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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 15, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Acting Chairman Fiore in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, March 15, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:44 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Reveruzzi.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, Tait. Councilman Egan entered at 8:07 p.m. Councilmen Dodd and Tallarita were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Information Technology Director, Charlene Bond; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand; Recreation Supervisor, Mary Keller
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Acting Chairman Fiore made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7067 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the March 1, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7067 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7068 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of the March 1, 2004 Regular Meeting.
AMENDMENT #1 by Acting Chairman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tait to add an exclamation point at the end of the last sentence, second paragraph on Page 14. He noted this was a sarcastic remark.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 8-0-0.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7068 adopted, as amended, by an 8-0-0 vote.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Pamela Leito, 76 Steele Road
Voiced concern that nuisances, i.e., loitering, currently being experienced at the skateboard park at Parkman School will also be experienced at the skateboard park behind the Higgins building. She noted students and teachers who remain after school at Parkman sometimes feel intimidated by individuals who loiter in the area around the skateboard park. She pointed out these problems started up after that park was no longer supervised.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated his understanding the Town sold 10,000 shares of the Anthem stock they were holding for $86 per share. He questioned what that money is earmarked for. He stated his belief the Town has another 2,000 share that haven't been sold. Mr. Shanley noted that figure is 24,000 shares.
Mr. Woods questioned if the claims on those monies have been cleared up.
Scott Vining, 10 Grove Road
Referred to a newspaper article concerning EMS and charging people beginning in April. He noted he asked Earl Provencher if a plan has been approved and he responded no. He also asked Mr. Provencher why they will start charging people, and he responded he did not know, but it will go into the General Fund.
Mr. Vining stated he asked the Director of Finance the same questions and was told the only money in the budget for EMS is the salary of $67,080 for the EMS Director. He noted he then reviewed the adopted budget and learned $1,155,659 was proposed and $1,360,659 was adopted. He questioned if there's only $67,080, where is the rest of the money.
Reginald Leonard, 42 Fairfield Road
Stated he recently tried to get an agenda and was told it is available on the internet as well as the town clerk's office. He pointed out that not everyone has the internet. He stated his belief agendas should be available as early as possible so that people have time to prepare for certain meetings. He stated according to the Freedom of Information Act, each agency must make available its agenda for regular meetings at least 24 hours before that meeting. He spoke highly of the Town Clerk and her staff and noted how helpful they try to be when he seeks information.
Mr. Leonard stated his belief public participation at any meeting should be taken very seriously. He referred to the March 1st Special Town Council meeting and stated it was his impression the Council didn't want public participation at that meeting. He noted the
public was only allowed to speak because of Councilman Edgar's request to have the public participate. He pointed out all the information that the Council heard and saw from the public at that meeting was presented on the record over the last four to five months at previous meetings. He noted subsequently a $300,000 bond was released.
Leonard Kelly, 8 Impala Drive
Questioned how much EMS will raise the Town budget. He voiced concern this may be rushed through at budget time.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Kaupin referred to Mr. Leonard's comments about agendas. He noted on Thursday of each week he and the Mayor meet with the Town Manager to set the agenda for the following Monday's meeting. He explained they no longer have just a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. He noted they always have a special meeting ahead of time, i.e., starting at 6:00 p.m., and they like using these special meetings for subjects they wish to discuss in depth. He pointed out the agendas for these special meetings have to follow the same posting requirements as the regular meeting. He emphasized this is in no way an intention to omit public dialog, but rather more an effort to manage their time and using the proper forum to address a topic. He pointed out often what is on the special meeting agenda is also on the regular meeting agenda.
Councilman Mangini welcomed the Cub Scouts who were present.
Councilman Mangini stated several Council members participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hartford. She noted this was a good parade.
She invited members of the Town Council to attend a Vo-Ag demonstration in Suffield. She noted a couple Enfield students attending this program are having a demonstration on April 14 and 15 and these students are very proud of their accomplishments.
Councilman Mangini referred to a memorandum in the Council's packet concerning an Administrative Review Team (ART) meeting and noted this meeting will be held on March 17th regarding a preliminary discussion on a special use permit for a heliport pad. She stated her understanding the Town just won a court decision regarding tobacco spraying. Mr. Shanley explained the court decision indicated they could not operate without a permit, and the Town has every right to require a permit. He stated they're now applying for the permit, whereas last year they refused to apply for the permit. Councilman Mangini questioned whether the outcome of this meeting will be made available to the public. Mr. Shanley stated the ART's are meetings between staff members. He noted Planning & Zoning will be discussing this in public and there will be a record of that discussion.
Councilman Peruta informed Ms. Leito that the skateboard park topic is on tonight's agenda.
Councilman Peruta stated Councilmembers did want public participation at the March 1st Special Meeting.
Councilman Crowley questioned if there's a loitering law regarding school property. Mr. Vindigni noted school staff can call the police if they have any concerns about people loitering on the property. Mr. Shanley pointed out what has to be monitored is behavior.
Councilman Crowley stated he observed safer crosswalks while in Washington, D.C. and suggested perhaps, through the State, Enfield could check into safer crosswalks on Route 5.
Councilman Edgar stated there was a meeting recently when there was a presentation by staff in which they listed fringe benefits as 58%, and he requested a breakdown but has not received that response.
MOTION #7069 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Egan to suspend the rules to move 11f to 10a and 13f to 10b.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7069 adopted 9-0-0.
Councilman Edgar stated he appreciates Mr. Leonard's comments.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated any amounts of money having to do with Anthem stock is being kept in a reserve fund called the insurance fund, and it's not being expended. He noted they are awaiting judgments. He pointed out these funds do show up in their audit and it shows up in their end of year revenues.
Referring to comments about EMS, Acting Chairman Fiore stated they really haven't reached those types of conclusions as to how much EMS is going to cost the Town. He noted this will be on-going over the next few months.
Councilman Tait stated he and a few other Council members received a letter in the mail. He noted this letter broaches several subjects, but it's unsigned. He stated he does not respond to unsigned letters.
Councilman Egan referred to the unsigned letter and noted there are some very serious allegations in that letter, however, it's difficult to follow through if a letter is anonymous.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated there were 54,000 shares of Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield stock. He noted the Town sold 10,000, at three different times, 10,000 shares each. He stated the cash value of that is held in the same fund as the 24,000 existing shares still being held. He noted those funds aren't being spent. He pointed out the direction from the Council some time ago has been to just manage these funds prudently and properly. He noted they have a good balance of stock and cash, as opposed to all stock. He stated this money will not be spent until such time as the legal situation at the state is resolved. He went on to note the Town's position is that this money belongs to the Town and the taxpayers.
As concerns comments about the agenda, Mr. Shanley stated the agenda isn't typically available until late Friday afternoon since they're working on it throughout the day.
Regarding EMS and the General Fund, Mr. Shanley stated his belief it's actually a total of about $130,000. He referred to the budget document and noted the EMS is in a separate fund, which is called the Emergency Medical Services Fund. He stated this section of the budget contains a revenue page, and that will show how much money comes in from the General Fund, and he believes it's about $130,000 and how much money comes in from other sources, i.e., money from Maciolek Post to purchase an ambulance and there are projected fees. He noted in December, 2002, Mr. Wiemokly's plan called for an ALS level operation, and all of the rest is generated by charges, i.e., fees to insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid. He stated that's the difference between the $130,000 and the million dollars mentioned by Mr. Vining. He stated that would have been revenue if they were doing ALS level response at this point.
Mr. Shanley stated EMS is currently being discussed by the various fire departments, and they're trying to put together a plan.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Revitalization Committee did meet and they're looking to discuss Thompsonville Village design guidelines, a review of the historical preservation grant application, and they also looked at a couple P&Z applications. She noted they are to meet again in the middle of April.
Councilman Mangini stated the Prison/Town Liaison Committee met last week. She noted the count for the three facilities are basically the same with a fluctuation of one or two inmates. She stated Senator Kissel attended that meeting and he spoke about prison overcrowding and he's working on addressing this issue. She noted there are some concerns about transferring prisoners to Virginia, and there's a bi-partisan effort to do some Level I relocation in Bridgeport/New Haven. She stated they will have an update on that. She added they received an update on the prison work details.
Councilman Mangini referred to the Council's trip to Washington, D.C. and noted she brought back a couple committee books, i.e., the Finance Administration Intergovernmental Relations Committee. She stated they all participated in discussions with their senators and congressmen regarding unfunded mandates, i.e., the No Child Left Behind and Special Education. She added they also talked about environmental unfunded mandates and internet taxation mandate. She noted she will leave this documentation for public review.
MOTION #7070 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove Item 10a from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7070 adopted 9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: WORLD WAR II MONUMENT SIDEWALKS
Councilman Edgar stated the Beautification Committee presented a concept which he believes is excellent. He noted the only issue is funding, and he would like to see the Beautification Committee's plan happen further in the future. He referred to a design submitted by the World War II Monument Committee which would be covered by the $12,000 balance in their account.
MOTION #7071 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the Beautification Committee's plan for long term development of the Green and instruct Town staff to proceed with the plan by the Memorial Committee.
Councilman Edgar stated they were lead to believe through presentations that $12,000 is enough to do this work and if Town staff does the work, it can probably be done for half that amount. He noted the Memorial Committee would like to see this work done for Memorial Day, depending on staff's work schedules. He added they realize there are scheduling problems.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated although he would like to see this work done by Memorial Day, he would be uncomfortable mandating to Town staff that this work must be done by Memorial Day.
Councilman Tait commended the Beautification Committee for an excellent job on a five-year plan for the Town Green. He stated he would like to amend the original request from the Veterans' Council to bring the sidewalk into the same shape as the Beautification Committee's plan. He noted this would allow for future expansion to include what the Beautification Committee is recommending.
Councilman Crowley agreed the Beautification Committee did a great job. He pointed out the plan being put forward right now already has funding in place.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7071 adopted
9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: SKATEBOARD PARK ISSUE
Present for this discussion were Geoff McAlmond, Deputy Director of Public Works and Mary Keller, Recreation Supervisor.
Mr. Shanley stated the reason for this discussion at this point is in advance of erecting the new equipment behind the Higgins building, if the Council has any different thoughts or a desire not to move forward, now is the time to bring up any issues.
Councilman Peruta noted he took pictures of the skateboard park at Parkman and noted it's a mess. He stated initially he thought the skateboard park was great when it was under supervision, however, as time went on and the supervision was removed, things deteriorated quickly. He noted recently there was an incident of a person bringing a pellet gun to the skateboard park, and he had to break up a fight last year. He stated he has spoken to some of the teachers, as recently as today, and they sometimes feel intimidated leaving Parkman at different hours due to loitering problems. He noted he would like to see this skateboard park removed from Parkman as soon as possible. He added he's also concerned this might be a problem behind Higgins building as well.
Councilman Egan stated she saw about ten skateboarders at Nathan Hale today. As concerns loitering, she feels that can be a problem with or without a skateboard park. She stated her belief they have to weigh all the issues and determine whether undesirable loitering is related to the skateboard park.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Peruta. She noted she has never been a supporter of skateboard parks because she believes they represent an attractive nuisance and they invite problems. She pointed out parks are designed for younger children. She noted she'd prefer no skateboard parks. She questioned if there's any exposure or liability on the part of the Town if the Town removes the equipment at Parkman, or do they have to contract with a third party to do that removal or relocation. Mr. Shanley stated they were previously instructed to leave the equipment in place until the Higgins skateboard park was put up. He noted if the Council wants the equipment taken out of Parkman, that can be done.
Mr. Shanley stated originally the idea of having skateboard parks was a Council idea. He noted initially they did have supervision at the skateboard parks, but supervision is a two-edged sword because if there is no supervision, they're not in the position where they are aware that something is going on that shouldn't be going on and therefore can be implicated in it. He stated if they wanted to have supervision at these parks, they would have to pay more and have much more mature individuals to provide the kind of supervision that would be effective.
Councilman Tait stated before skateboard parks were installed, tennis courts were being used and being destroyed and now the skateboard parks are being destroyed. He noted he is not a proponent of skateboard parks, but he feels the thought process in this was that not a lot is done for the young people in the Thompsonville area and it was the Council's idea to enhance the recreation for kids in Thompsonville. He now questions if this is a good idea, particularly in the proposed location.
Councilman Peruta stated his belief that if skateboard parks are to be successful, they will have to have supervision.
Mr. Vindigni stated when they did run a supervised skateboard park, that did not prevent vandalism from occurring. He noted they were locked after hours, but the parks were broken into and the fences were vandalized and damaged. He added they also had litter problems. As concerns the location in Thompsonville, Higgins was found to be the best location and it is visible. As concerns problems at Parkman, he stated when school is in session, the School Department controls the site and they have the authority to have individuals removed from the property.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief the Town should supply a variety of recreational opportunities in town. He noted whatever they do, it's the Town's responsibility to patrol it, the police know it's there and it should be on their check list and they should be checking it every night. He added it's the Town's responsibility to keep sites clean. He stated his belief they should try a skateboard park in Thompsonville because people question what is done for the young people in this section of town. He feels the solution is to monitor, clean and control these areas. He stated his belief they can't go down the path of removing recreation because they're afraid of kids hanging out.
Councilman Crowley stated he would be in favor of a skateboard park in Thompsonville, however, he would like to see some type of supervision and instruction. He feels there should also be some basketball hoops erected on the Higgins property as well.
Councilman Edgar questioned the status of the new equipment. Mr. Vindigni stated the ramps have been delivered and are waiting to be installed. Mr. Shanley noted that equipment would be installed at the Higgins site, and the old equipment would be dismantled. He added they do not want to install the new equipment until staff understands whether the Council wishes to go forward.
Ms. Keller stated the intent for the new equipment is that half of it will be installed at the Higgins site and the other half will replace the equipment at Green Manor Park.
Councilman Edgar stated his understanding there are problems at Parkman School, but not at Green Manor Park. He stated his recollection it was a unanimous Council decision to remove the equipment from the Parkman School and install it at the Higgins site. He questioned if there had been a unanimous vote, why are they waiting. Mr. Shanley stated he was asked if this equipment could be installed this week, and based on his conversation with Councilman Peruta who wanted to have a Council-level discussion and feedback from Councilman Fiore, it was determined they should have this discussion. He added they are prepared to install the equipment.
Councilman Edgar stated his belief they have to give the Higgins site a try. He noted if there is a problem at some point, the Council can discuss it at that time.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated his belief they should try to create activities that are safe and structured and it sounds like the Higgins site could be such a site. He noted Thompsonville has community policing, and this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the community police force. He stated this would be a good place for the police to
make part of their rounds. He noted he would like direction given to the community officer in the downtown area that they regularly police the Higgins site once it's established.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated his belief the Council thought this equipment replacement was going to happen a lot earlier, thus the Parkman School issue would have been resolved by now. He noted the Town designs parks that will attempt to satisfy all the residents-young and old and sometimes they don't mix. He added his belief they need to move as quickly as possible at the Parkman School. He noted this doesn't only entail removing the skate park equipment, but improving that area as originally planned awhile ago as far as working with the school department to turn that site back into a playground for the school and the neighborhood kids. He added his belief they should also give the Higgins skateboard park a chance. He pointed out the Town is getting the replacement equipment at no cost and the fence is already up.
As concerns supervision in the Higgins skateboard park, Acting Chairman Fiore pointed out they went through the supervision route. He noted they found that if they have to pay for the type of supervision the Council is thinking about, it becomes ineffective and too expensive to run these parks. He stated his belief the Town can't really afford that type of supervision.
Councilman Crowley questioned the possibility of incorporating the supervision of the Higgins play area with the skateboard park. Mr. Vindigni explained the playground will be supervised five days per week for half-days in the morning. Ms. Keller stated this is the basic playground program. She noted they're combining the one from Alcorn and LaFayette to the Higgins site, and it's basically for instruction for arts and crafts, sports and games. Councilman Crowley recollected neither of those parks is used very much, therefore, the instructors will have a lot of time on their hands. He noted if instructors are going to be there in the morning and parents know there's supervision during that part of the day, they might be more comfortable sending their children. Mr. Shanley stated they tend to have teenagers supervising the arts and crafts activities and this age range does not make for effective supervisors in the skateboard area. He noted this age group did not work well in the supervisory environment for skateboard parks in the past.
Mr. Shanley stated there are a lot of things that can be done in Thompsonville, i.e., there are community policing bicycle patrols and there's a presence at Town Hall.
Councilman Egan stated the Green Manor skateboard park seems to be working well as it is. She stated her belief they should move forward with the Higgins skateboard park.
It was the general consensus of the Council to move forward with Parkman School and the Higgins site. Also, Mr. Vindigni and Ms. Keller can come back before the Council during the budget process with costs for some part-time morning supervision at both skateboard parks.
Councilman Mangini stated she does not support moving the problem from Parkman to Thompsonville. She added she is not in support of installing a skateboard park behind the Higgins building.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
All Town Manager appointments remained tabled.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #7072 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Crowley to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7072 adopted 9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: COUNCIL/BOARD INITIATIVES
Acting Chairman Fiore stated the Board of Education was asked if they're interested in using Brainard Park to host their women's softball teams from both high schools, and based on the meeting they had with Town Hall staff, they decided to decline that offer. He stated the Board of Education appreciated this offer, but for a variety of reasons they're not interested in that facility.
Councilman Crowley stated this offer was made because a big complaint was the women's softball fields were in terrible shape. He noted the Brainard Park facility is in good shape, but the Board of Education declined.
Acting Chairman Fiore requested an update regarding the risk management overview that was given to the Board of Education. Mr. Shanley stated Dr. Gallacher wanted some follow up documentation and eventually a resolution from the Council.
MOTION #7073 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Crowley to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7073 adopted 9-0-0.
Items e., f., and g. remained tabled.
MOTION #7074 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7074 adopted 9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: COMMUNITY CENTER/OLD SENIOR CENTER
Present for this discussion was Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski and Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand.
Mr. Shanley stated the last time this matter was discussed, the Council requested some idea of what kind of improvements would be necessary in order to move forward with using this facility as a community center. He noted the memorandum outlines a number of things they believe should be done. He stated one of the issues that has come up and they're working with the fire marshal on is the definition of a stage and a platform. He explained they're discussing whether certain restrictions that would be placed on this facility that had not been placed on this facility in the past would be really necessary. He stated those costs are not reflected here because they have not come to clarity with the fire marshal on that at this point.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated perhaps they could put together a proposal to get bids and go through a detailed examination of what all the costs are, rather than doing things piecemeal. He noted once they know what the costs are, they can look at different funding sources. He stated his belief Enfield really needs a cultural arts center. He feels this is one of the things this town is lacking. Mr. Shanley stated this is the direction that the Town was heading at one time. He noted they did an in-house study and came up with a figure close to $600,000, and there was a sense that this was too much money. He stated the direction they received through the Mayor this time was to take a minimalist approach and what's the minimal amount of money that they could spend to get it open and operating.
Acting Chairman Fiore agreed with Councilman Reveruzzi's comments.
Councilman Peruta questioned if most of the building is structurally safe. Ms. Brand stated she got a second opinion from a structural engineer, and his recommendation is a lot more positive than the first evaluation. She noted several years ago there was a fire in the basement and some beams were replaced and they were a lot smaller than the original beams. The structural engineer is recommending adding posts to support those beams in order to bring them closer to the 100 pounds per square foot. She noted this would amount to about 16 beam replacements within the general area of the main hall. She added the structure still has good integrity. She stated one of the chimneys has to be rebuilt and this chimney is for the main boiler in front of the building. As concerns the perimeter foundation walls, the structural engineer believes it's the pressure coming from the pavement up to the building side and water is infiltrating in. She noted redirecting water off the roof will help a great deal in alleviating any more moisture getting into the perimeter walls.
Councilman Peruta stated his impression there will be some on-going costs, which could be significant, should the Town try to open up this building. Mr. Shanley stated if they can open this building for use, some revenue could be generated to at least help maintain this building. He noted then perhaps the building will prove itself worthy of investment.
Councilman Peruta stated he liked Councilman Reveruzzi's idea.
Councilman Crowley referred to the list of things to be done and questioned if these are items that have to be addressed before they can use that building. He questioned the cost to simply make the building safe enough to be occupied. Mr. Shanley stated that depends on what the building will be used for.
Mr. Kazmarski stated the plaster cost estimate was provided after a very thorough inspection by a local building company.
MOTION #7075 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7075 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #7076 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to remove Item i. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7076 adopted 9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: PVTA
Councilman Edgar recommended discontinuing PVTA service as of June 1, 2004. He noted this would provide time to work out arrangements for that small amount of people and anything else that may come up unexpected.
Mr. Vindigni recommended the service be suspended, rather than terminated. He explained if there's a need in the future to reinstate this service, it would be easier to do so if the service is suspended rather than terminated. He added he will have a draft resolution for the Council's consideration at the next meeting.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated his belief the majority of Council wants this service suspended as of June 1st which allows staff to work with PVTA to clear out the accounts so that bus service will have stopped prior to when the books close out on July 1st.
MOTION #7077 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the PVTA service as of June 1, 2004 to settle all accounts by book closing on July 1, 2004 and to settle up the final payment with PVTA out of the 2003/2004 budget.
Acting Chairman Fiore explained why this action is being taken. He noted boardings are basically 29% lower than they were last year; the general subsidy for boarding is approximately $8.85; the estimated subsidy the Town would have had in next year's budget for this service is about $63,000; Connecticut DOT has been approached by Town staff and DOT has indicated that regulations governing the use of the federal urban mass transit funds received for the interstate bus service prohibit their direct use to subsidize operation--it can only be used for capital improvements; the Economic Development staff has been in contact with Mass Mutual and Mass Mutual, at this point, does not see the PVTA service playing any part in their relocation operations in Enfield; the Social Services Neighborhood Services Division has agreed to handle individual hardship cases and at least attempt to work with these residents to identify options to assist them.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7077 adopted 9-0-0.
Item j. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #7078 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to appoint Michael Moschetti to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency for a term which expires 6/30/04 and Louis Tallarita for a term which expires 6/30/07.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7078 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #7079 by Councilman Kaupin to appoint Anthony Ambrosino (R), 4 Theodore Street to the open Constable position.
MOTION #7080 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7080 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Anthony Ambrosino appointed Constable by a 9-0-0 vote.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
The appointment to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
MOTION #7081 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait to suspend the rules to address Items b., c., d., and e. to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7081 adopted 9-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #7082 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby accepts the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2003.
Acting Chairman Fiore thanked Greg Simmons, the Director of Finance, and his whole staff who worked with the auditors. He commended them for a fine job.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7082 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7083 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, as the Town Council wishes to adjust compensation for the Town Attorney; and
WHEREAS, an adjustment to the current $45,000 annual salary has not occurred for over ten years;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes a six percent increase in the Town Attorney's salary changing the annual salary to $47,700.
Councilman Mangini stated the Council is very fortunate to have Attorney Bromson as the Town Attorney. She thanked him for all his hard work.
Councilman Tait agreed with Councilman Mangini. He stated his belief this increase is long overdue.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated the duties of this position have accumulated more and more each year, and this is the first salary increase in ten years. He added his belief this is long overdue.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7083 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7084 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
RESOLVED, that Scott Shanley, Town Manager, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for an Historic Document Preservation Grant.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7084 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7085 by Councilman Edgar, 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: Account 1600-340 Technical Services $10,000.00
FROM: Account 8030-840 Contingency $10,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $10,000 is available from Account #8030-340 as of March 8, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Acting Chairman Fiore explained this is because their microfilming has increased. He stated his understanding this is the third or fourth year the Council has done this transfer.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7085 adopted 9-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7086 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7086 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
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