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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 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, December 20, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Edgar.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Tait, and Tallarita. Councilmen Peruta and Reveruzzi were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Information Technology, Charlene Bond; Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7510 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the November 29, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7510 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
MOTION #7511 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the December 6, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7511 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
MOTION #7512 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of the December 6, 2004 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7512 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Stated the school budget is in trouble and net budgeting is still a problem. He stated his belief the Council shouldn't approve another school budget without a complete audit, and he feels they have to step away from the net budgeting process. He stated they have to know exactly how much money they're spending to educate each student in Enfield.
Mr. Sheridan stated Eli Whitney has two empty classrooms and two restrooms not being used. He feels it's ridiculous that teachers are mopping the gymnasium floors because the janitors refuse to do it.
He stated he still hasn't been able to dispose of his mercury thermometer. He stated Enfield doesn't have a way to dispose of mercury.
Mr. Sheridan stated he frequently travels over the South Maple Street bridge and within a report he read that one of the things that the state recommended in their inspection was to keep the drain holes clean on the bridge to prevent the salt from further corroding the underside of that bridge. He noted that has not been done and this is salt season. He reminded the Town to look into this.
He stated right after they heard the reasons why Enfield didn't use crack filler on the roads, the State of Connecticut used this process on Hazard Avenue. He suggested looking at this process for town roads to prevent further deterioration of roads and save some money.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated he travels all through New England and other towns manage with the money they get from their state and federal government. He noted Connecticut pays the highest gas tax on the East Coast. He pointed out gas is cheaper in Massachusetts and cigarettes are cheaper in New Hampshire. He stated Enfield has to reduce salaries and stop the projects and manage what money they have and the money they will be getting.
Mr. Tkacz stated Connecticut is the only state in the United States that has no earned income tax credit. He pointed out property tax relief would be to stop spending.
Paul DeGregorio, Debbie Lane
Voiced concern that the Town Council gave the Enfield Police Department the green light to harass him about the blight ordinance on September 8, 2003 by coming to his home with floodlights and bullhorns. He noted this event frightened the people in his home. He went on to note that one Councilman spoke to him in an insulting and threatening manner on Election Day as he was going to Prudence Crandall.
Chairman Tallarita advised Mr. DeGregorio that this is not the proper forum for this matter. He noted if Mr. DeGregorio wishes to pursue this, he should go through the judicial system.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Questioned why the Town is asking school principals and school administrators how they're going to fix the costs in their school when they never do any self-analysis. He stated his belief they really need to look at position management to see whether they really need positions, and what price they really should be costing. He stated his belief if there was more documentation, perhaps more people would have a better understanding.
Mr. Woods stated when he was on the committee to help the Board of Education to reduce their budget, one of his recommendations was to get rid of two vice-principals and that would have saved a million dollars when adding up the salaries and benefits. He noted shortly thereafter, three people actually left. He stated at the time he had also recommend those cuts be made through attrition. He pointed out after those three people left, the school system went right out and hired three more people. He stated it would have been smart to try it for a year without the extra principal in each school, and if it didn't work, they could document why it didn't work and justify why they need those extra people, or they might have learned they could do without them. He noted not replacing those three people could have netted a $500,000 reduction.
Mr. Woods stated this shows the unwillingness to make the real hard decision cuts that need to be done. He noted the school system looks at little things like cutting down on paper use by students. He pointed out that is not where the savings are, and that is not long term. He noted they need definable cuts that are long term. He stated those are the kinds of recommendations that came from that committee.
He agreed with Mr. Sheridan in that the school system needs a complete audit. He noted $62 million dollars is a lot of money to be floating around.
Paul DeGregorio, Debbie Lane
Stated he sees a pattern of conduct in this town.
Chairman Tallarita advised Mr. DeGregorio to take this matter to the police, and if he can't get results at the local level, then he should go to the state or federal police.
Mr. DeGregorio stated he is an honest businessman, a veteran, inducted into the Hall of Fame, a volunteer for the Enrico Fermi jazz ensemble and volunteer at the food shelf, however, the Enfield Police are hurting his reputation.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #7513 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move items 13c and 13d to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7513 adopted 9-0-0.
Councilman Fiore commended the Public Works Department for the fine job they did with the leaf program this year.
Councilman Fiore stated about a month ago, the Town Manager sent a memo to the Council from Scully & Wolf concerning the fact that the GASB will now be starting in 2006 to include all health insurance and other benefits that employees receive upon retirement. He questioned the magnitude of the work effort of that. Mr. Shanley indicated he can get that information. He noted it will not be like GASB-34 because they have all of that data now. He stated it's a matter of organizing it differently.
Councilman Fiore stated he needs a complete transcript of what transpired this evening.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the Council's last information packet and the sewer use charges for Connecticut and Hazardville Water. He noted there are some locations that he questioned, i.e., Golden Irene's Restaurant. He stated his assumption the others are properties that churches own, but they're in the residential neighborhoods.
Councilman Kaupin referred to Mr. Sheridan's comments and stated his belief they had provided an answer regarding the disposal of mercury. He noted perhaps Mr. Kazmarski can comment on that as well as the drain holes on the South Maple Street bridge and the crack sealing.
Mr. Shanley indicated he'd respond to these questions under Town Manager communications.
Councilman Mangini stated she had a conversation with the Director of Finance relative to the FAIR meeting results and they will be receiving a report from the Finance Director regarding the new GASB rules. She noted he will be briefing the Council in January.
Councilman Mangini thanked Mr. Vindigni and the Police Department for doing such an efficient job in taking care of a potential safety concern near a school last week.
Councilman Mangini requested an update on the 100-year business item.
Councilman Egan stated there was a very nice gathering to honor retiring Social Services Director, Dorothy Allen.
Councilman Crowley stated his hope there are signs around Freshwater Pond regarding ice skating conditions.
Councilman Crowley stated the Parks & Recreation Department and the Public Works Department did a great job for the Torch Light Parade. He noted it was a great event again this year.
Councilman Crowley stated he would like to know how they can save a million dollars by eliminating two vice principals as Mr. Woods had stated earlier.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated they have a list of the 100-year businesses. He noted they need to prepare the proclamations.
He stated many years ago, there was an agreement to hook-up Golden Irene's Restaurant into the Enfield sewer system if they paid a fee. He noted they will generate a total list of all the tax exempt properties.
Mr. Shanley stated the Town does do crack sealing, however, they don't do chip sealing. He explained chip sealing involves putting down oil and then a very fine sharp rock.
He stated Town Hall did not receive a single request to go back and pick up leaves. He thanked everyone involved in making this a successful leaf pick-up program.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Dodd attended the last Loan Review Committee meeting which was held on December 7th. She noted a couple projects were completed and a couple projects approved for emergency repairs.
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July had their annual business meeting, and it was a very nice event chaired by Councilman Kaupin. She noted she and Chairman Tallarita attended this meeting. She stated this committee is continuing to move toward another wonderful event in 2005.
Councilman Mangini referred to the FAIR Committee and noted she will deliver the 81st annual business meeting book to the Town Manager next week. She noted the FAIR Committee did meet and passed several resolutions which she identified at the last Council meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
MOTION #7514 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove Item #1 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7514 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #7515 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Mark Sargent as an Alternate on the Ethics Commission for a term which expires 10/31/2005.
MOTION #7516 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7516 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Mark Sargent appointed, as an Alternate, to the Ethics Commission by a 9-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7517 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove Item #2 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7517 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #7518 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Beth Dragon as an Alternate on the Ethics Commission for a term which expires 10/31/2005.
MOTION #7519 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7519 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Beth Dragon appointed as an Alternate to the Ethics Commission by a 9-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7520 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #3 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7520 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #7521 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Edward DeMarco to the Ethics Commission for a term which expires 10/31/2006.
MOTION #7522 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7522 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Edward DeMarco appointed to the Ethics Commission by a 9-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7523 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove Item #4 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7523 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #7524 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Alan Boisvere to the Ethics Commission for a term which expires 10/31/2005.
MOTION #7525 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7525 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Alan Boisvere appointed to the Ethics Commission by a 9-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7526 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #5 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7526 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #7527 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Bruce Lovell to the Ethics Commission for a term which expires 10/31/2006.
MOTION #7528 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7528 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Bruce Lovell appointed to the Ethics Commission by a 9-0-0 vote.
Chairman Tallarita stated a committee was put together regarding these Ethics nominations. He noted the committee was made up of three people - former Mayor Bill Vayda, former Councilman Peter Falk, and Mr. Smith, who is a former Chairman of the Ethics Commission. He thanked these individuals for doing the interviewing and their recommendations as to who should be appointed. He suggested sending a thank you letter, on behalf of the Council, to these three individuals.
All other appointments remained tabled.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #7529 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 #7529 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7530 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: School Department
Acct. #310-2001-8107 Exterior Masonry $ 50,000.00
Acct. #310-2000-8107 Exterior Masonry 50,000.00
Acct. #310-2002-8701 Boilers Schools 100,000.00
Acct. #310-2003-8101 Asbestos Removal 80,000.00
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$280,000.00
FROM: School Department
Acct. #210-2005-8706 School
Technology $280,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $280,000.00 is available from Account #310-2005-8706 as of December 17, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Fiore to change the "From" to "To" and the "To" to "From".
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 9-0-0.
Mr. Shanley stated the Council has decided not to bond for the computer technology associated with the EHS project. He noted it is eligible because there is the possibility of a 66% reimbursement. He explained they are borrowing from the Reserve to do this now, and then it will be reimbursed in the upcoming budget.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUITON #7530 adopted 9-0-0, as amended.
Item f. will be addressed at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA - NO ITEMS FOR ACTION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
NOMINATION #7531 by Councilman Kaupin to reappoint William Ragno (R) to the Board of Assessment Appeals for a term which expires 12/31/2007.
MOTION #7532 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7532 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared William Ragno reappointed to the Board of Assessment Appeals by a 9-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #7533 by Councilman Fiore to reappoint Jeanne Smith (D) to the Library Board of Trustees for a term which expires 12/31/2007.
MOTION #7534 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7534 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Jeanne Smith reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees by a 9-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #7535 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield is the owner of a parcel of land known as BR-1 which is bounded by Hazard Avenue, Phoenix Avenue, and the off ramp of I-91; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield conducted a public Request for Proposals, evaluated the proposals received, and interviewed all proponents; and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Commission, acting as the Development Agency, has unanimously voted to recommend granting preferred developer status to Sullivan Hayes Companies, so that they may finalize plans for a hotel and restaurant on this land; and
WHEREAS, the buyer intends to develop a Hampton Inn and Suites and a restaurant at an estimated cost of $9 million, and whereas all needed governmental approvals, private financing, and operating agreements must be approved prior to the sale of the land, and
WHEREAS, the buyer intends to purchase approximately half of the 18.67 acre site to accommodate this project; and
WHEREAS, a preferred developer agreement is a proven mechanism to articulate the rights and responsibilities of buyer and seller prior to the conveyance of land,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council, as one of the responsible parties to the sale, hereby authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Preferred Developers Agreement with the proper entity of the Sullivan Hayes Company to provide the developer with rights to purchase BR-1 in the event that all conditions of the agreement can be satisfied.
Councilman Fiore stated they have deliberated over this piece of land for a long time. He noted he will be reluctantly supporting this in the affirmative this evening. He noted his reluctance has nothing to do with the company that would like to develop this land or the Economic Development Committee that worked on this. He stated after they went out to bid for proposals, the only thing that came up was a hotel. He noted he was looking for a more robust development in that area, i.e., an office building, but that was not to be.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Fiore's comments. She noted they are fortunate to have some development and they need to go forward.
Councilman Kaupin voiced his support of this development.
Councilman Egan stated one stumbling block had to do with a large wetlands area. She stated her belief this development will be an asset to the town.
Chairman Tallarita stated his hope this will lead to development of this site.
Councilman Crowley stated his belief this will be a nice addition to Enfield.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7535 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7536 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: DPW-Building Code Enforcement Div.
Acct. #3300-110 Salaries, Full time $15,000.00
Acct. #3300-580 Travel 600.00
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$15,600.00
FROM: General Fund
Acct. #8030-840 Contingency $15,600.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $15,600.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of December 1, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7536 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7537 by Councilman Mangini, 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: Water Pollution Control Fund $25,000.00
Acct. #210-01-30-3500-0-140
Overtime
FROM: Water Pollution Control Fund $25,000.00
Acct. #210-01-30-3500-0-450
Construction Services
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $25,000.00 is available from Account #210-01-30-3500-0-450 as of December 1, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether the paving was done over the Columbus Day weekend and did that add significantly to the cost. Mr. Kazmarski stated they had $37,000 budgeted for overtime and to date they've spent $39,500 out of overtime - the bulk of it due to the reconstruction work as a follow-up to the denitrification work at the Water Pollution Control facility.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7537 adopted 9-0-0.
Item f. will be addressed at the next meeting.
RESOLUTION #7538 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: Police
Acct. #2100-739 Other Equipment $14,000.00
FROM: Police
Acct. #2100-120 Part-Time Salaries $14,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $14,000.00 is available from Account #2100-120 as of December 17, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7538 adopted 9-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: BID WAIVER DEFIBRILLATORS TO PIGGY-BACK ON JMH REVIEW AND SELECTION
Mr. Shanley noted he handed out information for the Council to consider at its January 3rd meeting. He stated this information details JMH's process for determining the best defibrillator for the value.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #7539 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: Adult Day Care
Acct. #4310-630 Food $9,140
FROM: Adult Day Care
4310-14400 Client Fees $9,140
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $9,140 is available from Account #4310-14400 Client Fees December 13, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7539 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7540 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby amends the employment contract for the Town Manager under Section 6, Compensation, effective January 1, 2004, shall be increased by 3% and effective January 1, 2005, shall be increased an additional 3%; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the intent of Section 14, sick leave, is to cap payout upon separation, not to cap accrual; as such accrual up to 1200 hours is authorized from January 1, 2004; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Section 19, Retirement Compensation is kept current with allowable contributions and is increased by one thousand dollars ($1000) effective January 1, 2004 and an additional one thousand dollars ($1000) effective January 1, 2005.
Councilman Fiore noted the Town Manager has gone a long time without any adjustments, and this is due and warranted. He stated his hope everyone will support this.
Councilman Kaupin voiced his support of the resolution. He thanked Mr. Shanley for his efforts over the past few years, and he feels Mr. Shanley serves the town very well, and that is evident in his review.
Councilman Mangini thanked Mr. Shanley for doing a good job. She stated Enfield is fortunate to have him as their Town Manager.
Councilman Egan expressed her appreciation for all that Mr. Shanley does for the Town. She added her hope they can do this in a more timely fashion.
Councilman Crowley pointed out the Town Manager's staff also does a great job.
Councilman Tait agreed this is long overdue and certainly deserved. He stated his belief Mr. Shanley is an excellent Town Manager.
Councilman Dodd stated his belief Mr. Shanley is a good person who conducts himself in a professional manner with high standards. He noted he appreciates Mr. Shanley being Enfield's Town Manager.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief Enfield is fortunate to have Mr. Shanley as Town Manager. He noted he does a good job, and that's evident by the condition Enfield is in. He also expressed his appreciation for the Town staff.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7540
adopted 8-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7541 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7541 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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