ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 17, 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, July 17, 2000. The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Strom, Surapine, and Vayda. Councilors Dodd and McGuire entered at 6:03 p.m. and Councilor Kaupin entered at 6:10 p.m. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/INDUSTRIAL PARK
Mr. Warren stated his objective for tonight was to discuss the rationale for the development of an industrial park and provide the Council with an update as to where this stands. He stated this plan has been dealt a substantial setback with a phone call today from the Department of Economic and Community Development which in the last several months has been to Enfield and has observed sites. He noted they met with him to go over studies that would be needed for the planning stage of a new industrial park. He stated they sent Enfields idea to every department with the State of Connecticut, and those departments have responded, but they informed him they have no funds right now, and they dont know when those funds would be available for the planning stage of the industrial park project. He noted this requires they look at the strategy once again.
Mr. Warren noted he was informed by the State that the funds have been used in priorities such as Long Wharf and Hartford projects. He stated they support the Enfield project and consider it a priority, but apparently not high enough on the pecking list to receive the approval of the planning fund at this stage. He added they will pursue this further to get a clearer explanation of what their policy is.
He stated growth will continue in Enfield, and its apparent theres a collision between conservation and development interests in town. He stated his belief there doesnt have to be an "either or" situation of conservation or development. He noted the idea of an industrial park is a furtherance of some of the goals in the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Mr. Warren referred to the Plan of Conservation and Development and noted the number one goal for land use in that plan is "to provide for the projection and timing of growth in an orderly fashion to accomplish a balance of residential/commercial/industrial land uses while preserving a towns important natural and cultural resource features". He stated there is a lot of tension in development here, and he feels it will continue to accelerate over time if the status quo is kept and development just occurs wherever it wants to occur, rather than some kind of a planned fashion. He noted that goes for all of the land uses Enfield has.
Mr. Warren stated the Plan of Conservation and Development also says that basically the land in town is being used up. He noted in 1987, they calculated that 50% of the towns land had been developed, and in 1998, 68% of the land had been developed, and if everything goes at the same pace, it would be fully built out in 14 years. He stated his belief if this means that theres a small building on a 20-acre track, that does not mean to him its been fully developed, however, the point is made that the sites are becoming fewer and fewer, and it makes an argument for some type of a planned development so that business can naturally develop. He referred to a definition of "industrial park" - "an industrial park is the assembly of land under one continuing control to provide facilities for business and industry consistent with a master plan." He added, "that its consistent with community goals as expressed in Enfields Plan of Conservation and Development; it helps business operate in an efficient way that is compatible with the natural environment and that it achieves increased land values." He stated rather than enhancing sprawl where industry can go wherever the zoning bylaw allows, it has been his opinion and strong belief that it needs to be done in a bit more of an organized fashion.
Mr. Warren displayed a map showing industrial-zoned vacant land. He noted some of this land is for sale and some is not. He went on to note theres a new layer of regulations coming on once the aquifer protection area regulations are passed, and that will very tightly limit uses within an aquifer protection area.
He stated theres more and more pressure on the available industrial land. He noted theyve received calls from owners of industrial land that are looking for zone changes of significant tracts to residential for subdivision development. He stated theyve had very inefficient uses proposed for some industrial land. He pointed out one owner of 25 acres of land proposed a 2,500 sq. ft. store to sell product from their facility. He noted thats two-tenth of one percent building to land coverage, which he believes is a very inefficient use.
Mr. Warren spoke about the many characteristics firms are looking for in locating their businesses, i.e., available buildings, utilities, etc.
He stated they have gotten to the point where theyve surveyed all the owners of land, and theyve evaluated the top possibilities. He noted they examined in some detail three sites, and they identified a prime site thats worthy of further investigation. He stated they authorized an appraiser to go forward with trying to determine a value, and they had their discussions with the state on the 50-50 share of continued planning, and theyve received all of the scope of their environmental and marketing requirements for participation in the program. He noted their next step is to determine value and to secure the invitation from the state. He pointed out that invitation is not forthcoming at this point.
Mr. Warren stated in the state process, they did get through project initiation, pre-application, the circulation and all the review from various departments, and it got stuck in the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). He stated they have to reassess the larger industrial park development. He noted the goal for an organized piece of land thats available for future expansion in Enfield where there wont be immediate conflict with abutters and opposing lands uses, where permits can be created up front will have to be accomplished in other ways, i.e., a smaller development or maybe another strategy where the town works with a number of private owners and gets them ready for sale and advises them on the steps that are needed.
Councilor Dodd questioned if land is set aside as an industrial area, do the utility companies offer a long-term plan whereby an owner can afford to have that somewhat ready. Mr. Warren responded he did not know.
Councilor Mangini questioned why OPM is more concerned with the Long Wharf project in Enfield, or is their something Enfield isnt addressing in their package. Mr. Warren stated they need to get a clearer determination for this decision. He went on to note the people at DECD have been supportive of Enfields package.
Councilor Kaupin questioned whether it would be helpful to contact legislators, and Mr. Warren stated he will consult the Town Manager regarding this.
Chairwoman Strom questioned if theyve received anything more formal than a phone call today, and Mr. Shanley stated they will have to get a letter with a little more clarity.
Councilor Kaupin questioned what the estimated figure is for this phase, and Mr. Warren responded $150,000. Mr. Warren added theres no doubt in his mind that they passed muster with DECD, but not with OPM.
Councilor Egan questioned if all of the work that has been done and working with the state can be carried over for a couple years. Mr. Warren stated this has all been preliminary investigation. He added the only thing that can change is that the sites will be gone.
Councilor Fiore questioned the status of the old Control Module and old MacDonalds on Route 5. Mr. Warren stated Control Module has had discussions with the Planning Office about some type of use that would be craft vendors in the old school. He noted they met with Jose Giner regarding this, however, Control Module hasnt been pursuing the idea. He went on to note he did correspond with the owner of the old MacDonalds site. He noted the lease has either just expired or was imminent with MacDonalds. The owner noted he was barred from going on the property, but will soon take control and is motivated to do something, i.e., possibly a restaurant. Mr. Warren stated he suggested to the owner that he put together a profile of that property.
Councilor Fiore questioned whether the owner of the MacDonald property ever put together a profile, and Mr. Warren responded no.
Councilor Fiore questioned whether Mr. Warren has any idea what the old Control Module building might be used for, and Mr. Warren pointed out anytime a building is converted for another use, a substantial amount of renovation is required, and this is intimidating to many people.
Councilor Egan questioned if theres any update on the BR-1 property. Mr. Warren responded BR-1 is a very tough project. He noted the Enfield Development Agency selected these developers because in their judgement, they were the best ones to take into consideration the site conditions and the inland/wetland and floodplain implications thereof. He noted theyve been trying mightily to engage in conversations with Inlands/Wetlands, however, as the rules are, Inlands/Wetlands are precluded from that type of discussion so that they arent observed to be prejudiced towards an applications when it comes in. He noted the rules allow a pre-application meeting. He explained to get the plans that are needed to Inlands/Wetlands, based on their regulations, for a project with a substantial impact, is a $200,000 expense. He noted the owner would have to eliminate .3 acres of wetland in order to make the project work. He stated his belief they will be ready to submit an application in September.
Councilor Kaupin requested an update on the PACE building. Mr. Warren stated the lease with the U.S. Postal Service is almost done, or is just recently done.
Councilor Kaupin questioned Mr. Warrens feeling about a proposal for an adult day care in the industrial park. Mr. Warren stated the purpose of an industrial park is to create regulations so that businesses can operate unfettered by future uses that become in conflict with their operations. He added the person proposing the adult day care is still working on this.
Councilor Falk questioned if theres any change regarding the Control Module building on Phoenix Avenue. Mr. Warren stated there has been a lot of interest in the building.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD RE: ENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Present for this discussion were Board of Education members Theresa Clavette, Joyce Hall, Kenneth Hilinski, Roger Jones, Thomas Osborn, Lynn Scull, Nicholas Sinsigalli, William Thomson and Heidi Tibbetts. Also present were Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Gallacher; Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz. Present from Enfield High School were Principal, Thomas Duffy; Assistant Principal, Colleen Gluszak; Guidance Counselor, Bruce Barmak; School Librarian, Marsha DuBeau. Present from the architectural firm Tai Soo Kim Partners were Richard Skizak and Randall Luther.
Mr. Skizak gave a brief history of how they reached this point. He noted with Town Council approval the library proposal can go to referendum in the fall.
He referred to Page 2 of their report and the existing conditions at Enfield High School. He noted the library is currently on the third floor, and the main office and student services are located on the second floor. He stated the Head Start Program is currently on the ground floor and occupies six classrooms. He added his belief funding was not included for retrofitting of that space. He noted there was talk about possibly moving the administrative area to the ground floor where Head Start is being vacated for the purpose of improving security on that level for the whole high school.
He stated the Space Subcommittee in its charge to determine the feasibility and cost of the library expansion program took into account the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation report from 1995 which cited a number of items that needed attention in order for Enfield High School to maintain their accreditation. He stated this will be reviewed again in 2005.
Mr. Skizak reviewed the following citations from the 1995 NEASC accreditation report:
Library Technology and Media Services The library is very inadequate at the present time.
Student Services Offices in this area are small and very crowded.
Integration of Technology Continue the implementation of the technology plan.
Reduction of Class Sizes Address current and future facility and space needs that are required by changes in program offerings.
He stated right now Enfield High School is at 97% utilization. He noted there are currently 16 teachers that float from room to room, and they believe theres a deficiency of ten classrooms, and next year there will be a deficiency of 12 classrooms.
Mr. Skizak then reviewed the following options:
Option 1 A two-story addition which relocates the library, main office, and student services to a ground floor front location. This plan recaptures 12 classrooms from the vacated library, main office, student services and Head Start rooms.
Option 2 The same scope of work as Option 1 without the necessary renovations of the vacated library, vacated main office and student services, and three of the vacated Head Start rooms.
Option 3 A two-story addition which relocates the library to a ground floor front location. The main office and student services remain untouched on the second floor. No renovations to the vacated library or Head Start rooms.
Option 4 A single story addition to house the relocated library at a ground floor front location. No renovations to vacated library.
He then reviewed the four options as relates to the Board of Education goals and objectives as well as the NEASC recommendations. He reviewed the table on Page 5 of the report which lists the objectives and assesses the ability of each option to meet the objectives.
Mr. Skizak then reviewed cost analyses on Page 5 and 7 and an area analysis by function on Page 8.
Councilor Dodd stated if they went with Option 1, as of next year, they would still be at zero for possible expansion. Mr. Skizak agreed thats a fair statement if its believed the school population will grow.
Mr. Duffy stated they are looking at this as adding programs and staff. He noted this expansion would accommodate a lot of their technology and special services.
Councilor Dodd stated his belief its short-sighted not to have more room for future expansion. He suggested perhaps the Space Committee might want to consider this. Mr. Sinsigalli stated their objective is to correct the library accreditation problem theyre facing. He stated in the process of trying to do this, they are going to move the Head Start Program out. He noted they would be recapturing 12 classrooms, and this would alleviate part of the problem.
Councilor Dodd raised the possibility of construction that would allow for the addition of a third floor later on. Mr. Skizak stated that capability could be added, and it would probably be a marginal increase. Mr. Sinsigalli agreed they could look at options for a three-story level.
Discussion followed regarding recapturing or making accommodations for needed maintenance/storage space, and Mr. Pongratz stated his belief that space can be provided.
Mr. Skizak stated its possible to put an addition in the back of the building.
Councilor Hall questioned whether any thought has been given to redistricting to offset the disparity in capacity between the two high schools. Mr. Sinsigalli stated his belief
this would not really resolve the problem. He added the problem isnt directly related to the number of students. Mr. Thomson stated Enrico Fermi High School is considered to be at its maximum capacity and is operating nicely. He added redistricting might result in two deficient schools.
Councilor Mangini stated her belief the key issue is the creation of a library that can be used by the community as well. Mr. Thomson stated that has been one of their goals.
Councilor Vayda questioned the total number for new and/or renovated square footage.
Mr. Luther listed the following square footage for new and renovated space:
Option 1 addition- 19,670 sf
renovated space 9,000 sf
Option 2 addition- 19,670 sf
renovated space 5,000 sf
Option 3 addition 17,800 sf
renovated space 3,000 sf
Option 4 addition 8,750 sf
renovated space 2,800 sf
Councilor Vayda questioned how the construction work would be scheduled for Option 1. Mr. Skizak stated the addition would be built first and renovation work would be done after hours. He added they would have completion dates for the bidders.
Councilor Vayda questioned the length of time for this project, and Mr. Skizak responded 13 to 14 months.
Councilor Kaupin voiced his support of Option 1. He added hes also interested in Councilor Dodds idea of the ability of future expansion.
Councilor Dodd stated he supports Option 1. He went on to question where the mechanics are coming from student services and the expanded offices. Mr. Skizak responded at this level of analysis thats not known as yet.
Councilor Surapine agreed with Councilor Dodds idea of providing for future expansion.
Councilor Falk questioned how many classrooms would they need to get to 87% capacity, and Mr. Duffy responded 16 to 18 classrooms would get them down to 80% capacity.
Councilor Falk stated he would like to see a breakdown in cost and square footage for each option and each area, i.e., administrative area, media/library/technology area, classroom area. Mr. Skizak responded the classrooms are all renovation space, the library and technology is new space, administration is half new and half renovated.
Councilor Falk questioned the purpose of another elevator if the current elevator is compliant. Mr. Skizak noted the current elevator is small. Mr. Jones pointed out the current elevator would not be accessible to the public after hours. Mr. Sinsigalli pointed out the existing elevator was designed only for standing passengers. He noted it was not designed for handicap transportation, although one wheelchair will fit into it.
Councilor Surapine stated his belief the elevator is too small whether or not its ADA compliant.
Councilor Egan questioned whether the new library would be more sophisticated than Fermis library. Ms. DuBeau stated it would not be more sophisticated.
Dr. Gallacher stated his understanding the library will be used after hours by students and adults in the community who wish to use the computers, as well as participants in the adult education program. He added his belief the idea of extended hours for the library provides a lot of options. Ms. DuBeau pointed out if Enfield High Schools library has extended hours, the Fermi High students would be able to make use of this opportunity as well.
Councilor Egan stated her impression they will be anticipating more staff. Mr. Sinsigalli responded yes, this will have to be looked at.
Chairwoman Strom stated her belief all of the areas have to be spelled out. She noted people will have to realize that with Head Start moving out, space will become available. She added security is also an issue, along with the need for expanded student services. She noted they need this information in explaining to people the gains to be realized for the school.
Councilor Kaupin questioned the time table that needs to be followed for the November referendum, and Chairwoman Strom stated everything has to be done by September 4th, and public hearings will have to be held. She stated if no action is taken at the July 24th meeting, it will become necessary to schedule a Special Meeting. Mr. Shanley stated the Council should schedule a public hearing at the July 24th meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION # by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Dodd to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION # adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council