Town Council Meeting Minutes

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers - Town Hall

February 20, 2001

Unapproved Minutes

 

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

  1. Roll Call - Present: Mayor Hogan , Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks. Absent: Council member Haverstock, was not able to attend due to the fact he was representing a client out of town

  2. Prayer - Council member Pacino

  3. Pledge of Allegiance - Council member Pacino

  4. Resolutions and Awards

    5. None

  5. Public Communications and Petitions

    6. Randy Graff, Town Treasurer and member of the Bradley International Airport stated he supported efforts to conduct a feasibility study of potential uses for the redevelopment parcel on Windsor Avenue south of Route 291. Relative to Bradley Airport he reported on the Glycol Recovery System and there have been fewer complaints from the Town of Windsor concerning noise. Legislative proposals have been implemented for the future governing of the Airport. Two proposals have been made the first, from Bradley International Airport Executive Council, and the second from the Legislative Program Review and Investigation Committee for the State Legislature. Mr. Graff neither agrees nor disagrees with these two proposals, however he believes they will have a positive effect on the town.

    In closing, Mr. Graff, as Town Treasurer, recommended that the Town Council look into investing resources to modernizing the financial software systems within the town.

    Jim Mitchofsky,115 Hill Top Road, stated that he liked very much where he lives, he has been there for several years. He stated that himself and his neighbors are anxiously waiting for the Landfill to close. He said the sea gulls, noise, and pollution have increased greatly since he first moved there. He stated he knew Mr. Churchill has had meetings in reference to keeping the landfill open for several more years, and he can't image looking at a mountain of garbage for years to come. His home is located across the river from the Landfill, and if it were to stay open he would move.

    Mr. Mitchfosky also stated that he wished that more meetings would be held on the Landfill issues outside of executive session so that the residents could gain more information

    Darlene Clase, 74 West Street, stated her concerns were directed towards the landfill, CRRA, high truck traffic, finances and pollution. Her main concern was the amount of power the CRRA would have over the landfill, she believes that CRRA would have total control.

    Jane Garibay, 409 Broad Street, stated she and other homeowners have formed a group, called Windsor Homeowners Against Landfill Expansion. She feels that all of the positive programs and projects that the town has successfully completed would be wasted if the landfill operation continues and is expanded.

    Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, and voiced his concern that the proposed enlargement of the parking area on the property at 289 Broad Street was too large. He stated the proposed size should be cut in half. He said the extensive enlargement that is planned would not enhance the look of the property. Further, he stated that the project should be put out to public bid because there were more important projects in the town that needed the attention of Public Works staff and pointed out the fact that even public sidewalks can't be shoveled out. He stated enlarging the parking lot by a private contractor would also be more economical.

    Katie Breen, Executive Director of First Town Downtown, stated she was very enthused by the Huntington House Project, and that the proposed parking lot would fit well with the current plans identified in the Broad Street Corridor Street Study.

  6. Annual Report from Appointed Boards and Commissions

    7. George Bolduc, Chairman of the Board of Assessment Appeals, presented an overview of the role and responsibilities of the board.

  7. Town Manager's Report

Officer of the Year

Congratulations to Officer Edward Banasiak of the Windsor Police Department who has been voted by his fellow officers to be named "Officer of the Year". This award is presented each year by the Windsor Exchange Club at their annual Law Enforcement Recognition Night.

Officer Banasiak joined the Windsor Police Department in 1977 and has been a full time officer for 24 years. He is currently the department's Evidence Technician.

Bond Refunding Results

Last week the town refinanced approximately 17 million dollars in bonds. The average interest rate on the old bonds was about 5.5%. Refinancing cut the average interest rate on these bonds to less than 4.5%. Over the life of these bonds the town will save half a million dollars. Most of the savings are built into the next two years in order to level off debt service payments that peak in 2004.

Record Cold Weather Plays Major role in Higher Natural Gas Bills

According to the National Weather Service, November and December 2000 were the coldest such months on record, which played a major factor in the higher natural gas bills that customers have been receiving nationwide from their local natural gas companies, according to the American Gas Association. The US Energy Information Administration has reported that some consumers could pay up to 70% more this winter for natural gas than they did last winter. In addition to the record cold weather, there has been an increase in the wholesale price of each unit of natural gas.

Natural gas consumers are encouraged to contact their local providers to find out if they are eligible for energy assistance or fuel bank funds. The income guidelines are higher this year, so even those who were not eligible to receive funds in previous years may be eligible this year. Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) customers can call (860)727-3555 or (860)727-3034.

Windsor Neighborhood Conference

Saturday, March 3, will be a very special day here in Windsor. That's the day the Town will be hosting the Windsor Neighborhood Conference at the Sage Park Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to noon. We want to bring residents from throughout the community together to learn about ways to enhance our neighborhoods. Residents will have the opportunity to attend a series of highly informative breakout sessions covering topics that we know interest our residents: home improvements, landscaping, family recreational opportunities, organizing for neighborhood safety, and more. Our guests will be treated to a continental breakfast and there will be over $500 in door prizes of gift certificates to Windsor businesses related to home decorating and hardware. Free child cares for ages four and up will be also be provided. Come join me on Saturday, March 3rd for an informative morning.

  1. Communications from Council Members

    2. Mayor Hogan announced that the Town Council would hold three public meetings over the next three to four weeks to discuss and review possible options regarding the landfill. The first meeting will be held Monday, February 26, 7:00pm at Town Hall.

    Mayor Hogan also stated that she was going to organize a meeting for March 7 regarding the Town Council - Board of Education Joint Service Committee.

    Council member Ristas stated he would not be available to attend the February 26 landfill meeting. He has had a number of calls in reference to the Landfill, which he welcomes. He is opened minded regarding future options relative to the landfill. He thanked the Town Manager for examining and presenting a range of options as requested by the Town Council and looks forward to continued public discourse regarding the options.

    Council member Pacino asked the public to be accurate in stating information concerning the landfill issues. He also commented that he was pleased that the lights in the gym at L.P. Wilson were fixed. He hopes the lights at Sage Park School gym can also be brought up to date by the Board of Education. He also asked the community to remember former champion boxer Willie Pep.

    Council member Simon stated he was glad there would be more meetings on the landfill and hoped that each option including the C.R.R.A option could be reviewed in detail at the three meetings.

    Council member Trinks stated his hope that information regarding the landfill within the community is accurate and for the people call proper authorities for it for issues on the landfill.

    Council member Broxterman thanked residents for their e-mails and letters and encouraged interested parties to contact the Town Manager's Office if necessary to gather accurate information regarding the landfill proposals.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis stated that he welcomes and invites further public comment concerning the landfill.

     

    Mayor Mary Hogan echoed the comments from other council members regarding the landfill dialogue and encouraged everyone to continue keeping the lines of communication open.

  2. Reports of Standing Committees

    3. Town Improvement Committee met within the last two weeks and had an initial discussion on the proposed Capital Improvements Program. The Committee will likely have one or two more meetings on the CIP in the next month.

  3. Ordinances

    4. None

  4. Unfinished Business

    5. None

  5. New Business

  1. Presentation on Capital Region Council of Governments Regional Transit Strategy.

    2. Sandy Fry and Tom Maziarz for CRCOG provided a brief overview of the proposed regional transit strategy. No Town Council action was requested.

  2. Refer the 330 Windsor Avenue Hazardous Materials Removal and Deferred Maintenance Project to the Public Building Commission.

    3. Mayor Hogan called on Town Manager Churchill to provide an overview of this item. Town Manager Churchill stated that the Town Council earlier in the fiscal year had authorized funding for this project and this request was simply to make the formal project referral to the Public Building Commission so the PBC could administer the project.

    Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to refer the project to renovate 330 Windsor Avenue to include matters regarding deferred maintenance and hazardous material abatement, to the Public Building Commission for oversight of the project.

    The motion was approved by an 8-0-0 vote.

  3. A resolution appropriating $240,000 for the construction of a public parking lot to the rear of 289 Broad Street.

    4. Town Manager Churchill introduced the item and Town Engineer Lenehan provided an overview of the proposed parking lot design. The parking lot would be an extension of the existing parking to the rear of Town Hall and would serve both the Town Hall and museum. The preliminary design indicated a net gain of approximately 50 parking spaces.

    The Mayor referred this item to the Town Improvements Committee for review and a report on the design of the proposed parking lot.

  4. Authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement relative to operation of Public Safety Communication Answering Point.

    5. Town Manager Churchill asked Police Chief Searles to provide an overview of the item. Chief Searles stated that the Town has operated a public safety answering point as part of the statewide 911 system for a number of years. The state has been converting its 911 system to more state of the art system known as enhanced 911, or E-911. As each municipality is converted to the new system it is asked to sign a new operating agreement with the state. The proposed agreement reflects two changes. The first change reflects new language referencing the new E-911 system and the second places liability with the town for any damages which may occur from the town modifying the state provided equipment.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis, made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut for operation of our local E-911 system.

     

    The motion was approved by an 8-0-0 vote.

  5. Approve the proposed use of FY 2001 Wilson Funds.

Patrick McMahon, of Economic and Community Development presented an overview of the proposed projects, which include completing a market feasibility study of the redevelopment parcel along with the construction of steel bridge over Deckers Brook from 330 Windsor Avenue to Sharshon Park.

Council member Pacino asked a number of questions relative to the design of the bridge which Town Engineer Tom Lenehan responded to. Council member Pacino voiced his opposition to the design of the bridge and stated he would prefer a wood bridge.

Council member Albano stated he did not support the funding of the bridge because he thought the funding should be used for other projects.

Council members Trinks and Simon stated that they support funding the bridge.

Deputy Mayor Curtis, made a motion seconded by, Council member Broxterman, that the Town Council approve of the use of $52,000 from funds appropriated for Wilson improvements in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for a market study of the Redevelopment Parcel and the installation of a pedestrian bridge from 330 Windsor Avenue to Sharshon Park.

The motion was approved by a 6-2-0 vote. Council member Pacino and Albano voted in opposition.

  1. Resignations and Appointments

    2. Motion was made and seconded to table items A through H. The motion was approved by a 8-0-0 vote.

  2. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

  1. Minutes of the February 6, 2001 Public Hearing concerning the FY 2001 - FY 2002 budget.

    2. Council member Trinks, made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2001 Public Hearing concerning the FY 2001 - FY 2002 budget. The motion was approved by a 8-0-0 vote.

  2. Minutes of the February 6, 2001 regular Town Council Meeting

Council member Broxterman, made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2001 regular Town Council Meeting. The motion was approved by a 8-0-0 vote.

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    2. None

     

  2. Executive Session

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion seconded by Council member Broxterman to enter executive session for the purpose of

  1. Discussing strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Gasparino v. Town of Windsor.)

  2. Discussing strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Gunnell v. Town of Windsor.)

  3. Discussing strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Wimble v. Stanford)

  4. Discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee.

The motion passed 8-0-0 and the Council entered executive session at 9:02pm. Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council members Albano, Broxterman, Pacino, Ristas, Simon, Trinks. Staff and guests present: Town Manager Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Souza, Town Attorney Oswecki, Police Chief Searles, Elliot Spector, outside legal counsel.

At 9:38pm Chief Searles, Elliot Spector, outside legal counsel left executive session.

Council members Pacino and Trinks left executive session at 9:39pm.

Council members Pacino and Trinks re-entered executive session at 10:00pm.

Town Manager Churchill , Assistant Town Manager Souza and Town Attorney Oswecki left executive session at 10:15pm

Council member Haverstock arrived and entered executive session at 10:25 pm

Town Manager Churchill entered executive session at 10:40pm

Town Council left executive session and reconvened the regular Town Council Meeting at 10:52pm

Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Ristas, to authorize settlement of Gasparino v. Town of Windsor in accordance with discussion in executive session. Motion passed 6 - 0 - 3. Council members Haverstock, Pacino, Trinks abstained as they did not participated in this portion of executive session.

Council member Broxterman made a motion., seconded by Council member Albano, to authorize settlement of Gunnell v. Town of Windsor in accordance with discussion in executive session. Motion passed 5 - 3 - 1. Council members Broxterman, Trinks, Pacino voted no. Council member Haverstock abstained, as he did not participated in this portion of executive session.

Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano, to authorize settlement of Wimble v. Sanford in accordance with discussion in executive session. Motion passed 8 - 0 - 1 Councilmember Haverstock abstained, as he did not participated in this portion of executive session.

Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano, to increase the annual salary of the Town Manager from $98,000 to $101,000 effective January 1, 2001. Motion passed 9 - 0 - 0.

  1. Adjournment

Council member Trinks, made a motion, seconded Council member Albano to adjourn the regular Town Council meeting. Motion passed 9-0-0.

Meeting adjourned at 10:55pm

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

______________________________

Carole Zawalich

Substitute Clerk of Windsor Town Council

 

 

 

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch