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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 2, 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, February 2, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Kaupin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, Tait and Tallarita. 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 Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #6979 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the January 12, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6979 adopted 10-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
MOTION #6980 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of the January 20, 2004 Special Meeting.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to amend page 5 as follows:
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Acting Chairman Fiore at 6:50 p.m.
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 #6980, as amended, by a 9-0-2 vote, with Councilmen Tait and Tallarita abstaining.
MOTION #6981 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the January 20, 2004 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6981 adopted 9-0-2, with Councilmen Tait and Tallarita abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Esther Hannum, 16 Copper Drive
Stated her belief that because it's budget time people will ask for referendums on the budget. She explained why she felt the Town Charter was proper to limit referendums only to major building projects and capital improvements. She referred to the five or six referendums held by the town of Winsted and that town finally passed their budget Christmas week. She referred to another town holding their eleventh referendum on their education budget, and they still haven't set their education budget. She stated her belief townspeople don't have the time that Council members take to study the budget in detail. She stated her understanding the Council interviews every single department head, they make the departments justify their requests, and they study the budget line item by line item. She noted the Council puts in close to six months of study before they vote on the budget.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Referred to the committee that is looking at ways to reduce the costs in the school system and noted there's one area that's been neglected. He referred to the latest report dated January 22nd to the Superintendent about school enrollments and projections. He stated in the last ten years in Enfield, births were running around 650 per year and now they're down to 450 per year. He added marriages are way down and the death rate is up. He pointed out this means less enrollment in the school systems. He noted in the last ten years enrollment in Grades K through 6 has declined from 3,726 students to 3,352, a 10% drop. This decline is expected to continue with an anticipated decline next year of 70 students in elementary enrollment. In 1998-99 the total enrollment of the school system peaked and now it's down about 300 students.
Mr. Tkacz stated his belief nine elementary schools are not needed. He believes Enfield can get by with eight schools. He suggested "mothballing" one elementary school for a year to observe the trend in enrollment. He feels it doesn't make sense to keep adding more and more staff and teachers with fewer students.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated generally when the public comes before the Council and asks questions, they really would like to hear some answers. He referred to a previous Council meeting when a question was brought up about the apartment complex proposed to be built between Shaker Road and Elm Street. He noted the Council had already found out that this proposal had been withdrawn, however, no one said anything. He stated his observation is that for some reason this Council seems to be answering less than the previous Council.
Mr. Woods referred to offset bookkeeping and noted the school department doesn't look at this as a problem. He noted if they did away with that, a more true cost would be reflected. He stated he hasn't seen anything more on this and he knows that the Business Manager for the school system hasn't heard from anyone on the Town side regarding this matter. He recommended this be done.
He referred to an article in today's Journal Inquirer about the Board of Education trying to hold down to a zero budget. He stated his belief Board of Education Chairman Kenneth Hilinski has "taken the bull by the horns" and is really trying to do something that hopefully sets a good example for the Town Council regarding an attempt to bring in a zero budget. He feels the Council's comments in the newspaper ought to applaud Chairman Hilinski rather than commenting that the Council didn't tell the Board of Education they had to cut their budget. He feels this was a good initiative on the part of Chairman Hilinski.
Mr. Woods stated his understanding there is to be a discussion on the old senior center. He noted the Town spent $125,000 on a new roof for this building. He stated there are some ideas that might address the nine employees in that building. He suggested the Council not put more money into the old senior center.
Esther Hannum, 16 Copper Drive
Pointed out those towns that have multiple referendums on budgets are not considering the cost to hold a referendum.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini encouraged residents of Enfield to donate blood to the American Red Cross. She noted the Red Cross is in dire need of all types of blood donations. She pointed out there will be a blood drive at St. Bernard's Church on Friday.
Councilman Mangini stated this coming Sunday there will be the Four Chaplains' Mass at St. Adalbert's Church.
Councilman Mangini referred to a Hartford Courant article on Sunday, January 24th regarding Adam Majoris, a Public Works employee who is being credited for noticing a water problem that could have caused a lot of damage. She suggested perhaps the Council can consider a proclamation recognizing his work. She noted Mr. Majoris should be commended for his efforts because he did save the Town an enormous amount of money and time.
Councilman Fiore stated the Four Chaplains' Mass mentioned by Councilman Mangini will begin at the Maciolek Post at approximately 9:30, will start marching to St. Adalbert's Church at 10:30 for mass. He noted a light lunch will be served afterwards.
MOTION #6982 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add an item to Items for Discussion regarding the current PVTA Bus Program.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6982 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #6983 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to move Items B. through I. under Items for Discussion to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6983 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #6984 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add Item L. to Items for Discussion - DISCUSSION RE: REACT.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6984 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Egan stated there was a memo in the Council's packet from Mr. Vindigni concerning the Eagle Scout community service project rewards which honors young citizens of the state--a different person each month. She noted this month happens to be for Chris Bergendahl who did a community service project. She explained his project involved a Red Cross brochure sent out to 14,000 households in Enfield. She noted this is quite commendable. She stated the Lt. Governor will be present next Monday to present this honor to Chris. She commended Mr. Vindigni for submitting his name.
Councilman Egan stated she attended the Showcase of Schools this past weekend. She noted this program showed the diversity and enthusiasm of Enfield school children.
Councilman Egan thanked Enfield employees who have gone above and beyond in serving the Town during difficult winter weather.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether a cost analysis is available for lights in Hazardville. Mr. Shanley noted that can be supplied.
Councilman Crowley spoke about New England Tractor Training School using residential areas for their training program. Mr. Shanley stated the determination that has been made in the past is that the roads are public roads. He noted they have worked with this school from time to time to ask them to avoid certain areas, i.e., Fermi High School at the beginning and end of school. He stated the school did cooperate with the Town on those kinds of things.
Councilman Crowley stated within the last couple weeks coming out from Post Office Road/Route 5, the cars are backing up tremendously as they attempt to pass these slow moving 18-wheelers. He pointed out these are no-passing zones and this poses a danger and he's concerned there may be an accident. He noted it took him 15 minutes to get from the court house to his house in Thompsonville. He suggested perhaps the training school could avoid the rush hour traffic.
Mr. Shanley stated they will write a letter requesting the training school avoid the rush hour traffic at the key Enfield Street intersections. He noted they need to be specific.
Councilman Fiore responded to Mr. Woods and his comment concerning "net budgeting" and assured him he will be paying very close attention to this year's budget across the board for the items that are underestimated and for the items where there's no entry at all.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the Town does not do net budgeting, and they will be addressing that this year as discussed. He noted it really needs to be the Council's policy.
Mr. Shanley referred to the sewer line break Councilman Mangini spoke about and expressed his appreciation for this individual being alert and recognizing something that was not right. He noted this employee saved the Town and insurance company hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. He added he also saved the possibility of dumping into the environment. He stated what was most impressive was that as soon as it was determined that there was a problem, they called all hands on deck and they had a terrific response from the employees and because they're well-trained and because they're trained in hazardous material response, they were able to do most everything that needed to be done properly and safely and without having to call in a consulting firm. He stated these individuals are very well trained and this reflects the investment the Council has made over the past several years in training.
Mr. Shanley referred to Section 7 and the roadwork in the Roosevelt Road area and noted they will be issuing a notice to proceed in about a month. He noted they will be getting information to the residents in that area as to what will be happening and when it will be happening.
As concerns the Powder Hollow Bridge, Mr. Shanley stated they were initially looking to do a closing this week, however, that closing had to be delayed for a number of reasons. He noted they'll issue a specific date as soon as they have one. He stated they will have to close Powder Hollow in order to do the emergency repairs to at least maintain its integrity for five tons. He noted the design work is underway for a couple alternatives for an actual replacement of the Powder Hollow Bridge.
Mr. Shanley agreed the Public Works employees do a terrific job all year long, however, it's impressive they can do their work so well with extreme weather conditions.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if it would be appropriate to do a certificate of appreciation regarding the Water Pollution Control incident, and Mr. Shanley stated they are planning on that.
Councilman Crowley stated his belief it's a tribute to the Town Manager and his staff to have a promotion from within as concerns promoting William Sferrazza. Mr. Shanley noted Mr. Sferrazza competed with a whole host of outside candidates, and it's great to have someone within the organization be the best candidate.
Chairman Tallarita questioned the comment about employees being housed at the old senior center. Mr. Shanley stated the Town of Enfield does not have any employees in the old senior center. He explained the old senior center served as a construction office for the Family Resource Center project. He went on to note that later in the agenda they will discuss a concept for utilization of the old senior center.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
The Town Attorney stated he had no report at this time.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
There were no reports this evening.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #6985 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Fiore to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6985 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: EMS
Chairman Tallarita requested the Town Attorney provide an update on EMS.
Attorney Bromson stated at the last Council meeting he provided the Council with a letter dated January 16th from the four departments that are interested in providing this service. He noted since that time he met with representatives of the Council plus staff last week and tried to focus on some of the issues and get a more detailed response. He stated he met with the Chiefs this morning and will be meeting with them and their Commission again on February 9th and 12th. He will be asking for a follow-up to the letter, specifically with them providing the Council with an organizational structure and a time line as to implementation and addressing all the concerns of the Council. He noted the Council could then make the decisions they need to make.
MOTION #6985 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6985 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #6987 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6987 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: WORLD WAR II MONUMENT SIDEWALKS
Councilman Tait updated the Council regarding this topic. He noted he spoke with Scott Giddings and a couple members of the Beautification Committee. He stated they have some good ideas for the Green in general, including sidewalks. He noted he'll be meeting with them in the next week or so to clarify things. He stated he will report back shortly on this item.
MOTION #6988 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Edgar to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6988 adopted 11-0-0.
Item g. remained tabled.
MOTION #6989 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6989 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #6990 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to amend resolution #5166, adopted April 2, 2001, by expanding the area of coverage and number of eligible properties within the Town of Enfield.
Councilman Fiore thanked staff for working on this. He referred to the last page of the resolution and questioned why this is being tied into a specific grand list. Mr. Shanley stated they're making sure it's retroactive because they received an application for the North School which they can process under this.
Councilman Kaupin stated he had a conversation with Bill Lee, the Chairman of the Revitalization Committee, and he wanted the Council to be aware that Revitalization has had some questions about the program and what the process is. He noted their concern is that it's not easy for people to understand the benefit of the program. Mr. Shanley stated they concur with that, however, it's an inexact science. He explained this program is less valuable for replacing roofs and windows, and far more valuable for gutting a building, putting on an addition, etc. He added they have been working with the Assessor to see if they can create some general guidelines that people can use.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if there's a listing of properties that would be identified as undervalued. Mr. Shanley stated it would be difficult to produce such a list because there are a lot of variables.
Chairman Tallarita suggested perhaps a brochure, rather than letter could be sent out which includes some practical suggestions as to how this program can be beneficial.
Councilman Fiore stated a previous discussion about this particular program led into further conversation about having staff look at expanding the community development block program. Mr. Shanley stated they are doing that and they are having a meeting next Monday regarding this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6990 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Appointments to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee and Loan Review Committee remained on the agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: COMMUNITY CENTER/OLD SENIOR CENTER
Chairman Tallarita stated this item is more of a place holder for their meeting on February 10th. He noted the Town has been approached by a couple different groups over the last couple years as concerns the use of the old senior center. He stated a specific civic group in the community approached the Town recently regarding some opportunities for this site. He noted they're trying to explore the possibility of turning the old senior center into a community center. He stated the February 10th meeting will take place at the old senior center and at that time they can further discuss ideas for this building.
DISCUSSION RE: PVTA BUS PROGRAM
Chairman Tallarita stated this item is a place holder for the next meeting. Mr. Vindigni stated he will have a report for the next meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: REACT
Councilman Fiore stated the REACT group is asking for the Council's support by endorsing their cover letter to Senators Dodd and Lieberman requesting their support and vote on House Vote T21.
Mr. Shanley stated Connecticut and a couple other New England states is anticipating doing poorly in the T21 process. He noted the balance of leadership in the House of Representatives and the Senate has shifted to the south and southwest. He stated when Tip O'Neil was Speaker of the House and the democrats were in control of the Senate, New England faired very well, however, the power has shifted. He noted right now it looks like Connecticut will, at best, receive 10% more money for the six-year time period, which is among the least increases of all other states. He stated there are many very high priority projects which effect Enfield, i.e., the New Haven/Springfield commuter line. He noted there are major regional projects, i.e., the New Britain/Hartford busway, the Griffin line, the commuter line to Bradley International Airport and many important projects competing for this limited money. He stated if he is asked to write this letter, he asks he is able to put this in the context of the other large priorities in the region so that they recognize the key is to get as much money as they can get, not necessarily to get money specifically for this project. He added he will write whatever the Council wishes.
Councilman Mangini supported the Town Manager's thoughts and beliefs. She noted T21 comes up frequently in discussions in Washington, D.C. She supports the Town Manager in that they not jeopardize other fundings or limit themselves to certain funding.
Chairman Tallarita questioned whether Mr. Tanguay was asking for individual Council members to write a letter. Mr. Shanley stated they have been instructed to write to the Connecticut office, rather than the Washington office since mail is delayed to D.C. due to the Anthrax situation. Mr. Shanley stated they could also e-mail their letters. Chairman Tallarita stated a letter could be sent per Mr. Shanley's advice, but individual Council members could also send a letter as well.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #6991 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the town Manager to renew a lease agreement with the Enfield Housing Authority for the Adult Day Care Center facility at the Mark Twain Congregate Housing site, said lease to commence on March 1, 2004 and expire on February 28, 2009 with two additional five (5) year renewal options; the first option period commencing on March 1, 2009 and expiring on February 28, 2014 and the second option period commencing on March 1, 2014 and expiring on February 28, 2019.
Mr. Vindigni stated this lease continues to reflect no rent being paid by the Town of Enfield to the Enfield Housing Authority for the Adult Day Care operation at Mark Twain. He noted in return, the Town, during the first year, would pursue making an improvement to the parking lot on the west side of the building at an estimated cost of $20,000. He stated they're recommending that be paid from the Social Services Fund Balance. He noted during the second five-year period, as the building will be approaching twenty years of age, if any infrastructure improvements are identified within that facility, the Town reserves the right to extend that lease for another five years, continuing not to pay any rent.
Mr. Vindigni stated this program has been identified as a highly successfully program by the Housing Authority, and their executive directors conveyed to him that they intend to adopt this lease on February 9th.
Councilman Fiore clarified that parking lot work on the west side will not effect the Town's capital improvement budget because it will really be a Social Services expense. Mr. Vindigni stated he anticipates it will be listed in the CIP budget, but the funding source would be from the Social Service Fund Balance.
Chairman Tallarita referred to the renewal option and questioned if they have up until the renewal option date to exercise the renewal. Mr. Vindigni noted that is not specified. Chairman Tallarita suggested it might be wise to have some kind of time line included, i.e., 60 or 90 days. Mr. Vindigni stated they can pursue a letter of agreement with the Town Attorney.
It was agreed this item could be voted on tonight with the stipulation that something will be worked out with the Town Attorney's office concerning the time line. Mr. Vindigni stated if they have the lease in place, they can come back with an addendum to the lease agreement which can be brought before the Council so that it's formally entered in that there's a certain time period to renew.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6991 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #6992 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tait to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6992 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6993 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
Acceptance of Conservation & Drainage Easement for Still Meadow Subdivision off Broad Brook Road
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6993 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6994 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait.
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield has acquired through foreclosure 88-92 Main Street, Enfield, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to enter into a lease with the existing tenant which provides for greater flexibility on the part of the Town to make decisions regarding disposition; and
WHEREAS, the tenant has the right of first refusal in the event the Town decides to sell the property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Yankee Bait and Tackle Shop for 800 square feet on the first floor for $525/per month with the lease term being one (1) year and giving either party the right to terminate the lease upon six (6) months notice.
After some discussion it was decided to table this item until there is more clarifying language.
MOTION #6995 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Crowley to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6995 adopted 10-0-0. Councilman Mangini absent at the vote.
RESOLUTION #6996 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson to settle the outstanding tax assessment appeal in the following
action: FRESHWATER POND, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP v. TOWN OF ENFIELD, Docket Number CV-02-0515815 S, the fair market value of the property to be $2,600,000 and assessed value to be $1,820,000.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6996 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #6997 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 #6997 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6998 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Request for transfer of funds Social Services Salaries
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6998 adopted 10-0-0. Councilman Tait absent at the vote.
MOTION #6999 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6999 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7000 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
Request for transfer of funds Salary Accounts
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7000 adopted 10-0-0. Councilman Tait absent at the vote.
RESOLUTION #7001 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Social Services-Adult Day Care $4,500.00
Acct. #4310-0132 Substitutes
FROM: Social Services-Adult Day Care $4,500.00
Acct. #4310-0333 Health Services
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $4,500.00 is available from Account #4310-0333 as of January 29, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7001 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7002 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 :Social Services-Adult Day Care
Acct. #4310-0733 Furniture & Fixtures $1,622.66
FROM: Special Account (Donations) $1,622.66
#4310-17050
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $1,622.66 is available from Account #4310-17050 as of January 29, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7002 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated his hope a group will cover the cost to operate the old senior center.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no comments.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7003 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7003 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:55 p.m |
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