MINUTES ADOPTED AS PRESENTED 05/03/2010
ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 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 Monday, April 19, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Hall.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Dumont, Edgar, Hall, Kaupin, Keller, Kiner, Lee, Mangini and Nelson. Councilman Crowley entered at 7:14 p.m. Councilman Bosco entered at 7:33 p.m. Also present were Town Manager, Matthew Coppler; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Attorney, Kevin Deneen; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Human Resources, Steven Bielenda; Director of Social Services, Pamela Brown; Executive Director of the Enfield Child Development Center, Karen Edelson; Director of Finance, Lynn Nenni
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Kaupin made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #839 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Hall to accept the minutes of the April 5, 2010 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #839 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #840 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 5, 2010 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #840 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #841 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Kiner to accept the minutes of the April 7, 2010 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #841 adopted 9-0-0.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Mike Royston and Jodi Justina were present from PNC Bank.
Mr. Royston stated he is representing PNC Bank and their “Grow Up Great” Program. He noted last year he and his colleague, Jodi Justina, volunteered through this program at the Enfield Child Development Center (ECDC), and they qualified for the grant that will be presented this evening.
He stated the Grow Up Great Program is a ten-year, $100 million dollar nation-wide initiative that specifically focuses on early childhood education and school readiness. He noted PNC recognizes that learning in a child’s early years is essential for a child’s long-term success. He pointed out a significant body of research over the last 40 years supports the critical importance of quality early education starting at pre-school to reduce drop-out rates, poverty and crime. He stated research also shows that children who begin kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to graduate high school, succeed in the workplace and volunteer in the community. He noted investing in children is the right thing to do for communities and the economic welfare of this state and nation.
Ms. Justina stated she lives at 1052 Enfield Street and is a volunteer at ECDC with Mr. Royston. She noted she is a parent of one of the children who benefits from this program. She stated her son attended ECDC since he was six months old and turns four next month, and she has personally seen the benefits and the growth of her son through this program. She noted the Enfield Child Development Center was chosen by PNC over every other center in Hartford County because ECDC is a place for learning. She pointed out ECDC is one of the few nationally accredited programs in the area, and out of the 18 child care facilities in Enfield, there are only three that have the National Association for the Education of Young Children Accreditation, and two of those three are ECDC. She explained in order to gain this type of accreditation, a center must be inspected and show their curriculum and learning plans to prove they’re a learning, educational facility. She stated the administrative staff members are members of KITE, which stands for Key Initiative to Early Childhood Education. She noted KITE works closely with the public schools to insure children are prepared and ready for kindergarten.
Ms. Justina stated one of the other great things that ECDC teaches the children is how to be involved in the community and be civic minded. She noted some of the projects the children have worked on include the Enfield Food Shelf through food donations and books, Toys for Joy, support of local veterans by providing care packages and cards, Crayons for Cancer for local children diagnosed with cancer, and recycling programs to teach children how to respect the environment.
Ms. Justina stated she and Mr. Royston are very excited to present a check for $1,500 to Mayor Kaupin and the Town of Enfield on behalf of PNC Grow Up Great. They respectfully request that these funds be transferred to ECDC to use as they wish. She thanked Karen Edelson and her entire staff for the outstanding job they do with the children of Enfield.
Ms. Edelson thanked Mr. Royston and Ms. Justina for this wonderful opportunity. She noted their presence at the center is appreciated. She stated they look forward to these funds enhancing their school readiness curriculum and the purchase of much needed classroom supplies.
Present from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was Cassandra Davis and Lisa Boucher. Chairman Kaupin stated Ms. Boucher is a resident of Enfield and volunteers her time with Cystic Fibrosis.
Ms. Davis explained Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that effects over 30,000 people across the United States. She noted CF causes the body to produce a thick, sticky mucous that clogs the lungs and digestive system, and this becomes a harbor for infestations to occur and it also inhibits the function of these organs. She stated because CF is classified as an orphan disease, they receive no federal funding, therefore, they’re forced to rely heavily on donors, sponsors and volunteers to help fund the mission of the organization and continue to make great strides in CF research and care.
She stated in the 1950’s, few children with CF were expected to live to elementary school. She noted today, largely because of the efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the life expectancy has risen to over 38 years. She stated although this is wonderful progress, there is still no cure for CF. She then introduced Lisa Boucher, who is a CF mother in Enfield.
Ms. Boucher stated her daughter is the one percent of all CF patients whereby her lungs were not effected, but rather her liver was effected. She noted they went 16 years until last year not even knowing there was anything wrong with her. She stated she then had some internal bleeding, which lead to some tests and it was learned she has cirrhosis of the liver, which will cause her to need a liver transplant at some point in her future. She stated it was learned this disease was caused by Cystic Fibrosis. She noted she and her husband had to be carriers in order to give it to her, and there’s a one in four chance of each of their children having this. She stated it turns out, only one child has CF.
Ms. Boucher stated there have been a lot of great strides in research.
Ms. Davis spoke about the walk-a-thons. She noted there are 15 walk sites in Connecticut, and their goal is to raise about $600,000. She stated it’s hoped the Town Council will consider supporting the CF Foundation by forming a team or joining an Enfield team, consider being a sponsor, making a donation or supporting the walk day. She stated their walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd at JFK Middle School in Enfield. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and the walk-a-thon begins at 9:30. There will be brochures made available at Town Hall and the public library. She noted more information is available about walks throughout Connecticut at www.cff.org.
Councilman Nelson voiced his support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Councilman Kiner questioned whether the Board of Education is charging for the use of JFK Middle School, and Ms. Davis stated they do pay for custodial services.
Present from the Enfield Food Shelf were Linda Bridge and Andrew Zander.
Ms. Bridge stated the Enfield Food Shelf decided this year’s fundraiser will be a concert. She introduced Andy Zander, a volunteer at the Enfield Food Shelf.
Mr. Zander announced that on Friday, July 23rd at 7:30 p.m. at Enrico Fermi High School, Tom Chapin will be performing a concert entitled, “Helping to Put an End to Hunger and Thirst”. Tickets are $15.00 and are available at the Enfield Food Shelf or Rockville Bank. He noted Tom Chapin is the younger brother of Harry Chapin. He stated Tom Chapin won three Grammy Awards and has been referred to as one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music, and he’s working on putting out two new CD’s and DVD’s this year. He stated Mr. Chapin is a very good benefactor of many charitable organizations. He noted there’s an event page on Facebook about this event, and people can access that by typing in “Helping to Put an End to Hunger and Thirst”. He added Tom Chapin’s website also mentions this event.
Mr. Zander requested the Town put together a proclamation designating July 23rd as Tom Chapin Day and possibly present that proclamation to Mr. Chapin at the concert.
Mr. Zander then played Tom Chapin’s song, “Hunger and Thirst”.
Ms. Bridge stated they’re trying to get Mr. Chapin to town a day early so he can work at the Food Shelf and see how his concert will benefit people.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Commended the Town for a great job on the gazebo.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #842 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Nelson to add Item G under Items for Discussion.
Councilman Lee stated Item G. would be a discussion/resolution concerning the sale of 110 Bernardino Avenue.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #842 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Lee referred to an earlier discussion regarding the Hazardville Village center area and lane striping and parking on rights-of-way. He stated his understanding at one point in time, there was the need to get DOT involved in how that area can be striped better. He suggested he and the Town Manager discuss this item.
Councilman Lee stated there is a new Cub Scout pack coming to Enfield, and it’s being sponsored by St. Patrick’s Church. He noted this is a great time for this type of organization to be starting in the Thompsonville Village. He stated there will be a membership rally on Thursday, April 29th from 7:00 to 8:00 at St. Patrick’s Church. He noted this will be a joint Cub Scout and Boy Scout evening. He invited people to contact him or Father John at St. Patrick’s for more information.
Councilman Dumont stated she received an invitation from the Enfield Child Development Center to attend their annual talent show and silent auction. She noted this is scheduled for Thursday, May 6th at 6:00 p.m. at JFK Middle School, and admission is $5.00 for adults. Children under age 12 are free. She noted tickets can be purchased at the door or at the Center.
Councilman Dumont questioned the status on her earlier request concerning Ganny Terrace and Shaker Road.
Councilman Mangini stated she and Chairman Kaupin attended the Enfield Food Shelf Volunteer Appreciation awards ceremony yesterday. She noted this was a nice event.
Councilman Mangini stated the Feinstein drive is on until April 30th, and they’re matching funds for the Enfield Food Shelf and Loaves and Fishes.
Councilman Mangini stated there will be a postal drive on May 8th and May 9th, and the Enfield Food Shelf is still looking for some help and volunteers for transportation, bagging or other duties. Interested persons can contact Linda Bridge at the Food Shelf.
Councilman Mangini stated she has received a couple complaints about the railroad crossing on Shaker Road. She noted the crossing area needs work because it can cause serious damage to vehicles.
Councilman Mangini stated there has also been a complaint about a repair issue that has not yet been completed on Elm Street near the police department.
Councilman Mangini thanked Mr. Hawkes and the Public Works Department for very successfully addressing an issue on Bass Drive.
Councilman Mangini stated a couple people contacted her regarding liens on their homes because money is owed for tipper barrels. She stated it would be more appropriate to be in better communication with those individuals. She suggested perhaps the first letter shouldn’t be so harsh. She noted she’s opposed to this type of communication.
Councilman Crowley requested a public announcement concerning the upcoming fishing derby. Mr. Vindigni stated the fishing derby is scheduled for Saturday, June 5 and that will be posted on the Town’s website and E-TV.
Councilman Crowley requested an update on the light at Bernie’s.
Councilman Crowley questioned the timeframe on the High Street and Alden Avenue work and what is the schedule for having the roads re-done.
Councilman Crowley questioned when the new bike path over the Suffield Bridge will open.
Councilman Crowley requested an update on the night lighting for the Freshwater Pond.
Councilman Keller stated he was approached by American Legion Post 80 about the possibility of posting something on E-TV regarding Boys’ State/Girls’ State. He noted he spoke to Matt and Lisa from the library. He stated that information should be up today and it will pertain to high school students. He noted there should be some good scholarship information.
Councilman Hall stated she received a call about the fence at the Hazardville Cemetery. She noted it appears the fence was damaged. She was informed the fence was removed today.
Councilman Bosco requested an update on Bess Road. He noted he received a couple complaints about the poor condition of the topsoil, and some of the catch basins need attention.
Councilman Nelson referred to the Feinstein donation match mentioned by Councilman Mangini and questioned whether the money toward Tom Chapin’s concert would be doubled, and he was informed it would not be doubled.
Councilman Nelson referred to the lien concerning the tipper barrel and noted he received one for his business. He added he did not get a tipper barrel. He stated when the Solid Waste Ordinance was established, businesses weren’t eligible to use them. He noted he just received a second letter with a threat of the lien. He stated if the Town is going to lien the building, he will use the tipper barrel. He noted the Town needs to figure out what they’re doing. He referred to Councilman Mangini’s comments about this topic and noted people were sent warning letters before the lien letter.
Councilman Nelson stated across the street from 11 Belmont Avenue is a storm drain, and it either collapsed or is totally full of debris. He requested this be looked at and repaired.
Councilman Nelson requested Laughlin Road be regraded.
MOTION #843 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move Items D, E, F and G to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #843 adopted 11-0-0.
Chairman Kaupin thanked the Enfield Beautification Committee and Darin Ketchale for organizing the Clean Sweep Event. He noted he participated along with Councilman Lee and his daughter, as well as people from Voices for Thompsonville. He noted they worked in Thompsonville for a couple hours on Saturday morning. He stated the area appeared a lot cleaner than a year ago. He noted they then spent some time at the Alcorn playground.
Chairman Kaupin congratulated and thanked all the volunteers of the Enfield Food Shelf. He noted the awards ceremony for the volunteers of the Food Shelf was held at Grassmere last evening, and it was a very nice event. He went on to note all Council members have been invited to a similar event for Loaves and Fishes volunteers on May 2nd.
Chairman Kaupin stated this Saturday, Nicholas Caruso and Thomas Knapp will achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, and this event will take place in the community room of the library.
Chairman Kaupin stated St. Patrick’s Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sunday, April 25th at the 10:00 a.m. mass.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Coppler stated he will check with the Public Works Director tomorrow to get an update on Ganny Terrace.
He noted he spoke to DPW about the light at Bernie’s. He stated he will talk to Traffic Safety concerning this.
Mr. Coppler stated his understanding the Freshwater Pond lighting was supposed to be on starting last Saturday. He noted they’re also looking at providing better lighting in other areas around Thompsonville.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Deneen noted Councilman Edgar requested an opinion regarding school crossing guards. He stated there is nothing in Connecticut law that specifically requires that a board of education or a town provide school crossing guards. He noted Connecticut General Statute 10-168A requires each local regional board of education furnish by transportation or otherwise school accommodation to resident students. He noted this means the board of education has the discretion of providing transportation to those students where it’s necessary for them to access the school accommodations. He stated the key phrase is “transportation or otherwise”. He noted although there are guidelines issued by the State Department of Education which help guide local school districts in determining where and when a situation or a travel route is hazardous enough to warrant transportation, they’re not binding on a local district. He stated it’s the responsibility of the board of education to provide that access to the school accommodations. He noted there’s nothing in of itself that requires that this be done through school crossing guards. He stated he can provide more detail in a written memo.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee is working very hard in preparation for the next Fourth of July Town Celebration.
Councilman Crowley stated the Thompsonville Little League is kicking off their season this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Asnuntuck Community College.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #844 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Nelson to remove Item #4 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #844 adopted 11-0-0.
NOMINATION #845 by Councilman Crowley to appoint Alan Drinan (I) to the Planning and Zoning Commission as an Alternate for a term which expires 12/31/2013.
NOMINATION #846 by Councilman Edgar to appoint Donna Corbin-Sobinski (D) to the Planning and Zoning Commission as an Alternate for a term which expires 12/31/2013.
MOTION #847 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #847 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Nelson stated he reviewed both resumes. He noted Mr. Drinan’s resume shows three pages of knowledge that impressed him. He stated his qualifications are equal if not above a lot of the current members on that board. He stated his hope the Council will make their decision based on experience and this will not turn political.
Councilman Edgar stated he will be supporting Donna Corbin-Sobinski. He noted she is a registered Democrat, and this is a Democratic appointment. He stated the other appointee is an Independent who changed his party the same day he put in his application, which is not the case with Ms. Sobinski. He stated he cannot support a man who puts Tea Party literature out on e-mail.
Chairman Kaupin stated he considers both nominees as friends, but when he compares resumes, he will be supporting Mr. Drinan.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Alan Drinan appointed as an Alternate to the Planning & Zoning Commission by a 10-1-0 vote, with Councilman Edgar voting for Donna Corbin-Sobinski.
All other Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #848 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Dumont to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to remove Item #8 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #848 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #849 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Jennifer Serra (D) to the Inland/Wetlands and Watercourse Agency as an Alternate for a term which expires 6/30/2011.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #849 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against the motion.
Items C., D., and E. remained tabled.
MOTION #850 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Hall to remove Item F. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #850 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: CONNECTICUT RIVER ACCESS PROJECT
Councilman Lee stated at the last meeting he suggested discussing with Amtrak what they may allow. He noted there are some engineering and construction firms that the Town currently does business with and who have expertise in designing and constructing under-rail pathways for pedestrians. He stated the riverfront access project and some of the things going on with the commuter rail and intermodal transit center design phase may actually intersect at some point in the future. He added rights of way may change as well as who ends up controlling the rail in the future. He suggested taking this off the agenda for now and put it back in the hands of people dealing with the design proposals and some of the other aspects of the intermodal center. He noted they can revisit this in the fall with some feedback from the firms that are engaged in that process. He stated they can learn what a pedestrian tunnel would be priced at.
Councilman Crowley stated he spoke to original members of the REACT group, and they wanted it to be known that it was never their intention to cause problems, but rather they were just trying to get access to the river to fish. He noted anything they can do with this project that would benefit everyone would result in a great asset.
MOTION # 851 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Keller to table this item until September 7, 2010.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #851 adopted 11-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Item D. and E. will appear on the next agenda.
Item B.1 will move to the next agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #852 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Keller.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby approve the revisions in the Finance Department’s current “Grants Accountant” (Grade 10) job description. The title of the new job description is entitled “Accountant” and the new salary will be at Grade 9.
Director of Human Resources Steven Bielenda stated the Finance Department recently had a 30-year employee retire from that department. He noted any time someone retires, it’s a good opportunity for the Town to look at the position to see if the job description is adequate and to see if the salary is commensurate to the responsibilities of that position. He stated Ms. Nenni approached him about expanding the job description. He added his belief the salary level isn’t commensurate up to the responsibilities they’re asking. He stated his belief this is on par with other job descriptions he has seen at other municipalities.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #852 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #853 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Lee.
WHEREAS, the Town Council is desirous of establishing a Trust Fund in order to provide for the funding of Other Post-Employment Benefits for employees and retirees; and
WHEREAS, C.G.S. 7-450(b) requires that any such trust be established by Ordinance,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Pubic Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 6:50 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the establishment of an Other Post-Employment Benefit Trust Ordinance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #853 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #854 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Nelson.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 6:50 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the 2010 Neighborhood Assistance Act proposals.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #854 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #855 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dumont.
WHEREAS the Town of Enfield owns a parcel of land containing approximately .114 acres located on Bernardino Avenue shown on Assessor’s Map 034, Lot 0110, commonly known as 110 Bernardino Avenue and particularly described in a tax collector’s deed recorded in the Enfield Land Records at Volume 741, Page 275, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield acquired this parcel through a tax sale in 1991, and
WHEREAS, the Town has since received inquiries regarding the sale of this parcel, and
WHEREAS, the Town staff and the Town Council have reviewed this matter and have determined that there’s no public need for the municipality to retain ownership of the land, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council, in accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 8-24 referred this matter to the Enfield Planning & Zoning Commission, which at its meeting of October 6, 2005 made a favorable recommendation to dispose of this parcel, and
WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute, Section 7-163e requires a legislative body of a municipality, except in certain circumstances, to conduct a public hearing prior to the sale, lease or transfer of real property owned by the municipality,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby schedule a Public Hearing to be held on Monday, May 3, 2010 to begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, which is located at 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut 06082 in order to receive public comment regarding the sale of the above-described parcel of land commonly known as 110 Bernardino Avenue.
Mr. Coppler pointed out this is Lot 110 Bernardino.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #855 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Mangini stated she has an update regarding the Jobs bill. She noted there are now 139 House members in support of this bill, which will promote jobs for municipalities. She stated the NLC is still asking for city officials to continue to reach members to sign on. She encouraged the Council to e-mail her questions or concerns relative to this bill. She stated her hope Enfield can be a supporter of this bill.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #856 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Kiner to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #856 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:29 p.m. |