Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:32 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 Broxterman
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Broxterman
4. Proclamations/Awards

None.

5. Public Communications and Petitions

None.

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Board of Ethics

Mr. George Griffin, Chairperson, Board of Ethics, addressed the Town Council. The board meets a minimum of four times per year and it has been at least two years since an issue has been referred to the Board of Ethics.

Mayor Trinks inquired if there were any vacancies on this board. Mr. Griffin responded that there are no vacancies at this time.

2. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, President, Board of Education, reported to the Town Council. Eight portable classrooms have been set up in the rubber gym at Windsor High School. The classrooms will be occupied for 60 days. The consultants assisting the board in recruiting a superintendent met with the four focus groups with a notable item being that the citizens are proud of their town. There will be a CMT workshop at the L.P. Wilson Community Center on March 13, 2002.

All schools have held events to celebrate "Black History Month" and Reading Awareness. Ms. Garibay noted that the author, Peter Roop, spent a week at Poquonock School and liked his visit so much that he is dedicating his next book to the school. Sage Park produced a "Walk Through History" including an incredible rendition of "I had a Dream".

The item, "Town Council’s Report to the Board of Education" will be added onto the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.

Councilor Broxterman asked about mitigating noise in the rubber gym. Ms. Garibay responded that there would be an apparatus that will hang from the ceiling to help keep the noise level down. She also noted the furniture is portable and can be used again.

Councilor Simon requested that a CMT score presentation be given to the Town Council. Ms. Garibay responded that she would schedule the presentation.

7. Town Manager’s Report

As stated in the last few months, the Town of Windsor has inquired with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about the disposal of bulky waste in an area along the southern property line at the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill. The town submitted a proposed plan that allows for the filling of this depression to stem the accumulation of storm water run-off from the landfill that has contributed to ground water mounding in this area.

Previous operation and management activities in this area of the landfill (associated with Subtitle D requirements limiting the disposal of municipal solid waste) caused the depression. The filling and proper grading of this area will improve the long-term drainage of storm water from the landfill, improve site safety and reduce the mounding of ground water in this area. It will also help prevent leachate impacted ground water from migrating across the property line in this area of the site. The DEP’s Bureau of Waste Management approved this plan in late January 2002 because it is an approved activity under the existing landfill permit.

The amount of bulky waste needed to fill the depression is estimated at 58,000 cubic yards, which translates into $8 million in additional revenue based on today’s rates. This revenue should help tremendously in meeting closure costs.

In a related matter, the Landfill Re-use Steering Committee met on Thursday, February 21, 2002 to hear ideas from the general public about desires for the next use for the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill site. The steering committee heard several ideas from the modest audience such as ball fields, bike trails, and open space. The steering committee also heard suggestions for landfill-related uses, particularly their location and cautions about noise, odors, and other nuisances.

The next steering committee meeting will be on Wednesday, March 6, 2002 to interpret the community’s feedback and begin to craft possible re-use scenarios. The meeting is scheduled to function as a work session for the steering committee, but it is open to the public. The steering committee will present their ideas to the public at a date to be determined.

As a follow-up to an inquiry from Councilor Walker, I would like to report that the median price for new homes built and sold during the calendar year 2001 in Windsor was $206,000.

The Plan of Development Steering Committee will be meeting Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 7:00 PM in the Rose Room, which is located on the second floor of Town Hall. This is the first meeting of the steering committee and will consist of an orientation of the process. Future meetings will be held on the 2^nd Thursday of each month in the Town Hall Council Chambers. For more information, call 285-1980.

Looking for ways to improve your home? A Home Repairs Workshop will be held Thursday, March 7, 2002 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in Room 107 at Sage Park School. This is the first in a series of Thursday night offerings sponsored by the Community Development Office. Get some tips on hiring a contractor, on-going maintenance projects and how to tackle that renovation project you’ve been wanting to do. The March 14^th workshop on Energy Efficiency also has openings. For more information call 298-9060.

Councilor Albano asked about the contents of the bulky waste. Town Manager Churchill responded that it is construction debris.

Councilor Simon inquired how much time it takes to get the amount of bulky waste as previously discussed. Mr. Irv Slike, Landfill Administrator, stated that if we continued at our current rate, we have seven years of capacity. If we go with 70,000 tons per year, we have three years capacity. Right now the rate is 35,000 tons per year.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the mounding water was a wetland. Mr. Slike responded that the water was ground water.

Mayor Trinks wished Mr. Slike best wishes in his future employment endeavors.

1. Finance Committee - met on February 25, 2002. The proposed Heritage Park recreation facility was discussed. The committee declined to recommend to the Town Council an appropriation for a study. This doesn’t mean that there wouldn’t be support for other recreational needs.
2. Ad Hoc Personnel Committee – will have a report for the Town Council at the March 18^th Meeting.

10. Ordinances

None.

11. Unfinished Business

None.

12. New Business

1. Presentation by Connecticut Conference of Municipalities on legislative priorities for 2002-03

Town Manager Churchill introduced Mr. Gian-Carl Casa from Connecticut Conference of Municipalities who gave a presentation to the Town Council regarding CCM legislative priorities. The legislative priorities include (1) property tax reform; (2) land use reform; and (3) protecting our citizens. Connecticut towns and cities are overly dependent on the property tax and are severely tempted to make unwise land use decisions just for the sake of grand list growth.

Total state assistance to the town is slated to increase by $78,000 per the Governor’s proposed budget for FY 2002-03. Although relatively fortunate by many standards, this amount is $352,689, or 3.7% less than approved one year ago. The vast majority of the reduction is in educational aid in the amount of $348,908. Mr. Casa distributed the Governor’s budget proposal for FY 2002-03.

CCM feels there are three major problems with property tax in Connecticut. Connecticut currently ranks third in the nation for the highest level of taxation to its citizens for property taxes. It is an unfair and regressive tax. It’s inflexible; if someone loses their job or retires they still have to pay their taxes even though their income has dramatically changed. Thirdly, it contributes to sprawl. There are reports of farms being divided up for developments because towns need the increase in the grand list.

Property tax reform is difficult to define. We are getting close to a crisis point in Connecticut. A task force has been set up on property tax reform which will try to come up with solutions over the next few months and year to present to the government. The goal is to come up with a fair property tax proposal for everybody.

Councilor Albano asked about the timetable on the property tax reform and if it would replace town taxes. Mr. Casa said there is no timetable, but they are hoping to have something to present by January 2003. It would not necessarily replace town taxes, but supplement them. There are numerous possibilities.

Councilor Simon commended the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and thinks that they are on the right track. He also feels that there needs to be greater state funding for education.

Councilor Walker asked about special education. Mr. Casa responded that the Governor’s budget cut relates to the Special Education Excess Cost grant. Last year it was approved that special education would be 5x the average per pupil and this year it will be reduced to 4.5x the average per pupil.

Councilor Broxterman inquired about gaming revenues and if they were to be directed towards education. Mr. Casa stated that Revenues have gone up every year, but the percentage to municipalities has gone down. Years ago, they were proposed for that, but they now go to the state’s general fund. It was originally proposed that the Pequot grant was to be 100% for local aid, this year about 35% of the Revenue will be directed to town aid.

 

2. Authorization for L.P. Wilson Center Roof Replacement Project, Poquonock School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project, Clover Street School Window Replacement Project, and Poquonock School Administrative Office Modernization and Relocation Project.

Town Manager Churchill introduced the item and stated in order for various school projects to proceed, applications need to be filed with the State of Connecticut. The Town Council is required to authorize the projects and appoint a School Building Committee. This may be the Public Building Committee or new committees as appointed by the Town Council.

Councilor Albano is concerned about naming certain individuals in case their term expires before the project is completed. Town Manager Churchill stated that it was requested by the Board of Education. He doesn’t feel that the naming of the individuals is critical. Councilor Jepsen mentioned that there are two alternates not mentioned in the motion and Councilor Mulligan remarked that there is also a vacancy on the commission.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town of Windsor Public Building Commission is hereby designated as the School Building Committee with regard to the L.P. Wilson Center Roof Replacement Project, the Poquonock School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project, the Clover Street School Window Replacement Project, and the Poquonock School Administrative Office Modernization and Relocation Project.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Councilor Pacino asked if one of these projects were referred to the Town Improvement Committee, would it interfere with the state application. Town Manager Churchill responded that it would not, however, the issue would be the timing of a referral. Councilor Pacino asked if there is time to refer a portion of the project to the committee before the June application date without delaying the project. Mayor Trinks asked if the motion could still go through as is and refer it to the Town Improvement Committee.

Councilor Pacino recommended that the motion be approved without the renovation of the roof pending discussion of potential plans of building renovations and issues regarding the roof warranty. Deputy Mayor Curtis said the Board of Education must have considered the possibility of renovations and other plans for the building. Councilor Simon stated that he doesn’t think we should reconsider the project.

Councilor Albano asked where funding for the design phase would come from. Town Manager Churchill responded that it is part of the capital budget this year (general revenue fund dollars). Funds are available and have been approved by the Town Council as part of the FY 2002 budget.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Walker that the Windsor Town Council hereby authorize the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for the L.P. Wilson Center Roof Replacement Project, the Poquonock School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project, the Clover Street School Window Replacement Project, and the Poquonock School Administrative Office Modernization and Relocation Project.

Motion Passed 8-1-0 with Councilor Pacino opposing.

Councilor Pacino asked if the Clover Street School windows qualify for state reimbursement. Mr. Dennis Shevel, Board of Education, Physical Plant Manager (Building and Grounds), replied that generally the state does not reimburse for maintenance and specifically not for windows.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Windsor Board of Education to file applications with the State of Connecticut for the L.P. Wilson Center Roof Replacement Project and the Poquonock School Asbestos Floor Tile Abatement Project.

Motion Passed 8-1-0 with Councilor Pacino opposing.

3. Strategy and Negotiations with Respect to Collective Bargaining – CILU #66

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Simon to move this item following the Executive Session.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the resignation of Marcy Munoz from the Conservation Commission and Human Relations Commission.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to table items B-CC.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the February 19, 2002 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the February 19, 2002 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 8, #13, Melissa Mascola appointed as a regular member to the Youth Commission. Page 4, last paragraph, Town Improvement Committee.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

15. Public Communications and Petitions

None.

16. Executive Session

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to enter into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategy and negotiations with respect to the collective bargaining agreement with CILU #66.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

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

Staff & Guests: Town Manager Leon Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Peter Souza, Public Works Director Brian Funk, Finance Director Gregg Pavitt, and Town Attorney Kevin Deneen.

Moved by Councilor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman, to come out of Executive Session and re-enter the regular Town Council meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman and seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to ratify the recommended contract settlement with CILU #66.

Motion passed 9-0-0

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Pacino, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:12 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch