Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
7
2. Prayer: TBD
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
Roll call (9 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 - dissatisfied with the audit report and the length of time it takes - we don't know where we ended last year. The last audit report has some items in there that were wrong. Matt is going to sit down and talk to the auditor. Matt has indicated to me - when the audit report comes in he said we would sit down and discuss it. It is not a good way - we are 6 months into the current year.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Pendleton - Nov 15 to March 15 there is a parking ban on our streets for snow plowing. Anwar - cervical cancer month in January - early detection important.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Havens - Wagner with amendment unanimous
8. Public Petitions
none
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Wagner - letter from P & Z read into the record
10. Reports from Standing Committees
Wagner - Energy Committee - Solarize workshop - January 12th at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Working on plan to allow people to tour homes that have solar to see what it looks like on January 17th. flyer will be sent out.
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
none
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.]
none
13. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Removing from the Table Item 14. A. of the Town Council's Regular Meeting of December 15, 2014 - Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign and Execute a Participation Agreement for Municipal Textile Recycling Services Between the Town of South Windsor and Bay State Textiles, inc.
Paterna - Wagner Delnicki - do we have answers to questions that we follow or should we not act on this Galligna - do not have answers - there may be possibility that we will not be able to do this. waiting for Mark Markowitz Yagaloff - do not think you need to keep tabling we are looking at other towns to see how they handle it. it would be valuable to use state bids but right now it is not obvious and need to look further. Delnicki- are we better not taking off the table and not acting on it Yagaloff - you could leave it off the table or abandon it and have a new resolution at the time you want it. Anwar - then just skip 13B Mirek - note that during the past week it was in HC - another town went with this. Bloomfield and Newington have contracts Yagaloff - organization looks legitimate - you can do it the question is whether you need to o out to bid. it is not clear at this time. certainly the Council can elect to have a contract with this company. failed - unanimously -
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign and Execute a Participation Agreement for Municipal Textile Recycling Services Between the Town of South Windsor and Bay State Textiles, Inc.
C. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures, Article IX, Section 7 (a) - Audit Committee (postponed from the December 15, 2014 meeting)
Pendleton - Snyder Wagner - first line - friendly amendment take out hire and or Snyder agreed to friendly amendment. unanimous
D. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures, Article IX, Section 7 (a) - Energy Committee (postponed from the December 15, 2014 meeting)
Snyder - Wagner Wagner - wouuld like change third line - would like pulbic buildings to read public faciilities Snyder accepted friendly amendment. unanimous
E. Resolution Appointing the Current WPCA Members to Transition Terms
Wagner - Delnicki Approved, unanimously
F. Resolution Reappointment Marion Burke (U) to the Housing Authority
Mirek - Delnicki approved, unanimously
14. New Business
A. Presentation: Connecticut Studios (Mr. Andrew Toth and Mr. Dan Marsh to be present)
Galligan - Andrew Toth and Dan Marsh are both here to discuss. before we put out final budget want to make sure everything is all set. will put presentation on the website. Andrew Toth - put presentation together to bring the counicl up to date - as shown in attached Exhibit A. May need town to approve micro grid power plant. phase II will be determined by the success of phase I. If not successful with film studio productions - there wil be other uses of th eproperty so we don't want to give up that option. Questions Pendleton - Capital Funding - you said you have funding for fuel cell - Andrew - Geneve - will be supporting the entire project - We have worked very hard. There is a lending institution that is interested in funding the entire project - currently they have a lot of small loans and a lot of the banks would like to do larger. because of the sizze of the PPA and power plan it makes it condusive for one or two banks to get involved. Pendleton - talked about on the first Ancillary Development Summary - there are a few restaurants that are interested in coming to SW and I would like to give those to you. Andrew - they need to see construction activity to solitify - they would come in an do their own sit eplan approveal. we would lease out the pads except the hotel - they woudl come in with their design. will need activity, fuel cell, studio campus, will crerate a lot of jobs to use these retail facilites. HOtel would be sold Pendleton - could use more restaurants in SW Delnicki - interesting how this has evolved over the years and how much different it is now. you have a fairly well defined time line on fuel cells - Andrew - it is our guestimate - they are working with PURA and CL&P - hoping by end of January present our amendments to CL & P - they may take 30 days - then we are allowing another 30 days for PURA to approve thosd amendments. PURA has asked to come in with CL&P with agreement that has been approved. Delnicki - does that mean the agreemetn could drag out Andrew - to the end of March that is the manufacturer - part of the PPA agreement is we have to be in contract for the equipment. we have to have agreement on the land and equipment provider in place. Delnicki - that is just an agreement, not a purchase Delnikci - mentioned on the verge of making agreement with Mr. Charbonneau - do not want to see expectation that is not obtainable to the public. purchase of Charbonneau property - do you think you will have agreement by Feb 1st? Andrew - yes - agreement we have is base don the PPA amendments. once we have those amendments we will own property. a lo to fthe publicity is - crucial part is the fuel cell. Delnicki - success of phase I will dtermine if phase II happens. If studio not successful move to warehouse Andrew - we want to have options - we also have it in our PPA amendment that if for some reason usage standpoint and economic standpoint would like to build something that we are allowed to. Delnicki - so could end up with something other then a studio there Andrew - yes it is a possibility. we have had discussions with subway and Dunkin Donuts. if this site develops positively you have a geat exchange. you have great visibility. could do banks, drive throughs, etc. restaurants - there are several possibilities. Delnicki - you spoke of fuel cell of pullin gpermits April 1st? Andrew - that is the projected Delnicki - fuel cell and studio itself Andrew - will probably bring in architect from California - they are working on a film campus in Hawaii - we ar enot going to pull the trigger until we have the amendments. if we get approval of amendments it will take approixmatley 3 months and will need to get (infrastructure) storm drainage, curbing, - take about 3-5 months before a shovel is in the ground. Delnicki - if everything falls into place October Havens - unbelievable that this is still alive. we hope will come fruition. if you can make a deal with Andre, you should have a deal. would like to see it happen. you are putting time, energy and money into this - thank you for coming. Mirek - it will b einteresting to see once you get permits and everything in place to see a timeline. how long do you foresee? Andrew - once we unleash the fuel cell manufacturer it takes 9 months - if all goes well start end of spring - the studio design time will take a little bit of time. there is not studio built - we will have a state of the art - design so we can have multip sound stage uses. once that is design 9-12 weeks. Mirek - ancillaries Andrew - once ther eis activity - then they would come on - that iwll take time - most of those companies have builders - that could take time and could keep growing. Wagner - thanked you for coming in and the presentation. The project has become more realistic. timeline - there will be time when building the fuel cell and studio itself. Andrew - from a visble standpint probably see more studio then fuel cell - if we were lucky enough to start in April - 7 months later fuel cell will show up on property. Paterna - thanks for coming - film studio - consulting group on the project - are they film production company? Andrew - will leave you a phamphlet - they build and manage in California - they design/consult. they will manage the studios on a daily basis - being built in smaller studios - there is a need for it. Anwar - thank you for coming. we all hope and are committed to help become a reality. as a town the people who are seeking jobs. the fuel cell will generate revenue for town - also taxes generated. this is much more realistic. fuel cells, land - - other component is PURA part - once in place that is a big piece of the puzzle. The changes from the existing plan are quite realistic. phases approach more realistic and protects the town. 10-12% return is success - the industry is scraching the surface for what is out there. Jobs and taxes to enable town to generate - my position on phases I feel is a good idea. micro grid - what do you expect from town? Andrew - the gentleman who is doing tht is not here. approval from town where micro grid is being put in. if ther eis a power outage - our fuel cell will act as a generator to the studios - in addition would still genrate income because of the way the meters are configures. in addition will provide secondary emergency shelter. Galligan - allowed them to move forward as long as they could provide secondary emergency shelter. that is why we looked at putting generators in all of the buildings. we may have to be part of the application through DEEP - they like the town to be involved which will be the secondary shelter. we could run line up to the magnet school, power to Pleasant Valley and a stretch to the WPCA. lookijng at that whole section of how to take advantage of grid. Andrew - DEEP is pushing to get more micro grids in the state. they offer rebates. also change is application deadline - believe they are going to entertain rolling applications. Anwar - approximate number of jobs in construction - total cost 75 Million dollars - construction standpoint would have to work on number on that. it would b ea fair amount of jobs - hotel 50-150 jobs - studios do have a work up which I will give you - those numbers will need to go to DECD - that will be the next step. Anwar - your time line expectations - what That is where I got my time lines from. anwar - are the timelines in sin Anwar - do have Executive Session
B. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Peter Jennings (R) from the Historic District Commission
Delnicki - Pendleton Anwar - thanked Mr. Jennings unanimous
C. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Timothy Wentzell (D) from the Public Building Commission
Havens, Delnicki Anwar - read resignation into record regarding the financial aspect. May be good to have PBC come make presentation to the Town Council. Galligan - will find out. usually we get reports on the finances. I can send him a letter to come to the next meeting to give update on the project. Anwar - just feel this is an opportunity - public should hear what is going on. update on everything. Wagner - seeing this leter I share the same concern. we have a project manager - one of the duties is to continuously report what the financials look like. all the financial items should be known. Galligan - the superintendent goes to the meetings and Pat Hankard is also there. I also know theya re working with our staff a lot. I think this project has been working in the right direction. Will have reports sent. unanimous
D. Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and the Public Works Employees Union
Snyder, Pendleton Galligan - we have been for some time going into arbitration. we had mediation - we presented our position - there are new union heads that wanted to look at the items. 1.5% 2013, 2.5% 2014 and 2% 2015. Over time was a big factor as well as medical. It is a good contract and does not increase the budget. Snyder - are we retroactive paying? Galligna - yes at 1.5% - Snyder - July 1, 2014 they are at 2.5% HSA is not retroactive Galligna - start today if contract is approved. Snyder - how are you handling the healthcare Galligan - their regular healthcare they had they will not have individual accounts - February or March will have their own accounts. Snyder - cost of rsingle Galligna - 750.00 per year Town contributes - 1250.00 snyder - money leftover, does that roll over? yes Snyder - as employee can build that up? yes - employees could build up their funds and use it when they retire. unanimous
E. Discussion Item: Future Planning for the Wapping Elementary School, (requested by Mayor Anwar)
Anwar - we have had private conversations on this - it would be good to start to brainstorm on this issue. start to build consensus within the Town Council. Need to look at resource allocation plan. we need to plan this now to make this happen. Galligan - Ray and I talked about this and our idea is to have Capital projects look at this issue. Clay will also be a key component. The senior population is growing and if the Recreation Dept. is moved then there would be more room for the seniors. We are looking to use classrooms for Pre-K. We have had to do lotteries and would be able to have more. Day camp could be run out of this school. we have the 4th R program - could use Wapping. There is a lot of uses for it. We do have to plan - go through the building to determine roof conditions as well as other conditions of the building. New windows are in the building. Ray is having discussions with Andrea about the Teen Center - maybe have the Teen Center be part of that building. There are a lot of things that need to be looked at. Would like to see a lot of he work done with Ray's staff as well as Park & Recreation. Anwar - do we need a resolution to push it towards the Park & Recreation Galligan - no I think they can work on it and then a resolution could be presented to the Town Council when everything is worked out. People voted on the school because the Wapping School would be used for Recreation. There may be other meeting rooms available to the community in this building. This may be available for other community uses. Ray - after the referendum we had a tour of the school. We have been looking at this and how we would be able to transition to this building in 2017. WE have visited other communities that have transitioned from a school to a Recreation Dept. We are excited about having this space. We think we can expand opportunities to other organizations such as Boy Scouts, etc. We hope to have plan this winter and would like to present to the Council. we may be sharing space with other departments. We want to utilize space for community use. Anwar - I would prefer a resolution to strengthen support from the Council. The challenge we have to address is figure out a way to put resources towards that plan. We don't want to be in a situation where the need can not be fulfilled. Need to put money aside at this time. Want to make sure new space is suitable. Snyder - I think the thought of using the Wapping School or any school - this is a fabulous opportunity to acquire space. I don't intend to call is a senior center but health and human services. There are so many different programs there. This will benefit the entire community. We have discussed this in Capital Projects. We do have to start thinking about resources. I don't think we need a resolution but we need to make is clear to the public it is our plan to relocate Recreation to this school. Also allow the Human Services the ability to spread out. Bathrooms in all of the kindergarten classes, new windows. there is handicap access. I like the fact that you are working with staff and Park & Recreation Commission. my concern is do you think we need to spend 100,000 or 150,000 to bring in private company to review this. do we have expertise on staff level? All mechanicals have been done of this school. can our own staff come in and give quotes? Ray - I think it can be a combination. our vision is multi phased. need someone to look at that building at what you can and can not do. we were hoping to have move in plan to be minimum but take it to the next level each year. Some of the realistic features need to be addressed and hoping to address over a long period of time. Snyder - hoping by the end of the winter of having a strategy. Ray - we are close to what our vision is now and in the future. we want to present that vision to the counicl this winter. Snyder - did you want to go thorugyh Capital Projects? Ray - we certainly can. We are going to have some furnished rooms. there may be a phase in in rooms. Havens - the goal of that building was always to be the Recreation Department. Someone has to plan on a way to fund this. Ray - we have some ideas of how to fund, will share with the plan. Delnicki - have the same concern with the outsourcing the planning of this building. To say we are looking for a plan that looks out 20 years, it will be obsolete. use the money to actually get something done to allow the space to be used. I would say to shave back on a consultant. It makes sense for the Recreation Department to be there. Wagner - I do think before we go to Capital Projects should get the vision established and funding ideas. Like to see Park & Recreation Commission come to Council before Capital Projects. Anwar - when do you anticipate when coming to Council? Ray - February - it would be a vision where we would like to see it go. I agree about the consultants. I think we have the capacity in-house. Looking at the amount of space it would be a Park & Recreation Pendleton - Is there a chance you would want to move to Orchard Hill? Ray - not knowing what the future is going to bring - if everything went as planned and all referendums have passed and the town ends up with Wapping and then the Old Orchard Hill school, I would want to have a conversation and discussion. I think there are benefits to that location. that is a conversation that the BOE would have to be included in. I think there are advantages to that campus setting. There are major advantage to Wapping also. Pendleton - would you want to be in both? Ray - do not know we need all that area. Pendleton - it is a fact that nothing has been decided about Wapping. I think we should see who wants to be in that area and present to a subcommittee. Let the decision come from the committee. I would like to know and see everything. Ray - we had some of those conversations already. Building Maintenance - the community use of the building is most important to me. Golden opportunity to expand community use. Pendleton - we need to consider the bigger picture and decide who needs more space and who wants to go over there. Paterna - would like to hear from staff also. Ray - had them give their visions to the Park & Recreation Commission. Mirek - I think it is a perfect fit to have Park & Recreation and Teen Center. I know you rent out space in the Community Center for different events. Cafeteria could be another source of income. Ray - we currently rent out three spaces at the community center. I would not mind taking over the responsibility of having rental space. would like to continue that. February will come back with our vision, the town's vision? Anwar - let me explore this further. town has been in discussion about the building Galligan - yes we have discussed. Public Works was expanded a couple years ago - as far as the offices here need to be renovated. as these other areas move and EOC gets done it will free up space. We have been looking at this for a while and will make it part of the presentation in February. Mirek - I was wondering if we had a move in ready design phase - another what vision is - Ray - we are doing a three phase plan - we are giving you what we feel would be a good plan. Anwar - so you have an understanding what we want? Galligan yes
F. Discussion Item: Barton Property, (requested by Mayor Anwar)
Galligan - we have an issue with debris management that DEP is requiring towns to provide and area. under plan looking to have debris management at Barton Property. Clear area - thinned out - we also have tiger beetles hanging out there. we are trying to create an environment debris management, Wapping Fair. May need to bring water line down to the area. We also want to use as an open field. (cricket) - could be used as a practice field. this could be a multi purpose area. before we get involved with cost estimates, we though it may be a good idea to have the Council look at this. Anwar - understand that the trees are not healthy and are a hazard to the area? Galligna - trees have to be cleared out. Anwar - so there is a safety issue, debris management issue - is there any state funding? Galligan - no - we had looked at a couple of different areas - Foster Farm - most areas are muddy and soft and will not work. need a harder surface. this area is a sandy area. Anwar - what would you be looking for from the Town Council Galligan - I don't want to waste Town staff time if the Council does not feel this is a good idea. We can do porta potties, extend the water line, the Wapping Fair used to be at Rye Street - but have established fields that would be used all of the time. Mirek - I think it is a great idea and we need a place. what is with the water line? Galligna - fair may need water, just looking at that to see if that is something we need to do. In the future may want ot do to create a concession stand, bathrooms, etc. Mirek - if you make them more then practice fields would need water. Galligan - I think it is a crawl before you run. Mirek - if we could get figure for the clearning and seeded that would be great. Wagner - the Cricket players would be able to use it. Galligna - we think they would be able to use it. They can't use it all year but could schedule them in. Wagner - I would definately like to see you flesh this plan out. If you are looking for support I will give mine. Houses along there have wells? Galligan - some have wells. Wagner - not sure if people who have wells want to connect, but would have the opportunity. Delnicki - there is one thing we have learned about the Wapping Fair; does need water, no electrical lines, does not need sanitary sewer. We are talking about a number of projects and we are talking about substantial costs. There is a lot of potential but need to worry about costs. if make full field, can not have Wapping Fair - if you want Wapping Fair there, stay away from utilities. I think you have an opportunity to use low costs and have multiple uses. Galligan - could be used for practice field Havens - how did the town get proprty? Galligna - our funds, we bought it and then subdivided the lots and sold the house. Havens - should proceed to clean up trees and have future use. Galligan - hope to proceed but our concern is while Evergreen develops the fair would not be allowed there. Havens - would zoning allow the fair Galligan - would have to go to zoning and do an 8-24 referral. Paterna - good idea - do you have alternative energy solution? Galligan - no not thinking about solar there. Anwar - we feel worthwhile for staff to invest in this. There are sick trees there that could be a hazard. once clear there will be a lot of uses for the proprty. Galligan - clearing the internal portion. Anwar - phased approach is a good idea.
G. Discussion Item: Drafting an Ordinance for the Funding of Capital Projects, (requested by Mayor Anwar)
Anwar - this is something that has been talked about. Gave background of this discussion through Capital Projects. Want to prevent or reduce the risk of having funds taken from Capital Projects for the budget. 7-8M should be in capital projects. If Council wants to take funds from Capital Porjects that a public hearing should be held. New tax revenues, have certain percentage go towards Capital Projects (those are two ideas) - If there is a level of consensus we work with TA to establish an ordinance. snyder - I think we ahve been battling the capital projects funds for years. In an effort to try to have funds taken from capital projects. Feel a policy should be set. If we take baby steps - other towns have specific policies in place. A certain percentage be put towards capital projects for any new revenue coming into the town. Not sure if we should bind future Town Councils. Galligan - in other states they call them public finance ordinances. if shows fiscal responsibilities. would not have a problem with resolution - need majority ruling when changing a policy. The process may need to be changed. Resolution or ordinance - there has to be something that will be concrete. The reason I like ordinance is because you get public input. Policy or resolution has to be strong to make it work. Also suggest is a two year budget process. Have to think about doing things differently. Pendleton - agree with you. historical data tells us we need an ordinance. Also agree it should be a certain percentage of the budget. We need to fund Capital Projects. Wagner - I would say an ordinance - they can be reversed - a resolution is a lot easier to override. two year budget Galligan - can not adopt a two year budget - if we wanted to do a two or three year projection - Wagner - do you know how the BOE would feel Galligna - your current Superintendent is fiscally responsible. Right now it may be too late - Wagner - do not want to force it on you this year. The other concept is funding a fixed amount but do not decide on project until the summer. Galligan - it takes the debate out of things. you have a certain amount of funds that can be used towards Wagner - maybe one ordinance could accomplish everything. Galligan - the other thing would consider is performance management contract- left over funds from the budget to do capital projects. YOu can get more projects done. Wagner - would like to see energy savings put into maintenance - put in capital - take money we saved to take care of projects that have been waiting to be done. Delnicki - would support resolution that supports a policy. would not support ordinance as a first step. Anwar - how can we do this - Galligan - first set a policy t determine what is going to be your magic number. once a policy is formulated then decide if you want in a resolution or ordinance. Anwar - Yagaloff - super majority doesn't work - it is really under charter could change that vote to five votes. The concept of identifying a policy. I fthe council has policy it wants then a determination could be made to determine mechanism Ordinance or resolution - you could have a flexible ordinance or set aside make is mandatory. until you know the policy Anwar - I want a strategy for capital projects not being able to take funds from capital projects. Galligan - feel you would need an ordinance. it can be changed but would need public input. Mirek - think the first thing is to come up with a policy we all agree on. need to try it for one year before an ordinance is established. Anwar - we have the numbers available. It comes down to the policy. Snyder - agree with everything. you know what your collegues are doing and the towns of our size. can we ask you to put together a couple of different drafts for South Windsor. Then we can review it. Want to figure out how to move forward. Galligna - draft a policy first then decide on how you want ot move forward. Snyder -when can we get? Galligna - will try to get for the next meeting. Anwar -
15. Passage of Ordinance
none
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.]
Pendleton - ask Clay on report of what his needs may be.
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.]
none
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.]
nolne
19. Executive Session
A. Discussion of possible tax assessment agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information contained therein which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to C.G.S. §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(5)(B).
Delnicki at 10:20 p.m. A (only) - have TA and Peter DeMallie and TM - Snyder, unanimous
B. Discussion of documents containing financial information provided in confidence and exempt from disclosure pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(6) and §1-210(b)(5)(B) regarding the Connecticut Studios Project.
20. Adjournment
Jan 05, 2015 Town Council Meeting
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1. Call Meeting to Order
7
2. Prayer: TBD
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Roll Call
Roll call (9 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 - dissatisfied with the audit report and the length of time it takes - we don't know where we ended last year. The last audit report has some items in there that were wrong. Matt is going to sit down and talk to the auditor. Matt has indicated to me - when the audit report comes in he said we would sit down and discuss it. It is not a good way - we are 6 months into the current year.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
Pendleton - Nov 15 to March 15 there is a parking ban on our streets for snow plowing. Anwar - cervical cancer month in January - early detection important.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Havens - Wagner with amendment unanimous
8. Public Petitions
none
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
Wagner - letter from P & Z read into the record
10. Reports from Standing Committees
Wagner - Energy Committee - Solarize workshop - January 12th at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Working on plan to allow people to tour homes that have solar to see what it looks like on January 17th. flyer will be sent out.
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
none
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.]
none
13. Unfinished Business
A. Resolution Removing from the Table Item 14. A. of the Town Council's Regular Meeting of December 15, 2014 - Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign and Execute a Participation Agreement for Municipal Textile Recycling Services Between the Town of South Windsor and Bay State Textiles, inc.
Paterna - Wagner Delnicki - do we have answers to questions that we follow or should we not act on this Galligna - do not have answers - there may be possibility that we will not be able to do this. waiting for Mark Markowitz Yagaloff - do not think you need to keep tabling we are looking at other towns to see how they handle it. it would be valuable to use state bids but right now it is not obvious and need to look further. Delnicki- are we better not taking off the table and not acting on it Yagaloff - you could leave it off the table or abandon it and have a new resolution at the time you want it. Anwar - then just skip 13B Mirek - note that during the past week it was in HC - another town went with this. Bloomfield and Newington have contracts Yagaloff - organization looks legitimate - you can do it the question is whether you need to o out to bid. it is not clear at this time. certainly the Council can elect to have a contract with this company. failed - unanimously -
B. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Sign and Execute a Participation Agreement for Municipal Textile Recycling Services Between the Town of South Windsor and Bay State Textiles, Inc.
C. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures, Article IX, Section 7 (a) - Audit Committee (postponed from the December 15, 2014 meeting)
Pendleton - Snyder Wagner - first line - friendly amendment take out hire and or Snyder agreed to friendly amendment. unanimous
D. Resolution Approving an Amendment to the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures, Article IX, Section 7 (a) - Energy Committee (postponed from the December 15, 2014 meeting)
Snyder - Wagner Wagner - wouuld like change third line - would like pulbic buildings to read public faciilities Snyder accepted friendly amendment. unanimous
E. Resolution Appointing the Current WPCA Members to Transition Terms
Wagner - Delnicki Approved, unanimously
F. Resolution Reappointment Marion Burke (U) to the Housing Authority
Mirek - Delnicki approved, unanimously
14. New Business
A. Presentation: Connecticut Studios (Mr. Andrew Toth and Mr. Dan Marsh to be present)
Galligan - Andrew Toth and Dan Marsh are both here to discuss. before we put out final budget want to make sure everything is all set. will put presentation on the website. Andrew Toth - put presentation together to bring the counicl up to date - as shown in attached Exhibit A. May need town to approve micro grid power plant. phase II will be determined by the success of phase I. If not successful with film studio productions - there wil be other uses of th eproperty so we don't want to give up that option. Questions Pendleton - Capital Funding - you said you have funding for fuel cell - Andrew - Geneve - will be supporting the entire project - We have worked very hard. There is a lending institution that is interested in funding the entire project - currently they have a lot of small loans and a lot of the banks would like to do larger. because of the sizze of the PPA and power plan it makes it condusive for one or two banks to get involved. Pendleton - talked about on the first Ancillary Development Summary - there are a few restaurants that are interested in coming to SW and I would like to give those to you. Andrew - they need to see construction activity to solitify - they would come in an do their own sit eplan approveal. we would lease out the pads except the hotel - they woudl come in with their design. will need activity, fuel cell, studio campus, will crerate a lot of jobs to use these retail facilites. HOtel would be sold Pendleton - could use more restaurants in SW Delnicki - interesting how this has evolved over the years and how much different it is now. you have a fairly well defined time line on fuel cells - Andrew - it is our guestimate - they are working with PURA and CL&P - hoping by end of January present our amendments to CL & P - they may take 30 days - then we are allowing another 30 days for PURA to approve thosd amendments. PURA has asked to come in with CL&P with agreement that has been approved. Delnicki - does that mean the agreemetn could drag out Andrew - to the end of March that is the manufacturer - part of the PPA agreement is we have to be in contract for the equipment. we have to have agreement on the land and equipment provider in place. Delnicki - that is just an agreement, not a purchase Delnikci - mentioned on the verge of making agreement with Mr. Charbonneau - do not want to see expectation that is not obtainable to the public. purchase of Charbonneau property - do you think you will have agreement by Feb 1st? Andrew - yes - agreement we have is base don the PPA amendments. once we have those amendments we will own property. a lo to fthe publicity is - crucial part is the fuel cell. Delnicki - success of phase I will dtermine if phase II happens. If studio not successful move to warehouse Andrew - we want to have options - we also have it in our PPA amendment that if for some reason usage standpoint and economic standpoint would like to build something that we are allowed to. Delnicki - so could end up with something other then a studio there Andrew - yes it is a possibility. we have had discussions with subway and Dunkin Donuts. if this site develops positively you have a geat exchange. you have great visibility. could do banks, drive throughs, etc. restaurants - there are several possibilities. Delnicki - you spoke of fuel cell of pullin gpermits April 1st? Andrew - that is the projected Delnicki - fuel cell and studio itself Andrew - will probably bring in architect from California - they are working on a film campus in Hawaii - we ar enot going to pull the trigger until we have the amendments. if we get approval of amendments it will take approixmatley 3 months and will need to get (infrastructure) storm drainage, curbing, - take about 3-5 months before a shovel is in the ground. Delnicki - if everything falls into place October Havens - unbelievable that this is still alive. we hope will come fruition. if you can make a deal with Andre, you should have a deal. would like to see it happen. you are putting time, energy and money into this - thank you for coming. Mirek - it will b einteresting to see once you get permits and everything in place to see a timeline. how long do you foresee? Andrew - once we unleash the fuel cell manufacturer it takes 9 months - if all goes well start end of spring - the studio design time will take a little bit of time. there is not studio built - we will have a state of the art - design so we can have multip sound stage uses. once that is design 9-12 weeks. Mirek - ancillaries Andrew - once ther eis activity - then they would come on - that iwll take time - most of those companies have builders - that could take time and could keep growing. Wagner - thanked you for coming in and the presentation. The project has become more realistic. timeline - there will be time when building the fuel cell and studio itself. Andrew - from a visble standpint probably see more studio then fuel cell - if we were lucky enough to start in April - 7 months later fuel cell will show up on property. Paterna - thanks for coming - film studio - consulting group on the project - are they film production company? Andrew - will leave you a phamphlet - they build and manage in California - they design/consult. they will manage the studios on a daily basis - being built in smaller studios - there is a need for it. Anwar - thank you for coming. we all hope and are committed to help become a reality. as a town the people who are seeking jobs. the fuel cell will generate revenue for town - also taxes generated. this is much more realistic. fuel cells, land - - other component is PURA part - once in place that is a big piece of the puzzle. The changes from the existing plan are quite realistic. phases approach more realistic and protects the town. 10-12% return is success - the industry is scraching the surface for what is out there. Jobs and taxes to enable town to generate - my position on phases I feel is a good idea. micro grid - what do you expect from town? Andrew - the gentleman who is doing tht is not here. approval from town where micro grid is being put in. if ther eis a power outage - our fuel cell will act as a generator to the studios - in addition would still genrate income because of the way the meters are configures. in addition will provide secondary emergency shelter. Galligan - allowed them to move forward as long as they could provide secondary emergency shelter. that is why we looked at putting generators in all of the buildings. we may have to be part of the application through DEEP - they like the town to be involved which will be the secondary shelter. we could run line up to the magnet school, power to Pleasant Valley and a stretch to the WPCA. lookijng at that whole section of how to take advantage of grid. Andrew - DEEP is pushing to get more micro grids in the state. they offer rebates. also change is application deadline - believe they are going to entertain rolling applications. Anwar - approximate number of jobs in construction - total cost 75 Million dollars - construction standpoint would have to work on number on that. it would b ea fair amount of jobs - hotel 50-150 jobs - studios do have a work up which I will give you - those numbers will need to go to DECD - that will be the next step. Anwar - your time line expectations - what That is where I got my time lines from. anwar - are the timelines in sin Anwar - do have Executive Session
B. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Peter Jennings (R) from the Historic District Commission
Delnicki - Pendleton Anwar - thanked Mr. Jennings unanimous
C. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Timothy Wentzell (D) from the Public Building Commission
Havens, Delnicki Anwar - read resignation into record regarding the financial aspect. May be good to have PBC come make presentation to the Town Council. Galligan - will find out. usually we get reports on the finances. I can send him a letter to come to the next meeting to give update on the project. Anwar - just feel this is an opportunity - public should hear what is going on. update on everything. Wagner - seeing this leter I share the same concern. we have a project manager - one of the duties is to continuously report what the financials look like. all the financial items should be known. Galligan - the superintendent goes to the meetings and Pat Hankard is also there. I also know theya re working with our staff a lot. I think this project has been working in the right direction. Will have reports sent. unanimous
D. Resolution Approving an Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and the Public Works Employees Union
Snyder, Pendleton Galligan - we have been for some time going into arbitration. we had mediation - we presented our position - there are new union heads that wanted to look at the items. 1.5% 2013, 2.5% 2014 and 2% 2015. Over time was a big factor as well as medical. It is a good contract and does not increase the budget. Snyder - are we retroactive paying? Galligna - yes at 1.5% - Snyder - July 1, 2014 they are at 2.5% HSA is not retroactive Galligna - start today if contract is approved. Snyder - how are you handling the healthcare Galligan - their regular healthcare they had they will not have individual accounts - February or March will have their own accounts. Snyder - cost of rsingle Galligna - 750.00 per year Town contributes - 1250.00 snyder - money leftover, does that roll over? yes Snyder - as employee can build that up? yes - employees could build up their funds and use it when they retire. unanimous
E. Discussion Item: Future Planning for the Wapping Elementary School, (requested by Mayor Anwar)
Anwar - we have had private conversations on this - it would be good to start to brainstorm on this issue. start to build consensus within the Town Council. Need to look at resource allocation plan. we need to plan this now to make this happen. Galligan - Ray and I talked about this and our idea is to have Capital projects look at this issue. Clay will also be a key component. The senior population is growing and if the Recreation Dept. is moved then there would be more room for the seniors. We are looking to use classrooms for Pre-K. We have had to do lotteries and would be able to have more. Day camp could be run out of this school. we have the 4th R program - could use Wapping. There is a lot of uses for it. We do have to plan - go through the building to determine roof conditions as well as other conditions of the building. New windows are in the building. Ray is having discussions with Andrea about the Teen Center - maybe have the Teen Center be part of that building. There are a lot of things that need to be looked at. Would like to see a lot of he work done with Ray's staff as well as Park & Recreation. Anwar - do we need a resolution to push it towards the Park & Recreation Galligan - no I think they can work on it and then a resolution could be presented to the Town Council when everything is worked out. People voted on the school because the Wapping School would be used for Recreation. There may be other meeting rooms available to the community in this building. This may be available for other community uses. Ray - after the referendum we had a tour of the school. We have been looking at this and how we would be able to transition to this building in 2017. WE have visited other communities that have transitioned from a school to a Recreation Dept. We are excited about having this space. We think we can expand opportunities to other organizations such as Boy Scouts, etc. We hope to have plan this winter and would like to present to the Council. we may be sharing space with other departments. We want to utilize space for community use. Anwar - I would prefer a resolution to strengthen support from the Council. The challenge we have to address is figure out a way to put resources towards that plan. We don't want to be in a situation where the need can not be fulfilled. Need to put money aside at this time. Want to make sure new space is suitable. Snyder - I think the thought of using the Wapping School or any school - this is a fabulous opportunity to acquire space. I don't intend to call is a senior center but health and human services. There are so many different programs there. This will benefit the entire community. We have discussed this in Capital Projects. We do have to start thinking about resources. I don't think we need a resolution but we need to make is clear to the public it is our plan to relocate Recreation to this school. Also allow the Human Services the ability to spread out. Bathrooms in all of the kindergarten classes, new windows. there is handicap access. I like the fact that you are working with staff and Park & Recreation Commission. my concern is do you think we need to spend 100,000 or 150,000 to bring in private company to review this. do we have expertise on staff level? All mechanicals have been done of this school. can our own staff come in and give quotes? Ray - I think it can be a combination. our vision is multi phased. need someone to look at that building at what you can and can not do. we were hoping to have move in plan to be minimum but take it to the next level each year. Some of the realistic features need to be addressed and hoping to address over a long period of time. Snyder - hoping by the end of the winter of having a strategy. Ray - we are close to what our vision is now and in the future. we want to present that vision to the counicl this winter. Snyder - did you want to go thorugyh Capital Projects? Ray - we certainly can. We are going to have some furnished rooms. there may be a phase in in rooms. Havens - the goal of that building was always to be the Recreation Department. Someone has to plan on a way to fund this. Ray - we have some ideas of how to fund, will share with the plan. Delnicki - have the same concern with the outsourcing the planning of this building. To say we are looking for a plan that looks out 20 years, it will be obsolete. use the money to actually get something done to allow the space to be used. I would say to shave back on a consultant. It makes sense for the Recreation Department to be there. Wagner - I do think before we go to Capital Projects should get the vision established and funding ideas. Like to see Park & Recreation Commission come to Council before Capital Projects. Anwar - when do you anticipate when coming to Council? Ray - February - it would be a vision where we would like to see it go. I agree about the consultants. I think we have the capacity in-house. Looking at the amount of space it would be a Park & Recreation Pendleton - Is there a chance you would want to move to Orchard Hill? Ray - not knowing what the future is going to bring - if everything went as planned and all referendums have passed and the town ends up with Wapping and then the Old Orchard Hill school, I would want to have a conversation and discussion. I think there are benefits to that location. that is a conversation that the BOE would have to be included in. I think there are advantages to that campus setting. There are major advantage to Wapping also. Pendleton - would you want to be in both? Ray - do not know we need all that area. Pendleton - it is a fact that nothing has been decided about Wapping. I think we should see who wants to be in that area and present to a subcommittee. Let the decision come from the committee. I would like to know and see everything. Ray - we had some of those conversations already. Building Maintenance - the community use of the building is most important to me. Golden opportunity to expand community use. Pendleton - we need to consider the bigger picture and decide who needs more space and who wants to go over there. Paterna - would like to hear from staff also. Ray - had them give their visions to the Park & Recreation Commission. Mirek - I think it is a perfect fit to have Park & Recreation and Teen Center. I know you rent out space in the Community Center for different events. Cafeteria could be another source of income. Ray - we currently rent out three spaces at the community center. I would not mind taking over the responsibility of having rental space. would like to continue that. February will come back with our vision, the town's vision? Anwar - let me explore this further. town has been in discussion about the building Galligan - yes we have discussed. Public Works was expanded a couple years ago - as far as the offices here need to be renovated. as these other areas move and EOC gets done it will free up space. We have been looking at this for a while and will make it part of the presentation in February. Mirek - I was wondering if we had a move in ready design phase - another what vision is - Ray - we are doing a three phase plan - we are giving you what we feel would be a good plan. Anwar - so you have an understanding what we want? Galligan yes
F. Discussion Item: Barton Property, (requested by Mayor Anwar)
Galligan - we have an issue with debris management that DEP is requiring towns to provide and area. under plan looking to have debris management at Barton Property. Clear area - thinned out - we also have tiger beetles hanging out there. we are trying to create an environment debris management, Wapping Fair. May need to bring water line down to the area. We also want to use as an open field. (cricket) - could be used as a practice field. this could be a multi purpose area. before we get involved with cost estimates, we though it may be a good idea to have the Council look at this. Anwar - understand that the trees are not healthy and are a hazard to the area? Galligna - trees have to be cleared out. Anwar - so there is a safety issue, debris management issue - is there any state funding? Galligan - no - we had looked at a couple of different areas - Foster Farm - most areas are muddy and soft and will not work. need a harder surface. this area is a sandy area. Anwar - what would you be looking for from the Town Council Galligan - I don't want to waste Town staff time if the Council does not feel this is a good idea. We can do porta potties, extend the water line, the Wapping Fair used to be at Rye Street - but have established fields that would be used all of the time. Mirek - I think it is a great idea and we need a place. what is with the water line? Galligna - fair may need water, just looking at that to see if that is something we need to do. In the future may want ot do to create a concession stand, bathrooms, etc. Mirek - if you make them more then practice fields would need water. Galligan - I think it is a crawl before you run. Mirek - if we could get figure for the clearning and seeded that would be great. Wagner - the Cricket players would be able to use it. Galligna - we think they would be able to use it. They can't use it all year but could schedule them in. Wagner - I would definately like to see you flesh this plan out. If you are looking for support I will give mine. Houses along there have wells? Galligan - some have wells. Wagner - not sure if people who have wells want to connect, but would have the opportunity. Delnicki - there is one thing we have learned about the Wapping Fair; does need water, no electrical lines, does not need sanitary sewer. We are talking about a number of projects and we are talking about substantial costs. There is a lot of potential but need to worry about costs. if make full field, can not have Wapping Fair - if you want Wapping Fair there, stay away from utilities. I think you have an opportunity to use low costs and have multiple uses. Galligan - could be used for practice field Havens - how did the town get proprty? Galligna - our funds, we bought it and then subdivided the lots and sold the house. Havens - should proceed to clean up trees and have future use. Galligan - hope to proceed but our concern is while Evergreen develops the fair would not be allowed there. Havens - would zoning allow the fair Galligan - would have to go to zoning and do an 8-24 referral. Paterna - good idea - do you have alternative energy solution? Galligan - no not thinking about solar there. Anwar - we feel worthwhile for staff to invest in this. There are sick trees there that could be a hazard. once clear there will be a lot of uses for the proprty. Galligan - clearing the internal portion. Anwar - phased approach is a good idea.
G. Discussion Item: Drafting an Ordinance for the Funding of Capital Projects, (requested by Mayor Anwar)
Anwar - this is something that has been talked about. Gave background of this discussion through Capital Projects. Want to prevent or reduce the risk of having funds taken from Capital Projects for the budget. 7-8M should be in capital projects. If Council wants to take funds from Capital Porjects that a public hearing should be held. New tax revenues, have certain percentage go towards Capital Projects (those are two ideas) - If there is a level of consensus we work with TA to establish an ordinance. snyder - I think we ahve been battling the capital projects funds for years. In an effort to try to have funds taken from capital projects. Feel a policy should be set. If we take baby steps - other towns have specific policies in place. A certain percentage be put towards capital projects for any new revenue coming into the town. Not sure if we should bind future Town Councils. Galligan - in other states they call them public finance ordinances. if shows fiscal responsibilities. would not have a problem with resolution - need majority ruling when changing a policy. The process may need to be changed. Resolution or ordinance - there has to be something that will be concrete. The reason I like ordinance is because you get public input. Policy or resolution has to be strong to make it work. Also suggest is a two year budget process. Have to think about doing things differently. Pendleton - agree with you. historical data tells us we need an ordinance. Also agree it should be a certain percentage of the budget. We need to fund Capital Projects. Wagner - I would say an ordinance - they can be reversed - a resolution is a lot easier to override. two year budget Galligan - can not adopt a two year budget - if we wanted to do a two or three year projection - Wagner - do you know how the BOE would feel Galligna - your current Superintendent is fiscally responsible. Right now it may be too late - Wagner - do not want to force it on you this year. The other concept is funding a fixed amount but do not decide on project until the summer. Galligan - it takes the debate out of things. you have a certain amount of funds that can be used towards Wagner - maybe one ordinance could accomplish everything. Galligan - the other thing would consider is performance management contract- left over funds from the budget to do capital projects. YOu can get more projects done. Wagner - would like to see energy savings put into maintenance - put in capital - take money we saved to take care of projects that have been waiting to be done. Delnicki - would support resolution that supports a policy. would not support ordinance as a first step. Anwar - how can we do this - Galligan - first set a policy t determine what is going to be your magic number. once a policy is formulated then decide if you want in a resolution or ordinance. Anwar - Yagaloff - super majority doesn't work - it is really under charter could change that vote to five votes. The concept of identifying a policy. I fthe council has policy it wants then a determination could be made to determine mechanism Ordinance or resolution - you could have a flexible ordinance or set aside make is mandatory. until you know the policy Anwar - I want a strategy for capital projects not being able to take funds from capital projects. Galligan - feel you would need an ordinance. it can be changed but would need public input. Mirek - think the first thing is to come up with a policy we all agree on. need to try it for one year before an ordinance is established. Anwar - we have the numbers available. It comes down to the policy. Snyder - agree with everything. you know what your collegues are doing and the towns of our size. can we ask you to put together a couple of different drafts for South Windsor. Then we can review it. Want to figure out how to move forward. Galligna - draft a policy first then decide on how you want ot move forward. Snyder -when can we get? Galligna - will try to get for the next meeting. Anwar -
15. Passage of Ordinance
none
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.]
Pendleton - ask Clay on report of what his needs may be.
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.]
none
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.]
nolne
19. Executive Session
A. Discussion of possible tax assessment agreement which would result in disclosure of public records or information contained therein which is exempt from disclosure at this time pursuant to C.G.S. §1-210(b)(1) and §1-210(b)(5)(B).
Delnicki at 10:20 p.m. A (only) - have TA and Peter DeMallie and TM - Snyder, unanimous
B. Discussion of documents containing financial information provided in confidence and exempt from disclosure pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(6) and §1-210(b)(5)(B) regarding the Connecticut Studios Project.
20. Adjournment
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