Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
8 pm - recess 8pm to go back to the WS
804 back to regular meeting.
2. Prayer: Reverend Thomas White, St. Peter's Episcopal Church
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.]
Roy Norman, Homestead Drive - Discussion regarding revaluation - our house was not properly classified. items were corrected. 7.3% taxes went up. did not expect this - expect that most taxpayers were not too concerned because revaluation went down. If the council had more information and the method used - some may be paying more then they should. the mill rate went up a small amount given the pressures of everything. I think there are a lot more issues. would like to have the council look at to see if something could be done.
Richard Gregorian, 369 Main Street - Last October a presentation was made for a proposal which later was withdrawn. Shortly thereafter came up with the fields. now reduced in size. How much thought is being given to these projects when they are started. there is a certain amount of trust that is needed for the council and staff. I think if any presentation made to the town you would not let them take this many bites of the apples. Need to come with a finished product before coming to council time after time. The best solution is withdraw the program entirely - it is not a life star situation. If the field is needed then I would support but do not know if it is needed.
Sus Strange, 178 Palmer Drive - athletic fields proposal - Had the opportunity to review the public hearing. Some of the considerations put forth - wildlife - noise light pollution - CREC school builidng fields - impacts to Town taxpayers - many of the speakers talkaed about their concerns that there are other needs in the town - there are also other segments of town that are in need of diffferent services. I don't think we can ignore some of the concerns of other citizens. a number of the speakers recommended this going to referendum and hope that is what happens. concerned that some segments of the citizens are being ndulged and others are not being heard. Last Monday's meeting Deputy Mayor Bazzano - said neighbors were adamently opposed. the new location has similar concerns. Do not think we indlulge one neighborhood and not another. This shoudl go to referendum. As far as taxes are concerned - not everyone in SW are high incomes - my taxes went up 6.5% but my salary did not. I would appreciate if Town Council considered sending this to referendum.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
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.]
Jackie Kenney - captain of Field Hockey and on Lacross - field hockey we had to try out in the lower field in Duprey - more dangerous to play on grass. we support the idea of having turf at the Stadium - we have the resources as well -
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
McCann - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. important to pay attention to your bodies - be examined and if you should get should catch early.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
McCann - Bazzano - unanimous
8. Public Petitions
Mayor - Galligna - will be going out and take a look at the strips on Kelly Road - may need to come up with different system. anwar - have talked to people in the neighborhod - no calming effect just noise. there is alessen to be learned about this - hope we can figure out solution for this problem. Galligan - they were not the original traffic calming that was designed but State would not let happen Prague - They do make a lot of noise. These were placed directly between two houses. I would prefer to see stop sign or slow down signs rather then speed bumps. Yagaloff - the interesting thing about those people are used to see cross walks made out of those materials. The other problem is the trucks go over they bottom our and you get the bang. Galligan - arrows are used in other communities - we are looking to find out what is appropriate. Yagaloff - bring out to the road height. Delnicki - City of Hartford has done a good job on road humps and they are removable during the winter.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
10. Reports from Standing Committees
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
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.]
Prague - attended meeting of ICC - get copies of everything from that meeting - send to them.
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.]
Yagaloff, Anwar unanimous
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth McGuire (D) to the Cable Advisory Committee
* B. Resolution Reappointing Anthony Duarte (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families
* C. Resolution Appointing Debbie Duarte (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals
14. New Business
A. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Open Space
Cindy - Yagaloff - Cindy - do you want to explain Galligna - on one of your bond issues required that every time you purchase open space you have to have an ordinance. In order to go with the King Street property we will have to have ordinance for each one of them. It is not in any other bond but this particular one there is. Anwar - going forward - we describe recreation as one of the purposes - it appeared focus on more passive recreation and need to spell our specifically. Needs to be clear going forward so the intended purpose is known. Galligna - this particular one is for open space not recration. Anwar - some time in the fine print says recreation Galligan - I agree Yagaloff - on the issue of passive recreation we also have confusion - we purchased open space and allowed it to be farmed and then foudn out the town coudl not use it for trails. clarification from the appropriate committees would be useful. some open space is for farming an dother open space is for walking trails and access for the public. Passive versus Active should also be clarified. Galligan - shoudl get that clarification. Prague - I was part of the Council that approved the 2.5 m for Foster Farm. Galigna - bought 40 acres and rest on option. Prague - I remember talking about that being allowed for the public. there is no reason could not set aside a piect to be enjoyed by the public. I don't think there is anything stopping us from allowing public to walk on it. Galligna - at the time we thought would be dangerous if council wants to change that the agreement could be changed. YOu have contract that woudl have to be revisted. Delnicki - ther eis actually a sunset provision? Galligan - yes Delnicki - did to make deal Galligna - yes and had family member who wanted to keep farming. unanimous
B. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $26,446 from the Social Security Account to Various General Fund Operating Budgets
Anwar - Bazzano, Galligan - at the year end we balance out the accounts - this year we reallocate funds - last years financials. Street lights in the Police Department. Anwar - we were 10,000 short in that one account Galligna - yes - using 26,000 to balance out other accounts. Lights have also been installed in other areas. McCann - does this close out all of the accounts for last year Galligan yes unanimous
C. Resolution Agreeing to a Joint Grant Application with the Town of Coventry and the Town of Tolland
Prague, Bazzano Prague - if we don't get grant do we still buy computer equipment? Galligan - no can not apply for this grant with a single Town need Coventry and/or Tolland. Good program and will get us additional equipment. Will also give Coventyr and Tolland equipment.. Prague Anwar - wht happens to the older computers? Galligna - some stay 4-5 years - we have had discussions to use for seniors. Anwar - worthwhile to have program - seniors are taught to use computers. Think we need to find way to use those computers. Galligna - fo ryour basic items the computers would work. Will get a list of computers that are being taken out. McCann - mobile emergency command center. good regionalization and effective to all towns. SW cost share will not exceed 46,000 and SW would jontly purchase computer equipment with both Towns. Would all three towns go into Galligan - each town would have 30% back to them. McCann - we are not buying computers to put in Tolland and Coventry Galligan - one good thing about this program is we have worked very hard to get on CRCOC - we can do things regionally and communicate with others. Delnicki - Scott Roberts and team what they have done with interlocal agreement - it has paid significant dividends and save taxpayers money. I think going to the concept of regionalization - there is opportunities when win win but doesn't work when you force people into it. unanimous
D. Resolution Approving an "Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and UPSEU, Local 424, Unit 65 - Municipal Employees"
Bazzano, Snyder Galligan - we have had four negotiations. Anwar - I know very complex process - our municipal employees are very important, they make our town better. when negotiating - would give better undersanding of how the economy is. Very tough - something going forward need to recognize. need to come to common ground. unanmous
E. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Eighty-Six (86) South Windsor Taxpayers
Yagaloff - Anwar Galligan - car dealerships - we have a lot of leases unanimous
F. Discussion Item: Order of Procedures in the Town Council Rules and Procedures (requested by Councillor McCann)
McCann - Order of rules and procedures - they basically have kept the same format since adopted until 1995 when public input was added - 2007 added some explanations of public input and public participation - adopted resolution that said public input for items not on the agenda and public participation for items on the agenda that night. That was purposely put ina portion f the agenda before we got to the business portion of the agenda. That would allow the public to speak on items that night. About 1 1/2 years ago Council reordered our procedures and reordered our agenda. when we added expalnation in 2007 to public participation and public input we also required that a notice be put onto the agenda. when changes made 1 1/2 years ago - this has caused confusion when public can talk. in addition to the fact that the most recent item changes - I would submit we should create a subcommittee to have a meeting or two and come to a concensus of what our rules and procedures should look like - in order to get to everything on our agenda and allow the public a voice. suggest we create subcommittee and come back to council with suggestions. Yagaloff - after Mayor Delnicki was elected Mayor - there was an effort by the Mayor to make sure the ruels were consistent with how he wanted the rules. I had input in the ruels - they were adopted by the Town Council. I have not heard too many people say they were having trouble with public input. The last subcommittee that was structured by this council - WPCA Sewer Commission - I think the next council should meet at the appropriate time and have a subcommittee if they so choose and they can decide how to conduct their meetings. Not the time or place to discuss how the meetings are run. I think this should wait until after new Council is appointed. I woudl be happy to sit if I am elected with Councillor Mccann. Delnicki - good to raise issue. I think the suggestion of after the election works - leave for the next council.
G. Discussion Item: Capital Improvement Fund (requested by Councillor Snyder)
Snyder - on Capitla Improvement Fund program - wanted to bring forward - October 9th there is a meeting. Once the committee discusses everything willbring information back. My concern is there could be all new people sitting here - Moving forward would like to know if Capital Projects Committee shoudl move forward. Very disappointing of how it ended up. Moving forward have to consider if Committee should continue. Yagaloff - very important capital improvement project committee - capital projects was ignored- counicl made decisions - th emajority members of htis council decided to bring other project forward - myself and Anwar, Delnicki and Havens brought forward a proposal - the whole council voted on this issue. the impact on taxes has been horrendous. the committee has to be based on reality. we can't have multikmillion dollar projects coming to council - this community can not afford to borrow money for projects. and can not afford to do multimllion dollard projects like proposed. When CT Studios comes in the town may be able to do some of those capital improvement projects. motor vehicle taxes went up 24%. the committee does valuable work because the council does need to know the priorities. McCann - I don't see anyone on the council who brought forward multimillion dollar projects. I do see people who wanted to discuss projects. No one brought those proposal forward. there was no proposals brought forward. there was a proposal brought forward by the Town Manager. With respect to capital ijmprovement fund itself, the committee does prioritize matteras and looks far into the future. One of the thinks noticed when serving on the committee is some of the items were not capital projects. they wre placed in capital projects because of the amouunt of th eproject. others were indeed capital projects. capital improvmetn committee items should be brought forward by counicl. have committe take a look and make a recommendation and come back with a plan. there has been critism of things that council members have brought forward because they were not on the list. concil should have input of what is put on tht list. capital projects committee can do good work - what the town needs and infrastructure over the years. things maintenance in nature should be in the general budget. Anwar - few weeks ago Deputy Mayor Bazzano gave a presentation on proposal of 2.4 million dollar proposal. have a memo from the - the committee is important and we need to use and ali McCann - agree with the last 50% of what you had to say. with the hockey rink - memo - asked for Manager to come up with propsal but never asked for proposal to go forward. The council needs to bring forward ideas. it was a discussion item and in order to discuss that properly needed the TM to put forth figures. Yagaloff - the memo that was in the budget season, says budget changes. Budget changes were brought forward - the hockey rink proposal would have been approximately ---------------- - 25M project. we had 4-6 meetings were this item was put on the agenda. if this council was not interested then discussions would have not been sponsored meeting after meeting. we should have been discussing our economic development opportunities. instead we discussed a hockey rink proposal. Beaulieu - every single member of this council describinjg what the Republican Caucus was discussing, they were items to be discussed. The TM put numbers on those ideas - it was a way to discuss different ideas. I think we need to stop suggesting that was the republicans budget. lets keep things to reality and not change history. Some people in this town learned that you get - idea from residents. When it came befofre the Council - there were 8 councillors that said to go forward with the proposal.
H. Discussion Item: Review of Revaluation (requested by Councillor McCann)
McCann - Revaluation - Town Council should come to understanding how revaluation works. - make sure fair across the board. there is a chance for council to to review - the phase in of a revaluation has - I would like confirmation of that - there would be no possibility - if we can phase in then we should examine that and see if fair. our spendin gwen tup 4.6% this past budget - the impact on residents were much greater. need to review methods and results. if there is interest would like to work with TM and Assessor Anwar - there are whole neighborhoods that feel they were revaluated incorrectly. the numbers I have been looking at have been quite concerning. Prague - next revaluation - low house will maintain value. Yagaloff - it is too late because the appeal process is already over. no body has won - community not growing. grand list is flat. Economic development should be discussed to grow the grand list. Galligan - revalu used to be done every 10 years and then was changed to 5 years. The 10 year cycle should have been left alone. Delnicki - one thing we should have learned from this is should have done a better job - model being followed is less then accurate. Galligan - we went out to bid and hired the number one company. Delnicki - think there needs to be a better job on it. there has to be a better methodology. Bazzano - if your taxes went up - the value of your property went up. If your taxes went down - the value of your property went down. McCann - brought foward this item to have discussion. We passed a unanimous budget - proud that everyone came together. Yagaloff - it was not unanimous vote when it came to the mill rate. Prague - offended that you are saying there is no economic development. there have been a lot of grand openings. in the last 10 years have 3 years 800
I. Discussion item: Athletic Fields proposal (requested by Deputy Mayor Bazzano and Councillor Yagaloff)
Bazzano - everyone has heard that we have changed the plan. We have one synthetic field. we have dedicated area for Miracle Field, kep the parking lot. detention basin, trying to do in a way where it does not cost he taxpayers. have talked about fund raising, lights do they have to go to P & Z regardless of the situation. we took the lights out of the plan. Yagaloff - the Fields Committee had a tough task. the Fields committee went back to do a reassessment of what would it take to do a project that the community woudl accept. the committee decided to go back to a fundamental projects. one turf field - grass in the other area of the park. create the area for the Miracle field - simple parking (gravel) - pathways to the fields. this project that the committeee adopted woudl njot include concession stands, lights - the fields committee knows there is various reasons for opposition - one being that it would trun into a large venue. ther eis concerna bout using the farmlad and converting it into fields. concernsa bout noise. the fundamental project is a scaled down projedt to get community acceptance. The mos timporatant aspect is no increase to taxes. Cost about 900,000. - surrounding communitiies are putting in articifical turf - If the town would proceed with STEAP grant (500,000) or other reserves - that would leave us with cost that could be amorized each year. 46,000 per year - can we ask dept to reduce in other areas so we can make this a priority - can we replaced existing expendtures so we can do this. would council be interested in this approach. 1) is there consensus to have TM find 46,000 each year; and 2) if so council would be presented with two proposals, STEP and adopt proposal for project. How would the pubic be informed abou teh project. I received a large amount of email saying people would be interested in smaller scaled back project. They would not support the larger project but would be able to support smaller project with no increase to taxes. Galligna - Tolland did get grand. debt coming off but may have school coming 0n Yagaloff - are there items in the budget that can be removed from the budget to cover this cost Galligna -this doable. There are other grants out there. - if this a council priority can work and get it done. we had a huge decrease of the budget - Yagaloff - concept is if Depts. coudl share in the impact - if public believes high proiority and the council does also - can we poll the council to see if everyone is interested. Delnicki - I do have a few questions on this first. is there an intent to have another public hearing ot put the plan on the table so people know what it is? Would STEAP grant hur tthe STEAP grant you are trying to get for the Post Office? Do we have traffic report study done? Galligna - we would have to do all these as part of P & Z. Delnicki - legal issue Anwar - if the STEAP grant for the old Post Office which includes emergency operation center - if we as a town we will take away from a building that is gong to be emergency opertion center - I will be very sad and concerned. Galligna - no the grant stays with that building. Anwar - if we do have reserve funds, we need ot hnd a way to give back to the taxpayers. concern about the leash payment. I do not feel this is a priority at this time. we need economic development. in order to find 46,000 for a lease payment I think we need to go back and - can not have community impacted for a small number of people who want this. Not the right time or place. not excited about supporting this. McCann - compliment Bazzano and Yagaloff - have listened to the pubic and have come up with a compromise. we have had a public hearing and do not see any reason to hold another. we have heard from our TM how this could be done without impacting taxes. think this is the right time. costs less then going forward in the future. size of project is right. Anwar - how many poeple are from the neighborhood? 0 How many experts on traffic study? 1 Did he/she do traffic study? no Anwar - the committee is made up of the sports teams around. There is no emergency here. The issues and the needs of the committee wills till be here. new proposal should go to public hearing. Beaulieu - that subcommittee has been meeting for 18 months. 13 revision of the plan. the public hearing was not something that had to happen. project is sized down - interested in having the TM come up with a way to pay for it. Anwar - have not seen all 13 proposals. not convinced. Yagaloff - public hearing - think we should amend the agenda nd put a public hearing. if property can not be used for active recreation we should know that. Some issues are Council and some are P & Z issues. Small scale project feel it is doable. Bazzano - every development adjacent to another development you have people upset. Yagaloff suspending the rules to put an agenda item onto the agenda - set tiem and place for public hearing on revised prior to the revised field proposal October 21 at 7:30 p.m.- secdond by Anwar - Yagalof f- there will be a new council and should have an opportunity to discuss this. I think there willb e a lot of support for this. the public should know what th eplan consists of. I think the project will stand on its own two legs. McCann - I think it is important for the public to hear the plan and think important for the - dod not think importnat to have a formal hearing. public hearing is not required. anwar - please do not stop public from speaking. I have not heard from anyone from that neighborhood support it. Bazzano - we had a public hearing a couple of weeks ago - we did not need public hearing. would like to move forward with 16 and 19A - Bazzano, McCann - suspend the rules to finish items. -unanimous
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.]
Galligan -- reviewed his manager's report - Mayor - come up with additinal 700,000 for bridge project into next eyars budget? Galligna - yes will hav eto build into next years budget. Mayor - Emergency Management Coordinator - is he establishing CERC Team? Galligan - yes is putting grant in. Beaulieu - S & P announced that they have revised there criteria. have you had any communications? Galligan - have started communications. We are AA - Moody's is more stringent. Anwar - Good to see - CERC Team good idea - hopeful before the Winter. few months ago approved fence at Boundless Playground? Ray - Held off - skate park is going to be near that and will need fencing around it. Anwar - want to make sure the kids are safe in that area. sense of urgency. Ray - have all of the jaterials just w=do not want ot dismantle anything. Anwar - Generators/ Galligan - we have consultant - have identified issue at the High School - looking at temporayry solution at Wapping - generator at the High school will not be there until February or March or April Anwar - what if need shelter Galligan - Community Center - Wapping Anwar - is there a time line? Galligna - we went out right away as soon as the budget was done Anwar - Galligan - can check speed - truck traffic - town tried to put no truck traffic there - not allowed to do anything because needs to travel between two communities. Anwar - have conversation with company tht is doing this. Galligna - need state legislature put in sign - Anwar - EMS? Galligna - MCCann, Bazzano, Anwar - you have all received the ___________ will have to meet. Anwar - CT Studios - McCann - when will we see infrastrucuter agreement for CT Studios? Galligan - need to go through Redevelopment Agency and will see redevelopment agreement. Prague - can we spread the bridge costs over 2-3 budgets? Galligan - yes -
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.
B. To discuss pending litigation.
Bazzano, McCann at 11:14 p.m. unanimous
C. To discuss union negotiations.
20. Adjournment
Oct 07, 2013 Town Council Regular Meeting
Full agenda
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1. Call Meeting to Order
8 pm - recess 8pm to go back to the WS
804 back to regular meeting.
2. Prayer: Reverend Thomas White, St. Peter's Episcopal Church
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.]
Roy Norman, Homestead Drive - Discussion regarding revaluation - our house was not properly classified. items were corrected. 7.3% taxes went up. did not expect this - expect that most taxpayers were not too concerned because revaluation went down. If the council had more information and the method used - some may be paying more then they should. the mill rate went up a small amount given the pressures of everything. I think there are a lot more issues. would like to have the council look at to see if something could be done.
Richard Gregorian, 369 Main Street - Last October a presentation was made for a proposal which later was withdrawn. Shortly thereafter came up with the fields. now reduced in size. How much thought is being given to these projects when they are started. there is a certain amount of trust that is needed for the council and staff. I think if any presentation made to the town you would not let them take this many bites of the apples. Need to come with a finished product before coming to council time after time. The best solution is withdraw the program entirely - it is not a life star situation. If the field is needed then I would support but do not know if it is needed.
Sus Strange, 178 Palmer Drive - athletic fields proposal - Had the opportunity to review the public hearing. Some of the considerations put forth - wildlife - noise light pollution - CREC school builidng fields - impacts to Town taxpayers - many of the speakers talkaed about their concerns that there are other needs in the town - there are also other segments of town that are in need of diffferent services. I don't think we can ignore some of the concerns of other citizens. a number of the speakers recommended this going to referendum and hope that is what happens. concerned that some segments of the citizens are being ndulged and others are not being heard. Last Monday's meeting Deputy Mayor Bazzano - said neighbors were adamently opposed. the new location has similar concerns. Do not think we indlulge one neighborhood and not another. This shoudl go to referendum. As far as taxes are concerned - not everyone in SW are high incomes - my taxes went up 6.5% but my salary did not. I would appreciate if Town Council considered sending this to referendum.
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
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.]
Jackie Kenney - captain of Field Hockey and on Lacross - field hockey we had to try out in the lower field in Duprey - more dangerous to play on grass. we support the idea of having turf at the Stadium - we have the resources as well -
6. Environmental Health & Safety Message
McCann - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. important to pay attention to your bodies - be examined and if you should get should catch early.
7. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
McCann - Bazzano - unanimous
8. Public Petitions
Mayor - Galligna - will be going out and take a look at the strips on Kelly Road - may need to come up with different system. anwar - have talked to people in the neighborhod - no calming effect just noise. there is alessen to be learned about this - hope we can figure out solution for this problem. Galligan - they were not the original traffic calming that was designed but State would not let happen Prague - They do make a lot of noise. These were placed directly between two houses. I would prefer to see stop sign or slow down signs rather then speed bumps. Yagaloff - the interesting thing about those people are used to see cross walks made out of those materials. The other problem is the trucks go over they bottom our and you get the bang. Galligan - arrows are used in other communities - we are looking to find out what is appropriate. Yagaloff - bring out to the road height. Delnicki - City of Hartford has done a good job on road humps and they are removable during the winter.
9. Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council
10. Reports from Standing Committees
11. Reports of Temporary Committees
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.]
Prague - attended meeting of ICC - get copies of everything from that meeting - send to them.
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.]
Yagaloff, Anwar unanimous
13. Unfinished Business
* A. Resolution Reappointing Elizabeth McGuire (D) to the Cable Advisory Committee
* B. Resolution Reappointing Anthony Duarte (D) to the South Windsor Alliance for Families
* C. Resolution Appointing Debbie Duarte (D) an Alternate to the Board of Assessment Appeals
14. New Business
A. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Open Space
Cindy - Yagaloff - Cindy - do you want to explain Galligna - on one of your bond issues required that every time you purchase open space you have to have an ordinance. In order to go with the King Street property we will have to have ordinance for each one of them. It is not in any other bond but this particular one there is. Anwar - going forward - we describe recreation as one of the purposes - it appeared focus on more passive recreation and need to spell our specifically. Needs to be clear going forward so the intended purpose is known. Galligna - this particular one is for open space not recration. Anwar - some time in the fine print says recreation Galligan - I agree Yagaloff - on the issue of passive recreation we also have confusion - we purchased open space and allowed it to be farmed and then foudn out the town coudl not use it for trails. clarification from the appropriate committees would be useful. some open space is for farming an dother open space is for walking trails and access for the public. Passive versus Active should also be clarified. Galligan - shoudl get that clarification. Prague - I was part of the Council that approved the 2.5 m for Foster Farm. Galigna - bought 40 acres and rest on option. Prague - I remember talking about that being allowed for the public. there is no reason could not set aside a piect to be enjoyed by the public. I don't think there is anything stopping us from allowing public to walk on it. Galligna - at the time we thought would be dangerous if council wants to change that the agreement could be changed. YOu have contract that woudl have to be revisted. Delnicki - ther eis actually a sunset provision? Galligan - yes Delnicki - did to make deal Galligna - yes and had family member who wanted to keep farming. unanimous
B. Resolution Approving the Transfer of $26,446 from the Social Security Account to Various General Fund Operating Budgets
Anwar - Bazzano, Galligan - at the year end we balance out the accounts - this year we reallocate funds - last years financials. Street lights in the Police Department. Anwar - we were 10,000 short in that one account Galligna - yes - using 26,000 to balance out other accounts. Lights have also been installed in other areas. McCann - does this close out all of the accounts for last year Galligan yes unanimous
C. Resolution Agreeing to a Joint Grant Application with the Town of Coventry and the Town of Tolland
Prague, Bazzano Prague - if we don't get grant do we still buy computer equipment? Galligan - no can not apply for this grant with a single Town need Coventry and/or Tolland. Good program and will get us additional equipment. Will also give Coventyr and Tolland equipment.. Prague Anwar - wht happens to the older computers? Galligna - some stay 4-5 years - we have had discussions to use for seniors. Anwar - worthwhile to have program - seniors are taught to use computers. Think we need to find way to use those computers. Galligna - fo ryour basic items the computers would work. Will get a list of computers that are being taken out. McCann - mobile emergency command center. good regionalization and effective to all towns. SW cost share will not exceed 46,000 and SW would jontly purchase computer equipment with both Towns. Would all three towns go into Galligan - each town would have 30% back to them. McCann - we are not buying computers to put in Tolland and Coventry Galligan - one good thing about this program is we have worked very hard to get on CRCOC - we can do things regionally and communicate with others. Delnicki - Scott Roberts and team what they have done with interlocal agreement - it has paid significant dividends and save taxpayers money. I think going to the concept of regionalization - there is opportunities when win win but doesn't work when you force people into it. unanimous
D. Resolution Approving an "Agreement Between the Town of South Windsor and UPSEU, Local 424, Unit 65 - Municipal Employees"
Bazzano, Snyder Galligan - we have had four negotiations. Anwar - I know very complex process - our municipal employees are very important, they make our town better. when negotiating - would give better undersanding of how the economy is. Very tough - something going forward need to recognize. need to come to common ground. unanmous
E. Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Eighty-Six (86) South Windsor Taxpayers
Yagaloff - Anwar Galligan - car dealerships - we have a lot of leases unanimous
F. Discussion Item: Order of Procedures in the Town Council Rules and Procedures (requested by Councillor McCann)
McCann - Order of rules and procedures - they basically have kept the same format since adopted until 1995 when public input was added - 2007 added some explanations of public input and public participation - adopted resolution that said public input for items not on the agenda and public participation for items on the agenda that night. That was purposely put ina portion f the agenda before we got to the business portion of the agenda. That would allow the public to speak on items that night. About 1 1/2 years ago Council reordered our procedures and reordered our agenda. when we added expalnation in 2007 to public participation and public input we also required that a notice be put onto the agenda. when changes made 1 1/2 years ago - this has caused confusion when public can talk. in addition to the fact that the most recent item changes - I would submit we should create a subcommittee to have a meeting or two and come to a concensus of what our rules and procedures should look like - in order to get to everything on our agenda and allow the public a voice. suggest we create subcommittee and come back to council with suggestions. Yagaloff - after Mayor Delnicki was elected Mayor - there was an effort by the Mayor to make sure the ruels were consistent with how he wanted the rules. I had input in the ruels - they were adopted by the Town Council. I have not heard too many people say they were having trouble with public input. The last subcommittee that was structured by this council - WPCA Sewer Commission - I think the next council should meet at the appropriate time and have a subcommittee if they so choose and they can decide how to conduct their meetings. Not the time or place to discuss how the meetings are run. I think this should wait until after new Council is appointed. I woudl be happy to sit if I am elected with Councillor Mccann. Delnicki - good to raise issue. I think the suggestion of after the election works - leave for the next council.
G. Discussion Item: Capital Improvement Fund (requested by Councillor Snyder)
Snyder - on Capitla Improvement Fund program - wanted to bring forward - October 9th there is a meeting. Once the committee discusses everything willbring information back. My concern is there could be all new people sitting here - Moving forward would like to know if Capital Projects Committee shoudl move forward. Very disappointing of how it ended up. Moving forward have to consider if Committee should continue. Yagaloff - very important capital improvement project committee - capital projects was ignored- counicl made decisions - th emajority members of htis council decided to bring other project forward - myself and Anwar, Delnicki and Havens brought forward a proposal - the whole council voted on this issue. the impact on taxes has been horrendous. the committee has to be based on reality. we can't have multikmillion dollar projects coming to council - this community can not afford to borrow money for projects. and can not afford to do multimllion dollard projects like proposed. When CT Studios comes in the town may be able to do some of those capital improvement projects. motor vehicle taxes went up 24%. the committee does valuable work because the council does need to know the priorities. McCann - I don't see anyone on the council who brought forward multimillion dollar projects. I do see people who wanted to discuss projects. No one brought those proposal forward. there was no proposals brought forward. there was a proposal brought forward by the Town Manager. With respect to capital ijmprovement fund itself, the committee does prioritize matteras and looks far into the future. One of the thinks noticed when serving on the committee is some of the items were not capital projects. they wre placed in capital projects because of the amouunt of th eproject. others were indeed capital projects. capital improvmetn committee items should be brought forward by counicl. have committe take a look and make a recommendation and come back with a plan. there has been critism of things that council members have brought forward because they were not on the list. concil should have input of what is put on tht list. capital projects committee can do good work - what the town needs and infrastructure over the years. things maintenance in nature should be in the general budget. Anwar - few weeks ago Deputy Mayor Bazzano gave a presentation on proposal of 2.4 million dollar proposal. have a memo from the - the committee is important and we need to use and ali McCann - agree with the last 50% of what you had to say. with the hockey rink - memo - asked for Manager to come up with propsal but never asked for proposal to go forward. The council needs to bring forward ideas. it was a discussion item and in order to discuss that properly needed the TM to put forth figures. Yagaloff - the memo that was in the budget season, says budget changes. Budget changes were brought forward - the hockey rink proposal would have been approximately ---------------- - 25M project. we had 4-6 meetings were this item was put on the agenda. if this council was not interested then discussions would have not been sponsored meeting after meeting. we should have been discussing our economic development opportunities. instead we discussed a hockey rink proposal. Beaulieu - every single member of this council describinjg what the Republican Caucus was discussing, they were items to be discussed. The TM put numbers on those ideas - it was a way to discuss different ideas. I think we need to stop suggesting that was the republicans budget. lets keep things to reality and not change history. Some people in this town learned that you get - idea from residents. When it came befofre the Council - there were 8 councillors that said to go forward with the proposal.
H. Discussion Item: Review of Revaluation (requested by Councillor McCann)
McCann - Revaluation - Town Council should come to understanding how revaluation works. - make sure fair across the board. there is a chance for council to to review - the phase in of a revaluation has - I would like confirmation of that - there would be no possibility - if we can phase in then we should examine that and see if fair. our spendin gwen tup 4.6% this past budget - the impact on residents were much greater. need to review methods and results. if there is interest would like to work with TM and Assessor Anwar - there are whole neighborhoods that feel they were revaluated incorrectly. the numbers I have been looking at have been quite concerning. Prague - next revaluation - low house will maintain value. Yagaloff - it is too late because the appeal process is already over. no body has won - community not growing. grand list is flat. Economic development should be discussed to grow the grand list. Galligan - revalu used to be done every 10 years and then was changed to 5 years. The 10 year cycle should have been left alone. Delnicki - one thing we should have learned from this is should have done a better job - model being followed is less then accurate. Galligan - we went out to bid and hired the number one company. Delnicki - think there needs to be a better job on it. there has to be a better methodology. Bazzano - if your taxes went up - the value of your property went up. If your taxes went down - the value of your property went down. McCann - brought foward this item to have discussion. We passed a unanimous budget - proud that everyone came together. Yagaloff - it was not unanimous vote when it came to the mill rate. Prague - offended that you are saying there is no economic development. there have been a lot of grand openings. in the last 10 years have 3 years 800
I. Discussion item: Athletic Fields proposal (requested by Deputy Mayor Bazzano and Councillor Yagaloff)
Bazzano - everyone has heard that we have changed the plan. We have one synthetic field. we have dedicated area for Miracle Field, kep the parking lot. detention basin, trying to do in a way where it does not cost he taxpayers. have talked about fund raising, lights do they have to go to P & Z regardless of the situation. we took the lights out of the plan. Yagaloff - the Fields Committee had a tough task. the Fields committee went back to do a reassessment of what would it take to do a project that the community woudl accept. the committee decided to go back to a fundamental projects. one turf field - grass in the other area of the park. create the area for the Miracle field - simple parking (gravel) - pathways to the fields. this project that the committeee adopted woudl njot include concession stands, lights - the fields committee knows there is various reasons for opposition - one being that it would trun into a large venue. ther eis concerna bout using the farmlad and converting it into fields. concernsa bout noise. the fundamental project is a scaled down projedt to get community acceptance. The mos timporatant aspect is no increase to taxes. Cost about 900,000. - surrounding communitiies are putting in articifical turf - If the town would proceed with STEAP grant (500,000) or other reserves - that would leave us with cost that could be amorized each year. 46,000 per year - can we ask dept to reduce in other areas so we can make this a priority - can we replaced existing expendtures so we can do this. would council be interested in this approach. 1) is there consensus to have TM find 46,000 each year; and 2) if so council would be presented with two proposals, STEP and adopt proposal for project. How would the pubic be informed abou teh project. I received a large amount of email saying people would be interested in smaller scaled back project. They would not support the larger project but would be able to support smaller project with no increase to taxes. Galligna - Tolland did get grand. debt coming off but may have school coming 0n Yagaloff - are there items in the budget that can be removed from the budget to cover this cost Galligna -this doable. There are other grants out there. - if this a council priority can work and get it done. we had a huge decrease of the budget - Yagaloff - concept is if Depts. coudl share in the impact - if public believes high proiority and the council does also - can we poll the council to see if everyone is interested. Delnicki - I do have a few questions on this first. is there an intent to have another public hearing ot put the plan on the table so people know what it is? Would STEAP grant hur tthe STEAP grant you are trying to get for the Post Office? Do we have traffic report study done? Galligna - we would have to do all these as part of P & Z. Delnicki - legal issue Anwar - if the STEAP grant for the old Post Office which includes emergency operation center - if we as a town we will take away from a building that is gong to be emergency opertion center - I will be very sad and concerned. Galligna - no the grant stays with that building. Anwar - if we do have reserve funds, we need ot hnd a way to give back to the taxpayers. concern about the leash payment. I do not feel this is a priority at this time. we need economic development. in order to find 46,000 for a lease payment I think we need to go back and - can not have community impacted for a small number of people who want this. Not the right time or place. not excited about supporting this. McCann - compliment Bazzano and Yagaloff - have listened to the pubic and have come up with a compromise. we have had a public hearing and do not see any reason to hold another. we have heard from our TM how this could be done without impacting taxes. think this is the right time. costs less then going forward in the future. size of project is right. Anwar - how many poeple are from the neighborhood? 0 How many experts on traffic study? 1 Did he/she do traffic study? no Anwar - the committee is made up of the sports teams around. There is no emergency here. The issues and the needs of the committee wills till be here. new proposal should go to public hearing. Beaulieu - that subcommittee has been meeting for 18 months. 13 revision of the plan. the public hearing was not something that had to happen. project is sized down - interested in having the TM come up with a way to pay for it. Anwar - have not seen all 13 proposals. not convinced. Yagaloff - public hearing - think we should amend the agenda nd put a public hearing. if property can not be used for active recreation we should know that. Some issues are Council and some are P & Z issues. Small scale project feel it is doable. Bazzano - every development adjacent to another development you have people upset. Yagaloff suspending the rules to put an agenda item onto the agenda - set tiem and place for public hearing on revised prior to the revised field proposal October 21 at 7:30 p.m.- secdond by Anwar - Yagalof f- there will be a new council and should have an opportunity to discuss this. I think there willb e a lot of support for this. the public should know what th eplan consists of. I think the project will stand on its own two legs. McCann - I think it is important for the public to hear the plan and think important for the - dod not think importnat to have a formal hearing. public hearing is not required. anwar - please do not stop public from speaking. I have not heard from anyone from that neighborhood support it. Bazzano - we had a public hearing a couple of weeks ago - we did not need public hearing. would like to move forward with 16 and 19A - Bazzano, McCann - suspend the rules to finish items. -unanimous
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.]
Galligan -- reviewed his manager's report - Mayor - come up with additinal 700,000 for bridge project into next eyars budget? Galligna - yes will hav eto build into next years budget. Mayor - Emergency Management Coordinator - is he establishing CERC Team? Galligan - yes is putting grant in. Beaulieu - S & P announced that they have revised there criteria. have you had any communications? Galligan - have started communications. We are AA - Moody's is more stringent. Anwar - Good to see - CERC Team good idea - hopeful before the Winter. few months ago approved fence at Boundless Playground? Ray - Held off - skate park is going to be near that and will need fencing around it. Anwar - want to make sure the kids are safe in that area. sense of urgency. Ray - have all of the jaterials just w=do not want ot dismantle anything. Anwar - Generators/ Galligan - we have consultant - have identified issue at the High School - looking at temporayry solution at Wapping - generator at the High school will not be there until February or March or April Anwar - what if need shelter Galligan - Community Center - Wapping Anwar - is there a time line? Galligna - we went out right away as soon as the budget was done Anwar - Galligan - can check speed - truck traffic - town tried to put no truck traffic there - not allowed to do anything because needs to travel between two communities. Anwar - have conversation with company tht is doing this. Galligna - need state legislature put in sign - Anwar - EMS? Galligna - MCCann, Bazzano, Anwar - you have all received the ___________ will have to meet. Anwar - CT Studios - McCann - when will we see infrastrucuter agreement for CT Studios? Galligan - need to go through Redevelopment Agency and will see redevelopment agreement. Prague - can we spread the bridge costs over 2-3 budgets? Galligan - yes -
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.
B. To discuss pending litigation.
Bazzano, McCann at 11:14 p.m. unanimous
C. To discuss union negotiations.
20. Adjournment
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