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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING
DECEMBER 4, 2000
A Public Hearing 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 7:23 p.m.
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 Community Development, Laura Watson; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons.
Chairwoman Strom read the following notice of Public Hearing which was published in the Journal Inquirer on Friday, November 24, 2000:
TOWN OF ENFIELD
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2000
"Notice is hereby given that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall, Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, December 4, 2000 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the proposed ordinance Tax Abatement for Firefighters and Emergency Medical Personnel."
Mr. Shanley stated the Council initially took up this item after being advised by the fire chiefs coordinating group that this was something that was of interest to the volunteer fire fighters in Enfield. He noted they developed a proposal that was subsequently discussed by the Town Council, reviewed by the Town Attorney, compared to other communities that have adopted or are considering a similar ordinance, and some adjustments were made.
Councilman Falk questioned if the rebate comes off the tax bill, and Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Mangini expressed her appreciation to all the volunteers.
Nelson Rodriguez
Questioned if this includes paid fire fighters. Chairwoman Strom stated this includes only volunteers.
Suzanne Longo, Tax Collector-Town of Enfield
Questioned if this is to go against town taxes only not the fire district tax. Mr. Shanley responded thats correct.
Ms. Longo questioned if theres a husband and wife in the same household, will they both be eligible for up to a $1,000 rebate. Chairwoman Strom stated this is for any fire fighter in Town, therefore, if there is a husband and wife who are both volunteer fire fighters, they would both be eligible if they meet the criteria of the ordinance.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether this was tied into one of the State statutes that says this is for volunteers only. Mr. Shanley responded thats correct.
Bryan Ayers, 2 Yale Drive
Stated hes been a fire fighter for 18 years. He noted hes concerned about the lack of volunteers, and he feels this would be a good way to encourage people to volunteer.
Robert Rossman, 14 Shaker Hill Road
Referred to the high cost of a paid fire department and noted this proposal will end up saving taxpayers money.
Earl Provencher, 37 Foxcroft Road
Expressed his appreciation to the Council for their efforts regarding this proposal. He stated his hope this will help keep volunteers in service.
Perry Frost, 2 Betty Road
Stated this proposal will be very helpful. He pointed out volunteers have to undergo a lot of class work, they need to pass a probationary period, and they do not get paid for their service.
Peter Quirk, 49 Park Avenue
Stated volunteers give a lot of time toward schooling. He questioned whether theres anything after retirement, i.e., someone who has put in a lot of time. Mr. Shanley pointed out state law restricts this to active volunteers.
As no others wished to speak, Chairwoman Strom closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 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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