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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MAY 1, 2000
Before the meeting was called to order, a "Days of Remembrance" proclamation was read.
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, May 1, 2000. Acting Chairman Peter Falk called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Acting Chairman Peter Falk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, McGuire, and Surapine. Councilors Strom and Vayda were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson; Director of Community Development, Debbie Oppermann; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4579 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd to accept the minutes of the April 10, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4579 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilor McGuire abstaining.
MOTION #4580 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to accept the minutes of the April 13, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4580 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilor McGuire abstaining.
MOTION #4581 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Surapine to accept the minutes of the April 17, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4581 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilor McGuire abstaining.
MOTION #4582 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Surapine to accept the minutes of the April 17, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4582 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilor McGuire abstaining.
MOTION #4583 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Surapine to accept the minutes of the April 19, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4583 adopted 7-0-2, with Councilors Dodd and McGuire abstaining.
MOTION #4584 by Councilor Surapine, seconded by Councilor Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 24, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4584 adopted 7-0-2, with Councilors Dodd and McGuire abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Sue Read, 26 Prospect Street
Expressed her appreciation to everyone, particularly Debbie Oppermann for their support in the Enfield Clean Sweep event.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Spoke about Enfields population and the Enfield Schools population. She referred to the 1987 Master Plan which she felt showed the projections made by elected officials and the school administrators were way off then and are way off now. She noted in 1987, elected officials projected Enfield would have a population of 50,200. She noted in 1990-91, there were 6,303 pupils in the Enfield School System, and that included 6,087 K-12 students and 216 special education pupils. She stated the school administrators projected that in 1995-96, there would be 7,000 K-12 students, and 245 special education students, for a total of 7,245 pupils. She went on to state the actual student count for October 1, 1999 between JFK, Enfield High and Fermi High was 3,185 pupils, and their projection was 4,017 pupils, which is off by 832 students. She requested the Council take into consideration these facts and figures when considering whether the school department needs all the new personnel theyre asking for.
Ms. Jedziniak suggested the Town have the auditor conduct a complete audit of the school system. She stated perhaps the Town might be able to save some money through better management.
She then read figures for school facilities and capacities. She pointed out the total rated capacity of all schools is 11,510 students, and the present enrollment is approximately 6,000 students. She questioned the need for extra room.
Randy Stevens, President of the Enfield Condominium Owners Association
Stated his Association has been meeting with a Town subcommittee. He noted some issues discussed at those meetings include road specifications, legal issues, liability concerns, private road, etc. The Association and Town subcommittee has worked together to address each issue.
Mr. Stevens stated they reviewed the issue of the Town picking up their trash vs a rebate. He noted after figures were reviewed, its clear the pick-up option is the correct way to proceed.
Mr. Stevens thanked Town staff, Town Council, and the Town subcommittee for their assistance in getting this process to this point. He stated his hope they will have a successful conclusion to this issue.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Stated she does not see why the Town should take on the additional burden of picking up condominium trash. She stated condominium owners understand what they purchased, and it was in their declaration from the beginning. She stated her belief they may be opening a "Pandoras box". She pointed out a new truck will cost about $200,000, plus new employee costs.
She stated shes had difficulty getting meeting schedules and documentation as concerns the Condominium Subcommittee meetings.
She strongly urged the Council not to consider this to be another additional dollar on the bottom line.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned why there is not a meeting marker outside Town Hall for this evenings meeting.
Mr. Jedziniak stated his belief Enfield is a blue-collar town.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Spoke about the library and related maintenance problems. He noted the previous custodian at the library did a good job maintaining the library. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current contracted maintenance company. He stated his belief the Town needs a full-time maintenance person at the library.
Mr. Tkacz spoke about the Schools surplus being depleted. He went on to note the School Department hires more employees than theyve budgeted for every year. He stated his belief the School budget needs to be cut. He added his belief the Town needs the money on their side. He pointed out the library, police and Town government supports the school system.
Mr. Tkacz stated the Bigelow Sanford built the Higgins School for the Town. He noted Bigelow had a restriction in the deed that this building be used for school purposes only, however in 1944 they changed that to read, "to be used for school and municipal purposes". He stated his belief the Town can restore this building or tear it down.
He went on to state the Town is responsible for some of the maintenance of the Asnuntuck building, and the state provides the money, however, the Town is not utilizing it. He noted perhaps at the end of the lease, the Town will have to catch up on the maintenance of that building.
COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Responding to Mr. Jedziniaks question regarding the meeting sign, Councilor Kaupin stated he would like a response as to why the Town meeting sign is not being erected.
Councilor Kaupin referred to the CRCOG committee thats involved with a Route 190 study and noted Councilors Hall and Strom are members of that committee and are seeking more members to serve on this committee. He stated names should be submitted to either Councilor Hall or Strom as soon as possible.
Councilor Kaupin stated there will be a DOT informational meeting regarding the railway issue at the Hazardville Fire Department on May 2nd.
Councilor Kaupin referred to the EPA America the Beautiful grant program and questioned if the Town will be applying for that.
Councilor Mangini stated her hope next year more information will go out about the Workers Ceremony.
Councilor Mangini stated she and Councilor Surapine recently attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Thompsonville Little League. She went on to express her appreciation to Kay Tallarita and her staff for the Senior "thank you" breakfast for volunteers. She noted she had the pleasure of attending a nice function put on by the Save the Strand group. She added also in attendance were Councilors Falk, McGuire, and Vayda.
Councilor Mangini stated Firestone is having a NASCAR demonstration on Palomba Drive tomorrow evening.
Councilor Surapine expressed appreciation to Sue Read and Debbie Oppermann for their hard work for the recent Clean Sweep. He added appreciation to fellow Councilors, staff, volunteers of the community, those who donated goods, Cub Scout Pack 189, and prisoners from the prison who helped in this endeavor.
Councilor Surapine expressed appreciation to the Police Department and Fish and Game Warden for addressing speeding and parking issues.
Councilor Surapine stated he has been invited to the North Thompsonville Fire Department on May 9th to host a meeting. He stated his hope people will attend this meeting to express their opinions.
Councilor Surapine stated 25 years ago today marks the end of the Vietnam War. He stated his hope people will quietly give thanks for all those who defended the U.S. and those who gave their lives during that war.
Councilor Surapine requested a response to the Town Council meeting sign.
Councilor Surapine stated he previously asked for an updated list of all the abandoned properties where people have paid their back taxes. He noted this is a long list. He suggested once the budget is passed, perhaps the Council can come up with a more effective way of addressing this issue.
Councilor Fiore stated the St. James/Elm Street Committee has requested that the most current traffic count be sent to them.
Councilor Fiore stated he would like to see the bee problem at the Central Library addressed. He went on to express his surprise that the maintenance of the library has been out sourced.
Councilor Fiore stated the Athletic Hall of Fame Golf Tournament will be held on May 6th.
Councilor Fiore expressed appreciation to Sue Read, Debbie Oppermann, and Connie Provencher for their efforts in the successful Clean Sweep.
Councilor McGuire read the following correspondence from the Wine Depot Liquor Shop:
"Dear Town Council Members: As a local business owner, we would like to express some concerns. Although we know the importance of new business coming into Enfield, it should not be at the expense of existing businesses. As the owner of Wine Depot
Liquor Shop, I have seen a drop in business since TGIF opened. Parking for our customers has become a problem, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, which should be our highest volume days. Although we may pick up occasional business from the restaurant, we are losing our regular customers, which is essential to our existence. We are asking for the Council to please look into this and help us understand what our options are. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention. Respectfully, Spiro and Norma Yor."
Councilor McGuire requested the Town Manager refer this over to Planning & Zoning, and then inform Wine Depot Liquor Shop that this matter has been referred to Planning & Zoning. Mr. Shanley indicated this can be done.
Councilor Fiore requested the Town Manager check into his and Councilor Surapines boundary line. Mr. Shanley indicated he would look into this.
Councilor Falk reported Mary Lou Strom is doing much better after her surgery and hopes to be back soon.
Councilor Falk stated a group of Mexican exchange students recently spent ten days in Enfield and participated in activities at the high school. He stated he was impressed with this well-behaved, talented group of students.
Councilor Falk thanked the Clean Sweep Committee for all their hard work.
Councilor Falk stated if theres a bee problem in the Central Library, it should be addressed early in the season.
Referring to the meeting sign, Councilor Falk suggested looking into having a professional sign made up. He noted they should check the sign ordinance regarding this.
Councilor Falk requested a June 30, 1999 expenditure report for the upcoming budget workshops.
Councilor Falk stated there will be Child Advocacy Dinner honoring Marguerite Myers-Killeen, Michael Camerota and Joan Reuter on Thursday, May 4th.
Councilor Falk stated on Thursday, May 4th, there will be a National Day of Prayer to be held on the Town Green at the gazebo at 12:00 p.m.
Councilor Falk stated the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Enfield is having their annual bowl-a-thon on Sunday, May 7th at Bradley Bowl in Windsor Locks.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Referring to the condominium issue, Mr. Shanley stated the Public Works Department report shows that it could be that the operational costs may be a wash. He noted that does not include the capital costs, which are $280,000, and that would be a new cost. He emphasized that they have to distinguish between the operational and capital costs.
Mr. Shanley stated they had to close the library last year and use an extermination company to get rid of the bees. He noted this might become necessary again. He added they have to be careful about how much pesticide they use.
Mr. Shanley expressed his satisfaction with Enfields tax collection rate. He noted there will be more options forthcoming regarding collecting back taxes. He pointed out 97.5% of the taxes in Enfield are paid in full and on time. He stated this is a very good percentage.
As concerns the Beautification grant, Mr. Shanley stated they will be applying for a grant. He stated his hope the Beautification Committee will be making a determination about how they would like to do it and where they would like to do it.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilor Mangini stated she had an opportunity to attend a staff meeting for New Directions, and she found it very informative.
Councilor Mangini thanked Sue Read, Debbie Oppermann and all those people involved in the Clean Sweep, which is a subcommittee of the Enfield Revitalization Committee.
Councilor Kaupin reported there will be a Joint Technology Committee meeting tomorrow night. He noted he and Councilor Vayda will be participating in that meeting.
Councilor Kaupin stated the School Building Committee did select two individual Project Managers vs going with a construction management firm. He noted one of the individuals is very strong and detail oriented in the paperwork aspect, and the other individual is very strong with the on-site inspection and keeping things on schedule and in proper order.
Councilor Kaupin stated the Town Green Committee is meeting this week and should finalize what theyll be doing with the plaza and closing down the brick sales and bringing the project in front of Town Hall to completion.
Referring to grant applications within the Councils packets, Councilor Egan noted she attended the Board of Education, and they voted in favor of all three grant applications after Dorothy Allens presentation.
OLD BUSINESS
MOTION #4585 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor McGuire to remove Item #3 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4585 adopted 9-0-0.
NOMINATION #4586 by Councilor Mangini to appoint Deborah Fiore (D) to the Library Board of Trustees for a term which expires 12/31/02.
MOTION #4587 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4587 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Deborah Fiore appointed to the Library Board of Trustees by an 8-0-1 vote, with Councilor Fiore abstaining.
All other Council appointments remained on the table.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #4588 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor McGuire to remove Item #7 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4588 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4589 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Mangini to accept the Town Managers recommendation to appoint Roger Russell to the Housing Code Appeals Board as a Building/Planning/Electrician Contractor member for a term which expires 5/1/04.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4589 adopted 9-0-0.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #4590 by Councilor Surapine, seconded by Councilor Egan to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4590 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4591 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 19, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding a proposed Noise Ordinance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4591 adopted 9-0-0.
Items e., f., and g., remained tabled.
MOTION #4592 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Surapine to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4592 adopted 9-0-0.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION RE: USE OF NORTH SCHOOL
Councilor Fiore questioned if there has been a review done regarding the possibilities for this building. Mr. Shanley stated it was his understanding the direction was to specifically do that review for the Food Shelf. He noted Mr. Wilson wasnt available for that review last week, therefore, they have rescheduled a walk-through of that building this week.
MOTION #4593 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4593 adopted 9-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #4594 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Family Resource Center Program 7-1-2000 to 6-30-2001 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4594 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4595 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf f the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a School Readiness/Child Day Care Program 7-1-2000 to 6-30-2001 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4595 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4596 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Youth Services Bureau 7-1-2000 to 6-30-2001 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4596 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4597 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby appoints the auditing firm of DiSanto, Bertoline & Company, P.C. to conduct the Annual Financial Audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2000.
Councilor Falk questioned whether the auditor is looking at the school system as part of this audit. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4597 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION RE: REALLOCATION OF PRISON FUNDS
This item will be discussed at the May 8th Budget Meeting.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments will appear under New Business on the next Regular Meeting agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #4598 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Falk to suspend the rules to address Item 3 under Miscellaneous, as well as adding another item which would be the appointment of Mary Bergamini to the vacancy that exists.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4598 adopted 9-0-0.
CONDO COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Shanley referred to a memorandum before the Council which outlines two specific documents along with a recommendation he made on one of the documents with respect to refining it. He noted the Committee met several times over the last year, and they requested information of staff. He stated by consensus at their last meeting, they determined theyd like to forward those items which theyve discussed as options.
Councilor Kaupin stated there are several options to be weighed, and he would like to see the Council make a decision during the budget cycle.
Councilor Mangini agreed this should be reviewed during budget time.
Councilor Fiore stated he cannot find a line item in the budget where the Town is currently paying $125,000 for the contract. Mr. Shanley stated it would be contractual service in the Solid Waste section.
Addressing himself to the Town Attorney, Councilor Fiore questioned what are the Towns liabilities if they were to do refuse pickup. He questioned whether the Town Attorney feels confident he could work out individual agreements with each condominium complex for rights-of-way so that the Town is not liable for roads and a variety of things. Attorney Bromson stated theyd have to work something out that the Town would offer to them that they believed would protect the Towns interest. He stated two main concerns would be the actual infrastructure of the different condominiums, and he believes theyre going to have to work out a plan through Public Works to be sure its safe. He noted if theres increased exposure, that would be a liability issue that theyd have to assume with their insurance as opposed to the Towns insurance.
Attorney Bromson stated the Town would have to determine, through its insurance carrier, whether theres an increased risk and what effect will it have.
Councilor Kaupin stated if the Council was agreeable to do the service, it has been expressed to them that the Condo Association would meet to discuss all the legal questions.
Randy Stevens, President of the Enfield Condominium Owners Association, joined the discussion. Mr. Stevens stated they checked the road specs, and theyre exactly the same, and theyre as wide as any roads in the Town of Enfield. He stated they already checked with their insurance, and their insurance would not change because they already have vehicles entering their property. As concerns the hold harmless, theyve already offered to do a hold harmless for any damage to the road itself. He noted they only expect that if the Town were to hit someones mailbox or vehicle, the Town would handle it the same as they would on any other road in Enfield. He stated theyve offered the Town Attorney to be the one to write up the hold harmless, and if not, the Condo Association would be willing to do this.
Councilor Fiore questioned if this association covers every single condo complex. Mr. Stevens stated he represents 27 complexes, however, each individual complex would have to sign the agreement. He added his belief none of the complexes would have a problem signing a hold harmless.
Councilor Fiore stated after looking at the numbers, its his impression the Town doesnt really break even until about year five.
Councilor Dodd questioned if the Town is setting a precedent by providing this service on private property. Attorney Bromson stated whenever services are extended to one group, an argument can be made by another. He stated they can do a check with CCM to see if services were given to one group and not another and whether there were subsequent lawsuits. He added hes unaware of any.
Councilor Dodd questioned whether the Town Attorney could provide that information before the Council goes into their budget deliberations on this issue. Attorney Bromson responded yes.
Councilor Kaupin stated the difference between the Town cost to do this service and the savings is $12,500 in favor of the Town. He noted over ten years that amounts to $125,000. He noted the capital cost is $220,000, therefore, he believes this expense is $10,000 per year to the Town. He stated his opinion this service should be provided to the condominiums. He stated his belief the discussion should address whether they should provide this service and can the Town afford $100,000 over ten years.
Councilor Mangini voiced her agreement with Councilor Kaupins remarks.
Councilor Fiore stated consideration has to be given to capital costs and costs associated with additional personnel.
Councilor Surapine voiced concern about adding another expense into the budget. He stated his impression they were working at making the budget more affordable for taxpayers.
Councilor Falk noted front-end loaders do not pick up tipper barrels, and Mr. Shanley stated some complexes would use tipper barrels, and others would use dumpsters.
Councilor Falk questioned how many condo complexes would require tipper barrels, and Mr. Shanley indicated they could provide that information.
Councilor Falk questioned if the union contract allows less than two people to pick up the trash, and he questioned if this union issue has been reviewed. Mr. Shanley stated they have not discussed this with the labor unions.
Councilor Dodd stated one consideration would be who maintains the dumpsters.
MOTION #4599 by Councilor Surapine, seconded by Councilor Mangini to suspend the rules to address Item d. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4599 adopted 9-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #4600 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Egan to accept the Town Managers recommendation to appoint Mary Bergamini to the current vacancy on the Conservation Commission.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4600 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4601 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to accept the
Town Managers recommendation to appoint Raymond Gwozdz as an Alternate on the Conservation Commission.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4601 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4602 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 5, 2000 at 7:15 PM to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the 2000 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT proposals.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4602 adopted 8-0-0. (Councilor Surapine absent at vote.)
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4603 by Councilor Dodd, seconded by Councilor Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4603 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:35 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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