2003 Minutes  
 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

June 2, 2003

Approved Minutes

 

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

  1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis (arrived at 7:39 p.m.) Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker

     
  2. Prayer – Councilor Jepsen

     
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Jepsen

     
  4. Proclamations/Awards
  1. Honoring National Novice Figure Skating Champion Colin Pennington

    Councilor Jepsen read the proclamation and presented it to Colin Pennington.
     
  2. Honoring June 20, 2003 as National Small Cities and Towns Day

Councilor Broxterman read the proclamation.
 

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road addressed the Council regarding the CDBG program. He noted that the official minutes in the Town Clerk’s office do not note attendance of the Wilson/Deerfield Committee members. He suggested that the process start all over again with a proper public hearing.

     

  2. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Historic District Commission

    Mr. Chris Watts, 257 Palisado Avenue, reported to the Commission. A subcommittee was formed to evaluate the expansion of the current historic district on Palisado Avenue. A mailing was conducted that went out to residents in the expansion area. The return responses were only about 50% in favor of implementing the historic district in that area. The Commission will likely investigate other areas in the future. They approved three projects, a brick chimney to be redone (approved), new doors for a Synagogue (approved) and an addition to the back of a home.

  2. Board of Education

Mr. Steve Ellingwood, reported to the Council on behalf of the Board of Education President, Jane Garibay, who was attending an awards ceremony. The academic year is closing out with graduation on June 19, 2003. Awards Night is on Wednesday, June 4th at the high school. Workshops held in the past month were on the CMT Scores, Gifted and Talented Students, and No Child Left Behind.

Councilor Pacino asked about the extracurricular activities rules. It is in his opinion that extracurricular activities are a privilege, not a right, as some parents have expressed to him. Mr. Ellingwood said there is a committee looking at the extracurricular activities and they will be reporting back in June. They anticipate implementation in 2004.

Mayor Trinks asked where Project Graduation was being held. Mr. Ellingwood said he would get back to the Mayor regarding the location.
 

  1. Town Manager’s Report

Kids Safety Fair

The Kids Safety Fair will be held in conjunction with the 6th Annual Discover Windsor Bike Tour this Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Windsor Town Green. Learn about Safe Kids ID’s, bike helmets, fire safety, water safety, plus arts and crafts, music food and door prizes. This free event will surely be fun for all ages. Call 285-1824 for more information.

Connecticut Light & Power Tree Work

In the continuing effort to keep trees in the service area from growing too close to power lines and disrupting service, CL&P has contracted Asplundh Tree Expert Co. to carry out the Tree-Pruning Program in Windsor. Over the next two weeks, information will be hung on the doorknob of affected households. Included will be a brochure explaining the program and a consent form to do tree work on the property. Tree trimming will begin in approximately two weeks. Citizens can call 1-800-286-2000 for more information.

Plan of Conservation and Development Public Meeting

The Town of Windsor Plan of Conservation and Development Steering Committee has scheduled a second public information meeting for Wednesday June 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall (Council Chambers) to present and discuss preliminary planning strategies. Topics will include natural resource protection, open space preservation, community facilities, transportation, residential and economic development, community character and quality of life. Windsor residents will have an opportunity to address these and other issues during the meeting. For more information, call 285-1980.

Mosquito Update

The mosquito season is once again on us. The snows this winter coupled with the tremendous amount of rain received thus far this spring indicate that we will have a large mosquito population this spring and summer season. The mosquito activity thus far has been light due to the cool days and evenings and as a result, we are approximately three weeks behind the expected spring hatch of mosquitoes. However, once the weather turns warmer we can expect that mosquito activity will increase dramatically. Now is the time to prepare.

Over thirty (30) percent of Windsor’s land area is wetland, watercourses, or subject to periodic flooding and therefore, capable of supporting the growth of mosquitoes. The town, through a contractor, treats town owned parks and public areas and Health Department personnel treat catch basins to control the mosquito population. The Health Department also makes larviciding material available so that residents can treat standing water on their property. Residents must also eliminate or reduce anything on their property that can hold water. Residents should also take precautions by using insect repellent and dressing appropriately whenever they venture outside, especially in the early morning or evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.

We cannot eliminate mosquitoes. However, we can take steps to reduce their harborage areas and can take steps to protect ourselves when we venture outdoors. Those efforts, however, must begin now. For more information, call 285-1823.

Windsor Police Department Lauded

The New England Narcotics Officers Association was recently awarded the Windsor Police Crime Suppression Team with a Special Achievement Award to recognize the unit's efforts and successes in narcotics enforcement during the past year. These efforts from 07-29-02 to 04-05-03 include:

  • 301 Arrests (Criminal Only excluding Motor Vehicle arrests)
  • 419 Arrests (including MV arrests for both Summons and Infraction arrests)

Of these:

  • 122 Arrest Warrants served
  • 108 On-site Narcotics Arrests
  • 398 Motor Vehicles stopped
  • 118 Motor Vehicle Arrests
  • 14 Search Warrants obtained and executed
  • 23 Arrest Warrants obtained and executed
  • Enforcement of public spaces related Town Ordinances including 18 arrests (Infractions) and 8 warnings

Narcotics Seizures:

  • 14.8 Grams of Heroin
  • 80.6 Grams of Crack Cocaine
  • 6.6 Grams of Powder Cocaine
  • 591.2 Grams of Marijuana
  • Seizure of other drugs such as Ecstasy and PCP

Asset Forfeiture:
  • $12,155.85 awarded as of 04-05-03
  • Four vehicles awarded to PD
These successes are the direct result of WPD’s hard work and high level of commitment. My thanks to everyone who was directly and indirectly involved with these efforts.

Councilor Pacino thanked Town Manager Churchill for getting back to him on Veteran’s Cemetery. Town Manager Churchill reported the areas between the headstones were sprayed with chemicals to kill grass to make room for stone dust. They are planning to remove the dead grass and install the stone dust later this summer. The new grass should be growing in the next few weeks. One of the concerns is that use of a weed eater can leave marks on the headstones. The area immediately around the headstones will be stone dust and the areas between the headstones will be grassy.

Councilor Broxterman asked what could be done to get the grass mowed at the former

K-Mart property. Town Manager Churchill said that they would contact the property owners. Mr. Souza said that the real estate broker and property managers were contacted and hopefully an effort will be made in the next week or two the property will be maintained appropriately.
 

  1. Communication from Council Members
Councilor Albano – None.

Councilor Broxterman – said that the Memorial Services held at the Town Hall were excellent. He would like to see the possibility of handling larger crowds by having it held at one of the schools. He congratulated the track team that came in second place at the CCC West competition. Councilor Broxterman also congratulated the outgoing seniors and wished them luck in their future endeavors.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Mulligan – in August there will be a conference about the Amber Program and Chief Searles will be representing Connecticut Law Enforcement.

Councilor Pacino – None.

Councilor Simon – None.

Councilor Walker – Noted that he has a family member who is back on American soil and he continues to pray for the families who have family members in the armed forces. At the last Council meeting, Mr. Bill Crosson made some comments that hit home. One of the things Councilor Walker commented on was that people who were against the lights didn’t play fair. He feels he didn’t state himself properly. He spoke with Mr. Crosson at the Memorial Day Services at Town Hall and found him very personable. He says that people residing around the field have a right to come to Town Hall to voice their opinions.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

Mayor Trinks – said the turnout for the Memorial Day Services was impressive, especially given the weather. He noted that there is a fundraiser at the Centre Coffee Bar on June 3, 2003 from 3-7 p.m. for Colin Pennington. He encouraged all residents to support the fundraisers being held because Mr. Pennington represents the Town of Windsor.

 

  1. Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Finance Committee – met on May 28th to review reauthorization of purchase orders, to give an update on the status of the International Field Club project (Soccer Complex at the landfill), and to review electronic signing of checks. They also discussed the potential for real estate sales. The Committee unanimously recommended selling the Daniel’s House, 123 East Street and the Bell School on Palisado Avenue. They unanimously are not recommending selling the Sill House, where the Recovery Group is housed, at least not selling it for a profit. Several ideas were proposed, but nothing is recommended.
     
  2. Town Improvements Committee – will be meeting shortly.
     
  3. Health and Safety – None.
     
  4. Special Projects – None.
     
  5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – The Board of Education opted to not pursue consolidation of services between the town and Board of Education at this time. The BOE has voted to set up a task force to look into the needs of setting up an all day kindergarten. They also discussed the draft policy on communication and for the Joint Committee.

Mayor Trinks referred the draft policy regarding planning of public facilities to the Town Improvements Committee for review.

Mayor Trinks attended the meeting tonight and found the meeting to be very positive with the two bodies working together.
 

  1. Ordinances

    None.

  2. Unfinished Business
  1. Approve Neighborhood Assistance Act Credit Program

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to resolve that the reading into the minutes of the text of the resolution relative to participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA Tax Credit Program, is hereby waived, the full text of the resolution 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

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the attached resolution relative to participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. New Business
  1. Presentation on Conversations on Race

Ms. Betsy Pigeon, Program Coordinator, gave a presentation to the Council. The Conversations on Race was a result of a partnership between the town and National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), which has its regional office in Windsor. The 2000 Census shows the White population comprises 65% of the population, African Americans comprise 26% of the population, Asians compromise 3% of the population, and other races comprise 6%.

The Human Relations Commission has shown interest in spearheading the action items identified at the Action Forum. There were nine conversational sessions as well as a youth session. Six action groups were formed: Community Participation; Conversations on Race; Educate Windsor; Education; Faith Based Initiatives and Government.

Ms. Pigeon summarized the outcomes and positive changes that have already occurred. The Planning Committee will be exploring ways to continue the dialogue process and help support and track the action efforts that result from the Conversations on Race over the summer of 2003. The Planning Committee is also looking to institutionalize the dialogue process within the community by becoming part of a civic association such as Citizens for a United Windsor or the Human Relations Commission.

Councilor Simon was impressed with the amount of new people that attended the kick-off. He also requested a list of the point people for the committees for each of the action groups.

Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked Ms. Pigeon and the Planning Committee for getting this process started in Windsor. He commented that there was a definite commitment on the part of the people who were members of the groups. There was always a lot of interest at the meetings, as well as finding out the results and the next steps forward. He is encouraged by the fact that there will be some positive things coming out of this.

Councilor Jepsen asked when the action groups would have some action items. Ms. Pigeon said that the Education Action Group is well ahead in their efforts. They will share the information with the Council when it becomes available.

  1. Authorization to submit application to State of CT for Adult Care Food Program

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town Manager be authorized to submit an application to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and execute the required agreements.

Ms. Debbie Boemmels, Manager, The Caring Connection discussed the program. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and reimburses approved facilities serving nutritious meals and snacks to eligible enrollees in non-residential adult day care centers. Funding for this program comes from the USDA. If funding is approved, the Caring Connection will not have to apply annually for additional funding. The estimated reimbursement will be approximately $20,000 per year, based on a daily average of 42 clients.

Councilor Pacino asked if the Discovery Center is seeking reimbursement from this CACFP. Town Manager Churchill answered that the clients at the Discovery Center would probably not qualify, however, the Head Start program does use the CACFP.

Councilor Broxterman asked if this program was new. Ms. Boemmels replied that it is not a new program, but it is new to the Caring Connection.

Councilor Jepsen asked if there are still programs that provide food. Ms. Boemmels said that the Commodities Program is tapped out since they are sending food supplies overseas.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about the application process. Ms. Boemmels responded that once accepted they have to do paperwork such as meal logs and income status updates.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Introduce bond ordinance for Public Safety Radio System Upgrade

Resolved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Pacino, that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Appropriating $735,000 for Public Safety Communications System Upgrades – Phase II, and Authorizing the Issue of $735,000 Bonds and Notes to Finance the Appropriation" 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

Mr. Peter Souza discussed the funding of the Public Safety Radio System Upgrade.

Councilor Pacino asked when work would begin and did we save money by doing it in one phase. Mr. Souza said that work should commence in August. It was estimated that construction completed in one phase as opposed to two phases saved 5%.

Councilor Albano asked if the Public Building Commission would be involved in the changing of the structures. Mr. Souza said that the scope of the work has been discussed and they anticipate the Public Building Commission overseeing the facility portion.

Councilor Simon asked if anything on this project has happened in the past six months. Mr. Souza said that $25,000 was used to purchase some hardware equipment to maintain the system reliability.

Councilor Pacino noted that the CIP includes a feasibility study of the Safety Complex and asked how this project would be affected. Chief Searles said that the renovations are minor, fixing a leak in the roof, upgrading the HVAC, some painting, etc. They do anticipate that the Dispatch Center will stay in the present location.

Councilor Mulligan asked if the repeaters would be in this location and if it is a self contained system within the town. Chief Searles confirmed this.

Councilor Jepsen inquired if this equipment would be compatible if we join other municipalities in the future. He also asked if the school personnel would be able to use the system. Chief Searles said that if we go to a regional system in the future, Bloomfield currently is using this system and East Windsor is looking into purchasing the system. Chief Searles replied that the school system would have access to the radio system.

Councilor Broxterman asked if the upgrade would eliminate or drastically reduce black holes, instances in the past where we have not been able to communicate. Chief Searles said that it would.

Councilor Simon asked for a completion date of this project. Mr. Souza responded that the goal is January 2004.

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the following ordinance be introduced; "An Ordinance Appropriating $735,000 for Public Safety Communications System Upgrades – Phase II, and Authorizing the Issue of $735,000 Bonds and Notes to Finance the Appropriation."

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Set Public Hearing on Public Safety Radio System bond ordinance for June 16, 2003 at 7:15 p.m.

Resolved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Pacino that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, June 16, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) on the following ordinance entitled:

"An Ordinance Appropriating $735,000 for Public Safety Communications System Upgrades – Phase II, and Authorizing the Issue of $735,000 Bonds and Notes to Finance the Appropriation" and be it Further Resolved, that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Approval of Open Purchase Orders

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to re-approve the purchase orders existing on the report Open Purchase Orders by Expense Account dated May 23, 2003 and to be approved in September 2003.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Resolved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Director of Finance is authorized to make year-end transfers in the General Fund of not more than $5,000 per account.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Mr. Greg Pavitt, Director of Finance, confirmed that the list of open purchase orders is likely to shrink noticeably by the end of June as the current fiscal year POs are paid off.

  1. Approve Suspense List

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that $99,704.86 motor vehicle, supplemental, and personal property taxes on the 1999 Grand List be transferred to the Suspense Tax Book.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Authorize Town Manager to submit to Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application

Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for state assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and, that the filing of the application by the Town of Windsor in an amount not to exceed $420,000 is hereby approved, and that the Town Manager is hereby authorized and directed to file such application with the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance should such an Agreement be offered, to execute any amendments, revisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Windsor.

Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development Director, explained the public hearing process, the recording of the minutes and the quorum requirement. He noted that the minutes were recorded properly with public comment. The public hearing would commence whether Committee members were in attendance or not. Mr. Jim Hallisey, Community Development Coordinator, reviewed the proposed program.

Councilor Simon asked if we have received this grant before. Mr. Hallisey said that we have operated the Housing Rehabilitation program for 25 years, and have used this particular grant several times. Mr. Burke said that when you have a well administered program, the State looks upon you favorably.

Councilor Walker asked what the income guidelines are and would this program help an elderly couple who needs to make repairs on their home. Mr. Hallisey responded that the income guidelines are approximately $50,000 a year for a family of four, adjusted for family size at $4,500 per person. There are also low interest loans and deferred payment loans. He encouraged folks to contact the Community Development Office for information.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Resignations and Appointments

Motioned by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Bob Gustafson to Capital Improvements Committee, for a three-year term to expire May 15, 2006 or until a successor is appointed.

Councilor Jepsen pointed out that this is the Public Building Commission spot.

Councilor Pacino asked about the Historic District Study Commission lengthening their term. Town Manager Churchill responded that last fall the Council did approve an increase of one year.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the May 19, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the May 19, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    Ms. Beverly Jones, Matianuck Avenue, addressed the Council. She listed the things she is concerned about relating to current and future bonding the town will have to pursue. They are: expanding all day kindergarten; the implications of closing the town landfill; the library expansion; the Senior Center; Leave No Child Behind program; ongoing requests for additional recreational facilities and maintenance of those facilities; windows in one of the schools; and the public safety radio system that is critical to the town. She is unaware of current bonding, future bonding, bonding vs. the budget. She would like to know what the strategy and future plans of the town are. Perhaps a summary of the bonding could be communicated to the public.

     

  2. Executive Session
    None.

     
  3. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Albano to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:39 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch