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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING
APRIL 26, 2000
A Public Hearing was called to order by Acting Chairman Peter Falk in the Auditorium of the JFK Middle School on Raffia Road, Enfield, Connecticut on Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present from the Enfield Town Council were Councilors Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, McGuire, Surapine and Vayda. Councilors Dodd and Strom were absent.
Present from the Enfield Board of Education were Theresa Clavette, Joyce Hall, Kenneth Hilinski, Roger Jones, Thomas Osborn, Nicholas Sinsigalli, Jr., William Thomson, Jr., and Mary Heidi Tibbetts. Lynn Scull was absent.
Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Information Systems Director, Charlene S. Bond; Director of Libraries, Henry Dutcher; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Gallacher; Financial Operations Manager, Patricia F. Brooks.
Acting Chairman Peter Falk read the Notice of Public Hearing which was published in the Journal Inquirer on April 20, 2000 as follows:
TOWN OF ENFIELD
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED BUDGET FY 2000-2001
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2000
"Notice is hereby given that the Town of Enfield shall hold a PUBLIC HEARING on the Proposed Annual Operating and Capital Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001. The Public Hearing shall be Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the John F. Kennedy Middle School on Raffia Road. All electors and taxpayers will be provided an opportunity to express their opinions and further give written and/or oral comment regarding the proposed budget.
Also, in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 4 of the Town Charter, along with the Notice of Public Hearing was published a summary of the proposed expenditures and revenues, as well as the amount to be raised by taxation, and that this summary can be found on pages 2 and 3 of the budget.
At the Regular Meeting of the Town Council on April 10, 2000, Resolution #4550 was adopted establishing the conduct for this hearing. The resolution is as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield values the opinions and comments of its constituents; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 4, of the Enfield Town Charter, any elector or taxpayer may have an opportunity to be heard regarding appropriations for the ensuing fiscal years and for the purpose of being heard on issues of vital community importance and concern; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council shall conduct a public hearing at the John F. Kennedy Middle School on Raffia Road on Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 7:30 p.m.
RESOLVED, that the order of business of the 2000-2001 Budget Hearing be arranged as follows:
1. Presentation of the Town Managers Budget;
2. The Chairman of the Board of Education highlights education budget;
3. Comments from members of the public for the first time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each speaker be requested to register with the Town Clerk his name and address and that no speaker be allowed to speak more than five minutes each successive time the speakers name is called, additionally, any speaker who has not registered with the Town Clerk will be allowed to speak only after those who have registered no longer wish to speak."
Town Manager, Scott Shanley, gave a broad overview of the proposed 2000-2001 Fiscal Year Budget.
Mr. Shanley stated the municipal operations and capital contribution budget is $35,492,747, an increase of 1.2% over the current fiscal year; the education budget is $57,315,609, an increase of 5.7% over the current fiscal year; a total budget for the Town of Enfield, exclusive of the capital budget of $92,808,356, an increase of 3.9% over the current fiscal year. Mr. Shanley stated in addition to that budget, there is a capital budget of about $6,700,000. He pointed out theres a little duplication because the municipal budget makes contributions to the capital budget, however, there are other revenue sources as well.
Mr. Shanley spoke about the revenue side of the budget. He noted Enfield has a very high dependency on state revenues. He noted the contribution to the education budget from the state is approximately $23 million dollars. He explained as a result, any fluctuation in the state revenues has a very direct impact on Enfield and the mill rate.
He noted one of the major reductions in the revenue is the reimbursement for school construction. He pointed out the Town paid off the last bond payment for the school code projects.
Referring to special education revenue, Mr. Shanley explained in the past theyve shown some of that as a revenue to the budget and have had some left over revenue in the past, however, its being projected by the School Department that there will not be any revenue left over this year.
Mr. Shanley stated there was a value increase this year of about 2.2%. He noted all other revenues are very steady, i.e., permits, licenses, etc.
Mr. Shanley spoke about the Capital Improvement Program and noted this particular budget recommends a hefty increase in the capital contribution from the General Fund. He explained the demand for capital projects from the Town and School systems exceeds the traditional budget. He went on to note Enfield is a pay-as-you-go community, and Enfield does not borrow money as a tradition. He referred to a list of all of the projects in the budget book theyre proposing to do this fiscal year. He went on to list some of the items that are either under-funded or are not funded in this budget to illustrate the demand for work that theyre having difficulty meeting - athletic fields at Enfield High and Fermi High, Frank Mancuso Park, North School, Higgins Building, old Senior Center, Hazardville Institute, Freshwater Pond rehab, South Maple Street Bridge, Scantic River escarpment reclamation project, proposed streetscapes at North Gate and Hazardville Village, more watershed drainage issues.
He stated theres a federal mandate for nitrogen reduction in Long Island Sound, which will require a doubling in the capacity size of the sewer treatment plant. He noted a bill has been put forth at the federal level to try and help fund municipalities in Connecticut in meeting this challenge.
Mr. Shanley stated currently each mill in the Town of Enfield generates $1.8 million dollars in revenue for Town and Board functions. He noted a current mill rate of 29.6 and a proposed mill rate of 31.8 represents a 7.35% increase. He stated this generates about $3,900,000 in new revenues. He noted the expenditure side of the budget shows where the new revenue is. He stated if other revenues are relatively flat, the only alternative to raise additional funds is the property tax. He noted by May 4th, they should know whether or not the Legislature has at least incrementally adjusted the revenue from the state to the town.
Chairman of the Enfield Board of Education, William Thomson, gave a presentation of the Enfield Board of Education Proposed 2000-2001 Budget.
Mr. Thomson first highlighted all the accomplishments over the past year:
o Enfield Street School Pre-School Program received accreditation by the National Association for the education of young children
o The Enfield Head Start Program is also NAYEC accredited, and this year they received recognition of the Head Start Program with a perfect score for its most recent compliance visit
o The Home/ School Community Partnership Coordinator successfully coordinated the Kids Vote Project which was a pilot program for the State of Connecticut
o Other activities that support the Boards goal to increase communication of educational issues in Enfield are as follows - Celebration of Education on the Town Green; Enfield Loves to Read Day; Showcase 2000; Enfield Families Matter Week
o The direct involvement of local businesses with the schools through Adopt-A-School drive orchestrated through the Partnership Committee
o Relations have been strengthened between the Enfield Public Schools and Asnuntuck Community College in the area of the Alternative Learning Center
o Continued expansion of the music program
o Continued expansion of the technology program with the creation of additional support positions and the upgrading of equipment
o The Tech Prep Program has been recognized as excellent at the state level
o The infusion of additional teaching positions to reduce class size and study hall enrollments
o The passage of a construction referendum to upgrade and remodel several schools
Mr. Thomson referred to a worksheet to explain the Board of Educations budget request. He noted this worksheet represents a 6.26% increase for Fiscal Year 2000-2001. He pointed out this worksheet does not include the recent $300,000 reduction that was made to this budget by the Town Manager. He stated the Board reached this number after prioritizing the original 10% increase requested by the administration and staff in late January.
Mr. Thomson stated since submitting this budget in February, their estimate for health insurance is nearer an 8% increase than the originally anticipated 15% increase. He pointed out this represents a savings of approximately $130,000. He added they have not yet received a confirmed price from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
He stated their greatest single cost is the increase for teachers salaries under the new contract. He noted the settlement of 3.1% with the Teachers Association is very favorable in comparison to the state-wide average settlement.
He pointed out their contracts with other labor groups and their transportation company are lower than the state-wide averages.
Mr. Thomson stated they have some items in their request that are mandated either by contractual agreements or by state and federal requirements.
He then reviewed positions that are proposed in this budget.
He reviewed other miscellaneous proposals within the budget.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
William Ballard, 321 Abbe Road
Expressed appreciation to Mr. Shanley and Mr. Thomson for their presentations. He went on to state next year, he would like the Superintendent of Schools to give the budget presentation. He stated his belief the budget is ambitious, but too expensive. He questioned whether any of the department heads who have and will come before the Council and Board have presented any possibilities of cutting some of their programs as they might have outlived their usefulness, or other suggestions where they can cut corners to save a few dollars.
Mr. Ballard agreed new library space is needed and suggested perhaps they can add on to the present building and update the old building. He stated his belief they must use the same property and make better use of the large space they have on Middle Road. He questioned why the present staff cannot develop the three new programs the Library Director wishes to introduce.
He stated directors and department heads should be sure ideas and wish lists are affordable for taxpayers. He pointed out many people are on fixed incomes, and he urged the Council to take into consideration the taxpayers ability to handle the extra revenue the Town says it needs to run Enfield.
Mr. Ballard stated the education department added a number of employees over and above what they considered last year. He questioned how many will be added this year after the budget is set.
He stated his concern about the accreditation for Enfield High School and how theyre going to solve that problem.
Mr. Ballard concluded stating his belief a 7.35% increase in the total budget is out of line. He noted he likes the ideas proposed, however, some of the programs have to be cut out to make room for the new. He stated staff has to take on other added duties and responsibilities without further compensation. He pointed out each additional employee has a wage and benefit tag. He urged the Town to look at these issues more closely and save money.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated his belief the Superintendent of Schools should give the budget presentation next year.
Mr. Tkacz spoke about another town and Board of Education that works at finding ways to have revenue come into the Board of Education so that they can enhance their programs.
He stated his belief the Enfield Library is in poor condition and has not been updated in years. He feels space isnt being utilized properly, and the road leading out of the library is full of potholes.
Mr. Tkacz stated the 1993-94 municipal budget was $30 million dollars, and theyre now proposing $35.5 million, a 16% increase. He then referred to the school budget and noted since 1993-94, the elementary enrollment has dropped 6%, however, they had a 14% increase in the staff at the elementary level. He stated his belief reducing class sizes to increase the test scores is a fallacy. He pointed out Simsbury has some of the highest test scores in the state, and they have larger class sizes than Enfield.
He referred to non-certified staff in the school system since 1993, and theres a 73% increase, from 130 staff to 224. He noted the total school enrollment has gone down 1%.
Mr. Tkacz stated the dropout rate in the Enfield School System has been dropping since1994-95.
David Vesce, 10 Gem Grove
Stated his opposition to an increase in taxes. He noted many people are on fixed incomes.
Mr. Vesce stated he would like to see a youth center built in Enfield. He added he would also like something done for at-risk students in the Enfield School System.
He stated his belief he would like to see the Higgins building taken care of. He noted this is a classic building and historic landmark.
Joseph Saroce, 10 Briarwood Drive
Stated he would like to see something done about delinquent taxes.
As concerns police being upset about the "skimpy" overtime budget because they wanted the opportunity to earn more money, Mr. Saroce stated he does not begrudge the police the opportunity to earn money, but not at the expense of the taxpayers.
Mr. Saroce questioned where the money for police fines goes, and he questioned if that money stays
in town, why cant it be used to subsidize certain things.
Referring to the school budget, he stated his belief teachers and administrators in the State of Connecticut are far overpaid. He added his belief people have no say about the wages and benefits because everything is done by unions and Boards of Education.
Mr. Saroce questioned how much money Enfield has borrowed.
Mr. Saroce stated his belief the Town should take into consideration senior citizens on fixed incomes when deciding on this budget.
Frank Mancuso, 25 Bright Street
Spoke about rising costs.
Mr. Mancuso stated he requested the Council to check the Fermi High School space, however, he did not receive an answer.
He noted he has been waiting for something to happen for the Frank Mancuso Park for 25 years.
He questioned the logic of building sidewalks in the north end of Enfield where there are very few pedestrians.
Mr. Mancuso urged the Council to read the Town Charter.
Mrs. Collins, 25 Gordon Lane
Stated her belief the proposed school budget is too high. She went on to state children are going to school to learn, not to be disciplined.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief there should be a cap on spending, and the Town shouldnt always be circumventing the Charter.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief cleaning catch basins should be a priority for Public Works. She questioned how often catch basins are cleaned, and is there currently equipment to do this job.
She noted shes frustrated with the local newspapers writing and evidently quoting the Board of Education that there are more students in the school system then the school departments own figures show. She stated her belief thats one more reason to request more personnel.
She stated her belief the salaries in the budget book for the Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent are misleading.
Ms. Jedziniak stated the school department sends their enrollment figures to the state, and the state documents them and sends them back to Enfield.
Lawrence Avery, 148 Pleasant Street
Stated he supports the education budget as is and requests that no more cuts be made. He
went on to speak about the positive things happening in the school system.
Mr. Avery spoke in favor of the Public Safety and Public Works proposed budgets.
He stated its time to repaint the crosswalks in Thompsonville.
Mr. Avery requested the Town approve the $86,700 for public transportation to keep the buses running between Enfield and Springfield.
He voiced support for the $210,000 expenditure to clean up the Freshwater Pond and surrounding sidewalks. He pointed out the sidewalks on North Main Street, near Lincoln Street are bad.
Mr. Avery stated his hope the Town will find a way to prevent tearing down the Higgins Building North School, and the old Senior Center.
Connie Boyajian, 165 Sherman Road
Stated she has no complaints about the school system, and shes delighted the elementary schools will be updated, rejuvenated, and staffed. She voiced concern about parks, i.e., Green Manor Park. She noted the tennis court maintenance was not included in the proposed budget. She stated her hope the Green Manor tennis court will not be locked this summer and that the pool will be taken care of.
Mary Lombardo, 2 Northfield Road
Stated she and other teachers present wish to express their appreciation for the renovations at Alcorn School. She went on to request the Town consider air conditioning at Alcorn to improve the learning environment.
Scott Giddings, 50 South River Street
Stated he was a little concerned when he saw the lack of funding for the Freshwater Pond. He noted the original Thompsonville Strategy report defined the pond as the main focal point in
Thompsonville, and it distresses him that the Town is just dismissing the fact that this pond is an important item and is not funding this to the fullest.
Sheree Winans, 4 Lynch Terrace
Stated she is a teacher at Alcorn School and would also appreciate seeing air conditioning in this building to improve the learning environment.
Bridgett Birchall, 14 Farmstead Circle
Expressed appreciation for the items approved in last years budget, particularly allowing the Alternative Learning Center to go forward and increasing the technology and those programs that are giving students more opportunities.
Referring to the education budget, Ms. Birchall encouraged the Town to make no further cuts, and she encouraged the Council to take very seriously the programs that the school board has put forward to provide students with the opportunity to work with members of the community; to enforce the School Community Partnership; to utilize the technology that has become very much a part of their lives; to increase their communication and their opportunity to present themselves in the world of work.
Ms. Birchall stated Enfield High School has a breakfast program, and she requested consideration be given to setting up a similar program at Fermi High School.
Ms. Birchall encouraged the Town to support the upgrade of athletic fields.
She voiced her support of the Police Budget, particularly the School Resource Officer and the need to replace police vehicles.
Ms. Birchall agreed with the Alcorn teachers in that this building should be air conditioned to improve the learning environment.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Voiced support for air conditioning at the Alcorn School.
Mr. Tkacz stated in about 150 towns, the capital improvement is within the school budget. He noted Enfield does things the smart way by controlling the capital improvement of the buildings.
He questioned when the school system will be audited. He noted the Council has a fiduciary responsibility to see that the funds are properly doled out.
Ed Poremba, 8 Overhill Road
Urged the Council to be very careful. He questioned whether the economy is in fact truly booming. He referred to the Hartford newspaper and the foreclosure section. He added Enfields unemployment rate is at 3.1%, and the state average is at 3%. He noted personal bankruptcy is increasing.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated he has approached the Board and Council many times requesting a professional audit be done.
Mr. Jedziniak voiced disagreement with having three assistant principals at the high school.
Laurence Avery, 148 Pleasant Street
Stated his belief the Enfield High School Library should be expanded. He then spoke about the CONNECT System at the library and how it is used.
Joseph Saroce, 10 Briarwood Drive
Stated his belief teachers should not be allowed to speak since the budget is to their benefit.
Acting Chairman Peter Falk pointed out anyone who lives in the Town of Enfield and pays taxes has the right to speak.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated he was informed the Library Director made a request five months ago for the Public Works Department to come in and clean up the library and potholes. He questioned who is responsible for this work.
Margaret Bassett, North Maple Street
Voiced concern about state revenue being flat. She suggested perhaps the Council and Board of Education could pressure state representatives regarding the state helping the towns to fund mandates.
Laurence Avery, 148 Pleasant Street
Pointed out this public hearing is open to all taxpayers and electors. He noted as an elector, he has the right to vote. He added the Constitution of the United States guarantees freedom of speech and religion.
As no others wished to speak, Acting Chairman Peter Falk closed the Public Hearing at 9:40 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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