Minutes

 

Council Chambers – Town Hall

September 18, 2001

Approved Minutes

Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:38 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 Ristas, Council member Simon, and Council member Trinks.
  2. Prayer – Council member Trinks
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Council member Trinks
  4. Resolutions and Awards
  1. Family Day

    2. Deputy Mayor Curtis read the resolution on Family Day as resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council that September 23, 2001 be designated as Family Day in Windsor. Robin Newman, Director of Family & Leisure Services, spoke regarding the events of last week and importance of family support. She noted that www.ctfamilyday.org is the State’s website for Family Day.

  2. Mourning and Support of the President

    3. Council member Trinks read the resolution designating September 18, 2001 as A Day of Remembrance and Hope in Windsor.

  3. Race Equality Day

Council member Simon read the resolution by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council that September 19, 2001 be declared as Race Equality Day in the Town of Windsor and urges all citizens of Windsor to join together to support this effort.

5.  Public Communications and Petitions

    Ms. Lynne Gillette, 11 Astor Place, Windsor submitted a petition requesting a study for the wetlands pollution issues associated with the proposed development in the Walden Woods community in Windsor. The petition, signed by 240 residents, is being submitted to the Town Council not because of any criticism of the Inland Wetlands Commission, but because the Commission requires resources for the study that must be approved by the Council. The petitioners are urging the Council to direct a study to be completed of the current and future effects of the pollution caused by all the inflows into Walden Meadow Lake and the surrounding wetlands. They would also like a hydrologist to be utilized to analyze the present condition of the wetlands and offer an opinion as to the impact of the proposed development and direct the Town Attorney to render an opinion as to who is responsible for cleaning up the Walden Woods waterways.

    Mr. Robert Vose, 143 Pierce Boulevard, Windsor, spoke in support of the petition. He has heard that the Inland Wetlands Commission has requested a study on two occasions. He urges the Council to supply the commission with the tools it needs to perform the tests.

6.  Report of Appointed Boards and Petitions
  1. Library Advisory Board

Ms. Maryann Overbaugh, 702 Palisado Avenue, Windsor updated the Council regarding the library. The Library Advisory Board is a group that guides the library on decisions. The Windsor Library Association, a non-profit group also supports the library. They have developed a feasibility study of fundraising for the library expansion program. The Board is pleased with findings that citizens were in support of the library and its expansion. They are interested in a plan for the library that will extend into the next twenty years. The Board was pleased that the Council referred the library expansion project to the Public Building Commission.

Ms. Overbaugh discussed the upcoming programs. Dr. Labriola, co-author with Dr. Henry Lee of Famous Crimes Revisited, will be doing a free book signing September 19th and sixty people have registered already. The annual book sale will begin September 29th at 9 a.m. In conjunction with the Bushnell’s Connecticut Forum Series – "Being Black", a discussion will be held at the main library on November 1st from 7 – 9 p.m.

  1. Public Building Commission

Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, reported that the PBC is meeting at WHS tonight. Mr. Joseph Novak, chairman of the PBC, requested that Mr. Funk read his PBC report to the council. August 30th was the first day of school. Students became familiar with new operating procedures in the cafeteria and with the new instructional areas. Air quality tests were conducted prior to school opening and have revealed a good air quality level. The fire marshal has been and will continue to inspect the area on a daily basis. The handicap lift for the pool has been installed along with a ceiling tile system. The pool opening is scheduled for November 1st. The new stage curtains are being installed in the auditorium, which has a completion date for January 2002. The English and Special Education corridors are next in line for renovation.

The HVAC replacement is nearing completion at 330 Windsor Avenue. The PBC is looking at the roofing system and will have repairs done soon.

The Town Hall roof and HVAC project has been started and will be completed by November 2001. The HVAC has been shut down for the season.

7.  Town Managers Report

    Projected State Aid For Windsor To Increase

    Based on the latest estimates of state aid by the State Office of Policy and Management (OPM), 92 of 169 municipalities (54%) are scheduled to receive less state aid under various statutory grants in 2002-03 than they received in 2001-02. In non-education aid, 168 of 169 municipalities will receive less aid in 2002-03 than in 2001-02, under the current budget agreement. These figures do not include projected losses under the decreased reimbursement rate for the New Manufacturing and Equipment PILOT. These changes will go into effect next year unless the 2002 General Assembly and the Governor Act modify the budget for the second year to increase state aid to towns and cities. This change will be caused by proposed cutbacks in the Colleges and Hospitals PILOT ($3 million); State-Owned Property PILOT ($2 million); discontinuation of the Revenue Sharing Grant ($31 million); and level funding of the Pequot/Mohegan Grant, Town Aid for Roads, and LoCIP. However, total state aid for Windsor is projected to increase $490,931or 5.4% despite a $132,306 cut (13.7%) in non-education aid. We will continue to keep you updated on this matter.

    Public Workshop on Downtown Planned

    First Town Downtown is hosting a public workshop on Tuesday, September 25th at 6:00PM on the Town Hall Portico to discuss Windsor Center Corridor Enhancement Plan’s Conceptual Design. This workshop is designed to encourage residents to share any ideas and concerns regarding this plan. Full-scale drawings will be available for viewing. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Council Chambers.

     

    FTDT, the Connecticut Main Street Center, and the Town of Windsor have been working with Gates, Leighton & Associates and Beta Engineering, a team of landscape architects and engineers, on a plan that is designed to slow traffic through Windsor Center, promote a pedestrian friendly and economically viable business district, enhance development of trails, provide a visual connection to the Palisado Green, and beautify the Broad Street Green. For more information, call Katie Breen at 683-8410.

     

    Citizens Responding to Devastating Terrorist Attacks

    We continue to receive updates from Governor Rowland’s Office and the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Management as they coordinate the many offers made to meet the needs of the State of New York. The most efficient and effective means for citizens or businesses to support relief efforts is through monetary donations to volunteer agencies. A complete listing of these agencies, as well as other relief efforts residents can participate in are available by going to the Town of Windsor website at www.townofwindsorct.com

     

    Although many people are anxious to help, the Governor is stressing that we must carefully and methodically allocate our resources so that we don’t aggravate an already difficult situation. We will continue to update our website with information as we receive it.

     

    Bridge Builder Award Ceremony

    Citizens for United Windsor will be hosting their 2001 Bridge Builder Award Ceremony on Thursday, September 20, 2001 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This year’s recipients are Deputy Mayor Tim Curtis, Bart’s Drive-In owner Sharron Dillon-Rispoli and Sage Park Middle School teacher Bill Warner-Prouty. Call 688-0698 or 688-8483 for information. A voluntary $10.00 donation would be welcome.

     

    Revolutionary Windsor ReCap

    On Saturday night FOX61 news reported Windsor as one of the first towns in Connecticut to respond to the healing process by going forward with the Revolutionary Windsor 2001 re-enactment event. Following this weekend’s event, which attracted over 6,000 visitors to Windsor Center, the positive response received from those in attendance has been overwhelming. I want to thank everyone who played a role in making this event a success. Thank you to the corporate sponsors which include the presenting sponsor SS&C Technologies, and other major sponsors such as Windsor Federal Savings & Loan, Cornerstone Financial Services, Griffin Land, Konica, CT’s Heritage Valley Tourism District, WDRC AM & FM and the Connecticut Office of Tourism.

    An event such as this relies heavily on the volunteer time of many individuals. I saw many in "blue shirts" over the weekend – far too many to mention, but I certainly thank them for all of their efforts.

     

    I would like to thank the organizing committee who devoted over a year of planning to make this event a success. Revolutionary Windsor was created and managed by volunteers from the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, First Town Downtown, the Windsor Historical Society, the Ellsworth Memorial Association, and the Town of Windsor.

     

    Again, thank you to everyone involved in this weekend’s events –Windsor is proud of you!

     

    Road Overlay Program

    The town has scheduled to overlay a portion of Marshall Phelps Road, from Day Hill Road to Northfield Drive on Saturday, September 29, 2001. This work will involve some minor detours and delays during daytime hours. Through traffic is requested to use Northfield Drive so that the work may progress in a safe and timely manner. For further information, call 285-1855.

    Mayor Hogan requested the additional information regarding the funds for the Inland Wetlands Commission.

8.  Communications from Council Members

    Council member Albano – None.

    Council member Broxterman – None.

    Council member Haverstock – commended Council members Trink’s and Simon’s comments. He is concerned about the vigilantism since this country was based on immigrants.

    Council member Pacino – expressed condolences to the Gasparino family for the passing of their mother.

    Council member Ristas – commented that typically the resolutions are in the form of proclamations that are not voted on by the Council. He feels that they should have an opportunity in committee to vote in support of the resolution prior to designation.

    Council member Simon – feels that is it important for us to carry on in light of last week’s tragic events. He said that we need to keep our heads and channel any anger into positive activities. The diversity of Windsor needs to be cherished and nourished.

    Council member Trinks – None.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis – commented on Council member Trinks’ words of prayer. He also spoke about the enormous amount of loss and the fact that this time has been a time of public mourning. There is a long period ahead of private mourning.

    Mayor Hogan – thanked the town staff and all members of the town who attended the interfaith services. She also reported that Council Chambers were opened after the services for open dialogue. Mayor Hogan thanked the town staff for their help in Revolutionary Windsor and she has heard positive feedback on the weekend. She has recently received calls from parents requesting support services for our youth during this time. She commented that maybe we can work with the Youth Commission on how we can be more supportive to families over the next couple of weeks and months.

9.  Reports of Standing Committees

    Finance Committee – Council member Trinks reported that the meeting was held tonight.

    Council member Pacino asked about the status of the joint Board/Council meetings. Mayor Hogan expects that the group will meet next month after the elections. The search for a superintendent will be starting soon.

    None.

10.  Ordinances

    None.

11.  Unfinished Business

    None.

12.  New Business
  1. Approval of Utility Easement with SNET at Marshall Phelps Road and Kendrick Lane.

Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, explained the easement. In order to improve services to customers in the Poquonock area, the Southern New England Telephone Company has requested the Town of Windsor to allow installation of a cabinet on Town property at the corner of Kendrick Lane and Marshall Phelps Road. All costs for installation of the cabinet, surrounding fencing and landscaping will be borne by SNET. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this easement to SNET at their meeting of September 11, 2001.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman to approve an easement for approximately 68 square feet in favor of the Southern New England Telephone company on land owned by the Town of Windsor at Lot 2T, Kendrick Lane, Windsor, CT.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Council member Ristas requested confirmation of the 68 square feet. Mr. Tom Lenehan confirmed this.

  1. Recommendation to Release Excess land between 6 Meadowlark Drive and 10 Meadowlark Drive, Windsor, CT

Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, discussed the request of Mr. Ronald and Ms. Jacqueline Wilson, 10 Meadowlark Drive, Windsor, CT. They have requested that they be given a parcel of land adjacent to their property. This parcel was deeded to the Town in approximately 1989. This was at the time Pondview was being developed. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of releasing this parcel to the Wilson’s at their meeting of September 11, 2001.

Moved by Council member Broxterman, seconded by Council member Simon to release approximately .38 Acres of land located between 6 Meadowlark Drive and 10 Meadowlark Drive and adjoin this land to the parcel presently owned by Ronald G. Wilson and Jacqueline J.S. Wilson, 10 Meadowlark Drive, Windsor, CT.

Moved by Council member Ristas, seconded by Council member Albano to amend the motion by changing "release" to "sell for the sum of $1.00".

Motion Fails 2-6-1 With Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council members Simon, Broxterman, Pacino, Trinks against and Council member Haverstock abstaining for reasons that he lives on a cul-de-sac with an unoccupied piece of land that he has maintained for fifteen years.

Council member Ristas asked if adjoining property owners were canvassed for a purchase. Mr. Lenehan reported that they were canvassed for the land, either for purchase or outright gift. Except for Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, they didn’t show any interest.

Council member Haverstock said he doesn’t agree that the financial impact is none. He understands that there is not a big market for a slice of land like this, however, to give something assessed for $1,900 for nothing is a financial impact. He is concerned that other residents may be upset that the Town is giving away land. Mr. Lenehan reported that this has only happened twice since he has been in his position. They have come up with a policy/procedure to deal with this. They have discussed looking into a program to see if there is excess land that can be considered for disposition. Council member Haverstock asked what is considered excess land so we can have that basis for the future. Mr. Lenehan said that this parcel cannot be built on. Council member Haverstock asked about the discussions between the staff and the owner. Mr. Lenehan reported that the request was informal until they established a procedure. Town Manager Churchill reported that all property in the Town has not been inventoried or declared excess. Council member Haverstock asked if this procedure would be followed in the future. Town Manager Churchill confirmed this.

Council member Haverstock asked what the maintenance of this parcel of land is and for how long the owner has been maintaining it. Mr. Lenehan reported that the owner has been mowing the grass for as long as he has owned his property.

Council member Ristas has a problem with it being gifted, he would be more comfortable if it was sold for $1.00.

Council member Simon commented that it seems logical for this owner not to purchase the land. It would be preferable for the Town to get this property on the tax rolls.

Deputy Mayor Curtis said that without any idea of compensation the requester has been maintaining the land. He is in favor of the motion.

Mayor Hogan asked if the Town was liable for the parcels of land. Mr. Lenehan reported that the Town is liable. Mayor Hogan is in favor of paths and promoting walking, but if we can’t maintain them we need to dispose of them.

Council member Albano asked how wide and long the property is. Mr. Lenehan reported that it is approximately 50 ft. x 200 ft.

Original Motion Passes 8-0-1 with Council member Haverstock abstaining for reasons that he lives on a cul-de-sac with an unoccupied piece of land that he has maintained for fifteen years.

  1. Introduce an item to Transfer Town Property on Univac Lane to ADVO, Inc.

Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer reported that ADVO, Inc. has requested that the Town release approximately 15,410 square feet of Town owned land to them to facilitate the road improvements, modifications, and other related site enhancements and provide uniform maintenance of their campus. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of releasing this parcel to ADVO, Inc. at their meeting of September 11, 2001.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Albano to release approximately 15,410 square feet of Town owned land to ADVO, Inc. This land is shown on a Compilation Plan, entitled "Town of Windsor, Map showing Land Released to Town of Windsor, by, State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, Bloomfield Avenue (Rte 305) and Univac Lane, Scale 1"=40’, August 1998. It requires such land not to be developed on.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Council member Pacino asked if they are doing any development on this parcel. Mr. Lenehan responded that just landscaping would be done.

Council member Albano asked if the deed would state that the land could not be developed, only landscaped. Mr. Lenehan said they weren’t planning on putting it in the deed. Council member Albano expressed that he would like to see the clause added.

Council member Haverstock asked if the assessor has given a value on this property. Mr. Lenehan reported that the value is approximately $5,000-$6,000. Council member Haverstock asked that since we cannot accept funds for the land, could we recommend a charitable contribution. Town Manager Churchill said that it crossed his mind; however, ADVO has recently made a commitment to become a corporate resident and they have made generous charitable contributions to organizations in town.

Council member Ristas asked if this could be a future parking lot. Mr. Lenehan replied that the land is heavily sloped and it would require approval from the Town.

Town Manager Churchill is confident that any clause in reference to not developing the land would be fine with ADVO, Inc.

  1. Set Public Hearing to abandon Right of Way on Univac Lane

ADVO, Inc. has requested that the Town of Windsor abandon the Univac Lane right of way, approximately 1.23 Acres, to facilitate the road improvements modification and other related site enhancements and provide uniform maintenance of their entire campus area. This proposed improvement is part of a large master plan for the upgrade of the ADVO campus. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of abandoning this right of way at their meeting of September 11, 2001.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman to set a public hearing for 7:15 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2001 for the purpose of hearing comments on the proposed abandonment of Univac Lane by the Town of Windsor.

Council member Albano asked if they own all the property that goes to Morris Drive; and if we will be leaving a piece of land landlocked by abandoning this parcel of land. Mr. Lenehan pointed out the areas on the map and reported that nothing will be left landlocked.

Council member Broxterman asked what are the advantages of keeping this property. Town Manager Churchill reported that the advantage would be for control, but the disadvantages far outweigh the advantage (i.e., liability, maintenance, etc.).

Council member Ristas asked why do we use the term abandonment versus release. It is in his opinion that the term abandonment doesn’t release us from responsibility of the property. Mr. Lenehan replied that it is based on state statutes on abandonment. The Town is abandoning the easement.

Motion to Set Public Hearing Passes 8-0-0

  1. Re-Approval of Encumbrances of Prior Year Purchase Orders

Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director reported that on June 18, 2001 the Council approved the encumbrances of purchase orders for the various Town funds. Town Charter required the Council to approve any purchase orders that were to be encumbered and carried over into the next fiscal year. That motion also required that those purchase orders that were still outstanding would have to be reviewed and re-encumbered at the Council meeting on September 17, 2001. As of September 1, 2001 the Town of Windsor has 99 purchase orders with a value of $20,652,915 encumbered. The amount on June 18th was $24,086,861.

Moved by Council member Ristas, seconded by Council member Broxterman to re-approve the purchase orders existing on the report "Purchase Orders in PO Number Order for September 18, 2001" that was presented by the Finance Director.

Motion Passes 8-0-0

  1. Authorize Town Manager to sign project grant agreement for repairs to Pioneer Culvert.

Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, reported on the repairs that are needed on the culvert sections carrying Hathaway Hollow Brook under Pioneer Drive. This project has been approved for partial funding from the Department of Transportation, Local Bridge Program. As part of this program, the Town must execute the State/Municipal Project Grant Agreement. The estimated cost of the project is $187,925 including design, construction, easements and inspection. The DOT will commit to funding 30.99% (approximately $58,238) of the eligible costs under the Local Bridge Program. The remaining $129,687 will be reimbursed from LoCIP funding.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman that R. Leon Churchill, Jr., Town Manager, of the Town of Windsor is authorized to sign the agreement "PROJECT GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND THE TOWN OF WINDSOR UNDER THE LOCAL BRIDGE PROGRAM For Pioneer Drive over Hathaway Hollow Brook, Bridge No. 164002."

Motion Passes 9-0-0

  1. Authorize funding for Pioneer Culvert Repairs.

    2. Repairs are needed on the culvert sections carrying Hathaway Hollow Brook under Pioneer Drive. This project has been approved for partial funding from the Department of Transportation, Local Bridge Program. As part of this program, the Town must execute the State/Municipal Project Grant Agreement. DOT also requires that the Town send minutes of the meeting appropriating the funds for the municipal share of the project.

    The estimated cost of the project is $187,925 including design, construction, easements and inspection. The DOT will commit to funding 30.99% (approximately $58,238) of the eligible costs under the Local Bridge Program. The remaining $129,687 will be reimbursed from LoCIP funding. However, since both of these programs are reimbursement programs, it is necessary that the Town appropriate all the required funds for expenditure purposes.

    Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman that an application be made to the State of Connecticut for LoCIP funding to perform repairs to Pioneer Drive Culvert, and that $187,925 be appropriated from Capital Outlay Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to Capital Outlay Fund account 02-571, Pioneer Drive over Hathaway Hollow Brook, Bridge No. 164002.

    Motion Passes 9-0-0

  2. Discussion of Historic District Expansion

Council member Simon discussed the merits of an expanded historic district on Palisado Avenue up to and including the Oliver Ellsworth homestead were discussed at the Council Special Projects Committee meeting on August 27, 2001. The State of Connecticut outlines the process for historic district creation and expansion in CGS 97-147b. The Special Projects Committee recommended the appointment of an historic district study committee at their August 27, 2001 meeting.

Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Trinks to set up a Historic District Study Commission appointing the following residents: Mary Ann Pleva, Jay Melley, Christopher Watts, Bob Silliman, Colette Yeich, Agnes Pier, David Bierut and Tony Zeolla.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

13.  Resignations and Appointments

    Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to table Items A-W.

    Motion Passes 9-0-0

14.  Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the September 4, 2001 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Council member Pacino, seconded by Council member Broxterman to accept the minutes of the September 4, 2001 Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 7; Ms. Laura Cochoran’s last name should be spelled Kahkonen.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

15.  Public Communications and Petitions

    None.

16.  Executive Session
  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 Council member Broxterman to enter into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Present: Mayor Mary Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Mayor Hogan, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Ristas, Council member Simon, and Council member Trinks.

Staff & Guests: Town Manager Churchill, Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, Thomas Lenehan, Town Engineer, Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, Irv Slike, Director of Landfill, Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director, Julian Fruend, Budget Analyst, Trischa Haught, Outside Legal Counsel

Re-entered Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:50 p.m.

  1. Adjournment

Moved by Council member Albano and seconded by Council member Broxterman to adjourn the regular Town Council Meeting at 10:51 p.m.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

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