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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 2, 2001
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, April 2, 2001 at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Mangini, and Strom. Councilmen Dodd and McGuire were absent. Councilman Kaupin entered at 6:03 p.m., Councilman Vayda at 6:09 p.m. and Councilman Hall at 6:43 p.m. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
PURPLE HEART MUSEUM WORK SESSION
Present for this discussion were President Stephen Kupecky and Treasurer Frederick Gelsi of the National Purple Heart Museum and Nancy Pohorylo.
Mr. Kupecky expressed his appreciation to the Town Council and especially Mr. Shanley for their support in the past and in the present.
He stated they submitted the business plan to the Attorney Generals office, as well as a copy to the Town Manager. He noted they received a response from the Attorney General, and his biggest concern is the Board. He stated they addressed this in a letter to him stating that they had a problem attracting professionals to be on the Board because of his investigation. He noted even though there were no criminal findings, the Purple Heart Museum never received the publicity or the clearance from the Attorney Generals Office to say they were operating according to the Attorney Generals standards. He stated they will probably meet with him to discuss this.
Mr. Kupecky stated theyre still working on the financial fundraising part of the business plan. He distributed a job description for the founding or developmental director. He noted the pay scale for this job in New England ranges from $37,000 to $90,000.
He stated Roxy Burke has agreed to come onto the Board of Directors. He stated his understanding people want to get away from the Enfield control of this, but they have to start with the professionals and the CEOs in this area to get the project going and regionalized. He noted theyre asking for any help or direction that the Town Council can provide. He invited constructive criticism on the business plan.
Councilman Mangini expressed her appreciation for the work that went into the business plan.
Mr. Kupecky noted Chuck Alfano had a meeting with CEOs in the area, and a few helped, including a lawyer. He noted they did not want any publicity, however, they did assist them with the numbers.
Mr. Kupecky explained the numbers were based on previous numbers from the architect and the fundraisers who were hired by the Committee years ago. He noted those numbers were updated. He pointed out one of the criticisms of the Attorney General was that they didnt say where the numbers came from, however, they were trying to get the report done. He stated they will discuss the details with the Attorney General when they meet.
Chairwoman Strom questioned whether theyd have to get money released through DECD. Mr. Shanley stated the Attorney Generals letter dated March 19th basically says this is now in the hands of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). He stated since the Town is the “grantee”, perhaps the Council should discuss whether they would like him to organize a meeting with DECD to discuss this latest letter from Attorney Blumenthal.
Chairwoman Strom stated her belief this is a very important project to Enfield, and unless things move forward, they wont be able to attract the type of people that Attorney Blumenthal is referring to. She noted because of bad publicity, people are hesitant to come forward with money because they dont know whats happening. She feels the first step is for the Town Council to do whatever it can to help convince DECD that they need to release some money so that they can go forward with fundraising.
Councilman Falk questioned if Attorney Blumenthal is no longer in the picture. Mr. Kupecky stated Attorney Blumenthal is willing to support them in certain areas. He noted this is what he and Mr. Gelsi wanted to discuss with the Attorney General. He added they also received a letter from DECD that says the responsibility is with Attorney Blumenthals office.
Councilman Falk questioned whether Attorney Blumenthal is willing to write a letter that publicly clears the Purple Heart Museum. Mr. Kupecky responded he believes so, i.e., a press release after the Attorney Generals concerns have been addressed.
Councilman Falk stated his belief this is still a very viable project and he encouraged the Mayor and Town staff to provide support in moving forward.
Councilman Egan stated her belief a very good faith effort has been made. She questioned the possibility of a letter from the Council being drafted which supports the Purple Heart Museums efforts and that they would like to see this move forward.
Councilman Egan referred to the salary for a Director and questioned whether that is money to be released, or is that money already available to hire the Director. Mr. Kupecky stated that money should be released. He noted at this time they have nothing left of the grant money. He added they have been raising funds on their own and have received private donations.
Chairwoman Strom stated if the money is released, should it be released prior to Attorney Blumenthals approval, or should they seek the Attorney Generals “blessing” on this. Mr. Gelsi stated his impression the Attorney General has already released a letter saying they have cleared them of everything. He noted the release of money would be through DECD. He stated if DECD is not satisfied with the wording of the Attorney Generals letter, they might have to call Attorney Blumenthal to communicate with DECD.
Mr. Gelsi stated they will inform the Town Manager and Council when they plan to meet with Attorney Blumenthal. He noted the Town Manager is welcome to join them. He stated in the last few weeks approximately $9,000 was donated to pay for all the audits.
Chairwoman Strom stated in an informal discussion with the Attorney General, he indicated its now DECDs call to release the money. She noted he also indicated his willingness to support them.
Councilman Vayda expressed appreciation for the work that has been done. He stated his belief its important to move forward, and he feels a letter to DECD is in order.
Councilman Fiore agreed and voiced his support for this project.
Councilman Giddings stated his belief this is a very good report and he supports this project.
Nancy Pohorylo stated if anyone knows someone in the corporate or non-profit world that would like to work with the Purple Heart Museum, they would very much appreciate any recommendations.
MOTION #5158 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Egan 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 #5158 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 6:20 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 6:21 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini Strom and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
Chairwoman Strom adjourned the Executive Session at 6:41 p.m. She reconvened the Special Meeting at 6:42 p.m. and stated that during Executive Session they discussed Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation and Real Estate Negotiations with no action or votes being taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5159 by Councilman Kaupin seconded by Councilman Egan to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5159 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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Last Updated: Thursday, Jan 24, 2002
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