Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
7
2. Prayer: Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman, Temple Beth Hillel
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
5. Public Input [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.]
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail - concerned about the sale of assets of SW Ambulance - have asked in writing and talked to the last director of the ambulance. I have not been billed - it has been 15 months ago. I am concerned that there are a lot of people in this town that have not been billed. when the new company takes over they will llook at accounts receivable and go after everyone whoi s past due. no one has followed up with their accounts receivable. someone has to look at the accounts receivable. I have never been billed. two weeks ago sent letter to acting director. I have asked for a bill and will not pay until I get a bill. If anyone in SW has a lien I will take this tape to court. I think it would be a tragedy. This council should do something. Carl Werkhoven, thanked the TC for passing the previoius resolution. Here to represent all those on bikes. the white lines in the street mean nothing. There are more and more bikers. Councilor Yagaloff I like you and know you - I will take the back handed comment as a compliment that I am over the top. I will be here until this town becomes safe. I am not nuts. I am a good hearted person, the older I get the more I care about younger people. Please do not let pot get legalized. 104 Pine Knob - come hee only when I have a topic to discuss. This 23 acres of land - I have been here for a long year. tax exemptions, land you probably will never get it back and it is always in the paoper. you need to give tax exempt when others in town are on a fixed income. if you have better tax billing, let the company's pay the taxes. why do they get a tax exemption. if they want to build a building then they need to pay their taxes. the town charter in this town needs to be changed. if you are going to run for Mayor then you should be able to do that. For the past 15 years you have not changed the Town Manager. We need changes in this Town. The old post office is still empty. you need to talk to the people, not just certain people. People are moving out of town because of this system. Snyder - Emergency Operations - can we bring him up. Anwar - he wanted to speak after the Chief but it is gong to be long agenda so maybe he should come up. Snyder - or should we add it to the agenda. Delnicki - finish public input then have budget presentation come up. Snyder - do not know if I agree with that. I would like Mr. Gonsalses to come up and speak. Anwar - have him come up and speak Reed - later on in this meeting I am here for Police Department budget and part of that is emergency management. Since we recently completed out CERT training - we could have him come forward to discuss CERT. Jay Gonsales - Deputy Director of Emergency Management. 4 objectives create CERT Team, develop plan moving foward 15,000 for budget - today we have received grant 12,000, CERT trainign- 300 and another for equipment and todya received another one. 16,400 total. Investment of emergency management does pay forward. We have 25 members who will be graduating - mission for CERT team - walk and not run. we want to master what we are good at. Shelter management will be first. augment our staff for emergency management. will take classes, thrid part is communications. need plan. Ham radios - working with Region 2 and 3 - we have members that are already licensed. Will be embrassing a whole community for emergency management. Senior program, emergencyoperation plans, continuing to establish budget, reachin gout to Chamber, farmers, senior center, medically and physicall dependent, oversight committee which is almost done. STEP program (students trained in emergency mangagment with 5th grade class, EOC training, public service announcements, homeland security exercise and other exercises. interact with mutual aid. Anwar - CERT Team graduates - thankful that council has been supportive of this.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Wagner - remember to use sun screen to avoid skin cancer
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Mirek - Snyder, unanimous
8. Public Petitions
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
10. Reports from Standing Committees
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
Parks and Recreation passed resolution - recommend in their budget (Capital) 75,000 capital item that is listed for their plan Anwar - addition Wagner - yes an addition for 275,000 Anwar - part of thie rmaster plan Wagner - in the capital projects but not on list from committee
12. 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.]
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Greater Hartford Transit District Commission
Yagaloff, Snyder, unanimous
* B. Resolution Appointing Michael Baum (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission
Yagaloff, Snyder, unanimous
C. Discussion Item: Ridge Road Drainage (Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer to be present)
Jeff Doolittle, pass out sketch. when we started this project we wanted to carry water away from area. wanted to tie into Deming Street. What they found was drainage in Deming Street is undersized and could not handle Ridge Road drianage. We need to have some more funding to expand the scope of this project. Consultant has come up with cost of 360,000. Council appropriated 120,000 for this project and we would need 200,000 more to complete this project. Mirek - it seems like this was done five years ago? east of Sele Drive down to Buckland Road. we did not continue. Mirek - that elevated the flooding on Buckland Jeff - yes Yagaloff - water was coming from the east side of Ridge Road and crossing the road onto #8, #16, # - on the west side of Ridge Road. So Deming does not have ability to carry the extra water. Jeff - the existing drainage on Deming does not collect for Ridge Road Yagaloff - usually you crown the road, how does a dip work Jeff - put a low spot in the road needs to be created so the water drains to that low spot. then tie into Deming STreet. Yagaloff - curbing - water would still flow off easterly properties. seems like a complicated water problem that th enegineer says will be helped by 2 catch basins. Jeff - we have to install new cathc basins. reconstruct road - there would be water on the east side. there would be provisions for people to tie into that. Yagaloff - run numbers, how much collect Jeff - designed to collect water run off on Yagaloff - thought the 120,000 was only for planning Galligan - LoCIP funds - Yagaloff - this is a tough one. there are so many similar types of projects in town. for the cost seems like it has to go to the list with other priorities. Delnicki - what is the size change in the pipin gin Deming Street proposed Jeff - 12" and we need mostly about 18"-___ but most 18 Delnicki - the catch basins that you are showing - 5 new catch basins on Deming STreet Jeff - we would put 3 on south side and 2 on north side. actually we are proposing 8 new catch basins. Delnicki - it is more then increasing the pipe it is also adding catch basins? yes Delnikci - is ther any balance left in referendum? Galligan - no Delnici - would like to see reconcilation of those funds? Galligna - will eamil to you Delnikci - if you styaed with existing catch basins, and enlarged the pipes Jeff - exisitng are in horrible condition. Delnicki - we had focused on Ridge as an issue, not Dmeing. Jeff - we can positioin the catch basins in the right place. Delnikci - please send reconcilation. Prague - if I take ride up to Deminig STreet - will not find that the catch basins are 5 years old? Jeff - no Mirek - I know there are a couple of catch basins are in the lawns. Has that been explored of keeping them off the road? Jeff - yes that would save some funds which are included but would have to change pipes. Snyder - we had talked about problem with Ridge Road - it wasn't as easy as placing drainage in Ridge Road. I remeber it would be easy to give funds to figure out way to stop flooding in Ridge Road but it may cause problem on other areas. We wanted a plan to stop that problem adn not create other problems. I think Jeff came back with a plan $260,000 additional - we wanted to have Jeff come up with a plan that would not flood everyone else. Wagner - how many times a year edoes this flood now? Jeff - when there is a heavy rain there is water running across the lawns and there are erosion. Wagner - if we could do this in stages - deal with Ridge Road first - Jeff - good idea but want to start down stream and work your way up - first start with Deming and work way up to Ridge. Pendleton - Why can't Ridge Road be drained down Summit? Jeff - would have to install pipe - at the end of Summit there is a detention basin - would have to put water into Summit - involivng a much more - would still have inadequate drainag ein Deming Anwar - first part to recognize there are resident in the community that have been complaining for years? Jeff - yes Anwar - previously we did not know exact cost and requested the project to be reviewed and gave 100,000 - Engineering has done their due diligence. The Engineering Department has come upw ith a plan and they are the experts. Wanted a long term solution and least expensive? Jeff - yes came up with long term that is least expensive Anwar - need 260,000 - how do we get those funds? we at least know the needs. this community has waited for a long time. Need to crfeate mechanism to come up with funds for this project - should be on list of things to do - Mirek - the water comes like a raged river at times. glad you have a long term solution. does this include curbing? Jeff - yes it does include curbing. Anwar - this is something that we need to do, correct? with respect to timing we have to identify a mechanism to achieve this. we put on priority list with Capitla Projects, or long term strategy. We know what are goal is -
D. Discussion Item: Clean Energy Commission
Clean Energy Commission - Anwar - a lot of things are changing - what is out there for clean energy. for the past many years this group has not been functioning. It is time for us to come back to us and look at in a broader way. There are funds out there that the Town could benefit with. Help our residents to save funds. there are a lot of people that are focused n many areas. create a way to broaden our knowlege. Prague - how many people signed up for the solarize CT? Galligan - 200 people Prague - that was already in place -- Galligan - think about 200 people signed up. They have been signed up since the 2010. there are other programs out there that would be nice to have. we just don't have staff to do those. Prague - as I go around this town only see about 10 people that have gone solar. I am against solar energy because it takes federal and state funds and the resident is paying 30% which taxpayers would be paying for. Galligan - we have areas near the power lines. nice to have committee - there are some opportunities taht we should be looking at. Committee could be helpful Delnicki - met with SWALPAC and OPen Space about 2 years ago and there was push to use those areas for solar farm Galligna - farm producing funds - use it to maintain open space. Delnicki - that issue is still out there regardless of what we do with committee. that is an opportunity to generate funds for open space. We had Clean Energy Commission Can you recap Galligan - 4-5 people and they were looking at solar - 2010. council passed - create partnership. Delnicki - 2010 Anwar - there are conversations that need to happen. Need to discuss different opportunities for financial gains for out community. we need to maximiize those ideas. Wagner - there are two trends, price of renewable energy. utilities still have to provide the infrastructure for your house. costs money to do that and a lot of programs have encouraged alternative energy and not recongizing infrastructure needs. recess at 8
public hearing Avery STreet
75 people
Jeff did presentation
Anwar - decided to have public hearing because it will impact community.
Public
104 Pne knob - Ellington roundabout has had 3 accidents. have heard that there would be parking lot along Avery Street
Dlolitee - that is not par tof htis plan
104 Pine KNob - they show parking lot on east side - go past and there is sidewalk in swamp land. the sidewalks change sides, why can't be on the same side? should be left on the east side. why make people change side of road. guys who plow say it is a headache. plows will get ruined by pavers. put traffic light. people do not want to change to roundabout.
42 Woodland Drive - wanted to comment on project. it makes me happy to see streets reworked. Not against the Avery STreet projec tor roundabouts but I am against this particular roundable. do not think it is necessary. It is not a high accident intersection. my objection is the cost that is being put in to this roundabout. there is a lot of sections of Avery Street that will need to be reworked. If you save the money from roundabout you can continue to do repairs of Avery Street.
Steve, 303 Oak Street - former municipal traffic engineer. few years ago - the modern roundabout is smaller. this area would benefit from a roundabout. I don't like change but so much has gone on in this area. After a while people get used to them. support roundabout.
678 Avery Street - have mixed opinions. roundabout seems a bit too much. personally I don't know how I would get out of my driveway. Seems like we would be promoting speed. expensive project. prefer four way stop.
Bob Dickinson, 19 Birch Road, give a lot of credit to Engineering Department. weight their recommendation heavily. one of the concerns I have is with the non-roundabout intersection give some of the bad features we hve now. the only way solve is narrow down the medians so the width of intersection wouldn't be so wide. stop signs - many people go through. in the past was skepitcal of roundabouts. once people get used to they seem to work well.
26 Woodland Drive - I am one of the 70% that is not skeptical. one thing not mentioned 89% - 56% vehicle stops. we are not talking about a rotary that is huge. we have to think about the future. support rotary.
141 Woodland Drive - that intersection needs to be fixed. working in Windsor have gone through roundabouts. can't maintain speed. slows things down. I like it. something needs to be done. in favor.
Barry Priest - Avery STreet Church - our Church is most effected by this. we were given the two designs and we were able to show them to residents after church - 70% said we are in favor and that was include din the prsentaion. the reasons given for that - smoother traffic flow, increased safety, more attractive intersection. longer temr improvlement to that intersection is the roundabout is the way to go.
300 Benedict Drive - travel alot on Avery and Kelly and Beelzebub. your ideas for a roundabout is not acceptable. that is a very busy street - if you have a roundabout the school bus will have hard time. take peoples property. I have been living here for 36 years and do not see people walking in that area. they will not work on Avery STreet. suggestion find different solution.
Jane Kinsley, live on Steep Road - Vernon Circle has a lot more traffic then SW. Vernon had a lot mor etraffic and it did ot work - Town should look to put a traffic light there and seems like a better solution. would be cheaper to put in light.
Amy Webber, 65 Perin Lane - drive Avery everyday. in the short term - gong north on Avery, cut down the bush because can't see people on Beelzebub.
where you have a lot of traffic - can get to grid lock - if those two roads were lined up then you don't need a rotary.
Robert, 276 Avery STreet - against roundabout. there were three accidents in the one in Ellington. saw bicyclist get hurt. is there any work being proposed on Avery STreet near Manchester.
Pat, 815 Avery STreet - if there were 8 accidents within a 4 year period - how does that relate to other intersections in Town, what warrants this change. have not read anything about the cost of this. little concerned that there are 800 or so people traveling on Avery STreet - if this roundabout would encourage more people then I am not happy about that.
Tom Well, 630 Avery Street - not in favor of roundabout. if you widen they will increase speed. on the west side of the street we asked them to be put on the east side. taking a lot of property from residents. for those of us that live here all of our life, th eimpact that those who live there should be considered.
Did not know too much that was going on with this project. concern int he winter, going down the street or up when started to slow - you don't get a lot of traffic - which would be safer when there is snow. roundabout would be on a hill, would that help -
- do not see the financial need to spend that money versus something that seems minor
letters read into record -
Mirek -
Wagner read letters into the record
Pendleton read letter into the record - Mike Sullivan
Anwar read letter into the record
Jeff Doolittle - address question -
cost issue, slope, increase traffic, trucks, buses
Jeff - design factors - slope and size of roundabout - the slope will be cut down - there will be adequate site lines. size of trucks, school bus should be fine. coming down the hill from Avery STreet - do not know if ther eis any data - sidewalks were discussed at great length. honesty sidewalks should be on both sides of th eroad. sidewalks will allow for a common bus stop. steep yards on the east side so may not be able to fit. Avery STreet is primary funded through federal 80%, state 10% and town 10% (327,000) this project will not cost the town very much money. we have to meet federal guidelines - there are plans to reconstruct more of Avery STreet - that section was chosen to go first because bad drainage. traffic light - we have not looked at becasue state controls traffic light. has to meet certain criteria - light would be more expensive then any other options. traffic light expensive.
Mirek - rotary design - 327,000 cost - what is town share of 4-way - either way same cost
Mirek - sight line issues with buses obstructing the way, can we fix that?
Doolittle - would hav eto talk to chruch. will talk to them.
Wagner - impact on properties
Jeff - there will be proprty taking from Avery STreet with either roundabout or 4 way. corner acquisition on Avery with either roundblut or 4 way. sidewalks are the reason for need more property. property on northwest side - depneds on brook. property acquisitions are not different.
Wagner -
Delnicki - when trucks go on -
Jeff - don't want it to be noisy
Straw poll
next to intersection - 7
how many feel that the status qu is the way to go - 7
somehting needs to change - 25
in favor of rotary - 14
in favor of 4 way - 21
close the public hearing 9:12 p.m.
recess for 5 minutes 9:12 p.m. reconvened at 9:19 pm
14. New Business
A. Discussion Item: Capital Workforce
Tom Phillips, President of Capital Workforce Development - anwar - as a community we need to make policy decisions that will help our future. we are competing with the world. previously people used to move to areas where jobs are available. now the business will work where there will be a workforce. we are in a disadvantage. this is the time for communities to invest into the workforce partnerships wihtin the school system and businesses. There will be a conference May 1 from 6 to 9 pm. can 644-9442 or drive infosouthwindsor.org
B. Discussion Item: Connecticut Studios
Galligna - update - 2 weeks ago dck took interest in CT Studios project. Took trip to find out their intentions. they had 8 people there where we had very good discussions. they have due diligence going on. they have contacted people in the movie industry. concerned - want to make sure they can cooperate with the town. lookinga t ways to make the project better. have been contacted by two principles that started this project and they are trying to do things that the town wanted. two groups are moving ahead. we told them the project is what it is - studio, fuel cell, hotel - if they come forward with proper financing and come to TC with presentation. We are trying to provide as much information as possible. the fuel cell is intrical part of project. therefore whoever uses these credits - as we move along will get more information. Anwar - if things work the way we hope and expect, how much tax revenue and how many jobs? 200-300 jobs in construction, studio 50-70 jobs, impact on the area (limo, materials necessary to make movie). Key is if this project successful, near New York and Boston - start working with schools for this project. Anwar - tax Galligan - 500,000 to 600,000 - public improvements hotel, movie and personal property 1.1 and 600,000 Anwar - property - the property has different options. in current times try to look at opportunities. gone through ups and downs - Galligna - Delnicki - when do you think we will know whether we have a deal or not with dck? Galligan - we need to push the envelope at the end of Mayor beginning June. This could be a project that could be lucrative. Delnicki - maybe by the end of summer Galligan - I would think you should push taht sooner, May or June. Delnicki - timeline on purchase agreement Galligna - October Prague - has any progress been made with hotel at Evergreen Walk Galligna - start to build
C. Resolution Supporting the Preferred Design Layout of Roadway Improvements for Avery Street from Kelly Road to North of Woodland Drive
Prague - Wagner Prague- would like to amend - take out with a moder and make a four way stop to provide traffic contgrol at this intersection Delnicki second Yagaloff - concerns - I don't see how realigning will solve problem of crossing Beelzebub to the other side. torn here. hate to put all this money into realignment - maybe fix sight lines. would like to hear more from council Delnicki - my concern is with the radical change. think realignment would work. proper alignment will help - there is only 2 accidents per year there. listening to comments - Hartford roundabout is hard - worried about fire trucks - Avery Street does not strike me as a place to have rotary, should be properly aligned. Wagner - go with recommendation of Town Engineer. roundabouts are efficient. have been reassured design will work. the data speaks voumes about ability for roundable to handle more traffic. I think we are seeing the concerns in advance - after done people will be delighted. do not see problem with a lot of traffic going over that apron. the cost is the same. support the roundabout. Mirek - concern is the slopes coming into the rotary. need to fix sightlines and straighten road. need to educate about stop signs. Anwar - people have concerns, slopes are gong to be taken care of. Fire trucks and buses will be able to use. cost is the smae. we have a strong sidewalk plan. if we are not living in the at neighborhood - have to take residents directly impacted on this project into account. inclined to approve roundabout - better ot have rotary - inclined to support that. 5-3 amendment passed 7-1 passed
D. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Eleven (11) South Windsor Taxpayers
Wagner, Delnicki - unanimous
Dennis - Andrea Co LIz Dennis - reviewed presentation of Human Services budget Transportation grant - we are comfortable we are getting. cut 15,000 out of previous request. Anwar - this maybe your last budget presentation - Dennis - yes Prague - Joann Moriarty - she quit right? Denni s- yes she wanted to spend more time with her family. We identified these items taht she was involved in. I approached her on the contractual - Pragu e- rate of that position? Dennis - $30 per hour Prague - what was she making before Dennis - full time employee does not make that much. Prague - how much do we expect to get back from the State on this position? Dennis - Depart. of Education - expect 6,000 - we don't know what to expect. Prague - CARES instructor Andrea - day program Wagner - always nice to have grants, keep in mind grants go away. concern that this is an operational expense. have to be aware if expanding our service could be an increase in the budget. Mirek - transportation - typically where do people live that utilize this transportation? Dennis - some provide transportation in the assisted living. there are poeple in homes, senior housing unit. Mirek - would you say it is 50/50? Andrea - typically we do not provide transportaion to assisted living unles they ae comin gto our program. 99% living in our community. Delnicki - you have been successful with grants. how much do you think it has changed in securing grants? Dennis - we have been relatively successful. $140,000 in grants. Delnicki - historically the grants have not gone away. Pendleton - 4 buses and 5 drivers - looking in book you have 6 drivers Dennis - changed we now have 5. Galligan - think we have come to an agreement for the department when Dennis retires.
E. Budget Presentation: Human Services
F. Budget Presentation: Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Kevin Cooney - 3 areas focusing on for increase - professional services, (stipens, physicals) building services (building maintenance) starting shared services to help offset those costs. have had larger costs to maintain buildings then we figures. 2% increase. Prague - recommend supporting the whole budget Pendleton - wonderful budget. Delnicki - f we had paid fire department Cooney - 9M Snyder - stipen changes - chief and cooney - applies to all of the officers. Snyder - Vernon - Cooney - fully volunteer - Chief gets 25,000 I get 5,000 snyder - 40-50 hours per week are done by the board. what we get from Fire Department is pricelss. to bring officers closer to standards would be appropriate. Delnicki - apoligize - mechanical issues with building 3, what are they and who the engineerfirm was who designed this. Cooney - next month will be 3 years old. Knipple - we have had the heating system - only two shut offs and start leaking - had change in boilers, redesigned and put them the way they should go. over one door just put a spring because drain when right over. only had one year warrantee. Other items have failed also. Delnicki - want the information regarding issues because this is only a 3 year old buildng. Galligan - Clay has tried to look at the system - lot of money to be saved. Delnicki - designer mechanical, installer mechanicals, want this information shared with the whole Town Council. Mirek - don't see any glaring issues.
Cooney - Fire Marshal, Police Dept, Emergency Management support, IT, etc. departments work well together and need to support also Public Works.
G. Budget Presentation: Fire Marshal
Walter Summers - shared services - over the last fiscal year completed the 2010 smoke alarm program. every condo and apartment has working fire alarm. we are looking to promote one of the part time positin to Deputy Fire Marshal. That would add inspector lookin gto purchase resperattors. Operating materials - DT probably goin got pass new code this year. Phiones come from Fie Department and they are looking for reimbursement. radios need to be replaced. Renal and Leases - vehicles need to be replaced ove rthe next 2-3 years. attend national conference each year, utilities account - 2 times clear fund hydrants. CT Water going up, reinstate purchasing flags.
H. Budget Presentation: Police Department
Chief Reed - 324,397 increase. includes as shown in attached. presently short 3 officers dispatch has gone three 3 new hires. Emergency Maangement - part time position - has worked efficiently and effectively. Last year no increase this year 5.7% or $324,797 Mayor extent meeting - to 11:30 p.m. Delnicki - suggest bringing Chief and Police back Yagaloff - lets do it now. Anwar 10 minute extension snyder unanimous Pendleton - over time? Reed - Delnicki - problems keeping dispatchers? yes Delnicki - hav eyou entered into any agreements with community colleges? have not worked with asnuntuck specifically. Reed - 14 week training. unable to do complex tasks. Delnikci - we do have asnuntuck that produces accrediation - set up intern program. Yagaloff - emergency management money not in your budget, but Jay's is in there?' Reed - yes Yagaloff - do we have any officerts at the academy? yes one Yagloff - anyone enrolling? Reed - yes. next slot available yagaloff - leadership Reed - 3-2 lieutenants Yagaloff - final posiiton - push as hard as you can to fill positions. are we at the point, you did not have a loss in posiitons - positions impact budget. where are we with the need of that positon Reed - I would like to see us at 43 - if we don't continue to hire people.
15. Passage of Ordinance
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager [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.]
17. Public Input [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.]
18. 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.]
19. Executive Session
A. To discuss possible purchase of real estate for the Town.
Delnnicki - 3 issues Yagaloff -add another istem - potential litigation WAgner unanimous 11:14 p.m.
B. Two Issues Involving Potential Claims and Litigation.
20. Adjournment
Apr 21, 2014 Town Council Meeting
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1. Call Meeting to Order
7
2. Prayer: Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman, Temple Beth Hillel
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
5. Public Input [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.]
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail - concerned about the sale of assets of SW Ambulance - have asked in writing and talked to the last director of the ambulance. I have not been billed - it has been 15 months ago. I am concerned that there are a lot of people in this town that have not been billed. when the new company takes over they will llook at accounts receivable and go after everyone whoi s past due. no one has followed up with their accounts receivable. someone has to look at the accounts receivable. I have never been billed. two weeks ago sent letter to acting director. I have asked for a bill and will not pay until I get a bill. If anyone in SW has a lien I will take this tape to court. I think it would be a tragedy. This council should do something. Carl Werkhoven, thanked the TC for passing the previoius resolution. Here to represent all those on bikes. the white lines in the street mean nothing. There are more and more bikers. Councilor Yagaloff I like you and know you - I will take the back handed comment as a compliment that I am over the top. I will be here until this town becomes safe. I am not nuts. I am a good hearted person, the older I get the more I care about younger people. Please do not let pot get legalized. 104 Pine Knob - come hee only when I have a topic to discuss. This 23 acres of land - I have been here for a long year. tax exemptions, land you probably will never get it back and it is always in the paoper. you need to give tax exempt when others in town are on a fixed income. if you have better tax billing, let the company's pay the taxes. why do they get a tax exemption. if they want to build a building then they need to pay their taxes. the town charter in this town needs to be changed. if you are going to run for Mayor then you should be able to do that. For the past 15 years you have not changed the Town Manager. We need changes in this Town. The old post office is still empty. you need to talk to the people, not just certain people. People are moving out of town because of this system. Snyder - Emergency Operations - can we bring him up. Anwar - he wanted to speak after the Chief but it is gong to be long agenda so maybe he should come up. Snyder - or should we add it to the agenda. Delnicki - finish public input then have budget presentation come up. Snyder - do not know if I agree with that. I would like Mr. Gonsalses to come up and speak. Anwar - have him come up and speak Reed - later on in this meeting I am here for Police Department budget and part of that is emergency management. Since we recently completed out CERT training - we could have him come forward to discuss CERT. Jay Gonsales - Deputy Director of Emergency Management. 4 objectives create CERT Team, develop plan moving foward 15,000 for budget - today we have received grant 12,000, CERT trainign- 300 and another for equipment and todya received another one. 16,400 total. Investment of emergency management does pay forward. We have 25 members who will be graduating - mission for CERT team - walk and not run. we want to master what we are good at. Shelter management will be first. augment our staff for emergency management. will take classes, thrid part is communications. need plan. Ham radios - working with Region 2 and 3 - we have members that are already licensed. Will be embrassing a whole community for emergency management. Senior program, emergencyoperation plans, continuing to establish budget, reachin gout to Chamber, farmers, senior center, medically and physicall dependent, oversight committee which is almost done. STEP program (students trained in emergency mangagment with 5th grade class, EOC training, public service announcements, homeland security exercise and other exercises. interact with mutual aid. Anwar - CERT Team graduates - thankful that council has been supportive of this.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Wagner - remember to use sun screen to avoid skin cancer
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Mirek - Snyder, unanimous
8. Public Petitions
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
10. Reports from Standing Committees
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
Parks and Recreation passed resolution - recommend in their budget (Capital) 75,000 capital item that is listed for their plan Anwar - addition Wagner - yes an addition for 275,000 Anwar - part of thie rmaster plan Wagner - in the capital projects but not on list from committee
12. 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.]
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Appointing Gary Pitcock (D) to the Greater Hartford Transit District Commission
Yagaloff, Snyder, unanimous
* B. Resolution Appointing Michael Baum (D) an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission
Yagaloff, Snyder, unanimous
C. Discussion Item: Ridge Road Drainage (Jeff Doolittle, Town Engineer to be present)
Jeff Doolittle, pass out sketch. when we started this project we wanted to carry water away from area. wanted to tie into Deming Street. What they found was drainage in Deming Street is undersized and could not handle Ridge Road drianage. We need to have some more funding to expand the scope of this project. Consultant has come up with cost of 360,000. Council appropriated 120,000 for this project and we would need 200,000 more to complete this project. Mirek - it seems like this was done five years ago? east of Sele Drive down to Buckland Road. we did not continue. Mirek - that elevated the flooding on Buckland Jeff - yes Yagaloff - water was coming from the east side of Ridge Road and crossing the road onto #8, #16, # - on the west side of Ridge Road. So Deming does not have ability to carry the extra water. Jeff - the existing drainage on Deming does not collect for Ridge Road Yagaloff - usually you crown the road, how does a dip work Jeff - put a low spot in the road needs to be created so the water drains to that low spot. then tie into Deming STreet. Yagaloff - curbing - water would still flow off easterly properties. seems like a complicated water problem that th enegineer says will be helped by 2 catch basins. Jeff - we have to install new cathc basins. reconstruct road - there would be water on the east side. there would be provisions for people to tie into that. Yagaloff - run numbers, how much collect Jeff - designed to collect water run off on Yagaloff - thought the 120,000 was only for planning Galligan - LoCIP funds - Yagaloff - this is a tough one. there are so many similar types of projects in town. for the cost seems like it has to go to the list with other priorities. Delnicki - what is the size change in the pipin gin Deming Street proposed Jeff - 12" and we need mostly about 18"-___ but most 18 Delnicki - the catch basins that you are showing - 5 new catch basins on Deming STreet Jeff - we would put 3 on south side and 2 on north side. actually we are proposing 8 new catch basins. Delnicki - it is more then increasing the pipe it is also adding catch basins? yes Delnikci - is ther any balance left in referendum? Galligan - no Delnici - would like to see reconcilation of those funds? Galligna - will eamil to you Delnikci - if you styaed with existing catch basins, and enlarged the pipes Jeff - exisitng are in horrible condition. Delnicki - we had focused on Ridge as an issue, not Dmeing. Jeff - we can positioin the catch basins in the right place. Delnikci - please send reconcilation. Prague - if I take ride up to Deminig STreet - will not find that the catch basins are 5 years old? Jeff - no Mirek - I know there are a couple of catch basins are in the lawns. Has that been explored of keeping them off the road? Jeff - yes that would save some funds which are included but would have to change pipes. Snyder - we had talked about problem with Ridge Road - it wasn't as easy as placing drainage in Ridge Road. I remeber it would be easy to give funds to figure out way to stop flooding in Ridge Road but it may cause problem on other areas. We wanted a plan to stop that problem adn not create other problems. I think Jeff came back with a plan $260,000 additional - we wanted to have Jeff come up with a plan that would not flood everyone else. Wagner - how many times a year edoes this flood now? Jeff - when there is a heavy rain there is water running across the lawns and there are erosion. Wagner - if we could do this in stages - deal with Ridge Road first - Jeff - good idea but want to start down stream and work your way up - first start with Deming and work way up to Ridge. Pendleton - Why can't Ridge Road be drained down Summit? Jeff - would have to install pipe - at the end of Summit there is a detention basin - would have to put water into Summit - involivng a much more - would still have inadequate drainag ein Deming Anwar - first part to recognize there are resident in the community that have been complaining for years? Jeff - yes Anwar - previously we did not know exact cost and requested the project to be reviewed and gave 100,000 - Engineering has done their due diligence. The Engineering Department has come upw ith a plan and they are the experts. Wanted a long term solution and least expensive? Jeff - yes came up with long term that is least expensive Anwar - need 260,000 - how do we get those funds? we at least know the needs. this community has waited for a long time. Need to crfeate mechanism to come up with funds for this project - should be on list of things to do - Mirek - the water comes like a raged river at times. glad you have a long term solution. does this include curbing? Jeff - yes it does include curbing. Anwar - this is something that we need to do, correct? with respect to timing we have to identify a mechanism to achieve this. we put on priority list with Capitla Projects, or long term strategy. We know what are goal is -
D. Discussion Item: Clean Energy Commission
Clean Energy Commission - Anwar - a lot of things are changing - what is out there for clean energy. for the past many years this group has not been functioning. It is time for us to come back to us and look at in a broader way. There are funds out there that the Town could benefit with. Help our residents to save funds. there are a lot of people that are focused n many areas. create a way to broaden our knowlege. Prague - how many people signed up for the solarize CT? Galligan - 200 people Prague - that was already in place -- Galligan - think about 200 people signed up. They have been signed up since the 2010. there are other programs out there that would be nice to have. we just don't have staff to do those. Prague - as I go around this town only see about 10 people that have gone solar. I am against solar energy because it takes federal and state funds and the resident is paying 30% which taxpayers would be paying for. Galligan - we have areas near the power lines. nice to have committee - there are some opportunities taht we should be looking at. Committee could be helpful Delnicki - met with SWALPAC and OPen Space about 2 years ago and there was push to use those areas for solar farm Galligna - farm producing funds - use it to maintain open space. Delnicki - that issue is still out there regardless of what we do with committee. that is an opportunity to generate funds for open space. We had Clean Energy Commission Can you recap Galligan - 4-5 people and they were looking at solar - 2010. council passed - create partnership. Delnicki - 2010 Anwar - there are conversations that need to happen. Need to discuss different opportunities for financial gains for out community. we need to maximiize those ideas. Wagner - there are two trends, price of renewable energy. utilities still have to provide the infrastructure for your house. costs money to do that and a lot of programs have encouraged alternative energy and not recongizing infrastructure needs. recess at 8
public hearing Avery STreet
75 people
Jeff did presentation
Anwar - decided to have public hearing because it will impact community.
Public
104 Pne knob - Ellington roundabout has had 3 accidents. have heard that there would be parking lot along Avery Street
Dlolitee - that is not par tof htis plan
104 Pine KNob - they show parking lot on east side - go past and there is sidewalk in swamp land. the sidewalks change sides, why can't be on the same side? should be left on the east side. why make people change side of road. guys who plow say it is a headache. plows will get ruined by pavers. put traffic light. people do not want to change to roundabout.
42 Woodland Drive - wanted to comment on project. it makes me happy to see streets reworked. Not against the Avery STreet projec tor roundabouts but I am against this particular roundable. do not think it is necessary. It is not a high accident intersection. my objection is the cost that is being put in to this roundabout. there is a lot of sections of Avery Street that will need to be reworked. If you save the money from roundabout you can continue to do repairs of Avery Street.
Steve, 303 Oak Street - former municipal traffic engineer. few years ago - the modern roundabout is smaller. this area would benefit from a roundabout. I don't like change but so much has gone on in this area. After a while people get used to them. support roundabout.
678 Avery Street - have mixed opinions. roundabout seems a bit too much. personally I don't know how I would get out of my driveway. Seems like we would be promoting speed. expensive project. prefer four way stop.
Bob Dickinson, 19 Birch Road, give a lot of credit to Engineering Department. weight their recommendation heavily. one of the concerns I have is with the non-roundabout intersection give some of the bad features we hve now. the only way solve is narrow down the medians so the width of intersection wouldn't be so wide. stop signs - many people go through. in the past was skepitcal of roundabouts. once people get used to they seem to work well.
26 Woodland Drive - I am one of the 70% that is not skeptical. one thing not mentioned 89% - 56% vehicle stops. we are not talking about a rotary that is huge. we have to think about the future. support rotary.
141 Woodland Drive - that intersection needs to be fixed. working in Windsor have gone through roundabouts. can't maintain speed. slows things down. I like it. something needs to be done. in favor.
Barry Priest - Avery STreet Church - our Church is most effected by this. we were given the two designs and we were able to show them to residents after church - 70% said we are in favor and that was include din the prsentaion. the reasons given for that - smoother traffic flow, increased safety, more attractive intersection. longer temr improvlement to that intersection is the roundabout is the way to go.
300 Benedict Drive - travel alot on Avery and Kelly and Beelzebub. your ideas for a roundabout is not acceptable. that is a very busy street - if you have a roundabout the school bus will have hard time. take peoples property. I have been living here for 36 years and do not see people walking in that area. they will not work on Avery STreet. suggestion find different solution.
Jane Kinsley, live on Steep Road - Vernon Circle has a lot more traffic then SW. Vernon had a lot mor etraffic and it did ot work - Town should look to put a traffic light there and seems like a better solution. would be cheaper to put in light.
Amy Webber, 65 Perin Lane - drive Avery everyday. in the short term - gong north on Avery, cut down the bush because can't see people on Beelzebub.
where you have a lot of traffic - can get to grid lock - if those two roads were lined up then you don't need a rotary.
Robert, 276 Avery STreet - against roundabout. there were three accidents in the one in Ellington. saw bicyclist get hurt. is there any work being proposed on Avery STreet near Manchester.
Pat, 815 Avery STreet - if there were 8 accidents within a 4 year period - how does that relate to other intersections in Town, what warrants this change. have not read anything about the cost of this. little concerned that there are 800 or so people traveling on Avery STreet - if this roundabout would encourage more people then I am not happy about that.
Tom Well, 630 Avery Street - not in favor of roundabout. if you widen they will increase speed. on the west side of the street we asked them to be put on the east side. taking a lot of property from residents. for those of us that live here all of our life, th eimpact that those who live there should be considered.
Did not know too much that was going on with this project. concern int he winter, going down the street or up when started to slow - you don't get a lot of traffic - which would be safer when there is snow. roundabout would be on a hill, would that help -
- do not see the financial need to spend that money versus something that seems minor
letters read into record -
Mirek -
Wagner read letters into the record
Pendleton read letter into the record - Mike Sullivan
Anwar read letter into the record
Jeff Doolittle - address question -
cost issue, slope, increase traffic, trucks, buses
Jeff - design factors - slope and size of roundabout - the slope will be cut down - there will be adequate site lines. size of trucks, school bus should be fine. coming down the hill from Avery STreet - do not know if ther eis any data - sidewalks were discussed at great length. honesty sidewalks should be on both sides of th eroad. sidewalks will allow for a common bus stop. steep yards on the east side so may not be able to fit. Avery STreet is primary funded through federal 80%, state 10% and town 10% (327,000) this project will not cost the town very much money. we have to meet federal guidelines - there are plans to reconstruct more of Avery STreet - that section was chosen to go first because bad drainage. traffic light - we have not looked at becasue state controls traffic light. has to meet certain criteria - light would be more expensive then any other options. traffic light expensive.
Mirek - rotary design - 327,000 cost - what is town share of 4-way - either way same cost
Mirek - sight line issues with buses obstructing the way, can we fix that?
Doolittle - would hav eto talk to chruch. will talk to them.
Wagner - impact on properties
Jeff - there will be proprty taking from Avery STreet with either roundabout or 4 way. corner acquisition on Avery with either roundblut or 4 way. sidewalks are the reason for need more property. property on northwest side - depneds on brook. property acquisitions are not different.
Wagner -
Delnicki - when trucks go on -
Jeff - don't want it to be noisy
Straw poll
next to intersection - 7
how many feel that the status qu is the way to go - 7
somehting needs to change - 25
in favor of rotary - 14
in favor of 4 way - 21
close the public hearing 9:12 p.m.
recess for 5 minutes 9:12 p.m. reconvened at 9:19 pm
14. New Business
A. Discussion Item: Capital Workforce
Tom Phillips, President of Capital Workforce Development - anwar - as a community we need to make policy decisions that will help our future. we are competing with the world. previously people used to move to areas where jobs are available. now the business will work where there will be a workforce. we are in a disadvantage. this is the time for communities to invest into the workforce partnerships wihtin the school system and businesses. There will be a conference May 1 from 6 to 9 pm. can 644-9442 or drive infosouthwindsor.org
B. Discussion Item: Connecticut Studios
Galligna - update - 2 weeks ago dck took interest in CT Studios project. Took trip to find out their intentions. they had 8 people there where we had very good discussions. they have due diligence going on. they have contacted people in the movie industry. concerned - want to make sure they can cooperate with the town. lookinga t ways to make the project better. have been contacted by two principles that started this project and they are trying to do things that the town wanted. two groups are moving ahead. we told them the project is what it is - studio, fuel cell, hotel - if they come forward with proper financing and come to TC with presentation. We are trying to provide as much information as possible. the fuel cell is intrical part of project. therefore whoever uses these credits - as we move along will get more information. Anwar - if things work the way we hope and expect, how much tax revenue and how many jobs? 200-300 jobs in construction, studio 50-70 jobs, impact on the area (limo, materials necessary to make movie). Key is if this project successful, near New York and Boston - start working with schools for this project. Anwar - tax Galligan - 500,000 to 600,000 - public improvements hotel, movie and personal property 1.1 and 600,000 Anwar - property - the property has different options. in current times try to look at opportunities. gone through ups and downs - Galligna - Delnicki - when do you think we will know whether we have a deal or not with dck? Galligan - we need to push the envelope at the end of Mayor beginning June. This could be a project that could be lucrative. Delnicki - maybe by the end of summer Galligan - I would think you should push taht sooner, May or June. Delnicki - timeline on purchase agreement Galligna - October Prague - has any progress been made with hotel at Evergreen Walk Galligna - start to build
C. Resolution Supporting the Preferred Design Layout of Roadway Improvements for Avery Street from Kelly Road to North of Woodland Drive
Prague - Wagner Prague- would like to amend - take out with a moder and make a four way stop to provide traffic contgrol at this intersection Delnicki second Yagaloff - concerns - I don't see how realigning will solve problem of crossing Beelzebub to the other side. torn here. hate to put all this money into realignment - maybe fix sight lines. would like to hear more from council Delnicki - my concern is with the radical change. think realignment would work. proper alignment will help - there is only 2 accidents per year there. listening to comments - Hartford roundabout is hard - worried about fire trucks - Avery Street does not strike me as a place to have rotary, should be properly aligned. Wagner - go with recommendation of Town Engineer. roundabouts are efficient. have been reassured design will work. the data speaks voumes about ability for roundable to handle more traffic. I think we are seeing the concerns in advance - after done people will be delighted. do not see problem with a lot of traffic going over that apron. the cost is the same. support the roundabout. Mirek - concern is the slopes coming into the rotary. need to fix sightlines and straighten road. need to educate about stop signs. Anwar - people have concerns, slopes are gong to be taken care of. Fire trucks and buses will be able to use. cost is the smae. we have a strong sidewalk plan. if we are not living in the at neighborhood - have to take residents directly impacted on this project into account. inclined to approve roundabout - better ot have rotary - inclined to support that. 5-3 amendment passed 7-1 passed
D. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Eleven (11) South Windsor Taxpayers
Wagner, Delnicki - unanimous
Dennis - Andrea Co LIz Dennis - reviewed presentation of Human Services budget Transportation grant - we are comfortable we are getting. cut 15,000 out of previous request. Anwar - this maybe your last budget presentation - Dennis - yes Prague - Joann Moriarty - she quit right? Denni s- yes she wanted to spend more time with her family. We identified these items taht she was involved in. I approached her on the contractual - Pragu e- rate of that position? Dennis - $30 per hour Prague - what was she making before Dennis - full time employee does not make that much. Prague - how much do we expect to get back from the State on this position? Dennis - Depart. of Education - expect 6,000 - we don't know what to expect. Prague - CARES instructor Andrea - day program Wagner - always nice to have grants, keep in mind grants go away. concern that this is an operational expense. have to be aware if expanding our service could be an increase in the budget. Mirek - transportation - typically where do people live that utilize this transportation? Dennis - some provide transportation in the assisted living. there are poeple in homes, senior housing unit. Mirek - would you say it is 50/50? Andrea - typically we do not provide transportaion to assisted living unles they ae comin gto our program. 99% living in our community. Delnicki - you have been successful with grants. how much do you think it has changed in securing grants? Dennis - we have been relatively successful. $140,000 in grants. Delnicki - historically the grants have not gone away. Pendleton - 4 buses and 5 drivers - looking in book you have 6 drivers Dennis - changed we now have 5. Galligan - think we have come to an agreement for the department when Dennis retires.
E. Budget Presentation: Human Services
F. Budget Presentation: Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Kevin Cooney - 3 areas focusing on for increase - professional services, (stipens, physicals) building services (building maintenance) starting shared services to help offset those costs. have had larger costs to maintain buildings then we figures. 2% increase. Prague - recommend supporting the whole budget Pendleton - wonderful budget. Delnicki - f we had paid fire department Cooney - 9M Snyder - stipen changes - chief and cooney - applies to all of the officers. Snyder - Vernon - Cooney - fully volunteer - Chief gets 25,000 I get 5,000 snyder - 40-50 hours per week are done by the board. what we get from Fire Department is pricelss. to bring officers closer to standards would be appropriate. Delnicki - apoligize - mechanical issues with building 3, what are they and who the engineerfirm was who designed this. Cooney - next month will be 3 years old. Knipple - we have had the heating system - only two shut offs and start leaking - had change in boilers, redesigned and put them the way they should go. over one door just put a spring because drain when right over. only had one year warrantee. Other items have failed also. Delnicki - want the information regarding issues because this is only a 3 year old buildng. Galligan - Clay has tried to look at the system - lot of money to be saved. Delnicki - designer mechanical, installer mechanicals, want this information shared with the whole Town Council. Mirek - don't see any glaring issues.
Cooney - Fire Marshal, Police Dept, Emergency Management support, IT, etc. departments work well together and need to support also Public Works.
G. Budget Presentation: Fire Marshal
Walter Summers - shared services - over the last fiscal year completed the 2010 smoke alarm program. every condo and apartment has working fire alarm. we are looking to promote one of the part time positin to Deputy Fire Marshal. That would add inspector lookin gto purchase resperattors. Operating materials - DT probably goin got pass new code this year. Phiones come from Fie Department and they are looking for reimbursement. radios need to be replaced. Renal and Leases - vehicles need to be replaced ove rthe next 2-3 years. attend national conference each year, utilities account - 2 times clear fund hydrants. CT Water going up, reinstate purchasing flags.
H. Budget Presentation: Police Department
Chief Reed - 324,397 increase. includes as shown in attached. presently short 3 officers dispatch has gone three 3 new hires. Emergency Maangement - part time position - has worked efficiently and effectively. Last year no increase this year 5.7% or $324,797 Mayor extent meeting - to 11:30 p.m. Delnicki - suggest bringing Chief and Police back Yagaloff - lets do it now. Anwar 10 minute extension snyder unanimous Pendleton - over time? Reed - Delnicki - problems keeping dispatchers? yes Delnicki - hav eyou entered into any agreements with community colleges? have not worked with asnuntuck specifically. Reed - 14 week training. unable to do complex tasks. Delnikci - we do have asnuntuck that produces accrediation - set up intern program. Yagaloff - emergency management money not in your budget, but Jay's is in there?' Reed - yes Yagaloff - do we have any officerts at the academy? yes one Yagloff - anyone enrolling? Reed - yes. next slot available yagaloff - leadership Reed - 3-2 lieutenants Yagaloff - final posiiton - push as hard as you can to fill positions. are we at the point, you did not have a loss in posiitons - positions impact budget. where are we with the need of that positon Reed - I would like to see us at 43 - if we don't continue to hire people.
15. Passage of Ordinance
16. Communications and Reports from Town Manager [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.]
17. Public Input [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.]
18. 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.]
19. Executive Session
A. To discuss possible purchase of real estate for the Town.
Delnnicki - 3 issues Yagaloff -add another istem - potential litigation WAgner unanimous 11:14 p.m.
B. Two Issues Involving Potential Claims and Litigation.
20. Adjournment
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