Windsor Town Council September 5, 2000 -Regular Meeting Unapproved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the public hearing to order at 7:20 PM.
Roll Call – Present: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks
An ordinance appropriating $250,000 for public infrastructure improvements to a portion of Day Hill Road in the vicinity between its intersection with Old Day Hill Road and Northfield Drive, and authorizing the issue of $250,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation
Patrick McMahon gave an overview of the proposal
Attorney Dominic Ferraina, 65 Windsor Avenue, Windsor, spoke on behalf of his brother, Dan, and urged the Council to approve the project.
Bradshaw Smith, 23 Ludlow Road, spoke in opposition of the project with regard to the bonding aspect of $250,000.
Mary Isner, 398 Palisado Avenue, said she is in opposition of any borrowing. She is on a very limited income and was very displeased upon seeing the revaluation.
Windsor Town Council Council Chambers – Town Hall September 5, 2000 – Regular Meeting Unapproved Minutes
Mayor Hogan called the regular meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Mayor Hogan read the proclamation honoring the Windsor Bulldogs Girls Softball Team
Council member Pacino read the proclamation honoring John Lamenzo
Alyce Schaeffer, 76 Portman Street, president of the town chapter of AARP, spoke of 330 Windsor Avenue, stating the seniors don’t want to move unless they get something better than what they have. The towns of Enfield and Glastonbury are getting brand new senior centers.
John Grogan, 43 Woody Brook Road, has been working with the seniors for 26 years, and discussed the history of AARP. The current location had been adequate for the seniors until various other groups moved into the building. They don’t want 330 Windsor Avenue.
Peter Kosak, Valley View Drive, supported the prior speakers regarding the senior center. He stressed that the Council considers safety and noted 330 Windsor Avenue is hazardous. He asked if the health department ever looked into the MDC landfill, noting its stench. Regarding the tax credits for volunteers, he asked that all the ramifications be considered.
Mary Drost, 620 Palisado Avenue, requested Town Manager Churchill to give her a copy of all the council members’ phone numbers and addresses.
Anthony Fusco, Wentwood Place, raised his family in Windsor, and is now a senior citizen. It is up to the Council to find a suitable location for the seniors, he asked why they have to plead for the Town to meet their needs.
Mary Isner, 398 Palisado Avenue, read a statement from Mark Cashman, who is presently out of town. She asked if it is true that the residents of Palisado Avenue pay extra tax or assessment because they live in the historical district, which is supposed to go toward an enhancement.
Joseph Novak gave the report. WHS addition renovation project – phase one is complete and under budget; classes opened on schedule. Phase two bids will be opened on 9/14 – there is positive feedback. Some material prices have dropped. Rainbow Road Firehouse – masonry to be completed this week. A change order involving burying the electric lines cost an extra $7,000. Other parts of the project are moving slow but at an acceptable pace. 330 Windsor Avenue – minor renovations are complete. A financial report will be given next month. The building is ready for temporary occupancy. Milo Peck Community Center Design – on hold at this time. Giant’s Concession Stand – exterior is complete; interior finishes are beginning. All heavy construction equipment is out. The building should be ready in 3-4 weeks. Poquonock and Clover Street Asbestos Abatement Plan – essentially complete and should be under budget. Clover Street Fence and Wall Project – the architect is working on it and the PBC will review his proposal at their next meeting
Citizen’s Police Academy The Police Department will be hosting the second Citizens' Police Academy starting Sept. 13, 2000. The class will run on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for twelve weeks. The academy is a program designed for community members who are interested in learning how the Police Department functions and what Police Officers do. Some topics that are covered are Search & Seizure and Laws of Arrest, E911, Criminal Investigations and Patrol Procedures. There will also be special presentations by the Emergency Services Team, the Bike Patrol and K-9 officers. Students of the class will also participate in motor vehicle and crime scene scenarios.
Anyone who works for the Town or resides in Windsor is welcome to submit an application. The Academy is free, but candidates must be at least 18 years of age. Class size will be limited to 20 students. Applications are available at the Town Hall or at the Police Department. If you have any questions or need further information, you can call Officer Renee LeGeyt at ext. 556.
Police Explorers Earn Honors Congratulations to members of the Windsor Police Explorer post 340 who received awards at the Explorer Police Academy held at Mitchell College in New London, CT the week of August 6th to August 12th.
Nicole Pistritto: Phase 1 - 1st Place Female Physical Agility (0.2 seconds from top male score) Alexis O’Leary: Phase 2 - 1st Place Female Physical Agility Deniece Morgan: Phase 3 (Academy Police Department) Promoted to Captain Terrence Greaves: Phase 3 (Academy Police Department) Promoted to Sergeant Lauren Makowski: phase 3 (Academy Police Department) Received Director’s Award. Congratulations!
September is Freedom Trail Month in Connecticut Plans are underway for the 5th Annual Freedom Trail festivities in Windsor. The Freedom Trail of Windsor and the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church have two special events planned for the month.
On the evening of Friday, September 15, 2000 enjoy great gospel singing at a GospelFest on the Windsor town green. This event begins at 6:30 PM.
In addition, Windsor residents are invited to participate in the Windsor Freedom Trail Torch Run on Saturday, September 23, 2000. The Windsor leg of this relay is 7.4 miles and begins at 5:30 AM (that’s not a typo) at the Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church site. Runners will be stopping at two of the Windsor Freedom Trail sites – the Joseph Rainey House and the Nancy Toney gravesite.
Everyone is invited to participate in these free events planned in honor of Freedom Trail Month. If you have any questions, please contact Alfred Narcisse at 688-2479.
Book Signing Party All are invited to join the residents of Windsor’s Historic District at the home of Historic District Commissioner Loretta Raney (273 Palisado Avenue) on Thursday, September 7, 2000 for a book signing party. An all-new historic district guideline book will be available and members of the historic district commission will be present to answer questions. The party starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 6:30 PM. For more information, call Mary-Ann Pleva at 5719.
Windsor Fife & Drum Corp Muster Fifteen Fife and Drum Corps from Connecticut and New York will be performing in a muster on the Windsor town green this Saturday, September 9, 2000 beginning with a parade at 11:00 AM. Following the parade, which will begin behind the library and march to the green, the fifteen groups will perform in front of Town Hall until 3:00 PM. The public is invited to attend this free event and enjoy the performances of the very talented and entertaining corps. For more information, or to learn more on how you can become in the Windsor Fife and Drum Corp, call Fran Dillon at 688-2822.
Speeding on Kennedy Road At the Town Council’s July meeting, a gentleman voiced his concern about getting a speeding ticket on Kennedy Road. The speed limit on the section of Kennedy Road where he received that ticket is 25 mph. This zone runs from Pierson Lane to Basswood Road. It drops to 20 mph in the Ellsworth School area when the flashers are on. Given the residential character of the area, these speed limits appear appropriate. It is also a practice of the Police Department not to issue speeding citations unless vehicles are well over the speed limit.
Mack Street Closes Beginning Monday, September 11, 2000 Mack Street in Windsor will be closed except for local traffic due to road construction work. Reconstruction of the road, improving the drainage and realigning the road are all included in the scope of the project. Businesses on Mack Street will remain in operation and residents of Mack Street will have access to their homes. All other traffic will be detoured. For more information, call Tom Lenehan at 285-1804.
A Tragedy in Windsor No mention of yesterday’s (Monday, September 4) events would be ignoring reality in Windsor. That reality sometimes includes people, who are a victim of their circumstances, but unlike most, cannot find a logical way to put a bad situation behind them. A Windsor man, held off police for 9 hours yesterday and the situation ended in a less than desirable manner when he started a fire and did not leave the property. I would like to offer my condolences to those affected by the tragedy. The Windsor Police and Fire departments showed great restraint with someone overwhelmed by their grief. There will no doubt be some second-guessing, but we must remember that everyone’s safety was a primary goal. I suggest we also keep in mind that the Windsor Police Department and I will be the toughest critics. The critique began right after the conclusion of events. I also wish to add thanks to all those who helped, especially the fire, ambulance, civil preparedness, and most especially the neighbors who opened their homes and hearts to us.
Dr. Petrillo gave a West Nile Virus update.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon. To move item 12 a. to this point in the agenda. The Motion Passed 8-0-0 with the Mayor out of the room.
12. a. Insurance Commission Annual Report to the Town Council Ed Smolick, President of the Windsor Insurance Commission gave the report and gave the Council a written synopsis of their work. Two new members are on the Commission. Scott Kuhnly has not yet been replaced and interviews are scheduled for next week.
Council member Albano –none
Council member Broxterman – Windsor’s Bridge Builders ceremony will be held on 9/28 at the Windsor Public Library Community Room on Broad Street.
Council member Haverstock – none
Council member Pacino – school is open, be careful around school buses and in school zones. He noted that the JI article was accurate which one of the public speakers disagreed with.
Council Member Simon – thanked all the senior citizens that came to the meeting with their opinions and ideas for the senior center. As a member of the TIP, he noted no one proposed the senior center be moved into 330 Windsor Avenue.
Thanked the BOE for instituting an in-service day on 11/7 for polling purposes.
Council member Ristas – none
Council member Trinks – The muster on the green was very nice; thanked the BOE and the superintendent staff for the ceremony; the first day at Sage Park was outstanding. The staff and personnel acted appropriately in his opinion during the tragedy yesterday.
Deputy Mayor Curtis – responded to communications from the public.
Mayor Hogan – The Freedom Trail and gospel music will be held next Friday night. The following Saturday she encouraged everyone to join Deputy Mayor Curtis at 5:30 AM for the run/walk. She thanked Town Manager Churchill, Council member Trinks and Council member Broxterman for attending the first day of school. She spoke of the new bus route going from Windsor to Copaco and Buckland Shopping Centers.
Finance Committee – Council member Trinks met on 8/14 and 8/28. The Capital Improvement Project Prioritization was discussed. The property tax exemption matter was discussed which is an agenda item. Some discussion was held regarding 330 Windsor Avenue.
Health and Safety – Council member Broxterman - has not met but will meet soon.
Special Projects – Council Member Simon – met on 8/14 and the result of the meeting is item 12 k. on the agenda. Also work was done on the Windsor Brand name project.
Town Improvements Committee - Deputy Mayor Curtis – met on 8/29 regarding 330 Windsor Avenue. Deputy Mayor Curtis gave an overview of the Commission’s meeting. The matter should now be referred to the finance committee. Mayor Hogan referred the items to the Finance Committee.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman. 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 between its intersection with Old Day Hill Road and 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. Roll Call Vote: YES: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks NO: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, An ordinance appropriating $250,000 for public infrastructure improvements to a portion of Day Hill Road in the vicinity between its intersection with Old Day Hill Road and Northfield Drive, and authorizing the issue of $250,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation. Roll Call Vote: YES: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks NO: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
New Business
a. Insurance Commission Report (above)
b. Introduce 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 Council member Trinks indicated this came out of the Finance Committee’s recommendation. This is viewed as a recruiting and retention tool. The ordinance establishes the criteria. Staff has recommended to the Finance Committee that the plan be implemented over a two-year period. The tax credit would be $1,000. Council member Haverstock discussed possible administrative headaches.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, Resolved That the reading of the ordinance entitled 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 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. Roll Call Vote: YES: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks NO: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, To present 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 Roll Call Vote: YES: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks NO: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, Resolved that the Town Council conduct a public hearing on the proposed ordinance, Chapter 5, Section 15 of the Windsor Code, on Monday, September 18, 2000 at 7:15 PM. Roll Call Vote: YES: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Curtis, Council member Albano, Council member Broxterman, Council member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council member Ristas and Council member Trinks NO: None. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
d. Resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a contract with the Connecticut State Library for an LSTA Outreach Programs for Children Grant
Gaye Rizzo said many households don’t have contact with town services in terms of reading formally until the children go to school and this grant would allow staff to go to make home visits to households with new babies, together with other benefits. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Ristas, To pass a resolution which authorizes the Town Manager to enter into a contract with the Connecticut State Library for an LSTA Outreach Programs for Children grant. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Town Manager Churchill gave an overview together with Tom Lenehan. Staff pre-qualified five general contractors and is anticipating three firms to compete for the project.
Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, 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 contracts for the construction of public improvements on Day Hill Road in the vicinity of its intersection with Old Day Hill Road and Northfield Drive The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Tom Lenehan discussed the background of the proposed office complex at 425 Day Hill Road. Access to the complex would require a deceleration lane in the eastbound direction to have vehicles turn into the entrance safely.
Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to recommend the acceptance of a 25 foot wide easement for land along side the property at the proposed office complex at 425 Day Hill Road, upon review and approval of the Town Attorney The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Tom Lenehan gave an overview. Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, Move to recommend the approval of a 20-foot wide sewer easement in favor of the Metropolitan District Commission through land owned by the Town of Windsor at 480 Day Hill Road, upon approval by the Town Attorney The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Tom Lenehan again gave a brief summary of the memorandum contained in council members’ packets.
Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Deputy Mayor Curtis, to recommend the acceptance of a 30 foot wide easement for land alongside the property at the proposed Marriott Hotel on Day Hill Road, upon approval of the Town Attorney The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Town Manager Churchill gave an overview of the proposed bikeway / sidewalk. Tom Lenehan said every abutter will get notification of the public hearing. He suggested it be simply called a sidewalk, not a bikeway. Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, Resolved that the Town Council hereby approves the setting of a public hearing for 7:00 PM on October 2, 2000 in accordance with Section 15-33 of the Code of Ordinances for the purpose of presenting the proposed construction of a sidewalk on Lang Road. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Tom Lenehan said the Council previously approved the application to DOT. This went through the Finance Committee.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, Move that the Town Council hereby approve the setting of a public hearing for 7:00 PM on September 18, 2000 in accordance with the Department of Transportation Local Bridge Program, for the purpose of presenting the proposed repairs to Pioneer Drive culvert. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Dede Moore gave an overview of the language changes. The purpose of the project is to update all administrative pay plan and day care pay plan job descriptions to comply with Americans with Disability Act; our organizational values; and gender language neutrality. Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman, Move that all modifications and deletions of the Administrative Pay Plan and Day Care Pay Plan job descriptions be accepted as provided in the memorandum dated September 5, 2000 and that the following new job descriptions be adopted to the classification plan: Administrative Pay Plan - Grade 1: Group A Public Health Nurse Grade 1: Group B Human Resources Generalist, and Social Worker Grade 2 : Northwest Park Manager, and Partnership Program Coordinator Day Care Pay Plan – Windsor Discovery Center and Caring Connection – Caring Connection Manager, and Adult Day Care Associate Deleted Positions: Library Circulation Manager, Library Technical Assistant, and Accountant The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council member Haverstock made a motion, seconded by Council member Trinks, To table this item until after executive session. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Town Manager Churchill gave an overview. Since the leachate plume extends into the ABB parcel south of the Landfill, it is necessary to acquire this property. Once Cell D is filled with MSW, there could be migration of methane gasses beyond the Landfill property into the ABB land. If this land is controlled by the Landfill, there is no violation of this encroachment. The acquisition cost should be expected to be consistent with market conditions, in the area of $600,000 to $900,000. The Landfill’s Reserve Funds are proposed as the funding source. Council member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano, That the Town Manger be authorized to negotiate a contract for Council review and approval to acquire approximately 98 acres of land next to the present Windsor/Bloomfield Landfill from C-E Windsor Real Estate, LLC. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Town Manager Churchill said the landfill’s permit for MSW expires when it reaches elevation 212 feet which is expected to be in 2004. The State DEP has published a State Solid Waste Plan that clearly states they will no longer permit MSW landfills and encourages the creation of bulky waste facilities.
Council member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon, That the Town Manager initiate negotiations with a suitable operator of the present Landfill in order to address its closure and post-closure responsibilities. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council Member Simon made a motion, seconded by Council member Albano, To table item 13. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council Member Simon. To accept the Minutes of June 12, 2000 Special Council Meeting. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Deputy Mayor Curtis made a motion, seconded by Council member Broxterman Minutes of the August 7, 2000 Regular Council Meetings. The word council is misspelled on the last page and Mr. Giampolo’s name was misspelled. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
At 10:00 p.m. Council Member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Trinks to go into Executive Session. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Present were Council Member Haverstock, Mayor Hogan, Council Member Albano, Council Member Broxterman, Council Member Pacino, Council Member Simon, Council Member Curtis, Council Member Trinks, and Council Member Ristas
Staff present: Town Manager Churchill, Assistant Town Manager Souza, Town Engineer Lenehan, Budget Analyst Freund, Health Director Petrillo, Public Works Director Funk, and Landfill Administrator Slike.
All were present to discuss: At 10:15 p.m. Town Engineer Lenehan, Budget Analyst Freund, Public Works Director Funk, and Landfill Administrator Slike left Executive Session.
At 10:16 p.m. Human Resources Director Moore, Police Chief Searles, and Town Attorney Kevin Deneen entered Executive Session to discuss:
At 10:35 p.m. Human Resources Director Moore, Police Chief Searles, Assistant Town Manager Souza, and Town Manager Churchill left Executive Session.
At 10:40 p.m. Town Manager Churchill re-entered Executive Session for
At 11:20 p.m., Executive Session ended and the Council returned to Regular Session.
Council Member Trinks made a motion, seconded by Council Member Albano, to approve the proposed contract between the Town and the Windsor Police Department Employee Association. The Motion Passed 9-0-0.
Council Member Broxterman made a motion, seconded by Council Member Pacino, to adjourn the regular meeting. Motion passed 9-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 11:22pm
Respectfully submitted,
Abigale LaViolette Clerk of Windsor Town Council
Cc: Town Clerk Main Library Wilson Branch |