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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 1, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Tallarita in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, March 1, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
PRAYER - Chairman Tallarita called for a moment of silent meditation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, Tait and Tallarita. Councilman Crowley entered at 7:43 p.m. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7037 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the February 10, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7037 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilmen Mangini and Peruta abstaining.
MOTION #7038 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the February 17, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7038 adopted 7-0-3, with Councilmen Dodd, Edgar and Tait abstaining.
MOTION #7039 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the February 17, 2004 Regular Meeting.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add the following text to Page 10: "Mr. McAlmond stated the figure for the benefit package is 58%.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7039 adopted 8-0-3, with Councilmen Crowley, Dodd and Tait abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Stated February 19th has come and gone and parking trucks are disappearing. She expressed her appreciation to the Town Council and Planning & Zoning for doing a good job. She noted of the 35 people who were cited for truck parking in their yard, only one has come forward to get their truck parked in the yard. She questioned where the others are. She went on to question if the police will automatically ticket a truck parked in the street because that is their job, or will it be similar to Mr. Bickley who waits for a complaint and then does it.
Ms. Turner spoke about the condo trash issue. She thanked Councilman Peruta for returning her calls. She suggested if the Council is going to give a benefit to 1,400 residences, they should figure a way whereby 14,000 residences get a benefit. She suggested that benefit be having tipper barrels town-wide so that the Town can alleviate some workers' comp claims. She concluded stating her belief condo owners will eventually want snow plowing as well.
Ms. Turner stated her neighborhood is the Hickory/Meadow Road/Weymouth Drive area. She noted there is a rumor that cul-de-sacs aren't a priority because they don't get a lot of traffic. She urged Councilman Peruta to visit her and see the prominent frost heave on her street. She stated her hope her street will be done in the near future.
As concerns the new ethics ruling being drafted, Ms. Turner voiced concern about getting people to serve on boards and commissions since this new ruling is very intrusive.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Noted he was on the advisory committee to the Board of Education. He stated his belief Board of Education Chairman Hilinski has approached the budget issue in the right way, however, he did not have the support of the rest of the board. He noted as budget deliberations get underway, he will talk about a number of the issues that the advisory committee raised that the Board of Education should have acted upon. He noted one item has to do with outsourcing some of the custodial work. He noted the Board of Education had good rationale as to why that shouldn't be done, i.e., the safety of the students. He stated they were willing to negotiation in that some of the work could be done at night when the students were not present and this would cut down on overtime. He went on to state he was impressed that the custodians offered up three positions, but the Board of Education did not take these positions. He went on to state his belief the custodians would not have offered up these positions if they didn't believe they could not do the work without those positions.
Mr. Woods stated as the Council appoints people to different commissions, they are doing so with the Democratic and Republican parties. He noted other parties should be given consideration as well.
Reginald Leonard, 42 Fairfield Road
Thanked the Council and noted the only way they realized any success concerning the Grandview Drive issue was by coming before the Council.
As concerns Mr. Shanley's comment about possibly another position and budgetary increase to do some extra things for P&Z, he suggested the builder post another bond for topographical work being done. He stated whatever amount is decided, there could be a one-year cycle, whereby the Town is relieved of any responsibility upon the sign-off of the homeowner after that one year. He stated this means that Planning & Zoning and Engineering and Town departments take it upon themselves to look at things with the homeowner and then they sign off on it. He pointed out if something such as this was in place, there wouldn't have been a problem.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated there was a 911 call in her area and the police arrived first, the firemen were the second responders, Maciolek was the third and AMR was last. She noted if AMR is going to be involved in EMS, the Town should look twice because this isn't the first time she has seen this happen, and AMR was always the last on the scene.
Ms. Jedziniak referred to the old senior center and noted she would hate to see it go, but she finds it hard to believe that any of the groups using it at the present time would agree to pay any money to use the building. She noted if they wanted, she feels they could find plenty of places to use at the present time, but the only thing stopping them is that there would be a cost for any other building in town.
She noted gasoline prices are rising rapidly and stated her hope Councilmen will get in touch with legislators asking them not to raise the taxes on the gasoline.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated it seems the Enfield School system is now the largest employer in Town since Lego has been going down in their employment.
Mr. Tkacz stated truck parking on streets is still a problem. He noted he called the Chief of Police today to question why they aren't being ticketed, but has not heard back. He stated at one time there were 35 truck violations and with the weight change that figure became 19, and 19 notices were sent out and only one responded. He noted there has been no follow-up action on this.
Mr. Tkacz stated outsourcing appears to be a trend across the United States. He noted outsourcing expenses can be far less, and Enfield should not be maintaining its own fleet of vehicles. He added the Town should also consider outsourcing IT.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated he has nothing but praise for the Public Works Department over the past year. He concluded stating a meeting is only as good as the taxpayers make it.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini reminded voters that tomorrow is a primary day and urged people to get out and vote.
She reminded everyone a St. Patrick's Parade is coming up in Hartford and Enfield Councilmen have been invited to march in that parade.
Councilman Mangini offered congratulations for promotions received by two Enfield Police Officers - Jeffrey Golden was promoted to Sergeant and Gary Collins was promoted to Lieutenant.
Councilman Kaupin stated he sent an e-mail to Mr. Shanley today requesting an update on the alarm ordinance which has been in effect for the year 2003. He noted he would like a recap of what the results were.
Councilman Kaupin agreed with comments by Mary Ann Turner regarding the ethics proposal that the State Legislature is putting forward. He stated personally he feels some of the requirements will stifle volunteerism and public participation. He noted there's a fine line between letting information come out and making sure there are ethics and everyone is above board, but when it's a great deal of information, he's concerned people will be scared away from participating.
Councilman Kaupin referred to a comment made about appointments to boards or commissions and pointed out if people wish to be appointed to different boards or commissions, they should submit their applications. He noted both parties look at whatever applications come in so they can fill vacancies. He stated there are many openings on boards and commissions.
MOTION #7040 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add to Items for Discussion a resolution amending the appointment to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7040 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #7041 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items 13 b., d., e., f., g., and h. to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7041 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Fiore referred to comments tonight regarding outsourcing and noted over the years this idea has been looked at. He pointed out government is not a private business. He noted when a private business outsources, they get a tax break because it's classified as a business expense. He noted unfortunately, a local or state municipality doesn't get that break because they don't pay taxes. He stated in a lot of cases where it might look advantageous to outsource, it's not really the case. He added they always investigate any opportunities that might crop up from time to time.
Councilman Reveruzzi referred to comments about appointments to boards and commissions and suggested perhaps the Town Manager could make available the regulations regarding appointments to various commissions because some of the commissions do require that there be Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated appointments. He noted in a lot of cases the appointments have to fall within the description that's required under the creation of the commission itself. He noted in some cases they have to maintain a certain representation, but there's always room for minority or unaffiliated representation. He suggested if people are interested in obtaining a position on various commissions, they should look at the regulations and composition regarding those commissions to learn if unaffiliated or minority representation is allowed on those commissions.
Councilman Egan stated former Councilman and Mayor Mary Lou Strom will be one of the marshals for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hartford. She stated her hope the Town Council will all show their support.
Councilman Peruta stated he would like to know if a commercial truck is parked on the street, are they automatically ticketed.
Councilman Peruta reminded people when they talk about outsourcing, those people lose their jobs and these are taxpayers, therefore, by saving money in one place, they may not be collecting it in another place. He pointed out he was outsourced a couple years ago, and it's not a very pleasant experience. He stated his belief this is a bad practice.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley referred to an earlier comment and stated he never recalled suggesting adding a position. He clarified what he said was that it would have to be seen what it would take, i.e., what the legal requirements are, what kind of bonds would be necessary, etc.
As concerns Ms. Jedziniak's comment, he noted Enfield does not have an agreement with AMR. He noted it would not be uncommon for AMR to be the last to arrive because Enfield's protocol has the Police Department usually arriving first and usually within four minutes with an automatic defibrillator. He noted when the BLS unit arrives, more equipment is available.
Mr. Shanley stated the position of CCM is to encourage the state to pass legislation which requires municipalities to have an ethics ordinance, but not to pass legislation that tells municipalities what their ethics ordinance needs to say.
He stated through attrition in the past they've eliminated all of their janitorial positions with one exception and contracted out that work. He noted other instances where they contract out include body work, certain types of large vehicle work and snowplowing.
Mr. Shanley stated he will get a report on the truck ordinance for the next meeting.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Cerrato stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Town Celebration Committee had a meeting last night, and they are doing a fine job.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #7042 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #11 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7042 adopted 11-0-0.
NOMINATION #7043 by Councilman Kaupin to appoint Alexandra Bozzuto (R), 1 Parky Drive to the Enfield Beautification Committee for a term which expires 12/01/07.
MOTION #7044 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7044 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Alexandra Bozzuto appointed to the Enfield Beautification Committee by an 11-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7045 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to remove Item #12 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7045 adopted 11-0-0.
NOMINATION #7046 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Joseph Cimino (U), 1279 Enfield Street to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee for a term which expires 9/30/04.
MOTION #7047 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7047 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Joseph Cimino appointed to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee by an 11-0-0 vote.
All other Town Council and Town Manager appointments remained tabled.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #7048 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7048 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: EMS
Chairman Tallarita stated he and Councilman Kaupin attended a fire chiefs meeting recently and discussed EMS. He noted there has been some concern raised by both the police and the fire departments with regards to the interim standards that are presently in place. He stated in that discussion it was the understanding the Police Department is the first responder, and when they are there they need to be treated as the first responder. He noted it was also discussed having the EMS Director work up a set of procedures as to how they'd deal with the interim. He stated there were some specifics they wanted with regards to steps and procedures and they felt it would be wise to get those procedures drafted for the interim. He requested, with Council consensus, this be put together and they work with the police and fire departments to review those procedures to be sure everyone is on board as to what's happening in the interim.
Mr. Shanley and the Town Council agreed Gary Wiemokly can do this and he can meet with the fire and police departments.
MOTION #7049 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Edgar to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7049 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #7050 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Edgar to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7050 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: WORLD WAR II MONUMENT SIDEWALKS
Councilman Tait stated he met with delegates of the Beautification Committee and the Council has within their packets a proposal the Committee would like to present to the Council. He noted they suggested, for the same amount that the veterans have ($12,000), they can do all of the work, including one of the arches off of Enfield Street and tie the gazebo and monument together.
Councilman Crowley stated he was under the impression the veterans association wanted a circular sidewalk out front and a connection from the Town Hall to that monument, and that was based on what they could afford. Councilman Tait responded that's correct. He went on to note they could also get the monument and the gazebo tied together with the same money, as well as the walkway. He noted the only thing they would not get is the second arch off of Enfield Street.
Councilman Edgar stated the $12,000 is in the veterans' budget and they requested the u-shaped walkway and extension of the sidewalk to the monument from the other memorials and from the fountain. He noted he'd be inclined to grant that because they can do that under budget. He stated they could take up the idea of the Beautification Committee later when they have more money.
Councilman Tait stated he would like to give the Beautification Committee the opportunity to present their idea.
Councilman Fiore thanked the Beautification Committee for all their work. He stated he does not want to see the Town Green full of sidewalks. He agreed they do need to tie the monument into some sidewalks. He felt it would be nice to tie part of the gazebo in, but he prefers doing the minimal amount possible so that there's safety so people can get where they want to go. He stated he doesn't like a sidewalk coming right through the middle of the Town Green. He noted he has no problem with plantings.
Mr. Shanley stated he has a figure from Public Works, and the plan is identified at $13.2 plus contingencies. He noted it's important to identify what the Council wishes to get done and let the engineering people spend some time coming up with a plan.
Councilman Dodd referred to plantings and cautioned against obstructing access to the Town Green when they're putting on big events.
Councilman Edgar stated he is in favor of moving forward with the veterans' plan.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Edgar. She noted she would not want to see too much sidewalk. She pointed out this is supposed to be a Town Green. She agreed a certain amount of sidewalk is definitely necessary.
Councilman Tait stated in past Council meetings, the Council asked for the opinion of the Beautification Committee and he feels the Council owes them the courtesy to let them come before the Council and have their say. He noted one of the things the veterans really wanted was to have handicap access from the parking lot to the monument, but they couldn't afford it.
Councilman Reveruzzi agreed with Councilman Tait in that the Council did request a response from the Beautification Committee. He feels they should let the Committee come in so that they can discuss this item.
Councilman Egan stated she does not want to dismiss the input of the Committee since the Council did request their input. She feels they should come before the Council and the Council should listen with an open mind and perhaps they can come up with some ideas which will be pleasing to everyone.
Councilman Edgar stated his comments in no way reflect on the Beautification Committee. He feels their plan would be nice for the long term. He pointed out he would like to see something done for Memorial Day.
Chairman Tallarita suggested inviting the Beautification Committee to the next meeting so that the Council can hear their comments.
MOTION #7050A by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7050A adopted 11-0-0.
Items g. and h. remained tabled.
MOTION #7051 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item i. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7051 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: PVTA
Present was Tim Doherty, representing the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the PVTA.
Mr. Vindigni stated as of the end of January, they're averaging 20 to 22 boardings per day, and this amounts to ten to eleven riders. He noted since June of 2002, they have less than 1,000 boardings per month in Enfield for PVTA bus service. He stated they are looking at their estimated cost to be about $63,000 for the current fiscal year. He noted the per boarding cost at this time is $8.79. He stated the general fund taxpayer commitment to this is $18 for a rider to use the bus twice per day, i.e., to and from work.
Mr. Vindigni stated he had a discussion with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and because of Enfield's location with the Springfield urbanized area, Connecticut DOT is getting about $730,000 in funding. He noted this money is being used mainly for the Connecticut transit from Enfield to Hartford daily commuter service. He stated DOT has been made aware of the situation in Enfield and they have a copy of all the data.
Mr. Doherty stated in the next week or so he will be following up to get a better understanding of the way the federal formula funds.
Councilman Fiore raised the possibility of petitioning for funding for Enfield.
Mr. Shanley stated in the early 1990's there was a subsidy paid to Enfield to help support this. He noted when the federal transit money had a considerable cutback, Enfield lost that subsidy. He stated this will be another effort to get this subsidy. He pointed out either way, it's income tax money or property tax money that's paying $17.50 for a round trip. Mr. Vindigni stated if the ridership is so low, the Council's decision may be not to continue this service.
Councilman Fiore questioned if the Council decided to discontinue this service, when would all the parties need to know. Mr. Vindigni stated he will get back to the Council when he learns how much lead time is needed for termination of service.
Councilman Dodd questioned whether there's a way to learn how much of that money is being spent to transport people from Enfield to Hartford. Mr. Vindigni indicated he'd check into that.
Councilman Reveruzzi questioned whether there's any transportation dollars that Massachusetts has used to support this program. Mr. Doherty stated PVTA is looking at a $1.5 million dollars shortfall and they are looking for $1.5 million dollars worth of service cuts.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether the Town of Longmeadow contributes to this, and Mr. Doherty responded yes.
Mr. Vindigni stated there are only two sources of funding for the portion of the PVTA run that occurs in the Town of Enfield - ridership fees and General Fund taxpayer dollars - there's no state funding from Massachusetts or Connecticut that subsidizes that.
Councilman Dodd questioned if the bus service encompasses one person for a full day making several trips, and Mr. Doherty stated his belief it's some kind of variation, i.e., split shifts.
Councilman Dodd questioned if this organization has part-time people, rather than full-time people that could accomplish that shift. Mr. Doherty responded no because they've tried to fund the most efficient way to provide the bare minimum of service.
Councilman Dodd questioned if they're running a full-size piece of equipment or a marginal size piece of equipment. Mr. Doherty stated his belief it's a 21-passenger vehicle. He noted they may occasionally run a larger bus.
Mr. Shanley stated about four years ago, the Town went through a prolonged process of redefining the routes and looking to create any efficiency possible. He noted that did roll back the price. He stated the problem is the on-demand type of service, i.e., doctor appointments. He noted there was discussion that as an alternative using this money by establishing a temporary case work position of some kind that would spend time helping people displaced by the ending of this service to find other options.
Mr. Vindigni stated according to the data, there's a very small market of interested users for mass transit in this area.
Chairman Tallarita suggested they could call their state legislators and make a pitch for some state subsidies to see if that materializes. He added they would also like to hear from Mass Mutual to learn their opinion on this situation. He noted it's difficult for him to justify to the rest of the taxpayers in Enfield that they're paying this amount for such a small segment of people who utilize this service. He stated on the other hand some of these people utilizing this service have such social needs whereby this is the only way for them to reach their jobs or medical appointments.
Mr. Vindigni stated he will get some follow-up information for the Council.
MOTION #7052 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7052 adopted 11-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION RE: CONDO TRASH
Councilman Tait stated when the original resolution was passed to go forward with condo trash, one of the stipulations in that original resolution was 100% participation by the condo owners. He questioned what the rationale was for that.
Mr. Shanley stated his belief the Council came to the conclusion that if they're going to provide this service, they will provide it to everyone.
Councilman Egan stated her recollection it was more or less a fairness issue in that they would be discriminating if they didn't give the same service to all the condo associations.
Councilman Dodd stated he still believes they are setting a bad precedent by going onto private property.
Chairman Tallarita questioned the status of the letter being drafted, and Mr. Shanley stated his understanding the Town Attorney's office is working on the letter.
Councilman Reveruzzi questioned if the Town Attorney looks at this issue, i.e., going onto private property. He stated he was recently told the Town picks up trash at some private schools. Mr. Shanley indicated he'd check into that.
Councilman Kaupin stated he was part of the condo subcommittee and the whole proposal is based on the Town Attorney's office coming up with a hold harmless agreement. He noted any damage done to a mailbox or street sign, just like on a public roadway, is covered by insurance. He stated all the condo associations have to sign off on this hold harmless agreement, in that the Town is not responsible for the normal wear and tear of roads.
Councilman Mangini requested the Town Attorney's office supply a copy of the quasi hold harmless agreement that was created.
Councilman Edgar stated the point is that the Council has passed a resolution that they will pick up condo trash, and they're not here to re-hash the pros and cons of this, but rather they're here to implement the wishes of that Council.
Councilman Fiore referred to the comment about private hauling and read from correspondence by Geoff McAlmond as follows: "the two high schools, the middle school and the six municipal buildings and four private elementary schools' refuse is collected and disposed of by a private member under the Town's contract which amounts to $150,000 per year. He noted the Town is paying for the hauling of private schools, but the Town isn't going on their property.
RESOLUTION #7053 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby adopt the attached "Amendment to Lease" with the Enfield Housing Authority for the Adult Day Care Center facility at the Mark Twain Congregate Housing site as per Town Council Resolution No. 6991 that was adopted on February 2, 2004, and authorizes the Town Manager to sign said Amendment.
Chairman Tallarita stated the only point he made at the last meeting was that typically when a lessee has the option to renew, the lessor doesn't have the ability to deny that option, however, in this that ability is given. He feels because of the relationship here, it doesn't matter.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7053 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7054 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Town of Enfield Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, April 5, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding amending the Commission on Aging Ordinance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7054 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
Appointments to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: APPOINTMENT OF CONSTABLE
Councilman Kaupin stated they put a phone call into the person who had run for constable but was the number eight vote getter. They are waiting to hear back from him. He noted they discussed this in their caucus, and if he's interested in serving, they'll bring that name forward. He stated this is Anthony Ambrosino.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #7055 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the municipal government is providing Basic Life Support Transport (BLS) services; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to exercise, if appropriate, a federal waiver which allows municipally held operators of BLS service to waive Medicare copays without penalty; and
WHEREAS, the Council has requested specific legal advice to do so;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield expresses its desire to waive the Medicare copay for the BLS service provided by the Town, when billing begins, be effective upon proper legal authorization.
Councilman Fiore emphasized this is for BLS service only and has nothing to do with the ALS service that AMR is providing to the residents of town.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7055 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #7056 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7056 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7057 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to change the fifth paragraph as follows:
"...substantially complies with the foregoing and other requirements as specified by the Enfield Town Council." and
"The Agreement covers new value created for real property owner and does not impact personal property or the existing value on the property."
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7057 adopted 11-0-0, as amended.
RESOLUTION #7058 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments ("CRCOG") is inviting proposals for transportation projects to be funded under the Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) - Urban Program; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council has reviewed the infrastructure needs of the Town and finds the following projects are a priority; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council is willing to provide the required local matching Funds should the projects be approved;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to submit applications on its behalf for the following projects:
1. Reconstruction of Raffia Road
2. Reconstruction of Pearl Street (High Street to Franklin Street)
3. Reconstruction of a portion of Elm Street (Senior Center to 100 feet south of
Martin Terrace)
Councilman Fiore questioned whether these are three separate projects, and Mr. Kazmarski responded yes.
Chairman Tallarita questioned the time line for this. Mr. Kazmarski stated they have to have the submittal into CRCOG by March 15th, and they will then review all of the projects. He noted there will probably be a transportation subcommittee meeting to go over some of the projects and they utilize a rating scale. He stated his belief they will make their decision sometime in early June.
Mr. Shanley stated he met with Representative Simmons and they visited two projects on Friday - one was the under railroad track project at Fairview Avenue and they spent time at the South Maple Street bridge project as well. He noted those are two projects that they're working on for specific earmarking at the federal level.
Councilman Peruta questioned whether sidewalks are included for the Raffia Road project. He noted some of the sidewalks on that road are right on the road with no snow shelf. He stated in the dark, it's difficult to tell the road from the sidewalk. He noted he learned the school board provides busing for students within walking range of JFK in the winter because they also believe some of those sidewalks are very dangerous. Mr. Kazmarski stated they will put sidewalks in. He noted this will be a fairly sizable project. He stated the cap that they're allowed under the STP urban guidelines through CRCOG is $2 million dollars. He noted anything beyond that figure, the Town will have to come up with the additional funds.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7058 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7059 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson, to settle the outstanding contract dispute with Class Act Cleaning Services, Inc. as set forth in the following action: CLASS ACT CLEANING SERVICES, INC. v. TOWN OF ENFIELD, Docket No.: CV 03-0519462 S, for the sum of $3,500.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7059 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7060 by Councilman Kaupin, 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: Child Day Care
4320-611 Instructional Supplies $392.00
FROM: Child Day Care
4320-17050 Donations $392.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $392.00 is available from Account #4320-17050 as of 2/19/2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7060 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7061 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Fiore.
WHEREAS, at its meeting of February 17, 2004 the Town Council of the Town of Enfield appointed Kathleen Sarno to the Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHEREAS, her resignation from the Inland/Wetlands Commission was to be effective on April 1, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby amends the appointment of Kathleen Sarno in the Planning and Zoning Commission to be effective April 2, 2004.
Councilman Fiore explained there was a miscommunication when the Council did this appointment a little prematurely. He noted by doing that appointment at the last Council meeting, there weren't enough sitting members left for Inland/Wetlands, therefore, Ms. Sarno's seat will not take effect until April so they'll have enough members on the Inland/Wetlands Commission for the month of March.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7061 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated there is over a $5 million dollar reduction in highway money coming into Connecticut because of the law their legislators refused to repeal concerning the carrying of open alcoholic bottles in vehicles. She noted it would be a good idea if the Town Council would speak to legislators so that maybe they can help in getting this repealed.
Referring to outsourcing, Ms. Jedziniak stated one of the most costly parts of public jobs is the benefits. She noted state employees are costing the taxpayers $347 million dollars in insurance alone, and the retired workers are costing $374 million dollars, and this amounts to over $700 million dollars for insurance alone. She stated public employees fight even the suggestion that they pay a reasonable part of their insurance. She feels this should be looked into because it's the benefits hurting the taxpayers.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Questioned if Chairman Tallarita is running for state office.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Tallarita stated he is not running for state office.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7062 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7062 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
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