Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall January 4, 1999 Minutes 6:30 PM - SPECIAL MEETING WITH STATE LEGISLATORS REGARDING LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Mayor Hogan called the meeting to order at 7:37 PM. PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff, Council member Haverstock, Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj (arrived at 6:45 PM), Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Annette Carter (D), Eric Coleman (D), Ruth Fahrback (R ) and Mary Eberle (D) and John Kissel ( R) Also Present: Leon Churchill, Town Manager Senator Coleman welcomed the new town manager and gave an overview of the upcoming legislative session and what he envisions will occur. The budget will be primary in the upcoming session. Education will continue to be a big issue at the State Capitol and an effort will be seen on behalf of many legislators as far as public school financing is concerned. He discussed his view of HMO’s. Senator Kissel articulated his views on education funding. Regarding HMO’s, he is in favor of remedies when wrong is done to patients. He would like to see tobacco fund settlements go towards education. He thinks patient care and education will be the two major focuses. He feels Dial-A-Ride and homecare should be expanded for the elderly. Mary Eberle discussed the HMO issue and noted they will be looking very carefully at it. The tobacco settlement and how to use the money is a big issue and the challenge will be to use the money for the long term benefit of the state. Property tax and ECS will be back on the budget table. She hopes that the legislative takes a look at the Department of Children and Families which is way overdue for corrective action. She pledged to continue working on the landfill issue. Ruth Fahrback discussed budget control, noting the surpluses are running out. She sees the legislature impacting the local level regarding education and felt increases per pupil are needed. School violence and discipline issues will be reviewed, including punishments for crimes committed when students are off campus. She discussed the tobacco funds which she feels should not be squandered and should go toward educating children to not use tobacco. FOI has been proposing having executive sessions taped which will undoubtedly come up again. A statewide computer system needs to be implemented. She discussed DCF and Long Lane School issues which need to be addressed. Annette Carter discussed the foster care system in the State of Connecticut and noted when that is looked at, the funding for education needs to be considered. More needs to be done for the Huskey program. The debt needs to be paid down, and the new debt of the Patriots need to be discussed. Property taxes need to be reviewed. Dial-A-Ride needs more funding, together with Welfare to Work Programs. She would like to work on getting a large grocery store in the Wilson section of Windsor which has been brought to her by the residents in that area, she will continue to work on this issue with Windsor Staff. Mayor Hogan reviewed Windsor’s objectives for the legislature. Council member Graff gave an overview of his concerns including roads infrastructure improvement, special education, recreational program funding, economic development. Council member Ristas said he read something in the newspaper about the continuing practice of private insurance companies to accumulate and sell information regarding patients in their plans and he asked if anything was percolating in the legislature regarding this. Eric Coleman said he is aware of work being done regarding this invasion of privacy. Council member Ristas inquired as to the Sheff vs. O’Neill case and each legislator gave their opinion. Mr. Coleman discussed students of diverse backgrounds and ethnicity integrating, noting he feels far too many classrooms in the state consist of one race/ethnicity. There is a tremendous benefit to the richness provided by mixing cultures. Beacon schools and inter-district bussing was discussed. Deputy Mayor Curtis inquired as to the ECS formula and the funding. Ms. Fahrbach said a report is due on ECS funding on February 1st. She discussed the ECS cap of 5%. Council member Lydecker asked that if the tobacco money is disbursed to the towns that it be given with conditions. Council member Trinks inquired as to the year 2000 computer bug situation and asked if the legislature group has done anything to ensure a smooth transition. Ms. Carter said the comptrollers office indicated they have taken care of that glitch. Ms. Eberle said the DPUC has been monitoring the issue. Council member Pacino noted the Board of Education Trustees said they would propose that the towns’ BOEs have the same power as the Board of Education Trustees, noting he feels this would make the teachers more accountable. He also discussed contracts and asked whether the binding arbitration laws might be changed. Mr. Kissel said the majority is not there to get repeal of binding arbitration through. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall January 4, 1999 Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:45 PM. 1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff, Council member Haverstock, Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Mayor Hogan welcomed Town Manager Leon Churchill and gave an overview of his credentials. 2. PRAYER - Council member Graff 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Graff 4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS None. 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 6. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT Mr. Machado gave the report. He welcomed Mr. Churchill. The BOE budget process schedule has been set. The preliminary budget will be presented on 2/2/99; thereafter there will be an opportunity for public comment; there will be a number of finance committee meetings in February; and a public forum will be held on 3/2/99. He said one of the concerns the Council mentioned earlier this year was projecting for reductions in staff members so that that could be properly budgeted; therefore an incentive program will be initiated for staff who give a date as to when they plan to retire. The BOE adopted the Schooling for Community Success goals together with the mission statement. 7. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Churchill gave the report. Public Lands, Roads, and Facilities Update Several public works projects have been underway in Windsor this winter season: 1) The new playscape at Deerfield Park is complete. With warmer weather we will add more sand to the sand box, landscape the area and finish cleaning up the site. 2) Seven fir trees were temporarily planted in the medians on Broad Street and Windsor Avenue and decorated for the holiday season. These will be moved to permanent locations around town in the spring. 3) Winter tree work has begun around town. We recently acquired a used bucket truck from CL&P which will be outfitted for emergencies and used for tree work. This will allow us to have two crews out trimming branches and cutting down dead and dying trees for the next 1-2 months, weather permitting. 4) New sod was added to the two softball fields and JV baseball field at the High School to bring these fields in line with regulation size requirements. Sod was also installed to fill in bare spots at the soccer fields at Northwest Park. Ice Skating Report Residents are encouraged to utilize our 24 Hour Recreation Info. Line (285-1990) for updates on the latest ice skating conditions in town. The recent cold weather has allowed for skating on the town green rink, and we are hopeful that Washington Park will be safe for skating in the near future. 1999 Winter Program Brochure to be Released The Winter edition of Windsor’s activities brochure will be arriving in resident's mailboxes this week. This brochure contains information on all Town of Windsor programming and activities for all ages for the months of January through April. Brochures will also be available at both Libraries, the L. P. Wilson Community Center, Northwest Park and the Town Hall. Public Information Sessions to Be Held The Windsor Police Depart-ment will be holding several public information sessions regarding Connecticut’s new Sex Offender Registration Law. The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
All sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Topics of discussion will include an overview of the new law, who must comply, how to view the offender registry and general safety tips. All Windsor residents and other interested persons are invited to attend. Winter Storm I Update Town crews responded to our first storm on Dec 29th at 8pm. Eight sand and salt vehicles handled the sleet and freezing rain until 3am, at which time the precipitation turned over to snow and we deployed all route drivers for streets and public lots. We finished our snow operations on Dec 30th at 2 p.m. All equipment was available for snow removal with no major breakdowns. Estimated cost of storm Personnel cost $6,650 (328 person hours) Sand/salt cost 5,180 (72 loads) Fuel cost (actual) 400 Operating cost 4,912 (Blue Book Estimate) Total: $17,142 Winter Storm II Update Ten trucks were deployed yesterday at 6:30 a.m. to prepare roads for ice and freezing rain. As the temperature increased, the ice turned to heavy rain and the staff was sent home by 1 p.m. Three trucks remained on stand-by until 8 p.m. to handle drainage problems throughout town. Crews were called in again this morning at 3 a.m. to sand roads and sidewalks to prepare for the beginning of school. We are continuing to monitor all road surfaces and re-sand when necessary. We hope to get all roads clear before tomorrow’s deep freeze. Sand Available to Residents Public Lands, Roads, and Facilities has placed piles of mixed sand and salt at the following locations during the winter months for residents of the community to use for their driveways, walks, and steps:
Commercial companies that wish to obtain sand and salt for parking areas at apartments or stores may purchase this material at the Public Works Complex. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council member Graff-- welcomed the new Town Manager. Council member Haverstock -- welcomed the new Town Manager. Council member Lydecker-- welcomed Mr. Churchill to Windsor. He is enthusiastic that Vince Scully doing the Shad Derby. Council member Pacino-- welcomed the new Town Manager and his wife and daughter to Windsor. Council member Ploszaj -- welcomed Mr. Churchill and said his budgeting expertise will soon be put to good use. Council member Ristas-- welcomed the Town Manager to his official capacity. Council member Trinks-- welcomed the new Town Manager and hoped his daughter’s first day of school went well. He thanked the public works crew for their effort during the weekend ice storm. Deputy Mayor Curtis -- welcomed Mr. Churchill and his family to Windsor. He thanked the public works crew for their work during and after the storm. He said the Windsor publication is excellent. Mayor Hogan -- Friends of Northwest Park will have a concert series on January 16th at Northwest Nature Center. She commended the Town Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Planner which were a topic of a recent editorial. The Council asked staff to begin to prepare a budget calendar. The Council will have a Council Retreat on January 9th which she hopes will be an annual event. She welcomed Mr. Churchill and his family and noted several different groups will be setting up receptions on his behalf. She extended sympathies to Dr. Charles Petrillo regarding the loss of his father. 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Health and Safety Committee -- Council member Trinks -- will meet soon with the key emphasis being on the landfill situation. Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- no report. Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- a meeting will be scheduled soon. Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- a meeting will be held next week. 10. ORDINANCES None. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 12. NEW BUSINESS a. Human Relations Commission Annual Report to Council Mr. Len Swade distributed the Commission’s brochure to the Council members and noted that the chairman and vice chairman were unable to attend the Council’s meeting. He welcomed the new town manager who is an ex-officio member of the Human Relations Commission. The Commission’s purpose is to create a better understanding for ethnic diversity. There are 9 full members and 4 alternate members which are appointed for 3 year terms by the town Council. He gave an overview of the Commission’s work over the past year, noting that they have participated in the Schooling for Community Success program. He reviewed upcoming activities. He discussed the upcoming study circles to be held at the LP Wilson Community Center. b. Acceptance of Open Space Land on Southerly side of Rainbow Road, West of Merriman Road Mario Zavarella gave an overview of the 3.5 acre parcel located at the intersection of Rainbow Road and Merriman Road across from the firehouse site. He recommended the Council accept the piece of land. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, that the Council accept the Deed from River Bend Associates dated September 15, 1998 for property on the southerly side of Rainbow Road, West of Merriman Road, subject to a final tittle review by the Town Attorney prior to recording. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. c. Set Public Hearing on an Ordinance Regarding the Addition of Alternate Members to the Public Building Commission Mayor Hogan gave a brief overview of the process. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to set a public hearing to be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 19, 1999, on an Ordinance Regarding the Addition of Alternate Members to the Public Building Commission. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. d. Set Public Hearing on an Ordinance Regarding the Addition of Alternate Members to the Board of Assessment Appeals Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to set a public hearing on January 19, 1999 at 7:15 PM on an Ordinance Regarding the Addition of Alternate Members to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to table items a - y. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING a. Minutes of the November 16, 1998 Panel Discussion Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to approve the minutes of November 16, 1998. Correction: Council member Lydecker noted that he arrived late at that meeting. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. b. Correction to Minutes of November 16, 1998 Regular Meeting Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to correct the minutes of November 16, 1998 - #11 - Unfinished Business - page 9 - Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, Resolved: that the Town of Windsor Public Building Commission consisting of the following persons: Robert E. Gustafson, Joseph Novak, Rick Hazelton, Gary Johnson and Robert Christenson; is hereby designated as the Building Committee with regard to the Sage Park Middle School Original Building Roof Replacement Project (rather than Sprinkler System Backflow Prevention Project) The Motion Passed 9-0-0. c. Minutes of December 7, 1998 Regular Meeting Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to approve the minutes of December 7, 1998. Correction: Page 5 - top section, last sentence - Council member Ristas said he intended to say "The Chairman of the Finance Committee would not ..." Rather than " The finance director did not ..." Council member Graff recalled that Council member Ristas referred to the finance director repeatedly at that meeting; Council member Ristas felt the tape should be viewed to see exactly what was said. Mayor Hogan discussed council member’s corrections / changing of the minutes regarding intent versus what is actually stated at the meeting. Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to remove his motion. Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to table the minutes. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. d. Minutes of December 14, 1998 Special Meeting Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to approve the minutes of December 14, 1998. Correction - Page 1 - the first vote - Council member Ristas abstained. The Motion Passed 8-0-1 - Council member Haverstock abstained because he was not present. 15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to table the executive session item - a. Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 17. ADJOURNMENT Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff , to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 PM. The motion passed 9-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Abigale LaViolette cc: Town Clerk Main Library, Wilson Branch
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