Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker.
2. Prayer – Councilor Jepsen
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Jepsen
4. Resolutions and Awards

None.

5. Public Communications and Petitions

Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, addressed the Council regarding Town Manager Churchill’s announcement of the Saturday openings for the indoor pool at the high school. Mr. Smith said that the facility was closed this past Saturday, December 1^st, with no notice of any kind. Mr. Smith reported that this has happened several times. Mr. Smith requested from Town Manager Churchill a verbal and written accounting as to exactly how the software will correct the persistent failure to adequately and properly communicate with the constituents.

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

None.

7. Town Manager’s Report

A Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 4th at the Connecticut Economic Resource Center located on Brook Street (Building 4), Rocky Hill, CT from 1 PM until 3 PM regarding the designation of local workforce investment areas within the State of CT. This project will include a 5-year workforce plan which will obligate the CT Employment and Training Commissioner within the first 2 years to review standardization of boundaries throughout the state for local investment areas and, per the Governor’s request, for the CETC to review options related to the three local areas to be designated for this project. The public is encouraged to attend or send any comments regarding this hearing to the above address.

A Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and needy in the town was sponsored by the Recovery Club with great success. Also, with the help of Housing Authority Committee member Sam Robinson, 78 dinners were provided to shut-ins and handicap people whom are currently in the Windsor Housing program. I would like to extend a "thank you" to all who were involved with helping to make both of these outreach programs such a success!

Both the "Friends of Northwest Park" and staff of Northwest Park have determined that it is a priority to construct natural animal habitats at the park. Construction is under way and a number of these habitats have been completed with the remaining habitats to be completed in the near future. The park has also embarked upon a new project in helping in the development of interactive play and creating a playful learning space for children. Funded by the Friends of Northwest Park, a tree house will be constructed in the Nature Center. This will enable the children to explore independently, identify with plants, investigate items under a microscope, create puppet shows, and explore with their senses by opening drawers with pinecone scents and by lifting a panel to hear a bird song. The staff and Friends are very excited about this project and look forward to its completion by summer 2002.

There were a total of 10 rehabilitation exemption applications for the 2001 Grant List. Nine of these were for residential dwellings and one for commercial (the Huntington House). The total of assessments of the ten properties before rehabilitation was $944,580. The new total assessment of these properties is $1,482,110. This represents an increase in assessment (to which the exemption will apply) of $537,530. The average increase of assessment is 59.26%. Based on the total exempted assessment and utilizing the mill rate from the 2000 Grand List (31.2), the revenue loss in the first year of the program is $16,770.

There was a mention in today’s Hartford Courant about the budget woes experienced by a nearby community mostly due to the fall in interest, smaller-than-expected state aid package, and less money from property taxes and permit fees. Windsor Financial Services staff have also been monitoring our situation with the following findings at this point:

• Unexpected state revenue sharing grant of $146,000
• Building permits, $443,000 through November, is on a pace to exceed the budget of $600,000 although new construction has fallen dramatically since mid-September.
• We will be receiving a one-time payout of approximately $300,000 from our insurance company due to a demutualization.
• Property tax collections are slightly better than forecasted.

On the other hand:

• Interest revenues are down significantly due to lower interest rates. In the week the budget was being voted upon our short term rates were over 5%. They have now dropped to 2.34% as of today. With interest rates less than half of what they had been we will see a sharp reduction in revenue. We had budgeted $1.5 million in interest revenue. Our best guess is that we will bring in only $900,000 or so, for a shortfall of $600,000.

Adding the pluses and minuses, revenues will probably see no net change.

Expenses through the end of October were pretty much on a pro rata pace for the year. Of course, the public and town council will be kept up-to-date on the town’s financial status.

Join in the holiday festivities of the 11^th annual Windsor Chamber of Commerce Winter Magic events. Come to the Windsor Shopping Center and the Wilson business area on Saturday, December 8^th, from 10 AM – 2 PM. There will be horse drawn trolley rides, Windsor High Scholl Show Choir, free pictures with Rudolph, the Jaycees’ annual tree sale and special visits by Santa. The festivities on December 15^th will take place at Day Hill Village Shops and Poquonock Avenue businesses from 10 AM – 2 PM and will include the Windsor High School Jazz Ensemble, pictures with Rudolph and several open houses. For more information, call 688-5165.

The third and final Stakeholder Meeting of the Civic Participation Project is Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at 5:30 PM at Sage Park Middle School. The project has identified five themes consisting of: Voting Volunteerism, Government and Citizen, Information Sharing & Communications, and Neighborhoods. The third meeting will concentrate on developing action plans to implement these themes. The attendance has been consistently about 75 individuals and of course all citizens are encouraged to attend.

Councilor Albano – None.

Councilor Broxterman – encourage all to attend Winter Magic at the Windsor Shopping Center this weekend.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Mulligan – thanked the voters who elected him to the position. He was disappointed that only 31% of voters turned out and hopes that in the future voter turnout will increase.

Councilor Pacino – None.

Councilor Simon – noted that the State Legislature had done an injustice to the Town of Windsor when they redisctricted. He questioned if the towns had any legal recourse regarding the redistricting.

Councilor Walker – thanked the residents of Windsor and his colleagues on the Council and wished all a happy and safe holiday. He would also like to see increased voter turnout.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

Mayor Trinks – thanked the Carolers who turned out for the Caroling despite the weather. He commented that the Torch Light Parade was an impressive turnout also. He encouraged all residents to patronize town vendors for holiday shopping.

Finance – None.

Health & Safety – the next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 12^th to discuss the potential transfer of Batchelder and Island Roads to Loomis Chaffee ownership.

Special Projects – None

Town Improvements – None.

None.

None.

1. Authorize Town Manager to Execute Social Services Block Grant Agreement

The State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has informed us of Windsor’s eligibility to apply for a grant in the amount of $35,677. The grant supports Windsor’s Health and Social Services case management, information and referral, Windsor food programs and fuel bank, health related programs (i.e., Low Vision Support Group, Caregivers Luncheon, Diabetic Support Group, Share Support Group, and Annual Health Fair), transportation program and the clothing program. There is no matching grant requirement.

Motioned by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Pacino to resolve that Town Manager R. Leon Churchill, Jr. is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and behalf of this Contractor with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for an Information & Referral program and to affix the corporate seal.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

2. Senior Center Survey Presentation

Dr. Waldo Klein, Associate Professor of UCONN School of Social Work, and Ms. Robin Newman, Director of Family and Leisure Services gave a presentation on the Senior Center Survey results. The overall perceptions of senior center programming were very positive and approximately 80% of the respondents felt that the facilities were adequate or better. Only the parking area was negatively evaluated, and even then, about ¾ of the respondents said that it was "adequate". The primary reasons for non-participation of seniors include: too busy, physically not well, still working, too young, and activities not interesting.

Approximately 55% of the respondents felt that the reception area needed to be improved and approximately 53% of the respondents would like to see the Senior Center newsletter mailed to the home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 24% of Windsor’s population is over the age of 55. It is anticipated that the senior population will steadily increase, therefore it is important that programming and services for seniors continue to be evaluated by both staff and participants. Further analysis of recommendations will be required.

The recommendations are:

• Facility enhancements, both interior and exterior
• Review methods to improve communication to Seniors
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels for program enhancements and availability to participants
• Review of the minimum age requirement for membership by both staff and seniors

Ms. Newman said that they would like to include an advisory group of seniors to assist in further developing the recommendations.

Mayor Trinks asked for the definition of a usable rate. Dr. Klein responded that a blank sheet may have been submitted or perhaps more answers were checked for a question than requested.

Councilor Mulligan asked how the survey was conducted. Dr. Klein reported that it was conducted in two waves; a mailing with a letter detailing the purpose of the survey and a response package, an incentive to respond, a reminder postcard and two weeks later a second wave mailing with another letter and response package. Councilor Mulligan requested samples of the mailings. Ms. Newman said they would be distributed to new Councilors.

Councilor Albano asked about uninvolved subsample. Dr. Klein stated that the involved subsample is derived from existing participants in the Senior Center. The uninvolved subsample is from seniors who have never visited the Senior Center.

Councilor Pacino asked if seniors were given an opportunity to identify programs they would like to see at the Senior Center. Dr. Klein confirmed that they were offered an opportunity to suggest programs and some recommended programs that were already in place.

Councilor Jepsen asked how many people were in the uninvolved subsample. Dr. Klein replied approximately 50-60 respondents.

Councilor Walker inquired about the advisory group. He remarked that the seniors are very active and he encouraged the management of the Senior Center look to the seniors for their input. Ms. Newman responded that the advisory group would be a focus group of seniors and anyone interested in offerings at the Senior Center.

Councilor Albano asked if there was someone performing that work currently. Town Manager Churchill responded that while the Senior Center doesn’t have a Director, there is Senior Services staff. They are part-time employees. He requested flexibility in that position to determine the needs of the Senior Services staff.

Councilor Pacino requested that we table the motion until Town Manager Churchill presents his budget and the Senior Services staff has time to analyze their needs.

Councilor Albano echoed Councilor Pacino’s remarks. It is in his opinion that it is Town Manager Churchill’s job to determine the needs and present a recommendation. He feels it is premature to make a directive.

Councilor Mulligan remarked that the Town Manager has capable and knowledgeable staff in place to determine the Senior Center needs and to have them come to the Council with a recommendation.

Councilor Albano made a friendly amendment to add "additional" to the motion.

Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Walker to direct the Town Manager to include funding for an additional full-time Senior Center staff member for the budget year 2002-03.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Pacino to take a five-minute break at 8:30 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Mayor Trinks remarked that upon visiting the Senior Center, the consensus of the seniors was that additional staff was needed at the Senior Center.

Councilor Simon commented that his intention is that the Council makes a policy decision tonight.

Councilor Pacino remarked about the motions. It is in his opinion that this is a political motion. He stated that we all agree that the staff is needed, but the motion micro-manages the Town Manager to include a position in the budget. Councilor Pacino also questioned if the motion was out of order. Questions could be raised because we are motioning a budget item prior to going into budget session. He feels it is an inappropriate motion at this time.

Mayor Trinks stated that the additional staff is needed and consistency is important. He also reported that the motion is in order.

Councilor Broxterman suggested that the Council tells the Town Manager what to do all the time. If it is a matter of timing and the Council had to wait until the budget season, we wouldn’t have built the skate park, etc. He added that the Council is directing the Town Manager to add a full-time staff member to the Senior Center and allowing him to prepare for the budget season.

Councilor Jepsen would have liked more information regarding the impact of the budget, and specifically, the full report on the Senior Survey.

1. Landfill Presentation

Town Manager Churchill summarized the landfill closure. The Town Council voted on July 23, 2001 to close the landfill when it reaches its permitted capacity projected to be in mid-2004. Several initiatives need to take place to successfully close the landfill and re-use it so that the property is a true community asset. The town has to address issues such as ongoing closure activities; stormwater compliance issues; landform design; determine the need for air permits/methane control; leachate collection system design; the zone of influence on the ABB property; and transportation and disposal of Windsor’s refuse.

The Town also has to:

• Determine the quantity of groundwater flow from ABB property to landfill
• Revise the zone of influence on the ABB with the objective of not having to acquire the property;
• Determine the need for an air permit. It is necessary if the landfill’s capacity is more than 2.5 million cubic meters;
• Obtain permission from the DEP to fill a depression along the southwest edge of the landfill with bulky waste in order to resolve drainage problems;
• Construct a new sanitary line and connect it to the MDC system;
• Determine the best method for the transportation and disposal of Windsor refuse with potential implications on refuse collection.

The feedback was generally positive from the DEP. Although it is much too premature to determine finite closure costs, it is reasonable to project lower costs than the previous estimate of $24 million.

There are several types of uses allowed on closed landfills: active and passive recreational and solid waste uses. Solid waste uses include leaf composting, scrap metal recycling, citizen convenience center, MSW transfer station, recycling transfer station, take-it-or-leave-it, or a truck weigh station.

A landfill planning process will begin in January 2002 to discuss the potential uses.

Mr. Irving Slike, Landfill Manager, briefed the Council on the storm water, landfill gasses and how to address them.

Councilor Broxterman asked if an earlier closing of the landfill would be considered if the 2.5 million cubic yards of waste are achieved earlier than anticipated. Mr. Slike responded that it would be considered.

Councilor Mulligan asked if the waste to fill the depression would be included in 2.5 million cubic yards of waste. Mr. Slike replied that it would be included.

Mr. Zavarella, Town Planner, discussed the proposed public process to determine the final landfill use and form.

Councilor Pacino asked about the landfill zoning and would it have to be changed if recreational use is selected. Mr. Zavarella reported that it is zoned for public use.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked for further clarification of the Steering Committee. Mr. Zavarella reported that the Steering Committee would be holding the public meetings.

Town Manager Churchill commented that there would be a change in the way trash is collected and recycled will change and there may be a financial impact to Windsor residents.

Councilor Simon liked the idea of the Steering Committee but suggested that they perhaps the mission should be broader than just landfill reuse. He also requested that a specific agenda item reporting the landfill be added to the agenda.

Deputy Mayor Curtis agreed with the on-going updates. He asked the Town Manager about the Steering Committee and how they will deal with the issue of trash. Town Manager Churchill responded that the Steering Committee would be appointed by the Council and be in the Council will determine the Steering Committee charge.

Councilor Broxterman suggested that the Steering Committee focus on the future use of the landfill.

Councilor Pacino said that there are two or three Council committees that could schedule public meetings instead of a Steering Committee. His concern is that there will be a delay in the process due to the appointments and initial meetings of the Steering Committees.

Mayor Trinks referred the establishment of a Steering Committee to the Finance Committee.

Deputy Mayor Curtis is concerned that the landfill closure will become a political matter if Council Committees are charged with the Steering Committee.

1. E-Government Presentation

Ms. Robin Newman, Director of Family and Leisure Services, Mr. Frank Angelillo, Coordinator of Information Services, and Paul Norris, Recreation Manager, made a presentation to the Council regarding E-Government. Mr. Norris demonstrated the registration process via the secure website. Prior to online registration, a request for an account number is required.

The implementation of RecWare Safari software will provide the residents of Windsor better customer service and improve staff efficiency through E-government services. Safari maximizes staffing resources by allowing staff quicker switching between various functions without having to wait while one program shuts down and another opens. This allows them to complete more transactions in less time. Safari also allows multiple payment options by including credit card use and payment plans. Safari’s online registration capability allows community access to activities at any hour of the day, and any day of the week. The financial impact is $75,000.

Ms. Newman reported that since not all citizens have access to the Internet, walk-in registration will begin December 15^th, requests for family account number registration will begin on December 17^th, and online registration begins December 20^th. Mr. Angelillo reported that the Discovery Center and Northwest Park Summer programs would be added in the summer of 2002. Some future uses of the software include Northwest Park Gift Shop, Town Clerk licensing, inspection services, etc.

Councilor Simon expressed concern that some online registrants may not receive their program selections because walk-in registration begins first. Ms. Newman replied that the program is new and a number of residents don’t have Internet access and a staggered registration schedule would ensure walk-ins equal access.

Councilor Broxterman asked if there is the potential to add Little League and other programs within the town to the software. Ms. Newman stated that they have not formally discussed the option, but the possibility is definitely there.

Deputy Mayor Curtis had a concern about walk-in registrations filling the programs before online registrations have the opportunity to sign-up. Ms. Newman reported that slots would be reserved for online registrations.

Councilor Jepsen commented on the process of having prerequisites for aquatic programs. Mr. Norris stated that it is a large concern of the department. The program descriptions will include prerequisites, as well as having pre-testing sessions prior to summer registration.

Councilor Walker asked about credit card use and outside companies performing the transfer of funds. Mr. Angelillo stated that VeriSign is used to verify the funds and immediately transfer the funds to the Fleet account. The cost is a percentage charged for each transaction, which he believes is around $2 but he will provide the exact figure once he confirms it.

Councilor Pacino asked who pays the $2 fee. Mr. Norris responded that a $2.00 fee was added to each program cost. Councilor Pacino asked how pre-requisites would be managed. Mr. Norris replied that the information is not computerized, it is kept in the files via rosters. Mr. Angelillo said that the software does track past recreation programs. It does not track if a youngster passed or failed a program.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the system has the ability to create a waiting list. Mr. Norris replied that if the program is filled, the system asks if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.

Mayor Trinks remarked that this is a step in the right direction. He asked if during the selection process other municipalities were contacted to learn of their initial problems. Mr. Norris said that they did speak with some municipalities. There are only about two-dozen municipalities throughout the country who perform online registration. Some had no issues or problems others had minor issues. Staff has taken those issues into account. Mayor Trinks asked if Mr. Angelillo is comfortable that this program is expandable. Mr. Angelillo replied that there are three components to the system: a core system that holds the data, ability to do credit card registrations, and touch-tone registration (telephone dial-up). Within those three components there are plans to maximize the program.

Councilor Walker asked if youths could be tracked regarding pass/fail. Mr. Angelillo replied that the component has a grading feature, which may be customized in the future. Councilor Walker asked about publicity. Mr. Angelillo replied that a ten-minute promo would air on WIN-TV up until registration, an e-mail direct would be sent to town residents, a web site posting, and signs in the department.

Motioned by Councilor Albano, seconded by Councilor Simon to re-appoint John Purcell to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped for a two-year term to expire November 28, 2003 or until a successor is appointed; to appoint Robert McCarron to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for a four year term to expire March 31, 2002 or until a successor is appointed; to re-appoint Leon M. Alford to the Public Building Commission for a four-year term to expire November 30, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Councilor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to table Items A-D,

F-I, K-S, U, W, X-Z, and AA-TT.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman for Don Trinks to replace Mary Hogan on the CRCOG Policy Board.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Mayor Trinks explained that if a member’s appointment was up on November 30, 2001, the member is still in the position until a successor is appointed.

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the November 12, 2001 Special Town Council Meeting

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2001 Special Town Council Meeting.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

2. Minutes of the November 19, 2001 Town Council Meeting

Correction – page 4 - September 11^th. Councilor Jepsen was incorrectly spelled.

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Walker to approve the corrected minutes of the November 19, 2001 Town Council Meeting.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

15. Public Communications and Petitions

Alyn Nelson, 359 West Wolcott Avenue addressed the Council. He reported that there were a number of fires set December 2^nd. He recommended that residents remain cautious and aware. He is glad to see the landfill issue continuing. He is an advocate for the take-it-or-leave-it plan. He is concerned about Bloomfield’s involvement in the closing of the landfill. He also noted that there are no women on the Council at this time. He knows of many women in Windsor who are very capable and recommends that any women interested become involved.

 

 

16. Executive Session

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman and seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following items:

1. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and pending litigation (Town of Windsor vs. State of Connecticut)
2. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and pending litigation (Galin vs. Town of Windsor)
3. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and pending litigation (Stanadyne vs. Town of Windsor)
4. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and pending litigation (Stanley Works vs. Town of Windsor)

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Council entered Executive Session at 10:04 p.m.

Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilors Albano, Broxterman, Jepsen, Mulligan, Pacino, Simon, and Walker.

Guests: Town Attorney Vincent Oswecki, Town Manager Churchill, Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, Dean Cordiano, outside counsel.

Dean Cordiano, outside counsel, left Executive Session at 10:25 p.m.

Steve Kosofsky, Town Assessor, entered Executive Session at 10:26 p.m.

Steve Kosofsky, Town Assessor, exited Executive Session at 10:35 p.m.

Mayor Trinks excused himself from Executive Session due to personal knowledge of the plaintiff at 10:45 p.m.

Executive Session ended at 11:00 p.m.

Motioned by Councilor Albano and seconded by Councilor Simon to extend the Town Council Meeting by 10 minutes.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motion made by Councilor Broxterman and seconded by Councilor Albano that the Town of Windsor compensate the State of Connecticut per discussions in Executive Session.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motion made by Councilor Broxterman and seconded by Councilor Simon to authorize the Town Attorney to negotiate a settlement in regards to Galin vs. Windsor as discussed in Executive Session.

Motion Passed 8-0-1 – Mayor Trinks abstained

Motion made by Councilor Simon and seconded by Councilor Albano to execute a settlement for between Stanadyne and the Town of Windsor as discussed in Executive Session.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motion made by Councilor Jepsen and seconded by Councilor Broxterman that $15,000 be appropriated from the Undesignated General Fund balance for the purpose of a settlement between Stanley Works and the Town of Windsor.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Simon to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 11:08 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch