Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
October 4, 1999
Unapproved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff, Council
member Haverstock, Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ristas
and Council member Trinks
2. PRAYER - Council member Haverstock
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Haverstock
4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS
a. Resolution Designating October 1999 "Windsor Fire Prevention Month"
Council member Haverstock read a resolution designating October 1999 "Windsor Fire
Prevention Month"
b. Resolution Designating October 1999 "Lupus Awareness Month in Windsor
Council member Haverstock read a Resolution Designating October 1999 "Lupus
Awareness Month in Windsor
5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
None.
6. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT
Dr. Silverman gave the brief report due to the BOE members being at a function.
The next regular meeting will be on 10/19/99.
On 10/26 a BOE special meeting will be held regarding early childhood programs and
early intervention programs.
Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to move items
12. a, c. and d. to move to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
12 a. Town Planning and Zoning Commission Annual Report to the Town Council
The Chairwoman displayed awards the TPZ received regarding the town green and CVS
projects.
They held 9 regular meetings in 1998; 5 have been held so far in 1999. They held 6
special meetings in 1998; 6 have been held so far this year.
They have had 30 site plans, 16 subdivisions, 16 zone changes, and 2 miscellaneous
application this year.
A Baptist church will be going in where the Bobs Discount Furniture Store was.
On Park Avenue a subdivision will be going in for homes for mature adults - at least
one person in the household has to be 55 years old.
12. d. Board of Education Surplus
Council member Graff said the Finance Committee discussed this item and recommended
that when the surplus is available for use, that it be dedicated for the use of capital
projects for the Board of Education which has been the past practice of the Council.
Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, that the Board
of Education surplus for FY 1999 as determined by the independent audit be set aside for
school-related capital projects. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
12. c. Presentation on Y2K Preparedness by Area Utilities
A brief presentation was given by the Town Manager and he introduced the utility
companys representatives.
Steve Paul of MDC indicated the company is confident that they will be able to continue
to supply uninterrupted water service.
Mr. Philip DiCapprio said CL&P have had all of their systems and devices upgraded
regarding safety are they are Y2K ready. They have done practice drills.
Bill Mcurnan of SNET said they have a lot of technology that is dependent upon
computers, however, they believe Y2K will be a non-event for all of their customers. They
have upgraded their equipment to ensure it is ready. They have been working toward a
smooth transition for 4 years. If they should have a trouble situation develop they
encourage all customers to report those situations as they would during a normal problem.
Additional employees will be on staff to deal with any problems during that time.
Walter Klimsack of Connecticut Natural Gas said January 1 will be no different than any
other January 1st. They have been working on this project for 10 years to be sure no
problems arise.
7. TOWN MANAGERS REPORT
Washington Park Pond Update
The Washington Park Pond is being drawn down in anticipation of the dredging which will
begin this week. The town received DEP and Corps of Engineers permits that allow us to
proceed with the work, which will continue for approximately one month depending on
weather conditions.
Recreation News
70 people enjoyed the Family Day festivities held on the town green Sunday, September
26th. Snow cones, a magician, and a visit from Officer Vesco and canine officer JAG of the
Windsor Police Department made the day fun for all who participated.
"RECWARE" is up and running. Many of you may recall that this
recreation activity software was a new initiative included in the 99 2000
budget process. Staff is now bringing the senior center on-line, which will enable them to
easily and efficiently register our senior customers for classes, trips and events.
250 Middle School students enjoyed a night out this past Friday at a "Club
Café" held at the VFW. In addition, many pre-school recreation programs including
Tumbling, Arts & Crafts and Foreign Language classes for our communitys 3-5 year
olds will kick off this week.
Call 285-1990 for more information on these or any recreational offerings.
Stroh Park Maintenance
Public Works staff has removed the many trash barrels from the pond located at Stroh
Park. To prevent this problem from reoccurring, the remaining trash barrels will be
chained to trees or fence posts. We will continue to monitor the park on a regular basis.
Windsor Sports Day
Over 60 youth between the ages 8-14 participated in "Windsor Sports Day" this
past Saturday. The day started off with a tennis clinic at Stroh Park taught by Glenn
Taylor from the Recreation Department. The activities then moved to Roger Wolcott School
for a basketball clinic given by Windsor High School coach, Ken Smith and members of our
State Champion boys basketball team. A pizza lunch was provided through the generosity of
Windsor Federal Savings and Loan and Poweraid drinks were supplied compliments of the
Wilson Business Association. Each participant received a "Windsor Sports Day"
t-shirt, and the afternoon was swingin with a golf clinic at Sharshon Park featuring
local golf pros Psalm Johnson and Dick Frechette.
The Community Development and Recreation staff thanks all that made this event a
success.
Student Artwork on Display
As you entered the council chambers this evening you may have noticed several works of
art adorning the wall. In cooperation with the Windsor Schools, we have made arrangements
to have Windsor students artwork displayed outside the council chambers and in the
Town Managers office. Artwork will be rotated on a monthly basis. This months
display features the work of several JFK Elementary School students.
All town meeting agendas, announcements and postings will continue to be displayed in
this area, just slightly to the left of their previous location.
Fall Clean-Up Information
Its that time of the year when were all busy with clean-up jobs inside and
outside our homes. So I am happy to announce that a "Free Dumping Week" will be
offered at the Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill from Saturday, October 16 through Saturday,
October 23rd. Landfill fees will be suspended for Windsor and Bloomfield residents who
bring their own residential refuse to the landfill. The only exception will be for tires,
which will continue to be charged at the normal rate as designated in the towns
price guide. The landfill is open from 8:00am 4:30pm Monday through Saturday.
Please note that loads coming to the landfill must be covered and secured.
Our annual "Bag Leaf Pick-Up" program will begin October 18th and
continue through December 6th. Bagged leaves will be picked at curbside up on the same day
your garbage is collected except in Wilson where the bagged leaves will be picked up on
Fridays. This service is available whether or not you have garbage collection services.
30 or 40 gallon paper leaf bags are available for purchase at most local grocery and
hardware stores.
Leaves may also be placed in your own cans or barrels, marked with a yellow
"Leaves Only" sticker which is available at the landfill or the Windsor Health
Department located on the second floor of town hall.
You may also bring your leaves to the Landfill yourself free of charge.
In Connecticut, law mandates leaf recycling. In Windsor, we not only collect
residents leaves, but we recycle them into nice, rich compost which is available at
the landfill.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please call the landfill at
285-1832.
Flu Clinic Pre-Registration
On Tuesday, October 5th our Health Department will conduct the second and final
pre-registration session for the 1999 Flu Clinic. This pre-registration session will be
held at the L.P. Wilson Community Center from 11:00am 1:00pm. Those wishing to
pre-register for either the flu or pneumonia shots must bring their Medicare and HMO cards
with them. No shots will be given at this time. Flu and pneumonia shots will be given on
Tuesday, October 19th from
8:30am 2:00pm at the L.P. Wilson Community Center and on Monday, October 25th
from
7:00pm 8:00pm here at Town Hall. For more information please call our Health
Department at
285-1824.
8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council member Graff-- thanked the residents again for the opportunity to serve them
for the last 8 years, and thanked his colleagues on the Council. He thanked the staff
members for their support and hard work.
Council member Haverstock extended warm wishes to Council member Ploszaj and her
new baby.
This is the second to the last council meeting prior to changing members including
Council member Lydecker and Council member Graff. He commended them on their work for the
community.
Council member Lydecker-- thanked Council member Haverstock for his kind words. He
wished the Town seal a happy 166th birthday.
Council member Pacinoencouraged everyone to get to the fire departments
open houses.
Council member Ristas-- none.
Council member Trinks-- congratulations to the Town on the recognition for the virtual
town hall.
Deputy Mayor Curtis -- none.
Mayor Hogan -- congratulated Deputy Mayor Curtis for making the entire 7 mile run down
Route 159.
Thanked the Windsor Explorers for organizing and refurbishing the outdoor town hall
benches.
Thanked the Windsor Police on behalf of a friend whose stolen car was found in Windsor.
9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Health and Safety Committee -- Council member Trinks --none.
Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- none.
Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- none.
Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- two agenda items. Also they went over open
purchase orders again and progress is being made as to keeping them to a minimum.
A good presentation and discussion was held regarding the volunteer tax abatement. On
the elderly tax abatement they floundered a bit in deciding what direction the Mayor had
in mind and they requested more direction. Discussion was held regarding purchase of
additional equipment for the landfill and based on that discussion, further information is
required which has not yet become available.
10. ORDINANCES
None.
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
b. Presentation on Facilities Use Policy
Town Manager Churchill gave a brief overview and Matt Hart gave a brief presentation.
The purpose of the policy is to provide uniform guidelines for all facilities and to
protect the towns and users.
The facilities covered under the proposed policy area LP Wilson, Main and Wilson
Library, parks, town hall and town green.
The general guidelines that will apply for all facilities: for Windsor Non profits Use:
except for security deposit, there will be no charge during normal operating hours.
However, this does not apply to regular religious services.
Other non-profit use - free of charge during normal operating hours only if there is
perceived benefit to Windsor residents and regular rates outside of normal operating
hours.
For fundraising activities for non-profits - they would be entitled to 1 free
fundraising event each year at each of the 3 main facilities.
For Commercial activities - examples: food and other vendors, computer shows, music
promoters; permitted only in connection with events sponsored by non-profits.
Food permits are required for sale of food items.
For alcoholic beverages a permit is required from the town manager or his designee,
together with a temporary liquor permit from the State which is also required for the sale
of alcoholic beverage.
For carnival and amusement rides a separate permit is required from the Fire
Marshalls office.
For liability and insurance - requirements as determined by Risk manager apply to all
users. All users must hold the town harmless. Insurance is needed for functions involving
100 + attendees, food sales and alcoholic beverage, vendors and carnivals.
Fee Schedule - fees to be set by town Council on an annual basis. Fees to be listed in
Town Price Guide and Facilities Brochures.
Incentives Program - Designed to reward and encourage charitable contributions to the
towns and schools. The town would offer free room and park rentals on a sliding scale
basis.
Council member Ristas discussed rationing the scarce resource, raising money for the
town or worthwhile causes, and implementing some measure of fairness in a process that may
have seemed random in the past. He noted ball fields were not in the proposal and asked
why it is not part of it. Matt Hart said that would go through the Rec. Department,
however, after hours those areas are under this purview.
Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock, to refer
this to the Finance Committee, Health and Safety Committee to check the safety of the
buildings and fields, and to Special Projects Committee for who and what could use the
facilities.
The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
e. Town Records Retention Policy
Council member Graff gave an overview of the discussion held at the Finance Committee
meeting.
Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, that the State
of Connecticut Record Retention / Disposition Schedule is hereby endorsed as the
guidelines for record retention and disposition for the Town of Windsor. The Motion Passed
8-0-0.
f. Approval for Social Services Block Grant
Bernadette Connors and Charles Petrillo gave an overview.
The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services has informed the Town of
Windsor of its eligibility to apply for a grant in the amount of $35,677. The grant has
been applied for each year. The grant supports the programs offered by the Senior and
Adult Team of Family Services. The town is not required to provide any match money for the
grant.
Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ristas, Be it Resolved,
that the filing of an application by the Town of Windsor in an amount not to exceed
$35,677 is hereby approved, and that the Town Manager is hereby authorized and directed to
execute and file such application with the Commission of Social Services and to act as the
authorized representative of the Town of Windsor. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Lydecker,
to table items A through N. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
a. Minutes of the September 21, 1999 Regular Meeting
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff,
to accept the minutes of the September 21, 1999 regular meeting.
The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
None.
16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to go into
executive session regarding
a. Strategy and Negotiations with Respect to Pending Claims or Litigation (Plourde v.
Windsor) and
b. Discussion Concerning the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate (330 Windsor Avenue)
The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
At 9:25 P.M. PM Mayor Hogan called the executive session to order.
Council Members Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff,
Council member Haverstock, Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino , Council member
Ristas and Council member Trinks.
Also present were Town Manager Churchill, Finance Director Cunningham, Town Attorney
Oswecki, Police Chief Searles, and Officer Plourde to discuss Strategy and Negotiations
with Respect to Pending Claims or Litigation (Plourde v. Windsor)
At 9:37 P.M. Police Chief Searles, and Officer Plourde existed executive session, and
Economic Development Director Freeman entered to discuss the Sale and Purchase of Real
Estate (330 Windsor Avenue)
At 10:07 P.M. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino to
move out of executive session.
The Motion Passed 8-0-0
Council member Trinks made a motion seconded by Council member Pacino to authorize
settlement of Plourde v. Windsor in accordance with Executive Session. Motion passed
8-0-0.
Council member Trinks made a motion seconded by Council member Graff to authorize the
Town Manager to enter into agreement to receive gift of 330 Windsor Avenue, subject to
approval of the Town Attorney. Motion passed 8-0-0.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to adjourn the
meeting at 10:10 PM. Motion passed 8-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Abigale LaViolette
cc: Town Clerk, Main Library, Wilson Branch
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