ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008
Before the Regular Meeting was called to order, Chairman Kaupin presented the following proclamations:
A Proclamation designating May 10, 2008 as Letter Carriers Food Drive
A Proclamation designating May 4-10, 2008 as Arson Awareness Week
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 Monday, May 5, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Bosco.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Bosco, Crowley, Dumont, Edgar, Jones, Kaupin, Kiner, Lee and Mangini. Councilmen Nelson and Ragno were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Matthew Coppler; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Kevin Deneen; Director of Finance, Lynn Nenni; Director of Planning and Community Development, José Giner; Director of Public Works, Pia Hawkes; Town Engineer, Jeff Bord; Chief Technology Officer, Paul Russell.
Chairman Kaupin made the fire evacuation announcement.
MOTION #9819 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 10, 2008 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9819 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #9820 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to accept the minutes of the April 14, 2008 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9820 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilman Mangini abstaining.
MOTION #9821 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 16, 2008 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9821 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilman Jones abstaining.
MOTION #9822 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 17, 2008 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9822 adopted 6-0-3, with Councilmen Jones, Kiner and Mangini abstaining.
MOTION #9823 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Jones to accept the minutes of the April 21, 2008 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9823 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #9824 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Kiner to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 21, 2008.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9824 adopted 9-0-0.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Commended the Public Works Department for the work they did on Powder Hollow Road today.
Mr. Sheridan commended Chairman Kaupin on a good budget hearing.
Referring to the idea of a check-off box on tax bills, Mr. Sheridan stated his belief this is an excellent idea and should be looked into.
He questioned the status on the employee rules item.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Informed the Council there’s a huge bump on Fletcher Road where work was recently done. She stated her belief this should be addressed as soon as possible since it poses a traffic safety hazard.
Ms. Jedziniak voiced her support to include a check-off box on tax bills so that residents can choose to add extra support for education.
She questioned the status on the one-way street proposal for Scitico Street.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief the Water Pollution Control Plant is spending too much money for a consultant firm. She questioned whether the employees of that department are supposed to be trained to do these tasks.
She questioned the status of the Post Office Road intersection. She went on to voice her opposition to a million dollar bike path. She noted if it weren’t for that bike path, this project wouldn’t cost so much.
Ms. Jedziniak stated it’s not fair that one group of employees, i.e., teachers, receive an automatic pay raise every year. She noted with the economic condition of the State and Town of Enfield, raises should have been curtailed. She stated what is not being taken into account is the ability of taxpayers to pay these taxes and that people are losing their homes.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Agreed with the idea of including a check-off box on tax bills.
Mrs. Collins stated every time she reads a newspaper article about a dog park, they mention Powder Hollow and Brainard Park. She stated her impression this group was not going to use such parks because they were going to find their own land.
She compared the Police and School Departments noting the School Department has 6,000 students and receives a large amount of money. She pointed out the Police Department takes care of 45,000 citizens. She feels the Town should worry about the police budget before they worry about the School Board budget.
As concerns people leaving their money to Social Services, Mrs. Collins pointed out that department already gets $5 million dollars.
Joseph Saroce, Briarwood Drive
Stated his hope this Council was elected by the people for the people. He went on to state his belief the last teachers’ contract was rammed down the taxpayers’ throats, and he feels this was an abuse of power by a party. He noted while three members of the minority party spoke against the contract, they were denied their request to discuss the contract with the Board of Education. He stated this is not a democratic way of doing business, and he feels this represents a dictatorship of the party in power. He noted while he respects all members of the Council as decent people, he has lost respect for the Democratic Party for the ignorance they showed. He requested that if a person can’t or doesn’t want to represent the people that voted for that person, he or she resign their position because a large burden has been placed on the people of Enfield. He stated this confirms to him that a change to the Town Charter is necessary because it takes the politics out of the budget process. He noted the people in the minority party have no say in the budget process. He stated his belief there should also be two separate budgets – one for the Town and one for Education.
Mr. Saroce referred to the minutes of a recent meeting at the library concerning the education budget. He noted the Council was asked if they supported education. He questioned what numbers Councilman Edgar was looking at when he stated this was a fair and equitable deal. He noted Councilman Mangini agreed. He questioned how they could find this to be fair and equitable and to whom.
Stated many people use Fletcher Road as a route to the post office in Somers. She noted the Town should take a poll as to how many people from Enfield travel to Somers to use the post office. She feels the closing of the Hazardville post office did a great disservice to people living in that area. She noted hardly anyone wants to come down to use the big Enfield Post Office.
Councilman Dumont congratulated Enfield’s Library Director, Henry Dutcher, for receiving the Connecticut Library Association’s special achievement award for 2008. She noted this award was presented to Mr. Dutcher in recognition of his role in a fundraising effort on behalf of the Gulf Coast libraries that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Councilman Dumont agreed a check-off box on tax bills is a great idea to help support the school system.
Councilman Dumont stated the dog park proposal suggests a few possible sites, and the Council has discouraged the use of town parks. She noted they are still in the talking stages, and there are a couple other recommendations for sites.
Councilman Bosco questioned how utilities will affect the school budget. He then referred to the check-off box on tax bills. He believes this is a great idea and suggested this be an option on car tax bills as well since some people do not get property tax bills. He noted people always have the option of making donations to the schools.
Councilman Mangini spoke about the need to post a merge sign at the Elm Street underpass. She noted the Town needs to address this problem area with the State. She went on to suggest a green arrow on the traffic light at the Cranbrook/Freshwater intersection.
As concerns Mr. Saroce’s remarks about the teachers’ contract, Councilman Mangini stated the teachers are paid proportionately to the work that they do. She voiced her support of the teachers.
Councilman Crowley stated sand has been spilled all over the road on North Main Street and Lincoln Street. He requested this be addressed.
Councilman Edgar stated the teachers’ contract is fair and equitable. He noted they settled for a 2.5% increase, while the average for other employees is 2.8%. He pointed out teachers’ insurance was raised to 17.5%. He noted many of the teachers are on the top step. He stated costs were kept down with a change in insurance. He noted the only miscalculation may have been in retirement savings since they anticipated more than 15 retirements.
Councilman Edgar stated his basis for saying the teachers’ contract was fair and equitable had to do with neither side being happy. He noted when neither side is happy, he believes it’s a good contract.
Chairman Kaupin stated budget deliberations will begin Thursday, May 8th at Asnuntuck Community College in Room 128 at 6:00 p.m. He noted another deliberation will take place at the same place on Monday, May 12th. He stated they’re scheduled to vote on the budget on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m.
Chairman Kaupin stated the Chief of Police has asked him to invite the Council and the public to the annual Police Department Blue Mass. He noted the mass will be held on Thursday, May 15th beginning with a procession from the Police Department to Holy Family Church on Simon Road. He stated the procession begins at 6:45 p.m. He noted surrounding towns have been invited to attend. He explained this mass pays tribute to fallen officers.
Chairman Kaupin stated he spoke with a resident this afternoon concerning Public Works issues. He noted those topics included the following:
He requested Public Works look into this area.
Per Councilman Mangini’s inquiry, Chairman Kaupin requested an update on the traffic light at the intersection of Cranbrook and Freshwater Boulevards.
Chairman Kaupin stated the Memorial Day Parade will be on Sunday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. He noted the parade will begin at the Felician Sisters lawn to Town Hall.
Chairman Kaupin requested the Town Manager provide an update on the employee rules and Fletcher Road. He noted there will be discussion later on the agenda regarding Scitico Street and Post Office Road.
Chairman Kaupin stated Mrs. Collins made mention of “Leave a Legacy”. He noted it’s not necessarily that the money is left to Social Services or any department in town. He explained the purpose behind “Leave a Legacy” is to let people know they have the option to leave money in a will to any private, non-profit organization and charity of their choice.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9825 adopted 9-0-0.
Mr. Coppler stated the personnel rules manual was forwarded to him from Human Resources with some changes, and that will be reviewed.
As concerns the bump on Fletcher Road, Mr. Coppler stated Public Works is aware of that problem and they will be addressing that problem in the next couple months.
Mr. Coppler stated the Finance Department believes they can include a check box on the tax bill. He noted one of the issues is that all of those bills won’t reach all residents because many bills go to the banks. He pointed out there’s nothing to hinder people from giving money right now, and they don’t have to wait for a check box on a bill.
As concerns utilities, Mr. Coppler stated in April of 2006, the Town Council established the Energy Policy Committee, and this committee is comprised of a number of Town employees as well as representatives from the school district and fire department. He noted this group is looking at the ability to contract out the costs for the different utilities, as well as gas and oil. He stated in November, 2006, their first contract was for natural gas, and that price is locked in from November, 2006 to August, 2009. He noted if there is any variation in natural gas, it will be based on usage and not based upon price. He stated the second contract is for electric, and that was signed in 2007 and it runs until 2012, and those prices are locked in. He noted fuel oil expires later this year, as well as gas and fuel, therefore, those prices have yet to be established and will be in the upcoming months.
Councilman Bosco questioned if the Town will fill up before the contract expires, and Mr. Coppler responded yes, they’ll top off fuel oil before the contract expires.
Mr. Coppler referred to the Cranbrook/Freshwater intersection and noted this area is currently under study and they expect to sign the contract in six to eight months.
Attorney Deneen stated the Town has received over $45,000 in full payment of delinquent taxes. He noted around 20 other delinquent accounts have entered into a payment plan. He stated the remaining accounts have been turned over to the Town Attorney’s Office for collection actions.
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee is meeting more often and are working hard to put on a very dynamic Fourth of July Celebration.
There were no appointments.
Items C. through G. remained tabled.
MOTION #9826 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Jones to remove Item H. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9826 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #9827 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9827 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9828 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Bosco.
Acceptance of Salerno Drive and Rebecca Drive
copy appended
Attorney Deneen stated a question was raised at the last meeting about whether or not the Council had the authority to condition acceptance of these roads whereby the developer would reconstruct the roads after whatever work would need to be done pursuant to the consent order with DEP. He stated his belief the Town does not have the authority to do this. He noted zoning regulations say the performance bond would be released after the Director of Public Works signs off on the as-builts.
Councilman Mangini stated her understanding the Town could have more exposure if they do not accept the roads, and Attorney Deneen responded yes.
Councilman Bosco stated the developer met the conditions, no taxes are due on the property and the developer is not responsible for the contamination.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9828 adopted 8-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against the resolution.
MOTION #9829 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item I. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9829 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #9830 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9830 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9831 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Bosco.
Acceptance of Lake Drive Extension and Open Space for Woodbrook Estates
Attorney Deneen stated this was part of an older subdivision, and the open space was never formally accepted by the Town. He noted this came to light because this was listed on the back taxes list. He stated the Lake Drive open space has $174.81 in back taxes, and the Spruceland Road open space has $306.51 in back taxes. He noted if the Town accepts those parcels, those taxes will be wiped off the books.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9831 adopted 9-0-0.
There were no new business items.
Chairman Kaupin stated there was an item that was omitted from the agenda, and there was a discussion on this item at the last meeting. He explained this has to do with the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding. Chairman Kaupin noted this can be discussed during budget deliberations since there’s a small membership fee involved.
It was the consensus of the Council to move forward to support this effort.
MOTION #9832 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Lee to move to Miscellaneous from Items for Discussion Item 14 B3.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9832 adopted 9-0-0.
Chairman Kaupin requested the Town Manager inquire whether Enfield Revitalization Committee and Cultural Arts Commission members wish to be reappointed.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: RATES OF PAY FOR SUMMER, SEASONAL AND OTHER NON-UNION EMPLOYEES
Mr. Coppler stated he received information late today, however, it’s not yet in a form to be distributed to Council. He suggested this item appear on the next regular meeting agenda.
Mr. Coppler stated the Council has a letter in their packets from the Crescent Lake District. He explained in 2005, they undertook a project to work on one of the dam areas, and they expected reimbursement from DEP through a grant they received a number of years before. He stated that particular grant amounted to about $50,000 to do a study of the drainage and dredging of the lake. He noted there’s approximately $10,000 remaining from that study. He stated this work was necessary, and they apparently spoke with Town employees – the Inland/Wetland agent, and they believed that individual was going to be taking some steps to apply to DEP for this funding. He noted that did not happen, and they then sought reimbursement from DEP. DEP informed them they did not follow the proper procedure, therefore, there’s no way to get that reimbursement. He pointed out the Crescent Lake District paid $3,000 out of their tax funds for maintenance of the lake. He noted they are now seeking reimbursement because they believe a staff member did not do the things they believed he was going to do.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether the Town has a paper trail regarding this issue. Mr. Coppler stated there are some memos because they had to go to Inland/Wetlands to get approval for the work. He noted there does not seem to be any correspondence between Town staff and DEP. He stated in his discussion with that staff member, who is no longer with the Town, he felt this wasn’t his responsibility nor did he indicate he was going to take any steps to do this.
Councilman Jones questioned who was the original contact with DEP for the project, and Mr. Coppler responded it’s still the same individual.
Councilman Dumont questioned whether the Town has any recourse with DEP to try and get this money reimbursed. Mr. Coppler stated he has spoken with DEP a couple times, and they’re holding tight in that if there isn’t a submittal for approval in advance, they will not give approval later on.
Councilman Dumont questioned if there’s something the Town can do to alleviate the problem by doing some drainage work to pay back the Lake Association. Mr. Coppler stated there are some on-going talks between Public Works and the Lake Association regarding areas of mutual interest.
Councilman Jones questioned if they’ve talked to the Town’s legislators to see if they can put some pressure on DEP. Mr. Coppler stated he doesn’t believe they’ve spoken to Rep. Jarmoc. He added that could be done. Councilman Jones stated his belief they should contact the Town’s legislators because he’s concerned about setting a precedent by writing a check for this work since there are other private associations in Enfield.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Jones about setting a precedent. She also agreed the Town’s representatives should get involved.
Chairman Kaupin suggested the legislators get involved, and Mr. Coppler indicated he will contact the legislators.
Mr. Coppler stated a North Main Street pole was damaged in a car accident, and the individual responsible for that has a top limit of $10,000. He noted the replacement of this light amounts to $17,000. He stated he spoke with the Risk Manager concerning this, and it’s not likely they’ll get the additional $7,000 from this individual. He noted if the Council is favorable, a resolution can be prepared for the next meeting.
Councilman Lee questioned if the Town owns this pole, and Mr. Coppler responded yes and noted this is one of the decorative poles.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether the Town’s insurance covers that pole, and Mr. Coppler stated generally, that falls back onto the individual responsible for the damage.
Chairman Kaupin stated a resolution will be available for the next meeting.
Mr. Russell proposed going forward with a plan to replace the Enfield Public Schools network. He noted this would require getting involved in a five-year buy-out lease. He stated the budget impact to that would be an annual cost of $105,000 plus an additional maintenance line item for that equipment annually of $18,000 for a total increase of $123,000. He stated there would be a decrease in their current annual maintenance contract with the current vendor of $28,900. He stated also they wouldn’t replace an open position, which is a Data Base Analyst, at a savings of $72,906. He noted the additional line items they spend on older equipment amounts to approximately $23,500 for a total expense savings of $125,256 or a net annual expense savings of $2,008.
Mr. Russell stated the network currently in place is several years old and most of the equipment is seven to ten years old and some of the newer equipment is five to seven years old. He noted the current infrastructure does put the Town of Enfield and Enfield Public School System at a risk of failure due to the age of the equipment.
He stated the actual price of the equipment and implementation services amount to about $476,000 out of pocket. He noted he attempted to accomplish this as a budget neutral expense by bringing in some additional savings to offset the cost of the equipment, and he believes he shows they can certainly do that and also provide an additional $2,000 in savings due to not having to pull in some outside resource companies to provide services.
Councilman Mangini questioned if there is funding to go forward with this. Mr. Coppler noted this would be in the upcoming budget. He stated if this is approved, it will take place after July 1st and they would have to reconfigure the budget numbers to reflect this change. He noted they’d have to come back with a resolution allowing for the five-year lease. He stated this will have no impact on the current budget.
Councilman Mangini stated her belief this is fantastic.
Councilman Lee stated his belief this is an operational windfall. He noted this upgrade has always been at the top of the list of needs.
Mr. Russell stated this also gives them the ability to build a disaster recovery/business continuity plan that ties in with the municipality’s network and the police department.
Councilman Dumont stated this is a great proposal. She stated her understanding this is a five-year buy-out lease. She questioned if it’s also no interest, and Mr. Russell responded yes. Councilman Dumont questioned if the Town owns that equipment after five years, and Mr. Russell responded yes.
Councilman Jones questioned if the position not being filled is for one year, and Mr. Russell stated with the current five-year plan, they wouldn’t need to fill that position.
Councilman Jones stated in the long run, this could be more savings than $2,000, and Mr. Russell responded that’s correct, that would be an annual savings.
Councilman Crowley questioned the cost in the upcoming budget, and Mr. Russell stated the proposed IT budget would remain the same or $2,000 less for 2008-09 and it also allows them to replace the current network infrastructure during the summer so that in the fall semester it will be available when the teachers and students return. Mr. Coppler explained they have to move the monies into the proper line items, i.e., right now there’s $72,000 in wages and benefits that they would have to move to the appropriate line item.
Chairman Kaupin thanked Mr. Russell for this good, innovative idea. He noted Mr. Coppler will rework the budget numbers for the budget adoption.
Mr. Hawkes spoke about the intersection of Raffia/Post Office and Simon Roads. He noted this is part of the overall Town Farm/Post Office Road project. He gave a brief overview of the entire project.
As concerns the intersection, Mr. Hawkes stated they are proposing doing nothing at this intersection. He pointed out a property owner at this intersection has an approved plan to do an addition to his building. He noted the proposed project for this intersection requires 18,500 square feet of this property, and by doing so, it will make this owner’s property non-conforming. He pointed out $1 million dollars would be saved if they leave the intersection as is.
Councilman Bosco stated he knows this intersection well, and he recalls very few accidents at this intersection. He noted he’d rather see a sidewalk connected to the bike path. He stated his belief people will speed through the intersection to beat traffic lights, and he feels stop signs are safer.
Councilman Mangini agreed and stated her belief a four-way stop is safer.
Mr. Hawkes stated there is some money for sidewalks on Raffia Road, therefore, they could run a sidewalk to the bike path.
Councilman Lee stated the reason he supports the bike path is that it’s part of the Plan of Conservation and Development, and he assumes when this project was proposed, it would be connected from Broad Brook Road to the west. He requested something be prepared that shows the logic as to where this path was intended to go.
Mr. Coppler questioned what would be the new project limits on Post Office Road if this intersection isn’t reconstructed. Mr. Hawkes used an illustrative map to point out the areas in question.
Councilman Crowley stated he was sold on this bike path because he believed there was a connection to JFK Middle School. Mr. Coppler stated if the Town Council were to move forward with the elimination of the intersection improvement, they would then have to come up with that solution to connect the sidewalks to the bike path.
Councilman Crowley questioned who is saving the million dollars – the state or Town, and Mr. Coppler indicated the Town. He noted they could use that money to make that connection, but they can’t make that part of this particular project. He stated that doesn’t mean it can’t be done simultaneously.
It was the consensus of the Council to drop the intersection rework contingent upon the sidewalk and bike path connection in a determined location.
Chairman Kaupin stated the Public Safety Department suggested it might be very appropriate to name the EMS facility as follows: “American Legion John Maciolek Post #154 Emergency Medical Services”. He noted to follow the naming policy, a formal resolution will be presented at the next Council meeting. He stated any other suggestions for names can be raised as well. He noted when the Council approves the name, a sign will be made in time for Memorial Day so that it can be presented at the Memorial Day ceremony.
MOTION #9833 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman to approve the Consent Agenda.
Transfer $600 Conservation Commission Recording Secretary
Transfer $1,500 Town Council Food Budget
Transfer $2,000 Town Council Travel
copies of the resolutions appended
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9833 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #9834 by Councilman Mangini to reappoint Gerald Fitzsimons (D) to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee for a term which expires 4/30/2011.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Gerald Fitzsimons reappointed to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee by a 9-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #9835 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dumont.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Overtime: 3900-0140 $30,000.00
FROM: Contingency 100-01-80-8030-000-840-00 $30,000.00
I hereby certify the amount of $30,000.00 is available from the Contingency Accounts 100-01-80-8030-000-840-00 as of April 3, 2008.
/s/ Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Councilman Crowley questioned where this overtime came from. Mr. Coppler explained this is for two holidays, which is Good Friday and the upcoming Memorial Day, special events such as the Household Hazardous Waste, electronics recycling, clean sweep, oil and battery collection, tipper barrel deliveries and funding for staff at the transfer station.
Councilman Lee questioned the difference between this request and the one approved a few months ago. Mr. Coppler pointed out that was for the Highway Department, not the Solid Waste Department.
Chairman Kaupin stated there was discussion about moving to a four-day pick-up cycle. He noted the Council would like to see information about that before adopting the budget. Mr. Coppler responded something should be put together for Wednesday.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9835 adopted 8-0-0, with Councilman Crowley absent at the vote.
RESOLUTION #9836 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to execute the personal services agreement in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield, with the Department of Environmental Protection of the State of Connecticut for the Thompsonville Community Garden, UGCG 2007-02.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9836 adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Jones questioned who will be doing this work. Mr. Coppler stated the main intent is that the Town will probably turn over the land, and the individual plots will be taken care of by those resident who sign up to manage it.
Councilman Lee questioned whether this went through Planning & Zoning, and Mr. Coppler responded he will check into this.
RESOLUTION #9837 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
TO: 310-01-2008-6100-8822-0350-00 $35,185.00
Community Garden Grant
FROM: 310-13990 – State Grant Revenue $35,185.00
I hereby certify the amount of $35,185.00 is available from Account #310-13990 as of May 2, 2008. /s/ Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9837 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #9838 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Mangini to refer to Planning and Zoning an 8-24 review for the proposed access of a one-way access for Scitico Street.
Mr. Coppler stated the Council has within their packets a schematic of the one-way entrance into Scitico Street. He noted he received a letter, which is going to Planning & Zoning, from Scitico residents which supports this proposal. He added the Hazardville Fire Department is also supportive of this idea.
Councilman Lee explained this plan may be an access/egress delivery problem for the business at 552 Hazard Avenue. Mr. Coppler noted that business would be required to go through the Hazard Avenue entrance on the north side. Councilman Lee questioned whether this will provide sufficient radius for those trucks that come and go to that business. Mr. Coppler stated the only issue he heard expressed about this is that currently trucks are coming in the back way and that has a different turn radius, and this proposal would require them to maneuver within the parking area. He stated they should be able to turn in okay, but getting situated within the parking area was the only concern he heard from that particular business. He stated his understanding that business would still like a secondary access point on Scitico, but then they wouldn’t be achieving the desired effect the residents are seeking.
Councilman Lee questioned if the Hazard Avenue entrance to that business is the one and only entrance and egress, and Mr. Coppler responded yes. Councilman Lee stated his impression that looks to be completely unaccommodating. He stated his understanding there will be a public comment period before Planning and Zoning. Councilman Lee requested a better-defined schematic be provided showing the actual and proposed design.
Councilman Mangini questioned the purpose of this. Mr. Coppler stated residents were concerned about pass-through traffic whereby people are attempting to avoid the traffic light at Broad Brook and Hazard Avenue. He noted residents would like to see a reduction in traffic. Councilman Mangini stated she would like to see the cost for this proposal, and Mr. Coppler indicated he can provide that.
Councilman Jones questioned the timing for this project. Mr. Coppler stated if the Council does the motion for the 8-24, it will be on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for their next meeting on Thursday.
Councilman Crowley suggested perhaps a delivery parking area could be provided for the business. He added he would also like to see a cost for this project.
Councilman Lee stated this whole initiative started with the Route 190 corridor study, and one of the goals of the study was to realign the traffic signal. He feels having vehicles dumped onto Hazard Avenue from that business without a traffic signal seems to compound the problem they currently have at that intersection. He stated his belief this warrants a lot more discussion than they’ll get within the next ten days. He noted one of the conclusions of the corridor study was that there would be a lot more public input and design consideration for anything that would come after their initial set of design suggestions. He stated his belief it’s great they are coming up with this idea, and there are merits to what the residential concerns are, however, it would seem to be a lot more complicated than what might be proposed here. He added he will vote in favor of this motion, but if they’re trying to finish this up and do it quickly without ample design and public comment, that would give him pause.
Mr. Coppler stated the corridor study and some of the things discussed was more along what a state project would have to do. He noted this is by no means trying to answer what the corridor study said the Town should be doing because it talked about total realignment of that intersection, which isn’t what this is talking about. He stated this is just closing off the Scitico portion of it.
Councilman Lee stated this is coming up with the Town’s own solution that addresses one facet of what’s going on in that area. He questioned if the Town is putting in the right level of traffic study and things of that nature into the process. He noted they are also stranding a notable public monument without any good access, and it really becomes an inaccessible island. He stated he’d prefer not trying to reach for the efficiency of hooking up with the Scitico Street construction and do the study right so that the whole intersection is considered safe.
Chairman Kaupin questioned if the dollars were coming out of Roads 2005, and Mr. Coppler responded yes. Chairman Kaupin stated it appears this requires realigning the traffic lights because they’re building a new island on the south side of the street and on the east side of the property that Councilman Lee is referencing. Mr. Coppler stated his understanding they wouldn’t be touching the lights because that would be an issue with the State. Chairman Kaupin questioned if those lights are aligned better for the parking lot whereby it would be an improvement. He stated he’s not too concerned about the island effect on the monument because people can park in the parking lot. He pointed out today they can’t park anywhere. He agreed this has to be better defined, but Planning & Zoning can address these questions. He noted the Town Manager can pass along Councilman Lee’s concerns to Planning & Zoning.
Councilman Crowley stated they could simply have a “no left hand turn sign” and leave the road as is.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9838 defeated by a 4-5-0 vote, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Kiner, Lee and Mangini voting against the motion.
Questioned where the Thompsonville community garden will be located. The Council explained where this garden will be located.
Stated her belief $35,000 for a community garden seems like a waste. She voiced concern about what will happen to the garden in that area. Chairman Kaupin stated the intent is that people maintain their own plots.
Stated his belief Town Farm Road is a hazardous place for a bike path.
Referring to the new teachers’ contract, Mr. Saroce stated his belief the Council passed a $5 million dollar, three-year contract that the Town can’t afford. He noted he doesn’t agree a person earning $80,000 to $90,000 per year is underpaid and has to get a raise every year while people are struggling to earn $15,000 per year. He stated they are also paying little for benefits at 17.5% while people with a much lower salary have to pay 30% to 40% toward benefits. He feels this insults the intelligence of Enfield residents who work a lot harder than teachers.
Chet Ciolkos, 4 Ridgefield Road
Pointed out merit and step increases are not a given for Town or federal employees, however, the teachers do get their increases.
Mr. Ciolkos stated he’s concerned a council member can defend ratifying a contract without having the nitty gritty of that contract. He voiced concern that Councilman Mangini relied completely on Councilman Edgar’s opinion on the teachers’ contract because he was a liaison in those negotiations.
He stated his hope the question is now being considered whether or not the teachers’ contract has come a little too far beyond what is reasonable when compared to any other comparable/measurable types of workforce.
Councilman Mangini stated she will stand by any liaison of the Town Council. She noted she did not attend the contract negotiations. She stated she’s happy to report she has heard from numerous people in town that are very pleased with Enfield’s educational system as it is, and to take money away from individuals who have worked and earned their money is tragic. She stated her position is to stand behind the teachers’ contract.
Chairman Kaupin stated in October he voted “no” against the teachers’ contract. He stated his belief it’s too expensive for the Town to afford. He noted unfortunately, the Board of Education has had to put aside $1.7 million dollars in their budget to afford the teachers’ contract. He noted he stated back in October that this contract was too expensive, and understanding the realities of today, it’s still way too expensive.
MOTION #9839 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9839 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Appended to minutes of
May 5, 2008 Regular Town Council Meeting
RESOLUTION #_______________
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2002 the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve PH#2253 - application for an 18-lot subdivision on 29.85+ or - acres with frontage on the west side of Broad Brook Road north of Town Farm Road and south of Charnley Road in an R-44 District (Assessor's Map 103, Lots 5 and 6), John Tittarelli, (developer), and
WHEREAS, as a condition of approval, two roads, Salerno Drive and Rebecca Drive were required to be built to the specifications for public roads and deeded to the Town for acceptance upon completion of the subdivision, and
WHEREAS as a further condition of approval associated drainage easements along with a detention basin were required to be built to the specifications for public improvements and deeded to the Town for acceptance upon completion of the subdivision, and
WHEREAS A Conservation Easement was required for the protection of certain natural resources within the subdivision, and
WHEREAS, The roads have been completed, the improvements inspected and the checklist for acceptance of public improvements for this project has been signed off by the Director of Public Works, and
WHEREAS The developer has submitted a deed to the Town of Enfield for Salerno Drive and Rebecca Drive, and
WHEREAS the Town Attorney has reviewed the deeds and easements and has approved them as to form,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Enfield Town Council does hereby accept and will record the deeds for Salerno Drive and Rebecca Drive as well as the deeds for the detention basin and the drainage and conservation easements associated with this subdivision.
Resolution Regarding Acceptance of Lake Drive Extension
and Open Space for Woodbrook Estates
WHEREAS, on September 21, 1995, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Enfield approved P.H. No. 1933 consisting of a 6 lot subdivision known as Woodbrook Estates located at the terminus of Lake Drive; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of approval, Lake Drive was required to be extended approximately 120 feet to the specifications for public roads and deeded to the Town for acceptance upon completion of the subdivision; and
WHEREAS, as a further condition of approval, the developer was required to dedicate to the Town two parcels of land consisting of 26,946 sq.ft. +/- and 32,982 sq.ft. +/- in fulfillment of the Open Space requirements of the regulations; and
WHEREAS, the extension has been completed and the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission released the bond on September 21, 2002, after inspection by the Town Engineering Division; and
WHEREAS, The developer has submitted deeds for the extension and Open Space parcels to the Town of Enfield; and
WHEREAS, the Town Attorney has reviewed the deeds and easements and has approved them as to form;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Enfield Town Council does hereby accept and will record the deeds for the extension of Lake Drive and the two subject parcels of Open Space.
ENFIELD TOWN COUNICL
RESOLUTION NO.
To: 6500-120 (Salaries – part time) the sum of $600.00
FROM: 6500-890 (Miscellaneous) the sum of $600.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $600 is available from
Account # 6500-890 as of April 24, 2008
Lynn Nenni, Director of Finance
TO: Food Account $1,500
FROM: Contingency $1,500
I hereby certify the amount of $1,500 is available from
Account # 8030-840 as of May 1, 2008
TO: Travel Account $2,000
FROM: Contingency $2,000
I hereby certify the amount of $2,000 is available from