Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.

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

1. Honoring Marguerite "Redie" Elizabeth White Winston on her 100^th Birthday

   Councilor Walker read the proclamation honoring Marguerite "Redie" Elizabeth White Winston. Her cousin Catherine Brooks accepted the award and spoke to the Council. From Archer Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Reverend Jeffrey Hill

   also spoke to the Council and issued a proclamation. Mr. Clarence Countryman addressed the Council and its audience. He has known Redie for 60 years and gave a brief history of her life and heritage. He acknowledged Councilor Walker for his efforts in this proclamation.
    

2. Honoring the Centre Coffee Bar for its Civic Engagement Initiatives

   Councilor Simon read the proclamation honoring the Centre Coffee Bar for its civic engagement initiatives. The Town of Windsor congratulates the Centre Coffee Bar on their "HotTopics" series and their endeavors to better involve the community in civic initiatives. Ms. Katie Breen, Centre Coffee Bar, thanked the Council and others who have assisted in bringing this to the community.
    

3. Honoring the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction

   Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation honoring the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction. April 2004 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction, a successful fundraiser for Windsor non-profit organizations. Mr. Walter Whelan and Mr. David Gillette accepted the proclamation.
    

4. Presentation of donation to the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department

Ms. Jane Garibay, Windsor Chamber of Commerce, presented a donation of $2,205 to Chief William Lewis of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department from radio station The River.

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. John Berky, 21 Juniper Road, gave an update on the ADVO Summer Wind Performing Arts Center. The tent should be up by the end of June. It will give more coverage at the back and opening of the stage. Fundraising is going well. ADVO has renewed their sponsorship commitment. Several other companies have come through with contributions as well. Acts are being booked for the year. Blood, Sweat & Tears will be performing on July 17^th. They have invited Natalie Cole and Winston Marsailles. As funding comes in, they will continue to book other acts. Mayor Trinks asked about the proposed management company.

   Mr. James Mason, 252 Carriage Way, informed residents of the joint program of the Windsor League of Women Voters. The program "All Aboard" will be held on Monday, March 22, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to take a two-minute recess at 8:04 p.m.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Public Building Commission

   Mr. Joseph Novak, Chair, Public Building Commission gave a report to the Council.

   WHS – is basically completed. Rooftop screening installation will be done by spring.

   Goslee Pool – no changes since the last report.

   330 Windsor Avenue – no changes since the last report.

   L.P. Wilson Roof – went out to bid, due March 23^rd.

   Library Expansion Project – selected an architect and voted to relocate the library for 12 months during the construction. Leaving the library open during the renovation would be a safety risk.

   Poquonock School Window Replacement – no change since the last report.

   Poquonock School Office Renovation – the bids came in over budget. The PBC is requesting an additional $75,000 prior to signing a contract.

   Clover Street Window Project – came in considerably over budget. An additional $500,000 is needed. It was sent back to staff and the architect to see why it came in so over budget.

   Public Works Facility – no change since the last report.

   L.P. Wilson, Sage Park Gym Floors – awaiting a response from the State of CT for reimbursement. Design specifications have been completed.

   Town Manager Churchill said that we hope to reallocate funds from past projects that have come in under budget for the Poquonock School Office Renovation.

   Councilor Simon asked why the issue of closing the library has come up at this time. Mr. Novak said that seven architects were asked and most said that there would be a six month extension to renovate the library with people and staff in the building. The additional construction expenses for six months and hiring someone to oversee the project would be more than moving the library temporarily.
    

2. Board of Ethics

   Mr. James Mason, Board of Ethics, presented the annual report. There were three scheduled meetings and a special meeting held in 2003. Earlier this year, the Board recommended some changes to the Ethics Ordinance. The changes were considered by the Town Council and tabled pending potential state legislature changes. All members of the Board of Ethics unanimously agree with Town Manager Churchill’s concerns with House Bill 5023.
    

3. Commission on Aging & Handicapped

Councilor Mulligan gave the report on behalf of the commission’s chairperson Gail Deming. The handicap signage project is complete and additional requests have been made. The Town Council increased the parking fines. The Commission is working with the Windsor Police Department regarding procedures to handle emergency calls involving handicapped or elderly residents. They are increasing their outreach to the elderly by scheduling a meeting at the Senior Center.

 

7. Town Manager’s Report
    

   Status of the Rappaport Building project and the Redevelopment Parcel project Rappaport Building – 33 Mechanic Street Before giving the latest update on both of these projects, I would like to take a moment to review actions taken in the past months. On December 15, the Town Council approved the request of First Town Downtown for financial support in exercising FTDT’s right of first refusal for 33 Mechanic Street. FTDT then notified the Radio Museum of their intent to purchase. In early January, Town staff facilitated a meeting between FTDT and the Radio Museum to discuss the disposition of the property. At that meeting, the Museum stated that the offer from the antique dealer had been rejected. The Museum and FTDT then agreed to cooperatively pursue a sale to one of the two developers that had been identified by FTDT. The objective was to redevelop the building for apartments and, if possible, to retain the museum. The prospective developers were informed of the renewed cooperation between the Museum and FTDT. They were requested to revise their projects accordingly. In response, they each advised that they would need more time. Meanwhile, we have worked with the Museum to find an alternative location. They have walked through a site and found it acceptable. They are now putting together their costs in preparation for making an offer. This offer will be tied to the Museum’s sale of 33 Mechanic Street to one of the developers. It will probably take a couple of more weeks to finalize the details. It appears that the pieces are in place for a transaction that will not require FTDT to utilize the Town’s financial support. As part of the deal, however, the Town may be requested to consider forgiving the $35,000 loan that is due from the Museum upon sale of 33 Mechanic Street. It is also likely that the Museum would ask to transfer the $5,000 Volunteer Support Grant for handicapped accessibility to the new property to help created accessible public bathrooms. Redevelopment Parcel The following is our projected timeline for the disposition of the Redevelopment Parcel. Preliminary Development Concept: Completed Site Assembly Acquisition of Cicero property: Completed Acquisition of State Parcel: Completed subject to filing Vacate Deerfield Road /consolidate site: May, 2004 Refine Development Concept and Disposition Process ULI – Boston Technical Assistance Panel: March – April, 2004 Developer Solicitation Schedule Finalize RFP and solicitation materials: May, 2004 – June, 2004 Developer solicitation and selection: July, 2004 – Oct, 2004 Project planning and approvals: Nov, 2004 - May, 2005 Construction start: June, 2005   Emergency Medical Dispatch To comply with State law, the Public Safety Answering Point in the Windsor Police Department must provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (or EMD) beginning July 1, 2004. EMD describes the procedure whereby a dispatcher receiving a medical call provides medical care instructions to the caller until a qualified first medical responder (police or EMS) arrives on scene. All civilian dispatchers and most desk qualified sworn officers have been EMD certified and have demonstrated a great deal of interest and enthusiasm in providing this service. The Police Department began providing EMD on March 7, 2004. We are pleased to be able to provide the service prior to the mandated time of delivery because it gives us an opportunity to evaluate the impact of EMD on the dispatching function and to adjust accordingly so that this service can be used to its maximum potential for the Windsor community. Early reports indicate that while it is difficult to juggle these lengthy conversations during multiple incidents, the benefit to citizens already seems to be apparent.     Pancake Breakfast at Northwest Park Don’t miss the ever-popular Friends of Northwest Park’s annual Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM this Saturday, March 20th. Enjoy pancakes, real Northwest Park maple syrup, sausage, orange juice and coffee. The cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.50 for children 12 and under. Call 285-1886 for reservations.   "Know Your Town" Television Series Continues The Windsor League of Women Voters will continue their ongoing "Know Your Town" series on Monday, March 22nd at 7:00 PM with a discussion on the topic of "Urban sprawl, smart growth, and what it all means to Windsor." This program, in partnership with All Aboard! will feature a panel discussion with State Representative Lewis Wallace, Robert Fusari, Sr., President of Real Estate Service of Connecticut, Windsor resident James Mason, Executive Board member of All Aboard! and myself. The program will be broadcast live on the Windsor Government Channel, WGTV Channel 21. For more information, contact Pat Day at 285-0688.

   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – congratulated the Boys WHS Basketball team on their 23-1 record. He also congratulated the Girls WHS Basketball team on their championship.

Councilor Dean – None.

Councilor Ellingwood – None.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Simon – None.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Walker – noted that Clarence Countryman was a professor in New York and a writer. Mr. Countryman also worked hard with obtaining proclamations from the City of Hartford, the State of Connecticut, and from Governor Taft in Ohio. He even requested recognition from President Bush.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – congratulated the Boys WHS Basketball team on their 23-1 record. He also congratulated the Girls WHS Basketball team on their championship. The Windsor High School Symphonic Band also won an award.

Mayor Trinks – congratulated the Windsor Exchange Club in honoring the Windsor Police Department. Shad Derby Season is underway.
 

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 – None.
    

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

1. Approval for the Annual Shad Derby Day Festival, May 15, 2004

   Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Dean to grant permission for use of the Town Green for the annual Shad Derby Day Festival on May 15, 2004.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

2. Authorize Town Manager to sign a delegation agreement between the Town of Windsor and WIN-TV

   Move to approve the delegation agreement attached herein between Windsor Community Television, Inc. and the Town of Windsor and authorize the Town Manager to sign the agreement.

   Town Manager Churchill reviewed the agreement. The delegation agreement continues with the basic terms of the prior agreement. There is no significant change in WG-TV operations, with the exception of the originating signal coming from WIN-TV studios. This change allows for playback capabilities if WIN-TV desires, but still allows for the originating signal to switch back to WG-TV for live programming and crawl information. Other significant changes include deletion of the hiring restrictions upon the Town of Windsor and placing all reporting requirements with WIN-TV. This successor agreement also signifies renewed commitment to government-only programming by WG-TV.

   Operations of WG-TV will be managed with current resources. However, WIN-TV proposes equipment upgrades totaling $12,500 as part of the town’s FY 2005 budget process. These funds would enable the appropriate upgrades for playback and scheduling of WG-TV programming by WIN-TV.

   Councilor Mulligan asked if the agreement was approved by WIN-TV on February 17^th, why are we just getting it now. Town Manager Churchill said that WIN-TV approved a conceptual agreement that left many unresolved details, which have been reviewed in the last few weeks. This has been done while working on the budget process and landfill issues. Councilor Mulligan requested that this be referred to committee for further review.

   Mayor Trinks has concerns with the wording as well, specifically arbitration and the elimination of the hiring restrictions. Mayor Trinks is apprehensive about entering into an agreement with an entity that is under investigation. Town Manager Churchill said that the relationship has to be evaluated on its own merits.

   Councilor Jepsen has concerns with the television programming guidelines. He is afraid that this puts town staff in the position of determining what is political and what is not. Town Manager Churchill responded that it can provide alternative opinions on issues. He feels that we are in a very good position to make decisions based on the guidelines.

   Councilor Simon thanked Councilor Mulligan for noting that we are talking about an amendment to the original agreement. He commented that the original agreement should have been a part of the packet for review. He doesn’t think that it is the town’s responsibility to determine how a non-profit group runs. He doesn’t want the Town of Windsor to set up a shadow public access channel. He feels that this amendment is a substantial improvement over what we started with.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis is in favor of sending the agreement to committee for review.

   Mayor Trinks referred the item to Special Projects Committee.
    

3. Discussion of revaluation

   Councilor Dean said that Windsor has to address what is best for Windsor, whether to perform the revaluations yearly or once every four years, etc. Mr. Steve Kosofsky, Town Assessor discussed the revaluation process. He attended a legislative meeting today that suggested moving revaluations from four years to six years, with a two-year moratorium. Every municipality would receive some relief to accommodate the six-year revaluation schedule. It wouldn’t stop municipalities from performing them more frequently. His suggestion is that we shorten the time, not extend it.

   Councilor Jepsen asked if a more intense revaluation involving a site inspection of each property in town is necessary every certain number of revaluation cycles. Mr. Kosofsky stated the law gives you twelve years to view by physical observation every property in town. He sends out data mailers with property characteristics that he has on file. He is not looking at interiors, however if residents request it, they will. Improvements to the property are tracked through the review of building permits; if permits are not issued, improvements will usually be discovered during the sale of the property as the new sale price will reflect significant property upgrades. There is not really a reason to do a more intensive revaluation. The Town Attorney feels very comfortable defending the method we use if it were to be challenged.

   Councilor Ellingwood asked how much it would cost for annual revaluation. Mr. Kosofsky said that the cost for revaluation services on a four year cycle is approximately $180,000 or $45,000 annually. He expects the cost to decrease by roughly $10,000 a year of annual revaluation was implemented.

   Councilor Broxterman said that in all but seven states (the New England States), the rest of the country allows their school districts to have taxing authority and they do an annual revaluation. This is an opportunity for us to create a seamless transition.

   Councilor Simon sees a potential drawback if there is market appreciation, where the town would be building in a tax increase every year before we get to the budget.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if any towns in Connecticut are performing annual revaluation. Mr. Kosofsky said that there are not, it is uncharted territory.

   Councilor Mulligan said that if everything went up 2% in one year, would it essentially increase the grand list by 2%. Given a 0% increase in the budget, why wouldn’t the tax rate reduce. Town Manager Churchill said that you can keep the tax rate the same and live off of the increase or you can reduce the tax rate.

   Mayor Trinks referred the item to the Finance Committee for future review and discussion.
    

4. Proposed revisions to Binding Arbitration

   Moved by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Council of Windsor urge its legislative representatives to support efforts of, among others, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Governor of the State of Connecticut to push the legislature address proposals regarding changes to the Binding Arbitration Laws with the State and municipal employee unions.

   Councilor Ellingwood discussed the proposed revisions. The Governor proposed a moratorium up to three years on binding arbitration if contracts are maintained as part of his FY 2005 State budget. Many legislators rail against binding arbitration for municipal employees, which many towns blame for contributing to rising labor costs. This item is on the agenda at Councilor Ellingwood’s request. It is recommended that the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities proposal be supported in addition to fund balances being disregarded as determining a municipality’s ability to pay. It is also recommended that the Town Council voice its collective opinion to the Windsor delegation at its earliest opportunity.

   Councilor Jepsen is in favor of the motion.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis said that while binding arbitration has not affected Windsor negatively, he does understand the reasoning behind the motion.

   Councilor Broxterman has a concern that binding arbitration is a specific way of viewing what other towns do. In the private industry it is called salary surveys. Councilor Broxterman will not support this.

   Councilor Ellingwood said that 38 teachers out of 400 teachers left the system. He asked the Human Resources Department why 38 teachers left and they responded that four teachers left for salary, the others left for different reasons. He doesn’t see turnover as being a big problem.

   Councilor Walker asked what is the opinion of binding arbitration with the Board of Education. He believes that organized labor and municipal government can work together to come up with some common good. He doesn’t see how this affects the Town of Windsor. He cannot support this.

   Councilor Ellingwood responded to Councilor Walker’s question and said that the percentage of our education increase which continues to go to toward salary and benefits (which could be used to improve our education system in other ways) affects Windsor. He is not against people earning what they deserve.

   Councilor Simon said that this is ultimately coming back to the teacher’s salaries. He is at a loss at how the arbitration law affects one set of employees and not others. While it is commendable to address concerns of ECS funding, it paints a very broad brush of this Council’s support of Binding Arbitration. He is not willing to have his name on a motion to ask the State Legislature to change something he doesn’t see as broken.

   Councilor Walker asked where Windsor fits with this binding arbitration issue. He understands that teachers’ salaries’ are an issue, they will always be around and if we don’t pay adequate raises, they will not be able to take care of their families and they may decide to go to another town. They may not state pay as a reason of leaving in their exit interview. It is up to us as a Council to lead and to do it effectively.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis thinks that the binding arbitration issue is separate from ECS funding so he is not sure he could support it. We should look at every part of the Governor’s proposal.

   Councilor Jepsen feels that there are improvements that could be had. Get them talking as we are talking now. Just to get the discussion going, there is improvement to be made in this law after 25 years.

   Mayor Trinks believes that these positions are market driven. The demand is out there for teachers. These things should be looked at. The teacher mobility is a concern.

   Councilor Ellingwood said that as time has gone by, the percentage increases, and benefits paid, are out of whack with what is paid in the commercial world. It’s not a supply and demand issue.

   Councilor Mulligan proposed a friendly amended motion to add the words "to ensure state compliance with ECS funding regulations".

   Councilors Ellingwood and Jepsen accepted the friendly amendment.

   Motion Failed 4-5-0 (Councilors Walker, Simon, Broxterman, Deputy Mayor Curtis and Mayor Trinks opposed)
    

5. Presentation regarding storm water management issues

Item was withdrawn.

 

13. Resignations and Appointments
    None.
     

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the March 1, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the March 1, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Section 8 Councilor Jepsen and Broxterman had no comments?

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

2. Minutes of the March 8, 2004 Special Meeting Minutes

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the March 8, 2004 Special Meeting Minutes. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

15. Public Communications and Petitions
    None.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to enter into Executive Session at 10:23 p.m. for the purpose of:

1. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation regarding the landfill

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

16. Executive Session

    Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Dean, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker

    Staff: Town Manager Leon Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Peter Souza, Director of Health Charles Petrillo

    Guest: Ernest Mattei, Day, Berry & Howard (outside counsel)

    The regular Town Council session reconvened at 10:58 p.m.

    Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to extend the regular Town Council meeting by 20 minutes.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to re-enter Executive Session at 10:59 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Dean to exit Executive Session at 11:15 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 11:16 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch