1. Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon, and Councilor Walker
   
    
2. Board of Education:

Ms. Jane Garibay, President, Board of Education, Mr. William Herzfeld, Dr. Betty Feser, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Earnest Perreault and Mr. Stephen Ellingwood presented the budget. The proposed budget for FY2004 is $48,904,600 an increase of $2,686,070 or 5.81% over last year’s budget of $46,218,530.

Mayor Trinks called the Public Hearing for the Proposed Fiscal Year 2004 Financial Plan to order at 6:17 p.m.
 

Mr. Len Swade, 46 Lincoln Way, supports the proposed budget. The town has superb amenities and industrial/corporate development. This is a reasonable budget in his opinion. He asks that the Town Council support the budget.

Mr. David Furie, 37 Lighthouse Hill Road, supports the proposed budget. Overall, it appears to be reasonable. The Board of Education and the Superintendent especially did a great job in examining the spending and determining priorities. The PTO and PTSA all had some involvement in developing the budget. He voiced his concerns regarding the cuts on the town side. If need be, perhaps the town should utilize the rainy day fund and/or other possible surplus to maintain quality services.

Ms. Sue Lydon, 84 Broadview Road, was pleased overall with the proposed budget. She feels the community will support the budget as well.

Mr. Peter Gross, 28 Cornfield Road, thanked the Town Council for holding this extra hearing. He stated his support to make education a priority. He is concerned that the budget this year is focused on direct services and not long range planning or "soft" services.

Mr. Bill Crosson, 17 Sage Park Road, is opposed to the Board of Education budget and the overall increase of 4.5%. This is higher than the inflation rate. Pouring money into education is not he answer. He asked the Town Council to make cuts in the Capital Improvements (project roads, buildings, etc.)

Councilor Pacino said that the presentation was more understandable this year. However, he just received the budget on Monday and feels that a one-week time frame would be desirable. He inquired about benefit increases. Mr. William Herzfeld, Board of Education member, responded that they are operating under the assumption that the benefits would increase by 15%, upon hearing from their broker, the increase was 18%, which the broker negotiated down to 16% with the carrier.

Councilor Pacino questioned what fixed costs were. Mr. Herzfeld, Board of Education member, responded that they are primarily maintenance, electricity and utilities.

Councilor Pacino asked if alternative education is special education. Mr. Herzfeld replied no, there are students who have the potential to be very successful and for some reason they are not successful with our school system. Ms. Garibay stated that the alternative program runs from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and it is compacted, so it doesn’t include a lunch period, library, etc. Windsor schools require students in the alternative program to work or perform community service from 9 a.m. – 12 noon or 1 p.m. Dr. Feser added that the object is to put the student back into the school system. They are not necessarily problem kids. It is a smaller atmosphere and the program has a high success rate.

Councilor Simon asked if this year is the last year of the bargaining contracts and if there would be a budget surplus this year. Mr. Herzfeld responded that the teachers and administrators are in the last year of their bargaining contracts. Dr. Feser replied that they have committed to $105,000 to be returned to the town due to freezing three positions. They can not commit to any additional funds at this point because a special education student could enter the system.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked for clarification on the proposed additional alternative education program. Ms. Jane Garibay, President of Board of Education, said the addition of the program would allow daytime attendance for 6^th, 9^th and 10^th grades. Deputy Mayor Curtis inquired about the need to replace the high school track. The BOE was unaware of the problem, but they will look into it. Mr. Williams injected that there is a request for the track replacement in the Capital budget. Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the value of the increase in the budget. Ms. Garibay said that there are lots of measures of success in our schools, the mastery tests are just one of them. The ERG was set many years ago, before the town changed its economics, population, etc. She added that the mastery tests did go up in many areas, we are progressing and we are growing, which is due to the programs the district offers. Mr. Herzfeld said that we have made great strides at the remedial level. We have one of the highest percentages of children that are tested, including special education, which some other towns don’t have. The downside to that is it negatively impacts our scores. It is proven data that the longer students stay in our district, the better they perform. Ms. Garibay said that we have a top music program that families move to our town for and our art program has students that get students into the top art schools. We have some very talented and intelligent kids. There are lots of other successes also. Dr. Feser added that the increase requested is minimal. She agrees with the board that there are other measures. There are also new mastery tests that will be required in additional grades next year.

Councilor Mulligan noted that page 14 has an arithmetic error. He asked about the proposed track renovation that was noted at the Town Improvements meeting. Ms. Garibay said that they will follow-up. Councilor Mulligan asked if the Board of Education is in support for the installation of lights at O’Brien Field. Ms. Feser replied that they would welcome the lights at O’Brien Field assuming that funding for the lights can be obtained. Mr. Herzfeld added that the BOE has not taken a stand on the issue of the lights at O’Brien Field.

Councilor Broxterman asked how accurate student projections have been in the past. Dr. Feser said that they are generally within a 2% error rate. Councilor Broxterman said that his impression is that the high school enrollment has gone up over the past four years, yet he believes that the population is remaining relatively flat. Dr. Feser said that the high school has been flat in the last few years. The middle school has huge classes, which will now start hitting the high school. Councilor Broxterman asked why this is occurring. He questioned if it is foster care or another reason. He also asked what percentage of students went on to higher education. Dr. Feser said that 85% go onto college, but she will get the percentage for 4 year schools. Councilor Broxterman asked what the per pupil expenditure will be. Dr. Feser said that it depends on the number of students. Councilor Broxterman asked if we pay over the per pupil expenditure for Magnet School students. Dr. Feser responded that we pay considerably less, approximately $2,000 for an $8,000 education. The state picks up the transportation costs also. Mr. Herzfeld added that if those students returned to the middle school in town more teachers would be required.

Councilor Walker asked if there are students coming into the school system that are performing below student level. Ms. Garibay replied that at the elementary schools, there are programs for newcomers and existing students who are performing below student level. The kindergarten literacy program is an example of the programs. Councilor Walker asked if this budget allows the BOE to achieve system wide goals. Dr. Feser said that it is in her opinion that this budget will allow them to become stronger and she expects to show the Council indicators next year.

Councilor Jepsen commented on the delay of receiving the budget. Dr. Feser apologized for the delay, they decided to redo the format. Councilor Jepsen asked if the reduction in the equipment budget is due to less equipment budgeted or decreased prices. Ms. Garibay said that there is less equipment being requested to help trim the budget. Mr. Herzfeld added that we have been funding technology aggressively in the past five years, so they are able to step back from it this year to accommodate the fiscal crisis. Councilor Jepsen asked what percentage teachers would be getting for a raise. Mr. Herzfeld replied 4.8% or 4.9%.

Mayor Trinks asked about the high school athletic activity fund and if there is an accounting of the revenue. Ms. Garibay said that there is an accounting, which they reviewed last month. Dr. Feser offered to provide the accounting to the Council. Mayor Trinks wanted to know if the gate receipts would assist with the cost of the football lights. Ms. Garibay said that the gate receipts are earmarked for programs in the athletic department that are currently being funding. Dr. Feser said that the gate receipts offset the athletic budget. Councilor Mulligan interjected that he believes the gate receipt prices could be raised and the increase would be put towards the lights. Mr. Herzfeld said that the rationale is that the lights would bring in additional funds for gate receipts through increased attendance.

Councilor Simon asked if the grant for the kindergarten literacy program was ended because of state budget cuts. Dr. Feser said that they were told that they no longer met the criteria. A lot of it is based on free and reduced lunches, which hasn’t changed, so funding may be the issue. BOE staff is continuing to discuss this grant with state officials.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if there was any data about Windsor and towns in our ERG for students coming into the school system. He believes it may be higher in Windsor than in the other towns. Ms. Garibay clarified the request as the mobility rate. Dr. Feser said that the state does not provide mobility information, the towns provide it and most of the towns in our ERG do not track it.

 

3. Health and Social Services

   Dr. Charles Petrillo, Director of Health and Social Services, Andrea Cofrancesco, Ms. Sharon Enot, Nurse Health Educator, Ms. Jill Rosenstein, Mr. Charlie Wall and Mr. Glenn Cusano from the Health Department presented the budget. The proposed General Fund budget for FY 2004 is $823,730, an increase of $30,460 from last year’s budget.

   Councilor Pacino asked what the cost of a defibrillator is and he suggested perhaps putting one at 330 Windsor Avenue. He also asked if businesses have been approached for donations for a defibrillator for 330 Windsor Avenue. Ms. Enot said that the cost is around $2,800 and 330 Windsor Avenue is not slated for a defibrillator. She added that she is working on fundraising with the high school and one business has come forward to offer some funding for a defibrillator at Town Hall.

   Councilor Simon asked about the Healthy People initiative, what the demand is this year, and how will the need be met if there aren’t enough home visitors. Ms. Rosenstein added that since the start of the program two years ago, they have assisted over 150 families and 200 children and performed 1200 home visits and 150 assessments of children. A waiting list was established in January.

   Councilor Jepsen asked about any efforts for synergy improvements with the school system. Dr. Petrillo replied that the home visitors meet with the school on a regular basis and the Parent Center on a daily basis. They have formed a committee with the schools, Health, and Start Smart. They will be adding other groups to the committee.

   Councilor Walker asked about the $40,000 decrease in supplies. Dr. Petrillo said that part of it is the reduction of $10,000 from the mosquito supply, which will not be purchased. Also, they have tried to reduce the daily supplies with materials from this year’s budget. They haven’t gotten their State grants, which went towards supplies and outside services. The present budget is 88% personnel, so they had to cut in other areas. The services are mandated, so they have to perform them. Councilor Walker asked if the state or federal government has reimbursed any of the costs associated with the small pox initiative. Dr. Petrillo responded that they have not been reimbursed any funds, it is an unfunded mandate.

   Councilor Simon asked if the secretarial position elimination is a layoff or an open position. Dr. Petrillo replied that it is an open position that will be eliminated.

   Councilor Jepsen inquired on the balance of the initial $10,000 for the mosquito control fund. Dr. Petrillo answered that there is $6,000 left in the fund. They estimate that if last year were any indication, they would have enough materials for the next fiscal year. The alternative for residents is that the materials they are handing out are available for purchase from hardware stores.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group is running and if there is a Foster Family Support Group. Ms. Enot said that the Support Group for Grandparents has been ongoing and there is not a Foster Family Support Group.

   Councilor Mulligan inquired if there may be additional federal homeland security funding. Dr. Petrillo responded that it has been mentioned that funding will be given to the states and perhaps then distributed to municipalities.

   Mayor Trinks asked if Landfill Support has been charged for Dr. Petrillo’s time. Town Manager Churchill replied that some of the fund has been transferred to the General Fund for compensation of his time.
   
    

4. Library Services

   Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director and Ms. Gaye Rizzo, Wilson Branch Manager, gave an overview of the budget. The proposed budget for FY2004 is $1,066,320, which is a decrease of $62,570 or -5.54% over last year’s budget of $1,128,890.00.

   Councilor Simon asked which hours and days are proposed to cut. Ms. Kahkonen reviewed the proposed hours for the week. Councilor Simon noticed a substantial drop in the use of the meeting rooms and if the hours of the library were dropped, wouldn’t the number of hours for the meeting rooms drop also. Ms. Kahkonen agreed and added that the homework club and other library programs were previously being held in the meeting rooms.

   Councilor Broxterman asked how many computers are at the Wilson Branch and is there room for more. Ms. Rizzo responded that there are five computers and there is room for additional computers. Ms. Kahkonen said that there are 30 computers at the main branch.

   Mayor Trinks asked about any developments in the self-scanning of library books. Ms. Kahkonen said that they just started it at the main branch.
   
    

5. Family Services

   Ms. Robin Newman, Director of Family and Leisure Services, Ms. Cathy O’Donnell, Manager of Northwest Park and Mr. Paul Norris, Recreation Manager presented the budget.

   The proposed budget for FY2004 is $1,428,440 is a decrease of $103,320 or –6.75% over last year’s budget of $1,531,760.

   Councilor Pacino noted that Family Services has taken the second biggest hit for reductions. He asked if the PAL salaries are $25,000. Ms. Newman confirmed this. Councilor Pacino has a concern with the consolidation of PAL operations at 330 Windsor Avenue and reducing basketball from five days per week to three days per week. He would hope that additional hours could be budgeted. Councilor Pacino inquired about the costs for the sports clinics. Mr. Norris said that in the summer time, an organization called Skyhawks performs a majority of the summer clinics. They also hire staff for some clinics. Councilor Pacino asked about the cost of having an organization perform a sports clinic. Mr. Norris said that we could do the clinic at a slightly reduced cost, however, the issue is the problem of obtaining experienced staff to work for one week during the day in the summer. Councilor Pacino questioned the $20,000 cost savings for the lifeguard at Veteran’s Pool. Mr. Norris replied that it is for six or seven lifeguards at .8 FTEs. Councilor Pacino voiced concern for the consolidation of PAL at 330 Windsor Avenue. Mr. Norris addressed his concern stating that the past history is that when basketball was at Wolcott, open basketball was for three nights, the league was held for two nights. They are also looking at moving some of the basketball users of 330 Windsor Avenue to other areas.

   Councilor Simon inquired about Veteran’s Pool. Ms. Newman said that the Summer Fund Playground Program at the Sage Park Middle School would be able to use the pool in the afternoon. Councilor Simon asked if both positions at the Senior Center are filled. Ms. Newman said that the full time position is filled and the part time position is not filled. Councilor Simon asked about the increases in user fees of programs. Mr. Norris said that the increase is between $5-7 for most programs. Town Manager Churchill noted the list of fee increases within the proposed price guide.

   Councilor Mulligan asked about liability insurance for sports groups using town facilities and the savings gained. Mr. Norris said that requiring groups to provide a certificate of insurance was suggested to increase responsibility and add protection. It is not uncommon, quite a few municipalities ask for certificate of insurance. There are about 17 regular users of the facilities and about 9 or 10 have not provided certificates of insurance.

   Councilor Jepsen asked about the goal of the feasibility study for the Senior Center. Mr. Churchill said that it is to determine programs, where they are held, the best utilization of space. It’s for maximizing the current facilities. Ms. Newman added that as more seniors use the facility in the next few years, we would be looking at determining the best utilization of space on an ongoing basis. Town Manager Churchill added that our current senior program is not attractive to active seniors and we will have to determine how to better serve that population.
   
    

6. Adult Day Care

Ms. Robin Newman, Director of Family and Leisure Services and Ms. Deb Boemmels, Caring Connection Manager, reviewed the program and budget.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the Return of Contributed Capital. Ms. Boemmels stated that the Return of Contributed Capital amount is two months of payment back to the town once 330 Windsor Avenue is occupied.

Councilor Simon asked if expansion is based on a waiting list or knowledge of a potential client list. Ms. Boemmels said that it is based on knowledge of a potential client list. They also receive federal and state statistics.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked how far the clients travel from. Ms. Boemmels said that most of the clients come from Windsor. There are 46 clients attending during the week, eight from Bloomfield, one from North Granby, one from Enfield, one from Hartford, two from Windsor Locks, and 33 Windsor residents. There are two Windsor residents on the waiting list. The waiting list paperwork has been processed and they are waiting on a decision from the family members.
 

7. Adjournment

Motioned by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0.

Respectfully submitted

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch