Windsor Town Council August 7, 2000
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
None. Paul Gianpolo, 15 Harvest Lane, asked how much was actually taken in last year due to the growth of the grand list, noting he has heard conflicting amounts. Herbert Vanalfin, Palisado Avenue, said he was ticketed on Kennedy Road for going 45 mph in a 25 mph zone. He read a letter he sent to the centralized infraction bureau. He feels the speed limit in that area should be raised. He will make it his hobby to enforce the speed limit for the time being which may cause road rage. No one from the BOE was present, however, Deputy Mayor Curtis read a written report. Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock To move items 12 a. and 12 b. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. However, no representative was present for either 12 a. or 12 b. to give a report. Downtown Activities First Town Downtown continues numerous activities intended to add to the vibrancy of the Town Center. An Antique Appraisal Day is scheduled for October 14 modeled after the successful one earlier this year. The Corridor Enhancement Project continues to undergo scrutiny from the project team, Town staff, and property owners. John Schallert, a nationally renowned retail consultant advised seven businesses on July 18 in addition to his spirited presentation to approximately 40 Windsor retailers. Connecticut Magazine's travel section will spotlight Windsor in its September issue. An internet seminar, "Untangling the Web" will be held here in the Council Chambers on September 11th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We look forward to the arrival of Nick's Restaurant, which will be opening in the former Friendly’s building in downtown Windsor this Fall. First Town Downtown wishes to give an update at the Council's September 5, 2000 meeting, and host a public meeting on September 13, 2000. Please contact First Town Downtown at 683-8410 for further information on any of the previously mentioned topics. Community Policing Report A brief report was made at the last Town Council meeting on July 10 regarding community policing. It was a report in response to an earlier inquiry about the Police Department’s progress in implementing this strategy. The fallout from the report has not been totally positive. In fact, it’s been downright confusing, which leads me to believe that the presentation may have missed its mark. I’m glad the Mayor referred this issue to the Health & Safety Committee where a meaningful and thoughtful discussion can put all the facets of community policing in its proper perspective. Unfortunately, too much weight was put on organizational changes whereas several levers bring about true change. In order for change to be effective, it must have a mission, changes in the strategy, structures, and systems, and an ability to read the environment so more changes can be made if necessary. I think we have the building blocks in place to create positive, effective change. For example, we know Windsor is safe from a statistical standpoint, but our efforts should not stop there. We want citizens and visitors alike to feel safe – an elusive term that gets to individual and social psychology of safety. A community policing strategy consisting of walking beats, addressing nuisance issues, ensuring control of public spaces, and getting involved in community building are the strategies to have citizens feel safe. The structure got a lot of attention three weeks ago and it is important. However, it is nothing more than deploying three precincts and having a captain directly responsible for their success. What is being suggested is that department management talents are better used getting results and creating accountability. System changes are necessary, many of which are dictated by the collective bargaining agreement over issues such as coverage, staffing, etc. We also want the best tools available such as a CAD/RMS that get information into officers’ hands quickly in the most efficient way possible. We have experienced a recent setback with this technology, but a suitable alternative has been identified, and perhaps we can move forward once we understand the financial implications. When we affect all of these change levers something superior compared to what we have today should result. We have statistics and surveys and other tools to let us know where we stand and give clues where we may have to adjust more. The Town Council and staff will hopefully get into further detail on this change process at an upcoming Health & Safety Committee meeting. Thereafter, this positive change can take affect. Neighborhood Watch Update Several Neighborhood Watch meetings have been held around town with much success! Krystal Lane, Becker Circle and Wilton Rd. have all held their first meetings with their second meeting dates already scheduled for the fall.
Much discussion has been taking place at the meetings where police (sworn & civilian) and the community exchange ideas and get to really know each other better, providing a good foundation for future communication between the two. August neighborhood watch meetings include one this evening in the Brookview Drive, Runnel Circle and Barry Lane area and another on August 23, 2000 at the Fitch Court Apartments. Wilson Volunteer Fire Company Chicken Barbecue The Wilson Volunteer Fire Company located at 50 Pine Lane has announced their annual Chicken BBQ will be held on Saturday, August 12th, 2000. Dinner will be served from 5pm until 8pm. Dinner includes 1/2 BBQ chicken, baked potato, sweet corn and a dinner roll for $7.50. Children's meals, "dinners to go" and adult beverages will be available. A local DJ will be spinning the tunes for everyone’s dancing pleasure beginning at 8:00PM. Money from this event will be used in the firefighter retention program. For more information, call 285-1983. It’s a Boy! Congratulations to Al Neumann, Public Building Superintendent, (and regular council meeting attendee) and his wife Cynthia on the birth of their son Michael Robert Neumann. Michael was born on Tuesday, August 1, 2000, tipping the scales at 7lbs. 7oz. He is 20.5 inches. All are doing well. KMART Race Against Drugs For the third year in a row KMART, at 1075 Kennedy Rd., has selected the Windsor Police Department DARE Program to be the beneficiary of the KMART KRAD event. This event is to be held on August 12th from 9:00AM to 6:00PM and August 13th from 12:00PM to 6:00PM. Kids ages 7-12 will have an opportunity to compete for a$10,000 college scholarship by driving miniature race cars through a specially designed racetrack set up in the KMART parking lot. All participants will receive free T-shirts, baseball caps, and other goodies. For each participant KMART will donate $5.00 to the Windsor Police Department DARE program. Over the past (2) two years KMART has donated $5,000. The monies from this program go to pay for DARE graduation shirts and other materials. For more information, call Detective Scott MacGregor at 688-5273 extension 521. Tour Windsor’s Broad Street Green on August 19th On Saturday, August 19, 2000 there will be a free guided walking tour of the Broad Street Historic District. The hour-long tour will depart at 10:00AM from the Windsor Public Library. Among the stops on the tour will be: the Windsor Passenger Station, the Loomis Fountain, Grace Episcopal Church, and the Library itself, built as the Colonel Oliver Mather House. Sponsored by Windsor Rivers and Trails Coalition, the tour is part of a Connecticut Humanities Council funded project to interpret the history of Windsor Center. Afterwards, participants are invited to meet in the library to share their reactions to the tour, providing important feedback for the development of a history trail. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to sign-up for the tour, call 683-8410. Recreation Manager Appointed It is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Paul Norris who is in the audience tonight. Mr. Norris began his duties as Recreation Manager on Monday July 24th. He is the former Recreation Superintendent from Groton, CT. As Recreation Manager, he will oversee the Recreation Department, Senior Center and Youth Services Bureau. Mr. Norris’s office is located at the L.P. Wilson Community Center and he can be reached at 285-1990. West Niles Virus Update At this time, Dr. Charles Petrillo will give a brief update on the State’s recent confirmation of the West Niles Virus in Connecticut and how this development affects Windsor. Dr. Petrillo gave a report regarding the West Nile Virus which has been identified in two locations in Connecticut -- Stamford and Columbia. The town of Windsor has been following the state protocol, i.e. residents finding dead birds report them to the Town and the Town reports same to the State. As of Friday, the State will only be testing dead crows because most of the positives are found in that species. He stressed that residents should eliminate all standing water in their yards.
Council member Albano – at the last meeting Joe Novak discussed 330 Windsor Avenue. He disagreed with what Mr. Novak indicated the Council asked the PBC to do. Council member Haverstock – Asked about the referral of the police reorganization matter to Health and Safety – to be discussed under last meeting’s minutes. He finds the BOE’s written reports unacceptable. Council member Pacino – feels the Kennedy Road speed limit is reasonable, noting the school area and children using bikes, etc., however, it could be raised in one small area. Thanked Kevin Strauss for paperwork he got for Council member Pacino. He asked previously about combining boards and commissions and would like staff to get back to him on which ones can be combined. Asked why the BOE does not give live reports and said it may not want to answer difficult questions. He inquired of Town Manager Churchill about the $25,000 given for the equestrian park. The Town Manager will follow up. Council Member Simon – discussed a recent report in the newspaper that said Americans don’t know their history; he recently visited Amistad and urged all to see the ship. Council member Ristas – none Council member Trinks – thanked Dr. Petrillo for the report. Thursday night is the Town’s concert on the green and urged all to attend. Asked staff to follow up on restitution for the Clover Street School damage which was done by juveniles. Deputy Mayor Curtis – Feels it is up to the BOE to decide whether or not to have someone from the Board physically present at the Council’s meetings. Sent condolences to the family of Mary Alexander who taught in Windsor for 22 years. Mayor Hogan – Offered her sympathies to the Alexander family. She encouraged people with questions regarding the BOE to call the superintendent or a member of the Board. She thanked everyone involved in Riverfront Recapture. Finance Committee and Health and Safety – Council member Trinks - meetings will run back to back, possibly next Monday, 8/14/00; to be confirmed at a later date.
Town Improvements - Deputy Mayor Curtis – a meeting is being tentatively set up for Monday, 8/14/00. None. None. No one present. No one present. Patrick McMahon, together with Dan Ferraina and Skip Alford, gave a report The plan is for a 3 building office complex. Mr. Alford said the property is located on the south side of Day Hill Road. The total buildings would be about 85,000 square feet. The improvements include a left turn lane into the property, a decelleration lane to bring the traffic off of the east bound lane, and sewer improvements. He discussed the anticipated tenant of the first building, Murdoch Claim Management Co., and noted they will add 80 people to their payroll. The excavation work for the first building has commenced and the second building should start in the spring. Dan Ferrina has built over 20 buildings in the town of Windsor up to the present time. The first building’s taxes are expected to be $34,000+ annually. Mr. McMahon discussed the economic development incentive agreement. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon That the reading of the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $250,000 FOR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO A PORTION OF DAY HILL ROAD IN THE VICINITY OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH NORTHFIELD DRIVE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $250,000 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. Upon motion duly made by Council member Trinks and seconded by Council Member Simon, the aforesaid resolution was adopted by the Town Council as introduced, upon the following roll call vote: Names of Council members voting "Yes": Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Names of Council members voting "No.": None. The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
Council member Trinks then presented the following ordinance, the complete text of which is recorded as an attachment to these minutes, seconded by Council member Haverstock , to present "AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $250,000 FOR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO A PORTION OF DAY HILL ROAD IN THE VICINITY OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH NORTHFIELD DRIVE, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $250,000 BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE APPROPRIATION." Upon motion duly made by Council member Trinks and seconded by Council Member Haverstock, the aforesaid resolution was adopted by the Town Council as introduced, upon the following roll call vote: Names of Council members voting "Yes": Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Names of Council members voting "No.": None. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, Resolved that a public hearing be held at the Windsor Town Hall on Tuesday, September 5, 2000 at 7:00 PM on the foregoing ordinance. Further Resolved, that the Town Clerk is authorized and directed to post and publish notice of said Public Hearing. Upon motion duly made by Council member Trinks and seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, the aforesaid resolution was adopted by the Town Council as introduced, upon the following roll call vote: Names of Council members voting "Yes": Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Haverstock, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks Names of Council members voting "No.": None. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks That the town council authorizes the Town Manager to execute an economic development incentive agreement with the developer. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Jeff Doolittle gave an overview. The property consists of 44 housing units at 535 Matianuck Avenue. The project will be built on 11.5 acres. The road will be 22 feet wide and will have 5 foot wide sidewalks. The homes will average 1,400 square feet on one floor and have a one-car garage, but some plans will have a finished second floor and a two-car garage and deck/patio. The TP&Z approval included several items that involve the adjacent town property at 601 Matianuck Avenue. The items are mutually beneficial to Kings Landing and the Town. The TP&Z has recommended the Council grant Kings Landing temporary and permanent access and drainage easements across town property at 601 Matianuck Avenue as shown in the easements plans, and that the Council accept the agreement with Kings Landing LLC concering the 15 foot strip of land to be deeded to the Town from Kings Landing LLC, these easements and construction and maintenance of a fence on the common property line of 601 Matianuck Avenue and 535 Matianuck Avenue. Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, To accept a 15 foot strip of land to be deeded from Kings Landing LLC to the Town of Windsor. Move to accept granting of temporary and permanent access and drainage easements over town property at 601 Matianuck Avenue. Also move to recommend acceptance of the agreement with Kings Landing LLC concerning such easements and construction and maintenance of a fence on the common property line of 601 Matianuck Avenue and 535 Matianuck Avenue The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Tom Lenehan gave an overview regarding the public improvements supporting the Marriott project located on Day Hill Road. There is no financial impact other than the previously authorized construction budget of $600,000 along with $12,000 in bonding expense. Council member Pacino urged that the road work be done at night. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, under the authority of Section 5-2(d) of the Windsor Charter I move the Town Council waive bidding and allow the town manager to negotiate the contract for the construction of public improvements on Day Hill Road in the vicinity of its intersection with Lamberton Road. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Haverstock, Made a motion to move item 13 through 16 to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. That the Windsor Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to enter final negotiations with AT&T for the construction and management of telecommunications towers at the Wilson Firehouse, Public Safety Complex and Public Works facility and that the Town Manager is authorized to execute a land lease agreement for each of the three sites.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, Item b – to reappoint Sharran Selig to the Connecticut’s North Central Tourism Bureau for a 3 year term to expire 7/1/2003 or until a successor is appointed. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Item c – to appoint Adam Gutchen to the Conservation Commission for a 5 year term to expire 11/30/2002 or until a successor is appointed. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, To Table a,d,e,f,g,h,i, j and k. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Council member Ristas made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2000 regular meeting Corrections: - Item 12 c – name spelling – Kerse Item 12 c – clarification - Mayor Hogan referred the reorganization plan to the Health and Safety Committee for review and asked that they report back to the Coucil. Item 6 – addition to the PBC report - Council member Pacino asked about the extra costs of the HVAC and the roofing. Communications of Council Members – Council member Pacino congratulated RICH MASCOLA… (insert name) 12 b. – delete the sentence that indicates the PBC made the name recommendation of the Mary C. Turley Community Center. The Motion Passed 8-0-0. Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, To accept the minutes of the public hearing of July 10, 2000 The Motion Passed 8-0-0. None.
Council member Haverstock made a motion, seconded by Council member Pacino, to go into executive session regarding Consideration of alternate actions to enforce or implement relief or legal rights with respect to the landfill and b. Discussion Concerning the Appointment, Employment, Performance, Evaluation, Health or Dismissal of a Public Officer or Employee The Motion Passed 8-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Abigale LaViolette Clerk of Windsor Town Council Cc: Town Clerk Main Library Wilson Branch |