Agendas/ Minutes > Town Council > Town Council Minutes > 2010 Council Minutes > TC Minutes 01/19/10 - Regular Share |

MINUTES ADOPTED AS PRESENTED 02/01/2010

ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2010

 

The Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Kaupin in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.  The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

 

PRAYER -  The Prayer was given by Councilman Mangini.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

 

ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Bosco, Crowley, Dumont. Edgar, Hall, Kaupin, Kiner, Lee, Mangini and Nelson. Councilman Keller was absent.  Also present were Town Manager, Matthew Coppler; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Kevin Deneen; Director of Public Works, Piya Hawkes; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond

 

FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Chairman Kaupin made the fire evacuation announcement.

 

MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS

 

MOTION #721 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the January 4, 2010 Special Meeting.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #721 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilmen Lee and Kiner abstaining.

 

MOTION #722 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson to accept the minutes of the January 4, 2010 Regular Meeting.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #722 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilmen Lee and Crowley abstaining.

 

SPECIAL GUESTS

 

Present to update the Council about the Toys for Joy campaign were Chief of Police, Carl Sferrazza and Toys for Joy Coordinator, Officer Michael Krzynowek.

 

Chief Sferrazza stated the demand for toys this year was at an all time high, and Enfield responded magnificently.  He noted gifts were distributed to over 400 families and over 1,000 children.  He pointed out the philosophy of this program is that every child should be able to receive a gift at Christmas.  He noted retired police officers helped put boxes together for children.  He thanked everyone who helped make this program a success, including the Troiano family for donating the use of the Broyhill building for this program and praised the many retired officers who work each year on this program.  He concluded stating this was a very successful year.

 

Councilman Nelson commended Officer Krzynowek for going above and beyond in this program.  He also thanked the Troiano family for allowing them to use this building.

 

Councilman Crowley stated his belief they did a fantastic job.

 

Councilman Mangini thanked the Enfield Police Department, the Troiano family and everyone who participated in making this a successful program.

 

Chairman Kaupin thanked all those involved in making this program a success.

 

Chief Sferrazza then spoke briefly about the Active Shooter Program.  He noted he approached the Council in the past about this program.  He explained this program deals with situations such as what happened at Columbine.  He noted the Enfield Police Department has taken it upon themselves to train their officers in this program.  He pointed out when they needed proper equipment for this program, the Town Council provided it.  He stated the training they’re doing right now is being done in house.

 

Chief Sferrazza stated Lt. Hall was recently promoted to a squad leader for the Active Shooter Program, and they’ve taken officers off the road without any additional overtime and put them through a two-hour training. He noted the basic premise is that if a Columbine-type incident were happening, police officers are trained to engage whoever is causing destruction and stop that person.  He stated they want to be sure each police officer has confidence in these situations through proper training.  He noted he is very proud of his officers and everyone’s efforts in this area.

 

Chief Sferrazza stated in February, they will conduct a training exercise to demonstrate what an active scenario would be like, and the Council will be invited to this exercise.

 

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS.

 

Carrie Robinson and Kelly Hemler from Voices for Thompsonville invited the Council to attend their Thursday meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Polish National Home.  The guest speaker will be Police Chief, Carl Sferrazza.

 

Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road

            Stated he left a recent Board of Education meeting frustrated because he believes there are organizations that will defend the school system’s position regarding where they hold their graduation.  He noted it will be costly to purchase material to cover the fields.

 

He added they also do not have a place to store this cover.

 

Mr. Sheridan stated the Enfield Taxpayers’ Association is having a meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Enfield Senior Center.

 

Walter Kruzel, 21 Charnley Road, Vice President of Peerless Tool

            Stated tax bills seem to come out a little late.  He suggested going back to having one tax bill in July.

 

He invited the Council to attend the Four Chaplains’ Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Adalbert’s Church on Sunday, February 7, 2010.  He noted this is a beautiful service in honor of the four chaplains.

 

Mr. Kruzel stated 12 years ago, when Peerless Way was developed, it paid about $350 in taxes, however, this year Peerless Way paid $162,408.  He noted there’s still one lot to be developed.

 

COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS

 

Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Celebration Committee is having their fifth annual winter dance on Saturday, February 6th from 6:00 p.m. to midnight at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Washington Road.  She noted the cost if $25.00 per person, and tables for 8 to 10 people can be reserved.  She pointed out they have an excellent caterer for this event.

 

Councilman Edgar questioned the status on the recycling door hangers.

 

Councilman Edgar stated a resident questioned the possibility of slowing down the scroll on Channel 16.

 

Councilman Bosco stated he received a complaint about streetlights being burned out at Parkman and Enfield Street Schools.

 

Councilman Hall stated the Clean Energy Committee is having its fair on Saturday, January 23rd at Asnuntuck Community College.  She noted this event is free from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m.

 

Councilman Hall stated the Clean Energy Committee is requesting someone from Public Works attend their meetings because they have ideas and questions they’d like to share with staff.

 

Councilman Hall stated she received three calls regarding the hazardous intersection near Bob’s Store.  She noted there are no turn signals at this intersection, and it’s very difficult for cars to make turns.  She requested this be looked into.  Mr. Coppler stated his belief that traffic light will be addressed this year.

 

Councilman Crowley stated High Street and Alden Avenue from Lincoln Street to Route 5 are in terrible condition and something needs to be done.  Mr. Vindigni stated he will contact the water company regarding this issue.  Councilman Crowley stated the water company did a nice job on the top half of Alden Avenue, however, the bottom half is terrible. He went on to note the granite curbing is missing, and he would like that material to be located.

 

Councilman Crowley stated he brought a property owner’s problem to Mr. Vindigni’s attention, and Mr. Vindigni contacted the water company, however, the property owner hasn’t had any feedback whatsoever regarding their plumbing system.

 

Councilman Dumont stated if people do not get their tax bills early enough, they can go to Town Hall and have their tax bill printed out.

 

Councilman Dumont stated there will be a Robotics Team 175 pasta supper fundraiser on January 22nd at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Washington Road from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  She noted tickets cost $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children or seniors and are available through Rachel O’Connor at 860-741-0704, and tickets can be purchased at the door.

 

Councilman Dumont stated the Town of Enfield Youth Services Department in collaboration with Enfield Public Schools is presenting a program called, Bullying, Cyber-Bullying, and Youth Depression, and it will be held Wednesday, February 17th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at JFK Middle School.  She noted for questions, people may contact Jean at 860-253-6383.

 

Councilman Nelson agreed with Mr. Kruzel about the ability to pay tax bills early.  He noted he would also like the opportunity to pay his tax bill in December.  He stated his belief the Town should get the tax bills out earlier.

 

MOTION #723 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items A1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C1, D, E and F to Miscellaneous.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #723 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Chairman Kaupin stated there will be a joint meeting between the Town Council and Board of Education tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Enfield Room to review the 2010-2011 budget projections.

 

Chairman Kaupin stated on Monday, January 25th, CRCOG will be hosting a briefing on the regional solid waste plan.  He noted Senator Kissel and Representatives Tallarita and Jarmoc have confirmed they will attend.  He noted the thought process is to get all legislators from the region at that briefing so they understand the idea of possibly forming their own regional solid waste authority.

 

Chairman Kaupin stated the Council will be discussing the athletic field covering later in the meeting to get an idea about the costs and storage.  He noted it wouldn’t be the Council’s intention to make a decision until they understand where the Board of Education is going with their graduation plans.

 

Chairman Kaupin agreed with Councilman Nelson regarding the timing component on tax bills.

 

Chairman Kaupin noted all Council members have received their invitations from the Enfield Veterans’ Council for the Four Chaplains’ Mass.  He noted this is a very moving event, and he encouraged everyone to attend.

 

TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS

 

Mr. Coppler stated the Council has just been given a copy of a draft for the creation of a Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority.  He noted they can start the review process on this end to see if there are any issues related to Enfield’s code.

 

Mr. McAlmond stated they’ve had help from the fire districts and police explorers to distribute door hangers about the recycling program.  He noted they are working toward getting these door hangers to everyone in town.  He acknowledged they are running a little behind, but they’re in the process of getting caught up and distributing the door hangers to everyone.

 

Mr. McAlmond stated one through seven plastics are now acceptable. He noted people no longer have to tie up newspapers or cardboard, and items can be placed loose in the same bin as other recyclables.

 

Councilman Crowley stated a resident questioned whether a person could purchase a small tipper barrel to contain recyclables.  Mr. McAlmond responded yes, however, it has to be the type that Enfield recycling trucks can pick up, and he recommended the barrel be green in color.

 

TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS

 

Attorney Deneen stated he had no formal report this evening.

 

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL

 

Councilman Nelson stated the Public Safety Committee discussed the issue of feral cats which was raised last year.  He noted last year there were complaints by residents about neighbors feeding feral cats.  He stated at that time, a formal decision wasn’t made about how to approach this problem.

 

Councilman Nelson stated it would cost over $100,000 to create a cat pound and hire a “cat warden”.  He noted there’s no license program in place to be sure cats have had a rabies shot.

 

He stated the Public Safety Committee agreed that in these economic times, it’s not feasible to form something particular to cats.  He noted if someone really had an issue, they could call the dog warden or Fish & Game.  He stated there may be something on the books relating to people not being allowed to feed wild animals.

 

Councilman Nelson requested the Town Manager, through the Chief of Police, direct the Animal Control Officer to monitor this situation.  He noted if warranted, perhaps this matter can be reviewed at a later date when the economic times are more favorable.

 

Councilman Mangini questioned how the police could enforce this or ticket a resident.  She noted cats have a tendency to find food on their own in people’s yards. She questioned how a resident would be subject to a ticket if a cat found food on a property, and that resident didn’t knowingly provide food.  Councilman Nelson stated if someone is knowingly feeding feral cats, perhaps the dog warden can issue a warning noting it’s illegal to feed wild animals.  He pointed out this practice is inconsiderate to neighbors.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)

 

All Town Council appointments remained tabled.

 

APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANGER)

 

MOTION #724 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Hall to remove Item 12B #8 from the table.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #724 adopted 10-0-0.

 

MOTION #725 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Lee to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Joseph Albert (R) to the Inland Wetland Watercourse Agency as a full-time member for a term which expires 06/30/2012.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #725 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Items C., D., and E. remained tabled.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

NOMINATION #726 by Councilman Nelson to appoint Andrew Urbanowicz (U) to the Hazardville Water Company Advisory Council for a term which expires 01/01/2012.

 

MOTION #727 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Hall to close nominations.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #727 adopted.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Andrew Urbanowicz appointed to the Hazardville Water Company Advisory Council by a 10-0-0 vote.

 

NOMINATION #728 by Councilman Nelson to appoint Scott Kaupin (R) to the Hazardville Water Company Advisory Council for a term which expires 01/01/2012.

 

MOTION #729 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Hall to close nominations.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #729 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Councilman Mangini requested Chairman Kaupin explain the voting member aspect.  Chairman Kaupin stated his belief that it’s by State statute that a water company is required to have an advisory council.  He noted Hazardville Water Company has a four-member advisory council.  He stated previously, when it was Enfield and Somers, it was three Enfield members and one Somers member.  He noted when East Windsor joined Hazardville, the seats moved to two Enfield members, one East Windsor member, and one Somers member.  He stated during the 2005/2007 Council term, he and Councilman Kenneth Hilinski were appointed to the Advisory Committee, and they were also the liaisons.  He noted he does not know where the paperwork shuffle happened, but there was no record of his appointment.  He stated the Committee has two Council liaisons – Councilmen Lee and Mangini.  He noted he served on the Committee in the past and would like to continue to do so.  He stated he has a good working relationship with the owner.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Scott Kaupin appointed to the Hazardville Water Company Advisory Council by a 10-0-0 vote.

 

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

 

APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)

 

Chairman Kaupin stated there are alternate member positions open on the Loan Review Committee, Connecticut River Assembly and Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)

 

Chairman Kaupin stated there’s one alternate position open on Inland Wetlands.

 

COVERING OF ATHLETIC FIELDS FOR EVENT USE

 

Mr. Coppler stated about two years, after completing the Fermi remediation project, there was a discussion about what the cost would be to cover fields so they could hold special events other than athletic events.  He noted at that point of time, Mr. McAlmond put together some options for the Town, and he’s present to discuss those options.

 

Mr. McAlmond stated the artificial turf fields at both high schools require a covering if an event, other than an athletic event is to be held.  He noted otherwise, they’d void the warranty.  He went on to explain three different options available.

 

He stated one option is a terra cover system, which is a tarp that covers the area of the field to be used, and it has inter-locking, plastic sections, which gridlock together.  He noted this system has a ten-year life expectancy and would cost about $55,000 to cover about 5,000 square feet, which is a 50’ by 100’ area where they’d typically hold a graduation ceremony.  He pointed out they’ve never used the whole field in the past.

 

Mr. McAlmond stated another option is to rent the same thing and be able to use it for two days – one day at Fermi High and the other day at Enfield High.  He noted the rental fee would be not more than $10,000.  He stated school employees would have to put it down and take it up.

 

He noted the third alternative is to put down a good quality field tarp and then cover that area with three-quarter inch, tongue and groove plywood, and walkway would be covered with indoor/outdoor carpet.  He stated this alternative is estimated at $35,000 with a ten-year life expectancy. 

 

He stated if they own a system, they have the ability to use it for other events.

 

Mr. McAlmond stated there is a storage concern, however, he believes they can manage that. He pointed out none of the estimates include chair rental.

 

Councilman Nelson stated it makes sense to buy the covering with the plastic. He added he’d prefer to wait and learn what the Board of Education wishes to do.

 

Councilman Crowley pointed out music bands bring out their equipment and set it up, and they’re allowed to do this without jeopardizing the warrantee.  Mr. McAlmond noted the manufacturer determines what’s restricted on those fields.

 

Councilman Crowley recommended not holding the graduation on the field.  He pointed out both high schools have enough open space where they could rent a stage and put chairs on the grass. He noted if it rains, they wouldn’t be able to have the graduation outside.

 

Councilman Bosco stated he cannot see spending the money on field coverings.  He stated there are other alternatives.  He questioned how long it will take to set up the cover, and Mr. McAlmond estimated it would take ten or twelve people eight hours to do this work.  He noted it takes about half the time to break it down.

 

Councilman Kiner stated he has always been an advocate of students graduating on their home fields.  He requested a copy of the referendum question concerning the fields being used for everything they were used for previously.  Mr. Coppler stated his belief the referendum question was simple, but perhaps the explanatory text has more specifics.

 

Councilman Kiner requested a response to Councilman Crowley’s suggestion about having the ceremony on a practice field or a baseball field.  He questioned the idea of the students being placed on the track with the parents in the bleachers.  Mr. McAlmond pointed out they also have to protect the track.

 

Mr. McAlmond stated in 2008, Art Pongratz quoted $20,500 to rent seating if they don’t have bleachers available.

 

Councilman Lee agreed this is the Board’s decision.  He noted he tracked down some vendors that do a lot of the collegiate commencement ceremonies in southern Connecticut.  He stated the Board could hold this ceremony at one facility in Enfield and rotate it every year, and they can make it as elaborate or simple as they wish.  He encouraged the Board and the classes to come together and understand all the costs up front.  He stated his belief it seems like a tall order to purchase a tarp that covers only half the field.

 

Councilman Hall recalled there was discussion during the referendum process about the use of covers to protect these fields.  She questioned if there was ever any money budgeted for covers.  Mr. Coppler stated the cost estimates did not include anything to cover the fields.

 

Councilman Hall stated her belief it makes sense to cover fields that cost a lot of taxpayers’ money.  She noted one of the biggest issues the Town has run into with Roads 2000 and any other upgrades done to Town facilities is maintenance.  She feels the Town has to invest in and protect its investment.

 

Councilman Nelson stated he was on the Athletic Field Committee, and they did discuss the coverings, but money became very tight near the end of the project.  He noted they were also hit with ADA compliance.  He stated there was no extra funding for the extras.  As concerns the ten-year warranty, he pointed out they are only using the covers twice per year.  He stated his hope they’d be able to get a lot more than 10 years out of this product.

 

Mr. McAlmond suggested renting the cover for the first year to learn how well it works.

 

Councilman Nelson stated this is his third request for an accounting of the Athletic Field Account.  He noted people are being charged to see games, and it’s been said the football game is a huge fundraiser for them.  He stated his understanding that account was supposed to pay for the police services, however, the Town is paying for everything.  He noted he’d like to see 12 months of those bank statements on that account and know where that money is going.  He stated this covering would be a perfect example of where that money could be spent.  He stated his belief since the Town is picking up the tab for everything, the Town has a right to know what’s being done with that money.

 

Mr. Coppler stated he has conveyed this request to the School Administration and will do so again tomorrow.  Chairman Kaupin suggested since this is Councilman Nelson’s third request, this be requested in the form of an e-mail with a copy to the Town Council and Board of Education.  Councilman Nelson reiterated he would like a copy of the statement.

 

Councilman Nelson pointed out a lot of people have questions about that account, especially the parents who have to pay the “fee to play” for their children.

 

Councilman Mangini questioned what is the time line for the Board of Education to make a decision, and Mr. Coppler stated his belief a decision has to be made around February so they can lock in the contract.

 

Councilman Mangini questioned at what point does the Council become informed about the Board’s decision.  She questioned if money is available for the cover, and Mr. Coppler responded there’s nothing in the current budget.  He stated if the Town had to purchase the cover, they’d have to move money around from another CIP to do this.  He noted the school’s budget put money aside for the rental of the cathedral, and that money could be used to offset the cost of purchasing a cover, or pay for the rental for a one year trial to see how the cover works.

 

Councilman Mangini questioned what expenses the Board of Education is responsible for, and Mr. Coppler responded historically, graduation costs have all been contained within the school’s budget.  He stated his belief the Town has never fronted any of the costs of graduation.

 

Chairman Kaupin stated the police and custodians are on the Town’s side of the budget.  Mr. Coppler agreed, noting if the graduation is held at the school, the Town would cover custodial and police costs.

 

Councilman Crowley referred to the chair rental and stated his belief they should have enough chairs between nine elementary schools, a middle school and two high schools.

 

Chairman Kaupin recommended all the options and associated costs be given to the Board of Education at tomorrow night’s meeting.

 

Councilman Edgar stated he would like complete numbers, including cost of labor.  He noted Councilman Nelson has made three requests for information.  He stated there are two quick ways to get information – they can direct the Town Manager to do an FOI, or they can direct their auditors to specifically look at that account and report back to the Council.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

MOTION #730 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to approve the Consent Agenda.    Transfer $700 Town Attorney Telephone Account

copy attached

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #730 adopted 10-0-0.

 

NOMINATION #731 by Councilman Nelson to reappoint Jennifer Casalone (R) to the Loan Review Committee for a term which expires 12/31/2011.

 

MOTION #732 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #732 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Jennifer Casalone reappointed to the Loan Review Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.

 

NOMINATION #733 by Councilman Nelson to reappoint William Garner (D) to the Connecticut River Assembly for a term which expires 01/12/2013.

 

MOTION #734 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #734 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared William Garner reappointed to the Connecticut River Assembly by a 10-0-0 vote.

 

NOMINATION #735 by Councilman Nelson to reappoint Charles Johnson III (R) to the Connecticut Water Company Advisory Council for a term which expires 01/01/2012.

 

MOTION #736 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #736 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Charles Johnson reappointed to the Connecticut Water Company Advisory Council by a 10-0-0 vote.

 

NOMINATION #737 by Councilman Nelson to reappoint Aaron Zolotor (R) to the Connecticut Water Company Advisory Council for a term which expires 01/01/2012.

 

MOTION #738 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #738 adopted 10-0-0.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Aaron Zolotor reappointed to the Connecticut Water Company Advisory Council by a 10-0-0 vote.

 

MOTION #739 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Mary Ann Abar as an Alternate to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Agency for a term which expires 06/30/2013.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #739 adopted 10-0-0.

 

RESOLUTION #740 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini.

 

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 9(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:

 

TO:      Expenditures – Technological Services

 

Technological Services-Consulting

0240-01-0012-1210-00000-0334-00                                                 $  19,300.00

Technological Services-Telecom Circuits

0240-01-0012-1210-00000-0334-10                                                    40,000.00

Technological Services-Voice Mai

0240-01-0012-1210-00000-0334-12                                                       2,700.00

Telephone

0240-01-0012-1210-00000-0531-00                                                    58,000.00

                                                                                                  __________

Total                                                                                                               $120,000.00

 

FROM:  Revenue – Enfield Public Schools

 

Transfer from Enfield Public Schools    

0240-01-0000-0000-18011-000-00                                                   $120,000.00

 

CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of January 1, 2010.

 

/s/  Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #740 adopted 9-0-0.  Councilman Bosco absent at the vote.

 

RESOLUTION #741 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini.

 

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VII, Section 2 of the Town Charter the Enfield Town Council does hereby amend the classified service to include the following new position to the Town budget for fiscal year 2010-11:  Part time, Substitute Building Department Permit Technician.

 

Mr. Coppler explained in trying to keep the level of customer service in the Department of Development Services and the Building Department, they want to create this position that allows for a good staff member to fill in when their regular person is not available.  He stated this has become more important now since their regular person has resigned.

 

Councilman Nelson stated it seems they’re going through staff in that department more than they should. He noted a lot of money is spent on training in that department.  He questioned if there’s an underlying problem that needs to be addressed so that they don’t keep losing personnel in this department.  He requested this be looked into in depth.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #741 adopted 10-0-0.

 

RESOLUTION #742 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Nelson.

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Matthew W. Coppler, is authorized to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the State Department of Transportation for capital assistance of 80% towards the cost of a lift-equipped mini-bus and to affix the Corporate Seal.

 

Mr. Coppler stated a question was raised concerning the 20% match that the Town would be providing, and that’s coming from the Bus Committee’s fund.

 

Councilman Nelson questioned if the money coming from the bus fund is the money that the Town gave to them in their yearly budget, or is that money they raised through advertisements.  Mr. Coppler stated the Town doesn’t give money to the bus fund, but rather they get it through fundraising and through the membership fee.

 

Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #742 adopted 10-0-0.

 

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

 

Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road

            Stated he attended the last Board of Education meeting, and they seemed cavalier about where the money was coming from for covering the fields.

 

Mr. Sheridan stated his belief the field warranty is blown way out of proportion.  He agreed there are plenty of areas with natural growing turf where the graduation ceremonies can be held.

 

COUNCILMAN COMMUNICATIONS

 

Councilman Lee stated he’s involved with Boy Scout Troop 819, and on January 25th the troop is hosting an information night and membership rally for parents and boys interested in learning about the Boy Scout program.  He noted this will be held at the Village Center from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

 

Councilman Hall stated she e-mailed a letter to the Town Manager from Pat Droney.  Mr. Coppler stated there was a complaint that was logged into the Q-Alert system some time ago, and at that point in time, a letter was sent out, however, it’s believed there wasn’t any follow-up after the letter was sent out.  He noted they will follow up on that now.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION #743 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Nelson to adjourn.

 

Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #743 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:40 p.m.


 

Appended to minutes of January 19, 2010

Regular Town Council Meeting

 

ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL

REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS

 

RESOLUTION NO. ________

 

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made.

 

TO:            1300 Town Attorney

                  Telephone                           0100-01-0013-1300-00000-0531-00                     $700.00

 

FROM:       1300 Town Attorney

                  Professional Development    0100-01-0013-1300-00000-0322-00                     $700.00

 

CERTIFICATION:  I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of December 31,  2009.

 

A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance

 

APPROVED BY: ____________________________________ Town Manager   Date:_________


 

Appended to minutes of January 19, 2010

Regular Town Council Meeting

 

TOWN OF ENFIELD
JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION
SUBSTITUTE ASSISTANT PERMIT TECHNICIAN

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under general supervision, assists architects, engineers, contractors and homeowners by providing routine information related to the issuance of permits; provides information regarding routine building code requirements and ordinances; assists the public in completing applications and other required forms.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Supervision is provided by the Chief Building Official.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Provides information at the counter, by telephone and through correspondence in response to relatively routine questions regarding building permit application process and procedures; assists the public in completing applications and other necessary forms; receives permit applications; accepts construction plans and plan documents for permit processing; verifies that required documents, plans, specifications, forms, and supporting materials are submitted; calculates fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other types of building permits; prints permits after inter-departmental review or the services of Building Inspectors; schedules field inspections for inspectors; directs the public to various departments for information necessary to apply for other permits; accepts construction plans for appropriate departmental personnel to check; verifies workers’ compensation, valid contractors license, and valid business license information; routes permit application packages; helps maintain a variety of building and planning-related records; utilizes information systems as required in the processing, filing and managing of records associated with applications, permits, and other systems; calculate and collect permit fees; log and process complaints; perform other relevant tasks as occasionally assigned by the Chief Building Official.  Regular and punctual attendance.

 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Work is performed primarily in office settings. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to talk and hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle feel or operate objects tools or controls; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, and walk.  The employee may need to negotiate rough terrain or uneven surfaces while performing their duties in the field.

The employee must occasionally lift, move, and/or push up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Must be able to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption, attend to task for 45-60 minutes at a time, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time and understand the theories behind several related concepts.

The employee is occasionally exposed to airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:  Knowledge of  modern office practices and procedures; building plans, codes, ordinances and related terminology; architectural drawing convention and what comprises a complete set of building plans; processes and procedures associated with construction permits; records management practices. Skill in:  performing accurate arithmetic calculations; operate computer, cash register, and calculator with accuracy; computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook; good time management and attention to detail.  Ability to:  learn quickly and apply departmental policies and procedures affecting the acceptance and review of permit applications and commonly used building codes and ordinances; understand the relationship between zoning ordinances and building code requirements; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively in both verbal and written form; establish effective working relationships with customers, department staff and external staff; keep accurate records; perform tasks with frequent interruptions. Ability to learn, retain, interpret and communicate information, terminology, policies and procedures; work effectively with a wide variety of people; maintain composure under difficult circumstance; provide support to department staff; and communicate views and concerns of the public, town employees, and representatives of other agencies to the Chief Building Official.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Education:  High school diploma is required.  Familiarity with computerized applications for building inspection is highly desirable.