Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 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 Mulligan
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Mulligan
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Proclamation recognizing the month of July 2003 as Parks and Recreation Month

   Councilor Broxterman read the proclamation. Ms. Michelle McCarty and Mr. Rich Henderson, Assistant Recreation Managers, summarized the events for Parks and Recreation Month.
    

2. Proclamation honoring Bruce Wallace on his distinguished poetry accomplishments

Councilor Walker read the proclamation and presented it to Bruce Wallace. Mr. Wallace presented a poem plaque to the Council also.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to take a five-minute recess.

Motion passed 9-0-0
 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. George Yeramian, 739 Prospect Hill Road, addressed the Council regarding the International Field Club proposal. The few people he has spoken to sensed there was something wrong with this proposal. At first glance it would seem like it would be just local kids playing soccer. Most people had no idea of the scope of the proposal with the impact to their neighborhoods on good weather weekends from traffic, noise and as probable future disturbances begin to emerge.

   Dr. Linda Alexander, 155 Fieldstone Drive, is opposed to the International Field Complex. This would be used to hold 20 two-day tournaments a year. It is not a facility for Windsor youth and their families but rather it is a commercial enterprise. It is in her opinion that this will cause a significant amount of noise with 1,500-2,000 people in attendance. She is also concerned about the traffic on Day Hill Road. She feels that this is not the kind of facility that will produce living wage jobs for Windsor residents. She received a survey requesting her opinion and an invitation to a meeting in April. She has learned that many of her neighbors did not receive the surveys or invitation. She was surprised and disappointed that they were not made aware of the implications.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Housing Code of Appeals
   None.
    
2. Public Building Commission

Mr. Joseph Novak, Chairman, PBC reported to the Council.

WHS Renovations – the landscaping will begin in the next two weeks. The parking lot lights will be repaired this summer. The rooftop screening for HVAC is under design and will be done later this summer. Final pavement of the south parking lot will be in the late summer. There has been a settlement with the architect that had a positive impact on the project budget. The PBC Commission wished to thank Al Neuman, Facilities Manager, for his participation in the negotiations. There are $175,000 encumbered for change orders from O&G and they are hoping to lessen that amount. They are still projecting a $45,000 deficit.

Goslee Pool – is complete and the pool is open.

Public Works Facility Renovation – staff is working on the specifications. The wash rack portion is complete.

330 Windsor Avenue – the sheet rocking is complete, the plumbing is 75% complete, and the HVAC is 90% complete.

L.P. Wilson roof – they will go out to bid with construction starting in the fall.

Town Hall Roof Project – is behind schedule because of the wet spring. The contractor is anticipating a start date of July 24^th.

O’Brien Field Lights – the contract was signed today and work will begin in the near future.
 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Just for Fun Dog Show

   Tails will be wagg’in on Thursday, June 26th at Windsor’s annual "Just for Fun Dog Show". This free event is a major meeting of our town’s dogs to remind everyone that June is dog licensing month, (and all participants must be licensed). Registration begins at 5:45 p.m., and judging will begin at 6:15 p.m. The "Pooch Parade", led by this year’s poster puppy, "Toastie" will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the award ceremony is planned to begin at 6:30 p.m. Members of 4H will be selling hot dogs. For more information, call 285-1902.

   Recreational Facility Updates

   Veteran’s Pool:

   Veterans Pool has been drained, scraped and is ready for repairs. The repair work planned for Veteran’s Pool includes patching the walls of the pool, replacing the pump and cleaning out the main filter system. Staff is discussing the extent of repairs needed within the filter system with the contractor. We expect work to begin this week so the pool can be painted and filled by the beginning of July.

   Skate Park:

   The skate park located at Sage Park opened on June 13^th. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, as with all town parks. The park is locked after dark, which is subject to change pending further review by our insurance carrier. Signs inform users that the skate park is unsupervised. Spectators, non-skaters, bicyclists and scooter enthusiasts are asked to remain off the skating surface. Additional signage offers suggestions for the use of safety gear such as helmets, knee, wrist and elbow pads. Long sleeves and pants are also recommended. Recreation and Public Works staff will be working together to insure the park remains clean.

   For more detailed information on these recreational facilities, please call 285-1990.

   Wilson Redevelopment Project

   Each year the Connecticut legislature takes up a bill to authorize and direct the conveyance of surplus state land to municipalities. With the sponsorship and active support of Representative Ruth Fahrbach, a bill was passed on Wednesday of this week, which included the conveyance of .41 acres to the Town of Windsor. This parcel is located south of I-291 at the corner of Windsor Avenue and Deerfield Road. It adjoins the Town’s redevelopment parcel and will be incorporated into the proposed redevelopment project.

   The bill directs the Commissioner of Transportation to convey the property to Windsor at a cost equal to the administrative costs of making such conveyance. The conveyance is also subject to approval of the State Properties Review Board that has 30 days to review the conveyance agreement that is prepared by the DOT.

   Councilor Walker asked about the time frame for the completion of the roadwork at Hayden Station Road. Town Engineer Tom Lenehan said that they would be paving the rest of Hayden Station Road this week. The job will be completed by this construction season.
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Albano – None.

   Councilor Broxterman – congratulated and wished good luck to the graduating seniors from WHS.

   Councilor Jepsen – congratulated Vivian Cicero and Florence Barlow, along with Marty Collier and the Windsor Fire District for their Chamber of Commerce awards. He also attended the graduating kindergarten class at the Montessori School and commended the staff.

   Councilor Mulligan – congratulated the WHS graduating seniors and the Citizen of the Year recipients. He also noted that Emily Robinson sang the National Anthem and did a wonderful job.

   Councilor Pacino – None.

   Councilor Simon – None.

   Councilor Walker – congratulated the Chamber's Citizens of the Year, Vivian Cicero and Florence Barlow.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis – wished the best of luck to the WHS graduating seniors and commended the Citizens of the Year.

   Mayor Trinks – was impressed by the scholarship awards and congratulated the award recipients. He also requested volunteers for Project Graduation. He thanked the Senior Services staff for the picnic on the Town Green last week.
   
    

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – None.
    
2. Town Improvements Committee – Deputy Mayor Curtis stated the Committee had discussed the proposed CIP along with the policy of renaming public buildings and properties in town. The Committee expressed concerns with the section related to corporate sponsorships. The staff will review the section and come back to the Committee.
    
3. Health and Safety – None.
    
4. Special Projects – None.
    
5. Joint Board and Council Committee – None.
    

10. Ordinances

1. 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 "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 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

Town Manager Churchill reported that the term is for a ten-year bond. Ten years is a conservative estimate resulting in $106,000 per year.

Assistant Town Manager Peter Souza said that work would begin in late summer. The new console and improvements to the dispatch center will take place by January 2004.

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the following ordinance, which was introduced on the June 2, 2003 Town Council agenda, be adopted "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

Mayor Trinks thanked the staff for their hard work on this important issue.
 

11. Unfinished Business

1. Approve FY 2004 – 2009 Capital Improvements Program

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the FY 2004 – 2009 Capital Improvements Program be approved.

Deputy Mayor Curtis reported that the Town Improvements Committee has met and made two alterations to the CIP proposed in March 2003. The first change, based on Town Council direction, was to delete from FY 2004 the proposed project to facilitate the renovation of the Plaza Theatre building. The second change was to move the reconstruction of Prospect Hill Road (Bent Road east to Poquonock Ave) from unscheduled to design in FY 2007 and construction in FY 2009. The TP&Z Commission has reviewed the document pursuant to Section §8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Councilor Pacino questioned the unscheduled project pedestrian crossing. He also noted that Archer Road is new and inquired about the improvements. Mr. Brian Funk replied that the pedestrian crossing is being considered. The improvements to Archer Road are for a traffic signal and streetlights. Councilor Pacino also inquired about Pleasant Street and if the residents were consulted. Town Engineer Tom Lenehan said that they were contacted a few years ago. Town Manager Churchill added that another outreach could be done on this issue.

Councilor Broxterman questioned where the Maple Sugar Museum would be. Town Manager Churchill said that it would be a contemplated improvement at Northwest Park, dependent on fundraising.

Town Manager noted that Archer Road is a local road that the State made improvements on years ago. There is a trust of $60-70,000, which is drawn down for improvements.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the bonding of Sage Park Field and the additional appropriation of $40,000. Mr. Brian Funk responded that the amount was not added to the form, but would be reflected in the final document. Councilor Jepsen asked if the library referendum would be on the November ballot since bonding will be in February. Town Manager Churchill replied that the Town would be in the position to meet the cash flow in the short term. It could go to vote in the fall of 2004 or spring 2005. Councilor Jepsen asked if we are still in a position to get the $500,000 reimbursement from the State for the library project. Town Manager Churchill responded that to the best of his knowledge the State cut the funding.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

2. Authorize sale of real estate

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to authorize the Town Manager to pursue the sale of 124-126 Palisado Avenue (Daniels House) - house only, and 235 Palisado Avenue (Bell School) - house and land, on a competitive basis, and submit contracts for their sale to a Special Town Meeting pursuant to Section 9-3 of the Windsor Town Charter for approval

The motion was withdrawn by Councilors Simon and Jepsen to revisit after the Executive Session.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Council waives the competitive bidding requirements for 122 East St. and authorizes the Town Manager to enter into negotiations for its sale and submit a contract for sale to Special Town Meeting pursuant to Section 9-3 of the Windsor Town Charter for approval

The sale of 122 East Street and adjacent land is highly recommended to be a negotiated sale with the First School Society because cemetery use continues to be the appropriate future use for the site. The Bell School and the Daniels House are proposed to be sales of the buildings only that would be a companion to a land lease. The Sill House is not recommended for sale.

The potential for $540,000 in earnings could prove especially valuable as a source to address capital, other one-time expenditures, or the General Fund Balance in the FY 2004 Budget and beyond. Earnings would be less if the town incurs real estate commission expenses, applies restrictive covenants or deed restrictions, or offers the property during a real estate lull. Proceeds from sales are recommended to accrue to the town’s General Fund.

Councilor Pacino asked why we are pushing to sell the Bell School. Town Manager Churchill said that there are some legal matters to consider which he would prefer to discuss at Executive Session.

Councilor Pacino asked if we are selling the Daniels House as a house only, what is our liability on the land. Town Manager Churchill said that there would be some liability to the town, but the intent is to reduce the long-term maintenance issue.

Councilor Pacino requested that this vote be put off until after the Executive Session.

Councilor Albano offered a friendly amendment that the Bell School should reflect the sale of the house and land and Daniels House be labeled as only sale of house. Councilors Simon and Jepsen accepted the friendly amendment.

The motion relative to Bell School and the Daniel's House was to revisit after the Executive Session.

Councilor Simon questioned why waiving of bids is being considered; and if we are looking to get market value from the First School Society. Town Manager Churchill stated that the First School Society is a non-profit organization that wants to meet the community needs by managing the cemetery. Market value will be pursued.

Mayor Trinks asked if the house would be moved. Town Manager Churchill stated that it is highly doubtful, as it did not come up in discussions.

The motion relative to 122 East Street was withdrawn by Councilors Simon and Jepsen to revisit after the Executive Session.
 

12. New Business

1. Presentation on "One Book, One Windsor"

Ms. Anne Ford, Principal, Windsor High School made the presentation. Program activities took place during National Library Week. These activities included a meeting at the main library for residents to recommend books to the Steering Committee, a Sunday afternoon panel discussion at the Huntington House on the town green, two evening book discussions, one at the main library and a second at Poquonock Elementary School, and one Saturday morning discussion at the library in Wilson.

Committee members were Cheryl Curtis, Gaye Rizzo, Barbara Tolve-Silver, Ceila Robbins, Robin Newman, Christine Ermenc, Cheryl Pazdar, Linda Duncan, Laura Kahkonen, Amanda Golbabai (student representative) and Diane Sanko (parent representative). The design for the one book logo was submitted by Ms. Elham Altaf, an Advanced Placement Art class student at WHS. Ms. Altaf and Ms. Kelly Misiak designed the brochure that was mailed to town residents as well as the posters located throughout town.

The Town of Windsor contributed $6,299 toward this project. The Chamber of Commerce members and town residents raised more than $1,700. Ms. Ford presented a poster plaque from the steering committee to Ms. Kelly Misiak. Ms. Altaf was out of the country and received a poster plaque last week. Ms. Kahkonen was presented with a plaque to hang in the library.

2. Approve $10,000 appropriation for Huntington House

The Huntington House Museum has requested $10,000 from the Town of Windsor for operating purposes.

Mayor Trinks referred this item to the Finance Committee. Town Manager Churchill said that he refrained from making a recommendation on this item because his wife is on the Huntington House Museum Board.
 

13. Resignations and Appointments
    None.
     

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the June 2, 2003 Public Hearing

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Albano to accept the minutes of the June 2, 2003 Public Hearing for the Neighborhood Assistance Act. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

2. Minutes of the June 2, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the June 2, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

15. Public Communications and Petitions
    None.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to enter into Executive Session at 9:14 p.m. for the purpose of discussing:

1. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation
2. Discussion of the selection of a site or a lease, sale or purchase of real estate
3. Discussion concerning the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee

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, Risk Manager Marty Maynard

Ernest Mattei, outside counsel from Day, Berry & Howard, entered Executive Session at 9:27 p.m. and left Executive Session at 10:38 p.m.

Marty Maynard left Executive Session at 9:26 p.m.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Pacino to leave Executive Session and re-enter the Regular Town Council Session at 11:10 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

The Regular Town Council session reconvened at 11:11 p.m.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to extend the Regular Town Council meeting until 11:15 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to authorize the Town Manager to pursue the sale of 124-125 Palsidado Avenue (house only) and 235 Palisado Avenue (house and land) on a competitive basis, and to submit a contract for their sale to a Special Town Meeting pursuant to Section 9-3 of the Windsor Town Charter for approval.

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

Mayor Trinks referred 122 East Street to the Finance Committee for further review.
 

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council meeting at 11:13 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch