Windsor Town Council October 2, 2000 – Public Hearing Unapproved Minutes Public Hearing relative to the proposed construction of a bikeway/sidewalk along Lang Road Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:03 PM and read the legal notice. Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis (arrived at 7:07 pm), Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock (arrived at 7:10 pm), Council member Pacino (arrived at 7:17 pm), Council member Ristas (arrived at 7:25 pm), Council Member Simon, and Council member Trinks Tom Lenehan gave an overview of the area proposed for construction of a curbed bikeway/sidewalk along the west side of Lang Road. He noted that walking along Lang Road is hazardous – many people travel on foot to get to Northwest Park. The preliminary cost is estimated at about $100,000. Public Comment Arnie Berman, 92 High Street, thanked the council members for their volunteer work. He does not feel putting a sidewalk on a side street is worthy of the expenditure. He noted elderly people live on that road and are not capable of shoveling the sidewalk. He called the police department and was told bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks and inquired as to why this is being called a ‘bikeway’/ sidewalk. He suggested putting speed bumps in the road. Also if speeding tickets were given out, people would drive slower. John Pizzoni, 65 Lang Road, feels a sidewalk on Lang Road is a waste of money. He questioned whether it makes sense to put a sidewalk on top of fire hydrants, which are on the west side of the road, where the proposed sidewalk is to be installed. Jack Uzdarwin, 77 Lang Road, said most of the people who go to the park do not walk, they use their cars. Putting sidewalks on the west side of the road would create a danger. He said it would be a hardship for him to have to shovel the sidewalk. Tom Turgeon, 69 Lang Road, said people drive too fast on Lang Road. Pedestrians do not use the road often. Traffic control is the solution - especially traffic from soccer parents who drive too fast. The sidewalk is a waste of money. Shoveling will be a burden for many residents. Fran Berman, 92 High Street, said she grew up on Lang Road and does not feel the proposal is a good idea. She also gave two letters from other residents to the Mayor, which the Mayor read into the record at the end of public comments. Ed and Marsha Rojewski, 105 Fieldstone Drive, said they are in favor of the sidewalks. He rides his bike on the road and it is a safety hazard. Traffic control is a problem also. Mark Caron, 54 Broad Leaf Circle, said the back of his property abuts Lang Road, and felt Northwest Park is a treasure which needs better access. Angela Wargus, 38 Broad Leaf Circle, is in favor of the sidewalk. She biked to the park recently and was nervous because of the traffic. Kevin Deneen, 96 Fieldstone Drive, said the sidewalk would affect his property, however, he is in favor of the sidewalk. Mayor Hogan read two letters into the record from residents Josephine Navaroli and Josephine Brouillette, both of Lang Road, and both against the sidewalks. The public hearing closed at 7:29 PM.
Windsor Town Council Council Chambers – Town Hall October 2, 2000 – Regular Meeting Unapproved Minutes Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Council member Broxterman read the proclamation Designating Sunday October 15, 2000 as White Cane Day b. Proclamation honoring Randy McClure Council member Trinks read the proclamation honoring Randy McClure who save the life of a three year old child, Jessica Callahan Council Member Simon read the Proclamation designating October, 2000 Windsor Fire Prevention Month Mayor Hogan read the Proclamation designating October 2000 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Tim Johnson and Jordan Hart, of Troop 409 Boy Scout Troop, asked for information from the Council, noting they are working on badges. No one was present to report. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, To move item 12. A. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 12. a. Town Planning and Zoning Commission Annual Report to the Town Council Anita Mipps, Chairperson of the TP&Z gave an overview of the Commission’s responsibilities and work. The site plans and subdivisions are down this year, but special use and zone changes are up. She reviewed recent and ongoing projects including the Marriott Hotel on Day Hill Road, JDS Uniphase on Blue Hills Avenue Extension, Kings Landing on Matianuck Avenue, Hampton Inn Hotel on Poquonock Avenue and The Real Group II on Day Hill Road. The Commission meets regularly on the second Tuesday of every month except August. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, To move item 12 b. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. 12. b. Library Advisory Board Annual Report to the Town Council Michael Rayfield, Chairman of the Library Advisory Board, gave a presentation. The board is composed of 9 adults and 2 students. They meet quarterly and their primary responsibility is to advise and approve the policies of the library and the staff. Caring Connection Receives High Marks On August 29, 2000 the Caring Connection Adult Day Health Center underwent a "Peer Review Team Inspection" conducted by the Connecticut Association of Adult Day Centers. I am very pleased to announce on behalf of the Caring Connection staff that our center scored 395 points out of a possible 400 and is eligible for a three-year certification. A member of the peer review committee stated the "The Caring Connection is a tribute and a benchmark for all other day centers in the State of Connecticut." Congratulations to the Caring Connection staff as they continue to offer a very unique and excellent service. Connecticut River Clean-Up Planned On Saturday, October 7, 2000 from 10:00 AM to noon thousands of individuals, clubs, scout troops, students and businesses will pitch in to clean up the 410-mile long Connecticut River. The "Source to Sea Clean-up" is a one-day coordinated effort in four states to highlight our beautiful river. A Windsor contingency will be meeting at the East Barber Street boat launch at 10:00 AM this Saturday to do our part. If you are interested in assisting, or would like more information, call the Windsor Recreation Department at 285-1990.
Columbus Day Weekend in Windsor There’s certainly a lot to do in Windsor this coming weekend as our community plays host to a variety of activities and events. The Annual Paul Cody Memorial Columbus Day Soccer Tournament will once again host over 100 youth soccer teams from throughout the state and region. You can catch exciting soccer action at a number of sites around town including Northwest Park, L.P. Wilson, and Windsor High School. Games will be on-going from Saturday morning, October 7th until Monday afternoon, October 9th. Add a little "spice to your life" at the WIN-TV Chili Challenge which will heat up the town green on Saturday October 7th from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Plenty of chili, entertainment and fun are in store at this annual Fall event. In addition to delicious chili – the Windsor Lions Club Arts & Crafts Show will be featured on the green, providing more family fun. Also this Saturday, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce will offer a warm welcome to everyone as they celebrate the grand opening of its Tourism Information Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM, and the Chamber of Commerce office will remain open through the afternoon. Following Saturday’s grand opening, the chamber will be extending it’s hours of operation to include Saturday hours from 9:00 AM – noon each Saturday to provide Windsor tourists with a more informed and enjoyable visit. Call 688-5165 for more information. October Leaf Collection Preview This announcement is a bit early, but it’s that time of year… This year, Windsor’s leaf collection program will start on October 21, 2000 and end on November 25, 2000. Windsor Sanitation will pick up your leaves during this period on the same day as your trash pick-up. "Leaves Only" stickers are available at the Windsor Health Department office if you plan on putting your leaves in your own containers. Otherwise, leaves need to be placed in 30 – 40 gallon paper leaf bags and placed at the curb. No plastic bags, please. For more information, please call 285-1833. First Town Downtown Plans Fundraiser What do Kewpie Doll, Tiffany Glass, and Elvis paraphernalia have in common? They can all be appraised at the Antique Appraisal Day, Saturday, October 14th at Central Street Antiques in Windsor. This First Town Downtown Fundraiser offers a rare opportunity to have your items reviewed by experts and to give you a verbal history as well as a value. Five appraisers specializing in jewelry, furniture and other items would be available to review your items. At $5 per item (3 item limit per person) it will be worth while to take a second look at your collectibles. Dust off the things you have always wondered about and amble into Central Street Antiques, 25 Central Street Antiques on October 14th. You may be in for some big surprises!! For more information call Central Street Antiques at 688-3635. Mr. Brian Funk gave an overview of the public works maintenance programs done this year to date. Council member Albano –none Council member Broxterman –feels Windsor is particularly attractive on this upcoming fall weekend, noting the soccer tournaments. The Chili Contest is this weekend. Council member Haverstock –none. Council member Pacino – is looking forward to the Chili Contest. Council Member Simon – thanked the Friends of Northwest Park for their work at the fair. Council member Ristas –none Council member Trinks – is looking forward to the challenge with the upcoming chili fest on October 7th on the Town Green. Deputy Mayor Curtis –thanked Alfred Narcist who coordinated the Freedom Trail Run and to the Arch Memorial Church who provided breakfast. Mayor Hogan –at a recent CROG meeting a discussion of West Nile Virus 2001 came up regarding being proactive. She referred this matter to Health and Safety. She asked council members to put this on their legislative agenda. Reminded everyone of the events in the upcoming weeks – enjoy Windsor! Finance Committee – Council member Trinks - will meet this month. Health and Safety – Council member Trinks - will take the referral regarding the West Nile Virus; they will meet soon with the ambulance association. Special Projects – none. Town Improvements Committee -- Deputy Mayor Curtis – will meet soon. Mayor Hogan asked that the ordinance be tabled as a public hearing must be held. She asked for a motion to add item 12 g. to set a date for the public hearing. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, To add item 12 g. to the agenda - to set a date for a public hearing for An Ordinance adopting the provisions of Connecticut Public Act 00-120 to provide property tax exemption for eligible members of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department and the Windsor Volunteer Ambulance Association. The Motion Passed 8-0-0 with Council member Pacino out of the room. Council member Trinks made a motion to move item 12 g. to this point in the agenda, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis. The Motion Passed 8-0-0 with Council member Pacino out of the room. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, To set a date for the public hearing for this ordinance for October 16, 200 at 7:00 PM. The Motion Passed 8-0-0 with Council member Pacino out of the room. None. Above. Above. Laura Kahkonen, Library Director gave an overview of the plans for renovation and expansion of the Main Library which have been included in Windsor’s Capital Improvement Program for over a decade. A space planning guide was completed in 1998. Citizens indicated they wanted more comfortable reading areas, additional study rooms, better parking, more computers, drive up book drop, coffee shop, better noise control. About 700 people visit the library each weekday. The meeting room use for the last 12 months was as follows – 369 were used for library sponsored programs, 141 for small group and quiet study, 84 for internal use, 322 community group meetings. The items loaned have decreased 2.3% in 5 years. The computer use has increased 81% over the past 5 years. Ken Best showed displays of the proposed project. They propose to relocate the library during the construction period, which should be in the area of 12-14 months. Council member Haverstock said he felt the Huntington House could be used in conjunction with the library renovation. Council member Ristas suggested the school libraries stay open in the evenings, together with their computer rooms. Town Manager Churchill said this should have been examined during the renovation at WHS. Mayor Hogan turned the project over to Town Improvements. Tom Lenehan responded to questioned posed during the pubic hearing. There are 30,000 visitors annually to Northwest Park. The western side is proposed as opposed to the eastern side as the consultants found it would be easier to construct on the west because more retaining walls would have to be built on the eastern side, which would increase the cost. He noted speed bumps bring traffic to almost a complete stop and would not be appropriate for Lang Road. He explained speed humps but noted the fire and police departments do not like these utilized. The proposed sidewalk would be 5’ wide of concrete construction and is along the roadway -- technically it is not a bikepath. A bikepath must be 10’ wide, a waiver could be requested for 8’, but that would still be too wide for Lang Road. The fire hydrants will have to be relocated as they were on Kennedy Road. The water lines are deep enough so that the sidewalk will not impact them. Residents are typically responsible for snow shoveling a sidewalk; the town performs repairs. Town Manager Churchill said bicycles are generally eligible to be ridden on a sidewalk, however, he will contact the police department for a definite and authoritative response. Council member Pacino suggested the project go back to Town Improvements to get cost estimates to construct the sidewalk on the east side of the road and to get the pros and cons of each side of the road. Council member Haverstock agreed that getting the cost for the east side may be beneficial. Tom Lenehan noted a need to cross the street to get to the park if the sidewalk is built on the east side. The cost for the alternative design will be in the area of $10,000 -20,000. Design is planned to be completed over the fall and winter and construction will commence in the spring. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, for a 5 minute recess. The Motion Passed 8-1-0 with Council member Haverstock opposed. Council member Albano said he would have like to have seen the cost estimates for the other side of the road and noted the cheapest way is not always the best way. Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock, To refer this matter back to the TIP to get the figures to put the sidewalk on the other side of the street. Council member Ristas offered a friendly amendment that the cost estimate be based on the town’s staff’s experience with cost estimates and retaining wall construction and not go to the full extent of a consultant. Council member Trinks felt the issue is the safety hazard in crossing the street and opposed the motion to refer. Council Member Simon does not support taking additional time to investigate the eastern side of the street. Council member Haverstock felt the east side should be looked at noting the larger lots on that side of the street, together with fewer houses. The Motion Failed 4-5-0 with Council member Pacino, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, and Council member Ristas in favor and Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Broxterman, Council Member Simon and Council member Trinks opposed. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman That the Town Council hereby approves the construction of a 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk along the westerly side of Lang Road to Northwest Park, a distance of approximately 2400 linear feet. Council member Albano made a friendly amendment to the motion that they come back to the Council before construction if the project exceeds $100,000 The maker and the seconder of the motion agreed to the friendly amendment. The Motion Passed 7-0-0 with Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Broxterman, Council Member Simon and Council member Trinks, Council member Pacino and Council member Albano in favor and Council member Haverstock and Council member Pacino opposed Robin Neumann gave an overview. A pool design consultant was retained to complete a concept plan and provide preliminary cost estimates to reconstruct the pool complex. If funding is approved at the October 16, 2000 meeting, the contract will call for construction to be complete in May so that the pool can be operational the first week of June. The TPZ unanimously approved the plan to reconstruct the main pool basin and the splash pool. The depth will be 5’. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, Resolved that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Appropriating $850,000 for the reconstruction of Goslee Pool, and authorizing the issue of $850,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation" is hereby waived, the full text of the ordinance having been distributed to each member of the Council and copies being made available to those persons attending this meeting; and that the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting. Role Call Vote -- Yes: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Vote No: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, move that the following ordinance, the complete text of which is recorded as an attachment with the meeting minutes, entitled "An Ordinance Appropriating $850,000 for the reconstruction of Goslee Pool, and authorizing the issue of $850,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation", be introduced. Role Call Vote -- Yes: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Vote No: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, Resolved that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, October 16, 2000 at 7:15 pm (prevailing time) on the foregoing ordinance - An Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance Appropriating $850,000 for the reconstruction of Goslee Pool, and authorizing the issue of $850,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation" Role Call Vote -- Yes: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Vote No: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council member Albano made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, To table items A through L. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman to accept the minutes of the September 18, 2000 public hearing regarding Pioneer Drive Culvert Correction: delete Council member Albano – he was not present. The Motion Passed 9-0-0. Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Ristas, To accept Minutes of the September 18, 2000 Regular Council Meeting Correction: First page – BOE report Kenneson was misspelled The Motion Passed 9-0-0. None. At 10:55 P.M. Council member Haverstock made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, to go into executive session to discuss Present were Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council Members Albano, Ristas, Pacino, Haverstock, Trinks, Broxterman, and Simon. Staff present for this discussion was Town Manager Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Souza, and Health Director Petrillo. At 11:08 P.M. Health Director Petrillo left executive session. Town Manger Churchill, and Assistant Town Manager Souza remained for
At 11:21 P.M. Executive session ended, and the regular Town Council meeting reconvened. At 11:21 P.M. Council Member Albano made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pacino to adjourn the regular Town Council meeting. The Motion passed 9-0-0 The Meeting adjourned at 11:22 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Abigale LaViolette Clerk of Windsor Town Council Cc: Town Clerk Main Library Wilson Branch
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