ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008
The Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Kaupin in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Tuesday, February 19, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 8:16 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Kiner.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Bosco, Crowley, Dumont, Edgar, Jones, Kaupin, Kiner, Mangini, Nelson and Ragno. Councilman Lee was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Matthew Coppler; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Libraries, Henry Dutcher; Director of Finance, Lynn Nenni
Chairman Kaupin made the fire evacuation announcement.
MOTION #9675 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the February 4, 2008 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9675 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Jones abstaining.
MOTION #9676 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Ragno to accept the minutes of the February 4, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9676 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilman Jones and Nelson abstaining.
Tom Walsh, 6 Rosanne Street
Stated he often drives on Simon Road and he questioned who is responsible if the road starts breaking up in the area where gas line work has been done. He went on to note the water company did some work near Peggy Lane, and there is now a sink hole where that work was done. He questioned who’s responsible.
Reg Leonard, 42 Fairfield Road
Commended the Town for televising Council meetings. He noted he watches these meetings very closely.
As concerns the delinquent tax list, Mr. Leonard stated his belief someone hasn’t been doing their job. He noted there has to be a better way to collect back taxes.
Mr. Leonard noted he was concerned that the Town did not have a handbook of policy and procedures for employees, however, he now sees that the Town is working on this.
He then read a letter from his daughter, Karen Camidge, regarding her mailbox being inadvertently destroyed by a Town snowplow. She was assured her mailbox would be repaired and it was, however, not to her satisfaction. She noted her mailbox was expensive.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Referring to the Code of Ethics, Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief this pamphlet doesn’t say much about what’s expected of Town of Enfield employees. She added it appears there aren’t any penalties for anything. She stated her belief there should be more teeth in this document. She went on to question what is the ruling on a person holding two different positions in the Town of Enfield. She noted this is happening on the Board of Education and the Inland/Wetlands Commission.
Ms. Jedziniak stated during the campaign, she recalls hearing both sides would work in harmony. She went on to state her belief there should be an audit of the school system. She recalled the Town Council provided extra money for textbooks. She questioned what happened to that money.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Thanked the Public Works Department for doing a great job with the ice and snow.
Mrs. Collins stated she did not like the calendar recently put out by the Town. She noted she would like to see the senior center and Meals on Wheels mentioned in next year’s calendar.
Referring to Ms. Camidge’s mailbox being destroyed, Councilman Ragno stated the Town needs to take pride in the services delivered to residents.
Councilman Ragno stated potholes have made some roads hazardous, in particular Route 190 near the Johnson Memorial medical facility.
Referring to the area near Monroe and Coolidge Streets, Councilman Ragno stated his belief guardrails would look more attractive than the poles in that area.
Councilman Ragno referred to a hazardous traffic stop going west on Elm Street where Route 91 exits onto Elm Street. He explained this creates a tight turn, particularly for trucks.
Councilman Ragno stated he would like to see the Town of Enfield a little more vigilant about illegal signage around town.
Councilman Ragno stated he would like to see the tractor trailer training school use side roads during high traffic periods.
Councilman Mangini requested Town staff prepare a letter for the Mayor’s signature which would express this Council’s support to the town in Missouri that recently suffered a tragedy.
Councilman Mangini noted she and Councilman Ragno serve on the re-farming committee. She noted they’re looking at $75,000 from the federal government. She stated she would like to learn how much they will need and have that information available for the next Council meeting.
Councilman Mangini expressed appreciation to Mrs. Collins and the Meals on Wheels program, which provides meals for home-bound people.
Councilman Bosco thanked Public Works for fixing the holes in the area of Post Office Road and the four corners. He strongly advised marking those areas so the Town can return and fix them in the spring.
Councilman Bosco stated the Town should have informed Mrs. Camidge that the mailbox repair was a temporary fix.
Councilman Nelson questioned whether the mailbox repair was a temporary fix.
Councilman Nelson requested staff look into the sinkhole near Peggy Lane.
Councilman Nelson noted he’s a resident on Laughlin Road, and he believes something should be done about the condition of that road.
Councilman Nelson stated 99% of Town employees do a good job. He noted the Town is working on an employee manual.
Councilman Nelson agreed with Councilman Ragno concerning the tractor trailer training school trucks obstructing traffic during rush hours. He requested this be looked into.
Councilman Nelson referred to the gas line work on Simon Road and stated his belief they need to review the bond release practice as concerns utilities cutting into Town roads.
Councilman Nelson stated his belief graduation exercises should take place at Fermi High School.
Councilman Crowley stated his understanding the Town did approach the tractor trailer training school a couple years ago, but it appears there’s not much the Town can do.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether the trash collectors can make note of potholes as they make their rounds.
Councilman Crowley wished to recognize the Enfield Ramblers Cheerleading squad for coming in third in a competition in Orlando, Florida.
Councilman Crowley stated his impression students would rather graduate at their own school than off site.
Councilman Crowley questioned why school pools aren’t being utilized. He stated his belief they need to get swim programs going again.
Councilman Crowley stated Planning & Zoning revisited the road cut issue a few years ago. He requested an update on this.
Councilman Edgar reminded everyone that the October, 2005 flood happened two years and four months ago, and work still hasn’t been completed in the Yale Drive/Meadowlark area. He stated he would like a definite answer as to when Phase III will be done. He noted he does not know how to respond to people who contact him regarding this issue.
Councilman Edgar requested an answer concerning the sewer back-up on Burns Avenue. He pointed out this is a health hazard.
Chairman Kaupin questioned whether Councilman Edgar would like a Meadowlark update, and Councilman Edgar responded yes.
Chairman Kaupin stated there will be a Special Meeting in the Council Chambers tomorrow night regarding erosion and drainage work in the Town of Enfield.
Chairman Kaupin stated there will be a District #1 meeting on February 25th in the JFK Cafeteria. He noted this meeting is open to all residents and it will be a free exchange.
He suggested doing something to recognize the Enfield Ramblers Cheerleaders at the next meeting.
Chairman Kaupin noted he received a nice thank you letter from a Green Manor resident who was appreciative of the Town picking up and disposing of storm debris.
Chairman Kaupin stated Kristin Fitzsimons was recognized as one of the top youth volunteers. He suggested the Council recognize Kristin and invite her to an upcoming meeting.
Chairman Kaupin stated he received a request from the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and they are in the process of studying future fiscal challenges and are developing ideas on how to deal with those challenges both present and future. He suggested the Council forward any specific items under fixed costs that are really detrimental to municipalities.
Chairman Kaupin stated he received a letter that was addressed to Senator Kissel from Joan McDonald, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. He noted Ms. McDonald would like to come to Enfield for a joint meeting to talk about economic and community development and ways to address the job loss in this region. He stated his hope the Town Manager will coordinate a meeting with the Commissioner.
Councilman Nelson referred to stained ceiling tiles in the Council Chambers and questioned whether there’s a leakage problem in Town Hall.
As concerns work in the Meadowlark/Yale Drive area, Mr. Coppler stated staff applied for permits to complete that work. The application was submitted in April, 2007, and the Town was told in December that they may be getting around to approving that. Mr. Hawkes added they needed a delineation map and that was provided.
Referring to the Burns Avenue issue, Mr. Coppler stated that will be a $320,000 fix.
As concerns pothole work, Mr. Coppler stated at this time they’re putting down cold patch. He noted in the spring they will properly fix those holes.
Mr. Coppler referred to road cuts made by utility companies and noted they need to see if they can get the utility companies to partner with the Town.
Mr. Coppler stated the school pools are being used. He noted there is a swim program after school, and he believes some physical education classes are using the pool. He noted part of the reason the pools aren’t used more has to do with the cost of utilities and getting lifeguards. He added there also has to be a commitment to a learn-to-swim program.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether public swimming is available, and Mr. Coppler responded no.
Mr. Coppler referred to guardrail placement on Steele Road and noted Public Safety agreed this is a good idea and is something planned in the future.
Mr. Coppler referred to work on Westford Avenue and noted that is planned for the spring.
Mr. Coppler invited Henry Dutcher and Lisa Sprague to come forward to discuss Channel 16.
Mr. Dutcher stated Cox Communications is having a transmission problem which is effecting the broadcast quality of the meetings. He noted Cox is putting in a considerable amount of time to correct this problem,
Ms. Sprague stated they are working on getting more slides and different music for Channel 16. She noted they’re also working on the program schedule so that everyone knows when meetings will be broadcast.
Councilman Crowley stated he has heard comments about things improving over the past week.
Mr. Coppler invited Lynn Nenni to come forward to discuss bond debt.
Ms. Nenni highlighted the debt payment schedule. She noted the existing debt for the town is $26,985,000. She referred to a schedule which shows the roads bonding that need to be done before the fiscal year is out.
Councilman Mangini questioned the current bond rating, and Ms. Nenni responded Double A. Mr. Coppler pointed out this is as good as it gets for a community this size.
Councilman Mangini questioned how that will effect the town’s borrowing, and Ms. Nenni responded the better the bond rating, the lower the interest rate.
Chairman Kaupin stated his understanding 2008-09 is the Town’s peak payment year, and Ms. Nenni indicated that’s correct.
Councilman Mangini questioned what the elderly freeze represents, and Ms. Nenni stated that’s the reimbursement from the State for the elderly freeze tax credit.
Councilman Mangini questioned if this represents the circuit breaker, and Mr. Coppler stated he will check into this.
Discussion followed regarding the fund balance, and Ms. Nenni stated typically, the credit agencies like to see a fund balance in the range of 8% to 10% of the existing budget.
Mr. Coppler stated he distributed the EMS report to the Council. He noted they are working to get everyone properly trained on protocols.
Councilman Nelson thanked everyone for putting this together.
There was no report this evening.
Councilman Dumont stated the Leisure Committee met on February 11th. She noted also present were Councilmen Lee, Kiner and department heads from Recreation, the Senior Center and Library. She stated they discussed the possibility of a home field for the Enfield Softball Association. She added there should also be a dog park report forthcoming. She noted that group meets again in late March or early April.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items C., D., E., F., and G. remained tabled.
MOTION #9677 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Jones to remove Item H. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9677 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: DEP WATER SUPPLY CONSENT ORDER FOR A SECTION OF BROAD BROOK ROAD, SALERNO DRIVE AND REBECCA DRIVE
Mr. Coppler reviewed the following options:
Option #1 – Town Farm Road $685,000 – 8” line
$755,000 – 12” line
Option #2 – Broad Brook Road $653,000 – 8” line
$704,000 – 12” line
Option #3 – Kennedy Drive across Town
right-of-way to the back of
Rebecca Drive $351,000 – 8” line
$363,000 – 12” line
Mr. Coppler stated there’s much interest in going with the 12” line. He noted DEP indicated they’re only willing to pay for a regular water line, not fire rated lines. He stated they won’t know until the engineering is done as to whether the smaller or larger line is required. He noted if DEP doesn’t want to pay for the looping of the system, it makes sense to go with the larger line. He suggested they coordinate a meeting between the DPW oversight committee, Hazardville Water and DEP.
Councilman Ragno questioned whether the Town will be responsible for potable water. Mr. Coppler noted DEP stated that as part of the funding for this whole project, that money would be reimbursed to the Town.
Councilman Ragno stated he wants to be sure their legislators are involved in this process, and that they’re aware of the impact on the community. Mr. Coppler noted it could be made known in discussions with DEP that this should not be borne by the taxpayers.
Councilman Nelson stated his belief the water line should be run to accommodate development.
Councilman Nelson questioned whether there had been any discussions regarding fire hydrants, and Mr. Coppler indicated there were discussions about fire hydrants.
MOTION #9678 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Nelson to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9678 adopted 9-0-0, with Councilman Ragno absent at the vote.
Items I. through P. remained tabled.
RESOLUTION #9683 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
WHEREAS, the Thompsonville Little League uses the baseball field at Prudence Crandall School for 5-12 year old programs and the Thompsonville Little League wishes to name the baseball field “The Richard Askin Field” and place a medium sized plaque on the backstop of this baseball field to honor Mr. Askin; and
WHEREAS, the players, coaches and volunteers all knew or were students of Mr. Richard Askin, who passed away suddenly during the summer of 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Thompsonville Little League and the staff at Prudence Crandall School will pay for the cost of the plaque and any associated costs with its installation; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby names the baseball field at Prudence Crandall “The Richard Askin Field”.
Councilman Crowley voiced his support of this. He added if any extra finances are needed to get this done, he would like the Town to help out.
Councilman Nelson agreed.
Chairman Kaupin spoke highly of Mr. Askin.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9683 adopted 10-0-0.
Consent Agenda items will move to the next regular meeting agenda.
MOTION #9684 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Ragno to move Item D. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9684 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: REQUEST FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS SELECTING PROJECTS FOR SUBMISSION FOR FEDERAL FUNDING
Mr. Coppler stated he received a request for information regarding the Elm Street roadway and drainage reconstruction. He noted this involves 3,800 feet in the area of the
Enfield Police Department and the Enfield Senior Center. He noted this project is estimated at $1.2 million dollars. He stated another project has to do with the radio communications system upgrade, and the funding request associated with this project is in the amount of $75,000.
Councilman Mangini stated there will be a meeting tomorrow of the Committee that’s addressing this issue. She noted at the last Council meeting they discussed putting out an RFP for a consultant to research this project.
Councilman Ragno stated his belief the question they need to take to Washington should have to do with the strategy of how they will rectify this situation.
Mr. Coppler stated his belief the top priority is getting the study done.
MOTION #9685 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9685 adopted 10-0-0.
Item F. will appear on the next regular meeting agenda.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: ESTABLISH CRITERIA FOR RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE FREE TIPPER BARRELS
Mr. Coppler stated they put together a quick analysis for establishing the criteria for someone being able to receive a free tipper barrel between now and July.
DISCUSSION OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR TOWN/PRISON LIAISON COMMITTEE
Chairman Kaupin stated he received a call from Todd Sokolowski who is a member of the Committee. He noted he moved to Somers, however, owns property in Enfield. He stated the Town Attorney’s office determined membership requires residency.
Councilman Edgar stated in the past they had a business owner who was denied membership.
MOTION #9686 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Crowley to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9686 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9687 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Kiner.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 3700-0140 $75,000.00
FROM: 100-01-80-8030-000-840-00 $75,000.00
I hereby certify the amount of $75,000 is available from Account #100-01-80-8030-000-840-00 as of February 5, 2008.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9687 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9688 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, Congressman Courtney, Senator Dodd, and Senator Lieberman are accepting applications for projects from municipalities seeking funding through Federal Appropriations; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council is interested in submitting applications for projects to reduce the tax burden to fund these important projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager to submit the following projects to Congressman Courtney, Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman to obtain federal funding:
Project Project Cost Funding Request
Communications/Radio Upgrades $6,000,000 $ 75,000
Freshwater Brook Improvements $1,207,500 $ 966,000
Beemans Brook Flood Mitigation Project $1,200,000 $ 960,000
02/19/2008
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Bridge Lane Road Reconstruction $ 950,000 $ 760,000
Town FarmRoad/Abbe Road Sidewalks $ 450,000 $ 360,000
Glen Oak Drive Sidewalk $ 70,000 $ 56,000
Elm Street Roadway and Drainage $1,280,000 $1,000,000
Reconstruction
Referring to Bridge Lane, Councilman Edgar stated he doesn’t believe this is a drainage issue, but rather it relates to culvert work.
Councilman Nelson raised the possibility of including the Higgins building. Mr. Coppler noted they would need to have a lot of information available for that project.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dumont to remove Glen Oak Drive Sidewalk from the listing.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 8-2-0, with Councilman Crowley and Edgar voting against the amendment.
Councilman Mangini questioned if there’s a reason Weymouth Road reconstruction isn’t included, and Mr. Coppler indicated that work is completed.
AMENDMENT #2 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to include the Higgins School renovation.
Project Cost - $6,000,000 Funding Request - $4,000,000
Councilman Mangini questioned whether there’s a plan for the Higgins building. Mr. Coppler responded they could create one. Councilman Edgar pointed out there is an old plan on file.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #2 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Jones stated his belief the Elm Street project should be moved up in priority, specifically above the Bridge Lane project.
AMENDMENT #3 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Nelson to move the Elm Street project to Priority #5.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #3 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9688 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9689 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9690 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Ragno.
Small Cities Grant Program
copy appended
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9690 adopted 10-0-0.
As concerns the Fermi graduation being held off site, Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief it has to do with not wanting high heels on the field. She noted apparently it’s less expensive to have this event off site than having to repair the field after graduation use. As concerns having this event in a church and the concern over the separation of church and state, it’s her understanding the church removes religious items for this event.
No one wished to speak.
MOTION #9691 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Councilman Jones to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9691 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:47 p.m.
Appended to minutes of
February 19, 2008 Regular Town Council Meeting
RESOLUTION
OF THE TOWN OF ENFIELD
SMALL CITIES PROGRAM
RESOLUTION #________
WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development pursuant to Public Law 93-383, as amended; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Enfield make application to the State for $300,000.00 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL:
That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
That the filing of an application or applications by the Town of Enfield in the amount not to exceed $300,000.00 is hereby approved, and that the Town Manager is hereby authorized and directed to file such an application with the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Enfield.