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

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker Absent: Deputy Mayor Curtis
   
   
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Walker
   
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Walker
   
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Wilson/Deerfield Awards

Mr. James Burke, Director of Economic Development, and Ms. Nellie Holmes-Mason of the Wilson/Deerfield Committee presented Certificates of Recognition to:

• Mr. Dennis Walker in honor of the Hopewell Baptist Church
• Mr. Steve Neiditz in honor of the Windsor shopping mall
• Dunkin’ Donuts/Video Plaza of 503 Windsor Avenue
• Ms. Hoza Gainer, improvements to residential property
• Mihail & Konstantina Tantaris, improvements to residential property

2. West Indian Celebration Committee

Councilor Walker read the proclamation honoring Yolanda Belfour, for her work in the West Indian Celebration Committee as President and her numerous volunteer efforts.

 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. Frank Davis, co-owner of Birchwood Farms, is in favor of appropriating funds to the Open Space Fund.

   Ms. Carol Samma, 23 Krystal Lane, spoke to the Council regarding the renovation of the public library. She believes the community and the town center would be enhanced by the renovation. She also requested that the Council consider placing a public pay telephone at the L.P. Wilson Center.

   Mr. Michael Rafael, 429 Kennedy Road, supports the action for setting the date for the referendum and public hearing for the library expansion. The expansion is critically important to the entire community.

   Mr. Warren Johnson, 22 Ivy Lane, requested the Council act favorably for the library expansion.
   
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission
   None.
    
2. Human Relations Commission
   Mr. Max Kuziak, Chairperson of the HR Commission, reported to the Council on the commission’s highlights of the past year. He noted that Mr. Mark Winzler presented the school district’s Affirmative Action History for the Commission’s annual review and also updated the Commission on the "No Child Left Behind" program. Ms. Ameila Bliss, Director of Human Resources, presented the town’s Affirmative Action data for the commission’s review and members participated in the Conversations on Race series. The C.U.W. Bridge Builder Award ceremony will be held at the Windsor library on Thursday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m.
    
3. Board of Education

   Ms. Jane Garibay, BOE reported to the Council. Summer school ended last week and they are getting ready for the start of school. There will be a meeting on August 20^th at the L.P. Wilson Center to meet new teachers. The BOE retreat is scheduled for August 23^rd to review goals of the BOE and Superintendent.

   Councilor Pacino asked if students who go to magnet schools for seminar courses get credit. Ms. Garibay answered that it was previously decided to give honor status to the courses at the magnet schools. This summer, the courses were reviewed and those courses that meet AP standards will receive AP credit.

   Councilor Mulligan asked about the consolidation of services and mentioned that the BOE has commented that they have chosen not to discuss consolidation. Ms. Garibay responded that was not the case. It was stated that they needed a year or two for the Superintendent to become more familiar with her job before consolidations were considered.

   Councilor Broxterman asked if we have a sense of enrollment for this school year. Ms. Garibay said that they always think that it will be the same, however, she won’t know the numbers until the school year begins.
    

4. Public Building Commission

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

WHS Renovations – the landscaping is complete. The parking lot lights are being worked on this summer. Additional interior doors will be replaced this fall. There has been a favorable settlement with the architect and O&G Industries. They are presently showing a small surplus and they feel confident that they can bring the project back within budget.

Goslee Pool – is complete and the pool is open. The parking lot and roadway is complete and the landscaping is almost complete.

Public Works Renovation – no change since the last report.

330 Windsor Avenue – is slightly behind schedule. The Caring Connection will move at the end of August.

L.P. Wilson roof – they will bid on the project on August 25^th with work commencing in the fall.

Town Hall Roof Project – all that is left is the stonework out front and it will be completed by September 15^th.

O’Brien Field Lights – is on schedule but there is some concern for the delivery of the light poles. They are expecting proposals for fencing next week.

Councilor Jepsen inquired about the utility audit to get a refund and if it has been started yet. Mr. Novak believes that approximately $200,000 was received a few months ago, which goes to the General Fund. Town Manager Churchill confirmed this.

Mayor Trinks asked about any construction interruptions once school begins and also about the HVAC screening. Mr. Novak said that the screening is being designed. The construction trailers and debris have been removed. There will be one or two construction staff at times, but not entire crews.

 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Bridge Builder Award Nominations Sought

   This Wednesday, August 6^th is the deadline to submit nominations for the 2003 Windsor Bridge-Builders Awards recognizing excellence in human relations.

   The ninth annual volunteer-organized program sponsored by Citizens for a United Windsor (CUW) and the Town of Windsor’s Human Relations Commission, honors individuals, businesses or organizations that go beyond the norm in promoting human relations in Windsor. Anyone, of any age, may fill out an official nomination form for the Windsor Bridge-Builders Awards.

   Official nomination forms are available at the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall, at the Main branch and the Wilson branches of the Windsor Public Library, and at the L.P. Wilson Community Center, outside of the Recreation Department.

   For more information about this awards program, call Laura Soll-Broxterman at 688-8483.

   Police Explorers Excel at Academy

   Thirteen members of the Windsor Police Explorers program attended and graduated from the Explorer Police Academy, held at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT the week of July 27, 2003 - August 2, 2003.

   Approximately 350 Explorers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island attended this year's Explorer Police Academy.

   Six Windsor Explorers received awards and/or were promoted by the Academy Police Department. Congratulations to all these young adults for their efforts.

   City Scan Project to Begin in Windsor

   In partnership with the Connecticut Policy and Economic Council (CPEC) Windsor will be participating in the City Scan Project that puts state-of-the-art technology in the hands of ordinary citizens, and is considered a national model for citizen-based assessment of the performance of city government.

   City Scan prepares powerful reports and maps using the visual database created from data collected with handheld computers, custom-designed software, wireless modems, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers and digital cameras. Information on graffiti, litter, dumping, abandoned shopping carts, vehicles, and abandoned buildings, and overgrown vegetation will be collected. This information will be shared with us at the project's completion. I hope to provide a report to the Town Council in October.

   City Scan is a project managed by the CPEC with major funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the project has conducted scans in Hartford, CT and Stamford, CT, and expects to continue its expansion across the state. The project in Hartford progressed faster than expected this summer, with volunteers scanning every residential street in the City of Hartford, and the same is expected in the Wilson section of the Town of Windsor through August 15, 2003. There is no cost to the Town of Windsor for our participation. I have asked the project include neighborhoods from the town line up to and surrounding the Windsor Shopping Center.

   Repairs to Scarborough Road Bridge Over Deckers Brook

   Contractors will be working over the next 2-3 weeks making repairs to the Scarborough Road bridge over Deckers Brook. The foundation for the bridge has eroded, as well as the abatements on the eastern side, and the concrete channel approaching the bridge. These locations will be repaired and a concrete floor will be installed under the bridge. The Department of Transportation has approved the award of the contract to Hammonasset Construction, of Clinton, CT. For further information, contact Tom Lenehan at 285-1804.

    

   State House and Senate Pass State Budget

   The House and Senate recently passed a state budget package for the 2003-05 biennium. Gov. John Rowland said he would not sign the budget bill until all the implementing bills and a bond package are submitted to him. Overall, this budget plan decreases state aid to municipalities by $15 million compared to last year. Not all information is in on the impact to Windsor, but information on some key grant programs is available.

   Non-Education grants consisting of Pequot/Mohegan, Town Aid, and PILOT for State-owned property, and LoCIP total $550,330, or $60,148 less than last year, but the same as the Governor had proposed. The town budgeted this amount as part of its FY 2004 Financial Plan. Education funding including ECS, Public School Transportation, non-public School Transportation, and Adult Education comes to a total of $8,671,888. This amount is $10,704 less than the Governor proposed, but $227,386 more than the town received last year. The amount for PILOT: Manufacturing & Equipment is unknown, but its amount is decreased by $5.4 million statewide compared to last year. The ability for municipalities to tax for unreimbursed portions appeared to be in serious jeopardy late last week. These amounts should be received with great caution because distribution formulas can be modified with implementation bills expected in a few weeks.

   I will add clarification at the Council’s September 2^nd meeting as the final outcome of the State budget should be known at that time.
   
   
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Albano – None.

   Councilor Broxterman – extended congratulations to the graduating Police Explorers. He also echoed Councilor Mulligan’s comments regarding Food Share.

   Councilor Jepsen – congratulated the undefeated Windsor Water Rats and the parents and volunteers.

   Councilor Mulligan – encouraged residents to make donations to Food Share. The Poquonock Fire Department is having a golf tournament to benefit Food Share on Sunday August 17^th.

   Councilor Pacino – congratulated the four young women who went to Los Angeles for the YWCA Leadership Core. He also congratulated the Windsor Softball team on their 20-3 record.

   Councilor Simon – None.

   Councilor Walker – acknowledged the awards given at the West Indian celebration to Lila Del Evans, Frank Jacobs, Andrew Lawrence, and Faith Johnson.

   Mayor Trinks – thanked the West Indian Group for their celebration. He also attended the Renscheler Field dedication last week.
   
   
   
    

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – met twice since the last Council meeting regarding the potential sale of 122 East Street, a $10,000 grant to the Huntington House Museum, and the future of the landfill. They are requesting a public hearing or a workshop in August to discuss the Landfill.
    
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
    
3. Health and Safety – None.
    
4. Special Projects – None.
    
5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – None.

Mayor Trinks set aside Monday, August 25, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. for a Public Hearing to include Public Comment, Staff Presentation, followed with Public Comment on the Landfill. He added that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.


 

10. Ordinances
    None.
    
    
    
     
11. Unfinished Business

1. Authorize the waiving of bids for the sale of 122 East Street

   During its last meeting, the Finance Committee recommended that authorization for the sale of 122 East Street and that the competitive bidding process be waived so discussions can commence with the First School Society.

   Town Manager Churchill stated that the market value is estimated at $150,000, the adjacent lot is estimated at $35,000, and the 9.7 acres is approximately evenly comprised between 4.85 acres of useable property and 4.85 acres of wetlands is valued at $75,000 for a total of $260,000.

   Councilor Jepsen is in support of this motion; however, he has a concern with the appraised value of over $1,000,000. He feels that there is TP&Z action necessary to subdivide.

   Councilor Pacino asked if the property includes the cemetery. Town Manager Churchill stated that it is not included. Councilor Pacino asked if we need TP&Z action before the approval of the sale. Town Manager Churchill stated that we would need an §8-24 approval.

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Council waives the competitive bidding requirements for 122 East Street including 9.7 acres of land and authorizes the Town Manager to enter into negotiations for its sale and submit a contract to the Town Council for approval prior to submission to a Town Meeting pursuant to Section 9-3 of the Windsor Town Charter for approval.

   Motion Passed 8-0-0
    

2. Approve proposed changes to Personnel Rules

Ms. Amelia Bliss, Director of Human Resources, summarized the changes the Special Project Committee requested. The first change is in regards to establishing the annual evaluation date for employees whose probationary period is extended beyond the customary six-month period. The second change recommended eliminates proposed clarifying language relative to health insurance for employees and their spouse who retire with a disability retirement. The proposed changes to the Personnel Rules were reviewed by the Healthy Organization Strategy Team comprised of employees from several town departments. Many of the proposed changes are for clarification of existing practices and have no financial impact.

Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Mulligan that the attached amendments to the Town of Windsor Personnel Rules described and attached herein, and recommended by the Special Projects Committee be approved.

Motion Passed 7-0-0 (Mayor Trinks absent during vote)


 

12. New Business

1. Report from Gridiron Club

Town Manager Churchill reported that proceeds from fundraising efforts total $1,000 for 60 bricks sold with 50 sales. Final installation costs are not known at this time. Continued sales of bricks will be made throughout the fall at football games. They are discussing the location of a memorial.

2. Introduce bond ordinance for Library & Renovation Expansion

   Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director, and Mr. Ken Guyette of the architectural firm of Best Joslin reviewed the library renovation/expansion project. The expansion includes adding a two story 3,300 sq. ft. addition on the west side of the building; constructing a 900 sq. ft. roof over the central courtyard which would increase the bottom floor by 2,960 sq. ft. by reclaiming currently unusable space; constructing a meeting room on the east side of the building adding 2,600 sq. ft.; and excavating under the current adult area to add 2,550 sq. ft. The plan would also address the renovation needs of major systems such as HVAC, upgraded electrical service, fire alarm, repairs to the elevator and the addition of a sprinkler system.

   Mayor Trinks said that it is time to address the library needs. He does have some obvious fiscal concerns because of the state budget.

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $6,050,000 for WINDSOR LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $6,050,000 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 8-0-0

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Pacino that the following ordinance be introduced; "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $6,050,000 WINDSOR LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $6,050,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION".

   Motion Passed 8-0-0
    

3. Set Public Hearing for bond ordinance for Library & Renovation Expansion for September 2, 2003 at 7:15 p.m.

   Councilor Pacino requested that the meeting be advertised at the library and e-mail directed to residents.

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Walker that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) on the following ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $6,050,000 WINDSOR LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $6,050,000 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 8-0-0
    

4. Approve proposed changes to Price Guide – Flu Shots

   Dr. Charles Petrillo, Director of Health & Social Services, spoke to the Council regarding the price increase for flu shots. Due to the continued increase in the cost of flu vaccine and syringes, the department is requesting an increase in the fees charged for flu shots from $12.00 to $15.00 per shot.

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to amend the Official Town Price Guide for Health, whereas the Town has an Official Price Guide for Health; and whereas it is necessary to revise the Official Price Guide to modify various fee schedules; therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Windsor that the following fee schedule for Health is effective September 1, 2003:

   Current Proposed

   Health Authority Date Price Price

   Flu Shots Resolution 9/01/03 $12.00 $15.00

   Motion Passed 8-0-0
    

5. Introduce amendments to Handicapped Violation ordinance

   Mr. Lee Hoffman, Vice Chairman of the Aging & Handicapped Commission, explained the amendment. The Town of Windsor’s Commission on Aging and Handicapped recommends that the Town Council amend section 16-36(g) of the Town of Windsor’s Code of Ordinances to provide for a $95.00 penalty for any vehicle found parked in violation of the town’s handicapped parking ordinances. The current penalty is $35.00.

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "CHAPTER 16, ARTICLE III, PARKING, SECTION 1, SUBSECTION 16-35 (PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS)" of the Windsor 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 8-0-0

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the following ordinance be introduced; "CHAPTER 16, ARTICLE III, PARKING, SECTION 1, SUBSECTION 16-35 (PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS)" of the Windsor Code.

   Motion Passed 8-0-0
    

6. Set Public Hearing to Handicapped Violation ordinance for September 2, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. (prevailing time) on the following ordinance entitled "CHAPTER 16, ARTICLE III, PARKING, SECTION 1, SUBSECTION 16-35 (PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS)" of the Windsor Code" and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

   Motion Passed 8-0-0
    

7. Appropriate funds to Open Space Fund

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Windsor Town Council appropriate $12,945 from the Capital Project Fund Undesignated, Unreserved Fund Balance to the Open Space Fund, Fund 03, Project #1703.

In January 2003, the Town Council authorized the creation of an Open Space Fund for the purpose of receiving private gifts and donations for the acquisition and preservation of open space in the Town of Windsor.

Councilor Jepsen suggested the Town Council consider appropriating $12,945 from the Capital Outlay Fund to the Open Space Fund. The suggested amount is the difference between closed out capital accounts ($541,945) and the amount appropriated to a variety of new capital accounts this past spring ($529,000).

Motion Passed 8-0-0

 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint Charles Patsky to the Windsor Housing Authority for a five-year term to expire July 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the June 16, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the July 7, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

 

15. Public Communications and Petitions

    Mr. William Warner-Prouty, 50 Ford Road, thanked the Council for moving the library project along. It’s a serious commitment on the part of the community.

    Ms. Coralee Jones, 1171 Matianuck Avenue, thanked the Council for considering the renovations and expansions of the library. She said the library is not a pleasant place for people to go and learn because it needs too many repairs. If it is renovated and expanded she feels that more people would use the library. She is hopeful that the public will support this project.
    
    
     

16. Executive Session
    None.
    
    
     
17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Walker to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:50 p.m.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch