2002 Minutes Archive

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

February 19, 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 Albano
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Albano
  4. Proclamations/Awards
  1. Family Technology Awareness Week

Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation honoring Family Technology Awareness Week from February 10-16, 2002.

  5.  Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, addressed the Council regarding the shopping carts that are removed from the Windsor Shopping Center. He reported that often they are abandoned for days, weeks and even months on public property. He stated that there has been a lot of talk recently about a "brand name", an image, a perception of Windsor and encouraged some resolution to this matter.

  6.  Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Board of Assessment Appeals

    2. Mr. George Bolduc, Chair of the Board of Assessment Appeals, summarized the board’s duties, which includes assessment appeals of property assessments. Between 50-100 residential and commercial assessment appeals are performed per year.

  2. Public Building Commission

Mr. Joseph Novak, Chair of the Public Building Commission, reported to the Town Council. The Windsor High School renovation construction areas 4 & 11 have been turned over for instruction use. Work in the auditorium is nearing completion. The décor of the room and enhancements will be beneficial for the music program. Seating has been installed. Poor acoustics in sections of the room has been remedied. The new safety barriers around the lighting have been installed.

Construction in areas 9, 3 & 6 will begin soon. The commission extended its thanks to the Windsor Police Department, Windsor Fire Department and the school for their patience during the numerous false fire alarms. It has now been 30 days since a false fire alarm. A fire watch was implemented and may soon be lifted.

The electric demolition at 330 Windsor Avenue in the Caring Connection area has been completed. The right side of the building has been completed, including recreation, basketball and meeting rooms.

Mr. Novak summarized the Windsor Library Expansion Project. Last week the commission received the expansion design from the architect. The expansion will be completed in three phases. More detail will be discussed at the next Town Council meeting. The Town Hall was renovated 10-15 years ago at $5 million. To expand the Library at $2.5 million will be a challenge.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the Caring Connection’s "move in" date. Town Manager Churchill responded that it would be towards the end of the calendar year due to the complexities of the work being performed.

Councilor Albano inquired about the revised completion date of Windsor High School. Mr. Novak replied the commission’s anticipation is to complete it this year. A revised completion schedule will be reviewed at the commission’s next meeting. The gymnasium may be used for temporary classrooms.

 

Councilor Pacino asked about any penalties on bonds with a later completion date. He also asked if the false alarms had any effect on the completion date. Mr. Novak stated that any delays would have to be investigated to figure out who is at fault. Right now they are concentrating on finishing the project. The false alarms delayed construction about two weeks.

Councilor Broxterman asked if the library presentation would have each of the three phases mapped out. He also asked if mobile classrooms for Windsor High School have been investigated given the lack of swing space. Mr. Novak responded that they did look into portable classrooms. The cost of trailers and portable classrooms are very high and there isn’t a good market for used portable classrooms.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the budget. Mr. Novak replied that there is contingency left, however, it is dwindling quickly with additional asbestos discoveries. There is about $200,000 left in contingency. The project is about 65-70% complete.

Councilor Walker asked if there were any air quality issues with the Windsor High School construction and if the air handling issues would be improved with construction. Mr. Novak replied that no issues have been brought forth to the commission. There is dust, which they try to contain. The commission and Windsor High School tested the air quality and no reports have come back as unhealthy. Mr. Novak said that the HVAC system is new, which includes monitors to test for CO2 and other readings.

Mayor Trinks asked about the fire watches. Mr. Novak responded that the alarms have been turned off. The watches are staffed by trained fire department volunteers. The construction company is being billed for the time. The Fire Marshal considers these violations very serious and legal papers have been served to the construction company. The school was shut down for a half-day for the safety of students and staff.

7.  Town Manager’s Report

    Public Invited to Participate in Landfill Re-Use "Brainstorming" Session

    The Landfill Re-Use Steering Committee recently appointed by the Windsor Town Council will continue to gather public input at a public meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting will be a brainstorming session of any and all ideas pertaining to uses of the landfill after it closes. Suggestions and comments are also welcome via email at landfillfuture@townofwindsorct.com. For more information, visit the Town of Windsor website at www.townofwindsorct.com or call 285-1800.

     

    Community Forum Planned

    Windsor’s Healthy People Initiative will be hosting a Community Forum on Thursday, March 14th in the Town Hall Council Chambers to gain insight regarding childcare and other needs of families and young children in Windsor.

    Registration and Refreshments will be held from 5:30 – 6:00 PM with the Community Forum following from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

    Child care will be available and transportation can be provided. If you would like to attend, or for more information, please call 687-2000 x272. Please RSVP by March 4th.

     

    Tap into Family Fun

    It’s great family fun to visit Northwest Park’s public free sugaring weekends on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Sundays from noon to 4:00 PM. See the maple sugaring process every weekend through March 17th. Call 285-1886 for more information.

    For an evening with a gifted troubadour of songs that touch the heart and lift the spirits, come hear Connecticut’s own Maria Sangiolo in the relaxed atmosphere of the Northwest Park Coffeehouse on February 23rd from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00 and can be reserved by calling 285-1886. Complimentary beverages and desserts are always on hand, and provided by the Friends of Northwest Park.

     

    Summer Employment Opportunities

    The Town of Windsor is currently accepting applications for full-time and part-time summer positions. There are a variety of positions including lifeguards, playground counselors, clerical assistants, nature camp educators and maintenance assistants in our Public Works Department.

    If you, or someone you know is interested in any of these exciting opportunities, please visit our Human Resources Department on the 2nd floor of Town Hall or visit us on-line at www.townofwindsorct.com.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the skating rink. Town Manager Churchill stated that the weather has been uncooperative. Four days of below freezing temperatures are necessary for the rink to be opened.

    Councilor Simon noted that the remainder of the swimming lessons were cancelled due to Windsor High School reconstruction. Town Manager Churchill stated that a letter was distributed and refunds will be given. The repairs should be completed by the next swim session.

8.  Communication from Council Members

    Councilor Albano – None.

    Councilor Broxterman – Windsor High School’s girls team is playing a championship game tomorrow night in Bristol. He encouraged residents to support the team.

    Councilor Jepsen reported on Laurel Avenue updates - On Monday, February 11th, town staff hosted a meeting with residents of Laurel Avenue and the adjacent property owners to discuss the features of the proposed reconstruction in that area. Approximately 20 residents were in attendance. The meeting ended with consensus on the street’s design and reconstruction.

    The project consultant, Tectonic Keyes, is completing the design and we anticipate advertising the contract in March. This will allow for construction to start in May 2002, allowing 90 days for the work. The reconstruction should be complete in August 2002.

    The Town Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed reconstruction.. Please call Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, for more information at 285-1804.

    Councilor Mulligan – had an opportunity to be part of the Town Improvement Committee last week. He mentioned that the safety of our firefighters and police has to be a priority and that Windsor needs to be a part of a regional system. He requested that it be referred to Town Improvement Committee. Mayor Trinks referred the Capital Improvement Program to Town Improvement Committee.

    Councilor Pacino – None.

    Councilor Simon – attended a program at the Marriott and he was very impressed. The Marriott manager told him that 150 jobs would be created. Councilor Simon and Town Manager Churchill were on the WDRC radio program discussing the cell phone donation program.

    Councilor Walker – thanked all of the hard working teachers and staff in the school system.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis – requested volunteers for a partnership program for kids considered to be at risk. He mentioned the adult mentoring program, a one-on-one mentoring program between an adult and a student. Volunteers, particularly males, are needed. Please contact the Partnership located at L.P. Wilson at 683-1068.

    Mayor Trinks – thanked the consultants and the Board of Education for including the Town Council in the search for the Superintendent. Next week the "Read Across America" program begins in the schools. It is a very successful program with guest readers during the day and evening. He encouraged people to volunteer to read to students during the program.

9.  Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Town Improvements – the Heritage Park proposal. The general discussion centered around how the proposal came in as a need and how it would come in against other projects. Finances weren’t discussed in detail. The committee did not make any recommendations at that time. The CIP was also discussed. The communication system, scheduled for 2008, will be looked at and the date of this project may be moved. There may be federal funding coming forward.
  2. Town Manager Evaluation

    3. Moved by Councilor Pacino, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to add the item Town Manager Review to Item 16 Executive Session of the Agenda.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee

Councilor Simon discussed the possibility of a joint retreat with the Board of Education and Town Council Committee to discuss joint goals.

Councilor Walker agreed that a joint retreat is a great idea.

Councilor Albano is also in favor of a retreat. He would prefer to have a joint committee that is smaller than last year’s. Councilor Simon expressed that his goal is a smaller committee to assist in accomplishing goals, which could be discussed by the larger group at a retreat.

Mayor Trinks agreed with the idea of a retreat also. He commented that the Board of Education reports are very helpful, however, the joint committee can accentuate the reports. He requested that Town Manager Churchill contact the Board of Education to invite them to a joint retreat.

10.  Ordinances

    None.

11.  Unfinished Business

    None.

12.  New Business
  1. Accept Pondview Estates Subdivision

    2. Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, reported to the Town Council. The Pondview Estates subdivision is a 14-lot subdivision located in the northwest section of Windsor. The road in this subdivision is Michelle Lane, a cul-de-sac road, that runs off Ethan Drive. The subdivision occupies land between the Alford Drive subdivision to the south and the Aspenwood subdivision to the north. There is a pedestrian walk connecting Michelle Lane and Alford Drive.

    The Town Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the approval of the acceptance of the deeds for the public improvements at their meeting on February 12, 2002.

    Councilor Jepsen inquired about the sidewalk. Mr. Lenehan replied that it extends to Alford Way and it would be included in maintenance.

    Councilor Walker asked if the town knows the average assessment value of new homes constructed. Town Manager Churchill replied that he would provide that information.

    Councilor Pacino asked if the street has an island or a paved turn around. Mr. Lenehan responded that an island is at the end of the street and four homeowners are responsible for the maintenance.

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman, to approve that the town accepts the proposed deed to the public improvements in Pondview Estates Subdivision #365, consisting of Michelle Lane, for perpetual maintenance.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  2. Landfill Storm Water Project

    3. Mr. Irv Slike, Landfill Manager, discussed the storm water treatment unit along Huckleberry Road. Presently, the storm water drainage system collecting water along Huckleberry Road and the landfill property, outlets into the ponds south of the landfill. The nature of the landfill operations causes dirt and debris to collect on the roadways and eventually to discharge to the ponds. This is in violation of the Department of Environmental Protection’s criteria. It is proposed to install a storm water treatment unit that collects oils and debris and allows for the removal of sediments. The work includes the installation of a precast concrete storm water treatment unit, for sediment, oil and debris removal, into the existing drainage system on Huckleberry Road. Also included is the installation of two storm manholes and site restoration. The estimated cost for the installation of this sanitary line is $95,000. It is proposed to use Landfill Enterprise cash reserve funds from the fund balance reserved for landfill closure. The Town Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this installation at their meeting on February 12, 2002.

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Pacino, to approve the installation of the proposed storm water treatment unit and appurtenances at the Windsor/Bloomfield landfill and that funds from the fund balance reserved for landfill closure be used to fund the installation and associated costs of this installation.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. CDBG Resolution regarding Program Income

Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development, and Jim Hallisey, Community Development Coordinator, discussed the program.

Community Development Block Grant regulations require that a community receiving federal funds for an activity that generates program income must 1) utilize all program income generated by way of a particular activity for the same type of activity and 2) affirm its obligation to spend program income in a manner consistent with the regulations. Over the terms of the loans, the town will realize $422,000 plus interest; $300,000 from the façade improvement and $122,000 from the Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance Program.

Mr. Hallisey corrected the total loan repayments from $432,000 to $422,000. Councilor Jepsen read the proposed resolution.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Albano, to approve the program income resolution as presented.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

13.  Resignations and Appointments

Motioned by Councilor Albano, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Melissa Mascola as a member to the Youth Commission for a two-year unexpired term to expire September 30, 2003 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Albano to appoint Estelle Labarre to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped for a three-year term to expire January 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed; to re-appoint Sharran Selig Bennet to the Economic Development Commission for a five-year term to expire December 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed; to appoint Colin Edwards to the Human Relations Commission for a three-year unexpired term to expire May 31, 2003 or until a successor is appointed; to appoint Scott Suty from alternate to regular member of the Youth Commission for a two-year term to expire September 30, 2003 or until a successor is appointed; to appoint Patricia Hymes to the Youth Commission for a two-year term to expire September 30, 2003 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to table Items A-F, I-P, R-W, Y, and BB.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the January 22, 2002 Town Council Meeting

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the minutes of February 4, 2002 Public Hearing Town Council meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the minutes of February 4, 2002 Regular Town Council meeting. Corrections: page 3,

Section 8 – descent.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Councilor Pacino reported that they are looking for another member for the purpose of evaluating the Town Manager Monday at 6:30 p.m.

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    2. None.

    Moved by Councilor Pacino, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to enter into Executive Session at 8:58 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  2. Executive Session

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

    Guests: Town Manager Churchill

    a) Discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee.

    Moved by Councilor Pacino, seconded by Councilor Broxterman, to come out of Executive Session at 9:40 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Albano to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:06 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch