|
ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 17, 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 Monday, April 17, 2000. Acting Chairperson Peter Falk called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilor Egan.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Surapine, and Vayda. Chairwoman Strom and Councilor McGuire were absent. Also present was Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Social Services, Dorothy Allen
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION # 4554 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Fiore to accept the minutes of the March 27, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4554 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4555 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Egan to accept the minutes of the March 30, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4555 adopted 8-0-1, with Councilor Kaupin abstaining.
MOTION #4556 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Egan to accept the minutes of the April 3, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4556 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4557 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Vayda to accept the minutes of the April 3, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4557 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4558 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Vayda to accept the minutes of the April 5, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4558 adopted 9-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief this meeting was not advertised in the newspaper.
Expressed his dissatisfaction with JFK Middle School placing the two portable classrooms in front of the building rather than to the side of the building.
Mr. Jedziniak commended Public Works for the good work theyve done in the past year.
COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilor Mangini stated Monique Hebert, the Chairwoman for the MS Walk sent a nice thank you note to members of the Council for the donation they were able to collectively give on behalf of the Council. She noted she was present to cut the ribbon for a very nice ceremony.
Councilor Mangini stated April 29th marks the 50th anniversary of the Thompsonville Little League She questioned the possibility of a proclamation being prepared for the ceremony.
Councilor Surapine suggested bringing up the topic of the blighted property ordinance in the near future.
Councilor Kaupin informed the Council that there will be a ten year anniversary celebration for the Felician Sister Adult Day Care La Renaissance. Tickets are $25 per person.
Councilor Egan stated she had the opportunity to make the opening remarks at the Enfield Womens Club when they held their art show at the Enfield High School. She commended the Club for doing an outstanding job.
Councilor Fiore stated the opening day for Little League will be Saturday, April 29th and the Enfield Clean Sweep, a Senior Center Breakfast, Johnson Memorial Dinner, and the Spring Fling will be held in Thompsonville on April 30th.
Councilor Egan stated the Save Our Strand group will be having a gala at La Renaissance on April 30th.
Councilor Falk stated the Child Advocacy Awards Dinner is scheduled for May 4th at the Radisson Hotel, and the tickets are available through the North Central Counseling and Support Systems.
Councilor Falk stated theres a contingent of Mexican students coming to visit Enfield High School, and there will be a reception Tuesday evening in the Enfield High School cafeteria.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER
All appointments remained on the table.
MOTION #4559 by Councilor Surapine, seconded by Councilor Dodd to remove Item c. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4559 adopted 9-0-0.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE (BLIGHTED PROPERTY)
Mr. Shanley stated the Council has a copy of a letter and list of property owners that received those letters. He stated his understanding the Council would like to review ordinances after the budget process.
MOTION #4560 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Mangini to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4560 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4561 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Mangini to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4561 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION RE: NOISE ORDINANCE
Mr. Shanley stated the Council has a memo in their packets along with a copy of the draft ordinance that was initially reviewed by the DEP. He noted this lays out staff recommendations for adjustments to the draft prior to going to a public hearing.
Mr. Vindigni stated they tried to focus on certain actions that could be done that would not necessarily require changes to the ordinance. He referred to his April 13th memorandum and highlighted the following points:
o the police would meter potential violators
o the Town Planner and ZEO would follow-up in a friendly user approach
o Section 6A-8 of the proposed ordinance would be amended to eliminate the two-week correction period for second time violators
o reference to disturbing noise from motor vehicles and private property would be eliminated where state laws already exist that provide the police with enforcement powers
Councilor Kaupin questioned whether this would be enforceable, and Mr. Vindigni stated at this time the staff feels this will work.
Councilor Kaupin questioned how a new ordinance would impact existing businesses, or would these businesses be grandfathered in. Attorney Stavropoulos indicated existing businesses would not be grandfathered in if theyre violating the ordinance.
Councilor Surapine stated if no one is grandfathered in, a time period should be given so that violators can implement changes. Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki suggested making the ordinance effective later on.
There was a consensus that adjustments can be incorporated into the draft, and that a public hearing can be scheduled.
MOTION # 4562 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4562 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4562a by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Fiore to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4562a adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION RE: AUTHORIZATION FOR TOWN MANAGER TO ENTER INTO & AMEND CONTRACTUAL INSTRUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF ENFIELD WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DOT FOR STATE PROJECT NO. 170-1921 REHAB OF RR TRACKS ON RT 190 HAZARD AV & RT 191 BROAD BROOK RD
Councilor Mangini stated there will be an informational hearing at the Hazardville fire Station on May 2nd.
MOTION #4562b by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Fiore to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4562b adopted 9-0-0.
Item f. remained on the table.
MOTION #4563 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Falk to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4563 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION RE: PROPOSED ORDINANCE - ABATEMENT OF TAXES/VOLUNTEER FIRE PERSONNEL
The Town Manager suggested waiting until next meeting on this item as a legal opinion has just been received and needs to be reviewed.
MOTION #4564 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Vayda to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION # 4564 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #4565 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Surapine to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION # 4565 adopted 9-0-0.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION RE: USE OF NORTH SCHOOL
Mr. Shanley stated a meeting will be set up with Mr. Wilson.
Mr. Shanley stated they agreed to have the building inspector and fire marshal take a look at this building.
Councilor Surapine raised the possibility of housing the Enfield Loaves and Fishes within this building. Mr. Shanley stated the investment to accomplish that would be significant.
MOTION # 4566 By Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Surapine to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4566 adopted 9-0-0.
Mr. Shanley stated Item i. should appear on a Water Pollution Control agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
NOMINATION #4567 by Councilor Kaupin to appoint William Lee (R), 6 Stony Brook Road to the Enfield Revitalization Committee for a term which expires 1/31/01.
MOTION #4568 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Mangini to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4568 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared William Lee appointed to the Enfield Revitalization Committee by a 9-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #4569 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Registrar of Voters $2,500.00
Acct. #1500-630 Food/Food Related ~
FROM: Registrar of Voters $2,500.00
Acct. #1500-170 Primary Expenses ~
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $2,500.00 is available from Account #1500-170 as of March 21, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION # 4569 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4570 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 1600-322 Professional Development $600.00
FROM: 1600-580 Travel $600.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $600.00 is available from Account #1600-580 as of March 20, 2000.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION # 4570 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4571 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Egan.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to execute an agreement with the MDC for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day to be held on May 13, 2000.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4571 adopted 9-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION RE: RENEWAL OF FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER GRANT; SCHOOL READINESS/CHILD DAY CARE GRANT; YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU GRANT
Present for this discussion was Director of Social Services, Dorothy Allen.
Ms. Allen stated these three grants are all funded by the State Board of Education. She noted the first two items are school grants, and theyre really under the administration responsibility of the Enfield Board of Education. She pointed out shes the grant writer, and she answers to the Town and State Board of Education. She explained the Youth Service Bureau Grant used to be under the Department of Children and Families, and is now under the Department of Education. She noted the Family Resource Center Grant is for $100,000 and is a competitive grant that is available each year, and they will be applying for it this year. She stated the School Readiness Grant is also $100,000, and the Youth Service Bureau Grant is about $35,000.
Councilor Mangini questioned when will the grants be effective, and Ms. Allen responded July 1st.
Councilor Kaupin questioned by what date does Ms. Allen have to submit the application, and Ms. Allen stated she has to submit the application by May 2nd.
MOTION # 4572 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Surapine to suspend the rules to address these grants under Miscellaneous this evening.
Councilor Kaupin stated most of the time they try not to move things to Miscellaneous. Ms. Allen stated she does have time, and these items do not have to be passed this evening.
Councilor Egan stated her preference this go through the normal process.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4572 defeated by a
4-5-0 vote with Councilor Falk, Fiore, Mangini and Surapine voting in favor of the motion.
DISCUSSION RE: APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
Mr. Shanley stated this has to do with the reappointment of DiSanto, Bertoline & Company, or whether the Council wishes to go with the next lowest bid.
Councilor Falk questioned how long this firm has been with Enfield, and Mr. Shanley estimated five to seven years.
DISCUSSION RE: REALLOCATION OF PRISON FUNDS
Councilor Fiore raised a question regarding the state audits, and Mr. Shanley noted he would provide an answer.
MISCELLANEOUS
No items were raised under Miscellaneous this evening.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4573 by Councilor Surapine, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION # 4573 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
|