Landfill Update
The gas collection system at the landfill is operating although its efficiency has been reduced given the significant amount of rainfall last week. This is being caused by the fact that a number of the vertical wells have more water in them than usual. SCS Engineers were on site Friday working to make adjustments to the overall systems to account for the high water levels. Earlier this year we installed a "jumper" or bypass around the underground sump to help ensure the system could continue to operate if the sump was filled with water. At this time, the system continues to be challenged as a result of the large amounts of rainfall this past weekend. We anticipate it will take the better part of this week for the ground water to lower enough for the system to run efficiently.

Landfill staff took precautionary steps last week to apply additional clay cover material in a few areas along the south and southwest edges of the bulky waste cells to help minimize any H2S from escaping in the event that the collection system malfunctioned. Staff continued to monitor the system throughout the weekend to ensure it remained operational.

Depending on weather conditions this week, there may be H2S odors. We will continue to monitor the situation.

We have updated the town’s website with this information and sent an email notification to residents in the area.

1st Annual Canoe Race on the Green a Success for All
I would like to recognize the Windsor Kiwanis Club for their efforts in coordinating the 1st Annual Canoe Race on the Green in support of the Windsor Food Bank. More than 2,500 pounds of food and $600 in cash donation were collected to assist those in need in the Windsor community.

I would also like to recognize the efforts of all Town of Windsor employees for their donations. The Caring Connection staff and clients won 1st Place in our 1st Annual inter-departmental competition - collecting the most food, and leading the Town of Windsor employee’s canoe to victory in the Kiwanis race.
 

Weekend Flooding Update
I would like to provide a brief status report on the storm damage, and clean up activities from this past weekend as a result of the large amount of rain we received.

Friday night’s rain created a busy night and day for all of our emergency personnel and the Department of Public Works. The intensity and duration of the rain event on top of the already saturated ground made for a "bad recipe". The following is an overview of the more significant damage reports to public infrastructure:

• Pleasant Street near the Railroad Bridge is impassable due to significant pavement damage and undermining of the road base.

• White Rock Drive was washed out near the very end of the street. DPW crews filled the washout with stone material. The road is passable.

• A small section of Stagecoach Road sustained damage due to erosion of an adjacent embankment. The road is passable.

• A portion of Pierson Lane sidewalk collapsed as it was undermined. Roughly a 20-foot section is not usable and has been cordoned off.

• Route 75 in the vicinity of Holcomb Hill Road and Marshal Phelps was partially undermined. The road is passable.

• Route 305 just east of Addison Road was also damaged. The road is passable.

• Route 305 at the town line with Bloomfield was washed over. The road is passable.

• Part of a wall surrounding a drainage pond gave way in the Merriman Road area and eroded an area adjacent to the street. Public Works is filling the area and will review methods to deal with the wall.

• Some erosion occurred adjacent to the road at River Street near Strawberry Hill. This section is above a culvert that carries a brook under the street.

• A stone dust pathway at Northwest Park was eroded away near the pond. This will be filled in.

• A small area in the far back corner of Veteran’s Cemetery was washed out. This area is no where near any of the graves at the site.

• A block wall at #110 Day Hill Road partially collapsed, but did not block the road.

• There was a back up of water at West Wolcott Avenue caused by I-291. We will investigate this issue with the DOT.


Obviously there were many basements and yards flooded. The Fire Department responded to as many as possible to assess the situation. Due to the number of calls and other higher priorities the Fire Department would not generally pump out a basement unless it was a life safety issue.

We were in regular contact with Farmington Power Company and spent time on Saturday afternoon with DEP inspectors at the dam. Although there was some erosion on the side of the dike the DEP engineers and Farmington Power officials felt comfortable with the condition of the dam and dike.

Early Saturday we contacted residents living in the Farmington River 100-year flood plain as a proactive, precautionary measure to inform them of the potential yard and road flooding that could occur within the next 24-hour period. When the precautionary notice was lifted, they were contacted once again and given that information. No persons were evacuated.

The Emergency Operations Center was closed at 4:30pm on Saturday.

My thanks go out to all of the police, fire and public works personnel, along with emergency management volunteers who worked through this situation. Special thanks to Chief Bill Lewis, Captain Tom LePore, and Charles Petrillo for their assistance.

 

Flu Clinic 2005
Flu and Pneumonia immunization clinics for Windsor residents will be conducted at the L.P. Wilson Community Center on Wednesday, November 9th, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM and Thursday, November 17, 2005 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

The cost for the Flu Shot is $15.00 and for the Pneumonia Shot is $15.00. The shots are FREE for seniors age 65 and above who are covered by Medicare Part B or Health Net Smart Choice. No other insurance cards will be accepted.

Those wishing to pre-register for either clinic date can do so by phone on Monday, October 24 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The phone number to call is 285-1883. For more information about the clinics, call 285-1824 or 285-1992.

 

Over Height Detectors
The DOT contractor for the installation of the overheight detectors for the Palisado Rail Bridge is expected to start the foundation work next week. This work will be performed near the intersection of route 75 and 159 for the northbound direction, and Route 159 near Pierson Lane for the southbound direction approaching the bridge.