OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing – June 3, 2024

Town Council & Planning and Zoning — Monday, June 3, 2024
BodyWindsor, Connecticut
SessionTown Council & Planning and Zoning
DateMonday, June 3, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:45:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

We don't want to put a road down the middle of it.

0:02

Um my father didn't, my grandfather didn't.

0:05

So we really want to preserve it.

0:07

And this is the first step going forward to help us achieve that goal of preserving our our farm forever.

0:16

I hope you uh want to work with us.

0:18

We've been working with the uh plantowning conservation.

0:21

I'm plant zoning commission, Peter.

0:25

And the residents have been very supportive.

0:27

A lot of them called in when we had the T P and Z meeting to support it.

0:30

Um they're glad to see farmland uh expanding.

0:34

And as as part of the Windsor Land Trust, I'm thrilled to see something switching from residential to agriculture.

0:42

Because normally it goes the other way.

0:44

Let's face it.

0:46

Thank you.

0:47

Thank you.

1:15

Okay, here we go.

1:17

Good evening.

1:19

Council people and our distinguished town manager Pete Peter Sousa.

1:26

Uh my wife and I, Diane, we've been residents of Windsor for 23 years.

1:37

We're located uh opposite St.

1:41

Gertrude's church on Matthew Avenue.

1:45

And a couple facts.

1:49

Windsor is one of six towns and cities that still pay their property tax once a year.

1:58

For your information.

2:01

I think he's in a right.

2:04

I think this gentleman is speaking for the general meeting, not this public hearing.

2:11

I don't think he's aware of that.

2:13

So sir, I'm very sorry.

2:15

This is a public me uh public hearing dedicated to the um the tree uh parcel of land that's going to be changing in its tran its um designation.

2:26

Our regular council meeting starts at seven thirty, in which we'll have public comment in which you can speak about the budget or anything else you want.

2:34

But this meeting you have to speak about this parcel of land transfer for this special meeting.

2:39

Special public hearing.

2:41

The reason I say this is uh just for your information, the city of Hartford pays their taxes.

2:48

So, sir, I would I'm just gonna ask you that please come back at seven thirty and stop your comment now.

2:53

We'll listen to you at seven thirty.

2:55

It's unfortunate, but this you cannot talk about that subject right now until our regular town council meeting starts and the public hearing's seven thirty.

3:05

Seven thirty.

3:06

Okay.

3:06

Sorry about that.

3:08

Thank you.

3:19

All right.

3:20

Seeing uh no other commentary.

3:24

All right, we will bring this public hearing to a close.

3:30

Thank you, and we'll reconvene in about three minutes.

3:34

Let me just go tell her.

5:41

Good evening and welcome to our town council meeting of June 3rd, 2024.

5:47

And it looks as if all counselors are accounted for.

5:50

And so we'll move directly to our prayer and or reflection by Counselor Ellivelt.

5:55

Thank you very much, ma'am, mayor.

5:58

May we bow our heads.

6:00

May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do wherever you go.

6:05

Walking with God means walking with honesty and with courage, walking with love and respect and concern for the feelings of others.

6:15

May you talk to God this summer and every day and in every situation.

6:21

Talking with God means praying wording words of praise for the beauty of creation, saying prayers of thanks for friends in good times, asking God's help in all your decisions, expressing sorrow when you have failed.

6:38

May you talk with God every day.

6:41

Amen.

6:42

And the Pledge of Allegiance.

7:02

Thank you, Councilor Eliveld.

7:04

This evening we have no proclamations and awards, so we'll move directly to public communications and petitions.

7:10

If anyone from the public would like to address the council, and before I continue, um Gary, if possible, if we can turn the volume up.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Public Engagement███████████████15%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Planning and Zoning███████7%
Economic Development███████7%
Education and Youth█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Tax Exemptions█████5%
Public Works████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing – June 3, 2024

The meeting began with a special public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Plan of Conservation and Development to change the future land use designation of two parcels (5T and 105 Birchwood Road) from low-density residential and open space to agricultural. The regular town council meeting followed, covering budget-related citizen comments, reports, approval of grants, road design funding, property tax relief ordinances, and appointments. All votes were 9-0 unless otherwise noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Public Hearing on Birchwood Road: A speaker (family member of the property owner) urged preservation of the farm, noting support from the Planning & Zoning Commission and residents. No opposition was voiced. Another speaker attempted to comment on general tax issues but was redirected to the later public comment period.
  • Regular Meeting Public Comment:
    • Richard A. Rodkowski (295 King's Landing) argued that paying property taxes once a year is a burden on seniors, called for a reduction in assessments, and suggested year-round school and consolidated school bus routes.
    • Linda Rickard (62 Sycamore Street, 50-year resident) expressed frustration over vacant commercial buildings in Windsor Center, specifically the Windsor Plaza Building owned by Sashdev Real Estate Development Group, and called for action to require business use of such properties.
    • George Slate (74 Ethan Drive) criticized the town's budget decisions, noting that a $355,000 expenditure reduction was partially offset by a $144,000 tax increase. He urged raising the income limit for senior tax credits from $60,000 to $67,000 and suggested a simple referendum question on the budget.
    • Kazakh Skatulus (Two Strawberry Hill) asked how many illegal immigrant children attend Windsor Public Schools and how many illegal immigrants live in Windsor, claiming they cause taxpayer fund use.
    • Coralie Jones (1171 Manneannick Avenue) reminded the council of D-Day (June 6) and lamented young people's lack of awareness of sacrifices; she also shared information from Dr. Sashdev about the Windsor Plaza Building, stating the theater needs a viable business to support its opening.
    • George Slate (second appearance) urged the council to make a motion to extend meetings before the last minute (referencing the previous meeting's adjournment timing) and commented on OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) underfunding, noting the town pays $2.3 million annually due to past neglect.
    • Cecilia Garipe (43 Poquanic Avenue) praised the town's free English as a second language and citizenship test classes, stating they make her proud of Windsor, and hoped the program would continue.

Discussion Items

  • Amend Plan of Conservation & Development (Birchwood Road): Town Manager Peter Sousa explained the request does not change zoning but updates the future land use plan to agricultural, enabling permanent preservation. The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on May 21st with no dissent. The council voted 9-0 to recommend the amendment.
  • Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Applications: Flavia Ray De Castro presented three applications: Windsor Police Cadets ($7,500 for sponsorships), Madina Academy ($150,000 for energy-efficient windows/doors), and Oliver Venois Foundation ($30,000 for personal care packages). The program provides tax credits to corporations that fund these projects. The council approved the applications 9-0.
  • Land Donation – 400 Deerfield Road: Town Engineer Suzanne Chote reported the 1.5-acre floodplain parcel (assessed at $7,910, taxes ~$266/year) is being donated by Ms. Janet Cohen for the Windsor River Trail. No cost to the town. Planning & Zoning recommended acceptance on March 19, 2024. The council voted 9-0 to accept the donation.
  • Prospect Hill Road Design Funding: The council approved $70,000 from Capital Projects for design of a pavement rehabilitation project (Lang Road to Day Hill Road, ~1 mile, 3,200 vehicles/day). Construction ($825,000) is 100% state-funded via LOTSIP grant.
  • Marshall Phelps Road Design Funding: The council approved $80,000 from Capital Projects for design of pavement rehabilitation (Bloomfield Avenue to Day Hill Road, ~1.1 miles, 5,500 vehicles/day), including bike lanes. Construction ($1,175,000) is 100% state-funded.
  • Property Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled – Ordinance Introduction: Assistant Town Manager Scott Colby proposed increasing the local match from 50% to 100% of the state benefit. Currently 337 participants; cost would rise from $305,000 to ~$434,000. The council voted 9-0 to introduce the ordinance and set a public hearing for June 17, 2024 at 7:20 p.m.
  • Veterans Exemption – Ordinance Introduction: Scott Colby proposed increasing the local exemption from $11,000 to $20,000 (maximum allowed by state law), benefitting 63 income-qualified veterans. The benefit per veteran would rise from ~$334 to ~$607, costing an additional $15,170 (total $38,270). The council voted 9-0 to introduce the ordinance and set a public hearing for June 17, 2024 at 7:20 p.m.
  • Minutes of May 20, 2024 Meeting: A dispute arose over whether the motion to extend and adjourn were properly recorded. Councilor Helke noted they occurred after the 11:00 p.m. deadline. A motion to table failed 5-4, and the minutes were tabled for review. (Final action: tabled.)
  • Resignations and Appointments: The council submitted a list of appointments for consideration, except for Victoria Virgo Christie, whose name was removed. No vote taken.

Key Outcomes

  • Birchwood Road Land Use Amendment: Recommended to Planning & Zoning Commission (9-0).
  • Neighborhood Assistance Act Applications: Approved (9-0).
  • Land Donation (400 Deerfield Road): Accepted (9-0).
  • Prospect Hill Road Design Funding: $70,000 approved (9-0).
  • Marshall Phelps Road Design Funding: $80,000 approved (9-0).
  • Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief Ordinance: Introduced, public hearing set for June 17, 2024 at 7:20 p.m. (9-0).
  • Veterans Exemption Ordinance: Introduced, public hearing set for June 17, 2024 at 7:20 p.m. (9-0).
  • Minutes of May 20, 2024: Tabled for review after a 5-4 vote on the tabling motion.
  • Executive Session: Council moved into executive session for strategy and negotiations regarding collective bargaining with the Windsor Police Employee Association.

Meeting Transcript

We don't want to put a road down the middle of it. Um my father didn't, my grandfather didn't. So we really want to preserve it. And this is the first step going forward to help us achieve that goal of preserving our our farm forever. I hope you uh want to work with us. We've been working with the uh plantowning conservation. I'm plant zoning commission, Peter. And the residents have been very supportive. A lot of them called in when we had the T P and Z meeting to support it. Um they're glad to see farmland uh expanding. And as as part of the Windsor Land Trust, I'm thrilled to see something switching from residential to agriculture. Because normally it goes the other way. Let's face it. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, here we go. Good evening. Council people and our distinguished town manager Pete Peter Sousa. Uh my wife and I, Diane, we've been residents of Windsor for 23 years. We're located uh opposite St. Gertrude's church on Matthew Avenue. And a couple facts. Windsor is one of six towns and cities that still pay their property tax once a year. For your information. I think he's in a right. I think this gentleman is speaking for the general meeting, not this public hearing. I don't think he's aware of that. So sir, I'm very sorry. This is a public me uh public hearing dedicated to the um the tree uh parcel of land that's going to be changing in its tran its um designation. Our regular council meeting starts at seven thirty, in which we'll have public comment in which you can speak about the budget or anything else you want. But this meeting you have to speak about this parcel of land transfer for this special meeting. Special public hearing. The reason I say this is uh just for your information, the city of Hartford pays their taxes. So, sir, I would I'm just gonna ask you that please come back at seven thirty and stop your comment now. We'll listen to you at seven thirty. It's unfortunate, but this you cannot talk about that subject right now until our regular town council meeting starts and the public hearing's seven thirty. Seven thirty. Okay. Sorry about that. Thank you. All right. Seeing uh no other commentary. All right, we will bring this public hearing to a close. Thank you, and we'll reconvene in about three minutes. Let me just go tell her. Good evening and welcome to our town council meeting of June 3rd, 2024. And it looks as if all counselors are accounted for. And so we'll move directly to our prayer and or reflection by Counselor Ellivelt. Thank you very much, ma'am, mayor. May we bow our heads.

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