2003 Minutes  
 
 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

November 17, 2003

Approved Minutes

 

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

  1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Dean, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
     
  2. Prayer – Councilor Mulligan
     
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Mulligan
     
  4. Proclamations/Awards
    None.
     
  5. Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. George Yeramian, 739 Prospect Hill Road, addressed the Council regarding the landfill capacity and odor. The gas collection system at the landfill was instantaneous and very effective. He commented on the increased intake rates of bulky waste at the landfill and his opposition to potentially closing the landfill in 2008.

    Mr. Michael Reynolds, 52 Bloomfield Avenue, spoke to the Council on behalf of the Youth Commission. He expressed thanks to the Council, town and Chamber of Commerce for the event held on Halloween Night.
     

  6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Windsor Housing Authority

    Mr. Harold DePianta reported to the Council. They were informed that their correct name is the Housing Authority of the Town of Windsor. All documents have been changed to reflect the correct name. Executive Director Frank Corbett is retiring this year and person replacing him is Ms. Denise Viera. A link has been added to the town’s web page for the Housing Authority. Mr. DePianta reported that each year an independent audit is conducted on dwelling units in the town of Windsor, which is then submitted to the town and HUD. Some projects completed this year include: driveways being re-paved and speed bumps added at the elderly and disabled housing complex, also fire alarms and older refrigerators having been replaced in units needing it. The Housing Authority also administers the Section 8 rental assistance, which is a federal program.

    Mayor Trinks presented Executive Director Frank Corbett with a certificate of appreciation.
     

  2. Youth Commission

    Ms. Florence Barlow and Dr. Robert Gange reported to the Council. Ms. Barlow reviewed the programs and added that the students develop many of the programs. Ms. Barlow reviewed the programs. The Youth Directory—which was used to inform parents of all programs in town, including social, civic, religious, etc.—hasn’t done as well as they had hoped. They are encouraging all organizations to contact the Youth Commission for inclusion in the directory. Dr. Gange discussed the Youth Council, whose purpose is to meet once a month to give feedback to the issues they feel are pertinent to the youth in Windsor. It has worked out nicely. There have been 20-30 students at each meeting. They have even established their own bylaws and rules of order. Members of the Youth Council reported to the Council.
     

  3. Board of Education

    Ms. Jane Garibay, President, Board of Education, reported to the Council. They have finished negotiations with the administrators and a signed agreement has been completed. She highlighted some of the negotiations and salary increases. The BOE will be holding a workshop on November 24th to discuss raising the bar for extracurricular activities. They will discuss the standard of no F’s, 2 D’s and all other grades being brought above the aforementioned.

    Five BOE members attended a conference in Mystic, CT, which included the sleep patterns of teenagers. The new school newsletter was published and mailed to all households in town. The Realtors Breakfast was held with 27 realtors from five different agencies attending.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if the Council has a role to play in the Administrator’s contract. Ms. Garibay said that the Council cannot modify it, they could however decide to accept or reject the contract.

    Councilor Simon said that he thinks that the contract is extremely reasonable. He thanked the BOE and the administrators with coming up with it. Ms. Garibay commented that it was a good process this year. The administration worked very well with the Board of Education.

    Councilor Ellingwood asked about the teacher contract. Ms. Garibay said that it has gone into arbitration.

    Councilor Walker received the newsletter and thinks it is an excellent idea so residents can fully understand what our schools are doing. He commended Dr. Elizabeth Feser, Superintendent of Schools, for the newsletter.
     

  4. Public Building Commission

Mr. Joseph Novak, Public Building Commission Chair, reported to the Council.

WHS – no change since the last report.

330 Windsor Avenue – no change since the last report.

L.P. Wilson Roof – no change since the last report.

Windsor Library Expansion Project – has passed the referendum and they are awaiting direction from the Council.

Public Works Sand and Salt Facility – the low bidder was selected; however, due to the lateness of the season, they decided to do the project in the spring.

Councilor Mulligan asked about the WHS shower area near the pool. Mr. Novak said that he would check into it and report back. Councilor Mulligan also reported that the Guidance Area clock did not reset with daylight savings. Mr. Novak will report back on this as well.

  1. Town Manager’s Report

Prescription Coalition Launched

The Town recently joined a prescription coalition that promises to generate savings in this area where prescription costs have risen 15% to 25% annually the last few years. Town and Board of Education staff have researched and attended meetings of a regional coalition of towns. This coalition has contracted with Segal and Co., who will craft a Request For Proposals and analysis for the Town and BOE for a $7,500 fee (as will all participants). The Town’s Insurance Fund is recommended as the source for this consulting fee. The specifics of the coalition include:

  1. The coalition will have approx. 65,000 to 85,000 lives consisting of towns and the State of Vermont.
  1. This group will function like a purchasing consortium so each town keeps the prescription plan they currently have but get discounts on the drugs based on the high volume of business. It is not like an insurance trust where the whole group has the same plan.
     
  2. The Town then self-insures its drug benefits like risk management, but the only difference employees would see is that they have a new prescription card.
     
  3. About a 7-8% savings from Anthem is anticipated, which would be approximately $15,000-$18,000 for us in the first year (town only). However, it is anticipated Anthem will cut prescription premiums in their quotes this year in an effort to keep clients, so savings may not be that substantial in the first year. The coalition desires greater competition for prescription benefits in Connecticut so Anthem isn't the only player and doesn't cut premiums the first year and then start ratcheting them back up in subsequent years.
     

  4. The towns who are participating are East Hartford, Windsor Locks, Meriden, Trumbull, Middletown, Manchester, Stamford, Bridgeport, Danbury, Waterbury, Norwalk, Bristol and New Britain. A few of these participants include general government and boards of education.
     
  5. A Prescription Benefits Manager should be secured for July 1, 2004. They expect to have some idea of costs by mid-April for budgeting purposes, but we may have to budget for the current plan since implementation by July 1, 2004 is tenuous.
     
  6. All towns will have to submit their firm intention to participate very soon. Bill Stover,

    the Human Resources Director from Stamford, is the spokesperson of the group. The consortium feels strongly that if towns don't participate now, that it will cost more than $7,500 to join later.

    The Board of Education desires to participate, but it has to go out for bid as part of collective bargaining agreement with the teacher's union. Therefore, the BOE may join the coalition this time next year.

    Landfill Update

    The new Landfill Gas Collection System at the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill was activated on Wednesday, November 12th at approximately 3:30 p.m. The gas collection system took only 23 days from date of approval to construct, install and make operational.

    As you recall, the reason for installing the landfill gas collection system is to control odors that have developed this year. The source of the odors is the area referred to as the "bulky waste" cell, located in the southeast corner of the landfill.

    The objectives of the landfill gas collection system are to keep the landfill gas within the landfill and to limit the amount of landfill gas that escapes vertically or horizontally from the landfill. The function of such a system is to draw the produced landfill gas out of the landfill into a piping network to a point of combustion (the flare).

    During the construction phase, odors from the landfill increased, as the drilling for the wells and the excavation of the trenches lead to underground gas being emitted into the air. We regret this occurring, and apologize to the neighbors for the unpleasant odors over the past few weeks. However, within the past 24 hours of operation, the landfill gas collection system has run successfully, and to our knowledge, no odors have been observed.

    Sweeps in Hartford

    Six Windsor police officers contributed the equivalent of 40 hours to the highly publicized sweeps in Hartford last week. They were moderately successful. Our officers were assigned to work primarily at night and the second night was cancelled due to overexposure of the operation in the media. Members of the "sweep" team arrested five people from Windsor.

    Windsor has also assigned at least one officer to the Hartford Police Department conducting undercover drug and intelligence operations, and working with the HPD and FBI in drug trade intervention for the last two years. This quiet, but effective practice has identified Hartford residents committing crimes in Windsor and vice-versa. I consider this practice another contributing factor why Windsor enjoys the fifth lowest Part I crime rate in the 16-town metropolitan area only behind Simsbury, South Windsor, Avon, and Glastonbury.

    Councilor Walker asked for an update on Corey Street reconstruction. Town Manager Churchill said that some work has been done and the project will be completed by next spring.
     

  1. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – encouraged residents to visit the Caring Connection—it’s a good model and is cutting edge.

Councilor Dean – is looking forward to working with the Council.

Councilor Ellingwood – thanked Jim Pacino for his service. He also thanked the Councilors for their gracious welcome.

Councilor Jepsen – thanked the voters of Windsor for returning him to the Council. He said that the town does have a right to make their own presentation at the arbitration if they wish. He asked that hiker and hunters take proper precautions as hunting season has opened.

Councilor Mulligan – thanked Jim Pacino for his years of service and his friendship and advice.

Councilor Simon – wished Jim Pacino well and welcomed Councilors Dean and Ellingwood. He thinks its time for the town to consider changing how the Councilors are elected. Ten people running and nine elected is not a choice, it’s a 90% chance.

Councilor Walker – thanked his supporters for voting for the democratic team. He wished best of luck to former Councilors Pacino and Albano and welcomed Councilors Dean and Ellingwood.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – also thanked the voters for turning out. The Windsor League of Women Voters is holding a program on Mental Health Care, Monday November 24th at 7:00 p.m. Also, Community Health Resources will make a presentation to the Council at their next regular meeting. He noted the passing of Robert Silliman, who was very special to the Town of Windsor. He will be missed.

Mayor Trinks – welcomed Scout Troop 203 to this meeting. He also thanked the voters for returning this Council.

  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 of Education and Town Council Committee – None.
     
  1. Ordinances
    None.

     
  2. Unfinished Business
    None.

     
  3. New Business
  1. Presentation of Department of Homeland Security Firefighters Grant Award

    Chief William Lewis gave a brief overview of the process. They have applied for and received a federal grant for $244,350 from the Department of Homeland Security for the fire department for self contained breathing apparatus. Mr. Reynold Hoover, Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that the $244,350 grant to Windsor is one of the top awards, fourth in the state in fact. The importance of the fire grant to the town of Windsor and its residents is significant because it will replace equipment that is over 15 years old. Mr. Hoover presented the grant/check to the Mayor.

    Motioned by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to take a five-minute recess.

    Motion passed 9-0-0
     

  2. Approve waiving of bids for the purchase of self contained breathing apparatus and associated firefighter safety equipment

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Mulligan that the Town Council, pursuant to Section 5-2(d) of the Town Charter, authorize the waiving of bids for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus and associated firefighter safety equipment for the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.

    The total purchase cost is $354,289 for 80 SCBAs and associated safety equipment as compared to the original estimate of $382,000 in the town’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP). $244,350 of the purchase costs will be paid through a grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The town’s share will be $57,939. The recommended vendor has offered a $52,000 trade-in value on our existing equipment. The firefighters tested the air packs available and concurred they preferred the pack by Scott Aviation and it is less costly than other manufacturers (approximately $1,000 more than Scott).

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
     

  3. Approve appropriation of $57,939 for the purchase of self contained breathing apparatus and associated firefighter safety equipment

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Mulligan that $57,939 be appropriated from the Capital Project Fund to capital account 6501, Fire Equipment for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus and associated firefighter safety equipment for the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
     

  4. Update on Part 150 Airport Noise Study

    Town Manager Churchill reported that this study began in 1999 and it was revised in 2002 and then earlier this year. He added this study represents the best science available on noise exposure analysis. Dr. Mario Zavarella, Town Planner and Mr. Carl Profe, Planning and Zoning Commission member/Technical Advisory Committee for Part 150 Airport Noise Study, gave an update. Mr. Profe said there is one major

    area—aircraft taking off on runway 24—of the study that could negatively impact the town of Windsor. The goal is to effect the least amount of people.

    Councilor Broxterman asked if they could alternate these routes every few days. Dr. Zavarella said that is being proposed, not by the day, but with the direction of the aircraft, depending on the weather and the season. There would be a fan effect out of all the runways.

    Councilor Simon asked what outreach has been done to residents affected by the proposed changes. Dr. Zavarella said that correspondence has been sent out to residents. Councilor Simon requested that the town send a neutral e-mail direct and newspaper articles be published alerting residents to the meeting.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked Dr. Zavarella and Mr. Profe for their work in this process. He also recommended that State Representatives be contacted on this issue.

    Citizens are encouraged to voice their opinion at the ConnDOT public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2003 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Suffield Middle School Auditorium, 350 Mountain Road in Suffield. History has shown that great pressure exerted by the public opinion can have an effect on final recommendations. The final approval by the FAA will be in January 2004.
     

  5. Approve appropriation of $20,000 for cost management consulting services

    Town Manager Churchill said that companies have approached the town regarding expense reduction services. Their processes typically include: review, analysis and benchmarking of actual expenses; proposed solutions to maximize savings (many boast at least 20%); act as intermediary between vendors and the town; and provide periodic tracking of savings.

    The price of cost reduction initiatives like the one proposed is paid out of savings proceeds. That compensation can come in different combinations of either a flat fee and/or commission forms. ValueNet’s standard rate is 50% of the first year’s documented savings; 35% of the second year’s savings; and 15% of the third year savings. This option is recommended due to no cash outlay and maximization of incentives for the vendor. The town also has the option to pay a flat fee and a lower commission rate each year. No Council action is required if the commission-based compensation format is satisfactory. However, if the flat fee option is desired, an appropriation motion is required.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if we have the Board of Education’s commitment to enter into this process with them. Town Manager Churchill confirmed that we do have their commitment.

    Councilor Simon would like to invite Board of Education members to the Finance Committee meeting to discuss this cost reduction initiative.

    Mayor Trinks referred the item to the Finance Committee for review and recommendation.
     

  6. Approve Town Council meeting dates for calendar year 2004 and January 2005

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to approve the proposed 2004 and January 2005 Town Council Meeting Schedule.

    Councilor Jepsen made a friendly amendment to change the July 6th date to July 12th. Deputy Mayor Curtis and Councilor Broxterman accepted the friendly amendment.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
     

  7. Approve 2004 schedule of Board/Commission Annual Reports to the Town Council

    Moved by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to approve the proposed 2004 Board/Commission Annual Reports to the Town Council.

    Councilor Jepsen made a friendly amendment to change the Human Relations Commission report from July 6th to July 12th. Councilor Ellingwood and Councilor Broxterman accepted the friendly amendment.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
     

  8. Authorize Town Manager to sign and execute an application with the State of CT for Social Services Block Grant

    Moved by Councilor Walker, 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 State of Connecticut for a Case Management and Health Related Program, Department of Social Services, for a grant in the amount of $22,967.

    The State of Connecticut Department of Social Services has informed the town of its eligibility to apply for a grant in the amount of $22,967. This represents a reduction of $33 compared to last year. The grant supports the Low Vision Support Group, Caregivers Support Group, Diabetic Support Group, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group, Share Support Group, Annual Health Fair and Caregivers Luncheon.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
     

  9. Grant Easement for sanitary sewer connection

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town of Windsor grant an easement to the property owner of 130 Palisado Avenue for the installation and perpetual maintenance of a sanitary sewer line connecting to the existing Metropolitan District Commission system on Town of Windsor property in the vicinity of the Milo Peck Child Development Center parking lot.

Mr. Marc Bobrow of 130 Palisado Avenue proposes to connect his residence to the MDC sewer system. The proposed sewer line needs to traverse town property in the vicinity of the Milo Peck Child Development Center parking lot. All costs are borne by Mr. Bobrow. The Town Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the easement and gave it a CGS Section 8-24 approval at its November 7, 2003 meeting.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the owner would restore the area (i.e., pavement) in the parking lot once the connection was completed. Mr. Lenehan confirmed that this would be a condition of the easement.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the resignation of Gordon Kenneson from the Conservation Commission.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the October 20, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the October 20, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

Ms. Cora Lee Jones, 1171 Matianuck Avenue, discussed the airport noise. She had previously attended a meeting and stated that the other towns are very organized and very vocal. There was almost no one there from Windsor. She encouraged residents to attend the upcoming meeting on Thursday November 20th so Windsor is represented.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded Councilor Ellingwood to enter into Executive Session at 9:56 p.m. to discuss:

  1. Discussion of the selection of a site or a lease, sale or purchase of real estate

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Executive Session

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

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

    Guest: Gary Roman, First Town Downtown

    Mayor Donald Trinks left Executive Session at 10:45 p.m.

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to leave Executive Session and to reconvene the regular Town Council session at 10:53 p.m.

    Motion Passed 8-0-0 (Mayor Trinks absent)

     

  2. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Ellingwood to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:54p.m.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch