Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
February 1, 1999
Public Hearing
Public Hearing to Hear Budget Requests from Citizens for the FY 1999-2000 Budget
Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:06 PM.
PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff, Council member
Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj, Council member Ristas and Council
member Trinks
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, requested a line item budget and he asked that all of
the budgeted money be reported properly.
Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
February 1, 1999
Public Hearing to hear public opinion on an Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor
Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article X (Capital Improvement Committee)
Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:16 PM.
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
There was no public comment.
Windsor Town Council
Council Chambers - Town Hall
February 1, 1999
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 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 2. PRAYER - Council member Lydecker 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -
Council member Lydecker 4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDSa. Resolution Designating February as
Black History Month in WindsorDeputy Mayor Curtis read the resolution and presented it to
Florence Barlow.Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Windsor Town Council
that: During the month of February we observe National Black History Month in recognition
of the remarkable achievements of Black Americans and the contributions they have made to
our nations heritage.Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member
Ploszaj, to add item 4 b. - a resolution designation February American History Month in
Windsor to the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. Council member Graff read the resolution
designating February as American History Month in Windsor and presented it to Mrs.
Gilman.5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONSJames Mason, 252 Carriage Way, spoke about
the study circles which will be starting on 2/10/99. Those wishing more information can
call Mr. Mason at 688-6662.Pam Bernadini, 26 Wendy Circle, President of the Interim House
Board, discussed the Interim House, located on Deerfield Road. A community development
block grant was received for the project. Alan Nelson, 359 West Wolcott Avenue, found out
yesterday that the Town of Windsor is going to be on the internet. He said he is against
the Patriots football stadium being built and feels a petition should be formed against
the football stadium. Jacqueline Gilman, 77 Capen Street, discussed her prior request for
a flag on the green. She again requested an additional pole be installed on the green. Deputy
Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Graff, to move item to this point
item 12 a. Board of Ethics Annual Report to Council.The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 12. a.
Board of Ethics Annual Report to CouncilChairman James Mason said the Board of Ethics
meets 4 times per year, even when they have no business. They had one substantial issue
this past year involving someone in the Board of Education. They concluded there was no
conflict, however, they counseled the BOE to act carefully.
Council member Ristas made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to move item
12 d. Report of Recently adopted Goals for Windsor Students, for discussion immediately
after the BOE report. The Motion Passed 8-1-0 with Council member Graff opposed.6.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORTMr. Machado gave the report.The School system is producing a
number of special projects for Black History Month, including an essay contest at the High
School.The first public hearing for the budget is 2/9/99 at LP Wilson at 7:00 PM. The WHS
renovation referendum will be held on 2/9/99. 12. d. Report of Recently Adopted Goals for
Windsor StudentsDr. Silverman discussed the Schooling for Community Success process
including slides.Dr. Silverman answered questions of the Council.
Council member Ristas inquired as to gifted students. Dr. Silverman indicated
methodology has not yet been addressed. Council member Haverstock asked who selected the
members of the steering committee. Dr. Silverman said they were self-selected and the
group originally began as 8 members and grew to 25 members. There was no chair person.
Every person who wanted to become part of a focus group was welcomed.
Council member Ristas felt some fundamental goals were missing from the list given
during the slide presentation.
7. TOWN MANAGERS REPORT
Caregivers Education Series
Windsor Senior & Adult Services is hosting a Caregivers Education
Series to provide information and resources to residents who have questions about caring
for elder persons. The three-week series will be held on Tuesday evenings from 78
p.m. at the L.P. Wilson Community Center:
February 23: Financial Resources
March 2: Legal Resources
March 23: Short and Long Term Care Options
The meetings are free and open to caregivers of any age. For further
information, please call 285-1839.
Referendum Information
All polling locations will be open on Tuesday, February 9th
from 6 AM to 8 PM for voting on the Windsor High School Renovation Project. The Town
Clerk's office is issuing absentee ballots until 5 PM on February 8, 1999 and will offer
extra hours this week - Tuesday, February 2, until 8 PM and Sunday, February 7, from noon
until 3 PM. Emergency Absentee Ballots (for hospitalization due to sudden illness or
accident) are available on Referendum Day. To be counted in the final tally, these Ballots
must be returned by 7:55 PM on February 9th.
Free Licenses Offered
In keeping with a tradition that was established 37 years ago by Town Clerk George
Tudan, the Town of Windsor will offer FREE marriage licenses on Thursday, February 11, in
honor of St. Valentine's Day.
Northwest Park Update
The start of the Maple Sugaring Season kicks off with the "Tap for Sap"
program to be held this Sunday, February 7 at 1:30 PM. Participants will learn about maple
sugaring process by tapping trees and hanging buckets. This program is free and open to
the public.
Recreation Program Update
1) The 3rd Annual Windsor Winter Carnival has been re-scheduled for
Saturday, February 6th from 1 - 4 pm on the Town Green. Activities include a professional
ice sculptor, ice skating , snow sculpting, a sports equipment swap and a tailgate party.
For further information, please call 285-1990.
2) In response to the successful "Family Night on the Green" series held this
past summer, we have carried the theme indoors for Winter. Last Monday over 75 people
participated in Family Bingo Night here in the Town Hall. The next event, "Family
Movie Night" will be held February 22nd from 6-8pm.
January 14th Winter Storm Update
The latest storm started on Thursday, January 14th around
3am and continued in the form of rain, freezing rain, and sleet until noon on Friday,
January 15th. Clean-up continued throughout the weekend. The cold temperatures
made for dangerous icing situations that required the use of a large amount of sand/salt.
Total Storm Costs:
total labor 35,650 (1485 person hours), sand/salt 11,900 (165 loads),
fuel 940, operating expense 15,000 Total cost $63,500
Noise Study Announced
A noise study for Bradley International Airport will be commencing this Spring.
Residents who feel impacted by airport noise are encouraged to attend these meetings and
voice their opinions. We will publicize the meeting dates as soon as a calendar is set.
For further information on this study, please call Town Planner Mario Zavarella at
285-1981.
Holiday Observed
Town offices will be closed on Friday, February 12, to celebrate Lincoln's Birthday.
Griffin Line Opened
At the last Council meeting we notified you that the Central New England Railroad would
be commencing daily railroad freight train operations on the Griffin Line from Hartford
terminating in Windsor in the Day Hill Road/Prospect Hill Road area. This freight
operation utilizes the line that was previously proposed to support a light rail passenger
service between Windsor and Hartford. In March 1998, the CRCOG Policy Board rescinded
support for this $162M project, subsequent to DOT indicating they would not support it.
The rail line operation will not affect any Windsor residential neighborhood.
October 1998 Grand List
The Town Assessor has completed the October 1, 1998 Grand List, which
is a total inventory of all taxable property in Town. The Net Taxable Grand List totals $2,044,330,830
which is an increase of $43,140,150 or 2.1% over last years total. At the
present mill rate of 22.1, this increase will produce $953,397 in new tax revenue.
However, with the increase in the manufacturers machinery & equipment exemption
of $5,901,760 or 16.9%, which is fully reimbursed by the State of Connecticut, the total
new revenue generated by this Grand List is $1,083,826. This is almost twice the
amount that was generated by last years list.
8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERSCouncil member Graff-- A Doll Making
Challenge exhibit is being presented at the Windsor Public Library. His wife is
coordinating the effort. Special activities will be in place while the exhibit is
here.Council member Haverstock --none.Council member Lydecker-- reminded all of the 2/9/99
referendum. Maple Avenue needs to be fixed by the MDC and he asked the town manager to
make sure they finish the job when the weather gets better.Capen Street needs repair.He
wished all a happy groundhogs day.Council member Pacino-- none.Council member Ploszaj --
none.Council member Ristas-- Noted that the finance director can supply copies of figures
regarding the WHS project. The finance committee met recently and the minutes in draft
form should be available.Council member Trinks-- thanked town staff for their immediate
response to his concern over the Griffin Line. He asked Chief Searles to take thanks to
his staff for their work following the tragedy in East Hartford. The Jaycees will be
hosting the Annual Senior Brunch on 2/7/99 at the LP Wilson Center from 10:30 AM to 12
Noon. After the breakfast will be Tap for Sap at Northwest Park.Deputy Mayor Curtis --
none.Mayor Hogan -- thanked Steve in the Assessors Office. MDC met trying to decide
on a system for charging towns, she discussed the program which began on January 1st. 9.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEESHealth and Safety Committee -- Council member Trinks -- have
not met.Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- met last week regarding whether or
not sidewalks should be included on the north side of Mack Street and they arrived at the
conclusion that they would instruct staff to go forward with the design process but leave
sidewalks out of the plan.
Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- In response to Mrs. Gilman regarding the
flags, several months ago this item was discussed at a Special Projects meeting. Also, the
issue regarding the flag pole was discussed as a budgetary item and is still under
discussion.They met on 1/25/99 to discuss the leasing of town properties and they heard
two proposals - from the Windsor Arts Council and the Recovery Club. Staff is working on a
lease for the Sill House. Other available space is being sought for the Windsor Arts
Council. Hopefully by March a proposal will be presented as to general guidelines
regarding the leasing of properties. Donald Cunningham at the meeting asked about the
length of leases which will be utilized.Council member Trinks said he is in favor of long
term leases. Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- met Thursday. The main item was a
joint meeting with the BOE Finance Committee to discuss and begin dialogue as to future
planning in terms of capital improvement and budgetary on an ongoing basis. At that
meeting, Council member Ristas reviewed various scenarios which town staff prepared.
Nothing concrete came out of the meeting, no motion was made as to adopt any scenario. 10.
ORDINANCESa. An ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article
XDeputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, that the town
Council amend the Town of Windsor Code Chapter 14 by adding Article X as required by the
Windsor Town Charter 8-2(c).
Council members Graff and Ristas indicated the packet information was not what they
recalled was going to be done.
Council member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ristas,to table this
item. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESSa. Acquisition and Lease of 184
Deerfield RoadCouncil member Graff made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj,to
table Acquisition and Lease of 184 Deerfield Road until after executive session.
The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 12. NEW BUSINESS b. Consideration of Approval of Mack Street
SidewalkCouncil member Lydecker said the TIC voted to recommend disapproval of the
construction of sidewalks on the north side of Mack Street.Council member Lydecker made a
motion, seconded by Council member Graff, that the Council recommend the design work on
Mack Street be started but is not to include in the designs the sidewalk on the north side
of Mack Street. He noted that the 5 families on the street do not want the sidewalks.The
Motion Passed 9-0-0. c. Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management
System (CAD/RMS)Town Manager Churchill gave an overview. The Towns VAX computer is
the police departments primary data base and is 20 years old. The fiscal impact is
$449,000. He recommended this go to committee. Mayor Hogan indicated it would go to Health
and Safety and then on to the Finance Committee.Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion,
seconded by Council member Ploszaj,that the Council refer the item regarding the Public
Safety Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System to the Health and Safety
Committee for further review.Council member Pacino asked if it could be referred to both
committees at once.Council member Pacino made a friendly amendment that it also be
referred to the Finance Committee. Council member Ploszaj seconded. The Motion Passed
9-0-0. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTSCouncil member Pacino made a motion, seconded by
Council member Ristas,item s - one republic alternate member, Jim Parker, to the Public
Building Commission for a 3 year term to expire 2/1/2002 or until a successor is
appointed.The Motion Passed 9-0-0. Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by
Council member Pacino,to table items a-r and t-z. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF
PRECEDING MEETINGMinutes of the January 9, 1999 Special MeetingCouncil member Ploszaj made
a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to accept the minutes of the January 9, 1999
meeting.Council member Ristas said he had raised a question about the wording and the town
manager reviewed the proceedings and amended the proposed minutes and the ones in the
packet are accurate and consistent.The Motion Passed 9-0-0. Minutes of the January 11,
1999 Special MeetingCouncil member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor
Curtis,to accept the minutes of the January 11, 1999 special meeting.The Motion Passed
8-0-1 with Council member Pacino abstaining.15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND
PETITIONSNone.16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONSCouncil member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Curtis,to go into executive session to discuss a. Discussion of the Sale and
Purchase of Real Estate and b. Strategy and Negotiations with Respect to Pending Claims or
Pending Litigation - Michael Boutin v. Denise Farrelly. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
At 9:25 p.m. Mayor Hogan called the executive session to order. Present were Mayor
Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Councilmembers Graff, Haverstock, Lydecker, Pacino, Ristas,
Ploszaj, and Trinks. Also present were Town Manager Churchill, Finance Director
Cunningham, Town Attorney Oswecki, and Community Development Coordinator McMahon to
discuss Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate.
At 9:45 p.m. McMahon exited the executive session to discuss Strategy and Negotiations
with Respect to Pending Claims or Pending Litigation - Michael Boutin v. Denise Farrelly.
At 9:56 p.m. Councilmember Graff made a motion seconded by Councilmember Ploszaj to
move out of executive session. The motion passed 9-0-0.
17. ADJOURNMENTAt 9:59 p.m. Councilmember Haverstock made a motion, seconded by
Councilmember Ploszaj to adjourn the meeting. Motion 9-0-0.Respectfully submitted,Abigale
LaViolettecc: Town Clerk, Main Library, Wilson Branch
|