Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall May 17, 1999 Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 PM. 1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff , Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj (arrived at 7:40 PM) and Council member Trinks 2. PRAYER - Council member Pacino 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Pacino 4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS a. Resolution Honoring the Island Girls Council member Pacino presented a resolution for the Windsor Island Girls. b. Resolution Designating May 1999 as Foster Parent Appreciation Month Council member Trinks read a resolution designating May 1999 as Foster Parent Appreciation Month 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS Antonio Byrd, Pepper Bush Way, present with many of the WHS boys basketball team members, spoke of this year’s championship and asked the Council for support for their team. 6. PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION REPORT Al Neumann gave the report. WHS renovations - the architectural firm is working on the project with its subcontractors. PBC and Staff meetings are held every Tuesday to review progress. Asbestos abatement should commence during the summer when the building is vacant. Sage Park Roof Project - is out to bid and the bids will be opened on 5/27/99. Backflow Prevention Project - Council agenda item. The project is awaiting funding. Rainbow Road Substation - still looking at architectural firms - versus design-build firms - versus pre-fab buildings. 7. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Economic Development Update Corporate Technology Information Systems, a Technology Industry Growth Forecasting Company, once again rated the Town of Windsor as the 3rd best city in the New York Metro Region for High-Tech Jobs in emerging firms. This ranking lists the Town of Windsor ahead of some of our state’s largest high-tech cities, such as Stamford, Norwalk, Hartford, Bridgeport, and Meriden. 4th Graders Visit Windsor Public Library During the first two weeks of May, all 4th grade students in Windsor participated in a joint project between school and town librarians which included a field trip to the Windsor Public Library. Students learned about available materials and tools to help them with homework and research. The Windsor Rotary Club helped to sponsor the event by providing transportation and cookies for the visits. Northwest Park Discovers Endangered Species A rare tiger beetle was recently found at Northwest Park and will be logged in with the Department of Environmental Protection. This particular beetle lives in sandy, flat areas and is an endangered species in Connecticut. Sage Park Community Service Club Accomplishments The recently formed Sage Park Community Service Club, consisting of students in Grades 6 through 8, has contributed in several important ways to our community over the past year, including the following projects:
Loomis Donates Computers to Town On Wednesday, May 12, Loomis Chaffee School officials donated four new computers to the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. The gift, which was presented by Loomis Chaffee Head of School Russell Weigel, was officially received by Fire Chief Dale Smith, Mayor Mary Hogan, and myself. The computers will be tied into our computer aided dispatch system in each of our four fire stations, giving us instant access to information about the fire scene which will help in controlling fires more quickly. Windsor Memorial Day Observance Information The Town of Windsor Memorial Day Observance and Parade will be held Monday, May 31st beginning with a ceremony at 8am at Elm Grove Cemetery, followed by a 9am ceremony at Veteran's Cemetery. At the completion of the Veteran's Cemetery ceremony, the parade will proceed to the steps of Town Hall for the Memorial Day address of this year's parade marshal, Matt Hart. Scout troops and youth sport leagues wishing to march in the parade should meet at the corner of East and Pleasant Streets (near Veteran's Cemetery) at 8:45am to assemble for the parade. For more information, please call 285-1990 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council member Graff-- thanked all involved in the Shad Derby. Council member Lydecker-- enjoyed the Shad Derby and thanked all involved. Council member Pacino-- commended Leon Churchill on the follow-up information contained in the Council’s packets. He enjoyed the Shad Derby but felt that sales by vendors should be investigated, noting that fake cigarettes were sold to the kids and other questionable items. Council member Ploszaj -- she and her family were a foster family for 2 years and encouraged people to devote their time if possible to the very worthwhile endeavor. Council member Trinks-- thanked town staff and all others involved in the Shad Derby. He agreed with Council member Pacino, however, but said that if the vendors are off the green and in the street they have no authority as to what can be sold. Deputy Mayor Curtis -- Thanked staff and all organizations who participated with the Shad Derby. Thanked all who voted on the budget on May 14th but noted it was unfortunately a small turnout. He received communication from a citizen regarding the town pools to which he responded. Mayor Hogan --thanked the Shad Derby Committee -- it was a great day. She urged all to go the fun run and walk on the River Trail. Citizens told her of debris by the train track and she asked staff to follow up for clean up. Also, people were concerned with cars being parked on the lawn at Sage Park, she asked that an analysis be done on the parking situation. She thanked Loomis Chaffee for the computer donation. She thanked the WHS basketball team and urged everyone who can to make a donation to the team. A historical commission member asked that the boundary of historical lines be extended; she asked staff to investigate and follow up. She asked to refer the recreation master plan to the Town Improvement Committee which was done. 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Health and Safety Committee -- Council member Trinks -- no report. Council member Pacino asked about scheduling a meeting and suggested discussion of a curfew, noting Vernon’s curfew. Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- will be meeting on the Recreation Master Plan soon. Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- no report. Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- met last week. Council member Graff thanked Council member Ploszaj for sitting in for Council member Ristas who was out of town. Most items are agenda items. Also discussed was some other potential construction projects including a brief discussion on WHS, and a couple of road projects and their funding. 10. ORDINANCES a. An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article X Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, for the adoption for An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article X. Council member Graff amended his motion that the CIP committee shall consist of 5 members - 3 members of the Town Improvement Committee, a representative of the Public Building Commission and a member on the recommendation of the Windsor Board of Education. Council member Trinks seconded the amended motion. Council member Graff indicated there would be no alternate member. Council member Lydecker made a friendly amendment to delete Section 4 and re-number the remainder. A public hearing was held and no one spoke regarding the ordinance. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 12. NEW BUSINESS a. Set the Tax Rate for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2000 Council member Lydecker made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, That the tax rate for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 1999 be set at 22.7 mills. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. b. Distribution of Social Service Trust Funds Town Manager Churchill gave a brief overview. The Town has a received a $20,000 request payable to the Social Services of Windsor. There is a proposal to have a 3 member committee. Mayor Hogan inquired as to whether it should be an ad hock committee and asked staff to investigate and follow up. He recommended the item be referred to the Finance Committee for further review. Council member Graff inquired as to the legal steps that have to be taken to create the consolidation. Matt Hart said the Town would file a petition with the Probate Court which would review it with the Town Attorney and the State Attorney General’s office. All avenues have been exhausted to be sure that there are no heirs. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to authorize the town manager to file a petition to the probate court for the dissolution of the three trust funds outlined in the May 17, 1999 memo contained in the Council’s packets. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. c. Set Public Hearing on Renaming Section of Pigeon Hill Road Town Manager Churchill gave an overview regarding renaming sections of Pigeon Hill Road. Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, that a public hearing be set to hear comments on renaming a section of Pigeon Hill Road from the intersection of Marshall Phelps Road to the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue to Marshall Phelps Road on June 7, 1999 at 7:00 PM. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, that a public hearing be set for June 7, 1999 at 7:15 PM for comments on renaming Pigeon Hill Road Extension. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. d. Decorative Street Signs in Wilson Town Manager Churchill gave a brief overview and recommended referral to the Special Projects Committee for consideration. The Public Lands, Roads and Facilities has estimated that the project will cost about $30,000. Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to refer the project to the Special Projects Committee. Council member Pacino suggested the area business owners be consulted for input when the item is being discussed by the SPC. He asked that the financing be discussed in depth. Council member Graff felt the signs were too costly and felt the money should be used for something with a bigger impact. He asked how many signs were planned. Town Manager Churchill said all questions will be responded to at the Special Projects Committee meeting. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. e. CDBG Application for Additional Small Business Loan Funds Mr. McMahon gave a brief presentation. The money received last year in CDBG funds were allocated to 5 businesses which were outlined in his memo dated 5/12/99 in the Council’s packet. The program has been widely publicized; the Town has received over 90 inquiries. The Small Business Loan Program helps stimulate the retail, service and restaurant sectors of Windsor’s economy. He asked that the Council refer the matter to the Finance Committee. Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to refer the matter to the Finance Committee for consideration. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. f. Refinancing of Bonds (Years 1992 - 1995) Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, that the finance director and the town manager be authorized to pursue the possibility of refinancing bonded debt issued between 1992 and 1995. Council member Graff gave a brief overview, noting no cost would be incurred unless the attempt to refinance is successful. Donald Cunningham said the refinancing would be done at 102%. He gave an overview of the process which will need to be followed which will include substantial Council input. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. g. Addition Appropriation - Sprinkler System Backflow Project - Windsor Schools Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, That $65,000 be appropriated from the Capital Outlay Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to Capital Outlay Fund Account (02-522): Sprinkler System Backflow Prevention Project - Windsor Schools. The finance director’s certification is attached. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. h. Payment for Disposal of Contaminated Soil Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, that a full and final payment of $274,561.58 from 02-529 be appropriated to pay the amount due to the landfill for the disposal of contaminated soil. Council member Graff gave an overview noting that this is the payment for the disposal of the soil that was previously excavated from the Public Works Garage in 1994. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. i. Waiver of Bids - Closure of Landfill Cells A and B Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, under section 5-2D of the Windsor Charter that the Town Council waive formal bidding procedures and approve the Town Manager to acquire up to 12,000 cubic yards of this material, at a price not to exceed $80,000, pending receipt of satisfactory testing results. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. j. Discussion of Criteria for Town Manager Evaluation Mayor Hogan asked that this be put on the agenda. She would like the Council to come up with a guideline for a performance evaluation system and to do an evaluation annually to commence this August. The Council should work with the Town Manager in the creation of a format. The Council should be looking for objective appraisal of job performance, not a personal judgment. She discussed some of her priorities and gave a rough outline of the format she is proposing. Council member Graff noted that the supply filing system be improved and asked for copies of various items. An executive session will be held at the regular meeting in August. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to appoint - Item C - Board of Assessment Appeals, alternate member, to 11/20/2001; Leon M. Alford, 426 Lantern Way. Item D - Commission on Aging & Handicapped - 3 year member to 1/31/2000; Janice Lawler, 495 Rainbow Road; Item E - Commission on Aging and Handicapped, 3 year member to 1/31/2002; Lee Hoffman, 1003 Windsor Avenue. Item F - Conservation Commission - 5 year member to 11/30/2001; Ann Beaudin, 1009 Poquonock Avenue. Item G - Conservation Commission - 5 year member to 11/30/2002 Richard S. Dolliver, 35 Eastview Drive. Item J. - Fair Rent Commission Homeowner - 3 year member to 3/31/2002 Nancy Ellingwood, 32 Maud Circle. Item K - Human Relations Commission - 3 year alternate member to 5/31/2001 F. Evelyn Smith, 263 Bounty Way; Item L - Human Relations Commission - 3 year member to 5/31/99 Douglas J. Sullivan, 412 Pond Bridge. Item Q -Wilson Deerfield Advisory Commission - 3 year member to 4/30/99 Kenneth T. Means. Town Staff will notify all new members of their schedule of meetings. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Council member Pacino thanked all the above people for their time. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Lydecker, Item C - Board of Assessment - Richard Vincent for a term to expire on 11/30/2001 or until a successor is appointed. Item M - Human Relations Commission alternate member - Elizabeth Bray Item N - Inland Wetland Commission - Gary Crossen Item P - reappoint Eugene Aubrey for a 3 year term to the Wilson Deerfield Advisory Committee Item U - reappoint Rev. Bradford Howard Jr.. to the Wilson Deerfield Advisory Committee Item W - reappoint Donna Milson to the Wilson Deerfield Advisory Committee Item X - reappoint Mary Turley to the Wilson / Deerfield Advisory Committee The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to table items table A B H I O R S T V Y Z and AA The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING a. Minutes of 5/3/99 Public Hearing - Director of Public Safety Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to approve the minutes of May 3, 1999 public hearing. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. b. Minutes of 5/3/99 Public Hearing - Library Board Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to accept the minutes of the May 3, 1999 meeting regarding the library board. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. c. Minutes of 5/3/99 Regular Meeting Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to accept the minutes of the May 3, 1999 regular meeting Mayor Hogan asked that Staff review the executive session portion of the minutes due to inaccuracies. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to table the minutes. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. d. Minutes of 5/10/99 Special Meeting Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to accept the minutes of the May 10, 1999 special meeting. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS None. 17. ADJOURNMENT Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 PM. Motion Passed 7-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Abigale LaViolette cc: Town Clerk Main Library Wilson Branch
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