Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. He commented that there would not be a vote on the landfill this evening.

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Dean, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
   
    
2. Prayer – Deputy Mayor Curtis
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Deputy Mayor Curtis
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards
   None.
   
    
5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. George Yeramian, 739 Prospect Hill Road, addressed the Council regarding the landfill issue. He asked about the comparison of cubic yards and tons. Since July, the average has been 8,000 tons per month. He asked that the Council publish a statement in the newspaper of the status of the deliberations on the landfill and that the landfill be preserved for Windsor or Windsor/Bloomfield use only.

   Mr. Joseph Spalluto, 456 Lantern Way, discussed the landfill. He felt that the last time the Council and the residents discussed the landfill in an open forum that it went well. He encourages the Council to take the same approach. He thinks there is some suspicion and fear and an open forum would address those fears.

   Mr. Patrick Terrion, 510 Hearthstone Drive, spoke to the Council about the landfill. He is concerned about environmental liability. He proposed the town check with various insurance companies about the environmental liabilities.

   Ms. Ellen Spalluto, 456 Lantern Way, commented on the landfill odor. The odor has been reduced significantly; however, there is still an overwhelmingly putrid odor at times, although sometimes short-lived.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Board of Education

   Ms. Jane Garibay, BOE, reported to the Council. The BOE has partnered with AME Zion Church with the help of Deputy Mayor Curtis. There will be a Black Inventor’s display at the high school on February 5^th and 6^th which will be open to the public from 3-7 p.m. Sage Park Middle School held their mid-year Enrichment Clusters and Inquiries, which were overwhelmingly popular. Adult Education signups have started. The high school is in the midst of mid-term exams. The Superintendent, Dr. Elizabeth Feser, will present her budget to the BOE this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Council Chambers. At the last meeting, the BOE voted to increase the academic standards for extracurricular activities.
    

2. Public Building Commission

Mr. Joseph Novak, Public Building Commission Chair, reported to the Council.

WHS – is primarily complete. The HVAC rooftop screening design is complete and they hope to have it installed during the winter. The interior doors are complete. Bob Gustafson of the Commission volunteered his time for the internal audit.

330 Windsor Avenue – New double doors have been installed and additional doors are on order.

Goslee Pool Project – Awnings will be installed this spring.

L.P. Wilson Roof – The final estimate has been submitted to the State.

Windsor Library Expansion Project – The staff is preparing a quote for architectural services only. Discussions continue regarding approaches to project management.

Poquonock School Office improvements – A notice for bid was in the paper last Friday.

Clover Street Project – A notice for bid was in the paper last Friday.

Public Works Sand and Salt Facility - will be completed in the spring.
 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Windsor’s Tax Burden Clarified

   Interpretation of Windsor’s tax practices is important as we head toward the FY 2005 budget process. As a follow-up to the January 5^th Town Council meeting, I would like to take a moment to provide a more in-depth interpretation of the Hartford Business Journal’s December 22, 2003 "Fact Book" edition. Data was used from the Connecticut Policy and Economic Council (CPEC) for the Hartford Business Journal’s 58-town readership for municipal budgeted revenues, grand lists, and tax rates for 2002. Windsor was compared to communities as disparate and different as Willington and Durham. Some information, like the FY 2004 mill rate, is misleading because communities have varied tax efforts and revaluation timetables.

   I suggest a more relevant perspective if we use the Capital Region Council of Governments’ (CRCOG) membership list of 29 towns and cities, and use more sophisticated measures of tax burdens and town spending. CRCOG’s membership is far ranging, but more pertinent than, let’s say Lebanon, Connecticut.

   For example, with regards to Windsor's debt burden, our debt of $42.4 million may seem high, but it gets a better perspective when indexed to our population and grand list. Windsor’s debt per capita in 2002 of $1,577 ranks 10th, $124 above the median and regional average. Windsor’s ratio of debt to equalized net grand list is 1.6%, the same as the State average, and also equals to the regional average. This debt burden can be put in additional perspective in that 50% of the town’s grand list is residential, far less than the regional average of 63.8%.

   This favorable grand list composition helps lighten the tax burden on all taxpayers. The adjusted tax levy per capita is $1,890, 11^th out of 29 towns. A high ranking depicts a high value or large grand list relative to the number of people who reside in the community. The equalized mill rate for Windsor is 19.26, 26^th highest out of the 58-town HBJ market, and 16^th out of the CRCOG-defined region. You will note that only Glastonbury, East Windsor, East Granby, Rocky Hill, and Windsor Locks have lower rates in the immediate area. And lastly, Windsor’s equalized net grand list per capita in 2002 ranks 11^th in the region at $98,105. A high ranking shows robust wealth and grand list diversification to everyone’s benefit.

   The town’s annual financial plan, or budget, routinely compares Windsor’s mill rate with other communities in the immediate area. Windsor routinely ranks 9^th or 10^th out of the 14-town comparison. This ranking is the basis for my periodic claims of Windsor as a moderate to low-tax community with a high quality of life. The latter is somewhat subjective, but I will put our education, recreational, cultural and leisure activities against any town in the area.

   Draft Conservation and Policies Plan for Connecticut 2004-2009 are available for Public Comment.

   The State Office of Policy and Management (OPM) has released its Draft Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut 2004-2009. This plan is commonly known as the "State Plan of Conservation and Development." The plan is a statement of the development, resource management and public investment policies for state government, and identifies trends and issues confronting the state in the years ahead. Full copies of the draft plan are available at the OPM web site at http://www.opm.state.ct.us/igp/cdplan/cdplan.htm. There are seven public hearings scheduled to receive comment on the draft plan. The public hearing for the capitol region is on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall (50 South Main Street – Room 400). The State’s Plan of Development is an important planning tool. It contains six growth management principles intending to better integrate planning functions across the State agency line, as well as provide a more prescriptive advisory tool for towns when they revise their own plans like the Town of Windsor is currently doing.

   Input is important because the Plan provides the framework for the planning decisions of state/regional agencies. Conformance to the Plan is mandatory for state agency discretionary capital investments and grants in excess of $100,000 for the acquisition, development, or improvement of real property, or for the acquisition of public transportation equipment or facilities.

   For more information or to submit your comments and suggestions, please contact Mr. Daniel Morely, Planning Specialist, Intergovernmental Planning Division, Office of Policy and Management at 450 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106-1308.
    

   Windsor Ranks 8^th in CPEC Web site Analysis

   The Connecticut Policy and Economic Council conducted a study this past summer reviewing the web sites of 154 CT towns and cities (15 of CT’s smallest towns do not have a presence on the web). CPEC inventoried how communities use their web sites so that government leaders and residents could see what other towns and cities are doing. Focusing on both information that helps citizens participate in local government and general government services, CPEC identified a list of online functions and gave a point score for each item on a local web site.

   Windsor tied with Stratford, CT for 8^th place in the list of Top 20 Government web sites. CPEC also provided an analysis detail that will help staff modify and improve the web site and its usefulness.
    

   On-Line Tax Information

   Preparing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful - especially for Windsor residents, now that the town has posted on-line tax information in an easy to use format. Property and motor vehicle tax information is at your fingertips at the Town of Windsor web site. Simply enter your name and street address to learn the amount of taxes paid this past year. A link to the on-line tax information is located on the town’s homepage at www.townofwindsorct.com.
    

   Cold Temperatures Bring Winter Fun

   I am pleased to announce that three Windsor outdoor ice skating locations are now available for use. Skating enthusiasts wishing to practice their triple toe loop can do so at Welch Park, Sharshon Park or on the Windsor Town Green. For updated outdoor ice skating conditions, call the Recreation 24-hour information line at 285-1988.

   Councilor Simon asked about the deadline of the agreement for WIN-TV. Town Manager Churchill reported that WGTV is still on the air. The agreement is under discussion and he is optimistic that these issues will be resolved in the next couple of weeks.
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Broxterman – None.

   Councilor Dean – None.

   Councilor Ellingwood – None.

   Councilor Jepsen – attended the Martin Luther King Day celebration at the high school.

   Councilor Mulligan – None.

   Councilor Simon – None.

   Councilor Walker – attended the function at the Cathedral in Bloomfield for Martin Luther King Day.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis – stated the real thanks goes to the members of the church and the school system for the Black Inventors Exhibit that will be held at the high school.

   Mayor Trinks – thanked the AME Church for the Martin Luther King Day service. He apologized to those in the audience who anticipated a vote on the landfill this evening.
   
    

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – None.
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
3. Health and Safety – None.
4. Special Projects – None.
5. Annual Review of the Town Manager – None.
6. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – town staff gave an update of the revaluation and budget processes. The Committee discussed the WGTV contract and all-day kindergarten.
    

10. Ordinances
    None.
    
     
11. Unfinished Business
    None.
    
     
12. New Business

1. Resolve that the Town of Windsor Public Building Commission is hereby designated as the School Building Committee with regard to the John F. Kennedy School Code Compliance Project

   Moved by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town of Windsor Public Building Commission is hereby designated as the School Building Committee with regard to the John F. Kennedy School Code Compliance Project

   Councilor Ellingwood is voting against the motion.

   Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Ellingwood opposed)

2. Resolve that the Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for John F. Kennedy School Code Compliance Project

   Moved by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for John F. Kennedy School Code Compliance Project.

   Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Ellingwood opposed)

3. Resolve that the Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Windsor Board of Education to file applications with the State of Connecticut for John F. Kennedy School Code Compliance Project

   Moved by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Windsor Town Council hereby authorizes the Windsor Board of Education to file applications with the State of Connecticut for John F. Kennedy School Code Compliance Project.

   Motion Passed 8-1-0 (Councilor Ellingwood opposed)

4. Presentation on Landfill

Town Manager Churchill made the presentation. With a few exceptions, this is the same presentation given to the Council during the December 22, 2003 workshop. The policy implications and the recommendations that Town Manager Churchill has made are existing and projected financial circumstances. He feels professionally compelled to make recommendations that do not negatively impact taxpayer burden.

Councilor Walker commented that we need to get out of the landfill business. There are some individuals in town that have filled out petitions. He asked if it is true that the Hartford landfill is running out of room. Town Manager Churchill responded that the Hartford landfill is reaching its capacity soon (projected to be 2-2 ½ years). That is one of the reasons that CRRA is interested in the Windsor-Bloomfield landfill on a temporary basis.

Councilor Walker repeated that we have to get out of the landfill business as soon as possible. We also need to make sure that the issues from the residents are addressed. Town Manager Churchill said that we have Windsor residents on the southern end of town who deal with the visual and other impacts of the Hartford landfill. The decision to not expand the Windsor-Bloomfield landfill has already been made. That is one of the problems with the Hartford landfill, they kept expanding it.

Councilor Mulligan questioned the problem with odors this past weekend and what the cause may have been. Town Manager Churchill responded that there is a continual fine-tuning of the system. It mostly has to do with severe weather changes. The problem seems to be right before it rains, when the barometric pressure drops. They want to make sure the system is calibrated to handle those situations. Councilor Mulligan also asked about the requested increase in employees at the landfill.

Town Manager Churchill said it is being requested because we have stretched the bounds of productivity and overtime at the landfill.

Councilor Ellingwood asked about the operating expenses of $535,000 in salaries and asked how many staff that presently covers. Town Manager Churchill responded that the salaries are for ten people. Councilor Ellingwood inquired if we can make up the other 20,000 tons on the spot market to avoid dealing with CRRA. Town Manager Churchill said that it is possible, but there is an advantage of having a contractual obligation. The spot market can vary widely. We do not have any contracts, however; we do have a letter agreement with one hauler.

Councilor Ellingwood asked about the $118 per ton tipping fee and if it’s our tipping fee. Town Manager Churchill reported it is the estimated annual cost per ton for commercial haulers. Councilor Ellingwood agreed with Councilor Walker that we have to get out of the landfill business. He also commented that Town Manager Churchill made a great presentation.

Councilor Simon commented that we are looking to take in more revenue to cover the cost of closure of the landfill. There are three interrelated issues: when to close and how to deal with the costs; the outstanding issues with Bloomfield; and where do we put our trash and how much does it cost us. He sees a window of opportunity to resolve all three issues at one time. He thinks that right now, there is an advantage for us to be talking to CRRA because we have a better chance for a deal with what to do with our trash. Perhaps in the next month or two, these things can come together.

Councilor Jepsen asked for the definition of committed trash. Town Manager Churchill responded that committed trash is contracted. We do not have any contract for committed trash at this time. Councilor Jepsen asked if the Council would approve such a contract. Town Manager Churchill said that he would keep the Council updated, but he does have the managerial authority. Councilor Jepsen asked that if a CRRA contract were contemplated, would the Council have approval. Town Manager Churchill said that it is a highly sensitive issue and he would present it to the Council.

Councilor Dean asked about direct haul with CRRA and the curbside cost of $255 vs. $270 in 2008. She asked when the $255 would be effective. Town Manager Churchill responded that it would also be 2008, after the landfill has closed. Councilor Dean asked what happens to the employees once the landfill is closed. Town Manager Churchill said that it is one of the advantages of making a decision early, it allows the town to manage a transition. As we get closer to that capacity, employees can look for other opportunities. There will be a need for some employees both pre and post closure. As vacancies arise, there will be difficulty filling the positions.

Councilor Broxterman inquired if we are reasonably certain that the DEP will approve a revised design. Town Manager Churchill responded that we have had enough discussions with the DEP and they are very much aware of the design. One variable that has to be considered is will a gas collection system be required. Costs have been included in the financials. Another variable is a leachate collection system. We have proposed artificial wetlands that can cleanse the leachate which has also been discussed with the DEP. The third variable is the liner, which is the ultimate protection, however terribly expensive and we hope to avoid it if possible. Councilor Broxterman asked if the liner is needed. Town Manager Churchill said that it is a possibility. Once we decide on the landfill closure, we can meet with the DEP and they will provide feedback. We have to prepare to implement the answer.

Councilor Broxterman asked if there has been talk of another organization that would compete with CRRA or that could replace CRRA. Town Manager Churchill replied that the State has said that towns have to get out of the landfill business and the mid-CT project was created. However, the State could decide to let the consumers defend themselves in which landfills would become private enterprises. Once the Enron debt is satisfied, CRRA becomes a very profitable enterprise. Councilor Broxterman feels that CRRA is the only game in town, and if another enterprise came to replace them, they would be just the same. He is ready to make a decision.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked that if we keep the landfill open until 2014, would there be a possibility for the State to take over the landfill. Town Manager Churchill said that the State does have that authority, however; he has received communication that the State doesn’t want to do that. Deputy Mayor Curtis feels the need to get out of the solid waste business as soon as possible. He is ready to make a decision also. Town Manager Churchill said that we are trying to give as much disclosure as possible. It was estimated in July 2001 that the median home would have a $135 annual tax impact just to deal with the closure. What is distinctly different now is that the taxpayer obligation is projected to go away.

Councilor Mulligan feels that it would be irresponsible to make a decision that would effect taxpayers for the next 20 to 30 years for the closure costs. We do have the amount of money in the enterprise fund to handle the closure and monitoring costs.

Mayor Trinks made a statement that when the motion was made in 2001, it addressed first the closure of the landfill and second to keep CRRA from managing the landfill. A key component was to let CRRA know we want to control the destiny of the landfill. One of the public speakers brought up environmental liability. As he recalls, years ago, we did discuss liability and the biggest exposure the town had was what was already in the landfill, from the 1970’s, not what is being put in there now. The risk wouldn’t multiply or grow as we continue to fill the landfill.

Mayor Trinks said that a great concern to the residents is that if we enter into a contract with CRRA, is the degree of security that the municipal solid waste from CRRA member towns is any less or more dangerous than what we would pick up on the spot market. Town Manager Churchill said that there isn’t, but the mid-CT project is a burn plant so they will try to burn as much as possible. What they cannot burn is bulky waste. Mr. Brian Funk , Director of Pubic Works, interjected that CRRA wants to bring in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and processed residue. Waste is brought to the facility in Hartford, it is screened, and the things that may not burn, including dirt, sand and other items are separated as processed residue.

Town Manager Churchill replied that the power of eminent domain lies with the State of Connecticut. There would be an option with a contractual obligation to terminate the contract with notice. CRRA has had to go through its forced transformation--it is municipally grounded. Perhaps we can expect some different behaviors from CRRA than in the past. Mayor Trinks asked for clarification on a transfer station. Town Manager Churchill said that a transfer station is a place that commercial haulers take waste and then it is transferred onto a larger truck and trucked to a final disposal site. A residential drop off center is when a resident obtains a permit and brings waste to the drop off center. Mayor Trinks asked if the building structure for the transfer station is accounted for. Town Manager Churchill said that it is, and it could be as low as $1.5 million and as much as $3 million. Mayor Trinks advocates a public forum. Mayor Trinks asked for clarification on cubic yards and tons. Cubic yards multiplied by 45% are the rough equivalent in tons. Mayor Trinks requested that the staff check calendars for a public forum.
 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to:

• Item C - Reappoint Richard Dolliver as an alternate member to the Connecticut River Assembly for a three-year term to expire January 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed;
   
• Item G - Reappoint Tim Rice as a regular member to the Economic Development Commission for a five-year term to expire January 31, 2009 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to:

• Item B - Appoint Fay Clarke Johnson, 8 Jay Circle, as a regular member to the Conservation Commission for a five-year unexpired term to expire November 30, 2005 or until a successor is appointed;

• Item D - Reappoint John Bruno as a regular member to the Connecticut River Assembly for a three-year term to expire January 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed;

• Item I - Appoint Leo Canty, 27 Devin Way, as a regular member to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a two-year unexpired term to expire June 30, 2004 or until a successor is appointed;
• Item J - Appoint Michael Bivans, 5 Glenwood Drive, as a regular member to the Housing Authority of the Town of Windsor for a five-year unexpired term to expire July 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed;
• Item O - Appoint Michael Reynolds, 64 Alcott Drive, as a regular member to the Youth Commission for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2007 or until a successor is appointed;
• Item P - Appoint Patricia Hymes, 40 Adam Hill Road, as a regular member to the Youth Commission for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2007 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the January 5, 2004 Special Town Council Meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the January 5, 2004 Special Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 8-0-1 (Councilor Broxterman abstained)

2. Minutes of the January 5, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the January 5, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 15 Richard McNamara, 21 Lovell Avenue, page 12 Motion Failed 0-8-0 (Mayor Trinks recused)

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

3. Minutes of the January 9, 2004 Special Town Council Meeting-retreat

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the January 9, 2004 Special Town Council Meeting-retreat. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

4. Minutes of the January 10, 2004 Special Town Council Meeting-retreat

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the January 10, 2004 Special Town Council Meeting-retreat. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

15. Public Communications and Petitions

    Ms. Darlene Klase, 318 Hitching Post Drive, appreciates the presentation on the landfill. She is pleased with the odor collection system that has been installed at the landfill. She would like to see a vote on closure include a specific date or timeframe. She wants the quality of life in Windsor considered as well as the financials for closure.

    Mr. Patrick Terrion, 510 Hearthstone Drive, spoke about the landfill closure. He commented on the liabilities. Common sense tells him that there are increased liabilities. His question is what is the cost of insuring these proposals over a 20 or 30 year period. Self-insuring is fine also, but we need to know.

    Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, addressed the Council regarding the landfill presentation. The meeting held December 22, 2003 was not public knowledge. There have been other meetings, which the public has not known about. He requested the DEP to come to a meeting to ask questions so there is no interference in the communication cycle. It is his understanding that the Council has never set a price for the disposal. The Town Manager is correct that this is a very fluid regulatory environment. There is no statewide waste management plan; there is a draft out there, but no set plan. After the landfill closes, if we don’t have a transfer station, we are locked into CRRA. It is in his opinion that they are no better an organization now than they were before Enron. If we have a transfer station, we would have the flexibility to do what we want with our trash. The excess cost outweighs the liabilities of having to deal with the only player in town--CRRA. He would like to hear from legal counsel about float control. He requested a response from the Town Manager as to why we should collect bulky waste.

    Mr. Edward Wood, 152 Fieldstone Drive, encouraged the Council to close the landfill in 2007 or sooner, especially before the Hartford landfill is closed.

    Mr. Steve Hawes, 444 Lantern Way, asked if there would be a public forum before a decision is made for landfill closure. Mayor Trinks confirmed this. Mr. Hawes requested a picture of what the landform would look like prior to the public forum. He also asked for additional copies of the landfill presentation that was made this evening.
    
     

16. Executive Session
    None.
    
     
17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:26 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch