To hear budget requests from citizens for Fiscal Year 2005/2006 Budget.

Mayor Trinks called the public hearing to order at 7:18 p.m.

Mayor Trinks read the public hearing notice.

Mr. Concord Krupa, 74 Bloomfield Avenue, stated that he budget should be based on the previous year’s budgets. A 5.8% increase is fine, but he is not happy with last year’s increase and will vote "no" until he recovers his money lost from year.

Ms. Jan Kiehne, 603 Bricklayer Road spoke about the Start Smart Program. Start Smart is inclusive of all families, all children, birth through five. It is unique and makes a difference. This program can do more if properly funded.

Ms. Christine Colenbaugh, 46 Somerset Drive, talked about the Start Smart Program as well. She has two children in the program. They have formed a strong bond with their parent educator who has also been a support for her. They also benefit from the books that she brings her children and the playgroups. She is proud that Windsor offers this program.

Ms. Deb Martino, 50 Fitzmaurice Circle, discussed the Start Smart Program. She has been involved with a parent educator for a few years. Her daughter loves the parent educator who brings books and the hands on activities. The program is excellent.

Mr. Stephen Rubino, 299 Palisado Avenue, voiced his support for the Start Smart Program. He also spoke about the School Budget that has come up short this year with a $1.25 million cut proposed by the Board of Education. This will mean cuts to five teaching positions, five paraprofessionals, eight coaches or assistant coaches, 12 summer workers, two administrators, and elimination of the summer school and after school programs. We will be paying the same taxes for fewer services for our children. We will be accepting less for our children this year. We will lose the distinction of being a town that cares about families. A declining educational system will mean a loss of new residents and we will be failing our children with these cuts. He has been circulating a petition that promotes no cuts in education. He encouraged the Council to reconsider the education cuts.

Ms. Jill Jenkins, supports the effort for no cuts in the school budget. She finds it alarming and upsetting. Since moving here two years ago, her number one objective was to find a good school system for her children. She has a learning disabled child and the thought of having five paraprofessionals cut directly affects her family. During the two years they have been in Windsor, her son has made huge strides. She is very involved with the schools.

Mr. Paul Bernstein, 37 Stage Coach Road, talked about the education issue. The Start Smart Program has positively impacted both of his children. Windsor is very unique in the Start Smart Program. Between the books and the one on one personal attention his daughter received, she is doing very well and is reading. He urged the Council not to cut the program. He has found this to be a great town to live in during the past three years, but the 1.2 million cuts proposed for the school system concerns him. Leadership by example and accountability from his experience are important.

Mr. Bob Henderson, 261 Dudley Town Road, spoke about the proposed education cuts. He doesn’t mind paying high taxes. His wife chose Windsor ten years ago because it had a good education system. His son does very well in school. Windsor should not change its ways, it is known for its education. He can’t comprehend having high taxes and cutting the school budget. He works too hard and he requested the Council to reconsider the proposed cuts.

Ms. Terry Cosgrove, 31 Craigs Road, discussed the budget cuts. She has had great success with Start Smart. They have been a great support since the beginning. She is also in support of not cutting the education budget.

Mr. Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road addressed the Council. At a recent Finance Committee meeting, the Town Treasurer recommends cuts to several programs and Councilor Simon has indicated that a pay freeze for town employees will almost certainly come to pass. The town contributes to a number of outside organizations and he hopes that before pay freezes and program cuts happen that funding to these organizations will be cut.

The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

c: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch