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 Albano
   
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Albano
   
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Recognition of Firefighter Lt. Grimaldi
2. Recognition of Firefighter Bennet
3. Recognition of Police Officer Micheal Tustin

Fire Chief Lewis reported that there was a house fire on Carriage Way on April 13, 2003. Upon arriving at the scene, the three honorees were told that the homeowner’s son was still in the burning two-story home. They demonstrated their courage, bravery and exceptional fire fighting skills in saving the man’s life. Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis and Councilor Pacino read the proclamations and presented the honorees with plaques.

 

5. Public Communications and Petitions
   None.
   
   
    
6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Insurance Commission

   Mr. Edward Samolyk, Chairperson of the Insurance Commission, reported to the Council. He expressed the Commission’s gratitude for the tireless efforts of the Risk Manager, Marty Maynard. Both he and Chris Wardrop of the Webster Insurance Agency worked relentlessly with many insurance brokers regarding the July 1^st renewals. The carriers chose to let the expiring premiums stay as they were. This meant a "flat" increase or no change.
    

2. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, BOE President, reported to the Council. Enrollment this year is at 4,446, last year it was 4,452. There are still registrations coming in and they expect it to increase. This year the opening day was one of the easiest in recent history. The only incident reported was that there was a large black bear near Kennedy School. Sage Park was reported on the "No Child Left Behind" list published in the newspaper. They did not meet the numbers for the special needs students. As a whole school, Sage Park did meet the standards for African American, White and Disadvantaged.

Councilor Simon asked if all students take the same test. Ms. Garibay responded that yes, all students, special needs students included, take the same test. Ms. Freeman, Special Education Teacher, elaborated that 80% of each subgroup must take the age appropriate test of the grade they are in.

Councilor Jepsen asked if there is another group that may be in danger of not meeting the standards in the next year or so. Ms. Garibay said that she doesn’t believe so.

Councilor Pacino noted the contract negotiations for teachers and inquired about the Board’s stance on the contract negotiations. He is hoping that the unions will agree on a raise comparable to the public sector rather than send it to arbitration. Ms. Garibay said that they cannot discuss it at this time but the Board takes their roles responsibly and is aware of the budget climate.

 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   NAA Tax Credit Program

   We received written notification that the programs/organizations endorsed by the Town of Windsor for participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program were approved by the Department of Revenue Services. As you may remember, those organizations and tax credit amounts are:

   Celebrate Windsor $150,000

   Community Enterprises $ 85,820

   Connecticut Radio Information $ 50,000

   System

   First Town Downtown $ 25,000

   Foodshare $ 50,000

   Windsor Chamber of Commerce $ 25,000
   (Revolutionary Windsor)

   I will be notifying the organizations over the next few days and issuing a press release so as to let potential donors aware of the matter. As you may recall, the program once provided either 40% or 60% tax credits to participating businesses. The 40% tax credit was eliminated and all approved donations are eligible for a 60% tax credit against their state tax liability.

   September is Freedom Trail Month

   Enjoy great gospel singing at the Archer Memorial Freedom Gospel Festival Saturday, September 6, 2003 beginning at 5:30 PM at the SummerWind Performing Arts Center. This year’s event will feature Grammy award winning artist CeCe Winans as well as gospel choirs from Windsor, New Britain and New Haven. Each year the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, sponsors this event to provide the Windsor community with a celebration and tribute through song and worship in honor of Connecticut’s Freedom Trail month. Tickets are available by calling tickets.com at 800-477-6849.

   On Saturday, September 20, 2003, all are invited to participate and support the Freedom Trail Run beginning at 5:30 AM at the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. The Freedom Trail Run is a significant event, which provides individuals and families an opportunity to pay tribute to those brave souls who fled from the South in search of freedom by way of the Underground Railroad.

   While taking part in this event, participants will have time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by the ancestors of the African American people who live today.

   The run is 7.4 miles beginning at the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church at 5:30 AM and ending at the entrance to Keney Park. Participants will stop at two Windsor Freedom Trail sites including the Joseph Rainey House and the Nancy Toney gravesite. Participants are welcome to run the full 7.4 miles or any portion. For information, please call Alfred Narcisse at 688-2479.

   Northwest Park Country Fair

   The annual Northwest Park Country Fair will be held Saturday, September 20, 2003 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the park. This event is a day of family fun with arts and crafts, music entertainment, games and a box lunch auction. Don’t miss this wonderful day in our beautiful park. Rain date is Sunday, September 21. Call 285-1886 for information.

   The American Revolution will Repeat Itself in Downtown Windsor

   Come and have hours of entertainment in honor of the Revolutionary War!!

   Windsor will be re-enacting the American Revolution on the weekend of September 12 – Sunday, September 14, 2003.

   Revolutionary Windsor is an event, which honors and recognizes the very foundation of our country that cannot be destroyed. The weekend’s event confirms the values on which this country was founded - the freedom, patriotism and an undying love of country we treasure as Americans.
   
   Revolutionary Windsor is a weekend of Revolutionary War encampments and encounters in Windsor, Connecticut's first town! Spanning three days and three historic sites, this weekend of fun for the whole family will include a colonial dance, battle re-enactments between the "invading" British and the "defending" patriots, The Governors Foot Guard, military demonstrations, an army hospital and military camp demonstrations, colonial crafts and more.

   Don't miss it!

   Final Outcome of State Budget Update

   State legislation enacted on Saturday, August 16 to implement the state budget agreement reached last month ensures that over 100 Connecticut municipalities will receive less state aid in FY 2003-04 than last fiscal year. It appears Windsor is not one of those communities. The Town of Windsor appreciates the efforts of state legislators who fought hard and successfully within their caucuses against even greater cutbacks in state aid.

   The budget agreement enacts a $9 million cut (-0.4%) overall in state aid compared to what towns and cities received last fiscal year. Education grants increase by $22.1 million (1.2%), but non-education grants are cut by $31.2 million (-7.1%).

   As for Windsor, overall State funding is $410,184 more than budgeted, and $440,426 more than the State’s adjusted (after the Governor’s recissions and midyear adjustment by the General Assembly) funding. The town used the Governor’s proposed budget as the basis for its State Aid estimate. All categories saw an increase except for Transportation. State reimbursement for the exemption of Machinery and Equipment has the highest increase, but this amount is highly volatile and is dependent upon the applications throughout the State. ECS funding is up $334,346 when compared to the adjusted Budget of FY 2003. This amount accounts for all but a little over $100,000 of the State Aid increase.

   2003 Windsor Bridge-Builders Announced

   Four community volunteers have been chosen to receive the 2003 Windsor Bridge-Builders Awards. Archer Memorial AME Zion Church of Windsor, Laura Soll-Broxterman and Paul Broxterman, and Leonard Swade will be honored by Citizens for a United Windsor (CUW) at a public ceremony on Thursday, September 25, at the main branch of the Windsor Public Library on 323 Broad Street. Hor’s D’oeuvres will be served at 6 PM and the awards ceremony will take place from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. All town residents and businesses are invited to attend this special celebration.

   This award honors individuals, organization and businesses that make an outstanding contribution to human relations in Windsor. CUW works to foster greater trust, understanding, and solidarity across the full spectrum of Windsor’s racial, ethnic, and religious diversity.

   To reserve a seat for this event, please call Marcey Munoz at (860) 688-0698 or Len Swade at (860) 688-4351. A voluntary $10 donation would be welcome.
   
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Albano – None.

   Councilor Broxterman – expressed his gratitude to the fire fighters and police officer that remind us of the outstanding service they provide us. He also asked residents to drive carefully with school in session.

   Councilor Jepsen – thanked the two fire fighters and police officer also. He hopes that we do not forget about the landfill issue and hopes that we progress on it.

   Councilor Mulligan – None.

   Councilor Pacino – congratulated the three officers that were honored for their bravery tonight. He reminded everyone that school is open and asked them to be careful driving. He believes that the Council can give the Board some guidance as to what we can afford for the next contract.

   Councilor Simon – None.

   Councilor Walker – congratulated the fire fighters and police officer who went above and beyond their call of duty. He responded to the residents of Windbrook Drive that he is assured by the Town Manager that they will review ordinances regarding unkempt lawns, yards and houses of disrepair.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis – also expressed his thanks to the fire fighters and police officer.

   Mayor Trinks – also thanked the fire fighters and police officer that went into the burning building to save a man. He distributed copies of the Superintendent’s Opening Remarks for the Teachers to the Council. He added that the BOE could give a report on "No Child Left Behind" initiative to the Council.
   
   
    

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – None.
    
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
    
3. Health and Safety – None.
    
4. Special Projects – None.
    
5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – met to discuss a mid-year review of the town’s fiscal situation as it relates to next year’s budget cycle.
    

10. Ordinances

1. Amendments to the Windsor Code, Chapter 16, Article III, Parking for Handicapped Persons

   Resolved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of "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 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

   The Commission on Aging and Handicapped recommends the Town Council amend section 16-35(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 following ordinance, which was introduced on the August 4, 2003 Town Council agenda, be adopted; "CHAPTER 16, ARTICLE III, PARKING, SECTION 1, SUBSECTION 16-35 (PARKING FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS)" of the Windsor Code.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

2. Bond Ordinance for Windsor Library Renovation and Expansion Project

Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Walker that the reading into the minutes of the text of "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" 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

Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director, and Mr. Ken Best of the architectural firm of Best Joslin reviewed the library renovation/expansion project and went through their presentation. 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.

Ms. Kahkonen said that the Windsor Library Association owns the Wilson Library and any renovation/expansion would have to be directed through the association.

A bond ordinance needs to be acted on by the Town Council on September 2 in order for the library project to go forward to have a referendum scheduled for the November 4, 2003 municipal election.

The estimated cost for completing the contemplated work is $6,050,000, including bond issuance costs. This figure includes a 17% contingency.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Walker that the following ordinance, which was introduced on the August 4, 2003 Town Council agenda, be adopted; "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 8-1-0 Councilor Simon opposing.

Councilor Jepsen is in favor of the renovation and expansion.

Councilor Simon expressed with regret that he will oppose this ordinance. Last year he did support this, however, with the uncertain economy and state budget issues, he is unable to support this ordinance.

Councilor Albano said that the expansion of the library is long overdue.

Deputy Mayor Curtis strongly supports moving this forward.

Councilor Walker respects and understands the comments of Councilor Simon, however, the library is one of our fixed assets and he fully supports this ordinance.

Mayor Trinks is also in favor of the ordinance. The library is a valuable resource.

 

11. Unfinished Business
    None.
    
    
     
12. New Business

1. Adopt a Resolution to submit Windsor Library Renovation and Expansion Project Bond Ordinance to a referendum and select a date for said referendum

Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Pacino, that the ordinance entitled "WINDSOR LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $6,050,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION" shall be submitted to the voters of the Town on Tuesday, November 4, 2003, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (prevailing time) in conjunction with the election to be held on that date, in the manner provided by the Town Charter and the Connecticut General Statutes, Revision of 1958, as amended, and the procedures set out in subsection (b)(2) of Section 9-369d of the Connecticut General Statutes, Revision of 1958, as amended, which procedures are hereby chosen and approved in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of Section 1 of said statute. Electors shall vote on the question at their respective polling places. Voters who are not electors shall vote on the question at the Windsor Town Hall. Absentee ballots will be available from the Town Clerk’s office.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that said ordinance shall be placed upon the voting machines or paper ballots under the following heading:

"SHALL THE TOWN OF WINDSOR APPROPRIATE $6,050,000 FOR THE WINDSOR LIBRARY RENOVTION AND EXPANSION PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $6,050,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION."

Voters approving said ordinance will vote "Yes" and those opposing said ordinance will vote "No". Absentee ballots will be available from the Town Clerk’s office.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said referendum, to be incorporated into the notice of the aforesaid election.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in their discretion, the Town Clerk is authorized to prepare a concise explanatory text regarding the resolution and the Town Manager is authorized to prepare additional explanatory materials regarding the ordinance, such text and explanatory material to be subject to the approval of the Town Attorney and to be prepared and distributed in accordance with Section 9-369b of the General Statutes of Connecticut, revision of 1958, as amended.

Motion Passed 8-1-0 Councilor Simon opposing.

Names of Councilors voting "Yes" – Mayor Donald Trinks, Deputy Mayor Tim Curtis, Councilor Paul Broxterman, Councilor Donald Jepsen, Jr., Councilor Wayne Mulligan, Councilor James Pacino, and Councilor Lenworth Walker, Sr.

Names of Councilors voting "No" – Councilor Alan Simon

2. Refer Windsor Library Renovation and Expansion Project to Town Planning and Zoning Commission for CGS §8-24 review

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Pacino that the Windsor Library Renovation and Expansion Project be referred to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for review per CGS §8-24.

Motion Passed 8-1-0 Councilor Simon opposing.

3. Approve amendments to Telecommunications Agreement with AT&T

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Windsor Town Council authorize the Town Manager to negotiate with AT&T to amend Section 4(c) of the Lease Agreement between AT&T and the Town of Windsor, executed February 2, 2001, for the 99 Day Hill Road tower site, to reflect the town will receive twenty five percent (25%) of the gross rent generated by co-locators. Furthermore, the Town Manager is authorized to execute the amended lease agreement for said site.

Motion Passed 7-2-0 with Councilors Albano and Jepsen opposing

Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, reported on the amendments. Each of the towers is designed to accommodate a number of other personal wireless communication providers, which are referred to as co-locators. The additional town equipment impacts the ability of AT&T to lease space to other private carriers at the Day Hill Road Tower. The Day Hill Road tower has the space for five co-locator positions. This number decreases to four co-locators due to placement of the microwave dishes.

As a result, potential rent revenues are reduced. The FY 2004 Budget projects that the town will receive $112,000 in revenues for the leases and co-location rents at the four tower sites, in addition to approximately $30,000 in real and personal property. The proposed amendments would reduce the estimated revenue amount by $6,500, based on an amended contract being effective November 2003. The loss in revenue will be offset by a reduction in telephone expenses due to the ability to eliminate the use of the liens once the radio system is operational. The offset is estimated to be less than $1,000 for FY 2004.

Councilor Mulligan asked about the Rainbow Road tower. Chief Searles said that at this point, the design does not include any build out in that area of town. They did some field-testing and they decided that they did not need any receivers at that end of town. Mr. Souza said that AT&T is well aware of our design needs.

Councilor Jepsen asked what the microwave issues on the Day Hill tower are. Chief Searles responded that on each of the towers, we will have two spots; the very top of the tower and the microwave length, which is further down.

4. Amend Administrative Pay Plan and Proposed Job Description of Risk Manager
    
5. Amend Administrative Pay Plan and Proposed Job Description of Assistant Building and Facility Manager
    
6. Amend Administrative Pay Plan and Proposed Job Description of Weigh Station Clerk

Mayor Trinks referred items 12.D., 12.E., and 12.F. to the Finance Committee.

 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Albano to reappoint Dorothy Wise to the Fair Rent Commission for a three-year term to expire March 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the August 4, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the August 4, 2003 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 1 - Carol Sama, 23 Krystal Lane; page 5 - Pequot.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

15. Public Communications and Petitions
    None.
    
    
     
16. Executive Session
    None.
    
    
     
17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:14 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch