|
ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 3, 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 3, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Councilor Dodd.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, McGuire, Strom, Surapine, and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Town Assessor, Joyce Jacius; Director of Community Development, Debbie Oppermann; Director of Information Systems, Charlene Bond.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #4529 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to accept the minutes of the March 20, 2000 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4529 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4530 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Vayda to accept the minutes of the March 20, 2000 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4530 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Bonnie Klement, Pearl Street
Invited everyone to participate in a Breast Cancer benefit race on May 13, 2000 at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain, Connecticut.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned what can be done to encourage taxpayers to attend Town Council Meetings.
Mr. Jedziniak stated he would like to see what members of the Town Council can do to save the Higgins School building.
Mr. Jedziniak questioned the necessity of going outside to bring in a principal for Fermi High School when they already have three Assistant Principals in that school.
COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilor Kaupin stated he received several calls regarding the new sidewalks in Hazardville. He noted landscaping needs to be done. Mr. Kazmarski stated they were working there today.
Councilor Kaupin stated the new brick-like walks in Hazardville are very rough to walk on individually and are difficult to walk on with strollers and wagons. He suggested perhaps something could be done to smooth out this area.
Councilor Kaupin thanked the Town Managers Office, Public Works, the Town Attorneys Office, and Rep. Jarmoc for working on the tree-cutting issue. He noted it seems they will be able to get a resolution that satisfies everyone.
Councilor Mangini encouraged everyone to participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in New Britain.
Councilor Mangini stated there will be an MS Walk on April 9th, and people can participate by walking or making a donation.
Councilor Mangini stated the St. Bernards Youth Group is a very beneficial program for all children.
Councilor Egan stated she distributed an updated schedule of activities going on for the Enfield High School Safe Graduation.
Councilor Egan expressed appreciation for the Purple Heart Museum update. She questioned whether an agreement is forthcoming. Mr. Shanley stated his understanding they were ready to sign an agreement, however, he has not yet received a copy.
Councilor Mangini stated her belief the new brick sidewalk in Hazardville is a little bumpy.
Referring to the Hazardville brick sidewalks, Councilor Hall stated her understanding the imprint that the contractor is using isnt the same imprint as Somers used on their sidewalk, therefore, this is being addressed with Mr. Kazmarski. She noted they will be looking into this sometime this week.
Councilor Surapine stated the Enfield Clean Sweep will be Saturday, April 29th, and sign up begins at the Angelo Lamagna Center at 8:00 a.m. He added they will serve refreshments at Sylvias banquet facility afterwards. He went on to note that there will be a Spring Fling in downtown Thompsonville, which will be sponsored by local merchants on April 30th.
Councilor Falk stated the Cultural Arts Commission recently sponsored a presentation put on by Connecticut Dance. He noted this was very well done.
Councilor Fiore questioned whether a Traffic Calming meeting can be set up soon, and Mr. Shanley made note of this.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated on April 5th, Camp, Dresser, McGee will be having a public input session at Asnuntuck Community College to discuss the study that is being done on Enfields parks, and they will gather input from people as to what their visions might be for the various individual parks.
Mr. Shanley stated they are aware of the brick sidewalk situation in Hazardville, and they spoke to the contractor about the mold that they used. He noted the Public Works Director is following up on this.
Mr. Shanley stated he hopes to present the budget at a Special Meeting on Monday, April 10th. He noted he is working on the budget calendar, and he will provide a draft calendar this week so that it can be adopted at the April 10th Special Meeting.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilor Vayda stated the Joint Technology Committee met on Saturday, April 1, 2000 to discuss Gartner Groups findings. He noted the consultant advised the IT Department to operate as a centralized organization or strictly decentralized. He stated the Committee did not come to a conclusion at the end of that meeting, and they decided it would be better to resolve some issues before having the Gartner Group proceed. He stated they do have to come to some kind of agreement as to how they want the IT operation to run.
Councilor Hall provided an update on the School Building Projects Committee. She noted at the last meeting the Committee unanimously picked Jeter, Cook & Jepson as the architect for the school projects. She stated at the April 6th meeting they will review proposals so they can choose a project manager or construction management firm for these projects.
Referring to the Town Green Advisory Committee, Councilor Kaupin reported the final list of bricks has been sent out for engraving.
Councilor Kaupin stated he and Councilors Dodd and Mangini attended the Condominium Subcommittee meeting last week, as well as the Town Managers staff and representatives from the condominium associations. He noted the Public Works Department gave a presentation. He noted they will meet again on April 13th at 6:00 p.m. He stated the recommendations will be coming before the Council in the near future.
Chairwoman Strom announced that the Womens Club will be having their annual art festival this weekend.
Chairwoman Strom congratulated the UCONN Womens Basketball Team for a great season.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained on the table.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #4531 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Falk to remove Item 8 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4531 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4532 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Mangini to accept the Town Managers recommendation to reappoint Joseph Petronella (D) to the Building Code Appeals Board for a term that expires 11/01/2004.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4532 adopted 11-0-0.
All other Town Manager appointments remained on the table.
MOTION #4533 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Mangini to remove Item c. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4533 adopted 11-0-0.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION RE: EMPLOYEE PENSIONS
RESOLUTION #4534 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd.
WHEREAS, all current retired Police Officers receiving a pension receive that pension as defined in the Bargaining Unit Agreement between the Police Union and the Town, in effect at the time of their retirement; and
WHEREAS, as participants in that retirement plan, the retirees are not eligible for Social Security on those earnings, only earnings not associated with the Bargaining Unit Contract; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council seeks to award pension benefits beyond the Bargaining Unit Agreement in place at the time, for retirees receiving less than the Social Security maximum single earner benefit based on their police pension earnings only;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, hereby does direct that all current retirees as of 4/1/00, who served a minimum of 15 years as documented in their pension calculation, are age 60 or older as of July 1 of any given year beginning with July 1, 1999 and received less than the maximum allowable benefit from Social Security for single wage earners, shall receive a 3% adjustment in their pension benefit annually retro-active to July 1, 1999;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said 3% adjustment shall continue on an annual basis until such time as the subject retirees pension benefit from the police pension fund meets or exceeds the Social Security maximum allowable benefit for single earners in each given year.
Councilor Kaupin spoke in favor of the resolution.
Councilor Mangini voiced her support of this resolution. She added her belief this issue probably should have been resolved by the Town of Enfield and the Police Union.
Councilor Egan voiced her support of this resolution.
Councilor Vayda voiced support for this resolution and expressed his appreciation to Town staff and the Pension Review Committee for all their time and effort in this regard.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4534 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4535 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Mangini.
WHEREAS, the current pension plan assesses approximately a 7% per year penalty against pension benefits for each year between age 55 and 65 (normal retirement for non-police officers) that an individual chooses to retire; and
WHEREAS, a person seeking to choose early retirement at age 62 consistent with Social Security Administration rules would lose approximately 21% of monthly Town pension benefit as a result; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield believes that it is in the best interest of the organization to reduce that penalty to 3% per year;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the reduction of the "early retirement penalty" in the non-police officer pension plan to 3% per year for early retirement between age 55 and 65.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4535 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4536 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd.
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield, consistent with Federal Law has made the pension program for all full time employees mandatory; and
WHEREAS, should an employee leave the service of the Town before vesting in the retirement program, that employee currently receives an interest rate of 3% on the funds that the employee must contribute (3.5% of gross income); and
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to ensure a return on investment consistent with the current market as defined by the following calculation:
The interest rate paid on employee contributions is to be calculated to the 4 year weighted average of 30-year treasury rates reset each July 1 (currently approximately 7%).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council authorizes a return on investment as outlined above
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4536 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4537 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Vayda to remove Item d. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4537 adopted 11-0-0.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE (BLIGHTED PROPERTY)
Mr. Shanley stated the letters have been approved by the Town Attorneys Office. He noted some properties were eliminated because improvement was shown over the last couple months. He stated they added a few properties that were not on the original list. He noted those letters will be going out to the owners of the properties very soon.
MOTION #4538 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Vayda to retable Item d.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4538 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4539 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to remove Item c. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4539 adopted 11-0-0.
Item e. remained table.
MOTION #4540 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Falk to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4540 adopted 11-0-0.
~
RESOLUTION RE: AUTHORIZATION FOR TOWN MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AND AMEND CONTRACTUAL INSTRUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF ENFIELD WITH THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR STATE PROJECT NO. 170-1921,
Mr. Shanley stated there will be a public information session. He noted there will be notices, ads in the newspaper, and theyre inviting the operator of the rail line to be present.
Item g. remained tabled.
MOTION #4541 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Vayda to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4541 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4542 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Mangini.
WHEREAS, a definition is necessary, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 12-81c (3), in order for there to be a property tax exemption of a motor vehicle which is equipped after its original manufacture for purposes of adapting the vehicles use to the persons disability;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby adopt the Proposed Amendment to the exiting ordinance, "Ambulance-type motor vehicles exempt from personal property taxation", Section 2-1.1. of the Enfield Town Code, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 12-81c(3), as outlined on the attachment and made part hereof by this reference. (Attachment appended to minutes)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4542 adopted 11-0-0.
All other items under Old Business remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #4543 by Councilor Kaupin, 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: Public Works-Engineering Dept. $4,534.70
~ Acct. #3200-334 Tech. Serv. ~
FROM: Public Works-Engineering Dept. $4,145.00
~ Acct. #3200-335 Land & Bldg. Serv. ~
~ Acct. #3200-612 Office/Adm. Supplies 389.70
~ $4,534.70
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $4,534.70 is available from Account #3200-335 & #3200-612 as of March 10, 2000
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4543 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Referring to the vacancy on the Enfield Revitalization Committee, Councilor Fiore questioned whether this appointment is specific to a bank, and Ms. Oppermann indicated this is an open position.
Item b. will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
MOTION #4544 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items e. and f. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4544 adopted 11-0-0.
Item c. will appear under New business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY
Mr. Shanley stated the Household Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for May 13th.
Councilor Fiore questioned how much this program cost last year, and Mr. Shanley responded about $32,000.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #4545 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 4, of the Enfield Town Charter, a Public Hearing on the Proposed 2000-2001 Annual Operating and Capital Budget be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of the John F. Kennedy Middle School, Raffia Road, and that notices of such public hearing, as well as a summary of the proposed budget estimates as required by said Chapter and Section be published in a newspaper having a circulation in the Town of Enfield at least five (5) days prior to said hearing.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4545 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4546 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Vayda.
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 Summer Food Service Program 7-5-2000 to 8-11-2000 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Councilor Mangini questioned why theyre ending the Food Service Program on this date. Mr. Shanley noted he can have the Director of Social Services provide an explanation.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4546 adopted 1l-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4547 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4547 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council |