Windsor Town Council Public Hearing Council Chambers - Town Hall April 3, 2000 Unapproved Minutes Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:03 PM and read the Legal Notice. PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Public Hearing to Hear Expression of Public Opinion Regarding the Proposed FY 2001 Budget as Submitted by the Town Manager Town Manager Churchill gave a brief presentation of the proposed FY 2001 budget. The major portion proposed to be increased is the BOE with a proposed increase of 6.5%. The proposed change in mill rate would be approximately 1.9% - the base mill rate currently is 28.1; the proposed is 30.0.
PUBLIC COMMENT Vi Nahabedian, 103 Clover Street, asked the Council to reject the superintendent’s request for two vice principals, noting that the money should be spread out in the Town for the children -- safe schools, signal devices, telephones in each classrooms, teaching the children what to do in emergency situations, etc. She would like to see a truant officer work closely with the Partnership and the Police Department, and the alternative school take place at LP Wilson with strict guidelines. Twenty-five new students will come into the system next year and this does not justify another vice principal. She said she received many phone calls over the weekend regarding low moral for the middle school teachers. Susan Kuschner Robinson, 19 Laurel Avenue, discussed class size in Windsor which she feels is too large. She is concerned that the Town is not putting curriculum coordinators into the budget, noting math, social studies, science, foreign languages suffer. She feels more funding should be in place for the music department. The public hearing adjourned at 7:28 PM.
Windsor Town Council Council Chambers - Town Hall April 3, 2000 Unapproved Minutes Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM. 1. ROLL CALL - PRESENT- Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks 2. PRAYER - Council member Haverstock 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Council member Haverstock 4. RESOLUTIONS AND AWARDS
a. Proclamation designating April 24 - 30, 2000 as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week Council member Trinks read the Proclamation designating April 24 - 30, 2000 as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week b. Resolution designating April 7, 2000 as World Health Day in Windsor Council member Simon read the Resolution designating April 7, 2000 as World Health Day in Windsor c. Resolution Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 149 Council member Pacino read the Resolution Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 149 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. 6. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT President Kenneson gave a brief report. The Board will make a presentation at Wednesday’s budget session. Council member Haverstock made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano to move item 12 a. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. 12 a. Conservation Commission Annual Report Mark Sussman, Chairman of the Conservation Commission discussed the duties of the Commission which has no regulatory powers, but renders opinions and makes recommendations. The Commission has a budget of about $50 annually which is does not spend. The Commission assists the town with environmental issues. A focus has been on trails. A project under discussion for next year is a contest to encourage public awareness of conservation. 7. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
Volunteer Support Program Recipients This past summer, the town established a Volunteer Support Program to assist community groups and neighborhoods with small-scale physical improvement projects. Grant requests may be submitted by any Windsor volunteer, organization, neighborhood association or group interested in undertaking an enhancement effort, and able to match the amount of the grant award by some combination of donated materials, volunteer labor or cash. It is my pleasure this evening to announce the award recipients from the second round of applications: Orchard Acres Water Association – "Circle Beautification Project" The Orchard Acres Water Association, a neighborhood association for Orchard Road and Orchard Lane, has been awarded $1,500 to beautify the circle at the end of Orchard Road. The project will include the design of the landscaping, clearing and grading the circle, removing selected deteriorated trees, and providing topsoil, compost, fertilizer, shrubs, trees, plants, etc. Lon Pelton will provide matching services through his excavation company and residents on the street would participate in the planting and care of the improvements.
Windsor Water Rat Express Swim Team – "Pool-side Improvements" The Water Rats have been awarded $1,250 to purchase four new maintenance free benches and two digital pace clocks for the Windsor High School pool that are not included in the High School Renovation Project. The match would be provided in cash and volunteer labor.
Civitan Club – "Northwest Park Boardwalk Project" The Civitan Club has been awarded $5,000 to help offset the costs of the design and construction of a wetlands boardwalk observation platform at Northwest Park. The proposed boardwalk consists of a 56’ walkway leading to an 18’ x 8’ platform. The boardwalk will be used by the community for public enjoyment and for educational programming. The Civitan Club has pledged $5,000 toward this project estimated to cost $45,000 including design. Northwest Park has also received financial commitments from the Friends of Northwest Park and Stanadyne.
Friends of Northwest Park – "Barn Improvement Project" The Friends of Northwest Park have been awarded $1,400 in matching funds for improvements to facilities at Northwest Park, including cleaning-out two tobacco sheds and renovating a barn facility to store canoes and a trailer used for programming. The restoration of the barn would involve installing additional side doors for a trailer entrance and rebuild and secure existing front and rear doors. This project would improve the aesthetics of the park and help a new canoe program get off the ground. The match will be provided by the Friends and through volunteer labor.
Status of Program Funding - Eight different community organizations have now been awarded approximately $27,000 in funding for physical improvement efforts. Funding is still available and applications will now be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications can be requested from the Office of Community Development at 298-9060.
Free Dumping at the Landfill The week of Saturday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 29th, has been designated as "Free Dumping at the Landfill Week". For this week only, Windsor and Bloomfield residents may use the landfill free of charge. This service is for residents only and does not apply to businesses or commercial haulers. For more information, call the landfill at 285-1833. One Last Reminder… For the "All About Wilson" Neighborhood Conference scheduled for this Saturday, April 8, 2000 at the L.P. Wilson Community Center from 8:00 am to 4:15pm. A great line-up of speakers has been scheduled for the day including Bernadine Silvers, the 1999 Hartford Courant Citizen of the Year. Breakout sessions providing information on child development, business development, home improvement, community building and senior issues will be offered. Free breakfast, lunch and childcare and transportation will be provided. For more information on the conference contact the Community Development staff at 285-1984. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS Council member Albano-- none.
Council member Haverstock -- none. Council member Pacino-- congratulated Mr. Freeman on his new appointment and wished him luck; he will be missed.
Council member Ristas—will be away for a week and will not be present for the BOE presentation this Wednesday. He discussed the Council’s responsibilities as to BOE funding. He said the Council should not continue to endorse increased spending without improved accountability, budget restraint is needed. Council member Simon -- none. Council member Trinks-- none. Deputy Mayor Curtis -- none. Mayor Hogan -- discussed the budget schedule - the schedule is to have a meeting every Monday and Wednesday in April, however, she cancelled the 4/19 meeting due to religious services. April 24th will be used if necessary. Town Manager Churchill asked to have some latitude to change some budget items around due to certain individual’s availability. 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES Health and Safety Committee -- Council member Broxterman - not present. No meeting. Town Improvements - Deputy Mayor Curtis -- met last Monday. The Committee received some information from Peter Souza re possible uses of 330 Windsor Avenue. Special Projects -- Council member Simon -- thanked Council member Haverstock for his work. Finance Committee-- Council member Trinks -- agenda items. 10. ORDINANCES None. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 12. NEW BUSINESS
b. Additional appropriation - BOE - FY 1999 Surplus Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, Resolved that $8,532 be appropriated from the General Fund Unreserved, Designated for other purposes to Capital Projects Fund Account: (02-539) - Design of JF Kennedy School driveway and parking areas. Certification Attached. The Motion Passed 7-0-0 with Council member Pacino out of the room. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, That $40,868 be appropriated from the General Fund Unreserved, Designated for other purposes to Capital Projects Fund Account: (02-540) - Clover Street School Walkways - Part I. Certification Attached. Council member Trinks said the Finance Committee discussed this item at its meeting and had asked that a BOE member be present to give an overview for the Council. Dennis Shevell said a study was done by a security specialist which discussed the enclosure of buildings at Clover Street. One idea was to erect a fence around the school but they feared it may look like an institution. He said the most cost effective and efficient way to enclose the campus for security reasons is to erect wrought iron fencing around the walkways. Council member Albano said he envisions a prison like atmosphere with steel bars which he feels would not be acceptable for the children. Council member Ristas suggested looking at a catalog of the proposed wrought iron fencing. Council member Pacino said he would be in favor of referring it to the PBC for designs, materials, etc. for the project. Mayor Hogan suggested the motion be withdrawn and having staff investigate and get back to the Council. Council member Trinks said he would withdraw the motion if the Council was going to seriously consider a half million dollar project, otherwise, he said he would like to go forward at this point. Council member Haverstock asked if it is the Council’s role to decide how the enclosure should be erected, noting it is a BOE project, and a BOE representative has proposed an $80,000 fix. Council member Pacino asked for more design work, i.e. photographs, etc. Mr. Shevell suggested getting the PBC involved for ranges of solutions and price tags. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. c. Authorize the Town Manager to submit grant applications for CDBG Housing Rehabilitation and renovations of 330 Windsor Avenue Town Manager Churchill gave a brief overview together with Patrick McMahon and Peter Souza. They answered questions of the Council. Mr. McMahon reviewed the attached resolution which states Whereas Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development pursuant to Public Law 93-383, as amended; and Whereas, pursuant to Chapter 127c and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and Whereas it is desirable and in the pubic interest that the Town of Windsor make application to the State for $500,000 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement, should one be offered. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Windsor Town Council: 1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Park VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and, 2. That the filing of an application by the Town of Windsor in an amount not to exceed $500,000 is hereby approved, and that the Town Manager is hereby authorized and directed to file such application with the Commission of the Department of Economic and community Development, to proved such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, recissions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Windsor. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, that the Windsor Town Council authorize the submission of a Community Development Block Grant Application in the amount of $500,000 to the State of Connecticut pursuant to the attached resolution. The Motion Passed 7-1-0 with Council member Albano opposed. d. Discussion regarding acquisition of Huntington House Council member Simon discussed the background. Council member Trinks gave an overview of the finance committee’s meeting discussion. Council member Albano reiterated his feeling that the Town should not be in the real estate business. Council member Pacino agreed. The Huntington house has been for sale since 5/99. The Town has received appraisals ranging from $250,000 to $365,000 dependent on uses. The house is prominent on the Town Green which recently received National Historic District designation. The Town has an option to purchase the house for $365,000 which will expire on 4/6/2000, which may be extended to 6/6/2000. Public outreach efforts reveal strong desire for the Town to preserve the Huntington House and its role on the Town Green as a prominent structure. Council member Haverstock asked Town Manager Churchill for a worst-case scenario as to what could be put into the building. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon, that the finance director prepare the appropriate ordinance so that the funding mechanism for the purchase of 289 Broad Street "The Huntington House" be from the General Fund Balance. Also that this be ready for the next scheduled Town Council meeting, May 1st. The Motion Passed 6-2-0 with Council members Albano and Pacino opposed. 13. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to table Items A-G. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. 14. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
a. Minutes of March 6, 2000 Regular Meeting Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Simon , to accept the Minutes of March 6, 2000 Regular Meeting Correction - item G - clarification of the breakdown of $75,000 - $55,000 for maintenance to prepare the building for opening, $5,000 contingency, and $15,000 for the PBC for the design. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. b. Minutes of March 6, 2000 public hearing regarding Stone Road Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to accept the Minutes of March 6, 2000 public hearing regarding Stone Road The Motion Passed 8-0-0. c. Minutes of the March 6, 2000 Special Meeting Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano, to accept Minutes of the March 6, 2000 Special Meeting The Motion Passed 8-0-0. d. Minutes of March 20, 2000 Regular meeting Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano to accept the Minutes of March 20, 2000 Regular meeting Correction: Item 13 - resignations and appointments - item J should state Olivia Harvey The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
15. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None.
At 9:44 p.m. Council member Pacino made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, to go into executive session regarding a. Discussion Strategy and Negotiation with respect to collective bargaining. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. At 9:45 p.m. Mayor Hogan called the executive session to order. Present were Mayor Hogan, Council Member Trinks, Council Member Albano, Council Member Curtis, Council Member Ristas, Council Member Pacino, Council Member Simon, and Council Member Haverstock. Also present were Town Manager Churchill, Personnel Director Moore, Assistant Town Manager Souza, Capt. Triggs, and Town Attorney Kevin Deneen. At 10:05 p.m. Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pacino to leave Executive Session. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. At 10:06 p.m. Council Member Trinks made a motioned, seconded by Council Member Curtis to add the following item as 12 E to New Business section of regular session Agenda: Approval of collective bargaining unit agreement. Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Albano, to accept the proposed Connecticut Independent Labor Union (CILU) contract as recommended. The Motion Passed 8-0-0
17. ADJOURNMENT At 10:07 p.m., Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council Member Albano, to adjourn the meeting. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Abigale LaViolette cc: Town Clerk Main Library Wilson Branch
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