Council Chambers – Town Hall

October 1, 2001

Approved Minutes

Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Simon, and Council member Trinks

Absent: Council member Ristas

2. Prayer – Council member Albano
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Council member Albano
4. Resolutions and Awards

1. Resolution Designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mayor Hogan read the resolution designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month as resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council that October 20, 2001 be designated as Mammography Day in Windsor. Mayor Hogan reported that a Breast Cancer Awareness wreath would be hung at the Town Hall.

2. Resolution Honoring Fire Prevention Month

Council member Trinks read the resolution designating October as Windsor Fire Prevention Month with emphasis on the National Campaign of "Cover the Bases and Strike Out Fire" as resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council.

Ray Walker, Fire Marshall, and members of the Fire Department were in attendance. A program was held in Northwest Park last weekend to present sprinklers and thermal imaging. All residents are encouraged to attend Open Houses that will begin next week. On Wednesday, October 10^th at 10:15 a.m. there will be a student presentation in recognition of rescue workers in New York City at Oliver Ellsworth School. Following the presentation there will be a parade to the Hayden Station Fire House.

None.

1. Town Planning & Zoning Commission

Mr. Timothy Fitzgerald, Secretary of the Planning & Zoning Commission addressed the Council. The commission processes applications for site plans, subdivisions, special use, zone changes and miscellaneous applications. They are also involved in statute 8-24 reviews, which involve town land. Mr. Fitzgerald highlighted some of the projects of the commission:

• Gateway Improvements – Hot Thymes block and ADVO
• Revival of Town Centers – Union Street Café and Antique Shop, Expansion of Loomis Institute, and Hopewell Baptist Church re-approval with construction phasing
• Resurgence of new office construction – Ferraina, Casle Corp, and Riverbend Associates
• Continued Industrial Area Development – Ferraina, Sponzo, and Riverbend Associates
• Residential Developments – Pondview Estates Subdivision, Fisherman’s Landing Subdivision, Revision of River Town Village Subdivision, and Kings Landing under construction

The commission was also involved in wireless telecommunication development and three towers were approved and constructed along the I-91 corridor. The commission adopted a billboard policy and began a Plan of Conservation and Development update program. The consultant selection process is in the final phase to determine the scope and fee.

Nitrogen Credit Exchange Program

The DEP recently sent a draft notice describing a proposed General Permit for Nitrogen per Public Act No. 01-180. Although the MDC provides this service for Windsor, citizens are encouraged to voice their opinion at upcoming informational meetings. This will be a 15-year management plan that will allow greater flexibility and substantial cost savings statewide while implementing the required nitrogen reduction of nearly 64% below baseline. Issuance of the permit is expected by January 1, 2002. Informational meetings to be hosted by the CT DEP have been scheduled and will focus on giving an overview of the General Permit and will enter into discussions with municipal officials and staff and the general public. Meetings will be held in Norwich, Norwalk and in Hartford. The Hartford meeting is scheduled for October 4^th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Hartford, CT at the Legislative Office Building, Room 1A. Directions for these meetings can be obtained by calling 860-424-3020.

 

A Public Hearing will be held on October 24, 2001 at 10 AM in the Russell Hearing Room, Third Floor, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT.

 

November Election

In the past, Windsor High School has been the customary place to go when it was election time. However, due to the continuing renovation efforts taking place at the High School, the West End of the building commonly used for this function will not be available during this time.

 

Therefore, a temporary location has been designated for the November 6^th Municipal election. As in this year’s May elections, Sage Park Middle School’s new gymnasium at 25 Sage Park Road, Windsor, CT will be the place. Polling stations will be ready and available for your use.

 

Sage Park Middle School is located across the street from the High School and is handicapped accessible.

 

Senior Center Update

A recent survey sent to 300 senior citizens in Windsor came up with the following results: from the 178 completed surveys (71.2% return rate), 97 of these were from Senior Center users and 81 were from the voter registration list. The general perception of the Senior Center is very positive. The most common resource used to examine Senior Center activities is the Windsor Senior Newsletter. Why citizens cannot get involved in the Senior Center include being too young, still working, or being too busy. The majority of users indicated that all current program areas should continue. The survey shows that of the 28,000 residents in Windsor over 25% of these citizens are over the age of 55. The younger and less involved population (community sub sample) indicated less interest in the same range of programs and showed less interest in the educational programs. The wellness nurse was the highest evaluated specialty role within the center by all groups. There are approximately 120 daily users of the Senior Center with a majority of these citizens being repeat users. A full presentation is scheduled to take place at the October 15^th Town Council meeting.

 

Flu & Pneumonia Shots

It’s that time of year again to take preventative measures against seasonal illnesses. Flu and pneumonia shots will be available on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at the Windsor Senior Health Fair at the L.P. Wilson Community Center, 599 Matianuck Avenue from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Also on Monday, October 29, 2001, at the Windsor Town Hall, Council Chambers, 275 Broad Street from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Flu shots will cost $12/shot and pneumonia shots will be $15/shot. There will be no cost for citizens with Medicare Part B, PHS "Smart Choice", MedSpan Health "Options" and Connecticare 65 Medicare Health Plans. Participants MUST bring their Medicare, Social Security, and HMO Cards to receive these shots at no cost.

 

Flu shots will be offered to Windsor residents age 60 and over and persons with chronic illness. Pneumonia shots will be offered to Windsor residents age 65 and over.

 

P.O.W.W. Petition/Walden Woods Development

The Town Council received a petition at its last meeting with 252 signatures from the Property Owners of Walden Woods, otherwise known as POWW. That petition has three requests: (1) a study of the inflows into Walden Meadow Lake; (2) direct a hydrological study; and (3) direct the Town Attorney to render an opinion as to who is responsible to clean up the Walden Woods waterways.

The Town Attorney received the request and is conferring with the Town Engineer. The research request by P.O.W.W. is different from what the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission directed CME Associates to research at their last meeting. That directive was for CME to determine the validity and reliability of the studies submitted by Garden Homes, Inc. (the developers) and P.O.W.W. The petition asks for a third, independent, study and suggests the Town use the Environmental Review Team (ERT), a temporary volunteer group of scientists. I may take this issue up with the Town Council for financial support for a study if the town’s request for an ERT, if requested, is denied or an independent one is deemed necessary under any circumstance.

It is highly recommended that the IWWC make the decision whether the analysis it called for is sufficient or asks for another study of the Walden Woods basin. The issue will come to a head if Garden Homes files its application tomorrow (October 2^nd) night. The IWWC will then have 65 days to schedule a public hearing and 35 days after that to make a decision.

 

 

 

 

Community Policing Technology Grant

The Town of Windsor was awarded the Community Oriented Policing Technology Grant by the Federal Department of Justice in the amount of $248,600. This grant will be used for a computer system comprised of Computer Aided Dispatch, a Records Management System, mobile computers, crime analysis hardware and software and an electronic booking system. The goal of the project is to implement a labor saving reporting system, which will allow officers to spend more patrol time on community-oriented policing activities. The Grant requires a local match of $82,879, which has been set aside in the Police Department’s Narcotics Seizure accounts. Only nine municipalities in the State were successful in acquiring one of these technology grants.

 

Council member Haverstock asked for clarification on the petition issue, with regards to Walden Woods. Town Manager Churchill replied that the study would be above and beyond the ERT study and it would be brought before the Council for approval. Town Manager Churchill reported that he requested the Inland/Wetlands Commission to come to him if they feel they need a study.

Council member Trinks asked about the new streetlights on Route 159 and if they were a State initiative. Town Manager Churchill responded that the new streetlights and stoplights were a State initiative.

Mayor Hogan commented that 71% is a good response rate for the Senior Surveys.

Council member Albano – made note of the notice from the Registrar of Voters for the new polling location at Sage Park School, while the High School is being renovated.

Council member Broxterman – encouraged all to visit the Chili Fest this weekend and he mentioned that there is a drum festival in Bloomfield also. There is a football game at 12 Noon at the WHS field. The Windsor Recreation Department is sponsoring a 30+ Basketball League. Entry fee for a team is $400 with a deadline of October 12^th. Games are scheduled from October 16^th to November 30^th. For more information call Glenn Taylor at the Windsor Recreation Department at 285-1990.

Council member Haverstock – congratulated everyone associated with Northwest Park’s Country Fair this past weekend. He also noted the wonderful collection of animals this year.

Council member Pacino – asked if school is in session on Election Day. Town Manager Churchill responded that it would be a teacher-training day. Council member Pacino also encouraged all to attend the Chili Fest this Saturday which will include activities for children and a craft sale.

Council member Simon – reported that District 3 had previously voted at WHS; however, due to construction, voting registration is temporarily at the middle school gymnasium. He also reported that the grant request initiated from the State Representatives have been awarded. The Town has received $40,000 in grant to improve the playscapes at Sharshon and Washington Parks.

Council member Trinks – noted that on October 20^th the Capital Area Substance Abuse Council is having a walk, 5k and 2.5k. He also commended those involved in the Northwest Park Country Fair.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – thanked the volunteers of Northwest Park Country Fair also. He congratulated the Police Athletic League for their grand opening at 330 Windsor Avenue.

Mayor Hogan – encouraged all to attend the Youth Commission’s Wednesday, October 3^rd meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Ludlow Room at the Town Hall. The topic will be "Trends and Teen Drug Use". Captain Triggs of the Windsor Police Department and members of the North Central Municipal Narcotics Task Force will be on hand to provide information on trends regarding the use of drugs by teens and to discuss how to identify and prevent drug use. For more information call 298-0718. On Saturday, October 6^th a cleanup of the Farmington River and Trail has been scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Farmington River Watershed Association is sponsoring this clean-up effort. There are seven cleanup sites along the river where volunteers can meet. Windsor’s meeting location is at Bart’s Restaurant located on Palisado Avenue. Following the cleanup a cookout will be held at Camp Happy Hill in Unionville. For more information call 658-4442. In a few weeks there will be a cleanup day on the Town Green and Northwest Park. Mayor Hogan also encouraged walkers to clean up along the town’s various walking paths.

Deputy Mayor Curtis reported on the Town Improvements Committee and the Skate Park project. New equipment will include a half-pipe and wave type elements.

None.

None.

1. Presentation by ABB regarding clean up efforts

Mr. Ron Kurtz from Combustion Engineering addressed the Council. He spoke about the site cleanup that Combustion Engineering is undertaking.

Combustion Engineering is located at 2000 Day Hill Road and consists of 30 buildings located on 600 acres. In 1987 radiological waste was discovered on the site which have resulted in the release of residual amounts of highly enriched uranium (HEU) and certain chemicals. The property has undergone a thorough site assessment to identify the types and locations of pollutants. The Army Corp of Engineers and Combustion Engineering will clean up these pollutants. Combustion will be conducting a meeting with the public to explain the activity that will be taking place on the property and to answer any questions they may have. Investigation and cleanup of HEU at this site is currently being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Actions Program (FUSRAP) of the federal government.

Mr. Bud Taylor from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers reported on the FUSRAP program. Its purpose is to identify, investigate, clean up or control sites of residual activity or other sites as assigned by congress. Combustion Engineering is one of 46 sites that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers handles throughout the country. The next scheduled steps are remedial investigations and a feasibility study. They would then propose a cleanup plan and document. Completion of the final status survey will then be performed upon completion of the cleanup work. The EPA and DEP are also involved in the clean up efforts.

Cleanup of the site is expected to be complete between 2006 and 2008. Work on the three areas (chemical cleanup, remediation of radiological contamination resulting from government contracts and of commercially licensed nuclear operations) will take place concurrently with the goal of returning the site to productive reuse as soon as possible. There will be no financial impact to the Town of Windsor. A Wetlands permit will be needed for any site brook remediation.

Council member Albano asked when the design phase of the cleanup would be started. Mr. Taylor responded that it was scheduled to start in about a year and a half from now; however, they are working with Combustion Engineering to move that up and they hope to start in a year.

Council member Pacino commented that the information was very informative and asked if the display materials could be left at the library for the public. Mr. Taylor responded that under the superfund law, information is now available at the library.

Council member Simon asked for clarification about the corporate responsibility of the site. He thought Combustion Engineering was bought out. He also asked what needs to be cleaned up and removed from the site. Mr. Kurtz responded that Combustion Engineering is a subsidiary of ABB. Mr. Taylor added that from the FUSRAP standpoint, residual material has to be removed.

Mayor Hogan asked if there would be additional outreach to neighbors for the public hearings. Mr. Kurtz mentioned that a newsletter would be published and distributed in November. They are also conducting a survey to gauge public opinion about the site and see what their concerns are.

Deputy Mayor Curtis commented on the comprehensive information. He asked if the three buildings are occupied and if they will be occupied after the cleanup. Mr. Taylor responded that they are not currently occupied and they will be demolished and disposed of. The site will be made useable. It is currently zoned for industrial use.

Council member Broxterman remarked that based on Hamilton Sundstrand’s reports, that cleaning and leaving the residuals is the preferred action. The report stated that it doesn’t seem to pose a threat to anyone else by leaving the residuals versus transporting the residuals. Mr. Taylor reported that the public would be involved in the decision to leave or transport the residuals.

2. Transfer of Elderly & Disabled Renter Relief Program

Town Manager Churchill provided an overview of the program. The Elderly & Disabled Renters Relief Program is designed to assist such renters who are on fixed incomes and meet certain income guidelines by providing them with an assistance grant that comes directly from the State of Connecticut. Administrators of the program conduct personal interviews to determine eligibility. Approximately 80% (82 out of 106) of the applicants for the Elderly & Disabled Renters Relief Program are clients of Windsor Housing Authority. The WHA already has the requisite information for all but 24 applicants to the program. The transfer of this program’s administration would enhance the seamless service delivery, provide less aggravation for applicants and free up the Town Assessor’s Office for more frequent assessments that are required and the customer service demands for a high number of real estate activity in the community. The WHA administration has agreed to accept the administrative duties and the Assessor’s Office has committed to provide the proper training for WHA staff. There is no direct financial impact. The WHA approved this transition at its September 24^th meeting.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman to transfer the administration of the Elderly & Disabled Renters Relief Program to the Windsor Housing Authority effective January 1, 2002.

Council member Simon asked who would administer the program and how many applications do we normally get. Town Manager Churchill responded that ultimately the responsibility would be with the director and the staff of the Housing Authority. There were 106 applicants last year.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

3. Designation of Clover Street School field

Deputy Mayor Curtis reported on the proposal to provide space for the sport of cricket. The Town Improvements Committee met on this issue on September 25^th and recommends approval of the request. Several residents have expressed an interest that the town accommodates league play for the game of cricket. The popularity of the sport is growing in Windsor as the cultures that play the sport become more prominent in the community. The FY 2001 Town Operating Budget under the Public Works Division will designate $1,200 for the cost of purchasing 40 cubic yards of clay materials.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council member Pacino, that the Clover Street School field be designated for the sport of cricket from May through September and the town take appropriate actions to accommodate its introduction in 2002.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

4. Electronic Notification of Public Meetings

Council member Simon discussed electronic notification of public meetings (Town Council Meetings, Public Hearings, and Town Meetings). The town can provide this service with no additional cost and users can select from a menu of notifications. The Special Projects Committee discussed this issue at their September 25^th meeting and recommended the town begin electronic notification.

Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Broxterman to support electronic notification of various public meetings to citizens that desire them.

Council member Pacino asked about the protocol in the packet. Council member Simon said that it was created for the Special Projects Committee’s discussion.

Council member Haverstock agreed that this is a good thing; however, some are concerned that some people may have access and others will not. He mentioned that Enita Jubrey’s memo addressed that issue noting access to computers at public facilities.

Council member Albano thought that maybe people should sign up for specific meetings that they are interested in. Council member Simon stated that we have the technology to set up a menu so people can select the messages they want to receive.

Council member Pacino is concerned that the outside groups are interested in the notification service. He feels that usage should be limited to town-sponsored meetings. Town Manager Churchill responded that perhaps future debate could come up with how much is in the town’s best interest to encourage or support the outside groups usage. For now, we will be very conservative in disseminating that information.

Council member Broxterman made his opinion that he would not like to see us so conservative that we don’t post or advertise the Shad Derby, basketball games, chili fest, etc.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

5. Resolution Designating the Use of 1998 Small City CDBG Program Income

Mr. Patrick McMahon, Community Development Coordinator reported that the town was awarded funds during the 1998 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program allocation for its housing rehabilitation program ($200,000) and small business loan program ($100,000). The State Department of Economic and Community Development recently completed a review of the town’s use of the 1998 CDBG grant award and concluded that the town complied with all pertinent regulations. In order to complete the closeout for the 1998 grant, the Town Council is asked to pass a resolution regarding the use of program income.

The Office of Community Development funded 21 housing rehabilitation projects in whole or in part with funds from the grant benefiting a total of 78 residents living in these units. In addition, five small business loans were awarded to two restaurants, a security alarm company, a daycare facility, and a therapeutic center.

When the benefited households and business pay back the principal and interest on these loans, the town is able to reuse these funds, known as "program income", in the amount of $128,741. The State Department of Economic and Community Development requires that the program income be used to fund the same activities that generated the program income. There is no general fund impact resulting from this action. The recycling of CDBG grant funds will allow additional households and small businesses in the community to benefit.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman, that the Town Council of the Town of Windsor:

1) Be cognizant of the conditions for use of Program Income as prescribed by the Code of Federal Regulations 24 Part 570.504, and Circular No. A-102 Attachment E.

2) Realize that Program Income is governed by Title One of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

3) Use Program Income to fund the same activities which generated the Program Income and that Program Income will carry the same benefit and be used in the same target areas as claimed in the original application for CDBG funds.

Council member Pacino asked about the default rate. Mr. McMahon replied that one business defaulted. All house and loan rehab loan programs are performing.

Council member Pacino requested copies of the shopping center elevations. Mr. McMahon said that he would provide them.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Moved by Council member Albano, seconded by Council member Pacino, to add the resignation of Nancy Colton of the Windsor Historic District Commission to the agenda.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Moved by Council member Albano, seconded by Council member Pacino to accept the resignation of Nancy Colton of the Windsor Historic District Commission.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Moved by Council member Albano, seconded by Council member Pacino to accept the resignation of Frank L. McDonald from the Windsor Housing Authority.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Moved by Council member Albano, seconded by Council member Pacino, to accept the appointment of Leon Alford to the Public Building Commission, four year unexpired term to expire November 30, 2001 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Moved by Council member Broxterman, seconded by Council member Haverstock, to table Items B-L and N-Q.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

1. Minutes of the September 18, 2001 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Council member Pacino, seconded by Council member Haverstock to accept the minutes of the September 18, 2001 Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 10 – under Staff & Guests – Analyst; Page 1 – Lynne Gillette.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

None.

None.

17. Adjournment

Town Manager Churchill clarified from his report that the Inland/Wetlands commission has 65 days to schedule a public hearing and then 35 days from there to make a decision.

Moved by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

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