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

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Ellingwood (arrived 7:50 p.m.) Councilor Dean, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
   
   
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Dean
   
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Dean
   
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Proclaiming the month of July as Parks & Recreation Month

   Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation honoring the month of July as Parks & Recreation Month.

   Ms. Michele McCarty and Mr. Rich Henderson, Assistant Recreation Managers reviewed some summer programs the Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring. Every Tuesday in July is Nature Lovers Tuesday at Northwest Park. Family trips are planned, such as white water rafting, a day trip to Boston, a Boston Red Sox vs. NY Yankees ballgame, a day of high elements on a ropes challenge course, and annual summer concerts on the town green. There are also sports camps, summer fun playground, swimming lessons and summer theatre. For more information call 285-1990 or go to the website www.townofwindsorct.com.

2. Certificate of Appreciation for Gary Roman for his contributions to First Town Downtown

Mayor Trinks read a certificate of appreciation for Gary Roman.


 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. Richard Rutkowski, 295 Kings Landing, addressed the Council. With the recent instituted property revaluation in town coupled with the recently adopted tax levy of 28.83 mils, the majority of our town residents will be faced with an increase in this year’s property tax bill. He would like the town council to seriously consider a change in the Town Charter to change paying taxes from once a year to twice a year. To eliminate any additional expense to the town for issuing two tax bills, the tax department can mail one tax bill with two slips, one for the initial payment and one for the final bill. Suffield and Bristol pay their property taxes on a semi-annual basis. Hartford pays their taxes on a quarterly basis. He implored the Council to change the Town Charter to change the property tax payments from once a year to twice a year. If the Council does not seriously investigate and conduct a feasibility study (i.e., the pros and cons of the proposed Town Charter change) he will personally institute and circulate a petition of our town’s property tax and registered citizens, with the required number of signatures, to place this question on the next municipal election ballot.
   
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Public Building Commission

   Mr. Joseph Novak, Chair, reported to the Council.

   WHS – is essentially complete. Rooftop screening installation is scheduled to be installed by July 22^nd.

   Goslee Pool – no changes since the last report. Aluminum awnings have arrived and are being installed.

   L.P. Wilson Roof – contract was awarded, materials will be delivered the first of next month.

   Library Expansion Project – Waiting for the architect to come back with better-cost figures. Once the report is in, there will be a request for quotes on temporary space for the library.

   Poquonock School Office Renovation – sections of flooring installed two years ago failed and the contractor made the repairs.

   Clover Street Window Project – no update since the last report.

   Public Works Facility – the design is behind schedule. The tent structure will be erected in late summer.

   L.P. Wilson Sage Park floors – contract has been awarded.

   JFK Floor Tile Abatement – contract is being prepared.
    

2. Housing Code of Appeals

Mr. John Bruno, Chairman, Housing Code of Appeals, reported to the Council. They met twice on two cases and each case was resolved.

 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   LED/Traffic Signal Update

   As a follow-up to an inquiry made at the last council meeting by Councilor Mulligan, I would like to provide an update on the energy charges for traffic signals. A few months ago, we took advantage of a program that allowed towns to buy surplus red Light Emitting Diodes (traffic signal lamps) from the State of CT Department of Transportation at a fraction of the cost for brand new ones.

   Of the 16 intersections where Windsor owns the signals, currently one has all LED's (reds, yellows, greens) and one has just red LED's and regular incandescent bulbs for the yellows and greens. All of the remaining signals have incandescent bulbs.

   Under the cooperative program with CT DOT, we will receive 130 red LED's at an approximate savings of $19,000. That quantity is enough to retrofit all of the town's red signal lenses. We anticipate the LED’s will be delivered in mid-summer and we will work with CL&P to determine a reduced energy rate for the signals and then have the LED's installed. We expect the installation of the red LEDs will occur this fall.

   For FY 2003 traffic signal energy costs were $15,671. That included the costs for the 16 town-owned lights and the 30 DOT-owned traffic signals on town streets, which intersect with State roads. We pay the electricity costs for all 46 traffic signals. At the present time, the cost is not broken out by location.

   We will not know the actual savings from the installation of the red LED's until we are finished with discussions with CL&P on what the un-metered cost will be for the LED traffic signals. Further, there will be no cost savings in FY '05 from this action, as we will be paying a vendor to replace the incandescent fixture with the LED fixture on the 14 remaining red traffic signals. The energy savings to the town will begin to occur in FY '06.

   Neighborhood Clean-up a Success

   A neighborhood enhancement day recently held in the Oakland Hills neighborhood was a great success as a result of the efforts of the Police and Fire Explorers, members of the Police and Fire Departments, Public Works Department and Community Development and Windsor resident Mike Hotham. Shemin Nursery donated $500 worth of plants and mulch.

   In addition to property clean-ups, volunteers assisted a homeowner with a new plant bed. The residents were thrilled with the outcome and efforts.

   Summer Activities in Windsor

   The Just For Fun Dog Show will be held this Wednesday evening on the town green. This annual event is sponsored by the Town Clerk’s Office to promote the month of June as dog licensing month and all participants must have a new dog license. Registration (and the opportunity to purchase a new dog license if you need one) begins at 5:30 p.m. The parade is at 6:00 p.m. and the judging begins at 6:15 p.m. Members of 4H will be selling hot dogs. For more information call 285-1902.

   Funds Approved for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

   The town was recently notified that the CT Department of Transportation has approved our request for $5,100 to fund the incremental cost of one hybrid gas/electric Toyota Prius. This type of automobile has significantly higher gas mileage because of the hybrid engine. The State is also approving our request to fund up to $10,000 for the cost of a diesel particulate filter for a municipal truck that operates on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. The use of these filters, along with the ultra-low sulfur fuel, reduces vehicle emissions such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter by up to 90%. The purchase of the hybrid car and the truck with the particulate matter filter will occur in this coming fiscal year.

   Deerfield Road/Windsor Avenue Globe

   The sealing and painting of the globe monument located at Windsor Avenue and Deerfield Road has become an annual maintenance item due to its continued deterioration. In late May/early June, the globe received a new coat of paint and was completely sealed.

   Methods of replacing the monument were discussed this past winter because of its continuing deterioration. Staff in the coming months will continue to review options to repair and/or replace the monument. This review will include discussions with various civic and fraternal organizations regarding potential participation and funding.

   Councilor Broxterman asked for a status on the renovations and re-crowning of the fields at Sage Park. Acting Town Manager Souza said that the crowning of O’Brien field is occurring now. Our goal is to have the sod installed in the first few weeks of July. The fields for Sage Park will be completed in the first few weeks in August. One field will be renovated in early spring of next year.

   Councilor Simon asked if we have heard back from WIN-TV’s Board. Acting Town Manager Souza said that we have heard back and that they have approved the document.
   
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – congratulated the Class of 2004 who will graduate tomorrow night.

Councilor Dean – commented on the revaluation and resident concerns over the higher tax bills. She asked if the semi-annual tax bill would hurt the town’s bond rating. Acting Town Manager Souza said that it wouldn’t have an impact on the bond rating, but it would impact the staff level and collection rates.

Councilor Ellingwood – None.

Councilor Jepsen – congratulated Sharran Selig on her elevation to presidency of the Chamber of Commerce. He also congratulated the other award winners: Mickey Mattei for Citizen of the Year, Bob and Laurie St. Jacques who own Four Season’s Landscaping, and Scott and Robin Williams who own True Value Hardware. He also congratulated Carol MacMullen on her retirement.

Councilor Simon – None.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Walker – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – congratulates the seniors of the Class of 2004 also. He congratulated Carol MacMullen on her years of service. He requested that perhaps at a future Council meeting we could have a discussion about semi-annual tax bills.

Mayor Trinks – tomorrow night is graduation and also Project Graduation. The last few years they have been running 80-85% participation in this all night event.

 

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.
6. Personnel Committee – met on June 16^th to discuss the process of filling the position of Town Manager. The committee will be discussing four options including: hiring an outside firm, advertising ourselves, interviewing internal candidates or appointing the Acting Town Manager to the position. Councilor Dean thanked Ms. Amelia Bliss, Director of Human Resources, for the valuable input she provided.

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

1. Rescheduling of July 12, 2004 Town Council meeting to July 6, 2004

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Dean to reschedule the July 12, 2004 Town Council meeting to July 6, 2004.

   Councilor Jepsen said that the reason of the initial move of the date was for the convenience of the town staff. Acting Town Manager Souza said that they expect the workload for the July meeting to be manageable.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

   Acting Town Manager Souza requested that the next two items be withdrawn because there is a boundary change and they will be included on the July 6, 2004 Town Council Agenda.
    

2. Introduce and approve an ordinance regarding the sale of property on East Street
    
3. Set a Public Hearing for July 12, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) for an ordinance regarding the sale of property on East Street

   Items B and C were withdrawn from the agenda.
    

4. Approve appropriation of $5,000 for Caribbean Culture Showcase event

   This agenda item is sponsored by Councilor Walker on behalf of the West Indian Independence Celebration Committee.

   Ms. Doreen Richardson, 5 Jay Circle, of the West Indian Independence Committee, said that in recognition of the growing Caribbean Community in Windsor, the residents would like a Caribbean Cultural Showcase on Saturday, July 31, 2004 on the town green. She gave an overview of the planned activities. The Cultural Dance Troupe of the West Indies will be performing and local and regional artists will be showcased.

   Mr. Jim Babb, 35 Krystal Lane, of the West Indian Independence Committee, spoke to the Council about the request of an appropriation of $5,000 to help defray the costs of this event. The estimated budget for this event is $7,150.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if this would be a full day of activities. Ms. Richardson said that it would be from 12 – 6 p.m.

   Councilor Ellingwood asked if there is an organization that is sponsoring this event. Ms. Richardson said that there are several organizations in the West Indian community.

   Mr. Babb added that there would be an author signing books also.

   Councilor Walker said that the City of Hartford and Bloomfield are sponsoring similar events.

   Councilor Dean asked if it is a 501(c) 3 organization. Ms. Richardson said no, that it is just a group of Windsor residents piggybacking the events happening in the Hartford area. Councilor Dean asked who is handling the finances. Ms. Richardson said that it is being discussed, either the town staff or a resident of the town would be appointed to account for the funds.

   Councilor Jepsen asked if this is envisioned to become an annual event. Ms. Richardson said that they do see it as an annual event, growing each year, adding to the richness and diversity of the town.

   Mayor Trinks referred this item to the Finance Committee.
    

5. Authorize the Town Manager to execute Waste Disposal agreement with CRRA

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to authorize the Town Manager to execute the attached Waste Disposal Agreement with the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority.

Assistant Town Manager Souza gave a brief overview of the agreement. In February 2004, the Council directed the Town Manager to develop a landfill closure and re-use plan for submittal to the Department of Environmental Protection utilizing the proposed revised landform and to cease acceptance of municipal solid waste and bulky waste material to the Landfill when the permitted elevation is reached, or by December 31, 2007, whichever comes first.

Based on the negotiated terms, there is the potential to generate $2.9 million in revenue during year one and up to $10.8 million over the life of the agreement. Staff increases authorized earlier this spring by the Town Council provides appropriate capacity to manage the expected tonnage. The estimated tonnage and revenue meets the financial projections reviewed with the Town Council during discussion this past fall and winter.

Councilor Broxterman asked what are our projections for total tonnage received annually. Acting Town Manager Souza said a little over 110,000 tons on an annual basis is needed.

Councilor Simon asked about the private hauler with a long-term contract. Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, responded that USA Waste is bringing in 19,000 tons on an annual basis. They do not anticipate that going any higher. Councilor Simon asked what we would charge any other hauler. Mr. Funk said that the spot market rate is $66 per ton, the Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill charges $62 per ton. Councilor Simon asked what CRRA charges its member towns. Mr. Funk replied that they will be charging $70 per ton as of July. Councilor Simon asked why it is in our best interest to sign an agreement with CRRA when any other large hauler would get the same price. Acting Town Manager Souza said that CRRA would provide a consistent stream of waste and revenue to meet the 2007 timeline. Mr. Funk added that there is little uncommitted tonnage in this area.

Councilor Ellingwood asked about the agreement with CRRA and the possibility of them wanting to control the landfill. Acting Town Manager Souza responded that his agreement does not give CRRA any authority to operate or manage our landfill, it is purely an agreement to allow them to bring Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into our landfill.

Councilor Jepsen asked if the Town Attorney has reviewed the contract. Acting Town Manager Souza replied that he did approve it as well as an environmental attorney with Day, Berry & Howard.

Mr. Floyd Gent, Director of Operations, CRRA, addressed the Council. This arrangement is a marginal benefit to CRRA. We have to pay our contractors $6 a ton to get it to the transfer station. Relative to the differential over time, there is a provision in the hauler’s contract to limit the increase of 3% or less over the next three years. They anticipate keeping the tip fees to a 3% or less increase also. To facilitate the closing of the landfill, we would like to work with Windsor to accept the MSW instead of shipping it out of state, however, we will continue to ship it out of state if Windsor does not accept the agreement. We would like Windsor to be a future customer of CRRA.

Councilor Walker noted page 8, section 5.03 has the word "not" crossed out. He asked why the word has not been removed. Mr. Brian Funk said that the word is not supposed to be there and it will be deleted. Mr. Gent said that if they sign up any additional waste at Mid-Conn, they will be taking it out of state and those rates change every year. They recently conducted a rail haul study. They are looking at adding a rail haul for process residues, ash and MSW out of state in the short term before increasing the size of their facility. They can make a commitment to accept Windsor’s waste in 2008, but cannot set a price at this time. Councilor Walker said that this town has space that CRRA needs. He believes that CRRA can provide us with a range of prices. Mr. Gent said that presently they are oversubscribed at Mid-Conn. Windsor waste would have to be sent out of the state. They would also have to have an agreement with a transfer station. CRRA needs to know if Windsor is going to have a transfer station before they can negotiate numbers.

Councilor Ellingwood asked how long we have been working on this agreement. Acting Town Manager Souza replied since February. Councilor Ellingwood thinks that this should be referred back to committee for clarification. Councilor Ellingwood asked if the staff feels that this agreement is the best that we can do. Acting Town Manager Souza feels confident that CRRA will discuss further with us that if Windsor becomes a customer, they handle our waste in 2007.

Councilor Mulligan asked what does CRRA pay to bring trash to Ohio. Mr. Gent said that it is $30 per ton, but with transportation costs it is somewhere in the $60’s. It is cheaper for us to go to Ohio than to transport it to Bridgeport.

Mayor Trinks said that he wants to know that in 2008 the Town of Windsor has somewhere to send their trash.

Councilor Simon recommended increasing the tipping fees to $64 per ton for the CRRA agreement.

Councilor Walker agreed with Councilor Simon. He would also like proof from CRRA of the costs to ship their waste out of the state. Acting Town Manager Souza says that the staff feels comfortable with the information CRRA is providing, they have looked at this very hard and researched. The have negotiated in good faith with CRRA and they with us. We feel that this is a reasonable contract coming to middle ground.

Councilor Broxterman said that he will support this motion tonight. We gain the ability to project out how much tonnage we can accept for capacity or closure. It is his recollection that we were going to try to be within reason to capitalize the space so that the future costs would not be borne by the taxpayers. He doesn’t feel like undermining the negotiations that he was not part of.

Councilor Ellingwood called the question.

Councilor Mulligan made a friendly amendment to change page 8, section 5.03, sentence "In addition, it is expressly agreed by CRRA that CRRA does hereby indemnify the Windsor Indemnified Parties and will hold the Windsor Indemnified Parties harmless from any damage claim presented by…"

Friendly amendment was accepted by Councilors Jepsen and Broxterman.

Motion Passed 5-3-1 with Councilors Walker, Simon, and Deputy Mayor Curtis opposing and Mayor Trinks abstaining.

 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the resignation of Aneila Machernis from the Human Relations Commission and the resignation of Gerry Golden from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to appoint F. Evelyn Smith as a republican member to the Human Relations Commission for a three-year term to expire May 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the June 7, 2004 Public Hearing (Ordinance for the sale of 235 Palisado Avenue)

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the June 7, 2004 Public Hearing (Ordinance for the sale of 235 Palisado Avenue). Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

2. Minutes of the June 7, 2004 Public Hearing (Neighborhood Assistance Credit Act)

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the June 7, 2004 Public Hearing (Neighborhood Assistance Credit Act). Corrections: None.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

3. Minutes of the June 7, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the June 7, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 1, item C Jeffrey Miller; page 8, 2^nd paragraph, public should be property.

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 9:34 p.m. for the purpose of:

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

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

16. 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

    Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to exit Executive Session and reconvene the regular Town Council meeting at 10:09 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 10:10 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch

Section 1. A contract for the sale of the land and any improvements thereon on East Street, Windsor, Connecticut between the First School Society of the Town of Windsor and the Town of Windsor dated is hereby approved.

Section 2. The Town Manager is authorized to make such modifications as may be required from time to time in the contract which does not substantially change the terms thereof and to execute all closing documents and expend such funds as may be required to effect the closing of title and to enforce the contract.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall become effective ten (10) days after publication in a newspaper having circulation in the Town of Windsor after approval of a Special Town Meeting.

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

___________________________________

Town Attorney

ATTEST:

___________________________________

Town Clerk

Distributed to Town Council: ______________________________________

Public Hearing Advertised: ______________________________________

Referred to Town Meeting: ______________________________________

Town Meeting Approval: ______________________________________

Publication Date: ______________________________________

Effective Date: ______________________________________