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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 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, January 3, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilor Kaupin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilors Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, Surapine, and Vayda. Councilor McGuire entered the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Town Engineer, Jeffrey Bord; Director and Deputy Director of Social Services, Dorothy Allen and Marla Hauslaib; Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren; Director of Community Development, Debbie Oppermann; Information Systems Director, Charlene Bond; Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, Mary Keller.
MOTION #4347 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd to accept the minutes of the
December 13, 1999 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4347 adopted 9-0-1, with Chairwoman Strom abstaining.
MOTION #4348 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Falk to accept the minutes of the December 20, 1999 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4348 adopted 9-0-1, with Chairwoman Strom abstaining.
MOTION #3439 by Councilor Mangini, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to accept the minutes of the December 20, 1999 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4349 adopted 9-0-1, with Chairwoman Strom abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Gilbert MacKenna, 36 St. James Avenue
Spoke regarding the realignment of St. James Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard. He stated hes adamantly against any proposal to connect Freshwater Boulevard to St. James Avenue. He noted he does not want an extension of Freshwater Boulevard to dump into St. James Avenue. He pointed out St. James is a residential area and the access to this area cant be increased and at the same time maintain the residential environment. He stated his belief they need to decrease the access to this area. He pointed out there are many children living in this area, and hes concerned for their safety. He stated he called the police about speeders and was told they cant add police to patrol the area since they dont have enough staff or overtime.
Mr. MacKenna stated he would be interested in seeing any traffic counts that have been taken in his area.
He made the following suggestions:
Make an exit from St. James a right-turn only
Make a second lane to exit St. James
Make Elm Street, going east a "no left turn" into St. James
Install a transmitter gate and only allow area residents to go through this area
Leave things as they are
Mr. MacKenna urged the Town Council not to connect Freshwater Boulevard to St. James Avenue.
Peter Ventura, 13 Cartier Road (member of the St. James Committee)
Stated the plan for the realignment of St. James Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard, as accepted by the Committee, is only acceptable provided all the provisions in their letter dated November 12, 1996 are met.
Mr. Ventura stated if nothing is done in regards to traffic calming and traffic is adversely effected, then residents will be forced to live with the results. He stated his belief if something is going to be done to insure a safe neighborhood, it should happen now. He noted by accepting the Committees complete recommendation, which requires some form of physical calming (not just stop signs and speed limits), then at least the Town will have done its best to make a potentially hazardous situation safer for residents. He pointed out the cost of implementing the Committees recommendation should be easily offset due to the increase in revenue to the town from the growing businesses.
Mr. Ventura stated if traffic calming works in this situation, it can be used for other neighborhoods that will be effected by developing businesses.
He concluded stating the major concern is the safety of the neighborhoods.
Don Lord, 15 St. James Avenue (member of St. James Committee)
Read the following statement:
"Tonight, you will consider a proposal from the State of Connecticut to align St. James Avenue with
Freshwater Boulevard. The purpose of this proposal is to remove the traffic control signal presently at the intersection of State Route 220 and St. James Avenue. As a member of the realignment committee for the past few years, Ive had the opportunity to work with both the Town and State officials and have a strong level of confidence in making the following statements.
1. While the State of Connecticut will state that the present intersection of Route 220 and St. James is unsafe, they neglect to tell people that many intersections on Route 220 have close to the same amount of accidents for their three-year study. Some of the intersections, particularly the entrance to Enfield Square near Friendlys and the intersection of Palomba Drive and Elm Street have had a greater number of accidents in the three-year study than at St. James. Be aware the amount of accidents on Freshwater Boulevard will not change and will likely increase as a result of this alignment. The volume may actually increase when residents from northern Enfield and Massachusetts learn they have easier access to the malls through this residential area.
2. The State of Connecticut identifies problem intersections through a tool referred to as the "Suggested List of Surveillance Study Sites". It is here they identified, through mathematical computations whether or not an intersection is deemed safe or unsafe. Both St. James Avenue and Washington Road intersections with Elm Street are now on that list.
3. The traffic in the area of St. James Avenue and Cartier Road is presently heavy. Speed and traffic flow have always been a problem for the residents in the area. Constructing an intersection like this without proper traffic control measures will only serve the interests of the State of Connecticut and leave the residents of the area to fend for themselves.
4. Admittedly this project does have some merit - the homeowners on Route 220 who will have their homes purchased by the State will be at an advantage, and the homeowners on Riviera Drive will find their attempts to enter and exit their street easier as a result of the alignment.
5. With some merit, come some negatives, i.e, having a restaurant with a Class I liquor license route its traffic north toward this intersection makes the potential high for alcohol-induced vehicle operations anywhere in the St. James area.
6. Additionally, the potential for Planning & Zoning to rezone the entire north side of Route 220 "Business/Professional" will in all likelihood increase the amount of traffic in the area by allowing businesses to open their parking lots to St. James Avenue, Carol Street, and St. Thomas Street.
Mr. Lord stated opening up this area with traffic from the mall area without instituting proper traffic control has a chaotic potential. He noted increase in traffic and noise, and decrease in both air quality and safety lead to degradation of property values and a decrease in the total of the Towns grand list.
He stated traffic controls serve the residents by making the area safer and creating an environment whereby the area isnt used as a shortcut to and from the north end of town.
Mr. Lord stated allowing this intersection to be constructed without instituting proper traffic controls does exactly what the State of Connecticut is looking to do, which is attempting to make the states route safer, but in doing so, theres a dangerously high potential that the safety problem will be removed off the state road and onto a residential road.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Stated her impression Anthony DiPace and the Planning & Zoning Commission work very hard. She noted Mr. DiPace projects a professional image, is a good listener, and is very enthusiastic about what he does. She stated Mr. DiPace takes the time to learn his job. She added her belief he runs a very well disciplined meeting when he steps in for the Chair. She strongly urged the Council to vote for a person who has the enthusiasm, strength and knowledge to do the job.
Jack Mancuso, 17 Keller Avenue
Stated both democrats and republicans on the Commission have told the Council that Anthony DiPace is the best person, the hardest worker, and the most prepared person. He stated he does not understand what criteria the Council is using.
Tom Callahan, 46 Varno Lane
Stated hes confused about the Anthony DiPace appointment. He noted at the session there was an abstention on the majority side in that they wished to delay and wait until the Mayor was present. He stated his belief the Council knew this item was on the agenda, and they should have been prepared to vote that evening. He pointed out the Council did vote on the other nominations, and he feels it would have been better to delay all nominations until the Council was present. He stated his belief this was political, and he feels its still political. He added his belief Anthony DiPace should be reappointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
James Stanton, East Windsor (leases 29-acre farm on North Maple Street)
Stated Mr. DiPace lives next to the 29-acre farm which he leases. He noted he had an unfriendly discussion with Mr. DiPace in 1997 as to who is allowed to work on this property, why, and when. He noted the conversation ended in a fairly friendly manner, however, Mr. DiPace informed him he already called the Towns Wetland Commission, and that Mr. Stanton should get in touch with that Commission. Mr. Stanton noted he did contact the Wetland Commission. He noted he had another discussion with Mr. DiPace a month later.
Mr. Stanton stated he feels as though Mr. DiPace is not of a mind set to be an impartial, even-handed person because he has experienced a very heavy-handed person who appears to have the full weight and approval of the Town of Enfield since he sits on the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Chairwoman Strom stated her belief this is not the proper place to make allegations against another individual.
Anthony DiPace, 230 North Maple Street
Stated all the issues that happened with Mr. Stanton are personal issues. He stated the question is does he do his job well.
COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilor Mangini questioned if theres been any progress regarding the left-hand turn signal on Taylor Road, and Mr. Shanley stated hed check into this.
Councilor Mangini commended the janitors from the school system for doing a wonderful job regarding the Millennium Celebration.
Councilor Falk commended Dennis Louth and Marge Perry, along with the entire Millennium Celebration Committee for an outstanding program.
Councilor Fiore stated he and Councilor Kaupin attended a meeting last week of the St. James Realignment Committee. He noted the meeting went very well and was very informative. He went on to express his appreciation to the administration for providing information on this.
Councilor Surapine stated there will be a meeting on January 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Bigelow Commons community room so that residents can voice their opinions or intentions of what they would like to see done in District 2, or overall in the town. He noted this will be the first of such meetings he will be holding over the next couple years, and these meetings will provide him with an opportunity to hear constituents.
Councilor Kaupin noted Item a. under Items for Discussion should be under New Business.
Councilor Vayda congratulated the Millennium Committee for the work they did to put on a tremendous celebration. He also commended Town staff, the fire department, and Board of Education staff that worked on the Y2K emergency preparation.
Councilor Egan suggested a letter be drafted from the Town Council to express appreciation to the Millennium Committee for the work theyve done.
MOTION #4349A by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Surapine to suspend the rules to move Item e. (under Items for Discussion) to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4349A adopted 10-0-0.
Chairwoman Strom commended the Millennium Committee and Town staff, School staff, fire department, police department, and library staff for their work on the Millennium Celebration.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley agreed with Councilor Kaupins earlier finding that Item a. under Items for Discussion should actually be Item c. under New Business.
Mr. Shanley commended Mr. Vindigni and Ms. Bond for their hard work in preparation for Y2K.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson indicated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilor Mangini stated she attended a Connecticut Region Council of Government Housing Committee meeting with Ms. Oppermann from the Community Development Office. She noted she learned that specific areas of Thompsonville are identified as poverty-stricken areas, and that the Town of Enfield could receive some state and federal funding to address some of those issues. She stated at some point perhaps Ms. Oppermann can provide more details about this.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #4350 by Councilor Surapine, seconded by Councilor Falk to remove Item 2. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4350 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #4351 by Councilor Surapine to appoint Debra Giddings (R), South River Street to the Enfield Revitalization Committee for a term which expires 01/31/2001.
MOTION #4352 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4352 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Debra Giddings appointed to the Enfield Revitalization Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
All other Town Council appointments remained on the table.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #4353 by Councilor Egan, seconded by Councilor Surapine to accept the Town Managers recommendation to remove from the table Items 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4353 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4354 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Fiore to accept the Town Managers recommendation to make the following reappointments:
Commission on Aging - Joan W. Cass (D)
Commission on Aging - Pauline L. Christian-Strom (R)
Commission on Aging - Lynn Marie Daniel (D)
Commission on Aging - Eileen C. Stroiney (D)
Economic Development Commission - Ralph J. Cerrato
Economic Development Commission - John Gual
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4354 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4355 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Mangini to address the item which was moved to Miscellaneous (Discussion re: Appointment of School Building Committee).
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4355 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #4356 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Hall.
WHEREAS, on December 20, 1999, the Town Council, of the Town of Enfield, directed that a Building Committee be established and issued a charge for that Committee for the implementation phase of the School Building Bond Referendum approved in November of 1999; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council appointed a Nominating Committee to review applications and make recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Nominating Committee has provided its advice to the Town Council;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council, of the Town of Enfield, hereby appoints to the Building Committee set forth on December 20, 1999, the following members - Cindy Andersen, Randy Daigle, Kimberly Knapp, Charles Ladd, Douglas Maxellon, Kenneth Morgan and Donna Szewczak; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council appoints the following alternates - Michael Barrett and Michael Littlejohn; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these Building Committee members shall serve throughout the charge of the Committee unless they shall resign or be replaced by the Council.
Councilor Kaupin stated he and Councilor Hall met with Board of Education members Roger Jones and Heidi Tibbitts, and they reviewed a list of 23 applications. He noted everyone who applied for this committee had great credentials. He stated its their belief theyve put together a group that will work well together and have experience from the different trades and different backgrounds - from finance, construction, architecture, and parents working within the school system. He pointed out all four members of the Nominating Committee were unanimous in that this would be the best group that could be put together as the Building Committee.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4356 adopted 11-0-0.
Item c. under Old Business remained tabled.
MOTION #4357 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4357 adopted 11-0-0.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION RE: EMPLOYEE PENSIONS
Chairwoman Strom stated theyre looking to set up another meeting. She noted there were some questions asked and some information will be brought forward.
Councilor Mangini stated she had requested, through the Town Managers Office, that perhaps the Council could receive some information from CCM as to how they arrived at their COLAs and what theyre parameters and guidelines were. She noted Mr. Shanley had indicated he could see what statistics he could provide. Mr. Shanley added in the report received from the Committee when they gave their public presentation on December 20th it was indicated they wanted to have an opportunity to clean it up a little, i.e., typographical errors. He noted the corrected copy will be provided to the Council as soon as its available.
MOTION #4358 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Vayda to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4358 adopted 11-0-0.
Item e. remained tabled.
RESOLUTION RE: NOISE ORDINANCE
Attorney Bromson stated DEP has reviewed this, and the timetable can be worked out with the Town Clerk for the next agenda.
Chairwoman Strom stated Item g. will remain tabled until they have a public information meeting. Councilor Mangini stated her hope the newspaper will provide a little coverage regarding this.
Item g. & h. remained tabled.
MOTION #4359 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Egan to remove Item i. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4359 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: EXIT POLL ON ELECTION DAY
Mr. Shanley stated he met with the Superintendent of Schools who had not yet met with Dr. Celio, the teacher of the class. He stated his understanding that meeting took place later in the afternoon. He noted they will be looking for a 501C3, such as the Safe Graduation Committee to sponsor them. He stated they would then be able to enter into an agreement with an entity, and that entity can disburse funds. He noted the Board of Education will be discussing this on Tuesday.
MOTION #4360 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4360 adopted 11-0-0.
Items j., k., l., and m. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
NOMINATION #4361 by Councilor Fiore to reappoint Delman L. Wolf (D), to the Board of Assessment appeals for a term which expires 12/31/2002.
MOTION #4362 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4362 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Delman Wolf reappointed to the Board of Assessment Appeals by an 11-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #4363 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Vayda.
WHEREAS, in April 1994 a meeting with Town Staff, Representative Gelsi and State Department of Transportation officials (DOT) initiated planning for reconstruction of the Freshwater Boulevard, Elm Street and St. James intersections; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council established a Liaison Committee in September 1995 to review the proposed design for the intersection reconstruction of Elm Street (Route 220), St. James Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard to advise the Connecticut Department of Transportation of local residents and citizens concerns regarding the project; and
WHEREAS, the Committee worked with Town Staff and the DOT and held several public meetings, the last being a Public Informational Meeting on January 8, 1997; and
WHEREAS, the Committee has unanimously recommended the Realignment Plan - St. James Avenue and Elm Street, dated September 4, 1996 with three recommendations as outlined in the final recommendations to the Town Council, dated November 12, 1996 (Attachment 1).* Of the three recommendations the DOT determined another northbound lane was not justified and was not incorporated; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission voted at their regular meeting of April 10, 1997, on referral from the Enfield Town Council, to recommend Town Council approval of the Elm Street and St. James Avenue realignment and reconstruction plan as presented by the Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council at a regular meeting held on May 19, 1997, endorsed the
realignment and reconstruction plan, Elm Street and St. James Avenue, with the understanding that the State will hold a Public Hearing in Enfield at the Public Hearing stage of the project, and, will not proceed without final approval of the Town Council; and
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation held a Public Hearing in Enfield on January 13, 1999, the minutes of which are on file in the Engineering office; and
WHEREAS, the State has been negotiating for the acquisition of properties for the project;
*(Attachment 1 appended to Minutes)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Council does hereby endorse the above-described plan dated September 2, 1999 for the realignment and reconstruction of the intersection of Elm Street, St. James Avenue and Freshwater Boulevard including the Town planting buffer shrubbery to the north of Carol Street Extension on the remainder of House #7 St. James Avenue.
Present for this discussion were St. James Committee members, Don Lord, Peter Ventura, Cheryl Rinaldi, and Laurie Bassett, as well as Town Engineer, Jeffrey Bord.
Mr. Bord reviewed the latest proposal for the realignment of St. James and Elm Street.
Mr. Lord stated in order to provide for the safety and integrity of this neighborhood, something needs to be done regarding traffic concerns. He stated if the Committees recommendations are not adopted, they cannot stand behind the realignment plan.
Councilor Falk stated his belief there needs to be an agreement as to what the Committee would be willing to accept regarding traffic calming. Mr. Lord stated his Committee has been told that the Town needs to adopt a policy on traffic calming. Councilor Falk stated a traffic calming policy is a major thing since it would address every street in Town.
Councilor Fiore questioned whether the Committee ever requested traffic counts, and Mr. Lord responded yes. Councilor Fiore questioned if they were received, and Mr. Lord responded no. Councilor Fiore questioned whether the Committee ever requested any accident counts, and Mr. Lord responded no, however, they requested a listing of the different types of traffic infractions that have happened on the street so they could judge what types of infractions have occurred, but they never received that information. Councilor Fiore questioned whether the Committee asked for these items numerous times, and Mr. Lord stated they asked for the traffic infractions once, and requested the traffic counts continually.
Referring to different types of traffic calming, Councilor Fiore questioned whether the Committee looked at raised crosswalks and whether these are feasible for this environment. Mr. Lord stated emergency services in Town had concerns that these would not be appropriate for this street since North Thompsonville Fire Department uses this area as a short cut to reach problems in the mall
district. He stated theyve discussed several options, i.e., bringing the lower part of the street down to one lane; putting stop signs at Dorothy Street and Cynthia Circle, etc.
Councilor Fiore questioned if the Committee discussed the possibility of making St. James or Cartier
Road a real dead-end or a semi-dead-end. Mr. Lord stated they did discuss that possibility, but as a last resort type of thing.
Councilor Fiore requested Councilors be supplied a copy of the list of accident counts at all the intersections on Route 220.
Councilor Fiore stated his understanding the Committee only supports this plan if the Committees recommendations, as stated in their November 12, 1996 memorandum, are carried out, and if those recommendations are not carried out, the Committee is not recommending this plan. Mr. Lord responded absolutely. Councilor Fiore questioned if all the recommendations are not carried out, and the Committee does not want the plan to go forward, would they be very satisfied to leave things the way they are, and Mr. Lord responded absolutely.
Mr. Shanley clarified with Mr. Lord that Recommendation #1 would not be included (Establish a fourth lane coming north on Freshwater Boulevard onto St. James Avenue.) Mr. Lord agreed.
Mr. Shanley stated traffic calming is not a single department or single discipline issue. He noted a committee of 14 people worked for several months to address the issue of traffic calming. He noted its very important fire departments and their equipment be considered in traffic calming, police department access is considered, and that insurance companies are consulted because the Town would be making a conscious decision to place obstructions in the roadway. He noted if this is not done in a way thats consistent with a policy direction that has been approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission, there could be major problems. He stated this committee brought this to the point of needing a joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission since the Planning & Zoning Commission has to adopt these changes to the road standards, and this is where it stopped. He noted the recommended draft policy, which is consistent with other policies across the country on traffic calming, does not recommend traffic calming on collector streets. He stated according to traffic counts, St. James Avenue is a collector street.
Mr. Shanley stated from this point they would need to have joint meetings with the Planning & Zoning Commission to define what kind of obstructions they would deem to be appropriate and could fit into the Towns policy in standards for roads.
Councilor Kaupin questioned what process was used in requesting traffic counts and traffic infractions. Mr. Lord stated this was requested at one of their meetings and numerous other times. He added he requested the infraction list directly from the Town Managers office. Councilor Kaupin requested the Town Manager learn what data is available for counts and infractions. Mr. Shanley responded the Council has the only data hes aware of, and he indicated this be will checked into further.
Councilor Kaupin questioned if the Police Department has assessed St. James Avenue regarding the addition of stop signs. Mr. Shanley stated they have not requested a review of installing more stop signs along St. James Avenue since they were working in terms of a traffic calming policy. He added there are a lot of problems with erecting multiple stop signs, i.e., enforcement and lack of effectiveness.
Councilor Surapine noted a roundabout may be one form of traffic calming.
Councilor Mangini questioned the possibility of a special meeting when they could invite the police department to address some of the traffic calming devices. Mr. Shanley responded thats a possibility.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilor Vayda, seconded by Councilor Mangini to include the following wording at the end of the resolution: "and the implementation of traffic calming to the satisfaction of the St. James Committee".
Mr. Shanley stated the State is in the process of negotiating acquisition. He noted if its traffic calming to the satisfaction of the Committee, it also needs to be to the satisfaction of the insurance company, fire and police departments, school buses, etc. He noted hes concerned how much time this would take.
Attorney Bromson suggested adding language - "traffic calming to include those allowed by and pursuant to Enfield Town Traffic Calming Policy". He added he can come up with some proposed language which the Council could review at their next meeting. He noted he would be sure such language would be consistent with state law.
Councilors Vayda and Mangini withdrew AMENDMENT #1.
Councilor Fiore stated a lot of people in this area thought the Council still had a choice at this time not to go for this project.
Addressing himself to Mr. Bord, Councilor Fiore questioned if something was to happen on the north side of Elm Street in the future, does he believe the state would say the Town has to eliminate the curb cuts currently on Route 220. Mr. Shanley responded thats a hypothetical question that staff shouldnt answer.
Councilor Fiore stated all the 1998 traffic counts didnt include the north bound lanes; therefore, all the counts for 1998 only include the southbound lanes onto St. James and Cartier. He noted for this reason the 1998 counts are almost invalid.
Councilor Fiore stated by agreeing with the state to do this intersection, theres no doubt theyd be alleviating a problem intersection, however, it has to be recognized that they will possibly be having a negative impact on that residential area by making it easier for traffic to access that whole neighborhood.
Ms. Rinaldi acknowledged the state wishes to make the traffic safer on Elm Street, however, she feels they need to be proactive since this involves not only St. James Avenue but other intersections and neighborhoods will be effected as well.
MOTION #4364 by Councilor Fiore, seconded by Councilor Surapine to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4364 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #4365 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Dodd to recess the meeting for ten minutes.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4365 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 9:30 p.m.
Chairwoman Strom reconvened the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
DISCUSSION RE: JOINT TECHNOLOGY RFP AND MISSION STATEMENT - FUND TRANSFER
Present for this discussion were Joint Technology Committee members Kenneth Hilinski, Scott Kaupin, Nicholas Sinsigalli, and William Vayda.
Mr. Hilinski gave a brief history of the Joint Technology Committee. He noted the mission of this Committee is to determine and investigate areas where the Town of Enfield and the Enfield Public Schools can realize higher efficiency in the acquisition, application and management of Information Technology. He explained they didnt wish to overburden staff in this endeavor, therefore, theyve determined it would be best to hire a consultant. He noted the recommendation of their Committee is that the Enfield Town Council enter into a contract with the Gartner Group. He stated the Gartner Group gave the Committee a very professional and comprehensive presentation. He noted this firm has a very experienced staff, and they have a very large, nation-wide organization. He added they have much experience in the municipal area.
Councilor Egan questioned the time table for this, and Mr. Hilinski stated they would like to get this firm under contract no later than January 19th, and if the firm starts then, they can complete the work by the end of April and come back with a presentation at that time.
Councilor McGuire questioned whether the Gartner Group has ever undertaken this type of project, and Mr. Hilinski stated theyve done a number of municipal type studies similar to this, however, theyve never done a study that combines the Board of Education and Town. He noted Gartner Group is very excited about this prospect.
Directing a question to Director of Information Services, Charlene Bond, Councilor Mangini questioned her opinion in spending $98,000 on this type of project. Ms. Bond stated her belief in order to have services provided by the Town to various organizations, i.e., Enfield Public Schools, police department, library, there needs to be a governing structure.
Councilor Fiore questioned how concrete this figure is, and Mr. Hilinski responded this is a fixed fee. Mr. Shanley added there are some areas that Ms. Bond would like to challenge, specifically with respect to the number of hours necessary.
Councilor Fiore stated since this is the first time the Gartner Group has ever done a town and school agency together, it may be advantageous for them to get this contract. He suggested perhaps that can be used as a negotiating tool. Mr. Hilinski indicated thats a possibility.
RESOLUTION #4366 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Surapine.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 0100-01-1210-334 Technological Services
(Information Systems) $64,000.00
FROM: 0100-01-1210-110 Salaries Full Time
(Information Systems) $64,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $64,000.00 is available from Account #0100-01-1210-110 as of 12/30/99.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4366 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren, was present for this item.
Mr. Warren highlighted several items on his January 3, 2000 report:
1. the recent Citibank grant to the Town for $50,000 for technology improvements at the Pearl Street Library
2. Teletech Open House
3. land for a new business park
4. business outreach effort
5. CUNO, Inc. expansion
6. Enfield Job Fair
7. Andrews Associates of Springfield - purchase of 5 PearsonWay
8. BR-1 in the Industrial Park
9. Commendation to Public Works Department for their response to water problems at PTR Precision Technologies in Enfield
10. Standard & Poors and Moody Investor Services visit to Enfield
11. Machine Technology Center at Asnuntuck
12. Renovations and expansions of Enfield businesses
13. Recent requests or inquiries from businesses to the Economic Development Office
14. Enfield has lowest unemployment rate in the State according to Department of Labor
15. 1999 survey of business leaders
Referring to Teletec and their anticipated number of hires, Councilor Kaupin questioned where that falls in their original discussions with them as to their employee count. Mr. Warren stated the projection was always 550, and thats still their target.
Councilor Kaupin questioned when the consultant will be done with their analysis regarding a new business park, and Mr. Warren stated a report will be available by the end of January.
Councilor Egan questioned the status of the vacated building on Enfield Street. Mr. Warren stated the U.S. Postal Service was using that building, and they still have a couple more years on their lease.
DISCUSSION RE: RECREATION PROGRAM SCHEDULING
Present for this discussion were Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski and Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, Mary Keller.
Mr. Kazmarski stated with the increasing need and demand for recreation in Enfield, facilities are being very strapped.
Councilor Mangini questioned who controls the school buildings, and Attorney Bromson indicated hed check into this.
Ms. Keller stated a parent association in town comes to the Recreation Department for their facility needs, and they try to give equal opportunity to everyone. She noted this year they have over 80 basketball teams in the Enfield Youth Basketball League. She stated they also have an over 30 basketball league that plays two nights per week, and they have open gym, volleyball, and aerobics.
She noted they have a wrestling program that needs space. She explained the wrestling program had always been housed at JFK, however, that section of the gym they used in the past has been converted into a rock climbing facility, and due to liability issues, people are not allowed to use that section of the gym unless theyve been instructed in how to use it. She stated the only facilities that could accommodate the wrestling program would be one of the two high schools, JFK, Asnuntuck, or the activity center. She then explained the reasons why those facilities could not be used.
Councilor Kaupin questioned whether there might be wrestling space in the school system, and he questioned the possibility of some dialogue with the Board of Education concerning this. Mr. Shanley stated they tried everything possible to find space for the wrestling program and determined the only possibility was to place it at the Lamagna Center, however, that would have meant bumping the over 30 basketball league. He went on to note that in the past Ms. Keller recommended the creation of some type of scheduling committee so they can do a better job in coordinating all of the conflicting issues.
Chairwoman Strom questioned whether they ever considered St. Bernards or St. Adalberts facilities, and Ms. Keller responded those schools came to her department looking for space.
Councilor Hall questioned space at Enfield High School for the wrestling program, and Ms. Keller indicated she can double check this and added its her understanding the space is being heavily utilized.
MOTION #4367 by Councilor Kaupin, seconded by Councilor Falk to suspend the rules to address Item d. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4367 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM ACCOUNTS #4945-890 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AND 4320-330 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - OTHER TO ACCOUNT 4320-611 INST. SUPPLIES - $20,000
Present for this discussion was Director of Social Services, Dorothy Allen.
Ms. Allen explained the grant budget for the School Readiness Program was $19,500.00 for a parent staff coordinator. She noted this function is provided by staff of the After School Program. She stated when the budget was set up, $20,000 was transferred from the Child Day Care budget instead of $19,500. She noted this transfer will return the $500 to the Child Day Care Budget. She further explained the additional $19,500 was in the Town budget in the wrong category of Professional Services, and it needs to be transferred into program supplies.
The Council raised a few questions regarding this transfer, and Mr. Shanley indicated a more detailed explanation will be provided for the next meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #4368 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Kaupin.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the upgrade of the position of Project Manager at the Child Day Care Center to Deputy Director, Child Day Care.
Mr. Shanley pointed out this program has 175 children year round, and the demand on the Directors position has become too much in order to accomplish everything.
Councilor Fiore questioned if this is urgent, or can it wait until the budget process.
Mr. Shanley stated because they need the help and because theres an existing vacancy, it seems now is the time to make this change.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #4368 adopted 11-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #4369 by Councilor Falk, seconded by Councilor Kaupin to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #4369 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:00 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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