TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES Page 1 July 16, 2001
TOWN COUNCIL Regular Meeting
Council Chambers South Windsor Town Hall
Members Present: Mayor Lassman Fisher
Deputy Mayor Havens
Councillor Aman
Councillor Delnicki
Councillor Fine
Councillor Pelkey
Councillor Streeter
Councillor Williams
Members Absent: Councillor Burnham
Also Present: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Town Attorney Barry Guliano
The Regular Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.; immediately recessed to continue the Work Session; and reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
ITEM:
Public Input
First to speak was State Representative Nancy Kerensky, 35 Berle Road, who wished to present the Council and listening audience with a brief legislative wrap-up. Stating that the subjects she would be discussing were ones that had been of special interest to residents and Members of the Council, and ones she wished to bring closure to as follows:
Total increased revenue from the State of Connecticut to the Town of South Windsor in the Fiscal Year 2002 Budget is $779,086,000. Most of that funding, she said, is due to the ECS increased funding of $738,889.00 (the bulk of which resulted from the ECS cap removal or a total of $75,000,000 State-wide dedicated over and above the education funding because of this
ITEM:
5. (Continued)
removal). Continuing, she reported, that there are only 60 Towns in the State that are not capped.
Another increase reported by Representative Kerensky was an increase in Transportation and Adult Education money.
Also noted by Mrs. Kerensky was the fact that the Town will be receiving, again, a one-time surplus Revenue Sharing amount of $106,985.
Rep. Kerensky said she was proud of these revenue items particularly in a year when the State s projected revenues were reduced (at the last minute) by $90 million--$60 million reduction in the sales tax; and another $30 million reduction in the amount of money now considered non-taxable as a result of a change in Federal law on the Inheritance Tax, and other associated and related costs.
Referring to another area of interest to the Town of South Windsor, Rep. Kerensky informed the Council of another accomplishment that being land conveyance by the State of small parcels that were requested by the Town for open space; storm-water management; infrastructure improvement purposes; or to sell to a purchaser who would use such land for economic development purposes. The total of such land being 2.22 acres (total) tiny pieces of land which will provide (South Windsor) huge opportunity, now, to develop it as (South Windsor) wishes to develop it…….
Mrs. Kerensky said another small thing that South Windsor expressed an interest in was the Small Town Economic Assistance Program; and working with other Towns of similar size, Mrs. Kerensky said she was proud of the fact that the State was able to provide $20 million (state-wide), and Towns may apply for projects each of which may not exceed $500,000 in a given year.
Finally, Rep. Kerensky reminded the Town Council that several months ago, in a program set up by the Speaker of the House Moira Lyons, the South Windsor Public Schools received 170 computers which met the high specifications of South Windsor s Board of Education. Although, she continued, this item will not show up in a Budget anywhere, it is of assistance to the students.
ITEM:
5. (Continued)
Rep. Kerensky said that the Legislature had, in this Session, enacted more tax reductions (i.e., suspension of the sales tax on hospital/patient care).
Mayor Lassman Fisher thanked Rep. Kerensky for appearing this evening; and stressed the importance of the fact that the educational cost sharing cap had been removed.
Rep. Kerensky then said she had forgotten to mention Special Education. The Federal Special Education law, she said, is 25 years old. It was, she said, reworked a few years ago, and the combination of the changes in that law and some Supreme Court cases have burdened our local municipalities even further in the requirements for Special Education.
Were the State funded at the 40% reimbursement level to which the State was entitled to be funded under the Federal level (which, she added, it is not) then the burden, she said, would be lessened. She pointed out to Council, that rather than the 40% reimbursement, the State receives 4% reimbursement on Special Education. This, she added, burdens the State, and every municipality.
Rep. Kerensky then congratulated all those in Town government who had worked so hard to acquire the fuel cell for South Windsor High School; and who were continuing to work hard to see it through to fruition.
Mayor Lassman Fisher then asked the State Representative if she could give the Council some idea of what is scheduled to be discussed in the next Legislative Session what the Legislature s focus would be.
Rep. Kerensky said that the State had put $50 million into the study of transportation issues. Because of this, she felt many recommendations would be forthcoming and, consequently, the State Legislature may be interested in pursuing some of those recommendations the development of mass transit; HOV lanes; etc. She felt that, because of decreasing revenues, everyone would be seeing more competition for fewer dollars.
ITEM:
5. (Continued)
The Session coming up, she informed Council, is the short Session and, because a two-year Budget is in place there will be more policy decisions in other areas. She did, however, mention that senior citizen issues (such as the increasing burden of local taxes) would probably be coming up particularly in light of the fact that this is a fast-growing group of people on fixed incomes.
Mayor Lassman Fisher then called for a brief recess at 9:15 p.m. The Regular Meeting was reconvened at 9:40 p.m.
Environmental Health & Safety Message - There was none.
Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Motion to accept the Minutes of the following Town Council meetings: Work Session of April 16, 2001; Work Session of May 7, 2001; and Regular Meeting of June 18, 2001.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
8. Public Petitions - None
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to the Council - None
10. Communications and Reports from Town Manager
Town Manager Matthew Galligan began his report by informing Council that Dennis Sheridan, Director of Youth and Family Services, would be presenting a program called C.A.R.E. (Community Acceptance and Respect for Everyone) for Council s information following his brief report.
The next item Mr. Galligan said he wished to address was a report from Don Neel, Board of Education Business Manager, to Superintendent of Schools Joseph Wood regarding the Board s projected $300,000 surplus. (A copy is attached hereto.)
ITEM:
10. (Continued)
Information received from CRCOG, according to the Town Manager, indicates that the Hillside Drive and Steep Road Improvement Program has been denied for funding. Apparently, he said, the project did not meet their criteria i.e., not enough accidents at that intersection, etc.
Other items the Town Manager addressed were:
His meeting with the Simons Properties Group, in Indianapolis on July 10, regarding their 50 acres in Town and how best to integrate their land in the area of Evergreen Walk. Mr. Galligan felt that this would enhance not only their property by Evergreen Walk as well.
Mr. Galligan said he would be meeting with the Department of Economic Development regarding the I-291 Corridor. He said he was primarily interested in whether or not there were programs that would be available for infrastructure improvements.
A meeting regarding Evergreen Walk was held with the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce; and the Town Manager reported that they were very supportive of this project, and felt it, and the I-291 project, were top projects in the Northeast.
The Town Manager then went on to say that he would be handling future economic development programs for the Town and would not be filling the position of Economic Development Coordinator recently vacated by Ms. Denise Whitford. It was Mr. Galligan s feelings that with the assistance of an Administrative Secretary whose specific duty would be to create a database with all the information required for a good, strong economic development program and policy, would be sufficient.
Going on to the Barber Hill Road (etc.) waterline has been put out to bid; DEP has approved proceeding with the award of the bids. The Town has done this; however, he added, the Bond Commission has still not met to award the money to the Town for the actual construction.
ITEM:
10. (Continued)
Disturbing news, he said, was a recent letter from the State informing the Town that funding for the Route 30 project is being held off for another year for some unknown reason.
The Town Manager then asked the Council if they had any questions.
Councillor Streeter, referring to the copy of the letter Don Neel (Bd. Of Ed. Business Manager) had sent to Dr. Joseph Wood (Supt. Of Schools), quoted from the Magnitude section of the letter and felt it was ironic that $300,000 was depicted as being so small an amount to be asking for, while a perceived $600,000 additional need in the Board s budget during Budget deliberations was considered so large a shortfall.
Councillor Delnicki reminded the Town Manager that, on several prior occasions, he had asked for a cost estimate on the housing of the War Memorabilia Collection. He now asked again if 0there were any rough estimates as yet. Mr. Galligan replied that this was trying to be determined in conjunction with the Space Needs study.
One of the biggest problems, according to the Town Manager, is that the Council has to decide if it is going to allow the Day Care Center to remain in the Union School building. If Council decides to allow them to remain, he predicted that Council could then be looking at a $500,000 to $750,000 cost estimate for making that second floor available either to the Day Care tenants, or for housing the War Memorabilia since it would require installing an elevator, removing lead paint still remaining on the second floor, etc. Mr. Richard Boudreault, of the Town s staff, is still trying to get contractors to take a look at Union School and give a piece by piece cost estimate.
Councillor Delnicki asked if he would be out of order to suggest that housing this collection could cost up to $1 million. Mr. Galligan said his only problem with housing it in the Union School was the fact that the school was on Main Street, and parking is a problem in that location particularly if there is bus traffic, etc. He felt that the Town would be better off temporarily leasing a location.
ITEM:
10. (Continued)
Next, again referring to the War Memorabilia Collection, Councillor Delnicki asked if the Town has actually closed on the deal? Mr. Galligan replied that the appraisal is being done; and then deferred to the Town Attorney to answer that question.
Atty. Guliano added that there was a hold up with the appraisal. Initially, according to the Town Attorney, the Appraiser wanted to segregate the objects, off site hoping that the Town would house the collection while this was being done. The Town had problems with that idea in that we had no space, nor did the Town wish to accept the liability until it owned the collection, etc.
As of this date, Atty. Guliano said, an agreement has finally been reached, and the collection will be appraised at Mr. Harvey s home beginning this Thursday, July 19. The Town Attorney said that a full inventory of the collection showing its original purchase price, and its value in today s market will be provided to Council sometime in August.
When asked by Councillor Delnicki if that information will be provided to Council before the Town purchases the collection, Atty. Guliano assured him it would.
Town Manager Galligan suggested that before investing big in this collection should look at the total space needs problem to which statement Councillor Delnicki added that, after looking at the Town s total space needs, he was concerned with the amount the Town was looking at for a museum for this collection. The Councillor suggested that this was obviously a discussion item for another evening.
Councillor Pelkey, touching back to the report from Don Neel to Dr. Wood, said that he felt the question posed by the Deputy Mayor addressed a time line rather than dollars. He felt that the Board had not kept the Council abreast of its projected surplus; and its sudden finding of an additional amount came as a shock to the Town Councillors. He said that he hoped this information would not be acquired at the eleventh hour again in future years.
Regarding the War Memorabilia Collection, Councillor Pelkey said We have not purchased it yet.
ITEM:
10. (Continued)
Deputy Mayor Havens offered his thoughts on the War Memorabilia the primary one being where do we house it? The Deputy Mayor suggested that the Council may not even wish to purchase it depending, of course, on the report from the Appraiser. He felt it presented a dilemma at the present time; and asked if it was possible to house it in a school.
Again, with regard to the War Memorabilia, Mayor Lassman Fisher asked that the Council be patient until it can be determined what this collection is valued at. She felt that the Appraiser took too long; however, she continued to feel that Council should wait to see what numbers the Appraiser will provide.
At this time, Councillor Delnicki asked to read into the record Council s Resolution regarding this collection, as adopted on February 20, 2001. (A copy of the adopted Resolution is attached.) Following this, Mayor Lassman Fisher asked the Town Attorney to determine if this was a compelling agreement, or not.
Councillor Delnicki stated that what he felt was being implied was that the Town Council would have another opportunity to vote on this purchase prior to accepting this collection.
11. Reports from Standing Committees - None
12. Reports of Temporary Committees - None
13. Communications and Petitions from Council - None
14. Public Participation
First to speak was Mr. Roy Normen, 158 Homestead Drive, who said he wished to comment on the purchase of the war memorabilia collection by asking why the Town is getting into the museum business. It was his feelings that this was not in the best interest of the Town.
The Mayor reminded those listening that this collection was offered to the Town, first, by its Owner because of its value and historical significance.
ITEM:
14. Public Participation (Continued)
15. Consent Agenda - None
16. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Appointing Clifford Slicer (D) to the Water Pollution Control Authority
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council appoints Clifford Slicer to the Water Pollution Control Authority for a term ending November 30, 2005, to fill the unexpired term of Kenneth Olander.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Joseph Carino, Ellington Road, and a Member of the WPCA addressed Council supporting the appointment of Mr. Slicer. Councillor Aman stated that he would be abstaining from the vote only because Mr. Slicer was already on more than one land regulatory agency namely, Economic Development Commission, and the Building Code Board of Appeals. Councillor Streeter concurred and said he, too, would be abstaining.
Mayor Lassman Fisher then called for a vote on the Resolution. The Resolution was approved 6 ayes to 2 abstentions, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine - Yes
Councillor Aman Abstained
Deputy Mayor Havens Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Williams Yes
Councillor Streeter Abstained
Mayor Lassman Fisher Yes
ITEM:
17. New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Daniel Sepura, Sr. (R)
as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor town Council accepts, with regret, the resignation of Daniel Sepura, Sr. as an Alternate to the Economic Development Commission, and thanks him for his service to his community.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
B. Resolution Approving a Refund of Property Taxes to Four (4) South Windsor Taxpayers
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the refund of property taxes to four (4) South Windsor taxpayers, the total of said refunds being $502.45, and as shown on attached Exhibit A.
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Aman
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
C. Resolution Accepting and Endorsing the CARE Initiative
WHEREAS, in a joint initiative between South Windsor Schools and other Town agencies, a mutual philosophy and position has been established to strengthen and support the health and well-being of all children in South Windsor, through a unified effort called CARE; and
WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor encourages participation and citizenship in the Community; and
WHEREAS, the Town embraces diversity and Accepts individuality; and
WHEREAS, the community promotes Respect for all citizens; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. C. (Continued)
WHEREAS, we will strive to create a respectful, safe, ridicule-free environment where Everyone is responsible for his or her own behavior
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council accepts and endorses the CARE Initiative as outlined in the above statements; and encourages all citizens to embrace the CARE philosophy.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Before a vote was taken, Dennis Sheridan (Director of Youth and Family Services) explained the origin of this initiative, and who developed it.
The Mayor then called for a vote on the Resolution. It was approved, unanimously.
D. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Negotiate an Agreement with Clean Energy Fund, and International Fuel Cells, for Full Funding, Installation, and Maintenance of Fuel Cell at South Windsor High School
Whereas, the Clean Energy Fund was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1998 to develop initiatives for alternative, environmentally friendly energy technologies which include fuel cells; and
Whereas, Fuel cells are inherently more efficient than other energy power systems because they directly convert natural gas and air into electricity and heat, with minimal pollution; and
Whereas, Town officials have discussed the idea of installing a fuel cell to generate emergency power as part of the local disaster relief plan. That plan currently calls for using a South Windsor facility as a shelter during extended power outages or other disasters; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Whereas, the Town of South Windsor has made a proposal to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to fund the installation and maintenance of a fuel cell at South Windsor High School that would provide power including emergency power and serve as a teaching tool for the science curriculum; and
Whereas, the Town believes a fuel cell would be more efficient, cleaner and reliable than a standard emergency generator because a fuel cell can respond instantaneously to a power outage; and
Whereas, Students at the high school would also have the opportunity to learn about the fuel cell and the technology behind it; and
Whereas, the Town presented a proposed budget to the Clean Energy Fund for this project, as shown on Exhibit B, in the amount of $2,057,000; and
Whereas, the project has the preliminary approval of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund; and
Whereas, in consideration of the unique requirements to this project, the Town will pursue a turnkey operation and intends to select a single contractor for this work; and
Whereas, if it is successful in obtaining funding, the Town proposes to contract with International Fuel Cells ( IFC ) for the purchase, installation and maintenance of the fuel cell. The company and the high school have a longstanding relationship, with IFC annually sponsoring a local team of students who build robotic equipment and compete in the national FIRST robotics competition.
Now therefore, be it Resolved:
That the South Windsor Town Council supports the siting of a fuel cell at South Windsor High School with full funding from the Clean Energy Fund as set forth in the proposed project budget; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
That the Town Manager and the Town Attorney are authorized to negotiate with the Clean Energy Fund and International Fuel Cells to reach an agreement for the full funding, installation and maintenance of a Fuel Cell at South Windsor High School; and
The Town Manager is directed to seek final approval of all such proposed agreements by the South Windsor Town Council; and
The Town Council will work cooperatively, directly and through staff, with the Board of Education and all other local agencies of cognizance in the furtherance of the fuel cell project.
Was made by: Councillor Fine
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
Comments from the Council pointed out that the Town of South Windsor, through this Agreement, was getting a little more than a $2 million fuel cell for nothing; and saving $80,000 per year as well. Publicity surrounding this event in the news media, etc. was expected to bring South Windsor to the forefront.
Deputy Mayor Havens thanked the Mayor, in particular for all the work she put into seeing that this became a reality. He also thanked State Senator Gary LeBeau, Town Manager Matt Galligan, and everyone involved with seeing that this happened in South Windsor.
Councillor Williams said that Council mustn t forget the education our High School students would be receiving, right from the beginning, because of the presence of this fuel cell in their school.
Mayor Lassman Fisher, elaborating on that education component, said that from the moment of its presence in the school there will be a curriculum based around this fuel cell which, she felt, was very important for South Windsor s students. They will be learning a brand new technology, hands on, right there in the school; and they will have the support of an international company to do that.
ITEM:
17. D. (Continued)
Mayor Lassman Fisher urged anyone from the Town Council who would like to get involved, now that the Town had the money, to do so. She pointed out that this is a brand new program, that even the Clean Energy Fund, itself, has never done this. She said she would make the staff meeting dates and times available. School staff and officials, Town staff and officials, and Atty. Robert DeCrecenzo would be part of the core group who would be working on this proposal; and any Board Member or Town Councillor who would like to attend any or all of these meetings would be welcome.
Another item the Mayor offered was a tour of the fuel cell facility sometime in the Fall. She said it would be a very interesting tour.
The first meeting of this group, she said, is scheduled for July 18, at 1:00 p.m., in the Caucus Room of the Town Hall, at which the initial discussion would be how to get this project off the ground.
Mayor Lassman Fisher then called for a vote on the Resolution. Resolution 17. C. was approved unanimously.
E. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Negotiate a Lease/Purchase Agreement with the Owners of the Old Post Office Property on Sullivan Avenue and Bring Said Proposal Back to Town Council for Final Approval
WHEREAS, the Town Council Space Needs Committee has recommended that the old Post Office property on Sullivan Avenue be leased for the next couple of years in order to solve some of the short-term space problems; and
WHEREAS, it is in the Town s best interest to negotiate a future purchase price at the same time so that the Town, if it so chooses, can ultimately purchase the property at today s market rate; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the lack of space at Town Hall has caused concern regarding the efficient operation of Town government
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to negotiate a Lease/Purchase Agreement for the old Post Office property on Sullivan Avenue, such Agreement to contain any improvements deemed necessary for efficient operation of the Town s business, and that this Agreement be brought back to the Town Council for their final approval.
Was made by: Deputy Mayor Havens
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
Before a vote was taken, Deputy Mayor Havens explained that Councillors Fine and Streeter had participated in the Space Needs study, which gave the members an opportunity to visit most of the public buildings in Town. In the process, the Deputy Mayor felt they found out a great deal about each facility. He then asked Councillor Fine who, he said, was involved with the Fire Department, and the Police Department, to present Council with her observations.
Councillor Fine said that the one thing she found particularly striking was the fact that all most all of the Town s public facilities the Police, Park & Recreation, etc. were using off-site storage facilities. The cost of this off-site storage, she felt, had to be considerable that can be alleviated to some degree by having another site for storage.
Continuing, and referring specifically to the Police Station, Councillor Fine said that all the storage areas are filled to over capacity boxes, materials, etc. are being stored in the hallways and offices even the generator room has things stored in it. Computer equipment and related material are being stored in the Chief of Police s Conference Room a fact the Councillor felt was not very professional looking.
The Investigation Unit, she continued, is overflowing with related investigative equipment. Five years of records are being stored off-site. Anything current and up to four years old are being stored on site. The three Interview Rooms are being used as office space; and the Youth Holding Area is now being used for storage by the Traffic Unit; while the Youth Holding Area is located in the only Interview Room left in the facility.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Fine then explained that there is a shed outside for animal cages, traffic cones, light-bars, etc. however, it is not weather proof or vermin-proof. The Male Locker Room, she reported, is at capacity; while Lockers for the Special Units are in the Mechanical Room. The facility has 18,000 square feet, she said; and, in 1984 an additional 1,800 was added for the Ambulance Corps.
Councillor Fine then described what could be done to alleviate this overcrowded situation primarily, by moving the Ambulance Corps out of there and into its own facility; and utilizing the 18,000 square feet now being used by the Corps.
Parking facilities at the Police Station is short. When there are special functions at the Police facility, people have to park over on Nevers Road. She felt that the Police Communication Room is ridiculous. After authorizing all this wonderful, new equipment for their communications, she felt it was amazing that the Dispatchers can even hear themselves think.
The above, according to Councillor Fine, are short-term solutions that may last them 2 to 4 years. Following that time, the Police wish to build an additional 6,000 square feet which should hold them for another 10 to 15 years.
Stating that he felt it would be unfair to minimize the hours the Committee had spent on this report, and considering the late hour, Councillor Streeter asked that Council stick to the Resolution, and allow a more comprehensive report on a meeting date set aside for just that. The Councillor said he would support the Resolution despite the fact that he was still opposed to purchasing the old Post Office Building. He agreed, however, to look at the options of the lease, and to allow the Town Manager to investigate the option of the lease or a possible lease/purchase agreement might entail.
Councillor Streeter hoped that the Town Council, possibly the first meeting in September, would donate the Work Session to go into greater detail on the Space Needs Committee Report.
Deputy Mayor Havens concurred space is a problem in this community. He also stated that this Town Hall is just packed! and the most logical solution to solving anything these days is the old Post Office. He felt that the Post Office looked as though it were designed and built to be added on to this complex (Town Hall) 30 years ago.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Councillor Pelkey said he would agree to postpone his questions; however, there were one or two things he wished the Town Manager to come back with, information-wise, and they were: 1) current cost of storage; and 2) the feasibility of off loading the sign-printing now being done at the Town Garage, or taking in this work from other communities.
Councillor Delnicki said he would be supporting this Resolution even though he remained skeptic about the wisdom of purchasing the Old Post Office when considering the urgent need, in his mind, for a new, comprehensive Public Safety Complex. The Councillor said he did concede that the old Post Office building did provide a reasonable area to store things in temporarily presuming the costs for off-site storage are received, and it makes sense.
Councillor Aman said he did not like the old Post Office Building. He felt that this Resolution started the Town on a trend of purchasing a white elephant. If the Town Manager returns to the Council and says this is a two year deal; and it s the cheapest storage we can find, Councillor Aman said he could see using the old Post Office building. However, he felt, that as a long-range solution to any of the problems of the Town, the old Post Office did not fit into what he envisioned the Town Complex should be.
Councillor Aman felt that the money the Town would use to renovate that building for office space could be used more wisely by expanding the Town Hall in several different directions. The idea of having some of the Town s personnel here, and some of it at the Post Office, breaks up the advantage of small Town government, where people see each other in the hallways, and things get done.
Councillor Aman also suggested it might be wise to look into the feasibility of expanding the Town Garage, and moving some of the Public Works people now housed in the Town Hall down to that facility. In summation, Councillor Aman agreed there was a space problem; but did not agree that the old Post Office building was a good solution toward solving that problem.
Councillor Williams asked how much time the Council had for this decision what the time-line was. Mr. Galligan said that this would depend on the price. If the Owner of the building gave the Town a great price per square foot, then the Town might take out a 3- or 4-year lease; if the price is not good, he said he might not even recommend leasing the building.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Continuing, Mr. Galligan guessed that the longest lease you could probably get would be five (5) years; and the shortest two (2) years.
Councillor Fine, addressing the specific Resolution presently before Council, said that initially she also thought that leasing the Post Office was a crazy type of thing to do because she had heard there was asbestos in the building; the septic system was not good, etc. however, when the Space Needs Committee visited the building, recently, they learned that the asbestos has already been removed, and the building is tied into the sewers on Sullivan Avenue. Those costs, she said, were now out of the picture.
As far as having some employees here, and some employees there, according to Councillor Fine, she mentioned the Town of Bloomfield which has a Town Hall Annex.
In that Town, she said, Probate Court was moved to the Annex. She felt that this was an excellent way to utilize the idea of an Annex. She agreed, as was suggested in the Resolution, that this alternative should be checked out.
Councillor Delnicki pointed out that the old Post Office Building has been on the market for some time and hasn t moved yet. He felt that, under those circumstances, the Town should get a real bargain basement price on a lease for that building.
Councillor Aman said he did not remember seeing any money in the Budget for lease payments, and asked the Town Manager where the money would come from should that option be chosen. Mr. Galligan said it would depend upon when the Town wished to start that lease; and it would have to be either taken out of Contingency Account, or Capital would have to come up with a funding mechanism for the lease payments. In either case, according to the Town Manager, the Budget would have to be readjusted.
ITEM:
17. E. (Continued)
Mayor Lassman Fisher then called for a vote on the Motion. It was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Nay, on a Roll Call vote, as follows:
Councillor Fine Yes
Councillor Aman No
Deputy Mayor Havens Yes
Councillor Pelkey Yes
Councillor Delnicki Yes
Councillor Williams Yes
Councillor Streeter Yes
Mayor Lassman Fisher Yes
F. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2001/2002
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $104,728 for Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan for Fiscal Year 2000-2001.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
G. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary for Town Attorney Barry Guliano for Fiscal Year 2001/2002
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $83,019.42 for Town Attorney Barry Guliano for Fiscal Year 2001/2002.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Fine
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
ITEM:
17. New Business (Continued)
H. Resolution Approving an Annual Salary of $34, 320, Based upon 1,560 Hours Per Year, for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2001/2002
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an annual salary of $34,320 based upon 1,560 hours per year, for the Clerk of the Council for Fiscal Year 2001/2002; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby stipulates that the Clerk of the Council position shall have benefits equivalent to the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Job Classification; and said benefits shall be calculated on a prorated basis according to the average number of hours worked in the previous Fiscal Year; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said hourly increase and participation in the Non-Bargaining Unit Members Fringe Benefit Package shall be effective July 1, 2001.
Was made by: Councillor Williams
Seconded by: Councillor Pelkey
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
Before going on to the next Agenda Item, Councillor Pelkey moved to extend this Regular Meeting beyond 11:00 p.m. in order to complete the Agenda. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Aman, and approved, unanimously.
I. Resolution Authorizing the Expenditure of $75,000 for Design Plans and Legal and Other Expenses Associated with the Implementation of a Portion of the Projects Listed in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council adopted a Park and Recreation Master Plan for the Town of South Windsor on April 2, 2001; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to commence the implementation of a portion of those projects listed in said Plan namely,
Lawrence Road Park Playing fields, pond, and
Support facilities
Nevers Road Park Playing fields and support facilities
Ayers Road/Duprey Facilities Playing fields, and support
Facilities;
and
WHEREAS, a possible method to fund said projects is through the issuance of bonds, if said method is approved by Referendum question on the November 6, 2001 ballot; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to appropriate an amount not to exceed $75,000 to cover expenses associated with design plans, and legal and other expenses to be incurred for such a Referendum and the implementation of said projects; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing has been conducted by the Town Council on Monday, July 2, 2001 to receive citizen input on the transfer of funds for such an appropriation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to appropriate an amount not to exceed $75,000 to cover expenses associated with design plans, and legal and other expenses to be incurred for said Referendum and the implementation of the above-listed projects; and
(Resolution Continued on Next Page)
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $75,000 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account Number 004-4200-4201-320 to Capital Improvements - Park Improvements Account Number 004-4200-4417-320 to cover expenses associated with design plans, and legal and other expenses to be incurred for said Referendum and the implementation of the above-listed projects.
Was made by: Councillor Aman
Seconded by: Councillor Delnicki
The Resolution was immediately amended by Councillor Aman to, eventually, read as follows (amended areas depicted in bold print):
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council adopted a Park and Recreation Master Plan for the Town of South Windsor on April 2, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to commence the implementation of a portion of said Plan; and,
WHEREAS, a possible method to fund the Plan is through the issuance of bonds, if said method is approved by Referendum question on the November 6, 2001 ballot; and
WHEREAS, the South Windsor Town Council wishes to appropriate an amount not to exceed $75,000 to cover expenses associated with design plans, and legal and other expenses to be incurred for said Referendum; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing has been conducted by the Town Council on Monday, July 2, 2001 to receive citizen input on the transfer of funds for such an appropriation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan to appropriate an amount not to exceed $75,000 to cover expenses associated with design plans, and legal and other expenses to be incurred for said Referendum; and,
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the transfer of $75,000 for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 from Capital and Non-Recurring Expenditures Account Number 004-4200-4201-320 to Capital Improvements - Park Improvements Account Number 004-4200-4417-320 to cover expenses associated with design plans, and legal and other expenses to be incurred for said Referendum and to recommend which projects should be funded by a 2001 Referendum in an amount of approximately $6,000,000.
The Amendment was seconded by Councillor Streeter.
Councillor Pelkey distributed a copy of a data sheet he had worked up whereby he had pulled out of the Plan projects that were not school paving projects, going from 2001-2002 to 2003-2004. These projects totaled $5,889,168. (A copy of Councillor s proposal is attached.)
A lengthy discussion ensued among the Councillors with regard to the priorities and timing of certain projects, whether or not it was essential to follow the schedule provided in the Master Plan of Development of Parks and Recreation; what projects should not be part of the Referendum, but should be part of the Town s Capital Projects Budget; and whether or not the Master Plan should serve as a guideline only, with the Town Council setting the priorities.
Among the proposals discussed was Councillor Pelkey s final suggestion that Council put their heads together and come up with the projects it wanted the consultant to look at for $75,000 and then go from there.
Deputy Mayor Havens, stating that he felt each Councillor cannot go through the projects and pick out the particular ones they favor--recommended that, rather than specifically listing projects to be done on the Referendum, the $6,000,000 be left open as is done with Open Space projects.
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
Councillor Fine agreed. She said she, too, would prefer it be handle the same was the Referendum Questions on Open Space are handled.
If this turns out to be the case, Town Manager said that as each project is produced, a Public Hearing be held as was done with open space. Mr. Galligan said he would prefer this method because it provided Council individual chances to evaluate each project.
Mayor Lassman Fisher did not agree with the concept of an open question. She said with open space it was different the difference being that the bonding referendum for open space was put into effect because, at the time, the Town had no way of knowing what parcels the Town would be acquiring, but would have the money as the land became available. In this instance, she said, the Council has a Plan; and she did not see how Council can urge the voters to vote Yes, for $6,000,000 and we ll tell you later what it s for!
The Mayor felt that it was not an option for the Council to choose between farming and football, lacrosse, etc. It was, she said, not the Council s Plan it was everyone in South Windsor s Plan. Following further remarks, the Mayor asked the Town Attorney if there was someway Council could direct the Consultant (for $75,000) to do all Council has asked him to do and come back with what Council needs or does Council need to be more specific?
Atty. Guliano said that Council could indicate to the Consultant that the Town wanted his opinion not just going down the list on the first $6 million; we would, perhaps, want him to go farther than that so that he leaves options. Atty. Guliano reminded the Council that it was not, at this point, committing to specific projects, or to a specific Referendum. What it was really doing, he continued, was trying to get design plans and expertise opinions from this consultant so that it could make that decision.
Town Manager Galligan, stating that time is of the essence, recommended that the Consultant look at the first three (3) years, and then consent to get started on these projects for survey work, etc. His opinion was that the more specific you are….the faster the work goes, and it s more accurate. Mr. Galligan said that once you start going all over the place…. you lose time, and that can be a problem!
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
Mayor Lassman Fisher asked if any Councillor wished to put forth a Resolution incorporating Mr. Galligan s suggestion. (None was forthcoming.) She then asked, once again, if there was anyone from the public who wished to speak.
Mr. Craig Zimmerman, 5-A Amato Drive, said he had three (3) items he wished to remark on. (1) Ellsworth School Gymnasium He asked that this project stay exactly where it was listed on the Plan, unless it is moved up, because there are, he said, only three gyms in Town, and he would bet that Ellsworth was the one that was used the most.
Item (2), according to Mr. Zimmerman, was that he disagreed with the concept that if $6 million were approved, it would bring the Plan to the years 2003-2004, and this would bring up the Ellsworth School gym and parking. He then described why it would not work. He recommended that the amount put to Referendum be closer to Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000).
Mr. Zimmerman s third recommendation was that if Council planned to take something out of order, or change the order of the list, Council would be obligated to get the word (re. the change) out to the public. In conclusion, Mr. Zimmerman recommended that Council go in order that s where, he felt, the Referendum would receive the most support.
Mr. Roy Normen, Homestead Drive, referring to the Priest property and discussions on this parcel, said that contrary to what had been said this evening this issue was argued previous to the Plan being approved; and the response at that time was that we don t have any money to change the Plan, but we ll work it out as we go along.
Mr. Normen then said that, when looking at the Master Plan, you don t have to be an agricultural expert, when standing on Sullivan Avenue to look at the Priest property and see what portion is developed as agriculture and is productive agricultural land, and which portion is not. Mr. Normen also pointed out that 95% of the land (Priest property) shown on the Master Plan to be used for athletic fields is currently being farmed; and when the person who was currently farming that land was asked why that whole field is not being used for agriculture, he learned it was not suitable for productional agriculture.
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
Mr. Normen was of the opinion that the Resolution, as amended, solved the problem by following the schedule yet without stipulating it says follow the schedule; without saying that you have to have those items (such as lacrosse and football fields) at the Priest property. He felt this allowed for the placement of these activities on other properties, and asked the Council to request that the Consultant investigate the possibility of doing just that.
Following these discussions, the Clerk of the Council repeated Councillor Aman s amendment. Deputy Mayor Havens asked Councillor Aman to, put simply, explain what his Amendment was asking for. Councillor Aman said that the Amended Resolution still has us follow the Plan in order; but it allows the Consultant to look at the order and say that……. (for instance) the Rye Street Park paved basketball court you ve got $250,000 in Capital Projects that would be better off just funded out of your Capital Projects budget, and do it right now. Don t confuse the Referendum Question with that project. It would still be done in order; but the money would come from a different source.
Councillor Aman continued to give examples of what was intended by his Amended Resolution. The Councillor said it wasn t saying not to do the project; it was asking the Consultant to identify, for each one of those projects, which pocket the money should come out of.
Councillor Pelkey suggested that the Town spend $75,000; ask the Consultant to go through to the 2003-2004 years, and come back to Council with a recommendation as to how he is going to make those projects fit where, and where the funding should come from.
Mayor Lassman Fisher then suggested that everywhere the Resolution said projects, it say Plan. In other words, tell the Consultant We have $6,000,000 tell us how to implement the Plan. She also thought the Consultant should be instructed to take a look at the Priest property; and see if there is a change in design that might work there. She also felt that the Consultant should be given specific instructions to provide Council with some guidance on what he believes should be Capital Projects vs. bond; and be instructed to give Council specific advice on reprioritizing the list of projects.
ITEM:
17. I. (Continued)
When asked by the Mayor if this would satisfy his wishes, Councillor Aman said it would that there was no one item that he absolutely didn t want to do period! He did, however, have questions regarding the best way to fund these projects.
The Mayor then called for a vote on Councillor Aman s Amendment. The Motion was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention (Councillor Delnicki abstaining).
The Mayor then asked someone on the Council to make a Motion to change the word projects to the word Plan in the Resolution. Councillor Fine so moved. The Motion was seconded by Councillor Pelkey, and was approved 6 Ayes to 2 Abstentions (Deputy Mayor Havens and Councillor Delnicki abstaining).
Mayor Lassman Fisher then called for a vote on the Amended Resolution. It was approved 6 Ayes to 2 Abstentions (Deputy Mayor Havens and Councillor Delnicki abstaining).
J. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $12,525 from Various Accounts to the Building Maintenance Rentals and Leases Account
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the following transfer of $12,525 in order to centralize the review and payment of monthly service charges associated with Town cellular telephones
From the following accounts:
Youth and Family Services Department 1421-4215-330 $ 480
Inland Wetlands/Conservation Comm. 1112-1130-221 480
Planning Department 1143-1430-320 480
Data Processing 1192-1922-221 1,440
Recreation Department Admin. 1511-5112-330 420
Recreation Department Day Camp 1511-5121-360 1,419
Adult and Senior Services 1421-4225-330 1,920
Building Department 1230-2400-330 1,440
Assessor s Office 1151-1511-221 480
Contingency Account 1910-9001-390 3,966
ITEM:
17. J. (Continued)
To the following account:
Building Maintenance Department 1336-3200-330 $12,525
Was made by: Councillor Streeter
Seconded by: Councillor Aman
The Motion was: Approved, unanimously
18. Passage of Ordinance
A. Passage of a Conservation Easement Ordinance for the Town of South Windsor
(Councillor Delnicki)
BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves the passage of a Conservation Easement Ordinance for the Town of South Windsor, a copy of which Ordinance is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk, and attached hereto as Exhibit C.
Was made by: Councillor Delnicki
Seconded by: Councillor Streeter
Prior to a vote being taken, Atty. Barry Guliano asked that two Amendments be made by Council to the Ordinance attached as Exhibit C. The first change would be to Sec. 5, b. Appeals (on page 5 of the Ordinance). He requested that the agencies for appeal should include IWA, PZC, or the Town Council, or the Conservation Commission.
The second change requested by the Town Attorney was on Page 6, Section c.i.3. to read punishable by a fine of ninety-nine dollars ($99.00) payable to the Town of South Windsor.
The Motion to revise the Ordinance as requested by the Town Attorney was made by Councillor Pelkey; seconded by Councillor Williams, and was approved, on a Roll Call vote 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention (Councillor Aman abstaining).
ITEM:
18. (Continued)
The Amended Resolution was approved 7 Ayes to 1 Abstention, on a Roll Call vote (Councillor Aman abstaining).
19. Communications and Petitions from Council (Continued) - None
20. Executive Session To discuss Pending and Future Tax Foreclosures, and
Retention of Outside Counsel
21. Motion to Adjourn A Motion was made at 11:30 p.m., duly seconded, and unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmts. (6)
1) Don Neel s Memo to Dr. Wood
2) Copy of 2/20/01 Resolution re. War Memorabilia
3) Exhibit A (Tax Refunds)
4) Exhibit B. (Fuel Cell Budget Sheet)
5) Councillor Pelkey s Referendum Proposal
6) Exhibit C (Revised Conservation Easement)
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