2003 Minutes  
 

Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers – Town Hall

April 7, 2003

Approved Minutes

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:45 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 Albano

     
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Albano

     
  4. Proclamations/Awards
    None.

     
  5. Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. Douglas Kerr, 141 Fieldstone Drive, spoke regarding the Tournament Complex proposed for the landfill. Over the next couple of Council meetings, various civic leaders will speak about public support of the Tournament Complex.

    Mr. Michael Orth, 810 Matianuck Avenue, addressed the Council regarding the Tournament Complex. He is in favor of Mr. Kerr’s project and he feels it will be very good for the youth of Windsor and as a long-term benefit to the town.

    Ms. Deborah Orth, 810 Matianuck Avenue, offered her opinion in favor of the Tournament Complex.

    Mr. Edward Thomas, 192 Capen Street, gave his opinion for the lights at O’Brien Stadium. He lives directly behind one of the end zones and feels that the poles would be an eyesore. He submitted a signed petition from his neighbors opposing the lights.

    Mr. Michael Tiernan, 156 Capen Street, submitted a petition regarding the lighting at O’Brien Stadium to Mayor Trinks. He asked what the antennas on the light poles were for. It is in his opinion that the school is there for education, not for entertainment. He submitted the petition to Mayor Trinks.

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

    Mr. Adam Gutcheon, Conservation Commission member, summarized the commission’s efforts. The Commission is a resource and clearinghouse for conservation and an advocate for natural resource preservation. They have educated themselves on the challenges of natural resources with guest speakers. Another major effort this year is to put together a natural resource inventory for the town. They expect that process will be complete by June 2003. An Open Space Fund has been established and they are working on obtaining funds. They are also working to establish better lines of communication with the Town Planning and Zoning Commission.
     

  2. Board of Education

    A written report was submitted in lieu of a verbal report.

  3. Public Building Commission

A written report was submitted in lieu of a verbal report.

 

  1. Town Manager’s Report

    Caring Connection Receives Funding

    Windsor’s Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center has received $14,593 through the Brainard and Archer Trusts through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. These funds go directly to pay for adult day health services of clients whose personal finances have been medically compromised.

    In addition, the Windsor Rotary Club has donated $4,000 to purchase living room furnishings for the Caring Connection’s new 330 Windsor Avenue facility, and the Bloomfield Rotary Club has donated $500 to purchase a 27" television and dvd player.

     

    Veterans Invited to March in Memorial Day Parade

    The Town of Windsor Holiday Observance Committee extends an invitation to all Windsor veterans to march in this year’s Memorial Day parade which is scheduled for Monday, May 26th. In particular, four veterans in uniform or blazer, tie and cap are needed to provide a color guard for the parade. In addition, any veteran is welcome to march in the parade if they wear a cap or jacket designating their military affiliation. For detailed information, call 285-1835.

    Community Development Public Hearing

    The Town of Windsor, acting through the Wilson/Deerfield Advisory Committee will be holding a Public Hearing at 7:30 PM on April 23, 2003 in the cafeteria at the L.P. Wilson Community Center. The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit input relative to the implementation of the town’s community development programs and the needs of the community, particularly the needs of low/moderate income residents to identify possible activities in the 2003 Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Application. For more information call 298-9060.

    Public Open House Scheduled for Commuter Rail Plan

    The Connecticut Department of Transportation is evaluating the possible implementation of commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield. Station locations and service options are being developed.

    An open house will be held at the Windsor Town Hall on April 29, 2003. The open house, with informal discussion will begin at 6:00 PM. A presentation and an opportunity for questions and public input will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. For more information, call Tim Sorenson or Kari Watkins from the Wilbur Smith Associates at 1-800-786-2191.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the commuter rail service would be connected to Metro North. Town Manager Churchill said that it would utilize the existing lines.

    Councilor Mulligan questioned the antennas on top of the light poles. Town Manager Churchill said that there are no such plans for antennas to be placed on top of the light poles.

    Councilor Broxterman inquired about the mass transit light rail versus a bus system. It was his understanding that they ruled out heavy rail. Town Manager Churchill said that there are two projects in the planning stages – New Haven-Springfield Commuter Rail and the Griffin Busway project, which will have dedicated lanes for busses only.

    Dr. Mario Zavarella, Town Planner, spoke about the antennae suggestion. During the Commission’s deliberation of the lighting project, he suggested that at some future date it would offer the possibility of placing antennas on these poles to avoid having to build more towers, which may be the result if there is more cell phone usage locally or on the highway. The Commission did not support the antennae issue.

    Councilor Pacino asked about the financial reports and/or audits from organizations receiving funds from the town. He is hoping that the financial reports will be ready during the budget workshops.

     

  2. Communication from Council Members

    Councilor Albano – None.

    Councilor Broxterman – stated that the Council was not passing judgement on the Recovery Club. He would not support selling the property until another location for the Recovery Club was found. He said the overall issue is whether or not the town should be in the rental/landlord business.

    Councilor Jepsen – None.

    Councilor Mulligan – The State Traffic Commission is still working on the traffic light situation located at Columbia Road, Rt. 218, and they are reviewing traffic patterns and seeking funding.

    Councilor Pacino – None.

    Councilor Simon – None.

    Councilor Walker – spoke about the Sill House Recovery Club. He noted the packet had impressive before/after photos of the improvements which the Recovery Club has made to the building. While he is in favor of finding additional sources of revenue, he is encouraging the Council not to sell the Sill House.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis – thanked all the people who spoke about their concerns tonight. He noted that it is not the practice of the Council to engage in dialogue during Public Comment.

    Mayor Trinks – also thanked those who came out tonight.

     

  3. Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Finance Committee – met on March 24, 2003 to review several items: Open Purchase Orders, Town Manager’s Budget, The International Field Club, and the potential sales of town-owned properties.
  2. Town Improvements Committee – met to discuss the Plaza Theater, and proposed CIP. The staff also provided reports on Sage Park Field Restoration Alternatives, O’Brien Field Lighting, and Windsor Center improvements.
  3. Health and Safety – met to discuss the alarm ordinance. They will be addressing that issue shortly, including a public meeting. They also discussed the News Rack ordinance.
  4. Special Projects – None.
  5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – Councilor Simon requested that Linda Bagnal of the Board of Education be appointed as Co-Chair. Mayor Trinks appointed Linda Bagnal as the Co-Chair of the Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee.
     
  1. Ordinances
  1. Introduce amendments to the Code of Ethics ordinance

    Mayor Trinks said State Legislature has a bill that may require changing the content of this ordinance and suggested that the Council wait until that time to enact this change.

    Councilor Simon agreed that we should wait until we receive direction from the State Legislature.

    Councilor Walker also agreed with Mayor Trinks.

  2. Set Public Hearing regarding amendments to the Code of Ethics ordinance for May 5, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.

    This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

  3. Introduce amendments to the Alarm System ordinance

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to resolve that

    the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article II of the Windsor Town Code, 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 this meeting.

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article II, Alarm System.

    Mayor Trinks inquired about the privacy issue. Mr. Souza said that the FOI protects this information. They are awaiting confirmation from the State. Mr. Peter Souza reviewed the amendments to the Alarm System Ordinance.

    Councilor Albano asked who in the town would maintain these lists. Fire Marshal Ray Walker responded that the registration would be available for the fire department (fire- based) and police department (security-based), so they know better how to respond to the alarm.

    Councilor Pacino questioned if we would pass this ordinance in May if we don’t receive confirmation from the State regarding the FOI. Mr. Souza said that we will have confirmed the FOI protection at that point.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if building permits were protected from the FOI and what would prevent someone from finding out if a building permit included an alarm. Fire Marshal Walker said that building permits are not protected from the FOI and added that a building permit would only state electrical work, not any wording specific to an alarm system.

    Motion to waive the reading of the ordinance Passed 9-0-0

    Motion to introduce the ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article 11, passed 8-1-0

    (Councilor Pacino opposed)
     

  4. Set Public Hearing regarding amendments to the Alarm System ordinance on May 5, 2003 at 7:15 p.m.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to resolve that a public hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, May 5, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) for the purpose of receiving public comment on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article II, Alarm System, of the Windsor Town Code and further resolved, that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Pacino opposed)
 

  1. Unfinished Business

    None.

    Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Walker to take a five-minute recess beginning at 8:55 p.m.

    Motion Passed 7-0-0 (Mayor Trinks and Councilor Broxterman were out of the room)

     

  2. New Business
  1. Presentation of Proposed FY 2004 Financial Plan

Town Manager Churchill presented the Proposed FY 2004 Financial Plan.

Councilor Walker thanked the Town Manager and staff for making concerted efforts for understanding the needs of the community and the current financial constraints of this budget.

  1. Adoption of revised Budget Calendar

    Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adopt Option A Schedule.

    The Town Council is considering a different budget calendar to observe Passover. Town Manager Churchill is proposing two possible schedules. Both of these schedules cancel the April 16th work session. Option A extends each work session until 9:30 p.m. with final council action set for April 23rd. Option B adds an additional review session on April 30th and would require setting the Adjourned Town meeting for Tuesday, May 13th versus May 6th. This allows ample time for legal notification and is necessary to comply with State statutes and the Town Charter regarding notification. It is also recommended the Library and Family & Leisure Services Departments work sessions be scheduled for April 9th.

    Councilor Simon made a friendly amendment seconded by Councilor Broxterman to add a Public Budget Hearing on Wednesday, April 9th at 6:15 p.m.

    Motion Passed 8-1-0 Councilor Pacino opposing
     

  2. Presentation on Refuse Disposal Options

    Town Manager Churchill and Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, reviewed the refuse disposal options. Mr. Souza spoke about the economics of the refuse disposal options. The town will need a place to dispose its 25,000 tons per year of residential and commercial solid waste in late 2006 based on estimated capacity. It is recommended that the Town continue to pursue a direct haul option with CRRA.

    Councilor Broxterman asked about bulky items and the billing of the additional carrying charge and if it would change under item A. Mr. Lenehan said that it could change, but we will be able to accommodate the collection of bulky items.

    Councilor Jepsen asked about the direct haul drop off station and its location. Mr. Souza said that it would be in the same general vicinity as the existing buildings.

    Councilor Walker questioned if the drop off area cost is significantly lower than curbside. Mr. Souza stated that residential permits are lower than curbside. Councilor Walker also asked if the presentation tonight is for people who contract with a private hauler or if it includes people in the fire districts. Town Manager Churchill responded these costs are for people who are not in the fire districts, although it could include them. Town Manager Churchill added that the tonnage projected includes those households in the fire districts.

    Councilor Pacino asked if collection methods of public vs. private were considered. Town Manager Churchill stated that this presentation is on options only, not methods of collection.

    Councilor Broxterman asked if the soccer complex proposal would be affected if we opt for the direct haul to the CRRA and maintain the drop off. Mr. Lenehan replied that maintaining the drop off option would limit the size of the soccer complex.
     

  3. Authorize Town Manager to submit grant application to the Real Choice Systems Change Project

    Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to resolve that the Town Manager, R. Leon Churchill, Jr. is authorized to enter into and amend contractual instruments with the University of Connecticut for the Real Choice Systems Change Project and to affix the corporate seal.

    The Town of Windsor has the opportunity to apply for funding under the Real Choice Systems Change Project administered by the University of Connecticut. Funds will be utilized to provide transportation services beyond the normal business hours for persons with disabilities. Specifically, the goal is to increase access to the many recreational and cultural activities Windsor offers during the evening and on weekends (i.e., SummerWind, Northwest Park, Coffee House Concerts, Huntington House, and Concerts on the Green).

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
     

  4. Re-approval of Open Purchase Orders

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Albano to re-approve the purchase orders listed on the report Prior Year Purchase Orders-Status as of March 21st.

This item was on the Finance Committee agenda for March 24, 2003. The Committee voted 3-0 to re-approve the encumbrances.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Resignations and Appointments
    None.
     
  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the March 17, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor to accept the minutes of March 17, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 6, motion was withdrawn, Page 10 – Day, Berry & Howard, Page 11 – add members present for the motion to adjourn the Executive Session – Councilors Jepsen, Mulligan, Pacino, Albano and Broxterman.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    None.

  2. Executive Session

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to enter into Executive Session at 10:12 p.m. for the purpose of discussing:

  1. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation regarding the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill.

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

Staff: Town Manager Leon Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Peter Souza, Director of Health Services, Dr. Charles Petrillo

Guests: Outside Counsel Ernest Mattei, Day, Berry & Howard

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Simon to re-enter into the Regular Town Council meeting at 10:55 p.m.

Motion Passed 5-0-0
 

  1. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Albano, seconded by Councilor Pacino to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:56 p.m. (Councilors Curtis, Mulligan, Simon, and Walker were not present)

Motion Passed 5-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch