Town Council

2002 Minutes Archive

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

June 17, 2002

Approved Minutes

 

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

  1. Roll Call – Present: Mayor Trinks, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilor Albano, Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Jepsen, Councilor Mulligan, Councilor Pacino, Councilor Simon and Councilor Walker.
  2. Prayer – Councilor Albano
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Albano
  4. Proclamations/Awards
  1. Honoring Thomas G. Martin for his service to the Windsor Public Schools
  2. Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation honoring and recognizing Thomas G. Martin for his hard work, dedication and positive effect he has had on the Windsor community.

  3. Honoring Clover Street School’s 45th Anniversary

Councilor Simon read the proclamation honoring Clover Street School on their 45th Anniversary and commending them on their endeavors.

  1. Public Communications and Petitions
  2. Mr. William Warner-Prouty, member of the Windsor Library Association, addressed the Town Council. Heather Renaud, Ron Renaud, Jim Babb, Mary Ransom, Barbara Mansfield, and Cheryl Kirk were in attendance in support of the library expansion project. Mr. Warner-Prouty discussed the Windsor Library expansion proposal. He commented on the wonderful downtown Windsor has and encourages the Town Council members to consider the three-phase plan for this project.

    Ms. Ann Lasser, 6 Orchard Road, spoke to the Town Council in favor of the plan for the library expansion. She feels it serves the people of Windsor. She also mentioned that a good weeding, planting and mulching would enhance the appearance of the site.

    Mr. Michael Raphael, 429 Kennedy Road, Chairperson of Windsor Library Advisory Board, addressed the Town Council. He said that the Windsor Library Advisory Board supports the library expansion. He noted that the Capital Outlay Plan has included the library expansion project for ten years. If all three phases are completed within three years, the town will have a good chance of receiving a $500,000 grant from the State of Connecticut. This library will serve the needs of the community for the next 20 years.

    Mr. Jim Babb, 35 Krystal Lane, spoke to the Town Council regarding his support for improvements to the main library including increasing the number of computers for public use.

    Mr. John Berky, 21 Juniper Road, spoke on behalf of Celebrate Windsor. SummerWind will kick off its season on June 22, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are priced from $10 – $45 and can be obtained from www.tickets.com, www.swind.org, or by calling 1-800-477-6849. A picnic contest will be sponsored on opening night. He thanked the Town Council for their support.

    Ms. Michele Mattei, 108 Gary Lynn Lane, announced that the 20th North West Park Country Fair would be held on September 28, 2002. There will be a planning meeting on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. at the Nature Center. The public is welcome to attend.

    Mr. Mark Welch, 114 Lincoln Way, Football Coach at WHS, addressed the Town Council. He expressed his support of the lighting at O’Brien Field.

    Mr. David Howlett, 154 Eastview Drive, spoke to the Town Council. He feels that Windsor has a lot to offer. He spoke on behalf of repairs at O’Brien Field. He noted that artificial surface has had positive feedback in Norwalk and they are installing the artificial turf at another high school. There are not enough quality fields around Windsor High School (WHS). He feels that we need to do the Sage Park fields as well. The night games for WHS football held last fall increased attendance three-fold.

    Mr. Franklin Hunt, 6 Somerset Drive, agreed with Mr. David Howlett regarding the improvements to the sports fields.

    Ms. Brenda Person, 125 Carriage Way, urged the Town Council to approve the lighting for O’Brien field for the upcoming school year. She also requested that the Town Council meet the financial needs to install the artificial surface.

    Ms. Susan Robinson, 19 Laurel Avenue, spoke about the lighting and turf at WHS. She is surprised that this issue is not coming through the Board of Education. She discussed the need for an all-day kindergarten program and a music and arts program and stated that our public facilities are the cornerstones of our community. She also supports the library expansion.

  3. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Public Building Commission (Library Renovation Project)

Mr. Joe Novak, Public Building Commission Chairperson, reported to the Town Council. An architect for the L.P. Wilson Center Roof replacement has been selected. The State reimbursement application must be submitted by June 30, 2002. Site work is out to bid for 330 Windsor Avenue. A design firm has been selected for the Clover Street renovation project and planned replacement is scheduled for June 2003. The Poquonock School modernization project is planned for summer 2003, the Poquonock floor tile abatement project will be completed in August 2002, and the Poquonock window replacement is scheduled to be complete in September or October 2002.

The WHS project is 75% complete. Work on the boiler room and infrastructure will be performed through the end of the year with no student disruption. The project will be completed in December 2002.

Mr. Novak introduced Ken Best, consulting architect and Ms. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director, who gave a presentation on the library renovation project. Mr. Best summarized the phases and went over the floor plans and discussed the financials.

Councilor Broxterman asked if we have eliminated flat roofs and if we have researched the difference between a pitched roof and a flat roof. Mr. Best responded there is a significant portion of flat roof on the project. He further explained that because this is a large building the cost would be significant for a pitched roof and it would also change the appearance dramatically.

Councilor Broxterman also asked if the expansion plan includes more computer and meeting space. Ms. Kahkonen indicated space dedicated for computers would be doubled. Mr. Best responded that the meeting room will be a little smaller in transition, but the final addition will increase the square footage.

Councilor Simon asked if this were a one-phase project, how long would the project take. He also asked how the library usage would be affected during expansion and about the $500,000 in grants. Mr. Best said that it would take 2¼ to 2½ years to complete the project verses the three-phase four-year plan. Mr. Novak stated there would be some disruption to certain areas during expansion. Ms. Kahkonen stated that 1/3 of the total project cost, up to $500,000, is available from the State of Connecticut. Priority is given to towns that plan a 20-year renovation schedule.

Councilor Broxterman asked if the PBC, based on the experience with the high school project, is comfortable with what may be found behind the walls. Mr. Novak stated that it is a smaller project than WHS and there is a 10% contingency factored in the budget estimates.

Councilor Jepsen inquired about the usage of the library during excavation. Mr. Best said that the children’s room would move to the AV area, and the excavation area would be closed off.

Councilor Mulligan asked if the financial figures included the grant monies. Mr. Novak stated that the grant monies have not been figured into the financials.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked about grant monies and the timeline for the applications. Ms. Kahkonen replied that applications are due by August 30, 2002 and notification is in January.

Mayor Trinks asked about the timeline and costs. Town Manager Churchill reviewed the estimates for design and construction funds.

Mayor Trinks referred this project to the Town Improvements Committee for review of the suggested phasing of the project.

  1. Town Manager’s Report
  2. Summer Fun on the Town Green

    Windsor’s Concert Under the Stars series kicks off this Thursday evening with a performance by Crossfire beginning at 7:00 PM on the town green. The free summer concert series will continue each Thursday evening through August 15th. For more information, call 285-1990.

    Tails will be wagg’in on Tuesday, June 25th at Windsor’s annual "Just for Fun Dog Show". This free event is a major meeting of our town’s dogs to remind everyone that June is dog licensing month, (and all participants must be licensed). Registration begins at 5:30 PM, and judging will begin at 5:45 PM. The "Pooch Parade", led by this year’s poster puppy, "Oreo" will begin at 6:00 PM and the award ceremony is planned to begin at 6:30 PM. For more information, call 285-1902.

    New Playscapes

    As a result of the efforts of our legislative delegation at the General Assembly, Windsor received a $40,000 grant from the state for the replacement of the playscapes at Washington and Sharshon Parks. The old playscapes have been removed by Public Works, and the new playscapes are under construction. We anticipate that all the work associated with this project will be completed prior to the beginning of the summer recreation programs.

    Recreation Services

    Paul Norris, Recreation Manager has been elected to the Board of Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association (CRPA) as the president-elect. Paul is also serving a two-year term as the chairperson of the Business Institute for Leisure Professionals. This school is co-sponsored by the National Parks & Recreation Association (NRPA) and North Carolina State University (NCSU).

  3. Communication from Council Members
  4. Councilor Albano – None.

    Councilor Broxterman – extended thanks and good wishes to Acting Superintendent Tom Martin. He also gave congratulations and well wishes to the class of 2002. He reminded everyone that tomorrow night is Project Graduation and encouraged residents to volunteer.

    Councilor Jepsen – wished Mr. Martin well. He attended the Montessori school’s graduation ceremonies last week. He encouraged all to drive safely now that school is out.

    Councilor Mulligan – extended his thanks to Tom Martin for his years of service to the Town of Windsor. He discussed the cell phone program and reminded residents to donate phones at the Senior Center or the Police Station. If you need a phone, call 285-1992. He also spoke about Columbia Road and Route 218 intersection and he echoed Councilor Walker’s previous request that the need for a traffic signal be further investigated. He encouraged residents to drive safely.

    Councilor Pacino – congratulated Windsor High School students who will be graduating tomorrow night and wishes them the best of luck. He requested that the possible consolidation of Town and Board of Education functions/positions be considered in the future.

    Councilor Simon – attended the retirement dinner for Acting Superintendent Tom Martin. He wished him well in his retirement.

    Councilor Walker – thanked the Town Manager for the traffic study at the Columbia Road intersection. He noted that rear-end accidents have occurred at that intersection. He asked if there were any other avenues that the town could pursue.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis – thanked Acting Superintendent Tom Martin. SummerWind marketing has been very strong. He attended the Farmington Avenue Business District event and they were raffling off tickets to the concert series. He wishes Celebrate Windsor well in this particular venture.

    Mayor Trinks – discussed volunteering for Project Graduation between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. He noted that Friday June 21, 2002 is the volleyball game between the Town Council and Board of Education. Mayor Trinks commended Acting Superintendent Tom Martin for his many years of hard work and dedication he has provided for the Board of Education. He thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their year-end dinner and commented on their dedicated volunteers. Mayor Trinks asked if the mosquito pellets or granules were available. Town Manager Churchill said they are available through the Health Department.

  5. Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Finance Committee – met on June 11, 2002. The auditing firm reviewed the audit. They also discussed the Landfill Re-Use Steering Committee’s report and the purchase orders.
  2. Town Improvements Committee – met and discussed the Rappaport Building Project and O’Brien Field lighting.

C. Health and Safety – None.

D. Special Projects – None.

  1. Ordinances
  1. An ordinance appropriating $130,000 for acquisition of a light duty rescue truck and associated equipment and authorizing the issue of $130,000 bond and notes to finance the appropriation.
  2. Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the accompanying ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $130,000 FOR ACQUISITION OF A LIGHT DUTY RESCUE TRUCK AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $130,000 BOND AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION be adopted.

    Motion Passed 8-0-0 (Councilor Simon was not present at the time of vote)

  3. An ordinance appropriating $390,000 for Phase II of the reconstruction of and improvements to the Goslee Pool facility and authorizing the issue of $390,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation.
  4. Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the accompanying ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $390,000 FOR PHASE II OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GOSLEE POOL FACILITY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $390,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" be adopted.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  5. An ordinance appropriating $215,000 for improvements to the Public Works facility and authorizing the issue of $215,000 bond and notes to finance the appropriation.

Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the accompanying ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $215,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $215,000 BOND AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" be adopted.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  1. Create a joint Board of Education/Town Council Committee and appoint committee members
  2. Councilor Pacino asked why this particular committee required a motion for creation or appointment. Town Manager Churchill replied that the Mayor and the Town Council have the ability to create committees.

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to create a joint Board of Education/Town Council Committee and appoint three members of each body as committee members.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Mayor Trinks appointed Councilor Broxterman, Councilor Simon, Councilor Jepsen, Board member Cathy Moreton, Board member Steve Ellingwood, and Board member Linda Bagnal to the Joint Board of Education/Town Council Committee.

  3. Appropriation of $35,000 from Capital Outlay fund to the Rappaport Building project
  4. The Town Improvements Committee reviewed and approved the proposed agreement at their meeting of June 3, 2002. They have recommended that the Town Council appropriate $35,000 towards this project and authorize the Town Manager to sign the agreement.

    The agreement provides that the town will loan $35,000 to the Museum to help with operating costs and that the Museum will permit the town to take the lead in soliciting developers for the redevelopment of the building. The loan is to be repaid without interest upon sale of the building or by July of 2005, whichever occurs first.

    Councilor Broxterman said this buys us some time and it is a worthwhile risk to have all the building redeveloped to its highest potential.

    Councilor Mulligan asked if this marketing agreement is in concert with the real estate agreement the building owners have with the real estate firm William Ravis. Mr. Jim Burke, Economic Development Director, said that the real estate agreement is for leasing, not for sale of the building.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if the town attorney has reviewed the agreement. Town Manager Churchill stated that it has received attorney review.

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $35,000 be appropriated from the Capital Outlay Undesignated Fund Balance to account 03-382, Rappaport Building.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  5. Authorize the Town Manager to negotiate an agreement for Rappaport Building project
  6. Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Manager is authorized to sign the Marketing Agreement with the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  7. Landfill Re-use Steering Committee Report

Councilor Pacino asked if the money for the transfer station would be coming from the Enterprise Fund. Town Manager Churchill stated the transfer station funds would not come from the Enterprise Fund.

Mayor Trinks thanked the committee members for their work on the report.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Windsor Town Council ratifies and endorses the conceptual land use plan recommended by the Landfill Steering Re-use Committee as part of its May 2002 report.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. New Business
  1. Financial support for SummerWind Performing Arts Center

Councilor Simon wants this project to succeed but asked why we are dealing with this just five days before SummerWind opens. Town Manager Churchill said that it has taken over a month to pull the motion together. He has kept the Town Council apprised through communication.

Councilor Broxterman asked if the venue would be named the Savings Bank of Manchester at SummerWind. Town Manager Churchill said that it has not.

Councilor Broxterman asked when was it known by the town that the tent cost would be $600,000 over the projected cost. Town Manager Churchill said that we were aware of the cost in January 2002. There was also an engineer who was not familiar with Connecticut’s requirements. SummerWind expected to come up with the additional costs through sponsorships and corporate underwriting.

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Celebrate Windsor, Incorporated, is a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut and engaged in promoting the Town of Windsor through providing quality public entertainment;

WHEREAS, the Windsor Town Council believes it is in the public interest to support Celebrate Windsor, Incorporated, in these activities;

WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes - 148 (c) (4) (c) authorizes a municipality to provide for entertainment, amusements, concerts, celebrations and cultural activities;

WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statutes - 148 (c) (2) (e) authorizes a municipality to make appropriations to assist private organizations performing a public function;

WHEREAS, Savings Bank of Manchester has agreed to provide Celebrate Windsor, Incorporated, with a loan of $600,000.00 provided the Town of Windsor expresses an intent to protect it from any loss in excess of $250,000.00 to a maximum of $250,000.00;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF WINDSOR THAT:

1. Subject to future appropriation, the Town of Windsor will protect the Savings Bank of Manchester from any loss on said loan which exceeds $250,000.00 to a maximum guarantee by the Town of Windsor of $250,000.00.

2. Before the Town of Windsor shall be asked to pay any portion of the above described loan, the Savings Bank of Manchester shall first apply all security and exhaust all other customary procedures for payment.

3. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum amount the Town of Windsor shall be asked to pay in the event of a default is $250,000.00.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

B.  CDBG Small Cities Program – Corey Street Reconstruction

The reconstruction of Corey Street is listed as project for FY 03 in the adopted Capital Improvements Plan. Concerns over the condition of the road/sidewalks were also raised at a public hearing held by the Wilson Deerfield Advisory Committee. The use of the Community Development Block Grant funds for this project would simply allow the town to stretch its finite resources to address other imminent concerns. The anticipated project cost is $440,000. The Small Cities regulations require a 10% local match for the project.

Councilor Pacino asked that if the grant were not approved, how would this project be funded. Town Manager Churchill said that the project is on the CIP list for FY 2003 and would likely have to postponed until a future year when town funds would be available.

Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic & Community Development pursuant to Public Law 93-3 83, as amended; and,

WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and,

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Windsor make application to the State for funding in the amount of $445,000 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program (Reconstruction of Corey Street) and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL:

  1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for state assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and,
  2. That the filing of an application by the Town of Windsor in the amount not to exceed $445,000 is hereby approved, and that the Town Manager is hereby authorized and directed to file such application with the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Windsor.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

C.  Transfer of FY 2002 Windsor Center Improvement funds

    First Town Downtown has been working collaboratively to develop a concept plan to improve pedestrian circulation and safety in Windsor Center. In FY 2002, the Town Council appropriated $25,000 to assist in designing future phases of the suggested projects.

    Mayor Trinks asked if this money has already been set aside. Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, said that money from the FY 2002 Capital Projects account would be transferred into the FY 2003 Capital Outlay Fund Account for Windsor Center Improvements.

    Councilor Pacino asked if the Town Council would approve final design. Mr. Souza replied that the Town Council would approve the plan prior to expenditures of funds. Town staff is planning to bring the implementation plan to the Town Council within the next 60 days.

    Councilor Mulligan asked if this account would have $75,000 in July 2002. Mr. Souza confirmed that the account would have a $75,000 balance in July 2002.

    Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $25,000 be transferred from the General Fund, General Services, Capital Projects, 01-273-318, to Capital Outlay Fund Account 02-602, Windsor Center Improvements.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program
  2. Councilor Simon stated the funds are not appropriated from the Town of Windsor. Town Manager Churchill added that these amounts are for tax credits by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

    Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to approve the designation of the following organizations/activities for participation in the State of Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program: 1) Celebrate Windsor, Inc. for the SummerWind Performing Arts Center - $65,000; 2) Foodshare, Inc. for their ongoing efforts to distribute food to those in need - $75,000; 3) Community Enterprises, Inc. for a van purchase to improve transportation for clients and an enhanced transportation program - $65,000; 4) Vintage Radio and Communication Museum of Connecticut for the restoration of the premises known as 33 Mechanic Street - $150,000; 5) Windsor Community Television, Inc. (WIN TV) for an initiative entitled "Celebrating Windsor’s Diversity through Television" - $15,000.

    Motion passed 9-0-0

  3. Authorize Town Manager to execute agreement for Development of Wilson Recreational Area
  4. Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Manager of the Town of Windsor be authorized to negotiate and execute on behalf of the Town of Windsor an Open Space Grant Agreement with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to develop the Wilson Recreation Area, including the development of a picnic area with amenities, placement of an open sided Gazebo, development/extension of a walking path to connect to the Connecticut Riverwalk, development of a fishing area which is accessible to all, grading, drainage improvements and landscaping.

    Motion passed 9-0-0

  5. Introduce Bond Ordinance for O’Brien Field Lighting
  6. The Town Improvements Committee on June 10, 2002 discussed potential improvements to O’Brien Stadium. The committee requested staff to develop a potential financing plan to fund a project to include the design, purchase, and installation of a lighting system.

    Councilor Broxterman asked how the project cost estimate had been developed. Town Manager Churchill stated the estimate was developed by the town Engineering Department in consultation with lighting vendors. Mr. Charles Vola, WHS Athletic Director, said that he received a bid a year ago from a contractor.

    Councilor Broxterman spoke about the recreational needs of Windsor and the absence of improvements to fields in town. These facilities represent Windsor. He expressed that this project is important. He doesn’t support bonding for this project because he believes this project can be completed with $180,000, which can be taken out of cash reserves. After this step is taken, then we can talk about what we can do to address the conditions of the fields. We are dealing with the summation of fifteen years of no improvements to fields.

    Councilor Mulligan asked about options three and four and about the other differences. Town Manager Churchill responded that the lighting control systems are different, essentially the options range from having a basic switch that controls the entire system to a more complex switching system with timers and a better ability to "customize" the lighting for various types of events.

    Councilor Mulligan asked if the town has approached the residents near the field for their input. Town Manager Churchill said that it has been done informally.

    Councilor Broxterman reported that the eight-foot screened fence would eliminate any direct light into anyone’s backyard or house.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if the Board of Education has addressed this issue. Town Manager Churchill stated that to his knowledge it has not been discussed formally by the board.

    Mayor Trinks said that our focus is the town as a whole and his concern is that the project has not been on the CIP and that we must set some self-discipline in projects like these that are not on the CIP. Mayor Trinks asked when the CIP would be reviewed again. Town Manager Churchill said that the CIP is reviewed annually and presented to Town Council each November. Mayor Trinks is concerned that if this project is approved that something on the CIP would not be completed.

    Councilor Broxterman stated that the skateboard park project was approved for $38,000 without it going to the CIP list. The town owns the fieldhouse now, not the school system.

    Councilor Walker noted that there are parents in town who are concerned about maintenance and improvements to athletic fields. It is in his opinion that there appears to be a lack of voice or department in the Town of Windsor to speak on behalf of the athletic fields or sports in town. There is a risk of injury and liability to the town if improvements are not made. Maintenance of the fields is also important.

    Councilor Albano asked if we voted to pay $50,000 to crown the field. Town Manager Churchill confirmed that the Council had transferred FY 2002 funds to a capital account for such improvements. Councilor Albano said that perhaps the motion should be to place the project in next year’s CIP.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis is in favor of the motion. This motion is just for the lighting. The lighting has been the subject of many Town Improvement Committee meetings. This seems to be an opportunity that when there is support from the community for a project, it can be taken out of committee and to the Town Council for full discussion.

    Mayor Trinks asked how tall the softball lights were. The response was that the softball lights are 60-feet tall.

    Councilor Jepsen did attend the Town Improvements Committee meeting and it was very informative. He has a concern about trying to accomplish this project by September. He is in favor of waiting a year and putting the project in the CIP.

    Councilor Mulligan is in favor of lighting the field, however, he is concerned that there has not been enough investigation on the project. He is also concerned that we are circumventing the bidding process. He cannot support the bonding issue.

    Mayor Trinks stated he is not opposed to the project, but to the process. He wants the field to be multi-use, not just for football. He feels it needs to be thought out clearly to accommodate multi-use.

    Councilor Broxterman asked if the engineer could determine the lighting needs by the next Town Council meeting. Town Manager Churchill stated that they would investigate the needs. He thoroughly trusts the information that the Engineering Department presented.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis said that it is in his opinion that this project would never be a top priority for the Board of Education because of the educational needs of the district.

    Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Simon that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $350,000 FOR THE O’BRIEN STADIUM LIGHTING INSTALLATION PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $350,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" is hereby waived, the full text of the ordinance having been distributed to each member of the Town Council and copies being made available to those persons attending this meeting and that the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the accompanying ordinance appropriating $350,000 for the O’Brien Stadium Lighting Installation Project, and authorizing the issue of $350,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation be adopted.

    Motion Fails 2-7-0 (Opposed: Mayor Trinks, Councilors Albano, Jepsen, Mulligan, Pacino, Simon and Walker)

  7. Set Public Hearing date for O’Brien Field Lighting bond ordinance for July 1, 2002
  8. Withdrawn.

  9. Resolution to Waive Bidding Requirements for O’Brien Field Lighting Project
  10. Withdrawn.

  11. Year End Encumbrances of Purchase Orders
  12. Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to re-approve until October 2002 the purchase orders existing on the report, Purchase Orders in PO Number Order for June 12, 2002, that was presented by the Finance Director.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Finance Director is authorized to make year-end transfers in the General Fund of not more than $5,000 per account.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  13. Ratification of WPDEA Labor Contract

Withdrawn.

  1. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Pacino, seconded by Councilor Jepson to table items A-W.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the June 3, 2002 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the June 3, 2002 Town Council Meeting. Corrections: Page 10 bond ordinances should include the further resolved statement for the Town Clerk; Page 10 Jepsen.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Public Communications and Petitions
  2. Ms. Kay Nowiszewski, 64 Alden Road addressed the Town Council. She discussed the lighted football field. It is in her opinion that the field improvements are not for recreation, they are part of the development of the youth in Windsor. Pride in their schools and in their community is essential for the youth of Windsor. She is upset that this project has dragged on as long as it has. She asked who is responsible for the research, when can this research be done and when will the project be started. Somebody needs to be accountable.

    Mr. Carl Nowiszewski, 64 Alden Road, spoke about the lighting of the football field. He explained that it is different from any other expenditure. This project pays for itself through admission fees generated by night games. The total cost of field turf and lights would fit within the contingency for the library. He asked the Council to think about that and put it in perspective.

  3. Executive Session
  1. Records, reports and statements of strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining – WPDEA Labor Contract.

Withdrawn.

  1. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:50 p.m.

Motion Passes 9-0-0

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch