Video index
1. Call Meeting to Order
1. Call Meeting to Order
701
2. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
3. Public Participation [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, have been in town since 1995 - think the public should be able to speak before each agenda item. suggest they only speak only in the end after council has spoken after agenda items. eliminate public speaking in the beginning -
Robert Dickinson - think great idea.
Mike Mundo - status of STEAP grant. do we currently have emergency center - why do we need to spend money to move people over versus doing something for residents in town. What happened to STEP
Matt Riley - why resolution going forward for hiring freeze. second item - idea that second STEAP grant being requested for the build out of the old post office. why do you want resident and taxpayer to support brining businesses in. emergency operation center there may be a need for but would like to hear more of hta and should be done on regional basis. 500,000 STEAP grant was already granted for that. why would we need second STEAP grant if regional - need other towns to put money forward. There was STEAP grant approved to have athletic fields built, what happens to that? That site is intended to be developed.
Richard Gregorian, Main Street. Comment about the STEAP Grant. The confusion may lie in the intended use of the land. originally land was purchased for active recreation. today it is being leased by a farmer. the legal opinion - was for active recreation. unitl can be used for another purpose of what it was supposed to be used for is bieng used for farming. January 11, 1989 - 58 acre track - set aside for passive recreation. rather then new buildings or ballfields, the town leading land preservationist Frank Niederwerfer. he was chair of Land Agricultural Land Preservation. the original purchase agreement and minutes from 1987. there is also the ballot for the referendum - the ballot says "" there has never been intended active for that land. 11 acres must bring in agricultural. The amount of efforts going into 1 1/2 years - consulation prize for all of their hard work taht was supposedly done. State's mission is to preserve land. I am fairly sure that - have been asking for the fields actual use. Presently have what was sent and that was nothing more then calendar of use. We did the autdit and provided the autdit and did not seem to do anything. Town needs to show what the need is. Once a need is provided we should respond. with all of the discussions we have had there has been no need established. Until someone can show you there is a a need - they come up with _______ fields being used.
Kevin McCann - - it was reported that the property was foreclosed on by dck. why didn't the representative tell you that the foreclosure had been executed that day. when are you going ot say enough is enough. There is a resolution for a hearing to require referendum for certain types of expentirues for over $1M - what will you do if you go to referendum for items that are ________ - may have good intentions but may have consequences. I think it is not something you should go forward with. Will start down the road in the wrong direction. STEAP grant resolution - need a lot more information - have 500,000 in STEAP grant funds - where is the rest of the funds coming from. If the State wants a regional emergency operation center then they should pay for it. Town already has one.
Beaulieu - The Town Attorney opinion that I was talking about - received on October 7th where they looked at the purchase of the property - portion of the property can be used for active recreation. October 16th athletic fields were approved by the Town Council. We also as part of that night directed the Town Manager to find funds to build out the fields. To build out the Old Post Office does not seem like a good idea yet. There was a lot of discussion regarding the fields. All of the numbers are in the presentation. Fields are in use. The needs for fields was already stated and approved. Town should go for STEAP grant funds for the fields, not for the Old Post Office.
4. Communications
Mirek - have received communications from Mr. Gregorian - he goes back through in great detail all of the minutes from the meetings - also attached schedule of the fields and hours. He put a lot of time and effort into it and I am sure a lot of it was gone through. It warrants everyone to look at this. Maybe this information can help in the future
Galligan - These grants go up against other grants - they are getting tighter. if you put the 500,000 in and don't match up to others you will receive nothing. There are LoCIP funds 400,000 in our account - 50,000 was appropriated to do engineering - new budget will have new LoCIP - lease the field - maybe use LoCIP funds for this bilding - Sat with Ben Barnes - they will not guarantee it. My mission is to get both projects done. But feel athletic fields will be a hard sell for STEAP Grants. These grants are going to be using a point system. Concern do not want anyone ot have high hopes. Think we can get both projects done - Anwar - if we apply for STEAP Grant for fields may get 0 dollars, but if we apply for STEAP grant for Business Incubator/EOC Galligna - it is really EOC, busines incubator is small. Anwar - the liklihood of getting STEAP grants for fields is not good? Galligan - they have money to preserve funds - it is a public opinion. Anwar - EOC - someone used $3M is inaccurate? Galligan - that is inaccurate. Anwar - public under the impression we have State of the Art EOC? Galligna - we use the traiing room from the Police Deaprtment. Need 4,000 square feet to run it appropriate. Anwar - with 26,000 - EOC is not enough and should be better to be equipped for emergency. Galligan - yes Yagaloff - like your approach, lets do both project and find mechanism to do both. EOC is very important for safety reason, community, will be economic development. Valid point that STEAP money for EOC is more important then for fields. Think we should have plan so we don't have projects compete. If Council interested should direct the Town Manager through a resolution or take action to defeat the athletic fields. Galligan - you can only have one proposal. I don't want this to move forward Yagaloff - I will not be able tos upport the STEAP grant for EOC because it would be ignoring direction of the previous resolution. Galligna - would suggest at the next meeting set a public hearing for LoCIP funds for athletic fields. In January can vote on it the same night. Grant doesn't have to be in until April. Yagaloff - I can't speak for the Town Counicl. Do not want projects competing. Galligan - feel I have an obligation to inform the Counicl. Yagaloff - I think the LoCIP funds is a good proposal because that will meet the needs of the previous council and STEAP funds for EOC will meet the needs of the current council
Snyder - tabling the STEAP grant - would Anwar - it was proposed by Councilor Delnicki Snyder - mentioned LoCIP funds - the previous council voted on the fields project and that should move forward. Galligan - LoCIP funds are close to 400,000. Snyder so we have STEAP grant for Old Post Office for buisness incubator and EOC (should be a priority because it is a huge issue). Really need EOC and it is critical that that is available. Highly support that. concerned and could not agree with Councilor Yagaloff more - important do portion of athletic fields if not all.
Pendleton - priority for me is EOC - reiterate - if State wants Regional, is there anything that the State could help with that EOC financially? Galligna - Finance is looking at that. We are looking at that and looking for funds.
Havens - history of the building is long one, first the use of the buildng was purchased for the crowding of the Town Hall. The purpose was to provide future accommodations for the crowding of Town Hall. It is difficult to please everyone. we found out there was a large part of the athletic community that wanted more fields. there needs to be a way to find out if there is a need - would like to know if they need it and plan for this upcoming budget if it is needed. Galligan - that plan that you received tonight is current EOC plan. Havens - we talked about all of our wishes and money we do not have in our hands yet. The EOC rises to a little more of an important issue then fields. Should be an Annex for the Town Hall.
Mirek - reiterate - when project is proposed need to wrap it up before there is another project. I am wondering if asking for another 500,000 STEAP grant is premature. Should there be another survey done. If just for our Town that is one thing. if regional it will be something else. Governor and Homeland Security have a say in that? Galligan - Manchester has regional center. This building was all about politics because of the location. we have fought over this building fora long time. money was put aside for three years and the council came in and took all of that money. if you want to do soemthing I need direction. Originally was going to move the Town Council Chamers, nobody could agree on function for that building. Will take direction from council. the building should not be used for storage. Mirek - think committee should be put together. did get something - found out that Newtown 383,000 - but do not know if it was the same type of build out. Would like ot set up a committee to look at all of the options.
Anwar - we have been paying to take care of the building for 10 years. if you add that up there is a lot of money that has been used. we need to bring more buisness to town and this EOC building would make sense. today was MDC Board members meeting. they were going to vot eon the new rates. they have been reassessed. talked with Board members - suggested that they are not following their own charter. South Windsor who is a non member is being charged alot more then members. Read letters into record from residents in opposition of Johnson Development. American Legion, December 14th , 12:00 - holding ceremony - Wreaths Across America at VMP. We are going to have Community Emergency Response - Jan 23, 2014 - CERC - Thursdays for about 8 weeks. In January also have meeting with advisory committee for Emergency - all segments of community to know how we can help with each segment. We had a meeting with various meembers of WPCA - about strategy to move forward and work together. we had couple of hours about where we are and where the public would like to be and how to get there. in our conversations we were able to make positive steps. SEcond meeting of Januayr or first of February will have WPCA come forward and talk with Counicl. WE also had Vernon there - compared ourselves. We will have subcommittee meeting in February to find way to charge rates. Connecticut Counicl of Municipalities - CCM - look at best practices and network with other municipalities. Good useful trianing. Many towns look at our town for an example. Dec 14th - one year when lives across American changed because of Sandy Hook. Our prayers and love are with the people that have been effected. WE hope people look at policies to make sure things like that don't happen.
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
4. Communications
Town ATtorney - provide copye of financing referendum question - page 30 of this publication -
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Mirek - Wagner unanimous
6. Special Old Business
A. Resolution Approving Offer of a Tax Assessment Agreement with Johnson Development Associates, Inc. (Tabled from the November 18, 2013 meeting)
Snyder - Motion to remove this item 6A from the agenda; Yagaloff second - Galligan - this was 200 units at Evergreen Walk - they were looking for a way to get this project done - they then called and said too expensive to do project. Anwar - this is the third developer who has walked away from this project? Galligan - yes - cost of doing buisness is a lot more expensive then it is to do buisness down South. Anwar - even in the absence of tax abatement people are walking away. the larger investors outside of CT - they are looking at other towns when looking at a project in CT - the price is high and they walk away. We need a comprehensive strategy. it is resulting in lack of growth in CT. anticipated growth is less then 1% - we need to have conversations with legislatures. our community is taking the brunt - we need to look at what we need to do to get businesses to come to town. need a broader strategy. we need to make sure the people are here we need to make sure they grow and stay. Wagner - there is also Mmirek - a lot of these corporations - lot less to do buisness in South - Santini does a lot of developments in Vernon - Galligna - we have had discussions with - P & Z did not like their product. Galligan - number of units - need to get a special type of developer unanimous.
7. Special New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Stephen Wagner (D) an Alternate from the Planning & Zoning Commission
Yagaloff, Anwar unanimous
B. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Caroline C. Taylor (D) from the Housing Authority
Yagloff - Havens, unanimous
C. Resolution Approving Mayoral Appointments to Standing Committees, and as Liaisons to Boards and Commissions
D. Resolution Amending the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures
7. Special New Business (Continued)
Yagaloff - do not think we need to act on. suggest not to proceed with 7C and move directly to 7D. H
Anwar, Yagaloff Havens - if this arragement does not work out - can change at any time. important that we get input from the public Wagner - public input - think good suggestion - Yagaloff - there is rule that allows the council to ask for discussion from public - after council has provided input as well as - there is an opportunity for public to weigh in. council member has to unanimous
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry - have no idea what the new rules are. Anwar - explained. Don - need to know when the public can speak - solve that problem. Yagaloff - exhibit d which was attached to the agenda - contains the proposed changes. Agenda clearly states when public input. Public can talk to staff or council members they can speak about agenda items. Wagner - if you look on website - the Rules and Procedures are published
E. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Concerning Referenda for Leases or Other Expenditures having a Cost Equal to or Exceeding One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00)
F. Resolution Instituting a Hiring/Spending Freeze
Pendleton, Anwar Anwar - do we know from State of CT that there are changes? Galligna - only one change used to get $1M and this year - if you look at revenue there will be a difference of 700,000. They did tell me the other day tha the governmor we will get 900,000 - oly revenue concerned about at this time. (Manufacturing Equipment) - tht will go away next budget. if you are goin gto set freeze, whatever accumulation stay in there - as far as the resolution I have not overexpended once. I watch this very carefully. When you pass budget - you already have a mini surplus - Mary Etter needs a position over at the Library. I understand where the counicl is coming from. whether this is passed tonight or not I do make sure we don't overspend. Anwar - carved out posiiton., they are already budeted for? Galligna - we have already made offers. we have already gone through interview process. Anwar - with the positions carved out - this shouldnot be a problem to the department Galligna - may want to amend to add Library posiiton Anwar - they are expending a $1 billion short fall - lesser support from state and federal government. AT least from what I am gathering they are expecting challegnes going foward Galligan - do know there was a strong commitment that municipaliites would not be effected. that is one thing we are monitoring. there may be othe rprograms - new ECS funding - we are ok - ther eare other grants that just came out and we are ok with them. Pendleton - are any of ht eposition newly created? Galligna - already there just refilling Pendleton - Library full or part time? Galligna - full snyder - I won't be supporting this - we have a Town Manager who is one of the top Town Manager's in the STate and Matt has never brought us in below budget. to tie the town manager's hand - at this early juncture. do not think he needs a piece of paper to tell him how to do his job. I won't support. Anwar - one year ago same resolution was proposed - this is not to restrict - will give tools to make us the bad guys. Yagaloff - town surplus - Town Manager job is to operate the Town - policy in place to reduce spenidng is the Town Council's job, not our job. If we have money that doesn't need to be spent, don't spend it. Now is the time to start planning for budget. the positions IT? Galligan - Josh's position Yagalof f- Fire Marshal - grant position? Galligna - will check on that will not hire if grant not around any longer. Yagalof f- Library position? position same? Mary - person who retired was a senior positon - catelogue - provide additional traiing to accomplish categlure - not going to be the same level position - going ot be slightly lower - but something different that is current with our needs. Yagalof f- so the positon tht left will Yagaloff Amend - include one full-tiem Librayr Assistant, (Friendly amendment) Mirek - find restricting - webinars, etc. - Galligan - some training that staff has to go to for - ADA compliance - the snow plowinjg and stuff like that - will call council to tell need to spend what ever I need to to get the job done. Mirek - just did not want this to be so restrictive Galligna - I will make those decisions and get back tot he council. Wagne r- amend this to say something about necessary certifications? Galligan - doesn't effect if need to modify will bring back to council. most licenses are in state - if need anything will come back to the council. Wagner - prepare in advance for low antiicpated revenues, 700,000 at risk? Galligna - manufacturing equipment Wagner - at risk to some extent. Does the freez help you manage? Galligan - only down side is we miss opportunities to buy equipment that will have to go back in the budget. Wagner - my instincts are not to like the idea of a freeze. if we are looking for cost saving sin the future we need to be careful of hiring which could be hard for the town. would like to see us - take the opportujity to take longer term look at staff level. hiring has a long term impact - if we can take the opportunityt ot look at staffing levels and see where we ae where we should be. there does not seem like an extraordinary reason to have a freeze. Very uncomfortable with freeze. Anwar - during budget delibeartions better time to discus. Mirek - we are not overstaffed and trust our town manager's expertise. some of these things are little over the top. that is his job to be the town maanger. Awar 5-2 passed
G. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Apply for a STEAP Grant with the State of Connecticut for Improvements to the EOC/Business Center in the Town Hall Annex
Snyder, Yagsloff - postpone to next meeting unanimous
H. Resolution to Enter into a Master Municipal Agreement for Construction Projects with the State of Connecticut
Wagner, Anwar, Galligna - this is just a 10 year agreement - really take one project 1-3 months - the STate came up with a good way to have 10 year agreement - they will send you one page letter - agreement already in palce. cuts time frame down. something state did - if we don't do it then will need new agreement each time. unanimous.
E. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Concerning Referenda for Leases or Other Expenditures having a Cost Equal to or Exceeding One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00)
Snyder, Wagner Snyder - understand that the resolution is to set the public hearing - do not support asking for a referendum for leasing of expenditures for over $1m - IS SOMETHING HAPPENS IN MUNICIPALITIES THAT EQUIRES EMERGENCDY DECISION REPAIR AND IS OVER $1m and would need referendum am concerned about tieing the Town Mangers's hands and the Council's. concerned that the Town council has a job to do - if there is an emergency for 1.2M it has to get done right away. We should and right now do have that authority to make it happen. would like some changes. Anwar - Exhibit E, point D Yagaloff - ask Mr. McCann to come forward McCann - 308 of the Town Charter - emergency that are declared by the governor - it has to be type of emergency with Storm Alfred - that allowed the town to go forward - do not believe included in here. need to take into consideration. Anwar - emergency by Town Maanger Kari - this addressed in extraordinary circumstances where you have to be able to exceed your charter and declared by govenor and approved by attorney general. you have an emergency provision in your charter that puts a cap of 50,000. Anwar - if there is an emregency and Matt needs to hire certain circumstances - there is no restriction for him to do that? Galligna - you have the ability to - town emergency - Anwar - if there is a State of Emergency - town should have the ability to take care of tht emergency. we had a bad experience where this was abused. purpose is not to restrict us - but do the right things. Kari - this ordinance only applies to leasing expenditures. unless you are entering into lease - emergency appropriation -this oridnance would not apply. We clearly execmpted budget Yagaloff - can not support how it stands right now because during budget council members can do anything they want. there was an exception that allows the council to do whatever they want on budget night. part (b) - council will save up for that night and do whatever they want. Anwar - (a), (c) and (d) ok? Yagaloff - yes - (b) - needs to be clarified - these are additional expenditures - want to avoid the council doing large scale processes without referendum - exception of tht night is unfair. think it should be clear we are not talking normal expenditures we are talking about additional expenditures. Mirek - roof Galligna - could have declaration - need to clarify a little - flooding, agree we need to clarify Havens - concerned of everyday items - do not want to make it hard for the Town Manager to make hard decisions. if TM feels something is right and should be done shoudl be allowed to move forward. Galligan - understand where the council is coming from. emergency items - projects should be addressed by council. Havens - Galligna - when alfred came up - we had emergency meetings. we Havens - will support - can see a few problems - TM needs some authority to spend Anwar - computers, photocopiers - will be able to do. restrict leasing. this will not restrict what they are doing but will keep a check on us. Kari - one of the reasons included (d) emergency has a cap of $50,000 - do not think can craft ordinance which does not allow thorugh Charter for Matt to do something. Anwar - as of right now if there is an emergency - Matt can only spend $50,000 Kari - for emergency maximum is $50,000 Anwar - so the Tonw council could come and be able to authorize a certain amount to be used for an emergency. Kari - we are constantly trying to balance what the charter says and what we are trying to do via the ordiannce - let me think about that more and perhaps amend (d) Galligna - though the Council had the ability to change bottom line budget - but would reqauire you to hav ea public hearing. Kari - concur with that - appropriation would require public hearing Snyder - having this discussion - I don't believe council is ready to go out to public hearing on this item - concerned with setting this up for January Sndye - amend to second meeting in February, Havens Amendment - unanimous Amended Resolution - Anwar - changes to (b) - unanimous
8. Executive Session
A. Potential Claims & Litigation
Wagner, Havens, 9:32 p.m. unanimous
9. Adjournment
Dec 09, 2013 Town Council Special Meeting
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1. Call Meeting to Order
1. Call Meeting to Order
701
2. Roll Call
Roll call (10 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
3. Public Participation [Per Town Council Rules, this segment of the meeting shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes unless extended by the Mayor, with the consent of a majority of the Town Council.]
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, have been in town since 1995 - think the public should be able to speak before each agenda item. suggest they only speak only in the end after council has spoken after agenda items. eliminate public speaking in the beginning -
Robert Dickinson - think great idea.
Mike Mundo - status of STEAP grant. do we currently have emergency center - why do we need to spend money to move people over versus doing something for residents in town. What happened to STEP
Matt Riley - why resolution going forward for hiring freeze. second item - idea that second STEAP grant being requested for the build out of the old post office. why do you want resident and taxpayer to support brining businesses in. emergency operation center there may be a need for but would like to hear more of hta and should be done on regional basis. 500,000 STEAP grant was already granted for that. why would we need second STEAP grant if regional - need other towns to put money forward. There was STEAP grant approved to have athletic fields built, what happens to that? That site is intended to be developed.
Richard Gregorian, Main Street. Comment about the STEAP Grant. The confusion may lie in the intended use of the land. originally land was purchased for active recreation. today it is being leased by a farmer. the legal opinion - was for active recreation. unitl can be used for another purpose of what it was supposed to be used for is bieng used for farming. January 11, 1989 - 58 acre track - set aside for passive recreation. rather then new buildings or ballfields, the town leading land preservationist Frank Niederwerfer. he was chair of Land Agricultural Land Preservation. the original purchase agreement and minutes from 1987. there is also the ballot for the referendum - the ballot says "" there has never been intended active for that land. 11 acres must bring in agricultural. The amount of efforts going into 1 1/2 years - consulation prize for all of their hard work taht was supposedly done. State's mission is to preserve land. I am fairly sure that - have been asking for the fields actual use. Presently have what was sent and that was nothing more then calendar of use. We did the autdit and provided the autdit and did not seem to do anything. Town needs to show what the need is. Once a need is provided we should respond. with all of the discussions we have had there has been no need established. Until someone can show you there is a a need - they come up with _______ fields being used.
Kevin McCann - - it was reported that the property was foreclosed on by dck. why didn't the representative tell you that the foreclosure had been executed that day. when are you going ot say enough is enough. There is a resolution for a hearing to require referendum for certain types of expentirues for over $1M - what will you do if you go to referendum for items that are ________ - may have good intentions but may have consequences. I think it is not something you should go forward with. Will start down the road in the wrong direction. STEAP grant resolution - need a lot more information - have 500,000 in STEAP grant funds - where is the rest of the funds coming from. If the State wants a regional emergency operation center then they should pay for it. Town already has one.
Beaulieu - The Town Attorney opinion that I was talking about - received on October 7th where they looked at the purchase of the property - portion of the property can be used for active recreation. October 16th athletic fields were approved by the Town Council. We also as part of that night directed the Town Manager to find funds to build out the fields. To build out the Old Post Office does not seem like a good idea yet. There was a lot of discussion regarding the fields. All of the numbers are in the presentation. Fields are in use. The needs for fields was already stated and approved. Town should go for STEAP grant funds for the fields, not for the Old Post Office.
4. Communications
Mirek - have received communications from Mr. Gregorian - he goes back through in great detail all of the minutes from the meetings - also attached schedule of the fields and hours. He put a lot of time and effort into it and I am sure a lot of it was gone through. It warrants everyone to look at this. Maybe this information can help in the future
Galligan - These grants go up against other grants - they are getting tighter. if you put the 500,000 in and don't match up to others you will receive nothing. There are LoCIP funds 400,000 in our account - 50,000 was appropriated to do engineering - new budget will have new LoCIP - lease the field - maybe use LoCIP funds for this bilding - Sat with Ben Barnes - they will not guarantee it. My mission is to get both projects done. But feel athletic fields will be a hard sell for STEAP Grants. These grants are going to be using a point system. Concern do not want anyone ot have high hopes. Think we can get both projects done - Anwar - if we apply for STEAP Grant for fields may get 0 dollars, but if we apply for STEAP grant for Business Incubator/EOC Galligna - it is really EOC, busines incubator is small. Anwar - the liklihood of getting STEAP grants for fields is not good? Galligan - they have money to preserve funds - it is a public opinion. Anwar - EOC - someone used $3M is inaccurate? Galligan - that is inaccurate. Anwar - public under the impression we have State of the Art EOC? Galligna - we use the traiing room from the Police Deaprtment. Need 4,000 square feet to run it appropriate. Anwar - with 26,000 - EOC is not enough and should be better to be equipped for emergency. Galligan - yes Yagaloff - like your approach, lets do both project and find mechanism to do both. EOC is very important for safety reason, community, will be economic development. Valid point that STEAP money for EOC is more important then for fields. Think we should have plan so we don't have projects compete. If Council interested should direct the Town Manager through a resolution or take action to defeat the athletic fields. Galligan - you can only have one proposal. I don't want this to move forward Yagaloff - I will not be able tos upport the STEAP grant for EOC because it would be ignoring direction of the previous resolution. Galligna - would suggest at the next meeting set a public hearing for LoCIP funds for athletic fields. In January can vote on it the same night. Grant doesn't have to be in until April. Yagaloff - I can't speak for the Town Counicl. Do not want projects competing. Galligan - feel I have an obligation to inform the Counicl. Yagaloff - I think the LoCIP funds is a good proposal because that will meet the needs of the previous council and STEAP funds for EOC will meet the needs of the current council
Snyder - tabling the STEAP grant - would Anwar - it was proposed by Councilor Delnicki Snyder - mentioned LoCIP funds - the previous council voted on the fields project and that should move forward. Galligan - LoCIP funds are close to 400,000. Snyder so we have STEAP grant for Old Post Office for buisness incubator and EOC (should be a priority because it is a huge issue). Really need EOC and it is critical that that is available. Highly support that. concerned and could not agree with Councilor Yagaloff more - important do portion of athletic fields if not all.
Pendleton - priority for me is EOC - reiterate - if State wants Regional, is there anything that the State could help with that EOC financially? Galligna - Finance is looking at that. We are looking at that and looking for funds.
Havens - history of the building is long one, first the use of the buildng was purchased for the crowding of the Town Hall. The purpose was to provide future accommodations for the crowding of Town Hall. It is difficult to please everyone. we found out there was a large part of the athletic community that wanted more fields. there needs to be a way to find out if there is a need - would like to know if they need it and plan for this upcoming budget if it is needed. Galligan - that plan that you received tonight is current EOC plan. Havens - we talked about all of our wishes and money we do not have in our hands yet. The EOC rises to a little more of an important issue then fields. Should be an Annex for the Town Hall.
Mirek - reiterate - when project is proposed need to wrap it up before there is another project. I am wondering if asking for another 500,000 STEAP grant is premature. Should there be another survey done. If just for our Town that is one thing. if regional it will be something else. Governor and Homeland Security have a say in that? Galligan - Manchester has regional center. This building was all about politics because of the location. we have fought over this building fora long time. money was put aside for three years and the council came in and took all of that money. if you want to do soemthing I need direction. Originally was going to move the Town Council Chamers, nobody could agree on function for that building. Will take direction from council. the building should not be used for storage. Mirek - think committee should be put together. did get something - found out that Newtown 383,000 - but do not know if it was the same type of build out. Would like ot set up a committee to look at all of the options.
Anwar - we have been paying to take care of the building for 10 years. if you add that up there is a lot of money that has been used. we need to bring more buisness to town and this EOC building would make sense. today was MDC Board members meeting. they were going to vot eon the new rates. they have been reassessed. talked with Board members - suggested that they are not following their own charter. South Windsor who is a non member is being charged alot more then members. Read letters into record from residents in opposition of Johnson Development. American Legion, December 14th , 12:00 - holding ceremony - Wreaths Across America at VMP. We are going to have Community Emergency Response - Jan 23, 2014 - CERC - Thursdays for about 8 weeks. In January also have meeting with advisory committee for Emergency - all segments of community to know how we can help with each segment. We had a meeting with various meembers of WPCA - about strategy to move forward and work together. we had couple of hours about where we are and where the public would like to be and how to get there. in our conversations we were able to make positive steps. SEcond meeting of Januayr or first of February will have WPCA come forward and talk with Counicl. WE also had Vernon there - compared ourselves. We will have subcommittee meeting in February to find way to charge rates. Connecticut Counicl of Municipalities - CCM - look at best practices and network with other municipalities. Good useful trianing. Many towns look at our town for an example. Dec 14th - one year when lives across American changed because of Sandy Hook. Our prayers and love are with the people that have been effected. WE hope people look at policies to make sure things like that don't happen.
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
4. Communications
Town ATtorney - provide copye of financing referendum question - page 30 of this publication -
5. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meetings
Mirek - Wagner unanimous
6. Special Old Business
A. Resolution Approving Offer of a Tax Assessment Agreement with Johnson Development Associates, Inc. (Tabled from the November 18, 2013 meeting)
Snyder - Motion to remove this item 6A from the agenda; Yagaloff second - Galligan - this was 200 units at Evergreen Walk - they were looking for a way to get this project done - they then called and said too expensive to do project. Anwar - this is the third developer who has walked away from this project? Galligan - yes - cost of doing buisness is a lot more expensive then it is to do buisness down South. Anwar - even in the absence of tax abatement people are walking away. the larger investors outside of CT - they are looking at other towns when looking at a project in CT - the price is high and they walk away. We need a comprehensive strategy. it is resulting in lack of growth in CT. anticipated growth is less then 1% - we need to have conversations with legislatures. our community is taking the brunt - we need to look at what we need to do to get businesses to come to town. need a broader strategy. we need to make sure the people are here we need to make sure they grow and stay. Wagner - there is also Mmirek - a lot of these corporations - lot less to do buisness in South - Santini does a lot of developments in Vernon - Galligna - we have had discussions with - P & Z did not like their product. Galligan - number of units - need to get a special type of developer unanimous.
7. Special New Business
A. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Stephen Wagner (D) an Alternate from the Planning & Zoning Commission
Yagaloff, Anwar unanimous
B. Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Caroline C. Taylor (D) from the Housing Authority
Yagloff - Havens, unanimous
C. Resolution Approving Mayoral Appointments to Standing Committees, and as Liaisons to Boards and Commissions
D. Resolution Amending the South Windsor Town Council Rules and Procedures
7. Special New Business (Continued)
Yagaloff - do not think we need to act on. suggest not to proceed with 7C and move directly to 7D. H
Anwar, Yagaloff Havens - if this arragement does not work out - can change at any time. important that we get input from the public Wagner - public input - think good suggestion - Yagaloff - there is rule that allows the council to ask for discussion from public - after council has provided input as well as - there is an opportunity for public to weigh in. council member has to unanimous
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry - have no idea what the new rules are. Anwar - explained. Don - need to know when the public can speak - solve that problem. Yagaloff - exhibit d which was attached to the agenda - contains the proposed changes. Agenda clearly states when public input. Public can talk to staff or council members they can speak about agenda items. Wagner - if you look on website - the Rules and Procedures are published
E. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Concerning Referenda for Leases or Other Expenditures having a Cost Equal to or Exceeding One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00)
F. Resolution Instituting a Hiring/Spending Freeze
Pendleton, Anwar Anwar - do we know from State of CT that there are changes? Galligna - only one change used to get $1M and this year - if you look at revenue there will be a difference of 700,000. They did tell me the other day tha the governmor we will get 900,000 - oly revenue concerned about at this time. (Manufacturing Equipment) - tht will go away next budget. if you are goin gto set freeze, whatever accumulation stay in there - as far as the resolution I have not overexpended once. I watch this very carefully. When you pass budget - you already have a mini surplus - Mary Etter needs a position over at the Library. I understand where the counicl is coming from. whether this is passed tonight or not I do make sure we don't overspend. Anwar - carved out posiiton., they are already budeted for? Galligna - we have already made offers. we have already gone through interview process. Anwar - with the positions carved out - this shouldnot be a problem to the department Galligna - may want to amend to add Library posiiton Anwar - they are expending a $1 billion short fall - lesser support from state and federal government. AT least from what I am gathering they are expecting challegnes going foward Galligan - do know there was a strong commitment that municipaliites would not be effected. that is one thing we are monitoring. there may be othe rprograms - new ECS funding - we are ok - ther eare other grants that just came out and we are ok with them. Pendleton - are any of ht eposition newly created? Galligna - already there just refilling Pendleton - Library full or part time? Galligna - full snyder - I won't be supporting this - we have a Town Manager who is one of the top Town Manager's in the STate and Matt has never brought us in below budget. to tie the town manager's hand - at this early juncture. do not think he needs a piece of paper to tell him how to do his job. I won't support. Anwar - one year ago same resolution was proposed - this is not to restrict - will give tools to make us the bad guys. Yagaloff - town surplus - Town Manager job is to operate the Town - policy in place to reduce spenidng is the Town Council's job, not our job. If we have money that doesn't need to be spent, don't spend it. Now is the time to start planning for budget. the positions IT? Galligan - Josh's position Yagalof f- Fire Marshal - grant position? Galligna - will check on that will not hire if grant not around any longer. Yagalof f- Library position? position same? Mary - person who retired was a senior positon - catelogue - provide additional traiing to accomplish categlure - not going to be the same level position - going ot be slightly lower - but something different that is current with our needs. Yagalof f- so the positon tht left will Yagaloff Amend - include one full-tiem Librayr Assistant, (Friendly amendment) Mirek - find restricting - webinars, etc. - Galligan - some training that staff has to go to for - ADA compliance - the snow plowinjg and stuff like that - will call council to tell need to spend what ever I need to to get the job done. Mirek - just did not want this to be so restrictive Galligna - I will make those decisions and get back tot he council. Wagne r- amend this to say something about necessary certifications? Galligan - doesn't effect if need to modify will bring back to council. most licenses are in state - if need anything will come back to the council. Wagner - prepare in advance for low antiicpated revenues, 700,000 at risk? Galligna - manufacturing equipment Wagner - at risk to some extent. Does the freez help you manage? Galligan - only down side is we miss opportunities to buy equipment that will have to go back in the budget. Wagner - my instincts are not to like the idea of a freeze. if we are looking for cost saving sin the future we need to be careful of hiring which could be hard for the town. would like to see us - take the opportujity to take longer term look at staff level. hiring has a long term impact - if we can take the opportunityt ot look at staffing levels and see where we ae where we should be. there does not seem like an extraordinary reason to have a freeze. Very uncomfortable with freeze. Anwar - during budget delibeartions better time to discus. Mirek - we are not overstaffed and trust our town manager's expertise. some of these things are little over the top. that is his job to be the town maanger. Awar 5-2 passed
G. Resolution Authorizing the Town Manager to Apply for a STEAP Grant with the State of Connecticut for Improvements to the EOC/Business Center in the Town Hall Annex
Snyder, Yagsloff - postpone to next meeting unanimous
H. Resolution to Enter into a Master Municipal Agreement for Construction Projects with the State of Connecticut
Wagner, Anwar, Galligna - this is just a 10 year agreement - really take one project 1-3 months - the STate came up with a good way to have 10 year agreement - they will send you one page letter - agreement already in palce. cuts time frame down. something state did - if we don't do it then will need new agreement each time. unanimous.
E. Resolution Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Receive Citizen Input on a Proposed Ordinance Concerning Referenda for Leases or Other Expenditures having a Cost Equal to or Exceeding One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00)
Snyder, Wagner Snyder - understand that the resolution is to set the public hearing - do not support asking for a referendum for leasing of expenditures for over $1m - IS SOMETHING HAPPENS IN MUNICIPALITIES THAT EQUIRES EMERGENCDY DECISION REPAIR AND IS OVER $1m and would need referendum am concerned about tieing the Town Mangers's hands and the Council's. concerned that the Town council has a job to do - if there is an emergency for 1.2M it has to get done right away. We should and right now do have that authority to make it happen. would like some changes. Anwar - Exhibit E, point D Yagaloff - ask Mr. McCann to come forward McCann - 308 of the Town Charter - emergency that are declared by the governor - it has to be type of emergency with Storm Alfred - that allowed the town to go forward - do not believe included in here. need to take into consideration. Anwar - emergency by Town Maanger Kari - this addressed in extraordinary circumstances where you have to be able to exceed your charter and declared by govenor and approved by attorney general. you have an emergency provision in your charter that puts a cap of 50,000. Anwar - if there is an emregency and Matt needs to hire certain circumstances - there is no restriction for him to do that? Galligna - you have the ability to - town emergency - Anwar - if there is a State of Emergency - town should have the ability to take care of tht emergency. we had a bad experience where this was abused. purpose is not to restrict us - but do the right things. Kari - this ordinance only applies to leasing expenditures. unless you are entering into lease - emergency appropriation -this oridnance would not apply. We clearly execmpted budget Yagaloff - can not support how it stands right now because during budget council members can do anything they want. there was an exception that allows the council to do whatever they want on budget night. part (b) - council will save up for that night and do whatever they want. Anwar - (a), (c) and (d) ok? Yagaloff - yes - (b) - needs to be clarified - these are additional expenditures - want to avoid the council doing large scale processes without referendum - exception of tht night is unfair. think it should be clear we are not talking normal expenditures we are talking about additional expenditures. Mirek - roof Galligna - could have declaration - need to clarify a little - flooding, agree we need to clarify Havens - concerned of everyday items - do not want to make it hard for the Town Manager to make hard decisions. if TM feels something is right and should be done shoudl be allowed to move forward. Galligan - understand where the council is coming from. emergency items - projects should be addressed by council. Havens - Galligna - when alfred came up - we had emergency meetings. we Havens - will support - can see a few problems - TM needs some authority to spend Anwar - computers, photocopiers - will be able to do. restrict leasing. this will not restrict what they are doing but will keep a check on us. Kari - one of the reasons included (d) emergency has a cap of $50,000 - do not think can craft ordinance which does not allow thorugh Charter for Matt to do something. Anwar - as of right now if there is an emergency - Matt can only spend $50,000 Kari - for emergency maximum is $50,000 Anwar - so the Tonw council could come and be able to authorize a certain amount to be used for an emergency. Kari - we are constantly trying to balance what the charter says and what we are trying to do via the ordiannce - let me think about that more and perhaps amend (d) Galligna - though the Council had the ability to change bottom line budget - but would reqauire you to hav ea public hearing. Kari - concur with that - appropriation would require public hearing Snyder - having this discussion - I don't believe council is ready to go out to public hearing on this item - concerned with setting this up for January Sndye - amend to second meeting in February, Havens Amendment - unanimous Amended Resolution - Anwar - changes to (b) - unanimous
8. Executive Session
A. Potential Claims & Litigation
Wagner, Havens, 9:32 p.m. unanimous
9. Adjournment
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