Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall Public Hearings - January 19, 1999 Minutes 7:00 - PUBLIC HEARING To hear public opinion on an Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 17 by adding Article VII (Public Building Commission). Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:00 PM. There was no public comment. Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall Public Hearing - January 19, 1999 7:15 PM PUBLIC HEARING To hear public opinion on an Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article IX (Board of Assessment Appeals) Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:15 PM. There was no public comment. Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall Special Meeting - January 19, 1999 Mayor Hogan Called the special meeting to order at 7:30 PM. 1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT - Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council members Graff, Lydecker, Pacino, Ristas and Trinks 2. PRAYER - Council member Pacino 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Pacino 4. RESOLUTIONS / AWARDS a. RESOLUTION HONORING JUSTIN GAUDINO AS 1998 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR THE NUTMEG STATE GAMES Council member read the resolution honoring Justin Gaudino as 1998 Volunteer of the Year. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council that Justin be honored and congratulated as an exceptional youngster who contributed valuable time and service to the Nutmeg State Games and for making the citizens of Windsor Proud. b. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING 1999 AS WINDSOR’S YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS Mayor Hogan read a resolution designating 1999 as Windsor’s Year of Older Persons. c. RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE WINDSOR GIANTS CHEERLEADING TEAM Council member Pacino read a resolution congratulating the Windsor Giants Cheerleading Team on its 1998 Accomplishments. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council, that the A & B Team Cheerleaders and the Coaches be commended for winning first place in the annual Eastern Connecticut Conference Cheerleading competition. d. RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE WINDSOR GIANTS FOOTBALL TEAM Council member Pacino read a resolution congratulating the Windsor Giants C Team Football Team on its 1998 Accomplishments. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council that the C team football players be honored and commended on their outstanding accomplishment during the 1998 season. 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 6. PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION REPORT Joseph Novak gave the report. The firehouse is 99% complete with the shed being the only remaining item to be finished. He thanked the Council for sending the high school project to referendum on 2/9/99. Sand and Salt Shed - the initial estimates were $600,000; they are now looking into pre-fab units and have received prices in the area of $200,000. The library is off their agenda. Sage Park roof and Rainbow Road Fire Station are on their next agenda. 7. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT January 3rd Storm Update Freezing rain hit Windsor around 7am on January 3rd. A total of nine sand/salt trucks were called in to cover the town. At 10am the freezing rain started to turn over to all rain, with temperatures hovering around freezing. After the roads were sanded, we released 6 of the drivers and kept on 3 sand/salt crews to handle any icing and drainage problems. Temperatures remained near 30 most of the day dropping off to 20 during the pm hours. Estimated cost of the storm: Personnel cost 2,403 Sand/salt cost 1,944 Fuel cost 250 Operating cost 974 Total Cost $5,571 January 8th Storm Update Seventeen route drivers were deployed at 1 pm on Jan. 8th to cover the storm. Additional personnel were called out to handle public lots and facilities. The snow continued through-out the evening and turned to freezing rain around 9pm and continued as freezing rain until 8am Saturday morning. Route drivers completed their operation around noon. All equipment was available for snow removal with two breakdowns lasting less then one hour. Estimated cost of the storm: Personnel cost 15,518 (630 person hours) Sand/salt cost 7,992 (111 loads) Fuel cost 820 Operating cost 7,411 Total cost 31,741 January 14th Storm Update Crews began battling the latest storm at 3am on Thursday, January 14th and did not finish until Saturday, January 16th at 7pm. A large quantity of sand/salt was used trying to keep up with the changing conditions from snow to sleet to freezing rain which persisted for over 48 hours. Temperatures were extremely cold, below 10 degrees which created a major problem with ice. Temperatures remained below freezing in Windsor for most of the weekend. Cleanup operations are continuing today with 4 payloaders working throughout town removing the remaining ice buildup. Ice Skating Report Currently, all ice skating rinks are closed. The ice has not refrozen since the weekend rain. Residents are encouraged to utilize our 24-Hour Recreation Info. Line (285-1988) for further updates on the ice skating conditions in town. Year 2000 Compliance The Town of Windsor’s operating system will be converted for Year 2000 compliance tomorrow, January 21. All ADMINS software will be compliant within the next week. Individual programs are being tested and will all be compliant by Fall. The Town responded to a State survey on January 12 and hopes to be in position to receive State funding for Y2K assistance should it become available. The Y2K program will also be addressed in the proposed FY 2000 budget. Windsor Holiday Program a Huge Success I would like to thank everyone who helped make our Holiday Program a success with donations of food, toys and money during the Holiday season. Thanks to your generous support, 185 children received toys for the holidays, while 146 families received gift certificates to Geissler’s Supermarket. Students from the Loomis Chaffee School donated 40 boxes of Christmas gifts for the less fortunate in our community. Again, thanks to all who contributed. Your continuous support of the Windsor Holiday Program and Food and Fuel Banks is greatly appreciated. Absentee Ballot Applications Available Applications for absentee ballot are now available at the Windsor Town Clerk’s Office. To have an application mailed to you, please call 285-1902 or email us at townclerk@townofwindsorct.com. The Referendum will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 1999 on the following question: "Shall the $35,000,000 appropriation and bond authorization for renovations and additions at Windsor High School be approved? YES/NO." Town Clerk’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM and Tuesday 8 AM to 8 PM. Windsor Winter Carnival The 3rd Annual Windsor Winter Carnival will be held this Saturday, February 6th from 1 - 4pm on the Windsor Town Green. Activities include: a tailgate contest, snow volleyball, ice skating, snow sculpting, a bon fire, a professional ice sculptor and much more! Griffin Line Opened We received notice today from the Central New England Railroad that the Griffin Industrial Track will commence daily railroad freight train operations beginning on or about February 1, 1999. This 8.5 mile rail line extends from Walnut Street in Hartford through Bloomfield, and terminates at Day Hill and Prospect Hill Roads in Windsor. Resumption of rail freight service on this line is pursuant to a recently implemented lease and operating agreement between the Central New England Railroad and the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. All residents are cautioned to watch out for trains, engines and rail cars at all of the public and private road crossings on this line. Block Grant Application Approved I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance has approved the Town of Windsor’s application for funding through its Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program in the amount of $10,187. The purpose of the program is to reduce crime and improve public safety. The Town of Windsor will use the funds to provide additional services that the community has recently identified for us, such as increased bike patrol. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council member Pacino - None. Council member Graff - discussed the Hartford Courant articles regarding the ambulance service and asked for a report regarding where Windsor falls with regard to service. Council member Ristas - None. Council member Lydecker - was approached by residents who were pleased with the town staff’s work regarding the recent ice storm. Council member Trinks - None. Deputy Mayor Curtis - thanked staff and public works for their work during the ice storm. He attended the annual Martin Luther King breakfast at LP Wilson and thanked all involved for the nice event. Mayor Hogan - A 2000 Celebration Committee is being formed. She asked the Finance Committee to put the Community Block Grant on its agenda and thereafter bring it to the Council. 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Finance Committee - Council member Graff indicated Community Block Grant will be placed on their agenda. Special Projects - Deputy Mayor Curtis -- a meeting is scheduled for 1/25/99. Health and Safety - Council member Trinks -- a meeting is scheduled for 1/25/99. Town Improvements -- Council member Lydecker -- the Committee will try to meet next week regarding Mack Street and Capen Street. 10. ORDINANCES a. An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article VII Council members Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Cutis, to adopt An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article VII. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. b. An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article IX Council members Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Cutis, An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article IX. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Acquisition and Lease of 184 Deerfield Road Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to table Acquisition and Lease of 184 Deerfield Road until after executive session. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 12. NEW BUSINESS a. Friends of Northwest Park Annual Report to Council Libby Taylor gave a brief annual report of Friends of Northwest Park to the Council. b. First Town Downtown Annual Report to Council Sharon Selig, President of First Town Downtown, Mark Jacques, Chairman of the Promotion Committee, and John Simone, executive director, each spoke of the accomplishments of First Town Downtown and of its future goals. c. Set Public Hearing on an Ordinance Regarding the Establishment of a Capital Improvement Committee Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to Set Public Hearing on an Ordinance Regarding the Establishment of a Capital Improvement Committee for the February 1, 1999 meeting to be held at 7:15 PM. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. d. Appointment of Auditor for Fiscal Year 1999 Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, that based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Council extend the contract of the current audit firm, Scully and Wolfe, for an additional year. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. e. 1999 Legislative Program Matt Hart gave a brief overview of the Regional Asset Districts. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Council member Pacino again noted for residents that anyone interested in service on a Board or Commission should contact the Council --219-5882. Deputy Mayor Curtis Made a Motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, item E - to reappoint Elizabeth Waters to the Commission on Aging and Handicapped for a 3 year term to expire 1/31/2002 or until a successor is appointed; item F - to appoint Eric Bailey to the Conservation Commission for a 5 year term to expire 11/30/2003 or until a successor is appointed; item K - to appoint William Melly as a permanent member to the Historic District Commission for a 5 year term to expire 10/12/2003 or until a successor is appointed; item L - to appoint Agnes Pier to the Historic District Commission for a 3 year unexpired term to expire 10/11/99 or until a successor is appointed; item N - to appoint Marcy Munos to the Human Relations Commission for a 3 year unexpired term to expire 5/31/2001 or until a successor is appointed; item W - to appoint Joseph Novak to the Youth Commission for a 3 year term to expire 9/30/2000 or until a successor is appointed. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Deputy Mayor Curtis madea motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to table items a b c d e g h i j m o p q r s t u v x and y. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS a. Minutes of the December 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to approve the Minutes of the December 7, 1998 Regular Meeting. Correction: Council member Pacino wished to include the phone number for anyone interested in serving on a board or commission -- 219-5882. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. b. Minutes of the December 14, 1998 Public Hearing Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to approve the Minutes of the December 14, 1998 Public Hearing. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. c. Minutes of the January 4, 1999 Special Meeting with State Legislators Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to approve the Minutes of the January 4, 1999 Special Meeting with State Legislators. Correction: Council member Pacino’s statements on Page 2 should include "HARTFORD" Board of Trustees...." The Motion Passed 7-0-0. d. Minutes of the January 4, 1999 Regular Meeting Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to approve the Minutes of the January 4, 1999 Regular Meeting. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. e. Minutes of the January 9, 1999 Special Meeting Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to approve the Minutes of the January 9, 1999 Special Meeting. Council member Ristas questioned section 3, noting that the second sentence does not reflect his recollection. Mayor Hogan suggested the minutes be tabled. Council member Graff withdrew his motion as did the seconder. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to table the Minutes of the January 9, 1999 Special Meeting. The Motion Passed unanimously. 15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSION a. Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate Council Member Graff made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to go into executive session at 9:20 PM regarding Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. At 9:25 PM Mayor Hogan called the executive session to order. Present were Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council members Graff, Lydecker, Pacino, Ristas and Trinks, Town Manager Churchill, Finance Director Cunningham, and Community Development Coordinator McMahon. At 10:10 PM Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Lydecker, to move out of executive session. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. At 10:13 PM Council member Lydecker made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to adjourn the meeting. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 17. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Abigale LaViolette |
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