OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing - October 21, 2024

Town Council & Planning and Zoning — Monday, October 21, 2024
BodyWindsor, Connecticut
SessionTown Council & Planning and Zoning
DateMonday, October 21, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:00:08

Transcript — Verbatim
1:13

Good evening.

1:14

The time is now 7.20 p.m.

1:16

And welcome to the public hearing of October 21, 2024.

1:20

And before I open it, I would like to read the public notice.

1:24

Actually, in the interest of everyone's ears, I'm going to ask our deputy mayor if she could read the the notes for me.

1:30

Thank you.

1:32

Notice is hereby given that the town council of the Tat of Windsor will hold a virtual and in-person public hearing in the council chambers at the Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad Street on Monday, October 21st at 720 p.m.

1:46

prevailing time to hear public comment on the following items.

1:50

An ordinance appropriating 2.2 million 330,000 dollars for the cost in connection with the Paquanic Elementary School Roof Replacement Project and authorizing issue of $2,330,000 bonds and notes to finance and to finance the appropriation.

2:07

An ordinance appropriate appropriating $980,000 for the cost in connection with the O'Brien Stadium Athletic Field Improvements and authorizing the issue of $980,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation.

2:20

Dated at Windsor dated at Windsor, Connecticut, this 11th day of October 2024.

2:26

A copy of the full text is on file at the office of the town clerk and is available for public inspection.

2:32

Information on how to attend the Zoom meeting via phone or computer will be included in the town council agenda.

2:38

Please go to WWW Town of Windsor CT.com.

2:45

Click on the virtual meeting info button found on the front page and select town council meeting for October 21st, 2024.

2:52

Windsor Town Council.

2:54

By Peter Susa Town Manager.

2:56

With the notice being read, the public hearing is now open.

3:06

Thank you.

3:07

Thank you.

3:09

If there's anyone from the public who would like to address the council, you may do so by raising your hand on your computer by selecting the participants icon on the Zoom menu bar, and then clicking raise hand or by dialing star nine on your phone.

3:23

Please state your name and address.

4:54

We know that's not gonna happen, but the one will suffice and will be needed is necessary for our for the for competition.

5:00

It's necessary for our for the for competition.

5:01

It saves us time from games when it's raining.

5:09

Um we know that there's some some some conversation around the health that comes along with the pellets that might go in the field.

5:17

We know that as people who are here to make sure that we keep our environment and our kids safe, particularly our kids in my case, that we if we knew that definitively that there was something going on with those pellets, that we would not put our kids on that field.

5:31

And so that would now that we we don't know that definitively, we look to try to make sure that we continue along that same line of putting down the turf field, of making sure that kids are on a competitive edge is up to date.

5:44

Some of the schools that we participate against have several turf fields.

5:47

We know that our coaches and some of the coaches are here tonight.

5:51

We fight every day for that turf field, um, particularly because it does create a natural feel for what they're gonna look on look for when they go out in the and play against these other teams.

6:03

We have 27 varsity teams.

6:06

We have about 17 uh sorry, about nine programs that use that field in the fall, and about another five or six that use it into in the spring.

6:15

We don't typically use it in the winter, but it's always busy.

6:19

And I and I'm I bet if you bought parks and recreation in here, because we typically work closely with them.

6:25

We have a middle school programs that use it in particularly as well.

6:28

So we it gets a lot of usage, a lot of usage in putting grass down.

6:33

I'm not sure how the town would keep grass viable to play upon.

6:38

Um I know I'm jumping around, but um it's important for our kids.

6:44

It's important for us and for our programming that we make sure that we we put this this turf pack down next summer.

6:52

We already have the plans, we have already talked to the contractors, we've already gotten all these things together.

6:58

So we look forward to making sure that our kids have the best possible playing surface out there.

7:03

Thank you.

7:04

Thank you, thank you.

7:24

Okay.

7:40

Sorry.

7:41

Uh good evening.

7:42

Uh my name is Brandon Jubri, uh 34 Jubri Drive, uh Windsor.

7:46

So uh I'm here just to uh offer support and echo uh Mr.

7:51

Fulton's comments about the turf field.

7:53

So I run a youth flag football program.

7:56

We use the turf field extensively.

7:58

Uh I'd like to think that it provides a um nice addition to the uh already um to the activities that are already offered in town.

8:08

But uh I can say firsthand that the uh turf field is a huge positive.

8:14

Um I agree with Chris.

8:16

There could be um use for another turf field in town, uh if we're being honest.

8:22

So uh I think it, you know, at least as far as um, you know, operator of the youth flag program in town, the turf field offers um, you know, an a great space uh for the activity to happen, rain or shine.

8:38

Uh it's allowed us to bring in outside um or I'll say local businesses like a food truck or a um uh hot dog truck and other vendors uh will come to the field.

8:50

Uh I don't know that that's possible without that space in town.

8:54

Um and I can tell you we've uh I've personally been asked to bring the lead to other towns um that do have a turf field.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████17%
Public Works Week██████████████14%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Water And Wastewater Management████████████12%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Youth Programs████████8%
Capital Improvement███████7%
Special Events████4%
Public Health████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Windsor Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing - October 21, 2024

The Windsor Town Council held a public hearing at 7:20 PM followed by a regular meeting at 7:40 PM on October 21, 2024, at Windsor Town Hall. The council considered two bond ordinances, received reports from several boards and commissions, and approved multiple grants and administrative items.

Public Hearing (7:20 PM)

  • Bond Ordinance: Poquonock Elementary School Roof Replacement – Appropriation of $2,330,000 for roof replacement (67,000 sq. ft., over 25 years old).
  • Bond Ordinance: O'Brien Stadium Athletic Field Improvements – Appropriation of $980,000 for replacement of the synthetic turf field (installed 2014, reached lifespan).
  • Public Comments on Turf Field: Six speakers (Chris Fulton – Athletic Director, Brandon Jubri – youth flag football operator, Rick Hazelton – former Trinity College Athletic Director, Shadi Dearing – soccer program member, Paul Broxterman – high school football coach, Rob Fleeting – head football coach) expressed strong support for the turf field replacement, citing usage by multiple sports, safety concerns over grass fields, and competitive advantage. One speaker noted the field is used by 27 varsity teams and about nine programs in fall. Another speaker mentioned the turf field attracts local vendors.

Public Comments & Testimony (Regular Meeting)

  • Pat Gardner (resident) announced an upcoming presentation on an archaeological dig at Archer Memorial AME Zion Church, inviting the public to attend on October 26, 2024, at 1 PM in the council chambers.

Reports of Appointed Boards and Commissions

  • Public Building Commission (Commissioner Hazleton): Provided updates on 14 projects; nine are expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. Notable: Fire station roof replacement (construction starts late October), Oliver Ellsworth School humidity mitigation (punch list items), Sage Park Middle School HVAC (phase 2 & 3 substantially complete). Discussed icing concerns at Wilson fire station; investigation ongoing, may require powered exhaust fan.
  • Wilson Deerfield Advisory Committee (Charles Jackson): Reported on committee activities including Earth Day cleanup (expanded to Deerfield neighborhood), meetings with library, mayor, engineering firm for river trail, and Chamber of Commerce. Announced a special meeting to discuss issues at 11 Wilson Avenue.
  • Metropolitan District Commission (Commissioner Abadesian and Gary Johnson): Provided updates on operations: MDC filling 430 of 447 positions; donations from customers (317 donations totaling $617 in September); Windsor residents assisted (30 year-to-date, $9,000). Water reservoirs near full (94-96%). MDC replacing laterals up to $10,000 per household at MDC cost. Moving water meters from inside houses to outside. Lead testing and PFAS monitoring ongoing. Noted no increase in ad valorem tax expected for FY25. Two resident issues resolved.

Discussion Items

  • Town Manager Report (Scott Colby): Announced early voting details (October 21 – November 3, 2024, at Town Hall), same-day registration, leaf collection program (October 28 – December 20), flu clinics (October 29 & 30), and new pedestrian crossing signals at Route 159/Deerfield Road and Broad Street/Batchelder Road (concurrent pedestrian phasing). Councilor Ellaveld requested educational information on the new crossing system.
  • Ordinances (Unfinished Business):
    • Poquonock Elementary School Roof Replacement – Council waived reading and approved the ordinance 9-0 after staff explained the project scope and state grant (50% reimbursement).
    • O'Brien Stadium Turf Field Replacement – Council waived reading and approved the ordinance 9-0 after extensive discussion. Staff noted reverting to natural grass would cost approximately $1.3 million upfront plus $55,000/year maintenance (vs. $18,000 for turf), reduce field usage capacity, and increase injury risk. Environmental concerns were addressed: no PFOS in materials, and health agencies do not find tangible releases. Wood-based infill alternative was considered but not recommended due to unproven longevity.
  • New Business:
    • Reapproval of Purchase Orders – Council approved (8-0) reapproval of three remaining FY24 purchase orders (total $102,994) until January 6, 2025, for compensation studies and a DPW vehicle delayed by supply chain.
    • Release of Drainage Right-of-Way – Council approved (9-0) releasing a state drainage right-of-way at 458 Windsor Avenue in favor of a right-to-drain and requiring town maintenance of the pipe from Route 159 to Decker's Brook, part of Wilson Park construction.
    • Senior Resident Grant – Council accepted (9-0) a $20,000 state grant for residents age 55 and older, to continue free pool access and backyard cleanups (via STEP program), and add adult swim lessons and senior swim periods.
    • Youth Violence Prevention Grant – Council accepted (9-0) a $15,000 state grant to support the Youth Services Bureau, including free teen center access at 330 Windsor Avenue (average 35 students per evening), free youth pool passes (over 200 participants last summer), and mental health/social-emotional learning programs.
  • Resignation and Appointments: Accepted resignation of Michael Champlin from the Board of Ethics (9-0). Reviewed list of appointments for next meeting.
  • Minutes: Approved minutes of October 7, 2024, regular meeting (9-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Approved ordinances (both 9-0): $2,330,000 for Poquonock Elementary School roof replacement; $980,000 for O'Brien Stadium turf field replacement.
  • Approved purchase orders reapproval (8-0).
  • Approved drainage right-of-way release (9-0).
  • Approved senior grant ($20,000) and youth violence prevention grant ($15,000) (both 9-0).
  • Accepted Board of Ethics resignation (9-0).
  • Approved meeting minutes (9-0).

No executive session was held. The meeting adjourned after announcements about upcoming town events.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. The time is now 7.20 p.m. And welcome to the public hearing of October 21, 2024. And before I open it, I would like to read the public notice. Actually, in the interest of everyone's ears, I'm going to ask our deputy mayor if she could read the the notes for me. Thank you. Notice is hereby given that the town council of the Tat of Windsor will hold a virtual and in-person public hearing in the council chambers at the Windsor Town Hall, 275 Broad Street on Monday, October 21st at 720 p.m. prevailing time to hear public comment on the following items. An ordinance appropriating 2.2 million 330,000 dollars for the cost in connection with the Paquanic Elementary School Roof Replacement Project and authorizing issue of $2,330,000 bonds and notes to finance and to finance the appropriation. An ordinance appropriate appropriating $980,000 for the cost in connection with the O'Brien Stadium Athletic Field Improvements and authorizing the issue of $980,000 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation. Dated at Windsor dated at Windsor, Connecticut, this 11th day of October 2024. A copy of the full text is on file at the office of the town clerk and is available for public inspection. Information on how to attend the Zoom meeting via phone or computer will be included in the town council agenda. Please go to WWW Town of Windsor CT.com. Click on the virtual meeting info button found on the front page and select town council meeting for October 21st, 2024. Windsor Town Council. By Peter Susa Town Manager. With the notice being read, the public hearing is now open. Thank you. Thank you. If there's anyone from the public who would like to address the council, you may do so by raising your hand on your computer by selecting the participants icon on the Zoom menu bar, and then clicking raise hand or by dialing star nine on your phone. Please state your name and address. We know that's not gonna happen, but the one will suffice and will be needed is necessary for our for the for competition. It's necessary for our for the for competition. It saves us time from games when it's raining. Um we know that there's some some some conversation around the health that comes along with the pellets that might go in the field. We know that as people who are here to make sure that we keep our environment and our kids safe, particularly our kids in my case, that we if we knew that definitively that there was something going on with those pellets, that we would not put our kids on that field. And so that would now that we we don't know that definitively, we look to try to make sure that we continue along that same line of putting down the turf field, of making sure that kids are on a competitive edge is up to date. Some of the schools that we participate against have several turf fields. We know that our coaches and some of the coaches are here tonight. We fight every day for that turf field, um, particularly because it does create a natural feel for what they're gonna look on look for when they go out in the and play against these other teams. We have 27 varsity teams. We have about 17 uh sorry, about nine programs that use that field in the fall, and about another five or six that use it into in the spring. We don't typically use it in the winter, but it's always busy. And I and I'm I bet if you bought parks and recreation in here, because we typically work closely with them. We have a middle school programs that use it in particularly as well. So we it gets a lot of usage, a lot of usage in putting grass down. I'm not sure how the town would keep grass viable to play upon. Um I know I'm jumping around, but um it's important for our kids. It's important for us and for our programming that we make sure that we we put this this turf pack down next summer. We already have the plans, we have already talked to the contractors, we've already gotten all these things together. So we look forward to making sure that our kids have the best possible playing surface out there. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Okay. Sorry. Uh good evening. Uh my name is Brandon Jubri, uh 34 Jubri Drive, uh Windsor. So uh I'm here just to uh offer support and echo uh Mr. Fulton's comments about the turf field.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com