Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:33 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 Mulligan

3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Mulligan

4. Proclamations/Awards

None.

5. Public Communications and Petitions

Mr. George Yeramian, 739 Prospect Hill Road, spoke to the Council regarding consideration of resuming the acceptance of gypsum material at the Windsor – Bloomfield Landfill. Although business was lost, he noticed an increase in dumping of other materials. He suggested using a cost incentive.

Mr. Patrick Terrion, 510 Hearthstone Drive, addressed the Council regarding the landfill. He is concerned about leaving the possibility open of accepting gypsum from non-residents. In the budget, the interest assuming to be earned is 3%, but costs go up 3% with inflation. Every investment is designed to exceed inflation. We continue to view this as a revenue producing asset and it has been that way over many years, but at this point, it is a liability. We need to manage long term liability over profits. The six-month window for accepting gypsum is not long enough because of the odor problems that occur in the fall. The current gas collection system should be tested during a stressful situation to see if it works.

6. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions

1. Public Building Commission

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

WHS – The completion was accepted at their last meeting.

Welch Pool Renovation – materials have been ordered and work will continue in the spring.

Clover Street Window Replacement Project – Work will begin in the fall of 2005. The PBC authorized the staff and architect to put the project out to bid again.

Poquonock Office Improvements – complete. There are a few minor change orders that will be closed out at the next meeting.

Library Expansion Project – a contract was signed last week with the low bidder. There were about four to five additional alternatives reviewed and three of them were approved. The approved alternatives were adding handicapped bathrooms in the basement level, extra work in the courtyard and replacing all of the windows. The alternatives not approved were adding more pumps for a spare and renovations to the Mallard House (which may be able to be completed if there is any contingency left).

7. Town Manager’s Report

Town Employee Recognized

It is always a pleasure to announce stellar achievements made by town employees and I would like to take a moment to recognize Anne Wakelin, who manages the Windsor Discovery Center and Montessori School. The Office of Graduate Studies at Central Connecticut University recently notified Anne that she would be the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship. This academic award is given to deserving graduate students who meet high academic standards set by the Graduate Studies Committee. The committee noted that Ms. Wakelin has achieved the highest standards of excellence in her academic work. The scholarship award, which will be presented at an Awards ceremony at the University on February 10^th, can be applied toward future registration fees this spring or summer semester. Congratulations to Anne.

Library Update

As you are probably aware, the library closed its doors for business last Monday and will remain closed until January 21st. At that time, the library will re-open at its temporary location at 139 Broad Street (the former Aglow Auction building.) Both the library hours and their phone number will remain the same while library services are provided from this temporary location for approximately 16 months and while renovations at the main library site are in progress. As a reminder to library customers, computers, fax machine and 30% of the library’s most popular items will be available at the temporary location. Book returns are available at both the main library and at the temporary location until further notice.

Ice Skating

The recent drop in temperature will surely heighten awareness of ice skating opportunities in town. There are three outdoor ice skating venues available for skating in Windsor. When conditions are safe, enjoy ice skating at Welch Park, Sharshon Park and the Windsor Town Green. For current ice conditions, call the recreation 24-hour information line at 285-1988.

Budget Public Hearing

By way of reminder to those in attendance and our television audience, a public hearing will be held on Monday, February 7, 2005 at 7:15 PM, here in the Town Hall Council Chambers to hear citizen’s input on the fiscal year 05/06 budget.

8. Communication from Council Members

Councilor Broxterman – None.

Councilor Dean – None.

Councilor Ellingwood – None.

Councilor Jepsen – attended the forum sponsored by Senator Coleman. Our recent creation of a Redevelopment Agency was discussed. He noted that there are some efforts to change some of the wording in the state statute.

Councilor Simon – thanked Senator Coleman for entertaining several members of Council and citizens to provide comments for the upcoming legislative session. The Metropolitan District Commission decided to create a new $110,000 a year position for government lobbying. In a time of fiscal restraint for every municipality, he didn’t think that a new position should have been added.

Councilor Mulligan – also thanked Senator Coleman for having a forum. He didn’t receive his invitation soon enough to attend the meeting

Councilor Walker – None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis – the Town Manager and staff had an important opportunity to voice their comments for the upcoming legislative session at the forum.

Mayor Trinks – thanked the Archer AME Church for the Martin Luther King celebration. Congratulations to ADVO. Senator Lieberman awarded them for their partnership with National Exploited and Missing Children.

9. Reports of Standing Committees

1. Finance Committee - a meeting will be held Monday, January 24, 2005.

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.

10. Ordinances

1. Approve an ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $445,000 FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF ELM STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH BROAD STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH PRESTON STREET AND RELATED AMENITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING SIDEWALK AND CURBING INSTALLATION AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $445,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION."

Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $445,000 FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF ELM STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH BROAD STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH PRESTON STREET AND RELATED AMENITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING SIDEWALK AND CURBING INSTALLATION AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $445,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" 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 that the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Councilor Simon asked about the bond process. Town Manager Souza discussed the bond counsel and the process, including legal costs and payment to the Financial Advisor who assists in the selling of the bonds.

Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked the Town for their work in planning this project.

Councilor Jepsen asked about the storm drainage and if it goes into the Creamery Brook. He also asked if the Wetlands Commission has approved the plan. Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, said there is an existing drainage right into the brook. It is possible that the reconstruction will add a small incremental increase to the brook. They are hoping to divert some of the drainage. The Wetlands Commission has not approved this yet. As part of the project, they will be fixing the end wall to improve the town’s drainage system. Councilor Jepsen asked if the Wetlands Commission has a problem with the project, how will that affect the bond issue. Town Manager Souza said that they would try to get wetlands review prior to moving forward with the sale of the bonds to minimize any issues that may arise.

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Ellingwood that an ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $445,000 FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF ELM STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH BROAD STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH PRESTON STREET AND RELATED AMENITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING SIDEWALK AND CURBING INSTALLATION AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $445,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION " be approved.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

11. Unfinished Business

1. Discussion regarding the suspension of the acceptance of gypsum material at Windsor-Bloomfield Landfill

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Dean to accept pre-sorted construction and demolition material, which removes significant quantities of gypsum prior to disposal; and accept unsorted construction and demolition material originating from the towns of Windsor and Bloomfield; and continue the ban on gypsum from all other sources.

Mr. Peter Souza, Town Manager, Mr. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works and Mr. Mark Goossens, Solid Waste Manager, gave an overview of the plan.

Councilor Ellingwood asked about the line for contributions. Mr. Tom Lenehan, Town Engineer, stated that it is growth in the fund. Councilor Ellingwood asked what happens to the $13.5 million dollars. A majority will be spent in FY 2008 and the remaining over a two-year period with approval for closure from the DEP.

Councilor Mulligan asked when we started filling the wedge. Mr. Funk replied in 2000. We now have a gas collection system in all areas where bulky waste is collected. Councilor Mulligan noted the closure of the system last week to replace a part and commented on the noticeable odor. A comprehensive plan should also include spare blowers or other parts onsite in case of failure. Mr. Goossens said that we have spare parts onsite as well as a storage trailer.

Councilor Simon inquired about the processing method for screening out gypsum and if there are only two ways to process bulky waste. Mr. Funk responded that Cherry Hill does not separate gypsum. The other facility will screen it out. The only other way would be to do it manually. This option would allow bulky waste to be brought to the landfill by Bloomfield-Windsor contractors the same way it was prior to November 2004. Mr. Goossens added that we are looking at other transfer stations in the State to see who removes gypsum. Councilor Simon asked why the difference in cost. Mr. Funk said that the difference is for the costs of removing the gypsum. We are in competition for this material with facilities in Massachusetts and their costs are in the same range. Councilor Simon asked when we would have the State’s money in Windsor’s hands. Mr. Funk replied that assuming the DEP’s process, by the time of closure, no later than three years from now.

Councilor Walker commented that the gasses may be getting trapped under the frozen surface. Perhaps we would have a better feel for this in warmer weather. He is not in support of this motion.

Councilor Dean asked for clarification on the bulky waste pricing. She asked if we are undercutting everyone else. Mr. Funk said that $45.00 for processed bulky waste was charged to Cherry Hill. Town Manager Souza said the pre-sorted price of $32.00 is in the market place.

Councilor Mulligan has a problem with this motion. He received correspondence from a DEP staff member when the collection system was installed. The DEP staff member made the statement that the situation would naturally improve due to the time of year we are going into. We are into the time of year where you wouldn’t expect to have this problem. In the past, the problem occurred in the fall. He has faith that the system we put in there will solve the problem. He needs to see this go through a full cycle, through the fall.

Councilor Broxterman asked if we can guarantee citizens that bulky waste will not be placed anywhere we don’t have a collection system. Mr. Funk said that at this point, we don’t have plans to put bulky waste where we have municipal solid waste (MSW), and per regulations, we cannot put MSW in bulky waste areas. Town Manager Souza added that the system expanded in November covers the bulky waste cell and the wedge on the southern most area of the landfill. We are expanding vertically, not horizontally and bulky waste will only be placed where there is a collection system. Councilor Broxterman asked about the geo-membrane cap. Mr. Funk said this system requires a geo-membrane cap, which is more expensive than clay. It costs $3.5 to $4 million for a clay cap and a geo-membrane is $3 to $4 million more. The leachate management system ($1.1 million) is proposed rather than a leachate collection system ($4.3 million). Councilor Broxterman asked if this proposal provides space for Windsor-Bloomfield bulky waste to come in as in the past. Mr. Funk responded that we would stop the receipt of pre-sorted bulky waste prior to July 2007 so we would have room for Windsor-Bloomfield bulky waste until closure. Councilor Broxterman asked if we know of any higher standards from the DEP and he asked if there is anything above the geo-membrane today. Mr. Funk answered that the geo-membrane is the best there is. Mr. Dave Hurley from Fuss & O’Neill added that the DEP is looking at the 30-year mark. His advice is to have the money in place to generate revenue to pay for post-closure for thirty years. Those requirements are going to get stricter.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the motion passes would the fine powdery gypsum be coming into Windsor. Mr. Funk replied that it would not be coming in. This option assumes that the Windsor-Bloomfield C&D would return in the same specifications prior to November 1, 2004, which included large and small pieces of sheet rock. We believe that the odor problems resulted primarily from the powdered gypsum because it degraded quickly. Town Manager Souza said that when we deposited the Cherry Hill material it was confined to a deeper wedge. Now it will be closer to grade, which should have a more positive effect.

Councilor Jepsen thanked the staff for a great report. He said that we should probably turn back on the Windsor-Bloomfield non-processed gypsum. It is almost to the point where we are micro-managing the landfill.

Councilor Broxterman said the goal is not to pass along any of the landfill closure costs to the residents of Windsor. He is concerned about accepting non-pulverized gypsum. He asked what does the State do, how does it impact their approving the closure process. Town Manager Souza said that we are governed by the elevation. Mr. Hurley added that the State has designated Windsor as an MSW site and wants the landfill to close the bulky waste portion because it conflicts with MSW. He thinks that the DEP will be reasonable.

Councilor Simon doesn’t like this idea. He thinks we should remove the entire restriction on gypsum, that is the reason we put in the gas collection system. The odor problem is managed, not eliminated. He is concerned that if this motion is defeated, we will be in a greater financial hole than if we accept this motion. He is also skeptical about relying on the State’s $2 million in three years. He will end up supporting this motion because he doesn’t want things getting worse in the long run.

Councilor Ellingwood thanked the staff. As a Council and Town, we did a good job of managing this problem. Sometimes there is a tendency to over-engineer things. It is time to let the staff handle the facility. We can’t take all risk out of anything. He supports this motion. There is too much financial risk if we don’t.

Mayor Trinks has the same faith in the staff that the entire Council does. He thanked the entire staff for the presentation. If we are going to entertain bringing back gypsum to the landfill, this is the way to do it. His hesitation is not a lack of faith in the staff or the equipment. Our problems seem to exist when the seasons change. He would like to see a little time pass before we do this. What we will lose in the next several months we can make up in investments.

Motion Failed 4-5-0 (Councilors Walker, Dean, Mulligan, Broxterman and Mayor Trinks opposed)

12. New Business

None.

13. Resignations and Appointments

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

Item B: Appoint Nancy Casasanta to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped as a democratic member for a three year unexpired term to expire January 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed

Item D: Reappoint Estelle LaBarre to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped as a democratic member for a three year unexpired term to expire January 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed

Item F: Reappoint Linda Rickard to the Commission on Aging & Handicapped as a democratic member for a three year unexpired term to expire January 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed

Item G: Reappoint Susan Viner to Commission on Aging & Handicapped for a three year unexpired term to expire January 31, 2008 or until a successor is appointed;

Item I: Reappoint Mark Griffin to the Economic Development Commission as a democratic member for a five year term to expire January 31, 2010 or until a successor is appointed

Item L: Appoint Ikesha Easterling to the Fair Rent Commission as a democratic tenant member for a three year unexpired term to expire March 31, 2007 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

14. Minutes of Preceding Meetings

1. Minutes of the January 3, 2005 Regular Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the January 3, 2005 Regular Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 6 – Councilor Broxterman made a friendly amendment should be Councilor Simon.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

15. Public Communications and Petitions

None.

16. Executive Session

None.

17. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 9:40 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch