Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
March 19, 2001
Approved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Roll Call - Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks
Prayer - Council member Pacino
Pledge of Allegiance - Council member Pacino
Resolutions and Awards
None.
Public Communications and Petitions
Karen Buszczak, 61 Broadleaf Circle, spoke in favor of closing the landfill. It is in her opinion that there has been a great deal of discussion regarding the landfill and the money it will generate for Windsor, but it will be at the sacrifice to the environment, health of residents and Windsor's image. She requested that Council members vote to close the landfill.
Ann Marsella, 1 Kendrick Drive, is a member of "WHALE", Windsor Homeowners Against Landfill Expansion and spoke in favor of closing the landfill. She stated that she was aware of one Council member's opinion regarding the landfill and requested that other Council members publicly state their opinion on the landfill. It is in her opinion that Windsor has an image issue and the landfill will not help the image. She requested that the Council debate the issue publicly, not in Executive Session.
Pat Terrion, 510 Hearthstone Drive, lives about 500 yards from the landfill and spoke against the landfill expansion. He is concerned with the loss of property values for homes in the landfill vicinity and the environmental, health and image concerns. He believes that Windsor residents should vote on the landfill issue instead of the Council voting.
Janis Ziaks, 47 Lancaster Drive, spoke against the landfill.
John Eichner, 27 Hansom Hill Road, requested that the Town Council restore the Board of Education Report to the Council's Agenda to improve communications between the Board and Council. It is in his opinion that there is some uncertainty in the structure and format of the Joint Committee. He urged the Council to act favorably on this request.
Lon Pelton, 1 Orchard Lane, spoke in favor of painting the railroad underpass bridge to reduce the truck accidents that occur at that location when the trailer hits the underpass. There is a sign stating the height of the underpass, but he felt the bridge height is incorrectly stated. He requested that Windsor coordinate the effort with the DOT and Railroad.
Report of Appointed Boards and Commisisons
Annual Report of Board of Ethics
Abraham Morrison represented the Board of Ethics which is a five member appointed body established May 1970. The Board of Ethics renders advisory options and makes recommendations with respect to amending the code of ethics at the request of the Town Manager, Town Council members, Superintendent of Schools, or a member of the Board of Education. At the request of one of the aforementioned members, the Board of Ethics renders opinions of actions of Town officials or employees with respect to the code of ethics.
Annual Report of Commission on Aging and Handicapped
Mr. Lee Hoffman, Commission on Aging and Handicapped Vice Chair, highlighted the Commission's accomplishments of the last year. The Commission has just finished a brochure that lists Windsor Restaurants and their handicap amenities, which will be printed this Spring. The brochure will be distributed through the Chamber of Commerce and the Town. The Commission also advised the Council about changing parking ordinances for the Town. Some of the Commission meetings have been moved to the L.P. Wilson Senior Center for easier accessibility for Senior Citizens.
The Commission will continue to work with the Town to outreach citizens who may benefit from town services. One of their goals is to produce a brochure that lists places of worship and their handicap amenities. The Commission will assist the Town to identify handicapped parking spaces and evaluate if the $35 fine is sufficient.
Monthly Report of Public Building Commission
Mr. Joe Novak, Public Building Commission Chair, reported on Windsor High School Phase II renovation. The Commission is now meeting monthly at the high school. Wiring for communication and data is in progress. Structural HVAC is scheduled for April. Sheet rock, windows, sprinkler systems, piping and shoring for roof top units have been installed in some areas.
The pool and related support areas, rubber gym, cafeteria and kitchen areas will be closed for construction March 31st. The outdoor pool will be open for the Summer season. The completion date is scheduled for December 2002. To review the progress of projects go to the website: www.ogind.com (Construction Manager's website) or the Town's website.
Roof project bid packages for PVC will be presented to the Commission at the next meeting, March 27th. If the bid package is approved it will go out to bid with a commencement date of September 17th.
The Rainbow Road firehouse is complete with the exception of raking, seeding, exterior painting, and plantings.
The Sage Park Roof project is complete.
Council member Ristas inquired about the high school project contingency fund. Mr. Novak responded that additional asbestos was found which was not anticipated. Mr. Novak expects that there will be contingency funds leftover, which can be used to purchase some items that were originally cut (i.e., furniture and equipment).
Council member Haverstock inquired about the dispute with the architect fees. Mr. Novak replied that they have agreed to disagree. In the near future the Commission will meet for an Executive Session and to discuss a possible a settlement with the architect.
Town Managers Report
Walk with the blind
Join the Yankee Council American Youth Hostel and members of the Windsor Rivers and Trails Coalition at Northwest Park for a "Walk with the blind". This event will take place on Sunday, March 25th at 1:30 PM. Approximately 20 seeing impaired individuals from our community will be brought together to explore the trails network at Northwest Park. If you would like to participate in this event, please call Rick Bosch at 298-9976.
Volunteer Support Program Recipients
I am pleased to announce the latest five recipients of matching grants through the town's Volunteer Support Program. They include:
JFK Parent Teacher Organization - ($5,000)
The JFK Parent Teacher Organization was instrumental in securing the first phase of a new playscape in 1997 and they had opted for a modular unit in order to facilitate future expansion. This grant award will be matched with funds raised by the PTO and volunteers will assist with the installation of the equipment.
Windsor Garden Club - ($2,000)
The Windsor Garden Club will be making landscaping improvements to the island at the entrance to the Windsor Center River Trail on Palisado Avenue. The Garden Club will provide 200 hours of volunteer services to match the grant of $2,000 which will be used toward the cost of plants and materials.
Windsor International Little League - ($5,000)
The Windsor International Little League will be matching both cash funds and volunteer labor to complete field improvements to fields #1, #3 and #5 at Welch Park. Proposed improvements include skinning an infield, installing new dirt, new infield grass and a warning track. In addition, the public address system will also be repaired.
Windsor Historical Society - ($5,000)
The Windsor Historical Society will be undertaking a large project to preserve irreplaceable documents and artifacts on Windsor's history by making improvements to the basement of the Mills Building where the documents are stored. Dehumidifiers and sump pumps are currently utilized to keep humidity levels at the recommended temperature. The Historical Society will match this award with individual and corporate contributions as the total cost of the project is $24,000.
There is currently a balance of $23,000 in the Volunteer Support Program Fund.
New Food Bank Application/Hours
A new application process for those who utilize the Windsor Food Bank will go into effect on April 1, 2001. In response to Federal guidelines, a new income screening process will be utilized. Current participants have been verbally notified by staff and have received written notification. The hours of the food bank have also been reduced to lessen the amount of staff time involved in the distribution of food. For more information, call 285-1842.
Upcoming Budget Calendar Highlights
Next Wednesday, March 28th, the town will hold it's annual "Budget Open House" here in the Council Chambers from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This informal format is open to the public and residents are encouraged to join us for an "up close and personal" view of the town departments.
The first Public Hearing on the Proposed FY2002 Budget will be held Monday, April 2, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers.
Landfill Public Meeting
The third in a series of public meetings to discuss options regarding the Windsor Landfill will be held Monday, March 26, 2001 at 7:00 PM at the Sage Park Middle School. Representatives of CRRA will be present to provide information. This meeting is open to the public.
Council member Pacino noted that the Town of Chesire had a snow insurance policy, which collected $35,000 on a $2,000 premium. The Town Manager said that Windsor may look into that for the future, however, the current snow removal expenses will be covered by Town funding and state and federal sources.
Council member Haverstock inquired about sand and salt removal. The Town Manager responded that removal will begin the 2nd week in April through Shad Derby Weekend.
Council member Broxterman asked if the damaged curbs from snow removal efforts would be replaced. The Town Manager replied that the curbs would be replaced.
Mayor Hogan made an inquiry about the Senior Survey. The Town Manager reported that Waldo Kline, who also did a similar study in Manchester, was hired as the consultant to perform the survey for senior services and requirements preferences. Mr. Klein will be issuing 300-400 surveys to begin the quantitative analysis portion of the survey that will be completed later this summer.
Communications from Council Members
Council member Simon - reported that Jim's Pizza is having a fundraiser for Project Graduation (a drug and alcohol free activity in which 95% of graduates participate). A portion of the food sales from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11th will be donated to Project Graduation. He encouraged all to support this cause.
Council member Ristas - stated that he has not made a decision regarding the landfill issue because there are three options to consider. The Council is no longer meeting in Executive Session on this issue unless a legal matter arises.
Council member Broxterman - extended the Council's condolences to Forknot family for the loss of their son, Jason, a freshman at CCSU, and a 1999 graduate of Windsor High School.
Council member Pacino - said that he coached against Jayson Forknot in the town basketball program. He was a true gentleman in every sense of word. Jayson always went out of his way to say hi and congratulations. Council member Pacino requested that everyone keep the Forknot family in their prayers.
A new Jamaican style restaurant, Barretts, has opened in Wilson. Council member Pacino encouraged residents to visit the restaurant.
Council member Albano - none.
Council member Haverstock - is pleased about the effort between the Board of Education and the Council to improve dialogue. Council members Haverstock and Simon will represent the Council on the Joint Committee. Council member Haverstock also reported that he has not made a decision about the landfill.
Deputy Mayor Curtis - has not made a decision regarding the landfill and is withholding judgment until he attends the presentations on the three options, considers all public feedback and evaluates the budgetary impacts.
Mayor Hogan - reported that the Friends of Northwest Park are having their annual Pancake Breakfast at Northwest Park on Saturday, March 24th and that the annual Chamber of Commerce auction is slated for April 6th at 6:30 pm at the Bradley Sheraton.
There will be a landfill meeting at Sage Park on Monday, March 26th.
The Joint Board of Education and Council Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, March 28th and on a regular basis. Mayor Hogan encouraged all Board and Council members to attend the meetings.
Mayor Hogan welcomes all residents to the upcoming Budget meetings in April, the first meeting is Wednesday, April 4th and the remaining meetings will be held every Monday and Wednesday in April. Monday, April 2nd is a Regular Town Council Meeting. Referendum will be on Tuesday, May 8th. Mayor Hogan requested the Town Manager distribute the schedule of departments presenting their budgets.
Mayor Hogan publicly thanked the Healthy People Strategy Team who worked on the Healthy People Initiative and she also thanked the staff who worked through the last winter storm.
Council member Trinks - the railroad underpass bridge is entry into Windsor's historic and business district and the center of Windsor. The area needs to be cleaned up aesthetically (i.e., lighting, etc.). He suggested that a Town Council committee review the railroad underpass area to address at the very least the safety issue.
Mayor Hogan made a formal referral to the Town Improvement Committee to discuss the railroad underpass.
Reports of Standing Committees
Town Improvements - Deputy Major Curtis requested that members notify the committee with questions or concerns about the Capital Improvements Project (CIP).
Ordinances
None.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business
Presentation of Healthy People Initiative (Mayor Hogan)
Dr. Charles Petrillo and Ms. Sharon Enot, of the Health Department, along with Mr. Tom Dunn, of the Connecticut Education Association, presented the Healthy People Initiative to the Council. The initiative's mission, goals and background were reviewed. They also discussed the Start Smart program, including staffing, family visits, marketing and the budget. The "Start Smart" program is a voluntary, free of charge program for Windsor families with children ages pre-birth to five. The Windsor Town Clerk office will send packets to every child as birth certificates are recorded. All healthcare providers in the greater Hartford area will be distributing packets and Anthem BCBS will send letters to all enrollees in Windsor.
A personal visit will be scheduled within the first three months after a child's birth. Gifts to the family include a tote bag with basic parenting information and supplies, information about central services provided in Windsor, important phone numbers, immunization schedules, information on the Husky Insurance Plan, free gifts and books for children in the family up to age 5.
Start Smart will be offering parenting and childbirth classes through a partnership with Hartford Hospital at the Hartford Medical Group on Day Hill Road.
The program is located at the Milo Peck Child Development Center. Home visits will be starting in April. Outreach to the community and health care workers is already in progress.
Another Healthy People Initiative Task Team is examining the mental health services for all age groups in Windsor and how to enhance those services for the community. Other programs include the Senior Health Fair, adult education classes, parenting programs through the Oliver Ellsworth Family Resource Center, anger management classes, Vial of Life, child, adult and family library programs and family and youth oriented recreational, educational and cultural programs. A town wide emergency crisis plan will also be developed.
Deputy Mayor Curtis inquired if this service will be year-round or targeting certain times of the year. Dr. Petrillo responded that the programs will be available all year.
Council member Haverstock has been concerned about student test scores and the disparity between segments of populations in the school system. It is his hope that this initiative will address that disparity and reduce or minimize it.
Council member Ristas is pleased to see outside resources, organizations and volunteers involved in this initiative. He feels it is important that Start Smart be marketed universally to all expectant parents, not attempted to target just those at special risk/need for the services.
The Town Manager reported that the initiative has acquired outside funding. Anthem BCBS donated $5,400 to pay for tote bags and printing, the Connecticut Education Association donated $2,000, and he sees other opportunities for the civic community to become involved in funding portions of these programs.
If interested in the Start Smart program, call 285-1410.
A resolution appropriating $240,00 for the construction of a public parking lot to the rear of 289 Broad Street (Deputy Mayor Curtis)
Deputy Mayor Curtis reported that $200,000 plus $40,000 contingency is being requested for the parking lot. Parking spaces will be maximized for future use/needs for functions at the museum, Town Council, and even the library.
Mayor Hogan inquired as to how this construction fits into the larger Corridor Enhancement Plan. The Town Manager expressed that there has been some concern with jumping ahead of that project. They will continue to work towards creating a more pedestrian friendly town green. He also addressed the issue of easing the Post Office traffic. The Planning Department is performing an analysis and communicating with the Postmaster.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council member Trinks to resolve that $240,000 be appropriated from the Capital Projects Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Capital Projects Fund Account (02-553) Huntington House Parking.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
A resolution authorizing the submittal of a Historic Preservation Grant application to the State of Connecticut (Town Manager)
Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman to resolve R. Leon Churchill, Town Manager of Windsor, is authorized to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for a Historic Preservation Grant.)
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Amend Section 12 of the Rules of Order for Town Council.
Deputy Mayor Curtis was concerned with the timeliness of this proposal, he suggests that the Council reviews the results of the next several Joint Board of Education and Council meetings before taking action. He is opposed to this motion.
Council member Simon attended the last joint committee meeting and is opposed to this motion.
Council member Ristas said that the Board of Education requested to add their report to the Council agenda and he supports that request. It restores the reporting that was in place previously.
Council member Broxterman opposes the motion.
Council member Haverstock commented that the Council should honor the Board of Education's request to be heard and he is in favor of the motion.
Council member Trinks said that the new joint committee will better address the reporting between the Council and the Board of Education.
Moved by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Pacino that Section 12. Order of Business, of the Rules of Order for Town Council be amended by inserting item VI Board of Education Report (1st monthly meeting).
Favor: Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, and Council member Ristas.
Opposed: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Broxterman, Council member Simon and Council member Trinks.
Motion Failed 4-5-0
Resignations and Appointments
Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to add Item R. Appoint Scott Suty, Democratic member for the Windsor Youth Commission to fill the term of Vivian Cicero.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman, Item A - Accept the resignation of Francis Brady from the Greater Hartford Transit District.
Item R - Appoint Scott Suty to the Windsor Youth Commission to fill the term of Vivian Cicero.
Item C - Appoint John Bruno to the Connecticut River Assembly for a three-year term to expire January 31, 2004 or until a successor is appointed.
Item D - Appoint Marcy Munoz to the Conservation Commission for a five-year term to expire November 30, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.
Item F - Appoint Valerie Allgrove to the Conservation Commission for a five-year term to expire November 30, 2003 or until a successor is appointed.
Item Q - Appoint Vivian Cicero to the Windsor Housing Authority for a five-year term to expire July 3rd, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman to table the remaining items.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Minutes of Preceding Meetings
Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Trinks to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2001. Corrections: Darlene Klase was misspelled on page 2, second paragraph; Town Treasurer and member of the Bradley International Airport Commission was omitted on page 1, Item 5. Public Communications and Petition.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Public Communications and Petitions
Katie Breen, Executive Director of First Town Downtown addressed the Council regarding the railroad bridge underpass. The beautification and esthetic issues of the railroad bridge is included in the Corridor Enhancement Study. One of the ideas is to conduct a high school art design contest for the underpass area. There is a preliminary planning meeting scheduled for Monday, March 26th in the Rose Room and the Council is welcome to attend. They will be reviewing trees, plantings, lighting, sidewalks, etc. The final report and proposal to the Council is expected in June.
Executive Session
Moved by Council member Curtis, seconded by Council member Haverstock to go into executive session to discuss:
Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Katz v. Town of Windsor)
Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Town of Windsor v. Venkat Eshwarwak)
Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Merrick v. Town of
Windsor).
The motion passed 9-0-0 and the Town Council entered executive session at 9:15pm.
Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council members Albano, Broxterman, Haverstock, Pacino, Ristas, Simon, Trinks. Staff and guests present: Town Manager Churchill, Assistant Town Manger Souza, Town Attorney Oswecki, Police Officer Ed Banasiak.
At 9:45pm Officer Ed Banasiak left Executive Session.
Town Council left executive session and reconvened the regular Town Council Meeting at 9:51pm.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano, to authorize a settlement in the case of Katz v. Town of Windsor in accordance with discussion in executive session.
Motion passed 7-0-0, with Council members Ristas and Haverstock not present.
Council member Albano made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to authorize a settlement in the case of Town of Windsor v. Venkat Eshwarwak in accordance with discussion in executive session.
Motion passed 7-0-0, with Council members Ristas and Haverstock not present.
Adjournment
Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to adjourn the regular Town Council meeting.
Motion passed 7-0-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Countryman
Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
cc: Town Clerk
Main Library
Wilson Branch