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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 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, November 13, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:46 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Fiore.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Mangini, Strom, and Vayda. Councilmen Egan, Falk, Kaupin, and McGuire were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel T. Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4881 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the October 10, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4881 adopted 6-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
MOTION #4882 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the October 16, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4882 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4883 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the October 16, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4883 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4884 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Fiore to accept the minutes of the October 23, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4884 adopted 7-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Monte Kroh, 1670 King Street (A representative from Tri-State Diesel)
Strongly urged the Town Council to act favorably on the application of Tri-State Diesel. He noted this is an opportunity for the Town to work together with a local businessman and assist him in the revitalization of a significant piece of industrial property in Enfield.
He stated his confidence Enfield will find Tri-State Diesel is the type of corporate citizen that every town would like to have.
He noted through this process he has found the Towns administrative team to be highly qualified, courteous and competent. He personally thanked the Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Gregory Simmons, the Director of Finance; Christopher Bromson, the Town Attorney; and Maria Stavropoulos, the Assistant Town Attorney, for the professional manner in which they handled themselves throughout this process.
Nancy Bent, 9 Abbewood Drive
Thanked the Town Council for appointing a subcommittee to study the trash pick-up issue for condominiums. She addressed some comments made by a Council member who briefly attended that meeting. She noted apparently this Council member was displeased because when they presented potential agenda items, they did not include cost issues. She pointed out the mission of the Enfield Condominium Homeowners Association is to convince the Town that providing trash pick-up to these residents is the right thing to do. She noted any financial considerations would fall to various town departments and town staff. She stated she doesnt believe the Town would be looking for direction from the Association in financial matters.
Ms. Bent referred to a comment made by a Councilman in that the money for this trash collection would come from taxpayers pockets. She pointed out condominium owners are taxpayers as well. She voiced her objection to a Councilman making comments that could be misleading to Town residents, i.e., implying condo owners are not taxpayers like everyone else.
She stated her belief the real reason for some of these comments stems from the belief that the condo group should put forth a $100,000 offer to pay half the cost of a front loader vehicle. She stated personally, shes vehemently opposed to such an offer.
Ms. Bent stated the Condo Association has reviewed the minutes and tapes from both the Special and Regular Meetings of May 15, 2000, and the agenda items they put forward really come from what they learned by reviewing the minutes from that meeting. She noted theyre very clear on exactly what Council members did express when they voted down both the appropriations for the truck and whats come to be known as the philosophical issue concerning whether or not the Town will or will not pick up trash for the condo complexes. She stated her belief the primary focus of the Condo Subcommittee meetings should be to eliminate the concerns of all Council members.
Brian Ellis, 7 King Court
Stated hes very supportive of Tri-State Diesel and appreciates the work theyve done in his area. He thanked the Mr. Shanley and Attorney Bromson for their assistance in this matter. He urged the Council to look favorably on this issue.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Voiced her support of Tri-State Diesel. She noted this company has made quite a difference in that area.
Ms. Turner pointed out its the Committee that the Council appointed that should be setting the agenda for the Condominium Subcommittee agendas. She noted at the last meeting, it appeared the condominium people were giving quite a bit of direction, and the six issues raised at that meeting were brought up by them in their order.
Ms. Turner strongly urged the Council to remember there are other people who are not in favor of picking up condo trash. She stated she finds it offensive one small group is getting this attention. She questioned why the Towns legal staff is being given information from this special interest group that theyre then using to review vs writing their own.
She stated she has noticed some condo owners are starting to put their trash out on the street. She noted she has no problem with that.
Ms. Turner referred to the Council member who briefly attended the Condo Subcommittee meeting and raised some questions. She noted this Council member just asked some questions that were pointed towards costs, and these questions were raised in a professional, calm, and rational manner.
She stated if the Town needs a front loader truck, they should be looking at that as a separate issue and not put it together with the Condo Association.
Roxy Burke, Executive Director of North Central Chamber of Commerce
Voiced support for Tri-State Diesel. He stated this is a good opportunity to welcome a new company into Enfield that has done a tremendous service to this community. He stated his belief Tri-State Diesel has met every requirement for this abatement.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Voiced support for Tri-State Diesel.
Mr. Tkacz questioned the necessity of having police presence at every public meeting. He stated his belief its a waste of taxpayers money to pay for police presence.
He noted he attended the Condo Subcommittee, and it appeared the condo people were running the meeting and setting the agenda. He noted there should also be a balanced format, and these meetings should be run correctly.
Mr. Tkacz stated entrances to condominium complexes are not roads, but rather theyre termed driveways and parking lots.
Referring to population figures, he stated according to 1998 data, Enfield ranks 21st of the top 28 towns for population. He pointed out according to percentages of budgets for police, Enfield ranks 27. He noted this is about 6.5% of Enfields budget. He stated compared to other towns, Enfield isnt spending enough for police.
As concerns Public Works, Enfield is the most expensive town out of the 28 towns. He noted Bridgeport, the largest town, spends a little over 6% of their budget for public works, and Enfield spends 11.5%. He noted this high figure is attributable to the trash pick-up which is very expensive in Enfield. He stated his belief this is not cost effective, and the Town should look at subcontracting this service, or leasing the equipment. He pointed out the maintenance of this equipment is very expensive. He feels the Public Works budget should be brought down to a reasonable 6%.
Mary Lou Flynn, 30 Cora Road (Registrar of Voters)
Highly commended Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki and her Town Clerk staff for an outstanding job during the election period.
Sam McGill, Jr., 20 Gary Road
Voiced his support of Tri-State Diesel.
Mr. McGill stated his belief community policing has made a noticeable difference in Thompsonville. He urged the Council not to cut back on this program.
He stated his hope the sidewalks in his area will be addressed.
He suggested before providing new benefits and expenditures for a group of people, perhaps they could use those proposed monies to reinstate some former services which would benefit all Town residents, i.e., extending hours at the transfer station, or some other service.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini urged people to support a bone marrow fund raiser on Tuesday, December 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Councilman Mangini thanked the Veterans Council for a fine parade.
Councilman Mangini thanked the Democrat/Republican Registrars of Voters, as well as Suzanne Olechnicki and the Town Clerks Office for their hard work during the recent election.
Councilman Mangini stated she was honored to represent Enfield in New Haven last Sunday for United Studios Kids for Life. She noted Mayor Strom prepared a nice letter which she read that supported the children of the After School Program.
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Falk represented Enfield by participating in an agricultural show at UCONN last Saturday.
MOTION #4884A by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to add a discussion about the Fair Rent Commission under Items for Discussion (Item k.).
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4884A adopted 7-0-0.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the Council wants to have a general discussion about the Enfield Revitalization Committee at the November 20th Council meeting. It was the consensus of the Council to add this to the November 20th agenda.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the Town Manager knows about tree tagging on Brainard Road. Mr. Shanley made note of this.
Councilman Fiore stated somewhere along the way an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals has fallen off the agenda. He requested this be investigated.
Councilman Fiore referred to Mr. McGills comment regarding sidewalks and noted these walks are off Washington Road and Varno Lane. He noted a lot of those sidewalks are very old.
Chairwoman Strom suggested adding another Item for Discussion (Item L.) which relates to Laughlin Road in the Hazardville section.
MOTION #4885 by Chairwoman Strom, seconded by Councilman Vayda to add Item k. to Items for Discussion (Laughlin Road).
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4885 adopted 7-0-0.
Chairwoman Strom read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce as follows:
"The North Central Chamber of Commerce would like to go on record as supporting a tax waiver of $165,000 for Tri-State Diesel LLC. The company has taken a contaminated eyesore that was an embarrassment to Enfield and a potential costly liability to clean up. This resulted in exactly what the State was promoting when it passed a law that allows towns to provide tax abatements to positive, forward-looking and environmentally concerned private industries. It will now create jobs and become a taxpayer. Please look positively on this request for abatement, and lets hope there are more such industries looking at Enfield as a place to grow".
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated on November 29th, Camp, Dresser, McGee will present their final report to the public. He noted theyll be advertising this in the newspaper.
Mr. Shanley stated the Town Clerks Office processed 330 presidential ballots on Election Day.
Referring to Brainard Road tree tagging, Mr. Shanley stated CL&P has been following the process. He noted CL&P just submitted a letter stating they intend to cut those trees that are 18 inches or more. He stated theyre preparing a response for the Mayor to review.
Chairwoman Strom suggested listings of tagged trees should also be forwarded to the applicable district Councilman.
Mr. Shanley passed out documentation from Ray Warren, the Director of Economic Development, and this documentation is about a grand opening for one of Enfields large local employers.
Mr. Shanley stated he will review the percentage figures raised by Mr. Tkacz.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson spoke about different ordinances and noted how the law often changes. For example, today the supreme court upheld a curfew ordinance in Vernon. As concerns the blight ordinance, up until a year ago they could not lien property, however, theyve recently learned they can lien a property.
Attorney Bromson stated if any constituents or churches are interested in erecting a crèche on the Town Green, there is a time frame and they should contact the Town Managers Office to get the proper application.
Referring to the condominium issue, Attorney Bromson stated the law really hasnt changed since the U.S. District court case was decided in Naugatuck, Connecticut. He noted the law does not provide that the Town has to give this service to condos, however, it does not preclude the Town from doing so. He stated there are legal issues below that, such as the hold harmless agreement, however, thats "putting the cart before the horse." He noted according to Town Council minutes, the Council did raise a question regarding this. He pointed out he did say on the record that if the Council directed them, and they had the policy they wanted to implement, they would make sure theres a hold harmless clause that protects the Town and the condos. He went on to note that the Charter provides that any contracts or documents of this sort have to be reviewed and approved by the Town Attorneys Office. He stated he will attend the next condo meeting and will address a lot of issues about the law that have come up.
Attorney Bromson stated at this juncture his office is very comfortable everything has been done properly regarding the Tri-State Diesel matter.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Hall stated the School Projects Building Committee is at a juncture where they will probably be looking to come before the Council for final approval on the building plans that are addressed in their charge. She noted they have a workshop meeting set up with the Board of Education for the beginning of December. She suggested the Council then have a workshop with the Board of Education before the Council approves any final plans for the Building Committee. She explained shes requesting this to comply with the charge and to get input from the Board of Education before the Council goes through the final approval process for the plans. Chairwoman Strom agreed they do need to have a meeting. She suggested setting a meeting at the November 20th Council meeting.
Councilman Fiore stated the Senior Citizens Building Committee is scheduled to meet on November 30th.
Councilman Fiore stated it appears the Veterans Council may be under budget for the Memorial Day Parade. He noted some representatives from the Veterans Council may be coming before the Council after the holidays requesting an increase so they can hold a nice Memorial Day Parade.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained on the table.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #4886 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the Town Managers recommendation to remove Item #5 from the table. (Economic Development Commission)
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4886 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4887 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Managers recommendation to appoint Gerald Fitzsimmons to the Economic Development Commission which expires 12/31/2003.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4887 adopted 7-0-0.
Items c., d., f., and g. remained tabled.
MOTION #4888 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item e. from the table. (Resolution re: Proposed Ordinance Abatement of Taxes/Volunteer Fire Personnel.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4888 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4889 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Vayda.
BE IT RESOLVED, 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 residents an opportunity to express their interests regarding the proposed Ordinance Tax Abatement for Firefighters and Emergency Personnel.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4889 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4890 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item h. from the table. (Traffic Calming Policy)
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4890 adopted 7-0-0.
Councilman Fiore referred to a letter from the Fire Chief at the North Thompsonville Fire Department. He referred to Page 6 and stated his belief they need to spell out the inclusion of the local fire chief or his/her representative when a pre-application conference is scheduled.
Chairwoman Strom agreed.
Mr. Shanley suggested the subcommittee meet once again to take the Planning & Zoning action and correspondence into consideration and instruct staff how they would like the document amended. He noted from there they will bring it back for final review and approval by the Council.
Councilman Fiore requested the Town Managers Office set up that meeting.
MOTION #4891 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4891 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4891A by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Dodd to remove Item i. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4891A adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4892 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, TRI-STATE RENTALS, LLC is the owner of property located at 1 Depot Hill Road, Enfield, Connecticut;
WHEREAS, TRI-STATE RENTALS, LLC acquired title to the property from GCE, LLC, which acquired title to the property as a result of its mortgage foreclosure against Depot Hill, LLC;
WHEREAS, TRI-STATE RENTALS, LLC is presently developing and making extensive improvements to the property at 1 Depot Hill Road;
WHEREAS, THE PROPERTY required significant environmental remediation;
WHEREAS, TRI-STATE RENTALS, LLC has completed, at substantial expense, an environmental remediation plan for the property;
WHEREAS, THE PROPERTY is subject to delinquent property taxes, interest and lien fees for the Grand List years of 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999;
WHEREAS, CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTE 12-81r allows a municipality to forgive delinquent taxes and interest if an environmental remediation plan is completed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council, pursuant to the provisions of Connecticut General Statute 12-81r, hereby forgives the delinquent taxes, interest and lien fees on 1 Depot Hill Road, Enfield, Connecticut for the Grand List years of 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 and the current interest due on the July 1, 2000 payment of the Grand List of 1999.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4892 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4893 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Fiore to remove Item j. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4893 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Chairwoman Strom stated one of the concerns had to do with the appointment process. She noted appointments to the Inland/Wetlands and Conservation Commission are currently done by the Town Manager. Mr. Shanley stated the memo from the Town Attorneys Office indicates the legislative body can make appointments to the Inland/Wetlands Commission.
Chairwoman Strom stated at this point there isnt a clear consensus from the Council as to whether theyre looking for a Conservation Commission or a separate environmentally oriented commission.
Councilman Mangini stated after hearing what the Conservation Commission members had to say, she would like to see this remain as one body.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief its time to split this committee. He noted he would like to see the Inland/Wetlands stay Town Manager appointed. He feels this allows for a check and balance to the whole land board process. He noted he would like to see the environmental committee be Council appointed since this would be more of a policy board.
Chairwoman Strom stated the current Inland/Wetlands Commission pointed out there are no other towns in Connecticut that dont have a Conservation Commission. She stated her belief this topic needs further discussion before it goes to a public hearing.
MOTION #4895 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Fiore to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4895 adopted 7-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Appointments to the Human Services Advisory Commission, North Central District Health Department, and Planning and Zoning Commission remained on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #4896 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Giddings.
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council, at its Regular Meeting of January 20, 1998 adopted Resolution #3341 authorizing the appointment of the Enfield Beautification Committee; and
WHEREAS, it has become apparent that the number of electors appointed to this committee is not sufficient to carry out their charge;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council does hereby amend Resolution #3341 and authorize the additional appointment of four (4) electors of the town who have the interest and expertise to serve on the Enfield Beautification Committee, increasing the total membership of this committee to 9 (nine) members.
Councilman Fiore stated it appears this is another board where all the terms will expire at the same time.
Chairwoman Strom agreed that should be discussed at a future meeting.
Councilman Hall stated some of the Beautification Committee issues cross over into the Revitalization Committee area as well. She feels they need to add this to the discussion of their charge as well because she feels they intertwine in a lot of areas.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4896 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #4897 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to take a brief recess.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4897 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 9:07 p.m. Chairwoman Strom reconvened the meeting at 9:19 p.m.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
The appointments to the Ethics Commission will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
MOTION #4898 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Vayda to suspend the rules to address Items c., e., f., i., and j. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4898 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: PROJECT NO. 48-172 ROUTE 190 DETOUR MOODY ROAD, ELM STREET AND PALOMBA DRIVE
Mr. Shanley stated the Town Managers signature is required on the agreement.
DISCUSSION RE: TRANSFER FOR AMMUNITION/PD
This item will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: RECREATION SUB-COMMITTEE CHARGE
Mr. Shanley stated this will be available for final approval by the Town Council at their next meeting.
MOTION #4899 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to suspend the rules to address Item h. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4899 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FAIR RENT COMMISSION
Councilman Fiore stated he was concerned that they havent been able to find anyone to sit on this Commission. He suggested perhaps the Housing Code of Appeals could do double duty on this, or they could leave it as it is and try to fill the vacancies.
Chairwoman Strom stated they would have to look into this. She noted she would like to see another board or committee take over these duties.
Councilman Vayda raised the possibility of the Town Managers Office or Town staff making a recommendation to the Council, in terms of what might be an appropriate approach. He agreed they should roll this up with another committee.
Sam McGill, a member of the Fair Rent Commission, was invited to come forward to participate in this discussion.
Mr. McGill stated things have been very quiet over the last three or four years. He stated perhaps combining this commission with another body might be the best route to take.
Chairwoman Strom questioned whether the current Fair Rent Commission members might be willing to meet just a couple times per year just to keep up with the trends. Mr. McGill responded he didnt know and suggested the members of that Committee be polled. He stated hes unsure whether this Committee has a quorum at this point.
Mr. Shanley stated staff will be happy to provide a recommendation.
MOTION #4900 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4900 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: LAUGHLIN ROAD (SCENIC ROAD DESIGNATION)
Chairwoman Strom stated theres currently an application with Planning & Zoning for housing, and several members of Planning & Zoning wanted to know if the Council was going to pursue this. She noted the question is whether or not the Council is going to look at a possible scenic road designation.
Attorney Bromson stated the Council should be very circumspect on their comments. He noted there are a lot of issues that have to be decided first.
Councilman Fiore questioned how the Council can discuss this.
Mr. Shanley stated there will be an Executive Session at the next meeting. He noted the decision from Planning & Zoning isnt due for 65 days.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #4901 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to submit an Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program Application to the State of Connecticuts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for Powder Hill Road Lots 34 and 38; to accept any award under said grant program; and to sign, enter into and amend any agreements with the State DEP specifically related to said grant.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4901 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4902 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Vayda.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to submit an Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program Application to the State of Connecticuts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for Elm Street Lot 52; to accept any award under said grant program; and to sign, enter into and amend any agreements with the State DEP specifically related to said grant.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4902 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4903 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, established an action deadline for itself for October, 2000 to implement a traffic calming policy; and
WHEREAS, the Council has developed a draft policy which has been reviewed twice by a subcommittee and subsequently passed with a favorable vote from the Planning and Zoning Commission in November 2, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Council seeks to ensure adequate decision and deliberation time prior to final passage;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield extends its time frame for action on the Traffic Calming Policy to January, 2001.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4903 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4904 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Vayda.
WHEREAS, on September 18, 1995, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield established a Liaison Committee with respect to the reconstruction of Elm Street, St. James and Freshwater Boulevard "to advise the Connecticut Department of Transportation of local resident and citizen concerns regarding this project"; and
WHEREAS, over the last five years, the Committee has met often and participated fully with the Town and the Department of Transportation in negotiating the design of the intersection; and
WHEREAS, final design has been completed and the project will begin construction in 2001;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, hereby expresses its enormous gratitude to the long serving members of the St. James Committee and recognizes their impact on the final design of the intersection; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that having completed their task, the Elm Street, St. James/Freshwater Committee is hereby discharged from further responsibility.
Councilman Fiore requested the Town Manager send a letter of appreciation to all the members of this committee.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4904 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4905 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Hall.
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL HEARING ON POST OFFICE ROAD/TOWN FARM ROAD PROJECT
RESOLVED, that the Public Works Department of the Town of Enfield schedule a public informational hearing on December 18, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. to receive public input regarding this project.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4905 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4906 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to utilize Road 2000 funds for the installation of approximately 185 feet of new sidewalks abutting #710 - #718 Enfield Street and the installation of approximately 2400 square feet of new grass pavers abutting #710 - #738 Enfield Street.
Mr. Kazmarski displayed an illustration where the work is proposed to be done.
Councilman Vayda questioned if there will be any problems when snow plowing is done, and Mr. Kazmarski responded no.
Councilman Fiore stated when the cost is put together for this project, he would like that figure forwarded to the Council.
Councilman Hall stated she would like to see some costs before voting. Mr. Kazmarski indicated he can cost this out.
Chairwoman Strom questioned whether Mr. Kazmarski has any idea of what the cost might be, and Mr. Kazmarski estimated around $10,000.
After some discussion it was agreed to address the pavers at a later time.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Vayda to amend the resolution as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to utilize Road 2000 funds for the installation of approximately 185 feet of new sidewalks abutting #710 - #718 Enfield Street.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 7-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4906 adopted 7-0-0 as amended.
RESOLUTION #4907 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Giddings.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, December 4, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. to allow interested residents an opportunity to express their interests regarding the FY2000 Community Development Block Grant funding for the Freshwater Pond Dredging Project.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4907 adopted 7-0-0, as amended.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
William Ballard, 321 Abbe Road
Thanked the Town Council for approving the abatement for Tri-State.
Mr. Ballard stated on Abbe Road, just below Town Farm Road, people removed some sidewalk and planted grass. Mr. Shanley indicated this would be checked out.
He noted there are certain areas on Abbe Road where sidewalks should be completed.
Mr. Ballard stated a huge branch fell from a tree on Town Farm Road in the area of Wallop School Road. He stated his belief these trees should be looked at.
He noted hes still concerned about trash alongside the road near the dump. He noted people travel fast on this road on Saturday mornings, and their trash blows out onto the roadside.
Mr. Ballard voiced his concern about how Laughlin Road will hold up with additional traffic resulting from a new development going into that area.
Referring to the condo trash issue, Mr. Ballard stated he would like to see copies of the leases that the condo owners have signed stating that they knew that they were going to have to pay for their trash pick-up.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Referring to Mr. Ballards request regarding the condominium trash issue, Councilman Hall requested copies of the state regulations for the condominiums as concerns condo owners having a ten day waiting period in which to review their bylaws and sign off on them. She requested a copy of this be forwarded to Mr. Ballard.
Chairwoman Strom stated the Council has received an invitation to the next Voices, Inc. concert. She noted Council members should let Kathy Thomson know whether or not they can attend.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4908 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4908 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:15 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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