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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
DECEMBER 3, 2001
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Vayda in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, December 3, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Edgar, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita, and Vayda. Councilman Kaupin was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Economic Development, Raymond L. Warren; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons. Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson entered at 7:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION RE: BR1, THOMPSONVILLE STUDY
Present for this discussion were Director of Economic Development, Raymond Warren and Gerald Fitzsimons, Chairman of the Development/Redevelopment Agency.
Mr. Warren began with the Thompsonville Village Report. He distributed a summarization of points that were raised in the report on Thompsonville. He stated the purpose of this report was to focus on the commercial activity of Thompsonville and examine the market, population, income, and the likelihood of commercial prospects for the neighborhood, as well as some of the challenges that might impede the strength of the commercial area in this area.
He referred to an activity map of some of the things that have been going on in Thompsonville in recent years and some that are underway, showing the extent of the effort thats going on.
Mr. Warren stated hopefully this report will be the basis for some cooperation between Economic Development, Community Development, Planning, and perhaps the Council as it comes to budget time to make some improvements in Thompsonville to keep it a strong commercial area and a strong residential neighborhood.
He stated Thompsonville is small, measuring only a one square mile area, and it has a small but strong commercial area. He noted the incomes of the neighborhood are low, and its a continuous problem that only 30% of the homes in Thompsonville are owner-occupied, with 70% being renters in the area.
Mr. Warren stated the people who did the objective assessment basically said they should concentrate on the small commercial area that runs from the Lamagna Activity Center to the church and look for opportunities in this area, particularly when filling a key commercial vacancy at the former Georgios business. He noted this could be an opportunity to bring people into the neighborhood and to the other small businesses.
Mr. Warren stated the Thompsonville business district cannot compete with the shopping malls. He noted the people who observed Thompsonville objectively also said the notion of a large-scale theme development in Thompsonville is not a practical consideration. He noted they also observed that many of the vacant commercial areas north of the Lamagna Activity Center, may be obsolete and may have a better life if converted to residential.
He stated there have been commercial interests who would like to develop the fire station into a commercial project, however, it would then be necessary to find another facility for the Thompsonville Fire Department.
He noted the people who did this study stated its very advisable to encourage the residents of Bigelow Commons to use the stores in Thompsonville, and they are, however, they have to encourage even more of that. He noted one suggestion is to create some type of green that would run along Freshwater from the bridge down to the Levitz property and transform it from a foreboding piece of real estate to something a little more attractive that would encourage people to walk up from Bigelow and make purchases in Thompsonville.
Mr. Warren stated although the concentration is on the commercial area of Thompsonville, they must be ever committed to improving the ratio of renter to homeowner, including programs in that regard. He noted there needs to be a lot of concentration on housing rehabilitation in Thompsonville in order to make it a successful neighborhood. He stated his belief the most obvious situation at this time is that there isnt a lot of capital committed to that. He noted the housing rehabilitation program is small scaled. He noted its also important that they create a pool of capital for small business investment in Thompsonville, both for physical improvements of existing storefronts and in working capital for small businesses. He stated theyve had some discussions with DECD about that, and they are encouraging the Town to submit an application to recapitalize a micro-enterprise loan fund, which is rather thin at this time.
The people who did this study were very impressed with the investment thats taken place along Pearl Street and a number of the housing rehabilitation projects in that area.
Mr. Warren suggested an over concentration of social agencies and social activity along Pearl Street is counter-productive to private investment thats taking place on that street. He stated his belief its advisable that they come to grips with a plan as it relates to places like Higgins Building and the Strand Theater building and take advantage of those assets and perhaps discourage some of the flight from Thompsonville by their own public agencies and others in the neighborhood. He noted theyve tended to move people out and centralize them, but it is at some expense to the neighborhood.
Mr. Warren stated there has been a lot of public investment in Thompsonville, and there is interest in private investment in this area. He noted there are plans that will cost about $8 million dollars for additional housing units in Bigelow, and recently those plans went out to bid to test the market to see how contractors are pricing at this time. He noted they are getting a mixed report with some trades coming in below what was expected and others such as mechanical are still on the high side. He stated Bigelow is working with the Connecticut Housing Finance Agency to fund the new investment thats taking place at Bigelow. He noted in order to take advantage of this type of a development opportunity, they might be able to create a train stop in Thompsonville. He stated they could also focus on a main attraction, i.e., a restaurant near the riverfront, which could be part of a train station project. Additionally, they could work hard on the “mom and pop” investment thats occurring, i.e., the new barber shop on Pearl Street that is doing considerably better than anticipated, and that was with a small micro-enterprise loan fund. He went on to note a new restaurant has been approved nearby on Route 5.
Mr. Warren stated they should keep momentum going for Thompsonville through the combination of state grants for capital for commercial development, some investment locally, particularly in public areas like the green space along the brook, working hard with the housing rehabilitation programs, and making progress on the big projects, i.e., the Strand and Higgins buildings.
Councilman Mangini questioned if theyve done anything other than consider the potential of a train stop. Mr. Shanley stated they have not done anything specific as an individual community. He noted they have been working through CRCOG on the regional transportation study during the past three years. He stated the upshot of that work is that the regional transportation study identifies a number of priority projects for the region for transportation, i.e., the New Britain/Hartford bus way, the circulator project in Hartford, a bus way to Manchester, possibly a bus way heading north to Windsor Locks, and the Springfield/Hartford/New Haven commuter line. He noted the Springfield/Hartford commuter line plan calls for an Enfield stop. He stated they have discussed this with the responsible Amtrack officials, and they are saying theyre spending all their available capital on security, therefore, theyre not in a position to do anything yet. He pointed out there are some things that can be done as a community to be proactive, i.e., looking into the zoning in the train stop area to identify what kinds of zoning changes would be necessary to accommodate what someone envisions as a multi-purpose commuter stop (restaurant, transportation related facilities, etc.) which would lend themselves well, create that zone, and do whatever can be done locally to prepare for a situation when the capital is available so they can move very quickly when the right things happen at the right time.
Councilman Strom stated her belief they would have to install a second railroad line. She pointed out Amtrack removed a track just a few years ago.
Councilman Mangini pointed out Enfield lies in the middle between Boston and New York-two big metropolises. She suggested perhaps they might tap businesses in those cities who would like to attract Enfield shoppers. Mr. Warren stated theres no reason why that cant occur. He noted there are local companies with New York connections. He noted the idea of a train stop is a long-term element. He stated there has to be short, medium, and longer term strategies involved. He suggested the Higgins building might be a more medium term strategy. He pointed out there has already been some interest expressed in Higgins development. He noted there are also short term elements. He went on to note responsible landlords in Thompsonville point out simple things that are important to them. For example, these landlords would like to see some consideration of a program where there is a landlord/ tenant services program, whereby landlords could buy into a program and help with tenant screening. He stated many landlords lament the fact that one trouble tenant can create a lot of problems. He noted the landlords could also benefit from some kind of collective buying power by identifying trades people in Thompsonville who would be available to handle problems within apartment buildings.
Mr. Shanley noted the Shapiro Group that performed this study specializes in looking at economic development opportunities for villages specifically like Thompsonville.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether there have been any inquiries about the North School. Mr. Warren stated there was one party who was given a tour of both the Higgins and North School buildings. He noted this party was interested in both buildings. He stated this would really require a decision and plan to move forward. He noted it would be up to the Town Council to decide whether they wish to lease or sell these buildings.
Councilman Falk questioned if there are any similarities between this report and the report that was done in 1992. Mr. Warren stated his belief there were some similarities. Mr. Shanley stated the 1992 report addressed parking, waterfront development, gateway investments. He noted the Town has installed a new boat launch and theyve invested in the gateway. He stated his belief this latest study is a more realistic assessment of what can be done.
Councilman Falk stated his belief improving the green area along the brook is a good idea. He questioned what would be necessary to do that. Mr. Shanley stated they could put a committee together to determine the level of planning.
Councilman Tait questioned what would have to be done to get moving on the Higgins and North School buildings. Mr. Shanley stated his belief there are two fundamental things that need to be decided. He noted the Council has dealt with a number of initiatives on the Higgins building to a relatively detailed engineering level for a senior center, for a combined municipal and school building office space and all of these ideas ran into issues as to why they couldnt happen. He stated fundamental decisions to be addressed are whether they save these buildings and whether the use is public or private.
Referring to the Higgins building, Councilman Tait questioned whether theres been any consideration of mixed use. Mr. Warren noted there was discussion of a mixed use, i.e., residential and ground floor offices.
Councilman Tait questioned how they should go about making a decision. Chairman Vayda stated this could be addressed as part of the Councils goals.
Councilman Mangini stated the Council has to remember they have a Revitalization Committee and this Committee should be involved in any discussions regarding Thompsonville.
Councilman Strom stated they have to keep in mind what the Council is willing to fund. She pointed out one of the biggest concerns is the 30% vs 70% owner/occupied housing. She noted if they are looking to have people actually come, buy a home, and make it their home, they have to do something with the sidewalks, roads, and lighting. She noted Thompsonville is very dark, and if they want people to become full-time homeowners in this area, they have to make it more habitable.
DISCUSSION RE: STATE BUDGET BRIEFING
Present for this discussion were Senator John Kissel and Legislative Aide, Randa Nesman.
Mr. Shanley stated Senator Kissel and Ms. Nesman are present to discuss the mood and tone in Hartford with respect to the budget deliberations. He noted the budget surpluses that were projected to be so significant in the last several months have been projected otherwise. He stated Senator Kissel will talk with the Council about the realities of where they are with the budget. He pointed out this is a biennial budget which means the budget for next year has already been approved in a conditional form and historically during the middle of the biennium there are successful attempts to reopen the budget and redistribute the money, especially when the surpluses are looking to grow beyond what had been anticipated. He stated his belief it is fair to say thats not going to be happening this year in terms of the surpluses growing beyond what was anticipated.
Senator Kissel stated as they begin the next legislative session, which is the short session from February to May, based upon the Governors budget address and some of the initial discussions that theyll have in the legislature, hell have a better idea of where theyre going.
Senator Kissel stated as they ended the last legislative session they had a surplus, however, as they went into this last special session, they had a deficit. He stated his belief what they did with those surplus funds helped them in addressing the deficit.
He noted there has been quite a bit of debate over the last several years as to what to do during the fiscal good times. He stated his belief their overall philosophy was one of good, sound, practical common sense in that there were enough people who remembered what it was like facing the huge deficits which lead them to the State Income Tax and this allowed them to put on the brakes. He referred to the two summers where there was a rebate and some questioned why do a rebate. He noted part of the theory between the proponents was that if you give it back to the people, it was not built into the bottom line of certain state agencies. He further explained it was in anticipation that those funds were the “high water” mark and that they couldnt depend upon them all the time. He noted that was one theory and part of the gist was economic stimulus.
Senator Kissel stated a different approach was taken this last legislative session where with the surplus they crossed off the rebate idea but tried to target it toward some of the one-time costs they could see looming on the horizon, i.e., school construction. He explained their theory was that they have the surplus, they know they have a statutory commitment to the municipalities to help fund school construction projects, but rather than going out and bonding all of that money, they could use the surplus to reduce the anticipated bonding amounts. He noted they also attempted to do other things such as look at a vast open space area near Bridgeport. He stated part of the administration and legislatures decision to try and purchase open space was going to be done with surplus, however, they ended up doing much more through bonding.
Senator Kissel stated in just six months, from surplus to deficit, they had set themselves up so that they could turn that corner. He noted if they had depended on the surplus for on-going program costs, as soon as the deficit hit, theyd have nowhere to go.
He stated Randa Nesman spoke with Representative Jarmoc, and he agrees theres a sentiment in the Legislature that one of the last places they want to go to, if they run up against a budgetary wall, is municipalities. He noted theres an overall theory that Democrats and Republicans share, and that is by pulling back the aid to municipalities, theyre merely shifting the responsibility and the taxes and making the municipalities become the “bad guys”.
He referred to a document he distributed and noted this contains numbers that are built into the last set of budget discussions. He pointed out from the surplus at the end of the spring session to where they were at the November special session when they were essentially $300 million dollars in the hole, even with that tremendous shift, there was no touching of aid to municipalities.
Senator Kissel stated there were certain things they did in the past, i.e., one-shot deals, and they shouldnt be expected in the future. Therefore, the town should build them into their bottom line budget for recurring programs in light of the fact that they would dry up. He then highlighted a few items in his documentation:
Adult Education relatively stable-grows modestly
Education Cost Sharing Grant based on the formula and changing demographics (he does not see any shift to this at all). Mr. Shanley pointed out theres actually a reduction in this area, and thats different than in most previous years where theres typically a one or two percent growth from the first year of the biennium to the second year of the biennium
Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund Grant they are hopeful with these grants, and it looks to be growing over a hundred thousand dollars in the next few years
Miscellaneous Grants go down from where theyve been in the past
Non-Public School Pupil Transportation stable and increasing to the extent that theres the need
One-time Local Capital Improvement Program that is gone and should not be anticipated in the future
PILOT: Corrections in the past the Governor has put out proposals to cut back. There has been a bi-partisan coalition of those legislators, representatives, and senators that have correction facilities who argue with the Governor that this is not an appropriate place to cut and thus far theyve been successful. Senator Kissel stated he does not anticipate that will change.
Public School Pupil Transportation fairly stable and increasing
Surplus Revenue Sharing Grant will not happen after this and Senator Kissel stated he does not anticipate any further funds under this line item
Town Aid Road Fund relatively stable and predictable for the next few years
Tobacco Settlement for Local Education Grant a one-shot grant. Senator Kissel stated theres a strong push on the Public Health Committee that to the extent it is related to public health concerns, theres a strong belief not enough of these funds gets put toward public health. He stated he does not see any of this now being diverted straight to the municipalities.
Senator Kissel stated the total for Statutory Formula Grants is modest and its going down. He stated his belief its not as dramatic as some people had indicated, but its going down and that takes them to the next question. He provided the Council with full breakdowns of the state budget as well as highlights of the revised budget.
As concerns the question where theyre going, Senator Kissel stated his belief part of that question is predicated on where the economy is going to go. He noted September 11th certainly did not help, but nobody believes thats what caused it all. He stated they saw a general slowing in the international economy well before September 11th. He noted there have been reports that this typical downturn can last on average eleven months and then it goes in the other direction, therefore, in February or March they may see things bottom out and incrementally move forward. He stated the other theory is that this will last longer than in the past because its much more structural. He noted hes concerned about the gradual changing demographics and Connecticut is losing population, and Connecticuts population is getting older, and as a result, there will be a continued higher demand for certain state services. He noted the commitment they made to increase CONNPACE has remained intact through their most recent special session. He stated Democrats and Republicans felt that was important. He noted they estimate that there will be an increase of about 15,000 people state-wide tapping into the CONNPACE program.
Senator Kissel stated if the economy does not turn, he predicts they might see proposals such as raising the cigarette tax, or turning to the rainy day fund to soften the blow to other essential state programs in the municipalities.
Councilman Fiore stated the numbers show that District #7 will be losing approximately $244,000 in revenue, and this is significantly less than he originally anticipated. He referred to the PILOT programs and stated it seems the statutory requirement has never been met regarding funding for colleges and hospitals and state property. Senator Kissel stated his understanding colleges and hospitals often lie in the more urban areas, and cities such as Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford that have traditionally more of these facilities are treated very well by the state. He noted when the big push comes, its more to protect other programs that might have a more broad range of appeal to other smaller cities and more suburban municipalities.
Councilman Fiore referred to reimbursement for new manufacturing equipment and noted Enfield takes a significant hit in this area. He questioned the philosophy behind funding that program. Senator Kissel stated the philosophy behind this was this was an area that they could go after. He noted the feeling was 80% is better than 0%. He added his belief there wasnt a strong philosophical rationale for this. Mr. Shanley pointed out this program reimbursed municipalities 100% for the lost revenue that they would have gotten the year before if it was put into place on taxing machinery as private property. He noted the state government took it over, reimbursed the municipality at 100% and then gave the business a tax break so it was an economic development incentive but it left the municipality cold, and now that 100% commitment is beginning to ratchet back, and now the municipalities are beginning to have to eat a percentage of that economic development incentive. Senator Kissel stated if the Council wants to say they disagree with this philosophy and that it has a negative impact on the town, they should let him know formally.
Councilman Egan questioned how much might be taken from the rainy day fund. Senator Kissel stated if they can reach an agreement on new programs and try to allow them to grow, but not too fast, they should be able to keep relative pace with the revenues as long as they dont continue to fall. He noted if theres no growth in revenues, there may be a push to take $250 million dollars out of the rainy day fund. He questioned whats the worst of two evils raising taxes or using money that was squirreled away for a day such as this, knowing if things turn around, one of their first mandates will be to return money to the rainy day fund.
Councilman Mangini questioned whats envisioned by the state regarding SPED funds. Mr. Shanley stated there was some improvement in the formula for this biennial budget. He noted he will provide an answer regarding the formula that is used.
Councilman Tallarita questioned whether theres any consideration or hope for any economic stimulus packages from the federal government. He pointed out Connecticut took a special hit with regards to September 11th and the lower state took a harder hit than the rest of the state. Senator Kissel stated there was a hearing from the Public Health Committee and they invited the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, as well as the president of UCONN because they have concerns regarding the states laboratory and center for disease control. He noted to the extent that they commit to enhancing that laboratory, while the state would probably have to be responsible for the brick and the mortar, all sorts of other things would come in, i.e., funding from the federal government regarding equipment specialization so that the state could address certain public health needs and actually build a more synergistic symbiotic type of relationship between UCONN and the laboratory and perhaps reach out to surrounding states and do the testing for them. He noted those are more direct programmatic things that have evolved out of September 11th. He stated his understanding of the economic development package is that theres still a battle between the House and the Senate and that the Senate hasnt passed anything. He noted until something is actually passed by Congress and signed by the President, they wont know how they can tap into that. He stated the state is always looking for ways to tap into what the federal resources are. He added his belief Connecticut is very high up in line because of this states proximity to New York City to get some of that direct financial compensation and this will help out the state.
Councilman Falk stated in the mid 1980s the Enhancement Act was approved and at that time the state reimbursement was at the 50% level. He questioned where that stands today. Senator Kissel stated to the extent that property taxes drive the education debate, it also affords municipalities strict control over what they want to do with their education. He noted to try to build a formula that really “raises the water level” for everyone, does not take away from the urban areas, and is not perceived as disproportionately helpful to the wealthier communities has been something that has been very difficult to do. He stated his guess that this year theyll just be lucky not to cut it.
The Town Manager reminded the council that the reason the reduction is only a quarter of a million dollars next year overall is because of the projection on the new slot machines which assumes that they are going to be wildly successful. That is a number that is formula driven. Its now about 36% to the municipalities of the 20% of the gross of the machines. Thats a number that is not a given and can change and is based on the new slots at Mohegan Sun. He noted that while we pay attention to education cost sharing because thats the largest one, sometimes you can see a benefit there and forget that a thousand cuts elsewhere in the smaller grants can have a large impact on municipalities as well.
Senator Kissel stated the Council should probably view its next budget session with a somewhat austere approach. He noted its better to anticipate on the low side and be pleasantly surprised.
MOTION #5562 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Hall to recess the meeting to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5562 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 7:20 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Vayda at 7:23 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Edgar, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita, and Vayda. 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.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
MOTION #5562A by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini, to recess the meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5562A
adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 7:45 p.m. Mayor Vayda reconvened the Executive Session at 10:30 p.m.
Mayor Vayda adjourned the Executive Session at 11:30 p.m. He reconvened the Special Meeting at 11:31 p.m. and stated that during Executive Session they discussed Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Real Estate Negotiations with no action of votes being taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5563 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5563 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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