Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:46 p.m.

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker.

Absent: Councilor Albano and Councilor Pacino.

2. Prayer – Councilor Jepsen
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Jepsen
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Honoring the 2002 Windsor High School Girls’ Basketball Team

Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation honoring the 2002 Windsor High School Girls’ Basketball Team. The players and coaches of the 2002 Windsor High School Girls’ Basketball Team were honored for their outstanding season. They are Irja Peck, Paige Schneider, Shauna Buckley, Pamela Flenke, Lauren Dillon, Ashley Hopper, Kelli Welch, Ashley Rosemond, Rachel Searles, Lisa Schildknecht, Julia Sau, Nicole Milton, Latoya Joyner, Johnell Burts, Carlyn Rosenthal and their coaches: Vinnie Cianfarani, Tim Hogan and Linda Darcy.

5. Public Communications and Petitions

Mr. Joseph Frederick, 220 Deerfield Road, Windsor Giants Football Coach, addressed the Town Council regarding improvements to O’Brien Field. He urged the Town Council to approve the improvements. A higher quality field and improvements will increase pride in Windsor.

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Conservation Commission

Ms. Ann Beaudin, 1009 Poquonock Avenue, Vice Chair of the Conservation Commission, reported to the Town Council. The Commission continues to work on the river trail planning and to develop a policy for farm preservation and open space. One of the commission’s primary goals is to see the town of Windsor become more proactive toward the acquisition of open space. As one means of keeping Windsor citizens informed on conservation issues, members of the commission have submitted articles to the Windsor Journal on various conservation matters. The second "Wonder of Windsor" contest will be open to high school students and judging will take place in May. Local businesses are contributing towards prizes.

2. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, Board of Education President, reported to the Town Council. She discussed the CMT scores report. Many of the programs in past budgets, for example Reading Recovery, Trailblazers, etc., are starting to make a difference in the CMT scores. What counts are the "at level" or "above level" scores. They hope to continue to meet the goals that the Board of Education has set forth for CMT scores.

Ms. Garibay summarized programs and events that have been happening in the schools. Project Graduation is meeting April 10, 2002 to review plans.

Deputy Mayor Curtis commented on the difficulty in evaluating CMT scores. He feels it is important to communicate the improvements in students scores and trends.

Councilor Walker asked if the Windsor school system tests more students than other towns. Ms. Garibay stated that every student is tested, even special education in the 4^th, 6^th and 8^th grades. She doesn’t feel that is the case in other towns. Testing every student does affect the test scores.

Councilor Broxterman questioned if the position of Residency Officer was still in force. Ms. Garibay answered that the Board of Education still has that position in force.

Councilor Mulligan asked why we are testing all students and other towns are not and commented that we don’t have a level playing field. Ms. Garibay stated that the state mandates that we test all students.

Councilor Jepsen inquired if any data for the distribution of scores was received from the state. Ms. Garibay will send information to the Town Council. To summarize, 20 students out of 80 were at the intervention level last year, now there are six. The 14 remaining students were moved up into the proficient low level.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the Board of Education analyzed student performances over time. Ms. Garibay stated that the content in the CMT tests have been changed so it is difficult to compare data. It is hoped that a comparison in future years will be easier.

Mayor Trinks thanked the Board of Education for adding the Town Council to their agenda. Ms. Garibay announced that the Board of Education has officially challenged the Town Council and the Town Manager to a volleyball game this Saturday, 4/6/02, for a fundraiser.

7. Town Manager’s Report

An Update from the Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center

We have received word from the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, that the recent audit done at the Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center "passed with flying colors".

Also, for the second year in a row, the Caring Connection has received $5,000 from the Fleet Bank Ensworth Charitable Foundation to purchase supplies for their art therapy program. This grant has enabled staff to purchase art supplies that greatly enhance the quality of their program.

Landfill Closing and Redevelopment Update

The Landfill Re-use Steering Committee met last Tuesday, March 26, 2002 to review conceptual plans for uses after the landfill closes. The conceptual plans responded to the direction provided by the committee that included active and passive recreation and various landfill-related uses. The plans specifically contained ideas for walking trails, junior golf, ballfields, hardcourt sports, and a transfer station on and off the property. The committee also received a proposal from a local developer for a 6-field soccer complex that could accommodate several tournaments. The Landfill Re-use Steering Committee meets again on April 16, 2002 to discuss further refinements of the conceptual plans. Town staff will be meeting with the Friends of Northwest Park on April 9, 2002 to discuss the conceptual plans and their potential impact on Northwest Park.

For further information go to www.townofwindsorct.com or give your suggestions via landfillfuture@townofwindsorct.com, or call 285-1800.

Youth Services Program Participant to be Recognized

Kelly Misiak, a Windsor High School junior and one of the leaders in the Windsor Youth Service Bureau's STATIC program, will be recognized at the State Capital on Wednesday, April 3, 2002. Ms. Misiak will be honored for her design of the logo for the state's MATCH (Mobilization Against Tobacco for Children's Health) initiative.

 

World of Words showcases Japan During April

A display of Japanese art and literature will be featured in Windsor Library’s main lobby throughout the month of April as part of the Connecticut Center for the Book’s "World of Words" program. Most of the items are on loan from the collections of the New Britain Youth Museum.

 

In addition, the library will host a program on Thursday, April 11, 2002 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM featuring Steve Long, who will combine timeless storytelling skills with contemporary Japanese literature. Free tickets for this family program are available at the Library. Call 285-1910 for information.

WIC Program Opens a Windsor Site

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children will open a Windsor site at the L.P. Wilson Community Center beginning Tuesday, April 2, 2002. WIC representatives will be available the first and last Tuesdays of each month from noon to 4:00 PM.

 

WIC participants are issued checks to purchase a variety of nutritious foods including milk, eggs, bread, cereal and infant formula.

 

For more information about the WIC program, call 285-1842.

 

Farmers’ Market

The town’s Community Development staff are getting closer to establishing a farmers’ market in cooperation with the State of Connecticut near the center of the Wilson neighborhood. The town received a commitment from the Executive Director of Connecticut Farm Fresh to operate a market from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Fridays during the months of July, August and September.

Final arrangements regarding the site, recruitment of vendors and approval of a Special Use by the Town Planning and Zoning Commission are now being pursued. In addition to farm produce, the market could include plants, baked goods and craft items. If this year’s market is successful for the vendors, it is hoped that they will agree to operate on Saturday mornings.

Civic Participation Project Offers Marketing Workshop

"What Community Groups Need to Know About Working with the Media" is a public seminar presented as part of the Civic Participation Project. Professionals from the world of newspaper and TV reporting will be here to pass along surefire publicity techniques.

The event is open to the public, but members of civic and non-profit organizations are especially encouraged to attend. The forum will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 29, 2002 here in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. For more information call 285-1835.

8. Communication from Town Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – congratulated the Girls’ Basketball team. He wished Councilor Albano a speedy recovery from his illness.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Simon –noted that on Saturday, April 6, 2002, from 8 a.m. -12 p.m. a joint Board of Education and Town Council retreat will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott. The goal is to discuss joint initiatives and policies as well as discuss re-establishing the joint services committee.

Councilor Walker – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – The Sage Park Middle School Police Athletic Drill team won five 1^st place trophies in a step dance contest.

Mayor Trinks – The Windsor Chamber of Commerce Auction is this Friday, April 5, 2002. Shad Derby is coming soon. The Shad Derby website was launched today, www.shadderby.com. It contains lists of events, calendars, bios, etc. Mayor Trinks stated that Windsor should be proud of testing all students for CMTs. Windsor has a high graduation rate and a high percentage of students going on to higher education or military service.

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Special Projects Committee will meet Monday, April 15, 2002 at 6 p.m.
2. Finance Committee met on March 21, 2002 to review proposals from auditors. Meetings start Wednesday at 6 p.m. to interview firms.
3. Town Improvement Committee met on March 21, 2002.

Mayor Trinks appointed Deputy Mayor Curtis as the liaison to the Board of Education. He also thanked Councilor Pacino for chairing the Town Manager Evaluation Committee.

10. Ordinances

1. An ordinance establishing voting districts for the Town of Windsor

The Registrars of Voters have completed the task of ascertaining new voting district lines in accordance with the newly drawn senate and assembly districts set forth in the 2001 Reapportionment Plan. The new voting districts have to be implemented by January 1, 2003, but it is desirable to have it done earlier so the community can adjust to the new voting locations. The voting locations proposed are Rainbow Fire House, Poquonock Elementary School, Oliver Ellsworth School, 330 Windsor Avenue Community Center, Town Hall, Kennedy Elementary School and the L.P. Wilson Community Center.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Simon that the voting districts presented by the Registrars of Voters on March 18, 2002 and heard at a public hearing on April 1, 2002 and attached herein be adopted as part of the Town of Windsor Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4.5, Article II. Voting Districts, Section 4.5-22 through Section 4.5-28.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

11. Unfinished Business

None.

12. New Business

1. Discussion of Proposed Skating Rink

Councilor Simon reported on the proposed skating rink, a derivative of the Heritage Park concept. Town Manager Churchill thanked Mr. Carl Nowiszewski for his help in this project. North Ventures, LLC, led by Mr. Nowiszewski, proposed the creation of a recreation facility at Barber’s Pond – a relaxed, community "ski lodge" atmosphere – adjacent to a multi-use pavilion containing a covered outdoor ice rink for six months of the year. The Heritage Valley Recreation and Event Center (HVREC) hopes to integrate this indoor/outdoor facility with the natural landscape and create one of the most attractive recreational skating venues in the United States beginning this year. Town Manager Churchill stated there are numerous ice skating rinks in the metro region.

The HVREC depends on the town gaining ownership or control of state land managed by the Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division. Town Manager Churchill is optimistic that some level of disposition will come forward. North Ventures is completing a feasibility study in mid-April.

Little or no financial impact is expected in order to gain control of the necessary state land for the project’s success. North Ventures, LLC also requests the town construct the necessary parking, extend all utilities and develop handicap accessibility to Barber’s Pond. North Ventures, LLC also proposes a 10-year tax abatement that begins its phase-in in the sixth year.

Mayor Trinks referred the proposed skating rink to the Finance Committee for further analysis and receipt of the feasibility study in mid-April.

2. Proposed Improvements for O’Brien Field

Town Manager Churchill discussed the proposal. Suggested improvements include replacing the current turf playing surface with a synthetic surface, installing lights to facilitate evening activities and sporting events and with appropriate perimeter berms, fencing and landscape screening to minimize impacts on surrounding properties and improve stadium aesthetics.

Currently, the Department of Public Works is planning to make improvements to the playing surface this spring and summer. Improvements will include re-establishing the "crown" on the playing surface to help improve drainage along with placing sod in the center of the playing field. The work is to be completed using town staff and equipment and purchasing required materials.

There is $70,000 allocated for improvements to the athletic locker rooms in the adjacent field house in the Board of Education’s FY 2002-03 Recommended Financial Plan. Improvements include ceiling repairs, interior lighting, locker replacements, new doors, and repainting of interior spaces.

The town engineering staff has developed very preliminary cost estimates to install a synthetic playing surface, install lights and perimeter landscaping and screening. No design work has been initiated at this point to assist in preparing the cost estimates which are: $900,000 for synthetic surface & site prep; $120,000 for field lighting; and $40,000 for perimeter screening including design and engineering. The subtotal is $1,166,000 with an additional contingency of $233,000 for a total of $1,399,000.

Councilor Simon asked the value of the work to be completed this summer. Town Manager Churchill stated that it is $45-$50,000.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if those funds have been budgeted. Town Manager Churchill responded that funds have already been budgeted and work will begin prior to July 1, 2002.

Mayor Trinks referred the proposed improvements for O’Brien Field to the Town Improvements Committee for further development.

3. A Resolution Adopting FY 2003-2008 Capital Improvement Program

Deputy Mayor Curtis introduced the proposed FY 2003-2008 CIP. The proposed CIP being presented before the Town Council has been amended to accommodate changing circumstances and has been reviewed by the Town Improvements Committee.

The Public Safety Radio System Upgrade has been moved from FY 2008 to a phased project in FY 2003 and 2004 as a result of lower cost estimates and a better defined project scope. Two Board of Education projects (Poquonock School Windows and Safety Committee Recommendations) originally scheduled for FY 2002 have been moved into FY 2003. Also, the Corey Street reconstruction project has been moved from FY 2006 to FY 2003 because it is a good candidate for Small Cities CDBG funding and would require a town match of approximately $50,000.

The Town Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposed CIP at its April 9, 2002 meeting. At its March 21, 2002 meeting, the Town Improvements Committee voted 3-0 to recommend Town Council’s approval of the CIP.

Councilor Broxterman asked if we know what the state requires for the Emergency Communication System. Town Manager Churchill stated that he is not aware of any. An improvement in the technology itself is needed. Councilor Broxterman also asked if the state is planning to reimburse any expenditures in this area. Town Manager Churchill responded there is some reimbursement being planned for larger cities at this time. Staff has prepared a grant application to FEMA requesting funding for a portion of the radio project.

Councilor Walker requested that Mr. Kevin Searles, Chief of Police, comment on the technology. Chief Searles reported that the infrastructure will be upgraded and the equipment modernized. This will allow better security of the radio system as well as improve fire fighter and police safety. Councilor Broxterman asked when the last upgrade to the system was performed. Chief Searles reported that it was last upgraded in 1986.

Mayor Trinks referred the Public Safety Radio System Upgrade to the Health and Safety Committee for future monitoring. Mayor Trinks also requested that Town Manager Churchill add the CIP to the next regular meeting in May. Town Manager Churchill requested that the item be added to a budget meeting in April because it is important to have all the information for the CIP prior to adopting the FY 2003 budget.

4. Resolution of support for Improvements to Day Hill Road and Addison Intersection

Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, summarized the improvements to Day Hill Road and Addison Road intersection. The improvement of the intersection at Day Hill Road and Addison Road will improve the sight distances for drivers, queuing space for cars on Day Hill Road turning left onto Addison Road, and should reduce the number of accidents at this intersection.

The preliminary estimate of costs is $912,000. As this is a project approved under the Surface Transportation Program, the construction cost split is expected to be 80/20, federal/state funding. The town will contribute towards the costs of the design, 10% of any rights-of-way costs, and any costs exceeding 5% above the original project costs.

Councilor Jepsen inquired about the needed right-of-way. Mr. Lenehan answered that it is expected that there will not be any zoning problems caused by acquiring the needed rights-of-way.

Councilor Broxterman asked if there would be a traffic light. Mr. Lenehan said that the traffic counts will have to be updated and it is the town’s position that a traffic light is warranted.

Motion made by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Windsor has published a legal notice display ad, mailed a news release to a number of officials and agencies, and mailed a formal letter to abutting property owners, announcing a public informational meeting on the proposed STP Urban Transportation project known as Intersection Improvements, Day Hill Road at Addison Road; and

WHEREAS, a public informational meeting was held on March 18, 2002 at Windsor Town Hall from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at which meeting residents had an opportunity to voice their concerns; and

WHEREAS, the Capital Region Council of Governments has selected this project as a regional priority and has agreed to utilize federal funds for rights-of-way and construction activities; and

WHEREAS, the project is located on a municipally owned road, the preliminary engineering phase will be performed by the Town of Windsor or its consultant, utilizing 100% of Town of Windsor funds, the rights-of-way will utilize 10% of Town of Windsor funds; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council has considered the concerns of the residents from the public informational meeting and finds that the proposed Intersection Improvements, Day Hill Road and Addison Road is in the best interest of the Town of Windsor, and will promote the health, safety, and general welfare of its residents and provide for convenience and safety of the motoring public.

WHEREAS, the Town of Windsor, based on the above information, and by virtue of this resolution, hereby fully supports the proposed project.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

5. Authorization to apply for an Historic Preservation Grant

Town Manager Churchill discussed the grant and the project. By state statute, the Town Clerk is charged with maintaining, restoring and conserving town records. Microfilming is an important part of this process. An assessment of our vitals shows that many of our vital records have not been microfilmed. In addition to microfilming, many vital records in our care require additional attention. This grant will be used to restore Windsor’s birth records between 1911 and 1952 and to microfilm all 20^th Century vitals that have not been preserved or microfilmed. If approved, this grant in the amount of $10,000 will be used to fund the project.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the preservation of the land records. Town Manager Churchill stated that we have been very aggressive in the preservation of land records dating back to historic land records in the mid-1600’s.

Motion made by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Simon that R. Leon Churchill, Town Manager of Windsor, is authorized to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for an Historic Preservation Grant in the amount of $10,000.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Linda Rickard to the Commission on Aging & Handicapped for a three year term to expire January 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed; to appoint Syed Ashraf to the Conservation Commission for a five year unexpired term to expire November 30, 2005 or until a successor is appointed; to appoint Yvonne Mitto to the Human Relations Commission for a three year unexpired term to expire May 31, 2004 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 6-0-0 (Councilor Broxterman was not present)

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to re-appoint N. Philip Lord, Jr. to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission for a four year term to expire March 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed; to re-appoint Robert McCarron to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission for a two year term to expire March 31, 2004 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to table items A-C, F-N, R-FF.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the March 18, 2002 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the March 18, 2002 Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 8, Item C, the award is for property tax relief, not a cash award. Page 9, Item 13 – 8-0-0 vote.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

15. Public Communications and Petitions

None.

16. Executive Session

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to enter into Executive Session at 9:02 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the selection of a site or a lease, sale or purchase of real estate.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

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

Staff: Town Manager Leon Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Peter Souza, Director of Economic Development Jim Burke, Town Planner Mario Zavarella.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman, to come out of Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. and re-enter into the Regular Town Council meeting.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:31 p.m.

Motion Passed 7-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch