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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2001
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, October 15, 2001. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Councilman Hall.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom and Vayda. Councilman Falk, McGuire, and Tait were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson;
Director of Social Services, Dorothy Allen; Director of Information Systems, Charlene Bond.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5507 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the October 1, 2001 Special Meeting.
Referring to Page 2, fourth paragraph, Councilman Fiore pointed out Whitney should read “Whitacres Park”.
Referring to Page 3, Councilman Fiore noted he had asked some specific questions regarding the Shaker Soccer Complex and the difference between a bituminous driveway and a stone driveway. He requested his questions and comments be added to the minutes.
Referring to Page 2, fifth paragraph, second sentence, Councilman Hall pointed out this should read “skateboard park” rather than basketball court.
MOTION #5508 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Giddings to table these minutes.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5508 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5509 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the October 1, 2001 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5509 adopted 8-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Michael Couture, 6 Misty Meadow Road
Stated the plowing in his area was terrible this past winter. He questioned if this will become a Town road at some point in the near future.
Mr. Shanley stated it is very close to acceptance.
Tim Slade, Brewster Road
Raised the following comments and questions:
- Questioned when questions are answered that are raised under Public Communication; what form does the answer take; is the answer given publicly or part of a Council meeting; what is the typical lead time before a question is answered
- Have there been changes to policies and procedures to avoid a situation such as the following: In September of 1999 he came before the Town Council because he could not get a response from DPW regarding the repaving of Taylor Road/Route 190. The Mayor at that time informed him the DPW Director was present at the meeting, and he spoke with him. He had to go out of Town and he left a phone number at which messages could be left, and a couple messages were left, and the whole thing was then dropped and he got nowhere. He did eventually get answers. It was determined his concern was valid because the road was repaired, however, it took two years at a cost of $15,000. He had questioned how this can be avoided in the future, but he has not received an answer. On another occasion he called DPW about North Street railroad crossing. Never received a response. He stated most often calling DPW puts the caller into voice mail, and there doesnt seem to be any desire to return these calls. He noted he was informed they kept a log of all phone calls, but his particular message wasnt logged. He emphasized he did make the phone call. He stated he called Solid Waste in early May because he had some questionable items he wished to dispose of, and he left a detailed message with his name and phone number. He noted he has not been called back.
- He very seldom sees police presence in the Green Manor section of town. He posed this question to the Chief of Police and was informed on at least three occasions that the police do not have the time to patrol that neighborhood. He questioned why Green Manor isnt patrolled on a regular basis. He noted he has seldom seen the community policing bike patrols. He stated his understanding community policing was to be expanded town wide, however, he has been unable to learn who the community policing officer is.
- He stated he has learned the police keep a file on each and every complaint. He questioned why they need a birth date for the complainant and was informed the police need more than just a name. He also questioned what is in this file and was told he could have a copy at 50 cents per page.
- He stated his impression the policing on the east side of town is 100% reactive and community policing appears non-existent.
- Stated it took him two months to learn that the Director of Public Works is
responsible for the solid waste ordinance.
- Questioned whats the purpose of an ordinance if its not going to be enforced.
- Questioned where the policy of active enforcement came from and why did this policy come about.
- There is an alarm ordinance, and that ordinance requires the Police Chief levies and collects fines. The Town Manager is required to produce a report in writing to the Town Council of the source of all false alarms received during the year. He questioned if a report has ever been received from the Town Manger regarding the source of all false alarms. He pointed out alarms require a significant resource, typically two police officers, and many of those are false alarms. He pointed out according to the ordinance, any business having more than four false alarms in one year results in a $100 fine. He questioned how much has been collected in this area. He pointed out some businesses have three or four alarms in a week.
Chairwoman Strom informed Mr. Slade that if he submits his list of questions to the Town Clerk, each Town Council member will receive a copy of that list. Mr. Slade indicated he can e-mail a copy of this list to each Council member.
Mr. Slade concluded by commending the Town for its website and noted this is an excellent source and he feels there should be more information on this website.
Eileen Hargraves, 1352 Enfield Street
Stated it came to her attention that theres a proposal about putting a veterans memorial on the Town Green. She pointed out shes very much in favor of a World War II memorial in the Town of Enfield on Town property. She noted after serving for almost nine years on the Town Green Advisory Committee, which recently disbanded, she has concerns about a memorial that would be placed along Route 5 at a size of 40 long by 7 tall. She stated when the Town Green Advisory Committee first formed, they looked at the Town Green Master Plan that had been formed quite a few years before, and they made a couple minor suggestions to the Town Council regarding that master plan that called for eliminating some plantings that would have been put along Route 5. She noted the idea of eliminating the plantings was because the Town Green is an open space and they didnt want to give the impression that it was closed off to the public and make it harder to navigate access to the Town Green. She noted the thought of a large wall along
Route 5 is disturbing to her because it would detract from the intent that the Committee had gone forth with of having an open and welcoming space on the Town Green. She noted the other concern she has about a memorial along Route 5 is that such a memorial should offer a place thats contemplative in nature and having a memorial right next to a very busy road wouldnt serve the purpose of what a memorial should be for. She stated her hope the Council will find a more appropriate placement for the memorial.
Michael Stiso, Roosevelt Boulevard
Stated the Youth Wrestling Program is hoping to return to Enfield. He noted in the past two years theyve gone to the Suffield Academy because there was no room available in Enfield.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned why theres an urgency for another referendum for recreation when the economy is uncertain.
She questioned what is expected to be gained by the businesses in Hazardville by the Council spending over $500,000 for a streetscape and how much will the payback be in new businesses moving in. She questioned if the Town will be garnering more taxes from this. She questioned shouldnt the priority have been to renovate the old Hazardville Institute since that appears to be a blight right in the center of Hazardville.
Ms. Jedziniak stated if the Town picks a contractor to build a senior center who will save the Town $500,000, is that money going to go back into the Senior Center. She noted if the Senior Center can be built for that much less money than the Council chose to spend in the first place, then why are the seniors being short changed by the size being cut down and other amenities being taken away.
She questioned if the Council has received an answer from the Community Renewal Team concerning the status of Head Start in Enfield. She questioned how any decision can be made by the Building Committee or the Council as to what decision to make concerning the building of the Head Start facility. She requested an answer in writing as to the status at the present time, and why hasnt the Council raised this on their agenda since a vote was taken and passed by the Council on the resolution to break away from the CRT and form a consortium with East Hartford and Vernon. She stated her understanding Vernon has gone with Windham. She questioned if any meetings have been held out of town concerning this situation.
Present to speak about the Enfield Youth Basketball were Ken Kalva, 177 Elm Street and Michael Littlejohn, 12 Pilgrim Circle
Mr. Kalva stated Asnuntuck Colleges basketball facility is crucial. He stated his understanding there will be discussion soon about possibly moving them out of Asnuntuck for two nights to accommodate a non-Town sponsored wrestling program. He stated that would create a lot of hardships for them.
Mr. Littlejohn stated Asnuntuck College is critical for their basketball program. He noted each team only gets one hour of practice per week, and they are really crunched for practice time.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like to see the list of concerns which Mr. Couture of Misty Meadows spoke about.
Councilman Kaupin referred to one of Mr. Slades questions and noted the Towns policies and procedures have been posted on the Towns website.
Councilman Kaupin stated this is the last Regular Meeting of this Town Council. He stated his belief its been a productive two years, and he expressed his appreciation to everyone for their hard work.
Referring to a question regarding how questions are answered, Councilman Kaupin stated questions should be submitted in writing. He noted they should address a time frame as to when answers are provided.
MOTION #5510 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Vayda to suspend the rules to add two items under Items for Discussion “Wrestling Program and Youth Vote”.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5510 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5511 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Vayda to suspend the rules to address the EMS discussion after Item #9.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5511 adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Mangini thanked the Town Council and staff for their work over the past two years.
Councilman Mangini requested an item be added to Items for Discussion at the next meeting to discuss the possibility of looking at the old Senior Center to house the Enfield Loaves and Fishes and Enfield Food Shelf. It was agreed by the Council to add these items to the November agenda.
Councilman Mangini stated there is currently a grant application on file with The Hartford for a Small Cities Grant to be applied to Enfield to help offset some of the cost for the Youth Vote. She noted she asked them to revisit Enfields application from last year because they did not get a response from last year.
Councilman Mangini stated last Sunday there was a Children Helping Children fundraiser. She noted these are fund raisers that are primarily to help families with medical costs. She requested the Town do some research as to how they can do a bone marrow drive.
Councilman Mangini stated she would like the Town Council to look at the Boundless Playgrounds concept, which is a playground concept for children with and without handicaps. She noted she would like this looked into when working on recreation.
Councilman Fiore requested that in November the Town Manager provide the new Council with the year end budget closure documentation.
Councilman Fiore questioned when there will be a capital improvement project review. Mr. Shanley agreed that needs to be done.
Councilman Fiore referred to Mr. Slades comment about the false alarm policy ordinance and requested some details be provided to the Council regarding this and how its being enforced.
Councilman Egan thanked her fellow Council members for two very smooth years and a lot of cooperation. She also thanked staff for being there whenever the Council asked for anything. She thanked the Town Manager for the letter that went out to clarify the revaluation process.
Councilman Vayda referred to an e-mail from Bob LeMay regarding Enfield Soccer. He noted the Town staff is working on trying to find alternative solutions that will help the Soccer League. He stated his understanding they are running into a crunch for space. He requested the Town Manger keep the Town Council informed regarding the progress of this.
Councilman Vayda stated his belief its been a great two years and he commended everyone for the work that has been done.
Councilman Giddings thanked this Town Council for appointing him. He stated his belief this Town Council is a good group of people. He also commended Town staff and noted he has been overwhelmed by how well the process works.
Chairwoman Strom addressed Ms. Jedziniaks question about CRT. She noted they did have a meeting that was held at the CRT office where the towns of East Hartford, Enfield, and Manchester formally asked to be released from CRT. She noted their board needs to vote on it, and that meeting has not taken place yet. She pointed out the grant still gets paid out to Head Start whether it is through CRT or a consortium. She noted Enfield is still constantly contacting CRT to see when its going to hold that meeting, and when the decision is going to be made.
As concerns wrestling and basketball, Chairwoman Strom stated they are not looking to displace anyone, but rather if they can find room. She noted that although wrestling is a private, not a town-sponsored organization, it is no different from the Enfield Ramblers whereby its a feeder program into the high schools. She stated they are looking to provide as much opportunity for all of the children in Enfield for a variety of sports. She noted they will do their best to find space for everyone.
Chairwoman Strom stated the Connecticut River Cleanup was held last Saturday, and there were almost twice as many volunteers as last year. She commended Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall for doing a fantastic job organizing this day. She thanked the Town staff, DPW, Fish and Game, and everyone for their support during this day.
Chairwoman Strom thanked Town staff for their support over the last two years. She also thanked the Town Council for pulling together on important issues.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated his understanding Misty Meadow Road will be on Planning and Zonings agenda this week.
He stated the size of the senior center was 20,000 square feet at the beginning of this particular concept, and it was designed at 20,000 square feet. He pointed out it will be 20,000 square feet when its built, and there has been no reduction in the size of the senior center.
Mr. Shanley referred to question #16 from Mr. Slades list and noted the date of birth is a unique identifier because many people have the same names.
Mr. Vindigni stated two inquiries were posed to Mary Keller, the Recreation Supervisor. He noted the first was to try to get some feedback on the results of the Youth Basketball registration how many players/how many teams and when she would be meeting with the league officials to start developing a schedule. He noted Councilman Hall called him this morning to see if the Town could ask about the availability of Prudence Crandalls gymnasium two nights per week. He stated he has been out of the office all afternoon with emergency management matters, but did pass this onto Mary Keller. He noted he will be following up on this.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Giddings stated the Revitalization Committee had their first meeting under the new charge with their new members. He noted they spent the first part of the meeting introducing themselves and learning a little about each other. He stated they then had a short informal brainstorming which they hope to expand on at the next meeting. He noted some issues that came out included a definite need for communications between Town, Town Council and Committee; a need for zoning changes; possibility of expanding the business local district to include east side of Enfield Street in Thompsonville area; Town public relations to promote Town committees, i.e., neighborhood newspapers letting the neighborhoods know what the committees are doing for their areas and let the neighbors communicate to the Town committees to let them know whats on their mind. He noted it was a very productive meeting.
Councilman Mangini reported on the Indoor Recreation Subcommittee. She noted the Town Council is not looking to displace any activities, specifically as concerns basketball and wrestling. She noted one of the goals of the subcommittee is to look for avenues where they can accommodate the number of children who are interested in various indoor recreational activities. She stated they have a survey and will have a compilation in November. She noted they are faced with a dilemma regarding lack of space for the wrestling program. She stated when the new gymnasiums are built for the schools, they will be in a better position to have more space available, however, in the interim they are all searching to try to accommodate groups such as wrestling.
Councilman Fiore stated the bids were opened for the senior center last week. He noted Town staff and the Clerk of the Works are reviewing those bids. He stated there will be a Senior Center Building Committee meeting tomorrow night to review the three lowest bids. He noted there will be a 20,000 square foot senior center building built. He stated that is what was in the charge and that is what will be built, and 100% of that space will be dedicated to the seniors.
Councilman Kaupin reported on the School Building Committee and stated the bids came in lower than projected. He noted there will be a groundbreaking ceremony at Parkman School on Friday.
Chairwoman Strom stated there was an act passed this year concerning municipal fiscal disparities, and it does concern all the towns in the Hartford area. She noted the towns need to come up with a plan by December. She stated this is important enough that CRCOG (Capitol Region Council of Governments) is devoting its entire meeting on October 24th to this. She stated if anyone is interested in attending this meeting, they should contact her.
Mr. Shanley stated the Civil Participation Project is the project thats coordinated by a grant from the Hartford Foundation and CRCOG using the National Civic League as a facilitator. He noted among other things, there are three large community meetings in Enfield with Enfield residents. He stated last week about 90 people attended the meeting, and it was very productive. He noted the initial exercise was “how do you envision a community that has a full and active civic participation being defined not just as activity in government commissions, but also activities in clubs and civic operations and organizations. He noted some terrific ideas and visions came out of that process. He stated the next meeting will focus more on an assessment of the community, i.e., what are the barriers in their minds to greater civic participation. He noted the third meeting will involve a game plan, i.e., what can be done in a community to make it easier for people to volunteer.
DISCUSSION RE: EMS COORDINATOR POSITION EXPECTATIONS
Present for this discussion were Earl Provencher, Chairman of the EMS Commission; Vice Chairman, Thomas Kobian; Committee member, Paul Wentworth.
Mr. Provencher stated they had several meetings since they were appointed, and those meetings have been very well attended. He noted they split their charge into four categories: Phase I Implementation Plan; Financials; Operations; Future Goals. He noted the report is before the Council. He stated while this charge may appear to be complete, they would still like to stay on board with any process that happens from here with that charge.
Councilman Kaupin thanked Mr. Provencher for his service on the Commission and putting this report together. He noted he supports the feeling that the EMS Director possess a paramedic license coupled with years of experience.
Councilman Kaupin questioned to what extent do they have to accomplish certain tasks on this charge to get to the point where they can implement the program. Mr. Provencher stated his belief a majority of whats seen on the report is something that could happen right now.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if they start moving forward with this, is there a time line. Mr. Provencher stated Phase I is right now, and Phase II is more advanced. Mr. Wentworth stated Phase I has the Enfield Community Ambulance developing from its current stage, finding its weaknesses, its strengths, building on those strengths and repairing weaknesses. He noted the Enfield Community Ambulance would be responsible for its own basic life support needs. He stated Phase I would include developing a revenue recovery plan, developing quality assurance and quality improvement to identify areas earmarked for improvement. He noted when all of this is done and theres an EMS Director in place, they can put this in black and white to see how this is working, and they can provide some daily cost analysis. He stated then Phase II would begin, which would be implementing an upgrade in service within the Enfield Community Ambulance to become a solely sufficient service right up to the highest level possible. He noted its difficult to put a time line on this.
Councilman Hall stated according to the guidelines for the EMS Director, she feels a lot of that is going to be driven by what he can accomplish and how quickly he moves with some of his recommendations. She feels once the EMS Director is on board, that will drive a lot of the time lines on the whole process.
Councilman Mangini thanked the Committee for their work. She noted she does not see insurance and collections addressed in any detail. She questioned whether the EMS Director or Town will be responsible for collections and insurance. Mr. Provencher stated his belief the Town Manger and/or the Town Council will determine that. Mr. Shanley stated the Commission has put together a report that says revenue assessments and collections need to occur, and it will be the role of this position to see that it occurs. He noted how that occurs will need to be more fully discussed. He stated his initial vision would be to engage a firm that specifically does that for the health industry since its a constantly changing, heavily regulated industry.
Chairwoman Strom questioned who is writing the job description. Mr. Shanley responded his office and the Human Resources Office. Chairwoman Strom questioned if the Committee is looking to review that job description. Mr. Provencher stated the Committee believes they can offer input to Town staff regarding this.
Councilman Fiore thanked the Committee for their work. He questioned when the Committee feels they need to bring on an EMS Director. Messrs. Kobian and Wentworth responded as soon as possible.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the Town has funding for this position. Mr. Shanley stated the money was specifically put in Contingency, and it was identified as being available when the Council decides what they wish to do regarding the EMS Director.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
Chairwoman Strom requested the Ethics Commission appointments be included on the October 18th agenda.
All appointments remained tabled.
Item c., d., and f. remained tabled.
MOTION #5512 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Giddings to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5512 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: SUSAN CIRCLE
Chairwoman Strom stated she did hear from the Weigels. She noted they hope to have the appraisal completed by the end of this week.
MOTION #5513 by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5513 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5514 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5514 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: ROAD ACCEPTANCE MISTY MEADOW ROAD/WINTER WAY/DEER RUN/SUMMER WIND CIRCLE
Mr. Shanley stated he asked the Planning Director to put this on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for this week so that they can make the determination as to whether or not the outstanding items are significant enough to withhold acceptance of the road, or whether theres another way to deal with these.
Councilman Kaupin stated there was a listing of the streets with work to be done. He questioned if theres sufficient bond monies held aside so that the Town can complete the work in the springtime. Mr. Shanley stated his belief thats exactly the question for Planning and Zoning. He stated it seems they are down to minor items, and at this point, they should be able to make a determination regarding this.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the Council can get a report in its Friday packet as to what happened at Thursdays P&Z meeting. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Hall questioned how long after a development is complete do they have to finish all the improvements. Mr. Shanley stated his belief its five years from the time the plan is approved for a subdivision.
MOTION #5515 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5515 adopted 8-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Referring to three appointments to the Ethics Commission, Chairwoman Strom stated if they are not going to make those appointments this evening because they have not spoken to the people, they should then add them to the October 18th meeting agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #5516 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Giddings to accept the Town Mangers recommendation to reappoint Kenneth Bergeron (D) to the Building Code Appeals Board for a term which expires 11/01/06.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5516 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5517 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development pursuant to Public Law 93-383, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Enfield make application to the State for up to $300,000 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL:
1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistant imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and,
2. That the filing of an application for the Enfield Housing Rehabilitation Program by the Town of Enfield is hereby approved, and that the Town manager is hereby authorized and directed to file such an application with the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as maybe required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Enfield.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5517 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5518 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, in January of 1998, the Town Council reestablished the Enfield Beautification Committee and gave it direction (attachment*); and
WHEREAS, in the interim the Town Green Advisory Committee successfully completed its work, organizing and executing various projects to complete the Town Green and has disbanded; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council seeks advice from time to time on issues related to the layout, maintenance, and/or improvements to the Town Green;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby amends the Enfield Beautification Committees charge of January 20, 1998 to include to offer advice to the Town Council and oversight regarding maintenance, layout, and/or improvements on the Enfield Town Green.
*Appended to minutes
Councilman Giddings stated the Beautification Committee should be given copies of the Master Plan for the Town Green and possibly a copy of the charge of the Town Green Advisory Committee.
Councilman Mangini stated her impression the Beautification Committee was working with the veterans. Councilman Giddings stated the Beautification Committee was asked to attend the meeting of the Memorial Advisory Committee to get their input. He noted they did attend the meeting, looked over the plans and did not see any problem with it, however, they were not aware there was a master plan since this charge had not yet been given to them. Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Giddings suggestion. She requested the Town Council also be given a copy of the Town Green Master Plan.
Councilman Fiore suggested tabling this until the Beautification Committee has an opportunity to look at its charge and the Town Green Master Plan.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5518 adopted 8-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MOTION #5519 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items b, c., and e. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5519 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: WRESTLING PROGRAM
Councilman Hall stated its not this Town Councils intention to displace any of the other athletic programs presently in place. She noted Enfield has a very large youth basketball program. She stated by looking at other spaces, i.e., at the elementary schools, perhaps they can shift some scheduling around to accommodate the wrestling program. She noted she met with Trish Witkin, the Athletic Director for Enfield Public Schools, and learned the high school schedules are extremely tight, therefore, she does not see the high schools having the space. She noted Asnuntuck was brought up, but it has been learned that gymnasium is heavily used. She noted they are looking to the elementary schools to see if there is some flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the wrestling program, i.e., Crandall may have some free time. She noted currently they do have boy scout meetings and youth basketball on some evenings at Crandall.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to know how many wrestlers are in the program; what percentage are from Enfield; do they operate with a tax exempt I.D. number. He noted this may mean shuffling schedules around of organizations that are tax exempt that are allowed to participate in the schools or on town properties. He noted as far as Crandall School is concerned, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts using that facility should be consulted regarding any shifting of schedules. He noted the Enfield Basketball Association, which is a Recreation Program is expanding and should be given consideration.
Councilman Mangini stated she, Councilman Falk and two members of the Board of Education serve on the Indoor Recreation Subcommittee. She voiced her disturbance that the Committee is being identified as not doing what its looking to accomplish fast enough. She stated Mary Keller is working extremely hard to juggle these schedules for the schools, the Town and every organization that comes forward. She noted this Subcommittee has made some progress, in that they have a compilation report forthcoming from Mary Keller and her staff and once they have an opportunity to see this report, they may realize they have some space for wrestling. She thanked Mary Keller and Mr. Vindigni for their hard work in this area.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief no one is disputing the work thats being done, however, everyone feels its a valuable program, and they need to find a space for it. He stated his belief its not the Subcommittees charge to do this. He noted the basketball program at Asnuntuck is very important. He stated there are 700 kids playing there, and theres no space at that facility.
Councilman Giddings stated he would like to know the number of wrestlers in the wrestling program prior to moving that group to Suffield and how many are in the program now.
Councilman Vayda stated he does not see this as a criticism to anyone. He pointed out theres nothing wrong with asking the questions.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #5520 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Social Services Adult Day Care
Acct. #4310-110 Salaries $18,000.00
Acct. #4310-730 Furniture 3,600.00
$21,600.00
FROM: Social Services Fund Balance $21,600.00
Acct. #220-9951
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $21,600.00 is available from Account #220-9951 as of October 12, 2001.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Mr. Shanley stated if they maintain this level, they may be on their way to having the case load actually supporting the entire operation.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the increase in revenue will go into the Fund Balance, thus they fund it out of the Social Service Fund Balance to fund the salaries and the equipment. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Egan stated she saw the Adult Day Care Program a couple weeks ago and this program is certainly flourishing. She noted they do need furnishing and additional staffing.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Egan in that they need to support this program.
Ms. Allen stated the number of participants is still rising. She noted another 15 participants will bring them up to maximum capacity. She stated they can accommodate 50 people at any one time, however, they average 35.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5520 adopted 8-0-0.
Ms. Allen thanked the Town Council for their patience and support.
Chairwoman Strom commended Ms. Allen and her staff for all their hard work.
DISCUSSION RE: YOUTH VOTE
Councilman Hall stated Amy Witbro is questioning whether they can purchase the tee-shirts since the voting machines are free.
There was a consensus that a transfer could be prepared for the October 18th meeting.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Mr. Shanley commended this Town Council for being very prolific and very patient.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5521 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5521 adopted 8-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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