Windsor Town Council Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM. 1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks 2. PRAYER - Council member Broxterman 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Broxterman 4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS Council member Pacino read the proclamations. 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS John McKeon, 415 Broad Street, asked the Council to have the next tax bill broken down into two sections - by town services and by educational services. This would allow the taxpayers to see where their money is used. 6. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT BOE President Kenison gave the report. She congratulated the Council on their elections and re-elections. The BOE has been newly sworn in. She brought in a hard hat and shovel from the WHS ground breaking ceremony which was held last Saturday. The Board will meet on 12/14/99 at 7:30 PM in the LP Wilson Board Room to begin the budget process. The regular meeting will be on 12/21 at 6:30 PM in Council chambers. Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to move item 12 a. to this point on the agenda. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. a. Youth Commission Annual Report to the Town Council Joe Novak gave the report. At last year’s annual report to the Council there was some discussion of abolishing the Youth Commission. The members pondered the thought at various meetings, however, over the last few months they have had a quorum and new members are being appointed. Last year a mentor program was implemented at WHS which was re-established this year. The Commission has recently worked on a skate park.
Bradley Noise Study Update The next public meeting in regard to Bradley’s ongoing Environmental Assessment (Mini Noise Study) has been scheduled for Monday, December 13, 1999 at the Town of East Granby’s Community Center. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm and focus solely on those issues related to Runway 24. A draft Environmental Assessment for Departure Procedural Changes to Runway 24 will be available on December 6, 1999 for review prior to the public meeting. This draft will also be available on Bradley’s website: www.bradleyairport.com. Please call Mario Zavarella at 285-1981 if you have any questions regarding the mini-study. CRCOG Transit Open House What should our transit system be like in the year 2025? The Capitol Region Council of Governments is developing a regional transit strategy and is seeking input from citizens on that very topic. It is important to CRCOG that the public reviews its "work in progress" to be sure the strategy reflects the needs and concerns of the people who live and work in the region. The last of three Open Houses will be held tomorrow, December 7, 1999 from 7-9pm at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue in West Hartford. For more information, contact Sandy Fry at the CRCOG office, 522-2217. Robin Newman Introduction I would like to take a moment to introduce Robin Newman, who is with us this evening, as our new Director of Family and Leisure Services. Robin’s first day was last Monday, November 30th. She has been busy meeting staff, attending special events, acclimating herself with current projects and outreaching to members of the community. Welcome Robin. Speaking of Special Events… Last Thursday evening’s carol sing on the town green officially kicked off the holiday season here in Windsor. Members of the Recreation Department, Chamber of Commerce and Firstown Downtown all played key roles in the success of this event, which attracted over 200 people to the green to "sing" in the holidays. Special thanks to all the volunteers who assisted in stringing the thousands of beautiful white lights throughout the center of town. For more information on upcoming Winter Magic festivities, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 688-5165. Technical Assistance Secured for a 2nd Year The Windsor Rivers and Trails Coalition has been selected as a core project by the National Park Service to receive a year’s worth of consulting services from John Monroe, Director of Connecticut Projects for NPS. This is the second year Monroe will be providing his expertise in spearheading trail development here in Windsor. The Windsor Rivers and Trails Coalition is currently working on a historic walking tour of Windsor Center, a trail identity program and continues to develop initiatives which create enjoyment for town residents and visitors on our beautiful rivers. To learn more on how you can become involved in WRTC, call John Simone at 683-8410. Mayor Hogan asked the Town Manager to keep in touch with MDC regarding any rate impact on the recent unfortunate situation there. Council member Ristas said he did not realize that transportation from all of the elementary schools to the Homework Club was provided by the Town buses. Town Manager Churchill said this is only an added stop for the buses, not an additional bus. Council member Ristas inquired as to whether the Town received notice of the Johnson v. Rowland suit and whether the Town was invited to participate. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council member Albano-- complimented the assessor’s office on bringing the revaluation on the internet. Council member Broxterman -- none. Council member Pacino-- none. Council member Ristas-- accessed the revaluation web site and he said that, in order to retrieve the information, he had to input his name and other information, which may not be appropriate as the information is open to the public. Council member Simon -- wished Jewish citizens a Happy Hanukah. Council member Trinks-- thanked all who participated in Food Share Caravan of Carriages. He discussed the recent tragedy in Worcester within the fire department and thanked all firemen and women for their work.
Mayor Hogan -- thanked the assessor’s office for their work on the revaluation and noted she has received positive feedback. She noted the library has internet access free of charge. CROG will meet tomorrow; she feels CROG should give a presentation in Windsor. 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Finance Committee-- Council member Trinks - met 11/30 and discussed agenda items in addition to the Goslee Pool situation.
10. ORDINANCES None. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 12. NEW BUSINESS b. Proposed 2000 Town Council Meeting Schedule The Council reviewed the Proposed 2000 Town Council Meeting Schedule as outlined on a memorandum dated December 6, 1999 prepared by the Town Manager. Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to accept the schedule of meetings as stated in the December 6, 1999 memorandum. Council member Pacino suggested moving the July meeting to July 10th rather than having it in the middle of the Fourth of July weekend. Council member Albano made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to change the July meeting date to July 10, 2000. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. The amended meeting schedule for 2000 was accepted by a unanimous vote. c. To Introduce and Act Upon an Ordinance Entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $80,000 FOR COSTS RELATED TO THE ACQUISITION BY GIFT OF 330 WINDSOR AVENUE AND THE BUILDINGS THEREON" Patrick McMahon gave an overview of the property which consists of a 33,000 square foot building located on 3+ acres. It fronts Windsor Avenue and has about 200 parking spaces. The building has good highway access. Sharshon Park is located directly east; the park has undergone numerous enhancements over the past couple of years. A bridge to join the parcel with the Park is proposed. Peter Souza discussed potential uses - child daycare and education and adult daycare. He discussed using the space for teen activities, recreational activities, neighborhood meetings, etc. Donald Cunningham reviewed the transaction costs regarding acquiring the property. He had prepared a bond ordinance in the amount of $80,000. Town Manager Churchill discussed the recommendations as follows: 1. adopt an ordinance appropriating $80,000 from fund balance; 2. Call a town meeting for 12/20/99; 3. Refer the issue to the TP&Z for 8-24 approval; and 4. Decide whether to occupy or sell the parcel by 2/7/00. Council member Trinks said the Finance Committee discussed this proposal and found it to be a win-win situation. Council member Ristas recused himself, noting he has a close family member who works in a program which is earmarked for this facility. Council member Albano said just because it’s free does not mean it’s a good deal and Council member Pacino expressed concerns regarding the proposed possible uses of the property. Council member Broxterman said it would increase traffic, enhance the park, expand needed and self-supported existing programs in Windsor and, even if it turns out that it doesn’t work out, the town will not lose anything as it could sell the property. Mayor Hogan said she toured the building and felt increased traffic would benefit the area and noted she feels that business owners will support the proposal. Council member Simon feels the proposal is favorable for the Town. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to table items c and d. The Motion Passed 4-2-1 with Council member Pacino and Council member Albano opposed (Council member Ristas recused himself). e. Amendment to Agreement Concerning 115 Pierson Lane Town Manager Churchill gave an overview and the Council reviewed a memorandum of Matt Hart dated December 6, 1999 regarding the amendment to agreement with Pierson Properties, LLC Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, that Paragraph 2 of the Agreement and Assignment of Municipal Tax Liens Between the Town of Windsor and Pierson Properties, LLC be amended to read as follows: "Pierson Properties, LLC agrees to commence foreclosure proceedings on the Property by June 30, 2000. The Motion Passed 6-0-0 with Council member Pacino out of the room. f. Set Public Hearing on Renaming of Section of Douglas Road Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to set a public hearing on December 20, 1999 at 7:15 PM on the renaming of Douglas Road. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. g. Price Guide Third Quarter Changes - Landfill Tip Fee Town Manager Churchill gave an overview and the Council reviewed the fee schedule as follows: Fee Current Fee Range Proposed Fee Range Commercial and Industrial Refuse $50 to $58 / ton $50 to $80 / ton Residential Refuse Delivered by Commercial Hauler $50 to $58 / ton $50 to $80 / ton Demolition and Bulky Waste $50 to $58 / ton $50 to $80 / ton Dr. Petrillo answered questions of the Council. He noted that during the Winter months the spot market slows. This proposal may allow 4- 4 1/2 addition years out of the landfill. There is no financial impact to the residents or permit holders. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, Whereas the Town has an Official Price Guide; and Whereas, it is necessary to revise the Official Price Guide to modify various fee schedules; Now therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Windsor: That the following fee schedule for the Landfill Enterprise Fund is effective December 7, 1999: Fee Current Fee Range Proposed Fee Range Commercial and Industrial Refuse $50 to $58 / ton $50 to $80 / ton Residential Refuse Delivered by Commercial Hauler $50 to $58 / ton $50 to $80 / ton Demolition and Bulky Waste $50 to $58 / ton $50 to $80 / ton The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, to add an item (Item EE) to Resignations: to accept a resignation of Viola Bernstein from the Commission on Aging and Handicapped. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, appointments: Item C to reappoint John O’Malley to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a 4 year term to expire 11/30/03 or until a successor is appointed; Item M - to reappoint Gary Johnson to the Public Building Commission for a 4 year term to expire 11/30/2003 or until a successor is appointed; Item N to reappoint Joseph Novak to the Public Building Commission for a 4 year term to expire 11/30/2003 or until a successor is appointed; Item S to appoint Robert Dallesander to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission for a two year term to expire 11/12/2001 or until a successor is appointed; Item AA to reappoint Max Kusiak to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 4 year term to expire 11/8/2003 or until a successor is appointed; Item BB to reappoint George Bolduc to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 2 year term to expire 11/8/2001 or until a successor is appointed; Item CC to reappoint Rosanne Lombardo to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 2 year term to expire 11/8/2001 or until a successor is appointed; Item EE to appoint Susan Viner fill the unexpired term of Viola Bernstein on the Commission on Aging and Handicapped; Item V - to appoint Catherine Morton to the Youth Commission The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to table items A,B,D,E,F,G,H,I,J, ,K,L,O,P,Q,R,T,U,W,X,Y,Z and DD. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING a. Minutes of the November 15, 1999 Regular Meeting Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to accept the Minutes of the November 15, 1999 Regular Meeting Mayor Hogan - noted spelling corrections on the following names: Ganges and Oswecki Council member Trinks noted that under reports of standing committees the new chair persons are as follows: Health & Safety – Council member Broxterman; Town Improvements – Deputy Mayor Curtis, Special Projects – Council member Simon and Finance Committee – Council member Trinks The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS At 9:30 P.M., Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council Member Trinks, to go into executive session regarding a. Consideration of Alternate Actions to Enforce or Implement Legal Relief or Legal Rights with Respect to the Landfill The Motion Passed 7-0-0. Present at Executive Session was Mayor Hogan, Council Member Albano, Council Member Broxterman, Council Member Trinks, Council Member Simon, Council Member Pacino, and Council Member Ristas. In addition, Town Manager Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Souza, Town Engineer Lenehan, Health Director Petrillo, Budget Analyst Freund, and Finance Director Cunningham were present. At 10:20 P.M. Council Member Jim Pacino mad a motion seconded by Council Member Trinks to leave executive session. The Motion Passed 7-0-0. 17. ADJOURNMENT Jim Pacino made a motion, seconded by Al Simon, to adjourn the meeting at 10:21 PM. The Motion Passed 7-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Abigale LaViolette cc: Town Clerk Main Library Wilson Branch
|