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, Councilor Dean, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker
   
    
    
2. Prayer – Councilor Ellingwood
   
   
    
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Ellingwood
   
   
    
4. Proclamations/Awards

1. Mr. and Ms. Windsor were honored

Ms. Lucia Barresi and Mr. Adam McCann were honored as Mr. and Ms. Windsor from the Yankee Doodle Celebration.
 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

   Mr. George Yeramian, 739 Prospect Hill Road, spoke on behalf of keeping the landfill for Windsor/Bloomfield only. His wife passed away Saturday and in her obituary he mentioned how much she enjoyed her sunny room in the addition of their home. He didn’t mention the 60 trucks that passed per hour in front of her home on the way to the dump. He feels that the Council decision is a travesty. He asks the Council now to start a procedure to reroute the horrible dump traffic down Knolls Road, directly off of Day Hill Road through the woods to the dump road gate. He hopes this appeal is not ignored.

   Mr. Bill Generous, 30 Karen Circle, addressed the Council regarding the tax increase. If you compare your real estate taxes with last year, you will realize that after accounting for general inflation, the overall tax bill might be the biggest percent increase in Windsor's history, and Windsor is an old town. The actual median residential real estate tax increase is about two-and-one-half times the representative figure the town supplied. First, town staff misrepresented the tax increase on a median house value. Second, some--if not all members of the town council--remained in the dark about property tax changes until informed by citizens. Third, members of the council have refused to adjust the residential tax bills in a way that would lead to a more reasonable residential tax increase. He asked why did most Town Council members not apply critical analysis to the budget in its entirety.
   
   
    

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

A. Board of Education – none

B. Human Relations Commission

Mr. Leonard Swade, Human Relations Commission, reported to the Council on behalf of the commission’s chairperson, Max Kuziak who was unable to attend the council meeting. The Commission co-sponsored the Conversations on Race for a second year. It is a very successful program. In it’s first year, over 100 participants attended. Successful Bridge Builder Awards were given in October. The Bridge Builder Awards celebrate ethnic, racial and cultural diversity and congratulates leaders who have been role models in human relations. This year’s Bridge Builder Awards will be held on September 30, 2004 at the Library. The Human Relations Commission was active in the area of fair housing. Mr. Carl Harris, HUD, spoke to the Commission on Fair Housing. In June they co-sponsored a seminar on Fair Housing, attended in part by Windsor landlords. The Commission also tries to monitor the diversity in schools. In February, representatives of the different cultural groups from WHS spoke to the Commission regarding their activities. The Commission will also collaborate with other towns. On a personal note, Mr. Swade hopes that Windsor supports the upcoming Caribbean Showcase.

 

7. Town Manager’s Report

   Caring Connection Receives Grant

   Windsor’s Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center was recently notified that it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Fleet Bank to support its Art Therapy Programming. As you may recall, their program has flourished in the past 4 years, and seven of their pieces were shown in a special exhibit last month in Washington, DC at the Russell Senate Office Building Rotunda. Congratulations to Julie Soucy, Caring Connection’s Art Therapist, who has spearheaded this program over the past four years, and all the staff at the Caring Connection who continue to enhance the lives of their clients in such a positive way.

   Farmer’s Market Returns for the Summer

   Windsor’s Farmer's Market is set to open for the season on Friday, July 16th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Windsor Community Center located at 330 Windsor Avenue. The market will be held each Friday through the end of September. For more information, or if you are interested in being a vendor at the Farmer’s Market, please contact the Office of Community Development at 285-1985.

   Fire District Refuse Removal

   Both the Windsor and Wilson fire districts are changing the method that Windsor Sanitation will be picking up refuse. Starting July 9th, each household in both districts will receive one free 95 gallon rolling cart that will replace any other cans (metal or plastic) or bags now being used for this purpose. This cart will allow garbage to be picked up mechanically by the refuse truck. If extra carts are needed for a household, they can be purchased through Windsor Sanitation. Also, Wilson’s refuse pickup date has been re-scheduled to Friday of each week. Both districts are in the process of sending letters to homeowners explaining the new program.

   August Primary

   The upcoming 2nd Senatorial Democratic Primary will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2004. Town Buildings to be used as polling places include the L.P. Wilson Community Center, J.F.K. Elementary School, Oliver Ellsworth Elementary School, Poquonock Elementary School, Town Hall and 330 Windsor Avenue. For more information, call the Registrars Office at 285-1955 or 285-1957.

   Rte. 159 Guard Rails

   You may recall that in 2002, the State Department of Transportation removed guardrails along both sides of Route 159 in the vicinity of Stony Hill. In November 2002, the town expressed its concerns regarding pedestrian safety in this area.

   With the absence of guardrails, concerns remain for pedestrian safety as well as potential severe property damage due to vehicle accidents. Residents and property owners in the area wish to have guardrails reinstalled.

   The town has made another attempt to address these concerns and look forward to hopefully developing a solution to address these safety concerns.

   Rail Crossing Repairs will Close Roads

   AMTRAK has notified the town that the rail crossings at Mack Town Road and Pierson Lane will be replaced within the next month. This work will require the roads to be closed to through traffic.

   Mack Town Road is expected to be closed from July 12^th until July 26th. Pierson Lane is expected to be closed from July 26^th to August 9^th.

   Notification signs have been placed along both roads; media releases are being prepared along with information being placed on the town’s website.

   Councilor Broxterman asked if AMTRAK would be installing metal crossings. Acting Town Manager Souza said he will confirm and follow-up with the council with that information.

   Councilor Mulligan asked about his previously requested tax information. Acting Town Manager Souza replied that the information is forthcoming. Councilor Mulligan asked if the median work in Poquonock had been started. Acting Town Manager Souza replied that it was scheduled for this week (week of 7/5/04) but that he would confirm that information.

   Mayor Trinks – noted that the steps leading to Washington Park are in disrepair. There was also a citizen inquiry from Meakin Drive. They are concerned with the speed of the traffic especially with children playing in the street. He requested Acting Town Manager Souza to follow-up on the call.
   
   
    

8. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – None.

Councilor Dean – offered her condolences to George Yeramian.

Councilor Ellingwood – None.

Councilor Jepsen – None.

Councilor Simon – None.

Councilor Mulligan – None.

Councilor Walker – condolences to George Yeramian.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – None.

Mayor Trinks – thanked the staff for the Fourth of July celebration.

 

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee - met last week regarding the possible appropriation for the Caribbean Cultural Showcase.
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 – None.

Mayor Trinks referred the replacement of the Town Manager to the Personnel Committee which would now act as the Search Committee.

 

10. Ordinances
    None.
    
    
     
11. Unfinished Business

1. 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, of the West Indian Independence Committee and Mr. Perry, of the West Indian Independence Committee were available for questions. Acting Town Manager Peter Souza gave an overview of the event and the revised estimated budget.

In recognition of the growing Caribbean Community in Windsor, the residents would like to hold a Caribbean Cultural Showcase on Saturday, July 31, 2004 on the Town Green. The Cultural Dance Troupe of the West Indies will be performing and local and regional artists will be showcased. They are requesting of an appropriation of $5,000 to help defray the costs of this event. The revised estimated budget for this event is $5,170.

The Finance Committee met on June 28^th to discuss the request. They had a number of concerns: 1) the organizing committee and if they were directly affiliated with an existing recognized not-for-profit organization, 2) the program and estimated budget were not finalized, 3) insurance requirements, and 4) the timing of the request is outside the normal Town Council budget process.

Town Staff and Acting Town Manager Souza had a number of reservations as well which include: 1) timing of the funding request, 2) lack of private fundraising to date, 3) ability of volunteers to plan and produce a successful event in less than three weeks.

At this relatively late stage, minimal staff resources can be devoted to the event. Similar to other community events, guidance and assistance in terms of basic event logistics can be provided, but the bulk of the planning, coordination and event production will be the responsibility of the volunteer organizing committee.

Councilor Walker asked about the group’s fundraising efforts. Mr. Perry replied that last year they came to the Town Council for a proclamation. The Town of Bloomfield has committed itself to their event on the Bloomfield town green on July 29^th. He is hoping that Windsor will also have a celebration in this town. With regards to funding, the West Indian Foundation is contributing $500. They also have $500 from the West Indian Independence Committee. He is appealing that this program be passed and supported. There are fifteen Caribbean nations celebrating independence at this time.

Councilor Dean feels that this is a great idea, however, she asked how many members were on the committee and who would be in charge of the finances. She also asked how many volunteers would be supporting the event. Mr. Perry said that the organization consists of fifteen organizations. On the Windsor Committee, there are seven people. For years they have worked with the West Indian Foundation which is a 501c3 organization. Acting Town Manager Souza added that the funds would be maintained in a Town of Windsor account and administered through the recreation department. Any private donations are also deposited into the special revenue account. If there are any monies at the end of this year and the town chooses to become involved next year the funds can be used for next year’s event or it can be closed and returned to the General Fund.

Councilor Simon thanked them for the work this past week regarding fundraising. He noted that the committee wanted to see some matching funds. They were hopeful that this would be a yearly event. In the future, the public funds would not be as much as this appropriation which is essentially seed money. He will support the effort tonight.

Deputy Mayor Curtis will also support this appropriation. He thinks it is a very good idea and likes the connection with Bloomfield and Hartford events. He asked about the hours of the event. Ms. Richardson said that it would run from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Mr. Perry added that he would like to see collaboration between the town and West Indian Independence, he would also like to see representatives from the town attend the event.

Councilor Ellingwood thinks that the event is wonderful for Windsor, but he is concerned about the late request. He asked where the money is coming from. We are asking people to pay 12 -15% tax increases and we owe it to the people to show it as a wash in the budget. He would like to see the effort made to subtract it from something to make it work.

Councilor Mulligan supports and agrees with Councilor Ellingwood’s position on this. He feels that it is a worthwhile event to put on. However, last year, we denied Huntington House an appropriation of $10,000 because they didn’t come to the budget at an appropriate time. He will support this as he stated in the Finance Committee however; he cannot support it coming out of the General Fund. Councilor Mulligan asked if the cleanup has been organized and if the committee has the volunteers to support it. Acting Town Manager Souza said that the number has not been finalized but he feels the committee has the volunteers.

Councilor Walker thanked Ms. Richardson and Mr. Perry for the work they provided in fundraising. He views the event as a celebration of Caribbean culture and also an opportunity for education. He sees this event similar to a concert on the green, and when those occur, the question of who will cleanup is not brought up.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the Bloomfield event and what the budget is. Mr. Perry replied that the budget is $4,000. The Bloomfield Leisure Group is printing 2,000 flyers. They are also organizing the set up of two additional stages. They are donating $3,500 and services in kind like electrical, printing of color flyers, stage setups, etc. He estimates the total value of the donation is around $8,000. Councilor Jepsen asked what day the event in Hartford is being held. Mr. Perry said that the main day is the parade day, however on Thursday there is an event at the G. Fox building. Hartford donates $21,700. He added that they will have more lead time for requesting funding for next year’s event.

Councilor Dean thinks it’s a good idea and realizes that it is difficult to raise money but she doesn’t know if three weeks is enough time to organize the event. She asked if there is a rain date or alternative facility. Ms. Richardson replied that the committee decided that this is a rain or shine event on the Town Green. The Windsor committee has done several press releases, scheduled radio interviews and talked about the Windsor event throughout the community. Councilor Dean is reluctant because she feels that there is not enough time. Councilor Dean doesn’t want to feel that they have to do it because Bloomfield is doing it she wants to do it because the committee has planned it well in advance. Ms. Richardson replied that they have been planning this far before the request for funding. They were hoping to get funding from other sources. People have been identified and volunteers are lined up.

Mayor Trinks asked if money has been encumbered to specific accounts since the Arts Committee is not formed yet. Acting Town Manager Souza said that some of them, WIN-TV, SummerWind and the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church Freedom Trail funding requests are encumbered within the Community Services Budget. The other monies generally are requested and transferred to those organizations.

Councilor Simon said that if we look at that pool of money tonight, we are making a decision that this organization is more important than those organizations. It’s not fair to do so without giving those organizations the opportunity to come forward.

Deputy Mayor Curtis will vote in favor of going to the General Fund.

Councilor Broxterman thinks that this is a worthwhile cause and will support this.

Councilor Mulligan made a point that during the budget deliberations he made a motion to set aside the arts policy funding, but it was not his intention to encumber the funds.

Councilor Broxterman agreed with Councilor Mulligan.

Mayor Trinks added that was his understanding also. He will support this appropriation either from the arts fund or general fund. He has a concern with the late request for funding. He realizes that a dedicated energetic group can pull off an event like this. He understands Councilor Dean’s concerns about pulling it together. The Council has talked for years of diversifying the events on the Green. He thinks that this is a giant step in the direction for the long-term plan of diversifying the Green.

Councilor Jepsen is in support of this, regardless of the funding source. He noted that WIN-TV is requesting more than the funds the town has set aside. He asked where in the budget the $14,000 for the Arts Policy funds is located. Acting Town Manager Souza said that it is in the Community Services Fund.

Amendment by Councilor Ellingwood, seconded by Councilor Dean, to propose an amendment to take the $4,000 out of the Community Services Arts Policy Allocation for FY 2005.

Motion Passed 7-1-1 with Councilor Simon opposing and Deputy Mayor Curtis abstaining

Councilor Simon made a friendly amendment to make the appropriation $4,200. Councilors Walker and Broxterman accepted the amendment.

Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the amount of $4,200 be appropriated from the Community Services Arts Policy Allocation fund to fund the Caribbean Culture Showcase event to be held on July 31^st on the Town Green.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

12. New Business

1. Introduce an ordinance regarding the sale of property on East Street

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "THE SALE OF EAST STREET PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,000" is hereby waived, the full text of the ordinance having been distributed to each member of the Council and copies being made available to those persons attending this meeting; and the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Mulligan to introduce an ordinance entitled, "THE SALE OF EAST STREET PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,000". The full text of the ordinance and contract is available in the Town Clerk’s office.

   The proposed transaction is for the sale of 9.73 acres in the amount of $130,000. The intended use is for cemetery purposes. The town is required to remove any public works construction material that is remaining on the parcel and to complete environmental assessments as needed. The town will retain public access from the river’s edge to the top of the slope along with access from the public road.

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

   Councilor Simon asked what the property value is. Acting Town Manager Souza said that he would have to break that figure out because the value originally included the home on the property.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

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

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that a Public Hearing be set for August 2, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) in the Council Chambers of the Windsor Town Hall, regarding the ordinance entitled "THE SALE OF EAST STREET PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $130,000." and be it further resolved that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said public hearing.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

3. Set a Public Hearing for August 2, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. (prevailing time) to discontinue a portion of Deerfield Road

   Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that a Public Hearing be set for August 2, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. (prevailing time) in the Council Chambers of the Windsor Town Hall regarding the discontinuance of the right of way of Deerfield Road.

   The development of the town’s "Redevelopment Parcel" located south of I-291 and east of Route 159, requires assembly of four separate tracts of land.

   To complete the site assembly, the town must accept a deed from the State for the conveyance parcel and formally discontinue the use of a portion of Deerfield Road. This will allow the entire site to be contained within a continuous boundary and under one ownership.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

4. Approve amendments to Director of Family Services position description

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town of Windsor Administrative Pay Plan, pay grade 3, be amended to eliminate the Director of Family and Leisure Services position and add the Director of Human Services title and add the Director of Recreation and Leisure Services title and that the proposed job descriptions for the Director of Human Services, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services and the Director of Health be approved.

   In the FY 2005 budget, a reorganization of the departments of Family and Leisure Services and Health and Social Services was proposed and approved by council. The reorganization included dividing the department of Family and Leisure Services into two new departments (Recreation and Leisure Services and Human Services) and transferring Civil Preparedness to the renamed Health Department.

   Mayor Trinks asked if there was any financial impact. Acting Town Manager Souza responded that the Director of Recreation Leisure Services is a $5,000 increase in salary and approximately $4,200 in benefits, those funds are included in the adopted FY 2005 budget.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

5. Approve reclassification and position description for Director of Recreation and Leisure Services

   Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town of Windsor Administrative Pay Plan, pay grade 3, be amended to eliminate the Director of Family and Leisure Services position and add the Director of Human Services title and add the Director of Recreation and Leisure Services title and that the proposed job descriptions for the Director of Human Services, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services and the Director of Health be approved.

   Motion Passed 9-0-0
    

6. Approve position description for Parent Education Supervisor

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Walker that the Town of Windsor classification plan be amended to add the positions of Parent Educator and Lead Parent Educator in Grade VI of the Part-Time and Seasonal Pay Plan and the proposed job description be approved.

The growth of the Windsor Start Smart program has been significant in its first three years. Since its inception in April of 2001, participation has increased from twenty children to 118 children currently. There are five families on the waiting list at this time.

There is no financial impact from updating the Parent Educator job description and classifying the position in the Part-time and Seasonal Pay Plan, pay grade VI that has a range of $10.70 to $22.40 per hour. Pay grade VI is the highest pay grade in the Part-time and Seasonal Pay Plan.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

13. Resignations and Appointments

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

• Reappoint Carol Hartman 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
• Reappoint John Pier as a democratic member to the Housing Authority of the Town of Windsor for a five-year term to expire July 31, 2009 or until a successor is appointed
• Appoint Charles Vola as a democratic member to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for a four-year unexpired term to expire March 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the June 21, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the June 21, 2004 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

15. Public Communications and Petitions

Ms. Karen Kiley, 235 South Water Street, Apt. E7, East Windsor, CT spoke in response to the sale of 122 East Street. She reminded the Council that there are grants for special circumstances for tanks, which could be removed for free. She also noted that there are laws for people residing on property where people are buried.

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to enter into Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. for the purpose of:

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

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

    Guests: Acting Town Manager Peter Souza, Risk Manager Marty Maynard

    Mr. Souza and Mr. Maynard left Executive Session at 10:08 p.m.

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to exit Executive Session and reconvene the special Town Council meeting at 10:35 p.m.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0
    
    
     

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:36 p.m.

Motion Passed 8-0-0 (Councilor Mulligan not present)

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch