1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Dean, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
   Absent - Councilor Broxterman
   
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Ellingwood
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Ellingwood
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards
   
    
5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, addressed the Council with his dismay about not receiving notices of all special meetings of the Windsor Town Council and any sub/committees thereof. He has requested this information several times in the past and recently requested it again via a certified return receipt letter. Mr. Smith reported that the Deerfield Globe has cracks in it, several inches deep.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Public Building Commission

Mr. Gary Johnson, Public Building Commission, reported to the Council.

WHS – primarily complete. The rooftop HVAC screening design is complete, they hope to have it installed during this winter. The interior doors are complete.

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

Goslee Pool Project – awnings will be installed this spring.

330 Windsor Avenue – roof and sofit work will be performed this spring, weather permitting.

L.P. Wilson Roof – A final estimate has been submitted to the State. It will be bid later this winter.

Windsor Library Expansion Project – Seven proposals were received and three firms were selected for interviews.

Poquonock Office improvements – bids were opened last week, the low bidder rescinded his bid and the other nine bidders overbid the budget.

Clover Street Project – bids were received.

Public Works Sand and Salt Facility – sand/salt mixture is under temporary cover. The foundation will be completed in the spring with a structure being delivered in July.

L.P. Wilson Gym Floor – scheduling is an issue because the gyms are used frequently.
 

7. Town Manager’s Report

8. Communication from Council Members

   Councilor Broxterman – Absent.

   Councilor Dean – None.

   Councilor Ellingwood – None.

   Councilor Jepsen – congratulated the Water Rats for a fine season.

   Councilor Simon – stated the bond underwriters are entitled to their opinions, however, we may have to use some of the money the town has put away to keeping the current level of services or to keep taxes down.

   Councilor Walker – offered condolences to the family of Mr. Ellworth Young and belated birthday greetings to Grandma Lawrence, a resident of Kimberly Hall.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

   Mayor Trinks – sent his condolences to the family of Roger Olsen. Mayor Trinks received a call about leisure skating on the Green. He was told that some children were playing hockey and asked if residents are on the honor system to not play hockey. Mr. Souza responded that they don't prohibit hockey sticks but they are asking that the rink be used for leisure use only.
   
    

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee – met on February 9^th to discuss the Proposed Tax Assessment Abatement Incentive and approval of outstanding purchase orders, both of which are on the agenda this evening.
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
3. Health and Safety – None.
4. Special Projects – None.
5. Personnel Committee – met to discuss the review of the Town Manager, which will be addressed in Executive Session.
6. Joint Board and Council Committee – None.

10. Ordinances
    None.
    
     
11. Unfinished Business

1. Approval of Tax Assessment Abatement Policy

Mr. James Burke, Economic Development Director, discussed the policy. The Economic Development Commission approved a draft of the proposed policy at its regular meeting on January 21, 2004. The Town Council received their recommendation and referred the proposal to the Town Finance Committee on February 2, 2004. The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed policy at its meeting on February 9, 2004 and voted to recommend Town Council approval of the policy with the following changes: 1) eliminate retail and full-service restaurants from the list of eligible types of business at II, B.; 2) add delinquency in taxes of fees to the list of events of default for participation in the program at II,E,5.; and 3) incorporate the application procedures and the Targeted Business List into the text of the policy.

While it supports the need for the proposed assessment abatement policy, the Committee believes that the town should be cautious in its initiation. They feel that it is appropriate to start with a limited focus and to expand as circumstances warrant. The Finance Committee also discussed the inclusion of Windsor residency as another objective of this policy. They requested that staff develop an incentive for companies to encourage employees to become town residents. It was generally agreed that use of more than one incentive program per project was to be discouraged.

Mayor Trinks came to the meeting expecting to vote against this; however, he has come to realize that Economic Development needs tools to contend with the competition we are up against. He applauds the Finance Committee for narrowing this policy. He is glad it is subject to the scrutiny of Council. He will vote for the motion.

Councilor Jepsen added that in his opinion this makes towns go against each other. He also was going to vote against it. Perhaps there is a possibility for a high tech center. The state is pushing authority down to us, and perhaps we should take it. He will vote in favor of the motion.

Deputy Mayor Curtis is in full support of this because we have to play the game. If other towns, even outside of our state, can offer incentives, then we have to be able to compete on the same playing field. He asked if the small cities loans were restricted to certain areas in town. Mr. Burke responded that the business can be anywhere depending on if they hire someone within the income guidelines.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Mulligan that the Town Council approve the Tax Assessment Abatement Policy and Targeted Business List as presented in Attachment "C".

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

12. New Business

1. Approval of Outstanding Purchase Orders

   The Finance Committee reviewed outstanding prior year purchase orders as of September 24, 2003. They met on February 9, 2004 and recommend the re-approval of purchase orders listed in the attached report.

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to re-approve the purchase orders listed on the report "Open Purchase Orders by Expense Account", dated February 4, 2004.

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

2. Approval of Surface Transportation Program Funding Request to CRCOG

Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, and Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, gave an overview of the projects. The Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is inviting the town to submit transportation projects for funding under the Federal Surface Transportation Program. These projects are rated on a competitive basis by CRCOG with no guarantee that any of Windsor’s projects will be selected and. projects may not be funded for four years. Towns are responsible for design costs, 10% of right of way costs, any non State participation costs and all costs exceeding 5% over the project estimate, and any costs above the $2 million cap.

The Town Improvements Committee has reviewed these projects and recommended favorable action by the Town Council.

Councilor Mulligan asked if we would be better off leaving Bloomfield Avenue as it is and force traffic to Day Hill Road. Mr. Lenehan said those types of things would come out in a study. Regardless of what Bloomfield’s plans are, we are being impacted.

Councilor Dean asked for clarification of the study impacting I-91 to Route 305. It concerns her that the only way to handle the traffic is to widen the road, which could result in residents losing their homes. She asked if Windsor would benefit from this. Mr. Souza responded that Day Hill Road, Routes 305 and 75, move traffic in and out of the commercial and industrial areas. It was suggested that we look at the overall network. We need to plan for it and decide on the level of build out. They will continue to work with the DOT regarding Exit 38.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the proposed CIP contains Day Hill Road. Mr. Lenehan confirmed this. Councilor Jepsen asked if we were approved for all four projects, would we be over the $2 million mark. Mr. Souza confirmed this. Mr. Lenehan said that the $2 million does not include non-traditional projects. Councilor Jepsen asked why we are getting involved with Route 305 (Bloomfield Avenue) when it is a state road that benefits Bloomfield. Mr. Souza said that the state has asked us to look at the overall network and looking at the long-range economic plan to manage our growth. We have over 2,000 acres in the Day Hill Road area. Councilor Jepsen requested that the fourth project be stricken from the motion.

Deputy Mayor sees the concern, especially with the residents. It is in our best interest to know rather than sit back and let something happen. Maybe this study may let us know if we should be looking at different uses of the land. He is in favor of keeping the fourth project.

Mayor Trinks would also like to keep the fourth project in, however, he is curious if Bloomfield is considering the use of Blue Hills Avenue. He asked if the project would solely look at Bloomfield Avenue or other surrounding areas. Mr. Lenehan said it would look at the possible growth, the type of growth, and the traffic impact based on that growth. Mayor Trinks said that three of our four requests would benefit Bloomfield just as much as it will benefit Windsor.

Councilor Walker feels it is best for us to be proactive and have the information ahead of time. He urged the Councilors to continue to participate with the study. We cannot stick our heads in the sand and hope that it will go away.

Councilor Simon stated that it’s important for us to recognize that this project may not even be funded as twenty-nine towns in total submit projects. He thinks it’s better for us to be proactive. He asked that if we don’t get this funding from CRCOG, would we request funding ourselves. Mr. Souza said that it is not in the CIP, however, it would be in a future request.

Councilor Jepsen asked if an outcome of the study could possibly be to have Bloomfield slow down development. Mr. Lenehan said probably not, it would look at the impact of what you have and how to address the traffic and recognize that there will be growth. Mr. Souza added that it may include recommendations as to the type of growth and development.

Councilor Ellingwood asked about a stoplight on Prospect Hill Road and ownership of the middle of the road. Mr. Lenehan said that we would propose the stoplight on the north side. The town does have a right of way and is in good condition with the right of way.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Walker that based on a review of proposed STP-Urban projects:

• Reconstruction of a portion of Day Hill Road
• Pavement Rehabilitation of a portion of Day Hill Road
• Reconstruction of a portion of Prospect Hill Road
• Transportation Planning Study, Route 305

That grant applications be submitted on behalf of the Town for each of the projects identified. Said grant applications are submitted with the understanding that a portion of the costs, including design costs, 10% of the right of way costs, non participating costs, all costs exceeding $2M and all costs exceeding 5% over estimated project costs of each federally approved project will be the responsibility of the Town of Windsor.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

3. Resolution authorizing refinancing of previously issued bonds

An opportunity to refinance a FY 2000 bond issue presents itself after research conducted by the Finance Department. This opportunity is due to lower market interest rates. The FY 2000 bond issue in the amount of $5,950 is outstanding until the year 2020. The Town is all ready scheduled to issue new bonds next month. By bundling a refunding with the new issue, the Town can save a portion of the professional fees of a refunding as well as reap the annual interest savings. Council action is requested in order to take advantage of the refunding.

Councilor Dean asked what the rates on these bonds are and if we have to pay a premium to anyone. Mr. Greg Pavitt said that the rate is currently 4 – 4.5% and that there are several steps to refunding the bonds. There are enough interest savings in the bonds to cover the professional fees involved and provide interest income each year.

Councilor Jepsen asked if this is the only bond issue this year. Mr. Pavitt confirmed this.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of the resolution entitled "RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF WINDSOR AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING BONDS FOR PAYMENT OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST AND ANY CALL PREMIUM ON THE TOWN’S $1,565,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, DATED AUGUST 15, 1998, $5,565,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, ISSUE OF 2000, $3,980,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, ISSUE OF 2000, AND $2,360,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, ISSUE OF 2003 AND COSTS RELATED THERETO" 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 resolution be recorded with the minutes of this meeting.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen approve the RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF WINDSOR AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING BONDS FOR PAYMENT OF THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST AND ANY CALL PREMIUM ON THE TOWN’S $1,565,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, DATED AUGUST 15, 1998, $5,565,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, ISSUE OF 2000, $3,980,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, ISSUE OF 2000, AND $2,360,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, ISSUE OF 2003 AND COSTS RELATED THERETO.

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

13. Resignations and Appointments
    None
     

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the February 2, 2004 Public Hearing

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Ellingwood to accept the minutes of the February 2, 2004 Public Hearing. Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 8-0-0

2. Minutes of the February 2, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Walker to accept the minutes of the February 2, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 8 – the list of 10 or 12 specific goals are not attached or included in the motion. Councilor Simon recommends including them as a separate attachment to the minutes.

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

15. Public Communications and Petitions

Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, made comments regarding the fund balance. He noted that Stamford has a zero fund balance and they also have a AAA bond rating.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Ellingwood to take a two-minute recess.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to enter into Executive Session at 9:08 p.m. for the purpose of:

1. Discussion regarding the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee

Motion Passed 8-0-0
 

16. Executive Session

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to leave Executive Session and re-enter the regular Town Council meeting at 9:33 p.m.

    Motion Passed 8-0-0
    
     

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:35 p.m.

Motion Passed 8-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch