ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 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, August 21, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Chairwoman Strom.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, and Strom. Councilmen Mangini, McGuire, Surapine, and Vayda were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Information Systems, Charlene Bond.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4788 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the August 7, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4788 adopted 6-0-1, with Councilman Hall abstaining.
MOTION #4789 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd to accept the minutes of the August 7, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4789 adopted 6-0-1, with Councilman Hall abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Lillian Dufour, 18 Nevins Avenue
Asked for support, help, publicity, and sponsorship for a walk to Washington, D.C. in September. She noted this is to bring attention to all the violence on television and video games which are destroying the values which parents are trying to pass onto their children.
Ms. Dufour stated she would also like to see prayer restored in all the schools for people of all faiths. She noted her telephone number is 745-5820.
Frank Mancuso, 25 Bright Street
Spoke about the budget surplus for the Board of Education. He noted on June 14, 2000, the Board of Education calculated their surplus. He stated his belief this surplus should be turned back over to the town.
Mr. Mancuso spoke about $120,000 for air conditioning at Alcorn School. He explained its state law that the windows cannot be opened all the way in a multiple-story school. He noted they can only open 12 inches. He stated air conditioning was not put in this part of the school when it was renovated because it was determined by the teachers that the system would be too loud.
He stated senior citizens of Enfield are begging for money to put furniture in the new senior center if its ever built. He pointed out these senior citizens have supported all of the referendums for many years.
Referring to proposed prison expansions, Mr. Mancuso questioned why Somers should dictate what will happen in Enfield, i.e., taking the effluent from the expanded prison. eHeHHe noted the Water Pollution Control Plant has limited capacity.
Mr. Mancuso questioned what will happen to the nice playscape at the end of Neelans Road when the development takes place.
Larry Toro, 4 Davis Avenue
Stated he has been an Enfield homeowner for 27 years, however, hes very unhappy and disgusted with how residents on Davis Avenue have been treated. He noted Davis Avenue residents have been involved with the proposed indoor tennis facility which is planned behind Davis Avenue. He noted theyve been involved in the Planning & Zoning Process and Davis Avenue presented their case as to why they did not want the tennis facility in their area, and he feels they presented a great case. He pointed out Inland/Wetlands turned this proposal down the first and second time it went through them.
Mr. Toro stated he received a call one evening informing him there was a Special Meeting of the Inland/Wetlands Committee, and a vote was going to be taken on the tennis court proposal. He noted Davis Avenue residents assembled themselves and attended that special meeting. He stated the lawyer and representatives for the tennis facility were all present when they entered that meeting. He questioned how those people knew about this meeting when Davis Avenue residents did not know about this meeting. He went on to note two members of the Inlands/Wetlands Commission were at that point no longer on that Commission. He noted originally Mr. Egan had to take himself off the Commission, and he was dead set against the proposal and the potential damage to Davis Avenue wells and aquifer. He noted Gretchen Pfeiffer-Hall had to take herself off this case because her father is supposed to have a home for sale on Davis Avenue. He noted two alternates were to vote that evening. He pointed out one alternate obviously did his homework on this issue and voted against the tennis facility. He noted the other alternate asked no questions, said nothing during the meeting, even dozed off a couple times, and then went on to vote in favor of the tennis facility.
Mr. Toro stated one member of the Inland/Wetlands Commission stated they had never seen so much political pressure placed on members of the Commission. He pointed out this is on record.
He stated Davis Avenue residents are not happy with how they were treated, and he feels its obvious big business is running Enfield. He feels Enfield has become "the mall" for Suffield, Somers, and the surrounding towns. He referred to the multiple fast-food restaurants, supermarkets, and prisons. He emphasized Enfield does not need any more prisons.
Mr. Toro noted property values on Davis Avenue are depreciating. He pointed out they are surrounded by Lego, Hallmark, the prisons, and the unsightly Peerless machine shop. He questioned when Enfield will stop the insanity of over-development.
He concluded by referring to two recent newspaper editorials. He noted one editorial was by Robert Egan who eloquently told the Davis Avenue story. He stated another editorial was by Roxy Burke who wants to ease the restrictions on the aquifer so that there can be more business in Enfield.
Debbie Daigle, 20 Davis Avenue
Stated Davis Avenue residents were devastated two years ago when the tennis proposal came up. She noted they all have well water, and they already have some flooding problems because there are wetlands behind their street. She stated Davis Avenue residents are concerned about contamination of their well water and additional flooding if the tennis court facility is developed on these wetlands. She went on to note this tennis court business is coming in from Massachusetts. She pointed out Davis Avenue people are residents of Enfield who are taxpayers with children in the school system, and they are pleading for someone to hear their concerns.
Ms. Davis urged the Council to listen to the meeting tapes of the Inlands/Wetlands Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission. She stated her feeling Mr. Costanza was very rude to Davis Avenue residents.
Richard Remson, 17 Davis Avenue
Stated he has had a lot of concern about the flooding on his street. He stated his belief one of the drain tiles has collapsed. He noted other neighbors have water issues as well. He pointed out a slight rainstorm floods his front yard. He requested this flooding problem be investigated. He added Public Works has been very attentive to his problem, however, he feels the problem is a little deeper.
Rick Daigle, 20 Davis Avenue
Urged the Council to consider what Davis Avenue residents have gone through since the beginning stages of this issue. He noted hes also frustrated about this and requested the Council give them some support and consideration by looking at this situation.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief the Board of Educations $475,000 surplus shows they were over-budgeted.
She questioned the meaning of traffic calming. She stated her belief the problem is with the attitude of people driving vehicles.
Ms. Jedziniak stated a Somers resident made the statement that theyd donate to the Food Shelter as long as it didnt locate in Somers.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief people in the school system should not come before the Council "looking for points". He feels instead they should be going before the Board of Education.
Beth Turner, 23 Davis Avenue
Stated she attended all the meetings that occurred regarding the proposed tennis court facility, except for the "surprise" meeting that nobody knew about. She stated her impression the enthusiasm was great at the initial Inland/Wetlands Commission meetings. She felt the support was good, and the members of that Commission were listening. She stated her belief the pressure was applied by the applicant, and things suddenly changed. She noted people who were going to vote against the tennis facility were suddenly not there or dropping out. She stated the people actually voting were not there for the "three dimensional" aspect of this issue, but rather they read what was on paper. She stated when they expressed themselves at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, she did not feel heard.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Falk requested the Public Works contact Mr. Mancuso to explain what the plans are for the Neelans Park. Mr. Shanley stated they will see that Mr. Mancuso gets a copy of the Planning & Zoning Commission plans.
Councilman Fiore stated some residents from District #4 have asked him to learn the status on the Northgate project.
Councilman Fiore stated the St. James/Elm Street Committee has asked to come before the Council at the meeting of September 5th.
Councilman Fiore stated at the last Senior Center Building Committee meeting, an architect was chosen, and a contract is being negotiated. He noted the next meeting is scheduled for September 7th.
Councilman Egan stated she received a constituent complaint concerning properties on Elm Street that are very unsightly due to overgrown grass.
MOTION #4790 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to suspend the rules to add an item to the agenda Item 6A Town Manager Communications.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4790 adopted 7-0-0.
Councilman Kaupin stated he has an e-mail request to the Mayor, Councilman Vayda, and the Town Manager regarding having a discussion in the near future about the lighting of the football field for the Ramblers. He suggested perhaps this item could be placed on the next meetings agenda so that they can hear the data put together by Public Works.
Councilman Falk requested staff look into the flooding problem being experienced by Mr. Remson from Davis Avenue and report back to the Council.
Councilman Hall questioned when the School Building Committee will be making its report to the Council, and Mr. Shanley suggested the Committee could make their report at the next meeting. He noted he will let the Chairman of the School Building Committee know that the Council is expecting a report at the next meeting.
Councilman Hall requested Cox Cable televise that meeting so that citizens can be updated regarding progress being made by the School Building Committee.
Chairwoman Strom stated when the Council adopted the Rules and Procedures, one of the things that was not done with the Council report was the first page, which provides a table of contents, but it does definitely change some of the items on the agenda. She noted this agenda does not reflect that. Mr. Shanley stated the new rules will be reflected on the next agenda.
Chairwoman Strom stated from this point forward, it was agreed by the Council that the title being used is "Councilman", and that is uniform throughout and should be reflected
in all of the minutes. She pointed out they will not go to past minutes to make corrections to this effect, but rather it will move from this point forward.
TOWN MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the Davis Avenue issue is the subject of pending litigation, in that the citizens have brought suit against the Town and the Conservation Commission on that matter.
Mr. Shanley stated the Council has a draft letter to the Commissioner of Corrections. He noted the Council may treat this as a draft and make amendments.
Mr. Shanley referred to the CL&P issue and noted they only need a consensus on whether or not to accept the 50 trees that would be in lieu of the downing of the trees in Hazardville Village.
Referring to traffic calming, Mr. Shanley stated theyre looking for Council direction on whether or not to move that to an actual resolution accepting the policy and adopting it at the next Council meeting and then forwarding it on to the Planning & Zoning Commission for them to consider it and adopt it as well.
Councilman Kaupin stated he is satisfied with the letter drafted to the Commissioner of Corrections, particularly the reason for Enfields opposition to expansion being because its on Enfields border and Enfield bears the brunt of the traffic and possibly the sewage that would come into Enfields facility under the contract they have with the State. He pointed out Enfield is not telling Somers they cant locate it somewhere else in their town. He suggested perhaps Somers can find another suitable location within their boundaries, but away from impacting Enfield.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the intent of the 50 trees from CL&P is for the Hazardville Streetscape to repair the damage that was done. He noted in a conversation with the Mayor, theres the possibility Woodlawn Avenue might get a few of these trees because of tree cutting done on that street.
Mr. Shanley stated the final proposal is 50 trees planted with the species and location to be determined jointly between CL&P and the Town. He noted the DPUC does not allow for donated trees to be planted in parks, etc., but rather they need to be planted along power line right-of-ways. He stated his impression that CL&P wants those trees where some cutting may have taken place.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether the decision-making body as to where these trees should go is the Town Council, and Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Kaupin requested Mr. Remsons concerns about drainage issues on his property be addressed. Additionally, he questioned whether this is part of the Road 2000 plan, and if so, where does it fall. Mr. Shanley stated this will be looked at, and staff will respond back to the Council and Mr. Remson.
Councilman Hall questioned the size of the 50 trees that CL&P is willing to give the Town. Mr. Shanley stated CL&P mentioned an inch and a half to two inches in caliber. He noted if the Council wishes to define a caliber, he can bring that back to CL&P.
Councilman Hall questioned what CL&Ps concern is with the Town deciding where these trees are planted. Mr. Shanley stated CL&P is regulated by the DPUC, and they are not allowed to plant trees just anywhere, in that those trees need to be planted within their power line right-of-ways and in some way associated with cuttings done by the utility company. He added the new general manager is very anxious to make the Town Council comfortable and that they move forward from here.
Councilman Hall questioned whether CL&P might be agreeable with going along with working those new trees into a streetscape that has already been planned for Hazardville. Mr. Shanley stated it would depend on when the Town would want the plantings done. He noted he will bring that back to CL&P if thats the consensus of the Council.
Referring to the draft letter to the Commission of the Department of Corrections, Councilman Hall questioned whether she could submit Councilman Vaydas comments on this letter. Mr. Shanley suggested Councilman Hall read Councilman Vaydas comments during that part of the agenda.
Chairwoman Strom stated her belief incorporating the new tree plantings into a streetscape plan is a good idea. She added they should have some trees for Woodlawn Avenue as well since the utility company cut trees in that area as well.
Councilman Kaupin requested a definition of "right-of-way" according to the utility company. Mr. Shanley noted he would check into that.
Councilman Hall questioned whether they could ask for something bigger than a one and a half inch caliber tree. Councilman Dodd noted one and a half to two inches is usually optimum for the survival of a tree. Mr. Shanley noted he could request two-inch caliber trees.
Councilman Falk questioned whether theres been any discussion with Somers regarding prison expansion. Mr. Shanley stated Somers is intending to move forward with their 1,400-bed proposal. He added his belief he is on good terms with First Selectman Mello.
OLD BUSINESS
No appointments were removed from the table.
Item c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #4791 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Falk to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4791 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: RESOLUTION RE: PROPOSED ORDINANCE ABATEMENT OF TAXES/VOLUNTEER FIRE PERSONNEL
Councilman Kaupin stated he received a call from Jack Flanagan, the Fire Chief at the Hazardville Fire Department, requesting an update on this item. He noted the Hazardville Fire Department will begin a recruiting drive for volunteers in October. He noted if the Council chooses to pass this ordinance, Mr. Flanagan wants to publicize this as an additional draw for the recruitment.
Chairwoman Strom stated there are some very important things that the Council hasnt discussed, especially with the new legislation regarding interlocal agreements and exactly how this exemption would be offered. She noted they need to get those questions and concerns addressed so that they can move forward with this.
Councilman Fiore stated about a month ago, Councilman Mangini had questioned whether fire hydrants could be broken out by district and how much the Town was paying the budget for each districts fire hydrants and maintenance. He noted Councilman Mangini wanted that information to help her decide whether to support this.
Councilman Hall noted she had previously questioned if the abatement could come out of the individual fire districts tax rather than the Town portion tax. She stated her belief Attorney Bromson was present when she initially raised that question. Chairwoman Strom stated her belief Attorney Bromson informally answered that question in that the legislation that was passed allows the legislative body to give either an abatement or an exemption. Councilman Hall requested a formal written legal opinion be provided as to whether the fire district can give that abatement or credit.
Councilman Egan questioned if some updated information can be provided by CCM as to what avenue other communities have taken regarding this.
MOTION #4792 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4792 adopted 7-0-0.
Items f. and g. remained tabled.
MOTION #4793 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4793 adopted 7-0-0.
PRISON EXPANSION PROPOSALS DISCUSSION
Chairwoman Strom invited comments from the Council regarding the draft letter to the Commissioner.
Councilman Fiore expressed his appreciation for the good draft letter. He referred to the last paragraph on Page 2. He suggested replacing "up to 1,400 new beds", with "of any new beds". He went on to suggest revising the fourth sentence in this same paragraph to read as follows: "Enfield also processes the sewage treatment necessary for all Somers and Enfield facilities. The Town does not and will not support any additional access to its sewer system from the prisons as of this date."
Councilman Fiore stated his belief this would send a clear message that Enfield does not want any more beds or any more access to the Towns sewer system.
Councilman Fiore referred to the first line on Page 3 of the draft letter and suggested the following grammatical change: "The Enfield Town Council does not seek to infringe upon the ability of Somers…"
Councilman Falk referred to Councilman Fiores first suggested change and pointed out in the early 1990s there was an agreement that the prison could add up to 600 more beds without violating that agreement, therefore, Enfield cannot say "no more additional beds" since the prison has the legal right to do so. He noted if the prison did go forward with the expansion, they would be limited to 600 more beds to stay within the contract. He stated if they wish to go over the 600 beds, they would have to negotiate with Enfield.
Councilman Egan stated she has no problem with the original wording of the draft.
Councilman Kaupin stated he likes the suggestion of "any" because it simplifies the process, and the impact of this word is bigger and drives the point home.
Councilman Dodd questioned what the revenue impact would be for each bed and how that would equate with any future expansion or updating of Enfields sewage plant. Chairwoman Strom stated at this point the Department of Correction does not need to open the contract until they hit a certain flow mark. She noted its been estimated that 600 beds could be added prior to reaching that mark. She stated once they exceed that mark, the process would have to be opened.
Councilman Hall stated she also likes the word "any" since its a little more concise. She questioned if the treatment plant has actually monitored the flow. She questioned if they can get exact numbers to learn how much more capacity remains. Mr. Vindigni responded that could be provided.
Councilman Hall questioned if Attorney Bromson can look at the other agreement with the state to learn exactly how much leeway there is in that contract. She stated she would like a copy of that agreement. Chairwoman Strom stated her belief that agreement does not go by "beds", but rather total flow. Councilman Hall requested the total flow and a copy of the original agreement for the new Councilmen who were not on the Council when that agreement was put together. Councilman Dodd requested they add the number of sewage treatment alarms for problems that were generated by the facility, i.e., alarms that determine if the wrong material is coming down the pipe.
Discussion followed regarding Councilman Fiores suggested sentence, "Enfield also processes the sewage…," , and it was agreed this could be worded, "Enfield also processes the sewage treatment necessary for all current Somers and Enfield facilities."
Discussion then followed regarding Councilman Fiores proposed additional sentence, "Enfield does not and will not support any additional access to its sewage treatment plant by any new additions to the prison facilities". Chairwoman Strom pointed out they do not have the flow numbers at this point according to the agreement. Councilman Fiore responded they can leave out this sentence.
Councilman Hall read Councilman Vaydas suggestions for this letter.
fourth paragraph, second sentence change "Most all traffic" to "Most traffic"
Fourth paragraph, third sentence "…these impacts must be fully and comprehensively discussed and compensated"
Councilman Dodd suggested "the impacts", rather than "these impacts".
Councilman Falk stated if the State decides to go through with the negotiations and construction at the current location that abuts Enfields town line, Enfield should be part of that negotiation since it does impact this town. Councilman Kaupin suggested wording this sentence, "…these impacts must be fully and comprehensively discussed, negotiated and compensated".
Councilman Hall stated she does not want to negotiate with them or give them anything.
Councilman Egan agreed with Councilman Hall, however, if there is going to be some kind of process, then Enfield should be part of it.
Councilman Fiore acknowledged that possibly by contract Enfield has to allow the state to add additional beds. He noted after that point, he wants the Department of Corrections to look elsewhere. He stated he doesnt want any expansion in Enfield, Somers, or Suffield.
It was agreed to omit the word "negotiated".
It was the consensus of the Council to pass this amended letter on to the Town Manager.
NEW BUSINESS
The appointment to the Building Code Appeals Board remained on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #4794 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut is conducting a Road Realignment Project at Route 190/South Road/Elm Street; and
WHEREAS, the State requires a sliver of property as shown on the attached map; *
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the sale of the property as shown on the attached for $6,128.00.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION#4794 adopted 7-0-0.
* Map appended to minutes
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MOTION #4795 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd to suspend the rules to address Items 1, 4, and 5 under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4795 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: CL&P ENHANCED TREE TRIMMING
Councilman Fiore stated in the long term, he would like to see the Enfield Beautification Committee involved in the placement of trees.
Chairwoman Strom questioned who is the Enfield Tree Warden, and Mr. Vindigni responded the Director of Public Works.
Mr. Kazmarski suggested the group that has the responsibility for placement of trees should use the services of a Connecticut licensed arborist.
Councilman Hall referred to Item #10 in the tree-trimming plan and stated she would like to see the time line begin when the Mayor gets the specific trees that will be targeted. She feels theres a lapse in time. Mr. Kazmarski stated his belief the Town is totally within its legal bounds to tell CL&P that they cannot cut any tree until the time frame transpires. Councilman Hall reiterated she would like to see the time line start from when the Mayor gets the specific trees that are posted to be cut so that the Town has time to react.
Councilman Fiore referred to Item #5 in the Enhanced Tree Trimming Plan and suggested the following wording: "The Enfield Tree Warden, The Enfield Beautification Committee, the Connecticut DOT Landscape Inspector and CL&P Arborist will jointly review the proposed work."
Councilman Fiore suggested Item #10 be revised as follows: "No sooner than ten days after the tree has been posted or reviewed by the Enfield Tree Warden, the Enfield Beautification Committee, the DOT, and CL&Ps contractor will begin work only on trees not in dispute by the Town of Enfield."
Councilman Fiore stated this would insure getting the Beautification Committee in the loop to assist the Enfield Tree Warden.
Councilman Fiore suggested adding Item #12 as follows: "If tree replacement is done, the Enfield Beautification Committee must be involved with DPW staff in the replacement process."
Councilman Kaupin stated his only concern with involving the Beautification Committee up front is that they will have to react quickly to hold a meeting. Chairwoman Strom stated they could just have a representative of the Enfield Beautification Committee.
Councilman Hall stated her concern that it is spelled out that the Town wants a tree if the utilities take a tree down. Chairwoman Strom suggested the following wording to Item #8 to address Councilman Halls concern: "The Enfield Town Manager will send a letter, copy to CL&P, to the Department of Transportation acknowledging CL&Ps plans and summarizing the issues, including the replanting of removed trees, that the Town may have regarding the proposed tree work."
MOTION #4796 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to change the order of the agenda by addressing Miscellaneous next.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4796 adopted 7-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #4797 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, the Department of Information Technology has conducted research to separate the Towns network into two virtual networks to meet the security needs of the Town and to help accommodate the desires of the School Board and,
WHEREAS, the technical solution best suited to accomplish the Town and Board policy objective is to select a technology currently available from a single source;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council authorizes the waiver of the bid process for Lucent Networking Equipment, (Cajun Layered Switch, Access Point VPN Gateway, related equipment and installation), not to exceed $35,000.00 in favor of Lucent Technologies, Inc. The Town Council deems it to be against the best interests of the Town to seek competitive bidding.
Councilman Falk stated hes not familiar with this company. Ms. Bond stated this company has been around for many years and is involved with networking.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4797 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4798 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, the Town Green Advisory Committee has, for over two years, researched numerous processes and vendors to accomplish a permanent, attractive, and cost effective fountain within the structure that has already been built, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that the extensive research done by the Committee meets the intent and the spirit of a proposal process,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby waives the bid process to award the contract for the fountain base and fountain to Stone Wear, Inc.
Present from the Town Green Advisory Committee were Tom Baziak and Eileen Hargraves.
Mr. Baziak stated theyve been presented with a tasteful and low-maintenance opportunity to address the fountain. He went on to explain the types of finishes proposed for the fountain and distributed illustrations.
Councilman Dodd stated if flowers are planned in the area of the fountain, provisions should be made for tapping into the fountains water supply.
The Council expressed its appreciation to the Town Green Advisory Committee for their work on this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4798 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4799 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby adopts the attached pay adjustment for Library Pages.
(Attachment appended to minutes)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4799 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: OPEN SPACE
Chairwoman Strom stated there will be a formal resolution for the next agenda regarding this topic.
Councilman Egan stated her belief it would be wise if the Town Council forwarded to the Chairman of the Inlands/Wetlands Commission the direction the Council is going in since they may want to be part of the discussions.
Councilman Fiore stated his recollection the Inlands/Wetlands Commission was supportive of possibly breaking up this commission. He questioned if they broke up this commission, would both bodies still remain as Town Manager appointees. Chairwoman Strom acknowledged that would be something theyd need to discuss.
Councilman Fiore stated theyd have to determine the general make-up of the committee.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if everything will be drafted up for the next meeting. Chairwoman Strom stated her hope a draft will be available.
DISCUSSION RE: TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
Councilman Falk stated this is a result of a discussion that took place at a recent subcommittee meeting. He noted the proposal that was submitted by the committee some time ago was reviewed, and they asked the Police Chief to review some of those options and remove those he felt were not in the best interest of public safety. He stated issues that came up included the definition of a collector road and what could or could not be done on such a street regarding traffic calming. He noted another issue was the definition of a neighborhood, and if action were to be taken in a neighborhood, how would the boundaries be set.
Regarding the draft of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, Councilman Fiore referred to Page 4, Item 4 and Page 5, Item 3. He noted they tried to determine how big the petition area is, and they are still looking for input on that. He noted staff took out about half of the original recommendations. He suggested adding collector roads to be eligible for traffic calming. He added his belief these roads should be eligible. He stated his belief there are some roads in this Program that dont seem to be collector roads because theyre really not residential roads, i.e., Cranbrook Boulevard, Bright Meadow Boulevard, Bacon Road, and possibly Main Street.
Councilman Fiore expressed appreciation for all the work that went into this document, and he stated his belief this is something they can work with.
Referring to Page 5, Item 3, Councilor Hall stated her belief there should be a perimeter around the selected street that they are looking at. She added she would like a clearer definition of a petitioned area.
Councilman Hall stated she would like to know if the Towns traffic division has gone through this revised version and commented on it. She stated if not, can they request the traffic division look at this and give the Council their opinion. She added she would like the head of the traffic division to sign off on this.
Councilman Falk stated he has a problem with traffic calming on collector streets, because these are the streets that feed everything else.
Councilman Egan stated they should also look carefully at safety issues concerning fire and police vehicles. She questioned if emergency services had an opportunity to review this. Councilman Fiore stated his belief this would have to be "blessed" by the local fire department. He questioned if they could specifically mention in this document that the local fire department has to be involved in this process. Mr. Vindigni responded yes.
Councilman Fiore questioned how some of these roads came to be defined as collector roads. Mr. Kazmarski stated his belief the majority of roads on this list were derived from the Planning and Zoning Commission and these were listed in the Plan of Development. He noted they analyzed roads as to how many roads are connected to it.
Councilman Dodd stated his belief volume of traffic is a main criteria for a collector road.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief a lot of people live on collector roads, and he feels part of the traffic calming policy needs to address that. He emphasized the importance of protecting neighborhoods.
Councilman Dodd stated his belief they have to be careful not to create other collector roads.
Councilman Kaupin suggested getting this draft to Mr. Lord, the Chair of the Committee and also send copies to the different fire services in Enfield. He noted perhaps a cover letter could accompany the draft stating theyll have a more thorough discussion at the next Council meeting, and these groups can put forward any concerns or suggestions for enhancements to the policy.
Councilman Falk requested Mr. Vindigni organize these groups for the meeting.
Councilman Hall stated she would like to see a public hearing before any traffic calming devices are implemented. Councilman Falk stated his belief the public hearing should be for all residents even though the petition may be for a certain area.
Chairwoman Strom stated Items 7, 8 and 9 will appear under New Business on the next agenda. She noted a Public Hearing will be held regarding these items on August 24th at Enfield High School at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Vindigni informed the Council that the resolution under Item #7 should have a figure of $2,380,000.
Items 10, 11 and 12 will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4800 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Falk to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4800 adopted 7-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council