Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

February 18, 2003

Approved Minutes

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:33 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
   Absent – Councilor Simon
   
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Pacino
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Pacino
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Honoring Woman’s Club on receiving the CT Treasure Organization Award

Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation and presented it to the Woman’s Club.
 

5. Public Communications and Petitions
   
    
6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Board of Assessment Appeals

   Mr. George Bolduc, Chairman, Board of Assessment Appeals, reported to the Council. They meet twice per year to give citizens the opportunity to appeal their assessments. Within two weeks, an appeal decision is given to the property owner. They also hear motor vehicle assessment appeals.

2. Public Building Commission

Mr. Joseph Novak, Chairman, PBC, reported to the Council.

WHS Renovations – the project has reached the point of substantial completion and the punch list items are being completed. All instructional areas are open to the students and staff. Mr. Novak summarized a memo that Wes Vasco distributed listing the project status and a note of appreciation. The PBC is still completing the budget. They are negotiating with the architect and O&G regarding change orders and final costs.

Goslee Pool – the bids will be opened on February 20^th and 25^th. The contracts will be awarded this month.

Public Works Renovation – the wash rack portion has been awarded and work will begin in two weeks.

330 Windsor Avenue - the interior work has begun and the building is still in use. Asbestos was found and will be removed. Occupancy is expected by June 1, 2003.

Poquonock School Windows – the windows were installed and the blinds will be placed in the spring.

L.P. Wilson roof – will be bid in the spring, with construction this summer.

 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Aerial Patrols Scheduled to Inspect High Tension Wires

   The Connecticut Light and Power Company will be conducting aerial maintenance inspections of transmission lines throughout Connecticut this week.

   A low flying helicopter will patrol the lines to identify maintenance issues. This is a routine part of CL&P’s annual maintenance program. Flights will occur between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

   Inspections for Windsor are scheduled for Thursday, February 20^th, weather permitting. Adverse flying conditions will require rescheduling of the flights.

   Book Selected for One Book, One Windsor

   One Book, One Windsor, the community-wide reading project, has selected the book The Color of Water by James McBride. Books will be available for loan from book baskets located at local businesses as well as the Windsor Public Library and the Wilson Branch Library. Citizens who want to participate are asked to read the book. There will be various community book discussions and events in April. The goal is to bring people together to discuss ideas and issues from the book.

   More information on the One Book, One Windsor program can be found on the Town of Windsor website.

   Increased Security of Municipal Facilities

   On February 12^th the town began implementing the security measures recommended by the Department of Homeland Security. These measures included locking all entrances to Town Hall except the sliding door entrance located at the southeast corner of the building. Upon entering the building, a security officer has been checking photo identifications and requiring visitors to sign in and note their destination in Town Hall.

   Similar measures were put in place at the L.P. Wilson Community Center. These actions will not be taken at both Windsor library branches, but large bags will be checked.

   The reaction to these actions from citizens has been mixed. It is important to note that the decision to implement these measures was not taken lightly, but rather a result of discussions with Police Chief Kevin Searles and the command staff of the Windsor Police Department. The increased security measures were recommended by the Federal Department of Homeland Security as a result of the elevated status of terrorist alert from yellow to orange.

   This wasn’t an easy decision to make but these are our town’s public buildings, ordinarily open to virtually anyone. It seemed wise to be more cautious rather than less so. For now, we’re asking everyone to put up with being asked for an ID, but we’ll do that only as long as we have to. It’s difficult for us to give up even a little bit of our freedom but somehow, we think our residents will understand.

   Councilor Pacino asked about L.P. Wilson and admission of children with no picture identification. He asked if the coach could vouch for the child. Mr. Souza responded that as long as the child states their name and the program they are attending, they could access the building. Councilor Pacino also commented on the town requiring insurance certifications for groups who use 330 Windsor Avenue and L.P. Wilson. Mr. Souza will get the timeframe for the certifications.

   Councilor Broxterman asked if a parent drops off a young child without escorting them into the building, will the child be allowed into the building. Mr. Souza said that they would be allowed in the building and encouraged parents to escort their children to the building to ensure the program is still scheduled.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if anyone has been denied entrance to the Town Hall for not providing identification. Mr. Souza responded that at this point no one has been denied admittance at the Town Hall, however at L.P. Wilson there was a volunteer that was unaware of the identification requirement.
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Albano – None.

   Councilor Broxterman – reminded residents to be careful when entering onto a street with all the large snowbanks.

   Councilor Jepsen – None.

   Councilor Mulligan – reminded residents to uncover fire hydrants.

   Councilor Pacino – stated that a few weeks ago there was a Young Women’s Leadership graduation at the High School. The program is an eight or nine week program for young women. They are taught how to fill out job applications and other workforce skills. The program is doing very well and the YWCA is going to take the program to other towns.

   Councilor Walker – None.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis – added that it is important to uncover hydrants. He also thanked the road crews for their plowing efforts.

   Mayor Trinks – thanked the public works crew for their efforts, even while being short staffed. He welcomed the Art Factory on Palisado Avenue. Mayor Trinks also congratulated the Women’s Club.
   
    

9. 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 Council Committee – None.
    

10. Ordinances

1. Adopt an ordinance entitled "Demolition Delay" ordinance.

A demolition delay ordinance requires a waiting period (90 days is proposed) before an identified historic structure can be demolished. It does not prevent demolition, but allows time for discussions and negotiations as ways to preserve a structure.

The Town Council’s Health and Safety Committee reviewed and discussed the proposed ordinance on January 14, 2003. The committee recommends that the Town Council approve the attached ordinance.

Councilor Albano cannot support the ordinance as written. He suggests clearly stating whether there is a 90 day waiting period or not.

Mayor Trinks is in favor of the ordinance. It allows the homeowner to make a compelling case for demolition.

Councilor Jepsen asked what the current waiting period is for a demolition permit. Mr. Souza said that it is anywhere from a few days to 30 days depending on the complexity of the project. Mr. Jepsen noted that he change really only adds 65 days to the process.

Councilor Pacino asked if there have been any legal challenges in other towns who have adopted a similar ordinance. Mr. Souza believes that there may have been a few challenges, but is unaware of the outcome.

Councilor Walker is in favor of the ordinance and feels that it is better than not having an ordinance. He said that it could be revisited in the future if changes are warranted.

Councilor Jepsen asked about demolition as a preservation effort. Mr. Souza responded that a preservation effort would be reviewed.

Councilor Pacino asked about the groups being notified after an application. He is concerned about some groups favoring or being against some applicants.

Mayor Trinks said that in the event of an emergency or if it would be a liability to the homeowner, the building inspector would have the ability to issue the demolition order.

Councilor Jepsen commented on the 512 properties on the list. He said that there are properties that no longer exist on the list and said that the list needs to be revised.

Councilor Walker said that we need to preserve the history of the town. He supports this ordinance as written.

Councilor Mulligan supports the motion also and doesn’t believe that the additional 65 days would be a hardship to most property owners.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that "AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED, "DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE" having appeared on the October 21, 2002 agenda as item 12 (b) be hereby adopted following a public hearing on the aforesaid ordinance".

Motion Passed 6-2-0 (Councilor Albano and Councilor Pacino opposed)
 

11. Unfinished Business
    None.
    
     
12. New Business

1. Presentation on Red Cross Campaign to Prepare Connecticut for Disasters

Ms. Jane Gilbert, CEO, American Red Cross, Hartford Chapter, made a presentation to the Council. Connecticut’s disaster management experts from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and many other public safety organizations, have joined the American Red Cross to announce a statewide initiative targeted toward making Connecticut the most prepared state in the union. This campaign, entitled Prepare Connecticut, urges individuals and families to do four simple, but critical steps to prepare for imminent disasters: 1) Build a kit , 2) Make a plan, 3) Get trained and 4) Give Blood.

Ms. Gilbert said that Windsor is the first municipality to request that the American Red Cross make a presentation on Prepare Connecticut. She commended the Council on communicating this information to Windsor residents.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about purchasing the supply kit and if it is stocked. Ms. Gilbert responded that they have a variety of kits that are stocked.

2. Presentation on Small Pox Vaccination Plan

Dr. Charles Petrillo, Director of Health Services, gave an update of the Small Pox Vaccination plan to the Council. On January 24, 2003, Connecticut became the first state to begin the federal government’s Stage I pre-vaccination program. This first stage is intended to inoculate key health care workers who work in hospitals and who will likely be the first medical persons to investigate and treat potential smallpox cases. In addition to hospital workers, Stage I vaccinations will be offered to key persons in each of the 41 clinic planning regions throughout the state.

Windsor has been grouped with South Windsor into region #31. Over the last two months, they have accomplished the following:

• South Windsor High School has been selected as a primary clinic site.

• Windsor High School has been selected as the backup location.
• A clinic plan has been drafted and is presently being reviewed and revised by a planning committee composed of representatives from both communities. It is anticipated that this plan will be completed by March 15.
• Both communities have selected a list of clinic coordinators who will be responsible for various phases of the clinic operation and those names have been sent to the State Health Department. They are still looking to fill a few critical positions.
• Letters have been sent to approximately 1,200 medical providers in both communities requesting their assistance at vaccination clinics. Responses have been received from over 150 people volunteering to assist.
• Twelve people from our region attended an informational session on February 13, 2003 to convey information these individuals need before deciding whether they wish to be pre-vaccinated as part of the Stage I pre-vaccinations.
• A website relaying the latest smallpox clinic information has been linked to the town’s website, www.townofwindsorct.com/health/smallpox.htm.
• In Windsor, a list of first responders who might want to receive pre-vaccinations during Stage II has been received from police, fire and ambulance.
• Recruitment of non-medical volunteers will begin by the end of the month. Once recruited, orientation and training sessions will be conducted.

To date, the only expenses incurred have been in staff time and in the mailings that have taken place. South Windsor handled the mailings and they, like our staff, have been directed to keep track of all costs incurred. It is hoped that some portion of the costs incurred in developing this plan can be reimbursed from Bioterriorism grant funds that we have received. Both Town Councils will be asked to approve the clinic plans once they are completed.

Deputy Mayor Curtis noted that the South Windsor High School site was selected because it is across from a police department. Dr. Petrillo added that the site had parking accommodations and other amenities that were beneficial.

Councilor Walker asked if the volunteers have indicated their availability. Dr. Petrillo said that they have indicated their availability and they are tracking the availability.

3. Resolution authorizing Town Manager to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to implement Workforce Investment Act activities in accordance with federal and state laws

Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen, that R. Leon Churchill, Town Manager is authorized to enter into and execute on behalf of the Town of Windsor an intergovernmental agreement to implement Workforce Investment Act activities in accordance to federal and state laws as outlined in the attached agreement and that the attached resolution be adopted.

Mr. Souza provided an overview of the intergovernmental agreement.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was passed by Congress and then signed by the President in August of 1998. It provides improvements in the workforce development system such as consolidation of numerous training programs, universal access to placement and training services for all individuals, enhanced accountability and performance monitoring, and the use of vouchers to promote increased flexibility for individuals. The Act gives local elected officials and their municipalities important new opportunities and responsibilities and assigns new responsibility to local chief elected officials for oversight of workforce activities which is important to the economic vitality of the nation’s towns and regions. CRCOG has taken steps to make it easy for its 29 member towns to comply with the federal and state requirements under the WIA. The Steering Committee has worked to help municipalities to acknowledge fiscal responsibility and at the same time protect municipalities for exposure in this and other workforce activities.

Councilor Jepsen asked about our Steering Committee representations. Mr. Souza does not have the list available but will provide the information to the Town Council.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

4. Accept grants from the State of CT Small Town Economic Assistance Program

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Walker, to authorize the submission of an application in the amount of $500,000 from the Connecticut Small Town Economic Assistance Program pursuant to the attached resolution.

Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development Director, gave an overview of the program. In September 2002, the staff submitted applications totaling $500,000 for funding from the Small Town Economic Assistance Program. The applications requested grants for the SummerWind Performing Arts Center ($100,000), restoration and reuse of the Plaza Theater ($100,000) and the Redevelopment Parcel project ($300,000).

In October, the State Office of Policy and Management (OPM) provided notice that the requested grants were awarded.

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Rufus Jones to the Economic Development Commission for a five-year term to expire January 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Lamour S. Howell as an Alternate to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped for a two-year term to expire November 10, 2003 or until a successor is appointed and to reappoint Judith Swade to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped for a three-year term to expire January 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the January 21, 2003 Special Town Council Meeting (Refuse Workshop)

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to accept the minutes of the January 21, 2003 Special Town Council Meeting (Refuse Workshop) as presented. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 8-0-0

2. Minutes of the February 3, 2003 Special Meeting (public’s input on budget)

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the February 3, 2003 Special Meeting (public’s input on budget) as presented. Corrections: None.
   Motion Passed 8-0-0
    

3. Minutes of the February 3, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of February 3, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting as presented. Corrections: page 5, first paragraph should be assessed instead of accessed; page 3 and 4, remove question marks for bulleted items; page 7 motion Councilor Pacino and Councilor Jepsen opposing, remove Councilor Albano.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

15. Public Communications and Petitions
    None.
    
     
16. Executive Session
    None.
    
     
17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:04 p.m.

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch