|
|
ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 1, 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 1, 2001. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Councilman Giddings.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, Tait, and Vayda. Councilman McGuire was 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 Finance, Gregory Simmons.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5481 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Hall to accept the minutes of the September 13, 2001 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5481 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Giddings abstaining.
MOTION #5482 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the September 17, 2001 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5482 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5483 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the September 17, 2001 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5483 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Bonnie Anderson, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers
Presented a plaque to Mayor Strom in appreciation of the Town of Enfields support of the Literacy Volunteers program. Chairwoman Strom thanked Ms. Andersen and her group for all their hard work.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Falk stated his understanding money was set aside for the machines for the Youth Vote Program. He requested clarification be given regarding this later this evening.
Councilman Tait stated the EMS Committee met and is working very hard. He noted they will be asking for an extension of time. He explained they completed the first phase of their task, however, need a little more time for the second phase.
Councilman Hall stated she received another call from Roger Moran concerning the wrestling program. Councilman Mangini pointed out the Indoor Recreation Committee has this item as a topic for discussion.
MOTION #5484 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Falk to suspend the rules to add an item under Items for Discussion to discuss the wrestling program.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5484 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Mangini announced Children Helping Children is having a carnival at St. Bernards West this Sunday. She noted this is a fund raiser for seriously ill children.
Councilman Kaupin stated it was brought to his attention that the fence at the Hazardville Cemetery was struck by a vehicle. He questioned who is responsible for this repair. Mr. Shanley stated his understanding a contractor has been hired to fix this fence. Councilman Fiore stated he is involved with the Cemetery Association, and he will check into the status on this fence tomorrow.
Councilman Egan requested a timetable be provided regarding the next revaluation.
Councilman Egan commended Amy Witbro and everyone else involved in a successful Family Day on the Town Green.
Councilman Egan stated the Enfield Adult Day Care is doing wonderful things, i.e., a concert and art exhibit.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the voting machines for the Youth Vote Day are in the Registrars budget.
Mr. Shanley agreed with Councilman Egans comment about the Enfield Adult Day Care and noted there has been a lot of growth in this program. He noted three or four years ago they had about five participants, and they now have 35 participants. He pointed out they are more than optimizing their staff. He added they will be requesting an additional staff person based on revenues theyve been receiving.
As concerns the revaluation timetable, Mr. Shanley stated hes planning to write a letter to the editor so that people better understand the revaluation process. He pointed out this is a state mandated process. He stated the Town did send out brochures in February 2001, and the contractor the Town engaged to do the revaluation sent out another flyer shortly afterwards.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had not formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini reported an Indoor Recreation Committee Meeting was held recently, and theyre currently working with Town staff and Mary Keller. She noted indoor wrestling is definitely one of those programs as well as deck hockey. She noted the owner of the deck hockey facility is working with Ray Warren to discuss ways he may expand his business.
Councilman Vayda stated the Enfield High School Building Committee met for the first time a couple weeks ago. He noted this was a good meeting. He stated they will be meeting again this Wednesday to choose their officers and launch into a proposal for an RFP.
Councilman Kaupin stated the School Building Committee met on Thursday evening, and there should be a good update at the next meeting.
Councilman Kaupin stated the Joint Technology Committee Meeting which was scheduled for this week has been cancelled and has been put off to the beginning of November. He noted they are waiting for the Board of Education to come back with some recommendations at the next meeting.
Councilman Egan stated the School Readiness Council met last Wednesday and they set forth ideas for the coming year and what types of initiatives theyll work on. She noted a grant was received to work on school preparedness and school readiness. She stated there seems to be a good working relationship between the Social Services and School Departments.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Councilman Falk pointed out Item #9 under Town Manager Appointments should be listed under Town Council Appointments. (Cultural Arts Commission vacancy)
MOTION #5485 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove the above item from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5485 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #5486 by Councilman Falk to appoint Carol Plato ( R ) to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term which expires 5/31/2002.
MOTION #5487 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5487 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Carol Plato appointed to the Cultural Arts Commission by a 10-0-0 vote.
MOTION #5488 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove Item #6 from the table. (Enfield Beautification Committee)
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5488 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #5489 by Councilman Kaupin to appoint Sylvia Foster ( R ) to the Enfield Beautification Committee for a term which expires 12/01/2003.
MOTION #5490 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5490 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Sylvia Foster appointed to the Enfield Beautification Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
MOTION #5491 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to delete #5 and #10 under Town Council Appointments.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5491 adopted 10-0-0.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
There were no Town Manager appointments.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #5492 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5492 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: SUSAN CIRCLE
Mr. Shanley read a letter from the Towns appraisal service indicating they have not yet been able to arrange an appraisal appointment with the homeowner.
MOTION #5493 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5493 adopted 10-0-0.
Item f. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION RE: ROAD ACCEPTANCE MISTY MEADOW ROAD, WINTER WAY, DEER RUN, SUMMER WIND CIRCLE
Mr. Shanley stated the issues are being aggressively dealt with at this time. He noted the Planning & Zoning Commission may act at some point to accept the roads. He noted its his hope to have this done before there is any snow.
Councilman Hall stated her understanding there needs to be some tree plantings that have to take place. She questioned if theres any guarantee work will be completed. Mr. Shanley stated he asked them to identify what is bonded, and the Town may be in a position to simply negotiate for the bond, accept the street, and the Town could plant the trees.
Councilman Giddings noted Deer Run and Summer Wind Circle indicated theyre not approved by the Town Attorney. He questioned the reason for this. Mr. Shanley noted they reference a subdivision that technically and legally had expired, therefore, those deeds need to be reworked so that they do not reference that subdivision.
MOTION #5494 by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Falk to table Items a. through d.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5494 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5495 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield wishes to purchase 2 parcels of land near the Scantic River known as the “Allen Parcels” totaling 9.25 acres as recommended by the Conservation Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has voted in the negative;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the purchase of the “Allen Parcels” consisting of 9.25 acres.
Councilman Kaupin questioned why the Planning & Zoning Commission voted in the negative. Mr. Shanley stated his belief its attributable to inadequate communication on staffs part to P&Z. He explained this was a parcel that was identified in the Comprehensive Plan of Development as recommended for purchase for open space. He noted maps were shown. He stated there was some misunderstanding about the funding for it. Chairwoman Strom stated her belief there was also some concern about the quality of the map in that it did not have clear cut directions on it as to where the parcel is located.
Councilman Kaupin expressed his support for purchasing the open space. He noted the entire Town Council has made a concerted effort to prioritize the purchase of open space. He noted they have been looking at the Scantic River area, and theyve been successful with some other parcels of land. He stated these parcels may not seem valuable, however, once the Town starts purchasing these parcels and puts them all together, they can work toward completing this park with the passive recreation theyre trying to accomplish in this area.
Councilman Fiore voiced his support of this resolution. He pointed out the Town has been talking about purchasing open space for over twenty years and doing something with the Scantic River area in conjunction with the State of Connecticut.
Councilman Egan noted this is part of the Towns Plan of Conservation and Development, and its very important to follow through on this. She stated she is in total support of this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5495 adopted 10-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
These appointments remained on the agenda.
MOTION #5496 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Fiore to suspend the rules to address Items c., e., g., h., i., and j. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5496 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: APPLICATION APPROVAL FOR THE ENFIELD HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Mr. Shanley stated this is the Small Cities Housing Rehabilitation grant application which will be used to match the lead paint application that they already submitted.
DISCUSSION RE: CHARGE FOR ENFIELD BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Councilman Falk questioned if there has been any discussion with the Enfield Beautification Committee about their thoughts on this. Mr. Shanley responded no. He noted if the Council is comfortable with this adjustment, they will talk to the Enfield Beautification Committee between now and the next Town Council meeting when the Council will be acting on this.
Chairwoman Strom stated this item will appear under New Business at the next meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: WRESTLING PROGRAM
Councilman Hall stated the Wrestling Program season begins the second or third week in November. She noted Roger Moran suggested they ask the high schools if they can use their wrestling facilities two nights per week. She stated they only need two nights per week, an hour and a half to two hours, and Mr. Moran indicated the time frame could be very flexible. She noted Enfield High School has been allowing them to hold their meets at that school. She proposed asking Mary Keller to contact both high school principals to see if they can work out a practice schedule for the wrestling program.
Councilman Mangini stated they did have Mr. Moran as a guest at one of the recent Indoor Recreation Committee meetings. She noted this situation did come up and the way they left it was that Mary Keller was working with Roger trying to facilitate the relationship with one or both of the high schools for that time frame. She noted the Indoor Recreation Committee could go back to Mary Keller to learn the status. Councilman Falk suggested asking Mr. Shanley to ask Mary Keller about this.
Chairwoman Strom suggested Mary Keller check with the schools as to whether or not the wrestling program can be accommodated.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #5497 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, October 15, 2001 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested residents an opportunity to express their interests regarding the FY 2000 Community Development Block Grant funding for the Enfield Housing Rehabilitation Program.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5497 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: APPOINTMENTS TO ENFIELD REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
Councilman Kaupin stated prior to this meeting, he, Councilmen Fiore, Mangini, and Giddings met to review the applications that had been submitted for the new Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee. He noted the Council has before them 18 names for the 21 spots. He stated he also indicated whether they were seeking reappointment or whether they were new appointments. He noted there are seven new members with the balance being reappointments. He stated they break out as two in District #1; three in District #2; eight in District #3; five in District #4.
MOTION #5498 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to appoint the following 18 members to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee: David Boudreau, Kenneth Carlson, Sonja Dean, Tammy Desrosier, Kenneth Edgar, Gerald Fitzsimons, Ronald Gregory, George Hilenski, Karen LaPlante, William Lee, Tophie Nowak, Michael Pestana, Yvonne Prestwich, Constance Provencher, Jeanne Smith, Joan Smith, Jeanette Weseliza, Joanne Williams.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5498 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5499 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Hall.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield Emergency Medical Service Advisory Commission does hereby request the Enfield Town Council to approve an extension of the deadline to submit “A review and prioritizing of the EMS Studys recommendations for decision making purposes,” from October 20, 2001 to January 22, 2002.
Councilman Tait stated this Committee is working very well together, and they have an excellent Chairman in Chief Provencher. He noted when they started looking at the magnitude of Phase II, they determined they wanted to do this right and needed more time.
Councilman Mangini questioned when the Council will receive a report. Councilman Tait stated a report on Phase I will be given at the next meeting, October 15th. He noted this phase identifies all of the functions that the EMS Coordinator needs to do. He stated the second phase is a little more complex.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5499 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5500 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Public Works Administration $6,370
Acct. #3100-340 Technical Services
FROM :Public Works Administration $6,370
Acct. #3100-110 Salaries-Full Time
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $6,370 is available from Account #3100-110 as of September 6, 2001.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5500 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5501 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Vayda.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 1500-550 Printing $ 502
1500-540 Advertising $ 363
1500-630 Food $ 1,673
1500-134 Salaries-Election Worker $10,203
1500-442 Rental-Equipment $ 165
1500-432 Equipment Repair $ 182
FROM: 1500-170 Salaries-Other(Primary Expenses) $13,088
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $13,088 is available from Account #1500-170 as of September 27, 2001.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5501 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5502 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby approve the four (4) year collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Enfield and AFSCME Local 1029 dated July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2005.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5502 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Mangini stated the Loan Review Committee has identified a potential person to come forward to fill a vacancy. She questioned whether the Loan Review members should contact the Town Managers office for the application process. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Giddings stated a constituent asked whether the Town of Enfield has a civil defense plan. Mr. Shanley stated the Town has an Emergency Management Plan, and they have a mass casualty plan. He noted they also work with Bradley International on a regional mass casualty plan. He stated the advantage of the Emergency Management Plan is its flexibility in that it can and has accommodated different situations. He stated his belief the Town has a solid plan and a well-experienced Director in Mr. Vindigni.
Councilman Egan stated a resident asked if its possible to still buy the memorial flags She was informed this is still possible through Enfield Beautification.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5503 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Tait to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5503 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
| |
|