2002 Minutes Archive

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

April 24, 2002

Approved Minutes

Mayor Trinks called the budget meeting to order at 7:05 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. Communications from Councilors

Mayor Trinks thanked the staff for their hard work in preparing the budget, the public for attending and speaking at the meetings and the voters.

   3.    Budget Workshop
  • Revenues Section B

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$44,400

 

 

 

 

 

$359,200

 

 

 

 

 

$350,000

 

 

 

 

 

$132,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

$72,960

 

 

 

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Simon to amend the Revenues, Cell Tower Leases, line 150.053 from $44,400 to $80,400.

Motion Passed 8-0-1 (Abstaining: Councilor Broxterman).

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Walker to amend the proposed line 150.054 Rental of Town Property from $359,200 to $474,500.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to amend the Revenues Opening Cash, line 290.199 from $350,000 to $405,060.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to amend the Revenues in lieu of tax payments, line 230.102 from $132,550 to $175,550.

Motion Passed 9:0:0

 

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to amend the Revenues Administrative Overhead, line 250.162 from $72,960 to $90,210.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$80,400

 

 

 

 

 

$474,500

 

 

 

 

 

$405,060

 

 

 

 

 

$175,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

$90,210
 
 
  • Tax Collection Rate

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

Tax collection rate 98.75%

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to approve the tax collection rate of 98.75%.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 
 
  • Board of Education Section D

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$46,218,530

 

 

 

 

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the proposed budget of the Board of Education for $46,218,530.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Comments: Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked the Board of Education for their presentation.

$46,218,530
 
  • Town Support For Education Section E

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$4,088,030

 

 

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to accept the proposed budget of Town Support for Education for $4,088,030.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$4,088,030
 
  • Safety Services Section F

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$6,333,520

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the proposed budget of Safety Services for $6,333,520.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$6,333,520

  • Family & Leisure Services Section G

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$1,556,480

 

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Walker to amend the proposed budget of Family & Leisure Services from $1,556,480 to $1,578,480.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Comments: Councilor Simon stated that the increase of $22,000 is specifically for PAL to restore services to their current level, as well as provide weekend coverage, which will be an enhancement to current services.

$1,578,480

 

 

 
 
  • Health & Social Services Section H

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$806,080

 

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Simon to amend the proposed budget of Health and Social Services for $806,080 to $854,190.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Comments: Councilor Broxterman stated that the $38,110 increase is for Start Smart and $10,000 is for mosquito control. Councilor Simon said the funding for Start Smart would provide funding to adequately service people who have signed up for the program.

Town Manager Churchill reported that the increase in funding for mosquito control is for larvaciding. He recommends making the larvaciding material available to residents. The additional appropriation would go towards the purchase of that material. An issue that we need to be sensitive to is that this material is available locally in the marketplace.

Councilor Broxterman inquired if the town can purchase the materials from the hardware stores locally. Town Manager Churchill stated that this would most likely be done.

Councilor Walker confirmed that the larvaciding would be free to residents. He stated that we need to address the sensitive issues and stressed that it needs to be free to our taxpayers.

Councilor Jepsen asked if there would be anyone available to provide expertise to residents who would need more information. Town Manager Churchill responded that the Health Department would be a resource for residents.

Councilor Simon clarified that this is a different mosquito program than the town is currently using. This program will buy a supply of larvacide for residents to receive at no cost. Town Manager Churchill said that they would be identifying where the material will be available.

$854,190
 
  • Library Services Section I

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$1,129,530

 

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the proposed budget of Library Services for $1,129,530.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$1,129,530

 

 

 
 
  • Development Services Section J

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$1,312,070

 

 

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the proposed budget of Development Services for $1,312,070.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$1,312,070

 

 
 
  • Community Development Section K

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$25,000

Motioned by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the proposed budget of Community Development for $25,000.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$25,000
 
  • Public Works Section K

FY2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$3,878,230

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Walker to accept the proposed budget of Public Works for $3,878,230.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$3,878,230
 
  • Information Services Section L

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$401,730

 

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to accept the proposed budget of Information Services for $401,730.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$401,730
 
  • Administrative Services Section M

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$1,651,430

 

 

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Walker to accept the proposed budget of Administrative Services of $1,651,430.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

$1,651,430
 
  • General Government Section N

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$875,200

 

 

 

 

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Walker to amend the proposed budget of General Government from $875,200 to $881,700.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Deputy Mayor Curtis stated that the increases are for the North Central Counseling Service for an increase of $5,000--$1,500 to the Police Explorers and an additional $10,000 for a contribution to Huntington House. Also there is an independent audit decrease of $10,000.

Mayor Trinks stated there is an increase in the Windsor clientele at North Central Counseling Service and we increased the support. Town Manager Churchill added that this is a typical first referral for many families to Start Smart and other Town programs.

Mayor Trinks stated that the Huntington House has a deficit of $28,000. A $10,000 donation towards the operating cost will help with the first year startup costs. He does not anticipate this being a yearly contribution.

Councilor Broxterman stated that the Huntington House had requested more than $10,000. He feels that as word gets out about the museum, they will attract a much larger customer base.

Councilor Pacino inquired about the Police Explorers radios. He asked if the Explorers are a separate organization or under the Police Department. He inquired if the radios could be shared with the Police Department. Town Manager Churchill stated that the availability of radios is not there. The Explorers need dedicated equipment.

Councilor Broxterman supports the Police Explorers increase because they provide a service to the town and they provide an activity for the youth as well.

Councilor Walker recommends that all the radios in town be purchased from the same manufacturer.

Councilor Pacino reported that the Police Explorers have exceeded their budget for uniforms for 2002 and questioned if there would be an appropriation. Town Manager Churchill responded that they have some fundraising capabilities to address the budget shortcomings.

$881,700
 
  • General Services Section O

FY 2003 Proposed Budget

Town Council Action

Adjusted Amount

$5,612,220

 

 

 

Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to amend the proposed budget of General Services from $5,612,220 to $5,802,220.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Deputy Mayor Curtis said that the increase is to add $20,000 to the volunteer support program and to add $170,000 to debt service for future principal and interest payments.

Councilor Simon is in favor of the increase for the volunteer support program.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the $30,000 budgeted for the current year will be used. Town Manager Churchill said that there will be no surplus funds this year. Councilor Jepsen asked if there would be any policy changes. Councilor Mulligan stated that the Special Projects Committee is addressing the policy.

$5,802,220
 
     

TOTALS:

    

$73,888,050

  

 

$74,154,660

Motioned by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Pacino that any organization receiving $25,000 or more in this budget shall submit financials, reviewed by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to the Windsor Town Council or its designate for review. Any organization receiving less than $25,000 shall submit current financials and present their annual budget. No payments out of this budget shall be made until these documents are received and reviewed for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) calendar days.

Councilor Broxterman supports this motion if it is amended that the town pays for the financial review.

Councilor Albano stated that if the organizations are making the filings they are getting a CPA review.

Councilor Pacino said that we need more financial information than a profit and loss statement for organizations that we are funding.

Councilor Mulligan said that there was an organization under question where a profit and loss shows up as a negative number, but should show up in revenue. It was explained that the number is an expense, but upon review it is listed as revenue on the profit and loss.

Councilor Broxterman suggested that we not make other organizations suffer for another organization’s poor accounting. He feels that the town has a right to request additional information from any organization we are funding.

Mayor Trinks stated that he agrees and he understands the direction, but he is wondering if we can utilize the expertise that we have in our financial department to develop a policy for the disbursement of funds. The staff is currently facilitating the matching funds program. Some organizations in town do not have accountants or bookkeepers in-house. Perhaps the Finance Committee can address it.

Councilor Walker is concerned that once the budget is approved that it would be an "out of sight, out of mind" situation. He feels we need a policy to force us to look at organizations we fund.

Councilor Simon agrees with the intent of this. The public has every right to see the shape of the organization that is requesting public money. He feels there are some problems with the way it is written and feels that a policy cannot be set tonight. He offered to add this to the agenda of the Finance Committee on May 1, 2002 to have ready for the next Town Council Meeting on May 6, 2002.

Councilor Jepsen agreed that the Finance Committee should address the matter.

Mayor Trinks referred the matter to the Finance Committee.

Councilor Jepsen withdrew the motion.

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to break for 10 minutes until 8:32 p.m.

The Special Town Council meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

4.      Motions for Council to Approve FY 2003 Budget

Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director, reported that the mil rate will be 32.6, which is an average increase of 4.9% or $135.25 per year for a typical homeowner. Compared to other municipalities, Windsor is one of the lower percentage increases. They vary from 3.67% to 12.3%. Windsor is in the bottom third of municipalities surveyed.

PART A:

Appropriations are made for the following specific purposes, the total of which is recommended for approval by the Windsor voters.
       

Board of Education

    

Motion by: Deputy Mayor Curtis

Seconded: Councilor Simon

Amount: $46,218,530

For: 9

Against: 0
     

Town Support for Education

    

Motion by: Councilor Walker

Seconded: Councilor Broxterman

Amount: $4,088,030

For: 9

Against: 0
     

Safety Services

    

Motion by: Councilor Simon

Seconded: Councilor Walker

Amount: $6,333,520

For: 9

Against: 0

Family & Leisure Services

    

Motion by: Councilor Broxterman

Seconded: Councilor Pacino

Amount: $1,578,480

For: 9

Against: 0

Health and Social Services

    

Motion by: Deputy Mayor Curtis

Seconded: Councilor Albano

Amount: $854,190

For: 9

Against: 0

Library Services

    

Motion by: Councilor Jepsen

Seconded: Councilor Albano

Amount: $1,129,530

For: 9

Against: 0

Development Services

    

Motion by: Councilor Mulligan

Seconded: Councilor Albano

Amount: $1,312,070

For: 9

Against: 0

Community Development

    

Motion by: Councilor Albano

Seconded: Councilor Mulligan

Amount: $25,000

For: 9

Against: 0

Public Works

    

Motion by: Councilor Pacino

Seconded: Councilor Simon

Amount: $3,878,230

For: 9

Against: 0

Information Services

    

Motion by: Councilor Walker

Seconded: Councilor Albano

Amount: $401,730

For: 9

Against: 0

Administrative Services

    

Motion by: Councilor Simon

Seconded: Councilor Broxterman

Amount: $1,651,430

For: 9

Against: 0

General Government

    

Motion by: Councilor Broxterman

Seconded: Councilor Albano

Amount: $881,700

For: 9

Against: 0

General Services

    

Motion by: Deputy Mayor Curtis

Seconded: Councilor Albano

Amount: $5,802,220

For: 9

Against: 0

 

FINAL MOTIONS

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Councilor Albano to accept the total General Fund expenditures for the 2002-03 budget in the amount of $74,154,660.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Councilor Jepsen made a motion, seconded by Councilor Broxterman, that the annual vote on the budget be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2002 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at all seven polling places.

Motion Passes 8-0-1 (Councilor Pacino opposed)

 

PART B:

ENTERPRISE FUNDS

The Town of Windsor operates three self-supporting enterprise funds:

Windsor Child Development Center

    

Motion by: Councilor Jepsen

Seconded: Councilor Broxterman

Amount: $1,045,080

For: 9

Against: 0
     

Caring Connection Adult Day Care Center

Motion by: Councilor Mulligan

Seconded: Councilor Walker

Amount: $521,180

For: 9

Against: 0
     

Sanitary Landfill

    

Motion by: Councilor Albano

Seconded: Councilor Mulligan

Amount: $1,926,910

For: 9

Against: 0

Councilor Pacino asked if it is possible to run the polls from noon to 8 p.m. because the registrars are having trouble getting volunteers to work the polls.

Mayor Trinks stated that it is an adjourned town meeting. Councilor Jepsen said that it may be under the Registrars direction and there may be some state statutes that set the guidelines. Mayor Trinks said that he would present it to the Registrars.

  1. Approve 2003-2008 CIP

    2. Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Pacino to approve the 2003-2008 CIP budget as amended by the Town Improvements Committee.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  2. Resolutions Closing Capital Project Accounts and Creation of New Capital Project Accounts

    3. Councilor Simon asked about the availability of these funds. Town Manager Churchill stated these projects are complete and recommended that the funds be transferred.

    Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to close CIP accounts totaling $616,000 and transfer the funds to the Capital Outlay Undesignated fund balance. The accounts are as follows:

    $11,000 from account number 02-507 (Rainbow Road Firehouse)

    $180,000 from account number 02-531 (Mack Street Improvements)

    $100,000 from account number 02-532 (Kennedy Road Improvements)

    $300,000 from account number 02-546 (Economic Development – JDS)

    $25,000 from account number 02-547 (Economic Development – Marriott)

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Councilor Pacino asked about the expenditure for government television and if it is a one-time equipment purchase. Town Manager Churchill stated that it is a one-time purchase for equipment. Ms. Enita Jubrey, Assistant to the Town Manager, said the purchase is for some editing equipment they don’t have, equipment to allow broadcasting 24 hours per day, video decks and other equipment.

    Councilor Broxterman asked about the keys for the firehouses. Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, stated this program is for all fire stations and the goal is to transition them into a one town-wide department. This will also allow tracking of who is in the station.

    Councilor Albano asked about the Windsor center improvements. Town Manager Churchill said it is a small improvement to finish the construction design specifications, if any. We do anticipate small expenditures to change the streetscape for Broad Street.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if all these projects are in the CIP. Town Manager Churchill stated that the funds which were just closed, would be used for these expenditures. Mr. Souza stated this is for a concept study for the Hayden Station.

    Councilor Pacino inquired about playground improvements and if any consideration has been made for a special needs playground. Mr. Souza responded that the Family Youth and Services staff has been seeking grant monies for that purpose. Town Manager Churchill said that it is not part of the CIP, but we will continue to explore. Councilor Pacino asked about the Wilson Fire Department kitchen and noted that if we had purchased the item several years ago, it would have been almost half the cost. Town Manager Churchill said that this is an appropriation to make the firehouse kitchen fully functional.

    Councilor Pacino asked about the divider for 330 Windsor Avenue and if it is suspended from the ceiling. Mr. Souza said that he does not know the exact design, but he believes it will be suspended from the ceiling. Councilor Pacino asked if it would be a fully functional basketball court with seating. Mr. Souza said that he is not sure there are any plans for bleacher seating, this expenditure is to make it available for recreational purposes.

    Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to move the following amounts be appropriated from the Capital Outlay Undesignated Fund Balance for the following new capital accounts:

    Account Number

    Account Title

    Appropriation

    02-510

    Corey Street Reconstruction

    $50,000

    02-586

    Street Reclamation Program

    $102,000

    02-595

    Playground Improvements

    $52,000

    02-601

    Day Hill Road & Addison Road Intersection

    $89,000

    02-602

    Windsor Center Improvements

    $50,000

    02-603

    Transfer Station and Post-Closure Landfill Uses

    $50,000

    02-604

    Hayden Station Firehouse

    $15,000

    02-605

    Wilson Firehouse – Kitchen Equipment

    $9,000

    02-606

    Engineering Equipment and Storm water Software

    $25,000

    02-607

    Government Television Equipment

    $20,000

    02-608

    Electronic Keys – Firehouses

    $15,000

    02-609

    Poquonock School Office Modernization

    $16,500
     

    TOTAL

    $493,500

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that $30,000 be appropriated from the Capital Outlay Undesignated Fund balance to account 03-378 Intermezzo, Special Revenue and to appropriate $35,000 from the Capital Outlay Undesignated Fund balance to account 03-382 Rappaport Building, Special Revenue.

    Councilor Simon asked about the Vintage Radio Museum and if they owned the building. Town Manager Churchill stated that the continued operation of the building is in peril and stated that if a heating/cooling bill comes in, the town could assist. The town also has a say-so in what developer goes into the building.

    Councilor Walker stated that if we are going to use the taxpayer’s money to do this with a privately owned building, the town should have drawn up a legal document. He is not comfortable with the setup.

    Councilor Albano said that this is similar to supporting the Huntington House Museum where we are helping out our neighbors and feels it is good for the town.

    Councilor Broxterman agrees with Councilor Albano, Simon and Walker. He feels that this buys us some time and we have set the precedent with the Huntington House. He supports this.

    Councilor Mulligan also agrees with the other councilors. He feels that if we are making an investment with this, we need to look at it differently from the Huntington House. If it is $35,000 now, what is the next step and what is our legal position?

    Deputy Mayor Curtis raised some concerns regarding the money appearing as a subsidy. He asked if it would be possible to send this to the committee in order to clarify some concerns addressed tonight. Town Manager Churchill responded there is some time, but he is hopeful that the town can send the right signals to the marketplace regarding what we want done, which is the adaptive reuse of the building.

    Councilor Pacino asked if we gave the Radio Museum any guarantees when they chose downtown Windsor. Town Manager Churchill stated that the Rappaport building was available and had the space for their equipment. The town encouraged the transaction. Without any definite plans and financial wherewithal, we have some doubts about the financial viability of the museum. Councilor Pacino feels the museum is a great addition to the town and asked if we have spoken to them to find ways to get them off the ground. He feels we need to give them support and expertise. He will support the $35,000 to keep the building viable, but feels we need to check into community development programs. Town Manager Churchill said the museum will be opening soon, but it is the long term that is questionable.

    Councilor Simon feels it is premature to make a decision tonight. He recommends referring it to a committee.

    Mayor Trinks said that it is his inclination to support it. We need to concentrate on the buildings that we have and ensure that they are being reused. To help this museum along until they can get a co-tenant would be wiser to do than allow the building to go vacant which would be more expensive. If it is the consensus, he will refer it to a committee.

    Councilor Mulligan feels that is a viable and worthwhile venture to have in town. He supports sending it to committee.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis withdrew the motion. Councilor Broxterman declined to withdraw his seconding of the motion.

    Motioned by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to amend the motion to remove the Rappaport building 03-382.

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

    Mayor Trinks referred the Rappaport Building to the Town Improvements Committee.

    Town Manager Churchill stated that the Plan of Development update is required every ten years. This is the last installment of this plan.

    Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Council Albano that $40,000 be appropriated from Capital Outlay fund to special revenue account number 03-353 Plan of Development Undesignated Fund balance.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Town Manager Churchill stated this is for a gym divider, crash pads and other equipment for 330 Windsor Avenue.

    Councilor Albano asked if this is a brand new account and what the balance is. Town Manager Churchill stated that the account currently has $5,000.

    Motioned by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Pacino that $15,000 be appropriated from the Capital Outlay undesignated Fund balance to account 03-317, 330 Windsor Avenue Property, Special Revenues account.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. Adjournment

Mayor Trinks thanked the Town Council for bringing this budget forward and encouraged the voters to come out and vote on May 7th.

Councilor Jepsen thanked the majority for listening to their concerns and feels they made a positive first step.

Councilor Simon thanked the Board of Education, the Town Manager and town staff, and members in the minority for what is a truly a historic night with a 9-0-0 vote on the budget.

Motioned by Councilor Albano, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kristin Countryman

Substitute Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch