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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2000
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was held in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, December 4, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Mangini.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, and Vayda. Councilman McGuire was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel T. Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Community Development, Laura Watson; Marla Hauslaib, Deputy Director of Social Services; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Planning & Community Development, Jose Giner; Revenues Collector, Suzanne R. Longo.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4942 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the November 13, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4942 adopted 7-0-3, with Councilmen Egan, Falk, and Kaupin abstaining.
MOTION #4943 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the November 13, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4943 adopted 7-0-3, with Councilmen Egan, Falk, and Kaupin abstaining.
MOTION #4944 by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the November 20, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4944 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #4945 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the November 20, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4945 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Penny Urbanowicz, 58 South Road
Expressed appreciation to Town Council members who have helped in the last two and a half years with the problems that her neighborhood has had concerning the operation of the Leete Stevens crematorium. She noted on November 21st a decision was rendered by the Hartford Superior Court that the decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission is void. She stated residents are still waiting for a cease and desist order to be put in place. She requested the Town Council look into this. She stated her understanding the State of Connecticut has precedence over the Town of Enfield, therefore, if something is issued by the State of Connecticut, the Town must follow.
Nancy Bent, Abbewood
Stated she was present at the Condominium Subcommittee meeting last week. She noted Attorney Bromson brought in Attorney William Fish to present relevant case law. She stated much of it seemed to be slanted in the Towns favor. She noted a point Attorney Fish did make was the fact that the Town is not mandated by the State to provide certain kinds of services to any residents, however, the Town is authorized to do so if they choose to. She stated he also mentioned that the equal protection clause doesnt mandate that people be treated equally in all situations. She noted it seems in this situation its only important that they treat similarly situated people similarly. She feels this sounds like an escape hatch, or a manipulative interpretation that allows towns to show some kind of discrimination or prejudice with a constitutional sanction.
Ms. Bent stated she has been aware of certain attitudes that exist that are cause for concern, whether they are demonstrated by Council members, Town staff, persons sitting on powerful commissions, or residents. She noted she is particularly concerned about comments that are made that may promote negative and prejudicial attitudes toward condo homeowners. She stated several weeks ago she did address the Council relating to a comment made about, "Where is the money coming from? Its going to come from the taxpayers pockets." She pointed out condo owners are taxpayers like everyone else. She noted a comment was made by the public at a previous meeting about condo owners being a special interest group, and she feels comments like this serve to segregate condo owners from the rest of homeowners, as if they are something different. She stated her wish condo owners could simply be viewed as homeowners, residents and taxpayers asking for a basic residential service that other homeowners, residents and taxpayers probably take for granted.
She stated at the May 18th Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, Planned Residential Developments were to be deleted from the zoning regulations and replaced with senior housing. She noted at that time the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission stated one problem with Planned Residential Developments is that their residents think that they are buying a house that is the same size as others in town. He said the two are not similar. She noted PRDs come in all sizes. She pointed out her condominium is larger than a house she lived in previously.
Ms. Bent concluded stating perhaps the Town of Enfield might wish to find another solution and instead of striving for low standards, perhaps they might prefer to find a higher standard of quality for all residents.
Gretchen Pfeiffer-Hall, 4 Somers Road
Joanne Kneiss, 2 Lois Lane
Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall and Ms. Kneiss were representing the Conservation Commission.
Ms. Kneiss stated theyre present this evening to discuss the Silvio Conte grant. She noted theyve heard from UCONN that Enfield has a dune habitat possible in various locations throughout town. She stated UCONN was asked what research would cost in that area, and UCONN suggested the cost would be about $5,000. She noted they learned of the Silvio Conte grant, and questioned whether the Town might allow them to apply for this grant.
Ms. Kneiss stated the deadline for the grant is December 15th, therefore, theyre looking for Council support as soon as possible. She stated they have a vision that at some time in the future they could acquire open space, and they believe knowing more about the ecology of different habitats and wildlife in Enfield is just a piece of the criteria that they need to look at, and this would help them in evaluating the various properties. She feels going after this grant would help the Conservation Commission in defining other properties and looking at some of the other criteria.
Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall stated the purpose of this matching grant proposal is to survey the town for sand dune habitats, a rare geological feature left over from the glacial age. She noted this survey would be used to assist the Town in development of an open space planning program. She noted the survey is not for the purpose of regulation, nor is it intended to protect the Ghost Dune Tiger Beetle at any one location. She noted this beetle is not a federally endangered species and is not subject to endangered species protection. She stated the intent is strictly to identify a rare natural resource which supports a specialized collection of plants and animals unique to the dune habitat.
She stated the Conservation Commissions duties under Section 7-131a of the General Statutes of Connecticut include conducting research into the possible utilization of land areas of the municipalities and may advertise, prepare, and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets as necessary for its services. Further, it may inventory natural resources. She noted this survey falls within the scope of the Conservation Commissions duties. She stated the Plan of Conservation and Development lists the recreation and open space plans and goals, and one goal is to preserve and protect the towns natural resources, i.e., hills, rivers, streams, ponds, flood plains, and aquifers. She noted another goal is to preserve, enhance, and protect the valuable open space areas. She stated these goals were supported by the community survey responses conducted for the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall stated the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program developed by the Conservation Commission and CRCOG lists its first goal as preserve and protect the Towns natural resources hills, rivers, streams, ponds, flood plains, pingos, and aquifers and protect habitat of both flora and fauna. She noted the first policy to support that goal is to develop strategies to insure the protection of parcels with unique habitats and natural features as identified by the Department of Environmental Protection wildlife inventories and local knowledge.
She stated this survey would be one piece of the puzzle in determining and prioritizing what types of properties are suitable for consideration for open space acquisitions. She noted its a two-part proposal first, a cursory review of the UCONN study including a review of aerial photos, then an investigation of individual properties with the owners permission. She stated the notification and application for the grant program was included in the correspondence package of their November 8th meeting. She pointed out the deadline is December 15th and time is of the essence.
Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall stated this survey may determine there are many areas of the town covered by sand dunes and that its not all that a unique a feature, however, without a survey they will never know.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Referring to a recent newspaper article, Ms. Jedziniak noted Dr. Gallacher had stated the toughest question he has to deal with in the school system is the balancing of class sizes at the elementary level. She quoted, "Everyone is in favor of smaller class sizes at elementary schools. Few are willing to move their kids from one class to another, let alone a different building". She questioned who is running the schools and why this situation isnt remedied. She read the Superintendents contract with salary and benefits and stated her belief he should not be getting all of this money for the work he does because the School System is always looking for more room in the schools, but they do not figure out they should be moving children from one school to another in order to make room. She stated her belief theres plenty of room with this towns school system.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated he attended the Condominium Subcommittee meeting recently, and he feels it was very well run. He noted he visited all 29 condo complexes and looked at the method of trash pick up and the condition and size of the roads. He noted some complexes were very nice. He stated his understanding when Planning & Zoning approves the plans for condo complexes, they note on the drawings that trash will be picked up by commercial haulers only. He questioned if the Town starts picking up the trash, will the Town be violating a zoning regulation. He feels this is opening a Pandoras Box.
Mr. Tkacz stated his definition of a special interest group is a group that has a special interest.
Donna Szewczak, 35 South Road
Stated the decision regarding the Leete Stevens crematorium came from a judge who found the decision made by Enfields Planning & Zoning Commission to be void. She noted this happened about two weeks ago and nothing has been done about this. She requested the Town Council ask the Town Attorney what should be done now.
COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini stated her belief the Torchlight Parade was very well done.
Councilman Mangini stated there will be a drive for tissue and/or blood donations at the Felician Sisters from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tomorrow evening.
Councilman Falk questioned when the Council will receive a quarterly report from the Senior Citizens Building Committee. Councilman Fiore stated the last two meetings were postponed. He stated his belief they will be meeting this Thursday evening, and he will pose that question.
Councilman Egan stated her belief the Torchlight Parade was a big success.
Councilman Egan requested the South Road residents be kept apprised of any new information that might be forthcoming.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley referred to the issue regarding the crematorium and noted the Planning & Zoning Commission will be considering whether or not to appeal that decision. He noted he could provide practical information, however, hes not free to provide any legal information.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Kaupin stated the Condominium Subcommittee meeting met last week and they had a review of relevant case law from Attorney William Fish. He noted from the Towns perspective it showed why a municipality collects trash and constitutionally why it can decide to collect trash at residential homes and not at condominiums and businesses. He stated more detail can be provided. He noted they did have a discussion on the Pandoras Box precedent setting. He stated the next meeting is tentatively set for either the week prior to Christmas or right after the new year. He noted dates are being finalized. He stated Planning & Zoning has asked to come before this committee to get an update on this issue and to provide some feedback, therefore, theyve been invited to attend. He added by then, they should have an update from the Public Works Department on the road specifications of each of the developments and also an expenditure estimate for the collection that was part of the previous proposals.
Councilman Kaupin stated there will be a joint meeting between the Board of Education and School Building Committee tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. at Henry Barnard School.
Councilman Fiore referred to the Senior Citizens Building Committee and noted things are progressing and the Committee is working very well together. He stated he and Councilman Dodd will remind them of their quarterly report back to the Council at the next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained on the table.
Item c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #4946 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4946 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4947 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, CONNECTICUT PUBLIC ACT NO. 00-120, allows municipalities to establish a property tax abatement program for volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical technicians, volunteer paramedics and volunteer ambulance drivers;
WHEREAS, THE PUBLIC ACT requires that such a program be established by an Ordinance;
WHEREAS, THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE is appended to this Resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council hereby adopts the Ordinance.
Councilman Kaupin voiced his support of this ordinance. He noted the volunteer fire departments provide a valuable service to Enfield. He pointed out the expense of the abatement is minimal compared to bringing on full time fire departments in each of the districts. He added this is a way to encourage volunteerism in town. He urged everyone to vote in favor of this resolution.
Councilman Egan voiced her support of the resolution. She noted she served on CCM and this was vigorously supported by CCM. She added her feeling this is a positive step that they can take for the volunteers.
Councilman Falk commended the fire chiefs for working so closely with the Town in developing this proposal. He stated his belief this is fair and equitable.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4947 adopted 10-0-0.
Items f. and g. remained tabled.
MOTION #4948 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4948 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4949 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Falk.
WHEREAS, in the winter of 1998, Town staff presented a draft policy on traffic calming that was developed by an extensive committee of practitioners including Fire. Department, Police Department, Engineering, Road Maintenance, Insurance Company, School. Bus interests, etc.; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has discussed the proposed policies on numerous occasions; and
WHEREAS, Council formed a subcommittee to make adjustment to the proposed policy; and
WHEREAS, that subcommittee over a number of meetings has completed its work and referred it to Planning and Zoning; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission acted favorably;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby schedules a Public Information Session/Hearing regarding the Traffic Calming Policy for January 2, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.
Councilman Fiore thanked committee members and town staff for adding the recommendation that came from Chief Provencher on Page 6 pre-application conference, which now reads, "The pre-application conferences will be scheduled by the Town staff which will include the Director of Planning, Town Engineer, Traffic Safety Officer and the local fire chief or their designated representative." Councilman Fiore stated his belief this is a fine document.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4949 adopted 10-0-0.
Chairwoman Strom stated Item i. will be discussed on December 14th.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
The appointment to the Enfield Revitalization Committee will appear on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: EHS LIBRARY
Mr. Shanley stated the Council requested the charge for review and consideration.
Chairwoman Strom stated this has to do with an Enfield High School Building Committee and a charge for this committee. She noted the charge for the School Building Committee seems straight-forward, other than having a smaller committee since the library project is a fairly focused project.
Councilman Falk suggested five regular members with two alternates.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief this committee should be comprised of people who have an interest in this project. He agreed it should be a little smaller. He added he likes the idea of two liaisons from the Council and Board of Education. He stated the reporting structure has to occur and information has to be passed onto the Council and Board. He noted they could use the School Projects Building Committee charge as the basis for this committee.
Councilman Vayda agreed they should keep the membership of this committee relatively small and compact. He stated his belief it needs to be clear to everyone that the Board of Education needs to be involved in the process. He agreed liaisons from the Council and Board should be present. He stated there should be clarity in terms of communications back and forth between both bodies, i.e., getting copies of minutes. He added his belief they should identify residents who have some past experience in either building trades or library administration. He suggested perhaps they could even have an interview process.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilmen Kaupin and Vayda. She also agreed they should get good representation from the community. She suggested having a librarian on the committee as well.
Councilman Hall referred to Page 2, Paragraph 2 and suggested inserting the schematic drawings will actually have a Board of Education approval as well as a Town Council approval. She noted this will reinforce that there is another body that has strong interest and should have strong input into this project.
Councilman Fiore agreed with Councilmen Hall and Vayda. He stated in his opinion, the Town is not the business client of those facilities, but rather the teachers and students are the clients of those facilities. He agreed with the additional language suggested by Councilman Hall.
Councilman Dodd stated hes concerned with the word "approval" rather than advisory. He stated his impression in the past, the Board has a terrific preponderance for not making a decision in an appropriate time frame, and he does not want to impede this body in its progress by having the Board of Education unable to make up their mind. He stated his belief by using the word "approval" the Board of Education could possibly hold up something before it gets to the Town Council.
Councilman Fiore suggested wording such as, the Board of Education will have approval process, and they must act within a certain time period of the plan submitted to them, and if they dont act within that time frame, they waive their right of approval.
Councilman Dodd stated it has been his experience that usually when many parameters have to be drawn, theyre going down the wrong road. He added hes very satisfied with the word "advisory". He noted the Board is the tenant of the building, and they should have a lot of input into it, but he feels the building committee should drive it.
Chairwoman Strom agreed the school system is the end user, and the Board should have input. She questioned who has the final authority if both bodies have a vote and the Boards vote is different from the Councils vote. She noted it should be made very clear to any building committee that the Board of Education is the end user of whats being done, and that their input is very important.
Councilman Hall stated if the Board of Education has legitimate concerns on schematic drawings, then those concerns should be addressed even if it take a little more time.
Councilman Egan stated her belief there should be one body that makes the final decision.
Councilman Falk stated his belief they should clarify the communication expectations.
Councilman Vayda stated it should be made clear the opinion of the Board of Education does matter. He noted ultimately the Board signs off on the request for reimbursements to the State for the education grants, and he feels it makes sense to have them involved in the process.
Councilman Dodd stated he has no problem with the Board giving an advisory opinion.
Councilman Vayda clarified that without the approval of the Board of Education, the Council should find out why they dont approve and then go back and re-work the plans.
Councilman Dodd noted that could be an opinion of the Board. Councilman Vayda stated his belief it should be made clear that they dont progress without some kind of affirmative opinion, which he sees as a vote. Councilman Dodd stated it cant forestall an operation, if its just an opinion.
Councilman Hall agrees with Councilman Vayda in that the Board does get an actual vote. She noted this strengthens the Boards position in that the Building Committee will take their concerns seriously.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if this can be written into current date and current language for the next meeting. He noted at that time the Council can amend it.
MOTION #4950 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Hall to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4950 adopted 10-0-0
DISCUSSION RE: AMENDING TAX DELINQUENCY POLICY
Mr. Shanley stated at an upcoming meeting, the Council can be given an update regarding this process.
DISCUSSION RE: FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Mr. Shanley stated they asked the architect to look at the requirements of the State grant to insure the drawing done previously is still appropriate and then estimate the cost of construction. He noted the current number is $940,000.
Councilman Kaupin questioned how much is the grant, and Mr. Shanley responded $400,000.
Councilman Kaupin questioned how much was the percentage for inflation, and Mr. Shanley responded between 8-12% inflation.
Councilman Falk questioned if the matching funds have to be available today in order to spend the $400,000. Mr. Shanley responded not today, however, he would not want to move forward with the project unless they knew they could complete the project.
Councilman Falk stated if there was a commitment to fund the total project, could this be started as soon as possible so that the Town does not get caught up in the percent increase. He questioned if they could start on this with what they have if theres a consensus to fully fund it in time. He requested the Town Manager check into this at the State level. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Hall questioned the square footage of the Graphica building at this time. Mr. Shanley responded 4,500 sq. ft.
Councilman Hall questioned if there are estimates in renovating the existing building. Mr. Shanley noted those figures are not available at this time.
Councilman Fiore questioned if any residents from any other districts, other than the Alcorn school district participate in this program. Ms. Hauslaib stated the grant was awarded to the Town because Alcorn is a severe needs school.
Councilman Fiore stated if his district had a family who could really benefit from this program, theyd be unable to participate in this program if they did not attend Alcorn School. Chairwoman Strom pointed out there are out-of-district children who attend Alcorn School because of the programs that are offered at that school, and the programs offered there are suited to those particular childrens needs.
Councilman Fiore stated at the last meeting he asked the Town Manager about the amount of money thats currently available in the Social Services Fund. He noted in 1998-99, utilization was $143,678; 1999-2000, utilization was $215,738, and in the past budget it was $429,863. He questioned what it might be in the next coming budget based on any expenditures they might utilize from that fund for this particular project. Mr. Shanley stated it would depend on what the balance in the expenditure accounts was at the end of the year.
Councilman Mangini commended the Social Services Department for the fine job theyre doing. She stated this project is definitely worth funding.
Councilman Vayda requested clarification on how this program is administered if an out-of-district child has a demonstrated need for this program.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if its planned to have a resolution transferring money from the Social Service Fund Balance to this project so that they can begin some work. Mr. Shanley responded this is a discussion item only this evening. Chairwoman Strom stated her belief there needs to be more discussion. It was agreed this item will be on the December 18th agenda.
RESOLUTION #4951 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Falk.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager to execute necessary agreements to apply for and accept a matching grant for the study of the Sand Dunes and Dune Beetles in the Town of Enfield as outlined by the Conservation Commission; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council authorizes the appropriation of $2,500 as the Towns 50% matching appropriation.
Present for this discussion were Joanne Kneiss, Chairwoman and Gretchen Pfeiffer-Hall, Vice-Chairwoman of the Conservation Commission.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the Conservation Commission has done any pre-work to see if they will actually be able to go forward and investigate on property knowing they have owners permission. He stated his belief this is the critical point as to whether the study will be successful or not. Ms. Kneiss stated her belief there will be some people who will allow them on their property and others who will not.
Ms. Kneiss stated they are actually looking at an ecosystem and they are looking for what exists in the sand dune type habitat, i.e., box turtles and other wildlife.
Councilman Kaupin acknowledged the Conservation Commission is looking to conserve, however, a property owner might plan to develop that property. He noted actual discovery might then impact the value of that land. Ms. Kneiss stated its possible to relocate a habitat. Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall stated she didnt think a discovery would harm the value of a property, but may create an added market for that property.
Councilman Mangini commended the Conservation Commission for their efforts in conservation. She questioned what might happen if a habitat is discovered on a land thats under negotiation. Ms. Kneiss stated her belief its better to know where such habitats exist. Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall stated nothing thats been discovered on any of these sand dune habitats is federally endangered.
Councilman Dodd stated he has a concern that this may open up areas detrimental to Enfield. As concerns using such a habitat for an open space recreation, he doesnt see how that would fit because if it has a specific eco environment, they wouldnt want everyone trampling on it.
Councilman Vayda stated his impression developable property would lose value if it were to be undevelopable because it contained a habitat. Ms. Kneiss stated if they did find this habitat, they would not be pressuring the property owner not to develop. She noted this property could be developed. She stated if they were to find multiple sand dunes in town, then perhaps they could preserve at least one.
Councilman Fiore stated he would have been more comfortable if an inventory of properties was provided. He noted a propertys value could be decreased if someone learns theres a habitat that might be protected. He noted that although the sand dune beetles are semi-protected by the State and not protected at all at the federal level, there is the possibility that could change in the future. He stated he cannot support this application at this point.
Councilman Egan questioned if moving these dunes is an option. Ms. Kneiss stated her understanding that is what Lego is doing.
Councilman Giddings questioned if the dune beetles have any special purpose. Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall stated she did not know. She pointed out that not only dune beetles use the sand dune habitat, but other wildlife such as box turtles also nest in these dunes. Ms. Kneiss stated this type of habitat is usually found further south and not in New England.
Councilman Giddings stated hes a strong supporter of conservation, however, he agrees with Councilman Fiore in that the criteria and parameters of the grant are too wide open.
Councilman Falk questioned exactly how would this study be done and how long would it take. Ms. Kneiss stated the aerial photographs were taken, and they found the existence of sand dunes in a few places within Enfield, and they would like to know if these sand dunes exist elsewhere in Enfield. She noted they would have to actually go out and dig in some of the sand dunes to see what species exist as well as observing the dunes over a period of time. She added certain plants exist in this type of habitat as well.
Councilman Dodd questioned if this grant will be available next year, and Ms. Pfeiffer-Hall responded probably.
Councilman Dodd stated his belief theres a lot of ambiguity with this, and hes not comfortable with this.
Councilman Egan stated her feeling there are a lot of "ifs" with this, and she feels it should be looked at in more detail. She added she has some reservations with this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4951 defeated 0-10-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FAIR RENT COMMISSION
Mr. Shanley stated he does not have anything formal this evening. He noted they will develop a concept for the next meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: CHARGE FOR ENFIELD REVITALIZATION AND RELATED COMMITTEES
Mr. Shanley stated this is scheduled specifically for 8:00 p.m. on December 14th.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
MOTION #4952 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to move Items d., e., and f. to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4952 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: GREEN MANOR SIDEWALKS
Present for this discussion were Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski and David Bodendorf, Jeff Bord, and John Cabibbo from the Engineering Department.
Mr. Shanley stated this evenings presentation is specifically about Section 12 of Road 2000, which is in the Green Manor neighborhood. He noted because Road 2000 projects include both roads and sidewalks, theres some very specific direction they will be seeking from the Council on the sidewalk work in this particular section.
There was a slide presentation to show the areas under discussion.
Councilman Dodd referred to the sidewalk problem on Perry Lane and questioned if that would be resolved by the use of a hydraulic lift. Mr. Kazmarski responded possibly and noted they would have to take care of any groundwater problems because that may be whats causing the problem.
Discussion followed about sidewalk construction. Mr. Kazmarski stated current Town standards for developers call for a 50 right-of-way, five-foot snow shelf, four-foot sidewalk-one foot off the property line with sidewalks located one side of the roadway, unless its a short street (ten or less homes), in which case no sidewalks are required. He noted if traffic volume shows 4,000 vehicles on a road, a sidewalk would be required on both sides. He stated the cost would be $24.50 per linear foot.
Mr. Kazmarski stated there is also a cost for removing sidewalks/curbs, and thats estimated at about $5.00 per linear foot.
Referring to Green Manor and the restoration with the same type of sidewalk/curb combination, Mr. Kazmarski stated one side would cost $45.00 per linear foot.
Councilman Dodd questioned if the Town is going to explain to the property owner that the Town is going to put the sidewalk back at the Towns easement line. Mr. Kazmarski stated its hoped the Town will do this.
Councilman Dodd questioned if they will have ramps at the end of an alternate sidewalk and around corners, and Mr. Kazmarski responded yes.
Mr. Kazmarski stated where there are sidewalks on both sides, they would like to learn if there are some areas where they could put in a new sidewalk and remove the damaged sidewalk on the other side and eliminate a liability to the Town.
Councilman Kaupin stated he likes the idea of doing one side of the street. He stated his belief they have to sell this idea to the residents. He suggested when Public Works has direction from the Council, they can hold a neighborhood meeting.
Mr. Shanley stated right now Section 12 is under contract for engineering work so it can be under construction next year. Mr. Bord noted they could send something out to everyone informing them of the upcoming public information meeting and what items will be discussed at that meeting.
Mr. Shanley stated his impression is that they should promptly put together a neighborhood meeting to develop the concept and make sure the concept is acceptable. He noted the Engineers could be given the direction to design the roadwork with one of the standards, and that is what will be presented at the first regular Road 2000 meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #4953 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Hall.
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 up to $447,000 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:
1. 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
2. That it acknowledges the approval of the Freshwater Pond Small Cities appropriation for FY 1999 will now be funded under the FY 2000 appropriation, and that the Town Manager is hereby authorized and directed 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.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4953 adopted 9-0-0, Councilman Fiore absent during roll call.
RESOLUTION #4954 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, section 10-153d of the Connecticut Statutes empowers the Town Council to accept or reject the School Administrators Contract; and
WHEREAS, failure to act is acceptance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, does hereby accept the School Administrators Contract for the three year period of July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2004.
Councilman Falk questioned the percent increases on an annual basis. Councilman Egan responded 3%.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4954 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4955 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Town Council authorized the development of a schematic street plan for Hazardville Village; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Revitalization Committee has reviewed the completed schematic plan and approved the plan and noted materials in concept;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby refers the concept to the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff develop preliminary costs prior to further direction from the Council.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4955 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4956 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4956 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
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By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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