June 4, 2001

Approved Minutes

Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, and Council member Trinks

Absent: Council member Ristas

2. Prayer – Council member Broxterman
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Council member Broxterman
4. Resolutions and Awards

1. Resolution honoring 2001 National Junior Men’s Figure Skating Champion Parker Pennington

Council member Pacino read the resolution honoring Parker Pennington and presented him with a plaque.

Moved by Council member Pacino, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council that Parker Pennington be congratulated for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments, his character and determination to be a role model for young people everywhere and for graciously helping to bring Windsor, Connecticut into the national spotlight.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Mr. Pennington thanked the Town Council for this award and also thanked the Town of Windsor for their support in his endeavors.

Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road addressed the Council regarding agenda item 12C reconstruction of Sage Park Middle School Tennis Courts. Currently the proposal does not include the installation of lights. It is his opinion that it is more cost effective to install lights at this time rather than at a future date. He urged the Council to consider installing the lights at this time.

Mr. Joe Spalluto, 456 Lantern Way, a WHALE (Windsor Homeowners Against Landfill Expansion) member, thanked the Council for taking the time to allow WHALE to make their presentation last week. He noted that WIN-TV will be replaying the meeting Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and also again on Thursday morning. WHALE’s objective is to foster enhanced communication and to promote and encourage a thoughtful and thorough dialogue in the community. If there are any questions remaining, please contact him or any WHALE member. Mr. Spalluto also thanked the Town Manager’s office for making the time to meet with WHALE later this week.

Mr. Neil Schulz, 14 Lochview Drive addressed the Council and submitted cards that residents have signed in favor of closing the landfill. He reported that during WHALE’s interaction with residents, it was discovered that residents assumed that closing the dump would also mean closing the transfer station. WHALE is not in favor of removing the transfer station, and it is in their opinion, that residents do not want the transfer station closed either.

None.

Windsor Police Explorers -Law Enforcement Stations Day

The Windsor Police Explorers participated in the annual CT State Police Academy competition held on May 12, 2001 in Storrs, CT honoring Law Enforcement Stations Day. The Windsor Police Explorers were awarded the best overall post (first place) for the second consecutive year. Other outstanding achievement awards include first place in the Career Development and Mountain Bike events, second place to teams in the Building Search and First Aid event, and third place to teams in the Suspicious Persons and Leadership Development events. A special thanks to Chief Kevin Searles, Officer Michelle Neary and all others that helped our children achieve these accomplishments.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) was awarded to the Town of Windsor, CT by the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR award demonstrates the ability to construct a "spirit of full disclosure" in order to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users to read CAFR.

MDC Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule

The next scheduled drop off for HAZARDOUS WASTE MATERIALS for the Town of Windsor will be on June 30, 2001. Please bring all hazardous waste materials in their original containers to the Poquonock WPCF located at 1222 Poquonock Avenue.

The MDC will not collect the following items:

¨ All Business Waste ¨ Asbestos

¨ Car Batteries ¨ Explosives

¨ Latex Paint ¨ Medicines

¨ Medical Waste ¨ Tires

¨ Propane Tanks (for grills or larger)

¨ Waste Oil

For additional information, please contact 860-278-3809.

 

Thermometer Exchange

Mercury Thermometers can be brought to the collection site at the WPCF, 1222 Poquonock Avenue, through June 30 and be exchanged for a digital thermometer at no cost to the citizen while supplies last.

Council member Pacino asked about construction start/completion date for the bridge in Wilson. Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, responded that they are presently working on a design for the bridge. The intent is to place the bridge and the work at 330 Windsor Avenue out to bid as a package by the end of the summer.

Council member Trinks asked about the Goslee Project. Town Manager Churchill reported that the project is on schedule. There were unexpected slips in the timetable, however, they expect to meet the completion on schedule and within budget.

Council member Haverstock asked about the impact of bad weather on Discover Windsor Trails Day events. Ms. Katie Breen, First Town Downtown, reported that in spite of weather, Discover Windsor Trails Day was a success. There were fifty riders aged 7-70 years old. The Connecticut Wheelman provided a demonstration. The Third Annual Checkers Challenge went on indoors and the Kids Safety Fair was held in the afternoon..

Council member Albano – None.

Council member Broxterman – None.

Council member Haverstock – congratulated the Dillon Family for 55 years of running a wonderful institution here in Windsor.

Council member Pacino – None.

Council member Ristas – None.

Council member Simon – None.

Council member Trinks – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – reported that last Tuesday a special meeting of the Board of Education was held at the Middle School and was not televised. The meeting involved a discussion of the CMT test scores. Information was given to the public regarding the scores, including a detailed breakdown by the school. He encouraged anyone that would be interested to stop by the Superintendent’s office or Board of Education to get a copy of the information.

Mayor Hogan – Thanked the town staff and veterans for their participation in the Memorial Day Parade. Mayor Hogan congratulated Windsor Federal for 65 years of business and opening up new offices. She announced that Windsor will be holding a landfill meeting with the Town of Bloomfield on June 12^th at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. An agenda will be posted on the public bulletin board located at the Town Hall.

Council member Simon reported that there is a joint Town Council/BOE meeting scheduled for June 11^th, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Library.

Deputy Mayor Curtis reported that the Town Improvements Committee met last week to discuss the Capital Improvements Plan, which will be presented to the Council at a later date.

1. Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance appropriating $335,000 for the local share of costs of reconstruction and widening of Hayden Station Road and drainage and sidewalk construction and authorizing the issue of $335,000 and notes to finance the appropriation".

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Pacino to table this item until next Town Council meeting on June 18, 2001.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

None.

1. Presentation by representatives of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and Hamilton Sunstrand

Three representatives from Hamilton Sunstrand gave a presentation to the Council--Mr. Bill Penn, Mr. John Misselwitz, and Ms. Laura Bueker. Also present were representatives of the DEP--Mr. Kevin Sullivan and Mr. Oswald Inglese, Jr., and representatives of the EPA--Mr. Aaron Gilbert and Mr. Matthew Hoagland. Hamilton Sunstrand plans on holding a meeting introducing the project to the public and residents on June 28, 2001. The location is undetermined as of this date. An information repository will be available at the Library for the public to view. In addition, there will be formal public hearings and public notices.

Hamilton Sunstrand, a division of United Technologies, is located on 300 acres of land in Windsor Locks just north of Rainbow Road. For the past twenty years, Hamilton has been investigating the nature and extent of pollution on their site, conducting some cleanup operations, and developing plans to remediate the remaining contamination. According to State of Connecticut laws, they are required to inform the public regarding their plans. They expect to hold a public informational meeting in late June to educate the public as to their plans and elicit public comment.

Hamilton Sundstrand was built in the 1950’s and initially manufactured propellers. Over the years, its product line has evolved to include engine and environmental controls, air management systems and other products for airplanes. The company also designs and produces space suits and other equipment to support international space programs. They did have an onsite landfill. The pollution of the Hamilton site first came to their attention in the early 1980s following the discovery of pollution in drinking water wells on Rainbow Road.

In 1986, Hamilton Sundstrand entered into a consent order with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to investigate and remediate the Windsor Locks site, including capping and closure of the Building 2 landfill. This landfill contained construction and demolition debris as well as soils containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other process related contaminants.

In 1988, Hamilton entered into a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study and cleanup the site under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program. For the past twelve years, Hamilton has been investigating the nature and extent of the pollution, alternative ways to clean up the site, and developing a plan for that cleanup.

The remediation option proposed by Hamilton is that the Building 2 landfill, and the area adjacent, be authorized by the EPA and DEP to receive soils and sediments containing PCBs from nine other locations on the company’s Windsor Locks campus for permanent disposal. The plan also calls for the temporary storage and treatment of soils before transporting them to the onsite landfill for permanent disposal.

For the proposed project, all work would adhere to the provisions of a Federal Administrative Consent Order. It is anticipated that the creation of the proposed permanent disposal area would take place over an approximate 9-12 month period, with the proposed project launch set for Spring 2002. Under this proposed plan, the permanent disposal area would be lined, capped and closed according to the State of Connecticut DEP and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Following its construction, the proposed permanent disposal area will be subject to long-term maintenance, monitoring and inspection in accordance with a plan approved by the EPA and DEP.

Mayor Hogan asked for clarification on the property effected. Mr. Penn responded that the area extends almost to the Poquonock School on Route 75 and goes to Route 20 and then to the Rainbow Road and Stone Road intersection.

Council member Trinks asked if all of the contaminants have been found onsite or have any migrated offsite in Windsor and would the proposed cleanup include those areas offsite. He also asked if there is any need to do future testing of the area downstream from the company and if there are any houses in the area that have well water houses. Mr. Penn responded that ground water contamination has occurred offsite. The ground water issue is being addressed with a hydraulic control and collection system implemented on Rainbow Road since 1995. There will be similar long-term monitoring programs. Mayor Hogan responded that there are houses with well water in the area. There has been some contamination of wells that have been cleaned up and those homes are now on city water (MDC). Hamilton is continuing to do testing in homes and indoor air pollution monitoring.

Council member Simon wanted to know how many residents are in that area and if PCBs haven’t been released from the site, what is contaminating the ground water. Mr. Penn responded that the ground water contains volatile organic compounds and chromium.

Council member Haverstock heard from a constituent who was concerned with airplane de-icing and believed it may have contributed to her ground water contamination. He inquired if this testing could determine which contaminate was responsible for contamination. Mr. Penn said the testing is specific and will identify each contaminate.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about possible remedies (i.e., thermal treatment and mixing) and asked if the DEP has approved the treatment yet. Mr. Penn answered that mixing is a more proven technology and that the thermal treatment has not been proven or demonstrated to address the situation. He also stated that the DEP has not approved it yet and they are doing the public hearings first as part of the process.

Council member Broxterman asked why hauling the contaminated soil away is not better than mixing and making a lower concentration. He also asked if we have to be concerned with Leachate, will there be a collection system and is clay being used for the cap. Mr. Penn responded that there are associated risks with hauling the soil away. There will be a Leachate collection system and geo synthetic materials will provide the cap.

Mayor Hogan requested that the town staff continue to monitor this situation and keep the Town Council posted.

2. Presentation by Joseph Marfuggi, President of Riverfront Recapture

Mr. Joseph Marfuggi gave a presentation of Riverfront Recapture and discussed Windsor’s role regarding the Riverfront Recapture future plans, including the trail that will be developed in Windsor.

Riverfront Recapture, Inc. enjoyed a record-breaking first season with more than 670,000 visitors (26% increase). The Riverfront recently celebrated their 20^th anniversary.

Right before Memorial Day, they opened a bridge over Columbus Boulevard with an access ramp to Constitution Plaza. It is still not finished and there will be stainless steel columns and cables installed. Saturday night, June 9^th, they are dedicating the stage downtown along with the canopy area. There will be a free performance. On June 26^th they will celebrate the opening of the boathouse, which will enable them to expand the community rowing program. They do many activities with youth in the area. Mr. Marfuggi invited Windsor to join the program when the boathouse is completed. He hopes that Windsor High School can be part of this activity next year.

There is a park plan between Founders Bridge downtown and Bulkeley Bridge north, including landscaping and a paved lighted riverwalk between the bridges. They have an ambitious goal to complete the riverwalk system by the time the convention center opens in 2004. Once that is done, they would like to possibly take the riverwalk north to Windsor. As they move closer to completion in Hartford, they can start to discuss expanding it north.

Mr. Marfuggi reviewed the calendar of events planned for the Riverfront. The Amistad is returning for nine days on July 21st. There are also many ethnic events and festivals scheduled. The cleanliness of the River has improved dramatically. Mr. Marfuggi invited all to visit the riverfront. Riverfront Recapture’s website www.riverfront.org will be up and active soon. If anyone would like any annual reports or brochures they can call 713-3131.

Council member Haverstock asked if Windsor should be doing any designing, evaluations, etc. in preparation for linking the riverfront to Windsor. Mr. Marfuggi mentioned that a plan was developed previously and should probably be revisited. However, there is not any funding available at this time.

3. Reconstruction of Sage Park Middle School Tennis Courts

The Council referred the reconstruction of Sage Park Middle School Tennis Courts to the Town Improvements Committee.

4. Resolution approving the submittal of a LoCIP grant to the State of Connecticut to perform paving, reclamation and other eligible work, and that $250,000 be appropriated from the Capital Outlay Fund Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to Capital Outlay Fund Account (02-597) FY 2001 Pavement Program.

Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, gave an overview. The Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) is an entitlement grant allocated to each municipality in the State for identified Town Capital Improvement projects. The FY 2001 Pavement Program is proceeding as planned in accordance with the budget and a LoCIP reimbursement of $71,000 is being requested from the State for the following streets and street sections which have been resurfaced:

Addison Road (Route 305 to new pavement) Bristol Street

Deerfield Road (Standadyne to Putnam Highway) Dexter Street

Drake Street High Street

Rodney Street

Also, a request for LoCIP funds totaling $106,000 for the following streets after they are resurfaced this summer:

Brookview Road Olin Street

Marshall Phelps Road (Day Hill Rd. to Northfield Dr.)

In addition, a request for LoCIP funds for the reimbursement of $73,000 from the State for the completion of Palisado Avenue Retaining Wall Replacement (emergency repair project).

The estimated cost of all this work is $250,000. This amount was approved by the Council for LoCIP related work in the FY 2001 Budget.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council member Simon that an application for $250,000 be made to the State of Connecticut for a LoCIP grant to perform paving and other Fund Balance to Capital Outlay Fund Account 02-597 – FY 2001 Pavement Program.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

5. Set Public Hearing date for Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.

Mr. Patrick McMahon, Community Development Coordinator, gave an overview of the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program. The town has received a completed application from Foodshare and a few other organizations such as Celebrate Windsor, First Town Downtown, and PAL have expressed interest. A list of recommended organizations will be provided prior to the public hearing.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council member Haverstock, to hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers at the Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad Street in the Town of Windsor, Connecticut, on Monday, June 18, 2001 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) on the eligibility of various tax exempt and municipal organizations to participate in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Council member Haverstock asked if the assistance is ongoing or would the organization have to reapply every year. Mr. McMahon said that they would have to reapply each year.

Council member Simon asked about the eligibility and criteria. Mr. McMahon responded that the criteria is that the organization must be non-profit or a municipality.

Moved by Council member Pacino, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to table Resignations and Appointments.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to accept the minutes of the May 21, 2001 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

None.

1. Consideration of alternate actions to enforce or implement relief or legal rights with respect to the landfill.

Moved by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to move into Executive Session at 8:56 p.m.

Motion Passes 7-0-0