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

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis (arrived at 8:25 p.m.), Councilor Dean, Councilor Ellingwood, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
   
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Simon
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Simon
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Declaring the month of April 2004 as Fair Housing Month
   Councilor Jepsen read the proclamation
    

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. Sadiq Ali, 9 Milo Peck Lane, chairperson, WHS Parent Athletic Committee, addressed the Council. He detailed the committee’s goals, objectives, strategies and initiatives. They serve as academic advisors to athletes, conduct seminars based on how to live the athlete and scholastic culture, establish an athletic honor society and many other duties.

   Mr. Joe Frederick, 220 Deerfield Road, a member of the WHS Parent Athletic Committee, a member of the Windsor Youth Football League, addressed the issue of synthetic turf. He summarized the benefits of synthetic fields over grass fields. Before installation of synthetic grass, a field has an average of 685 hours vs. over 6,000 hours of the synthetic grass. It is also a lot safer than grass. Injuries decrease while using synthetic grass. He noted that the company Field Turf has started a financing program for municipalities and non-profit organizations. He urged Council and Board of Education members to consider synthetic turf.

   Mr. Thomas Yopp, 5 Krystal Lane, spoke to the Council about synthetic turf. His son played football for two years and then he played Lacrosse. The Lacrosse games were scheduled at times that parents couldn’t attend because of work schedules. He feels that synthetic turf will bring other student athletic families together.

   Mr. John Carpenter,101 Fieldstone Drive, is also in favor of installing a synthetic surface. It would benefit Lacrosse and other sports and extend field life. The decision of installing the stadium lights was apparent on the first evening football game. Other towns envy our pool and stadium lights, they would also envy our synthetic surface. Please support the proposal.

   Mr. Alvin Rosemond, 746 Windsor Avenue, spoke to the Council regarding the synthetic surface. He noted that installation would result in the reduction of injuries, reducing costs and maintenance and add to the value of the property. Also a grade-A facility will have a positive affect on the athletes. He hopes the Council will support the installation of the turf grass.

   Mr. Barry Person, 125 Carriage Way, WHS PTSA member, addressed the Council. The Athletic Committee has been working diligently to positively impact sports activities in the town of Windsor. He supports artificial turf. There would be greater parent and community involvement of sports. He urged the Council to make the right decision for Windsor and its youth.

   Mr. Carl Nowiszewski, 64 Alden Road, advocates for honest and fair financial business analysis of artificial turf. The Town needs sound financial information to make a decision on artificial turf. He suggests doing a best case/worst case and letting the people decide. He hopes the community looks at the facts before making up their mind on this issue.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Board of Education

Ms. Linda Bagnal, BOE reported to the Council. Fox 61 spotlighted the Young Women’s Leadership Core at Windsor High School. Three seniors received honors at the Hartford Home Designer’s Awards. WHS Jazz Ensemble I received top honors at a competition. An Ellsworth student won an essay contest. The Robotics Team won the New England Regional Championship and will go to the finals in Atlanta.

Knowledge master opened and the sixth graders took first place in the State. Nine Sage Park Students earned distinction in the John Hopkins Talent Search. These 7^th and 8^th graders scored at or above 504 verbal and 516 in math on the SATs.

The superintendent’s goals include improving parent satisfaction. A survey went out last week to measure parent satisfaction. She urged all residents to return the survey. There was an electrical problem that occurred last week during a CAPT test, which was resolved.

2. Public Building Commission

Mr. Brian Funk reported 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 April 8^th for spring or summer construction.

Library Expansion Project – an architect has been selected and negotiations are continuing. The PBC voted in favor to relocate the library for 12 months during the construction period. As a result, the expansion project should take less time to complete. The staff is researching locations. They are looking at three types of sites, ready to move into, need some renovations, or a town site at which a temporary modular facility can be erected. They hope to have a decision by July 1^st. The town received a grant from the state for $500,000, which if accepted a portion of the funds could be used for relocation costs. With everything on schedule, construction should be completed by the first quarter of 2006.

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

Poquonock School Office Renovation – will be discussed later in the meeting.

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 for reimbursement for L.P. Wilson. Approval has been received for the Sage Park Gym Floors. Design specifications have been completed.

Councilor Broxterman asked if we settled on the architectural firm for the Library design before or after the Clover Street Window severe underestimation. Mr. Funk said that we selected the firm at approximately the same time. That firm will not be doing the estimating for this project, they will have a subcontractor performing the estimating.

Councilor Ellingwood asked if the referendum included relocating the library. Mr. Funk said that it included the library remaining open at its existing location during construction.

Councilor Jepsen asked if we spend more than the amount of the referendum, do we have to go to referendum again. Town Manager Churchill said that the voters approved $6 million for this project, the town cannot spend more than that unless we go back to the voters to increase the amount.

3. Conservation Commission

Mr. Eric Davis, Conservation Commission, reported to the Council. He submitted their annual report and provided a brief summary. They updated a map of Windsor. The commission was successful in working with the Council in establishing an Open Space Fund. They worked with the TP&Z to adopt a fee in lieu of open space regulation. He then summarized the Commissions goals for the coming year.
 

Councilor Broxterman – None.

Councilor Dean – None.

Councilor Ellingwood – said its important to keep in mind that we all have to pay taxes, those who are prosperous and not so prosperous.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Simon – addressed the comments of the citizen who recommended we cut the education budget by $2 million. It is important to be cognizant that there are people in this community whose incomes have not increased. He asked citizens who feel that circumstances that are not going their way, to consider all of the services that we provide to benefit citizens, their neighbors and friends.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Walker – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

Mayor Trinks – None.
 

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee - None.
2. Town Improvements Committee – met to discuss the CIP and the policy of naming of public buildings. The committee does not recommend adoption of a formal policy at this time.
3. Health and Safety – None.
4. Special Projects – will be meeting on April 22^nd at 6:30 p.m.
5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – met this evening with three agenda items, a presentation of the budget from the Town Manager, a presentation from ValueNet, and discussion of artificial turf.
    

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

1. Presentation of Town Manager’s FY 2005 budget

   Town Manager Churchill gave an overview of the FY 2005 budget and reviewed the FY 2004 in Review.

   Mr. Churchill stated that the Proposed Budget received ample publicity and that the media’s tracking of the development is important to aid in the public’s ultimate decision on the budget. The budget is based on a recently approved Council vision that stresses a high amenity and high value community. The bottom line for the proposed budget is that expenditures are proposed to go up 6.22%; the board of education goes up 5.29%; the town operating budget goes up 6.56%; the sewer assessment goes up 10.45%; debt service goes up 4.81%; and cash capital project funding is renewed at $362,360.

   The town enjoyed favorable financial results in FY 2004 with revenues exceeding the budget by $1.18 million and expenditures projected to be $348,000 less than budgeted.

   The projected mill rate of 29.41 will look amazingly similar to that in 1999 – the year of the last revaluation. A $257 tax impact is projected for the median valued property, $87 of that increase is attributable to revaluation. The impact may not be at this level when considering the final mill rate will be lower, thus causing a tax reduction on personal property. These impacts compare favorably to other neighboring communities. Some of this result is based on several cost reduction initiatives totaling over $700,000.

   The Town Council asked for additional scenarios. One, with an expenditure increase of 3 percent, and the other just allowing fixed costs. The latter scenario reduced the tax impact on the median valued house to $180, and the 3% scenario allows for a $122 increase.

   The town budget continues to be highly dependent on property taxes for revenue. It increases another 1% in FY 2005. The budget’s expenditures are driven by four major factors: personal costs for $668,917, restoration of positions for $139,943, new positions (4.75 FTEs) for $166,973, and health insurance costs for $165,000. The budget, however, strives to address 11 Council priorities with these drivers.

   Mayor Trinks reminded all that there is a Public Hearing prior to the Budget Meeting tomorrow evening.
    

2. LoCIP Funding Reimbursement Request – FY 2004 Projects

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $215,561 be appropriated from the Capital Outlay Fund, Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Capital Outlay Fund Account 9041, "2004 LoCIP Program" and that an application be made to the State of Connecticut for a Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) grant to perform paving and other eligible work, and that when received, the LoCIP funds will reimburse Capital Account 9041, "2004 LoCIP Program".

   Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, gave an overview of the LoCIP program.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

3. Resolution increasing the authorized positions at the Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) totals for the Landfill Enterprise Fund be increased as follows: Regular Full-Time Employees from 8.0 to 9.0, Part-Time Employees from 0.6 to 1.0, with the new total FTE amount becoming 10.0.

   Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, and Mr. Mark Goossens, Landfill Manager discussed the proposed increases. In order for the Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill to reach its permitted capacity and then close by the end of December 2007 as directed by the Town Council, the amount of waste being deposited in the landfill on an annual basis has and will continue to be increased. To properly manage this additional waste being deposited in the landfill, it is requested that one full-time Crew Leader and one part-time Clerical Assistant is added to the staffing. The FTE would increase from 8.6 to 10.0.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

4. Approve appropriation of $76,137 for Poquonock School Office Modernization Project

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $66,526 from the Clover Street Walkways Project Number 9303 and $9,611 from the Sage Park Roof Project Number 9318 be transferred to the Poquonock Office Modernization Project Number 9040.

   Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works reviewed the project. The construction budget for this project is $435,000. Ten bids for the project were received, with the lowest bid being $499,400. This amount is $64,400 more than the construction budget. The PBC is requesting additional funding of $76,137 be appropriated to meet the financial needs of this project. This amount should be sufficient to cover the increased construction cost with an approximate 10% contingency.

   The Town Council approved the bond ordinance for the Poquonock School Office Modernization Project on January 5, 2004. The amount of the approved bond was $505,000 including $10,000 for issuance costs.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

5. Approve FY 2005-2010 Capital Improvement Program

   Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the FY 2005-2010 Capital Improvements Program be approved as presented.

   The Town Improvements Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council adopt the proposed FY 2005-2010 Capital Improvements Program as presented.

   Councilor Mulligan inquired about the FY 2008 Sage Park Classrooms for TV/VCRs in totaling $9,000. He questioned if it was a capital expense and what the life expectancy is. Town Manager Churchill said that it is appropriate as a capital expenditure and initial cost is for design services.

   Councilor Dean asked if the FY 2009 Sage Park Classrooms for TV/VCRs project for $113,000 is the same as the FY 2008 Sage Park Classrooms for TV/VCRs $9,000 expense. Town Manger Churchill said that the $9,000 is for the design services, the $113,000 is for the project.

   Councilor Jepsen noted that the Hayden Station is a bigger project than originally planned. He inquired about the unscheduled projects – Maple Sugar Museum for over $2 million. Deputy Mayor Curtis said that Windsor is looking to promote its image and the museum was one idea to focus on the heritage aspect of Windsor.

   Mayor Trinks questioned the FY 2008 Methane Collection System. Town Manager Churchill said that they have heard back from the DEP and a full 55-acre methane collection system will be necessary.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

6. Recommendation to accept sidewalk easement

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Ellingwood to accept a Sidewalk Easement from 901 Homestead, LLC to the Town of Windsor for certain parcels of land along Palisado Avenue as shown on the map entitled "Shoham Subdivision Subdivision Plan Prepared for 901 Homestead, LLC 867-949 Palisado Avenue, Windsor Connecticut" Scale: 1" = 40’ Date: October 5, 2001, revised 1-9-03,3-4-03, 7-9-03, 8-12-03, 8-27-03, 9-15-03, 9-19-03, 10-20-03, and 2-18-04 prepared by Alford Associates, Inc. Civil Engineers, Windsor Connecticut, Wilson M. Alford, Jr. P.E. & L.S. #9344 Sheet 1 of 4, which map is on file in the Windsor Town Clerk’s Office in Volume 50 at Page 5031 of the Windsor Land Records as map #5031.

   Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer gave an overview of the request. As part of an eight-parcel subdivision along Palisado Avenue, the Town of Windsor has been requested to accept an easement for the maintenance, repair and replacement of sidewalks to be constructed by the developer.

   Councilor Jepsen noted that Palisado Avenue doesn’t generally have sidewalks, he asked if this is an indication that we want sidewalks. Mr. Lenehan said that sidewalks in general are encouraged, this particular case is a subdivision and it is required. If there were no sidewalk, the school bus would have to stop at each house rather than a centralized pickup.

   Councilor Walker asked if this subdivision qualifies for the open space fund. Town Manager Churchill said that it pre-dated the open space fund.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

7. Recommendation to Accept Easement of Conservation Restriction

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Walker to accept an Easement of Conservation Restriction from 901 Homestead, LLC to the Town of Windsor for certain parcels of land along Palisado Avenue as shown on the map entitled "Shoham Subdivision Subdivision Plan Prepared for 901 Homestead, LLC 867-949 Palisado Avenue, Windsor Connecticut" Scale: 1" = 40’ Date: October 5, 2001, revised 1-9-03,3-4-03, 7-9-03, 8-12-03, 8-27-03, 9-15-03, 9-19-03, 10-20-03, and 2-18-04 prepared by Alford Associates, Inc. Civil Engineers, Windsor Connecticut, Wilson M. Alford, Jr. P.E. & L.S. #9344 Sheet 1 of 4, which map is on file in the Windsor Town Clerk’s Office in Volume 50 at Page 5031 of the Windsor Land Records as map #5031.

   Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, reviewed the Easement of Conservation Restriction. As part of an eight-parcel subdivision along Palisado Avenue, the Town of Windsor has been requested to accept a conservation easement. The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission made this easement a condition of their approval of the subdivision on April 1, 2003. The TP&Z Commission approved the subdivision plans including the most recent revisions on February 18, 2004.

   Councilor Jepsen supports this, but asked if when a homeowner wanted an exception to the Conservation Restriction, should they go to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses or to the Council. Mr. Lenehan replied that they should go to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses first.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

8. Receive Proposed Plan of Conservation and Development from Town Planning and Zoning Commission

The TP&Z Commission moved at its March 30, 2004 meeting to submit the draft Plan of Conservation and Development to the Town Council for its review. The Town Council will then have 65 days to review and comment on the Plan, as required by Section 8-23(f) of the Connecticut General Statues. The Plan will be considered approved by the Town Council if no action is taken. The TP&Z Commission has also scheduled a Special Meeting on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at which a public hearing will be held to consider adoption of the Plan of Conservation and Development. Concerned residents are encouraged to call 285-1980
 

13. Resignations and Appointments

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

• Reappoint Donna Mucha to the Fair Rent Commission for a three year term to expire March 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed

• Appoint Ronald Gaylord to the Fair Rent Commission for a three year term to expire March 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed
• Reappoint Jill Levine to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for a four year term to expire March 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed

• Reappoint Charles Vola to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for a four year term to expire March 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the March 15, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the March 15, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

15. Public Communications and Petitions
    None.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to enter into Executive Session at 9:30 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 Serives Charles Petrillo

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to leave Executive Session at and re-enter the regular Town Council meeting at 10:11 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

     

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:12 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch