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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 20, 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 Tuesday, June 20, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Councilor Hall.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, McGuire, Surapine, Strom, and Vayda. Councilor Kaupin was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Chief of Police, Ronald Marcotte.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4687 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Vayda to accept the minutes of the May 23, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4687 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #4688 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Falk to accept the minutes of the June 5, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4688 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilor Vayda abstaining.
MOTION #4689 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor McGuire to accept the minutes of the June 5, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Referring to Page 10, Councilor Fiore requested his and Councilor Halls comments regarding the railroad discussion be included in these minutes. He noted he had stated that the emphasis for this project was not instituted from this table, but rather it came from the state and a private contractor, therefore, if a resident had some concerns, that is where they should go. Councilor Hall referred to the second paragraph on Page 10 and noted she had actually said it was not the Town that had chosen to open this line, and if there was a choice in reopening this line, she would not support it. Chairwoman Strom suggested the tapes be checked to make another attempt at summarizing these comments.
MOTION #4690 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Fiore to table this item. Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4690 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Esther Hannum, 16 Copper Drive
Stated shes present this evening due to a letter she read in the Hartford Courant by Frank Mancuso. She noted Mr. Mancuso was questioning the use of the word "Councilor". She pointed out according to her dictionary, the word "Councilor" is defined as "an administrator, a legislator, or an advisor". She referred to Page 4, Section 5 of the Charter and read, "The legislative power of the Town shall be vested exclusively in the Council". She stated Council members are therefore legislators.
Ms. Hannum pointed out the word "Councilor" is a masculine form of the word. She stated the correct title for a member of the Council is "Councilman".
Nancy Bent, 9 Abbewood Drive
She stated she was disappointed on May 15th when she heard the private road issue was a reason not to support the trash proposal. She noted during the Condo meetings with the Town subcommittee, this concern was addressed a number of times. She pointed out the Condominium Homeowners Association made clear their willingness to work with the Town in developing a hold harmless agreement that would be acceptable to both sides. She stated had they known this was still such a concern to any member of the subcommittee, they would have drafted an agreement to be included with the proposal presented to the Council. She stated her understanding Councilor Kaupin has requested that such an agreement be drafted. She noted she does have a copy of such an agreement thats used by the Town of South Windsor for this same purpose. She stated her belief the Town Attorney is capable of putting together a similar agreement.
Ms. Bent pointed out condo roads are no more a hazard to Town employees than any other road in town. She stated it has been suggested that driving onto condos private roads might mean that people with extra long driveways would question why the Town cant send their trucks down their driveways for trash pick-up. She stated it seems logical such driveways are not roads, and condo roads were built to the required specifications of a road.
COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilor Mangini questioned whether the Town Council meeting sign is erected automatically or by request. Mr. Shanley stated its his responsibility to put the sign out. He noted the sign has to be erected ten feet behind the site line.
Councilor Mangini encouraged the public to comply with the Red Cross request for blood. She noted blood is extremely low at this time due to a shortage and union issues. She stated they particularly need "0 Positive" blood.
Councilor Mangini stated the Fourth of July Celebration is coming up, and she encouraged everyone to participate. She noted the Committee has worked very hard putting things together.
Councilor Falk stated they received correspondence from an attorney representing the Condominium Association, and this had to do with some people putting out their trash on June 12th. He questioned the status on this. Mr. Shanley stated they responded to the attorney and asked him to ask his clients to respect the collection dates. He noted a list was sent as to what the collection date would be for each condominium complex. He stated they advised them which street the Town wanted them to place their trash. He noted theyre collecting trash and recyclables as people put it out on the collection day. Councilor Hall questioned whether much trash has been put out, and Mr. Shanley stated some places put out one bag and others put out 15 or 20 bags.
Councilor Fiore stated about a month ago, he requested the traffic counts that were done in the St. James/Katherine Street area, and Councilor Kaupin requested this at the last Council meeting. He pointed out one set was done in March and another set was done about two to four weeks ago. He requested a copy of those traffic counts be supplied to himself, Councilor Kaupin and the St. James Committee.
Councilor Egan stated the CCM Board elected Mayor Strom as their new Treasurer.
Councilor Hall stated she attended the recent Voices, Inc. event, and she noted it was wonderful.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #4691 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Falk to remove Item 6. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4691 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #4692 by Councilor Falk to appoint Tammy Lee Desrosiers (R) to the Enfield Revitalization Committee for a term which expires 1/31/01.
MOTION #4693 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4693 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Tammy Lee Desrosiers appointed to the Enfield Revitalization Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
MOTION #4694 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Egan to remove Item 8 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4694 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #4695 by Councilor Egan to reappoint Stephen Mitchell (R) to the Greater Hartford Transit District for a term which expires 6/30/04.
MOTION #4696 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Vayda to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4696 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Stephen Mitchell reappointed to the Greater Hartford Transit District by a 10-0-0 vote.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #4697 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Vayda to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4697 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4698 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Mangini.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby adopt the attached proposed ordinance amending Chapter 6A, Section 6A-1 through Section 6A-10 of the Enfield Town Code Entitled Noise. (Attachment appended to minutes)
Councilor Falk stated a lot of effort has gone into this, and he believes this should be supported.
Councilor Egan voiced her support of this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4698 adopted 10-0-0.
Items e., f., and g. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointments remained on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #4699 by Councilor Dodd, seconded by Councilor Falk.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes, the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the transfer of $214,921.51 to the Suspense List as follows:
October 1, 1996 Supplemental Motor Vehicle Taxes $24,871.24
October 1, 1997 Personal Property Taxes 33,528.79
October 1, 1997 Motor Vehicle Taxes 156,521.48
Councilor Hall requested clarification. Mr. Shanley explained every year they remove those taxes which are determined to be uncollectible. He noted they are still owed.
Councilor Mangini questioned if they are aggressively pursuing the recovery of delinquent taxes by using a collection agency. Mr. Shanley stated they did find a lot of people through the collection agency.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4699 adopted 10-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The appointment to the Commission on Aging will appear under New Business at the next regular meeting.
MOTION #4700 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Dodd to suspend the rules to address Items b., c., e., f., g., h. and i. under Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4700 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: DAY CARE FACILITY LEASE APPROVAL
Mr. Shanley stated for 11 years the Town has operated its Child Day Care Facility on the campus of the Felician Sisters in the old Longview High School. He noted the agreement that the Town had with the Felician Sisters was actually a ten-year agreement that was extended to 11 years several years ago. He stated that agreement ended in February, and theyre currently on a month-to-month agreement, pending completion of negotiations with them for a new lease. He noted the Council has requested that a ten-year lease agreement be negotiated, and that has in essence been completed. He stated theyre now in the process of finalizing the legal language and making sure both sides concur with some of the relatively minor adjustments that they will be making. He noted its hoped the Council will be able to ratify the agreement at the July 11th meeting so that theyll have a new ten-year lease for the facility on the Felician Sisters campus.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #4701 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Falk.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Acct. #8030-930 Fund Transfers $225,000.00
~ Revaluation ~
~ ~ ~ ~
FROM: Acct. #8020-211 Employee Benefits ~
~ Major Medical $160,000.00
~ ~ ~ ~
Acct. #8020-260 Employee Benefits ~
~ ~ Workers Compensation 65,000.00
~ ~ ~ ___________
~ ~ ~ $225,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $225,000.00 is available from Account #8020-211 and #8020-260 as of June 5, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilor Fiore questioned if this is going to be a transfer into the revaluation fund. Mr. Shanley explained they have an existing fund that theyve been accumulating, and it will be transferred into that fund.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4701 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4702 by Councilor Dodd, seconded by Councilor Falk.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manger to submit a Project Impact Community Application to the State of Connecticuts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); to accept any award under said grant program; and to sign, enter into and amend any agreements with the State DEP specifically related to said grant.
Councilor Hall questioned if theyre looking at certain parcels along the Scantic River. Mr. Shanley stated they are looking, but its not parcel specific. He explained theyre looking for the grant that will then allow them to be specific regarding parcels. Mr. Vindigni noted they have also had discussion with the DEP coordinator for the Scantic River Program, and theyve jointly worked on identifying some potential sites. He noted this is a competitive grant on a state-wide basis. He stated this is Enfields first attempt to get funding under this particular program.
Councilor Hall questioned if theres any time line as to when they expect to hear something about this. Mr. Vindigni stated no time line was identified by the state as to when they would announce the awards.
Councilor Egan questioned whether its imperative that they have acted on the hazard mitigation document that was sent to the Council. Mr. Vindigni stated the flood hazard mitigation plan is considered a very critical factor in making a community eligible for the award. Councilor Egan questioned if it would be in the Towns best interest if they had voted favorably on this document before this is submitted. Mr. Vindigni stated its not as important as being sure that the Town eventually adopts one. He noted the State understands the Town is preparing that document, it has been through review, and hopefully it will be subject to final approval next month.
Mr. Shanley emphasized this is not parcel specific, and the grant would be to mitigate flooding problems in the Scantic River basin.
Councilor Fiore questioned if not having a real open space plan at this time will have a negative impact on this application. Mr. Vindigni stated hes unable to answer that question at this time.
Councilor Falk questioned whether there would have to be a local fund match if Enfield received this grant. Mr. Vindigni stated the 25% match would either be cash, in-kind services, or a combination of the two. Councilor Falk questioned how much the grant is for, and Mr. Vindigni stated theyre recommending the Town apply for the full $300,000, and the match could come from the Open Space Fund.
Councilor Fiore questioned if other than the Scantic River, do they have any other areas in Town that would qualify for this, and Mr. Vindigni stated there are other areas in Town that have flood-prone properties.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4702 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4703 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Egan.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfers is hereby made:
TO: 6200-0540 (Advertising) ~
Planning & Zoning Commission $3,500
~ ~ ~
FROM: 6200-0120 (salaries Part-time) ~
Planning & Zoning Commission $3,500
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $3,500 is available from Account #6200-0120 as of June 14, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4703 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4704 by Councilor Dodd, seconded by Councilor Vayda.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: ZBA 6300-0540 (Advertising) $800.00
~ ~ ~
FROM: ZBA 6300-0120 (Salaries Part-time) $800.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $800.00 is available from Account #6300-0120 as of June 14, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4704 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4705 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 6500-0339 (Conservation Commission, Other ~
~ Professional Services) $500.00
~ ~ ~ ~
FROM: 6500-0120 (Conservation Commission, Part ~
~ Time Salaries) $500.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $500.00 is available from Account #6500-0120 as of June 14, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4705 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4706 by Councilor Dodd, seconded by Councilor Vayda.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Conservation Commission ~
~ 6500-0540 (Advertising) $1,000.00
~ ~ ~
FROM: Conservation Commission ~
~ 6500-0643 (Publications) $360.00
~ ~ ~
~ Conservation Commission ~
~ 6500-0120 (Salaries Part-Time) $640.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $1,000 is available from Account # (see above) as of June 14, 2000.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4706 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4707 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Egan.
BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Information Systems $40,000.00
~ Acct. #1210-334 ~
~ Technological Services ~
~ ~ ~
FROM: Information Systems ~
~ Acct. #1210-110 Salaries FT $25,000.00
~ Acct. #1210-120 Salaries PT 5,000.00
~ Acct. #8030-840 Contingency 10,000.00
~ ~ _________
~ ~ ~
~ ~ $40,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $40,000.00 is available from Account # (see above) as of June 20, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTON #4707 adopted 10-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4708 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Vayda to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4708 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:40 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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