- An introduction to boards and commissions
- A link to all vacant positions within a board or
commission
- A step-by-step instruction link that will help
individuals throughout the process of becoming a
member
- An on-line application form
In addition, training for town employees who serve
as liaisons to boards and commissions will be held at
the end of the month to review their responsibilities.
West Niles Virus Update
We received a call this morning from the State
Department of Public Health that a dead bird collected
on July 21, 2002 and submitted for testing on July
23,2002 has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
The bird was a crow that was collected by the Police
from Woody Brook Drive and submitted by the Windsor
Health Department for testing per state and local
protocol.
To date, twelve (12) birds have been collected from
Windsor eleven (11) of which have been submitted to
the State Health Department laboratory for testing.
Seven of the eleven birds submitted have tested
negative, one has now tested positive, and we are
awaiting results on three others.
The Windsor Health Department will continue to
collect dead birds that meet State testing criteria.
Mosquito treatment of town-owned property will
continue throughout the summer and fall until mosquito
activity declines. They will also continue to treat
the town’s catch basins. Catch basins in the Woody
Brook area were treated in early July. The Department
has mosquito dunks that residents can obtain free of
charge to treat standing water on their property. The
dunks can be picked up at the Health Department in the
Town Hall.
Corridor Enhancement Plan for Windsor Center
Staff has begun preliminary work to implement the
proposed improvements recommended by the First Town
Downtown Corridor Enhancement Plan for Windsor Center.
The first phase will consist of a traffic
simulation study to test the proposed changes. For
example, a portion of the study will evaluate changing
Broad Street from 4 to 2 lanes, with parking on both
sides of the street. This simulation will be conducted
with the use of cones, barriers and signs.
In performing this study, the changes in vehicular
speeds along Broad Street and efficiencies at
intersections will be determined.
The study is scheduled to take place during the
month of September.
For more information, call 285-1804.
Goosens Hired as Solid Waste Manager
Mr. Mark A. Goossens of Hampden, Massachusetts
joined the Town of Windsor team a few weeks ago as our
Solid Waste Manager. Mr. Goossens will address issues
ranging from landfill closure to improving recycling
to advocating positive changes in solid waste
collection in the community.
Mark has 16 years of experience in the solid waste
management industry. He most recently worked for Waste
Management, Inc. as a Landfill Operations Manager, and
has also worked as District Vice-President for BFI
that culminated 13 years with that company. Mark has a
Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from the State
University of New York at Albany, has published on a
national scale and received various awards for
landfill operations. Mark is married to Melissa for 12
years and has two boys, Christopher, 2, and Brian, 7.
Farmers Market
Fresh produce, baked goods and more are available
each Friday at the Farmers Market located at the
corner of Windsor Avenue and Corey Street in Wilson.
Vendors have their goods available for purchase from
3:00PM to 6:00 PM each Friday. For more information,
call 298-9060.
Councilor Simon asked if the mosquito packets have
been distributed. Dr. Charles Petrillo, Director of
Health Services, replied that there have been 40-50
packets distributed to residents.
- Communication from Council Members
Councilor Albano – None.
Councilor Broxterman – None.
Councilor Jepsen – reported that the Water Rats
won a swimming event this past Saturday. He also
attended a recent awards ceremony where the town
received recognition for bridging the gap in benefit
and pay gaps for any town employees who are called
into military service.
Councilor Mulligan – None.
Councilor Pacino – sent his condolences to the
Burns-Sessions family for their loss of Virginia.
She will truly be missed. He also congratulated
everyone involved in summer sports in Windsor.
Councilor Simon – None.
Councilor Walker – thanked Councilor Mulligan
for addressing the traffic light at the intersection
of Columbia Avenue and Rte. 218. He requested an
update from staff regarding illegal signs along
Windsor Ave.
Deputy Mayor Curtis – attended a meeting last
week with members of the senior center. There were
ongoing discussions regarding issues with the senior
center.
Mayor Trinks – sent condolences to Randy Graff
on the passing of his mother.
- Reports of Standing Committees
- Finance Committee – None.
- Town Improvements Committee – met last week
regarding the proposed soccer complex and library
renovations.
- Health and Safety – None.
- Special Projects – None.
- Joint Board of Education and Town Council
Committee – met for the first time on July 23rd.
Introductions were made and the purpose of the
committee was reviewed. A meeting schedule was
also confirmed.
- Ordinances
None.
- Unfinished Business
None.
- New Business
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FUSRAP Update
Mr. Larry Rosenberg, Chief of Public Affairs, and
Mr. William (Bud) Taylor, II, Project Manager of the
US Army Corps of Engineers, (Corp) addressed the
Town Council. ABB/Combustion Engineering recently
published a couple of documents that could be
confused as government documents. Mr. Rosenberg
stated that they are in no way government documents.
ABB/Combustion Engineering is located at 2000 Day
Hill Road and consists of a complex of 30 buildings
located on 600 acres. Past activities at the site
have resulted in the release of residual amounts of
highly enriched uranium along with other chemicals.
Activities are presently taking place to clean up
the site that involve ABB, the United States Army
Corp of Engineers, the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, the Department of Justice, the
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
and the Town of Windsor.
Mr. Taylor explained FUSRAP and gave a
presentation. The FUSRAP program was started by the
Department of Energy in 1974 to clean up those sites
where highly enriched uranium was managed/used for
Atomic Energy Commission programs. The Army Corp is
responsible for overseeing the cleanup and payment
for the clean up of these sites. It is not their
responsibility, however, to clean up or pay for
areas contaminated as a result of commercial
operations. The ABB site contains contamination from
both types of activities. At present, research is
being conducted to determine which parts of the site
contamination are the responsibility of the Corp and
which are the responsibility of ABB.
Mr. Taylor reviewed the cleanup, its findings and
presented charts. The Corp plans to meet with the
State of Connecticut in September to discuss cleanup
levels. The remedial investigation will be released
shortly after that, around the 1st of
November. They plan on engaging the public before
that time, preferably at monthly meetings.
Councilor Broxterman asked for clarification of
FUSRAP material vs. ABB material. Mr. Taylor
explained that FUSRAP involves uranium and cobalt.
Councilor Broxterman also asked if the FUSRAP
material would be shipped out or diluted. Mr. Taylor
responded that the material would be shipped off
site, not diluted. Councilor Broxterman asked who
would determine that the Corp’s responsibilities
are completed appropriately. Mr. Taylor stated that
the DEP would not release the property until it
meets their requirements.
Councilor Simon asked who is legally liable for
the property. Mr. Taylor said that ABB owns the
property. He went on to clarify the radioactive
materials that the Corp is responsible for.
Councilor Simon asked if there was other radioactive
material at the site besides the uranium and cobalt.
Mr. Taylor said that there is other radioactive
material on the site, however, the Corp is not
responsible for it and therefore has not studied it.
He stated that ABB is responsible for that portion
of contamination. Congress has limited the authority
of the Corp to the cleanup of uranium and cobalt.
Town Manager Churchill stated that there is a
separate cleanup program which is being overseen by
the proper agencies. Mr. Churchill will provide an
update on the cleanup of the remainder of the
radioactive materials. Councilor Simon asked if the
town had a liaison on the project. Town Manager
Churchill responded that Dr. Charles Petrillo,
Health & Social Services Director, is the
liaison and that he also attends some of the
meetings.
Councilor Walker asked if sediment has leaked
down to the Farmington River. Mr. Taylor responded
that it is possible, but there has been no evidence
of it. Councilor Walker asked for a definition of
commercial material and where it fits on Hazmat. Mr.
Taylor said that commercial material could be
uranium bi-products which is a hazardous material.
Mr. Taylor said that ABB has been looking at these
materials and is doing a good job of cleaning up the
problem areas. Councilor Walker asked if cleanup
would include the demolition of buildings. Mr.
Taylor said that in this particular case it is
premature to address that. Cost engineering will be
performed to determine feasibility.
Councilor Mulligan asked what type of public
input the Corp is looking for. Mr. Rosenberg said
that the first meeting would be a dialogue/education
process to inform the public of the cleanup. It will
be an educational identification project.
Mayor Trinks asked if the Corp was involved in
the Knoll Plant. Mr. Taylor said that they were not
involved in the project. Mayor Trinks also asked if
there was collaboration with CEE. Mr. Taylor said
yes and commented that the project website can be
viewed at
.
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by
Councilor Jepsen for a two-minute recess at 9:05
p.m.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
The meeting was called to order again at 9:15
p.m.
Introduce a Bond Ordinance for Windsor High
School
Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, and Mr.
Robert Gustafson, member of the Public Building
Commission, addressed the Town Council. As the
Windsor High School (WHS) renovation project
progressed, the PBC found a small amount of
additional work that needed attention. The original
project limited expenditures to $35,000,000. Two
unforeseen items, both related to the roof, are
outside of the scope of the originally defined
project and would cost an additional $235,000
inclusive of bonding costs. One of the items is the
re-roofing of the science lab classroom area for a
cost of $140,000, inclusive of contingency and
design. The other item is the provision of screening
and service platforms for the HVAC systems on the
roof for a cost of $90,000 inclusive of contingency
and design. Bonding costs of $5,000 are added to the
issue, bringing the total to $235,000.
The PBC recommends the Town Council’s
consideration of the proposed bond ordinance.
Councilor Pacino asked if the section of ceiling
was looked at previously. Mr. Gustafson reported
that it was looked at, however, ceiling tiles were
not removed. Mr. Funk reported that this section of
the roof was renovated about 20 years ago. The main
roof was completed in 1998. It was not anticipated
that the roof would cause a problem. Councilor
Pacino asked if there was any water damage in the
classrooms below the damaged roof. Mr. Funk
responded yes and that the angle of the roof caused
water damaged sheet rock. Councilor Pacino asked if
the HVAC platforms and screening were part of the
original plan. Mr. Gustafson said that they were not
part of the original plan. Two years ago when an
HVAC unit was placed on the roof, there was a
mismatch in the unit and the design of the roof. The
platforms will allow safe servicing of the 36 units
and the screenings will block the units from the
street view.
Councilor Broxterman asked Town Manager Churchill
how the town determines if we go out 10 or 20 years
on a bond. Town Manager Churchill responded that
tradition calls for a 20-year bond. He also stated
they consider the life of the asset so it doesn’t
outlive the bond. It is also a function of the rates
that can be obtained. Right now the rates are
extremely favorable.
Councilor Simon asked about the additional costs
of $350-$700,000 mentioned at a previous meeting to
finish the WHS project. He asked for clarification
on how those figures related to this $235,000 and
the additional $425,000 beyond these two projects,
which will be needed to complete the WHS project.
Town Manager Churchill confirmed that the previous
estimate of $350,000 - $750,000 included the roof
and HVAC cost estimates.
Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the state
reimbursements would cover any of these two
projects. Mr. Funk said they anticipate that these
items will be eligible for reimbursement.
Councilor Albano asked if the other $300,000+
could be subject for reimbursement. Mr. Funk
confirmed that the $300,000+ would be eligible for
reimbursement.
RESOLVED by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by
Councilor Broxterman, that the reading into the
minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled
"AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $235,000 FOR THE
ROOF REPLACEMENT AND RELATED WORK AT WINDSOR HIGH
SCHOOL AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF HVAC SCREENING AND
RELATED WORK AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUE OF $235,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE
APPROPRIATION" is hereby waived, the full text
of the ordinance having been distributed to each
member of the Council and copies being made
available to those persons attending this meeting;
and that the full text of the ordinance be recorded
with the minutes of the meeting.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman that "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING
$235,000 FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AND RELATED WORK
AT WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF HVAC
SCREENING AND RELATED WORK AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $235,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO
FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" be adopted.
Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Pacino Opposing)
Set Public Hearing date of September 3, 2002 at
7:15 PM for Windsor High School bond ordinance
Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor
Walker that a public hearing be held at the Windsor
Town Hall on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 7:15 p.m.
(prevailing time) on the aforegoing ordinance and
that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to
post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.
Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Pacino Opposing)
Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to
initiate negotiations regarding the development of
a Soccer Field Complex
Town Manager Churchill provided an overview of
Mr. Douglas Kerr, a 13-year resident, proposal to
develop a tournament field comprised of six
multi-use fields (soccer, lacrosse, field hockey,
etc.), concession pavilion, and 679-space parking
lot.
The project is compatible with the Landfill
Re-use Steering Committee’s recommendations, which
call for various active and passive recreational
uses.
The project’s feasibility depends on town
expenditures related to the redevelopment of the
Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill. The cost to develop the
facility will be between $700,000 and $900,000,
which will be funded through private funds. The town
will be asked to lease the land for nominal
consideration.
The Town Improvements Committee recommends
authorization for the Town Manager to enter into
negotiations and to present for the Town Council’s
consideration an agreement between the Town of
Windsor and Douglas Kerr regarding the development
of a soccer complex on town owned property at the
landfill.
Councilor Pacino asked if construction could
begin before the closure of the landfill. Town
Manager Churchill stated that it depends on the DEP
permitting conditions.
Councilor Broxterman inquired if the town will
have to relocate monitor wells. Town Manager
Churchill responded that it is possible. We are
hopeful that they will remain the same, but it
depends on the use. Councilor Broxterman stated that
he has a few concerns even though he likes the idea
of the complex. He asked that before it is finalized
and before the town enters into the agreement that
we have town staff address the traffic and
communicate with the residents in the area to find
out their concerns. Councilor Broxterman also asked
that if somebody else approaches the town during
this negotiation process and says they want
consideration for using the landfill land, what kind
of response would the town give to this individual?
He asked what if they were willing to pay the town
more money than the Soccer Complex and at what point
does the town not entertain other uses?
Deputy Mayor Curtis said that this motion is very
broad and the intent is to let Mr. Kerr know that
the town is interested in entering into
negotiations. Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the
transfer station options. He asked if negotiations
would involve both of those possibilities. Town
Manager Churchill said that he has opened up lines
of communication with ABB and will continue
discussions over the next few weeks.
Councilor Broxterman asked if the potential
purchase of the land from ABB could have FUSRAP
issues. Town Manager Churchill said that this
90-acre parcel had some contamination of clamshells
but cleanup is well underway and he foresees no DEP
issues.
Councilor Walker asked why we need a motion to
reach agreement when there is so much uncertainty.
Mayor Trinks said that Mr. Kerr needs some
confirmation of interest so he can proceed with
obtaining investors.
Town Manager Churchill said that he believes that
Mr. Kerr has had some discussions with some of the
neighbors. The town can expand on those discussions
with the neighbors.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by
Councilor Mulligan that the Town Manager be
authorized to enter into negotiations and reach an
agreement for the Town Council’s approval on all
details between the Town of Windsor and Douglas Kerr
regarding a soccer complex.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Project Referrals to the Public Building
Commission
Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works,
discussed the referrals. Phase II of the Goslee Pool
project entails: renovation of the bathhouse
building to handicap accessibility standards,
upgrade of lighting, and provision of new floor,
wall and ceiling finishes. Renovation of the
existing maintenance building will include improved
methods for management of chemicals, a first aid
station and a lifeguard operations area. In
addition, the project will include reconfiguration
of the existing access road with a provision for a
vehicle turn-around at the end, and blending of the
road with handicap parking.
The Public Works Facility project will provide a
secure and weatherproof storage facility for winter
salt and sand, and provide for a high
pressure-washing unit for the vehicles and
equipment. These and other related environmental
improvements would allow the facility to conform to
the latest federal and state regulations governing
salt/sand storage and control the management of
stormwater contaminates.
Mayor Trinks asked about the Sand/Salt Storage
Area and if there were any drawings. Mr. Funk said
that the bonding was discussed in June and they are
working with an engineering firm for drawings for
bidding purposes.
Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by
Councilor Broxterman that the Goslee Pool
Reconstruction Project – Phase II, and the Public
Works Facility Improvement project be referred to
the Public Building Commission for oversight of the
construction.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Resolution approving submittal of LoCIP grant to
the State of Connecticut and that $357,000 be
appropriated from the Capital Outlay Fund
Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance.
The list of projects for resurfacing (paving) or
reclaimed this fiscal year: Avon Circle, Derek Lane,
Seymour Street, Stratford Court, Three Rod Road, Trent
Drive, White Rock Drive, Woody Brook Road, Mills Road,
Island Road, Valley View Drive, and Pigeon Hill Road.
It is also requested that the following projects be
partially funded from the LoCIP grant: Scarborough
Road Bridge, 330 Windsor Avenue Site Improvements,
Public Works Facility Environmental Improvements, and
Information Technology Modernization.
The estimated cost of all the above work that is
being requested for reimbursement from the LoCIP grant
is $357,000.
Councilor Pacino asked if the Island Road
resurfacing was premature. Mr. Funk said that paving
would be done up to the railroad tracks, covering the
very rough section between Broad Street and the
railroad tracks.
Councilor Albano asked if the chip and seal
procedure would be done. Mr. Funk said that it would
be an asphalt overlay.
Councilor Jepsen asked about the improvements and
requested a description. Mr. Funk responded that
Scarborough Road Bridge is a culvert and the State has
identified it as being an important repair. A
construction contract for 330 Windsor Avenue site
improvements has just been awarded and construction
will start soon. Public Works Facility Environmental
Improvements are $50,000 for town road aid and $50,000
in LoCIP funding. Town Manager Churchill stated that
the Information Technology Modernization is in the
amount of $75,000 and is for upgrading the wiring in
the Town Hall that has already begun this year.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen that $357,000 be appropriated from the Capital
Outlay Fund, Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to:
Capital Outlay Fund Account 9041, "FY 2003 LoCIP
Program". That an application be made to the
State of Connecticut for a Local Capital Improvement
Program (LoCIP) grant to perform paving, reclamation
and other eligible work, and that when received, the
LoCIP funds will reimburse Capital Account 9041, FY
2003 LoCIP Program.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Resignations and Appointments
Moved by Councilor Pacino, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman to accept the resignations of Valerie
Allgrove from the Conservation Commission; Katie
Chiodo from the Hartford Area Cable Television
Advisory Council and Kerry Ruiz from the Economic
Development Committee.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen to reappoint Ms. Nancy Ellingwood to the Fair
Rent Commission for a three year term to expire March
31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed and Ms.
Sonya Dean to the Human Relations Commission for a
three year term to expire on May 31, 2005 or until a
successor is appointed; to appoint Mr. Daniel Lynch to
the Economic Development Commission for a five year
term to expire July 31, 2005 or until a successor is
appointed; and Ms. Leona Paslaski to the
Wilson-Deerfield Advisory Committee for a three year
term to expire April 30, 2005 or until a successor is
appointed.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor
Broxterman to table items D-J, L, N-T, V-Z, and BB-FF.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Minutes of Preceding Meetings
- Minutes of the July 1, 2002 Regular Town Council
Meeting
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by
Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the July 1,
2002 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 1
– Public Communications and Petitions - Mr. Las.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Public Communications and Petitions
None.
- Executive Session
None.
- Adjournment
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by
Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the Regular Town Council
Meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Countryman
Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
Cc: Town Clerk
Main Library & Wilson Branch