Enfield Economic Development Commission
Minutes of Special Meeting
December 5, 2008
A special meeting of the Enfield Economic Development Commission was held on Friday, December 5, 2008 in the Thompsonville Room of Enfield Town Hall. The meeting started at 8:12 AM.
Members Present: Joanne Parlante
Chris Casey
Karen Weslieza
Ken Nelson
Jerry Fitzsimons
Julie Poon Lai
Ralph Cerrato
Others: Raymond L. Warren, Director of Development Services
Mr. Warren stated that according to the Town Ordinance, elections for officers should take place in January.
He also mentioned that the terms of Jerry Fitzsimons and Kiran Majmudar will expire on December 31, 2008.
Mr. Warren reported to the Commission that the PZC, at its December 4 meeting, rejected a text change proposal that was necessary to allow the development of a new medical office building at a site on Hazard Avenue. By a vote of 1-6, the PZC rejected the text change that would have allowed a right turn only on Middle Road. The PZC action was a requirement of the developers in order to proceed with this $8 million medical office building for the Hartford Hospital.
Discussion followed on the reasons for denial. Mr. Nelson felt the denial deprived the owner of the property the use of the land. Further discussion about applying for a variance was brought up, but since there was no site plan it was not a viable option.
Mr. Warren handed out a report by the Town Manager describing the current budget problem and the financial projection for the Town for the next year. The report suggested strong action is needed to close a potential $5 million imbalance. There is a hiring freeze for all non mission critical vacancies.
The Commission then started a discussion on the Middle Road project with Mr. Fitzsimons asking if they could combine the text change application with the Plan of Conservation and Development. Karen Weseliza stated that she thought the P&Z would have tabled the text change and wait for more detailed plans and information.
Mr. Warren then gave an update on the Development Services Department. He told the commission that they encountered a setback. Jennifer Landry, a promising addition to the
department, had initiated many improvements to permit Tracking and in customer service.
She applied for and accepted a position in the Tax Office for a job paying more money. Weare back to square one. He would like to go forward with a new job classification – changing Secretary I position to Counter Technician.
He further told the commission that a vacancy in Community Development that had been advertised. The position was re-advertised. The position was vacated by Lew Grimaldi. The Project Manager position coordinates housing rehab efforts. However, due to budget concerns, the position will not be funded.
Mr. Nelson suggested creating a single Planning, Building, and Economic Development counter tech. One person who can answer technical questions about building and zoning permits.
Mr. Fitzsimons thought if you cut jobs from 3 to 1, you have to be careful about the workload.
Chris Casey mentioned that a gentleman from Stafford is certified in design of green roofs and could be of help to Enfield. This could be compensation for wetlands losses.
Mr. Warren informed the commission that Mead Westvaco will be laying off 75 people on December 31st. Unemployment is at 5.8%.
Mr. Warren distributed a document re Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. They are interested in buying 100 acres for an open auction operation including heavy equipment. They will do this 3 or 4 times per year and is the town interested?
There was concern voiced about storage of these heavy vehicles leaking oil and ground contamination.
Julie Lai asked how Bernie’s was doing. Mr. Nelson said that they had to go to court – the town agreed with them re their escalated revaluation amount.
Mr. Cerrato asked about the Higgins School status.
Mr. Warren said that December 15 was the deadline for the RFP.
The Commission discussed how the roof was replaced years ago and was still leaking. Idea was to not replace the roof and wait to see what proposals we receive.
Janice Ouellette
Secretary, Department of Development Services |