ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2004
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Deputy Mayor Fiore in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, October 18, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Tait.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, and Tait. Chairman Tallarita was absent. Also present were Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand; Director of Human Resources, William Mahoney.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Deputy Mayor Fiore made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7424 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the October 4, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7424 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Egan abstaining.
MOTION #7425 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the October 4, 2004 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7425 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Egan abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Robert Messenger, 4 King Court
Apologized for an incorrect statement he made at the October 12th informational meeting regarding the Roads 2005 project. He noted he was mistaken in his statement that Mr. Reale said backfill for curbing on King Court was taken from the landfill. He stated Mr. Reale corrected him in that he had stated this backfill was purchased from a supplier, but he did not remember who.
Mr. Messenger stated it appears the Town intends to do a good job in the Roads 2005 project and he will support that effort.
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Stated he replaced the thermostat in his home and brought the old thermostat, which contained mercury, to the Town Garage to turn it in, however, they could not accept it. He stated if Enfield currently doesn’t have the ability to store hazardous waste products at the Town garage, it’s likely such material could end up in rubbish. He feels it would be prudent to consider having the ability to store this material when people wish to dispose of it.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #7426 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Peruta to add Item 13j. to the agenda – Board of Education Demographic Study.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7426 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7427 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to suspend the rules to address Items 13c., g., and i. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7427 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7428 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to move Item 13e. to 10a and 13f to 10b.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7428 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Mangini stated the National League of Cities recognized Enfield as one of the towns supporting the Dream Day Campaign. She explained this is about insuring a brighter future for children getting a good education which ultimately leads to a good life and a decent quality of life for the community
Councilman Mangini urged people to go out and vote in November.
Councilman Tait stated he has had complaints from South River Street about brush being cut along the railroad tracks. He noted it was reported this material is not cleared up after cutting. He stated he checked out this area and found it unsightly and requested this be investigated and cleaned up.
Councilman Egan commended Enfield’s Social Service Director for 40 years of service.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Vindigni reminded the Council that on October 25th at 7:00 p.m. there will be a second informational session on the upcoming referendum concerning the Roads 2005 project. He noted this will be held at the Parkman Elementary School.
Mr. Vindigni stated the Council has a copy of a press release and noted there was a ceremonial handing over of keys for a new ambulance which was purchased by the Community Ambulance Fund. He noted the Deputy Chief of Police, Carl Sferrazza, accepted the ambulance on behalf of the Town. He pointed out that ambulance still has to be outfitted with the communications equipment and all the other gear. He noted it then has to be inspected by the State. He stated that ambulance, as well as the ambulance which was purchased through the emergency management fund, should be in service in about three weeks.
Mr. Vindigni stated the barn near the new senior center is scheduled to be removed between the 8th of November and the following weekend.
He stated he has made a referral to DPW concerning the South River Street matter and clean-up will be done.
As concerns the thermostat with mercury raised by Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Vindigni stated his belief the Town’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program should accommodate that. He noted he will ask Mr. Kazmarski to follow up with Mr. Sheridan after the meeting to provide information.
Mr. Vindigni stated last week there was a tense hostage situation in Enfield and he commended the Enfield Police Department for doing a superb job. He noted Captain Timmerman worked directly with the SWAT team and the Chief of Police also spent an extended amount of time there as well. He stated they’re grateful this situation came to a positive conclusion.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato, stated there was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Loan Review Committee did meet recently and reviewed some items concerning some individuals requesting assistance with regards to rehab units that met the criteria.
Councilman Mangini stated CCM held their business meeting in Cromwell and she had the privilege of accompanying four high school students to this meeting. She noted the students attended many different seminars and thoroughly enjoyed this experience. She stated she attended one of the seminars with Director of Planning, Jose Giner and it was a very worthwhile experience.
DISCUSSION RE: REVISED JOB DESCRIPTIONS/PUBLIC WORKS
Present for this discussion was Human Resources Director, William Mahoney. Mr. Mahoney stated there are two agreements with the CSEA unions on these job descriptions, and these job descriptions have gone out to the union members. He noted the CSEA unions have met with the Town and signed an agreement subject to the approval of the Town Council. He stated if these job descriptions are approved this evening, there won’t be any need for any further negotiations. He noted they met with the employees that are effected, as well as their supervisors, the Director and Deputy Director of Public Works. He stated all of these parties had input into the job descriptions. He noted they made some changes to them, and they are consistent with what was put into the budget. He explained one position was actually changed and the other two were just being reclassified with the same titles. He requested the Council approve these job descriptions this evening.
Deputy Mayor Fiore stated these were covered during the budget cycle, therefore, this is nothing new.
MOTION #7429 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to move this item to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7429 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION/U.S. CONSTITUTION STATEMENT
Councilman Mangini stated the purpose of this item is to remind people that they did have Constitution Week from September 17th to September 23rd. She noted this represents a very important part of American history. She invited the regents of the Daughters of the American Revolution to share with the Council regarding what the Daughters represent in American History.
Present for this discussion was Jeannette Young.
Ms. Young stated the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have been around for many years and the local chapter is called the Penelope Terry Abbe Chapter. She explained Penelope Terry Abbe was a midwife who was married to a doctor and she delivered hundreds of babies in the Enfield area. She noted many years ago, women decided to organize a chapter in Enfield and name it after Penelope Terry Abbe. She stated in the Enfield Cemetery there is a beautiful marble bench which is located at the gravesite of Penelope Terry Abbe.
Ms. Young stated she has been a member of the DAR for ten years and became interested in this organization through friends and realized she could be a Daughter because she had grandfathers on both sides of her family who fought in the American Revolution. She noted this is a wonderful organization which promotes patriotism in America. She stated they are not really political, but rather they just want to support America and everything dear to the hearts of Americans. She pointed out Councilman Mangini supports them every year.
Deputy Mayor Fiore stated it is an honor to recognize the DAR and the Constitution of the United States. He stated his belief the Constitution is one of the best, if not the best document in the world. He feels there’s nothing more important than these fundamental building blocks of our government.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Item c. and d. remained tabled.
DISCUSSION RE: COMMUNITY CENTER/OLD SENIOR CENTER
Present for this discussion was Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated they held a couple meetings and Ms. Brand put together preliminary budget numbers. He stated they are working in two phases in dealing with the structure of the building. He noted Councilman Dodd suggested immediate work be done to protect the structure from the upcoming season. He stated they’re preparing budget recommendations to fund some immediate repairs.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated they are now exploring the possibility of removing a back portion of this building because it does not increase the usability of the building. He noted there would be a significant cost to improve that space to make it usable. He noted the freed up space could possibly be used for parking space.
He stated another meeting is scheduled for the end of the month and hopefully they can come before the Council at the first meeting in November with more budgetary information and recommendations.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated the WIC agency is interested in occupying some space at the back of the building. He noted there are a couple questions to consider – the cost to fix up that space to make it usable and does WIC plan to expand. He added if this space is to be occupied, it would be necessary to look at utilities to be sure everything is operating properly as well as who maintains the space once occupied, i.e., opening, locking, and cleaning the space. He stated his belief it’s not a good idea to relocate WIC into that building because they would be setting a precedent. He suggested perhaps they could look at other locations in town for the WIC agency.
Councilman Dodd agreed with Councilman Reveruzzi and stated his belief they should have a plan as to the best use for that building.
Councilman Crowley stated his belief they should give this building a new name because people find it confusing when this building is called the senior center while there is a new senior center in town. He feels a new name would avoid any miscommunications.
Mr. Vindigni stated when they met with the WIC representative, he was given the impression that outside a general cleaning of the space, there would not be a substantial cost in getting that space ready for WIC to occupy. He noted activity was to be restricted to the former pool room and not the offices. He stated the WIC representative would be in direct contact with building and grounds for the scheduled opening and closing of the building on their scheduled days. He noted they would use the building from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Concerns about WIC’s use of the Neighborhood Activity Center had to do with the second floor, small elevator, no parking and conflicts with other activities. He stated if it is found that the old senior center is an unacceptable location for the WIC agency, they will search for other locations. He added they will not relocate WIC from the Neighborhood Activity Center unless they have another location for them.
Councilman Egan questioned how many people are involved in the WIC program, and Mr. Vindigni responded about 200 people per month with about 90% from Enfield. He stated they handle three days in Enfield per month with an average of ten to 15 screenings per hour.
Councilman Egan questioned what it would cost to tear down the back part of the old senior center. Councilman Reveruzzi indicated they are still looking at those costs.
Deputy Mayor Fiore questioned why there is all of a sudden a need for the WIC program to leave the Neighborhood Activity Center. Mr. Vindigni stated this has actually been over a course of several months. He noted through his interaction with the Recreation Supervisor, he has learned one of the issues that comes up has to do with when WIC does run their program, staff in that building have noticed the interference with activities, parking, and accessibility issues up to the second floor. He noted there was a review and recommendation made to the Town Manager in June regarding this matter, and the Town Manager directed them to try to move forward on this. He stated a letter was submitted from WIC, and they were finally able to get together to review this matter.
Deputy Mayor Fiore questioned if the issue with WIC is urgent, and Mr. Vindigni responded no and noted when the old senior center became vacant, it was thought perhaps this was an opportunity for WIC to relocate.
Deputy Mayor Fiore stated he is not inclined to give the “okay” today for WIC to move into the old senior center based on the fact that the subcommittee is still reviewing that building. He stated at this time he would discourage any move into the old senior center. He noted after the subcommittee has completed it’s review, it’s possible this might come up at a later date as an option.
Councilman Reveruzzi suggested the Family Resource Center as a possible location for WIC. Mr. Vindigni stated they looked at that as an opportunity, but the Child Day Care licensing agreement prohibits them from having that activity there. He noted they will look to see what else is available.
MOTION #7430 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Edgar to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7430 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7431 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7431 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: CONDO TRASH
Deputy Mayor Fiore questioned whether the letters went out to the condo associations, and Mr. Vindigni responded yes.
MOTION #7432 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove Item f. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7432 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7433 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7433 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: AMERICAN LEGION LEASE
Councilman Edgar made it clear he is not opposed to this, nor has he ever been, however, it seems to be twisted around because he asked a couple questions. He noted his first question has been answered with a copy of the liability insurance. He stated his second question was responded to with the submittal of a deed, however, it is not the deed he was looking for, but rather to see that their Articles of Incorporation are up-to-date with the Secretary of State. He noted perhaps that can be established with a phone call by staff.
Councilman Reveruzzi requested Attorney Cerratto check into the certificate of good standing with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Deputy Mayor Fiore proposed approving this based on the condition that the Town Attorney’s staff is able to verify a certificate of good standing, and if there is not one, then they should not proceed with this transaction.
MOTION #7434 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the amendment to the lease as relates to RESOLUTION #5620
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7434
adopted 10-0-0.
It was agreed the following roll-call vote is contingent on the Town Attorney certifying that the Articles of Incorporation with the State of Connecticut are up-to-date.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared the vote adopted by a 10-0-0 vote.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no Consent Agenda items under New Business this evening.
DISCUSSION RE: TECHNOLOGY AND INSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT LIST EHS PROJECT
Present for this discussion were George Rypysc, Chairman of the Enfield High Building Committee; Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand.
Mr. Rypysc stated the project is very close to completion and they would like to be fully functional as soon as possible. He noted the Building Committee would like to purchase the equipment identified in support of the project. He stated the equipment was broken out at their last meeting as requested by the Council. He noted that information, along with alternatives for that purchase are within the Council’s packets.
Deputy Mayor Fiore commended the Committee and staff for coming up with this. He questioned when this project will be completed. Mr. Rypysc stated right now they’re looking at November 1st.
Deputy Mayor Fiore questioned when they plan to close out the project, other than encumbrances. Ms. Brand responded by the end of the year.
Deputy Mayor Fiore stated by Town Charter, when they go to referendum for a project, they can only expend that amount of money that they voted on. He stated his belief the voters voted on $6,265,000 for this project. He noted they cannot, by Charter, exceed that amount for specific things in that project. He stated regardless of how they fund this, whether it’s bonding, cash reserves or closing out CIP accounts, if it pertains to this project, they can’t exceed that amount. He questioned if this particular list of items is part of this project. He noted regardless of how they fund this, if they were to fund it right now, that would basically leave a balance of $30,000 for this project. He pointed out they have not closed out the project, there are encumbrances and there will be disputes. He stated his belief this might not be the time to do this in light of these considerations.
Councilman Reveruzzi raised the issue of legal costs relating to this project. Ms. Brand stated the majority of the legal expenses have been transferred against this project, therefore, the budget numbers issued two weeks ago incorporate those numbers.
Councilman Reveruzzi questioned whether they have expended all of the contingency, and Ms. Brand responded no.
Councilman Reveruzzi questioned if this is a conservative figure, and Ms. Brand responded yes.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated his opinion it would be better to grapple with the issue of how to fund this expenditure outside of the construction costs.
Mr. Pongratz explained how the budget was built for this project. He noted it was built based on the maximum allowable budget that the State Department of Education allows for a project of this type. He stated the 66% reimbursement is based on the fact that they don’t exceed the budget that the state allowed, therefore, he is certainly very concerned that they stay within the budget.
Councilman Edgar commended George Rypysc and the Enfield High Building Committee for their work. He added his belief this is one of the best Committees he’s ever been on.
Councilman Edgar referred to the expected completion date of 12/31/04 and questioned if they expect to be done with the extension of arbitration that Attorney Fisher is talking about. Ms. Brand responded she hopes so.
Councilman Edgar requested an estimation of attorney’s fees to date. Ms. Brand estimated around $65,000.
Councilman Kaupin stated if the Council were to approve this and move forward with a remaining balance of $30,000, could this request be pulled back if there were any surprises. He stated his understanding there is a cap and they have to stay under the cap. He questioned when that cap goes away, and can they purchase today and not fall under the cap of the project, or do they have to close out the project. He noted he would like the timing issue known so their good intentions don’t hurt them later on. Attorney Cerrato indicated this would have to be referred to bond counsel.
Deputy Mayor Fiore commended everyone for going back and looking at alternative funding sources. He emphasized everyone wants to find a way to do this. He stated his belief the Council would like to get some items clarified from bond counsel. He noted the Council wants to be sure they make the right decisions within the proper steps.
This item will appear on the next agenda.
Item 12c. remained on the agenda.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Items 13a. (1 through 3), Item 13b.(1), Item 13d. and 13h. will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY
Deputy Mayor Fiore explained he requested this agenda item because the Board of Education is in the process of putting together a preliminary RFP to go out to bid for a demographic study. He noted at this time, most of the Council feels it would be very advantageous for the Town Attorney’s office and the Finance office to review this RFP and make any suggestions needed to the Board of Education. He stated there is a lot of consensus that this is not just a Board of Education study but a joint study. He added he prefers to have the Mayor present before they get into any discussion on this item.
Councilman Kaupin requested minutes from the archives regarding a discussion as to why the Council decided at that point in time to fund a demographic study for the school system.
It was agreed this item can remain on the agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #7435 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7435 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7436 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Town Farm/Post Office Road Project
Mr. Kazmarski stated they have the minutes from that meeting, and Council is aware of the design that was presented a week before the Public Information Session, and that’s what they’re going with right now. He noted a couple issues were raised by a couple residents and businesses in the area, and they took those into consideration and they’ll be looking at those further during the final design process of the project.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7436 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7437 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council of the Town of Enfield, hereby authorizes the distribution of budgeted funds for non-union pay adjustments to be retroactive to July 1, 2004 at 2% and 2% effective January 1, 2005.
Councilman Kaupin stated this is a recommendation from the Town Manager and to begin some merit base awarding or a process or procedure to be put into place for the next year. He stated his belief this is a good starting point.
Deputy Mayor Fiore stated the key is that the Council is willing to do this and these are budgeted funds built into the budget.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7437 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Edgar abstaining.
RESOLUTION #7438 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 7-255 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Enfield Sewer Authority shall hold a public hearing on November 8, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. to hear comments on properties affected by the proposed sewer use charge rate for the 2004-2005 billing. The rate has been proposed at $2.24 per thousand gallons of waste water treated.
Present for this discussion was Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond.
Deputy Mayor Fiore stated it seems the rate is decreasing from last year. Mr. McAlmond explained they experienced a spike in their expenditures last year due to the renovations at the sewer plant. He noted this current rate should be where the rate will reside for the next two to three years.
Deputy Mayor Fiore questioned if this rate also applies to homeowners, and Mr. McAlmond stated this only applies to tax exempt properties, which would be churches, private schools and about 97% of this is funded by the prison.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7438 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7439 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby approve the revised job descriptions for Building and Grounds Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor Building and Grounds and the new job descriptions for Fleet Manager.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7439 adopted 10-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7440 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7440 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:53 p.m. |