Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
April 2, 2001
Approved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Simon, and Council member Trinks
Absent: Council member Broxterman and Council member Ristas
Prayer - Council member Simon
Pledge of Allegiance - Council member Simon
Resolution and Awards.
Proclamation designating April 2-7, 2001 as Public Health Week
Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation designating April 2-7, 2001 as Public Health Week in Windsor as proclaimed by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council.
Public Communications and Petitions
Mr. Doug Kerr, 141 Fieldstone Drive, is a member of "WHALE", Windsor Homeowners Against Landfill Expansion. Mr. Kerr thanked the Mayor and Town Council for the open and forthcoming way the landfill issue has been presented to the residents of Windsor. He is concerned about the long-term impact of the landfill on the Town. He noted that CRRA made a professional, polished presentation last week. It is in his opinion that the landfill would be a risk - health, traffic, air pollution, property values, loss of control of the facility, and increased environmental liabilities. He is also concerned about the Day Hill Road area and how businesses and the growth of the area would be affected. He noted that Windsor could choose to preserve and enhance what we already have or choose to put the Town at risk for some payoff. Mr. Kerr is in support of closing the landfill.
Ms. Jane Garibay, 409 Broad Street, noted that some supporters of closing the landfill had to leave the meeting due to their children, however they want their support to be known to the Council.
Mr. Bob McCarron, 2 Pheasant Run, spoke in favor of closing the landfill.
Mr. Paul Giampolo, 15 Harvest Lane, spoke in favor of closing the landfill. It is in his opinion that keeping the landfill open or expanding it will ruin Northwest Park and the Farmington River. He urged the Council to keep CRRA out of Windsor and close the landfill.
Mr. Steve Hawes, 444 Lantern Way, spoke in favor of the Town budget and Board of Education Budget. He also addressed the Council regarding the CRRA presentation last week. He noted that one of the presentation boards showed the transfer station moved to another area with an access road, but Lantern Way was omitted on the board. Mr. Hawes spoke with the CRRA officials attending the presentation and mentioned the omission. It was in his opinion that if they were not careful, thorough and cover all details in their presentation, perhaps it may be the same if the proposal was to move forward.
Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
Annual Report of Conservation Commission
Mr. Richard Dolliver, newly elected Chairman of the Conservation Commission addressed the Council. He gave special thanks to Everett Dowe, Sr. for his help, support and advice to the Commission over the years. The Conservation Commission envisions a walking path connecting various areas of open space in the Town. They would like to connect the Connecticut and Farmington Rivers from the Hartford line to Northwest Park. They have also identified a route for an informal trail from River Street Open Space to the Chateau Wood housing development. Mr. Dolliver noted that the Commission has not completed an up-to-date inventory of open space in Windsor but they have taken the first steps in that process. He summarized the goals of the Commission. The first Wonder of Windsor contest was held July and August 2000. Next year they would like to open the contest up to the youth of Windsor.
Town Manager's Report
April 2, 2001 Town Managers Report to Town Council
Town of Windsor Receives Gold Award
Community Health Charities (formerly Combined Health Appeal) honored the town's wellness programs with the Gold Award, which is the highest recognition an organization can receive. This award recognizes the town's high level of commitment to health and wellness of employees through the multiple use of creativity and innovation in programming, and utilizing a variety of resources. Employee wellness programs are a collaborative effort of Human Resources, Risk Management, and Health and Social Services and include offerings such as Safety Week, fitness week, lunch and learn seminars and the Windsor University series.
Wild & Wooly Sheep Day
Join us at Northwest Park on Saturday, April 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for "Wild and Wooly Sheep Day". Sheep shearing, sheep dog demonstrations and hands on activities including taking wool from sheep and creating woven fabric are just some of the exciting events of the day. Please call 285-1886 for more information.
Northwest Park will also be hosting two evenings of entertainment as part of their coffeehouse series on April 7th featuring celtic inspired music by "Pendragon", and on April 21st "Tim Harrison" will provide a folk and acoustic music performance. Both concerts will be held from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00. Call 285-1886 for more information.
Grant Award
I am pleased to announce that the Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center recently received $5,000 from the Carse-Robinson Foundation through Fleet Bank. This grant was written to assist with intergenerational programming. This grant is renewable on an annual basis.
Change in Polling Place
Due to the Windsor High School renovation project, the polling place for District 3 has to be changed for both the adjourned town meeting vote in May and the municipal elections in November. District 3 voters currently vote in the High School gymnasium and the relocated polling place will be at the Sage Park Middle School.
We will work with the Registrar of Voters office to publicize this change.
School Vacation Fun
School's out the week of April 16 - 20 and we have plenty of activities to entertain Windsor's youth during their idle time.
A weeklong Wilderness, Survival and Navigation program will be offered at Northwest Park, and the Recreation Department has a variety of events and activities for teens. Day trips will be offered the entire week, including trips to Mashantucket Pequot Museum, the Basketball Hall of Fame and Holyoke Mall, Mystic Aquarium, and Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire.
In addition, there is something to do every day of the week for kids in grades K - 5 at the new Recreation Center at 330 Windsor Ave. The facility will be open 8:30 to 5:00 P.M., and the cost is $12.00 a day. Bring your sneakers and enjoy a day of games, movies, art activities, sports, and there's even a supervised study room for doing homework or some quiet reading. Extended hours are available for a slight additional cost.
The Windsor Skate Park is open! Hours of operation during school vacation week are from noon to dusk. You do need to have either a Skate Park membership or pay the daily fee. For further information, call 285-1990. While school is in session, the hours of operation for the Skate Park are from 3:00 to dusk, and on weekends from noon to dusk.
Please call the Recreation Department at 285-1990 for detailed information.
Snow Insurance Update
As a follow-up to a question raised by Council member Pacino, snow insurance is indeed offered. Finance Director, Gregg Pavitt has researched the option of snow insurance and reports that, snow insurance is a good idea for small towns with few if any reserves. It is useful for those towns in which extra overtime could wipe out their fund balance. For this insurance, as with any insurance, a profit margin needs to be paid so that you do not have to face that risk.
The Town of Windsor has more than sufficient reserves to "fully self-insure" our snow removal efforts. The amount we draw down this year can readily be made up in the upcoming years (in fact, we saved money each of the last several years, and now we are drawing down off that built up reserve).
Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, gave an overview of the snow control budget vs. expenditures this past winter. He thanked all personnel who worked during the snowstorms. As expected, expenditures were greater than budgeted amounts. This winter season saw the greatest one-day snow amount in 22 years. There was a lengthy storm on March 5th, 6th & 7th as well as several weekend storms, which involved paying overtime and double time pay. The main line items for storm control are overtime, materials, town aid roads and town support of education. Those four line items were budgeted at $193,820 for the current fiscal year. To date, $257,000 has been spent for a deficit of $63,268. In addition, the departments vehicle repair costs were greater than budgeted for the current fiscal year. This deficit is primarily the result of a severe winter and its effect on our vehicles and equipment. $132,630 was budgeted for that purpose and anticipated expenditures (current funds expended plus remainder funds for the rest of the fiscal year) is $205,000, for a deficit of $72,370 in the vehicle repair costs line.
Adding the storm control deficit of $63,268 to the anticipated vehicle repair deficit of $72,370, results in a total deficit of $135,638, which can be attributed to the past winter. The overtime deficit had the largest impact on the storm control deficit.
In order to meet this deficit of $135,638, the following measures are proposed: deferring sidewalk repair work from this spring to after July 1st; savings from DPW vacancies this fiscal year; savings from the part-time employee budget this fiscal year; savings from materials budget department wide (with the exception of snow removal) this fiscal year; and to increase the amount from town aid roads to storm control for this fiscal year.
Taking these actions will save $135,638 to meet the deficit.
Council member Albano asked if overtime was part of the $135,638. Mr. Funk replied that overtime is part of that figure.
Council member Pacino inquired about the Handicap Sign Ordinance passed recently. He asked if businesses are being notified about the signs, availability and where they will be accessible. The Town Manager replied that they have not been notified as of yet, notification is expected to take place in May or June. Currently the Aging and Handicap Commission is doing some work in identifying the inventory and exact locations, which provides the database for that follow-up and also provides exact numbers for sign construction and eventual distribution. Businesses with questions can call the Town Manager's Office, Building Services or Public Works.
Council member Trinks asked about the damaged curbs from snowplowing. Mr. Funk responded that the funds for the damaged curbs were coming out of the materials budget. Asphalt will begin to be available later this week.
Mayor Hogan asked about the progress of the street sweeping. Mr. Funk responded that street sweeping started this week.
Communications from Council Members
Council member Albano - None.
Council member Simon - spoke regarding the landfill. Mr. Spalluto brought to his attention that CRRA might have eminent domain and power of the landfill. Council member Simon requested that the Town Manager research this with legal counsel. The Town Manager replied that the matter has been looked into and CRRA only has eminent domain and power with the local government. Council member Simon also noted that he has not made a decision regarding the landfill. He feels that to minimize potential environmental problems, closing the landfill would be the choice. However, whatever is decided will affect future considerations of the Town. Council member Simon pledges to make a decision in the best interest of all the residents of Windsor.
Council member Pacino - noted that with daylight savings more children will be out playing and he requested that drivers be careful. His decision regarding the landfill will benefit the whole Town of Windsor. He will base his decision on the ability to represent the whole town, not just one or two sectors of Town. Council member Pacino requested that "WHALE" provide the names and addresses of Whale members so he can see a cross section of their members.
Council member Trinks - thanked the Town staff for attending the open house budget meeting. He noted that his landfill decision has been made with his 5+ years of experience in dealing with the landfill. He lives in the south end of town and feels that landfill impacts him personally, but his decision is based on the Town as a whole. Council member Trinks mentioned that the Chamber Auction will be held Friday night at the Sheraton and tickets are available at the door.
Council member Haverstock - spoke regarding the landfill. He is looking at a broader prospective on the landfill. He is also looking at tradeoffs (i.e., adverse impacts vs. revenues, capital projects in future, bonding issues, etc.). His decision will be based upon what will be best for Windsor.
Deputy Mayor Curtis - was pleased that the three landfill meetings were informational and they clarified some questions he had and deflated some of his own assumptions. He thanked the residents who made comments at the meetings. Deputy Mayor Curtis also thanked Council member Simon, who pushed for three informational meetings and the opportunity to discuss each option separately. He reported that there is significant opposition of a bulky waste operation in Town. Before he can make his decision he would like more information from the Town Manager regarding closing the landfill. He would like to know the cost impact on tax increases if the landfill closed and how it would affect the Capital Improvement Plan.
Mayor Hogan - thanked the staff for attending budget open house, their presence helps the Council research prior to the budget sessions. Mayor Hogan requested to activate the Personnel Committee and Deputy Mayor Curtis volunteered to Chair. He will coordinate other members of the Committee. Mayor Hogan requested that the Town Manager keep the Council posted on Mr. Dolliver's report on the Chateau Housing Development and easements. Mayor Hogan also requested that the Town Manager schedule a "WHALE" presentation at a future Council meeting.
Reports of Standing committees
Mayor Hogan reported that the Joint Board of Education and Council Committee met last week and meetings will resume in May (due to the April budget meetings).
Council member Haverstock asked if there would be two different sessions for Wednesday's budget meeting as in past years. Mayor Hogan responded that the Board of Education will have the opportunity to present their budget at the April 4th meeting and then come back April 11th.
Ordinances
None.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business
Refer the Poquonock School Window Replacement Project to the Public Building Commission.
Council member Haverstock asked why the windows were being replaced. The Town Manager responded that they were being replaced for greater energy efficiency. Mr. Dennis Shevel, Board of Education Facilities Manager, stated that there are 128 wooden framed windows. Many of the windows are not operable. There is no mechanical ventilation at the Poquonock School and windows are relied on for ventilation. The windows are 50+ years old with single pane glass.
Council member Pacino inquired about some of the windows being replaced in 1979-80. Mr. Shevel responded that none of the frames were replaced, only glass.
Motioned by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Simon that Windsor Town Council assign management of the Poquonock School Window Replacement Project to the Windsor Public Building Commission.
Motion Passed 7-0-0
Authorize the Town Manager to submit an application to the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
Mr. Peter Souza reported that congress has approved the grant program. Eligible uses for the grant include training, fitness programs, purchase of vehicles, fire fighting equipment, personal protective equipment as well as fire prevention programs. If successfully awarded, there will be a 10% match for communities our size. Across the country, 55% of grant money will be available to volunteer departments. Possible requests include emergency radio equipment, replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus, firefighter medical exams as well as the possible replacement of a light duty rescue. Grant guidelines are being investigated further and the application will be submitted before May 2nd.
Council member Haverstock inquired about the requirement of a match. He asked if Windsor would be proceeding on our own for these requests absent of grant money. Mr. Souza responded that all items have been identified/requested over the next two to three years.
Council member Simon recognized some items as scheduled or unscheduled on the Capital Improvement Plan. The Town Manager confirmed that.
Mayor Hogan asked if the local match was specified to be from the government or firefighter units. Mr. Souza responded that the local match is from the government.
Motioned by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Simon to resolve that the Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to submit funding applications to the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
Motion Passed 7-0-0
Resignations and Appointments
Motioned by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Albano to table Items A-M.
Motion Passed 7-0-0
Minutes of Preceding Meetings
Minutes of March 19, 2001 Regular Town Council Meeting
Motioned by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Trinks to accept the minutes of March 19, 2001 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 1, Ann Marsella was misspelled; Page 4, Town of Cheshire; Page 5, Jayson was misspelled, Page 7 Dr. Petrillo was misspelled; Page 8, Item D, Motion Failed 4-5-0; Page 8, Item 13, Scott Suty was misspelled.
Motion Passed 7-0-0
Minutes of February 26, 2001 Special Town Council Meeting
Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council member Simon to accept the minutes of February 26, 2001 Special Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Council member Pacino was absent.
Favor: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Simon and Council member Trinks
Opposed: None.
Abstained: Council member Pacino, for the reason that he was absent from the meeting.
Motion Passed 6-0-1
Minutes of March 12, 2001 Special Town Council Meeting
Motioned by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Haverstock to accept the minutes of February 26, 2001 Special Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.
Motion Passed 7-0-0
Public Communications and Petitions
Ms. Jane Garibay, 409 Broad Street, told the Council that she would submit the Landfill petitions with addresses to the Town Manager. It is in her opinion that it is the general consensus of town residents to close landfill.
Mr. Buddy Buder, 37 Sycamore Street, is the Vice President of Windsor High School's PTSA. He requested that the Council consider passing the Board of Education Budget. Mr. Buder is also a member of the Windsor Citizen's Police Academy and requested that the Council schedule a presentation from the group. Mr. Buder mentioned that he lives on Sycamore Street and it is not near the landfill, however, he is a Windsor resident and he is concerned about the image of Windsor. He realizes that Council has a lot of pressure to create money for the Town to operate. He believes that the landfill is a one-time solution to get Windsor by for 5-10 years, but the Council should look at health risks, resident opposition and Windsor's image.
Executive Session
None.
Adjournment
Motioned by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Simon to adjourn the regular Town Council meeting.
Motion Passed 7-0-0
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Countryman
Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
cc: Town Clerk
Main Library
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