Council Chambers – Town Hall

September 4, 2001

Approved Minutes

Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 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 Simon
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Council member Simon
4. Resolutions and Awards

None.

5. Public Communications and Petitions

Ms. Jean Kelsey, 62 Nook Farms Road, representing the neighborhoods surrounding Nook Farms Road, addressed the council regarding a mosquito-spraying petition. The residents have hired a mosquito control firm. It is the same firm the Town has hired for the past four years. On Nook Farms Road there is unregulated water drainage, several catch basins with standing water and there appears to be evidence of natural springs. The residents are asking for a resurrection of a town-wide spraying, adulticiding and larvaciding. There are households that do not participate in the neighborhood spraying but signed the petition. They believe the Town should be providing the service. The Town dropped the spraying 14 years ago and the residents of these neighborhoods feel that the Town should again begin spraying starting in 2002.

Mr. Brendan Reilly, 10 Harvey Road, addressed the Council regarding mosquito control as well. He coaches in Wethersfield and it is in his opinion that they do not have the problems with mosquitoes that Windsor has. He would like the problem addressed.

Mr. John Regan, 100 Lincoln Way, addressed the Council about volunteerism. He reported that there has been a decrease in volunteers in sports teams, town committees, town voters, etc. He spoke about the National Civic League steering committee. They have come up with the acronym The Windsor Wave - Won’t Anyone Volunteer Ever. They have come up with a strategy to increase volunteerism in Windsor. There are three interactive meetings scheduled for Tuesday, October 9^th, Wednesday, November 14^th and Tuesday, December 4^th at 5:30 p.m. at Sage Park School. He encouraged anyone interested in volunteering to attend the meetings. Contact Julian Freund at 285-1892.

Mr. Allyn Nelson, Sr., 359 West Wolcott Avenue addressed the Council regarding ordinances regarding abandoned, inoperable, unregistered motor vehicles. He reported that he has a registered, insured vehicle on his property that is for sale. He asked if someone complained that he had an unregistered vehicle because he received a sticker on his windshield the Friday before the holiday weekend. He requested that the harassment stop.

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Petitions

1. Insurance Commission

Mr. Ed Samolyk, Chairperson, reported on the Insurance Commission. He has served on this commission for sixteen years. He reported that two seats have been filled and the Commission has hired a full-time Risk Manager, Marty Maynard. Marty comes to the Commission with many years of experience in the area of insurance and risk management. The Commission has obtained the insurance services of the Wolff-Zackin Agency and their agent is Chris Wardrop. The insurance market is changing. In the past it has been a very soft market, but currently they are attempting to raise their pricing. All towns are now faced with rising insurance costs. Windsor incurred a 13% increase ($42,000 more than last year). The largest increase was for property-fire coverage due to property value increases of $9 million for Town owned buildings as a result of a reevaluation performed by Boeckh Company. The last evaluation was more than six or seven years ago. Auto liability coverage also had a large increase. The combined increase for these two lines was $30,000.

Council member Ristas inquired if the WHS renovation will have an impact on the insurance. Mr. Samolyk believes that the costs were included in the insurance quote and he will report back to the Council if it is otherwise.

Windsor Event to Honor Former Mayor Fran Brady

Windsor residents of all political persuasions are invited to a dinner celebration to honor former Mayor Francis J. Brady on Monday, September 24, 2001. The dinner will be held at La Renaissance on 53 Prospect Hill Road (Route 5) in East Windsor, CT. Social hour will begin at 6 PM and dinner will commence at 7 PM. Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased by September 14^th. For tickets, call Jill Levine at (860) 683-1297.

2001 Windsor Bridge-Builders Announced

Three community volunteers have been chosen to receive the 2001 Windsor Bridge-Builders Awards. Deputy Mayor Tim Curtis, Bart’s Drive-In owner, Sharon Dillon-Rispoli, and Sage Park Middle School teacher, Bill Warner-Prouty, will be honored by Citizens for a United Windsor (CUW) at a public ceremony on Thursday, September 20, at the main branch of the Windsor Public Library on 323 Broad Street. Hor’s D’oeuvres will be served at 6 PM and the presentation will take place from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.

This award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses who make an outstanding contribution to human relations in Windsor. CUW works to foster greater trust, understanding, and solidarity across the full spectrum of Windsor’s racial, ethnic, and religious diversity.

To reserve a seat for this event, please call Marcey Munoz at (860) 688-0698 or Laura Soll-Broxterman at (860) 688-8483. A voluntary $10 donation would be welcome.

Diabetes Support Group

The Diabetes Support Group will have their first meeting of the fall on Wednesday, September 5, at the L.P. Wilson Community Center. Sally Cooney, RN, BSN, from St. Francis Hospital and Wellness Center, will be speaking on new technologies in diabetic care. The support group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00 – 2:15 PM. For more information, or to be placed on the mailing list, please call Health & Social Services at 285-1839.

Windsor Freedom Trail Activities

Come join Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church for a Gospel Festival to be held on the Windsor Town Green on September 8, 2001 from 12 noon – 4:00 PM. Vendors will be present.

A Freedom Trail Run will take place on September 22, 2001, to commence at 5:30 AM. The starting point will be at the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 321 Hayden Station Road, Windsor. This run will pay tribute to those who fled from the south in search of freedom by way of the Underground Railroad. Free Freedom Trail T-Shirts are available for the first 50 runners that sign up!

Dr. Charles Petrillo, Director of Health and Social Services, spoke about the West Nile Virus. Throughout the state, some birds have tested positive for the virus. The towns closest to Windsor where the virus has been found are: West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Newington. One horse from West Granby also tested positive. No human cases in Connecticut have been confirmed. There were 127 complaints reported about mosquitos: 107 in May; 19 in June; and one in July. There have been 49 dead bird calls, of which 7 met the state requirements and the 7 tested negative. The second round of larvacide was completed in August. Four treatments for the adulticiding program were completed - twice at the end of May, once in June and another round completed last week prior to Labor Day. One more treatment is planned before the Revolutionary Windsor weekend.

Council member Ristas asked why spraying was stopped fourteen years ago and asked for a comparison between the programs. Dr. Petrillo reported that fourteen years ago, an individual and two assistants who were part-time in the spring and full-time in the summer were employed. The Town treated town-owned areas throughout the town, more extensively than what is treated currently (town-owned parks). The vehicle and sprayers being used were over ten years old and needed replacing. The Town Council decided to disband the program fourteen years ago. In 1995 the Town received requests to reinstitute the program. The Council asked the Health Department to treat park areas. Loomis Chafee has also hired the same contractor, which assists in the control. The ball fields were treated then and now.

Council member Ristas asked in 1990, what were the closest areas to the Nook Farms area that were treated. He also asked if there are any public areas in the Nook Farms Road area. Dr. Petrillo reported that any wooded areas that were not on private property were treated, along with catch basins and the ball fields at WHS and Sage Park. He also reported that there were over 300 areas in town that were treated years ago. If private land was sprayed, written permission from private landowners were received.

Mayor Hogan asked how much was spent on the spraying. She also asked about drainage in the Nook Farms area. Dr. Petrillo reported that $15,000-$20,000 per year was spent, mostly for salary and supplies. The Nook Farms area sits in a bowl and he would agree that there would be springs in that area and it would be a very wet area.

Council member Pacino inquired about any policies for subdivisions that are wet and whether we could look into the cost of the treatment of those areas and if the cost was feasible. Dr. Petrillo responded that any proposal would be contracted; which would include how it would be treated, the extent, and the cost. For new subdivisions, during the site plan meetings if an area is wet, we require the developer to make arrangements to handle the wetlands by providing drainage, etc.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the contributing factors to disbanding the program. Dr. Petrillo reported that the factors were outdated equipment and vehicles. Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the program was started again, would it be contracted or would the town purchase a new vehicle and equipment. Dr. Petrillo said that he would have to research the details.

Council member Haverstock asked if the Council in 1990 was disturbed by pitting neighborhood against neighborhood regarding which neighborhoods would get spraying. Dr. Petrillo reported that it was not a factor in the decision.

Council member Trinks feels it should be a town wide program if it’s going to work, rather than choosing which neighborhoods would be sprayed. Dr. Petrillo said that the situation faced in the spring was that the river flooded twice, and the weather was warm between those floods, so the mosquitoes hatched and it was an unusual problem this year. East Hartford is the only town in the area that is addressing this problem; most towns are not doing anymore than Windsor. Council member Trinks suggested that we add this problem to the wish list for the State Legislators. Dr. Petrillo reported that East Hartford had a dead bird that tested positive a year ago, so they were eligible to receive funds for mosquito control from the State.

Council member Broxterman asked what happens if two families out of 51 don’t want the spraying. Dr. Petrillo had asked the contractor and the contractor answered that they would meet with those families and try to convince them to join the program. If they could not be convinced, the spraying would be stopped at their property; however, they would receive benefit because other areas surrounding them would be treated

Mayor Hogan encouraged the residents to participate in the budget hearings regarding mosquito spraying.

Council member Ristas reported that he objects in principal to the Town Manager making announcements that do not pertain to the town’s business. Council members are free to comment on these activities, but he does not feel that it is appropriate for the Town Manager to do so.

1. Office of Emergency Medical Services Automatic Defibrillator Grant

Chief Searles addressed the Council. Over the last few years the town has been working to outfit each of the Police Department’s active line vehicles and the Public Safety Complex with automatic defibrillator units (AED). The department currently has seven AED units and requires eight additional units to outfit front line vehicles and the dispatch area. The town was recently awarded the state Office of Emergency Medical Services grant of $5,739 for the purchase of two AEDs. Funding from the Police Department operating budget and a State of Connecticut Health Department grant is allowing the purchase of three additional AED units, leaving the need for three additional units to equip patrol vehicles and the dispatch area.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Broxterman to authorize the acceptance of a state Office of Emergency Medical Services grant in the amount of $5,739 to fund the purchase of two automatic defibrillator units.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Haverstock to move Item C. Request Increase in Staffing Authorization for Police Department to this point in the agenda.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

3. Request Increase in Staffing Authorization for Police Department.

The town has found it extremely difficult to recruit dispatching applicants that can commit to both the odd shift hours left open for part-timers and to the 100 hours of Department training and the two week state certification course which must be completed prior to dispatching for the town. Minimum staffing requirements and the lack of an adequate pool of part-time dispatchers has forced the town into having full-time dispatchers working multiple back-to-back shifts. In the alternative, the department must absorb the extremely high cost of having sworn officers work the vacant shifts. The cost of hiring a full-time dispatcher is $48,002 annually, inclusive of benefits. Funding for this position can be absorbed by the current FY 02 Police Department budget by using the funds originally targeted for the overtime or part-time hours for the 1,664 hours of unfilled dispatching shifts.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Simon, to authorize Public Safety to increase their full-time staff from 67 to 68 to create and fill a fifth full-time dispatcher position within the Police Department.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Council member Ristas asked if the budget for next year would reflect 67 or 68. Town Manager Churchill reported that it would reflect 68.

2. Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with the Connecticut State Library for an LSTA Long-Range Planning Grant.

Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director, addressed the Council. The Connecticut State Library Board recently voted approval to the Windsor Public Library for an LSTA Long-Range Planning Grant for $10,000. The grant will give the library an opportunity to formulate a long-range plan based on a process created by the Public Library Association. The grant funding will be used to hire a consultant who will lead the library staff and Advisory Board in gathering community data, identifying community needs, determining service priorities, and writing goals and objectives to achieve those priorities. Grant funds will also pay for a computer "touch screen" survey that will be administered for two weeks in January 2002. The survey asks citizens for their opinions on library services and needs. The town must provide a local match of the grant. A match in the form of personnel expenses is acceptable and appropriate.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council member Trinks to approve that R. Leon Churchill, Jr., Town Manager, is authorized to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this organization a certain contract with the Connecticut State Library, State of Connecticut, for a grant to conduct a Long-Range Planning Program.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

4. Amendments to Town of Windsor’s Price Guide.

Dr. Petrillo reported that due to a dramatic increase in the cost of flu vaccine and syringes for this coming season, the department is requesting an increase in fees charged for flu shots from $8.00 to $12.00 per shot. Other health departments throughout the region and the state have had to increase their influenza clinic fees to between $12.00 and $17.50 per shot.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis that effective October 1, 2001 the fees charged for flu shots will increase from $8.00 to $12.00 per shot.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

5. FY 2002 Pavement Program – LoCIP Funding

Mr. Brian Funk, Public Works Director, addressed the Council regarding the FY 2002 Pavement Program. In accordance with the FY 2002 budget, LoCIP funding for the following streets after they are resurfaced (paved) or reclaimed this fiscal year is being requested: Ash Drive, Clubhouse Road, Day Hill Road, Fyler Drive, Moore Drive, North Circle, Tiffany Drive, Clapp Road North, Crest Drive, Dewey Avenue, Greenfield Street, The Moorlands, and Preston Street Extension. He reviewed the revised process for this budget year.

Council member Ristas asked for clarification on the way we have paid for the projects as they proceed out of the general fund in the past. Mr. Funk responded that in the past, we created this account and received the money from the state and paid it back to the account. Now we will receive the money from the Capital Outlay Fund to accelerate the reimbursement. Council member Ristas commented that the revised process provides an easier audit trail. Mr. Funk agreed and said that this will simplify the process.

Council member Haverstock asked if the change in timing exposed the town to the risk that the state may deny the grant. Mr. Funk reported that the amount of money is already set as an entitlement.

Moved by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Broxterman that $235,000 is appropriated from the Capital Outlay Fund, Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to: Capital Outlay Fund Account 02-522, FY 2002 Pavement Program. That an application be made to the State of Connecticut for a Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) grant to perform paving, reclamation and other eligible work, and that when received, the LoCIP funds will reimburse Account 02-522, FY 2002 Pavement Program.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Mayor Hogan requested that Town Manager Churchill look into rescheduling the next Town Council meeting, which falls on the eve of Rosh Hashanah.

6. Update of Town of Windsor Personnel Rules

At the last meeting of August 6^th, the Council was presented with the update of personnel rules. Changes were made to personnel rules, which effect employees not covered by the collective bargaining process. All department heads and the town’s attorney reviewed the proposed rules. The Committee recommended that the Council approve the personnel rules as presented at the August 6^th Council meeting.

Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Broxterman to accept the personnel rules as presented at the August 6^th meeting.

Motion Passes 6-3-0 with Council members Ristas, Pacino, and Albano opposing.

Council member Ristas recommended that the page 1, section 1-2 non-discrimination be deleted and substituted with language to the effect that there shall be no discrimination in violation of state or federal law. Council member Ristas feels that the protective classes change over time, and as a practical matter, the policy will remain current as state or federal law changes. Council member Ristas and Town Manager Churchill reported that the town attorney does not object to the proposed amendment. Council member Ristas said that the policy as proposed for adoption when presented would arguably permit discrimination for or against the protective classes (i.e., affirmative action).

Mayor Hogan commented that she requests that the Council vote for the longer wording since personnel attorneys recommend the wording. Council member Simon stated that he believes that the language is standard boilerplate language that is used universally. Deputy Mayor Curtis agreed with Council member Simon and is against the amendment.

Council member Haverstock feels the amendment is more practical. More philosophically he supports Council member Ristas since the wording as it stands is that it reinforces that we are all members of classes. He is supporting the amendment because sometimes we focus too much on our differences rather than what bonds us as human beings.

Council member Broxterman will not support the amendment because there is a difference in state and federal law.

Moved by Council member Ristas, seconded by Council member Haverstock to accept the amendment as proposed: 1-2 Non-Discrimination. There shall be no discrimination in violation of any state or federal law.

Motion Fails 4-5-0 with Council members Broxterman, Simon, Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis and Mayor Hogan opposing.

Mayor Hogan thanked the town staff that worked so hard on the personnel rules.

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Simon to appoint Marcy Munoz to the Human Relations Commission for a three year term to expire May 31, 2004 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Moved by Council member Trinks, seconded by Council member Albano to table Items A-K and Items M-W.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

1. Minutes of the August 6, 2001 Public Hearing

Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Council member Broxterman to accept the minutes of the August 6, 2001 Public Hearing. Corrections: Mr. Bob Gangy should be Dr. Bob Gange.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

2. Minutes of the August 6, 2001 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Council member Simon, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to accept the minutes of the August 6, 2001 Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

None.

None.

17. Adjournment

Moved by Council member Haverstock, seconded by Council member Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:17 p.m.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch