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Town Council Agenda November 17, 2008
AGENDA

TOWN COUNCIL                WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS                                               NOVEMBER 17, 2008
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL                      TIME:  7:00 P.M.


1.      Call Meeting to Order

2.      Roll Call

3.      Public Participation
        [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Town Council.]

4.      Communications

5.      Town Manager’s Report
[Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of the majority of the Council.]          

6.      Items for Discussion

7.      Executive Session

A)      Discussion Regarding Potential Litigation

8.      Adjournment








* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



Public Participation is Invited on Any Agenda Item

AGENDA

TOWN COUNCIL       REGULAR MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS                                                                  NOVEMBER 17, 2008
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL                                                           TIME:  8:00 P.M.



1.      Call Meeting to Order

2.      Prayer:  Mayor Prague                                                

3.      Pledge of Allegiance

4.      Roll Call

5.      Public Input
[Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

7.      Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings

8.      Public Petitions

9.      Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council

10.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager - Oral Presentation
[Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed ten (10) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Council.]
                                
11.     Reports from Standing Committees

12.     Reports of Temporary Committees

13.     Communications and Petitions from Council
[Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed twenty (20) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Council.]

14.     Public Participation
[Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]


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AGENDA
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


15.     Consent Agenda
[All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Town Council and will be enacted by one Motion.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the General Order of Business and be considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.]

16.     Unfinished Business

        None

17.     New Business

* A.    Resolution Reappointing Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

* B.    Resolution Reappointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

* C.    Resolution Reappointing Jean Klein (D) an Alternate to the Historic District Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

* D.    Resolution Reappointing Dwight Johnson (D) to the Housing Authority and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

* E.    Resolution Reappointing David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

* F.    Resolution Reappointing Janice Favreau (D) to the Human Relations Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

* G.    Resolution Reappointing Tony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting


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AGENDA
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     New Business (continued)


* H.    Resolution Reappointing John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

 I.    Resolution Requesting the Public Building Commission to Bid the Current Fire/Ambulance Plan

 J.    Resolution Suspending Negotiations to Purchase 765 Sullivan Avenue and Reviewing Options for Utilizing 625 Sullivan Avenue for a New Fire/Ambulance Complex

 K.    Resolution Approving the Issuance of a Request for Qualified Developers and Conceptual Plans for the Transfer and Sale of 625 Sullivan Avenue

 L.    Discussion Item – Economic Policy for South Windsor (requested by Councillor Yagaloff)

 M.    Resolution Addressing the Expected Shortfall in Revenues for the 2008/2009 Budget

 N.    Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Change the Signer(s) on the Rockville Bank Gorski Escrow Account

 O.    Discussion Item – Town Hall Annex, (Mike Gantick will be present)

  P.    Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Negotiate and Execute all Necessary Agreement/Contract Documents on Behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut

 Q.    Resolution Extending the Term of Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency

 R.    Resolution Extending the Term of Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency




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AGENDA
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     New Business (continued)

 S.    Resolution Appointing William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

18.     Passage of Ordinance

        None

19.     Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)
[This Agenda Item permits continued communications not covered under Item #13 due to time restraints.]

20.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)
[This Agenda Item permits continued communications not covered under Item #10 due to time restraints.]

21.     Executive Session

        A)      Discussion Regarding Potential Litigation

22.     Adjournment























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RESOLUTIONS

November 17, 2008



7.      Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
        (Mayor Prague)

        BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings:  Work Session of October 20, 2008; Regular Meeting of October 20, 2008; Special Work Session of October 27, 2008; and Special Meeting of November 10, 2008.

15.     Consent Agenda
(Councillors Hale)

        Motion to approve Agenda Items 17. A. through 17. H, as the Consent Agenda.
        (Please read dark headings, only, on Consent Agenda items.)

16.     Unfinished Business

None

17.     New Business

* A.    Resolution Reappointing Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Louise Neary (D) to the Economic Development Commission for a term ending November 30, 2012 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

* B.    Resolution Reappointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

        BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Gary Pitcock (D) to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2013 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     New Business (continued)

* C.    Resolution Reappointing Jean Klein (D) an Alternate to the Historic District Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Jean Klein (D) an Alternate to the Historic District Commission for a term ending November 30, 2013 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

* D.    Resolution Reappointing Dwight Johnson (D) to the Housing Authority and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Dwight Johnson (D) to the Housing Authority for a term ending November 30, 2013 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

* E.    Resolution Reappointing David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints David Snyder (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.










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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     New Business (continued)

* F.    Resolution Reappointing Janice Favreau (D) to the Human Relations Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Janice Favreau (D) to the Human Relations Commission for a term ending November 30, 2011 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

* G.    Resolution Reappointing Tony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints Tony Duarte (D) to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

* H.    Resolution Reappointing John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Hale)

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby reappoints John Blondin (D) an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2012 and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

I.      Resolution Requesting the Public Building Commission to Bid the Current Fire/Ambulance Plan
        (Deputy Mayor Bazzano)

        WHEREAS, construction costs have increased over the last several years due to changes in material costs; and

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)



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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     I.      (continued)

        WHEREAS, the recent economic downturn has opened the possibility of favorable construction costs; and

        WHEREAS, obtaining an understanding of the total project costs will enable the Town Council to be better informed regarding options to implement the fire/ambulance plan

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council requests the Public Building Commission to complete its value engineering process, prepare final construction drawings for construction at 625 Sullivan Avenue, and put the proposed fire/ambulance facility out to competitive bid, and to report back to Town Council all bids received.

J.      Resolution Suspending Negotiations to Purchase 765 Sullivan Avenue and Reviewing Options for Utilizing 625 Sullivan Avenue for a New Fire/Ambulance Complex
        (Councillor Oates)

        WHEREAS, the Town has authorized through referendum the acquisition of property, design, and construction of a 23,500 square foot fire and ambulance facility for no more than $8,250,000; and

        WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the needs of the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department and wishes to complete the facility as soon as possible; and

        WHEREAS, in accordance with the referendum, the Town of South Windsor has previously purchased 625 Sullivan Avenue for the purpose of constructing a fire/ambulance complex and delays have arisen from the existence of an endangered plant (“sedge”) on the property; and

        WHEREAS, there has been no written agreement binding the Town to purchase any other property for the fire/ambulance facility; and

        WHEREAS, the Town Council has not identified the source of funds for the purchase of any other land for the facility; and

(Resolution Continued on Next Page)

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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     J.      (continued)

        WHEREAS, the Open Space Task Force has expressed its reservations about the purchase of 765 Sullivan Avenue in part for Open Space use and the Planning and Zoning Commission responded in the negative to the 8-24 referral from the Town Council; and

        WHEREAS, the state of the local, state and national economy has changed since the authorization to negotiate a contract for the purchase of 765 Sullivan Avenue and recognizing continuing deteriorating economic conditions the Town Council wishes to save $1.8 million by building the fire/ambulance facility at 625 Sullivan Avenue if at all feasible; and
        
        WHEREAS, there are opportunities for cost effective alternatives to move the sedge to the satisfaction of regulatory agencies allowing for the construction of the fire/ambulance complex at 625 Sullivan Avenue

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council instructs the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to cease negotiations for the purchase of 765 Sullivan Avenue; and
        
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council instructs the Town Manager to proceed with the project at 625 Sullivan Avenue and to re-engage the Army Corps of Engineers, DEP, or other necessary regulatory authorities, identifying a location and costs that may be incurred to host the sedge, and to keep South Windsor Town Council informed as to progress in this matter.

K.      Resolution Approving the Issuance of a Request for Qualified Developers and Conceptual Plans for the Transfer and Sale of 625 Sullivan Avenue
        (Councillor Pelkey)

        WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor is the owner of 625 Sullivan Avenue and had acquired that property for a specific public use that is no longer being considered; and


(Resolution Continued on Next Page)



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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     K.      (continued)

        WHEREAS, the Town is eager to return that property to the grand list and enhance future tax revenues; and the Town is desirous to attract businesses that will generate substantial additional tax revenues and employment opportunities for the Town while providing quality development and economic opportunity; and

        WHEREAS, on November 4, 2008 the voters overwhelmingly gave approval to the Town Council to divest itself of 625 Sullivan Avenue

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to circulate a request for qualified developers to come forward and demonstrate their qualifications and concepts to purchase and develop the property at 625 Sullivan Avenue; such request shall emphasize the following principles:

        The end use of proposed development shall target the following types of quality businesses:

  • Corporate headquarters
  • Corporate satellite offices
  • Campus-style office development
  • Research and development facilities
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Multi-use facilities
        The Town is interested in attracting business that will:

  • Generate additional tax revenue through real estate and/or personal property taxes.
  • Provide employment opportunities
  • Provide high quality goods and services.
  • Improve the aesthetics of the community or this particular area.

L.      Discussion Item – Economic Policy for South Windsor (requested by Councillor Yagaloff)




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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     New Business (continued)

M.      Resolution Addressing the Expected Shortfall in Revenues for the 2008/2009 Budget
        (Councillor McCann)

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Connecticut has notified the State Legislature of projected budget shortfalls for fiscal years ending in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and is implementing substantial budget reductions for the State, and has called for additional major budget tightening for the next two fiscal  years; and

WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor receives a substantial portion of its revenues each year from the State of Connecticut, which may be lowered as a result of budget reductions by the State; and

WHEREAS, the Town Manager of South Windsor has reported to Council an expectation of lower revenues from a variety of sources in the current fiscal year and for the next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, Council wishes to prepare in advance for anticipated lower revenues, and avoid budget deficits

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective immediately upon passage of this resolution:

  • The Town of South Windsor shall institute a hiring freeze until further notice.  No full time or part time positions shall be filled without further action of the Council.
  • Neither the Manager nor any Department Head of the Town shall authorize overtime other than on a critical need basis until further action by Council.  To the extent possible, the Department shall adjust their shifts to provide necessary coverage without overtime.  The Manager shall direct the Department Heads to provide the Manager with periodic written reports of overtime which they deem to be a critical need.  The Manager shall make the determination of what is and what is not a critical need.  The Manager shall report monthly to Council with a statement of critical need overtime.



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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     M.      (continued)


  • The Town of South Windsor shall cancel all out-of-state travel by Town personnel, including trips for seminars, training, “fact-finding”, marketing, etc. until further action by Council.  To the extent that previously planned out-of-state training is available at a substantial savings to the Town through the alternative means of video conferencing, teleconferencing, the internet, or similar means, Town personnel shall utilize such alternative means.
  • No vehicles or equipment shall be ordered or purchased without prior notification to Council.
  • The Manager shall take necessary steps to ensure that the total actual expenditure for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 are at least 5% below budgeted amounts.
  • This Resolution shall expire on June 30, 2009, unless extended by Council.

N.      Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Change the Signer(s) on the Rockville Bank Gorski Escrow Account
        (Councillor Yagaloff)

WHEREAS, the Gorski Escrow Account was established by the prior Town Attorney; and

WHEREAS, the normal practice is to have the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Town Treasurer as signers on Town bank accounts;   

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Matthew B. Galligan to change the signers on said bank account to Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager, Gretchen E. Bickford, Town Clerk, and Susan A. Rose, Town Treasurer.   

  O.    Discussion Item – Town Hall Annex (Mike Gantick to be present)






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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     New Business (continued)

 P.    Resolution Authorizing Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to Negotiate and Execute all Necessary Agreement/Contract Documents on Behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut
        (Councillor  Maneeley)

        BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan to negotiate and execute all necessary agreement/contract documents on behalf of the Town of South Windsor with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut for a cash grant toward the purchase of wheelchair-accessible motor vehicle for services to elderly and/or disabled persons.

  Q.    Resolution Extending the Term of Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency
        (Councillor Hale)

        WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency was established by the Town Council on September 15, 1997; and

        WHEREAS, it has come to the Town Council’s attention that when the Redevelopment Agency was established, it was stated that all five members would have staggering terms; and

        WHEREAS, presently all five members have a term ending December 31, 2009; and

        WHEREAS, the Town Council hereby authorizes the Redevelopment Agency terms to meet the requirement established in 1997

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the term for Barbara Barbour to the Redevelopment Agency will be extended to December 31, 2010

 R.    Resolution Extending the Term of Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency
        (Deputy Mayor Bazzano)

        WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency was established by the Town Council on September 15, 1997; and

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RESOLUTIONS
Regular Meeting – Town Council
November 17, 2008


17.     R.      (continued)

        WHEREAS, it has come to the Town Council’s attention that when the Redevelopment Agency was established, it was stated that all five members would have staggering terms; and

        WHEREAS, presently all five members have a term ending December 31, 2009; and

        WHEREAS, the Town Council hereby authorizes the Redevelopment Agency terms to meet the requirement established in 1997

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the term for Cile Decker to the Redevelopment Agency will be extended to December 31, 2011.

S.      Resolution Appointing William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting
        (Councillor Pelkey)

        BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints William E. Keohane to the Redevelopment Agency for a term ending December 31, 2012 to fill an expired term of Bernard Demko and postpones consideration until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

18.     Passage of Ordinance - None

19.     Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued)

20.     Communications and Reports from Town Manager (Continued)

21.     Executive Session

A) Discussion Regarding Potential Litigation

22.     Motion to Adjourn




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