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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 5, 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, January 5, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:53 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Egan.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Tait, and Tallarita. Councilmen Reveruzzi was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Senior Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Planning and Community Development, Jose Giner; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Information Technology Director, Charlene Bond; Recreation Supervisor, Mary Keller
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #6907 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the December 8, 2003 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6907 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #6908 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the December 15, 2003 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6908 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
MOTION #6909 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the December 15, 2003 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6909 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Michael Derech, 424 Taylor Road
Requested the one mile section from Moody Road to Hazard Avenue be posted as a "no through truck" zone. He stated he is concerned to see Taylor Road as a major thoroughfare for tractor trailer trucks and speeding. He pointed out sections of Taylor Road contain curves, hills, and the road is narrow and difficult to negotiate. He stated Nathan Hale Elementary School is also located on Taylor Road and 50% of these school children walk along sections of Taylor Road. He added Taylor Road also has a skateboard park. He noted Taylor Road is also heavily traveled by bikes. He stated his belief this road is not suitable for tractor trailers and other oversized trucks such as commercial trucks that service industrial waste bins for several industrial and prison areas. He clarified these trash haulers are not Enfield trash haulers, but rather commercial, independent, privately owned trash haulers and they constantly travel Taylor Road. He noted the trash containers on the back of the trash haulers are very large.
Mr. Derech stated his impression was that the widening of Shaker Road, Moody Road and Elm Street was going to result in the accommodation of all tractor trailers entering and exiting an expanded prison and growing industries. He noted it appears the trucks entering or exiting the prison or industrial facilities are using Taylor Road as a shortcut. He noted those trucks should be using Moody Road, Shaker Road, or Elm Street by Freshwater Boulevard or Palomba Drive. He emphasized he's not suggesting diverting traffic from Taylor onto North Maple or Elm Street between Hazard Avenue and Moody Road. He pointed out those roads also contain residential areas.
Patrick Colca, 70 Fairview Avenue
Stated his belief $2.5 million dollars to build a tunnel under the tracks to access the Connecticut River waterfront near the dam is too much money for the Department of Transportation to spend when there's already access directly across the river. He added the Suffield side also has a bike/walking trail.
Esther Hannum, 16 Copper Drive
Stated her belief the town should thoroughly study the Dial-A-Ride bus issue before attempting to administer it. She noted the current Bus Committee has 30 years of experience running the program. She voiced her concern about changing the telephone system for this program or moving the dispatcher to the new senior center.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned how the School Building Committee saved $3 million dollars on its school projects while a member of the Taxpayers' Association suggested voting down the referendum thereby saving many millions of dollars.
Joseph Saroce, 10 Briarwood Drive
Would like to see a Charter change so that people can vote on the budget. He questioned why there's talk about doing work in Brainard Park after the recreation referendum was voted down.
Mr. Saroce stated the Town includes $100,000 per year in the budget for schools. He questioned how many millions of dollars have been spent on school roofs.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned if road improvements include fence replacement. She noted fencing along Abbe Road is falling down and dangerous.
Referring to Item f. under Items for Discussion, Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief owner occupied housing in the best way to revitalize Thompsonville.
She went on to state her concern about proposed low-density housing in Enfield and the burden this places on schools, police and fire departments. She noted this type of housing also degrades the quality of life in a town.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Agreed with Ms. Jedziniak's comments about low-density housing.
Mr. Sheridan stated his belief schools should have lexan glass so that they can't be shot out. He suggested offsetting the cost of window repairs by cutting extra-curricular activities. He noted perpetrators of an act like this don't do this unknown to the rest of the community, therefore, there are people who know who did such an act. He stated by cutting extracurricular activities people will be enticed to come forward to reveal who caused the problem and then the parents can pay for damages.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Requested a list of published goals.
As concerns the Dial-A-Ride bus service, Mr. Woods questioned who runs this organization and who pays for it. He noted if the Town is not paying for it now, will they be responsible for the cost if they get involved.
Mr. Woods referred to the $100,000 for school roofs and stated his belief they should start a program that would change the shape of the school roofs. He noted flat roofs leak and collect a lot of water and cause a lot of damage.
He stated his belief the Town should be establishing cost centers for every cent spent on the schools. He noted they need to show everybody where that money is really going so that when they figure the cost per student, they have a true and accurate figure.
Mr. Woods stated if the meeting is nearing 11:00 p.m., it should be noted the Regular Meeting started late, therefore, the Council should extend the period when the public is allowed to speak by 15 minutes.
Esther Hannum, 16 Copper Drive
Stated other towns that have taken over elderly busing have failed. As concerns financing, the Town has money in its budget for the first of July and the Town forwards that money to the Bus Committee. She noted at the end of the year, June 30th, they reimburse the Town.
Ms. Hannum referred to the budget process and stated her understanding the Council works very hard on the budget. She urged the Council consider the taxpayers as they go through their budget process.
Michael Derech, 424 Taylor Road
Stated he would like to see additional stop signs on Taylor Road, and he would like to see a three-way stop on Brett and Green Manor and definitely a sign on Heron and Taylor. He noted a stop sign would slow traffic in the area of the school and playground.
Mr. Derech concluded stating it's a must to post Taylor Road as a "no through truck zone". He noted they should not destroy residential areas at the expense of industrial and tractor trailers.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Suggested fixing up the Higgins building and try selling it to Asnuntuck College and return the Asnuntuck building to its original purpose - a middle school as it once was.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Fiore stated the Council's goals can be publicized and available as soon as they're complete.
MOTION #6910 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to suspend the rules to move Item 13a to 10a and 13e to 10b.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6910 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #6911 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items 13b, d., and f. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6911 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Mangini commended Town of Enfield Personnel Director, William Mahoney, for fulfilling a criteria and renewing his designation as an IPMAHR Certified Professional.
Councilman Mangini questioned why the sign for Leary Road is missing. Mr. Shanley indicated this would be looked into.
Councilman Mangini stated she heard a concern from a resident regarding rehabilitation in certain areas of town. She noted Enfield has a Community Development Department and a Loan Review Committee that review certain requests and do help certain individuals with rehab needs.
Councilman Kaupin stated he was contacted by a resident who couldn't be present this evening but wanted to know whether the draft ordinance on this evening's agenda can be posted on the Town's website. Mr. Shanley indicated that could be done.
Councilman Kaupin referred to Mr. Derech's comments concerning Taylor Road being posted as a "no through truck" zone and requested this be investigated.
Councilman Kaupin requested the Town Manager explain how the School Building Committee arrived at the monies that were saved for the school projects.
Councilman Peruta questioned how they will publicize the Council's goals once they're finalized. Mr. Shanley stated this list can be put on the Town's website and can be distributed at Council meeting and available in the Town Clerk's office.
Councilman Peruta stated he participated in a tour of Town facilities and he was amazed at what goes on behind the scenes, i.e., water treatment, different youth services, the libraries, etc. He stated his belief they're getting good value for their taxes.
Councilman Peruta agreed with concerns raised about low-density housing and he feels it's not a good idea. He stated he has seen the effects low-density housing has on towns.
Councilman Peruta stated the lexan glass for school windows is a good idea, but he doesn't agree with punishing the rest of the students by taking away extracurricular activities because of the acts of a few youths.
As concerns REACT and the proposed tunnel under the tracks as well as other waterfront amenities, Councilman Peruta pointed out the Connecticut River is a great resource to Enfield and the State of Connecticut. He noted if there's anyway to improve access to the river, he's all for it.
Councilman Peruta questioned how soon an ordinance goes into effect once approved, and Mr. Shanley responded 30 days.
Councilman Tait stated in a previous Council packet they received a letter dated 11/29/03 from Jeffrey and Colleen Cross on Fairview Avenue concerning sewer problems they're having. He requested an update on this. Mr. Shanley noted there has been a legal complaint filed, therefore, they're not in a position to discuss this publicly.
Councilman Edgar noted a couple people requested clarification of the definition of "highway". He noted the word, "highway" used in the ordinance is intended to be the same as that defined in Connecticut General Statute 14-1, Paragraph 34, which would include public streets, any state or other public highway, road, street, avenue, alley, driveway, parkway or place under the control of the state or any political subdivision of the state dedicated or appropriated or open to public travel or other use.
Councilman Crowley commended Parks and Recreation and the Highway Department for the good job they did on the night of the Torchlight Parade and carol sing.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Referring to the comment about voting on the budget, Mr. Shanley stated this would require a change to the Town Charter. He noted how to change a town charter is defined by state statute. He noted the Town Clerk could provide the state statute that describes how to begin the process of changing a town charter.
Mr. Shanley stated the agenda includes a transfer for the Registrar's Office, and there's an additional transfer related to the preparations that were done in advance should there be a primary. He noted this is a $250 addition.
As concerns the comment about how zoning laws currently allow for parking during business hours in residential areas, Mr. Shanley noted that comment isn't exactly correct. He invited Mr. Giner to address this item. Mr. Giner stated this speaker referred to a section that has been changed a couple times. He noted this really pertains to the parking of vehicles in commercial zones.
Mr. Shanley stated the Council has within their packets the Route 190 corridor study and at the next meeting, the Council will be asked to approve the plan.
As concerns REACT and the cost of $2.5 million dollars, Mr. Shanley pointed out that is a request to the federal government to provide that funding. He noted Amtrak will no longer accommodate any over track crossings.
Regarding the school building cost savings of $1.5 million dollars, Mr. Shanley explained most of that savings came from very tight management of the projects and making sure there were as few change orders as possible. He noted by working on all the schools simultaneously they were able to save on the annual inflation cost of construction.
Mr. Shanley stated he spoke to Ms. Hannum concerning the Dial-A-Ride bus service, however, he has not yet met with the Bus Committee. He stated there are clearly some misunderstandings about "taking over" the committee. He noted this is more of a function of where the dispatcher sits. He stated this is about a $275,000 to $300,000 operation and they get a very generous donation of about $75,000 from the Bus Committee.
Mr. Shanley stated they will look into the Taylor Road situation. He pointed out in the past putting up stop signs to slow down traffic is not an effective method.
MOTION #6912 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move the $250 transfer to Items for Discussion this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6912 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #6913 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to move the $250 transfer and Item 13c to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6913 adopted 10-0-0.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Stavropoulos referred to the $50.00 fine in the ordinance and noted her office was directed by the Council to ask for a recommendation from Chief Marcotte and they did do that. She noted that is why the fine is set at $50.00. She added that does not mean it can't be higher. She stated the Council ultimately makes the determination of whether they would like a higher figure.
Attorney Stavropoulos stated there was a recent case that came down from the Connecticut Supreme Court that is a major victory for municipalities. She explained this has to do with the tax assessment. She noted the city of Waterbury had been taxing personal property in the way of motor vehicles for a particular company that had motor vehicles but allowed its employees to take those motor vehicles home. The Assessor had taxed them as though they belonged in Waterbury. The property owner maintained that those cars should be taxed where they were garaged. The trial court agreed with that assessment, however, the City of Waterbury appealed and it was transferred to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court agreed with the City of Waterbury and rather than tax where they're garaged, they're taxed to the corporation that is housed in Waterbury.
Councilman Fiore requested this case be sent to Planning & Zoning so that they are aware of this.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if that effects leased vehicles. Attorney Stavropoulos stated she's not sure whether the leasing arrangements had come into this at all. She added she would check into that.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL
No items were raised.
DISCUSSION RE: VHB/PAVEMENT CONDITION INDEX/ROAD 2005
Present for this discussion were Gordan Duren and Amy Grisby from VHB.
Mr. Duren stated significant improvement has been made. He noted the Town of Enfield rehabed 44 miles of road over the past five years. He explained the pavement management process, method and theory. He commended the Town for the improvements made. He went on to note the PCI in 1998 was 73.7 and in 2003 the PCI is 78.5. He pointed out this is actually a significant improvement in PCI.
Mr. Duren recommended the Town continue their crack sealing program and possibly increase that program. He added it may also be appropriate to expand the thin overlay program, which would be a maintenance or preservation type of overlay that would be done on roads that are in fair condition to keep them in good condition and not get to the point where they would be more costly.
Mr. Duren stated concurrent with the maintenance plan, they recommend continuing the type of base rehabilitation or major resurfacing work that the Town has been doing during the past five years.
He stated their recommendation is to have a two-prong approach that includes both the preventative maintenance as well as continued attention to the roads in poor condition.
Referring to the overlay process, Councilman Dodd questioned which is more expensive. Mr. Duren stated in general the costs are very close. Ms. Grisby stated the cost is equivalent.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether VHB could give a projection of improvement with a certain amount of dollars. Mr. Duren noted they do have the capability to provide such projections.
Councilman Fiore referred to the street listing and requested clarification on the "benefit" column. Mr. Duren explained this is called a benefit value and it's not what an economist would calculate as a classic benefit cost ratio, but it's similar. He noted the benefit value is most heavily effected by the number of users of the roadway, i.e., the traffic level on the roadway in a positive way, therefore, the greater amount of traffic, the higher the benefit value. He added the higher the cost, the lower the benefit value. He noted they like to use that benefit value as a prioritization tool, and they'd like to see the low-cost maintenance work done on the arterial roads before others and they'd like to see the low-cost maintenance work be done on the more local roads, followed by a combination of the more expensive work being done on arterials, etc.
Mr. Shanley invited Mr. Duren to talk about the relative value of crack sealing. Mr. Duren stated his belief crack sealing is the most cost effective thing a town can do to preserve the condition of the pavement. He noted this process can be perceived as messy and part of that has to do with how this is done. He stated there's a process that's been used mostly by the State of Connecticut where the crack sealing is put down and there's then a blotter material placed on top. He noted the State has been very happy with the performance of this crack seal method on state roads. He stated he knows this results in a bumpy ride and that has to do with the type of asphalt that's used and the blotting material layered on top will get tossed around. He went on to note there are two other kinds of crack sealing material that are available for use - one is a rubberized asphalt and the other is an asphalt that has very small fibers impregnated in the asphalt. He stated those two materials are more typically used in a municipal setting, and he recommends they be looked at for use in Enfield. He noted it's most advantageous to do crack sealing in spring or fall. He stated if the process is done right, it doesn't have to be a messy situation.
Mr. Shanley questioned whether the Town Council would like his office to work with
VHB and put together a couple preliminary plans for their review. The Council responded in the affirmative.
DISCUSSION RE: SUMMER CAMP PROPOSAL
Present for this discussion was Recreation Supervisor, Mary Keller
Mr. Vindigni stated this is something that the recreation division has been reviewing for the past couple years. They are bringing this to the Council to get feedback. He noted this is a major change in how their summer activities have been done in the past. He stated this is more of a reflection of how family and summer activities are these days and it's based on feedback and experiences from the recreation staff.
Ms. Keller explained last summer their park program averaged about 54 kids on a daily basis among seven sites. She noted they're not servicing the children the way they did in the past.
She explained they're proposing doing a combination of offering a full-day summer camp and still offering two free drop-in playgrounds for half-days at Higgins and Green Manor to try to accommodate the needs of the majority of the people in town.
Mr. Shanley stated this proposal would be a far better utilization of their staff rather than having more people spread around town and servicing fewer children. He noted this would actually be cost effective.
Mr. Vindigni stated the summer playground program, as it runs now, is supported through the general fund (tax dollars), however, the summer camp program at the school is intended to be a revenue neutral approach so that it would not involve the use of tax dollars and would be based on user fees. He noted the two drop-in playgrounds would still continue to be general fund supported.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether they looked at having a couple more parks open with some minor supervision. Ms. Keller stated they were trying to look at areas where there are activities going on. She noted some of the other programs do have more than five or six children a day, but it's on a drop-in basis whereby they could have ten children at one point and then no one for two hours.
Councilman Fiore questioned the cost for the summer camp, and Ms. Keller responded between $95 and $100 per week. Councilman Fiore stated in light of the savings that would be realized from this proposal, wouldn't it be possible to lower the cost for the camp. Ms. Keller indicated that's a possibility. Mr. Vindigni stated this was designed to be revenue neutral. Mr. Shanley stated it's up to the Council if they wish to subsidize the summer camp operation.
Councilman Egan questioned whether there would be more liability exposure with a full-day summer camp. Ms. Keller stated she can double-check with the Risk Manager, but it's the same risk with the playgrounds.
Councilman Egan raised the possibility of combining Ms. Hall's summer day care program with this, and Mr. Vindigni noted they can follow up on that.
Councilman Mangini voiced her support of this program.
Referring to the $100 weekly charge for the summer camp, Councilman Tait stated his belief this is a lot of money and perhaps they should phase this in and partially subsidize this program for a year or so. Mr. Shanley pointed out this is a full-day program for most of the summer. He noted the down size of over subsidizing this program is that they're making it more attractive than their own child daycare facility that's open all day. He stated Ms. Keller convinced him there's a great demand in Enfield for all day, safe, secure fun stuff for children to do. He noted people who are paying $175.00 per week for child day care would pay $100 per week instead to do this.
Councilman Tait stated the hours being offered end at 3:30 in the afternoon and parents don't usually get out of work until 5:00 p.m. Ms. Keller pointed out it's the same as the elementary school hours. She noted initially they wanted to stay within a seven-hour program. Mr. Shanley stated people who have current plans on how they deal with their elementary children could maintain that same plan for summer camp.
Councilman Kaupin questioned how the sign up will be handled. Ms. Keller stated they were talking about doing registration early and they would insert a separate section in the spring brochure whereby they would list their spring activities but have a separate colored section in the middle and that would be summer camp, and they'd be able to register for that when they register for spring programs. She stated they could then track how many registrations they get and the staff that would be needed. She noted they talked about a maximum of 100 and minimum of 50 participants.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if cost comparisons were made with other programs in the area. Ms. Keller stated they did look at similar programs in other communities, and they averaged between $80 and $100 per week.
Chairman Tallarita questioned when a decision is needed. Ms. Keller stated they will begin work on the spring brochure in the next couple weeks and it will go to the printer the first week in February. Chairman Tallarita noted the Council can discuss this at the next Council meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
There were no appointments this evening.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #6914 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 #6914 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: BRAINERD PARK - PROPOSED INITIAL IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Vindigni referred to the memo before the Council that outlines what staff is recommending for Brainerd Park. He noted this consists of three priorities - the first being the replacement of the existing playscape with the conventional playscape that has been installed in other town parks in Enfield. He stated their goal is to install a conventional playscape for young children and also a tot lot. He noted total cost for the two is about $40,000. He added they will be making the same recommendation for the Green Manor Park.
Mr. Vindigni stated the second item is the great lawn, which is part of the master plan and dovetails in with the playscape. He noted this would not be a contracted out job, but a combination of in-house resources along with some contracting, mainly with the deforestation work. He explained there is some dead vegetation and trees that have to be removed. He noted that estimate cost is about $75,000, and this is based on preliminary estimates and may be less than that since they're looking to use in-house resources.
He stated the third priority is the new entrance and the parking lot which is consistent with the overall master plan that was adopted. He noted they are not pushing this item as hard as the two previously mentioned projects, but it is something that eventually they'll have to address.
Mr. Vindigni referred to the wheelchair accessible playscape and explained the reason why it was not placed as a high priority was due to the cost of approximately $200,000. He noted they researched the opportunity to see if they could convert a conventional playscape to a wheelchair useable, but it is not cost beneficial because of the amount of sloping involved and the area that's involved. He noted it's their recommendation to look at this as a long term goal for the community and hopefully partnership with an advocacy group that can look toward funding alternatives.
Councilman Fiore reminded everyone that everything staff included in this memo falls into the master plan for Brainerd Park that the Council did adopt as the official development plan for Brainerd Park. He noted there are monies available for these projects and if the Council was inclined to approve some of these items, Mr. Vindigni would be forthcoming with transfers in order for them to accomplish some enhancements at Brainerd Park. He expressed his hope the Council will support the replacement of the playscape equipment. He noted Brainerd Park would be the last municipal park to get replacement equipment. He stated he also supports the great lawn concept and hopes the Council will support this work as well.
Councilman Mangini voiced her support of Councilman Fiore's comments. She agreed with Mr. Vindigni's comments about the wheelchair accessible playscape.
Councilman Dodd questioned if they will be installing the safety chips under the new playscape, and Mr. Vindigni responded that's standard with all their playscapes.
Councilman Kaupin agreed the playscape and great lawn projects should be pursued.
Councilman Crowley questioned if Brainerd Park is the only place being considered for a wheelchair accessible playscape. Mr. Vindigni stated when the recreation study was put together, the park that had the space to accommodate such a playscape is Brainerd Park.
Councilmen Peruta, Egan and Tallarita voiced their support of the playscape and great lawn.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward.
MOTION #6915 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove this item from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6915 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6916 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield has reviewed the proposed ordinance and conducted a Public Hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has made all changes it judges to be appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby adopts the attached Commercial Vehicle Parking Ordinance.
Councilman Fiore suggested adding in the description of the vehicle.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like to change the weight from 5,000 to 11,000 pounds. He stated he also would like to see something allowing a truck owner to clean a truck on his own property and then move the truck. He noted they could set a time limit with this. Mr. Shanley pointed out this ordinance is consistent with the Planning & Zoning action which defines a commercial vehicle as 5,000 GTW and sets up a different standard for 11,000 pounds. He noted anything that's defined by Planning & Zoning as a commercial vehicles, which is 5,000 GTW is a commercial vehicle and it's not allowed to be parked on the street.
Attorney Stavropoulos stated it was her understanding when she spoke with the Town Manager's office that the Council wanted a little more latitude than what Planning & Zoning has.
Councilman Tait stated his understanding some tractor trailer trucks have been exempted by the Zoning Board of Appeals to be able to park on a residential street. He questioned if this ordinance is passed, will that nullify those exemptions that have been issued by ZBA. Attorney Stavropoulos stated she will have to check into this. Mr. Shanley pointed out this ordinance is intended to be separate from the Planning & Zoning ordinance. Mr. Giner stated his belief a couple variances were granted for parking on private lots. He noted if there was any implication that the variances were also granted for street parking, the ordinance would supercede that.
Councilman Dodd stated his understanding a pick up is exempt, no matter what the weight is.
Councilman Edgar stated his belief they need some kind of language that will allow a reasonable amount of time for a person to clean their truck.
Chairman Tallarita encouraged staff to think about how they might be able to grant some leeway as concerns Councilman Edgar's suggestion.
MOTION #6917 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6917 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #6918 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6918 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: EMS
Chairman Tallarita referred to the letter that went out on December 4, 2003 to the Chairman of the Fire Districts and the Fire Chiefs Association President indicating they were looking for some type of response and a timetable to be provided within the first week of January. He noted they haven't received any correspondence as of this date. He encouraged the Town Attorney's Office to push for that and by the next meeting he would like to see some correspondence with regards to this as to where they are and what is happening. He noted they are looking for a progress report of some type.
MOTION #6919 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Dodd to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6919 adopted 10-0-0.
Item h. remained tabled.
MOTION #6920 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 #6920 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6921 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding amending the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Ordinance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6921 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #6922 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tait to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6922 adopted 10-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
NOMINATION #6923 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Robert Tanguay (U) as a full-time member of the Connecticut River Assembly for a term which expires 01/12/07.
MOTION #6924 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Crowley to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6924 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Robert Tanguay appointed to the Connecticut River Assembly as a full-time member by a 10-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #6925 by Councilman Fiore to appoint William Garner (D) to be an Alternate on the Connecticut River Assembly for a term which expires 1/12/07.
MOTION #6926 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6926 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared William Garner appointed as an Alternate on the Connecticut River Assembly by a 10-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #6927 by Councilman Mangini to reappoint Gertrude Dorous (D) to the Enfield Beautification Committee for a term which expires 1/20/07.
MOTION #6928 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6928 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Gertrude Dorous reappointed to the Enfield Beautification Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #6929 by Councilman Edgar to reappoint John Hartley (D) to the Enfield Beautification Committee for a term which expire 1/20/07.
MOTION #6930 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6930 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared John Hartley reappointed to the Enfield Beautification Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #6931 by Councilman Mangini to reappoint Barbara Wielgos (U) to the Enfield Beautification Committee for a term which expires 01/20/07.
MOTION #6932 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6932 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Barbara Wielgos reappointed to the Enfield Beautification Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
All other Town Council appointments remained on the agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
The appointment to the Commission on Aging remained on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #6933 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Insurance and Bond Charges
Account #8010-339 Other Professional Services $6,000.00
FROM: Acct. #8030-840 Contingency $6,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $6,000.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of 12/10/2003.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6933 adopted by a 10-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #6934 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: Human Resources $15,000.00
Acct. #1700-332 Legal
FROM: Acct. #8030-840 Contingency $15,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $15,000.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of 12/10/2003.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Edgar stated he would like a detailed breakdown as to what these legal fees are for, which outside cases they were used for, and how much per case. He noted he's not prepared to vote on this until he receives a breakdown.
Mr. Shanley stated he has not been asked for a detailed breakdown in the past.
MOTION #6935 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6935 adopted 10-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION RE: ROUTE 190 STUDY COMPLETE
Mr. Shanley stated there will be a resolution at the next meeting. He noted once the Council has adopted the comprehensive master plan, it will then go on to CRCOG for the legislative policy committee for adoption. He stated it will then become part of the future opportunities for funding.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #6936 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 #6936 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6937 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Attorney Stavropoulos stated her belief the Council already looked at this in Executive Session and it's her understanding the Assessor and the Town Attorney thought this was a very fair recommendation. She noted there will be substantial renovations when the new owner comes in.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6937 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6938 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Registrar of Voters $1,250.00
Account #1500-432 Registrar Equipment
Repairs/Maintenance
FROM: Account #8030-840 Contingency $1,250.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $1,250.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of August 22, 2003.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6938 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6939 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Registrar of Voters $250.00
Account #1500-540 Advertising
FROM: Account #8030-840 Contingency $250.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $250.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of January 5, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the resolution explanation from November to September.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6939 adopted 10-0-0, as amended.
MOTION #6940 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution;
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6940 adopted 10-0-0.
A Resolution Re: Conservation Easement of Autumn Fields
Councilman Edgar questioned whether the Council can accept this legally without a date included. Attorney Stavropoulos suggested holding off on this.
MOTION #6941 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6941 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6942 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, February 2, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding amending Resolution No. 5166 - Tax Deferral Program for Rehabilitation Areas.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6942 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #6943 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to suspend the rules to allow for Public Communications.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6943 adopted 10-0-0.
Charles Woods, Westerly Drive
Expressed his appreciation for the Council addressing Brainerd Park in a piecemeal fashion. He suggested asking for help from the citizens of Enfield to make improvements at Brainerd Park. He noted this could save money.
As concerns the parking issue, Mr. Woods suggested never leaving it up to the discretion of a police officer. He noted a police officer should know exactly what it is they have to do.
Mr. Woods stated in the past the Council has loaned money out to different agencies in Enfield, but he never hears of an accounting of that money coming back to the Town. He referred to money given to restore the old theater. He questioned whether they ever report back to the Town concerning these monies.
He commended the Recreation Department for thinking about making its program more economical
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she learned there were over 300 change orders on the school building projects. She questioned why the contractors came before the Council to get paid on time.
John Mihalick, 30Litchfield Drive
Stated his hope truckers would be allowed to bring their trucks home for cleaning.
John Petrucelli, 36 Litchfield Drive
Stated he has a problem with tractor trailer trucks being washed or engines being maintained on the street. He pointed out surrounding towns don't allow this practice.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #6944 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Crowley to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6944 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:12 p.m.
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