ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 18, 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, September 18, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Egan, Falk, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, McGuire, Strom, and Vayda. Councilman Fiore was absent. Also present were Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Information Systems, Charlene Bond; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4825 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the August 14, 2000 Special Meeting.
Referring to Page 11, 3rd paragraph from the bottom, Councilman Kaupin pointed out this should say the Town Manager not Councilman Kaupin went to the informational meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4825 adopted 7-0-2, as amended. Councilmen Dodd and McGuire abstained.
MOTION #4826 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the September 5, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4826 adopted 7-0-2, as amended. Councilmen Dodd and McGuire abstained.
MOTION #4827 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the September 5, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4827 adopted 8-0-1, as amended. Councilman McGuire abstained.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Expressed appreciation for the left-hand turn signal in her area.
Ms. Turner referred to the Economic Development Committee and noted shes still awaiting a reply from the Town to learn if she will be appointed or denied. Chairwoman Strom stated the Council will be sure something goes out from the Town Managers Office regarding this.
Referring to the condominium trash issue, Ms. Turner pointed out the newspaper reported that South Windsor will be discussing whether there will be reimbursements for plowing and lights. She stated her belief Enfield should not do this.
Ms. Turner voiced her support of Tri-State regarding a waiver of $160,000. She spoke very highly of the owner of Tri-State and noted he is an honorable businessman who has come to Enfield and cleaned up an area by removing pollution that was left behind and hes bringing back business vitality to that area. She pointed out the Town has waived money in the past to other people in Enfield for other reasons.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she would like to know how much work has been done on streets and sidewalks and whether money has been paid out so far. She questioned who is paying for the pole removal in her area.
She questioned if there would be any relevance between Vono having his property foreclosed and giving a waiver to someone else because an area was cleaned up.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned whether theres a way the Town can encourage more senior citizens to attend Town Council meetings.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini stated Amy Witbro will be heading up another Youth Vote this fall. She noted theres a lack of funding (about $2,200) for this event. She requested the Council consider this and include it as an item for discussion at an upcoming meeting.
Councilman Hall stated the wrestling program, which consists of 600 children, is looking for space again. She noted the registration for wrestling has to go out in the beginning of October. She requested a discussion item on the September 25th agenda to review priorities, i.e., adult programs vs children programs. She pointed out the adult basketball league consists of a lot of out-of-towners.
Councilman Egan stated Amy Witbro will be running a Family Day with the Board of Education on the Town Green on Sunday, September 24, 2000 between 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. She noted last year this was a huge success.
Councilman Mangini noted she had made a request through the Town Managers Office, and she would like to suggest at the September 25th meeting they discuss the idea of a subcommittee to identify recreational programs. She noted this would be coordinated with the School Board so that they can find ways to implement programs through use of the schools.
Chairwoman Strom stated they had talked about meeting with the School Board and Recreation Department to have a space discussion. She noted theyre looking to have such a meeting in early October.
Referring to the wrestling program needs, Councilman Falk stated they hire staff to make decisions regarding recreational programs. He noted if the Council gets too involved, they might be micromanaging or interfering with staff doing their job.
Councilman Hall stated her belief its a policy decision of the Council to prioritize as to whether a mens league has priority over childrens programs. She went on to state she is not comfortable with putting a mens league ahead of the childrens recreation needs.
Chairwoman Strom stated her feeling all the parties should be present for a discussion in this area, i.e., the Town, Recreation Department and Board of Education. It was agreed to try to arrange a meeting for the last week in September.
Chairwoman Strom agreed with Councilman Mangini in that the Council should look at the Youth Vote. She noted Enfield is the first and foremost in setting the lead for other towns. She stated her belief the School and Town should look at funding in their yearly budgets for this joint venture. She noted CCM sent a letter to Enfield stating theyre very happy with the Youth Vote Program, and they will be showcasing this at the CCM Convention.
Referring to Ms. Jedziniaks comment about abatements, Chairwoman Strom stated there is state legislation that was passed in 1997 that allows towns to give abatements to private entities that do significant environmental clean up. She noted the Enfield company voluntarily did hundreds of thousands of dollars in clean up that the Town would have been required to do. She stated this legislation encourages private companies to do the clean up thats necessary to get a property back on the tax rolls and then abate delinquent taxes that they may have inherited when they purchased the property. She stated her belief there is a difference between that and a place that didnt pay their taxes and was foreclosed.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Loan Review Committee met and discussed miscellaneous business pertaining to individuals requiring abatements or tax assistance. She went on to note the Enfield Revitalization Committee did meet, and the different subcommittees gave their reports, specifically North Thompsonville, Hazardville, and Save Our Strand.
Councilman Kaupin stated Enfield Revitalization elected Bill Lee as their new Chairman.
Councilman Hall referred to the School Building Projects Committee and spoke about the JFK cafeteria space. She noted originally when they held all the hearings and the original schematics reflected the addition, the addition was originally put on with the same number usage that they figured their libraries and gymnasium space at. She noted when the physical plans are written up in the accreditation reports, state guidelines use a certain pupil/square foot ratio. She pointed out this is where they drew their numbers for the cafeteria from. She clarified that by eliminating the space in the cafeteria they are not complying with the state recommended guideline. She acknowledged the servery is a problem. She stated her belief the Board of Education needs to discuss this and come up with some recommendations as to what needs to be done in the JFK cafeteria.
Referring to Councilman Halls comments, Councilman Dodd stated his belief its up to the Board of Education to look at this.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether they can get the state guidelines as to how they fit into the current footprint of the JFK cafeteria. He added they can also look at the population of the school today in comparison to the "bubble" coming through the elementary schools so they can map out what the need will be in a few years when those students are at the middle school. Councilman Hall indicated she could provide that information. Chairwoman Strom suggested this requested information should really go through the Town Managers Office and then to the Council.
Chairwoman Strom reminded the Council the Employee Recognition Luncheon is on Friday.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
MOTION #4828 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Dodd to add to Items for Discussion the appointment of the Republican Town Council seat.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4828 adopted 8-0-0. Councilman McGuire left the meeting.
Items c., d., e., f., and g. remained tabled.
MOTION #4829 by Councilman Vayda, seconded by Councilman Hall to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4829 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: OPEN SPACE
Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos, highlighted three options in a September 5th memo from the Town Attorneys Office:
· a revised ordinance regarding the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency which has removed any reference to the Conservation Commission and whose function is solely regulatory pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. 22a-36
· a revised Conservation Commission ordinance which has removed any reference to regulatory duties in that commissions former role as Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency. The ordinance concentrates strictly on the duties as delineated in Conn. Gen. Stat.7-131a.
· a new Commission for the Environmental Protection of Enfield ordinance, in lieu of item number 2 above. This commission which will act at the direction of the Council with an eye exclusively toward recommending acquisition of open space, tree planting and removal and other environmental protection matters of concern to the Town.
Chairwoman Strom suggested a combined meeting with the Conservation Commission so that they can get their input and feedback.
Councilman Hall questioned on the conservation end of this, is there a reason why its been suggested there be no alternate members. Attorney Stavropoulos stated that was the
directive she was given, therefore, she doesnt know what the motivation was for that. She added possibly its a way to cut down on absenteeism.
Gretchen Pfeiffer-Hall Vice-Chairman of the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetland & Watercourses requested the information provided to the Council also be provided to the Conservation Commission. Attorney Stavropoulos indicated this information can be supplied to them.
Councilman Kaupin raised the possibility some Commission members would wish to serve both bodies. He questioned the reasoning for not allowing that. Chairwoman Strom stated the focus between the two bodies is really different.
Councilman Egan stated her belief there needs to be a lot more discussion regarding this matter.
MOTION #4830 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Vayda to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4830 adopted 8-0-0.
Item i. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #4831 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Neighborhood Facilities Grant 10-28-98 to 10-31-2001 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4831 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4832 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Construction Services $9000
3400-450 ~
FROM: Contingency Fund $9000
8030-840 ~
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $9000 is available from the Contingency Account 8030-840 as of 9/15/2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Chairwoman Strom explained this has to do with the Ramblers field football lighting.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4832 adopted 8-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
TAX ABATEMENT REQUEST 1 DEPOT HILL/KENWORTH
Attorney Stavropoulos stated it would probably be better to wait until the first meeting in October.
Chairwoman Strom questioned if an overview can be provided as to whats being requested and why. Attorney Stavropoulos stated under Statute 12-81r, there are provisions to allow for either a partial abatement or total forgiveness. She went on to note the applicant had a very thorough packet to present to Finance, and that will be forwarded to the Town Attorney. She stated the only question that would remain would be from a policy standpoint on whether the Town wants to give the abatement and certain questions that the Council might wish to follow up on.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the company is looking for an abatement of back taxes owed to the town by the previous owner. Chairwoman Strom responded yes and added her understanding this company voluntarily did major clean up themselves. Councilman Kaupin questioned the amount of delinquent taxes, and Chairwoman Strom responded $166,000.
Councilman Mangini questioned whether the Town is actively pursuing collection of back taxes from the initial owner. Chairwoman Strom noted this was a foreclosure.
Chairwoman Strom stated this will be addressed at the first meeting in October.
MISCELLANEOUS
Councilwoman Mangini questioned when they will discuss possible funding for Youth Vote. Chairwoman Strom noted this can be placed under Items for Discussion for the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4833 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4833 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council