Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall April 5, 1999 Minutes 7:00 PM Public Hearing to Hear Expression of Public Opinion Regarding the Fiscal Year 1999 Budget as Submitted to Council by the Town Manager Deputy Mayor Curtis called the public hearing to order at 7:05 PM. PRESENT- Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Graff (arrived at 7:28 PM), Council member Haverstock, Council member Lydecker, Council member Pacino, Council member Ploszaj, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Town Manager Churchill gave an overview of the FY2000 Proposed Budget of $60,869,870, which is an increase of almost 5.4%. The proposed mill rate is 22.9 which equates to a tax rate increase of 0.8 mills or 3.6%. The BOE has a 5.78% increase, town operating budget has a 2.4% increase and MDC Sewer service has a 7.71% increase. The Town Operating Budget’s increase consists of 3% cost of living increase, 2 positions, increase in debt service, insurance and retirement services, and reduction of dependence on use of federal and state grants for operational costs. MDC is increasing its charge to Windsor by $128,610. Mr. Churchill reviewed the Capital Projects to be increased, together with CIP Project Scoring. He reiterated the town council’s priorities which were articulated last Fall. PUBLIC COMMENT Peter Kosak, 23 Valley View Drive, said it is important for the Council to allow the public’s input and he did not feel this was an appropriate time for the town manager to do a presentation. He said the taxes are too high for seniors. He would like to see more accountability on the budget and economic development in Wilson. He felt the budget should be split BOE / Town. He questioned the MDC increase and felt no one looks over that budget. Al Simon, 45 Gloria Street, is the parent of a first grader at Clover, and discussed the BOE budget. Rick McNamara, 382 Rainbow Road, Station manager at WIN TV, thanked the Council for having the courage to be on television and hoped the other committees will also take advantage of WIN TV for their meetings. He said TCI funds about 75% of WIN TV’s budget, with the remainder of funding by the Town. Amanda Furie, 37 Light House Hill Road, thanked the Council for letting the Troop 157 Girl Scouts be at the meeting which helps the girls get a badge. Paul Broxterman, 29 Box Turtle Lane, noted unemployment is at 3.5%, and the Council hasn’t done anything to put back what was lost in the economic downswing of 10 years ago. He said the BOE budget is unsatisfactory and needs to be increased. Carol Barans, 141 Maple Avenue, was on a special education committee in the Town of Windsor, she discussed the many needs of special education and noted they didn’t get past need #3 when they put together the budget. She feels the Council could do better for the town and the schools so that Windsor is a town people want to move to. Brittany Tripp, 38 Lochview Drive, said it is a pleasure to come to the Council meeting and enjoys learning about Windsor. Nicholas Lefas, 12 Mary Catherine Circle, asked the Council to keep the spending within the Town’s means. The Public Hearing closed at 7:48 PM.
Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall April 5, 1999 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 Ploszaj, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks 2. PRAYER - Deputy Mayor Curtis 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Deputy Mayor Curtis 4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS a. Combined Health Appeal of Connecticut Presentation of Distinguished Wellness Award in Recognition of Town of Windsor Wellness Programs An award was presented to Mayor Hogan and Town Manager Churchill from Community Health Charities which is a federation that represents 26 health agencies in the State of Connecticut.
b. Proclamation Declaring April 19 through April 25 as Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week in Windsor Council member Trinks read a proclamation declaring April 19 - April 25 as Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week in Windsor. c. Resolution Designating April 7, 1999 as World Health Day in Windsor Deputy Mayor Curtis read a resolution designating April 7, 1999 as World Health Day in Windsor. 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 6. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT
Chairperson Kenneson gave the report. This Wednesday the BOE will address the Council with their budget. The search committees will be interviewing candidates for the two principal vacancies later this month. The BOE will meet next on April 27, 1999.
Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to move item 11 a. and 12 a. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 11. a. Commission on Aging & Handicapped Annual Report to Council The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Ludlow Room of the Town Hall. The Chairman said the Commission is concerned that business parking spaces are not clearly marked. She discussed a handicapped man who became paralyzed due to an assault who needs a motorized chair. They will be meeting with Town Manager Churchill soon regarding helping him get a chair. 12. a. Conservation Commission Annual Report to Council Mark Sussman, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, was present and discussed their mission to protect the town’s natural resources. The Commission does not regulate, it makes recommendations to the Council, TP&Z and Wetlands Commission. They do not have a budget. He discussed the Annual Household Hazardous Waste Day which began in 1986 which was organized and initiated by the Conservation Commission. They have conducted a clean-up of the Farmington River. They are trying to expand on the parks and trails in Town. They have a couple vacancies which need to be filled. They meet on the last Tuesday of every month. 7. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Rt. 218 Lights Update Thirty-four new lights and poles have been installed under a DOT contract along Rte. 218 from Deerfield Rd. to West Wolcott Ave. A semifinal inspection of the job will be held this week with representatives of the DOT, the installing contractor, and the town. If the lights pass inspection, they will be placed into full operation. If the lights operate properly for 30 days, they will then be turned over to the town for ownership and maintenance. Community Health Services Update 1) Community Health Services has completed its annual TB testing of police officers. This is an OSHA requirement for all first responders. This week-long testing was accomplished with the cooperation of all of the officers, especially Officer LeGeyt who helped organize the testing. 2) Charlie Wall, Sharon Enot, and Charles Petrillo have become certified by the American Red Cross as instructors to teach CPR For The Professional Rescuer. This will help us to expand our present Community CPR programs and to offer classes to professional rescuers. 3) Charlie, Sharon, and Charles have also become certified by the American Red Cross as instructors to teach Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training. This will allow us to expand our Community CPR programs so that they include AED training. Public Lands, Roads, and Facilities Update Our crews have just completed a successful metal pick-up program for Winter 1999. This year, we collected a record 80,000 lbs. of discarded metal in the North sections of town. Items discarded included appliances, lawn mowers, and bike parts. We will resume the program again in the Fall, beginning in Windsor Center and moving into the South sections of town. Upcoming Recreational Activities for Kids 1) The Youth Enrichment Services Team is offering a variety of activities for Windsor kids during April Vacation, including bowling, roller skating and extended hours for open basketball and the indoor pool. 2) Windsor teens are reminded that "Experience the Extreme" is once again being offered to all middle school students this Saturday night, April 10th from 7-10pm at the L.P. Wilson Community Center. Activities will include bouncy boxing, human foosball, arcade games, prizes, food and more! The cost is $10.00, which includes all activities except video arcade games. Call the YES Team at 285-1990 to reserve your spot now! Annual Pancake Breakfast Draws Record Numbers Once again, Northwest Park’s Annual Pancake Breakfast was a huge success, this year attracting over 600 people for a taste of homemade pancakes and maple syrup. People from Windsor and surrounding communities were lined up outside before the doors opened at 8 am, and staff kept serving pancakes right up until the doors closed at 12 noon. During the event, the Nature Store sold out of their special Northwest Park maple syrup, however they are in the process of making more! Upcoming Northwest Park Events Northwest Park invites all Windsor residents to a "Wild and Woolly Sheep Day" to be held Saturday, April 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include sheep shearing demonstrations, hands-on wool washing, carding, and spinning, as well as a sheep dog herding demonstration. The cost is $2.00 per person. For more information, please call Northwest Park at 285-1886. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council member Graff-- congratulated the WHS Boys Basketball team on the State Championship. He discussed the Wethersfield - first town in Connecticut issue. Council member Haverstock -- congratulated Mr. Churchill in doing a fine job as town manager in such a short time and welcomed him to Windsor. He congratulated the girl scouts and thanked them for their input during public comment. Council member Lydecker-- none. Council member Pacino-- congratulated the WHS Boys Basketball team. Council member Ploszaj -- welcomed Troop 157 to the meeting and thanked the girls for coming. She attended the pancake breakfast Saturday and had a great time. Council member Ristas-- had an inquiry from a citizen who believed he saw the town streets being swept at 5:00 AM and asked Town Manager Churchill to follow up. All of the Council members received a letter from a person concerned with the terms of the lease of the Bell School which, he said, continues to be a sore spot. He attended the meeting at MDC a week ago when the increase in costs to towns was discussed. Council member Trinks-- discussed the Town of Windsor website and noted that a situation can be reported to town staff via e-mail. Deputy Mayor Curtis -- congratulated WHS Boys Basketball Team. Expressed thanks to the Girl Scouts for attending the Council meeting. Study Circles, a group studying diversity, will have a meeting this Wednesday. Mayor Hogan -- Welcomed Girl Scout Troop 157. She congratulated the Boys Basketball Team. State Representative Fahrbach is presenting information regarding Windsor being the first town. She thanked Northwest Park for the pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. Wednesday will start the budget hearings. Prior to that an open house will be held by the Council. She invited all to attend. 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Health and Safety Committee -- Council member Trinks --none. Town Improvements - Council member Lydecker -- met on 3/22/99 - agenda items. Special Projects -- Deputy Mayor Curtis -- met on 3/23/99. They discussed leases - Sill House, Bell School and Luddy House. The other issue discussed was the flagpole and it was decided to go along with staff recommendation that there is no need for an additional flagpole on the town green. Finance Committee-- Council member Graff-- none. 10. ORDINANCES a. An Ordinance amending the Town of Windsor Code - Chapter 14 by adding Article X Council member Lydecker made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to table the item. The Motion Passed 8-0-0 with Council member Graff out of the room. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 12. NEW BUSINESS b. Funding: Repairs to Capen Street Tom Lenehan gave the background. The work will provide for an improved driving surface and include some spot repairs, an asphalt concrete overlay, improved drainage near Preston Street and repairs / replacement of deteriorated sidewalk sections and signs. The proposal will take about 2 months including the overlay, which will commence after the Shad Derby. Council member Pacino suggested making Capen Street one way. Council member Lydecker said the TIC by unanimous vote, felt the project should move forward. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, That the Council authorize the Town Manager to submit an application to the State of Connecticut for a LOCIP grant to perform the repairs to Capen Street, and that $80,000 be appropriated from the Capital Projects Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to Capital Projects Fund Account (02-521), Capen Street Road Repair Project. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. c. Set Public Hearing on an Ordinance Amending the Windsor Code to Replace the Terms "Director of Public Safety" and "Public Safety Director" with the Terms "Town Manager" Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, That the Town Council hold a public hearing on an ordinance titled "An Ordinance Amending the Windsor Code to Replace the Terms ‘Director of Public Safety’ and ‘Public Safety Director’ with the Terms ‘Town Manager’ at the Town Council Chambers in the Town Hall on May 3, 1999 at 7:00 PM. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. d. Set a Public Hearing on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10 Section 10-3 (Appointing Authority for Library Board) Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, That the Town Council hold a public hearing on an ordinance titled "An Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Section 10-3 " at the Town Council Chambers in the Town Hall on May 3, 1999 at 7:15 p.m. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. e. Adoption of Town of Windsor Pension Plan Council member Ristas recused himself from this issue due to a conflict. Council member Haverstock questioned whether this should be discussed in executive session rather than public session. Donald Cunningham gave an overview. Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, That the Town of Windsor, Connecticut Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 1989 except as otherwise provided therein, and in substantially the form presented to this meeting and ordered filed with the minutes hereof, is hereby adopted and approved with such changes therein, not inconsistent with the general tenor thereof, as the Finance Director, with the advice of counsel, deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the objectives thereof. The Motion Passed 7-1-1 with Council member Graff opposed and Council member Ristas abstaining. Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, That the Mayor and Town Manager are hereby authorized and directed to take any actions, and to execute such documents and instruments, as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolution. The Motion Passed 7-1-1 with Council member Graff opposed and Council member Ristas abstaining. f. Approval of Community Development Block Grant Application Patrick McMahon gave an overview of the 1999 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. Council member Graff said his concern is the timing and the fact that over the past several years the Council has not received the annual accounting of these funds which was requested by the Council. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, Resolved that the town manager is hereby authorized and directed to file an application with the Commission of the Department of Economic and Community Development for an amount not to exceed $420,000 in federal monies available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Ploszaj, to table items A - AA. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF March 15, 1999 Regular Meeting Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to approve the minutes of March 15, 1999 Regular Meeting. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 16. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Council member Ploszaj made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, to go into executive session regarding a. Consideration of Alternative Actions to Enforce or Implement Legal Relief or Legal Rights with Respect to the Landfill and b. Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate The Motion Passed 9-0-0. At 9:27 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, Budget Analyst Freund, Town Engineer Lenehan, health Director Petrillo, and Chuck Nicol from Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, to discuss, a. Consideration of Alternative Actions to Enforce or Implement Legal Relief or Legal Rights with Respect to the Landfill At 9:55 p.m. Budget Analyst Freund, Town Engineer Lenehan, Health Director Petrillo, and Chuck Nicol exited Executive session and Project Engineer Neumann entered. to discuss b. Discussion of the Sale and Purchase of Real Estate At 10:23 p.m. Councilmember Graff made a motion seconded by Councilmember Ploszaj to move out of executive session. The motion passed 9-0-0. 17. ADJOURNMENT At 10:24 p.m. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Ploszaj to adjourn The meeting. Motion 9-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Abigale LaViolette cc: Town Clerk, Main Library, Wilson Branch |