Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
January 2, 2001 - Public Hearing
Approved Minutes
Public Hearing relative to the proposed rehabilitation area and to establish a partial real estate tax exemption for the rehabilitation of qualified residential and non-residential structures.
Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:17 PM and read the legal notice.
Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis (absent), Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman (absent), Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Ristas, Council Member Simon and Council member Trinks
Public Comment
Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, said that he likes the concept of this ordinance. However, would like any property being considered for the tax break to be owner occupied. He feels this should also be limited to low and medium income people and that upper income people do not need the break. As far as commercial property, would like the ordinance to be limited to small businesses. Feels that commercial property should also be brought up to code before being eligible for the tax break, i.e. Handicap accessible. Stated that he felt that this ordinance would benefit upper income people first.
The public hearing closed at 7:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah S. Burgess
Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
C: Town Clerk
Main Library
Wilson Branch
Public Hearing Minutes approved January 16, 2001
Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
January 2, 2001 - Regular Meeting
Approved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:33 PM.
Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, said that the Town of Windsor brochure he received in the mail brought to mind questions and observations regarding snow removal. He stated that he has noticed the Town of Windsor had cleared snow from their property by pushing it across the street blocking the adjacent sidewalk. Noted that some neighbors do not clear their sidewalk. He commented that the Town of Windsor is not living up to the ordinance regarding snow removal. Would like the town to maintain their property better.
Joe Novak, Chair, Public Building Commission, detailed the progress of the High School renovation project and invited the public to check on the progress on their website (ogind.com). He stated that the Rainbow Firehouse renovation work is proceeding on schedule and a certificate of occupancy should be received this week. He summarized the Sage Park roof project, damaged carpeting has been replaced and the school administration has accepted the repairs.
Council member Ristas - regarding the Town Hall roof and equipment replacement, asked for a summary of the arrival at the quote of $450,000 for the proposed repairs, as well as maintenance reports from the last few years.
Joe Novak - responded that the Town Manager would be able to provide a thorough answer. Noted that that issue had not been referred to the Public Building Commission.
Mayor Hogan asked that a motion be made to move items 12a and 12b to this point in the agenda.
Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon to move items 12a and 12b, New Business, to this point in the agenda.
Motion Passes 9-0-0
12a. Youth Commission Report
Catherine Moreton, Chair - Reported that the Youth Commission has been very active during the past 12 months. Detailed the structure of the Youth Commission. Ms. Moreton noted a number of accomplishments during the last year including: the commission's revitalization, as far as new members; the Skate Park was opened last July and was a great success; the implementation of the Partnership's mentoring program that is geared to preventing drug use, teams high school students with middle school students. This program has continued even though grant funding has run out. She summarized the plans for 2001 - Support Skate Park, support after school drop-in programs, PAL's drop-in center at 330 Windsor Ave, libraries and schools, develop a needs assessment / strategic plan with recommendations for Windsor youth needs. The Youth Commission will also be developing a website through the Youth Services Bureau and the Recreation Department along with Windsor's youth to provide information on programs and services as well as information on drug prevention.
12b. Zoning Board of Appeals Annual Report to Council
Helene H. Shay, Secretary, detailed the commission of five members and their purpose. Noted that individuals have been presenting their own case before the commission instead of utilizing an Attorney. Stated that the Council has noticed more homeowners upgrading their properties this year, including additions, swimming pool installations etc.
Leon Churchill, Town Manager, reported the following:
Website Development
Noted that Windsor's website has been enhanced by a photo gallery of Windsor, Thanked Dr. Leonard Hellerman for his photography.
Grant Funding
Windsor is to receive two million dollars to be utilized for landfill closure assistance.
Storm Clean-up
This weekend 8" of snow dropped, snow removal started at 7am Saturday and continued for 26 hours until completed. All equipment was used, up to $15,000 in materials and $26,000 of labor costs was incurred.
Transportation Projects
CRCOG has asked for towns to submit transportation projects for funding. Windsor will be submitting: the reconstruction of Prospect Hill Road, Pleasant Street, River Street, and the intersection of Addison Road and Day Hill Road. CRCOG requires a Town Resolution approving the submittal of the projects and acknowledgement that the town will be responsible for certain costs.
Council member Ristas - asked if the two million in grant money would be available for the short term, or only after the landfill is closed.
Town Manager Churchill - Stated that the funding would be used to fund a portion of the leachate collection system.
Council member Pacino - Commented that he noticed in the newspaper that other town's fire departments were applying for grants, asked if Windsor had any plans to do so.
Council member Ristas - Would like copies of the documentation of how the $450,000 was arrived at for the Town Hall Roof repairs, also any documentation of maintenance that has been done on the roof.
Mayor Hogan - Made a formal referral to the Town Improvements Commission to review Surface Transportation Program grant proposals.
No other council members had comments.
Council member Trinks made a motion Seconded by Council member Haverstock that the reading of the "ordinance adopting the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes 12-65 to provide for a rehabilitation area" is hereby waived, the full text of the ordinance having been distributed to each member of the Council and copies being made available to persons attending this meeting; and that the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Council member Trinks made a motion, Seconded by Council member Haverstock that the aforesaid ordinance entitled "Tax Exemption for Rehabilitated Structures" be adopted.
Mayor Hogan commented that this item has been the subject of several committee meetings.
Deputy Mayor Curtis provided a background of this ordinance. Summarized the purpose to offer an incentive to improve Windsor properties. Detailed the eligible properties further and explained the graduated exemption. Also, there is a five year termination date, where the Council can keep further / permanently or end.
Town Manager Churchill responded to some concerns:
Owner occupation - the property that needs the improvements could be rental property.
Low-income property owners - the intent is that all properties needing rehabilitation qualify.
Businesses - the requirement that the commercial properties be 40 years old or older causes most eligible business to most likely be in either the center and Wilson areas, these are mostly small businesses. However, large businesses can be just as much of an eyesore and also need improvements.
Council member Ristas - Stated that he agrees with the overall concept. Noted that language in sections 2 and 3a of the ordinance do not agree.
Town manager Churchill - Responded that the intent is the improvement be 10% of the assessed value of the structure only and not the land.
Council member Ristas - Would like to see the language cleared up.
Council member Albano - Commented that he is concerned about the 5 year sunset clause, in that the exemption is intended to be 7 years. He asked that language be added to clarify that exemptions granted within the first five years extend the full seven year term.
Council member Haverstock - Stated that he appreciated the opportunity for public comment - however he said that he does not necessarily agree.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock to table the motion. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Mayor Hogan provided background information regarding establishing the committee.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock, to waive the reading of the ordinance adopting the provisions of the Windsor Town Charter 8-2(C) to provide for a capital improvement committee, the full text of the ordinance having been distributed to each member of the Council and copies being made available to persons attending this meeting; and that the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting. The motion passed 9-0-0
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock to set a public hearing for January 16 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall.
Council member Haverstock asked if the third member would be someone appointed by the Council and not a Council member, could it be a member of the staff.
Council member Ristas stated he s not aware of any other committee of this type, and is concerned about minority representation. One member would be from the Public Building Commission and the ordinance proposes the second member be appointed with the recommendation of the Board of Education. He would like to leave two spots available, and leave it up to the council to pick them, instead of just one spot. He felt that this would ensure minority representation.
Mayor Hogan requested that Council member Ristas recommend that and get back to the Council before the next meeting so that it could be considered.
Council member Pacino asked if the committee is limited to three members, could it be five. He felt that with only three members there is the possibility of a lack of minority representation.
Council member Albano believes the intent was to have a member of the Public Building Commission, the Board of Education and the Town Council serve.
Mayor Hogan stated that because of state law a Council member could not serve. She would like to see the Town Improvements Committee work with the Capital Improvements Committee when it is established.
Council member Haverstock stated perhaps it would be appropriate to seek the Town Attorney's opinion if it is up to us to interpret the charter revision commission intent .
Council member Ristas stated we do not have a written report telling us this is how they expected this implemented.
Town Manager Churchill restated the Town Attorney's opinion that Council members could not serve on boards or commissions per state law.
Some discussion followed regarding the intent of the charter revision commission.
Council member Simon does not believe that a council member needs to be appointed or that the Board of Education member be from the Board.
Council member Broxterman stated he would like to get this cleared up by February, or at least by the first meeting in February.
The motion to set a public hearing for January 16 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall passed 9-0-0
David Johnston, Program Coordinator of The Partnership detailed the purpose of the Windsor Partnership. He discussed the grant / project regarding conflicts at Sage Park Middle School and stated the grant was needed to look at school safety issues. Schools are not as safe as they should be, however, school violence is down. This grant is an opportunity to investigate how conflicts arise, how they are best responded to and how people feel about the disciplinary actions taken. With the grant funding The Partnership is going to collect data, via interviews with students / teachers that have been involved in conflicts. An anonymous survey of 200 students will be conducted and the information compiled. The grant will be used to pay the Contractors and student interns.
Council member Ristas asked why the contract was between the University of Hartford and Windsor and not the Board of Education
David Johnston responded that the grant was awarded to the Windsor Police Department.
Council member Ristas asked what assurances there are that this will be independent.
David Johnston stated all parties will be equally represented. The data and analysis will be completed under his supervision. The school will not keep the data or compile it.
Council member Ristas asked what would be deliverable to the school.
David Johnston stated that there would be two reports made available, a summary of data collection and a study of any changes throughout the following year.
Council member Ristas inquired if the data and the reports would be subject to FOI
David Johnston responded that they would.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to authorize the Town Manager, or designee, to execute a contract with the University of Hartford's Center for Social Research to assist The Partnership, on behalf of the Town of Windsor, in the completion of its "COPS School-Based Partnership Grant" requirements. The motion passed 9-0-0
Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks to table Resignations and Appointments. The motion passed 9-0-0
Correction: 2nd page CRCOG, 3rd page Council member Trinks made the motion to waive the reading not Mayor Hogan. Council member Pacino - Noted that he asked if PAL was eligible for matching money from ordinance, which was answered yes. The motion passed. 9-0-0
Council member Pacino - Requested that the letters regarding the Poquonock Avenue speed limit be included in Public Communications and Petitions for the record.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock to go into executive session regarding strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Phelps vs. Town of Windsor). The motion passed 9-0-0.
Present: Mayor Hogan, Councilmembers Albano, Broxterman, Curtis, Haverstock, Pacino, Simon, and Trinks. Staff and guests included Town Manager Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Souza, Police Chief Searles, Town Attorney Oswecki, and outside legal counsel Marcia Gleason.
Executive session ended at 9:16pm and the Regular Town Council meeting reconvened. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to authorize the Town Attorney to settle the Phelps vs. Town of Windsor case as discussed in executive session. Motion passed 9-0-0.
At 9:18pm Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to adjourn the regular Town Council Meeting. The motion passed 9-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah S. Burgess
Substitute Clerk of Windsor Town Council
Cc: Town Clerk
Main Library
Wilson Branch
Town Council Minutes Approved: January 16, 2001