You may have recently seen an article in the
Hartford Courant concerning streetlight billing.
Beginning in 2002, the town has ordered audits of the
CL&P owned streetlights in order to determine if the
billing records and number of streetlights were
correct. A review of the audits found that a small
number of streetlights were not being billed, as well
as a few that should not have been billed. This
finding resulted in no change in the actual amount
being billed to the town by CL&P.
The State Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC)
was contacted recently to determine its progress on
the continuing investigation of CL&P streetlight rates
and asset values. We were told by the DPUC that a key
but complex report from CL&P is to be expected in
about 2 weeks. This report had been promised
beforehand and should have been completed before this
time. The DPUC anticipates that hearings on this
matter will begin in March 2005. The DPUC's decisions
on future streetlight rates and the value of CL&P's
streetlight assets are important to the town in its
consideration as to whether or not it should purchase
the CL&P streetlights.
Landfill Odors
Late last week and again on Sunday night (10/2/04)
into this morning the odors at the landfill were
extremely bad. The cause of the intense methane odors
was due to two separate breaks (faulty fitting) in the
collection system. The break in the system negatively
impacted the system's vacuum, which in turn
significantly reduced the amount of area from which to
draw or collect the methane.
Having a break in the collection system is not
uncommon. Changes in air temperature along with
landfill settling creates the potential that either a
flange, fitting or section of pipe may come apart.
Crews have fixed the faulty fitting and restarted the
system.
Town staff members Brian Funk, Director of Public
Works, and Mark Goossens, Solid Waste Manager, along
with Mr. Greg McCarron of SCS will provide a report on
the system, actions we are currently taking and the
town’s next steps. SCS is the firm that designed,
installed and services the collection system.
Constructing a complete collection system at this
time is not feasible since we are still an operating
landfill, therefore the challenge exists to capture or
collect the gas that is being produced. Gas that
escapes the current system's collection area will find
the path of least resistance and escape. We believe
that is what caused a number of earlier odor
complaints over the course of the past few weeks. To
address that issue, the landfill crew completed the
installation of a horizontal collector (approximately
200 feet long) within the wedge area containing bulky
waste. Initial performance of this collector has
produced a good amount of methane. Another horizontal
collector is being installed this week in an area
where methane is escaping the surface.
Staff is continuing to monitor the landfill seven
days a week to make sure the flame is burning the
collected gas and in an attempt to identify other
areas that are producing methane or where methane is
escaping. As those areas are discovered, we will
install additional horizontal collectors to capture
the gas.
The final closure plans anticipate the installation
of a methane collection system for a large part if not
the entire landfill. Such a system requires Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) review and approval
prior to construction. At the request/recommendation
of staff I have authorized the initiation of a Gas
Collection Master Plan. This plan will set the stage
for DEP review and permitting. We are expediting the
original timeframe so that discussions with DEP may be
initiated early this winter. Once DEP permits are
approved (could be upwards to 6+ months), we would be
in a position to begin building the final collection
system in phases.
Mr. Brian Funk, Mr. Mark Goossens, and Mr. Greg
McCarron, SCS Engineers reviewed the gas management
system at the town landfill.
Councilor Mulligan commented that residents who
live in the area are living with a smell that is so
bad you can’t breathe it. He asked what caused the
break. Mr. Goossens said that a temporary fitting was
patched with a slip joint and the temperature changes
may have caused the pipe to contract. Mr. McCarron
added that most of the plastic pipe, which does expand
and contract, is buried below grade, so temperature
changes are not great or occur over a long time. This
particular fitting was above or at grade. A more
permanent installation will be made. Councilor
Mulligan added that this is not an acceptable
situation. Acting Town Manager Souza added that the
system is running now and they will continue to
exhaust all efforts to solve this situation.
Councilor Broxterman asked if the breakage is due
to temperature change. Mr. Funk said that they believe
that is the case. Councilor Broxterman asked Mr.
McCarron if his firm has had this problem with other
landfills and what the practice is for fittings that
will not be buried below grade. Mr. McCarron said that
it does occasionally happen. Individual collection
points come above grade at the well head. As part of
that well head construction, there is flexible hose,
which allows for expansion and contraction. All the
gas is collected in a manifold pipe which comes above
grade into a blower then burned off a the flare. This
system has been designed for expansion and
contraction. The problem this last week was a
relatively new collector, which was installed hastily
and on grade to correct an odor problem expediently.
The collector will be installed properly and
insulated.
Councilor Walker asked if the gas collection system
is similar or identical to any gas collection system
in use in Hartford. Mr. McCarron said that it is
similar to the collection system at the Hartford
Landfill. Councilor Walker asked how effective the
plan of diminishing the odors will be. Mr. McCarron
said that they do a lot of work in landfill gas
throughout the country. Each landfill is unique. We
are confident that odors can be controlled at this
landfill and a plan will be implemented soon so that
odor control will be sufficient. However, it is an
operating landfill that is settling and there may be
occasions where there will be odor occurrences.
Councilor Jepsen commented that the temperature
changes have not been very extreme. Mr. Goossens
replied that the pipe is black and collects heat
during the day. Mr. Goossens explained that the
descriptions he received last week were of a sewage
smell, whereas this week it is a smell of hydrogen
sulfide.
Councilor Jepsen said that perhaps we should look
at shutting the landfill down during repairs.
Mayor Trinks asked if we are confident that there
is no health risk. Dr. Charles Petrillo, Director of
Health, responded that they have been examining this
closely in their department in the last couple of
days. A long-term health effect is not being created.
In the short term, headaches and nausea can be
symptoms. Mayor Trinks asked if we are confident that
the highest percentage is airborne. Dr. Petrillo
confirmed this. Mayor Trinks said that the Hartford
landfill blamed their odor on turning their compost.
He asked if we are composting and could the odors be
coming from there. Mr. Goossens said that we are
composting, but the odor is not coming from there.
Mayor Trinks commented that the methane collection
system was put up quickly to resolve the odor problem
and asked if we are going to keep these units in place
as we go to closure and capping. Mr. McCarron said
that most of the system will be part of the permanent
system. Some of the below ground piping may get
damaged or crushed. Mayor Trinks asked Mr. McCarron if
in his experience he has seen landfills in such close
proximity to homes. Mr. McCarron responded that it is
not unusual. He works within the northeast and it’s
pretty densely populated. Even when landfills are
built away from people, development brings them
closer. Mayor Trinks said that if it is a question of
more equipment or personnel, that is what the landfill
enterprise is for.
Councilor Broxterman asked if we would be doing
anything differently if we were harvesting the gases
and when would it become profitable to collect and
sell it. Mr. McCarron said that the town would not be
doing anything differently. In terms of recovery, he
would highly suggest doing something now. There are
lots of incentives for energy from landfill gas, which
is considered green energy. Councilor Broxterman asked
that as we cap these active cells, do they become less
active or will they continue to release gas. Mr.
McCarron stated it depends on the tonnage history.
Landfill gas will increase for a year after closure
and thereafter decline fairly rapidly.
Councilor Mulligan commented that we previously
were told that propane was needed because the gas was
not sufficient to run the operation. How do we now
have enough to harvest. Mr. McCarron responded that a
large amount of air is extracted into the gas
collection system. As you collect that gas, you dilute
the methane value with air intrusion. The primary goal
of the gas collection system is to collect the odor,
not the quality of the methane. Mr. Goossens added
that we are not using propane any longer.
Acting Town Manager Souza commented that we have
received four proposals from private firms to harvest
the methane gas to energy.
Councilor Mulligan said a resident inquired about
the East Street property and the cemeteries. Acting
Town Manager Souza met with the First School Society
and Veteran’s group and they hope to come to a
conclusion shortly.
Councilor Dean requested an update on ValueNet for
the next meeting.
Deputy Mayor Curtis asked for an update on the RFPs
that have gone out. Acting Town Manager Souza said
that the RFPs have gone out and are due back by
October 6th. They expect at least two
responses for each category.
Communication from Council Members
Councilor Broxterman – None.
Councilor Dean – None.
Councilor Ellingwood – commented that on Northfield
Drive there is trash dumped on the side of the road.
He recommended the area be cleaned up.
Councilor Jepsen – congratulated all the Bridge
Builder Award winners. They are people or
organizations who have donated much of their time
bridging different relationships in town.
Councilor Simon – None.
Councilor Mulligan – None.
Deputy Mayor Curtis – thanked First Town Downtown
for the Arts and Eats event held this past Saturday.
This was an opportunity to highlight the local talent
that we have on the town green. A number of students
also showcased their work on the Green. He hopes the
event can be expanded.
Mayor Trinks – said the annual Paul Coty Columbus
Day Soccer Tournament will be held at a number of
sites throughout town. The Chili Challenge and Windsor
Lions Club Arts & Crafts Show will be held on
Saturday, October 9th on the town green.
Mayor Trinks noted Mr. Fromer’s comments regarding
establishing a citizen committee to come up with a way
to reduce the waste load. He feels that it is a good
idea. He congratulated ADVO for recovering their 132
missing child. Mayor Trinks encouraged all residents
to attend the open houses at the Fire Stations.
Councilor Walker – reminded the public of the
Windsor Chamber of Commerce’s Business Breakfast on
Wednesday October 6th at Archer Memorial
AME Zion Church. It is free to the public. At the last
Council Communications he requested the Acting Town
Manager contact the Housing Authority about the mix of
ages at the Housing Authority properties. This is a
problem everywhere. He contacted Representative Peggy
Sayers and she will give an overview of this problem.
Representative Sayers stated this has been a
problem this year in the legislature. The federal
government as well as a few states has established
public housing for low-income elderly. The waiting
list became shorter because of the programs to keep
elderly in their own homes. As the number of younger
disabled residents living with elderly has increased,
so have the problems. There are allegations of
disruptive behavior by the younger disabled residents.
It is a big concern to her because the younger
occupancy is going to decrease the availability of
housing in coming years because they will reside there
much longer. In Windsor, there are three housing
properties; 69 are elderly residents, and 43 are
non-elderly disabled persons. Baby boomers are
entering the elderly population in the coming years.
The legislature had a program review of this issue.
Some of the problem is that although we have lots of
information from the public hearing, much of the
information is antidotal--there is not much factual
information. Federal law does allow us to appoint
projects or portions of projects for elderly only.
Most of the complaints people testified to were
particular to one or two residents, which usually
involved substance abuse. State law restricts
residents with substance abuse from elderly housing
units. One of the problems is who is making the
assessment of the non-elderly disabled persons and can
they live independently, can they pay rent, etc. We
need to get adequate data.
- Reports of Standing Committees
- Finance Committee - None.
- Town Improvements Committee – the next meeting
will be on October 13th.
- Health and Safety – None.
- Special Projects – None.
- Joint Board of Education and Town Council
Committee – None.
- Personnel Committee – None.
- Ordinances
None.
- Unfinished Business
None.
- New Business
- Presentation on Redevelopment Activities
Mr. James Burke, Economic Development Director,
reviewed the status on two of the town’s priority
redevelopment properties – the former industrial
building in Windsor Center at 33 Mechanic Street and
the town-owned parcel in the Wilson neighborhood.
Councilor Broxterman asked about the tax revenue
from the 33 Mechanic Street. Mr. Burke said that
annual taxes would be about $162,000.
Councilor Jepsen inquired about 33 Mechanic
Street and the status of the loans/grants invested
in the Radio Museum. Mr. Burke said that at the
point of sale, the loan amount would be due. They
have found another site in Windsor to move to. He
believes that they will ask the town if they can
waive the payment of that to put into their new
building, but that request has not been officially
made.
Councilor Dean inquired about the assistance they
will be looking for in tax relief. Mr. Burke said
that their first effort will be through the State
for $700,000.
- Discussion and action regarding proposals for FY
05 budget modifications
Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor
Walker that the Town Council approve the Acting Town
Manager’s recommended Fiscal Year 2005 cost
reduction measures totaling $374,250.
Acting Town Manager Peter Souza reviewed
potential cost savings measures, which could be
implemented during FY 2005. The identified savings
total of $374,000 would be achieved through four
primary areas: salary and vacancy savings
($298,000); reduction of travel, training and
services ($26,000); lower insurance premiums
($40,000); and freeze the Volunteer Support Program
($10,000).
Seven full-time and part-time positions will be
held vacant. Six other posts will be filled and
savings are anticipated due to hiring delays, lower
starting salaries or reduced hours.
Councilor Simon thought that the positions added
to the budget would be cut. He asked if the vacant
positions are mostly those that were restored. He
also asked about the Management Analyst position.
Acting Town Manager Souza confirmed this, they will
not be filled this fiscal year. The hiring of the
Management Analyst would be delayed.
Councilor Ellingwood asked if voting for this
limits the savings efforts to these reductions.
Councilor Simon said that normally we wouldn’t vote,
but the Council initiated this initiative. He
personally sees this as a beginning. We are going to
be looking to cost savings wherever we can.
Councilor Jepsen agrees with Councilor Simon. He
asked if we want to look at setting up a special
account for these funds. Councilor Broxterman said
that is what the Undesignated General Fund is set up
for.
Councilor Mulligan asked if we will remove these
dollars from the various accounts they are presently
in. Acting Town Manager Souza said that at year-end,
it will automatically roll over.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Proposed action on FY ’06 budget
Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor
Walker that the Town Council desires a Fiscal Year
2006 budget with no tax increase while maintaining
town services at current levels.
Acting Town Manager Souza and Councilor Simon
reviewed the preliminary outline of projected fixed
cost increases for general government. At this early
stage for the Grand List , we are projecting new
growth to generate approximately $650,000 in
additional revenue for FY 2006.
Mayor Trinks said that if we go much further than
zero, we are going to impact the services that we
deliver.
Deputy Mayor Curtis said that the desire to get
to zero and to maintain services is the point of the
motion. He asked if Councilor Jepsen intends to
sacrifice services. Councilor Jepsen said that even
to get to zero, services would have to be cut. We
have to have those choices.
Councilor Ellingwood said that zero is not zero.
We have raised taxes on an average of 15% so with
zero percent next year, it averages out to 7.5%. We
have to take a different attitude to this and he
supports Councilor Jepsen’s amendment.
Councilor Simon said that maintaining town
services is very important to him and many residents
in this town. He is looking for a one-year tax
freeze.
Councilor Ellingwood said that he is looking at
not having every service.
Councilor Broxterman thinks that supporting this
resolution suggests that we don’t attempt to do our
charge. He doesn’t see the property values
decreasing or the trend switching from residential
to commercial. He supports the fact that we will
look at this closer. The residents will vote in the
referendum and decide if the budget is too high or
not.
Councilor Mulligan agrees with Councilor
Broxterman. He is concerned the General Fund will be
used.
Councilor Walker supported this motion with the
full understanding that this Council needs to do
something to give taxpayers a break or relief. We
need to maintain some levels of service that are
acceptable to Windsor residents. Regarding the
General Fund, we keep saying we are going to the
bank. If we have to go into the General Fund to
offer relief, we ought to do it. It is not our
money, it belongs to every taxpayer in town.
Councilor Dean commented that if we do dip into
the General Fund, it is a temporary relief and it
has to be put back. How do we address it next year
and get the money back in. Also, how would it effect
our bond issue?
Councilor Simon thinks its important that the
people of Windsor see our intent, there is some
level of discipline with having stated publicly that
it is our goal. Regarding the General Fund, the $6.5
million of taxpayer’s money is sitting in that fund.
We don’t have to replenish the money, he has never
been a strong proponent to keeping 8% of the budget
in there. The bond consultant indicated that it
would not impact our bond rating.
Mayor Trinks said that this discussion tonight is
what we should have been having last April. Other
towns going through reval went into their General
Fund for the same reasons.
Deputy Mayor Curtis thinks that this is an
important step in letting the public know that we
are serious about this concern.
Mayor Trinks made a friendly amendment to replace
"zero percent" with "no".
Councilor Simon accepted the friendly amendment.
Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor
Walker that the Town Council desires a Fiscal Year
2006 budget with no tax increase while maintaining
town services at current levels.
Motion Passed 7-2-0 (Councilor Ellingwood and
Broxterman opposed)
Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor
Ellingwood to move Items 12 D. and E. to appear on
the agenda after Item 16 D.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Approve settlement of Iron Mountain versus the
Town of Windsor
- Approve settlement of Innkeepers Financial
Partnership (Residence Inn) versus the Town of
Windsor
- Resignations and Appointments
None.
- Minutes of Preceding Meetings
- Minutes of the September 20, 2004 Regular Town
Council Meeting
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen to accept the minutes of the September 20, 2004
Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 7 – Item
12 B. 5th paragraph Councilor Simon’s
comments should be part of Councilor Broxterman’s
comments.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
- Public Communications and Petitions
Mr. Richard Rutkowski, 295 Kings Landing, said that
based on the Council’s discussion of the proposed twice
a year property tax payment system, he believes that it
will not be adopted in the near future. As an
alternative, he will share an incentive system relative
to paying property taxes in town. He reviewed such a
program. It will encourage residents to pay their
property taxes earlier to get the discount. It will get
the money into the town coffer’s sooner. Something must
be done in Windsor to soften the blow of the high tax
increases each year.
Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor
Simon to extend the meeting by three minutes.
Motion Passed 9-0-0
Ms. Shirley Hallet, 1798 Poquonock Avenue, said that
she hasn’t heard the Council address the concerns of the
seniors and their tax relief. She quoted "We are old, we
are bold, but we are not going to go away, we are going
to keep on trying".
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor
Dean to enter into Executive Session at 11:02 p.m. for
the purpose of:
- Discussion of the appointment, employment,
performance, evaluation health or dismissal of a
public officer or employee
- Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending
claims and litigation (Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill)
- Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending
claims and litigation (Iron Mountain vs. Town of
Windsor)
- Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending
claims and litigation (Innkeepers Financial
Partnership (Residence Inn) vs. Town of Windsor)
Councilor Jepsen will not vote for this motion, he
feels that the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill should not be
discussed in Executive Session.
Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Jepsen opposed)
- Executive Session
Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor
Broxterman, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Dean,
Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon
and Councilor Walker
Staff: Acting Town Manager Peter Souza, Town Assessor
Steve Kosofsky
Guests: Town Attorney Vincent Oswecki, Outside
Counsel Ernest Mattei
Mr. Kosofsky left Executive Session at 11:15 p.m.
Mr. Ernie Mattei and Mr. Vincent Oswecki entered
Executive Session at 11:15 p.m.
Moved by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor
Simon to exit Executive Session and reenter the Regular
Town Council meeting at 12:42 p.m.
Motion Passed 6-0-0 (Mayor Trinks, Councilors Dean
and Mulligan out of the room)
Move to extend the Regular Meeting to no later than
3:00 A.M.
Motion Passed 6-0-0 (Mayor Trinks, Councilors Dean
and Mulligan out of the room)
- F. Approve settlement of Iron Mountain versus the
Town of Windsor
Move to authorize settlement of the case of Iron
Mountain versus the Town of Windsor as discussed in
Executive Session.
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen to authorize the settlement of the case of Iron
Mountain versus the Town of Windsor as discussed in
Executive Session.
Motion Passed 6-0-0 (Mayor Trinks, Councilors Dean
and Mulligan out of the room)
- G. Approve settlement of Innkeepers Financial
Partnership (Residence Inn) versus
the Town of Windsor
Move to authorize settlement of the case of
Innkeepers Financial Partnership (Residence Inn) versus
the Town of Windsor as discussed in Executive Session.
Moved by Councilor Broxteman, seconded by Councilor
Jepsen to authorize the settlement of the case of
Innkeepers Financial Partnership (Residence Inn) versus
the Town of Windsor as discussed in Executive Session.
Motion Passed 6-0-0 (Mayor Trinks, Councilors Dean
and Mulligan out of the room)
- Adjournment
Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor
Walker to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at
12:44 p.m.
Motion Passed 6-0-0 (Mayor Trinks, Councilors Dean
and Mulligan out of the room)
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin Countryman
Clerk of the Windsor Town Council
Cc: Town Clerk
Main Library
Wilson Branch