Preparing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful – especially for Windsor residents, now that the town has posted on-line tax information in an easy to use format. Property and motor vehicle tax information is at your fingertips at the Town of Windsor website. Simply enter your name and street address to learn the amount of taxes paid this past year.

Whether you enter town from the north or the south, you’ll know you’re in Windsor as a result of the new entry way signs, which were recently installed southbound on route 75 (near the Route 20 eastbound ramps) and northbound on route 159 near the I91 southbound ramps.

Public Works crews will add a final aesthetic touch to the signs this spring with plantings and flowers.

Construction on the pedestrian bridge located between Sharshon Park and the 330 Windsor Avenue Community Center has begun. The bridge is in place and the project is scheduled to be complete in the spring.

In honor of Windsor’s 40 year tradition, The Windsor’s Town Clerk’s office has announced that on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14, 2002 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM any couple with a valid blood test conducted in Connecticut can receive their marriage license FREE! For more information call 285-1902.

Councilor Albano – None.

Councilor Broxterman – None.

Councilor Jepsen – attended the grand opening of the P.C. Development Group, Windsor’s newest computer store. He encouraged residents to support this new Windsor business located on Broad Street.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Pacino – None.

Councilor Simon – None.

Councilor Walker –reported on his trip to the White House on January 24, 2002. He met with the Secretary of the Cabinet to discuss with the government, on a federal level, some items they would like to implement regarding Americans who are of Caribbean descent.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

Mayor Trinks – thanked the Police Explorers for their spaghetti dinner fundraiser. He acknowledged Combustion Engineering for their updates on the clean-up at their Day Hill Road campus. Mayor Trinks made note of the Senior Brunch, Sunday February 10, 2002 at the LP Wilson Community Center.

Finance Committee – Councilor Simon reported that he had omitted an item during the last report. At the January 14, 2002 meeting a presentation was given by the town’s independent auditor. The auditor reported that there were no significant issues. He mentioned the necessity of updating the data backup system and disaster recovery plan, along with other computer related issues. He also recommended a different approach regarding the way the education grants are balanced. The Board of Education’s Business Manager said she would change the reporting to the recommended format as requested by the auditor.

Health & Safety – Councilor Broxterman reported that they met this past Wednesday to look into and investigate the donation of new/used cell phones which would be given to either the elderly or those at risk for 9-1-1 use. They approved recommendation to the Town Council.

None.

None.

Councilor Broxterman introduced the Heritage Park proposal. He summarized the benefits of the park to the quality of life in Windsor. Mr. Carl Nowiszewski, North Ventures, LLC, gave a presentation to the Town Council. The purpose of the presentation was to introduce Heritage Park and gain public endorsement. Heritage Park is a proposed social/recreation complex that will serve the diverse needs of all Windsor residents. Current planned facilities include: a lighted outdoor field for evening soccer, football, field hockey and lacrosse games; 100’ x 200’ x 40’ high, open-span pavilion for sport, exhibition and group events; year round indoor ice surface; and function rooms, offices, and support facilities for seniors and other groups.

Mr. Nowiszewski noted that Windsor is not on the map in the "Fun with the Family in Connecticut" book.

He continued by stating that Heritage Park will add to the quality of life in Windsor, as well as showcase the best of this town year round and all in one place. A private/public partnership is proposed, as this would be the most economical and efficient way to deliver these needed facilities at the least expense to taxpayers. To proceed, this project now requires public support and the commitment of town officials. Funding for the construction of the project would come from a combination of private investment, commercial loans, and town-provided capital. The town and school would be the largest and most important customer of this facility, purchasing reserved time and services under a discounted, long-term contract. All residents would be able to enjoy scheduled access to these new facilities. North Ventures, LLC has estimated this project would add less than $3 per month to the average homeowner’s taxes and would generate new tax revenues and other significant benefits for Windsor.

Councilor Simon asked for a projected cost. Mr. Nowiszewski replied that $7.5 million is the estimated cost for the entire project. To begin the project, the first phase is estimated at $3-4 million, which will include the construction of the football field, concession stands and parking facilities (estimated at $1.9 million). This facility would be for the town’s benefit and would not have significant economic activity. Councilor Simon asked if it is anticipated that private investment would exceed 50%. Mr. Nowiszewski replied that it is a possibility. The town would be a customer, which would assist in anchoring additional funds. The artificial surface is $800,000 and would allow more intense use of the surface without maintenance. Councilor Simon inquired what the town’s purchased block of time would cost. Mr. Nowiszewski responded that if it is assumed that the time cost is fixed (i.e., the costs would be locked-in for over 20 years) it would be approximately $250,000 per year or phased in over the years. Councilor Simon asked if the group had enough capital for this project now. Mr. Nowiszewski said that the group has raised $750,000, which is enough to purchase the land and move forward. The commercial lenders will take the land as collateral.

Mayor Trinks asked if a business plan is in place. Mr. Nowiszewski answered that there are a few business plans, but it will depend on what town support is received.

Councilor Mulligan asked about the completion timeline. Mr. Nowiszewski replied that it should take three years.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the initial outlay from the town and what type of timeline the group is expecting from the town regarding any support. Mr. Nowiszewski replied that if the town bonded the capital cost, the amount would be approximately $150,000 for a $1.9 million bond. Deputy Mayor Curtis said that he would have to review other CIP projects while considering this project. He commented that conceptually it is a great idea, but financially, it’s a matter of what the town can afford.

Councilor Mulligan is concerned about the inclusion of the Senior Center. From what he has heard from the seniors, they are very adamant about having a separate facility, especially separate from the youths. Mr. Nowiszewski said that this would be their facility during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the liability issues, rates charged to the town, and the additional commuter trips through the town and those related costs. Mr. Nowiszewski responded that either the private sector could take the total liability or it could be assumed in part by the town. There are many variables in the equation. The town would get four hours of time per week at a cost of under $200 per hour. This is just a concept and all of these things would need to be negotiated.

Councilor Albano asked about the total costs of $7.5 million and how much the town is paying under the group’s ideal situation and where the additional funding is coming from. Mr. Nowiszewski responded that it is $1.9 million to start for the town, $1.2 million for commercial loans and the $750,000 from private investors. The other funds would be phased in over the three years. The first phase is a football/soccer field, bleachers, restrooms, concession stands, renovation of the building, one 100’ x 200’ facility to accommodate an ice surface initially, and parking areas to meet the basic needs. There could be upgrades (i.e., artificial surface, meeting rooms, etc.). If there were events that would be for pure social benefit, they would seek support from the town.

Councilor Walker likes the concept of the lighted fields and the ability for townspeople to use a skating rink, however, he is also concerned about the seniors. He recommends eliminating the Senior Center from the proposal. He thinks that the proposal should be discussed in another forum that would include additional details such as parking, traffic, etc. to help the Town Council make a decision in support of the project. Mr. Nowiszewski responded that a separate building for the seniors on site with only shared parking could be proposed.

Councilor Mulligan asked how many soccer fields would be at the facility and how the group came up with the number of $3 per month for the average homeowner’s taxes. Mr. Nowiszewski responded that there would be only one field, but it would be lighted, and if it had an artificial surface, it would be the equivalent of 2.5 fields. The estimated $3 was derived from the mill rate and other broad estimations.

Mayor Trinks asked about the $40,000 investment for a feasibility study for the town to pay. Mr. Nowiszewski said that part of the fee is for Northwest Ventures, LLC and part of it is to conduct further site investigation and determine feasibility, etc. Mayor Trinks referred the project to the Town Improvements and Finance committees for further review.

Mr. Steve Kosofsky, Town Assessor, discussed the October 1, 2001 Grand List. The October 1, 2001 Net Taxable Grand List totals $1,769,565,350, which is an increase of $56,887,350 or (3.3%) compared to last year’s total. At the present mill rate of 31.2, this increase would produce $1,774,885 in new tax revenue. In addition, this year the Manufacturers Machinery & Equipment exemption program increased by a staggering 43.5% or over $17,000,000. The State of Connecticut provides an 80% reimbursement for this program, which, based on the present mill rate, will produce an additional $432,534 in new revenue bringing the total contribution of this Grand List to $2,207,419, or 4.13% more than last year. The real estate portion of the October 1, 2001 Grand List totals $1,355,293,670 which is an increase of $39,219,810 or 2.98% over last year. The motor vehicle portion of the October 1, 2001 Grand List totals $162,440,340, which is an increase of $4,348,310, or 2.8% over last year. The personal property section of the October 1, 2001 Grand List totals $251,831,340, which is $13,319,230 or 5.6% greater than last year. However, due to a tremendous increase in the reimbursed Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment Exemption program of over $17,000,000, the actual growth in the personal property section of the Grand List this year was $30,413,580 or 10.9%.

The outlook for the October 1, 2002 Grand List continues to be optimistic. We anticipate the completion of the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, the American Airlines reservation call center, the Hampton Inn motel, a major addition to the Cigna Data Center, significant additions to the Accutron manufacturing facility, the Stowe Machine Company manufacturing facility, and new industrial warehouses at 770 Marshall Phelps Road and 850 Prospect Hill Road.

On the residential side, the completion of the King’s Landing sub-division, the new Pondview Estates off of Ethan Drive, and the Rivertown Estates sub-division off of Park Avenue will continue Windsor’s effort to expand its inventory of new residential dwellings.

Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development Director, summarized how a project makes it to the Grand List and its time line. It takes typically 15 months for a project to complete. For tax purposes, the Grand List value is not seen until a full 30 months from the time it was initially discussed.

Mayor Trinks commented that the observation of Windsor becoming a high-tech town is a good direction. Mr. Kosofsky agreed that Windsor has a good diverse base and it is leaning towards a high tech base. Any time the personal property exceeds the real estate value of a company, that is a good thing.

Ms. Cheryl Murray of the Metro Hartford Regional Economic Alliance (Growth Council) addressed the Council. She is impressed with Windsor, including the website and leisure activities. The organization was formed last year by the Metro Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the Capital Region Growth Council. Ms. Murray reviewed the Alliance’s business plan and the support they provide to municipalities. They are working to increase the image of the Hartford region. The Alliance’s mission is to provide visible and valued leadership that enables the Region to fulfill the opportunities, and to address the challenges related to sustainable economic growth and a premier quality of life for all people.

The municipal donation investment shows that the town is interested and vested and it also attracts corporate dollars.

Mayor Trinks asked if the group is a center for inquiries for businesses that are interested in locating to the area. Ms. Murray responded that they are a center for information, but they do not refer businesses to specific towns. Their website might become the first place that a business would inquire.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if publications are sent to companies who make inquiries about the region. Ms. Murray replied that marketing is revising the brochures and information is sent to the business making inquiries.

Town Manager Churchill summarized the landfill closure process. The Town Council decided last August to close the Windsor-Bloomfield landfill. The town has undertaken steps to determine closure requirements with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and needs to determine appropriate ongoing closure activities, the final landfill design, form and function, the need for air permits, and leachate control issues. The first order of business in 2002 will be to determine the final landfill use as suggested by the DEP. The town should be submitting the final landfill design to the DEP in May 2002. The February update focuses on the community planning process for the landfill’s re-use and its potential implications.

Mr. Irving Slike, Landfill Manager, and Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, discussed the town’s long term solid waste disposal after the landfill reaches capacity. Mr. Funk discussed the results from the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI).

Mr. Slike discussed the responses, including collected items, method, disposal site and cost per ton. He reviewed the current "status quo" of a typical resident and reviewed what vendors would charge which would involve higher costs. He compared it to other vendors who have a stricter waste separation, including source separated MSW and no bulky waste pick-up.

Town Manager Churchill indicated that there are implications on identifying a new disposal site, particularly whether a commercial transfer station should be included.

The Town Council will ultimately have to decide on the direction of a few policy issues like acceptance of minimum tonnage for a disposal contract, point for waste separation, and the extent recycling should be promoted. In addition, the Town Council has to provide guidance on what goals are desired and their consistency with values such as efficiency and equity. All of these and additional variables would form the basis for evaluating responses to a request for proposals for disposal sites later this year.

Town Manager Churchill concluded the presentation by stating that although there is no pressure for an immediate decision, one should be made by midyear so a coherent request for proposals can be distributed later in the year. A timely process allows the Town of Windsor to maintain leverage in the refuse disposal marketplace.

Councilor Broxterman inquired about how much the costs of removal would go up if Windsor goes with a vendor who has stricter waste separation. Mr. Funk estimated that the annual increased cost per ton would be $8-10.