The Bloomfield/Windsor Joint
Council Meeting
Council Chambers – Town Hall
June 12, 2001
Approved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order
at 7:15 p.m.
- Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis,
Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman,
Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino,
Council member Ristas, Council Member Simon, and
Council member Trinks
Guests: Senator Eric Coleman, Representative
Mary Eberle, Bloomfield Mayor Faith McMahon,
Bloomfield Council member Larry Pleasant,
Bloomfield Council member Wayne Hypolite,
Bloomfield Council member Ann Politis, Bloomfield
Council member Joseph Merritt, Bloomfield Council
member Carl Reisner, Bloomfield Council member
Michael Wagner
- Discussion of the Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill
Mayor Hogan introduced Senator Eric Coleman and
Representative Mary Eberle as the moderators of the
meeting.
Representative Eberle discussed the things
Bloomfield and Windsor have in common: animal
shelter, regional drug task force, economic
development, sharing the Blue Hills industrial area,
a long border that the two towns share, families
with extended families in both towns, etc.
Representative Eberle asked if there is a value
in a continued relationship.
Bloomfield Council member Merritt said yes, there
is a value in a continued alliance and cooperation.
Council member Haverstock is concerned that what
has passed may be prolonged. Windsor and Bloomfield
should find a way to resolve issues of the past and
go their separate ways in the future regarding the
landfill.
Council member Ristas has no objection in the
principal of the towns cooperating on a limited
basis. He believes in small towns/small government
and local control of the fundamental aspects of
government and schools. In particular, with issues
where there is a significant benefit to both towns,
he would support inter-town projects.
Bloomfield Council member Reisner stated that he
always looked at Windsor as a partner with
Bloomfield.
Deputy Mayor Curtis agrees with Bloomfield
Council member Reisner, stating that at other times,
we have worked very well together and the fact that
we have come together shows proof of that
cooperation.
Bloomfield Mayor McMahon always has seen the
commonality that Windsor and Bloomfield have and
families that are interlinked. She sees Bloomfield
and Windsor being a great fit in a lot of aspects.
Council member Broxterman believes the two towns
have cooperated in the past and believes there will
be future mutual benefits. The towns work together
well and at other times, agree to disagree.
Representative Eberle and Senator Coleman
suggested to divide the discussion of the landfill
from the past up until today and to try to bring
some closure or understanding on those issues. Then
the group will discuss separately the decision on
the future of the landfill.
Bloomfield Mayor McMahon said that most of
Bloomfield's council was around at the time of the
landfill partnership. In Windsor, it was a budget
defeat, and the former Town Manager was looking for
ways to make up millions of dollars and balance the
budget. He saw the enterprise fund as a good way to
make up the funds. Windsor started taking out ½
million dollars out of the landfill revenues to
manage the landfill and Bloomfield didn’t realize
this until 1997. Bloomfield was hurt because they
thought they were a partner and felt they were not
being treated fairly. Bloomfield then proceeded to
cut a deal with CRRA for their trash.
Mayor Hogan said that the amount of money is in
question.
Bloomfield Mayor McMahon said the original amount
was fair and reasonable and then Windsor increased
the amount without any notice to Bloomfield.
Bloomfield Council member Merritt stated that the
agreement was originally done as an equal
partnership. Operating services and debt services
would come out of the revenue.
Council member Ristas believed it was pilot,
rent, ownership of land and management of operation.
Originally it was quite modest, then went up with
revaluation from an outside assessor’s valuation.
The pilot went up significantly to reflect the value
of the landfill when it was reevaluated. It was
Windsor’s understanding that those costs could be
recovered from the revenue. In hindsight, things
could have been done differently. Windsor proceeded
in good faith with the increase.
Council member Trinks has a concern of going back
too far in history since many attending this meeting
do not have information from that point in time. He
agreed that yes, it is related to the issue, but we
should take this forward to show two towns should
work together.
Bloomfield Council member Merritt agreed that
arguing over facts in the past will not resolve
anything.
Representative Eberle said that we wouldn’t
dwell on the past, but she feels it’s important to
voice any issues.
Council member Haverstock feels that we need to
discuss these issues. He has been hearing about this
dispute and hopes that we can resolve it and move to
the future without these past issues clouding the
decision. He asked what is the best way for the
councils to work together to reach a conclusion.
Council member Simon feels it’s important for
the past to have a resolution. The two partners have
found common ground in the past. The reason it needs
to be resolved is that in 2004, the municipal solid
waste permit ends. The second issue is Windsor has
to determine what occurs in the future, close and
cap the landfill or enter into an agreement with
CRRA for future landfill management. He feels it
would be reticent to entertain future agreements
without closure to the grievances in the past.
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant reported that
three or four years ago landfill sub-committees met
to discuss the issues. At this point in time as
partners, we have a responsibility of closure, which
has a high price tag of about $30 million. We have
to minimize the impact of the closure on our two
communities. He feels both towns can amicably
address the past issues. He would not like to dwell
too much on the past regarding the communication
issues on both sides.
Bloomfield Council member Politis reported that
she didn’t come here to discuss the past. She was
told that there would be a presentation to
Bloomfield for the options of going forward. She was
not prepared to discuss anything regarding past
issues on the landfill.
Council member Broxterman agreed with Bloomfield
Council member Merritt’s comments that the numbers
are big enough that the small disagreement in the
past will be taken care of. If the town chooses to
close the landfill, those numbers won’t be there.
The past history takes on a different perspective if
this occurs. Closing is a cost out of all of our
pockets. Entering into an agreement with CRRA would
provide revenue.
Senator Coleman concluded that what happened in
the past is a result of communication breakdown and
issues. He recommended moving forward.
Town Manager Churchill reported that in
evaluating current intake at the landfill and based
on the permit elevation, there are three years left
until capacity is reached. Other issues confronting
Windsor is that they need a place for their trash to
go. There are also some obligations under consent
order regarding closure/post closure. There are
related environmental issues, and we have to be
considerate of minimizing community impact. The DEP
will not permit expansion of municipal solid waste.
The DEP has expressed enthusiasm for a bulky waste
facility. The estimated cost for closure is $24.2
million.
Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, said that part of the
reason that the landfill is still open is that in
1994 a consent order was signed for MSW by the two
town managers. One of the requirements is to
identify migration leachate, maintain control, and
collect leachate. They purchased 27 acres to control
the leachate a few years ago. The DEP is reviewing
(aggressively in the past few weeks) the collection
system design.
Town Manager Churchill summarized the three
landfill options from a Windsor perspective and
referred to the handout:
- Close landfill in June 2004
- Town Operates Bulky Waste Site
- 3rd Party Operates landfill
Bloomfield Council member Merritt said that it is
his understanding that residents in the area are
concerned and asked what remedies have been offered
by CRRA.
Mayor Hogan reported that over 1,800 people have
signed a petition, so the opposition is town wide,
not just limited to residents in the immediate area
of the landfill.
Town Manager Churchill reported that CRRA has
publicly committed to taking on environmental
liability, screening, and is contemplating a new
road, although nothing definitive has been decided
since no negotiations have taken place. It would be
premature to do so until it was decided to enter
into a contract with CRRA.
Council member Ristas said CRRA has publicly
taken the stand to do as much as they can as part of
the negotiation.
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant asked about
visibility; and if the decision was to go with
option 3, what would the height be. Town Manager
Churchill responded that there are four options for
height, a 33-foot increase in height, 53-foot
increase, 73-foot increase, and 95-foot increase.
There has been some satellite imaging to show where
the landfill will be visible in summer and winter. A
33-foot increase allows the landfill to stay
"invisible" from neighboring properties.
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant inquired about
the traffic projections and noise/unsightliness of
the traffic. Town Manager Churchill responded that
Day Hill Road would have a 3% increase in current
traffic and a 16% increase in truck traffic. When
Day Hill Road reaches capacity it chokes off
development in the area. Town Manager Churchill
reported that there is currently a project to find
out the capacity of Day Hill Road.
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant inquired about
the odor issues and property values. Town Manager
Churchill reported that the odor is periodically an
issue currently, however, a bulky waste facility
will reduce that. Town Manager Churchill said that,
to date, the landfill has not had an impact on real
estate values. In a recent study in the Cleveland
area there was a 5-18% decrease in property values,
particularly pronounced in the upper range of real
estate when landfill is in the media.
Bloomfield Council member Hypolite asked where
does Bloomfield fit in to the overall scheme in
terms of the decision and partnership. Town Manager
Churchill responded that we are here tonight to
determine that.
Council member Simon asked what Bloomfield feels
their role is in a decision regarding the landfill
and what is their right in participation.
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant responded that
we are partners by contract, which forces us to have
a need to communicate and work out the issues
regarding the landfill.
Bloomfield Council member Merritt agreed with
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant. Bloomfield
certainly has to rely on Windsor because Windsor
owns the land, however, we are supposed to be
partners. We intend to do the best for the Town of
Bloomfield. He appreciates being included in the
process.
Council member Haverstock said that it was in his
opinion that a year ago Bloomfield wanted out of the
landfill and wanted to minimize closure costs. He
asked at what point does Bloomfield feel that they
should share in the revenues above and beyond
closure costs and what basis would that be.
Bloomfield Council member Wagner responded that
it was a difficult answer, and we would have to
delve into past issues. We need to have good quality
communication. He asked whether or not the
negotiations between Windsor and CRRA are
approaching and are there any more public hearings
scheduled.
Mayor Hogan replied that Windsor has not entered
into negotiations. If the vote were in favor for
CRRA, then the Town Manager would be given authority
to go into negotiations with CRRA. The vote of the
Council could go to a Town Meeting. It won’t just
be a Town Council vote.
Bloomfield Council member Wagner asked if there
is any additional information that Windsor feels it
needs in order to make a full decision.
Council member Haverstock replied that it’s all
about cost/benefit analysis. The reason he asked
what Bloomfield is looking for is that he’ll have
a hard time voting on this issue depending on what
demands Bloomfield has.
Bloomfield Council member Merritt said that he
thinks our differences comes down to realizing that
we are equal partners except that the landfill is in
Windsor. He believes that the difference exists in
the future also. We recognize that difference and
try to be understanding of that. It impacts the
Windsor residents more.
Council member Pacino spoke to clarify what
Bloomfield Council member Wagner stated. He
personally doesn’t see any more information coming
forward. We have to take that information and make a
decision. There is a lot of dissecting of that
information to be done and it makes a decision
difficult. Bloomfield is going to have to make a
decision that if Windsor chooses any of the options,
this is what Bloomfield will do.
Council member Haverstock stated that it’s a
complex decision, deciding if we go forward with or
without Bloomfield and do we negotiate with CRRA
first to assist in making the decision.
Council member Albano requested that Bloomfield
plan to put this issue on their agenda and get back
to Windsor.
Representative Eberle asked if Bloomfield would
think an in-depth presentation in Bloomfield would
be helpful. Bloomfield Council member Merritt said
that is would probably help.
Representative Eberle also reminded the councils
that there is a definite environmental liability to
be considered.
Council member Haverstock recommended that the
Windsor opposition group also give a presentation.
Council member Ristas wants to address what
Bloomfield’s role is in the decision regarding
these options. On the one hand, it is to express
their opinion. The other end of the spectrum is that
they are equal partners in the vote as to what
option should be voted. Bloomfield decided to not
send their trash to Windsor several years ago. It is
in his opinion that Bloomfield’s actions (i.e.,
they are not sending their trash to us) puts them
closer to the role of giving us their opinion,
rather than the role of equal vote in terms of what
we plan to do regarding the landfill. Council member
Ristas wants to know what their prospective roles
are.
Bloomfield Mayor McMahon sees the partnership as
a marriage. The marriage doesn’t work so you
split, but you don’t get divorced. Meanwhile you
hit oil, but you are still married. Bloomfield did
set up a contract, set up house, put in money for
the land, equipment, and sent their money to
Windsor.
Bloomfield Council member Politis said that
Bloomfield was expecting that the revenue would be
offsetting closure cost exposure.
Council member Simon said that Windsor recognizes
that Bloomfield has a legitimate interest in this
issue. It is clear that this meeting is important.
Bloomfield’s interest is financial. Bloomfield
needs to understand that the issue for Windsor is
not just financial, there are other competing
interests.
Deputy Mayor Curtis agreed to get additional
information to Bloomfield so they have all the
information. It is critical to get a timeline for
information and decisions with deadlines because
some of those decisions have to be made soon.
Representative Eberle recommended that the town
managers draft the timeline.
Council member Broxterman would like Bloomfield
to go away tonight understanding the complex issues.
CRRA has 4 state legislators on their board. His
concern is that if we enter into agreement with CRRA,
that we must feel comfortable that CRRA will adhere
to the contract stipulations. With mounting pressure
of where to put the trash, the pressure will only
get greater to make a decision. He doesn’t know
how much strength they would have in fighting CRRA
if they didn’t adhere to contract stipulations. He
would want those points clarified. He feels that
only Windsor can appreciate it to the full extent
because it happens to be in our town.
Council member Haverstock spoke regarding the
timing and said that Town Manager Churchill is
trying to move the process along. He feels that the
Town Manager would like to move the decision along
quickly.
Representative Eberle suggested that the decision
be made by the end of October. Council member Albano
said that it should be the end of August to give
time for any delays and last minute issues.
Bloomfield Council member Hypolite said that with
his limited experience, he wants to leave the group
with the concern that Bloomfield is not only
concerned with the financial aspect, but the
environmental liability as well.
Mayor Hogan stated that the environmental
liability is a concern for the future. She requested
that Bloomfield Council bring feedback regarding
their proposed landfill.
Bloomfield Council member Merritt stated that
there is a sight in Bloomfield, however, the DEP
will not allow them to have bulky waste there.
Bloomfield Council member Pleasant has heard
several questions and concerns regarding financial
issues. He asked if it would be possible to follow
up with any questions that would be addressed at
subsequent meetings. He feels that would assist in
the expedition of the process.
Representative Eberle concluded that the town
managers need to develop a calendar together with
deadlines/goals. Bloomfield needs to have a
discussion among themselves regarding what they
would like their role to be; Windsor needs to make a
full presentation to Bloomfield; and Windsor needs
to hear as soon as possible from Bloomfield.