Beaulieu, 19 Cody Circle explained that she would like a turf field. The previous Council had formed a subcommittee that produced a plan across the street which would consist of three new fields (one turf field and two grass fields). The cost of this project was $500,000 plus a grant. This new proposed project is going to cost the Town of South Windsor $1,500,000 to turf over an existing field
ITEM:
5. Public Input (Continued)
and fix the track around it. Ms. Beaulieu felt that the Council needs to do a lot more work before this proposal is approved. South Windsor needs more fields and placing turf over an existing field does not create more fields for the Town. If this Council is prepared to spend $1,500,000 on this project, then the Council should be prepared to approve the full budget of the Board of Education their full budget that will be presented tonight.
Mr. Roy Normen, Homestead Drive came forward and explained that the cost for the proposed project was going to be $750,000 and would be financed through leasing. The Town paid $2.2 million dollars for the Woodcock property and he said he would expect that the Town would be recovering a fair portion or more of the cost of the land.
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated that he had a letter published in the Reminder on March 5, 2015 asking for help to control costs which are a problem in this Town. Pension and healthcare are both problems in South Windsor.
Mr. Kevin McCann, 170 Lisa Drive came before the Council and explained that in previous years, the Town was going to put artificial turf on two of the fields at the high school but there was a report that it was dangerous to play on artificial turf and both fields were done with grass. It cost the Town approximately $500,000 to completely redo those fields. Mr. McCann stated that he is still a proponent of turf fields because of the additional use you get from them, but feels lights should be put up in order to get the maximum use of the fields. If the Council decides to put artificial turf on the Stadium field he does not think lights will be put up there so the Town will not be maximizing the use of an artificial turf field. For that reason, Mr. McCann stated he would be against putting in
artificial turf at the high school. If artificial turf is going to be put done, it should be done across the street with the plan that was presented 18 months ago. That plan will also create more fields which are needed in Town.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
None
ITEM:
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 March 2, 2015.
Was made by Councilor Riley
Seconded by Councilor Snyder
The motion was approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions
None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
None
10. Reports from Standing Committees
Councilor Wagner explained that the subcommittee of the Energy Committee is reviewing the proposals received in response to the RFP for LED Streetlights. The results should be coming to the Council in the near future.
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
Mr. McCann, 170 Lisa Drive and the Chairperson for the Sidewalk & Bikeways Subcommittee came forward. Mr. McCann thanked the Council for extending the existing of that subcommittee for another two years. The Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee met last week and will be brining a proposal to the Council for the adoption of a policy for Complete Streets at the first meeting in April. The second item is regarding the maintenance and repair of sidewalks in Town. The Town Attorney was present at the last Sidewalk & Bikeway Subcommittee meeting and provided the subcommittee with additional legal research that he had done on liability of the Town. An unfunded mandate was discussed and the subcommittee came to the consensus that there is no mandate that is being proposed. The proposal is
for the Council to recognize the potential liability that the Town may have with respect to defective sidewalks and people who may be injured on them and to address that liability through a program of regular repair and maintenance of those sidewalks. The Town Attorney would also like to weigh in on the draft of the ordinance or policy. The next step will be for the Town Attorney to make a
ITEM:
11. Reports of Temporary Committees (Continued)
modified proposal to the Town Council on how to address the maintenance issue for the sidewalks in Town.
12. Consent Agenda
Councilor Mirek and Councilor Pendleton made a motion to approve Agenda Items 13. A.* through 13. B.* and Items 14. I.* through 14. K.* as the Consent Agenda. Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
*A. Resolution Reappointing Peter DeMallie (U) to the Central Regional Tourism District
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.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* B. Resolution Reappointing Lavina Wilson (R) to the Demolition Delay Committee
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.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
* I. Resolution Appointing Wayne McKinney (D) to the Historic District Commission 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 Wayne McKinney (D) to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2015 to fill an unexpired term of Sandra Jeski and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* J. Resolution Appointing Mary Justine Hockenberry (D) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission 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 Mary Justine Hockenberry (D) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2017 to fill an expired vacancy and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
* K. Resolution Appointing Anthony Duarte (D) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission 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 Anthony Duarte (D) to the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission for a term ending November 30, 2015 to fill an expired vacancy and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
(Approved by Consent Agenda)
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
A. Discussion Item: South Windsor High School Turf Field (requested by Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan)
Mr. Galligan explained that he had asked the Engineer to come and make a presentation on the turf field at the high school due to voiced concerns. When the Town first did this field, there was a price of approximately $700,000 but part of the price of $1,500,000 includes the track, high jump, pole vault and the entire stadium area.
Mr. Vincent McDermitt a Senior Vice President of Milone & MacBroom explained that Mr. Scott Bristol who is an Associate of the firm and an Environmental Professional is also with him. Their charge was to design the improvements to the Stadium Field which included survey soil testing of the existing soils, the design of the infield part of the track for synthetic turf and also re-spraying the surface coating of the running track. Mr. McDermitt reviewed the plan proposal for the Council, as shown in attached Exhibit A.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Council appropriated a budget of $50,000 to do the initial study and workup.
Councilor Mirek voiced concerns about health issues and questioned Milone & MacBrook, Inc. about the use of a cork infill. Mr. McDermitt explained that they are familiar with this product and it is a good product. A shock pad needs to be installed underneath. The field requires an irrigation system. The cost of this proposal is approximately 20% higher.
Mr. Scott Bristol, a Licensed Environmental Professional with Milone & MacBrook came before the Town Council to discuss health related issues as related with synthetic turf athletic fields. Mr. Bristol reviewed letters and articles with the Council, as shown in attached Exhibit B. Mr. Bristol stated that since 2008, all of the studies that have been conducted have concluded that there are no increased health risks from these fields. There have been studies that have noted the absence of reactions to latex by players.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. A. (Continued)
Councilor Mirek stated that the appropriate equipment needs to be budgeted for so that the snow can be cleared from these fields. Councilor Mirek said she would like to find out who would be using this field and when they would be using the field because it is going to be used by all of the taxpayers.
Councilor Wagner felt that everything he has heard and read, there really does not appear to be any scientific basis for questioning the safety of crumb rubber.
Councilor Riley felt that the Town has to be careful about jumping to conclusions. South Windsor is one of two high schools out of 21 that do not have turf fields. The quantity and quality of play is enhanced by the installation of synthetic turf and it is time for South Windsor to install a synthetic turf field. A synthetic turf field will be a benefit to the entire community. Councilor Riley stated he feels that there are potential sites where the quantity of play can be improved beyond what can be obtained at the high school. Councilor Riley explained to the residents of South Windsor that the cost of this project is higher then some of the figures that were stated earlier because there is a lot more in the way of improvements that are being contemplated for the Stadium Field.
Councilor Paterna stated he would like the Council to examine alternative infill but is in favor of constructing a synthetic turf field at the high school The high school has all of the necessary infrastructure around it.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Scott Bristol explained to Council members how studies have been conducted. Mr. Bristol then stated that he believes these fields are safe.
Councilor Delnicki questioned both gentlemen if they were Engineers? Mr. Britsol explained that he is a Licensed Environmental Professional and Mr. McDermitt stated that he is a Landscape Architect and Planner. Councilor Delnicki then asked if the consultants would sign a simple statement saying that the field is be safe? Mr. McDermitt said they would sign a statement concurring that the risk based on the information that is available today is de minimis.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. A. (Continued)
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan explained that the total project would be leased for the amount of $1.5 million dollars. It would cost approximately $300,000 per year.
Mr. McDermitt stated that the routine maintenance of this field should cost between $5,000 to $6,000 per year. The equipment is in the construction cost. The life expectancy of he field is it is guaranteed for 8 years. The Town is budgeting for 10 years.
Mr. Galligan said it costs between $15,000 to $20,000 per year to take care of the grass fields.
Mr. McDermitt explained the purpose of an edge drain on a turf field stating that it serves as an anchor and captures the runoff from the track and takes it away from the field. Mr. McDermitt also told the Council that to replace the field after its life expectancy would cost approximately $400,000. Mr. Bristol informed the Council that ingestion studies have been done in California and New York. Mr. McDermitt stated that the field could be used from dusk until dawn on a daily basis.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission will be reviewing to make sure this plan meets the plan of development and the objectives of the Park & Recreation Commission and the school. They do not have the final say on this project plan, they have to get back to the Council within 30-45 days with their determination if this plan meets the Town’s goals and objectives under the Plan of Development. A site plan will need to be done at a later date.
B Resolution Referring the Proposed South Windsor High School Athletic Field Project to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, any plan to expend funds to develop town properties must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. B. (Continued)
BE IT RESIOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby refers the proposed South Windsor High School Athletic Field project to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
Councilor Wagner stated that he is in favor of this proposal.
Councilor Snyder questioned if this project should be going to the Park & Recreation Commission as stated in an Ordinance that was approved by the Council? Mr. Galligan explained that this project is not a Park & Recreation project, but is a project that is a repair of an existing field at the high school.
Councilor Delnicki felt that this proposal has not been defined well in the resolution of what proposal is going forward. Mr. Galligan explained that the items that will be sent to the Planning & Zoning Commission are the same items that have been sent to the Council.
Councilor Delnicki then stated that if the Council votes in favor of this resolution, it will be a statement that says the Council is in favor of this proposal.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Council is requesting the Planning & Zoning Commission to approve the planning issues of this field. The Council can still change the proposal after the Planning & Zoning Commission makes a decision.
Councilor Delnicki said he would not support this resolution because he feels a vote in favor of it is saying that the Council is in favor of this proposal and this is the proposal that the Council would like to see done.
Deputy Mayor Havens called for a vote on the resolution; it failed on a roll call vote of 3 to 5 with Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Paterna and Councilor Wagner voting in favor of the resolution; and Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Riley and Councilor Snyder voting in opposition of the resolution.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
C. Resolution Referring the New Orchard Hill Elementary School Project to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, a referendum was approved by the South Windsor voters on March 25, 2014 appropriating and authorizing bonds in the amount of $33,520,000 for the planning, design, acquisition, construction, equipping and furnishing of a new Orchard Hill Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, any plan to expend funds to develop Town properties must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the proposed planning, design, acquisition, construction, equipping and furnishing of a new Orchard Hill Elementary School be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Councilor Paterna
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
D. Budget Presentation: Board of Education (Chairperson David Joy to be present)
Chairman David Joy from the Board of Education came before the Council and presented the Board of Education budget, as shown in attached Exhibit C.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
E. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2015
BE IT RESIOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby sets Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., Timothy Edwards Middle School, Room Alt. #6, 100 Arnold Way, South Windsor, Connecticut as the time and place for a Public Hearing to receive citizen input on the proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016.
Was made by Councilor Riley
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
The motion was approved, unanimously
F. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Kenneth Jeski (D) from the Public Building Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of Kenneth Jeski (D) from the Public Building Commission, said resignation effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Kenneth Jeski for the time he has dedicated to serving his community by his membership on the Public Building Commission.
Was made by Councilor Pendleton
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
The motion was approved, unanimously
G. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Sandra Jeski (D) from the Historic District Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of Sandra Jeski (D) from the Historic District Commission, said resignation effective immediately; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. G. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Sandra Jeski for the time she has dedicated to serving her community by her membership on the Historic District Commission.
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
The motion was approved, unanimously
H. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Hugh Brower (D) from the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of Hugh Brower (D) from the Mass Transit and Highway Advisory Commission, said resignation effective immediately; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Hugh Brower the time he has dedicated to serving his community by his membership on the Mass Transit and Highway Commission.
Was made by Councilor Paterna
Seconded by Councilor Wagner
The motion was approved, unanimously
L. Resolution Referring the Proposal to Create a Multi-Purpose Site on the Barton Property to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission Pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
WHEREAS, the town purchased a sixty-seven acre property in 1997 with Open Space Bond monies; and
WHEREAS, the property, known as the “Barton Property”, with frontage on both Brookfield Street and Troy Road, consists largely of an old pine plantation, which is creating a potential safety hazard; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. L. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the Town has proposed this location be used for multipurpose uses such as debris storage in the event of another significant storm; large events can be accommodated such as the Wapping Fair; recreational activities, both passive and active; and/or the Farmers’ Market could be located on the property; and
WHEREAS, the Planning & Zoning Commission has discussed this project and have agreed to use funds collected through the “Fees in Lieu of Open Space” provision of the Subdivision Regulations for the improvements necessary to create this area; and
WHEREAS, any plan to expend funds to develop Town owned open space property must first be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the proposal to create a multi-purpose site on the Barton Property be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Was made by Councilor Snyder
Seconded by Councilor Delnicki
Councilor Delnicki stated he would like to see a reference in this resolution to the plan that was presented to the Town Council previously. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to amend the resolution in the last paragraph to read “NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the proposal to create a multi purpose site on the Barton Property based on the plan presented to the Town Council, be submitted to the South Windsor Planning & Zoning Commission for a report pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes”. Councilor Pendleton seconded the amendment.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. L. (Continued)
Councilor Paterna stated that he feels that what was presented to the Council was a concept for the use of the Barton Property, not a specific plan so the Council is in the same situation as with the athletic field at the high school. The Council endorsed the concept for the use of the Barton Property, just as the Council endorsed the concept of a synthetic field at the high school.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission by State Statute can charge a developer a fee in lieu of open space. In certain areas of development, the open space can be worthless land which would have no value to the Town. Rather than take land, the Town takes a fee which is paid to the Planning & Zoning who has control of those funds.
Councilor Riley questioned if those fees would take care of the cost of this project? Mr. Galligan answered yes.
Councilor Riley explained that he voted against Item 14. B. because there was no financing but this item has financing.
Councilor Mirek asked if this item would be going to the Park & Recreation Commission. Mr. Galligan explained that the Park & Recreation Commission has reviewed this plan already.
Councilor Delnicki felt that it would be wise to defer action on this resolution tonight and come back with a plan so the Council can see what is being voted on.
Town Attorney Yagaloff told the Council that they want to be careful about voting against an 8-24 referral. If the Council is not prepared to move forward, he would suggest that the Council table this item.
Councilor Delnicki made a motion to table Item 14. M. Councilor Snyder seconded the motion; and it passed on a roll call vote of 5 to 3 with Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Riley and Councilor Synder voting in favor of the motion; and Councilor Paterna, Councilor Pendleton and Councilor Wagner voting in opposition of the motion.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
M. Resolution Endorsing the Regional Performance Incentive Program Project Proposals for Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, TOD Study for CTFastrak Corridor, Regional Service Management (CRM) System and GIS Orthoflight
WHEREAS, Section 4-124s as amended by Section 251 and 253 of Public Act 13-247 passed by the Connecticut General Assembly provides statewide incentive grants to regional planning organizations for projects that involve shared services; and
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments is acting as a convener and facilitator of service sharing projects around the CRCOG region; and
WHEREAS, on October 23, 2013 the Policy Board of CRCOG passed a resolution authorizing development and submittal of an application package to the State Office of Policy and Management for funding under the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program, on behalf of the Council’s members municipalities, and municipalities of other regions, which are participating in Council initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Chief Elected Officials and municipal staff of the Capitol Region have developed a list of service sharing project proposals that will be included in this application package, to the benefit of individual municipalities and the region as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor has expressed an interest in taking part in the project proposals entitled: Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, TOD Study for CTFastrak Corridor, Regional Service Management (CRM) System, and GIS Orthoflight.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby endorses the above referenced Regional Performance Incentive Program project proposal and authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan, to sign all necessary agreements and take all necessary actions to allow for the Town’s participation in this program.
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
14. M. (Continued)
Was made by Councilor Wagner
Seconded by Councilor Pendleton
Mr. Galligan explained to the Council that the Regional Computer Forensics is where the Police Department can go in and work with the lab on computer fraud, identity theft, etc. The TOD Study for CTFastrak Corridor will include other Towns. South Windsor would like to be a part of the Regional Service Management System. In this program there is a permitting system. GIS Orthoflight will consist of flyovers which can be used for the Town’s GIS mapping.
Councilor Delnicki stated that the CTFastrak is still be watched to see if it will be a success or not and feels it may be too soon to endorse that.
Mr. Galligan explained that there are still issues with the CTFastrak but they are looking to extend the study to other Towns.
Councilor Delnicki questioned if at a later time could the Town withdraw our endorsement of this study? Mr. Galligan stated that there is a time period that you can withdraw your endorsement but he will find out how long that is. Councilor Delnicki stated he would not vote against this resolution but will abstain.
Councilor Wagner stated that the Town is not endorsing anything, this is just a study. The study will come back and tell us if something will work. I understand that there have been discussions about using the existing HOV lanes and having bus stations along the way. The Town should participate in a study to see what this study is all about.
Councilor Delnicki felt that the CTFastrak that is built will prove whether this would be successful East of the River.
Deputy Mayor Havens called for a motion on the resolution; it passed on a roll call of 7 to 0 with Councilor Delnicki abstaining.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
N. Discussion item: Requests for Information form the Town Manager (requested by Councilor Delnicki)
Councilor Delnicki began discussions by stating the Town has instituted a new Town Council Dashboard and he is concerned about not getting prompt emails and questioned if this system will improve response times? Let individuals know their question has been received by an individual? Will a time of approximately how long the request will take be given?
Mr. Galligan explained that this system has been built internally in order to save money for the Town. Our staff is learning it and will produce a report at the end of the day of all of the requests. When a request goes in, all of the Council members should be able to see it. When a report goes out, all Council members will see that also.
Councilor Delnicki questioned if there will be an immediate response that their request has been received? Mr. Galligan answered that he believed that is how it is supposed to work. Councilor Delnicki asked if there would be an estimate of how long the request will take. Mr. Galligan stated that the Town is trying to enhance the system and build different items into the system.
Councilor Delnicki asked if an email will also be acceptable. Mr. Galligan answered that it would be acceptable.
Answering further questions, Mr. Galligan said that all questions should go through the dashboard.
Councilor Wagner explained that he has submitted requests into the dashboard which is very easy. After the request has been assigned to an employee, there are a lot of emails that follow. That is the area where more corrections may be necessary.
Mr. Galligan stated that at the end of each day, all Council members will receive a report with the status of every request that has been through the Town Council Dashboard.
ITEM:
14. New Business (Continued)
O. Discussion item: Release of Reports by CCM (requested by Councilor Delnicki)
Councilor Delnicki explained that on March 8, 2015 there was an article in the newspaper by Kevin Rennie. In the article it explains that CCM has not shared with its members a startling 2013 report on top management. Councilor Delnicki felt that no town or city should allocate funds in their budget deliberations for membership to CCM until that report is released to the public. Councilor Delnicki questioned Mr. Galligan if he knew about this report.
Mr. Galligan came forward as President of CCM. Mr. Galligan explained that this is a report that was done by an organization that has a special IRS regulation that allows it to exist as a lobbying group for all municipalities that want to participate. It is an independent body, not subject to FOI.
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that CCM is a lobbying organization. The Town of South Windsor pays membership dues yearly in the amount of $13,000. Mr. Galligan stated that according to the lawyers that represent CCM, the report is an internal working document that is not subject to any FOI laws and therefore will not be released for public view.
Councilor Delnicki said he would be requesting the opinion of the Town Attorney on whether this Council has any right to see that report.
15. Passage of Ordinance
None
- Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Mr. Galligan reported on the Connecticut Studios Project, the Scannell project, the fraud policy, the whistleblower policy and concerns about SB1.
Councilor Snyder suggested that the Town of South Windsor use as a draft the Fraud Policy and Whistleblower Policy from the State of Connecticut, Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Galligan stated he would look into those policies.
ITEM:
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
Answering questions from the Council, Mr. Galligan explained that changing one aspect of a tax will leave a shortfall in another area. The entire tax system would have to be changed.
17. Public Input
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, 5A Amato Drive came before the Council. Mr. Zimmerman thanked the Town Manager for his efforts in regards to the plan for the artificial turf for the Stadium Field. The Council voted 9-0 to go forward with getting a plan for synthetic turf on the Stadium Field. Mr. Zimmerman felt that the Council should have asked how many of the existing turf field have been shut down based upon the reports regarding the fill. The answer is probably zero, so South Windsor must know more about this item then every other Town in the State. A turf field at the High School is important because the amount of time the field could be used, even with inclement weather. At some point the Council needs to listen to the experts who come forward with presentations.
Ms. Pam Beaudry, 26 Mountain View Road thanked the Council members who have decided to put the breaks on the turf field issue. Ms. Beaudry stated that she has found material that contradicts what the experts have said about the turf fields tonight. Neighbors are concerned about the noise that is produced from play at this field, trash that is thrown into neighboring yards, and safety concerns.
18. Communications and Petitions from Council
None
19. Executive Session
At 10:35 p.m. Councilor Wagner made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a draft agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(b)(4). Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
(Continued on Next Page)
19. Executive Session (Continued)
The following individuals were in Executive Session: Deputy Mayor Havens, Councilor Delnicki, Councilor Mirek, Councilor Paterna, Councilor Pendleton, Councilor Riley, Councilor Snyder, Councilor Wagner, Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan and Town Attorney Keith Yagaloff.
At 10:53 p.m. Councilor Snyder made a motion to adjourn the Executive Session. Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
20. Adjournment
At 10:53 p.m. Councilor Snyder made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Councilor Delnicki seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
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