Jeffrey J. Ives,
First Selectman
Joseph R. Calsetta
Denise T. Balboni
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Catherine Jeffery,
Chair
Gary W. LaPalme
Donna M. Murphy,
Assessor
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT
APPEALS
James E. Cannon,
III, Chair
Joseph H. LaPierre,
Jr.
Karen E. Reid
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Patricia L. King,
Chair
Margaret M. Byrne
Douglas A. Hamilton
Brenda O’Leary Ives
Ralph Leiper
Susan W. O’Brien,
Superintendent of Schools
BOARD OF FINANCE
Malcolm K.
Hamilton, Chair
Douglas C. Glazier
Ronald N. King
Andrew J. Kulas
Cornelius O’Leary
Steven N. Wawruck,
Jr.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
James Plumridge
CONSTABLES
Michael J.
Biedrzycki
James E. Cannon,
III
Marc C. Cenci
Hugh Donagher
Daniel A. Flanagan
Dennis A.
Gragnolati
George M. Hall
FIRE COMMISSION
Alan C. Keney,
Chair
Daniel F. Riley,
Sr., Vice Chair
Nicholas J.
Giaccone, Jr.
David G. Montemerlo
FIRE MARSHAL
Michael L.
Sinsigalli
JUDGE OF PROBATE
William C. Leary
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Mark Horan
James E. Cannon,
III
Margaret M.
Sayers
Margaret M. Byrne
Suzanne O. Cannon
Lyle H. Cate
Joseph W. Flynn
Saul Goldfarb
William R. Hamel
Edward E. Lanati
Elizabeth A. Cenci
Camille Miller
Carolyn T. Banas
Jane V. Hall
Douglas A. Hamilton
Edward N.
Stevensen, Jr.
Dale A. Storms
PARK COMMISSION
Philip F.
Famiglietti, Chair
Dennis A.
Gragnolati
James M. Hussey
Christopher J.
Kervick
William J. Latorra
Darren J. Netto
David L. Farr,
Recreation
Director
POLICE COMMISSION
Neal F. Cunningham,
Chair
James E. Gaylord
George M. Hall
Edward E. Lanati
Roger E. Nelson
Christine E.
Smedick
CHIEF OF POLICE
John T. Suchocki,
Jr.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Janet Orio
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
Sandra Rabbett
Hebert
Eleanor H. Leonard
Elizabeth M.
Bartley, Deputy
Mary Ann Skala,
Deputy
SEWER COMMISSION/WPCA
Jeffrey J. Ives,
President/Chair
Joseph R. Calsetta
Denise T. Balboni
Kenneth A.
McCauley, Jr.
Ruth M. Cate
Roger J. Ignazio
Gary A. Lauito
John D. McSweegan,
III
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Margaret Sayers
STATE SENATOR
John A. Kissel
TAX COLLECTOR
Donna S. Kupernik
TOWN CLERK
William R. Hamel
Eileen G. Riner,
Assistant
Polly Ann Storms,
Assistant
Martha C. Cronin,
Assistant
TOWN TREASURER
Eleanor H. Leonard
Barbara J.
Bertrand, Deputy
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Robert S. Tarascio,
Chair
Howard H. Aspinwall
Shana O’Connor
Robert S. Rosenberg
Jerre L. Forbes
Donna B. LeBlanc,
Alternate
Joseph W. Lawsing,
Alternate
Margaret M. Byrne,
Alternate
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS
Victor J. Puia,
Director
CONN RIVER ASSEMBLY
Richard J. Frawley,
Rep.
Jane M. MacDonough,
Alternate
Rep.
COMMISSION ON THE
NEEDS OF THE AGING
Lacinda VanGieson,
Chair
Frances M. Urbank
George J. Mumblo
Carole Cook
Marcia H. Hickey
Edward E. Lanati
Stanley Downs
Barbara Sullivan
John Sullivan,
Municipal Agent
SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR
Sarah O’Rourke
CT NORTH CENTRAL TOURISM BUREAU
Joseph. D. Bonito
Margaret Sayers
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Richard J. Frawley,
Chair
Eleanor H. Leonard
William A. Howes
Roger E. Nelson
Mihir K. Patel
Michael Russo,
Alternate
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Joseph Bonito
Michael A.
Czarnecki
Leslie Stansfield
James Pearce
James Anderson
ECONOMIC & INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Norman H. Boucher,
Chair
Edward N.
Stevensen, Jr.
Eric J. Refsnider
Kellie A. Cameron
Joe Doering
Richard P. Brown,
Jr.
Richard Pease
Janet Ramsey
Carl Philbrick
Michael S. Ciarcia
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Edward V. Sabotka,
Chair
Helen P. Olisky
Lewis B. Pultz
Sr. Helen T. Ryan
Franc G. Taylor
Betty-Ann Reilly,
Ex. Director
HOUSING CODE OF APPEALS
Shane P. O’Connor
Melvin E.
Hendershot
David M. Ford
Shirley O. King
Edward J. Langan
Marc C. Cenci,
Alternate
L. Jean Glazier,
Alternate
HOUSING CODE REVIEW BOARD
Joseph C. Becker,
Chair
Fred R. Miclon
Raymond H.
Ouellette
David M. Ford
INLAND WETLANDS AGENCY
Diane G. Dulka,
Chair
Howard H. Aspinwall
Marshall H. Brown
John D. McSweegan,
III
William C. Hamilton
Nicholas J.
Giaccone, Jr.
Pauline G. Taylor
Michael J. Malone
Gary LaPalme
Joseph Lawsing,
Alternate
JUNK CAR REMOVAL APPEALS
Robert L. Lapointe
Louis C.
Carpentieri
Anthony Giannelli
Mary Zukowski,
Alternate
Peter C. Farr,
Alternate
MARINE OFFICER
William J.
Fournier, Jr.
MUNICIPAL RESOURCE RECOVERY
Gary B. LeClair
Carol R. Cutler
Susan H. Landolina
Karen Reid
Janice L. Zdun
Raymond Ruel,
Alternate
Roger W. Sullivan,
Alternate
SOCIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR
Janet Leiper
WELFARE DIRECTOR
Jeffrey J. Ives
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Alan Giannuscio,
Chair
Michelle J. Phelps
Vincent Zimnoch
Kimberly A.
Blackburn
Marshall H. Brown
Ralph Leiper,
Alternate
Brian P. Michaud,
Alternate
Janet Raysay,
Alternate
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Scott Lappen
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
William R. Hamel
Eileen G. Riner,
Assistant
Martha C. Cronin,
Assistant
Polly Ann Storms,
Assistant
John J. Lee,
Assistant
Charles A. Polomba,
Sub
Richard L. Carmon,
Sub
TOWN COUNSEL
Christopher R.
Stone
TOWN ENGINEER
Joseph R. Russo
TREE WARDEN
Scott Lappen
NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH
William H. Blitz
Matthew Farr, Rep.
Janet Leiper, Rep.
YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU
ADVISORY COMMISSION
Steve Brown
Melissa Hickey
Eric J. Refsnider
Janet Leiper
Dorinda Little
Lauren Makowski
Kenneth Precourt
Christine Wrabel
Jake Neri
Sharon Neri
WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC LIBRARY, INC. BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Gloria Malec,
President &
Director
Lisa LaGanke, Vice
President
& Treasurer
Susan Bushnik,
Secretary
Virginia
Blanchfield
Lorna Hamilton
Raymond Jackson
Kenneth Manning
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
The Board of
Assessors is charged with the responsibilities of establishing the fair market
value of all Real Estate, Personal Property and Motor Vehicles in the Town of
Windsor Locks. The Board of Assessor’s
is an elected Board that consists of three members. Catherine Jeffery is the Chairperson, while Mark Cenci and Gary
LaPalme are the other Board members. To
comply with the above charges, there is an appointed Assessor that manages the
Assessor’s Office.
The current Assessor for the
Town of Windsor Locks is Donna Murphy.
Donna Murphy has been working in the Town’s Assessor’s office for over
ten years. Mrs. Murphy continues to be
assisted by Debbie Gifford.
Inspections of properties for
new construction, additions, decks, pools, garages, etc are also the
responsibility of the Assessor’s office.
Once inspections are complete, current values are established for any
changes. The Assessor’s Office also
assesses all Personal Property and Motor Vehicles located in Town.
In addition to determining
values, the Assessor’s Office administers State and Local programs designed to
give residents tax relief. These
programs are designed to help the Elderly, Veterans, and totally disabled
taxpayers. Any resident that has
questions or would like further information on any relief programs can either
call or stop by the Assessor’s Office.
The Town’s assessment
information can now be accessed through the Internet. You can access this information through a link with the Town’s
home page, or from www.visionappraisal.com. If a resident has any questions regarding
the web site, e-mail can be sent directly to the Assessor from this site.
The Assessor’s Office is
working on finalizing a Town-wide GIS (Geographic Information System). This system will prove to be valuable for
almost all Boards and Commissions associated with the Town. The system contains all boundary lines,
zoning, inland and wetland, and sewer information in a computerized format. A
new layer is currently being developed that will be utilized by the Town of Windsor
Locks Fire Department. This layer identifies
all fire hydrants and street addresses. You may view this and other information
by accessing the
Town’s GIS website at http://online4.cdm.com/website/windsorlocks/.
The Town completed a
Revaluation for the 2003 Grand List, resulting in an increase in the Real
Estate portion of the Grand List. The
Grand List totals for the 2003 are:
Real Estate
Net Assessment
5140 $762,566,400
Personal Property Net
Assessment
680
$146,875,666
Motor Vehicles
Net Assessment
23,774 $137,166,188
The top taxpayers for the 2002
Grand List are:
1. United
Technologies Corporation
$80,869,320
2. American
RE Holdings
$22,909,500
3. PV
Holding Corporation
$22,261,950
4. Ahlstrom
Dexter LLC
$15,128,660
5. Hertz
Vehicles LLC
$13,523,975
6. United
Parcel Service Inc
$13,360,810
7. Roncari
Development Company
$
11,454,500
8. Computer
Science Corporation
$
9,585,010
9. Urban
Growth Property Trust
$ 9,387,500
10. EQI
Financing Partnership III LP
$
9,103,700
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT
APPEALS
The Board of
Assessment Appeals is a three member elected Board. The Board’s function is to hear the appeals of those who feel
they have been aggrieved by the doings of the Assessor.
According to State
Statutes, the Board meets in the Spring to hear appeals on Real Estate, Motor
Vehicles, or Personal Property from the previous October’s Grand List.
The Board also
meets during the month of September to hear appeals for Motor Vehicles only.
Any taxpayer that
wishes to appeal an assessment may contact the Assessor’s Office to obtain
further information on obtaining an application for an appeal.
Annual Report 2003-2004
Windsor
Locks Public Schools continued to “Move Forward Together” as we provided the finest
education opportunities we could responsibly afford.
The
Leadership Team Retreat and the Leadership Team/Board of Education Retreat heralded
a new era in Board/Administration communication and collaboration. These retreats offered many valuable
insights and established a strong framework upon which to build the educational
experience for the students of the Windsor Locks Public Schools. The Board and the Leadership Team were able
to work together to develop and solidify goals and to establish a path upon
which we can travel together in a consistent, collaborative, cohesive manner
toward a common goal of student achievement. The retreats will be annual events
in the future.
The
Superintendent and Board of Education have used the school website to
communicate many current issues with staff, parents and the community. Plans are being discussed to reconfigure the
website providing an even greater opportunity to use this vehicle for
communication. The videotaping of
Board of Education meetings, for viewing on educational access public TV,
Channel 6, has also proved to be an effective communication tool.
The
budget process garnered much involvement from the community, due in part to
well advertised budget meetings and hearings on the school website and the Superintendent’s
School Notes Page. The Superintendent, using Superintendent Forums and Parent/Citizen
Advisory Council meetings, has been successful in reaching out to community
leaders, citizens, parents and students to receive input for district improvement. The Board of Education, Superintendent and
Board of Finance worked closely to develop a fiscally responsive budget to present
to the town.
Administration,
Board of Education, staff, parents and students successfully worked together to
garner and share information necessary for the Board of Education to review
highly controversial issues such as a dress code and school starting
times. Superintendent Advisory meetings
and “Let’s Talk About” forums continued to serve as a resource in the decision-
making process.
Bi-weekly
meetings with the Board Chair and Board of Education Notes have enabled the
Superintendent to help the Board participate and understand school issues as
she conducts the day-to-day business of running the schools as its Chief
Executive Officer. Progress has been
made in providing the Board of Education with a condensed agenda format, and
complete, timely Board of Education meeting packets.
The
Board of Education has forged ahead reviewing and revising their Policies and
Procedures to provide a consistent framework for guiding the schools.
The
academic focus has been on literacy and writing initiatives, with an increased
focus upon Mathematics, K-12.
Curriculum has been completed in both Reading and Writing K-2. Reconfiguring
the position of Director of Curriculum and Technology to Director of
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment will enhance communication/articulation
among buildings. A five-year plan to develop
all curricula and assessments K-12 is currently in progress. A school-wide magazine,
“Power of the Pen,” was established to further encourage students to both read
and write across the curriculum.
Three
new initiatives were approved by the Board of Education. Currently, students have access to courses
that would not otherwise be available to them through our participation in the
Virtual High School program. This
is an internet education program. The
courses are advanced and offer a challenge to some of our more gifted students. These courses could not be provided under
the budgetary restrictions of a public school the size of Windsor Locks.
The
Board of Education also approved the Asnuntuck College Connections
Program. This program will allow
juniors and seniors from Windsor Locks the opportunity to obtain college
credits toward an Associates Degree while completing requirements for high
school graduation. The program will
enable these students to obtain an Associates Degree in certain fields after
graduating from high school, with just one additional year at Asnuntuck.
In addition
to these two initiatives, the Board of Education approved awarding high school
credits in Algebra I and Spanish I to Grade 8 students who passed the criteria.
Twenty-seven Grade 8 students received high school credit in Algebra I and also
35 Grade 8 students earned high school credit in Spanish I this year.
The
Windsor Locks Middle School and Windsor Locks High School both held career
fairs to provide career guidance for students.
Both career fairs were well attended.
Assessments
of both the WLMS and WLHS TEAM Programs and the WLHS Tutoring Center Program
have provided information to assist in restructuring these two initiatives. The
goal is to better serve our students in completion of their high school education
and future plans in spite of educational, emotional, or social difficulties.
Restructuring
of the position of Director of Curriculum and Technology included creating the
position of Coordinator of Instructional Technology. The Coordinator of Instructional Technology will guide four building
level Teacher Leaders for Technology.
This structure will enhance the integration of technology software into
the curriculum and the teaching/ learning process.
The
I-Pass system is in place and working well.
Training continued, as well as the exploration of new areas in which the
system can help by generating information for the reports required by schools
and the state.
School climate and safety continued to be a
focus of the Board and Leadership. The
Dean of Students and full-time School Resource Officer at Windsor Locks High
School have been a stabilizing force and a resource to students, staff and parents.
Work
was approved for the WLMS playing fields during the 2004-2005 budget process
and will commence during the summer of 2004.
Staff
had five Early Release Professional Development days and two additional
Professional Development days, providing opportunities for growth in literacy,
writing and math initiatives.
Professional
Development and staff recognition programs are being refined. These initiatives
have done a great deal to contribute to positive staff morale. Efforts to
communicate important district initiatives, via staff e-mail, are making
inroads in providing collaborative, problem-solving strategies enhancing Board
and Leadership efforts to “Move Forward Together.”
Curriculum, Instruction and
Assessment
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12
Wendy Carton, Director
The Windsor
Locks Public Schools continue to strive for high expectations for all
students. As the quality of the
curriculum, instruction and assessment continues to improve, student learning
will mirror that growth and improvement.
The former
Director of Curriculum and Technology left the Windsor Locks Public Schools in
December of 2003. Wendy Carton was retained
as Curriculum Consultant to bring closure to a number of initiatives. The Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s
plan to reconfigure the Director of Curriculum and Technology position. The position of Director of Curriculum,
Instruction and Assessment was approved by the Board. Wendy Carton was selected
by the Board to fill this position effective July 2004.
The focus for
curriculum development was in reading and writing in the primary school. The writing curriculum for Grades K-2 was
developed with the support of many fine North Street School faculty who worked
ardently to produce a curriculum guide identifying objectives, teaching techniques,
time frames, resource materials, assessments and much more. A new K-2 reading curriculum guide was also
developed. It, too, included the
objectives teachers need to know in order to teach effectively. These two new curriculum guides are the
flagships for future guides. The ultimate
purpose of our curriculum work is to improve student learning. One indicator of success is student performance
on state CMT and CAPT tests.
Several high
school and middle school faculty worked cooperatively to create the end-of-year
assessments for the Grade 8 students who were eligible to earn credit for
taking advanced courses in Algebra I and Spanish I. One of the goals of this endeavor was to develop an assessment
that would be administered to both the Grade 8 and Grade 9 students equalizing
the class work for the course as it is taught in the two different
schools. The Algebra I and Spanish I assessments
were developed and utilized this school year.
Fifty seven percent of the WLMS students who took the Spanish assessment
were eligible to receive high school credit.
Seventy two percent of the WLMS students who took the Algebra I assessment
were eligible to receive high school credit.
With these two assessments in place, future instruction will improve as
faculty in both buildings know what will be assessed and can refine their teaching
objectives and practices accordingly.
At North Street
School, faculty used Reading Attitude Surveys to aid in understanding the students’
attitudes toward reading and writing.
These surveys helped identify student needs for the teaching staff.
Professional
development took place on early release afternoons, after school and during the
school day. Each school focused on professional
learning goals to improve student achievement.
At North Street School, the primary focus was on writing. Both presentation-style and embedded staff
development occurred. Writers’ Workshop
was encouraged as a format to enhance positive interests and attitudes towards
writing. At South Elementary School,
the focus was on Accelerated Math. The
WLMS provided staff development for improving school climate as well as improving
performance on the Connecticut Mastery Tests.
The WLHS, led by the School Improvement Team, worked on developing a
school-wide writing rubric. Working in
concert with the school goal, revision of the school mission occurred. First steps were taken to provide staff
development in becoming a Professional Learning Community.
Summer Academy
was held four days per week for four weeks at North Street School and WLHS,
July 12 through August 5. Students in
Grades K-12 were able to participate.
The program supported a total of 83 students. The 83 students fell into three categories: Special Education, tuition students and
scholarship students, who were determined by the Free and Reduced Lunch Program
criteria. Some students were recommended
by their teachers for this special support.
The Jump Start Program focused on reading and writing for students in
Grades K-8. It provided an opportunity
for students-in-need to receive intensive reading and writing instruction. The enrichment Stretch Program was cancelled
due to insufficient interest this year.
We look forward to next summer when we hope to expand the program,
which, in turn, will enhance participation.
Three WLHS courses were available for students who needed to do additional
work for credit on the freshman level.
These courses included English, Earth Science and Algebra I.
All students
were encouraged to read over the summer and participate in the Governor’s
Summer Reading Challenge. Students
received the Governor’s 2004 Summer Reading Journal to complete and return to
their teachers on the first day of school.
The goal is to have students develop a habit of daily reading. Daily reading enhances sight vocabulary,
fluency, and comprehension.
Special
Services
Judith Babcock, Director
The Special
Services Department serves all Windsor Locks students from Pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 12, or from ages 3 through 21.
This was a challenging fiscal year for special education, with the addition
of 14 to16 students placed by DCF, some at significant cost.
The total
number of students served during the school year was 284:
Windsor Locks
High School 63
Windsor Locks
Middle School 50
South
Elementary School 59
North
Elementary School 80
Outplaced
Students 23
Private School
Students 2
Metropolitan
Learning Center 3
Suffield
Agriscience 4
Related
services were also provided through Special Services.
Speech &
Language 66
Occupational
Therapy 80
Physical
Therapy 31
Counseling/Social
Work 104
Hearing Impaired 11
The Special
Education Preschool Program is an excellent opportunity for our special
education students, as well as the reverse mainstream students who serve as
role models for the preschool students.
All related services are provided within the program in an “authentic”
setting. Monthly town-wide screenings
are held to assure all students who need services are being evaluated. Special Education staff are also involved in
outreach services to parents and preschools in the community.
Speech and
Language Therapists provided direct services to all identified students. They also brought their services within the
regular classrooms to provide a model for all students and to teach phonemic
awareness, which was helpful to the reading program. Therapists were also involved in auditory processing awareness
and social skills development. They
prepared home packets for students and assisted during home visits for speech
impaired preschool students.
Occupational
and Physical therapy services were provided individually as needed. Services were integrated into the mainstream
programs Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5.
Students were also allowed to bring a “buddy” to sessions with them so
they would not feel singled out.
“Sensory Diets” were introduced to assist students with sensory input
needs during the school day. Therapists
were also involved with the physical education teachers to provide adaptive
activities and environments for identified students.
Our School
Social Workers work with individual students as well as groups. They provide
parent classes and support groups for parents. They work in a collaborative
effort with all other professionals in providing social skills training and
work as outreach support people within the community and court system.
School Psychologists
provide basic evaluations required when a student is referred for special education.
They also serve as the liaison between the school and outside therapists and
evaluators. Psychologists work closely with our consulting psychiatrist and are
the conduit for further psychiatric appointments as required.
Ten students
within our district required services for hearing impairment. We contracted for services with American
School for the Deaf, CREC Soundbridge, and Clark School for the Deaf during the
school year.
Two tutors
provide assistance for students within our four schools who are not native
speakers of English. New state mandated testing was initiated and completed
this year, with support from the Capitol Region Education Council in Hartford.
We continue to tutor over 40 students a year.
Health Services
consists of three full-time RN’s and four health aides. One nurse is assigned
to oversee the high school and middle school. North and South Street Schools
have their own Registered Nurses. Each School has a health aide. Nursing supervision is provided by the
Capitol Region Education Council Nursing Services. Our Medical Advisor, Dr.
Soroka, consults with nursing staff on an as needed basis.
Special
Services also provides alternative educational options in certain
circumstances. The TEAM programs at
middle and high school offer an alternative educational site and delivery system
to both regular and special education students. The program gives these students a more structured, supportive,
educational environment in which to access learning. The program this year had
the support of regular education teachers, special educators, a counselor in
class at the high school, social workers, tutors and paraprofessionals. Alternative
options were expanded during this school year by utilizing the Tutoring Center
as an educational site for students needing temporary separation from the
regular school environment.
The Tutoring Center
serves as the educational setting for students who were expelled and students
who need an alternative educational site for various reasons during the school
year. This program has allowed Windsor
Locks Public Schools the opportunity to educate within the town students who
might ordinarily be placed out of district.
Business Office
Nancy Haynes, Business Manager
In fiscal year
2003-04 the Business Office functioned with three full-time and three part-time
employees: An accounts payable bookkeeper, a payroll/employee benefits person,
a business manager, the business manager’s part-time secretary and a part-time
clerical aide.
The main
responsibility of the Business Office is to administer the financial affairs
and manage the non-educational business needs for Windsor Locks Public
Schools. Business Office
responsibilities include accounting and reporting, financial planning and
budgeting, purchasing and supply management, employee benefits, risk
management, insurance, operation and maintenance of plant; food services
operation; grant reporting, and transportation.
The major financial activities include the school
district’s annual budget preparation and monitoring and financial reporting,
including preparation of the state mandated annual school financial report
known as the ED001, accounts payable and payroll.
Expenditures against the $19,740,629 general fund appropriated budget
and additional various grants were made with the BOE adopted goal of maintaining
appropriate instructional supplies, materials, services, equipment and
technology resources to advance student learning. Expenditures
continued to be monitored closely, especially with special education accounts
continuing to be unpredictable. Close
scrutiny of expenditures and suspension of non-essential purchases allowed
close out of the 2003-2004 fiscal year in the black for the tenth year in
succession. 2003-2004 presented a
difficult challenge to the school district in this regard. Operating on a 2.62% increase in its
original appropriation, combined with the State’s substantial cap of 71.6% on
the reimbursement of costs under the Special Education Excess cost grant for
outplacements, the District still managed its expenses within its appropriation
and was able to return a small amount surplus to the Town. Unfunded mandates continued to strain
resources.
Consistent with the BOE goal to ensure a responsive budget process, the
district budget that was developed was fiscally and educationally sound while
respecting the limited community resources in the current fiscal climate. Programmatic budgeting continues to be fine
tuned to align instructional
expenditures to support academic achievement for all children.
The Business Office also managed all state and federal
grants and student activity accounts.
Federal and state grant expenditures in 2003-2004 totaled $434,010. We were also involved in personnel
management, including contract negotiation and contract management, employee
benefits, other employee insurance, and non-certified staff training, support
and evaluation.
Transportation
The school
district contracts with Smyth Bus Company to transport our students to and from
school. The same company handles our
special education transportation. This
company continues to provide our students cost effective, safe and quality
transportation. The district continues
to retain experienced school crossing guards to provide an added level of
safety to those students who walk to school.
In 2003-2004 the District reduced the number of busses by one bus in a
cost saving measure. Most kindergarten
mid day bus runs were also eliminated when the District moved to full day
kindergarten which offered a chance to provide an educational benefit as well
as an opportunity to reduce costs.
Facilities
The plant includes four buildings, about 460,000 square
feet of space and 112 acres of land.
The centrally organized maintenance department allows the planning, purchasing
and distribution of resources efficiently and systematically, enabling us to prioritize
needs on a system-wide basis.
The District goal of maintaining school services,
facilities and ground to provide safe and healthful environments for learning
guided the continued commitment to our physical plant. Funds were approved through town capital to
replace the boilers and heating system at the high school and to continue with
a planned purchase program for computer hardware, paving repairs, and other
physical improvements. This year we
finished a program of installing guardrails at the high school, in order to
protect property and fields from unnecessary vehicular traffic. We Continued redefining and refining the emergency
plan in view of the high alert levels in the nation and district wide security
improvements, including the installation of cameras at the entrances of all
schools, strengthened safety for students, staff and visitors.
Food Service
Sodexho Management Inc. (formerly Sodexho Marriot)
continued to manage the food service program for the seventh year. It is a
fully self-funded operation but remains under the auspices of the Board of Education.
The program offers breakfast and lunch in all four schools. Both complete balanced meals and a la carte
items are offered. For the first time
in recent memory, school lunch prices were increased, still offering a good
value. At the elementary schools, to
further the goal of healthy students and to combat the national obesity
epidemic, the snack rooms were closed Mondays through Thursdays. The selections of items available in the
snack rooms at all four schools were modified to more healthful choices.
Human Resources
Cheryl Maturah, Manager
The Office of
Human Resources has initiated some projects, including: New Employee Orientation, Longevity Service
Awards, a performance evaluation process for non-certified staff that was piloted
this year, and also implementation of the Human Resource Information System database.
While success
has been tangible in the previous year, we also know that the unforeseen
changes of 2004-2005 will be many. The
Office of Human Resources will continue the work of building a bridge that
supports certified and non-certified staff as we contribute to Windsor Locks
Public Schools’ district goals promoting ongoing excellence.
A central
component of our service model for Employment and Employee Services is the
position of the Human Resources Manager.
Often, the manager is the first point of contact for those seeking
assistance from the Office of Human Resources, and by establishing partnerships
with hiring principals, assistant principals, directors or managers in a consultative,
counseling, and coaching role, we have become a resource both for supervisors
and for employees in addressing employee relations issues.
The Human
Resources Manager is responsible for advertising all job opportunities,
attending job fairs for recruitment, interpreting contracts, providing the
salary for new employees, providing numerous reports to the State Department of
Education, problem solving any certification issues and various other needs.
This year we
hired 18 new employees, 15 certified, and three non-certified. We had 39 employees who terminated, eight of
whom were retirees.
The Office of
Human Resources collects and manages employee and employment information that
supports various reporting needs. In
all cases, we adhere to strict policies regarding the confidentiality of this
information, with a commitment to protecting employees’ rights to privacy.
In 2003-2004, a
Human Resources Information System was implemented. This database allows Human Resources to input and gather data,
which will provide more data to the school for statistical analysis and strategic
planning.
Accurate
maintenance of certification is critical in order to comply with the State
Department of Education. Each year, the
State Department of Education provides documentation to the Superintendent as
to whether the Windsor Locks Public Schools is in compliance. This information provided to the State
Department of Education is the responsibility of the Office of Human Resources.
The Office of
Human Resources will continue to support the Windsor Locks Public Schools by providing
important services in areas where needed.
Windsor
Locks High School
Nelson Riner,
Assistant Principal
Windsor
Locks High School had an October 1, 2003 enrollment of 580 students, a decrease
of 19 students from the previous year.
Emphasis
this year was placed on becoming a Professional Learning Community (PLC).
Spearheaded by the School Improvement Team, this initiative began at the first
teacher meeting held in August 2003. The entire faculty became immediately immersed
in developing a mission statement for the high school and developing a
school-wide writing goal for students for the upcoming academic year to assist
them in meeting the increased academic demands of statewide testing. School Improvement Team members led professional
development day workshops with follow-up activities. Enlisting the help of a
reading consultant, faculty members were trained, and in turn trained other
faculty in both the writing process and in the teaching and assessment of student
writing across the curriculum. This
focus helped the WLHS meet the goals and objectives established for our
school-wide professional growth plan.
The
second year of our new student schedule continued successfully. Combining the best of scheduling worlds,
i.e., longer class time, year-long classes, and a simple rotating schedule, our
60 minute classes continued to allow for a more in-depth approach by teachers
and students to the various content areas.
The
position of Dean of Students has been a very successful staffing initiative,
increasing student and family contact and reinforcing discipline and
attendance. The Dean of Students has been an effective staff/student liaison as
well. Together with the School Social
Worker, and School Resource Officer, the Dean has successfully implemented a
“Bullying Awareness” class for freshmen and sophomores.
Our
five-year NEASC Report was a significant project this year. A NEASC Committee, chaired by faculty,
organized the entire faculty in producing a progress report. The Commission of Public Secondary Schools
is presently reviewing this report and will apprise us of its disposition in
the near future.
The
School Assistance Team, a team of seven faculty members, attended a four-day
training session to learn and practice new procedures for helping students with
academic, social and/or emotional difficulties. An important focus
of the training was to view students as being “at-promise” rather than
“at-risk.” The middle school and high
school participated together in this training, providing continuity in
procedures and helping students in the transition from Grade 8 at the middle
school to Grade 9 at the high school.
The
School Resource Officer (SRO) initiative began in earnest in September. This
police officer serves in the dual capacity of resource officer and support
person for students. The officer did a
commendable job supporting a safe and orderly school environment for staff and
students and was instrumental in bringing back “Shattered Dreams,” a safe driving,
anti-drinking/anti-drug program.
The
Board of Education voted to fund the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
(PSAT) for all sophomores this year.
This test provides students with preparation for other standardized
tests such as the CAPT examinations and helps the school identify areas of
curriculum needing attention.
Virtual
High School (VHS) courses were offered to high school students. The on-line classes allowed students to
participate in hard to schedule, or one of a kind offerings, with other
students from around the country. Six
students took advantage of this program.
Scores
on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test rose for the second consecutive year
on the Reading, Science and Writing subtests.
Scholastic
Aptitude Test scores showed gains on the Math and Verbal sections.
Twenty-seven
percent of the Class of 2004 graduated with honors. The senior class received 124 scholarship awards totaling $69,195
during Senior Awards Night.
Nine
members of the junior class were inducted into the Leander Jackson Chapter of
the National Honor Society.
Two
seniors were selected as the Superintendent’s Award Recipients for 2003.
Two
seniors were recognized as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation.
A
College Fair in October hosted over a 100 representatives from two and
four-year colleges. The representatives
had the opportunity to meet with interested juniors and seniors.
The
first Annual Fine Arts Awards Program featured many fine examples of the
artistic talents of Windsor Locks High
School students.
The
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed in the State Leadership
Conference in March. Fourteen Windsor
Locks students received awards.
Several
members of the junior class were selected by faculty to represent Windsor Locks
High School at the Boys and Girls State Programs for high school juniors.
The
F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Team continued to compete in local, regional and national competitions. The Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation and the
Windsor Locks Board of Education once again generously supported our “Aces
High” team.
The
seventeenth annual Nutmeg Show Choir Festival was held under the leadership of
parent and Chairman, Jim Wrinn, and his committee. The festival was a tremendous success and was appreciated and
enjoyed by all who attended and participated.
The
parent-led School Safety Committee organized and presented a Project Graduation
night on June 18, allowing graduating seniors to celebrate their accomplishments
in a safe and drug free venue.
The
Senior Class musical this year was a very successful rendition of “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
The
National Honor Society planned a number of activities during Red Ribbon Week,
and others throughout the school year, designed to discourage the use of drugs
and alcohol.
Ms.
Susan Bell, Guidance Coordinator, was named Teacher of the Year 2005 for
Windsor Locks High School and for the Windsor Locks Public Schools.
The
Class of 2004 dedicated their yearbook to Mr. James Francoeur, a member of the
English Department and Windsor Locks Teacher of the Year 1998. Mr. Francoeur delivered the commencement address
at the graduation ceremony.
The
high school community was pleased to welcome five new faculty members to our
teaching staff and administrative team:
Matthew Sigall, Technical Education; Daniel Fuller, Special Education;
Kevin Flebotte, Science; Susan Jameson, TEAM/Guidance; and Paul Schmaelzle,
Dean of Students.
Ms.
Sharon Cournoyer (Math and Science) and Mr. Todd Snyder (English and Social Studies)
were selected as Curriculum Coordinators for Grades 6-12 for the 2004-2005
school year.
Windsor
Locks High School said goodbye to four long time faculty members; Mr. James
Francoeur, Mr. John Gallo, Mr. James Muska, and Ms. Barbara Cousineau. Their expertise in their respective fields
and their collegiality will be missed.
The Windsor Locks High School community wishes them all the best in
their retirement with gratitude for all they have done for the students of
Windsor Locks.
Grades 6 – 8
Mr. Greg Blanchfield, Principal
Mr. James Moriarty,
Assistant Principal
The
Windsor Locks Middle School had a student population of 472 during the 2003-2004
school year. Ten new staff members were welcomed to our learning community.
Many
staff members have distinguished themselves this year by sharing their
expertise providing workshops benefiting students, staff and the community.
The
“Common Sense Parenting Workshop for Parents” has gained a significant
reputation in assisting guardians on how best to nurture and guide their children.
Faculty
members served as advisors to the Student Council. The Student Council
sponsored activities, including a Connecticut Mastery Test rally, a September
11 Memorial Service, a Veteran’s Day celebration, field trips to the Hartford
Wolfpack hockey game and a New Britain Rock Cats baseball game. The Student
Council also conducted a food drive throughout the months of November and December,
culminating in a major fundraiser with the local Ramada Inn involving Breakfast
with Santa.
Several
faculty members distinguished themselves with a variety of fund raising activities
to benefit our students. These included hosting the annual Nutmeg Festival in
conjunction with the Windsor Locks Lions Club, organizing and producing the
annual school musical “The King and I” and organizing a three-day trip to
Washington, D.C. for Grade 8 students, which took place in June.
Of
all the school improvement initiatives implemented during this school year,
increasing the number of reading teachers was the most significant. This impacted both the middle school
curriculum and the schedule. Under the direction of the Superintendent, and in
keeping with the district goal of improving literacy across the curriculum, a
balanced literature and reading curriculum was refined and articulated. Faculty
were selected and trained to specifically instruct this critical component in
the educational program of our students. This past year the School Improvement
Committee met and developed the building level goal based upon the review of
the district goals. Our goal for the next year and beyond will be to “increase
student achievement and promote lifelong learning by strengthening reading
strategies, maximizing critical thinking skills and developing social skills.”
The
Comet Mentor Program, in cooperation with employees of Hamilton Sundstrand,
continued this school year. Thirteen students were coupled with an adult mentor
and met on a weekly basis. Hamilton Sundstrand has been an important part of
this program and the Windsor Locks Middle School is grateful for allowing these
outstanding individuals to do all they do for our children. Office support staff also contributed a
great deal of time, energy and expertise to this project.
The
middle school’s direct link with the Windsor Locks Public Library was expanded
this year through the efforts of faculty and staff at the public library. Orientation programs were presented for all
sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Library cards were issued for all
students and periodic visits to the library were conducted throughout the
school year by both staff and students. This partnership was enhanced through
the dedicated efforts of the middle school’s Library/Media Specialist.
The
Leo Club, the youth division of the Windsor Locks Lions Club, continued during
the 2003-2004 school year with 22 students participating. Through the efforts
and dedication of the Lions Club President and other Lions Club members who
served as liaisons, the Leo Club experienced a full compliment of activities
throughout the school year.
The
seventh grade attended a performance of
“The Christmas Carol” at the Hartford Stage Company in December.
Physical education teachers organized an interdisciplinary lesson with the
sixth grade, culminating in a field trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame in
March. The components included mathematics, social studies, language arts and
reading; all focused on celebrating basketball and “March Madness.”
For
the fourth year, Windsor Locks Middle School students participated in the
F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League State Tournament. Faculty advisors collaborated with
engineers from Hamilton Sundstrand to provide a technology-enriched experience
for our students.
The
Homework Club was expanded. Dozens of
students took advantage of this after school program on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
receiving direction and assistance with their academics.
The
last period of the school day was re-defined and improved with an emphasis on
guided instruction for all students. All staff members were utilized in this
time frame. The ratio student/teacher
was kept low, allowing for greater interaction between student and instructor.
The
Board of Education approved a program for Grade 8 students to earn high school
graduation credits in Spanish and Algebra. Assessment examinations identical to
those administered at the high school level were administered to middle school
students. Sixty-one students taking
Spanish I in middle school took the assessment examination, with thrity-five
earning high school credit. Forty-four eighth graders took the exam in Algebra
I. Twenty-seven earned high school
credit towards Algebra.
South Elementary School
Grades 3 – 5
South
Elementary School educates students in Grades 3 through 5. There were 439
students enrolled in the school on the last day of school. Class sizes ranged
from 18 to 23. We have selected improving literacy as our school-wide goal.
Analysis of test results showed this is the area that we must focus upon. The
committee has met regularly and is planning activities to accomplish our goal
of improving our students’ ability to read. A consultant was used during the
school year to discuss how to improve our reading instruction.
Mastery
Test results were mixed. With the strict, new provisions of No Child Left
Behind (NCLB), virtually all special education students were required to take
“on grade level” testing, rather than testing at their appropriate level of
instruction. This requirement resulted in lower test score averages and much
frustration for our students. In addition, we have noted a sharp increase in
the number of very needy students from dysfunctional home settings at South Elementary
School. The significant social and emotional problems of larger numbers of
students inhibit their learning and diminish their academic performance. We
will be searching for better ways to assist these students and their families.
We
have begun using technology to assess student progress in mathematics and
reading. The students were tested in alternating months in mathematics and reading
using the Star programs that were installed on the computers in the school. The
Accelerated Math program was piloted in the fifth grade. It will be expanded
throughout the school in the 2004-2005 school year.
Looping,
the concept where a teacher goes on to the next grade with his/her class
continued. Two teachers went on with most of their students. A benefit of
looping is that the teacher already knows the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
He/she would know from the first day of school how to best instruct the child.
This would save several weeks at the beginning of the year if the child were to
have a different teacher. Since the teacher and the child already have a
relationship, it helps the child adjust to a new school year sooner next
fall. The child already knows the
teacher’s academic and behavioral expectations. The program is voluntary; parents
have the option of requesting a different teacher for their child.
The
Tenth Annual Science Fair was held in April. Projects from students were
displayed for the school population and public to view. Students in fourth and
fifth grade submitted individual or small group projects while third grade
students submitted class projects. The projects continued to be of very high
quality.
The
school theme for the year continued to be based upon the Governor’s Pillars of
Character. A Student of the Month, for each class, was selected by the
classroom teacher. Criteria for selection were the Six Pillars of Character.
The
annual “Pennies for Petrol” drive was conducted to raise money for the Windsor
Locks Human Services Department. The money was contributed to assist needy
residents in paying their heating bills. Over 90,000 pennies were collected in
a 2-week period. During the past four years over $5,000 was collected in this
manner. Several food drives were conducted at the school. The food collected
was donated to area food banks. Several third grade classrooms at South Elementary
School regularly visited and corresponded with the residents of local
convalescent homes. Students participated in the fundraiser “Jump Rope for the
Heart.” Over $1,000 was collected for the cause. The fifth grade spent 3 days
and 2 nights at Camp Jewel in northwestern Connecticut. The students, along
with their parents and teachers, took part in team building activities as well
as ecology-based activities. The Student Council was active.
The
Music Department was extremely active. Several high quality concerts were
presented during the school year. They were well attended by students, parents
and the general public. Many students
participated in the activities as shown below.
4th Grade Band
89 Students
5th Grade Band 65 Students
Advanced Band 35 Students
Choir 45 Students
5th Grade Talent show 40 Students
5th Grade Play 32 Students
Many
parents, grandparents, other relatives and friends made presentations
throughout the school year.
The
Cocoa Café was held again this year. One hundred students read their writing to
over 200 guests. This is an activity held throughout the state. Ours was one of
the largest in the state. The Spanish teachers sponsored the C.O.L.T. Rhyme
Celebration this year. This is a statewide activity where students perform in a
foreign language being taught at school. “Step Up Day” orientations were held at
the Middle School for Grade 5 students. Each class went to the school for part
of a school day. The students participated in the Book It program to promote
reading.
As
an incentive to learn their multiplication tables, students in fourth grade
were awarded different colored belts based upon their performance. Students
found this to be an exciting way to learn their basic facts. The Second Math
Facts Competition was held at the end of the school year to determine which
student in each grade could remember the basic math facts the quickest and most
accurately.
Many
parents and community members were volunteers in school. They provided many valuable services to the
students of the school. A Volunteer Breakfast was held to thank the volunteers
who do so much for our school. The PTO
was invaluable to the school. Several programs took place funded by the PTO
during the school day. Included were science lessons and author visitations.
Through the PTO’s donation of their time and funding, many other activities
were also supported.
School
Spirit Days were held regularly to promote school spirit. A common theme was
promoted throughout the school on each day. The Sixth Annual Ice Cream Social
was held. This is done to give parents and their children a fun time at the
school together with the staff. A fifth
grade Talent Show was held to raise money for class trips and highlight student
talent.
An
Art Show was held in the spring displaying student work throughout the school.
Many compliments were received due to the high quality of student work and the
attractive manner in which the Art Show was displayed.
The
14th annual DARE graduation was held. This program provides students
with the skills and strategies to make good choices throughout their
lives. Windsor Locks Police Officer
Daniel Squires was the DARE instructor this year.
Students
conducted several environmental projects. The students learned about their
interrelationship with the world around them. The recycling of toner cartridges
was undertaken as one project. Money received from the recycling of these
cartridges will be used to purchase picnic tables and landscaping for the
school grounds. To date over $2,000 has been collected.
Students
from WLHS came to our school to assist our students in computers, reading,
Spanish and other areas. These students were excellent role models for our students.
High school students also tutored students after school regularly. Many
students and staff again participated in the annual TV Free Week this school
year. Activities were held after school to show students there are alternatives
to watching TV.
Just
after school began in the fall, the fourth annual Welcome Back Family Picnic
was held in the early evening. A large number of families attended.
The
school community participated in the National Day of Concern. Most of the
students signed a Pledge Against Gun Violence. Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities took place
to promote patriotism and to thank the veterans for what they have given to our
country. A special assembly was held in
memory of September 11.
Several
classroom activities involving parents such as Poetry Breakfast, Math Nights,
Magic Shows and Dinner Theaters took place in each grade level. Special
projects were done to increase student knowledge of Black History Month,
Women’s History Month and other specially designated months. A school-wide
celebration of Cinco de Mayo took place. Several activities took place to familiarize
the students with the culture of other countries.
A
presentation by Yankee Gas was given to teach fourth grade students how to deal
with gas safely. A presentation by Connecticut Light and Power was given to
teach fifth grade students how to deal with electricity safely.
A
Benefit Basketball game between South Elementary School staff and fifth grade
students was held. A considerable amount of money was raised to benefit the
purchase of the playground equipment and educational equipment. Many certified
staff members participated in this activity.
The
Annual Field Day was held. All classes took part in many physical education
activities. The Annual Carnival Day was held. Students from North Street School
came to South Elementary School to participate in a variety of activities. All
fifth grade classes participated in the annual egg drop activity. This activity
had students practice problem solving skills. The Annual Ellis Island
Simulation was held. This gives students a better idea of how immigrants may
have felt when they came to the United States for the first time. The school
participated in Red Ribbon Week to raise students’ awareness of the dangers of
drug abuse. The Fifth Grade Spelling Bee was held. Parents and staff members
supported and applauded our students for a job well done. Each grade level held
Award Ceremonies at the end of school. Academic awards as well as other awards
were given for students’ excellent performances.
North
Street School
Grades Pre-Kindergarten – 2
Jeff Ferreira, Principal
North
Street School had a student population of approximately 450, with an average of
18.5 students per class. There were six
full-day and one half-day kindergarten classrooms, seven Grade 1 classrooms,
and eight Grade 2 classrooms. The
reverse mainstream pre-school served 33 students.
The
School Improvement Plan shifted to include not only improving reading
instruction, but also centering our attention on writing instruction. Our teachers spent the majority of their
early release professional development days honing their writing instruction
skills. With the assistance of a
writing consultant, a Writer’s Workshop was implemented. Students wrote and revisited their writing
projects daily. Students enjoyed the
extra time to write and now consider themselves “writers.” Many students submitted pieces of work to be
published in a new district wide writing initiative called “Power of the
Pen.” These students were recognized at
a Board of Education meeting and given an award and complimentary copy of the
first edition of “Power of the Pen.”
Two students had work accepted by the University of Connecticut’s Writing
Project, “Connecticut Student Writer.”
While
students focused on writing, the objective of improving reading skills
continued. The reading incentive was a
Dr. Seuss Star, which circulated the interior of the school as students read
books.
Funded
by the PTO as a family literacy night, Bingo for Books continued to be a
successful initiative. This program was
held four times with each student winning in excess of five books each. In collaboration with the Windsor Locks
Public Library, a Pre-School Bingo was held.
Over 65 parents and pre-school children arrived at the library to play
bingo and win age appropriate books.
Approximately
350 books were read to the principal as part of the “I Read to the Principal”
program. Students signed the
Principal’s bulletin board after reading to him. This was the only time the students were given permission to
write on the walls!
A
new program, “North Street School Connections,” designed to offer assistance to
parents and day care providers of children from birth to four, was created this
year. In-services, free of charge, were
available to daycare workers on topics such as “Setting Developmental
Appropriate Limits for your
Preschooler.” Another component of “North
Street School Connections,” the birthday book program, provided a book to each
child 0 – 4 registered in our program, along with child development information
for parents.
In
conjunction with the Windsor Locks Police Department, parents were offered the
opportunity to purchase bicycle helmets for their children at a reduced cost.
A
second grade class participated in the “Sister School Program.” Initiated by the state, this program paired
the classroom with a classroom from Manchester. The two classes became pen pals, took a field trip together and
visited each other’s school.
North
Street School was awarded a $500 grant from the Leap Frog Corporation. This grant enabled us to purchase many
interactive LeapPads for our students.
Leap Pads are books the students could sign out of the school library
and share with their parents and siblings in a continued effort to encourage
our students to read.
A
grant from the Aetna Corporation allowed us to purchase a digital piano for the
music program.
Teacher
of the Year 2004 was Lynn Haberern, a pre-school special education teacher, who
is an exemplary representative of the teaching profession.
Many
special events and programs were held at North Street School, each designed to
enrich and create a positive atmosphere for students. A New Year’s celebration was held with students and staff gathering
the first day of school 2004 to watch our ball drop as we began another
exciting year. Winter and spring
concerts were held emphasizing our students’ love of singing. During our Veteran’s Day Celebration
students honored many Windsor Locks veterans who came to the school to talk
about their experiences serving their country.
Students were treated to authentic Spanish Flamenco dancers, listened to
a humorous opera, and were educated about the life of Pablo Picasso as an
artist when “Picasso People” visited.
Field trips included a trip to a zoo, a farm, and to productions at the
University of Hartford’s Lincoln Theatre.
March “Spirit Days” allowed students to see their teachers with purple
hair one day and wearing pajamas the next.
Cinco De Mayo was celebrated with Grade 2 students traveling to South
Elementary School to see artwork and to participate in traditional Spanish
activities. A special activity held this
year was our first Memorial Day Parade.
Students decorated wagons and themselves in patriotic colors and marched
around the block. The streets were
lined with patriotic parents and grandparents.
No
school can really succeed without the caring support it receives from its
volunteers. North Street School held a
thank you “Volunteer Tea” to express its gratitude for all those who supported
our staff and students throughout the school year.
BOARD OF FINANCE
The Board is
composed of six Active members and two Alternates whose duties and functions
are described in the Town Charter.
The 2003/4 budget preparation
and approval were accomplished by the Board of Finance and submitted for a Town
Hearing and subsequently for a vote which the Town’s Electors and Property
Owners approved.
Twenty-four operating budgets
submitted by the Town’s Boards and Commissions, and the Town’s Public Library
were reviewed from February through March.
Revenues, Capital Improvement
Requests, Debt Reduction, and Appeals to Budget reductions by the Board of
Finance followed through April.
The $33,155,401 Budget adopted
in May was impacted by several factors, which produced significant revenue
changes. Each was a challenge towards
funding all expenses and services, which the Board of Finance deemed necessary
and worthy of financing.
The Board utilized 36% PILOT
revenues for State Owned Property based on discussions with Conn. Office of
Policy and Management (OPM) personnel.
The Town’s Grand List showed a
modest $6,841,380 increase in Real Estate to $586,677,700; a $6,149,045
reduction in Personal Property to $151,202,315; and a $23,100,525 Motor Vehicle
reduction to $138,713,582. The
resultant Grand List of $876,593,597 represented a $22,398,190 decrease, or
(-2.491%).
Medical insurance costs
increased 32.6%, which showed a significant change from the consistently small
increases seen over several years.
The original budgets submitted
by Town Boards/Commissions would have required a 4.71 mill increase to 26.90
mills. The Bd. of Finance reduced those
requests to a 1.79 mill increase, thus setting the mill rate at 22.21 mills.
$1,029,920 Undesignated Fund
money was used as a revenue source to reduce the affects of reduced State
Revenues. The Undesignated Fund balance
was left with $3,964,187 as a future reserve.
The final Budget reflects a
3.3% General Government increase; a 2.62% Board of Education increase; and a
(-0.5%) decrease in Capital Improvement budget, from the 2002/2003 Budget.
Several new construction
projects were identified which will have a positive influence on future Grand
Lists. Among those projects are some
sixty-five new homes off North Street; thirty-eight new homes, two professional
office buildings, two hotels, and one restaurant on Old County Road; continued
Ahlstrom expansion on Main Street; the relocation of Hertz off Bradley Field at
Rt. 75 and North Street; the Old County Road location for Watkins Freight
Haulers behind the Ford Distribution Center; and additional interest on
remaining Old County Road property.
Excess costs for Special
Education of locally identified students placed in out of district facilities,
and for those students placed in Windsor Locks by the State (DCF) for their
special education needs, caused serious budget shortfalls for the local Board
of Education. The Board of Finance
fully funds all costs identified by the BOE during the Budget process, for
those students known to require special education needs at the time their
budget was being reviewed.
State reimbursement for Special
Education Excess Costs is made to towns in Conn. when the cost exceeds 5 times
the normal cost to educate a student in that town, or 1 times the cost to
education a student when the State DCF places a special education student in
that town. The reimbursement to towns
was at 100% level for many years.
However, State financial constraints have limited the reimbursement rate
to Windsor Locks and all towns at 71.6%.
Our communications with the
State Dept. of Education and Office of Policy and Management have indicated
that the level of reimbursement will be lower during the 2004/5 budget year,
possibly as low as 68%. The State
Office of Fiscal Analysis has projected that the 2004/5 funding level could be
as low as 60%.
A joint BOE and BOF meeting
with our 7th District State Senator John Kissel and 60th
House District State Representative Margaret Sayers was held to convey the
frustrations that towns have in managing the unknown reimbursement rates of
Excess Special Education costs, PILOT for State Owned Property, and PILOT for
New Manufacturing Equipment. Sen.
Kissel indicated he would bring our expressed concerns to the attention of
Governor M. Jodi Rell, and that he and Rep. Sayers would also convey those same
concerns to State Legislative leaders.
Joint meetings between the BOE
and BOF to determine the magnitude of the budget shortfall resulted in
additional funding being granted by the BOF to cover all costs not previously
funded during the 2003/4 normal Budget process.
The review of the causes which
led to the shortfall, indicates that reports to the BOF need to start earlier
than has been the practice to date; that the appropriate dollar costs per
student used to evaluate those excess costs, need to be re-evaluated; and that
the number of students for excess cost budgeting purposes needs to account for
some additional students which might be identified during the school year and
for those that might be placed by the DCF in the Windsor Locks school system.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The
Board of Selectmen is composed of three active members. The First Selectman, who is a full time
administrator, and two selectmen whose duties and functions are described in
the Town Charter.
2003-2004
has been a wonderful year for the Town of Windsor Locks. The community has had many memorable events
throughout this year in observance of our Town’s 150th
Anniversary. The Board of Selectmen
hopes that all of you have had a chance to participate in many of the planned
events. As we wind down the festivities
of this year, it is the Selectmen’s wish that the spirit of our community
continue to flourish.
The
Ford Motor Company has opened its 226,000 square foot facility at a
construction cost of around nine million dollars. As a result of this, 80 new jobs have been created in our town.
Watkins
Motor Lines, Inc. will be opening this year on the 40 acres of land located at
Old County Circle.
American
Wood Moulding, LLC has received all permit application approvals to allow the
building of its 207,000 square foot distribution center on Old County
Circle. This facility is scheduled to
be completed in 2005.
M&L Old County Development continues to develop their single family
and office retail space. HML is now in
the permitting stage for development of two hotels and a restaurant on Old
County Road.
Windsor
Lock’s Farms continues to build homes off of North Street. Phase 1 is almost completed with Phase 2
beginning soon.
Conclusion:
This Board wishes to thank the many
residents, department heads and town employees for their corporation and
assistance. Windsor Locks is fortunate
in having so many residents who are willing to volunteer their expertise and
time in order to manage Town Government and help their neighbors.
Infrastructure:
Highway Division –
During this construction
season, the Highway Division of the Public Works Department relocated several
storm water catch basins from the travel lane on Halfway House Road over to the
shoulder. This was done prior to the reclaiming and repaving of both Southwest
Avenue and Halfway House Road. Cannon and View Streets were also resurfaced
this season.
Downtown has recently
experienced a “facelift”. James Street had new sanitary sewers, sidewalks and
storm water drainage installed. The entire road surface was reclaimed and
recycled. Part of this project was to install the “binder course” of the new
road. After James Street goes through a “freeze & thaw” cycle, the top
layer of the road will be applied. As part of a joint effort between CT Water
and the Town a brand new water line was brought down James Street as well. Oak
Street, from Center to Chestnut, also had a new water line installed. Currently
Oak Street is being reclaimed, having the drainage there upgraded and will
receive a binder course also. The rejuvenation of Center Street is continuing
to take place a section at a time.
RT 140 was reclaimed and
repaved this year by CTDOT. The Town assisted with the raising of the sanitary
manholes during this project.
More than 50,000 square feet
of new sidewalks have been installed this summer. The list for sidewalks in
need of repair continues to grow. These sidewalks are evaluated and prioritized
for replacement or repair. Pleasant Street, Southwest Avenue, Halfway House
Road, Center Street and the Safety Complex all received new sidewalks.
Again, Public Works crews are
treating the 1800 Town owned catch basins with a larvacide to help eliminate
the threat of breeding mosquitoes. This program entails treating each basin,
three or four times a season. These same basins are scheduled accordingly for
their annual cleaning as part of the Phase II Stormwater Program. Please
remember that these catch basins ultimately drain into the Connecticut River
and therefore absolutely nothing should ever be dumped into these structures.
It has been one year since the
Public Works Department opened its new addition. Most of the residents who stop
in for leaf permits or replacement recycling bins have commented on how nice of
a facility it is and how long overdue it was. Thanks for the compliments.
The Town-wide street sign
replacement project is complete. All of the street signs in Town are now in
compliance with the MUTCD, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. They are
retro reflective and the characters are six inches high, for better visibility,
especially at night. The Public Works Department will continue to replace old,
damaged or faded regulatory signs throughout Town.
In the final phase of
compliance with CTDEP, the Public Works Facility is having a new waste oil
collection system installed. This will eliminate the underground oil tank that
currently exists and provide a “user friendly” disposal system that is
contained in an approved above ground tank.
Parks and
Grounds Division-
Those of you who have visited
the Town Hall this summer may have noticed how nice the grounds look. This is
in part due to the new irrigation system that was installed along with the
beautiful flower beds that line the entrances and exits from the building. We
also installed an irrigation system at the Safety Complex on Volunteer Drive.
Noden Reed Farm has had quite
a bit of work done this fall. We repaved the driveway and added a new surface
to the existing parking lot along side the barn.
We are currently seeking quotes
to reinforce the grandstands at Pesci Park. Part of this project will involve
covering the underside of the roof with vinyl soffit creating a relatively
maintenance free structure. This project should be complete, including the
repainting of the seating area, by opening day. The concession stand had the
old roof removed and a new one installed during the fall.
Many of you have noticed the
recent addition of the fence guard at different ball fields in Town. This is a
protective sleeve that is on the top rail of the sideline and outfield fencing.
Installation of these sleeves was a joint effort between the Park Department
and the Public Works Department. Great job everyone!
The Parks and Grounds Division
have purchased a new three point hitch mounted leaf blower. This attachment
should help facilitate the fall clean-up process that takes place in the parks
every fall. Please remember to utilize the leaf site on Old County Road for the
disposal of your leaves, not the parks. Thanks.
Facility
Maintenance –
For years the responsibility
for the maintenance of the Town buildings has fallen under the Direction of the
First Selectman. Recently the direct responsibility has been handed over to the
Director of Public Works. Working with our Maintenance Staff along with
occasionally utilizing some of the Public Works personnel, many different
projects are under way.
The gymnasium at the Town Hall
is undergoing quite a facelift. The ceiling is being replaced with all brand
new insulation, sheetrock and acoustical tiles. The walls are scheduled to be
lightly sandblasted to help restore their original beauty and remove the
existing staining form leaks and lime deposits. The floor is being replaced
with a synthetic poured floor, similar to the on at North Street School. All of
the existing wood trim, windows and doors are slated for repainting also. If
all goes according to the plan, we should be ready for “tip-off” sometime
around Thanksgiving.
The ambulance garage on Spring
Street replaced its roof this fall. Part of that project entailed replacing
some rotten fascia boards and then covering these areas with aluminum trim.
I would like to thank all of
the members of the Public Works Department, including the WPCA, and the
Facility Maintenance Crews for all of their efforts tackling these projects
while continuing to perform their regularly scheduled tasks.
BUILDING, PLANNING, AND
ZONING DEPARTMENT
The building department is responsible for ensuring compliance
to building codes, planning, zoning and wetland regulations, housing codes and
other local ordinances.
The department assists homeowners, contractors, attorneys,
appraisers, architects, real estate agents, businesses, etc., in regards to
information about the permit process, inspections, issuance of a certificate of
occupancy and zoning regulation inquires.
Permit activity increased substantially over the prior
fiscal year. Fees collected set a
department record of $426,000 up 287% over last year’s fees paid. The chart below compares building activity
and trends over the last two years.
FISCAL YEAR 7/03 - 6/04 7/02- 6/03
EST.
COST/VALUE
OF PERMITS
$33,424,247 $
8,064,285
FEES
COLLECTED$
426,011
110,032
NUMBER OF NEW
SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLINGS 50 27
NUMBER
OF PERMITS
969 814
Construction activity continues at the highest levels that the
town has experienced in recent history.
More commercial and industrial development is undergoing the approval
process, including a new 216,000 square foot distribution center. Several new hotels, restaurants, subdivisions
and other construction projects are also scheduled.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS DEPT.
The office was
opened and in touch with the State OEM. Our thanks to all who helped restore
power to all the areas and to the townspeople affected by the storms for their
patience and assistance. We were fortunate that most of the big weather
problems missed us, although they caused a great deal of damage around the
state.
The Fire
Department was busy with their usual number of fires and we were able to assist
in overnight accommodations for those who were forced to leave their homes
because of the damage that occurred. Our thanks to the Fire Department and
Homewood Suites and Motel 6 for their continued efforts and assistance
throughout the year.
The Auxiliary Police were kept
busy this year assisting the Police Department when called upon. They assisted at parades, the firemen’s carnival,
during warning system tests, Funerals, etc.
We are one of the very few towns that have an Auxiliary Police Program; it would not be effective without the
help of the officer’s involved. This
past year two of our members became full-time police; we wish them all the best
in their new careers.
Two major issues were
dealt with during this past year. The Board of Finance funded the replacement
of our alert system, and the purchase of a generator for the high school. Our
alert system is among the best type in the state, but was over thirty years
old. Starting this summer we replaced three of the units with our new state of
the art system that will continue to allow us to notify our citizens in the
event of a major emergency. The remaining units will be installed this winter
or spring, as time and weather permit. We also installed the generator at the
high school. This has enabled us to
name the high school our primary shelter. This is most important, since it is
the one location in town that will allow us to house a large number of people,
if necessary, and to stage all our emergency crews as necessary. Our thanks to
Steve Mills and the Board of Education for their assistance in this matter.
The office continues to be
actively involved with the planning for a potential smallpox or other bio
medical emergency. We developed a plan
for our citizens to be vaccinated when necessary. We continue to work with the health department to assure that we
are ready and prepared for a chemical or biological emergency.
We are now members of the
Capital Region Emergency Planning Commission, CREPC, and our emergency
operations center is one of three chosen in the state to be used during major
statewide emergencies. We are proud to be chosen to be a part of the most
comprehensive mutual aid plan to ever be developed for the region.
Today
your Emergency Management/Civil Preparedness Department is actively involved
with the planning to coordinate all town efforts in the event of any major
emergency. The department stands ready
to perform whenever and wherever called upon. My sincere appreciation to all
the volunteers who make that possible
The
Commission, the Fire Department, and the Town lost our leader, our Chief, and
our friend during this past year. On
December 31, 2004, Chief Kenneth Jeffery passed away. Chief Jeffery was also the Assistant Chief of the U.S. Navy Sub
Base Fire Department at the time he became ill and became a Line of Duty Death
for their Department. Chief Jeffery was
Chief of the Windsor Locks Fire Department from 1998 until the time of his
death. During his tenure as Chief the
Department saw several major improvements including the delivery of the latest
state of the art pumper, Engine 2, a 2003 Supthen. Kenny was very community minded and made sure the Department was
always included in whatever town project or event was underway. Our sincerest condolences to his wife
Catherine and son Timothy. We have so
many wonderful memories of Chief Jeffery that he never will be forgotten but
will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The Department wishes to thank all those that came to offer condolences
or help to his family and the Department during this very trying time.
. The Board of Fire Commissioners and the residents of Windsor
Locks are grateful and would like to thank the volunteer firefighters and their
supportive families who work together to provide superior fire and rescue
service to our community. Many
preparatory hours of training and care of equipment are invested, in addition
to the more visible firefighting and/or rescue operations. Volunteer firefighters are rewarded by
camaraderie and membership in an appreciated service organization.
The Commission would also like to thank the families and
friends of our Firefighters for their assistance and support of our
firefighters. The toll on the family
life of a volunteer firefighter is very trying, and without their support, our
firefighters would not be able to do the job they do. We also would like to thank them for their assistance behind the
scenes (preparing coffee, gathering food and feeding our Department as well as
the Mutual Aid Companies during long calls, fire prevention, open house, the
annual carnival, etc.). Their efforts
continue to make the Department an extended family.
For decades, the tradition of volunteerism has long been a
vital force in Windsor Locks with a volunteer Fire Department. These are people who, behind the scenes, do
much for the Fire Department. Without
their support, it would be very difficult to carry out our duties. Our community should be proud of our
citizens who extend a helpful hand and ask nothing in return. The Commission says to all that helped
“please accept our warmest thanks and appreciation, your help has made our work
easier”.
On behalf of the Fire Commission and the Town, we would
also like to thank former Commissioner Russell Gabrielson, who did not seek
re-election this term, for his over 25 years of volunteer service on the Fire
Commission. Many of Russ’s years on the
Commission were that of Chairperson.
During the 2003 – 2004 fiscal year, the Windsor Locks Fire
Department responded to 425 alarms. 70
firefighters and Explorers, which includes 9 line officers. Chief Jeffery has done an outstanding job in
budget management with a $23.80 Fire Department per capita cost and a cost per
response of $700 for fiscal year 2003-2004.
The Department has also been able to keep our low ISO rating to a 4,
which means greater savings to the taxpayers by way of lower insurance
premiums. This combined with the
dedication of the firefighters gives Windsor Locks a quality Fire
Department.
With the passing of Chief Jeffery, several promotions were
held. The promotions were as follows:
Chief Gary Ruggiero
Assistant Chief Francis
DeBella
Deputy Chief John Donahue
Captain Brian Long
Lieutenant Joseph LaPierre III
Again, this past year our Department has been assisted by
our Explorer Post Number 50, affiliated through the Boys Scouts of
America. The program has been able to
retain approximately 15 participating Explorers. The program is open to all high school age youths of our town
that are between 14 and 18 years of age and have passed the eighth grade. The Explorers must maintain at least a “C”
average in school to stay in the program.
Most of these active Explorers continuously achieve high scholastic
honors as well. They are being trained
in all facets of firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, etc. Explorers, who are members of the Junior or
Senior class, are allowed to leave school during the day to respond to calls
providing they have the permission of their teachers and principal. We would again like to thank the Windsor
Locks High School Principal, Mr. Matt Bisceglia, for keeping the program
started by his predecessor going, and for the school’s continuing support.
The Department continues to support the Firehawk Program,
which is a companion program for juvenile firesetters. Those Department members in the program are
trained to provide companionship, education, and counseling for the “curiosity”
juvenile firesetter. They also provide
assistance in referring to other more advanced agencies to help those
firesetters with more needs. Several
members of the community were counseled by this program this past yea
The
Department also maintains a Technical Rescue Team made up of several of the
Department Officers and Firefighters.
This team trains and maintains proficiency in several specialized areas
of rescue beyond the regular Department Training. The Team specializes in Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue,
Hazardous Materials Technician and Operational Level, and Cold Water
Rescue. This team was again put to the
test this past spring with the Cold Water Rescue of a person that fell into the
Windsor Locks Canal.
The Department still experiences problems attracting new
firefighters and once we get them, retaining them. The Department would again like to thank the tax office for their
assistance in recruiting. Again, this
past year the tax department has included a special flyer in the tax bills to
all taxpayers in town looking for volunteer firefighters. A special thanks to the Board of Finance for
continuing to fund our Fire Service Coordinator position and our incentive
program.
Through the skill and
dedication of Firefighter Alan Roberts (our webmaster), the Department’s web
page (http://www.wlfd.com) has been a source
of information on our Department. The
web page not only advises the Department members with upcoming events and
notices etc., it also provides information for the townspeople and provides a
means for the townspeople to ask us questions.
Visitors to the web site can also get information and an application for
joining our Department as well information on Fire Safety.
The Department would also like to thank all the different
town agencies that we work with throughout the year. In particular, we would like to thank the Selectman’s Office,
Windsor Locks Police Department, Windsor Locks Lions Club Ambulance Corps,
Windsor Locks Department of Public Works and Water Pollution, and the Windsor
Locks Office of Emergency Management for their help in mitigating many of the
incidents that we responded to this past year.
There are many other town agencies that we also worked with, that are
too numerous to mention here, but we also appreciate their assistance. We appreciate their help and camaraderie
during some very difficult times.
We
would also like to thank our Ladies Auxiliary who continue to assist and
support us These women are always there to help us with our different projects
whether it be serving coffee at a fire scene, helping at the annual carnival,
helping with our open house for fire prevention, helping wherever they can.
FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for the protection of
lives and property throughout the Town of Windsor Locks. The duties and responsibilities of the Fire
Marshal’s Office are mandated by the Connecticut General Statutes on when and
where inspections are to be conducted, responsibilities regarding hazardous
substances, plan review and fire investigations. Over the past thirty (30) plus years, the Fire Marshal's Office
has evolved from conducting fire prevention activities and issuing burning
permits to a multi code enforcement agency responsible for the enforcement of
codes and standards. The Fire Marshal's
Office is the only Town agency that is required to perform inspections of the
commercial tax base buildings and properties on an annual basis, i.e. schools,
business, day care, industrial, commercial and public assembly properties.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code enforcement is one of the most important duties of the Fire
Marshal's Office, which requires a working knowledge of over 100 codes and
standards, ranging from the Connecticut Fire Safety Code to hazardous materials
regulations. This responsibility places
the Fire Marshal in every occupancy throughout the Town with the exception of
one and two family dwellings. Code enforcement
is accomplished through three activities.
Inspection of structures is required to be conducted on an annual
basis. During the inspection of a
property, in addition to citing violations of code, the Fire Marshal works with
the property owner to gain a code compliant building, providing a safe
environment for the public and, limiting the financial impact of code
compliance.
Plan review is required to be performed on every construction,
renovation and addition project occurring within every structure.
The Fire Marshal's Office also responds to complaints of code
violations made by persons who view the violations during the use of a
building.
All of the above noted
tasks require specialized training in the use and interpretation of codes and
standards.
INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
The Fire Marshal's Office is required to investigate the cause and
origin of all fires, explosions and related incidents, which occur throughout
the Town. The Fire Marshal’s Office is
the only agency in the Town that can determine if a fire was deliberately set.
The Fire Marshal's Office is also required to complete
comprehensive reports on all incidents that the Fire Department responds
to. These reports are submitted to the
State where they are entered into a State and National Data Base.
PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION
Public Fire Education is the single most important tool used to
safeguard life and property. Fire
Prevention Week is the kick off point for the education activities, starting
with presentations to the school children.
During the school program, children are instructed in the basics of such
safety issues as Stop, Drop and Roll; Crawl in Smoke; and, How to Call the Fire
Department. These topics are taught
using methods developed nationally and geared towards the child remembering
what actions to take in a fire related emergencies.
During the 2000/2001 fiscal year, the Fire Marshal’s Office
instituted the Firehawk Juvenile
Firesetter Intervention Program. In
this program, firefighters trained in techniques of working with children who
have set fires or played with matches, become companions of the firesetter
teaching fire safety habits. Referrals
of children into the program come from parents, teachers, police, the Juvenile
Review Board and, the court system.
Chief Gary Ruggiero
Assistant Chief Francis
DeBella
Deputy Chief John Donahue
Captain Herbert Staiger III
Captain Brian Long
Lieutenant Harley Higgins
Lieutenant Andrew Kulas
Lieutenant John Kupernik
Lieutenant Joseph LaPierre III
Fire Marshal Michael
Sinsigalli
Deputy Fire Marshal John
Donahue
Deputy Fire Marshal John
Kupernik
Deputy Fire Marshal John
Loughran
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The Windsor Locks Community
Advisory Committee, the Windsor Locks Historical Commission and the Windsor
Locks Historical Society worked together to celebrate the 150th
Anniversary of Windsor Locks on October 16th and 17th,
2004. The parade was held on Saturday,
October 16th attracting over four thousand people, most remained on
the Noden-Reed Museum Park grounds to enjoy the many festive events of the
day. There was entertainment for all
ages. Everyone seemed to be happy and
excited.
The parade led by the Windsor
Locks Police, had many marching groups consisting of 22 bands, including the
Windsor Locks High School and Windsor Locks Middle School. The Shriners were a wonderful group to watch
with their little motor cars running in circles and the clowns making people
laugh. The boy scouts, girl scouts, cub
scouts and brownies marched. The
politicians, Jeff Ives, Joe Calsetta, Denise Balboni, Kevin Sullivan, Susan
Bysowicz, Peggy Sayers and many others also marched. The Floats driven by tractors were beautifully built, decorated
with flowers and had beautiful Queens and Princesses on display. There were Military groups, Veterans groups,
the Lions group and other organizations participating in the parade. This was the longest and most attended
Parade that has even been seen in Windsor Locks. Awards were given to the outstanding float displays in the parade
and to the Queens and Princesses. An
Old Time baseball game was played on the Winlox property owned by the Pearce
family across the street from the Noden-Reed Museum Park. Only positive words were spoken of the 150th
event.
Sunday, October 17th
visitors enjoyed 20 minutes hayrides throughout the day around the Noden-Reed
Museum Park. Tractor Pulls were held in
the open fields with a big assist by James Pearce and his crew. Windsor Locks local businesses and other town
agencies gave support to the 150th anniversary. Crafters and vendors had a very busy and
successful week end. Joe Lapierre and
his crew did a magnificent job of installing electrical equipment for the
event. We were blessed with many wonderful and dedicated volunteers and we
thank each and everyone of them for their services. It was a HUGE SUCCESS for the Town of Windsor Locks. The local newspaper coverage of the 150th
anniversary was excellent.
The Historical Commission
meets four times a year on the 3rd Wednesday of February, May,
August and November. Meeting notices
will be posted at the Town Hall.
WINDSOR LOCKS HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Windsor Locks Housing
Authority manages three housing complexes and one rent subsidy program. The three complexes W.L.H.A. manages are the
two HUD properties, Grove Street and Chestnut Hill Apartments and One State
project Southwest Avenue Apartments.
The mission statement for the Housing Authority is to continue their
efforts to ensure safe, decent and affordable housing: create opportunities for
resident’s self-efficiency and economic independence; and assure fiscal
integrity by all program participants.
Grove Street (76 units)
and Chestnut Hill Apartments (16 units) are Federally funded. Oak Grove Apartments are designated as an
elderly community, in order to apply you must be 62 years of age or older and
of low to moderate income.
Chestnut Hill Apartments
are designated for families. In order
to reside at Chestnut Hill Apartments you must have a family and have low to
moderate income.
Southwest Avenue
Apartments (40 units) are State funded.
In order to be eligible to live in the Southwest Apartment complex you
must be either elderly or disabled and be of low or moderate income.
The rent subsidy program
managed by the W.L.H.A. is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Anyone of very-low to low income is
eligible. Applications are only available when the waiting list is open. The
program is currently closed subsequently providing Housing Choice Vouchers to
the 100 applicants remaining on the waiting list. We anticipate opening the program for application at the end of
the year 2005.
The waiting lists for PHA
housing for lower-income families remains open. There are over 100 applications
for elderly housing and 95 applications for the family units on Chestnut
Street. The waiting lists are updated annually in June.
The Southwest Terrace
Apartments now have a new roof Thanks to a State Grant in the amount of
$440,000.00 and Reserve Monies from Southwest Terrace.
In memory of Loretta
O’Donnell, Resident Commissioner, the Housing Authority would like to express
great appreciation of her many years of service, commitment, compassion and
knowledge of the Housing Authority.
In April 2004 elections for
the Housing Authority Commissioners were held.
The newly elected Commissioners are as follows:
Edward V. Sabotka- Chairman
Franc Taylor- Vice Chairman
Helen Olisky-Commissioner
Lewis Pultz- Commissioner
Sister Heleln Ryan SND- Tenant
Comm.
Executive Director-Betty-Ann
Reilly
Section 8
P.M.-Allison Marione-Hart
Maintenance-Russell McIntyre
Regal Barsanti
The Windsor Locks Lions
Ambulance has completed yet another successful but difficult year. This past year, we approached the Town of
Windsor Locks to assist our operations budget, by granting us money for the
2004-2005 fiscal years. Thanks to the
support of the Town, we have been granted approximately $11,500 per month to
assist with our daily operations. In
addition, the Board of Finance has set aside $15,000 in capital expenditures
towards the future purchase of an ambulance. Thanks
to the support and dedication of the townspeople and businesses of Windsor
Locks, our annual fund drive netted $25,000 this past year. These monies go directly into our
operational budget and provide for equipment, supplies, training, uniforms
vehicle maintenance and eventually a new ambulance. Thank you
The sole reason we
exist is to serve the community by aiding the sick and injured, to saving lives
and helping our neighbors. Our service
responded to approximately 1000 calls this past year.
These calls range
from broken bones, to various accidents, heart attacks etc. These calls involve not only helping members
in our community but our neighbors as well.
Coming to your aid are experienced corps members prepared to handle
Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support calls. Ambulance Chief Steve
Molinari runs the day to day operations of the corps, in addition to, managing
a staff consisting of Paramedics, EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technician – at
various levels), MRT’s (Medical Response Technicians) and CPR drivers.
The corps offers
extensive public outreach services.
This includes a defibrillation program for the Windsor Locks Police
Department, CPR classes, publications, blood pressure clinics, programs,
informational venues, and public appearances.
We conduct scores of CPR classes; co-sponsor an EMT-I course and offer
an MRT class. We also co-sponsor an
MRT/EMS course taught to students as part of the Windsor Locks High School
curriculum.
This year we will
continue to provide the most professional, efficient and congenial emergency
medical care to the townspeople. We
will live our Lions motto, “We Serve”, as we help our neighbors and fellow
Windsor Locks residents. Thank you
citizens of Windsor Locks, for your undying support of the ambulance corps and
the ideals it represents. Thank you -
Town of Windsor Locks for your support of our ambulance service to the
townspeople of Windsor Locks and our neighbors.
WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC LIBRARY
The library has been busy this year as we
offered a variety of new programs, special events and materials to reach out to
the varied interests of the community. In addition to the usual book sales,
clubs and story hours, the library proudly hosted an AARP summer concert and a
program on the history of the Windsor Locks Canal, and took part in the
town’s annual Winterfest activities. The Windsor Locks Public Library
appreciates the support and generosity of the patrons, volunteers and
businesses for their help throughout the year that directly contributes to the
success of the library.
ADULT LIBRARY PROGRAMS
A new series of Readers’ Advisory brochures
consisting of booklists for various genres and reading interests was created by
members of the library staff to aid our users in finding interesting
recreational reading materials to match their interests. Approximately 70% of the
adult reading materials (including audio books) checked out in 2003-2004 were
fiction, so this new Readers’ Advisory service should be well-received by our
users. Monthly displays will be set up based on these lists.
The library has a good selection of large print
books and audio books, including some on loan from the Connecticut State
Library, for your reading pleasure. The library borrows these materials to
supplement our collection and rotates the materials every three months with a
new supply.
The Windsor Locks Public Library was once again
part of the annual townwide Winterfest Celebration in January. The charming
Jean Donato, The Winter Lady, attracted a full house for her stories of
winter and snow. This program was well received by children and adults alike.
Everyone was invited to hot chocolate and home made baked goods provided by the
Windsor Locks Women’s Club. The library also held a Winterfest book sale, which
we continued throughout the next week thanks to the hard work of Ken Manning
his volunteers.
As part of our commitment to support and promote
local writers, Enfield author Jessica Barrone visited the library in May to
talk about her series of gothic/horror novels. Her latest novel, The Legendary,
was published in April.
In June, local attorney J.
Christopher Kervick presented an audio-visual history and led a discussion on canal history and preservation. The
program included a PowerPoint presentation and a discussion of the canal’s
history and current preservation efforts. Mr. Kervick outlined his plan
to transfer ownership of the canal to a non-profit corporation dedicated to
historic preservation of the local waterway.
On June 19 and into the following week, the
library held the annual Spring book sale. Thousands of books were available for
sale, both paperbacks and hard cover. It proved a great time to stock up on
beach reading for the hot summer months. The money goes toward improving our
library’s collection.
AARP’s summer concert series moved to the
library grounds where Johnny Prytko and the Good Times Band performed on the
evening of July 6. Many turned out with their lawn chairs to enjoy polka music
and cool ice cream treats donated to the library by Hood in Suffield. This free
"Polka Madness" concert was part of the Windsor Locks'
annual outdoor summer concert series.
"Elizabeth Park - A Century of Beauty"
was presented by local author, Alicia Cornelio in August in the library’s
community room. Ms. Cornelio presented a slide show and book signing of her
commemorative book on the Centennial of the Elizabeth Park Rose gardens.
Partial proceeds from the purchase of Ms. Cornelio’s book benefit Elizabeth
Park in Hartford, the oldest municipal rose garden in the United States. Two
copies of this book are available in the library for patrons to borrow.
The Windsor Locks Public Library hosted three
exciting programs on organizing and improving the home environment. In
May, professional organizer Faith Manierre presented some useful ideas on
organizing paperwork and reducing clutter in the home, office, and life.
Professional Organizer Betsy Van Loon, free-lance organizer, educator, and
owner of Start Right Here, talked about downsizing and managing the home
in a program on Tuesday, September 14. This program was geared toward anyone
needing to figure out how to fit all that “stuff” more manageably into an
available space. The library welcomed seniors, empty-nesters and others
interested in learning how to organize and consolidate. On October 6, Certified
Feng Shui Consultant Ned Farrell, gave an entertaining look into what Feng
Shui really is and how to apply it to your life and your environment. Ned
taught the audience how to “shift” their surroundings to lower stress, enrich
relationships, and become more focused and creative. The program included a
slide presentation followed by a question and answer period.
Local residents often share their travel and
research experiences through entertaining and informative programs. In addition
to canal historian J. Christopher Kervick, Mihar Patel presented a travel slide
show in September on his recent travel adventures in Alaska, and Li Han
transported her audience to the beautiful city of Beijing, China in October.
The library proudly took part in the Windsor
Locks 150th anniversary parade and celebration on October 16,
joining the parade with a 1925 Studebaker. Board member Ken Manning, dressed in
top hat and armed with a good book, promoted both reading and the library’s 99
years of service to the town. The library invited Mark Twain to join the
celebration where he strolled around the grounds of the Noden Reed Farm sharing
his witticisms with local residents.
The Windsor Locks Library currently hosts two
general monthly book discussion clubs on the first Tuesday evening and second
Thursday afternoon of each month. A third monthly book club, the Christie
Capers, is moderated by Windsor Locks resident Janet Lomba and features
discussion of popular mysteries on the third Wednesday of each month. Copies of
discussion books are available at the library and new members are always
welcome.
Community volunteers are an especially important
part of the Windsor Locks Library’s programming. In addition to those already
mentioned, Norman Renouf provides instruction to interested newcomers during
our weekly Chess Club, which meets at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Our needlework
group gets together on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Nancy Wenzel offers
instruction in knitting or crocheting at these meetings. Afternoon adult
knitting classes are also offered periodically by Dolores Campisi, and Bob
Pearce runs our monthly Genealogy club, which meets on the 4th
Tuesday of each month.
CHILDREN’S LIBRARY PROGRAMS
Our children’s librarian, Ann Holliday, retired
after several years of dedicated service to the library. She will be greatly
missed. The library held a well-attended reception in her honor on Saturday,
March 20 where patrons, coworkers and peers joined us to wish Ann well on her
retirement. The library officially opened the search for a new Children’s
Librarian around this time.
The library’s goal has been to ensure that the
programming, activities and service to children continued each month, offering
a variety of activities and programs. The Children’s library was a popular spot
for children as they checked out books, attended programs or used the library
for research.
March was once again Dr. Seuss month at the
Windsor Locks Public Library! In honor or Dr. Seuss’s 100th
birthday, the library held story hours every Thursday evening during the month
of March. Dr. Seuss and other popular children’s authors were read by members
of the Windsor Locks Middle School Student Council and various community
members including First Selectman Jeff Ives, John Sullivan, Francis Cook,
Officer Dan Squires and South School’s Principal, Dr. Dennis Gragnolati. Weekly
door prizes, bookmarks, and Seuss activity sheets were featured at each story
hour. The library acknowledges the contribution made by all of the readers for
the success of this program.
A first time event was hosted by the library
this spring in conjunction with North Street School. “Bingo for Books"
with North Street School Principal, Jeff Ferreira was held on Saturday, April 3
in the children’s library. This program had been run in the past at the school
for older children and is a first-time event for pre-school children. Over 40
preschoolers attended with their caregiver and everyone won many books.
Saturday, June 26 marked the
beginning of our summer reading program, Reading…Treasure
It, a pirate-themed adventure. We were joined by
Juggle & Joy Pirate Show for a kickoff celebration. Young readers were
welcomed aboard as the library set sail for a summer-long reading adventure.
The celebration ended with free icecream for everyone attending from the Disney
Hood truck. Young mates were invited to set sail and discover the treasures and
riches awaiting them in the library as they signed on as ‘first mates.’ With
treasure maps in hand, the hunt for treasure began. Young readers were
encouraged to read their way through the summer with weekly prizes and
incentives. First Mates making it through to the end of the program found the
hidden booty bags at the end of the season celebration in their honor.
In keeping with this summer’s theme, the library
was joined by Cedar Island Marina’s ‘touch tank’ adventure. Children were able
to feel, touch and experience live marine life of Long Island Sound for an
unforgettable learning experience. The Cedar Island biologist explained the
importance of these organisms to the overall health of the Long Island Sound
and the need to protect the animals and their habitat.
"Treasure these Times", an evening
reading adventure, was held this year for children ages 3-7 and their
caregivers. Mrs. Melissa Hickey welcomed children to the library each Tuesday evening
in July for a stories and songs. Registration was popular and enjoyed by the
children who used their imagination as they listened to a story to relax them
before bedtime.
The Children’s Library hosted a weekly craft and
story time for children visiting from Pesci Park, on Tuesdays afternoons this
summer.
Local baseball fans joined the library in August
as we welcomed the New Britain ROCK CATS to the children’s story time area! The
library hosted this story time to support literacy and the ROCK CATS sponsored
program Reading Books In Summer.” The children’s story time featured a baseball
story, Mighty Jackie, the Strikeout Queen read by the New Britain ROCK CATS.
Children joined Sandy, the team’s mascot, for autograph signing and pictures.
The children happily received a free ticket to an upcoming game.
Following the tradition of the past 2 years, in
October the library again hosted new sixth grade students and reading teachers
from the Windsor Locks Middle School, providing guided tours, information, and
free bookmarks for all of the students.
GIFT OF READING PROGRAM
The library continues to offer the Gift of
Reading program to allow patrons the opportunity to acknowledge a friend,
coworker, teacher, loved one or group with a book plaque placed in your gift
book donation. Many patrons have chosen to remember someone with a memorial
gift. Your gift will be acknowledged with a book plaque placed in the donation.
Visitors to the library’s website www.windsorlockslibrary.org
may choose the type of book you wish to purchase and the amount you want to
spend.
BORN TO READ WELCOME BABY
The library continues to offer the Born to
Read Welcome Baby program in an effort to promote literacy in families and
foster a love of reading. In partnership with the Windsor Locks Women’s Club,
newborns are welcomed to the Windsor Locks community with a welcome baby
packet. Each packet contains a board book, Born to Read bib, and baby and
parenting materials from area sponsors.
BRICKS OF REMEMBRANCE
The Bricks of Remembrance commemorative brick
patio continues to be a popular choice for those who need a gift for someone
who has everything. Bricks are often donated as a memorial or remembrance of a
special loved one and are a wonderful way to commemorate special occasions.
Order forms are available at the library or online at www.windsorlockslibrary.org/bricks.html
.
In
an effort to serve the interests of our patrons, the library has continued to
make an effort to acquire books on the current best seller lists, newly
published books by the most popular authors, and in-demand audio books, videos
and DVDs. Interlibrary loan requests also enable us to widen the scope of
materials available to Windsor Locks borrowers. This service is available to
all Windsor Locks Library users.
More
than 4,400 Windsor Locks residents, about 37% of the town’s population,
currently hold library cards. A total of 68,348 items were circulated during
the 2003-2004 fiscal year, including more than 23,000 items from the Children’s
and Teen areas.
Approximately
30% of the library’s total circulation is now accounted for by movies in both
DVD and video formats. The demand for audio books has also increased and our
collection reflects the current trend toward books on CD as well as the
traditional cassette format. Several times during the year audio books and
large print titles borrowed from the Connecticut State Library’s Service Centers
are added temporarily to our collection in order to provide our users with a
wider selection of these formats.
As
has been mentioned, Fiction is the most popular reading choice among Windsor
Locks adults. In 2003, the library’s top circulating work of fiction was The
Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, and in 2004 The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown reigned
supreme.
The
library has started an Express Book collection whereby books are leased for
about a year, while their popularity is at its peak. Patrons can charge them
out for only a 7 day period to facilitate fast turnover, and give more people
access to them without a long wait. This collection augments our regular
purchases in order to keep up with high-demand items.
In
addition to fiction, books on political issues, health, diet and fitness,
personal finance, spirituality, and home decor and repair circulate very well.
The
library, with very generous help of local corporate grant money, has been
expanding its video collection to include many documentaries and educational
series, such as: Ken Burns’ “America Collection” and “The West, “ “Islam:
Empire of Faith,” “Ellis Island,” “Band of Brothers,” “The Alamo,” and “The
Secret life of the Brain.” We have also added a large number of classics in
audio book format such as “Treasure Island,” “Madame Bovary,” and “Crime and
Punishment.”
Our
Reference collection has also grown to include many interesting, informative
and beautiful new sets that offer opportunities for research or delightful
browsing. Some of these titles include “Van Nostrand’s Scientific
Encyclopedia,” “Great World Writers,” “Oxford Companion to Mark Twain,” “Day by
Day: the Nineties,” “African American Lives,” “Ancient Europe,” “The
Encyclopedia of the Victorian Era,” and the new “Encyclopedia Americana.”
Hobbyists can find the new Scott’s Stamp Catalogue, the 2004 Handbook of U.S.
Coins, and Schroeder’s and Kovels’ antiques guides.
Overall,
the library has been working hard to meet the many diverse needs and interests
of its patrons, by acquiring a broad range of books and media on many subjects,
in order to best serve the Windsor Locks community.
YOUR
LIBRARY ONLINE
More
than 25,000 people have visited our library’s web page at www.windsorlockslibrary.org
since its launching in late 2001. The site is constantly being improved and
revised to reflect the needs and interests of the library’s user community.
Recently Genealogy and library Job Opportunities pages were added and
recommended web links were updated to include new health, craft, and parenting
sites. The Calendar page has been revised and the Teen Zone has been updated
with some new homework links and reviews. The library web page provides easy
access to the Connecticut Digital Library, online catalogs throughout the
state, worldwide news, and many local links.
The
library will be looking forward to 2005 as we commemorate 100 years of service
to the residents of Windsor Locks. We continue to assess the needs of our
patrons to ensure we are meeting their needs and those of the community. We
look forward to providing quality materials, services and programs to serve
you. Remember to watch the Windsor Locks Public Library web site at www.windsorlockslibrary.org for news and
information about all of the “doings” down here at 28 Main Street. We also have
a monthly column in the Senior Scan and we regularly send in events to the Cox
Community Calendar and the local newspapers. Make sure to stop by the library
for a visit soon, as there are many ongoing activities for everyone at the
library.
The
Windsor Locks Library Board of Directors: Ginny Blanchfield, Susan Bushnik,
Lorna Hamilton, Ray Jackson, Lisa LaGanke, Ken Manning
PARK COMMISSION
The Park Commission wishes
to continue to extend its appreciation to the Public Works Department headed by
Mr. Scott Lappen and especially Jim Pearce, Park Foreman, and his park crew for
the excellent job maintaining and improving our many parks in town.
Once again, the
Park Commission extends gratitude to the Board of Education and the School
Administration for allowing the continued use of school facilities. With their
cooperation, the Park and Recreation Department can offer programs such as
swimming at the High School Pool and basketball at the High School and Middle
School. South Elementary School is used for basketball, volleyball and various
performances. North Street School is
used for martial arts and basketball.
The constant cooperation and
support of organizations, boards, commissions and especially the townspeople
continue to make our work most gratifying.
Under the direction of David
Farr, summer programs at Pesci Park continued to run successfully. The Park and Recreation Director is assisted
by Pool Director Heather Wrabel and Summer Program Directors Diane Moran and
Jackie Wenzel. Many children from town participated in programs such as
Archery, Arts and Crafts, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Soccer,
and Swimming Lessons. Special Event Days were held each Friday at Pesci Park
during the summer and included events such as Carnival Day, Field Day, and
Fiesta Day. This was our sixth year for
Summer Day Camp and was conducted for nine weeks. The camp was very successful
with attendance for this program increasing 20% over our fifth year. This summer four Movies at the Park were
held at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Finding
Nemo, Lion King 1 ½, Brother Bear, and Piglet’s Big Movie
were shown.
The Park and Recreation
Department continued to sponsor the Summer Concert Series. Concerts were well attended. The cooperation of the staff at Southwest
Terrace greatly added to the success of these concerts. The Park Commission also wishes to thank
Ahlstrom Corporation, Hamilton Sunstrand, Windsor Locks Federal Credit Union,
Carillo Insurance and the Aetna Foundation for their continued contribution and
support of these summer concerts.
The Park and Recreation
Department also sponsored various programs during the year. Recreational
Soccer, Indoor Soccer, Recreational Basketball, Adult Open Basketball, Adult
Sunday League Basketball, Aerobics, Archery, Gymnastics / Tumbling, Fall and
Spring Swimming Lessons (at the high school), Adult Open Volleyball, and Funtime
and Playtime Adventures were just a few of the programs offered and very well
attended. Many volunteers helped to
make these programs successful. The Park and Recreations Department continued
to open up school gymnasiums and the pool during Christmas and February
Breaks. During the February vacation
ice skating, a clown show and a musical performance were offered and well
received.
The After School Club began
with the school year. It was originally
held at Town Hall and later moved to South Elementary School. The program provides students with care
after school until 6:00 pm. Activities
include homework, snack, games, arts and crafts, and sport activities.
At Halloween, the Park and
Recreation Department sponsored a candy-filled Egg Hunt. The vaudeville team of Juggle and Joy gave
spooky performance prior to the egg hunt.
During the Christmas holidays,
a House Decorating Contest was held.
Three winners were
selected. Anthony Pignone, at 41
Harrison Street, won in the category of Brightest House. Jennifer Grant, at 29 Chester Drive, was the
winner in the category for Most Spirited House. And Gail Munson, at 31 Birge Avenue, received the prize for Best
Overall. The judging took place during
the week of December 15th thru 19th and the judges were
Eileen Annis, Assistant Park Director, Jim Hussey and Bill LaTorra, Park
Commissions, and Jennifer Williams as Student Representative. Gift certificates from various restaurants
were awarded to the winners.
The Park Director is looking
for individuals interested in instructing programs. Any person interested should contact the Park Office.
The Park Commission will
continue to strive for excellence to maintain the high standard of programming
and facilities for the benefit of the residents of Windsor Locks.
Input from interested citizens
of Windsor Locks is always welcomed at our monthly meetings on the second
Monday of every month at the Town Hall, Room 102 at 7:00 PM except for May,
June and July when meetings are held 7:30 PM.
POLICE COMMISSION
The organizational goals
of the Windsor Locks Police Department are the protection of life and property,
maintaining and improving the quality of life for town residents, along with
those who work or visit this community, and creating a secure environment
through the philosophy of community policing.
The Windsor Locks Police Department continues to attain these goals by
working in concert with all Town Departments, local civic and community groups
and local businesses.
The Department consists of the
Chief of Police, one Captain, one detective sergeant, one detective, four
patrol sergeants and 17 sworn police
officers. Augmenting the Department are four civilian dispatchers and two part-time dispatchers, one secretary,
one records clerk and one part-time animal control officer. The Department is a
24-hour, 7-day-a-week professional Police Department under the direction of the
Police Commission. The Police Commission is comprised of six elected officials:
Neal F. Cunningham, Chairman, George M. Hall, Vice Chairman, Roger E. Nelson,
Secretary, Edward E. Lanati, James E. Gaylord and Christine E. Smedick. The
Commission functions as the administrative and policy-making board for the
Department. The members of the Police Commission are volunteers who donate
several hours of their time each month to support the Police Department.
The Windsor Locks Police
Department continues its philosophy of community policing by taking part in
various community functions, including the Town’s Winterfest, Project Graduation,
Windsor Locks Family Day, and the ROPES program offered by the Youth
Commission. Available during these events are the Canine Team, DARE vehicle,
and officers providing Emergency Child Information Packets. The Police
Department, for the third year, has worked in conjunction with the Board of
Education in offering bicycle helmets to the students of the community at
reduced rates. The ride-a-long program
is still available for any citizen desiring to ride with an officer for a work
shift. The Department maintains a
canine patrol which is also available for demonstrations upon request. Bicycle patrols are also used when officers
are available. The neighborhood watch
program continues to be offered to any neighborhood or group of citizens
seeking advice. During this fiscal
year, the Windsor Locks Police Department again provided the DARE program at
the South Street School. This year, approximately 160 students graduated from
the program. A full-time SRO (Student
Resource Officer) is now assigned to the Windsor Locks High School. This officer is an additional resource for
students and school personnel during the school year and patrols the parks and
troubled areas during the summer months. The Detective Division consists of a
Detective Sergeant and a Detective.
Citizens are reminded that all
sector patrol vehicles are equipped with defibrillators. Also, certain police
vehicles are now equipped with AR-15s (automatic rifles). The supervisor’s
vehicle is now equipped with a taser and video camcorders have been installed
in every vehicle. Also, to enhance service to the community, the Windsor Locks
Police Department has upgraded its computer system to include an official web
site which will allow citizens to communicate information or tips to officers via
email. It should be noted that this web site will list various warrants on file
with the Windsor Locks Police Department and also provide updated safety
advice. The web site is www.windsorlockspolice.com.
During the past calendar year
(January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003), members of the Windsor Locks Police
Department responded to 10,248 calls for service which included situations
ranging from assaults and neighborhood disputes to motor vehicle complaints and
stops. There were 431 criminal arrests, 391 reported accidents and 1,538 motor
vehicle stops resulting in 522 misdemeanor summons/infractions issued for motor
vehicle violations. The following number of major crimes were investigated: 2
murder incidents, 5 robberies, 57 assaults, 5 sexual assaults, 37 burglaries,
128 larcenies, 85 auto thefts, and 0 arsons. This was a statistical crime
decrease over the previous year of 27%.
The excellence of the
Windsor Locks Police Department is contingent on being a part of and not apart
from the community. It is dependent on continued, positive working
relationships with the Windsor Locks Fire Department, the Office of Emergency
Management, the Auxiliary Police and Juvenile Review Board, to mention a few.
Members of the Police
Commission wish to extend their appreciation to the police officers and
civilian employees of the Windsor Locks Police Department who continue to serve
the department and the community with professionalism, dedication and
competence.
The Police Department is
always open to suggestions and receptive to new ideas. The Board of Police
Commissioners meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the
Town Hall, and as needed on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the
Public Safety Complex.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The Social Service
Department continues to meet the needs of the townspeople of Windsor Locks and
to maintain the quality of care of each individual who enters our programs.
Over the past year, the
department has provided such services as energy assistance, holiday food
baskets, a free clothing closet, emergency medical assistance and case
management. Other programs have Renters
Rebate and Homeowner and Totally Disabled Tax Relief help to provide one stop
shopping for residents.
This past year I have also
become a certified CHOICES counselor.
Choices stands for Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
and Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Program.
CHOICES counselors provide
information and referrals. They provide
free information and assistance about current Medicare choices (traditional
fee-for-service and managed care options).
Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), Medicaid, Long Term Care
Insurance, and other related state and federal programs.
Eligibility screening is
available to persons age 60 and above and any person who is on Medicare.
The BookBuddy program is a
very popular program run through this
office. Every kindergarten student at
North Street School received two new books from their adult BookBuddy. There were over 100 volunteers who supplied
the books to the children. The children
were ecstatic receiving their books.
The look on the children’s faces when we showed up was priceless. Denice Fortin and Ed Bycenski, without their
help this program could not have taken place.
The core group of volunteers
who serve the FoodShelf and Clothing Closet include Bob Urbank, Carol &
Frank Cook, Lorene Muir, Krystyna Kadlubowski, and Maria Rampello.
Without the continued support
of the local service organizations, businesses, residents and numerous
volunteers, this department would not be able to provide the services that have
been long established.
The Social Services Department
will continue the pursuit of its goals: to provide the highest degree of public
social services and will work to foster and maintain an environment which
demonstrates confidentiality, integrity, stability and equality, and the
overall strive towards excellence.
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
The Water Pollution Control
Facility (WPCF) came under the calendar year 2003 total nitrogen discharge
limit of 122 lbs / day with a daily average of 116 lbs / day. Thus, the
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchased nitrogen
credits from the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) for $890.00. The
permit limit for calendar year 2004 is 111 lbs / day of total nitrogen. Through
September 2004 the WPCF is averaging 109 lbs / day. The Nitrogen /
Denitrification Upgrade should be 100% complete by the end of 2004.
The reconstruction of Old
County Road required construction of a
new pump station to replace the
existing station. The new pump station is fully functional. There remains a
small number of punch-list items to closeout this project. These items should
be completed before the end of 2004.
The WPCA allocated funding for
Fiscal Year 2003 / 2004 to replace all the roofs at the main WPCF. This project
was completed in September 2004.
The WPCA authorized Tighe
& Bond Consulting Engineers in Fiscal Year 2003 / 2004 to submit a proposed
scope of work and level of effort associated with the Facilities Plan to the
Connecticut DEP. A major portion of the plan is investigating and pinpointing
major sources of Inflow / Infiltration into the sanitary sewer system. The Connecticut DEP reviewed the plan and
authorized funding based on the following criteria; 100% grant money for
anything inside the WPCF grounds and 55% for anything outside the fence. This
funding is for planning only and does not include design and construction. The
WPCA allocated funds to start the Inflow and Infiltration Elimination Program
this past spring. Tighe & Bond coordinated sub-contractors and the
following tasks were completed this spring and summer: Televised Inspections of
approximately 26,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines, Smoke Testing of
approximately 64,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines, 523 House–to-House
Inspections, 260 Manhole Inspections. Dye Testing (25 sites) / Dye Flooding (10
sites) will start on October 18, 2004.
Upon completion of these tasks the data will be compiled, evaluated, and
a report submitted to the WPCA. Planning for other tasks of the Facilities Plan
will continue throughout the remainder of 2004.
Once again, the WPCA would like to offer its sincere thanks to
all the employee’s of the WPCF for there outstanding efforts and maintaining a
high level of service and professionalism.
TAX COLLECTOR
The Mill Rate for the October
1, 2003 Grand List was set by the Board of Finance at 20.69.
The Tax Collector is
responsible for the billing and collection of the real estate, motor vehicles,
and personal property taxes. The
primary goal is to achieve the highest collection, which provides revenues for
the Town of Windsor Locks.
The Tax Department has begun
an aggressive campaign to collect delinquent taxes. Some methods are as follows:
Tax Liens, Demand Notices, UCC Liens, Warrants, Alias Tax Warrants,
Payment Plans and the use of a Credit Information Bureau to collect back
delinquent taxes.
We are communicating with the
Department of Motor Vehicles by diskettes, which allows us to notify the
Registry, in a more timely manner whether a taxpayer’s taxes are paid or not
paid. The savings in time is
approximately three months for the taxpayer and many tax dollars for the town
as delinquents do not fall through the cracks as easily.
Once you become delinquent,
the entire amount due must be paid in cash, money order, or certified bank
check to receive a clearance for motor vehicle registration. Also return checks are charged a return fee
of $25.00.
Concern and understanding is
our major aim in this department. We
believe, “TOGETHER WE CAN WORK IT OUT”
is our goal and we are always happy to assist you in payment of taxes. Please call us if you have any questions,
need assistance or would like to set up an appointment for “In Person” service.
For the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2004, the Tax Department achieved a 97% collection rate.
The Tax Collector’s Department
has completed another successful year of service to the people of Windsor
Locks.
The Tax Collector is impressed
with the dedication of the staff and administrators and the strength of their
determination to meet the need of the taxpayers of Windsor Locks. I appreciate the insight and energy of the staff
to address difficult times and to seek solutions to benefit the town. This is the result of everyone working
together. We in the tax office look
forward with confidence to the new challenges in the coming year.
Town Clerk
Births
94
Marriages 98
Deaths 121
Burials 111
Land Records 4,851
Liquor Permits 40
Veterans Discharges 45
Trade Names 61
Maps 64
Total 5,061
Game 885
Dog 1,159
Recording Fees $123,936.00
Town Conveyance Tax 198,996.12
Vital Records 4,700.00
Dog Fees to Town 1,144.00
Dog Fees to Dog Fund 6,713.00
Game Fees to Town 1,443.00
Preservation Fees to Town 3,992.00
Miscellaneous Fees 16,452.00
State Conveyance Tax $507,388.46
Dog Fees to State 2,973.00
Marriage Fees to State
1,178.00
Game Fees to State 17,220.00
Preservation Fees to State 8,106.00
Total
State Receipts $536,865.46
Grand
Total All Receipts $894,241.58
YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU
The Windsor Locks Youth
Services Bureau (WLYSB) has been providing a range of services to the community
for the last five years. In that time,
this department has made many connections with residents, businesses and other
departments. The WLYSB is proud of its
accomplishments and will continue to provide needed services to the community
and its members.
Many collaborative projects
have been created and implemented with help from the Windsor Locks Police
Department, the School System, and several others. Partnerships with other departments and local businesses are strong
as well. These partnerships help
sustain important programs and services.
A major highlight from the
year 2004 was the completion of the “Shattered Dreams” Program. This intense two-day program focused on the
issues of drinking and driving as well as destructive decisions. The program was held at eh High School and
also included an overnight retreat for those directly involved as
participants. This project was highly
successful and reached an enormous amount of students, teachers,
administrators, families and community members. A documentary was also created and copies are available from the
Youth Services Bureau at the Town Hall.
Other highlights from the past
year include the highly successful “Adventure Bound” program which began back
in 2000. More than 80 students have
benefited from this outdoor adventure-based program so far. This program is run in conjunction with the
Police Department and will continue in years to come. This past year also included Red Ribbon Week activities, dances,
collaborative community events, and more.
This year also saw the
continued hard work from the leadership program. This group of high school students, called the “Youth Action
Council” (YAC) is currently comprised of 13 students who were selected for this
group. This group helps plan and
implement Youth Service Bureau programs and events, events and programs in the
school, and other community projects.
They completed a clean-up day for senior citizens in town in the spring
and are planning many more activities.
The group will not be accepting applications for additional members
until the 2005-2006 school year.
The WLYSB focuses on promoting
the positive growth of youth and their families in Windsor Locks. Programming includes prevention and
intervention programs and services along with educational and recreational
activities.
Information is available
outside of the Youth Services office in the Town Hall, room 104. Pamphlets on parenting, drugs and alcohol,
anger management, bullying, and more are available to the public. You may also request any additional
information you need. Please contact
the Youth Services Director for questions about available services in and
out-of-town. Please use this office as
a resource for you and your family.
The WLYSB is greatly
appreciative of all of the support the community has offered over the last
several years. Its success is based on
this support and much thanks is given.
This department will remain dedicated to improving the lives of youth in
Windsor Locks and will continue to fight for what is needed in town. Building a stronger and safer community is
an integral part of the WLYSB and it will only continue to grow.
Many thanks to the dedicated
members of the Youth Services Advisory Board who help make this department a
success. The Advisory Board meets at
the Town Hall the second Wednesday of the month and all are welcome.
Remember, being involved in
the lives of children and youth in Windsor Locks is the key to a happier and
healthier future for the entire community.
Please contact the WLYSB with
any ideas or input. If you would like
to volunteer, please call 627-1482.