Town Council

2002 Minutes Archive

 

Windsor Town Council

Council Chambers – Town Hall

June 3, 2002

Approved Minutes

 

Mayor Trinks called the regular meeting to order at 7:37 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 Walker
  3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Walker
  4. Proclamations/Awards
  1. Honoring Windsor’s Outstanding Senior Citizens for 2002

    2. Ms. Stephany Wall, from the Senior Center, honored two seniors. Ms. Pauline Martin and Mr. Joe Cymerys received the Outstanding Senior Citizens for 2002 awards. Ms. Alice Schaeffer, who passed away in April, was also honored.

  2. Declaring June 2002 as Myasthenia Gravis month

Deputy Mayor Curtis read the proclamation declaring June 2002 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month.

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    2. Ms. Pat Fahy, 225 Palisado Avenue, addressed the Town Council. She is concerned about the church located at Bell School. She believes it is time to consider relocating the church due to complaints regarding the noise levels during the day and at night. She wants to know what the town plans are for the building and is seeking assistance in solving this issue.

  2. Report of Appointed Boards and Commissions
  1. Historic District Commission

    2. Ms. Mary Ann Pleva, Chair of the Historic District Commission reported to the Town Council. A Preservation Award Program was established and this year’s recipients were Dan and Alice Ferraina for the Huntington House Museum, Julie and John Brookman for the restoration of the home at 1112 Palisado Avenue and Charles Beck for the Aglow Auction Services building at 139 Broad Street. The Town Council created a one-year Historic District Study Committee, which has met four times. The Study Committee’s final report will be given to the Planning and Zoning Commission in September 2002.

  2. Landfill Re-use Steering Committee Report

Mr. Steve Hawco, Ms. Darlene Klase, Mr. Lee Hoffman, and Carl Nowiszewski reported to the Town Council. Mr. Gerald Golden, Chair was unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Hawco discussed the mission and purpose of the committee. A total of eight public meetings were held. Input was received from Northwest Park and its staff along with comments from the town staff. Mr. Hawco elaborated on the following five key findings:

  • A transfer station will be needed after the closure of the landfill.
  • The location of the transfer station will play a pivotal role in the layout of any future development.
  • Substantial improvements on the waste disposal area will be cost-prohibitive, therefore the most effective use of this area would be for passive recreation.
  • The highest potential use for the remaining property is for active recreation.
  • The project contemplates a single, integrated Northwest Park.

He summarized the recommended post-closure land use. The transfer station would be located on acquired land adjacent to the landfill, passive recreational usage would be to the west of Huckleberry Road and active recreational use would be to the east of Huckleberry Road.

The alternative plan is to locate the transfer station within the landfill site along with acquiring a small section of land to provide an access road which will separate the transfer station traffic from recreational traffic. This will also help in establishing some of this land for passive recreational use to the west of Huckleberry Road and smaller active recreational use to the east of Huckleberry Road.

Mr. Hawco discussed the costs involved, including available grant monies. The landfill will take several years to close. The recommendation stated in the report may be implemented in stages over many years after closure.

Mayor Trinks thanked the committee for their hard work. Town Manager Churchill also commended the committee for their outstanding work. In the short term, the Town Council needs to give the suggested plan serious consideration.

Councilor Simon thanked the committee.

Deputy Mayor Curtis asked if the committee had an opportunity to meet with the DEP. Mr. Hawco stated that Fuss & O’Neill was very helpful in regards to the DEP.

Councilor Jepsen asked if there was a recommendation regarding the leachate system. Mr. Hawco stated that Fuss & O’Neill said there are no set requirement to implement the leachate collection system. However, the DEP may recommend a leachate collection system based on the overall closure plans.

Councilor Walker asked if the buffer would be necessary if the first recommendation is implemented. Mr. Hawco responded that Fuss & O’Neill reported the existing tree lines could be utilized if the first recommendation is implemented.

Mayor Trinks asked if the DEP is looking for specifics or can this conceptual plan be given to the DEP. Town Manager Churchill stated that this conceptual plan would be adequate. Mayor Trinks requested that the item be added onto the next Town Council agenda.

Councilor Broxterman inquired about the fenced off cells and how are these incorporated in the plan. He also asked who owned the land that the town is to purchase and asked if the area is near the nuclear site. Mr. Hoffman responded that there is currently one fenced off cell, which will be left in place. The nuclear site is to the south and doesn’t come as far north as Goodwin Pond. Town Manager Churchill said that ABB currently owns the land.

Mayor Trinks referred the report to the Special Projects Committee for review. Councilor Simon stated the Finance Committee has previously handled topics related to the Landfill and suggested the item is referred to the Finance Committee. Mayor Trinks referred the report to the Finance Committee. Councilor Pacino requested that the information be available to the public on WIN-TV and through other methods of communication.

  1. Board of Education

Ms. Jane Garibay, President, Board of Education addressed the Town Council. A new Superintendent has been hired, Dr. Elizabeth Feser. The Clover Street School’s 45th Anniversary is coming up. If you would like more information, please contact Ms. Garibay at 688-5165. Graduation is on June 18, 2002 at 6 p.m. at First Cathedral and June 6, 2002 is scholarship award presentation night.

Councilor Simon asked if the Board of Education has had any further discussion regarding the joint committee. Ms. Garibay responded that the Board of Education is in agreement with the Town Council’s recommendation.

Mayor Trinks reported they did receive an opinion from the Town Attorney which indicated approval to go ahead with the committee. He requested a list of names of Board members who are interested in joining the committee.

 

  1. Town Manager’s Report

    2. Start Smart Growth Continues

    As you may recall from our April budget deliberations, the number of Windsor families participating in our Healthy People’s Start Smart program continues to increase. As of May 30, 2002 there are 100 families participating in Start Smart, which is a milestone for the program.

    In other news, Anthem Blue Cross presented the Healthy People Start Smart program with a check for $10,000 on May 30th. This money will be used for books and other supplies for the Start Smart Home Visit program. This is the second donation that Anthem has made to Start Smart. In January of 2001, they presented a check for $7,200. That money was used to purchase tote bags given to each family who participates in the program and to purchase books presented to families at each visit. A formal presentation ceremony is currently being planned. For more information about Healthy People, call 285- 1825

    Town Staff Member Appointed to Advisory Committee

    The Town of Windsor’s Director of Family and Leisure Services, Robin Newman was recently appointed as a member of the Dean's Advisory Committee for the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work, located in West Hartford. This committee was formed as part of the University’s strategic plan that was developed to explore how the school could become a Center of Excellence in Social Work Education. One of the goals is to develop a Ph.D. program, which has provided a new impetus for complete re-examination of the School's program. There are six additional goals that the Advisory Committee will be working on, and we are proud to have Robin lend her expertise to the process.

    On-line Registration Update

    Summer recreation programs kick off June 24th, and residents are actively registering for summer activities by either using the Internet or touch-tone telephone with our new RecWare Safari program, or walking in to offices to register. Approximately 35% of all Family Service registrations were done through touch-tone or the Internet from May 1st to June 2nd. This type of registration is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Swim registration on May 29th went very smoothly. With the different options available for registration, the average wait for persons who walked in to the office to register for swim lessons was 10 – 15 minutes. There were a total of 525 transactions that day, of which 283 were via the Internet and touch-tone phone (which was 54% of the transactions), and 242 registrations took place in the office.

    For more information on summer recreation programming, call 285-1990.

    Councilor Walker asked about the ID number which is required for the RecWare Software. Town Manager Churchill explained that an ID number is necessary in order to identify individuals. ID numbers can be requested online or by calling the Recreation Department.

  2. Communication from Council Members

    3. Councilor Albano – None.

    Councilor Broxterman – None.

    Councilor Jepsen – None.

    Councilor Mulligan – Vintage Radio and Communications Museum will hold a swap meet on Saturday, June 6, 2002 at 7 a.m. on their premises at 33 Mechanics Street. There is a charge of $10 for a space. For more information call 673-0518.

    Councilor Pacino – Village Lane pond area has not been mowed. Is the town responsible or is the neighborhood responsible for the upkeep of the lawn? Town Manager Churchill stated that it is the town’s responsibility. Councilor Pacino commended the Reverend Littlejohn Memorial Day speech. It was encouraging to watch residents partake in the parade.

    Councilor Simon – None.

    Councilor Walker – received a request from some residents on Tamarac Drive regarding the stream and flooding in backyards. Some erosion has started with the flooding of the stream. Also Councilor Walker stated that the intersection of RT 218 and Columbia is one of the more dangerous places for residents who live in that area. He requested that the town staff pursue both situations. Councilor Walker noted that speed limits are posted, but people are not obeying them. He is hoping that the Police will enforce the speed limits in town. Councilor Walker mentioned the signs for store products on Windsor Avenue. He believes that there are ordinances against the posting of these signs.

    Deputy Mayor Curtis – discussed the Bike Safety Event held this past Saturday. He thanked all the volunteers and the town staff for organizing the event. Also, he noted that bike helmets are still available at the Town Hall for $7.00.

    Mayor Trinks – thanked Mr. Nash for his letter regarding the Town Council’s support of the PAL program and he thanked the Memorial Day Parade Organizing Committee. Mayor Trinks has received requests for Poquonock Avenue speed enforcement. Mayor Trinks asked for specific concerns regarding the speaker’s issues of Bell School.

  3. Reports of Standing Committees
  1. Finance Committee – None.
  2. Town Improvements Committee – met on June 3, 2002 to discuss the proposed Rapapport Building Project. They are ready to move forward with the project, pending legal review. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2002 to discuss improvements to O’Brien Field.

C. Health and Safety – None.

D. Special Projects – None.

  1. Ordinances

    2. None.

  2. Unfinished Business

    3. None.

  3. New Business
  1. Presentation by First Town Downtown

    2. Mr. Jim Martin, President of First Town Downtown reported to the Town Council. He presented the final conceptual plan for the core enhancement for the center of town which is just one of the many projects they are working on.

    Mr. Randy Collins, project consultant, discussed the plan. The goal is to tackle problems such as pedestrian circulation and safety, specifically in the area of intersections. They have come up with a number of suggestions, which he presented. To help with pedestrian safety they are suggesting bump-outs at major intersections which will define the parking area and bring the curb line out to the edge of a parked car. This will make it easy for cars to see the pedestrians. To further enhance the pedestrian zone, they are suggesting a brick paver or something similar. Other improvements include the addition of sidewalk areas, improved pedestrian connections between the Town Green and other areas of downtown. The railroad overpass will have a sidewalk on both sides and the three lane section will become a two lane section. This will enable the shoulders to be wider in order to allow for bicycling through the overpass.

    The area by the Post Office is also a safety concern. Thee proposal is to incorporate an island just south of the Post Office between the Town Hall. Diagonal parking will be provided on the left and access to the Town Hall area will remain the same. It has been noted that many post offices are currently offering a drive up/drop off area.

    The next steps will be to move from the conceptual design phase to the final design phase. There are survey and design costs involved. Mr. Collins discussed improvements that can be currently be implemented at a low cost.

    Councilor Walker asked about the revised plan and if it has been discussed with the Police and Fire Chiefs regarding safety. Mr. Martin said that they would continue to work closely with the town regarding safety issues. Town Manager Churchill mentioned there may be parking bans at certain times. This is a State highway and it does require State Highway Department approval and it will be a multi-year project.

    Councilor Albano asked if the plan has been discussed with the State Department of Transportation. Mr. Collins said the State Department of Transportation has been consulted and approves of the concept and has iterated some of the same safety concerns.

    Councilor Mulligan inquired about the removal of the green medians. Mr. Collins stated that it is necessary to remove portions of them in order to have a consistent traffic pattern.

    Councilor Pacino voiced his concern regarding when there is an accident on I-91, traffic from the interstate is goes to Route 159. He asked if that has been taken into consideration. He is also concerned with tractor-trailer deliveries. Councilor Pacino asked if we lost any of the green. Mr. Collins said that the potential for additional traffic from I-91 has been taken into account, deliveries may be blocking parking areas and part of the traffic lane, and the Green will remain intact.

    Councilor Jepsen asked if a traffic flow modeling study was initiated. Mr. Collins responded that traffic modeling has been done showing that it functions either the same or better than it does today and it has been computer modeled as well.

    Councilor Broxterman noted the reduction of traffic lanes and inquired about Poquonock Avenue. Mr. Collins reported it was investigated and there are alternate approaches which can be taken. One of the lights may be eliminated or you can swing the Bloomfield Avenue intersection as close to Prospect Street as possible. It will be examined further as we move into the final design.

    Mayor Trinks mentioned that he was on Broad Street with a businessman from West Hartford over the weekend. The businessman told him that traffic needs to be slowed down so drivers can see retail businesses as they drive through. Also, traffic needs to stop for pedestrians.

    Councilor Mulligan asked about the possibility of installing electrical utilities underground and if there is funding available. The Town Council suggested that town staff research the grant monies for moving utility services underground. Town Manager Churchill said that it can be reviewed, but there is no funding available. The cost is approximately $100,000 per pole. Mr. Collins said that there is also a separate cost of connecting businesses to the underground lines, which is incurred by the business.

    Mayor Trinks requested a copy of the final conceptual plan so that it can be referred to the Town Improvements Committee.

  2. Introduce a bond ordinance in the amount of $130,000 to fund the replacement of Fire Department Light Duty Rescue Truck

    3. As part of the town’s FY 2003 CIP, the replacement of the Fire Department Light Duty Rescue Truck is scheduled to be undertaken in the fall of this year. The vehicle would be used as part of the first responder EMS system and will respond to motor vehicle accidents and be utilized as a support vehicle for the fire department. The estimated cost of the vehicle and associated equipment is $125,000 before bonding costs, $130,000 after.

    Councilor Pacino asked if the truck has been spec'd out and if it has been out to bid. Mr. Peter Souza, Assistant Town Manager, said that estimates have been received and it will be bid this summer if the ordinance is passed.

    Resolved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of the 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 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 minutes of this meeting.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Resolved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $130,000 FOR ACQUISITION OF A LIGHT DUTY RESCUE TRUCK AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $130,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" be adopted.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  3. Set Public Hearing date of June 17, 2002 for the replacement of Fire Department Light Duty Rescue Truck bond ordinance

    4. Resolved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, June 17, 2002 at 7:15 p.m. (prevailing time) on the foregoing ordinance. Further Resolved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  4. Introduce a bond ordinance in the amount of $390,000 to fund Goslee Pool Phase II renovation project

    5. The reconstruction of Goslee Pool was completed in 2001. Renovation of the existing maintenance building will include improved methods for management of chemicals, a first aid station and lifeguard operations area. In addition, the project will include reconfiguration of the existing access road with a provision for a vehicle turn-around at the end and blending of the road with handicap parking.

    Councilor Pacino asked if it included new showers. Mr. Peter Souza responded that new showers and plumbing is included in the renovation.

    Resolved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "AN ORDNIANCE 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" is hereby waived, and 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 minutes of this meeting.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that "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. Set Public Hearing date of June 17, 2002 for the Goslee Pool Phase II Renovation bond ordinance

    6. Resolved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, June 17, 2002 at 7:20 p.m. (prevailing time) on the foregoing ordinance. Further Resolved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

     

  6. Introduce a bond ordinance in the amount of $215,000 for DPW Facilities Project

    7. The Public Works Facility at 99 Day Hill Road needs to be modified in order to meet environmental requirements in the washing of Public Works vehicles and equipment, and provide a covered facility for the storage of road salt and magnesium chloride.

    Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $215,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $215,000 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 minutes of this meeting.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that an "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $215,000 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $215,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION" be adopted.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  7. Set Public Hearing date of June 17, 2002 for the DPW Facilities bond ordinance

    8. Resolved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, June 17, 2002 at 7:25 p.m. (prevailing time) on the foregoing ordinance.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Resolved by Councilor Jepsen, seconded by Councilor Broxterman that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Councilor Broxterman asked about the cost of bonding. Mr. Gregg Pavitt, Finance Director, replied that the cost of bonding is based on the total amount borrowed and then allocated to each individual project.

    Councilor Walker asked about the federal and state aid for the Fire vehicle. Mr. Peter Souza responded that they are looking into Federal and State aid. Town Manager Churchill said they tried to obtain funding last year, but they were unsuccessful. Majority of the funding was awarded to large cities.

  8. Transfer of FY 2002 Town Support for Education funds

    9. The Department of Public Works has funds budgeted to complete three smaller projects at the schools this year. The projects are (1) Installation of a generator at L.P. Wilson; (2) Pavement Management work at the schools; and (3) O’Brien Field Renovations.

    These projects will not be able to be completed, and/or the funding for them will not be able to be encumbered prior to the end of the present fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2002. Because Town Support for Education is an account in the General Fund, this money is not typically available to be used following the end of the fiscal year. In order to complete these projects and to pay for them from the present fiscal year, it is recommended that the funding for the projects be moved from where they are currently budgeted in the General Fund to the Capital Outlay Fund. This action will allow for the projects to be completed without the loss of funding which would normally occur as of June 30, 2002.

    Councilor Pacino requested to table the item relative to O’Brien Field Renovations since the Town Improvements Committee is meeting to discuss improvements to O’Brien Field. Brian Funk, Director of Public Works, said that any plans regarding O’Brien Field projects would not start until November 2002 leaving enough time for debate on the issue of the long term use of O’Brien Field with grass surface or artificial turf. This motion establishes an account.

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that an amount totaling $116,800 be transferred from the General Fund, Town Support for Education, Public Works section, 01-286-930 and 940 to the following accounts: (1) Capital Outlay Fund Account 02-611, Installation of Generator at L.P. Wilson - $35,000; (2) Capital Outlay Fund Account 02-612, Pavement Management Work at the Schools - $31,800; and (3) Capital Outlay Fund Account 02-613, O’Brien Field Renovations - $50,000.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  9. Approval of FY 2003 Suspense List

    10. In accordance with Connecticut State Statute 12-165, the Suspense List must be submitted annually to the Town Council. This list consists of motor vehicle, supplemental, and personal property taxes on the 1998 Grand List that are considered uncollectable. The accounts receivable will be $68,502.65 less for Fiscal Year 1998.

    Councilor Walker asked if the list would be farmed out to a company to collect on the accounts. Town Manager Churchill said that they started looking into the possibility a couple of weeks ago.

    Moved by Councilor Simon, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that $68,502.65 motor vehicle, supplemental and personal property taxes on the 1998 Grand List be

    transferred to the Suspense Tax Book.

    The Town Council asked staff to provide a report regarding suspense lists and collection efforts over the past few years.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  10. Set Public Hearing for Neighborhood Assistance Act

    11. Mr. James Burke, Director of Economic Development, discussed the Neighborhood Assistance Act. The Town of Windsor has received applications from Celebrate Windsor (SummerWind), Community Enterprises, Inc., the Vintage Radio and Communication Museum of Connecticut, WINTV and Foodshare, Inc. In order for these organizations to move forward with an application to the State Department of Revenue Services, they need to secure the approval of the town’s governing body as well as secure the necessary contributions.

    Councilor Pacino asked if a non-profit is chosen one year, do they have to reapply the next year. Mr. Burke replied that they have to apply each year.

    Councilor Broxterman asked if it is an income tax credit. Mr. Burke said that it is a tax credit program for the State of Connecticut.

    Moved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Council of the Town of Windsor, Connecticut, set a public hearing in the Council Chambers at the Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad Street, in the Town of Windsor, Connecticut, on Monday, June 17, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. (prevailing time) on the eligibility of various tax exempt and municipal organizations to participate in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

    Resolved by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Jepsen that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  11. Discuss Joint Board of Education/Town Council Committee

Mayor Trinks gave a historical background on the Joint Board of Education/Town Council Committee.

At the request of the Town Council the Town Attorney responded in writing to a question whether the Town Council could appoint any of its members to a committee. The Town Council does not have the ability to appoint an independent committee other than what is spelled out in the Rules of Order for Town Council (Rev. Jan. 2002). Those rules state the Mayor shall appoint its standing committees, subject to confirmation by the Town Council. Rule 24 further states:

"…….The mayor may also appoint from time to time such special committees as in the Mayor’s discretion seems desirable, or as may be desired by the Council, to expedite the handling of the business and affairs of the Town……"

Therefore, the Mayor can appoint a Joint Board of Education/Town Council committee as long as it is a special committee of the Town Council

Councilor Simon discussed the framework of the Committee. The Committee consists of three members of the Town Council and three members from the Board of Education; two from the Majority, one from the Minority. A Regular meeting schedule would be established. The two Co-chairs (one from the Board of Education and one from the Town Council) would set the agenda. The Town Manager and the Superintendent of schools would attend Committee Meetings.

Councilors Simon, Jepsen and Broxterman are the Town Council volunteers. Mayor Trinks said that the volunteers from the Board of Education would be obtained before the next Town Council meeting.

  1. Resignations and Appointments

Moved by Councilor Mulligan, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to appoint Mr. Richard Loucks to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a four-year term to expire on November 30, 2005 or until a successor is appointed; Ms. Elizabeth Caruso to the Fair Rent Commission for a three-year term to expire on March 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed; Mr. Tom Grossi to the Fair Rent Commission for a three-year term to expire on March 31, 2005 or until a successor is appointed; Mr. Jonathan Sasportas to the Housing Code Board of Appeals for a five-year term to expire on October 31, 2006 or until a successor is appointed; Mr. Abraham Morrison to the Wilson/Deerfield Advisory Committee for a three-year term to expire on April 30, 2005 or until a successor is appointed.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

Moved by Deputy Mayor Curtis, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to table items B-F, H, J-K, M-U, and W-Z.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Minutes of Preceding Meetings
  1. Minutes of the May 20, 2002 Public Hearing

    2. Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the May 20, 2002 Public Hearing. Corrections: Add Councilors to attendees of the meeting.

    Motion Passed 9-0-0

  2. Minutes of the May 20, 2002 Town Council Meeting

Moved by Councilor Broxterman, seconded by Councilor Jepsen to accept the minutes of the May 20, 2002 Town Council Meeting. Corrections: None.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

  1. Public Communications and Petitions

    2. Mr. Adam Gutcheon, 49 Pierce Boulevard, addressed the Town Council. As a member of the Conservation Commission, he spoke about setting up an open space fund. This would be a self-supporting or enterprise fund receiving no tax money, just funds that the Planning and Zoning Commission takes from developers. The commission has the right to take 10-20% of the value of a proposed subdivision to use for open space preservation; however, it can't do this until the Town Council sets up this fund. The money in the fund could be used to purchase open space to implement its use towards the upkeep of open space, or for a purchase of development rights (PDR) program.

    The Purchase of Development Rights refers to a method of preserving farmland and other privately owned open space. The town pays the owner the difference between the value of the undeveloped land and the value of the land if developed. In exchange, a perpetual lien is put on the property so that it can never be developed, even if sold. This way, family farmers can get an infusion of much-needed cash and the town gains the land as open space forever. Farmland, notably family-owned farmland, is essential to the character and quality of life in Windsor, and since a PDR program would cost the taxpayers nothing, the Conservation Commission will be working with the Planning and Zoning Commission along with the Town Council in the coming months to set up the open space fund, start collecting from developers, and create a PDR program in town.

  2. Executive Session

    3. None.

  3. Adjournment

Moved by Councilor Albano, seconded by Councilor Broxterman to adjourn the Regular Town Council Meeting at 10:25 p.m.

Motion Passed 9-0-0

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Kristin Countryman

Clerk of the Windsor Town Council

Cc: Town Clerk

Main Library

Wilson Branch