WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL

Council Chambers - Windsor Town Hall

December 4, 2000 – Public Hearing

Approved Minutes

7:15 p.m. Public Hearing

Present: Mayor Mary Hogan, Deputy Mayor Timothy Curtis, Council Members Domenico Albano, Paul Broxterman, John Haverstock, James Pacino, James Ristas, Alan Simon and Donald Trinks.

Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to open a public hearing regarding consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-41, Floodplain Management Ordinance of the Windsor Code. The motion was approved unanimously.

Town Manager Leon Churchill offered the public a brief history of this ordinance amendment and introduced Christopher Wejchert, Keane Callahan, and Attorney Diane MacPherson of Robinson and Cole, representatives of the applicant, Loomis Chaffee School, who is introducing this amendment.

Attorney Diane MacPherson stated Loomis is requesting this amendment from the Windsor Floodplain Ordinance in order to make it property neutral. She felt the existing ordinance is unclear as to how it applies to a facility with more than one building. The proposed amendment would include language regarding one or more buildings being able to extend portions of its facility, up to 25% of the existing ground floor square footage, into the flood plain. Attorney MacPherson further elaborated on the process and stated this would allow periodic land expansion requests. There would be a computation of the entire square footage on the ground floor of all of the facilities and 25% of that would be allowed for expansion. The expansion could be done in increments but the full 25% is not automatic and approvals are necessary each time.

Mayor Hogan asked for participation from the public. No members of the public addressed the Town Council at this time.

Mayor Hogan read an e-mail from Jerry Golden, 18 Cobbler Way, Chairperson of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, dated December 4, 2000 stating the Commission's favorable position on this amendment.

Mayor Hogan adjourned the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joan Ruggiero

Substitute Recording Secretary

WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL

Council Chambers – Windsor Town Hall

December 4, 2000 – Special Meeting

Approved Minutes

6:30 p.m. Special Meeting

Roll Call - Present: Mayor Mary Hogan, Deputy Mayor Timothy Curtis, Council Members Domenico Albano, Paul Broxterman, John Haverstock, James Pacino, James Ristas, Alan Simon and Donald Trinks.

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock, to go into Executive Session to discuss the sale and purchase of real estate pursuant to 1-200(6)(d) of the Connecticut General Statutes with Town Manager Churchill. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote and the Council adjourned to Executive Session at 6:30 p.m.

Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to come out of Executive Session. The motion was approved unanimously and Executive Session ended at 7:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Joan Ruggiero

Substitute Recording Secretary

WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL

Council Chambers – Windsor Town Hall

December 4, 2000 – Regular Meeting

Approved Minutes

7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting

1. Roll Call - Present: Mayor Mary Hogan, Deputy Mayor Timothy Curtis, Council Members Domenico Albano, Paul Broxterman, John Haverstock, James Pacino, James Ristas, Alan Simon and Donald Trinks.

 

2. Prayer - Council member Alan Simon led Council members and the public in prayer.

 

3. Pledge of Allegiance - Council Member Simon

 

4. Resolutions/Awards

 

5. Public Communications and Petitions

 

Ann Beaudin, 100 Poquonock Avenue, submitted a petition outlining residents' safety concerns as a result of the increased traffic on Poquonock Avenue. She further requested that the Town of Windsor endorse their appeal to have the speed limit reduced. These concerns have also been addressed to the Windsor Chief of Police and to Representative Ruth Fahrbach because Poquonock Avenue is a state road. Ms. Fahrbach responded after bringing this matter to the attention of the State DOT, that the DOT will go along with whatever the town requests. Ms. Beaudin noted the final decision rests with the Windsor Town Council and she asked that the Council support the residents' appeal.

 

Michelle Vannell, 1152 Poquonock Avenue, also expressed her concerns regarding speed on Poquonock Avenue. She further noted there are many residents interested in pursuing speed uniformity along Poquonock Avenue and methods to encourage tractor-trailer use of I-91.

 

John Eichner, 27 Hanson Hill Road, spoke as a resident, taxpayer and parent of two high school boys and, while he is a member of the Windsor Board of Education, he is not speaking on behalf of the Board. He stated the Windsor Public Schools have lost a number of quality teachers and will continue to do so unless some of the current problems are solved. It was Mr. Eichner's opinion that the current teachers' and administrators' contracts before the Town Council are needed and are part of a package of improvements to attract and retain high quality teachers in Windsor. He urged the Council to not reject these contracts.

 

Mayor Hogan declared Public Communications and Petitions closed.

 

6. Public Building Commission Report

 

Chairman Joseph Novak gave the following report:

 

Windsor High School - Phase II Renovation - Mr. Novak expected at the next PBC meeting on December 12, 2000 to receive a number of contracts to be signed since at this time there are no signed contracts for Phase II. The budget is now back in line and within $100,000 of projections. The classrooms are being gutted in area one and a mock classroom will be constructed prior to renovating the entire area. The work is closer to the original schedule and there has been some disruption in services at the school but nothing that had not been planned.

 

Rainbow Road Firehouse - The dry wall is complete. Crews are working on lighting and the building is expected to be completed by the end of December with a grand opening scheduled for the spring. Mr. Novak requested some direction from the Town Council between now and the end of January, 2001 regarding closing this project in February.

 

330 Windsor Avenue - At the December 26, 2000 PBC meeting, there will be a discussion of time deferred maintenance, site work issues, asbestos abatement and review of mechanical systems at this facility. The Town Council appropriated $250,000 for this project and the PBC will work with staff to complete work at 330 Windsor Avenue.

 

The PBC received a copy of the CIP Program. The PBC voted to send a letter to the Mayor and Town Council with a copy to the Town Manager, something not yet completed, requesting the establishment of a CIP committee.

 

7. Town Manager's Report

Leon Churchill, Town Manager, reported the following:

Earlier today, Governor John G. Roland designated eight parcels of state owned land as natural area preserves. The Matianuck Sand Dune in Windsor was one of those parcels. The Sand Dune contains about 250 acres of state-owned land and the site is currently an area of open fields and wetlands and home to a variety of uncommon invertebrates.

Regarding the Goslee Pool Construction update, significant progress was made on the project and all pool demolition has been completed. The new pool and steel reinforcements are completed, concrete is to be poured this week and the pool filled the week of December 23, 2000. The intent is that aquatic activities will be offered on schedule.

 

Police Department promotions: Kelvan Kearse has been promoted to Captain, Sergeant Mark Francis has been promoted to Lieutenant for Investigations, Sergeant Shannon Pollick has been promoted to Lieutenant for Professional Development and Officer William Freeman has been promoted to Sergeant.

1064 flu shots were administered to seniors during the flu clinics - 919 shots at the Health Fair and 145 during the second clinic on November 27. In addition, some residents received the pneumonia vaccine. The Health Department thanks all the volunteers who assisted at the clinics.

 

The Windsor Storytellers II book is available for Christmas giving to Windsor residents at a cost of $18.

 

Congratulations to the Carmon Family recognized as Family Business of the Year in an award ceremony sponsored by the Connecticut School of Business Administration.

The Windsor Health and Social Services staff coordinated distribution of 104 turkey baskets for Windsor residents this past Thanksgiving. Another 32 baskets were delivered to homebound residents and gift certificates were given to those people with special needs. Mr. Churchill thanked all participants in this effort.

 

Frank Angelillo and Gerry Bagley gave a brief overview of the advantages of e-government followed by a video view of the new Windsor Police Department web site. Mayor Hogan, on behalf of the Town Council, encouraged more people to use e-mail direct and complimented the Police Department on their web site. Council Member Haverstock asked if there are any plans to make a formal request to the Town Council to put Windsor Government on line either before or during the upcoming budget cycle. Mr. Churchill stated if it is proposed, it would be during the budget process. Council Member Simon suggested e-mail direct could be used more proactively to inform citizens about the workings of town government by notifying them of public hearings and posting Council Minutes and agendas.

Mayor Hogan requested that a future Town Council agenda include a presentation by the Chief of Police including a study of Poquonock Avenue and what can be done to remedy the traffic situation.

8. Communications from Council Members

Council Member Albano complimented Windsor Town Clerk Kathy Quinn for organizing the volunteers to go to New Britain to participate in the public service awards ceremony. Windsor is still #1, Julius Leonard was the #1 volunteer and many Windsor residents received awards.

 

Council Member Pacino advised the public that with the shopping season in full swing, it is a good time to take a coffee break and relax while shopping. He also advised residents to remember toddlers and little ones who get tired very quickly during this hectic time.

Council Member Pacino requested the formation of a focus group regarding a feasibility study for a possible Senior Citizens' center. He suggested this focus group consist of some members of the Senior Center, a Council member and anyone else that is interested. Council Member Pacino noted the importance of finding a new place for Windsor's seniors and he asked that Town Manager Churchill report back to the Council in January regarding this request.

 

Council Member Haverstock agreed with Mr. Pacino regarding the need to find a place for Windsor's seniors. He also expressed his thanks to Abigail La Violette, the Council's recording secretary, for her many good years working with the Council.

 

Council Member Trinks advised residents to stay out of the malls and stay in Windsor this shopping season.

 

Deputy Mayor Curtis thanked Gary for his efforts to put the Town Council on the air and for his creative efforts in doing so.

 

Mayor Hogan thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their recent auction held to benefit Windsor charities. Mayor Hogan also remarked on the Grand Opening ceremonies of the Aglow Auction Center, which was recently made available for the public to hear a presentation on the outdoor amphitheater by the Town Manager.

 

Mayor Hogan requested that the Town Improvements Committee look into the Senior Center and suggested they direct the rest of the process as far as coordinating the various groups.

 

9.  Reports of Standing Committees

 

Health and Safety Committee - Council Member Broxterman reported this Committee met this past week and discussed in detail changing the Wetlands Commission ordinance to reflect a broader expansion. A presentation was also heard from the Windsor Ambulance Association regarding their financial status. Mr. Broxterman reported there have been changes in Connecticut law that have negatively impacted the operating budget of this Association and those issues will be addressed during budget discussions in April in order to include the majority of expenses from 2000.

 

Town Improvements - This Committee did not meet.

 

Finance Committee - Council Member Trinks reported they met and discussed an item on tonight's agenda as well as the RFP for the independent auditor's services.

 

Other - Mr. Haverstock questioned if another retreat will be scheduled this year for the Council to discuss long-term planning. Mr. Churchill stated he would confer with other Council members and work toward a January date for this retreat.

10. ORDINANCES

1. * An ordinance amending Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-41, Floodplain Management Ordinance of the Windsor Code. (Town Manager)

Mr. Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Albano, that the Windsor Town Council adopt Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-41 of the Windsor Code (Floodplain Management Ordinance) as amended and presented therein:

 

A discussion followed in which Council Member Broxterman reported the position of the Health and Safety Committee. Some Council members raised concerns about how approval of this ordinance amendment may have negative impacts on future new residential construction. The Council heard from Town Attorney Vincent Oswecki and Attorney Diane MacPherson regarding these concerns.

 

The motion was approved by a 9 - 0 - 0 vote.

 

2. * Introduce an ordinance appropriating $450,000 for Town Hall replacements and repairs, including roof replacement and air handling, condensing and conditioning equipment replacement and related work, and authorizing the issue of $450,000 in bonds and noted to finance the appropriation. (Town Manager)

 

Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Mr. Broxterman, as follows: Resolved, that the reading into the minutes of the text of the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $450,000 FOR TOWN HALL REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS, INCLUDING ROOF REPLACEMENT AND AIR HANDLING, CONSENSING AND CONDITION EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND RELATED WORK, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $450,000 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 made available to those persons attending this meeting; and that the full text of the ordinance be recorded with the minutes of this meeting. The motion was approved by an 8 - 0 - 0 vote with Council Member Simon absent during this vote.

 

Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, that the aforesaid ordinance, the complete text of which is recorded as an attachment with the meeting minutes, entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $450,000 FOR TOWN HALL REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS, INCLUDING ROOF REPLACEMENT AND AIR HANDLING, CONSENSING AND CONDITION EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT AND RELATED WORK, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $450,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION", be introduced. The motion was approved by a 9 - 0 - 0 vote.

Following an explanation and summary from Town Manager Churchill and comments from individual Council members, Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, that a Public Hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Monday, December 18, 2000, at 7:15 p.m. on the foregoing ordinance. The motion was approved by a 9 - 0 - 0 vote.

1. An appropriation entitled "An appropriation of $350,000 for costs related to the construction of an outdoor performing arts amphitheater." (Town Manager)

Mayor Hogan thanked the staff, the Chamber of Commerce and Griffin for their tireless efforts to make this outdoor performing arts amphitheater possible. Comments in support of the proposal from Town Manager Churchill and comments both pro and con from individual Council Members followed.

 

Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council Member Broxterman, as follows: Resolved, that $350,000 be appropriated from the Special Revenue Fund Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Outdoor Amphitheater Project. The motion was approved by an 8 - 1 - 0 vote. Council Member Simon voted nay.

CERTIFICATION

 

It is hereby certified that there is $350,000 available in the Special Revenue Fund Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance (02-530) to meet the above authorization.

_______________

Gregg Pavitt

Finance Director

 

 

12.  NEW BUSINESS

1. *Resolution supporting a grant application to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Senior Center Initiative. (Mayor Hogan)

Mayor Hogan requested endorsement by the Town Council of this initiative with a correction in the amount to $59,800 based on recent information.

Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to endorse continuation of the grant process for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Senior Center Initiative in the amount of $59,800. Following a brief presentation from Robin Newman and Paul Norris on the three areas of focus for this grant, computer science, low impact sport initiatives and cultural activities, and Council discussion, the motion was approved by a 9 - 0 - 0 vote.

 

2. *Accept the Fiscal Year 2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (Finance Committee)

 

Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Ristas, that the Windsor Town Council accept the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report for the fiscal year 2000.

 

The motion was approved by a 9 - 0 - 0 vote.

 

3. *Proposed 2001 Town Council Meeting Schedule (Mayor Hogan)

 

Council Member Haverstock made a motion, seconded by Council Member Broxterman, to accept the 2001 Town Council Meeting Schedule. Some suggestions followed from Council members regarding proposed changes to this schedule. It was approved by a 9 - 0 - 0 vote.

 

4. *Contract between the Windsor Education Association and the Windsor Board of Education. (Council Member Ristas)

 

Council Member Trinks recused himself from voting on this contract.

 

At Mayor Hogan's request, Town Manager Churchill reviewed the steps that have occurred since this contract was filed.

 

Council Member Ristas made a motion, seconded by Council Member Haverstock, that the contract between the Windsor Education Association and the Windsor Board of Education be rejected.

 

Council Member Ristas noted the reason for the motion to reject is because it is the only procedural way the Town Council can fully discuss this contract. Marjorie Montague and Tom Martin, representing the Windsor Board of Education, responded to Council questions.

 

A lengthy discussion followed with Board of Education staff responding to Council questions and concerns. Council Member Simon reported on his attendance at the negotiation sessions. Council Members Ristas and Haverstock brought up the domestic partnership addition to the contract and expressed their negative feelings about the use of public funds to allow such an addition.

 

The motion was denied by a 4 - 4 - 0 vote and the contract remains in effect. Council Members Albano, Ristas, Pacino and Haverstock voted in favor; Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis and Council Members Broxterman and Simon voted nay. Council Member Trinks did not participate.

 

5. *Contract between the Windsor School Administrators and Supervisors Association and the Windsor Board of Education. (Council Member Ristas)

Council Member Trinks recused himself from voting on this contract.

 

Council Member Ristas made a motion, seconded by Councilman Haverstock, to reject the contract between the Windsor School Administrators and Supervisors Association and the Board of Education.

 

The motion was denied by a 0 - 8 - 0 vote and the contract remains in effect. Council Member Trinks did not participate in this vote.

13.  *RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

 

Mayor Hogan requested tabling of this item. Council Member Albano made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to table Item 13. Resignations and Appointments to the next meeting. The motion was approved by an 8 - 0 - 0 vote with Council Member Trinks not present.

14.  MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS

Council Member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council Member Albano, to table approval of Minutes. The motion was approved by an 8 - 0 - 0 vote. Council Member Trinks was not present.