Town Council Meeting Minutes

Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
October 18, 1999
Unapproved Minutes


Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM.

1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff, Council member Haverstock, Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks

2. PRAYER - Council member Lydecker

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Lydecker

4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS

None.

5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

None.

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,
to move item 12 a. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

a.    Wilson/Deerfield Advisory Committee Annual Report to the Town Council

Kenneth Neems, Chairman of the Wilson Advisory Committee, gave an overview of the Committee's accomplishments over the past year and future goals. There is currently one open position on the Republican side. The Commission meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Wilson Library.
The Committee was established by resolution of the town council a number of years ago. It has minutes available as do the other boards and commissions in town, which have recently been taken by Patrick McMahon and will soon be taken by a Committee Member. However, Mayor Hogan asked Town Manager Churchill to check into hiring a recording secretary to be discussed during the next budget session.

6. PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION REPORT

Council member Graff said he has heard complaints from townspeople in terms of delays in the design of the WHS project. Also there are problems dealing with the state in terms of the legislation - build as new, etc.
Council member Ristas questioned who is in charge of the WHS project, nominally it is the PBC, school staff has someone designated, also there is town staff; he inquired as to problems with possible loose ends.

7. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

Bus Shelter at 184 Windsor Avenue
The bus shelter project at 184 Windsor Avenue is nearing completion. This shelter is located near the State of Connecticut, Board of Education Services for the Blind. Our Public Works Department has installed the concrete and is in the process of doing brickwork between the sidewalk and the curb to beautify Wilson from Mike's Texaco to Wilson Avenue.

Street Signs in Wilson
Installation of the oval street signs in Wilson began today starting at Arrowbrook Road. We expect this project to be complete by the end of this week with signs being installed from Arrowbrook Road south to the Hartford city line.

"Creatures of the Night"
On Saturday, October 23rd from 6:30 - 9:00pm, walk the Northwest Park woods in search of things that go bump in the night. Meet up with "animals" that speak on this special night. Guided groups will leave the nature center every ten minutes to enjoy this wonderful program along illuminated trails. This is great family fun that you don't want to miss! The cost is $3.00 per person, or $10.00 per family. For more information, call 285-1886.

Night of 1001 Pumpkins
October 29th marks the return of the Night of 1001 Pumpkins sponsored by the Recreation Department. This event is held at Northwest Park from 6:00 - 7:30pm. Bring your already carved pumpkin to put on display and view the hundreds of jack-o-lanterns glowing in the Fall night sky. (We'll provide the candles.) Fun for the whole family includes storytellers, clowns and a costume parade. Goodie bags for the children and refreshments for everyone at this free event. Call 285-1990 for more information.

Town Council Meeting Minutes Archived
We are pleased to announce the latest edition to our Town of Windsor web page - archived town council meeting minutes. Minutes dating back to January 4, 1999 can now be accessed by going to the Town of Windsor homepage, selecting "town government", then "town Council" and "1999 archived minutes".


Washington Park Pond Update
With the exception of the picnic area located at the south end of the park, Washington Park remains closed as the pond is being dredged to alleviate any future bog conditions. This project will lower the water depth, making the pond healthier for fish and reduce any potential for algae growth in the
summer months. The water at Washington Park pond was drained last week in preparation for the dredging work.

Late Tuesday, a popular pond resident, "Herman the Carp", was rescued and transferred to Miller's Pond located on Mechanics Street. "Herman", as he is fondly called by park regulars, and several large catfish, crawfish, snails, frogs and other pond dwellers were all re-located in the successful rescue efforts.

8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS

Council member Ristas inquired as to the BOE agenda item -- request permission to hire a full-time MIS director. Town Manager Churchill indicated Dr. Silverman and he were not able to reconcile some organizational differences in the technological area.

Council member Graff-- thanked the people of the Town of Windsor for allowing him the privilege to serve on the Council for the past eight years. He thanked the council members, past and present. He also thanked Dr. Petrillo, Tom Lerario, Dick Miller and Don Cunningham, and many others.

Council member Haverstock -- thanked everyone for working together over the past two years. It has been a pleasure to work with the new town manager and staff.

Council member Lydecker-- thanked all of his supporters and wished everyone well.

Council member Pacino-- asked about the status of an inquiry made to him from a resident regarding recruitment of a town position.
He said good-bye to Council member Lydecker and Council member Graff and thanked them for their service.

Council member Ploszaj - said she will miss Bob and Randy; and announced that she now has a son in addition to her three daughters.

Council member Ristas-- Said the composition of the Council will not be the same after the election. He thanked Mayor Hogan for allowing all members to voice their opinion. He said he is very pleased with the town manager's prompt and complete response, often on short notice. He thanked the public for their input and he thanked his wife for her support.

Council member Trinks-- Will miss Council member Lydecker and Council member Graff. Welcomed Council member Ploszaj back and congratulated her on the birth of her son.

Deputy Mayor Curtis -- Noted this is the international year of the older person. He thanked everyone on the Council and noted he learned a lot over the past 2 years. He said he enjoyed working with Council member Graff and Council member Lydecker.

Mayor Hogan -- Thanked council members for their work and asked all of the new council members to continue the diligent work. She thanked the staff. A noise study is coming up and she would like to have a member of staff attend.

9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Health and Safety Committee -- Council member Trinks -- none.

Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- none

Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- none.

Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- none.
He noted that the Poquonock Fire House had a nice ceremony yesterday.

10. ORDINANCES

None.

11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.

12. NEW BUSINESS


b.     Presentation of Health Fair and Shot Clinic Information and Senior Center IYOP Projects

Stephanie Wall, of the Windsor Senior Center introduced Joyce Phillips, Dot Dakota and Lois Chapman. She said the annual Health Fair & Flu and Pneumonia Shots Clinic will be held on 10/19/99 from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at LP Wilson. The second and last set of shots will be given on 10/25/99 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Any Windsor resident age 60 and over or who is disabled or chronically ill is encouraged to get a flu shot and take advantage of the information and tests which will be available at the Fair.
This year the Windsor Senior Center has been celebrating the International Year of Older Persons. Volunteer committees of seniors have worked on numerous projects including a Shad Derby float, creation of 2 quilt squares, a picnic and the painting of benches which will be used at LP Wilson. A banquet was held on September 24th to honor the people who have lived in Windsor for 50 years or more. On September 26th a time capsule was buried which will be opened on September 23, 2003.
Ms. Wall displayed Memories Calendar and Windsor Senior Center Cookbook and the Millennium bells which are for sale and may be purchased at the Senior Center. The proceeds will be used to help provide programs at the Senior Center.

c.    Appropriation for LoCIP Funding - Computer Equipment

Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,
Resolved that $16,800 be appropriated from the Special Revue Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to Capital Project Account 02-525: Y2K Computer Equipment.
Donald Cunningham gave a short presentation. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

d.    Presentation of Proposed 2001-2006 Capital Improvements Plan
Town Manager Churchill gave an overview of the proposed 2001-2006 CIP.
The BOE projects were not included.
He also discussed the CIP debt service.
Council member Pacino inquired as to the $100,000 which was earmarked a number of years ago for median improvements in Wilson. Donald Cunningham said that money remains in the CDBG balance.
The next steps in the process is that some review and critiquing needs to be done by the PBC, the Town Improvements Committee and Capital Improvements Committee.

e.    Acquisition of bulldozer for the Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill

Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,
That the Town Manager be authorized to purchase a bulldozer for the landfill utilizing either the DISC bid package or competitive bids and that the purchase price be paid out of landfill operating revenue and that any shortfall in operating revenue be paid out of the Landfill's Closure Fund at the close of this Fiscal Year.
Council member Graff said this issue came before the Finance Committee, which was in favor of the proposal going forward.
Dr. Petrillo gave a short presentation of the landfill operations which have shifted from just receiving and compacting daily refuse to closure of portions of the landfill, specialized handling of bulky wastes, leaf composting, construction of specialized cells, drainage projects, road construction, etc. The operations have shifted over the past 5 years and will continue to change over the next 5 years as the landfill reaches its permitted capacity.
Four major projects are now beginning at the landfill -
* closure of those portions of the landfill that have reached their permitted elevation
* the construction of a new leaf and brush compost facility
* the excavation of the 5 acre bulky waste cell and, once that cell is excavated -
* accepting and using alternate methods of handling bulky waste.
The present equipment at the landfill - compactor, loader and scraper - are not suitable for these 4 major projects.
The purchase would be an enterprise fund purchase. The town does not own a bulldozer.
The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff,
to add to the agenda items A, F and K to the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff,
Item A - reappoint Art Machado to the Air, & Water Pollution Committee;
Item F - reappoint Agnes Pier, to the Windsor Avenue Historic District;
Item K - appoint Jeannette Cave to the Youth Commission.
The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,
to add Item O to the agenda to indicate a vacancy on the Youth Commission.
The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,
To add Item P to the agenda - a democratic position on the Planning and Zoning Commission to the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks,
to accept with regret the resignation of Edward Finnerty from the Town Planning and Zoning Commission and to move from an alternate to regular member Karl Profe to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING - 10/4/99
Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis,
to accept the Minutes of October 4, 1999 Regular Meeting.
Council member Pacino - page 7 - executive session - members present and not present are not correct. Officer Plourde was not present. The two town attorneys who were present are not listed. Chief Searles's assistant was left out of attendance.
Council member Pacino asked that new council members receive a copy of the minutes.
The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

None.

16 ADJOURNMENT

Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks,
to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 PM.
The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

Respectfully submitted,



Abigale LaViolette

cc:     Town Clerk
    Main Library
    Wilson Branch


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