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

1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Broxterman (arrived at 8:01 p.m.), 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

1. Proclamation honoring June 2004 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

   Councilor Walker read the proclamation honoring June 2004 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.

2. Proclamation honoring Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure

   Councilor Ellingwood read the proclamation honoring Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure.

3. Proclamation honoring Windsor High School students for their Societal Skills memorial site project

   Councilor Mulligan read the proclamation honoring Windsor High School students Michael Dyer, Daniel Garvin, Bryan Handy, Cory Westbrook, Kyle Hahn, Tycon Spence, Royan Cork, Ricky Matthews, Farhan Mehta, Matthew Glad, Sarah Rafala, Andre Palmer, Jeffrey Miller, and Stephen Heffelfinger for their Societal Skills memorial site project.

4. Honoring Lon Pelton for his dedication of a sculpture for the 9/11 Societal Skills memorial site project

Councilor Mulligan read the proclamation honoring Lon Pelton for his dedication of a sculpture for the 9/11 Societal Skills memorial site project.
 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. William Generous, 30 Karen Circle, addressed the Council regarding property tax concerns for Windsor residents. He was glad to see that one Councilor said that 5.8% was not a representative tax increase figure. He feels if the voters had known that, the budget would not have passed. The property tax is up by double digits. He asked why this information wasn’t revealed in the budget by the Town Manager. He asked why some town officials and councilors confuse yearly revaluations and tax relief. It is not too late to perform your civic duty to the residents of Windsor. He requested that the Council fix this problem before the tax bills go out.

   Mr. Richard Rutkowski, 295 Kings Landing, from a 55 and over adult community. He spoke to the Council regarding the revaluation, tax rate and increase. His taxes have increased $970 with the new mill rate. His community is considering legal action. He suggests a tax advocacy group to watch spending. He hopes that the residents will make the Council responsible and have reasonable tax increases.

   Mr. John Berky, 21 Juniper Road, spoke on behalf of the Neighborhood Assistance Act. It is not a grant that comes from the taxpayers of Windsor. Non-profits from around the state can apply for the grant through their town. It then goes to the state, and in the fall, the state dispenses funds to corporations that supported the non-profit organization. The company can receive up to 60% in tax credits for their contributions. It doesn’t directly benefit the non-profit but rewards corporations that support them.

   Mr. Thomas Tustin, 59 Capen Street, spoke to the Mayor a couple of months ago. He is a servant of God and he has a ministry in Connecticut. What we see going on in the world is not going to stay on our television sets. When laws of God are broken eventually a nation as blessed as this, God has no choice but to move his hand of protection. He told the Council they have a unique voice. They are holding a meeting in July for Mayors in Connecticut. He will contact each Councilor with information.

   Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, said that in February of this year he spoke to the Council about the cracks in the Deerfield Globe. In response, the administration broached one option that would keep Councilors informed. He feels the administration has made no plans and has no costs. The Council needs to direct the administration and give them a timeframe to fix the memorial.
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Board of Education

   Ms. Jane Garibay, President of Board of Education, reported to the Council. She thanked the Town Council in their support of redoing the athletic fields. Last Thursday evening, the 60-70 member orchestra and band at Sage Park performed. JFK unearthed a time capsule that the current 5^th grade class buried five years ago. Senior scholarship award is this Thursday, June 10^th. Graduation is scheduled for June 22, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.

   Flags were checked in the schools and it was found that there were flags missing from some of the classrooms which will be taken care of immediately.

2. Historic District Commission

Mr. Christopher Watts, Chair, reported to the Council. On July 9^th, 362 Palisado Avenue wanted to put up a new sign. The proposal was approved. On September 3^rd, 236 Palisado Avenue requested a new sign to direct people to their business and it was also approved.
 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Fair Housing Seminar for Property Managers and Landlords

   The Windsor Housing Authority and the Human Relations Commission will host a workshop on Fair Housing Law Thursday, June 17^th in the Ludlow Room at Windsor Town Hall from noon to 1:30 p.m. The workshop is intended for landlords and property managers to develop a better understanding of the requirements of the federal and state "Fair Housing Acts."

   Denise Viera, Executive Director of the Windsor Housing Authority, will share her expertise on the topic. If you are interested in attending, please call the Office of Community Development at 285-1984.

   AED Grant

   The Town of Windsor is the recipient of three Automated External Defibrillators (AED) through a grant from the American Heart Association. The Healthy Community and Healthy People Initiatives prepared applications for six facilities within the Town of Windsor including Sage Park Middle School and the Windsor Senior Center. The Heart Association awarded grants to communities based on schools, Senior Centers, churches and other closely associated programs.

   The AED's were purchased through Anthem and given to the Heart Association for placement into the communities.

   The AED's will be placed at Windsor High School, Windsor Senior Center and Sage Park Middle School as stated in the grant application. Training for staff members in these facilities will be conducted in the near future and prior to placement of the AED's in these facilities.

   June is Dog Licensing Month

   In Connecticut, the month of June is the time to license your dog. All dogs six months of age or older must be licensed each year. Registration can be done in person at the Town Clerk’s Office or through the mail. Fees for a dog license are $8.00 for a spayed or neutered dog, or $19.00 for a dog that has not been spayed or neutered. If you are registering by mail, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment.

   All those purchasing a license need to provide a valid rabies certificate and a certificate stating that your dog has been spayed or neutered.

   The "Just for Fun Dog Show" will be held on Wednesday, June 23^rd on the Town Green. Registration begins at 5:15 p.m. and the judging begins at 5:45 p.m.

   For more information, call the Town Clerk’s Office at 285-1902.
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – Congregation Beth Ahm invited all to a tag sale at 362 Palisado Avenue on Sunday, June 13 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Councilor Dean – congratulated the high school students on their 9/11 Memorial. She also suggested looking into repairing the Deerfield Globe.

Councilor Ellingwood – stated the actual change in resident’s tax bills was greater than he thought as well. In the past, the number has been reliable. In the future we can’t do that. He would still like to see what the actual number is.

Councilor Jepsen – thanked all that participated in the 9/11 memorial dedication. He also attended the volunteer brunch. He thinks it is time for the rest of the town to know what is going on with the Windsor-Bloomfield landfill.

Councilor Simon – happens to agree that the information that was published regarding the tax effect was misleading. It was not intentionally misleading on our part, we all made assumptions on the impact. We thought it was a relevant figure as in past years. Since switching from a corporate tax base to a residential tax base, it is no longer relevant, however accurate. He accepts the responsibility for not asking the right questions. He will ask the correct questions in the future.

Councilor Mulligan – attended the American Red Cross Annual Recognition Dinner.

Councilor Walker – the 9/11 memorial dedication was really impressive. Mr. Generous spoke for the second time and he used some strong words i.e., members of this Council are derelict. The Town of Windsor uses the median value of homes and other towns do also, this process is nothing new.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – thanked all for the 9/11 memorial dedication. It really is a tribute to the students for putting the project together. The property tax issue is an issue throughout Connecticut. He personally had a large increase, but thought that the town’s services were worth it.

Mayor Trinks – this weekend the green will host Alex’s Lemonade Stand Day, which is the brainstorm of an 8-year old child who has cancer. At Bradley Bowl, there is a bowl-a-thon for cancer research. There was a public works employee at the Deerfield Globe a few weeks ago, perhaps it was patched. He requested an update.
 

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee - met on May 25, 2004 and discussed revaluation, purchase orders and SummerWind funding.
2. Town Improvements Committee – None.
3. Health and Safety – None.
4. Special Projects – None.
5. Joint Board of Education and Town Council Committee – met this evening to discuss the potential for all day kindergarten.
   
    

10. Ordinances

1. Approve an ordinance entitled, "The sale of 235 Palisado Avenue in the amount of $275,000."

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that an ordinance entitled, "THE SALE OF 235 PALISADO AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,000" be approved.

The purchase price of $275,000 represents the highest and most responsive proposal received. The sale and proceeds will accrue to the town’s General Fund, Undesignated Fund Balance unless specifically earmarked for other purposes.

The Town Planning & Zoning Commission approved this transaction and its proposed use via a CGS §8-24 at its February 10, 2004 meeting.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

11. Unfinished Business

1. Approve Neighborhood Assistance Act Credit Program

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the attached resolution relative to participation in the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program.

   This year the following applications were submitted by the following organizations:

   CRIS RADIO $50,000 Provides reading services to the blind

   FOODSHARE $50,000 Food Distribution

   HUNTINGTON HOUSE $50,000 Cultural arts program

   CELEBRATE WINDSOR! $150,000 ADVO/SummerWind Series

   Mayor Trinks asked if these organizations apply yearly. Acting Town Manager Souza confirmed this.

   Councilor Simon asked about organizations that applied previously but are no longer on the list. Mr. James Burke, Economic Development Director, said they market the program, soliciting non-profits and do a press release. Some of the other organizations have not been successful securing funds with this program so they chose not to participate.

   Councilor Mulligan supports this motion, however will abstain from voting because of his position on the Board of CRIS Radio.

   Councilor Ellingwood asked how successful organizations have been with this program. Mr. Burke replied that last year Celebrate Windsor! received $100,000; Foodshare, Inc. $10,000; and the Windsor Chamber of Commerce (for Revolutionary Windsor) $250.

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

2. Authorize appropriation of $27,500 for SummerWind Performing Arts Center

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $27,500 from the General Services, Community Services Account be authorized for use by Celebrate Windsor! Inc.

Councilor Simon reported that the Finance Committee unanimously voted to approve this motion on May 25, 2004.

The Celebrate Windsor Board of Directors is requesting that the appropriation of $27,500 be released for the town’s sponsorship of the Blood, Sweat and Tears concert, which is scheduled for July 17, 2004.

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

12. New Business

1. Set Special Town Meeting for Monday, June 21, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) at Windsor Town Hall regarding the sale of 235 Palisado Avenue

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the foregoing ordinance regarding the sale of 235 Palisado Avenue be referred to a Special Town meeting set for Monday, June 21, 2004, at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) at Windsor Town Hall. The Town Council recommends approval of the sale.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

2. Approve the implementation of annual property revaluation

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Walker that the Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to implement and conduct an annual revaluation process for the preparation of the October 2005 grand list.

   The Finance Board met on May 25, 2004 and discussed revaluation. The Finance Committee recommends the implementation of annual revaluation for the October 2005 grand list.

   Councilor Mulligan said that he originally believed that perhaps we, along with other communities, should scrap the revaluation we had done if we found that it was not in the best interest of the town. But he has since changed his opinion and is convinced that that is not the way to go. If we had put the revaluation off another year to next year, property values would have continued to go up in the area. It is cheaper for the town to perform the revaluation on an annual basis and will smooth out those peaks and valleys. The downside is that it is a difficult for people to understand. Taking the mill rate back to a base value will identify the increase with the budget increase.

   Councilor Walker will support this motion. It reduces and minimizes the big shock that homeowners have when they receive their bills.

   Councilor Jepsen did voice some trepidation going down this path, having lived in communities where it was done poorly. He doesn’t think that will be the case with Windsor. This median house calculation has got to go with this new system.

   Councilor Ellingwood thinks it is a good idea. He is bothered that there is this hidden assumption that we will pick this mill rate. He is in favor of still doing the budget the way we do it and back calculate the mill rate.

   Councilor Dean is also in favor of this motion.

   Deputy Mayor Curtis asked when this would go into effect. Acting Town Manager Souza said that it would go into effect for Grand List 2005, which is used for FY 2007 which goes into effect July 2006.

   Councilor Simon said that the reason people get upset is that local public services are funded from property taxes. Other communities who use yearly revaluation don’t rely on property taxes solely for public services.

   Councilor Broxterman said that when legislature decides that new programs or services are needed and they are funded, but then later dropped on the towns, it adds to the tension for property taxes. You need to go to your state legislators because they pass laws requiring towns to fill needs which go unfunded. We do need to have our legislature look at other ways of sustaining programs.

   Councilor Walker recalled there was a group of residents who came to town hall to voice their displeasure at having to pay for education. The town staff had to tell them that these are mandates from the state. There was a blue ribbon commission studying property tax reform in Connecticut. It’s an ongoing debate and issue.

   Councilor Ellingwood is not in disfavor of property tax, it gives us control at the town level. The only stable source of income to the town is property tax. When people lose their jobs, the state sales tax dwindles, but property tax remains.

   Mayor Trinks feels that technology today lends itself to annual revaluation. We’ve got to communicate this to the public and we can make it successful. He is proud of the Council and staff for moving this forward.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

3. Approval of Open Purchase Orders

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to re-approve the purchase orders existing on the report Current Year Purchase Orders dated May 28, 2004.

   The Finance Committee met on May 25^th and approved the above motion. Acting Town Manager Souza gave an overview of the open purchase orders.

   Councilor Mulligan asked about the energy charges for traffic lights. Acting Town Manager Souza said that he is awaiting more data and it will be ready at the next Council meeting.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

4. Authorize year end transfers in the General Fund of not more than $5,000 per account

   Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Mulligan that the Director of Finance is authorized to make year-end transfers in the General Fund of not more than $5,000 per account.

   The Finance Committee met on May 25^th and approved the motion.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

5. Authorize the expenditure of funds from Capital Project Account No. 9083, Stormwater Management System

   Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis that the appropriation of $30,000 for Project #9083, Stormwater Management System, be available for expenditures as of June 8, 2004.

   Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, gave a brief overview. There are projects that need to be started and seasonal employees will perform the work, which will save money over contracted companies. At its May 17^th meeting, the Council approved the transfer of specific funds to the Capital Project Fund accounts with the stipulation that they would be available for use on July 1, 2004. The early release of money needed for the Stormwater Management System is up for the Council’s consideration.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

6. Approve suspense List

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $132,353.29 motor vehicle, supplemental, and personal property taxes on the 2000 Grand List be transferred to the Suspense Tax Book.

This list consists of motor vehicle, supplemental, and personal property taxes on the 2000 Grand List that are considered uncollectable.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

13. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to"

• Reappoint James Mason as a democratic member to the Board of Ethics for a five-year term to expire July 31, 2009 or until a successor is appointed
• Reappoint William Chiodo as a republican member to the Greater Hartford Transit District for a four -year term to expire February 28, 2008 or until a successor is appointed
• Reappoint Leo Canty as a democratic member to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a two-year term to expire June 30, 2006 or until a successor is appointed
• Appoint Richard Armstrong as a democratic member to the Human Relations Commission for a three-year term to expire May 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed
• Reappoint Joyce Armstrong as a democratic alternate member to the Human Relations Commission for a three-year term to expire May 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed
• Reappoint Robert McCarron as a republican member to the Inland, Wetlands, Watercourses Commission for a four-year term to expire March 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed
• Reappoint Nellie Holmes Mason as a republican member to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term to expire April 30, 2007 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the May 17, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to accept the minutes of the May 17, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: page 8, 2^nd paragraph addition – Councilor Walker asked why make it that simple rather than take random samples and include and use a standard deviation.

Motion Passed 9-0-0
 

15. Public Communications and Petitions

Mr. Lon Pelton, One Orchard Lane, spoke about the restored bell at Bell School. Perhaps it could go to Stony Hill School.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to enter into Executive Session at 9:25 p.m. for the purpose of:

1. Strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims and litigation (Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill)
2. Discussion of the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation health or dismissal of a public officer or employee

Motion Passed 7-2-0 (Councilors Jepsen and Mulligan opposed)
 

16. Executive Session

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

    Staff: Acting Town Manager Peter Souza, Director of Health Services Charles Petrillo, Director of Public Works Brian Funk, Town Engineer Tom Lenehan

    Acting Town Manager Peter Souza, Director of Health Services Charles Petrillo, Director of Public Works Brian Funk, Town Engineer Tom Lenehan left Executive Session at 9:48 p.m.

    Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Dean to leave Executive Session and reconvene the Regular Town Council meeting at 9:57 p.m.

    Motion Passed 7-0-0

    Mayor Trinks announced the formation of an Ad-Hoc Personnel Search Committee made up of Councilor Dean, Councilor Mulligan and Mayor Trinks that will meet to discuss the appointment/selection of a Town Manager.
    
     

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council meeting at 9:58 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 building at 235 Palisado Avenue, Windsor, Connecticut between Laurie and Craig Matthews and the Town of Windsor

dated May , 2004 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 Special Town Meeting.

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Town Attorney

ATTEST:

Town Clerk

Distributed to Town Council: 5/17/04

Public Hearing Advertised: 5/28/04

Referred to Town Meeting: 6/07/04

Town Meeting Approved: 6/21/04

Publication Date:

Effective Date: