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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 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, November 15, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Chairman Crowley.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Fiore Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, Tait and Tallarita. Councilman Egan was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Information Services, Charlene Bond.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
The Special and Regular Meeting Minutes will be available for the December 6, 2004 Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Thanked the Town Council for not funding school purchases through bonding. He stated his belief the Council was wise in deciding not to use 15 years worth of financing on items that could be obsolete in three years.
Mr. Sheridan questioned how the teachers' salary increases compares to the health cost increases and how did that effect any cost-cutting efforts that were a part of that. He noted there was supposed to be a cost-cutting effort to increase the teachers' contribution toward insurance. He feels that by giving a raise that's equal or greater than whatever savings might have been realized is simply taking from one pocket to the other.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini commended the Town Manager and Director of Finance for the Certificate of Achievement for excellent financial reporting. She stated her belief this is
the third or fourth consecutive year that the Town has received this recognition. She commended Town staff for accomplishing this highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting.
Councilman Mangini commended the Public Works Department for doing an excellent job with the leaf pick-up.
She requested everyone remember the Enfield Food Shelf during the holidays. She noted they need food and cash donations.
MOTION #7464 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to move Item 13f and address it as Item 10a.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7464 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7465 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items 13b and 13e under Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTIONN #7465 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Tait thanked Town Council members who marched in the Veterans' Day Parade. He noted the Parade Committee was unable to get the Connecticut Governor's Foot Guard to attend this year's parade, however, seven or eight members of the Foot Guard volunteered to come and march in Enfield's parade. He commended those volunteers. He added for the second year this parade had a good contingent of Enfield police officers marching and he commended those officers for doing so on their own time. He requested this appreciation be passed along to the Chief of Police.
Councilman Crowley stated he received some calls about the Freshwater Pond being drained, and Mr. Shanley stated this was done to accomplish the work on the pier. He added it will be re-filled as soon as the work is done.
Councilman Crowley reminded everyone there will be a meeting concerning the train station on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m., as well as a meeting concerning EMS on November 29th.
Councilman Crowley stated the Enfield Ramblers football team is playing a championship game against Coventry at the Ellington sports complex this weekend. He noted these youngsters have worked hard all year, and this would be a fun game for anyone to watch.
Chairman Tallarita complimented the new lighting at the Old Town Hall and suggested perhaps they might want to incorporate some cross-lighting to cut down on the shadows.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley reported the Freshwater Pond is being drained specifically to do the pier work, and it will be re-filled as soon as it's done.
Mr. Shanley stated the automatic defibrillators at Town Hall were recalled and are no longer in the police cars. He noted the manufacturer of these units is out of business. He stated there are numerous other companies that have made offers to replace these units. He noted this matter is still being reviewed and he will keep the Council updated.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the FAIR Committee will be renewing some resolutions - one allowing federal home loan banks to assist cities and tax exempt financing; the American Community Survey; advanced refunding of the tax-exempt bonds. She added they also have four new resolutions they're putting forward - an opposition to legislation preventing local governments from collecting business activity taxes; local government opposition to requirements for state collection and administration of local telecommunications taxes in federal legislation on streamline sales and use tax; supporting the development of a plan to end Hispanic under-representation with the federal government and a resolution on voting representation for the District of Columbia. She explained the District of Columbia has removed the voting member from Congress, and they're looking to have that member replaced.
Councilman Kaupin stated he spoke to Chairman Bill Lee concerning the Revitalization report and noted that committee does not meet until the first week of December. He noted Mr. Lee's plan is to develop the first draft of the report, let the committee digest it at that first meeting and then come before the Council at the second meeting in December.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: TEACHERS' CONTRACT RATIFICATION
RESOLUTION #7466 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby ratifies and accepts the Labor Agreement between the Town's Board of Education and the Enfield Teachers' Association for the period from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008.
Present for this discussion were Enfield Board of Education Chairman, Kenneth Hilinski and Director of Human Resources for the Enfield Board of Education, Craig Cooke.
Mr. Hilinski thanked all the participants that made this contract a success - Councilman Edgar for participating in this process; the negotiating team for the ETA which was headed by Jack Stasio and Charles Lauria and included Sharon Racine, Roger Jones and Carol Santoski and Craig Cooke for being the chief negotiator.
Mr. Hilinski highlighted the contract as follows:
" In year one there is a 3.5% general wage increase. Teachers who are in the first 12 steps of the contract will not get an increase in step in the first contract year.
" In year two there is a 2.8% general wage increase with step movement - the step movement is an additional 2.04% on top of the 2.8% for a total of 4.84%,
" In year three there is a 2.8% general wage increase and the step movement is an additional 2.1% on top of the 2.8% for a total of 4.9%.
He stated the total percentages for the three years amounts to 13.24%. He referred to what's happening in other school districts this year and noted the averages have been running 4.77% in the first year of the contract, followed by 4.55% and 4.48%. He noted that totals 13.8%, therefore, Enfield is running about a half percent below the average wage settlement for the various districts.
Mr. Hilinski stated his belief this is a very good deal for Enfield. He noted they were able to negotiate with the ETA and give them some other things they were looking for, and he feels this has been a very good compromise.
He then spoke about the health insurance cost share. He noted at this point teachers contribute 12% towards the insurance cost, and in the next three years that will increase as follows: 13.5% in the first year; 14% in the second year and 15% in the third year. He stated each percentage point represents about a $56,000 savings for the Board. He noted they are very grateful that the teachers were able to help out the budget in this manner.
Mr. Hilinski stated the third priority had to do with time issues. He noted they reduced one student day from the work year. He explained there are currently 188 total days in the school year and 182 are student days. He noted that was reduced to 187 total days with 181 student days. He pointed out the rest will be in-service, professional development type of days.
He stated they were able to negotiate one additional night meeting for elementary teachers which will be an advantage for the parents in years to come by providing additional time for them to consult with their children's teachers.
He noted they were able to achieve an additional 20 minutes for secondary faculty meetings.
Mr. Hilinski stated another item had to do with the elementary teachers each having a preparation period per day. He explained the current language in the contract says they'll strive to provide a prep period for every elementary teacher every day. He noted this year they've been successful in doing this, but in other years they haven't always been successful. He stated it basically has to do with the amount of personnel they have or the way the distribution of the class sizes run. He stated this contract guarantees the ETA that each elementary teacher will have a preparation period every day.
He stated the payment for sick days at retirement is increased to $75.00 per day vs $60.00. He noted all Enfield teachers are now eligible for this. He explained there used to be a grandfather clause whereby newer teachers were not eligible for this. He noted to offset this, payment for sick days is eliminated for resignations.
Mr. Hilinski stated they also increased reimbursement for conferences. He noted professional development is a huge issue and something that needs to be supported. He stated that has been increased to $70 vs the $35 per teacher. He stated the total for all teachers is increased to $10,000 vs $5,000.
He explained another priority had to do with payroll items. He noted it was agreed that the payment for the teachers' salary shall be made via direct deposit to the banks rather than the issuance of checks. He pointed out this would be a little savings for the Board.
Mr. Hilinski stated summer school payroll will follow normal payroll schedules and they're also instituting a 457b plan for the teachers and a 529 after tax payroll deduction option and flexible spending accounts for medical expenses, etc. He explained all of these are items that the Board does not contribute to, but will logistically provide to the teachers so that they can invest in these plans and invest in making enough money available for them to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
He stated overall, the total cost of the contract in Year 1 is $1,035,953; Year 2 is $1,519,637; Year 3 is $1,529,639.
Councilman Edgar stated this contract is the result of a lot of hard work on both sides. He added his belief this is a fair and reasonable contract for both sides.
Councilman Kaupin agreed with Councilman Edgar in that this seems to be a very fair contract. He commended everyone involved in this process and noted he will support this.
Councilman Peruta requested clarification on the 457b plan. Mr. Cooke explained currently teachers have a 403b plan which is similar to a 401k plan. He noted this is another benefit that the government has afforded teachers, and the school system is able to offer this to them. He added there is no cost to the Board to offer this. Mr. Shanley noted this is another deferred compensation.
Councilman Peruta agreed this is a fair contract and he will support it. He commended the negotiating team for doing a good job.
Councilman Crowley congratulated everyone for their cooperative effort to bring this about.
Councilman Mangini thanked everyone for their hard work in producing a good contract.
Councilman Peruta stated his understanding this contract was negotiated without attorneys. Mr. Hilinski stated it's their belief this has worked out well. He noted it was their feeling Mr. Cooke had the experience to do this and he feels it worked out very well.
Chairman Tallarita thanked everyone for their work on this, and he agreed this is a fair contract for both sides.
Councilman Edgar commended Jack Stasio, the President of the ETA, for the fine job he did on this, as well as Charles Lauria for his work on this contract.
MOTION #7467 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Fiore to move this item to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7467 adopted 10-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
All appointments remained tabled.
Items c., d., e., and f. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items under Consent Agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
NOMINATION #7468 by Councilman Edgar to reappoint John F. Riley (D) to the Housing Authority as a Resident member for a term which expires 11/30/09.
MOTION #7469 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Fiore to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7469 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared John Riley appointed to the Housing Authority by a 10-0-0 vote.
The appointment to the Building Code Appeals Board remained on the agenda.
Item c. will appear under Old Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
CONSENT AGENDA - REVIEW (No items to review)
DISCUSSION RE: OVERPAYMENT REFUND CL&P
Mr. Simmons stated there was a meeting with a representative from CL&P and they outlined the process they went through to analyze all of the Town's accounts back to 1986 to determine any overpayments for that period. He noted they came up with the figure of $38,000 and they're ready to issue a refund check to the Town. He stated CL&P did want the Town to sign off a release form or waiver, but the Town was advised by CCM not to sign a waiver. He noted the Town will receive the check, but will not sign the waiver. Mr. Shanley explained CCM's position is that there's actually more owed than what CL&P is agreeing to, therefore, this allows for continued pursuit. He went on to note they are now very well positioned for the Council to make a decision with respect to streetlight purchases because they now have very good data for the upcoming budget process.
Councilman Fiore questioned if they're also investigating the fact that CCM offers a service whereby they're outsourcing some of their function whereby they'll maintain streetlights. Mr. Shanley explained it is more like a group-purchasing arrangement. He added the Public Works Department is looking at that.
Mr. Shanley stated the Director of Social Services can be at the next meeting to discuss Item d.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #7470 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Reveruzzi to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7470 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7471 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Eppendorf/Authorize Tax Assessment Agreement
Councilman Peruta requested a quick overview. Mr. Shanley explained this is a tax abatement agreement as authorized by Connecticut Statutes Section 12-65b, which allows for a municipality to offer a partial abatement on new value added for real estate to incent the relocation of business into a community. He stated this business is coming from Hamburg, Germany, and they're planning to develop a minimum of 70 highly technical positions. He noted they purchased 192,000 square feet and are in the process of doing a $5 million dollar investment just to get started, and they're bringing in an enormous amount of very high tech equipment. He stated this equates to about a 50% tax abatement for the new real estate value that they add to it over the course of the life of the abatement.
Chairman Tallarita stated this is a wonderful economic development expansion for the Town of Enfield. He noted they are taking what was a vacant building and adding a business which is clean manufacturing and high technology with high-paying jobs.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7471 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7472 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding Amending the Alarm Ordinance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7472 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7473 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to approve RESOLUTION #7466, which was read and discussed earlier this evening.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7473 adopted
8-0-2, with Councilmen Fiore and Tait abstaining.
Councilman Fiore stated he is abstaining because he has a semi-dependent working for the Board of Education as a teacher. Councilman Tait stated he also has a direct recipient of this, therefore, he is also abstaining.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Councilmen comments.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7474 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7474 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
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