2002 Minutes Archive

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

October 7, 2002

Approved Minutes

 

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

  1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
  2. Prayer – Councilor Mulligan
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Mulligan
  4. Proclamations/Awards
  1. Designating October 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Councilor Walker read the proclamation designating October 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

  2. Designating October 15, 2002 as White Cane Day

    Councilor Mulligan read the proclamation designating October 15, 2002 as White Cane Day and presented it to the members of the Windsor Lions Club and their guests.

  3. Designating October 2002 as Fire Prevention Month

Councilor Broxterman read the proclamation designating October 2002 as Fire Prevention Month and presented it to Fire Marshal Ray Walker. Also present were Deputy Fire Marshal Scott Yeomans, Ken Means, Richard Shea, Jim Eatherton, and Dave Collins. Gwyn Muhlmeyer introduced the Explorers Post 6789 and their advisors.

The fire stations at Poquonock and Wilson are both open this coming Friday evening and Hayden Station is open on Saturday for anyone who would like to take a tour or get more information concerning fire prevention or the Volunteer Fire Department.

 

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    Ms. Dorothy Simon, Windsor Jesters, addressed the Town Council and announced they are presenting the production, Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor. The play will be presented at the L.P. Wilson Community Center, November 1, 2, 8, & 9, 2002. Members of the Town Council were presented with "candy prescriptions" and tickets by members of the Windsor Jesters.

 

 

  1. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Town Planning & Zoning Commission

    Ms. Anita Mips, Chair of the TP&Z, reported to the Town Council. She reviewed the various requests received by the TP&Z. Griswold Village on Poquonock Avenue is an ongoing project. They have also approved an additional 173,000 sq. ft. of industrial development. The Commission is one-third of the way through evaluating and updating the Plan of Conservation and Development.

    Councilor Simon asked what causes the Commission to have a special meeting. Ms. Mips responded that a special meeting is usually called if the regular meeting falls on a holiday or if there wasn’t enough time for proper notification in the newspaper.

    Councilor Jepsen asked about open space. Ms. Mips said that they are trying to get away from designating open space, but rather leaving the properties to neighborhood associations. This alleviates the town’s responsibility for maintenance.

  2. Board of Education

Ms. Catherine Moreton, Board of Education, reported to the Town Council on behalf of the Board of Ed President, Jane Garibay, who was attending another meeting. The Board held two workshops in the past month and a third workshop is scheduled for next week. They are in the process of developing a Board/Superintendent Leadership Team Mission Statement. They have reviewed the roles of the Board and the Superintendent and developed the role of the Leadership Team. At the next workshop they will prepare the mission statement for adoption and will prioritize the challenges.

The high school is moving forward on its self-study in preparation for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation, which will take place in the fall of 2003. Every staff member at the high school is involved in self-study. The BOE has discussed challenges facing the school district. One of the priorities of the Board is to discuss the issue of expanding the all day kindergarten program.

 

  1. Town Manager’s Report

    Financial Update – Report of Notes Sale

    The town recently sold $1,285,000 of short-term notes. The notes will mature in March. This is timed to coincide with our one-year notes from the high school project (the sale last March). Moody's had reaffirmed our rating (at no cost).

    The resulting bidder (one of 2) was Eastern Bank (Boston area). The net interest cost (NIC) was 1.498%. The other bidder's NIC was 1.6418%. The low number of bids was most likely the result of (a) the small issue size, and (b) the short term of the note (152 days). At our prior note sale last March, our note was larger ($1,550,000), and for a full year. Still, less than 1.5% is a favorable rate.

    Cell Phone Project Remains Popular

    On September 23 Sr. Center Activity Coordinator Stephany Wall was interviewed on WTIC radio by Diane (of the Ray and Diane morning show) regarding the Emergency Cell Phone Project. Since that interview 29 people have called in to request phones. At this point 85 phones have been given out. The Senior Center has a large supply of phones available and by the end of this month everyone on our list should have received a phone. Phones are distributed in groups of 7 or 8 in the order in which the requests were made. People who would like to have an emergency cell phone can call the Senior Center at 285-1992.

    Senior Health Fair

    On October 23 from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM the Senior Center will be holding the Annual Senior Health Fair in combination with the Health Department's Flu and Pneumonia Shot Clinic. This year there will be 28 vendors from various areas of the health field. There will be bone density tests at $10.00 and cholesterol tests at $5.00. These tests are being partially funded by the Granger Fund. Other vendors will offer free glucose tests, pain assessments, blood pressures, spinal checks and much more. The flu shots, bone density and cholesterol tests are for people age 60 and over but everyone is invited to attend the fair and take home as much information as they like. No appointments are needed. Everything, including the Flu Vaccine, will be available until 2:00 PM. For more information call the Senior Center at 285-1992.

    Windsor Plans Public Workshop on Development Topics

    The Committee preparing the update of the Town of Windsor Plan of Conservation and Development has scheduled a public workshop on development related topics for Wednesday, October 9th, 7:00pm, at Windsor Town Hall Council Chambers.

    The Town is hoping to hear from residents about the important development issues for Windsor to consider, over the next ten to twenty years. The development topics to be discussed at this workshop include: Promoting Economic Development, Meeting Housing Needs, Encouraging Appropriate Residential Development Patterns, Neighborhood Preservation, and Enhancing Village Centers. For more information, call the Planning Department at 285-1980.

     

    Councilor Simon requested an update of the Barber Pond Ice Rink proposal. Town Manager Churchill stated that he would provide an update to the Town Council.

 
  1. Communication from Town Council Members

    Councilor Albano – None.

    Councilor Broxterman – None.

    Councilor Jepsen – thanked the Mayor who donated a picnic basket on behalf of the Town Council to the Northwest Park Picnic Lunch Auction. Councilor Jepsen requested copies of the town audit of the WHS project once it is finished. He also mentioned the upcoming Chili Fest on Saturday, October 12, 2002.

    Councilor Mulligan – None.

    Councilor Pacino – had a discussion with a local businessman concerning the crackdown of sandwich board signs that businesses are allowed to place on the sidewalk. The businessman was concerned that the town is cracking down on business signage, but has not developed an ordinance for the various tag sale signs that are left up all over town. Town Manager Churchill said that an update would be given to the appropriate Committee. Mayor Trinks referred the topic to the Public Health and Safety Committee.

    Councilor Simon – asked if unaffiliated voters would receive their second notice of polling location changes. Town Manager Churchill stated that they would receive them prior to November elections.

    Councilor Walker – None.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

    Mayor Trinks – mentioned the success of the Northwest Park Country Fair. On Saturday, October 12, 2002 twenty-three businesses and organizations will be cooking chili on the town green. Also, the Annual Lions Club Crafts and Arts festival will be held on the green the same day.

 
  1. Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Finance Committee – None.
  2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
  3. Health and Safety – None.
  4. Special Projects – None.
  5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – met earlier this evening and reviewed and discussed the WHS renovation project and the all day kindergarten issue. Members of the BOE do not feel they have sufficient information at this time regarding space requirements and the alternatives to an all day kindergarten. This topic in addition to the overall philosophy regarding all day kindergarten will be discussed further by the BOE in the coming months.

 

  1. Ordinances

    None.

  2. Unfinished Business

    None.

  3. New Business
  1. Resolution to change the name of a portion of West Wolcott Avenue to Putnam Highway

    Councilor Jepsen said that four properties will be affected and three of them were against the change at the Public Hearing.

    Councilor Walker said that the reason the change is recommended is for safety reasons. He asked if it is truly a public safety issue. Town Manager Churchill stated that any time there is a street name change it is usually driven by a public safety issue. There are less tenured personnel in the Fire and Police departments who are not familiar with the area as well as veterans of the departments. However, given that there are only four properties involved perhaps we can work around it.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about keeping the name the same and placing signage with arrows. Town Manager Churchill said that those signs may be more helpful to the general public or delivery firms, rather than public safety services.

    Councilor Simon asked if it was an annoyance or if there was a safety issue that prompted the name change recommendation. Town Manager Churchill stated that it was both an annoyance issue with town staff and a potential safety issue because the street had two names.

    Mayor Trinks stated that he would not be supporting the motion.

    Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis that 600 West Wolcott Avenue to 660 West Wolcott Avenue be renamed to Putnam Highway.

    Motion Failed 0-9-0

  2. Introduce Amendments to False Alarm Ordinance

Fire Marshal Ray Walker spoke to the Town Council regarding the false alarm ordinance. Both the Police and Volunteer Fire Departments respond to a significant number of calls for service related to false security and fire alarm systems. In addition to efforts of the Police Department to increase compliance with the existing ordinance, the Fire Marshal’s Office has been seeking to reduce the number of false alarms with particular emphasis on residential structures with repeat false alarms. The problem of repeat false fire alarms still exists primarily in non-residential structures. In 2001, 35% of the false fire alarms originated from fourteen sites.

It is proposed that the Town Council consider amending the existing ordinance in the following areas:

  • Reduce the number of allowed false fire alarms from 6 to 3 per calendar year,
  • allow the police and fire departments to modify or reduce response to properties which have more than ten false security and fire alarms per any one calendar year,
  • have existing alarm systems register with the town,
  • all new alarm systems are to be registered with the town and inspected,
  • establish installation criteria.

Councilor Simon asked about the current penalty and if an increase is being recommended. Fire Marshal Walker said that the current charge is $40 for false fire alarms and the recommended increase will be $500. It is a large increase, however, it has not been changed in several years.

Councilor Albano asked if it was discussed with the Chamber of Commerce. Fire Marshal Walker said that they have just drafted the amendment. They will meet with the business community and alarm system contractors in the coming weeks.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked for clarification on the ability to modify or reduce response to properties, which have more than ten false alarms. Fire Marshal Walker said that it is a growing national trend to modify or reduce response (from 3 to 1 fire personnel responding) to properties having numerous false alarms.

Councilor Walker agrees with the efforts of these amendments.

Mayor Trinks referred the amendments of the alarm ordinance to the Health and Safety Committee for review.

  1. Introduce Amendments to Code of Ethics Ordinance

    Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, reviewed the amendments to the Code of Ethics. The Board of Ethics has voted to recommend proposed amendments to the Code of Ethics ordinance in the following areas: Notification Requirements, Investigations, Political Contributions and Former Town Employees.

    Councilor Pacino asked if there has been any legal challenges in other towns regarding former town employees. Mr. Souza is not aware of any, but he will research it and get back to the Town Council.

    Mayor Trinks asked if it would take effect immediately or be grandfathered. Town Manager Churchill stated that it would be in effect immediately.

    Councilor Jepsen asked how it would be enforced if a previous town employee works for a private firm who has a contract with the town. Mr. Souza responded that he did not have detailed information available, but will provide further information at the committee level. Mayor Trinks referred the matter to the Special Projects Committee for review.

  2. Appropriation of $10,000 for Rzasa vs. Town of Windsor case

This case was brought before the Town Council during Executive Session at the September 17, 2002 meeting. A motion was made during the Regular Town Council session of 9/17/02 to authorize settlement of the case and to fund the appropriation through the General Services Unclassified Account.

Councilor Pacino mentioned that in the past when a settlement was issued, financial figures were not publicized and he questioned why it was being done this time. Town Manager Churchill said that there is no publication of figures prior to or during the Executive Session in order to maintain leverage. He also stated that appropriation amounts should be placed on the agenda. This had not been done at the last meeting, therefore, making that vote null and void. It is now being added to identify the settlement amount and to have this information present in the motion for a Town Council vote.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen, to appropriate the amount of $10,000 from the General Services Unclassified Account to fund the Rzasa vs. Town of Windsor settlement.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

  1. Resignations and Appointments

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Frank Davis to the Conservation Commission for a five-year term to expire on November 30, 2006 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Councilor Mulligan noted that there may be duplicates or errors on the Resignations and Appointments list (items C & F and items S & T) and requested that the list be reviewed.

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to table items A-D, and F-T.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the September 17, 2002 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the September 17, 2002 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    None.

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

     

    Council entered into executive session at 8:52 p.m.

  2. Executive Session

    Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker

    Staff: Leon Churchill, Town Manager; Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, Marty Maynard, Risk Manager, Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director

    Mr. Maynard and Mr. Pavitt both left Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to re-enter the Regular Town Council session at 9:32 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Albano to adjourn the Regular Town Council meeting at 9:33 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch