MINUTES ADOPTED AS PRESENTED 06/07/2010
ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 17, 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, May 17, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Keller.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Bosco, Crowley, Dumont. Edgar, Hall, Kaupin, Keller, Kiner, Lee, Mangini and Nelson. Also present were Town Manager, Matthew Coppler; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Kevin Deneen; EMS Director, Kevin Sullivan; Community Development Director, Peter Bryanton and Director of Finance, Lynn Nenni, Chief Technology Officer Paul Russell
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Kaupin made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #900 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Nelson to accept the minutes of the April 21, 2010 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #900 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #901 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 26, 2010 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #901 adopted 10-0-1, with Councilman Dumont abstaining.
MOTION #902 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson to accept the minutes of the May 3, 2010 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #902 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #903 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Dumont to accept the minutes of the May 3, 2010 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #903 adopted 11-0-0.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Presentation for a Textbook Purchase and a Request for Bid Waiver
Present were Linda Cavanaugh, Director of Curriculum for Enfield Public Schools and Board of Education Member, Donna Szewczak.
Ms. Szewczak stated there are three publishing companies from which they would like to purchase books. She noted the total is over the $15,000 limit. She stated there has been due diligence done in choosing the textbooks, and they’ve approved the curriculum that goes with these textbooks. She explained these are replacing textbooks that are in need of replacement. She pointed out they’ve provided two spreadsheets showing the individual textbooks and those figures for which they’re requesting a waiver.
Councilman Nelson questioned whether any instructional materials were offered along with this book purchase. Ms. Cavanaugh stated gratis materials are part of a typical negotiation between the school system and a vendor. She noted they’ll usually receive such material in the guise of teacher additions, which may be supplied over and above the cost of the purchase, or additional textbooks.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Roger Alsbaugh stated he is one of the two Assistant Planners for the Town of Enfield’s Planning & Zoning Department. He noted he’s also President of one of the two chapters in CSEA, SEIU Local 2001 that represent Enfield public service employees in the Professional and Technical and Supervisors Bargaining Units.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated earlier today they delivered a letter to the Town Manager on behalf of union members that included a list of 15 ideas, suggestions and recommendations that they hoped would help to alleviate the strain on the Town’s fiscal stability. He read a portion of that letter as follows:
“While we realize you’ve already voted to enact a budget for next year, many of our concerns remain valid and our offer to help still stands. In the letter we said the planned budget regrettably does not reflect any discussions between Town management and employees. This is disappointing because those employees most severely effected were not approached early on when it would have been most productive. All Town employees are fully aware of the economic realities confronting Enfield. We have the institutional knowledge and the professional skills to provide the best quality services to Town residents and to any applicant who comes before any board, commission or agency. The skills, experience and commitment of Town employees cannot be matched by outside consultants who will focus on their bottom line rather than putting what is best for the people of Enfield first. Cuts to employees, real people, are difficult to endure and yet may be necessary to some degree in the long run, however, there are better and less destructive ways to achieve a fair budget for Enfield that provides needed cost savings and preserves vital public services. We believe we should be working together to avoid decimating Town departments to the detriment of the citizens and small businesses of Enfield. We fear that the proposed budget places Enfield at risk of becoming an unfriendly environment for taxpayers and businesses. We fear it risks dragging Enfield down to the same level of so many medium sized Connecticut towns that no longer provide basic and necessary services for residents and whose property values have plummeted in the last decade. That is not the kind of Enfield any of us want, and we are confident that it is not the kind of Enfield the Town Council wants either. The unions whose members would be most adversely effected by the proposed budget have a history of working with management during difficult times. When concessions were needed to maintain public services and to preserve a reasonable level of security for those who provide them, we stepped up. We have always understood what it means to be “in this together”. We as Town employees also understand what it takes to provide cost effective, high quality public services that Town residents deserve and expect. It is yet to be proven that the promised savings provided by outsourcing services to outside contractors actually exist. Many facts must be reconciled and many more open discussions and determinations of the related factors must occur. All we ask for is the opportunity to be included in the process now and in the future at a level that will provide the Town Council useful and accurate information and that will continue to provide what we believe to be the best services to the people of Enfield.”
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Thanked the Town Council for maintaining the mill rate and all the work involved in accomplishing that.
Mr. Sheridan questioned the status on the South Maple Street Bridge.
He opposed the idea of a bid waiver on textbooks. He noted when he requested from the School Department a list of books that were purchased in the past, he was told they did not keep a list. He stated he finally had to do an FOI, and it took six weeks to get a response from the School Department. He stated there’s no way the Council should approve the purchase of new books until they have more information.
Mr. Sheridan stated last year there were 200 fewer students. He noted the Council level funded the budget when they could have deducted $3,000 per student based on the new law.
Douglas Finger, 44 Buchanan Road
Thanked those Town Council members who voted against the budget. He thanked the whole Council for allowing for the ERIP because he believes that may ease the situation on the Town side.
Mr. Finger stated even though his union was against the Town Manager’s budget, they still respect him because he has an open door policy. He noted in the future, they request that if things do come up, they come to the union officers first because they’ve been hearing everything through the members.
Mr. Finger apologized to Councilman Nelson for mentioning his business during the recent budget hearing.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Thanked the Council for keeping taxes down. She went on to state she also tried to get a list of textbooks from the Board of Education and was surprised they didn’t keep a list. She noted she wants to know what they’re teaching the students in Enfield. She stated Mr. Torre told her that a lot of times there are a lot of things that they don’t like that are within the books.
Ms. Jedziniak stated the numbers in the Enfield School Profile, which is put together by the Superintendent, goes to and is accepted by the State Board of Education.
She stated this isn’t the first time the School Board did not have a budget ready in time.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief the school union could have given concessions, and a lot of money and jobs could have been saved.
She noted for years the school population has been going down, and nothing has been done accordingly. She pointed out there were 800 less students in the system during a short period, and this should mean less staff, however, that never happened.
Ms. Jedziniak stated over the years, Town leaders should have cut spending, but they didn’t. She pointed out Enfield is a poor town with a per capita income around $21,000.
Sandy Violette, 15 Van Buren Road
Stated she worked for the Town of Enfield for 24 years. She noted she started in the Engineering Department and four years later, she transferred to the Finance Department as Secretary to the Finance Director. She stated part of her job was working on the budget for 21 years. She noted things are much different today, and the morale in the Town is as low as can be.
She stated this budget is eliminating the workers in the Town Manager’s Office, Planning, Tax Office, Public Works, Social Services, and all but one in the Engineering Department. She questioned how many other departments will close with everything being contracted out. She stated her understanding that almost all of those being laid off are taxpayers from Enfield. She noted they pay taxes and support this town and who would elect Council members. She pointed out most of their department and division heads are from out of town, and they don’t pay taxes, however, they have good salaries. She noted the Education Department has many administrators and teachers from out of town, and they don’t contribute to Enfield’s tax base.
Ms. Violette stated there are other ways to save money without layoffs or tax increases. She advised Council member ask themselves why they are Council members, how they got to be a Council member and what are they doing to the people of Enfield. She noted only the Council can make this budget right. She questioned if this Council has what it takes to change the budget for the people of Enfield. She noted it’s not too late.
She concluded stating the Town Council has no respect for the people that elected them to office, and she’s ashamed to say she works and lives in the Town of Enfield.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini stated she received a concern regarding large stones within the Fermi softball field. She requested the Public Works Director look into this.
Councilman Crowley stated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday there will be an Enfield High/Fermi High baseball game at Enfield High School.
Councilman Bosco urged citizens to continue supporting local businesses when the Raffia Road project is underway.
Councilman Dumont requested the Town Manager elaborate on the NBR and the $3,000 less per student. She questioned if this has been passed.
MOTION #904 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address under Miscellaneous Items A1, A2, B1, D, E, F, G, H, I J, K, L, M
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #904 adopted 11-0-0.
Chairman Kaupin informed everyone that there will be a quarterly information session at Thomas Alcorn School on May 24th.
Chairman Kaupin invited the public to come out and support the Enfield Veterans Council at the Memorial Day Parade on May 30th at 1:00 p.m.
Chairman Kaupin stated he received a packet of information from Rome, Smith and Lutz, which is the CRCOG lobbying firm. He noted they have an end of session report for municipalities. He stated the packet contains all the impacts on unfunded mandates. He requested this be distributed to Council.
Chairman Kaupin stated he received a letter at home from a company called, KBE Building Corporation, and they have a program called “Fifty Ways to Make a Difference”. He noted they come in and support community outreach projects such as playground repair and enhancement, athletic fields, town green and walking trails. He noted they provide funding and support. He passed this along to the Town Manager.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Coppler invited Scott St. Onge, the Town’s Web Master to speak about the Town’s website.
Mr. St. Onge spoke about the redesign of the Town’s website and provided visual illustrations to show proposed changes. He explained these changes will make the Town’s homepage less cluttered and user friendly. He pointed out he can be ready to go in two weeks or less.
Councilman Dumont questioned if there will be any interruption in service, and Mr. St. Onge noted there would not be any interruption in service.
Councilman Dumont questioned whether people can register their home alarms systems on this website, and Mr. Coppler responded this is not currently on the police department website, but it will be shortly. He added this application can be downloaded from the website.
Mr. Coppler stated there will be a Plan of Conservation and Development public hearing as part of the June 17th Planning & Zoning meeting.
Mr. Coppler stated the South Maple Street Bridge project has gone out to bid, and they expect bids the first week in June. He noted if everything goes right, the project should be completed by the end of the year. He added updates will be provided.
Mr. Vindigni informed the Council that tomorrow, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, there will be a full scale emergency management event occurring at the Public Safety Academy on Brainard Road. He noted most residents should have received notification about this event.
Mr. Vindigni stated his belief the first test worked well on the EverBridge system.
Councilman Nelson questioned if there are still residents qualifying for the first time homebuyer program. Mr. Bryanton stated there’s still a lot of interest, and they have several applications on a waiting list. He noted if applicants qualify from a CDBG standpoint, they’re then brought to the Loan Review Committee, and that Committee determines if they’re eligible regarding financing.
Councilman Nelson stated he would like DPW to look over the EMS building to be sure ambulances can get in and out of this building. Mr. Coppler stated they were planning to have the Public Safety Committee involved with this, and Public Works can be involved as well. Mr. Sullivan stated they ordered new garage doors as part of the renovations.
Councilman Lee questioned whether a capital purchase for textbooks is actually logged as an asset within the financial system. Ms. Nenni stated their capitalization threshold is $5,000. She noted they might record a bulk purchase of $100,000 on the books, but they don’t generally record the smaller purchases.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Referring to Councilman Dumont’s question, Attorney Deneen stated House Bill 5490 had a provision that dealt with declining school enrollments and the $3,000 per student item. He pointed out it appears that was stripped out on the last day. He noted he will e-mail more information to the Council concerning this.
Attorney Deneen referred to the Connecticut Siting Council and the Greater Springfield Reliability Project relating to the high power lines. He informed the Council there have been a couple motions to reconsider, but it has to deal with a separate part of the docket that’s not related to the part that would effect Enfield.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated CCM has its legislative and board meeting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in North Haven, and their agenda has an item about the real estate conveyance tax and other unfunded mandates. She noted she will bring back more information at the next Council meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items C, D, E and F remained tabled.
MOTION #905 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Nelson to remove Item G. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #905 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #906 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: OPEB Trust Fund
Employee Benefits 580-01-0000-1000-00000-299-00 $3,000,000
Medical Self Insurance Fund
Transfer to OPEB Trust Fund 235-01-0000-8030-00000-930-02 $3,000,000
FROM:
OPEB Trust Fund
Revenue - Transfer from Self Insurance Fund 580-01-0000-0000-18016-000-00
$3,000,000
Medical Self Insurance Fund
Reserve for Insurance Fund Balance 235-01-0000-0000-19035-0000-00
$3,000,000
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of March 29, 2010.
/s/ A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #906 adopted 11-0-0.
Item H. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION RE: LOCATION OF PROBATE COURT
Mr. Coppler stated Enfield’s probate court is supposed to be merged with Somers and Stafford. He noted there was a recent meeting between him and the First Selectmen of both Stafford and Somers. He stated one of the issues being discussed is where the main court is to be located. He noted he spoke with Probate Court administration to learn if they could leave offices opened in Enfield and Stafford for a couple years so they have time to work out relocation issues.
He stated they looked at three primary ways to go about this merger:
- Merge all the offices in Enfield at Town Hall
- Renovate second floor of Hazardville Institute (estimated $500,000 with possible grant monies)
- The Kibbe building in Somers ($50,000 renovation costs)
He noted the First Selectmen wanted to renovate the Kibbe building in Somers and look at that as being the final location.
Councilman Hall stated her belief they should aim for renovating one of Enfield’s buildings, particularly if Enfield is contributing 66% of the expenses.
Councilman Crowley suggested the location be right at Enfield Town Hall.
Councilman Lee stated his belief that for now they should leave a court in Stafford and Enfield. He encouraged looking into the Hazardville Institute as a main location since this idea was received favorably by Stafford and Somers.
Mr. Coppler noted Enfield is the larger user and will fund the larger portion of the budget for this undertaking.
Councilman Nelson pointed out Enfield is ideally located because of its access to the highway, and Enfield is a lot easier to get to than Stafford. He voiced his support of locating the main court in Enfield.
Chairman Kaupin stated his belief that they need to continue driving the concept that Enfield should be the location for the main probate court.
It was the consensus of the Council that the court be located in Enfield.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #907 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Nelson to accept the Consent Agenda. Transfer $400 Probate Court Office Supplies
Transfer $200 Town Clerk Records Management
(appended to minutes)
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #907 adopted 11-0-0.
NOMINATION #908 by Councilman Nelson to reappoint Elizabeth Maguire (R) to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term which expires 5/31/2012.
MOTION #909 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Nelson to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #909 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Elizabeth Maguire reappointed to the Cultural Arts Commission by an 11-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #910 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 2100 Police Department
Other Equipment 0100-01-20-2100-00000-739-00 $16,093.50
FROM: Other Revenue 0100-01-00-0000-17060-000-00 $16,093.50
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of May 5, 2010.
/s/ A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #910 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #911 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: CDBG/First Time Home Buyer Program
Home Buyer Loans 0233-01-0060-6603-06061-0890-01 $70,000.00
FROM: CDBG Revolving Loan Accounts
Housing Rehab-Income 0233-01-0060-6603-19060-000-00 $70,000.00
CERTFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of May 5, 2010.
/s/ A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #911 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #912 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Lee.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Emergency Medical Services
Transfer to Capital Fund 252-01-0020-2200-0000-0930-01 $80,000
Capital Fund
Municipal Facilities 310-01-2010-3400-08110-450-00 $80,000
FROM: Emergency Medical Services
Salaries – Full time 252-01-0020-2200-0000-110-00 $30,000
Salaries – Part time 252-01-0020-2200-0000-120-00 $ 6,000
Stipends 252-01-0020-2200-0000-160-00 $ 5,000
Medical/Dental 252-01-0020-2200-0000-210-00 $27,000
Social Security (FICA) 252-01-0020-2200-0000-220-00 $10,000
Medicare 252-01-0020-2200-0000-221-00 $ 1,500
Workman’s Comp 252-01-0020-2200-0000-260-00 $ 500
Capital Fund
Revenue – EMS Transfer 310-01-000-0000-18014-000-00 $80,000
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of May 12, 2010.
/s/ A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #912
adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against.
RESOLUTION #913 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Dumont.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 1810 Treasury
Salaries – Full time 0100-01-0017-1810-00000-0110 $44,000
Salaries – Temporary/Seasonal 0100-01-0017-1810-00000-0130 $10,000
Medical/Dental Insurance 0100-01-0017-1810-00000-0210 $ 7,000
Social Security (FICA) 0100-01-0017-1810-00000-0220 $ 2,728
Medicare 0100-01-0017-1810-00000-0221 $ 638
Total $64,366
FROM: General Fund – Miscellaneous Charges & Transfers
Contingency 0100-01-0080-8030-00000-0840 $64,366
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of May 13, 2010.
/s/ A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #913 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #914 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council wishes to address solutions to address long-term solid waste disposal; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council has endorsed Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority’s goal of soliciting and jointly managing solid waste and recycling services on behalf of its members as part of this long-term solid waste disposal solution; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council therefore wishes to adopt the Ordinance to Create and Become a Member of the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council held a public hearing on Monday, May 17, 2010 to seek input from the residents on the proposed Ordinance; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Council does hereby adopt the Ordinance to Create and Become a Member of the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #914 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #915 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Hall.
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to amend the existing lease of property currently owned by the Town of Enfield located on Enfield Street and commonly known as “the Dingle”; and
WHEREAS, prior to any such lease amendment, the Council must refer the proposed amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report in conformance with the requirements of Connecticut General Statute §8-24;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proposed lease amendment described above be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission in conformance with the requirements of Connecticut General Statute §8-24.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #915 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #916 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Matthew W. Coppler, is authorized to execute a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Enfield Police Department for the Town of Enfield with the Connecticut Department of Public Safety for participation in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #916 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #917 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson
WHEREAS, the Town Council is desirous of establishing a trust fund in order to provide for the funding of Other Post-Employment Health and Life Benefits for employees and retirees; and
WHEREAS, C.G.S. §7-450(b) requires that any such trust be established by Ordinance.
WHEREAS, the Town Council held a public hearing on Monday, May 3, 2010 to seek input from the residents on the proposed Ordinance; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council does hereby adopt the Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust Ordinance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #917 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #918 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Town Council has determined that bidding school district supplemental literacy materials would be against the best interest of the Town;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby waives the bidding process in favor of using Holt McDougal, McGraw-Hill and Pearson Education.
Councilman Hall requested a list be provided to Mr. Sheridan of those books that are to be purchased with this bid waiver. Mr. Coppler responded that’s already been done.
Councilman Lee stated in the past the Curriculum Director gave a presentation on the full measure of the curriculum selection process, and there was a very public aspect to the way they make these choices. He noted they talked about how books are placed on display at libraries. He stated something he thought was lacking then and now is a public notification of that process. He noted he will mention this to Board members.
Councilman Crowley questioned if there’s a way to relay Mr. Sheridan’s concern to the Board. He noted there should be a better inventory on these textbooks. He requested the Town Manager follow up on this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #918 adopted 9-2-0, with Councilmen Edgar and Nelson voting against.
MOTION #920 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #920 defeated by a 3-8-0 vote.
MOTION #921 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson to add to Miscellaneous a resolution discontinuing the use of a portion of the right of way for Barrett Road.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #921 defeated by a 7-2-1, with councilmen Kiner and Edgar against and Councilman Bosco abstaining. Councilman Crowley absent at the vote.
Chairman Kaupin stated this item will appear on the next meeting agenda.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she was very upset that the Board of Education did not provide her with a list of textbooks. She noted the library was also unable to provide a list. She pointed out the Board of Education charges 50 cents per copy, and the library charges 10 cents per copy.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Clarified that they cannot get a list from the Board of Education, and the Board claims they don’t keep a list. He noted the money the Board gets for grant money spent on books isn’t put into the computer. He stated this doesn’t make them accountable.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Edgar referred to the Barrett Road issue. He noted he put in a request to learn what utilities go through that road. He stated if there are utilities in that area, he does not see how the Town can abandon that road. He noted he since learned that the sewer line runs through Barrett Road completely to South Road. He stated his understanding when the project went to Inland/Wetlands and P&Z, the plans did not show that sewer line. He questioned whether authorizations and approvals are valid if that line wasn’t shown on the plans.
Attorney Deneen indicated he would check into this.
Councilman Edgar questioned if they can give the road to the abutters. Attorney Deneen stated when a road has not been deeded to the Town, the Town only has a right to pass over it. He noted when the Town abandons the right to pass over that road, the title reverts back to the abutters from the mid-point of the road to either side. He stated any existing easements or rights of way, other than the right to pass to the public stay in effect, i.e., sewer rights of way, power line rights of way, etc.
Councilman Edgar stated his belief the Town should not be selling or abandoning that road. Attorney Deneen stated the Council would only be abandoning the right of the public to pass over that road. He noted he will get something out in writing to the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #922 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #922 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Appended to minutes of May 17, 2010
Regular Town Council Meeting
See Page 10
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: 1400 Probate Court
Office Supplies 0100-01-0013-1400-00000-0612 $400.00
FROM: 1400 Probate Court
Technical Services 0100-01-0013-1400-00000-0349 $400.00
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of April 20, 2010.
- Lynn Nenni, Director of finance
APPROVED BY:________________________Town Manager Date: 05/12/2010
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: 1610 Records Management
Disposal Services 0100-01-0015-1610-00000-0421-00 $200.00
FROM: 1600 Town Clerk
Professional Development 0100-01-0015-1600-00000-0322-00 $200.00
CERTIFICATION: I hereby certify that the above-stated funds are available as of April 28, 2010
A. Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
APPROVED BY: _____________________ Town Manager Date: _________ |