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

Mayor Trinks called the Public Hearing for the Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Financial Plan to order at 7:15 p.m.

Attorney Amy Goodusky, a West Hartford resident and member of the Recovery Club, spoke on behalf of the Sill House which the town is considering selling. She is opposed to the selling of the Sill House. Addiction is a deadly disease and the Recovery Club is a vital service in the town. She urged the Council to reconsider selling the Sill House.

Mr. Bill Emmons, 5 Michael Lane, addressed the Council regarding the Recovery Club. He is involved in the club and has seen it change many people’s lives. There is a misconception that the Recovery Club is getting a free ride. However, they pay $800 a month for rent and they have made over $100,000 in repairs to the building since 1991. The building is a great place for recovering alcoholics and addicts.

Ms. Jeanne Christensen, 5 Michael Lane, spoke about the misunderstanding of people in addiction recovery. They need a place to go that is safe. There is a place in Southern Connecticut, but not in this area of the state. It is a safe haven for five-six nights per week for recovering addicts and alcoholics. They do fundraising and hold events. A healing takes place for the entire family of the addict. The Recovery Club is becoming community oriented as they grow.

Mr. Gary Annis, President of the Recovery Club, talked to the Council regarding the many meetings that happen at the Sill House. It has 20 meetings per week, not only for alcohol and drug addiction but also for eating disorders and spiritual gatherings. The club has been used for reuniting families. There are probably 30,000 people going through the club per year, of which approximately 40-45% are Windsor residents.

Mr. David Dickerson, 25 Hayes Drive, spoke in support of the Recovery Club. The club was the only place he could turn to when he came out of rehabilitation. He feels that people are served well at the Recovery Club.

Mr. Joseph Carvalho, 127 Old Poquonock Road, discussed the importance of the Recovery Club in helping recovering addicts.

Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, said that the best way to gather information on the budget is to have public comment at the beginning and end of each budget workshop.

Ms. Cheryl McAuliffe, 18 Kellogg Street, is in support of the budget as it stands now and does not favor any cuts. She strongly urges the Council to pass the budget as it stands now. She is in support of education.

Ms. Fidelia Lane, 406 Candlemaker, spoke on behalf of the budget. She noted that we are asking less than comparable towns in our area. Over the years, she has seen many education programs eliminated because of budget cuts. We are gaining in the education system and it would be a shame to take some backward steps. The best investment we can make in our future and our town is good education for kids.

Ms. Susan Haspeslagh, 27 Clover Street, advocated the Strings Program at the Clover Street School. It develops self-discipline, it brings the parents into the school once a week, and a diverse group of students participate in the program.

Ms. Susan Kirschner-Robinson, 19 Laurel Avenue, is in support of the budget. Cutting town services will not enhance quality of life in Windsor. There is not a constituency that wants their services cut. In fact, when times are tough, we need our services. A lower tax rate is not going to enhance property values. A good school and good services will enhance property values.

Mr. William Crosson, 17 Sage Park Road, is against the budget. He reviewed the results of the Connecticut Mastery Tests that were published in the Hartford Courant. It is in his opinion that Windsor is a little above and in some cases a little below the averages. Windsor is at the bottom of their ERG group. The public sector is going to have to do more with less.

Ms. Susan Knapp, 149 Carriage Way, urged the Council to support the education budget. It is a small increase compared to surrounding towns. The programs we have now have to move forward. All of the programs are important to the children and the community of Windsor.

Mayor Trinks adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

c: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch