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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was held in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, November 13, 2000. The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 6:05 p.m.
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; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons; Director of Public Works, John J. Kazmarski; Assistant Director of Public Works, Carlo Bonavita.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN SUMMARY
Mr. Shanley referred to documentation entitled, "Active Capital Improvements Projects As Of October 11, 2000" and stated this is not intended to be an accounting tool, but rather it gives an idea of the approximate balances in the various project accounts. He noted this is an accumulation of all of those projects that are at some phase other than completed and depleted. He pointed out there are a number of projects that are completed with funds remaining, and at some juncture the Council has the ability to reappropriate those monies. He stated there are also a number of recreation projects that are partially funded, and the Council may wish to review all of those projects in the context of the CDM Study, which will be presented on November 29th. He noted the Council may wish to re-prioritize those recreation projects at that point.
Councilman Fiore questioned the status on Item #14-Nancy Road Drainage, and Mr. Shanley indicated this would be addressed in the Road 2000 Project - Year 3.
Referring to Item #80-Weymouth Road, Councilman Fiore requested clarification on "Negotiated State Payment". Mr. Shanley explained according to the original contract, it was required for the Town to set aside the funds. He noted in the end, the Town was able to successfully argue that they needed to include those sidewalks as far as the overall responsibility of the State, and they agreed in that instance. He stated therefore, these remaining funds need not be appropriated for that purpose.
Referring to Item #108-Central Library Paving, Councilman Fiore questioned the status on this project. Mr. Shanley stated the paving should be done this year, unless the weather doesnt cooperate.
Councilman Fiore offered any assistance concerning Item #99 Robbin Road Sidewalk. Mr. Kazmarski noted the consensus from residents on Robbin Road was that they preferred to have the money reapportioned for drainage improvements. He noted they did change over to drainage work, however, the Council then insisted that it be returned back to sidewalk money. Councilman Fiore suggested perhaps Item #99 should be left as an open item.
Councilman Fiore referred to Item #82 Alcorn School Renovations and questioned what should be done with this money. Mr. Shanley stated the Council can reappropriate the funds. He noted its not often done, however, they will be suggesting the Council do that in the next few months. He pointed out the original Alcorn enabling discussion said any money left over should be returned to debt service, however, this is not debt that they can call. He suggested when they get to that point, the Council appropriate this as a revenue to the General Fund to reimburse the General Fund debt service that was paid.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the Alcorn monies can be applied toward the air conditioning for that building. Mr. Shanley stated it would be the Town Councils decision if they wished to redirect those funds.
Referring to Item #77 North School Codes, Councilman Fiore questioned what these monies have been spent on over the past nine months. Mr. Bonavita stated they had spent a significant amount of money for boiler work. He noted even though this building is vacant, they have to continue heating it. Mr. Kazmarski pointed out this building is being used as a storage facility.
Councilman Fiore questioned how much money remains in the account for Item #51 Whitacres. Mr. Shanley stated this funding is specifically for drainage. He noted additionally, they have funds for Road 2000 to do the roadwork and the associated drainage with the roadwork for those roads. He noted the Council also appropriated approximately $350,000 per year to do necessary drainage work outside of the road right-of-way.
Referring to Item #24 Roadside Tree Planting, Councilman Fiore requested clarification. Mr. Kazmarski explained this goes back about five years, and the Connecticut Light and Power Company did some trimming of brush along the railroad right-of-way on South River Street. He noted this opened up a significant area. He pointed out there were additional monies provided by CL&P because they had cut down so much brush that the residents could see the railroad tracks. He stated some of the replacement plantings were funded out of this first pocket of money. He noted this was just a grant that was available from CL&P at that time for replanting of trees somewhere within road right-of-ways.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether all of those funds are designated just for South River Street. Mr. Kazmarski responded no.
Councilman Fiore stated about a year ago, the Town received a grant from the State for plantings at the Shaker Road Soccer Complex. Mr. Shanley clarified those were "America The Beautiful" funds. He noted they need site plan approval by Planning & Zoning. Councilman Fiore questioned whether there was a timetable for these monies, and Mr. Shanley indicated they would get that information.
Referring to Item #30 Solid Waste Equipment, Councilman Fiore stated last January they had approximately $292,000 in this account. He noted this particular spreadsheet shows $414,000. He questioned whether over the last year they have purchased any new solid waste trucks. Mr. Kazmarski responded no. He explained in this years budget they received $250,000, and this is an on-going process. He noted at this time they have four vehicles either on order or about to be ordered out of that money.
Mr. Shanley clarified the way the capital fund works is that the Council makes an appropriation, and that appropriation is good for five years. He noted the Council adopted these particular accounts with great specificity.
Councilman Fiore referred to Items 3, 12, 15, 84, 85, and 87 and questioned if these items should have been closed. Mr. Shanley stated if theres any dollar amount associated with these items, only the Council can act on them. He explained this list was put together to make the Council aware of anything outstanding.
Councilman Fiore stated his impression one project that rolled off the Capital Improvement list was when the Town assisted the School Department with the purchasing of PCs. Mr. Shanley pointed out that was LOCIP money. He noted the Town split the LOCIP fund in half, and the Town expended those funds on an existing drainage project, and the balance was provided to the School Department.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the following items fall into the same category Items 36, 39, 43, and 44. Mr. Shanley responded yes and added anything that says "Complete Funds Available" means the Council can do as they wish, i.e., reappropriate the funds out of capital funds for Fund Balance; the Council can let it fall into Fund Balance for the Capital Fund; the Council can accumulate it when they have a specific set of demands.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether they foresee folding up some of these projects before the next budget process. Mr. Shanley stated they were going to come forward with a suggestion for some of these projects within the next few months.
Councilman Dodd questioned if School Facilities reports on a regular basis regarding the percentage of completion for school projects. Mr. Bonavita stated Mr. Kazmarski actually signs off on the purchase order. He noted they will get a memo from School Facilities explaining the percentage of completion.
Referring to Item #50 "Buckhorn Drainage (#1 & #3 Susan Circle), Councilman Mangini questioned the status of this project. Mr. Kazmarski stated they are looking to acquire a number of easements in that area to extend the storm drainage system. He noted they should have things in order for construction during the early summer months.
Referring to Item #34 Green Manor Pool, Councilman Mangini questioned if this is a potential CDM suggestion. Mr. Shanley stated this pool will be brought up in the CDM Report.
Councilman Vayda referred to Item #48 Various Brooks and questioned which six sections are involved. Mr. Kazmarski indicated that information can be provided. He noted these are brooks and channels that need to be scheduled for maintenance.
Chairwoman Strom questioned if theres any information on Gorman Avenue, and Mr. Kazmarski indicated he will get that information.
MOTION #4879 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dodd to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4879 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 6:41 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Mangini, Strom, and Vayda. Also present were Town Manger, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel T. Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
The Executive Session was recessed at 7:28 p.m. Chairwoman Strom reconvened the Special Meeting at 7:29 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4880 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Vayda to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4880 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 7:30 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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