Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 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 Broxterman
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Broxterman
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Proclamation designating the month of May as Older Americans Month and the week of May 11-17, 2003 as National Senior Center Week.

Councilor Walker read and presented the proclamation to members of the Senior Center.
 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Ms. Margaret Leske, 370 Merriman Road, commented that there was a person with leprosy who went to a bar she frequented. Also the bar discriminates against her because she is not offered free pizza because she orders soda, not an alcoholic beverage.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Economic Development Commission

   David Earley, Chair, Economic Development Commission, is out of town on business and will give the Council an update at the next Council meeting on May 19^th.
    

2. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, BOE, reported to the Council. The Board of Education has voted on a pilot program for before/after school daycare at Oliver Ellsworth School. CAP testing is over and some makeup tests are being performed now. The students at Sage Park Middle School went on their trip to Philadelphia. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and there are breakfasts planned at all the schools. Ms. Garibay noted that the Night of Jazz would be held on May 21, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. at the WHS Auditorium.

Councilor Simon asked if the pilot program was different from the Razzmatazz program. Ms. Garibay responded that the establishment of this new program is not any reflection on the Razzmatazz program. The school is hiring staff for the new program and it will be self-supporting. It is a creative way to take care of the needs of the children and to continue the sliding scale fee that Razzmatazz now has. There is a parent center and a coordinator already in place at the school. Razzmatazz has agreed to continue its program at the other schools.

Councilor Pacino asked about the expansion to the other schools and what would happen if a school could not sustain the program. Ms. Garibay said that the staff has been working on this project very enthusiastically. There would be a coordinator and the program will be the same in every school. There is no start up fee for the program because there is a grant that will pay for the position and user fees will still be charged.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the grant would be renewed. Ms. Garibay said that this will be the last year the grant is available as an enterprise fund will be created in the future and the program would have to be self-supporting.
 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Free Day at the Landfill

   Windsor residents can enjoy free dumping privileges at the landfill this Saturday, May 10^th from 8:00 am to 3:30 p.m. Bring those waste items usually accepted including household garbage, scrap metal, used motor oil, batteries, brush, leaves, clean fill and wood products. Normal operating hours for the landfill are until 4:00pm, but you need to be past the gate by 3:30 p.m. as the landfill staff needs the last half hour to complete the operations for the day. You may experience delays during this annual extravaganza!

   Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Grant

   You may remember, in 2000 the Senior Center was granted $55,796 by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving through it's Senior Center Initiative Program. The funds were distributed over a three-year period ($45,700 in the first year; $4,796 in the second year; and $5,300 in the third year). The Senior Center developed a new computer lab and enhanced many programs in the first year of the grant, however, only utilized $20,296 of the $45,700 approved.

   I am pleased to announce that Recreation Manager Paul Norris was able to secure the unexpended $25,404 from Hartford Foundation to establish a Senior Center fitness area, and to purchase additional computer lab equipment for the Senior Center. The fitness center (which will be housed in the former Caring Connection space) will include 2 treadmills, 2 stationary exercise bikes, hand held weights and a rack, equipment mats and exercise mats. Purchase of this equipment will be made in June.

   FEMA Reimbursement

   The town’s application for reimbursement for costs incurred during the President’s Day snowstorm has been approved. According to the guidelines, the Presidential Disaster Declaration entitled cities, towns and non-profits to a 75% reimbursement. Of the $43,104.53 of the town’s eligible cost, I am pleased to announce that we will be receiving $33,621.54.

   Farmers Market Seeks Vendors

   Windsor’s Farmers Market will begin its second season on Fridays beginning in July and staff is currently seeking interested vendors to participate. The farmers market will once again take place at the corner of Windsor Avenue and Corey Street (next to the Wilson Branch Library.) Those interested in selling their produce, baked goods, plants or other items can contact the Office of Community Development at 298-9060.

   Caring Connection Expansion Plan Recognized

   The Town of Windsor received an "Award of Excellence" for our Caring Connection Expansion Project at the April 24^th Community Development Week reception. This annual event hosted by the Connecticut Community Development Association and the City of Hartford recognizes projects that play a key role in strengthening neighborhoods and providing a positive impact to the community. The town’s plan for meeting increasing demands of the Caring Connection, and the plan to move the Caring Connection to 330 Windsor Avenue was recognized.
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Albano – None.

   Councilor Broxterman – encouraged all to vote. He attended the Shad Derby Ball and congratulated the Queen and her court. He also attended the Holocaust Memorial at the Lutheran Church and it caused him to reflect.

   Councilor Jepsen – None.

   Councilor Mulligan – also asked residents to vote on the budget, which is very fiscally responsible. He went to the opening of the Windsor International Little League Season and accompanied the Governor to the White House to witness the signing of the Amber Bill.

   Councilor Pacino – echoed the reminder for residents to vote. He expressed congratulations to the WHS Track team, who made the top 5 of the Greater Hartford Invitational.

   Councilor Simon – commented on neighboring towns who are struggling to keep from raising taxes without cutting services. He encouraged residents to vote on the budget.

   Councilor Walker – reminded everyone to vote on the budget. He spoke to Senator Coleman regarding the traffic light at Columbia Road and Rt. 218. Senator Coleman will be doing some follow-up. He attended the 25^th Annual State of Connecticut Holocaust Memorial, which was a learning experience.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis – requested that the community come out and support the budget. He also attended the Holocaust Memorial and it was a moving experience. He was at the Windsor International Little League Opening Day. Deputy Mayor Curtis extended congratulations to all volunteers who coordinated the Shad Derby Ball and to the new Queen and her court.

   Mayor Trinks – thanked the staff for the pedestrian crossing signs on the town green and in the Broad Street area. He congratulated the Shad Derby Queen and her court. Friday, May 9^th, the Jaycees will be hosting a Special Education fishing day from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10^th is the Lions Club Arts and Crafts Festival on the green. He asked that residents come out and vote on the budget.

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that Item 16 (B) be added to the Town Council agenda regarding the discussion of reports and statements of strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

   Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Pacino to add Item 12 (D) to the Town Council agenda regarding the discussion of using the Town Green for the Shad Derby.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
   
    

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – a meeting will be held shortly to discuss property sales.
    
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
    
3. Health and Safety – None.
    
4. Special Projects – None.
    
5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – discussed where they want to go as a Committee and how communication travels from the BOE to the Council. They also discussed all day kindergarten.

Councilor Pacino asked if the Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee discussed consolidating services. Councilor Broxterman replied that it was discussed but the BOE is going back to their full membership to get their point of view on the issue.
 

10. Ordinances

1. Adopt amendments to the Alarm System ordinance

Resolved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen 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.

Motion Passed 9-0-0 to waive the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance, for Chapter 12, Article II, Alarm System.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the ordinance amending Chapter 12, Article II, Alarm System be adopted.

Assistant Town Manager Peter Souza, Chief Kevin Searles from the Police Department, and Fire Marshal Ray Walker provided a brief overview of the ordinance amendments. Mr. Souza explained that the information would be protected as Trade Secrets from the Freedom of Information Act.

Mayor Trinks asked if a cleaning company were to trip an alarm, is there a way to contact the site. Chief Searles said that they frequently receive a call from the location that tripped the alarm and they pass the information onto the officer responding who still goes out to the location.

Motion Passed 9-0-0 to adopt amendments to Chapter 12, Article II, Alarm System ordinance, as presented.
 

11. Unfinished Business
    None.
    
     
12. New Business

1. Approval of Price Guide

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, that the Price Guide, as presented in Attachment A, be approved and implemented as part of the FY 2004 Financial Plan and Program of Services.

Councilor Pacino asked what organizations Family & Leisure sponsors. Mr. Paul Norris, Recreation Manager responded it includes soccer, Little League, Northern Connecticut Ballet, the Jesters, basketball, youth theatre and other various programs.

Councilor Pacino referenced page S39 and the Spirit of Truth Christian Center. He questioned their flat fee. Ms. Robin Newman, Director of Family and Leisure Services, said that they are a religious organization which uses the room two evenings per week and on Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Norris said that they use the Board of Education rooms and the fee was negotiated years ago and they do not use recreational facilities. The recreation department collects the rent and it goes towards the General Fund.

Councilor Pacino asked for clarification of the facility hours used for both the Windsor School of Self Defense and the Greater Hartford Dance Academy and why their increase was so much, considering they have used the facilities for such a long time. Mr. Norris reviewed the hours and said that they are not sponsored programs, so the fee is higher. Councilor Pacino is concerned that their rent will jump three times. He also asked if there is a sliding scale available to families that cannot afford a recreation program fee. Mr. Norris said that they do not have a sliding scale, however, they do offer scholarships based on the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines.

Councilor Pacino asked about multiple child discounts in a program and the Safari software program, specifically if the software could have been modified to accommodate a multiple child discount. Mr. Norris responded that a discount could be given, but registration would have to be made in person. Many parents registered for swim lessons online last year, and the Recreation Department had to manually change the numbers and cut checks for $7.00. They changed the policy to make it easier for the consumers, many of whom use Internet registration. The discount is only for two or more children signing up for the same swim session. Councilor Pacino is concerned that not offering the discount could hurt some families and their finances. Ms. Newman said that a payment plan could be worked out. Mr. Norris said that no one would be turned away from recreation programs based on need. Councilor Pacino has a concern that the recreation department should sponsor programs that benefit Windsor residents.

Councilor Simon asked about the revenue impact and the price guides. He is concerned that we are not increasing revenues, perhaps from anticipated declines in participation. Town Manager Churchill agreed and said that they have seen some economic turn around. As far as recreation services, the demand is there. Ms. Newman said that more of the programs will be self-sustaining and will be in separate program accounts.

Councilor Mulligan asked how many hours per week the Spirit of Truth Christian Center uses the facilities. Mr. Norris responded that they use it for approximately 10 hours per week. Councilor Mulligan expressed his concern about the big jump in rent.

Councilor Jepsen noted the Teen-a-rama program and asked for clarification on the accounts. Town Manager Churchill explained that when the price guide notes "referred to special revenues", it is in other words an enterprise account.

Councilor Broxterman asked why some recreation programs are listed with a type of fund or authority while some are not (i.e., Councilor In Training, the fund and authority columns are blank). Ms. Newman responded that they were omitted inadvertently. Mr. Norris verbally gave the Council the missing information.

Councilor Albano expressed concern over voting for price increases for programs the Council is not familiar with. Mayor Trinks said that if we don’t vote on this tonight it could be referred to Committee. Councilor Simon said the time to ask questions was during the budget workshops and we should not micromanage. He is in favor of voting on the Price Guide tonight.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, that the Price Guide, as presented in Attachment A, be approved and implemented as part of the FY 2004 Financial Plan and Program of Services with a friendly amendment made by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis that multiple children discounts and family maximum discounts are reinstated.

Motion Passed 7-2-0 Councilors Albano and Pacino opposing

Councilor Pacino requested that the Price Guide be presented to the Council a month before the next budget season.

2. Introduce the Neighborhood Assistance Act

   Mr. James Burke, Director of Economic Development, discussed the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program, established by the state legislature which offers municipal and tax-exempt organizations a mechanism by which to enhance their fund raising capabilities by providing state tax credits to corporations donating monies.

   The Town of Windsor is in the process of soliciting applications from eligible organizations. Ultimately, the town’s participation in the NAA last year was instrumental in helping two (2) participating organizations secure $60,000 in corporate donations. In order to participate in the NAA Program, organizations need to secure the approval of the participating town’s governing body so as to ensure that the town supports the activity proposed. All organizations/applications must recieve the approval of the Town Council.
    

3. Set up Public Hearing for Neighborhood Assistance Act to be held on June 2, 2003 at 7:15 p.m.

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Pacino that a Public Hearing be set for June 2, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. at Windsor Town Hall, regarding the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

4. Approval of the use of the Town Green for the Shad Derby

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to approve the use of the Town Green for the Shad Derby on May 17, 2003.

Councilor Pacino asked with the passing of the Shad as the state fish, will there be any presentation at the Shad Derby. Mr. David Shaw replied that there would not be.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the resignation of Laura Soll-Broxterman from the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to:

• Appoint Randy Graff to the Capital Improvements Committee, term to expire upon the appointment of a successor;
• Re-appoint Joan McVey to the Commission on Aging & Handicapped for a three year term to expire January 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint David Earley to the Economic Development Commission for a five year term to expire January 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint Thomas Donahue to the Fair Rent Commission for a three year term to expire March 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint William Donegan to the Fair Rent Commission for a three year term to expire March 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed;
• Appoint David Raney to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a two year unexpired term to expire December 31, 2003 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint Colette Yeich to the Historic District Study Committee for a one year term to expire September 17, 2003 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint Max Kuziak to the Human Relations Commission for a three year term to expire on May 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint Paul Giampolo to the Human Relations Commission for a three year term to expire May 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed; and
• Re-appoint William Warner-Prouty to the Human Relations Commission for a three year term to expire May 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed; and
• Re-appoint Gary Crosson to the Inlands Wetlands & Watercourses Commission for a four year term to expire October 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed;
• Re-appoint David Raney to the Library Advisory Board for a three year term to expire April 30, 2006 or until a successor is appointed;

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the April 7, 2003 Public Hearing for Proposed FY 04 Budget

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the April 7, 2003 Public Hearing for Proposed FY 04 Budget. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

2. Minutes of the April 7, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the April 7, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 4 – Councilor Walker’s comments should be not sell the Sill House; page 9 – Adjournment Motion Passed 5-0-0.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

3. Minutes of the April 9, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the April 9, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting. Corrections: Page 5, Item 3 at the end of the first paragraph, delete Dr.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

4. Minutes of the April 14, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the April 14, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting. Corrections: Title - April 14, 2003.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

5. Minutes of the April 21, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the April 21, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting. Corrections: page 1 – Dr. Elizabeth Feser, and Ernest; page 3, 2^nd paragraph should be December 2003.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

6. Minutes of the April 23, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the April 23, 2003 Town Council budget work session meeting. Corrections: page 10 total appropriations should be $263,500.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

15. Public Communications and Petitions
    None.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Walker to leave regular Town Council session for the following

1. Discussion of the selection of a site or a lease, sale or purchase of real estate
2. Discussion of reports and statements of strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining

and enter into Executive Session at 9:35 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

16. Executive Session

    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

    Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to exit Executive Session and re-enter the regular Town Council meeting at 10:16 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    The regular Town Council meeting reconvened at 10:17 p.m.
    
     

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:17 p.m.

Motion Passed 5-0-0 (Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilors Jepsen & Simon not present)

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

c: Town Clerk, Main Library, Wilson Library