2002 Minutes Archive

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

September 3, 2002

Approved Minutes

 

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

  1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Deputy Mayor Curtis (arrived 7:50 p.m.), Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
  2. Prayer – Councilor Jepsen
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Jepsen
  4. Proclamations/Awards

    None.

  5. Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. Dick Baxter, 46 Orchard Road spoke on the library expansion. He encouraged the Council to accept the committee’s unanimous decision to do the project over 18 months rather than in three phases. If the library project were spread over 36 months, it would cost $1.5 million more.

    Mr. Paul Monaco, 28 Summit Drive, addressed the Council speaking in favor of the library expansion recommendation of 18 months. The library is a cultural center for meetings and a computer center for Internet service, among many other things. The library offers something for everyone.

  6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Insurance Commission

    Mr. Ed Samolyk, Chairman, reported to the Council with Mr. Marty Maynard, Risk Manager, and Mr. Chris Wardrop from Webster Insurance. There have been changes in the insurance industry in the past year, especially after September 11th. The Town’s insurance renewed July 1st. Premiums have increased and firms are requiring significantly more information prior to underwriting policies.

    Mr. Maynard commented on the Workers Compensation Program. There have been 98 claims, of which 46 are general government and the remaining 52 are public school system. Approximately 25% of the claims are attributed to materials handling type of industries. Annual Employee Safety Week will be held in September. He reviewed the programs that will be offered. There are also quarterly core trainings performed.

  2. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, President, BOE reported to the Council. Opening day for teachers and staff was held last week. Rick Broderick was recognized as staff member of the year for the entire public school system. Opening day for elementary and middle schools were last week, the high school opened today. The Parent Center at Oliver Ellsworth opened last week also. The first BOE meeting is Sept 24th, with a workshop scheduled for Sept 25th. Ms. Garibay also noted a few staff changes including the appointment of Anne Ford as Windsor High School principal.

  1. Town Manager’s Report

September 11 Community Remembrance Ceremony and the Windsor "Walk of Light"

Over 3,000 luminary bags will glow on the town green on as a tribute to those who lost their lives last year on September 11th. Each bag has been inscribed with the name of a 9/11 victim and are being decorated by Windsor elementary, middle and high school students as well as students from St. Gabriels, Trinity United Methodist School, Windsor AARP, the Caring Connection and many residents.

The "Windsor Walk of Light" is part of the Windsor Community Remembrance Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th at 7:00 PM on the town green. Members of the Windsor Clergy, Windsor Volunteer Firefighters, Police and EMS personnel will conduct a ceremony on the steps of Town Hall. Following the ceremony, residents will have the opportunity to stroll the town green, viewing the luminary bags and reflect in their own way to remember the countless families touched by the disaster.

In addition, the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department will hold a morning ceremony at the Public Safety Complex at 10:00 AM where the names of firefighters, police officers and EMS who lost their lives will be read.

For more information call 285-1800.

Book Discussion Series to Begin

In another sign of our enlightened society, Windsor Library invites residents to explore the topic, "Understanding the Contemporary Middle East: History and Politics", in a one-session book discussion to be hosted by the Windsor Public Library, on Thursday, September 12, at 7:00 pm. Donald Greenberg, Associate Professor of Politics at Fairfield University, will lead the book discussion. The book to be discussed is Between Memory and Desire: The Middle East in a Troubled Age by R. Stephen Humphreys. Advance registration is required for this free program. Multiple copies of the book are available at the Windsor Library for participants to borrow. This book discussion is one of five one-session book discussions hosted by Hartford area libraries this fall. The program was developed and piloted last spring by the Connecticut Humanities Council in response to the widespread interest in the Middle East since the tragedy of 9/11. Call the Windsor Library reference desk at 285-1918 for more information.

September is Freedom Trail Month

Enjoy great gospel singing at Windsor’s Gospel Festival Saturday, September 14, 2002 From noon to 4:00 PM on the Windsor Town Green. Sponsored by the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, the Windsor Gospel Festival is held to provide the Windsor community with a celebration and tribute through song and worship in honor of Connecticut’s Freedom Trail month.

On Saturday, September 21, 2002, all are invited to participate and support the Freedom Trail Run beginning at 5:30 AM at the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. The Freedom Trail Run is a significant event, which provides individuals and families an opportunity to pay tribute to those brave souls who fled from the South in search of freedom by way of the Underground Railroad. While taking part in this event, participants will have time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the ancestors of the African American people who live today.

The run is 7.4 miles beginning at the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church at 5:30 AM and ending at the entrance to Keney Park. Participants will stop at two Windsor Freedom Trail sites including the Joseph Rainey House and the Nancy Toney gravesite. Participants are welcome to run the full 7.4 miles or any portion of it.

For information, please call Alfred Narcisse at 688-2479.

Special Thanks to Summer Concert Sponsors

Over 3,000 Windsor residents enjoyed great sounds of music this summer on the Windsor Town Hall Green thanks to the generosity of the following Windsor businesses who sponsored the concert series:

The Painted Rose, Central Street Antiques, Bill Selig Ford, Bill Selig Jewelers, MDC, Jordan Florist, Combustion Federal Credit Union, Curves for Women, Hartford / Windsor Marriott Airport, Windsor Federal Savings & Loan, Ashley’s Distinctive Jewelry & Gifts, Paper Capers, Country Cottage, KOKO’s, Making Faces, The PC Development Group, Water Closet Bath & Book, CT Shamrocks AAU Girls Basketball.

Their support is greatly appreciated and resulted in a summer of an entertaining and enjoyable family fun for Windsor Residents.

 

 

 

Route 159, Windsor Center Traffic Simulation Study

The first phase of a traffic simulation study to evaluate traffic impacts in Windsor Center will begin next Tuesday, September 10 and continue on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month. The simulation will be conducted with the use of cones, barriers and signs. The data collected will be used to evaluate specific traffic conditions, traffic speed, pedestrian safety, vehicle parking and the effectiveness of the proposed improvements included in the report from Gates, Leighton & Associates and First Town Downtown.

The simulations will occur at various times of the day to record data during both peak and non-peak hours. Testing will not take place on rainy days, or when some other extraordinary conditions exist, (such as the 9/11 "Walk of Light"). Thursdays will be used as make-up testing days if the need arises.

For more information, call 285-1804.

West Niles Virus Update

As of August 26, West Niles Virus positive birds or mosquitoes have been identified in a total of 39 Connecticut towns in six counties. In Windsor, 16 birds have been submitted for testing thus far, and we anticipate that more will be submitted. To date, three of the birds submitted have tested positive, one found on Woody Brook Road, one on Marshall Phelps Road, and one on Bloomfield Avenue.

The town, through its contractor Integrated Mosquito Control, is continuing to treat town owned land through larviciding and if needed, adulticiding.

But the Windsor Health Department reminds all residents that a very important ingredient to any successful program the town conducts is the effort that residents undertake to reduce the mosquito breeding areas on their own property. This reduction entails getting rid of or repairing anything that can hold water in which mosquitoes can breed. In addition, this year the Town Council appropriated money for the town to obtain "mosquito dunks" that are being distributed free of charge to residents so they can treat standing water areas on their property. To date, 72 residents have obtained packets from the Health Department with each packet containing six dunks. For more information, call 285-1823 or visit the Town of Windsor website at www.townofwindsorct.com

Councilor Jepsen asked what CRRA is charging for trash disposal. Town Manager Churchill responded $57.50 per ton.

 

  1. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Albano – polling location notices were sent out prior to the budget referendum.

Councilor Broxterman – reminded all that school is in session.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Pacino – None.

Councilor Simon – there is a primary for both parties on September 10, 2002. He encourages all to vote next Tuesday. He also reminded voters that their polling locations might have changed. Postcards with the new polling locations are being mailed to voters. A short time ago, the Town Council approved a protocol relative to utilizing email to notify the public of various public meetings. He noted that Public Hearings are not being sent out separately as outlined in the protocol

Councilor Walker – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – mentioned the Freedom Run which will be held September 21, 2002.

Mayor Trinks – noted he attended several openings for the town’s schools. There was excitement and optimism.

 

  1. Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Finance Committee – None.
  2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
  3. Health and Safety – None.
  4. Special Projects – None.
  5. Joint Board and Town Council Committee – Met tonight to discuss the Capital Improvement Program and to review the current estimates for additional costs to finish WHS renovation.

 

  1. Ordinances
  1. 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.

The Public Building Commission has been reviewing and monitoring closely the expenses of the high school renovation project. As the project progressed, some items were value engineered out of the project.

Councilor Albano asked if any of these costs are reimbursable by the state. Town Manager Churchill stated that they are eligible for reimbursement and an application would have to be submitted to the state.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the accompanying ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Appropriating $235,000 for the Windsor High School Roof And Related Improvements Project, and Authorizing the Issue of $235,000 Bonds and Notes to Finance the Appropriation", having appeared as item 10 (a) on the agenda for September 3, 2002, be hereby adopted following a public hearing on the aforesaid ordinance".

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

 

  1. Unfinished Business

    None.

  2. New Business
  1. Presentation of Combustion Engineering Site Cleanup

    Mr. Keith Knauerhase, Engineer, and Mr. Ron Kurtz, Community Relations of Combustion Engineering gave a presentation to the Council.

    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 and certain chemicals. Activities are presently taking place to clean up the site. These activities 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.

    The goal of the remediation by Combustion Engineering (CE) at the Windsor site is to clean up the site to protect human health and the environment by meeting all applicable Federal, State and local clean-up requirements and return the entire site to productive beneficial reuse.

    CE’s work includes remediation of chemical contamination onsite. The investigation is complete and 27 areas of concern were identified, and 10 of them required no chemical cleanup. The other areas are in various stages of cleanup. This work is expected to be completed in 2005. CE is also remediating Low Enriched Uranium material remaining onsite from the production of commercial nuclear fuel. Three buildings are 75% complete and they will be torn down after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection certifies them clean (expected by November 2002). CE will also excavate underground utilities in 2003.

    There is no direct financial impact to the Town of Windsor, but excessive delays for cleanup presents opportunity costs in the form of potential grand list growth on the 600 acre CE campus.

    Councilor Broxterman asked if the NRC standards and the State’s standards are the same. Mr. Knauerhase said that the NRC standards are less restrictive than the State’s. The site will be cleaned to 19 mrem in accordance to the State of Connecticut’s standards, which are more restrictive standards.

    Councilor Walker asked about contaminated sediment from the brook and if it could have made it to the Farmington River. Mr. Knauerhase said that some samples were collected at the river and the levels were very, very, low and close in to the shore. Councilor Walker asked about the groundwater cleanup taking five years. Mr. Knauerhase said that it might take five years or more, depending on the methods used and the treatment’s progress. Councilor Walker asked if Mr. Knauerhase would drink water from the brook once the cleanup was complete. Mr. Knauerhase said the brook water would be clean from chemicals, however, there are other things in the brook that may not be safe to drink (i.e., geese droppings).

    Mayor Trinks asked about the safety of transporting the material vs. encapsulating it. Mr. Knauerhase said that the radioactive waste/material will be removed from the impacted building and would be transported to the appropriate disposal site out of the state.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis asked what facility takes radiological waste. Mr. Knauerhase said that a firm in Utah would take the waste by truck or rail.

    Mayor Trinks thanked CE for their communication. Mr. Knauerhase invited the Councilors to schedule a tour of the property.

  2. Price Guide changes for Health Department

    Dr. Petrillo, Health Department Director presented an overview of the proposed fee changes to the Town Council. The Windsor Health Department has been conducting Red Cross CPR and First Aid classes for the residents of Windsor since 1978. The present fees were set in 1990. Since then, the Red Cross has revised its classes and increased the administrative fees charged for those classes.

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to set the fee schedule for CPR and First Aid classes as outlined in the attached table.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. CT State Library/Town of Windsor Grant – Adaptive Technology

    Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director explained the grant to the Town Council. The Connecticut State Library Board recently voted to approve an LSTA Adaptive Technology Grant in the amount of $3,600 for the Windsor Public Library. The grant will allow the library to purchase equipment and software that will make library services and materials more accessible to people with disabilities.

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen, that R. Leon Churchill, Jr., Town Manager is authorized to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this organization a certain contract with the Connecticut State Library, State of Connecticut, for a grant to purchase Adaptive Technology equipment.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  4. Library Renovation Project

    Deputy Mayor Curtis reviewed the discussions of the Town Improvements Committee at their August 2, 2002 meeting and stated the committee recommends the library renovation plan as presented by the Public Building Commission be integrated into the town’s Capital Improvement Program as a one-phase project.

    Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director, and Mr. Ken Best, architect, were present to answer any questions. Ms. Kahkonen explained the renovation of the Main Library could be achieved in one or three phases. The project if completed as one project versus three phases would take approximately 18 months to finish after final design is approved. It would eliminate the need to construct the meeting room twice and would allow for expansion of the children’s department in a more timely manner.

    Councilor Simon stated his support of this recommendation.

    Councilor Broxterman mentioned that there was $500,000 in State funding and asked if it would be available if the town went with a 36-month plan. Ms. Kahkonen said that the state has indicated they would consider the 36-month plan as one project and it would be eligible for the funding, if funding was available in the State’s budget. Councilor Broxterman asked what the expense of drillings or testing determining if there is asbestos or water damage. Mr. Ken Best, architect, said that asbestos in the building is certainly an issue. They have a good idea of where the concentration of asbestos would be. Town Manager Churchill said that this project is on a much smaller scale when compared to WHS project and he believes that the risk would be lower.

    Councilor Jepsen is also in support of this recommendation.

    Mayor Trinks expressed his support of the 18-month phase.

    Councilor Pacino stated his support for the recommendation and thanked the staff for getting the revised financing numbers to the Town Council and the Town Improvements Committee members.

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Pacino, that the library renovation plan as presented by the Public Building Commission be integrated into the town’s Capital Improvement Program as a one-phase project.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  5. Acceptance of Gift stock to the Windsor Library

Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director, thanked Mr. Nearing for his generous gift. A long time supporter of the Windsor Public Library, Mr. Nearing, donated stock to the town, with a preference the proceeds be used by the library for the acquisition of large print books and related items. The net proceeds from selling the stock amounted to $53,056.29.

Councilor Albano asked if the stock has been sold. Town Manager Churchill said that the stock is in receipt and it has increased in value.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town of Windsor accept the donation of stock from Cary Nearing for the preferred purpose of, but not limited to, providing large print books and related items. Further move that the Special Revenue (03 Fund) Project 2507-Cary Nearing Book Project- be established, and that the proceeds of the sale of the stock be deposited into said project.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

  1. Resignations and Appointments

None.

Motioned by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to table items A-AA.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the August 5, 2002 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the August 5, 2002 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Councilor Albano led the Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

 

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. William Warner-Prouty, 50 Ford Road, President of the Windsor Library Association, thanked the Town Council for supporting the Library Expansion 18-month project.

 

 

  1. Executive Session

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to enter into Executive Session at 9:17 p.m. for the following purposes:

  1. Discussion of the selection of a site or a lease, sale of purchase of real estate.
  2. Discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of an employee.

 

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

Staff: Town Manager Leon Churchill, Assistant Town Peter Souza, Economic Development Director James Burke

James Burke, Director of Economic Development, left Executive Session at 9:38 PM.

Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, left Executive Session at 9:53 PM.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Pacino to leave Executive Session and re-enter into the Regular Town Council meeting at 9:55 PM.

 

 

  1. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Albano to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:56 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch