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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 17, 2001
Before the Regular Meeting began, Councilman Mangini read an official statement from Governor Rowland which proclaims September 17, 2001 through September 23, 2001 as Constitution Week.
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, September 17, 2001. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:49 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Councilman Fiore.
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 T. Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5463 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Vayda to accept the minutes of the September 4, 2001 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5463 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilmen Egan and Giddings abstaining.
MOTION #5464 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Hall to accept the minutes of the September 4, 2001 Regular Meeting.
Councilman Fiore referred to Page 2 and noted Walter Bosco should actually be spelled Walter Wosko.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5464 adopted 8-0-2, as amended, with Councilmen Egan and Giddings abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Tim Webb, 4 Southmeadow Lane
Referred to the Hazardville streetscape. He informed the Council there is a bituminous pavement that can be imprinted and painted any color, and it looks very nice. He pointed out there are various applications, i.e., offset brick, random stone, etc. He noted there are various vendors in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Al Courchain, 460 Hazard Avenue
Stated his hope the Town Council will reconsider making Southview Lane into a cul-de-sac. He voiced concern about access for emergency vehicles.
Mr. Courchain stated his belief the Town would be getting a lot more sidewalk for their dollars if they built concrete sidewalks.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Read her comments from the Planning & Zoning minutes of September 6th regarding a freestanding Head Start building and the additional costs for such a building, including possible drainage problems for nearby residents.
Ms. Jedziniak stated she was initially told there was a written opinion by bond counsel concerning a free-standing Head Start building. She noted after a few requests, Town Hall was unable to produce a written opinion and was told this was a verbal opinion. She pointed out since that time, a courier delivered an opinion from the bond counsel.
William Schmidt, 45 Kennedy Drive
Stated the Education Committee for a Better Enfield is a non-political group and is based on the idea of mutual respect. He noted its a very loosely formed organization.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Suggested the Town Hall and Board of Education make up professional-looking notice boards to announce Town Council and Board of Education meetings.
William Ballard, 321 Abbe Road
Referring to the situation at Susan Circle, Mr. Ballard stated perhaps the Town could develop a fund-raising program in town to help out the residents in that area.
Referring to a cul-de-sac for Southview Lane, Mr. Ballard voiced concern about needed access by Police and Fire Departments.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Councilman Kaupin stated it was presented to the Town Council that all emergency services approved of the cul-de-sac. He noted this cul-de-sac was specifically designed and approved so that emergency vehicle access could occur to the backside of Southview.
Councilman Kaupin stated it has been brought to his attention that the Town Councils policies and procedures are not on the Towns website. He requested this be placed on the website.
Councilman Kaupin stated in this weeks packet, the Council received a short letter from Kevin Lynch at Bradley International Airport on the environmental impact statement, and he had difficulty understanding it. He requested the Town Manager clarify this under Town Manager Communications.
Councilman Kaupin commended everyone for their participation in last nights vigil service on the Town Green.
Councilman Tait thanked the Town staff for organizing the vigil on the Town Green. He then went on to commend Ray Warren for his Economic Development report.
Councilman Tait stated hes starting to hear from people on Parker Street regarding sidewalk problems. He requested some information so that he can respond to these residents.
Councilman Egan stated Congresswoman Nancy Johnson will be coming to Town Hall tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the devastation of last week and update the Town on what she knows. She went on to thank Town staff for organizing last nights vigil.
Councilman Mangini thanked Town staff for putting this vigil together. She urged people to remember the Red Cross.
Councilman Mangini stated she would like to revisit the issue of meeting signage as mentioned by Frank Jedziniak. She questioned if they can start putting out this sign again.
Councilman Hall spoke about the vigil and her belief everyone was touched by the turnout of people. She pointed out the Enfield Junior Womens Club collected $5,000 last night.
Councilman Hall referred to the letter from Kevin Lynch at Bradley International Airport. She explained the first part of the airport study that was done was called the mini study and it came out with two main recommendations to runway alterations. She noted the southern runway alteration was implemented and the northbound, which really impacts Enfield, was not implemented because it needed whats called an environmental impact study. She stated this is quite an extensive study that studies the impact that the runway change would have once it was implemented. She noted instead of moving forward with the recommendation from the mini study, theyre pushing it off until the F-150 study is complete. She noted the F-150 is a more in depth study, and it will probably be another two years before there would be any changes. She noted the next meetings will be workshop meetings. She stated she would like to push forward to get at least the environmental part of the mini study recommendation started, rather than waiting the two years for the F-150 study.
Councilman Giddings thanked Town Staff for their work in organizing last nights vigil.He also thanked Jack Hartley and the Enfield Beautification Committee for erecting all the flags.
Councilman Fiore stated the Hall of Fame banquet is scheduled for Friday evening at the Radisson.
Councilman Fiore thanked the Town Manager and staff for the drainage problem report.
Councilman Falk stated last nights vigil was very emotional for the people in the community.
Councilman Falk spoke about the need for a curb cut for a new business on Phoenix Avenue.
Councilman Vayda voiced his pride in Enfield for the turnout at last nights vigil.
Chairwoman Strom reminded the Town Council of the following events:
Adult Day Care Center will be celebrating Adult Day Care Week on September 19th at 1:30 p.m.
Johnson Memorial Hospital will be having a Cancer Walk on September 22nd.
Family Day on the Green on September 23rd.
Chairwoman Strom commended everyone for their work that resulted in the large turn out for last nights vigil.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the memorial book is still available in Town Hall. He noted $6,000 in donations have been received so far, and people continue to donate. He stated toward the end of the week they will close this out, and theyll talk to the leadership of the Council as to what kind of correspondence should go with that check to the World Trade Center relief fund.
Mr. Shanley pointed out Connecticut Light and Power provided the trucks to put the flags up on Route 5.
Mr. Shanley stated his belief the Mayor did a superb job in balancing prayer and pride and setting a tone for the evening. He noted the number of volunteers and people wanting to volunteer was amazing.
He referred to the Southview cul-de-sac and pointed out the needs of the fire department were accommodated.
Mr. Shanley stated they will look to put the rules and procedures of the Council on the website.
As concerns the business on Phoenix Avenue, Mr. Shanley stated it was determined that theres nothing in the industrial park rules which would prohibit a curb cut. He noted its now at the Police Department looking for a traffic assessment on the viability of this.
Mr. Shanley stated the grand opening of the Lego Fulfillment Center was today, and this is good news for the local economy.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Tait stated the EMS Committee had their first meeting recently. He noted Chief Provencher was elected Chair and Thomas Yakoubian was elected Vice-Chair.
Councilman Egan stated the Prison Liaison Committee met on September 12th and the figures for the prison population are Carl Robinson at 1,151 (up one from June); Willard at 1,051 (up ten from June); Enfield Prison at 725 (up two from June).
Councilman Mangini questioned when they stopped having a police liaison for the Prison Liaison Committee. She requested the Town Managers Office look into getting a police liaison for their quarterly meeting in December.
Councilman Mangini stated the Loan Review Committee has a special session coming up next week.
Councilman Mangini commended the Enfield Revitalization Committee and Hazardville Subcommittee for their hard work with regards to Northgate and Hazardville projects, as well as their constant dedication in trying to make Enfield a better place.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #5465 by Councilman Giddings, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5465 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: DRAINAGE/HEAD START BUILDING PRESENTATION BY JETER, COOK AND JEPSON
Present from Jeter, Cook and Jepson were Gregg Smolley and Bruce Kellogg.
Mr. Kazmarski stated about two and a half years ago when they started the design and construction of the drainage improvements in the area of Riverview and Mitchell, the Town Engineer and the consultant sized the pipe to handle flows at that time. He noted at that point in time, they had no idea a new building would be going in this area. He stated the consultant and his site engineer have come up with plans for how they will manage storm water. He noted deficiencies that need eventual correction on the high school side have nothing to do with Head Start or the Enfield Street expansion except for the fact that theyre basically in the same watershed.
He pointed out the Council has before them a resolution for a certain amount of funds which they feel will be adequate to handle the correction of a couple deficiencies in this system, plus the installation of a sediment control chamber at the northwesterly corner of the high school athletic fields where the two major systems join together and ultimately go down the hill to the Connecticut River.
Mr. Kazmarski stated in reviewing this with the Town Engineer and architect last Friday, he and the Town Engineer are of the opinion that the storm water detention facility that was originally designed by their site engineer can be reduced in size. He explained they have one watershed area, and the 18” pipe was sized to handle a certain amount of flow, and theyre proposal is to have the architects and their site engineer look at providing just that amount of flow into that 18” pipe regardless of where it comes from. He stated in essence this is a balancing act to create a net zero increase in peak runoff from the entire school site, which includes the high school, Enfield Street School and the new Head Start facility. He pointed out this is the concept that they will be looking at and proposing to go to DEP with. He stated its their feeling the proper accommodations can be made in the system at the high school and if looked favorably upon by the Council, they could start work well in advance of any work starting on the Head Start facility.
Mr. Smolley presented a visual. He showed the detention basin on the site and how the drainage would be designed.
Councilman Tait questioned whether the water will run to the river and whether DEP permits will be involved. Mr. Kazmarski stated a wetlands permit will be required. He added his belief that they wont need a DEP permit because they are far enough from the river.
Councilman Tait questioned who will maintain the swale. Mr. Kazmarski stated this area would be maintained by the Board of Education. Councilman Tait stated his belief the maintenance of this area has to be worked out.
Councilman Fiore requested clarification in that basically everything that needs to be done for this project from a drainage standpoint could be done for $25,000. Mr. Kazmarski responded yes, thats the estimate, and they could do the necessary corrections on the high school site for approximately $25,000.
Councilman Giddings questioned whether the detention basins will be perpetually full of water. Mr. Smolley stated since these are designed as detention basins, they hold the water and release all of the water that they stop. He noted theyre designed to never have standing water. He explained after a storm event, they will contain water, but over a couple days they will drain to nothing.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the referendum dollars will only be spent on the Head Start property, and all the other dollars for the project off of the Head Start property will be funded by the Town. Mr. Kazmarski responded thats correct.
Councilman Kaupin stated it seems there was some good cooperation between the Town and Building Committee to come up with a plan to address the concerns that the neighbors had.
Councilman Mangini questioned whether $25,000 will cover the entire drainage project. Mr. Kazmarski stated theyre anticipating the $25,000 should be sufficient.
RESOLUTION #5466 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Tait.
WHEREAS, the School Building Committee has chosen a design for drainage from the Enfield Street School property which is what they feel to be appropriate for the School Building Committees needs as it relates to the Head Start Facility; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council having reviewed that option wishes to amend the plans to accommodate a more comprehensive drainage approach; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes that the cost is not reimbursable by the State School Building Grant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes a separate project for drainage to address issues in the neighborhood below the Head Start Building that are not necessarily a result of the Head Start Building; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, hereby authorizes a contingency transfer in the amount of $25,000 to fund such project.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5466 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5467 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Account #1100-335 $25,000
Town Council
Landfill & Building Services
FROM: Account #8030-840 $25,000
Contingency
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $25,000 is available from Account #8030-840
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5467
adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5468 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5468 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: SUSAN CIRCLE
Mr. Shanley stated the Town Council has a copy of a letter from the appraisal firm, and they have not been able to get into the building. He noted they have made several attempts, but have not been called back. He stated there were some conversations held last night with the owners of the building to encourage them to be sure that takes place so that this can be accomplished. Chairwoman Strom noted the owners were out of town recently, and they do wish to have the house appraised.
MOTION #5469 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Falk to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5469 adopted 10-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #5470 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes, the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the transfer of $210,628.39 to the Suspense List as follows:
October 1, 1997 Supplemental Motor Vehicle Taxes $ 29,241.59
October 1, 1998 Personal Property Taxes $ 43,242.09
October 1, 1998 Motor Vehicle Taxes $138,144.71
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5470 adopted 9-0-0. Councilman Vayda was absent at the vote.
RESOLUTION #5471 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield has conducted a final public meeting on the Streetscape on Thursday, September 13, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield has completed its review of the Hazardville Village Streetscape, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council is ready to authorize the construction of a streetscape in Hazardville Village after working to define the scope within the existing budgeted funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the construction of a streetscape defined as presented by the engineers for the project on September 13 using the base bid without alternate treatments with pavers and conduit to the limits defined at the September 13 meeting, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a subcommittee of Councilmen Tait, Hall and Kaupin are empowered to make adjustments to the streetscape amenities as deemed appropriate to meet a budget of funds existing in the Hazardville Streetscape capital budget plus five dollars and fifty cents ($5.50) per square foot of sidewalk from the Road 2000 sidewalk funds.
Councilman Falk requested an update. Mr. Shanley stated they are hoping the Council will allow the subcommittee to continue to work. He noted what is clear is the core area that was bid and pavers out to the defined areas. He stated they need to work with the subcommittee on the amenities associated with the streetscape out from the core.
Councilman Falk questioned what pattern they will be using, and Mr. Shanley stated they bid a herringbone pattern.
Councilman Falk questioned how they will determine the number of lights that will be installed. Mr. Shanley stated that would be a Council decision during the budget process.
Councilman Falk questioned how they will address the need for more parking accommodations. He also voiced concern regarding maintenance of the new walkways, i.e., will weeds grow up between the bricks.
Referring to the need for parking spaces, Councilman Hall stated there are several parcels available. She noted she could get information on those parcels.
Councilman Hall stated her support of this plan and commended everyone for their patience.
Councilman Vayda stated other issues that will need to be addressed include how they market business local districts, maintenance issues, and the Town needs to be in a position to make sure amenities are not deteriorating. He raised the question of whether a defoliant could be used to discourage weed growth in the walkways.
Councilman Giddings stated his belief this is being piecemealed, and this is a very large part of the puzzle as far as beautifying Hazardville. He stated his feeling there has to be a full strategy as to just what the final big picture will look like. He noted until theres a much wider strategy for this entire section, he does not feel comfortable voting for this resolution.
Councilman Kaupin stated in looking over the duration of this project, he feels an important action the Council took was one meeting ago when they finally came to a resolution on what the new charge of the Revitalization Strategy Committee would be. He stated he understands peoples concerns about what the entire district is going to look like. He noted this is the dress up of Hazardville, as Thompsonville was dressed up, and as theyre planning to dress up North Thompsonville. He noted this is just the beginning and there will be a lot more behind it. He stated they need to move off of the streetscape piece of revitalization and move forward with revitalization as a strategy.
Councilman Tait stated the money is budgeted for the streetscape and he believes the sidewalks are needed and are something that can be built around.
Councilman Mangini voiced her support of this project and commended the Committee for their hard work.
Mr. Shanley stated this is authorizing all pavers to the limits as shown on the map at the September 13th meeting. He noted the subcommittee would have flexibility in the area of dealing with the amenities outside the core area and issues such as the treatment of how they plant the stanchions and the treatments around those stanchions. He clarified this particular resolution defines the direction to the staff as going forward with that plan subject to some refinement.
Councilman Giddings noted he was out of town for the September 13th meeting, but now better understands this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5471 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: DALEO/PORCELLO SIDEWALK TREATMENT
Mr. Shanley stated his belief this item can be removed from the agenda. He noted the Town Council directed Town staff to take a minimalist approach, and they will try to restore what is there in terms of putting in asphalt where there was asphalt. He noted they also discussed putting in asphalt in one area where the owner prefers asphalt rather than grass. He stated they will move forward with the sidewalk as discussed.
MOTION #5472 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove this item from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5472 adopted 10-0-0.
Item d. remained tabled.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MOTION #5473 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Vayda to suspend the rules to address Items a., b., c., and h. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5473 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: ROAD ACCEPTANCE DEER RUN, MISTY MEADOW, WINTER WAY, SUMMER WIND CIRCLE
Mr. Shanley reported that these are on the agenda because they intend to have these roads completed prior to the winter. He noted there are still some outstanding site plan issues, including some plantings that are in the right-of-way and an issue regarding open space. He stated those items are being actively worked on. He requested this remain on the agenda.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if its true that Deer Run and Summer Wind Circle have already been approved by Planning and Zoning, and Mr. Shanley stated thats his understanding.
Councilman Hall questioned if the Town still holds the bond on some of these. Mr. Shanley stated he suspects so, however, he does not have the information at this time to be able to answer for certain.
Councilman Hall questioned whether they will be sure all items have been addressed before the Town accepts the roads. Mr. Shanley stated the Council could do that.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #5474 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
A motion to amend resolution number 5166 by changing the two references to Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-65c(a) to read Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-65c through f.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5474 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5475 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the Grays Athletic Association, Inc. located at 78 Main Street must repair its fire escape in order to fully utilize its building; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield obtained the property adjacent to Greys Athletic Association, Inc. some years ago and demolished the building; and
WHEREAS, the historic location of the fire escape requires a four-foot easement from the Town of Enfield for its code compliant installation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager to grant an easement for said purpose to the Greys Athletic Association, Inc.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5475 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5476 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the Consulting Engineering firm of CME Associates, Inc. was selected to design the slope failure improvements in the vicinity of 5 Susan Circle; and
WHEREAS, the firm was selected through a process that was in compliance with the procurement requirements of the Town Charter; and
WHEREAS, a need has arisen for the design of immediate improvements in two other locations, the JFK Middle School and the westerly end of Post Office Road; and
WHEREAS, the conditions at the two aforementioned sites as well as the technical expertise required for the design of their corrective measures are virtually identical to those at the Susan Circle site;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the waiver of the consulting engineer selection process for the JFK Middle School and Post Office Road slope failure projects; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, hereby authorizes the Town Manager to enter into contracts with CME Associates, Inc. for the design of the required corrective measures.
Councilman Falk referred to the JFK and Post Office projects and questioned if that work will be done on Town or private property. Mr. Shanley stated JFK is Town property, and the Post Office Road project is town right-of-way.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5476 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5477 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hall.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield has an interest in the purchase of the so-called “Allen” properties abutting property recently purchased by the Town along the Scantic River; and
WHEREAS, the approximate 9.25 acre acquisition is consistent with the advice of the Conservation Commission and the Towns Master Plan for Scantic River Park;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, hereby refers this acquisition action to the Planning and Zoning Commission for advice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should the Planning and Zoning Commission endorse the acquisition, the Town Manager is authorized to execute Purchase and Sale Agreement and other documents necessary for the acquisition of approximately 9.25 acres near the Scantic River known as the “Allen” properties.
Councilman Fiore questioned if with the purchase of this property, will they then be applying to the State for remaining open space monies. Mr. Shanley stated it depends on what other properties they may be looking at.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to know the remaining balance in the open space fund.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5477 adopted 10-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no further communications.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5478 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Falk to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5478 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:07 p.m..
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council |
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