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
   
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Simon
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Simon
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards
   None.
   
    
5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. Mike Stamper, 181 Birchwood Road, addressed the Council regarding the resolution opposing action against Iraq. He is in favor of bringing the 9/11 terrorists to justice but is opposed to using the 9/11 attacks as a pretext to assault a country that had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. Tonight, Windsor can take a stance for peace and sanity. Together we can stop the threat of war.

   Ms. Elizabeth Parker, 77 Elm Street, said that she wants peace but does not want the Town Council to speak for her.

   Mr. Bill Crosson, 17 Sage Park Road, spoke to the Council regarding his opposition to war, however, there are U.S. troops that need our support.

   Mr. Bruce Angelini, 30 Derrick Lane, discussed his opposition to the resolution. He does respect the right of everyone to voice their opinions and to demonstrate peacefully without reparations from the government. He does believe that sometimes there is not always a good alternative to war. Mr. Angellini supports our young men and women who will be in harms way. He supports the President who has exercised patient leadership. He urges the Council not to pass the resolution, it must represent the opinion of all Windsor residents, not just a hundred demonstrators.

   Ms. Fedelia Lane, 406 Candlemaker, spoke in favor of the well-written resolution. She thinks it is essential to world peace that Saddam be held to the resolutions of the United Nations and only the United Nations. This country has always taken defensive action, not offensive action. She said the resolution would be passed as the Council’s, not as the residents of Windsor.

   Mr. Peter Magistri, 109 Preston Street, spoke in favor of the resolution. He feels the war is about money. He summarized Windsor and Connecticut’s recent financial situation. He also mentioned the President’s tax plan. He said that if war happens, Connecticut’s cost would be $1,843,000,000.

   Ms. Mary Muller-Barnett, 82 Hillcrest Road, addressed the Council. There is no better way to support our troops than to bring them home safely rather than going to war with Iraq. Because the President has turned a deaf ear on millions of Americans and International citizens against his policy on war with Iraq, we are turning to this Council tonight.

   Ms. Cheryl Nguyen, 92 Alcott Drive, spoke to the Council against the war on Iraq. Instead of spending $200 billion on an unnecessary war, we should be spending our money on our school systems and the failing healthcare system. She is in support of the resolution.

   Mr. Jeffrey Schaefer, 10 Barry Lane, is in support of this resolution. The best way to support our troops is not to put them in harms way for a reason that they and millions do not understand. A lot of the sixth graders that he works with are afraid of going to war. He tells them to question what they hear and read in the news. We teach the students to resolve their conflicts instead of fighting. Going to war with Iraq does not support those principals and values. He thinks it is important that the Windsor Town Council supports this resolution.

   Mr. Patrick Barnett, 82 Hillcrest Road, is in support of this resolution because he doesn’t see any way to justify war. We cannot go out and force our will, our beliefs, or our customs on another nation or culture. It is in his opinion that this war is an ethnic cleansing, which he believes that WWII was.

   Mr. Guy Blais, 317 Dunfey Lane, supports the resolution. This war is about racism, bigotry and oil.

   Mr. Adam Gutcheon, 230 Windsor Avenue, spoke about the Town Council’s standing on this resolution. War affects us all. The Town Council has a right to speak on this issue. Whether you support or oppose this resolution, as a Council you have a right and an obligation to voice your support of this resolution.

   Mr. James Clark, 13 B Heritage Drive, verbalized his support of the war against Iraq. He is proud to be part of a nation where the leader will stand up with or without support to take a stand.

   Mr. David Furie, 37 Lighthouse Hill Road, spoke in support of the Board of Education budget. He is also urging the Council to support the resolution against the war. The world community does not support this war. The United Nations is not supporting this effort. The events of 9/11 are a different matter. There are many good reasons not to go to war. Passing this resolution is a symbolic effort. This is a way to support our troops by not starting a war.

   Mr. Robert Lane, 406 Candlemaker, urged the Council to pass the resolution. It does not claim to represent the opinions of all the residents in town. Our country has not yet attacked another nation unprovoked and he hopes that we will not set that precedent.

   Mr. John Tolve, 46 Preston Street, is in favor of this resolution.

   Ms. Jill Schaefer, 10 Barry Lane, spoke to the Council about her support in passing the resolution. She was living in New York at the time of the 9/11 attacks. It is in her opinion that President Bush is trying to tie Iraq in with the 9/11 attacks. She is not against war and is not a pacifist. She feels that this war is unnecessary.

   Ms. Penny Richard, 17 Michael Lane, voiced her support of this resolution. We have got to work for peace.

   Mr. Bert Thurber, 223 Palisado Avenue, discussed his support of the resolution. He is disturbed when people remember history incorrectly to support actions and opinions. Iraq in 2003 is not Europe or Germany in the 1930’s and 40’s. It is also not Korea or Vietnam. He spoke about the costs of this war, which are not entirely clear. The real cost is in terms as how we are perceived, respected or disrespected in the world. Most people in the world disagree with this war.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Board of Ethics

   Mr. George Griffin, Acting Chair of the Board of Ethics gave a report to the Council. He discussed their activities in the past year. They have only had one matter come before the Board in the last two years, which is a positive reflection on the Town of Windsor.

2. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, Board of Education President, reported to the Council. This week is Read Across America. The high school renovation project is 99.9% completed. There will be an open house and a breakfast celebration soon. Dr. Elizabeth Feser, Superintendent of Schools, is in the process of working with realtors to showcasethe high school, including the physical building and programs. Black History month celebrations just ended on Friday. We are in the process of recruiting a principal for Kennedy School. They received over 20 applications and they will be closing the applications process soon.
 

7. Town Manager’s Report

As reported at the last Town Council meeting, the novel, The Color of Water by James McBride has been selected for the One Book, One Windsor initiative.

Members of the community are encouraged to read the novel and participate in community discussions that will be held in April. There are a number of ways you can obtain a copy of The Color of Water. Copies will be available at both Windsor libraries as well as "book baskets" at various businesses throughout town. These book baskets will contain copies of the novel that readers are welcome to borrow free of charge. After reading the novel, it is requested that you return the copy of the book to any book basket location so others may have an opportunity to borrow the book.

Book basket locations are: Wilson Pizza, All Season’s Jamaican Restaurant, the L.P. Wilson Community Center, Geisslers’, CVS, Bart’s, the Loomis Chaffee School, The Beanery, Koko’s, Dayhill Road Windsor Federal Bank, Blockbuster Video, Windsor Donut Shop, Country Cottage Gifts, The Water Closet and Centre Coffee.

For more information on the One Book, One Windsor program, please call 687-2020 ext. 345.

The committee for Conversations on Race is planning additional meetings in an effort to accommodate a waiting list of interested participants.

To date, over 90 residents have participated in seven different discussion groups. An 8^th session has been scheduled for April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29^th at 8:00 PM at the Grace Episcopal Church.

An "Action Forum" has been scheduled for May 1, 2003 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The purpose of the action forum is to reconvene the participants in the conversations to share their experiences and commit to action in Windsor.

For more information, contact Betsy Pigeon at 683-1039.

As a result of the lowered alert status recently announced by the Department of Homeland Security, we have eliminated extra security measures at Windsor’s municipal facilities that were put in place on February 12, 2003.

Discussions will continue with facility managers and the Windsor Police for some level of potential permanent changes in monitoring town facilities.

In consideration of the recent tragic events in Chicago, Rhode Island and Hartford, I would like to share the following information from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

• Establishments serving alcohol are inspected annually with follow ups for any items not in full compliance;

• Spot checks are done of various assembly venues, generally based upon ads in local media i.e. a special band, or act;

• Theatres at Loomis Chaffee, Windsor High School, and LP Wilson are checked prior to each new performance with spot checks at the time of actual performance;

• Food service establishments also have quarterly food inspections and, with the benefit of the CORE Inspection Team approach, the Health inspectors are now able to spot basic fire life safety problems and involve the Fire Marshal’s Office right away;

• Larger outdoor venues such as SummerWind and certain events at NW Park are assigned a fire watch, others such as Shad Derby have pre-start inspections;

• Larger mercantile occupancies are checked between late November and late December with special attention to aisles, exits, merchandise storage, display blocking and sprinklers.

Additional information regarding fire and life safety at health care facilities in Windsor:

There are three sites: Kimberly Hall (2 buildings), Windsor Hall (3 buildings) Windsor Rehab (1 building). All of these buildings are fully sprinklered, but it should be noted that these buildings were built before the State adopted codes requiring such sprinkler protection. A local ordinance has required sprinkler protection since the 1960s.

In addition, they are:

• Protected by smoke detectors, those in corridors and hazardous areas sound building fire alarms and notify the Fire Department.

• Inspected annually with a written certificate issued with follow up inspections as needed for any items that need correction.

• A representative of the Fire Marshal’s Office responds whenever possible to all fire alarms from these facilities or in the alternative follow ups on all alarms from these facilities.

• The FMO periodically reviews the emergency plans for the facilities.

• Prior to any facility changes, the plans are reviewed by and approved by the Fire Marshal.

• Upon request (approximately once per year per site) the FMO presents fire safety training to the staff, such training may include use of fire extinguishers, patient evacuation, and appropriate fire alarm responses.

As most people know, the Governor signed a Mid-Year Reduction package last week, that among other things, reduces municipal aid by $41.3 million. These reductions are in addition to the Governor’s Rescissions in November and January totaling $27.4 million, for a total of $68.6 million. The impact on Windsor, according to the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is:

Rescissions Passed Budget Total

Windsor $89,806 $310,589 $400,395

These figures may change or differ from other published reports because some reductions are not included because they are so specific to certain communities. You may recall that I reported to you on January 6, 2003 a series of actions that should cut costs by $751,000 if continued through June 30, 2003 (the end of the fiscal year).

These various cost containment measures would ordinarily be lifted around April or May if it were not for additional reductions in State aid estimated at $1 million. This estimate is based on annualizing the mid-year reductions and estimating the additional reductions necessary knowing the State is still projecting a $1 billion deficit over the next two years. We will know more with the Governor’s Proposed FY 2004 Budget that he will present tomorrow.

I can then update the community at the March 17, 2003 Council meeting.

Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a AA2 rating to the Town of Windsor’s $2.36 million General Obligation Bonds, Issue of 2003. The proceeds of the current issues, secured by the town’s general obligation, unlimited taxing authority, will finance a variety of projects including school and municipal improvements. The long-term rating reflects the town’s increased, yet manageable debt burden, diverse tax base and strong financial performance. The short-term rating reflects the town’s demonstrated market access to refund the notes at maturity.

Moody’s believes that Windsor’s $2.8 billion tax base will continue to benefit from its proximity to major transportation routes and Bradley International Airport, as well as from its role as an employment center for the greater Hartford Metro area. Outside of a revaluation in 2001 which led to a 19.2% decline in net grand list, new growth has been steady, averaging 2.6% annually.

Moody’s expects that the town will maintain stable financial operations despite pressures on reserve levels in fiscal 2003. Fiscal 2002 General Fund balance increased by $828,000 to $7.3 million (representing 10.1% of revenues) which was attributable to the revenues from the demutualization of the town’s health insurance provider. In response to these concerns, officials instituted a hiring freeze, which has resulted in cost savings equal to roughly $760,000. A significant drawdown of fund balance to meet mid-year state aid reductions could lead to future credit pressure, however Moody’s believes the town has demonstrated the ability to manage these challenges without significantly impairing flexibility.

Windsor’s debt burden is a manageable 1.7% and long term debt is retired at an above-average rate of 70.7% in 10 years.

Mr. Churchill gave a power point presentation on Town of Windsor Social State.

Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, gave an update on recent snow removal costs. From a general fund standpoint, the largest component is the overtime account. Previously, it was decided that salt, sand and supplies would be charged to the Town Road Aid Account. The account has used $145,000 leaving a $12,000 deficit. There is about $50,000 reserved from another account for overtime expenditures for the remaining of the snow removal season.

Councilor Pacino commented on the sidewalk clearance ordinance. He inquired about the town’s action. Mr. Funk said that we usually do not take action. The Police Department handles any warnings prior to giving out tickets.

Councilor Mulligan complimented the staff with the clearing of the roads despite the personnel shortage. Councilor Mulligan mentioned that Prospect Hill Road has a pothole and he inquired about the repair. Mr. Funk said that the pothole is located in a section that drains poorly. Mr. Churchill stated we will go there during the warm months, when we can use a better quality patch. During the winter months we can only do a cold patch, which is a temporary solution.

Councilor Broxterman asked about the impact on the town of the lower national security alert. Town Manager Churchill said that we have gone back to the way it used to be. Town Manager Churchill said we have noted security measures that need to be improved and they will be addressed.
 

8. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Albano – None.

Councilor Broxterman – None.

Councilor Jepsen – spoke about the Read Across America week. He asked if we could save money by having the town maintain the ordinance portion of the website as opposed to an outside vendor.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Pacino – mentioned the New England Championships for Track and Field wa held last week. He congratulated Windsor athletes who played in the championships. He thanked the students (Shadion Buckley and Khalil Marks) for the artwork on the Council Chamber walls. There was an Executive Council Session that information was leaked out and he asked the Town Manager to explain any disciplinary actions. It is his understanding that what is discussed in Executive Sessions has to stay in there until it is brought to vote at a public meeting. -

Councilor Simon – expressed his displeasure of the passing of the State Budget. It’s not a good budget for Windsor or for the State. He thanked his colleagues on the Town Council and the Town staff who expressed their condolences to him and his sister for the passing of his mother.

Councilor Walker – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

Mayor Trinks – March 5^th is the Girls League Championship game at WHS. He spoke about Read Across America also. Mayor Trinks reminded all to patronize our local businesses.
 

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – None.
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
3. Health and Safety – None.
4. Special Projects – will meet on March 10, 2003.
5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – met prior to this Council meeting. They discussed the potential for consolidating services between the Board of Education and the town. The Town Manager also gave a presentation which provided a preliminary snapshot of the upcoming budget.
    

10. Ordinances
    None.
    
     
11. Unfinished Business
    None.
    
     
12. New Business

    A.  Resolution Opposing pre-emptive Military Action Against Iraq by the U.S.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis that it be resolved, the Town of Windsor Town Council opposes any pre-emptive U.S. military attack on Iraq unless it is clearly demonstrated that Iraq poses a real and imminent threat to the national security of the United States; be it further resolved, that the Windsor Town Council supports the continuation of U.N. sanctioned weapons inspections in Iraq; be it further resolved, that, whatever course of action our nation ultimately takes with regard to Iraq, we give our unconditional support to the men and women serving in the U.S. military, and we are sincerely grateful for the courage of our soldiers in the Middle East and the sacrifices they and their families have made and are making to defend the United States; be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Connecticut congressional delegation and to the President of the United States.

Councilor Simon agrees with the resolution. He thinks that there is a very deep and broad concern from citizens across the country about the course the government intends to take. There are 120 communities across the nation, which have passed similar resolutions.

Deputy Mayor Curtis supports this resolution. In his opinion the case for a war against Iraq has not been made. It has not been proven that Iraq is a threat to our national security or that they associated with the 9/11 attacks.

Councilor Mulligan thanked all the citizens who spoke for or against the resolution. He also thanked residents who left messages or tried to leave messages on his answering machine. It is in his opinion that we don’t know what the representative opinion of the town is regarding this resolution and he will abstain.

Councilor Albano believes that this resolution doesn’t belong on the Council agenda.

Councilor Pacino said that he would vote against the resolution because something has to be done and has to be done now.

Councilor Jepsen agrees with his colleagues. To him the constitution lays out clearly where the duties lie in this situation, with the Congress and President. He will abstain from this resolution.

Councilor Broxterman is in support of this resolution.

Councilor Walker put aside his personal beliefs and said that this war effort is costing a lot of money. He supports this resolution.

Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked all that came to speak regarding this resolution.

Mayor Trinks also thanked the residents that spoke tonight about their support or opposition of the resolution. While he agrees with parts of the resolution, he wholeheartedly supports our troops. He is abstaining on this resolution.

Motion Failed 4-1-4 with Councilor Pacino opposing and Mayor Trinks, Councilors

Jepsen, Mulligan and Albano abstaining.

  B. Presentation of 2004-2009 CIP

Town Manager Churchill presented the 2004-2009 CIP to the Council. Windsor is a slow growth population and has a great development outlook. We are a moderate debt community. He highlighted the proposed CIP.

Councilor Albano said that according to Charter there should be a Capital Improvements Committee.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the budget would be presented with this information as is. Town Manager Churchill said that for planning purposes, it would be nice if this were approved with the operating budget, or prior to July 1, 2003. Approval could be as late as September 1, 2003. However, it is preferable for a April or mid-June approval.

Mayor Trinks referred the 2004-2009 CIP to the Town Improvements Committee. He also will follow up in regards to setting up a Capital Improvements Committee.

  C.  Authorize Town Manager to execute and negotiate an agreement between the State of CT and the Town of Windsor for repairs to Scarborough Road Bridge

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that it be resolved that R. Leon Churchill, Jr., Town Manager, of the Town of Windsor, is authorized to sign the agreement entitled "AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND THE TOWN OF WINDSOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIRED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REHABILITATION OF THE SCARBOROUGH ROAD BRIDGE (BRIDGE NO. 06108) OVER DECKERS BROOK UTILIZING FEDERAL FUNDS." and move that $81,600 be appropriated from the Undesignated, Unreserved balance of the Capital Outlay Fund for the Scarborough Bridge Project, 02440400-43180-9042.

Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, discussed the repairs that are needed on the bridge carrying Scarborough Road over Deckers Brook. This project has been approved for partial funding from the Department of Transportation, Federal Local Bridge Program. As part of this program, the town must execute the State/Municipal Agreement for construction. The plans and specifications are 95% complete and will be ready to meet the contract advertising schedule of June 2003.

Councilor Jepsen noted that the Council typically receives a statement verifying sufficient funds for the project. Town Manager Churchill said that it was an oversight and that there is over $200,000 in the fund.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

4. Historical Documents Preservation Grant

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that R. Leon Churchill, Jr., Town Manager of Windsor, is authorized to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for a Historic Preservation Grant.

Town Manager Churchill stated that by State Statute, the Town Clerk is charged with maintaining, restoring and conserving town records. The town has done an outstanding job on preserving its earliest vital statistics and land recordings. With the Historic Document Grant of $5,000 in FY 2001, we began a project to preserve the town’s oldest maps (1895-1960) that are glued and varnished to particle board. At that time, we had 65 maps restored; however, we have a total of 1,053 maps that are glued and varnished to 277 boards. The chemicals in the glue and varnish are destroying the maps. This grant in the amount of $12,000 will be used to continue the map project. It is not funded in the Town Clerk’s budget.

Councilor Jepsen asked how many more years before the job is done. Town Manager Churchill said that it is unknown. The project started a few years ago, 65 records have been restored with over 900 left to be restored.

Councilor Pacino asked if the Historical Society could obtain funds or grants to help speed up the project. Town Manager Churchill said that we could ask.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

13. Resignations and Appointments
    None.
     

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the February 18, 2003 Public Hearing

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the February 18, 2003 Public Hearing. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

2. Minutes of the February 18, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of February 18, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 1, last paragraph, Wes Vasko.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

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 10:28 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch