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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 10, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was held in a Conference Room at the Department of Corrections on Crescent Lake on Tuesday, October 10, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Mangini and Strom. Councilman McGuire entered the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Councilmen Kaupin and Vayda entered at 7:42 p.m. Councilmen Dodd and Egan were absent.
Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren; Director of Planning and Community Development, Jose Giner; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Information Systems, Charlene Bond; Director of Human Resources, William Mahoney; Director of Social Services, Dorothy Allen; Henry Dutcher, Director of Libraries; Marla Hauslaib, Deputy Director of Social Services; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Chief of Police, Ronald Marcotte;
WORK SESSION
Goals
The following list of goals was reviewed:
Higgins Building
Chairwoman Strom stated her belief the Higgins Building, North School building and the Hazardville Institute could be one goal. She noted all three buildings are in great need of repair. She added her belief the Councils charge should be to determine what is to be done with these buildings.
Councilman Fiore agreed this should be one goal and that the Council should decide what they want to do with these buildings.
Councilman Falk stated his belief the Council would have to come up with some special use of these buildings.
Councilman Giddings questioned if it would be necessary to go to referendum to tear down the Higgins Building. Mr. Shanley stated estimates have been about $750,000 to tear down Higgins. He noted the monies could be appropriated over a few years. If the demolition were to be done sooner, theyd have to go to referendum.
Ms. Bond pointed out there are employees in the Higgins Building, and it would have to be determined where to place those employees. Mr. Shanley agreed and noted they will soon have to decide where to place these employees. He added they need to define a use for each of the three buildings.
It was the general consensus to include the old senior citizens building within this goal as well.
Chairwoman Strom stated her belief the Council definitely needs a work session on this goal.
Gold Start Monument Improvements
Councilman Mangini noted this monument is covered in grass and people walk on it. She added along with this particular monument, the Town needs to identify the other monuments around town to be sure theyre being properly maintained and treated respectfully.
Chairwoman Strom suggested first taking an inventory of these monuments and determine what maintenance is needed.
Purple Heart Museum
Chairwoman Strom stated at this point in time, the Purple Heart Committee is moving ahead. She noted the last audit is being done, and they will not move forward until it is turned over to the Attorney Generals office. She added she still has a positive attitude about the Purple Heart Museum in Enfield.
Referendum Question Library
Councilman Fiore stated his belief that rather than talking about a referendum, they should first identify library space needs. Mr. Dutcher agreed the first step would be to look at space and program needs. He suggested putting together a space plan.
Councilman Mangini raised the question of the Pearl Street Library needs. Mr. Dutcher pointed out they implemented a homework computer center at the Pearl Street library. He added they are also looking at an after school program. He pointed out hes a member of the School Readiness Council. He went on to note Ms. Nosal, the Pearl Street Librarian, also started a book discussion group in that location.
Councilman Falk stated a needs study was done for the Enfield High School Library, and they learned they would need to add more computer technology. He added Enfield High School is also talking about opening their library to the public. He questioned whether Mr. Dutcher is taking into consideration what the schools are doing in their libraries. Mr. Dutcher responded yes and noted Palmer, Massachusetts has a collaborative effort with the school system. He went on to note they should also look at the hours the library is open.
Define Council Role Strand Theater
Councilman Giddings stated the Strand Theater Committee needs all the help they can get. He noted the Committee is doing well in creating programs which are necessary in order to apply for grants. He stated they have programs and classes in areas such as make-up, drama, and set design. He noted theyre also involved in grant writing, and this is a big task.
Councilman Falk questioned what the Towns part would be. Councilman Giddings stated the Committee would not expect the Town to donate money, however, they would appreciate strong moral support from the Town.
Chairwoman Strom pointed out the Town did abate the taxes on the Strand building, and the Town also advanced a loan to the Committee until the State grant came in. She added the various Town departments are available for developing a hazardous waste abatement plan for this building.
Zoning Ordinance Rewrite/Design Guidelines
Mr. Shanley stated this would relate to the Hazardville Village design.
Councilman Kaupin raised the question of encouraging low interest loans for façade improvements.
Complete Reformatting of Town Code
Ms. Olechnicki stated they are in the process of doing this. She noted they are using the people who have been managing their codes for a number of years. She added her hope this will be an easy transition. She pointed out it will be another year before its ready.
Councilman Giddings requested clarification on a town code. Ms. Olechnicki explained the Town Code contains the laws and ordinances that guide the Town. She noted State Statute is the Towns guide, but the Town has the authority to make its own laws and ordinances.
Chairwoman Strom questioned if they will be looking at being able to cross reference things. Ms. Olechnicki indicated they can check into this.
Monitor and Address Prison Expansion Issue
Mr. Shanley stated this depends on what happens in Somers.
Develop Policy for Orientation/Education of Land Use Boards/Other Boards and Commissions/Council
Mr. Shanley stated he sees this as a subcommittee of the Council, which would put together a plan. Chairwoman Strom noted they do have a subcommittee, but they have not yet met. She stated when they do meet, they can come up with a list of ideas.
Condo Trash Resolution
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like to see the subcommittee get reformed and a decision in place by March so that it can be incorporated into the budget process should they decide to go forward.
Councilman Mangini stated her belief it would be more feasible to learn exactly what needs to be done to give the condominium people what they want.
Chairwoman Strom stated she had the impression there were unanswered questions, i.e., she doesnt feel they addressed the liability question.
Councilman Falk stated his belief the subcommittee that was in place did a good job. He went on to state he doesnt see the need to form another committee. He stated his belief if there are questions, the staff can answer those questions, i.e., the issue of going onto private property.
Councilman Fiore stated if a few Council members wish to re-hash this issue, then they should be able to do so.
Chairwoman Strom state her belief its better to have a subcommittee to put all the questions in a comprehensive form.
Increase Interaction With Fire Districts
Mr. Shanley stated his belief the fire districts had asked to have access to information, i.e., public safety information.
Integrate Community Policing/Sports
Mr. Shanley noted the Chief of Police was talking about getting the sports program and police department working together more closely.
Tax Abatements Volunteer Fire Department
Mr. Shanley pointed out the Council will be discussing this topic at their October 23rd meeting.
Property Maintenance Ordinance
Mr. Shanley stated the Council will be discussing this item at their October 16th meeting.
Discussion followed as to what can be considered blighted property.
Councilman Mangini emphasized the need to respect peoples rights.
Attorney Stavropoulos stated there are certain things the Town can do. She went on to note there are ordinances already in place to cover many of these areas they just have to be enforced. She added some towns are taking properties.
It was noted they should learn where there are gaps in enforcement.
Implement Legislation Tree Cutting Policy
Mr. Shanley stated such legislation would attempt to give the chief elected officer the legal standing to dispute DOT having a tree removed on state property without some form of due process.
Deal With West Nile Virus
Chairwoman Strom stated North Central District Health is on top of this.
Ms. Olechnicki stated her recollection Bill Blitz, the Director of North Central District Health, recommended funding for this.
Chairwoman Strom suggested this be looked at during the budget process.
Mr. Vindigni pointed out the cleaning of catch basins ties in with this.
Continue Support for Food Shelf/Loaves and Fishes
Councilman Mangini stated she would like to be sure the Enfield Food Shelf is not displaced when the Higgins employees are moved out of that building.
It was agreed they should have a joint meeting with the Enfield Food Shelf.
It was agreed this item should have a positive statement.
Continue Efforts to Fill Vacancies on Boards and Commissions
Self-Explanatory.
Comprehensive Review of Applicability of Boards and Commissions
Mr. Shanley noted this was to look at current boards and commissions to see if it was decided whether any of these should be discharged.
Strengthen Relations and Dialogue with School Department
Self-Explanatory.
Strengthen Relationships with State Legislators
Self-Explanatory.
Improve Communication Between Boards and Commissions Focusing on Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Town Council
Self-Explanatory.
Process to Define Customer Needs
Develop a customer service orientation.
Chairwoman Strom recessed the meeting at 8:25 p.m. She then reconvened the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Maintain Current Service Level
Self-Explanatory.
Upgrade Mobile Data Terminals (P.D. Reports in Cruisers)
Mr. Shanley noted this will be a budgeted item. Chief Marcotte stated they currently have 30 of these terminals.
Timeliness Issues for Referrals from Council/Tracking
Mr. Vindigni stated they are trying to improve on this.
Councilman Falk stated there needs to be closure on some items. Mr. Vindigni pointed out closure can be quite far off in some instances. Councilman Falk suggested flagging some items.
Develop Geographic Based Relational Database GIS
Mr. Shanley stated this is a broad area. He noted all the topography is completed.
Councilman Fiore stated his recollection this was partly funded. Mr. Shanley stated funding was provided for a GIS Manager. Ms. Bond stated when this is complete, there will be a lot of opportunities with the data.
Reorganize IT Structure to Accommodate New Demands
Ms. Bond stated the Gartner Group recommended a Systems Development Manager. She noted she would like to see this position in place before they hire a GIS Manager.
Define Benchmarks for Customer Service Improvement
Mr. Shanley stated this goes along with customer service needs.
Family Resource Center Building
Mr. Shanley stated the Family Resource Center Building would be housed in the old Graphica building.
Ms. Allen stated they are suggesting the idea of acquiring the boarded up building near the Graphica building. She went on to note the Family Resource building will either be renovated or new construction.
Create Training and Career, Professional Development and Tracking System and Needs Assessment
Mr. Shanley stated they would have to identify the training employees would need, given the career direction they would like to go.
Technology Infrastructure Upgrade
Ms. Bond stated this is ongoing. She noted they look at their infrastructure every year.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief they need to look at upgrades on an average three-year cycle.
Complete Child Day Care Development
Mr. Shanley stated they are wrapping up the lease and will make the investments in the building, i.e., an elevator, sprinkler system, air conditioning, parking, etc.
Powder Hollow Bridge
Mr. Shanley stated the problem is not the condition, but rather the functionality of this bridge.
It was agreed they should look at improvements.
Thompsonville Revitalization Sidewalks
It was noted that specifically walkways around the Freshwater Pond should be looked at.
Industrial Park Development
Mr. Shanley stated his belief this refers to a new industrial park.
Beemans Brook Watershed Completion
Councilman Falk indicated this has to do with Route 91 to the east. He added his belief a study should be done.
Roosevelt Drainage Improvements
Mr. Kazmarski explained this is in the area westerly toward Booth Road.
Review Upcoming Funding Needs/School Roofs
It was agreed this is a budget item.
Post Office Road/Bike Trail/Way
Mr. Shanley stated a decision has to be made on this soon.
Parking for Thompsonville and Hazardville Areas
Chairwoman Strom stated they should have a needs assessment done. It was agreed this could be a budget item.
Storm Water Separation
Self-Explanatory.
Hazardville Streetscape
It was noted this has to do with the implementation of the Hazardville Streetscape plan.
Renovate Lamagna Center/Façade
Mr. Shanley noted this has to do with design, implementation and parking.
Complete "Northgate" Plan and Implement
Self-Explanatory.
Design and Replace Deteriorated Retaining Walls (Public)
Mr. Kazmarski stated there are a lot of walls that were built in a number of locations, and these walls need repair.
Develop Strategy for Identification at WPC for Long Island Sound Cleanup
Mr. Shanley pointed out this is soon to be a State mandate. He noted theyll have to look at making major investments over the next couple years.
Road 2000 Years 2 and 3
Mr. Shanley stated theyll continue the process of public meetings, design, etc.
Complete Rehab Elementary Schools
Mr. Shanley stated work at the schools should be complete in two years or less.
Build Senior Center and Prepare for Accreditation
Self-Explanatory.
Resolution of Tax Appeals (Results)
Self-Explanatory.
Expand Tipper Barrel Program/Reduce Injuries
Self-Explanatory.
Reaccredit Police Department
Mr. Shanley noted this is coming up next year.
Employee Vehicle Operation Training/Policy
Mr. Shanley explained this is a training program for employees on the operation of Town vehicles.
Councilman Mangini raised a question about background checks being done, and Mr. Mahoney stated they check their CDL.
Implement GASB 34
Self-Explanatory.
Develop Performance Measures
Self Explanatory.
Physical Facility Maintenance Plan
Self-Explanatory.
Project Management Skill Training
Mr. Shanley stated this is to train everyone internally on project management.
Expand Use of Teams in Project Devleopment and Management
Self-Explanatory.
Reenergize Employee Task Forces for Employee Needs
Mr. Shanley stated this is to create a work environment whereby people feel they have some control.
Rewrite Personnel Rules
Mr. Shanley explained personnel rules are getting older and need rewriting.
Continue to Work Towards Town Wide Community Police
Self-Explanatory.
Reevaluation
Mr. Shanley noted the reevaluation will be going on for 18 months.
Storm Drain Cleaning-Maintenance Strategy
Mr. Shanley noted they need to come up with a storm drainage strategy that is workable.
Work Towards a Responsible Mill Rate
Mr. Shanley noted they should work toward a responsible mill rate every year and look for state and federal monies.
Work for Improved Employee Morale
It was agreed this item should have a positive statement.
Support Economic Development
Self-Explanatory.
Discuss Canine Unit
Self-Explanatory.
Improve I.T. Hardware and Software to Obtain Efficiency
Self-Explanatory.
Monitor Pay and Benefits of Town Employees/Inter/Intra Town Salary Study
Self-Explanatory.
Curb Maintenance, Weed Removal
Self-Explanatory.
Add Grant Writers to Staff
Self-Explanatory.
Development of Written Procedures for Permits
Self-Explanatory.
Insurance/Risk Manager Consultant
Self-Explanatory.
Acquire Land Next to Family Resource Center to Join Senior Center for Campus
Ms. Allen noted theres a building nearby not being utilized, and they believe it would be a good thing for the Town to acquire that building. She noted this would help them to better utilize the land for the Family Resource Center.
Develop en E-Government Plan for Enfield
Self-Explanatory.
Integrate Computer Technology with Daily Customer Service Needs and Employee Needs
Mr. Dutcher pointed out he can only make book purchases through the internet, and the orders can only be processed through a credit card.
Define EMS Structure and Bergin Implementation
Mr. Vindigni stated they have two proposals submitted by consultant firms. He noted the EMS Committee will meet next week to go over the proposals, and they will schedule for three firms to come in and do a briefing. He stated its hoped a firm will be engaged during the month of November.
Provide an Environment to Retain and Attract Businesses Attractive to the Community
Mr. Warren stated he has heard comments that the processes and procedures are not supportive for growth in the community. He stated his hope the Town Council will be open to providing an environment to do what has to be done.
IT Strategic Plan
Mr. Shanley stated this is consistent with the work of the Joint Technology Committee to develop a strategic plan.
Roadside Forestation Plan
It was suggested perhaps this could be a charge for the Beautification Committee.
Transition to Proactive Fleet Management
It was suggested utilizing software to develop a good proactive plan.
Energy Deregulation Plan
Mr. Shanley stated they have to come up with a plan in the next couple years.
Village & Neighborhood Economic Development and Planning
Mr. Shanley indicated this specifically applies to Thompsonville and Hazardville to do some micro economic development.
Implement CDM Study
Self-Explanatory.
Identify Library Space Needs
Self-Explanatory.
Finalize Traffic Calming Policy
Mr. Shanley noted this is currently before Planning & Zoning.
Intra-Town Transportation
Self-Explanatory.
Future Home for Athletic Hall of Fame
Mr. Dutcher stated perhaps in a new library theyd be able to accommodate an Athletic Hall of Fame.
Display Space for Jaycees Town Memorabilia
Self-Explanatory.
Plan for Implementatin of Records Management Plan/Building
Self-Explanatory.
Monitor Airport 150 Study
Self-Explanatory.
Study of Rolling Stock Replacement Plan
Self-Explanatory.
Review Air Condition in Public Schools
Self-Explanatory.
Expand Revenue Services Through C.D.Office
Mr. Shanley explained this was an effort to expand beyond the Small Cities program.
Reuse Plan Vacant Public Building
Self-Explanatory.
Hazardville Village Study Regulations
Self-Explanatory.
Plan and Design for New Business Park
Self-Explanatory.
Long Term Road Drainage Maintenance Plan
Self-Explanatory.
Optimize Rail Lines and Amtrack Stop
Councilman Falk stated his belief the Town should look into capitalizing on this rail service.
Define Strategy and Develop Action Plan Scantic Escarpment
Self-Explanatory.
Active Open Space Acquisition
Self-Explanatory.
Develop Bikeways
Self-Explanatory.
Develop Plan for Recreational Use of Indoor Facilities/Subcommittee
Self-Explanatory.
Green Manor Park & Pool
It was agreed the Town should look at the possibility of replacing the Green Manor Pool.
Brainard Park Improvements
Self-Explanatory.
Acquisition and Development of Waterfront
Self-Explanatory.
Implement Pond Grant
Self-Explanatory.
Improve High School Athletic Fields
Self-Explanatory.
Complete Tennis Court Upgrades
Self-Explanatory.
Recreation Fees/Especially Non-Residents
Mr. Shanley noted this would be a policy decision.
MOTION #4857 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Falk to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4857 adopted 9-0-0, 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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