ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
A Special 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 Wednesday, May 14, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilman Bosco, Crowley, Dumont, Edgar, Jones, Kaupin, Kiner, Lee, Mangini, Nelson and Ragno. Also present were Town Manager, Matthew Coppler; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Finance, Lynn Nenni.
RESOLUTION #9842 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Councilman Nelson.
RESOLVED, that Pages 8-10, General Fund Revenue Summary and Page 11, Summary of Expenditures of the Town Budget, as submitted by the Town Manager and the estimates for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009, including estimates of receipts and expenditures and recommendations of said Town of Enfield for Emergency Medical Services (Page 12), Water Pollution Control (Page 13, Social Services Fund (Pages 14-16), Insurance Fund (Page 17), Dog Fund (Page 18), Information Technology Fund (Page 19), and Capital Improvement Funds (Pages 129-132) be accepted and approved by the Town Council of the Town of Enfield.
Councilman Edgar requested a written legal opinion from the Town Attorney on the budget transfers of the $750,000 to the CIP funds and special revenue account. He explained his request is based upon two items:
Title 10, Sec. 170 of the Connecticut General Statutes, which reads as follows:
“Board of Finance cannot place funds for school purpose in general government budget to be paid to school board on happening of certain contingencies.”
And
A Connecticut Supreme Court case dealing with the autonomy of local boards of education with respect to appropriations – Ellington Board of Education v. Ellington Board of Finance (1963). The town did not include funds for new teaching positions requested by the board, but placed $47,000.00 in a contingency fund, which could be used only for roof repair. The board in its lawsuit claimed the town had overstepped its authority in seeking to dictate priorities to the board of education. The Court found for the Board.
Chairman Kaupin stated it is legal, and he had opinions from the Town Manager, the Director of Finance, and the Town Attorney prior to presenting it to the Council. He pointed out these are not funds in the General Government portion of the budget, but rather they are special revenue funds.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like to see those decisions in writing.
Mr. Coppler stated assuming there are some legal grounds not to do this, the Town did this a few years ago with the CIP money for books and technology. He questioned whether there was a legal opinion at that time. Chairman Kaupin responded no because it’s very common for the Town to budget CIP items for the school system, and the special revenue funds were determined as the acceptable means of budgeting.
Councilman Edgar stated this is a little different, and Chairman Kaupin stated it’s no different than funding any CIP account at the beginning of a budget. He noted if there were monies in the budget for roof repair or window replacement, that would be the same means for this proposal.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like the Town Attorney to look into both cases that he cited and provide a written opinion as to whether this is correct. Chairman Kaupin stated that request can be submitted directly to the Town Attorney.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Bosco to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 24 in accordance with the following schedule: (transportation project)
FROM TO
TOWN COUNCIL
BUILDINGS $13,000 $0
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #2 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Lee to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on page 25 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
TOWN MANAGER
MEDICAL/DENTAL INSURANCE $69,507 $68,207
Upon A SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #2
Adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #3 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 27 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
TOWN ATTORNEY
SOCIAL SECURITY $17,900 $14,765
MEDICARE 4,186 3,453
HEALTH INSURANCE 57,112 56,045
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #3 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #4 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Ragno to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 29 in accordance with the following schedule: (photo copy machine)
PROBATE COURT
TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT $0 $1,200
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #4 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #5 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Chairman Kaupin to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 30 in accordance with the following schedule:
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
FOOD/FOOD RELATED $1,500 $2,500
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #5 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #6 by Chairman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 32 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
TOWN CLERK
HEALTH INSURANCE $101,813 $99,910
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #6 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #7 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 34 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Health Insurance $14,392 $14,123
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #7 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #8 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 36 in accordance with the following schedule:
HUMAN RESOURCES
HEALTH INSURANCE $66,477 $65,235
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #8 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #9 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kiner to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 38 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
FINANCE ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH INSURANCE $38,323 $37,607
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #9 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #10 by Councilman Kiner, seconded by Councilman Edgar to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 40 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
TREASURY
HEALTH INSURANCE $80,963 $79,450
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #10 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #11 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Jones to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 42 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
COLLECTION OF REVENUE
HEALTH INSURANCE $52,232 $51,256
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #11 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #12 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Bosco to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 44 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
ASSESSOR
HEALTH INSURANCE $96,479 $94,676
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #12 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #13 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Lee to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 46 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
GENERAL SERVICES
HEALTH INSURANCE $13,461 $13,210
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #13 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #14 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 48 in accordance with the following schedule:
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
CULTURAL ARTS $13,000 $12,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #14 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #15 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Ragno to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 49 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH INSURANCE $18,926 $18,573
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #15 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #16 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Chairman Kaupin to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 51 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Dog Handler Stipends, Gas, Vehicle Purchase)
PROTECTION OF LIFE & PROPERTY
STIPENDS $ 25,000 $ 33,400
HEALTH INSURANCE 1,296,738 1,361,575
RENTAL-EQUIPMENT/VEHICLES 73,576 58,452
GASOLINE 185,690 212,513
Special Meeting
05/14/2008
Page 7
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #16 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #17 by Chairman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 53 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
HEALTH INSURANCE $230,151 $225,850
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #17 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #18 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 57 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Gas)
PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH INSURANCE $64,490 $62,693
GASOLINE 2,951 3,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #18 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #19 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 59 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Gas)
ENGINEERING
HEALTH INSURANCE $60,772 $56,795
ADVERTISING 0 700
GASOLINE $ 1,033 1,600
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #19 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #20 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kiner to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 61 in accordance with the following schedule:
BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT
HEALTH INSURANCE $40,683 $48,788
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 5,500 500
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #20 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #21 by Councilman Kiner, seconded by Councilman Edgar to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 63 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Building Maintenance, Gasoline, Field Maintenance)
BUILDING & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
SALARIES $906,690 $948,506
HEALTH INSURANCE 250,367 261,977
LIFE INSURANCE 3,755 3,955
SOCIAL SECURITY 11,240 13,832
MEDICARE 2,629 3,235
GROUNDS SERVICES 49,000 74,000
MAINTENANCE & BUILDING SUPPLIES 158,042 168,042
GASOLINE 64,880 82,878
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #21 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #22 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Jones to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 65 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Program Costs)
RECREATION ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH INSURANCE $40,016 $39,268
CUSTODIAL SERVICES 26,110 6,110
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #22 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #23 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Bosco to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 71 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Gasoline)
HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE $214,218 $215,120
GASOLINE 50,249 75,460
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #23 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #24 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Lee to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 73 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
HEALTH INSURANCE $121,923 $119,645
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #24 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #25 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 75 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Gasoline, GPS)
REFUSE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL
HEALTH INSURANCE $271,076 $270,916
OVERTIME 80,000 60,000
VEHICLE SUPPLIES/MATERIALS 500 20,500
GASOLINE 189,633 228,007
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #25 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #26 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Ragno to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 77 in accordance with the following schedule (PT Salaries, Health Insurance)
PUBLIC LIBRARY
PART TIME SALARIES $146,237 $156,237
HEALTH INSURANCE 185,819 182,346
SOCIAL SECURITY 60,050 60,672
MEDICARE 14,044 14,190
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #26 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #27 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Chairman Kaupin to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 80 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance, Telephone)
PLANNING
HEALTH INSURANCE $75,791 $74,375
TELEPHONE 150 1,300
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #27 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #28 by Chairman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 86 in accordance with the following schedule: (PT Salaries)
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
PART TIME SALARIES $0 $1,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #28 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #29 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 89 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH INSURANCE $59,976 $58,859
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #29 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #30 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 91 in accordance with the following schedule: (Health Insurance)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH INSURANCE $23,890 $23,444
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #30 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #31 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kiner to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 95 in accordance with the following schedule:
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
HEALTH INSURANCE $265,349 $260,390
PENSION-MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE 650,210 575,210
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #31 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #32 by Chairman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Ragno to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 96 in accordance with the following schedule: (CIP, EMS, WPC Transfers, lease)
MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
AND TRANSFERS
WATER/SEWERAGE $725,000 $750,000
RENTAL-LAND/BUILDINGS 53,000 10,000
OTHER AGENCIES FUEL 185,210 186,008
FUND TRANSFERS-EMS 369,336 253,406
FUND TRANSFERS-WPCF 2,378,949 2,375,989
FUND TRANSFERS-SOC. SERVICES 2,340,216 2,317,602
FUND TRANSFERS-CIP 2,018,990 1,888,990
FUND TRANFERS-IT 1,350,147 1,344,702
FUND TRANSFERS-CIP FOR BOE 0 410,000
FUND TRANSFERS-SPECIAL
REVENUE FOR BOE 0 340,000
Councilman Mangini stated she’s confused as to why these are all lumped together under one amendment.
Chairman Kaupin stated his belief the question was specific to the proposed CIP for the Board of Education and special revenue. He referred to the very end of the document – Amendments 56 and 57.
AMENDMENT #32A by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kiner to zero out the $410,000 for CIP and the $340,000 for Special Revenue.
Councilman Lee questioned if they can actually move funds to an account that they haven’t yet created. Chairman Kaupin stated Councilman Mangini is zeroing out the two so that it’s not creating that CIP or that Special Revenue.
Councilman Kiner urged everyone vote no on this amendment. He stated his impression this is micro-managing the Board of Education. He pointed out the Town typically gives the Board one lump sum, and they decide what to do with their money. He stated he would like to see this money put back with the Board of Education.
Councilman Nelson stated the Chairman of the Board of Education has asked for that exactly. He noted he’s just following the Board, and he trusts the Chairman and this is what he asked the Council to do. He noted everyone has this idea that at the end of the year everyone has to spend all their money, which he believes is pretty much true when it comes to the Board of Education before they give it back to the Town. He stated his impression that according to past years, that’s very unlikely. He feels by creating CIP funds for textbooks and other things, that money stays there.
Councilman Edgar stated he will be voting no, pending the legal opinion that he requested at the start of the meeting.
Councilman Crowley stated when monies were put into the CIP two years ago, that was money that came back from the Board of Education. He noted if $750,000 is taken out, staff may have to be cut, and staff cuts directly effects students. He stated he will not be supporting this. He added he does not believe the Town should be managing the Board’s money.
Councilman Ragno stated he will be voting in favor of this amendment, and he disagrees with the characterization of things not going to the children. He stated his belief this is moving the Board of Education in a way that it hasn’t been moved before. He noted these funds are being designated to push funds to where it does the most good. He stated his belief this decision moves money to the students, the programs, the services and the hardware. He stated his feeling it’s up to the administration to manage their resources as they see appropriate. He noted he would be looking at support staff prior to teachers. He stated his belief teachers should be the last individuals even to be considered when it comes to staff cuts.
Councilman Dumont stated her belief the Council is not taking control of those monies, but rather it’s just earmarked toward specific areas for the students. She noted that money will remain in those funds and will be used for their intended purpose.
Councilman Kiner stated he would like to see meeting minutes where this item was discussed with the Board of Education. He noted that did not happen. He pointed out this was sprung on the Council on Monday evening. He stated since Monday night, he spoke with the Superintendent, members of the Board of Education and parents, and they’re all against this. He stated his belief this is nothing more than a political ploy, and he feels it’s a real arrogance of power.
Councilman Mangini stated the Council does have control over the CIP accounts. She noted if the Town were to have an emergency situation, the Town has the right to pull out funds from any CIP account. She pointed out Special Education is a mandatory requirement in the State of Connecticut, and they have to fund Special Education. She noted creating a special account designated toward Special Education makes no sense.
Councilman Crowley stated when Chairman Greco presented the Board of Education budget, he took him for his word in that the Board needed the $600,000 back. He acknowledged the teachers’ contract did go through under a Democratic majority, however, the Republican majority of the School Board gave the Superintendent a 5% increase, plus benefits. He stated the Board is faced with some tough decisions, but they had tough decisions before any money came out of their budget. He pointed out now it will be worse because it will effect classroom sizes. He agreed the Town does control the CIP accounts.
Councilman Bosco agreed the Town probably controls the CIP funds, however, if things got bad, there’s plenty of other money they could use before they went to the CIP accounts for the students. He noted the last place he’d be looking for emergency monies would be those school accounts.
Councilman Jones agreed with Councilman Bosco in that the Town has control of those accounts, however, he does not believe any Town Council member would vote to do that. He noted he would never vote to take any money out of those accounts.
Councilman Jones stated five members of the Board of Education came to the Town Council with this proposal. He noted these funds are going directly to the children, and this isn’t micro-managing, but rather it’s creating accounts that don’t go away so they can use some monies this year, and those accounts can be refunded going forward.
Councilman Dumont stated if a resolution were to come forward to move those monies out of those accounts, her vote would be no. She noted these monies are earmarked for the students, and she wants them to remain that way.
Councilman Ragno stated his belief children will directly benefit from these initiatives.
Councilman Nelson stated he does not believe one teacher will be let go.
Councilman Kiner urged everyone to vote no and keep in mind the bottom line will not change.
Chairman Kaupin stated he spoke to every single Republican member of the Board of Education and they support this. He noted they were fully aware of this and were part of the proposal. He stated in the 15 budgets that he has worked on, whether it was a Republican or Democrat majority, they’ve come up with proposals in the heat of putting a budget together. He stated his hope that the minority would recognize they were afforded the opportunity to read the proposal and discuss it. He noted in the past when he was in the minority, there were times he wasn’t afforded the same right. He stated he’s pleased, as a Republican, to be tied to textbooks, LCD portable carts and the repair of a gymnasium floor. He noted this is not a ploy because it was put together and presented to the full Council. He stated his belief this is an innovative plan, and he applauds the Board Republicans for coming forward with this proposal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #32A defeated by a 4-7-0 vote, with Councilmen Bosco, Dumont, Jones, Kaupin, Lee, Nelson and Ragno voting against AMENDMENT #32A.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #32 adopted 7-4-0, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Kiner and Mangini voting against AMENDMENT #32.
AMENDMENT #33 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Jones to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Total Town Operations Appropriation as shown on Page 11 from $47,615,778 to $48,202,974.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #33 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Crowley voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #34 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Bosco to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing Board of Education appropriation as shown on Page 11 from $71,117,689 to $70,211,007.
AMENDMENT #34A by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to decrease from $71,117,689 to $70,961,007.
Councilman Kiner voiced his support of Amendment #34A. He noted when Chairman Greco presented the Board of Education budget to the entire Town Council, he told them what would happen if these monies were cut from the Board’s budget. He noted this amendment would attempt to help the Board as much as possible.
Councilman Mangini stated she raised this amendment for the purpose of restoring the Board of Education budget so that they can afford an appropriate education for the children.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #34A defeated by a 4-7-0 vote, with Councilmen Bosco, Dumont, Jones, Kaupin, Lee, Nelson and Ragno voting against the amendment.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #34
adopted by a 7-4-0 vote, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Kiner and Mangini voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #35 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Lee to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing entire budget appropriation as shown on Page 11 from $118,733,467 to $118,413,981.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #35 adopted 8-3-0, with Councilmen Crowley, Kiner and Mangini voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #36 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing Account #13040 as shown on Page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE
TAX LOSS-STATE PROPERTY $1,385,438 $1,381,125
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #36 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #37 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Ragno to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #13120 as shown on Page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
MASHENTUCKET PEQUOT INDIANS $1,977,641 $2,032,109
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #37 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #38 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Chairman Kaupin to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #13340 as shown on Page 9 in accordance with the following schedule:
PUBIC SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION $647,064 $760,681
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #38 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Nelson voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #39 by Chairman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #13150 as shown on Page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS $0 $12,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #39 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #40 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #12010 as shown in accordance with the following schedule:
LICENSES & PERMITS
BUILDING PERMITS $375,000 $525,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #40 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #41 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #12100 as shown on Page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
DUMP PERMITS $200,000 $268,640
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #41 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #42 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kiner to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #14150 as shown on Page 9 in accordance with the following schedule:
CHARGES FOR SERVICES
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER $50,000 $60,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #42 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #43 by Councilman Kiner, seconded by Councilman Edgar to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #14220 as shown on Page 9 in accordance with the following schedule:
BULKY WASTE FEES $60,000 $94,000
Councilman Mangini questioned if this is raising the fee for curbside pick-up. Chairman Kaupin stated this raises the bulky waste pick-up fee from $30 to $50.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #43 adopted 9-2-0, with Councilmen Crowley and Mangini voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #44 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Jones to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #14100 as shown on Page 9 in accordance with the following schedule:
FIRE DISTRICT TAX COLLECTIONS $210,000 $243,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #44 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Crowley voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #45 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Bosco to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by increasing Account #14260 as shown on Page 9 in accordance with the following schedule:
HOUSING AUTHORITY AGREEMENT $0 $80,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #45 adopted 10-1-0, with Councilman Crowley voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #46 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Lee to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 budget by increasing Account #17010 as shown on Page 10 in accordance with the following schedule:
MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE
SALES – CASH $159,906 $186,008
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #46 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #47 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Dumont to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 budget by increasing Account #11040 as shown on Page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
TAXES
PRIOR YEAR LEVY $850,000 $925,000
Chairman Kaupin stated the Town is finally moving forward on delinquent taxes. He stated he feels confident they’ll meet that number or exceed it in the future.
Councilman Ragno stated he was the catalyst to get this moving, and he feels confident they can exceed the $925,000.
Councilman Mangini stated she also applauds Town staff for doing a good job. She noted with the tough economic climate, she will not be supporting this increase.
Councilman Nelson stated he will be supporting this amendment. He added he’s confident they can exceed this number.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #47 adopted 9-2-0, with Councilmen Crowley and Mangini voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #48 by Councilman Dumont, seconded by Councilman Ragno to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing Account #11010 as shown on page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
REAL ESTATE $65,075,916 $64,235,230
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #48 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #49 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Chairman Kaupin to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing Account #11020 as shown on Page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
MOTOR VEHICLES $6,264,421 $6,184,141
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #49 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #50 by Chairman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing Account #11030 as shown on page 8 in accordance with the following schedule:
PERSONAL PROPERTY $3,982,298 $3,931,264
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #50 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #51 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Crowley to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget by decreasing entire budget revenue appropriation as shown on Page 10 from $118,733,467 to $118,413,981.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #51 adopted 8-3-0, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar and Mangini voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #52 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Pages 14 to 16 in accordance with the following summary of changes with related revenue impacts: (Health Insurance)
REDUCTION
ADMINISTRATION $ 713
DIAL-A-RIDE 1,188
CONGREGATE LIVING 559
ADULT DAY CARE 1,724
ENFIELD CHILD DEVELOPMENT 9,395
YOUTH SERVICES 2,072
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES 345
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 250
SENIOR CENTER 1,365
Councilman Lee clarified those are health insurance cuts, not program cuts.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #52 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #53 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kiner to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 budget as shown on pages 14 to 16 in accordance with the following schedule: (Advertising Revenue)
INCREASE
ADMINISTRATION $5,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #53 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #54 by Councilman Kiner, seconded by Councilman Edgar to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 12 in accordance with the following schedule with related revenue impact: (Health Insurance, Ambulance)
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
HEALTH INSURANCE $352,881 $294,881
RENTAL – EQUIPMENT VEHICLES $193,356 $136,426
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #54 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #55 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Jones to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Page 13 in accordance with the following schedule and related revenue impact: (Health Insurance)
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FUND
HEALTH INSURANCE $158,402 $155,442
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #55 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #56 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Bosco to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget as shown on Pages 129 to 132 in accordance with the following schedule and related revenue impact: (BOE)
TEXTBOOKS $150,000
MEDIA $150,000
ARTS & MUSIC $90,000
ATHLETICS $20,000
Councilman Crowley stated although he’s in favor of these programs, he’s not in favor of how this is being done.
Councilmen Kiner and Mangini agreed with Councilman Crowley.
Councilman Ragno voiced his support of this amendment because it pushes the dollars to where they’ll do the most good.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #56 adopted by a 7-4-0 vote, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Kiner and Mangini voting against the amendment.
AMENDMENT #57 by Councilman Bosco, seconded by Councilman Dumont to amend the Manager’s proposed 2008-2009 Budget in accordance with the following schedule and related revenue impact: (BOE)
LONG RANGE PLAN $ 75,000
SPECIAL EDUCATION $265,000
Councilmen Kiner stated he does not believe in micro-managing the Board of Education.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Kiner.
Councilman Ragno stated he does not believe this is a matter of micro-managing. He added his belief this is a matter of accountability.
Chairman Kaupin referred to the $75,000 for long-range planning and noted according to his conversations with Board members, they believe there are grants available, and the $75,000 will be used to go out and obtain as many grants as possible.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #57 adopted 7-4-0, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Kiner and Mangini voting against the amendment.
Councilman Kiner stated he will be voting no on this budget because of some of the amendments passed earlier.
Councilman Nelson stated he will be supporting this budget. He noted Windsor voters rejected their budget because of a 5% increase, and he feels the people in Enfield have spoken and they don’t want any more taxes in Enfield. He pointed out this is a zero mill increase to the residents, which means no new taxes. He acknowledged there were a few things that had to be done to get to the zero increase. He referred to those amendments that the Democrats are upset with and noted he is following the lead of the Board of Education. He stated his belief this is a solid budget and he supports it 100%. He thanked the entire Council because everyone worked together.
Councilman Ragno stated his belief this is a proud day because the majority ran on a platform to come up with a zero increase budget. He stated his feeling it would be irresponsible to raise taxes in consideration of the economic climate. He noted this still resides with the Board of Education and the administration to work out the disparities on the Board of Education side of the budget. He stated people need to appeal to the Board of Education, the Superintendent and Enfield Teachers’ Association to work out details in a collaborative manner to protect the teachers. He challenged the Board of Education, the administration and the teachers’ union to come up with a collaborative effort to move their situation forward just as this Council majority has moved the Town and the Board of Education in a positive manner.
Councilman Nelson stated he received e-mails from residents asking the Board of Education budget not be cut. He noted the Council did not cut the Board’s budget, but rather they cut the Board’s proposed budget. He stated the Board did get an increase, and he believes it was a $1.2 million dollar increase over last year’s budget. He noted it’s just not what they proposed for an increase.
Chairman Kaupin thanked the Town Manager and all Town staff for putting this budget together. He also thanked the Town Council for putting in a lot of time and effort into the budget process. He noted more could have been done, but the State of Connecticut went into deficit mode about two weeks ago, and the Town was faced with up to $1 million dollars less in revenue. He pointed out cuts are being made everywhere. He stated his belief this is a good budget and it moves both the Town and school system forward. He pointed out the Council made reductions on the Town side, and they’re asking residents to pay more for some of the services they receive.
Councilman Mangini thanked Town staff for all their hard work. She noted her vote against the budget is no reflection on everyone’s hard work.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9842 adopted 7-4-0 as amended, with Councilmen Crowley, Edgar, Kiner and Mangini voting against the resolution.
RESOLUTION #9843 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Ragno.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield does hereby appropriate LOCIP Grant Funds in the amount of $350,000 for the following purpose in accordance with the 2008-2009 Annual Operating and Capital Budget:
Town Road Paving $350,000
Councilman Mangini questioned if this LOCIP is part of the actual budget, or is this a separate item. Mr. Coppler stated this is revenue for the CIP, which goes toward the town road paving projects.
Chairman Kaupin stated by adopting this resolution, they are authorizing the Town to apply these LOCIP grant funds to the Capital Improvement budget.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9843 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9844 by Councilman Ragno, seconded by Councilman Jones.
RESOLVED, that the Town School’s Budget adopted by the Town Council in the amount of $70,211,007 included the anticipated revenue of $28,380,474 from the Education Block (Cost Sharing) Grant on Page 9 of the 2008-2009 Annual Operating and Capital Budget.
Councilman Kiner requested clarification on this, and Chairman Kaupin explained this is similar to the LOCIP whereby it’s accepting the Education Block (Cost Sharing) Grant from the State to be applied in this manner.
Mr. Coppler stated historically, this is a resolution that’s always adopted with the budget.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9844 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #9845 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Nelson.
RESOLVED, that a tax rate of 23.88 mills be set on the Grand List of October 1, 2007 for the Town of Enfield and shall be payable in two semi-annual installments – July 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009 and that the laying of a tax of real estate and personal property amounting to $100.00 or less shall be paid in full in the first installment, and further, that the tax on any motor vehicle, shall be paid in full in the first installment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any supplemental Motor Vehicle Tax in the amount of $5.00 or less, shall be waived, in accordance with the Connecticut State Statute 12-144c.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #9845 adopted 11-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #9846 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Ragno to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #9846 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 7:35 p.m.