The installation of HVAC units for the roof and Town Clerk’s
Vault are complete. The main HVAC units will be tested and
completed in the spring along with the A/C startup.
The remaining budget of $50,000 will be used for repairing,
repainting, and cleaning the stone.
330 Windsor Avenue Community Center
The Town is preparing documents for the demolition of
interior walls and the ceiling. A fire barrier will be erected
between the occupied and unoccupied spaces which will remain
in place during renovations. The architect will have estimates
ready for the first PBC meeting in February.
Poquonock School Window Replacement Project
The architectural firm will present a bid package at the
first meeting in February.
L.P. Wilson Roof Update
An infrared test was performed on the roof. A report will
be ready for review for the first meeting in February. The
design is budgeted in the current operating budget.
Preparations of a Request for Proposal based on the infrared
report will begin as soon as it is received.
Note that funding from the State must be requested by June
2002 in order to receive reimbursement by 2004.
Windsor Library Expansion Project
Mr. Neumann, Director of Facilities, met with Mr. Best,
Project Architect, and reviewed ideas with the Town Planner,
Mario Zavarella. Mr. Zavarella indicated that an addition
could occur to the Broad Street side. The estimated cost for
this project will be presented at the February meeting.
Councilor Pacino asked if there were any major renovations
being made to the main gymnasium. Mr. Funk, Director of Public
Works, replied that there is still work to be completed in
that area.
Councilor Walker requested clarification of the "no
automatic" response by the Windsor Fire Department in the
event of an alarm during construction. Mr. Funk replied that
there is a fire watch in place, per the recommendation of Fire
Marshal Ray Walker.
Councilor Jepsen inquired about the project completion date
and if the problems with the fire/sprinkler alarms had
affected the completion date in any way. Mr. Funk responded
that various delays have affected the completion date, but he
could not give a firm response at this time. The PBC is
currently addressing the work schedule and will keep the
council updated.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Max Kuziak, board member of the ZBA, reported for the
commission. The Zoning Board of Appeals has eight members and
receives assistance from the town Building Official and the
Building Inspector. The five regular and three alternate
members presently on this board are: Fran Rothenberg,
(Chairperson), Helene Shea, (Secretary), Joseph Breen, John
Cowan and Max Kuziak. The alternates are George Bolduc,
Roseanne Lombardo and Ruth Wood.
The board meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 PM in
the Council Chambers. There is no scheduled meeting in August.
If no requests for variances are recommended, the board does
not meet.
The board convened eight times in 2001 and granted fourteen
requests for variance.
7. Town Manager’s Report
Plan of Conservation and Development Process
The Town Planning and Zoning Commission is seeking
volunteers to assist in updating its Plan of Conservation
and Development. This plan will guide the development of the
Town of Windsor for the next ten years. The committee will
consist of nine members including some members of Windsor’s
Boards and Commissions and other citizen appointments. Once
formed, it is anticipated the committee will take about 18
months to complete the plan.
The plan will identify strategies to preserve important
resources, guide future development, enhance community
character and promote quality of life for residents. If you
are interested in becoming involved in the planning of the
Town of Windsor Plan of Conservation and Development,
contact the Windsor Planning Office by Friday, February 1,
2002 at 285.1980.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming special events
that will surely shake off the winter blues:
Windsor’s Winter Festival will feature games, face
painting, arts and crafts, puppets, refreshments and music!
This family fun will happen from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the 330
Windsor Avenue Recreation Center on Friday, February 1st.
Admission is $1.00. Call 285-1990 for information.
"Northwest Park at Night" will be held
Saturday, February 2nd from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
Along with the STARLAB, an "owl prowl" and
bonfire, visitors can cross country ski or snowshoe along
the park’s illuminated trails. Admission for the event is
$1.00, and rentals are available. Call 285-1886 for
information.
Combustion Engineering Information Session
On Thursday, January 31st, Combustion Engineering will
conduct an exhibit on the cleanup progress of its Day Hill
Road site. The exhibit will be held in the Ludlow Room of
the Windsor Town Hall from 5-8 PM and staff from Combustion
Engineering will be on hand to answer any questions that the
public may have regarding their cleanup operations. For more
information, contact Elaine Hammick of Combustion
Engineering at (860) 285-5734.
Welcome to the new Human Resources Director
Amelia Bliss has joined the town staff as our new Human
Resources Director.
Ms. Bliss was most recently the Director of
Administrative Services for the City of Merriam, Kansas,
where she led the city’s human resources activities. She
has 16 years of experience in the local government human
resources including Director of Human Resources for Lee’s
Summit, Missouri and Human Resources Coordinator for Lenexa,
Kansas. Ms. Bliss will bring a broad spectrum of experience
to the town in areas such as organizational development,
recruitment and selection, compensation, retention, training
and professional development of staff. I look forward to Ms.
Bliss bringing her human resources expertise to Windsor and
adding to the overall management and administration of our
organization.
Mayor Trinks asked Town Manager Churchill if the current
"night construction" involving CL&P trucks on
Broad Street was a planned project or an emergency. Police
Chief Kevin Searles responded that the work began in the
morning as a routine repair, but a sewer line was hit in the
process which was supposed to be seven feet lower than they
had anticipated.
Councilor Walker asked the Town Manager what he thought
the Town of Bloomfield would be doing next in regards to the
Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill issue. Town Manager Churchill
responded that he would not attempt to state Bloomfield’s
intentions in a definitive way, but has received enough
feedback in the last few years that the transfer of funds to
the General Fund for payment in lieu of taxes, rent, and
administrative charges seems to be the crux of the matter.
Town Manager Churchill added that Bloomfield's contentions
in a simplistic sense are true, every dollar transferred
could have been used for closure and limit Bloomfield's
exposure to pay for 50% of the costs. However, how can this
happen without it becoming burdensome to the Windsor
taxpayer? The charges are consistent with generally accepted
accounting practices and have been verified by an
independent authority. Bloomfield stated they want to review
everything associated with the landfill, but it may be in
everyone's interests to wait until the final outcome and
cost of closure is known.
8. Communications From Council Members
Councilor Walker made note that he had recently spoke to
Reverend Johnson, a Windsor resident, of the Trinity
Episcopal Church in Hartford. Reverend Johnson has informed
Councilor Walker that he will proudly display the
proclamation he received from the Windsor Town Council and
continue to spread the word on what a wonderful community
Windsor is. Councilor Walker also wished a Happy Birthday to
his wife and thanked her for her patience with him as he
works full-time both at his regular job as well as serving
the community as a member of the Windsor Town Council.
Councilor Pacino stated that he would like to clarify his
comments regarding the removal of signs in town. He felt his
intentions had been misrepresented in the local media,
making the matter seem like a freedom of speech issue.
Councilor Pacino stated that his main concern was for the
removal of tag sale and event signs that sometimes linger
long after the date of the event. He never intended it to be
a restriction of free speech, but rather would have liked to
see some wording added to the existing sign ordinance which
addresses tag sale and event signs.
Councilor Simon – none
Councilor Albano – none
Councilor Broxterman – none
Councilor Mulligan – none
Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked the Windsor Clergy
Association and the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church for
hosting the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ceremony. He
hopes they will continue to sponsor this event for the
community in the future. Deputy Mayor Curtis also noted that
the PAL Recreation center located at the 330 Windsor Avenue
has made a positive impact on the Wilson Branch Library.
Many children who hung out at the library are now utilizing
the PAL drop-in center, which is also allowing library staff
to offer higher quality study time and computer training for
those who wish to use the library.
Councilor Jepsen thanked Town Manager Churchill and staff
for the Civic Participation Project.
Mayor Trinks also thanked the Windsor Clergy Association
and the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church for their efforts
in sponsoring the Martin Luther King day observance. The
Mayor also asked Councilor Pacino to spearhead a committee
to begin the Town Managers evaluation.
9. Reports of Standing Committees
Finance Committee
Councilor Simon reported that the Finance Committee met
on January 14, 2002 and these three items will be discussed
later on the agenda.
Health & Safety Committee
No report
Town Improvements
No report
Special Projects
Councilor Walker reported that the Special Projects
Committee met on January 14, 2002. The placement and removal
of tag sale and event signs was discussed. Town Attorney
Vincent Oswecki was present at the meeting to provide
clarification of the town’s existing sign ordinance. The
current regulations do not specifically address tag sale and
event signs. The Town Attorney advised against adding such
language, thus allowing the town more latitude in the
enforcement of the ordinance. He recommended leaving the
current wording intact so we do not box ourselves in a
corner.
Councilor Walker added that the Special Projects
Committee did ask the Town Manager to have both Police and
Public Works staff make a more aggressive effort to remove
old signs if they see them.
Councilor Mulligan added that the committee also
discussed the illegal placing of signs on utility poles in
right-of -ways, which town staff will continue to monitor
closely.
Councilor Walker reported that discussion occurred
regarding the town electronic meeting notification of the
Town Council agenda being posted to the town’s website in
a timely fashion. Councilor Walker commented that town staff
is very busy on Thursday afternoons coordinating and
organizing the many agenda packets that need to be
distributed. He hopes some of the individuals currently
receiving the agenda packet will consider receiving it via
email. Town staff will be polling those who receive agenda
packets to determine if they would like to remain active on
the list, and/or if they would like to receive it
electronically.
10. Ordinances – none
11. Unfinished Business – none
12. New Business
- AMBER Presentation
Councilor Mulligan introduced Mike Rice, the President of
the CT Broadcast Association, and Kevin Searles, Police
Chief, to provide a presentation on the AMBER program.
Mr. Rice informed the council that AMBER (America’s
Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) is an extension of
the Emergency Alert System plan which was implemented by the
FCC to allow broadcasters to provide information to the
radio audience during severe weather emergencies.
Connecticut is the 6th state to adopt the AMBER
plan. If a child is abducted, the police can now send a
message on the air within minutes, which allows the maximum
number of people to be informed of what has happened. In the
past, this could have taken up to one hour.
Chief Searles informed the Council that 114,600
abductions are reported each year and of that, 4,600 are
actual non-family abductions. These 4,600 are the target of
the AMBER program. Reports such as these are not uncommon in
Windsor but usually result in a family member being the
abductee. Chief Searles reviewed the criteria used by the
police to broadcast an announcement through the AMBER
program. They are: 1) the system is not used for runaways or
custodial matters 2) the child must be under 16 years of age
3) the child must be in serious danger of bodily harm or
death and
4) there must be enough of a description of the child to
send the message.
Chief Searles then played an example recording.
Councilor Simon mentioned the map included in the council’s
packet and noted that Connecticut was one of only six states
that have adopted this plan. Mr. Rice responded that several
other states are in the process of having the plan
implemented and are at various stages of approval.
Councilor Pacino inquired if it would be possible for
service clubs in town to receive the same presentation as
the council received. Chief Searles responded in the
affirmative.
Deputy Mayor Curtis suggested a presentation be given at
a Board of Education meeting.
Mayor Trinks asked if many radio stations were getting
involved. Mr. Rice responded that all radio stations have
the equipment that can be pre-programmed. They are asked to
broadcast the information immediately upon receiving it. He
is not aware of any station that has verbalized they would
not cooperate and noted that it is highly unlikely,
especially considering the announcement only takes 90
seconds.
- Authorize Town Manager to execute an agreement with
Connecticut Department of Public Safety for the purchase
of CT-NIBRS software
Police Chief, Kevin Searles, introduced Chris Rogovich,
MIS Supervisor for the Windsor Police Department. Ms.
Rogovich provided the Council with an overview of the
request for grant funds for the purchase of the NIBRS
compliant software. The funds would be used to purchase a
computer aided dispatch and records management system that
will allow sworn officers to complete most of their
paperwork in the cruisers--a system known as "field
reporting". The software that captures the information
provided in the officers’ reports is Connecticut National
Incident Based Reporting System Compliant (CTNIBRS) and has
been approved for these purposes by the state.
Deputy Mayor Curtis asked for clarification of the
wording "increased staff hours for less conventional
work." Ms. Rogovich responded that work would include
block watches and community policing programs.
Councilor Simon spoke favorably that the system would
provide improved detailed reporting and decrease the amount
of paperwork for the field officers. Chief Searles concurred
and said that the major two advantages were: a time savings
in driving and having cruisers more visible throughout town
as the officers are sitting in them completing the reports.
Motioned by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman, that the Town Manager be authorized to execute a
contract on behalf of the Town of Windsor with the
Connecticut Department of Public Safety Division of State
Police for the reimbursement in the amount of $40,000 for
the purchase and use of CT-NIBRS compliant software, as that
purchase and use is defined in the National Criminal History
Improvement Program grant application submitted by the Town
of Windsor for the period of January 1, 2001 or September
20, 2002.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Landfill Steering Committee Appointments
Councilor Simon reviewed the criteria for the formulation
of the committee and noted that the council had originally
discussed not selecting members along party lines, but the
town charter recognizes this committee as one appointed by
the Town Council and he feels this list of nominees reflects
the simple majority requirement.
Councilor Mulligan noted that he was at the meeting when
the committee applicants were discussed and commended the
committee for the nominations.
Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Albano
that the following five individuals be appointed to the
Landfill Re-use Steering Committee: Mr. Gerald Golden, Mr.
Steve Hawco, Mr. Lee Hoffman, Ms. Darlene Klase and Mr. Carl
Nowiscewski.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Planning Process for Landfill Re-use
Councilor Simon reviewed the appropriation request,
noting that the funds would be used to provide technical
support for the newly appointed Landfill Re-use Steering
Committee.
Councilor Pacino asked if the funding was for Fuss and O’Neill.
Town Manager Churchill responded that, yes, there would be
engineering fees for Fuss and O’Neill, but there would
also be a need for landscape architectural services.
Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if all the meetings of the
Landfill Re-use Steering were open to the public. Town
Manager Churchill responded that, yes, they would be open to
the public, including the steering committee meetings. The
first meeting, an orientation, will be held at the Town Hall
on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at 7 PM. Future meeting sites
may be held at other venues such as school sites, if there
is a need to accommodate a large number of people.
Motioned by Council Simon, seconded by Councilor Albano,
that the Town Council approve an appropriation not to exceed
$55,000 from the General Fund Unreserved Undesignated Fund
Balance to fund consulting services related to preparing a
Landfill Re-use Plan and any basic closure costs to be
billed to the Landfill Enterprise Fund.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Debt and Fund Balance Policy
Councilor Simon reviewed the policy, commenting that it
includes targets and goals.
Councilor Pacino asked if the self imposed $10 million
cap on bond spending had changed. Gregg Pavitt, Finance
Director, responded that it is preferable to adhere to the
$10 million cap in order to obtain superior interest rates
on the town’s bonds. The town would be classified as a
"large bond issuer" and thus subject to additional
interest charges as prescribed by the Security Exchange
Commission.
Councilor Mulligan asked about the fund balance target
– what is the $350,000?
Mr. Pavitt said that it gives us enough buffer to provide
for a minimum reserve. Town Manager Churchill noted that the
amount is comparable to what the town spends in cash on
design and capital related work for a project.
Councilor Walker asked if the self-imposed cap helps the
town with its rating. Mr. Pavitt explained that if adopted
this evening, the text of the debt and fund balance policy
would be viewed favorably by rating agencies since specific
targets and goals have been designated.
Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Council Mulligan
to adopt the debt and fund balance policy as presented.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Resolution to Approve Brokerage Account
Town Manager Churchill gave an overview of the proposal
citing explaining how Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
underwent a demutualization process last Fall that was
completed in October 2001. Demutualization is a process
where an insurance carrier converts from a mutual company to
a private stock company. Net proceeds from Anthem’s
offering were approximately $2.1 billion and were used to
distribute cash to Anthem’s Statutory Members, such as the
Town of Windsor. The Town Manager needs the Town Council’s
authorization to establish an account to receive Anthem
shares of stock and to sell the stock – conservatively
estimated to have a value of $300,000.
Councilor Simon asked the Town Manager if he anticipated
making a quick sale of the stocks. Town Manager Churchill
replied, yes, as the interest rates are currently at or near
their peak.
Councilor Walker asked into which account the town will
place the money at the end of the sale. Town Manager
Churchill responded that the money would be treated like any
revenue and placed into the general revenues/general fund
account.
Councilor Albano asked if Anthem offers a choice of which
broker to sell through. Mr. Pavitt responded that they do
not at this time. Town Manager Churchill added that we could
follow-up with Webster investments regarding Councilor
Albano’s inquiry.
Councilor Pacino asked if the reimbursement for the
co-pay issue was a result of a recent lawsuit that was
filed. Town Manager Churchill said he thought so and that
they were related. He reiterated that we would rely on the
research conducted by the state before becoming involved in
co-pay reimbursement.
Councilor Broxterman suggested we do not delay.
Motioned by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman that the Town Manager and Director of Finance are
hereby authorized to open a brokerage account with Webster
Investments and to direct the sale of Anthem, Inc. shares.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Personnel Rules Amendment – Deferred Compensation
Town Manager Churchill stated he was grateful that
Councilor Walker read a motion different from the one
approved by the Special Project Committee approved on
January 14, 2002 because of the several questions posed by
town councilors that arose after the Special Project
Committee’s approval. He stated that if all eligible
employees participate, the cost would be approximately
$35,500. He feels this benefit will help with the
recruitment of new employees as well as add to the overall
benefit package.
Councilor Mulligan thanked the Town Manager for amending
the proposal, as there was some concern expressed at the
Special Projects Committee regarding the equity of the
proposal.
Councilor Simon stated he was in favor of the proposal,
noting it was a very modest matching contribution program.
He further stated that town employees have a good pension
program – better then the private sector, but the private
sector tends to offer better matching contribution programs.
Mayor Trinks concurred and felt that the approval of this
proposal would send a message to the town employees that we
want to support and retain them.
Councilor Broxterman stated that he would support the
motion, and feels it is critical for the Town Manager to
provide an even playing field. He also noted that Windsor
competes with many other municipalities for employees.
Motioned by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen that the following language be added to Section 15-2
of the Personnel Policies: "For employees in Grade 1,
Associates and Grade 2, Managers/Coordinators, of the
Administrative Pay Plan, the town will match compensation
deferred by the employee up to a fixed dollar amount on an
annual basis. The dollar amount will be established by the
Town Manager on an annual basis. Employees must
satisfactorily complete their probationary period to be
eligible for the matching contribution from the town."
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Acceptance of Rainbow Landing II Subdivision #300
Berrios Hill
Town Engineer Tom Lenehan, provided an overview of the
agenda item citing that Town Planning & Zoning had
recommended the acceptance of the public improvements.
Councilor Simon asked who currently maintains the road. Mr.
Lenehan stated that the developer has provided some
maintenance and the town provides snow removal.
Mayor Trinks asked if roads must meet certain standards
when a developer brings a plan to town for approval. Mr.
Lenehan replied that it does.
Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen to "move that the town accept the proposed deed to
the public improvements in Rainbow Landing II Subdivision #300
for perpetual maintenance."
Motion Passed 9-0-0
13. Resignations and Appointments
Motioned by Councilor Albano, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman to reappoint:
- One Republican Member, Robert Gange, to the Youth
Commission for a three year term to expire September 20,
2004 or until a successor is appointed.
- One Republican Member, Joseph Breen, to the Zoning Board
of Appeals for a four year term to expire November 10,
2005 or until a successor is appointed.