Town Council Meeting Minutes

 

 

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers - Town Hall

July 6, 1999

Approved Minutes

Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff,

Council member Haverstock (arrived at 7:32 PM), Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks

2. PRAYER - Council member Ploszaj

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Ploszaj

4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS

None.

5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

None.

6. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT

None.

 

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,

to move agenda item 12 a. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.

 

12. a. Human Relations Commission Annual Report to the Town Council

The Chairman of the Human Relations Commission gave an overview of the Commission’s goals with regard to the nature of the community and how individuals get along with one another.

The Commission, which consists of 9 full members and 4 alternate members, works to promote a more open dialogue within the community.

 

Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,

to move agenda item 12. g. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

12. g. Appointment of Human Services Assistance Fund Committee Members

Town Manager Churchill gave a brief overview.

Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,

that Gail Deming, Valerie Gange and Denise Novak be appointed members of the Windsor Human Services Assistance Fund Committee for a three-year term or until the expiration of the Fund.

The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

 

7. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

Windsor Receives Excellence in Tourism Award

Connecticut’s North Central Tourism Bureau recently honored the Town of Windsor with its first "Excellence in Tourism Promotion" award. The Bureau recognized several of Windsor’s tourism efforts, including: The Windsor Center River Trail; Support for the formulation of First Town Downtown and the Discover Windsor Trails Day; Windsor’s Great Streets Map; and the upcoming ESPN Fly-Fishing America episode highlighting the Town of Windsor.

Windsor Recognized for Intertown Cooperation

The Capitol Region Council of Governments recently recognized the Town of Windsor for participating in the massive mutual aid necessary following the tragic death of East Hartford Police Officer Brian Aselton. From assistance at the scene to providing East Hartford with patrol coverage during the funeral attended by 10,000 police officers, Capitol Region police departments demonstrated how much our communities depend on each other in a crisis.

Airport Noise Study Update

A start-up public meeting for the Bradley Airport comprehensive noise study is scheduled for July 8th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the New England Air Museum. Attendees will visit different displays from the Connecticut Department of Transportation officials taking part in the study. Windsor residents who are concerned about airport noise are encouraged to attend this and subsequent meetings to discuss their concerns and provide input into the most extensive noise study yet undertaken for Bradley Field. For further information, please call Mario Zavarella (Town Planner) at 285-1981.

Public Lands, Roads, and Facilities Update

Last week, we began the replacement of the playscape at Roger Wolcott School and the installation of an additional playscape in the courtyard. Crews have also begun surface preparation for the overlay of the parking lot at Roger Wolcott. This week, we will begin paving several Windsor Roads, to include Remington Road, Welch Avenue and Maple Avenue. The paving of Capen Street will follow shortly once the drainage work is completed.

Family Services Announces Summer Programming

Windsor is the place for families this summer with fun-filled activities planned every week night from July 12th through August 20th. Monday evenings are Family Fun Nights on the Town Green from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings are Family Fun Runs with 2.2. mile trail runs at Northwest Park beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday nights are Wet & Wild Nights from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wilson Library and Stroh Park. Thursdays are Concerts on the Green beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fridays are End of the Week Get-Away Field Trips for the whole family. Call 285-1990 for further details on events and to reserve your spot for the field trips!

Volunteers Honored During Week-Long Celebration

Over 250 volunteers enjoyed a delicious brunch buffet last Sunday, June 27th, at the Loomis Chaffee School in recognition of Windsor Volunteer Appreciation Week. Week-long events included a nature walk and campfire at Northwest Park, an outdoor movie on the green, make-your-own sundaes, a concert under the stars and family games night. Each event was well attended!

The Town of Windsor relies heavily on the dedication of its volunteers in providing our community with the highest quality programs and services. Thanks to the support of our volunteers, Windsor has become Connecticut’s Community of Choice.

Windsor’s "Just For Fun" Dog Show a Dog-gone Success!

Over 600 residents and 200 dogs came down to the Town Green last week for our "Just for Fun" dog show. Event highlights included Zany Dog Tricks and Blue Ribbons for every canine participant. Thanks to the MDC for providing water, the Windsor Volunteer Ambulance for providing hot dogs, and the Town Clerk’s Office for sponsoring this special annual event.

Windsor Fourth of July Celebration A "Blast"!

Thanks to Windsor Family Services, First Town Downtown and WIN-TV for making the "Yankee Doodle 4th of July" celebration a fun-filled family event again this year.

There were children’s games, pony rides, clowns, live music, hot dogs and hamburgers, and prizes for the most patriotic table, hat, costume and poem. Thanks to all those residents who came out for some old-fashioned fun.

Mayor Hogan asked how the colors of the new police cruisers were chosen. Town Manager Churchill said it is a ‘back to basics’ movement. The colors are chosen with input from the police department and the town manager.

Council member Graff noted he has not seen the presence of the bike patrols as yet. Chief Searles said it has been slower than anticipated this season due to lack of staff.

8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS

Council member Graff-- thanked staff for the volunteer week activities.

Council member Haverstock -- none.

Council member Lydecker-- he was contacted by a resident who inquired as to the status of the pond in Washington Park. He asked staff to report back.

Council member Pacino-- none.

Council member Ploszaj -- none.

Council member Ristas-- none.

Council member Trinks-- thanked Windsor Volunteer Ambulance for standing by all day during the Soap Box Derby, noting that their services were unfortunately needed.

Deputy Mayor Curtis -- received a call from a resident asking about the Kennedy Road round-about, who indicated she is opposed to the proposal and hoped for another traffic-calming remedy.

Mayor Hogan -- Gave the Town Manager a calendar which displayed Windsor and asked that it be hung some where in the Town Hall.

Congressman Larson is looking for unique items regarding the Windsor community.

She happily accepted a Connecticut Tourism Award for the Town of Windsor.

Mayor Hogan reminded everyone of the special meeting tomorrow night on the Recreation Master Plan.

 

9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

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

Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- none.

Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- two agenda items.

Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- none.

10. ORDINANCES

None.

11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

12. NEW BUSINESS

b. Consideration of Waiver of Bidding Process - Rainbow Road Fire Station

Buildings and Facilities Superintendent Al Neumann gave a brief report and suggested the Council waive the bidding procedure on the Rainbow Road Fire Station Project.

Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,

that the Windsor Town Council waives the bidding procedure on the Rainbow Road Fire Station Project.

Council member Ristas inquired as to disclosure requirements. Mr. Neumann indicated there is a disclosure requirement which consists of about 2 pages in the RFP which covers not only commission members but other contractors, and has a broad spectrum of individuals.

The Motion Passed 8-0-0 with Council member Trinks out of the room.

c. Consideration of Waiver of Liens - Interim House

Town Manager Churchill gave an overview of the proposed waiver of liens for Interim House, a facility designed to provide temporary accommodations for displaced mothers and their dependents. He discussed the sales contract between NCCS and Interim House in the amount of $87,500 and recommended the Council approve the release of liens of 184 Deerfield Road to allow a clean title for the July 15, 1999 closing.

Council member Lydecker made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,

That the Town Manager be authorized to execute a release of the mortgages held by the Town of Windsor on 184 Deerfield Road and to cancel the debt remaining after the payment by Interim House, Inc., of $87,500.00 (the sale price of 184 Deerfield Road) plus 50% of any funds remaining in Interim House, Inc. after the satisfaction of its liabilities.

Council member Ristas noted concern regarding how this was set up and felt this is the best way to rid the Council of the dilemma.

The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

d. Presentation of Proposed CIP Process

Dr. Zavarella and Mr. Lenehan gave a brief overview of the chronology of CIP Review Process together with a power-point slide presentation.

The process is multi-tiered. Approximately 12 staff members are part of the CIP committee.

Staff develops CIP prioritization criteria. By August 11, 1999 all town staff / boards and commissions must submit capital projects. By October 1st the Town Manger and BOE are to submit CIP drafts.

By November 1st, the Capital Improvement Committee will advise the Town Manager on CIP Years 2-6. Town Manager Churchill will then decide whether to modify the CIP.

By November 15th, the Town Manager will submit revised drafts to the TIC.

By December 1st, the Town Manager will submit his final draft to the TP&Z for review under CGS 8-24.

By January 1, 2000 the Town Manager will deliver the final CIP to the Council.

Council member Graff noted that the final item in the process is the approval of the Council.

 

e. Windsor Volunteer Support Program

Deputy Mayor Curtis said the Special Projects Committee Meeting, held on June 29, 1999, recommended that the Town Council adopt the Windsor Volunteer Support Program with the following four revised items:

1. To change the name to the Windsor Volunteer Support Program

2. Eligible projects would be limited to physical improvements only

3. The town manager and his/her designee would review applications, select grant awards and provide periodic program updates to the Town Council

4. Projects sponsored by organizations currently receiving funds from other Town programs would receive lower priority than application from organizations not receiving financial assistance

from the town.

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,

that the Windsor Volunteer Support Program be adopted as revised by the Special Projects Committee and that $50,000 be transferred from General Fund Account: General Services - Unclassified to General Fund Account: General Government - Community Services to fund the program.

Council member Haverstock suggested adding to the Application a legal liability disclaimer for the town with an acknowledgment or agreement from the applicant.

Council member Ristas asked Town Manager Churchill to include staff-time costs in his annual report for this project.

Mayor Hogan noted this does not preclude the Council from making other appropriations in the future.

The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

f. Improvements to Clover Street Clubhouse Facility

Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks,

to withdraw this item. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff,

Item M - to reappoint Kenneth Herman to the Wilson Deerfield Advisor Committee for a 3 year term to expire April 30, 2002 or until a successor is appointed.

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to table items

A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,N,O,P,Q and R.

14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING

a. Minutes of June 21, 1999 Regular Meeting

Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Lydecker,

to accept the minutes of June 21, 1999.

Corrections:

Laura Broxterman and Enita Jubrey’s names were misspelled.

Council member Ploszaj did not second the motion to move out of executive session - Council member Ristas seconded that motion.

The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

 

None.

16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to go into executive session regarding a. Strategy and Negotiations with Respect to Pending Claims or Pending Litigation and b. Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate

The Motion Passed 9-0-0.

At 9:20 p.m. Mayor Hogan called the executive session to order. Present were Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilmembers Graff, Haverstock, Lydecker, Pacino, Ploszaj, Ristas, and Trinks. Also present were Town Manager Churchill, Chief Searles, and Town Attorney Oswecki to discuss

a. the potential acquisition of the King property that is adjacent to L.P. Wilson, and b. possible litigation against the Windsor Police Department.

At 11:00 p.m. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion seconded by Councilman Trinks to move out of executive session. The motion passed 9-0-0.

17. ADJOURNMENT

At 11:03 p.m. Councilmember Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Pacino, to adjourn the meeting. Motion 9-0-0.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Abigale LaViolette

cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch


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