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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2004
Mayor Tallarita accepted the donation of an AED machine from the Department of Corrections.
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, June 21, 2004. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 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, Reveruzzi, Tait, and Tallarita. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manger, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Assessor, Joyce Jacius; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand; Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7254 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the May 24, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7254 adopted 8-0-3, with Councilmen Edgar, Egan and Fiore abstaining.
MOTION #7255 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the June 2, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7255 adopted 8-0-3, with Councilmen Dodd, Edgar, and Peruta abstaining.
MOTION #7256 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the June 7, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7256 adopted 10-0-1, with Councilman Edgar abstaining.
MOTION #7257 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the June 7, 2004 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7257 adopted 10-0-1, with Councilman Edgar abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Cheryl Cote, 92 Cottage Road
Spoke about Fermi High School's bleachers. She noted she's aware the bleachers might be addressed through a November referendum, however, she feels they need immediate attention. She voiced concern about their safety with the upcoming graduation ceremonies. She pointed out she is a football and band parent who is accompanied by other school parents who are all concerned about the condition of the bleachers. She distributed photographs to illustrate the deterioration of the bleachers. She pointed out photographs also depict the poor condition of bleachers at Enfield High School. She stated her hope something can be done before Friday when the graduation ceremony takes place.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief a one-way bridge is not suitable for Powder Hollow. She feels this should be a two-lane bridge with a walkway on the outside for fishing.
She questioned how many times she has to appear before the Council before she can get a response. She noted she complained several times about trash on Town Farm Road, however, a gentleman recently came before the Council one time and got results.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated the last time he was before the Council he brought up two items - a line-of-site problem at Westerly Drive and manhole covers. He noted he did not receive a response concerning these items. He stated because the minutes are posted on the internet, he received telephone calls from a few citizens who agreed about the manhole problems. He noted he has discussed this problem with Mr. Kazmarski and he has started looking at some of the manhole covers. As concerns the line-of-site, the Police Department has done a line-of-site survey and found the intersection at Westerly Drive to be extremely dangerous.
Mr. Woods questioned whether Enfield can postpone their revaluation in light of upcoming referendums. He went on to note there are a couple bid waiver items on tonight's agenda. He stated he dislikes bid waivers because he likes to see people compete for the jobs. He recommended not granting bid waivers.
Mr. Woods stated he would feel a lot more comfortable designating the Inlands/Wetlands Commission as the Aquifer Protection Agency rather than Planning & Zoning. He stated his belief the Council should give that serious consideration.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Questioned if there will be a new traffic count over the Powder Hollow bridge. He stated his belief a two-lane bridge is probably appropriate, especially in light of the possibility the Town wouldn't get State aid with a single-lane bridge.
Mr. Sheridan stated his belief the Town needs to go slowly with referendums. He stated his belief nothing should get done until they get the schools to stop net budgeting.
He concluded stating some taxpayers are getting the feeling they're being ignored because they attend all the meetings.
Mrs. Collins, Hazardville section
Thanked Councilman Kaupin for his help in getting her groundcover replaced.
Mrs. Collins stated she hears a lot of fireworks going off in Powder Hollow at night. She questioned whether that's legal.
As concerns the deteriorating bleachers at the schools, Mrs. Collins stated her belief someone should be responsible for letting them get in this condition.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini noted two Town employees received awards. She stated Jean Blaser from the Town Clerks' Office received the Armor Chapter Member of the Year Award for the Hartford/Springfield Chapter. She noted evidently this award isn't given every year and Jean was chosen from a number of nominees. She went on to note Geoff McAlmond, Deputy Director of Public Works, was appointed as Chairman of the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Association (CIRMA) Claims Advisory Committee. She noted this Committee meets four times per year and confers in the interim with large settlement recommendations regarding workers' compensation claims. She commended both of these employees for their great work.
Councilman Mangini urged all residents to drive with caution since more children will be on the streets during the summer season.
MOTION #7258 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to suspend the rules to move the following items to Miscellaneous this evening: Items 13 b., c., d., e., f., g., and h.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7258 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Fiore thanked the Town Manager for informing the Town Council that Councilman Mangini has been appointed to the National League of Cities as Co-Vice Chair of the Finance Administration Intergovernmental Relations Committee (FAIR). He congratulated Councilman Mangini on this appointment.
Councilman Fiore thanked Mr. Vindigni for having staff trim weeds at the Shaker Soccer Complex entrance.
As concerns the Board of Education and net budgeting, Councilman Fiore pointed out this year the Town took a couple steps to eliminate some of the net budgeting. He noted there might still be some small net budgeting items still being done in a fund that the Town allowed the Board of Education to control. He noted this means the Board can charge for certain activities and that money is allowed to go into that revolving fund, and they might be doing net budgeting with that fund.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief the Council wasn't aware of the condition of the bleachers as depicted in photographs distributed this evening. He pointed out two years ago the replacement of bleachers was included as part of a referendum, but that referendum was defeated. He noted the condition of Fermi and Enfield High's bleachers were never brought to the attention of anyone on the Council. He pointed out every year, the Council receives the top priorities from the Board of Education as concerns their capital improvement items, however, bleachers were never detailed out to the Town Council. He stated his belief if bleachers were identified as a need, they would have prioritized that in last year or this year's budget. He pointed out the replacement for both sets of bleachers exceeds $500,000. He noted perhaps some repairs can be done, and maybe the Town Manager or Public Works Director could ask the Board of Education about this and why maintenance hasn't been done.
Councilman Tait congratulated Councilman Mangini on her appointment to FAIR. He referred to the bleachers and stated with the graduation ceremonies coming up, some emergency repairs or preparation should be made for the safety of the public. He noted it might be necessary to just close the bleachers for the safety of people.
Councilman Edgar stated bleachers were addressed in the McBroom report. He raised the question of whether this is an emergency situation, and if it is, it's incumbent on the Council to take some kind of action. He suggested the Director of School Facilities provide some kind of report regarding the condition of the bleachers.
Councilman Crowley thanked the Director of Public Works for his quick attention regarding the manhole covers. He added the Police also acted in a timely manner regarding the Westerly Drive line-of-sight problem. He expressed appreciation for the trash issue being addressed as concerns litter on the way to the landfill.
Councilman Crowley agreed the Council has to look into the bleacher issue, but they have to look to the Director of School Facilities and the Town Manger to address the issue of possibly closing the bleachers for safety reasons before graduation ceremonies take place.
Councilman Kaupin requested an update on the site line at Westerly Drive. He noted DOT would probably have to be involved, and noted this may involve the taking of property or the re-landscaping of property.
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like an update on the bridge traffic count.
Councilman Kaupin stated Mrs. Collins raised a good question regarding fireworks. He noted it now appears legal to sell fireworks in the State of Connecticut. He requested the Police Chief provide a memo explaining what's legal, i.e., is it legal to sell fireworks, and is it legal to set off those fireworks.
Chairman Tallarita questioned the permitting process necessary in order for an operation to set up and sell fireworks in Enfield.
Chairman Tallarita requested an update on the trash issue on the way to the landfill. He recalled there was discussion about having some type of letter included with the landfill permits to outline the laws regarding securing loads. He noted there was also a question as to whether the Town had any enforcement abilities at the landfill.
As concerns bleachers, Chairman Tallarita stated his belief this is the responsibility of the Board of Education. He noted bleachers were not raised as an issue to the severity of what has been communicated this evening. He stated a structural analysis needs to be done. He added corrective and appropriate action has to be taken to be sure the public is safe when utilizing these bleachers.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated with respect to the bleachers, he did have an e-mail communication with the Superintendent this morning, and it's the School Department's position that these bleachers are inspected and are inspected somewhat regularly, and they believe they are not dangerous. He agreed this is a School Board responsibility.
Mr. Shanley referred to the statement made earlier about heliports. He stated the item approved for Mass Mutual was not the heliport, but rather the ability to have a heliport, but they would have to apply for it and get a permit for it, whereas, what is happening with the farmer is an actual application for a heliport.
Mr. Shanley referred to the secured loads and noted they have communicated with the Department of Public Works regarding the opportunities they might be able to have to do some education at the landfill and perhaps some enforcement. He stated they have taken that under advisement and they're looking at it. He noted they have had crews cleaning this area in the past.
He stated he will provide updates on the other items, i.e., Westerly line-of-site issue.
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 final meeting of the Fourth of July Town Celebration Committee is coming up, and everything is coming along very nicely. She stated they are still looking for volunteers. She noted they're looking forward to a fun-filled weekend as a result of the hard work of the committee.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items c., d., e., f., g. h., and i. remained tabled.
MOTION #7258 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item j. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7258 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #7259 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Fiore to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7259 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7260 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Designation of the Planning & Zoning Commission as the
Town's Aquifer Protection Agency
Councilman Fiore thanked staff for putting this together. He referred to one of the resident's comments about being uneasy about this being assigned to Planning & Zoning, and noted there really was only two choices-either P&Z or Inlands/Wetlands. He stated the majority of towns were heading towards giving this to P&Z. He noted P&Z is a fine commission and will do a fine job, and whether this duty remains with them in the future is not known. He stated this at least gets things moving forward and gives staff some idea where to head.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7260 adopted 11-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Appointments to the Area 25 Cable Television Advisory Committee remained on the agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #7261 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the Town Manager's recommendation to reappoint Gretchen E. Pfeifer-Hall (R) to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency for a term which expires 06/30/08.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOITON #7261 adopted 11-0-0.
Various Transfers
Mr. Shanley pointed out all transfers are inter-departmental with the exception of #9. He noted #9 is a Contingency account transfer.
Chairman Tallarita explained most of the following resolutions are basically end-of-year bookkeeping items which the Council will take action on just to clean up accounts.
RESOLUTION #7262 by Councilman Edgar, 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: Finance - Tax Department
Acct. #1820-0130 Salaries-Temp/Seasonal $500.00
FROM: Finance - Tax Department
Acct. #1820-332 Legal $500.00
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $500.00 is available from Account #1820-332 as of May 24, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7262 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7263 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 : 1600-339 Town Clerk $695
Other Professional Services
FROM: 1600-550 Town Clerk $695
Printing & Reproduction
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $695 is available from Account #1600-550 as of 15-Jun-2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7263 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7264 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Peruta.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : Town Manager
Acct. #1200-110 Salaries $1,640.00
FROM: Town Manager
Acct. #1200-339
Other Professional Serv. $1,640.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $1,640.00 is available from Account #1200-339 as of June 14, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7264 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7265 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-Administration Division $3,700.00
Acct. #3100-110 Salaries-Full Time
FROM: DPW-Administration Division
Acct. #3100-130 Salaries, Temp/Seasonal $1,800.00
#3100-140 Overtime 600.00
#3100-551 Copying & Reproduction 1,300.00
$3,700.00
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $3,700.00 is available from Account #3100-130, 140, 551 as of June 11, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7265 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7266 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 : Social Services-Child Day Care $7,000.00
Acct. #4320-330 Professional Services
FROM: Social Services-Child Day Care
Acct. #4320-110 Part-Time Salaries $7,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $7,000.00 is available from Account #4320-110 as of May 24, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Fiore questioned if the above transfer and the following transfer are linked together, and Mr. Shanley responded no. He explained one is using contractual work instead of part-time, and the other is new revenue which increases the line item.
Councilman Edgar questioned whether these two transfers should be reversed. Mr. Shanley responded no, because it is a coincidence that it's the same number.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7266 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7267 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 : 4320-06014-330
Professional Services $7,000.00
FROM: 220-01-4320-06014-000-00
Revenues $7,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $7,000 is available from Account #220-01-40-4320-06014-000-00 Revenues as of 6/16/2004.
Councilman Fiore stated his understanding this is an adjustment to the budget that they just passed that's going to take effect on July 1st. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
MOTION #7268 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7268 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7269 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : DPW - Highway Maintenance Division
Acct. #3700-151 Shift Differential $9,091.32
Acct. #3700-130 Salaries Temp/Seasonal 100.00
$9,191.32
FROM: DPW-Highway Maintenance Div.
Acct. #3700-140 Overtime $3,091.32
Acct. #3700-339 Other Professional
Services $6,100.00
$9,191.32
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $9,191.32 is available from Account #3700-140&339 as of 6/10/04.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7269 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7270 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-Bldg. & Grounds Maint. Div.
Acct. #3400-130 Salaries-Temp/Seasonal $ 1,000.00
Acct. #3400-140 Overtime $22,000.00
_________
$23,000.00
FROM: DPW-Bldg. & Grounds Maint. Div.
Acct. #3400-110 Salaries-Full Time $ 5,000.00
Acct. #3400-622 Electricity $18,000.00
_________
$23,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $23,000.00 is available from Account #3400-110 & 622 as of 6/11/04.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7270 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7271 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 : DPW-Equip. Maint. & Repair Div.
Acct. #3800-439 Other Repairs & Maint. $25,000.00
FROM : Acct. #8030-840 Contingency $25,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $25,000.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of April 21, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Mr. Shanley explained this is the only transfer that is not within its own department. He noted they had more damage to vehicles than usual, therefore, they have to increase both the revenue side and the expense side. He pointed out there's no net cost to this because the $25,000 gets replaced by insurance money.
Councilman Mangini referred to the last paragraph of the explanation memo attached to this resolution and questioned if this means there are transactions forthcoming. Mr. Shanley stated there are forthcoming revenues that they haven't received as yet from the insurance companies.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7271 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7272 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: Collector of Revenue
Acct. #1820-550 Printing & Reproduction $4,100.00
FROM: Collector of Revenue
Acct. #1820-340 Technical Services $4,100.00
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $4,100.00 is available from Account #1820-340 as of June 17, 2004.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7272 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION RE: REVALUATION LAW CHANGES
Present for this discussion were Assessor, Joyce Jacius and Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons.
Mr. Shanley explained this item is before the Council as a result of law changes at the State level which had required a statistical revaluation in 2005, which allows the Town to push that off to 2006.
Ms. Jacius stated this new law provides the opportunity to postpone the revaluation from October 1, 2005 to October 1, 2006. She noted the last revaluation was 2001. Under the new law they are supposed to do a revaluation every five years with a full revaluation every ten years.
Ms. Jacius stated they are at a time when residential properties are hopefully at their peak because interest rates are at the lowest that they'll most probably be unless there's something unforeseen. She noted commercial properties are extremely low, therefore, there might be a disparity within a year after the revaluation if it were done immediately. She stated her hope things will level off over the next couple years, therefore, waiting until 2006 seems to be the right answer.
Mr. Simmons stated if the Council decides they would like to do this, they will immediately get an RFP going to get a firm locked into a contract with Enfield because other towns will be doing this and firms will be getting busy during this time.
Councilman Fiore questioned if the Town would proceed with this, would the revaluation be done or have to be completed by October 1, 2005. Ms. Jacius stated it would be based on October 1, 2005 values and it would have to be completed by the time she would sign her list which would be January or February, 2006.
Councilman Fiore stated his impression it might be advantageous to push this revaluation off a year because those municipalities that have completed revaluations this year are anticipating an increase in residential properties and a decrease in commercial properties, and they're concerned about the balance. Ms. Jacius stated her belief there is a concern that there would be a dramatic shift and a big imposition on the residential properties right now.
Councilman Fiore stated if they were to push this up a year, is the thought that perhaps that increase might not be as severe. Ms. Jacius stated they are hoping that things would level off and be more realistic if they wait the extra amount of time.
Mr. Shanley stated a full revaluation was done last time and by statute they only have to do a statistical revaluation this time. He explained the reason for having regular and more frequent revaluations is to be equitable. He noted over the course of ten years people's properties value differently and increase or decrease differently, therefore, some people are very under taxed in the last four or five years relative to other people who are paying much more than they should be.
Councilman Tait questioned will this have any adverse impact by postponing a year, and Mr. Simmons responded no and explained the way they calculate the tax revenue is based on the total value of all property in Enfield.
Councilman Tait stated his belief the real problem here is property tax. He stated his belief he heard some comments from some legislators this year that meaningful property tax reform was going to try to happen in the next couple legislation sessions. He noted he would like to give that an opportunity and if it won't be detrimental to the Town, he would like to push this revaluation off a year.
Councilman Kaupin questioned how the process works to arrive at the grand list under a statistical revaluation. Ms. Jacius stated if the revaluation was October 1, 2006, they first look back 12 months under the most recent procedures, and if they have enough sales during those last 12 months, then they would utilize those sales. She noted she plans on looking at the neighborhoods and the different styles of homes and many different facets so that it would be fair and equitable. She noted this would be very similar to a full revaluation except they won't be physically looking at each house. She stated their data is quite good.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if they delay the revaluation to 2006, are they looking at an inflation in price to have a company do this revaluation because everyone is delaying by a year. Ms. Jacius responded revaluation firms probably will inflate the price in the year 2006 because there will be more municipalities postponing a year. She stated her belief they can get around that increase in price by good planning for this revaluation so that we won't suffer from that inflationary price.
Councilman Kaupin stated according to the last legislative session, it seemed more municipalities were looking to delay revaluation as a way to save money from their current budget cycle because it's an expensive proposition to go under. He added there's also the reasoning that Councilman Tait gave of hoping for legislation to come into effect with the legislature. He questioned if that was a correct perception that most people werelooking to push off revaluation as a budgetary saving measure. Ms. Jacius stated the whole revaluation is very expensive and municipalities are having difficulty at this time to come up with funding for these things. She noted there are some unusual circumstances right now with residential property values going through the roof and she feels that is going to cause a lot of pain if it's done right now because residential properties are at their peak and the commercial properties are in a trough. She stated her hope things will level off over the next year or two.
Councilman Egan questioned that if by pushing the revaluation off by one year, would the gap between that and a full revaluation be only four years as opposed to five years. Ms. Jacius responded no, it would be five years. She explained the last revaluation was 2001 and they're required to do a full revaluation ten years later (2011) and under the new laws it's going to be every five years interim, then full. She stated they fit right in by going to 2006.
Councilman Crowley questioned how this would effect the assessment concerning improvements people make relative to the last revaluation that was done. Ms. Jacius stated if someone were to improve a property this year, they would tax that improvement on the value that improvement would have been in 2001.
Councilman Crowley questioned if pushing the revaluation off would be advantageous as concerns commercial properties, and Ms. Jacius stated this would help the Town as a whole.
It was agreed the Town Council would think about this and it will appear on the next agenda.
MOTION #7273 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7273 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN PROGRAMS
Peter Bryanton, Director of Community Development and Raymond Warren, Director of Economic Development were present for this discussion.
Mr. Bryanton stated at a previous meeting he was asked to review the Loan Review Committee and several loan programs. He noted he did this over the past few months and the Council has within their packets a revision of the Loan Review Committee and the loan programs. He explained he reviewed Resolution #8395 adopted in 1989 which lays out the responsibilities of the Loan Review Committee. He noted he assessed the current loan review process from both the staff and committee standpoint and found a few deficiencies in both. He stated the packet includes the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, the Commercial Rehab Loan Program, and a new First Time Home Buyer Loan Program.
Mr. Bryanton stated they set up the changes so that the Office of Community Development staff determines the applicant's eligibility to get the loans and they set it up so that the Loan Review Committee would be reviewing OCD staff work to insure compliance with all applicable laws. He stated he prepared this evening's resolution with these changes. He noted also included is a checklist requested by Councilman Reveruzzi which shows the information staff requires to get ready for the Loan Review Committee. He stated they found staff had not been preparing a full packet before going to the Loan Review Committee and this caused delays. He stated his belief they found those areas that needed to be changed.
Councilman Reveruzzi commended Mr. Bryanton for doing an excellent job in putting together this resolution. He noted this gives them the opportunity to put programs in place that they had in the past, but they really didn't have a way of disbursing the funds in an efficient manner. As concerns the set up of the Committee, he recommends two Council members to give a fairer representation of the Town Council so that both the minority and majority party have a member on the Loan Review Committee. He added his belief the terms should be staggered.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the staggered terms and suggested it probably should be a December end date. He went on to state he likes the proposal. He questioned whether the Loan Review Committee has seen this document and provided feedback. Mr. Bryanton responded yes, draft #1 was provided to the Committee and that draft related to the changes to the loan programs and the structure of the Loan Review Committee. He noted there were some changes made since then. He pointed out Councilman Mangini is on that Committee and saw the draft. He stated the Loan Review Committee was willing to take on the extra work and they seemed excited about the new direction.
Councilman Mangini stated Mr. Bryanton did a fantastic job putting this all together. She noted there have been positive changes since Mr. Bryanton has come on board. She agreed with Councilman Reveruzzi regarding voting membership, especially the two voting members of the Council. She noted she did look closely at the 1983 charge of this committee and it does bring things up-to-date. She agreed with Councilman Reveruzzi's suggestions about streamlining the Committee.
Councilman Egan agreed with the suggested changes.
Councilman Edgar also agreed with the suggested changes and questioned how many Loan Review Committee members reviewed the draft since there are members who haven't attended meetings for years. Mr. Bryanton stated for the four months he has been here the attendance has been pretty good and they typically have five or six members present at a Loan Review Committee meeting. He added last Thursday he mailed this current draft to the Loan Review Committee members and they will discuss it at their meeting in the beginning of July.
Chairman Tallarita stated his understanding the terms would run as follows: three members would have terms expiring in December, 2006 and these would be two-year terms and the other two members would have terms expiring in December, 2007. He noted when they pass this resolution, it dismisses the old charge and they would have to reappoint the entire Committee.
Chairman Tallarita expressed his appreciation to Mr. Bryanton and Mr. Warren for their work on this. He noted the Council can act on this on the next agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #7273 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7273 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7274 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Homeland Security/CRCOG Participation
Mr. Shanley stated CCM worked hard to have the State provide some options for municipalities, rather than straight State administration, and that was successful. He noted the actual paperwork and details were very late coming from the Department of Homeland Security at the State level. He noted the choices are that the Council can choose state, local or regional administration. He stated in the CRCOG area, 39 out of 41 municipalities chose the regional administration because they already work together for Homeland Security issues at this time.
Chairman Tallarita agreed the right thing to do is to regionalize this under CRCOG because they have the expertise and it provides for a cohesive approach.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7274 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7275 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the State Department of Education for a Youth Services Bureau 7-1-2004 to 6-30-2005 and to affix the Corporate seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7275 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7276 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield enter into a contract with the Connecticut State Board of Education to participate in a Program of Child Nutrition and that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, be authorized to sign such contract and claims for reimbursement for the Town of Enfield.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7276 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7277 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
WHEREAS, George Campbell committee many years of dedicated service in the 1950's to the community of Enfield, particularly as a baseball manager for Hazardville athletics;
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Enfield Town Council to formally recognize the past efforts of George Campbell in support of this community's recreational activities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby recognize the efforts of George Campbell by formally dedicating one of the two ball fields in the Powder Hollow Park; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does authorize the installation of a plaque at the Powder Hollow park ball field in honor of George Campbell's contribution to Enfield.
Councilman Kaupin stated the intent back in the 1950's was to dedicate the large ball field.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to change the third paragraph as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby recognize the efforts of George Campbell by formally dedicating the major league field in the Powder Hollow Park; and
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 11-0-0.
Chairman Tallarita suggested anyone knowing someone from the family of George Campbell to notify the Town Manager's Office.
Chairman Tallarita thanked Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki, for her help in researching this. Ms. Olechnicki gave credit to the research done by the library.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7277 adopted 11-0-0, as amended.
RESOLUTION #7278 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield has reviewed the request to waive the bid process as the vendor supports a proprietary system of the schools;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby waives the bid process for Tone Clear Sonics to provide services in support of Elementary School Bond Project Packages #1 and #2 for a cost not to exceed $19,000.
Mr. Shanley explained this is not for the system itself, but rather it's about the interface between the new equipment and the old equipment that existed in the older part of the schools. He noted this covers all of the schools in Bid Packages #1 and #2. He noted into the process it was discovered that the capacity within the head-end in the old part of the school was not adequate in order to accommodate all the new equipment purchased through the contract, therefore, there was some additional work that needed to be done.
He stated Bid Package #3 was amended, therefore, they didn't have this issue with Bid Package #3. He noted this is work that was done with respect to capacity of the old system to accommodate all the new things that were paid for through the contract. He stated for various administrative and contractual reasons this was not billed through the contractor - it's a proprietary system and there was only one person who would do the work because it was already existing.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7278 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against.
RESOLUTION #7279 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby waives the bid process to obtain consistent scheduling consultation for the Enfield High Project by continuing its relationship with Mr. Jedrziewski, Scheduling Consultant.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7279 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against.
RESOLUTION #7280 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby approve the four (4) year collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Enfield and the Connecticut State Employee's Union Local 760 Professional and Technical Unit dated July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2008.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7280 adopted 11-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no comments.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7281 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7281 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
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