Town Council Regular Meeting

TOWN COUNCIL

 

TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR

 

Minutes                                                         Page 1                                    September 8, 2015

 

 

TOWN COUNCIL – Regular Meeting

Council Chambers – South Windsor Town Hall

 

1.      Call Meeting to Order

 

Mayor Anwar called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

4.      Roll Call

 

Members Present:      Mayor M. Saud Anwar

                                       Deputy Mayor Edward Havens

                                       Councilor Thomas Delnicki                    

                                       Councilor Carolyn Mirek

                                       Councilor Andrew Paterna

                                       Councilor Liz Pendleton

                                       Councilor Matthew Riley

                                       Councilor Janice Snyder

                                       Councilor Stephen Wagner

 

Also Present:               Keith Yagaloff, Town Attorney

 

After Roll Call was complete, Mayor Anwar read three proclamations.  The first proclamation proclaimed September 21 through September 25, 2015 as USS Enterprise CVAN/CVN-65 Week; the second proclaimed Tuesday, September 8, 2015 as the Samantha Petersen Prudential Sprit of Community Recognition Day in the Town of South Windsor; and the third designated the month of September 2015 as Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

 

5.      Public Input

 

Ms. Elizabeth McGuire, 89 Heritage Drive came before the Town Council and stated that she was pleased that the Town Council approved the first phase of the fuel cell powered high tech industrial park off of Route 5.  This project has the potential to create jobs, revenues and protect the Town owned land.  Ms. McGuire then stated she was very impressed with the professionalism of the Park & Recreation Summer Camp program.  The staff did a great job training the Summer Camp Counselors.

 

Ms. Sandy Jeski, 75 Murielle Drive stated that although the proposal was approved, she was disappointed that some members of the Council chose to vote no for the technology center which will bring jobs, progress, technology and the fuel cell.

 

Mr. Robert Dickinson, 19 Birch Road felt that with the new plan for the development of the business and technology park, both Chapel Road and Ellington Road have some bicycle and pedestrian traffic and will have more with this development in the future.  Mr. Dickinson suggested that the developer include sections of 10’ multi-use paths in the sections of the project that abuts Ellington Road and Chapel Road and also consider sidewalks of sufficient width to accommodate pedestrians within the development to the various buildings.

 

Mr. James Throwe, 1330 Main Street came forward and stated that he agrees that the reverter clause is in place for the property where Connecticut Studios was previously proposed and it supersedes any other mortgage or agreement on that property.  Mr. Throwe gave praise to the Town Manger and Town Attorney for doing a great job putting this new proposal of a technology park together; and also commended the Mayor and Council members for their support of this project.

 

Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail stated that he has requested a discussion item for the past ten years regarding the Town’s pension plan and not once has there been any discussion on this topic.  Mr. Gonsalves also voiced concern about Council members not receiving his email.

 

Mr. Art Jennings, 36 Shagbark Road came forward and complimented the Town Manger and Town Attorney on the new proposal of a technology park on the property of the Connecticut Studios project.  Mr. Jennings then recognized the Mayor and other Council members who approved this proposal and saw the merits of this project.

 

Ms. Virginia Macro, 1828 Main Street came before the Council to invite the Council members and the public to an event sponsored by the Wood Memorial Library.  The event is called “A Harvest Moon Dinner” and will be held on September 26th starting at 5:30 p.m. at 677 Rye Street.  There is going to be a five course meal, live music and silent auction.  More information can be found on the Wood Library website (woodmemoriallibrary.com).  It will be a fun evening and will benefit the Library and all of their programs.  Another event being held is an Open House on October 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to meet the new Executive Director David Langone.  Ms. Macro then congratulated the Public Works on the work that was completed on the sink hole on Main Street.  They did a terrific job and were considerate of residents.

 

Mr. Jason Rivera, 493 Griffin Road came before the Council and explained to them that he has noticed that the ice cubes in his house are cloudy.  Mr. Rivera has spoken with an Environmental Protection Engineer and he said that it is calcium which is like a soft metal.  Too much consumption of calcium could be a health hazard.  Mr. Rivera went on to explain that in his basement the water heater broke and there was a lot of white residue which he believes to be calcium.  Mr. Rivera requested that he speak to someone about this matter.

 

Councilor Paterna stated that he received a letter from Robert O’Connor of 126 Krawski Drive who essentially agreed with Mr. Dickinson about the idea of including bike paths and walkways as part of the new development for the fuel cell project.  A second letter was received from Mr. Cody Guarnieri of 492 King Street who spoke in favor of the plan to bring the fuel cell powered business and technology park to South Windsor.

 

Councilor Pendleton read a letter into the record from Jim and Honora Futtner of 1629 Main Street who spoke in favor of the fuel cell business technology park.  It stated that it certainly seems to be an improvement over the plans for Connecticut Studios.  The project will increase property tax revenue and is a step in the right direction.

 

6.      Environmental Health & Safety Message

 

Mr. Jay Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Emergency Management came forward and informed the Town Council that September is National Preparedness Month.  The theme for this year is “Don’t Wait, Communicate, Make an Emergency Plan today”.  This is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA and South Windsor is trying to reach out to the community via Farmers Market, Wapping Fair, social media (facebook, twitter) and the Town’s website.

 

Mr. Walter Summers, Fire Marshal announced that the Town and Volunteer Fire Department are partnering with The American Red Cross.  The American Red Cross has a nationwide program and is offering free smoke alarms.  Along with a smoke alarm, they are offering free installation and free fire safety education.  When the program is complete, the progress will be reported to the Town Council.

 

Ms. Rebecca Johnson from The American Red Cross explained that nationally, there have been over 100,000 smoke alarms installed in homes throughout the country.  In Connecticut there has been over 2,000 smoke alarms installed and in Hartford County there have been over 400 installations.  The kick off date for South Windsor will be on Friday, September 18, 2015 where appointments will be scheduled.

 

Chief Cooney stated that this partnership is wonderful and informed the Council that within the Fire Department there is a Fire and Life Safety Division that does this year round.  Chief Cooney then told the Council that a member from Company 1 has joined the Connecticut DEEP, Forest Fire Division and has been deployed for fourteen days out West.

 

Councilor Wagner informed the public that this is actually the peak of the mosquito season and wanted to make sure the public takes the necessary precautions.  Councilor Wagner then praised the Police Department for the great job of enforcing speed limits around all of the schools as the school year begins.

 

Councilor Mirek informed the Council and public that September is also Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Ovarian Cancer causes more death than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, but when found in the early stages treatment works best.  Make sure all the women in your family and your friends keep current with their checkups and celebrate this month by wearing teal.

 

Mayor Anwar explained that the unfortunate thing with ovarian cancer is that about 79% of the times when it is identified it is delayed and has spread too far.  There are screening tools that are available but symptoms are very nonspecific so it is usually missed and found very late.  If people have nonspecific symptoms they should talk to their doctors.

 

Mr. Jay Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Emergency Management congratulated the South Windsor High School, Class of 2016 on their Teen Drunk Driving Poem/Short Film on youtube which was absolutely amazing.  Mr. Gonzalez encouraged everyone to take a look at this video.

 

7.      Adoption of Minutes

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council approves the Minutes of the following Town Council Meetings:  Public Hearing Minutes of July 20, 2015; and Regular Meeting Minutes of May 18, 2015 and July 20, 2015.

 

Was made by Councilor Riley

Seconded by Councilor Snyder

The motion was approved, unanimously

 

8.      Public Petitions

 

None

 

9.      Communications from Officers and Boards Directly Responsible to Council

 

Councilor Wagner stated that the Water Pollution Control Authority received the results of the new program for giving discounted rates to qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners.  There were 205 eligible property owners that qualified for the program and they received an average benefit of $82.00.

 

Councilor Wagner then read a letter from the Park & Recreation Commission endorsing the plan for the Barton property.  The Council had also requested that the Park & Recreation Commission comment on the Community Gardens proposal on Deming Street.  The Commission toured the site and other alternative sites and are in the process of drafting a letter.  The Commission will not be able to meet the 60 day requirement but it is hopeful that they will have a report for the Town Council’s meeting on September 21st.

 

10.    Reports from Standing Committees

 

None

 

11.    Reports of Temporary Committees

 

None

 

12.    Consent Agenda

 

None

 

13.    Unfinished Business

 

None

 

14.    New Business

 

A.       Resolution Accepting the Resignation of Mario Marrero (D) from the Planning & Zoning Commission

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby accepts with regret, the resignation of Mario Marrero (D) from the Planning & Zoning Commission, said resignation effective immediately; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council extends its thanks to Mario Marrero for the time he has dedicated to serving his community by his membership on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

 

Was made by Councilor Deputy Mayor Havens

Seconded by Councilor Pendleton

The motion was approved, unanimously

 

B.       Resolution Appointing Courtney King (D) a Full Member to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Postponing Consideration of this Motion until the Town Council’s Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby appoints Courtney King (D) a full member to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a term ending November 9, 2015 to fill the unexpired term of Mario Marrero and postpones consideration of this motion until the Town Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

Was made by Councilor Paterna

Seconded by Councilor Delnicki

The motion was approved, unanimously

 

C.       Resolution Approving a Transfer of $14,000 from the Contingency Account to the Human Services Department, Senior Bus Service Division – Department Equipment Account

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a transfer of $14,000 from the Contingency Account to the Human Services Department, Senior Bus Service Division – Department Equipment Account to cover costs associated with the purchase of a new bus.

 

Was made by Councilor Delnicki

Seconded by Councilor Pendleton

 

Councilor Delnicki explained that the Town obtained a grant from the Department of Transportation in the amount of $52,000.  The Town needs to pay $13,000 for a new bus that totals $65,000.  Eighty percent of the bus is paid for by DOT and 20% by the Town of South Windsor.  The bus that is being replaced has approximately 170,000 miles on it.  This sum was not included in the last budget that was past in June so this is an opportunity for the Town to take advantage of the DOT grant, and meet the needs of the senior population.

 

Councilor Wagner stated that he supports this resolution.  This is an opportunity for Town to save  great deal of money for the taxpayers while at the same time improving the lives of the senior citizens who use this bus.

 

Deputy Mayor Havens said that Council has never said no to the senior citizen bus transportation and will continue to support the seniors.  Some people would not be able to get around without this transportation.

 

Councilor Paterna explained that this item was not in the budget because the Council was waiting for the grant to be approved.  Councilor Paterna then stated that he is glad the grant has been received and would support it.

 

Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.

 

D.       Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement

 

WHEREAS, each of the Municipalities of the Local Area entered into the Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement pursuant to the Connecticut General Statutes, in order to form the Local Area under the Workforce Investment Act (hereinafter “WIA”) and implement a local workforce system for the Local Area; and

 

WHEREAS, on July 14, 2014 the United States Congress enacted the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, (hereinafter “WIOA") which replaced WIA; and

 

WHEREAS, WIOA requires the chief local elected officials to reaffirm their intent to continue as a local workforce area and to seek designation as a workforce area from the State of Connecticut (the “State”); and

 

WHEREAS, each of the Municipalities desires to continue to receive funds under WIOA and other related workforce funding streams so as to provide workforce services to their constituents by reaffirming their desire to remain a member of the consortium (the “Consortium”) created pursuant to the Agreement and which additionally constitutes the Local Area

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED having reviewed the amendment to the Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement, the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves an amendment to the Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement.

 

Was made by Councilor Pendleton

Seconded by Councilor Wagner

 

Answering questions from the Council, Town Attorney Yagaloff explained that this is an organization that receives grants from State and Federal governments and then dispenses them through the Consortium.  The Town would not be eligible for the grants unless it is a member of the Consortium.  Attorney Yagaloff stated that he was not able to find the old agreements so he doesn’t know exactly what the amendment is.  What he received are basically operating rules for electing officers and holding meetings.  There is nothing in the language that binds the Town.  If the Town were to withdraw from the Consortium, the Town would not be eligible for grants.

 

Mayor Anwar called for a vote on the motion; it was approved, unanimously.

 

E.       Resolution Authorizing Chief Elected Official or Chief Executive Officer to Enter into an Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement on Behalf of the Town of South Windsor

 

WHEREAS, the 105th Congress of the United States of America enacted the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (“WIA”), for the purpose of providing workforce investment activities through statewide and local workforce systems; and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to WIA, the Governor of the State of Connecticut created the North Central Region consisting of thirty-seven municipalities (the “Municipalities”), including the Town of South Windsor; and

 

WHEREAS, in or about 2003 the Municipalities entered into an Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement (the “Existing ICA”) to implement a local workforce system for the North Central Region; and

 

WHEREAS, the 113th Congress of the United States of America enacted and President Obama signed into law on July 22, 2014 the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (“WIOA”), to continue with certain changes the policies and programs created and administered under WIA, including the initial re-designation of the North Central Region as the North Central Connecticut Workforce Development Area (the “Local Area”); and

 

WHEREAS, the implementation of WIOA and the re-designation of the Local Area shall require amending the Existing ICA through the execution of an amendment creating an Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Consortium Agreement (the “New ICA”) among the Municipalities in the Local Area specifying among other things the powers and authority of the Consortium of the Municipalities created thereby (the “Consortium”), the process for the selection of the members of the workforce development board, the designation of a grant recipient and of a sub grant recipient/administrative agency/fiscal agent and a statement of accountability for allocated federal workforce funds; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of South Windsor wishes to remain a part of the Consortium and the Local Area and to continue to receive funds under WIOA and other related workforce funding streams so as to provide workforce services to its constituents, by entering into the New ICA

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor having complied with all of its municipal and other applicable requirements to enter into the New ICA, authorizes its chief elected official or chief executive officer to execute any amendment or other documents and to do such other lawful things as are necessary to enter into the New ICA on behalf of the Municipality; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of South Windsor authorizes its designated representative to the Consortium to act for the Town of South Windsor on all Consortium matters as set out in the New ICA.

 

Was made by Councilor Snyder

Seconded by Councilor Wagner

The motion was approved, unanimously

 

F.       Update on the LED Streetlights Project (requested by Councilor Wagner)

 

Councilor Wagner explained that the Council authorized the Energy Committee to enter into a contract with AMERESCO which involved the buying of existing street lights from Eversource and then replacing those lights with LED’s.  The project is moving forward.

 

Mr. Gantick, Director of Public Works came before the Council to give an update on the project.  Mr. Gantick explained that the first phase was to do a field audit of all of the lights that the Town gets billed for every month by Eversource and taking that information and reconciling it.  There are approximately 23 lights that the Town is being billed for and should not be billed for.  The Town will get credit for those and they will be taken off of the list.  The Town will be meeting with Eversource representatives to review the net book value of the lights.  There are streetlights that are very old but they are showing a value of those lights which is surprising.  There have been 309 lights identified on State roads that the Town of South Windsor has been paying for.  That is an annual cost between $50,000 to $60,000.  The Town will be meeting with Eversource to reconcile the inventoried lights and discuss the methodology and the actual value of the streetlights that the Town may look to purchase.  After those discussions, the Town will be in a position to finalize the cost benefit analysis to determine the cost to enter into this process.

 

Councilor Wagner stated that the 309 lights on State roads would be held off to a second phase.  If the Sate takes over the operation of those lights, the State can then make the decision on whether or not to convert them to LED’s.  If the Sate does not take over those lights, then it could be discussed about having a second phase.

 

Mayor Anwar suggested that the State Representatives be involved in the discussion of the 309 lights on State roads.

 

Answering further questions, Mr. Gantick explained that the field audit was done by the private contractor.  There were 23 lights that the Town is being billed for that could not be found in the field.  There are a total of 50 more lights that had been added to the Town’s inventory list between December 30, 2014 and April 30, 2015 which are not accounted for and are being discussed.  Eversource has indicated a cost of $800,000 to purchase the lights.  Councilor Wagner stated that cost for the entire project is approximately $1,400,000.  It would most likely be recommended by the Energy Committee to do the entire project all at once.  Mr. Gantick added that after all the information is finalized, the project will come back to the Council for approval.

 

Councilor Wagner explained to the Council the process that would need to take place if the Town would like to have the State take over the 309 lights.  The Town Engineer would need to state which of the 309 lights are warranted.  Then there is an application the Town would need to fill out to the State requesting them to take over the lights.  Mr. Gantick added that it is not known if an application is needed for each light.

 

G.       Resolution Approving a Refund of Taxes to Forty-Seven (47) South Windsor Taxpayers

 

BE IT RESOLVED that the South Windsor Town Council hereby approves a refund of property taxes to forty-seven (47) South Windsor Taxpayers, the total of said refund being $8,942.12, and as more fully described on attached Exhibit A.

 

Was made by Councilor Mirek

Seconded by Councilor Snyder

The motion was approved, unanimously

 

15.    Passage of Ordinance

 

None

 

16.    Communications and Reports from Town Manager

 

None

 

17.    Public Input

 

Mr. John Bentley, 61 Brian Road stated that he is concerned with the speed that the new proposal for a technology park is going.  Mr. Bentley feels the ownership of the property needs to be understood prior to an agreement being finalized with the same developer that thinks they have acquired that property.

 

18.    Communications and Petition from Council

 

Councilor Mirek explained that at the Special Meeting on August 26, 2015, the Republicans on the Council did not vote no for the technology park jobs or revenue.  The vote that was on the table was to approve a purchase payment agreement plan.  The agreement that the Council received in the Council packet was not the same agreement that was voted on.  The proper agreement should have been delivered to the Council in their packets.  Councilor Delnicki had made a motion to continue the meeting so the pubic would have time to understand the proposal and further questions could be answered which was voted down.  Rushing the vote on the financial agreement without all of the facts is irresponsible.

 

19.    Executive Session

 

None

 

 

20.    Adjournment

 

At 8:34 p.m. Councilor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting.  Councilor Snyder seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                     

Deborah W. Reid

Clerk of the Council