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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 13, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom in the Conference Room of the North Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Thursday, July 13, 2000 at 6:10 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, and Vayda. Councilors McGuire and Surapine were absent. Also present were Town Manager Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager Daniel Vindigni; Town Attorney Christopher W. Bromson, Senior Assistant Town Attorney Maria N. Stavropoulos, Town Clerk Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
MOTION #4730 by Councilor Hall, seconded by Councilor Falk 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 #4730 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 6:14 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 6:15 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, and Vayda. Councilors McGuire and Surapine were absent. Also present were Town Manager Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Attorney Christopher W. Bromson, Senior Assistant Town Attorney Maria N. Stavropoulos, Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
MOTION #4731 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Mangini to recess the Executive Session.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4731 adopted 9-0-0, and the Executive Session stood recessed at 7:07 p.m.
The Special Meeting was reconvened at 7:10 p.m.
ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR SENIOR CENTER
RESOLUTION #4732 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Vayda.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to enter into and amend the attached Agreement Regarding Purchase and Sale of Real Estate between the Town of Enfield and Heritage Development for the purchase of six (6) acres of real property to serve as the site for the new Senior Center.*
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4732 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4733 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Falk.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to enter into and amend the attached Agreement Regarding Purchase and Sale of Real Estate between the Town of Enfield and Heritage Development for the purchase of 8.42 acres of real property to serve future municipal needs.*
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4733 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4734 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to enter into and amend the attached Agreement Regarding Purchase And Sale of Real Estate between the Town of Enfield and Heritage Development for the purchase of a 9.77 acre Conservation area.*
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4734 adopted 9-0-0.
DAY CARE LEASE
Mr. Shanley stated his hope this item will be ready for the July 24th meeting.
JOINT MEETING WITH CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Present from the Conservation Commission were Robert Egan, Raymond Gwozdz, Chairwoman Joanne Kneiss, Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, and Richard Szewczak,
Also present was Assistant Town Planner, Jay Northrup.
*Agreements appended to minutes
Ms. Kneiss, Ms. Pfeifer-Hall, and Mr. Northrup gave the following presentation regarding open space:
Purpose:
· develop understanding of open space
· summarize policy statement
· gain enthusiasm and support of Council
· suggest establishing a "Focused Open Space Committee"
Compelling issues:
· a substantial part of Enfield is built on an aquifer
· Enfield does not have as much open space as the state standard
· Enfield is 3,569 acres short
· the average is 33.3% of town
Definition of Open Space:
"Land with at least some protection from development. Some tools provide temporary protection, but tools that provide more permanent protection are far more effective."
Open space categories by function:
· natural resource protection
· outdoor recreation (active and passive)
· resource management (drinking water protection)
Open space categories by function:
· protection of public health and safety (drinking water protection & flood water storage)
· areas that shape community character or design
· historic, archeological, or cultural sites
A process already begun
· Plan of Conservation and Development
· Open Space and Farmland Preservation Plan
· Discussion of a Focused Open Space Committee
Plan of Conservation and Development
· 1987 Survey:
· Residents dissatisfaction
Town was growing too fast
Distribution of land uses
93% of residents supported protection and acquisition of open space
key areas Connecticut and Scantic Rivers
· 1997 Survey:
Quality of Life
Open Space
Town wide distribution of recreation
Connecticut and Scantic Rivers area
Agriculture
Passive Recreation
Open Space for Recreation
83.2% - walking trails and bikeways
75.7% riverfront
70.6% playgrounds and picnic areas
One of the three top guiding principals: Enhance Environmental Protection
Current open space is just over 3,000 acres. The states suggested open space area for Enfield would be over 7,000 acres. 27% of the town is residential; 5% is commercial; 4% is industrial; 6% is institutional; roads and water bodies are 11%; open land in use is 32%; vacant land is 15%.
Open land encompasses town parks and recreation areas, other public recreation areas, watershed areas, private recreation, i.e., golf courses, agricultural land and cemeteries.
· Open Space Goals
Preserve and protect the Towns natural resources: hills, rivers, streams, ponds, floodplains, pingos, wetlands, habitat of flora and fauna and aquifers.
Preserve prime agricultural lands and farming as an industry and open space amenity in Enfield.
Preserve, enhance, and protect valuable open space areas.
· Preserve floodplains and natural drainage areas
· Preserve and enhance the historical and cultural heritage of the town
· Expand opportunities for passive recreational uses where such uses are compatible with ecosystems
· Develop a network of linked open spaces to support passive recreation and habitat
· Utilize open space to enhance the quality of life in residential areas and to preserve unique scenic features of town.
POSSIBLE FUNDING SOUCES FOR LAND ACQUISITION:
o Open space & watershed land acquisition grants: state funding with variable match
o Municipal outdoor recreation grants: state funding with a 50% match
o Project impact grants flood prone lands only: federal/state funding with a 25% match
o Estate planning: land donated to the Town
o Fee in lieu of open space funds: funding as a result of land development in Town.
o Municipal bonds: Town financed
Ms. Kneiss closed their presentation stating their hope the Council has gained a better understanding of open space initiatives from the perspective of the Conservation Commission. She stated its their hope the Council will review in depth the Open Space Farmland Preservation Program that provides a roadmap for starting some of these initiatives. She added its also their hope the Council will establish a focused Open Space Committee.
Mr. Egan stated his belief theres a silent majority who are very concerned about development of land. He noted the real major issue is the water quality issue and the protection of the water supply. He pointed out the state is proposing aquifer regulations, and the EPA has come out with Phase II of storm water regulations, and Enfield should be supporting them. He noted this would help improve and keep the quality to at least what it is now.
Mr. Egan stated the other issue is the coordination issue and an Open Space Committee. He emphasized its imperative that the Council get the Open Space Committing going to organize and coordinate things. He pointed out the Conservation Commission is charged with the authority and responsibility for open space. He referred to Connecticut General Statute Section 7-131a and noted this section lists everything the Council would be looking for in an Open Space Committee.
Mr. Egan stated the aquifer regulations and EPA storm water Phase II regulations are also going to be a part of the Inland/Wetlands Agencys responsibilities. He suggested one possibility might be to develop a spin off of the Conservation Commission from the
Inland/Wetlands Agency. He noted the whole function of such a spin off committee would be open space.
Mr. Shanley stated his belief the statutes do enable the Council to empower a Conservation Commission with many of these functions. He stated his understanding the Conservation Commission and Inland/Wetlands Commission are overwhelmed with work. He stated another environmental issue that could be assigned to a Conservation Commission might be the management of watershed areas and open space property.
Councilor Kaupin questioned whether shifting responsibilities is a Charter change, or just an action by the Council. Mr. Shanley stated the statutes allow municipalities to do it. He noted the current ordinance for the Conservation Commission isnt specific in this way. He stated his belief the ordinance for the Conservation Commission would need to be changed.
Councilor Falk stated Planning & Zoning is key to everything the Conservation Commission is trying to accomplish.
Mr. Egan stated the Planning & Zoning Commission was provided with the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Plan, and recommendations were provided. He noted theyve heard nothing back from Planning & Zoning. He added the Conservation Commission has sent letters, provided copies, and asked for feedback from the Planning & Zoning Commission. He stated they have communicated with Planning & Zoning, however, it has really been a one-way communication.
Councilor Falk suggested the Conservation Commission have a joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Egan stated they tried that early on, and that didnt work.
Chairwoman Strom stated there has not been a Council of Chairs meeting in a long time. She suggested such a meeting would be a very good way to "get the ball rolling" on something like this.
Councilor Egan stated there were concerns voiced about the aquifer protection. She noted the Town has been working very closely with the state and CCM and with the regulatory bodies to make sure they know exactly whats going on.
Councilor Hall questioned how much latitude does the Plan of Conservation and Development allow in the legal sense for the Planning & Zoning to work with. Mr. Egan stated to his knowledge Planning & Zoning has not incorporated this Plan into their
zoning regulations. He added some amendments to the zoning ordinance have been made contrary to the Plan of Conservation and Development.
He added the consultant recommended Planning & Zoning do some of those changes in the zoning. He noted Planning & Zoning indicated theyd hire their own consultant to re-do all their zoning regulations. Councilor Hall questioned if Planning & Zoning could officially adopt the Plan of Conservation and Development. Mr. Egan stated they could make it part of their zoning regulations.
Mr. Northrup stated the Planning & Zoning Commission is discussing the contract at tonights meeting, and they are trying to move forward with the revisions to the zoning regulations. Chairwoman Strom clarified the purpose of this consultant for Planning & Zoning doesnt just effect conservation issues, but many other areas in the Planning & Zoning regulations where they need a professional consultant.
Councilor Kaupin questioned what type of land would the Conservation Commission want the Town to start focusing on, and Ms. Kneiss suggested concentrating on a group of properties, i.e., Scantic River and Connecticut River areas.
Mr. Egan stated his belief the water quality issue will be a major issue in this town.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she would like to see an area preserved for passive recreation. She noted Longmeadow has a large tract of land along the Connecticut River which contains trails for people to walk or cross-country ski.
Councilor Kaupin questioned if the Town has passed the ability to get to the state recommendation of open space for Enfield. Ms. Kneiss stated her belief theres enough acreage available. Mr. Egan stated the Plan of Conservation and Development shows 7,075 acres of land that are remaining to be used. He noted out of that 7,075, its calculated to be about 1,785 acres of floodplains, therefore, only 5,298 acres could be developed as residential, commercial and industrial.
Councilor Mangini expressed her appreciation to the Conservation Commission for this presentation.
Councilor Fiore voiced his support of this document.
Referring to Page 3, Councilor Fiore read; "Open space land actually generates revenue for towns, while residential land requires…, and Connecticut data indicates that residential land requires public expenditures more than twice that for open space and agricultural land."
Councilor Fiore stated about 70% of Enfield is developed, and he feels thats astronomical. He stated his belief thats enough development.
Referring to Page 4, Councilor Fiore read; "In addition, open space may actually promote fiscal growth because credit agencies often perceive land conservation and planning as a benefit and unmanaged growth as a negative. Open space may be one factor that contributes to an upgrade of a municipalitys bond rating, thus when open space and farm land are well chosen and managed, they are sound municipal investments."
Councilor Fiore indicated he agrees with this statement.
Referring to Page 5 goals, policies, and objectives for open space, Councilor Fiore stated hes interested in learning how the Conservation Commission rated the seven goals. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated it took about a year to rate these goals. Councilor Fiore stated he was disappointed that the goal, "Utilize open space to enhance the quality of life for residential areas and to preserve unique scenic features of town" was rated as Goal #7. He noted he would have rated this as Goal #5.
Referring to Goal #3, Councilor Fiore read, "Identify key flooding sites where there are no existing development limitations for preservation efforts." He requested clarification of this statement. Mr. Northrup explained there are a lot of floodplain and wetland areas, or other key features that are regulated. Councilor Fiore questioned if they have regulations through all the different land use boards and from the state and federal government to make sure that they never develop another Cranbrook situation again. Mr. Northrup stated they probably have the regulations, but not all the tools. He noted in order to be fully prepared or avoid that kind of situation, the Town would almost need to consider doing a study of the drainage areas in town to get a sense of where all the waters come from, how fast its traveling down the streams, where it will collect, and where its going to get fouled up.
Mr. Egan stated McGuire Associates did several studies on the Cranbrook area, and one way to correct the problem was to buy property surrounding that area.
Councilor Fiore questioned if theres an open space inventory, i.e., a model that someone already put together that would allow them to catalog all the potential open space in the Town of Enfield. Mr. Northrup stated there are a number of different ways to inventory potential open space. He noted the Planning Office did start an inventory on open space by using a number of interns.
Referring to Page 12 regulatory tools, Councilor Fiore questioned if theres anything to add about the idea of a River Protection District. Mr. Northrup stated this is a somewhat
new concept, and it has a lot of potential and flexibility. Councilor Fiore questioned
whether this has been started anywhere in Connecticut. Mr. Northrup stated there is a regional effort.
Councilor Fiore stated hes a little disappointed that Jawbuck, Shaker Pines and Crescent Lake areas are not included in this proposal. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall noted they have looked at property in that area. Mr. Northrup added the Conservation Commission does have a map which shows a little more detail.
Mr. Gwozdz stated theres a publication by Holly L. Thomas entitled, "The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation". He pointed out communities with well thought out land protection programs have improved their bond ratings; open space increases the value of nearby or adjacent property; open space land conservation is often less expensive for local governments.
Councilor Egan requested more details on the concept of a land trust. Mr. Egan pointed out he spent a lot of time on that. He stated the Conservation Commission is actually the Towns land trust. He noted its better to shift the responsibility to someone else if possible, and land trusts allow this, in that they actually own the land, manage the land, and theyre responsible for the insurance. He stated the Conservation Commission had a presentation by a land trust, and theyre eager to get involved. He pointed out this would be another resource for an Open Space Committee.
Councilor Egan questioned whether a land trust would actively pursue grants, and Mr. Egan responded yes, that is their specialty, and theyre more apt to get the grant than the municipality.
Councilor Falk stated his belief its an excellent idea to form an Open Space Committee. He added his belief a charge would have to be put together. Mr. Egan pointed out the statute outlines how to do that. Chairwoman Strom stated her belief they could find various models.
Chairwoman Strom expressed her appreciation to the Conservation Commission for all the work they do.
MOTION #4735 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Falk to go into Executive Session with the Conservation Commission to discuss Real Estate Negotiations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4735 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 8:24 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 8:25 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager Daniel Vindigni; Conservation Commission members Joanne Kneiss, Raymond Gwozdz, Robert Egan, Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Richard Szewczak, David Wagner from the University of Connecticut, Town Clerk Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
Chairwoman Strom adjourned the Executive Session at 9:04 p.m.
Chairwoman Strom reconvened the Special Meeting at 9:05 p.m. and stated during Executive Session they discussed Real Estate Negotiations with no action or votes being taken.
MOTION #4736 by Councilor Dodd, seconded by Councilor Mangini to accept the Town Managers recommendation to appoint Shirley Carpenter (D) as a Regular Member of the Commission on Aging.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4736 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4737 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Vayda.
BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter V, Section 14 of the Town Charter, the salaries and rates of pay for certain employees of the Child Day Care Center, part-time and seasonal employees of the Town, will be increased according to the attached schedule effective and retroactive to July 1, 2000. (Schedule appended to minutes)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4737 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilor Fiore abstaining.
Chairwoman Strom reconvened the first Executive Session at 9:31 p.m.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
Chairwoman Strom adjourned the Executive Session at 9:49 p.m.
Chairwoman Strom reconvened the Special Meeting at 9:50 p.m. and stated during Executive Session they discussed Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations with no action or votes being taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4738 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Hall to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4738 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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