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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 7, 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 Wednesday, March 7, 2001. Deputy Mayor Peter Falk called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Acting Chairman Falk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, and McGuire. Councilmen Dodd, Strom, and Vayda were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Senior Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5127 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the February 20, 2001 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5127 adopted 6-0-2, with Councilmen Hall and McGuire abstaining.
MOTION #5128 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the February 20, 2001 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5128 adopted 6-0-2, with Councilmen Hall and McGuire abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Nancy Bent, Abbewood
Referred to the $11,000 expense to the Town to pick up condo trash. She pointed out the cost of the truck would be amortized over ten years. She noted there are also operating expenses, and with the elimination of the contract and recycling rebate, theres actually a savings in operating expenses. She stated if the savings is subtracted from the capitalization cost, it amounts to approximately $11,000. She noted its not accurate to say $11,000 is strictly for providing trash pick up for condos since this would assume that the truck was going to be used eight hours per day, five days per week strictly for trash pick up at condos. She stated this is obviously not the case because this truck would be used for municipal buildings, the high schools, and four private schools.
Ms. Bent stated shed like to believe there may be other savings to be realized in operating expenses. She noted at this point, theyre showing the need for an additional employee. She stated it might be worth considering whether or not another employee would be necessary right off the bat. She suggested perhaps the service could be accommodated with a part-time employee, depending on how many hours might be needed. She noted the figures presented showed a salary of $38,800. She stated perhaps thats a mid-range or average salary, rather than beginning or entry level salary.
She referred to the contract of $125,000. She noted they have seen a fuel surcharge added in with private haulers, and shes unsure whether the Town is having this passed on to them as well.
Ms. Bent stated if $11,000 is the accurate figure, and it were divided by 1,488 condo homeowners, it amounts to $7.39 per year per condo household.
Referring to the contract the Town has for hauling, she questioned how long this has been in effect. She stated her belief this contract is expensive, and she feels the Town would have had a savings if they had purchased a truck.
Ms. Bent pointed out condo owners are home owners, and they do share ownership of all the common property, i.e., lawns, driveways, lights, sprinkler systems, recreational areas. She noted they do not generate any income from the ownership of that property, and the value of that common property is apportioned amongst every homeowner and reflected in the assessed value of their homes. She pointed out they all receive their own individual property tax bills, and the association does not receive a tax bill. She noted they do collect fees to share in the maintenance of that property.
Ms. Bent stated shes concerned about the attitude and perception of some people. She noted she wonders if condominium owners will ever be treated as residents, homeowners, taxpayers, or constituents, and whether theyll ever be treated fairly and equally.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated he attended all the Condominium Subcommittee meetings. He noted the bottom line is that the Town Attorney said the Town of Enfield is on firm ground if they deny putting forward this service. He noted of the 30 complexes, 18 require a front loading truck. He noted even though the condo associations will purchase the tipper barrels and dumpsters, the Town has to purchase them up front. He stated its claimed the cost for these items is $80,000, however, he believes that figure will be a lot higher.
He noted the $210,000 cost for the truck, amortized over ten years, is not $11,000. He pointed out this truck has to be operating five days per week, and theres no back-up if this vehicle breaks down. He questioned whether the present staff will be able to handle
maintenance on this truck. He stated his belief they will have to hire another operator for this truck, and theres special training involved. He noted many of the roads in condo complexes are in bad condition. He questioned if the condo roads need repair, who will repair them. He stated Planning & Zoning requires that commercial haulers pick up the trash in many of these complexes. He questioned if theyre going to have to go back to Planning & Zoning to make changes.
He stated his belief there are many unanswered questions, and further study is needed.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Giddings stated he attended the Veterans Council meeting on February 21st. He noted at that meeting he advised the Veterans Council that the Enfield Beautification Committee had a “Sponsor a Flag Program”, and that was very well received. He noted the Veterans Council is looking for speakers for the ceremonies after the various parades. He stated he also mentioned the effort to reestablish the World War II Honor Roll in Thompsonville, and that brought about a lot of excitement. He noted they were ecstatic that someone was actually looking into this. He stated some veterans recall the Town Council had adopted a resolution relating to this and after some research town staff found the resolution, which was dated April 4, 1988. He noted this is a resolution to establish a committee to review, reestablish, and provide direction for the construction of a suitable memorial for the veterans of Enfield and the proper maintenance of the history therein. He noted the resolution also mentioned the people that would be on that committee. He stated he contacted a few of those that are still around, and they said the committee met a couple times, but never really got off the ground. He noted those people stated they would be very interested in getting the committee going again and to reestablish this Honor Roll. He proposed the Council re-enact this resolution and reestablish the committee and begin working towards a new Honor Roll.
Councilman Giddings stated the Save Our Strand is having a Spring Gala on April 29th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Radisson. He noted there will be food, music, and a live and silent auction. Tickets are $20.00 each.
Councilman Kaupin spoke about the deterioration in the area around the Powder Hollow Bridge. He requested this area be looked at to determine if the bridge is still structurally sound.
Councilman Kaupin commended staff for getting the blight ordinance on the web site so promptly. He noted there will be a public hearing on this ordinance at the next meeting.
He stated he received an e-mail from a resident concerning this. (Copy appended)
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether the grand list includes the rebates or the deductions relating to the firefighter resolution.
Councilman Kaupin questioned what the proposed use is of the Mokrycki Farm.
Councilman Kaupin requested clarification regarding Cox Communications wanting to put in NRUs.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the letter from the Board of Education regarding giving Enfield Ramblers Football and the Town use of the field at JFK. He requested they get that process going so that these people will have a practice field and a game field in time for their season, which starts at the end of summer.
Councilman Mangini thanked the Public Works Department for their fine work during the winter storms.
Councilman Mangini stated the fire chiefs would like to reactivate their Council liaison meeting status. She noted she was contacted by Chief Richards regarding this.
Councilman Mangini reminded the Council about the invitation from Jack Reardon regarding the St. Patricks Day Parade. She noted if anyone is interested in participating, they should respond.
Councilman Mangini stated the After School Program is having a function on March 26th, and the Council and public are invited to attend. She explained this is a Martial Arts Advancement at 6:15 p.m. at Alcorn gym.
Councilman Fiore referred to a recent work session about recreation fees and how to handle non-residents who wish to sign up for recreational programs. He stated his impression this would remain an agenda item so that this issue is not forgotten. He requested this be placed on the upcoming agendas so that they dont lose sight of it with the upcoming budget season.
Councilman Egan commended the Public Works Department for their hard work during the recent snowstorms. She noted the only complaint she received had to do with Misty Meadow Road, which is being plowed by a private contractor. She questioned whether they can get some information because the homeowners are concerned about where the bond is and when its going to be released so that this will become a Town road and theyll get the service that everyone in Town is getting.
Councilman Egan noted she informed Jack Reardon she would find out who is attending the St. Patricks Day Parade.
Referring to the Powder Hollow Bridge, Councilman Hall pointed out that even beyond the bridge, a huge dip has developed. She noted it appears the road is sinking under the bridge. She noted that dip is a new development this year, and it looks dangerous.
Councilman Hall stated April 3rd is the next informal night with the Board of Education at the Radisson.
Councilman Hall stated she also received calls inquiring about Misty Meadow Road and where they stand in the bond issue.
Councilman Hall commended Public Works for their hard work during the storm.
Acting Chairman Falk commended Public Works for a great job during the recent snow storm.
Acting Chairman Falk stated the Fermi Lamp Lighters are having a performance this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Fermi High School at 7:30 p.m.
Acting Chairman Falk stated Voices, Inc. has two performances on March 22nd and March 23rd at 6:00 and 8:30 p.m.
Councilman Giddings stated the Network Against Domestic Abuse had their annual Irish Night at the Elks Lodge last Saturday, and it was very well done with good participation.He commended all those who worked to make this a successful evening. He noted the proceeds went toward the Network Against Domestic Abuse.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated there should be a report forthcoming on the JFK field.
As concerns the Mokrycki Farm, Mr. Shanley noted an application has not yet been submitted. He stated his understanding theres a proposed use of some type of mulching operation.
Mr. Shanley questioned whether the grand list includes the rebates or the deductions relating to the firefighter resolution. Mr. Simmons responded no, that is not included.
Mr. Shanley requested Mr. Kazmarski explain NRUs. Mr. Kazmarski explained an NRU is a small signal regenerator. He noted in the event of a power failure, it will kick in and carry out the signal for Cox Cable to be transmitted to homes. He stated Cox claims they need an NRU for every 600 to 800 units. He noted these NRUs are powered by propane and are housed in boxes along the roadway. He stated the biggest problem has to do with the source of power, which is propane. He noted fire chiefs and the police department have expressed some concern as to what might happen if a vehicle strikes this 20-pound container. He stated theres also the possibility of vandalism. He stated Cox Cable stated they could eliminate the propane tanks and hook up directly to the natural gas lines wherever theyre available. He noted again this poses the question of who will maintain these. He pointed out DPUC recently heard a case where there was a gas leak in a community, and there was no identification on the box, nor any warnings. He noted they plan to install these boxes, and at this time, their only requirement is that they notify a community with 30 days advance notice of their proposed installation. He stated Planning & Zoning and no one else has any jurisdiction over them. He noted theyre strictly controlled by the DPUC. He added there are warnings in some of their internal documents concerning these boxes being hooked up to a natural gas source, i.e., they are not to be hit by any object, or stepped on since it could cause a problem. He stated his belief this is a hazardous situation to be introducing into residential neighborhoods if one is struck, it leaks, or is vandalized. He noted DPUC looked at the people who are servicing the 174 boxes that exist in the State of Connecticut thus far, and they found the training records for these people are quite marginal. He added the people that are supposed to be servicing these boxes did not know how to work with gas lines, and what to do in the event of a problem.
Councilman Fiore stated hes more concerned about these units in areas that have underground wiring, thus they would not be able to put these NRUs on any poles. Mr. Kazmarski stated he does not know what they do with underground utility locations.
Councilman Hall stated her understanding Coach Zimmerman had met with Mayor Strom regarding the Mt. Carmel field for the Enfield Ramblers. She questioned whether theyve made a decision between Mt. Carmel and JFK. Mr. Shanley responded he does not know. Councilman Kaupin noted he can contact Mr. Zimmerman and check into this.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Giddings stated the Enfield High Library Building Committee met for the first time on February 22nd. He noted Mr. Sinsigalli had a list of people who might be interested in being members of that committee. He stated it was the feeling amongst the liaisons that there should be some public solicitation for that committee.
Councilman Mangini noted she does have the name of an individual who is interested in serving on the Enfield High Library Building Committee. She requested the Town Manager send an application to this person.
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee has been meeting, and theyre well on the way toward putting on a wonderful celebration again this year.
Councilman Mangini stated the Loan Review Committee did meet, and they approved one emergency loan for a resident in need of some repairs.
Councilman Mangini stated the Indoor Recreation Committee has met and theyre well on their way toward looking at different options for indoor recreation. She noted theyre looking at speaking before and listening to PTO members from local schools. She commended Mary Keller for doing a super job in representing the Recreation Department.
Councilman Fiore stated they did receive an application from a person who may be interested in serving on the Enfield High Library Building Committee.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained on the table.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #5129 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Managers recommendation to remove Items 11 & 12 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5129 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5130 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to reappoint Robert A. Egan and Robert Grunert to the Conservation Commission.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5130 adopted 8-0-0.
All other Town Manager appointments remained tabled.
MOTION #5131 by Councilman Fiore, seconded Councilman Kaupin to remove Item c. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5131 adopted 8-0-0.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE & DISCUSSION RE: RESOLUTION TAX ABATEMENT
Mr. Shanley stated the solid waste ordinance was rewritten to accommodate the changes that have been previously discussed. He noted when the Council is ready, this item can go to a Public Hearing.
As concerns the tax abatement resolution, Mr. Shanley noted theyve been discussing ways to include specifically Route 5 from North Main Street up to the Longmeadow line. He noted one way to accomplish that is to include business local districts.
Councilman Fiore agreed with this idea. He noted this would coincide with the potential for Northgate. He pointed out there are some homes on Route 5 and he questioned if they would be disqualified. Mr. Shanley noted his proposal would be just for commercial, however, that is up to the Town Council. Councilman Fiore questioned whether they can find some verbiage to include those homes within that business local zone. Mr. Shanley indicated he would look into that.
Councilman Fiore questioned the difference between doing an abatement over five, seven or ten years. He noted he likes the five-year plan vs the seven-year plan.
Councilman Fiore referred to the solid waste ordinance changes, and noted he supports those changes. He questioned how necessary is a Solid Waste Appeals Board. Mr. Shanley indicated hed check into this.
Councilman Mangini questioned who will supply tipper barrels landlords or tenants. Mr. Shanley noted that would be the call of the Council. Councilman Mangini referred to Section 8b-7 “Penalties” and questioned who would be the violator in the lack of usage of tipper barrels, and Mr. Shanley responded the owner.
Councilman Kaupin stated in the business district, theyre giving the possibility of an abatement to residential and commercial structures. He questioned why they wouldnt want to do the same in a business local. He noted he is under the impression that business local means something that encourages mixed use of residential and small business together. He questioned what the next step is before going to public hearing. Mr. Shanley stated they wouldnt have to have formal legal public hearing because its not an ordinance, but rather a resolution, therefore, this can be scheduled whenever the Council wishes.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether these have been posted on the web site, and Mr. Shanley responded not yet, but it can be done so once theyre beyond the draft stage.
Councilman Kaupin addressed himself to Councilman Fiore and questioned if a five-year abatement is proposed, is he looking to also narrow down the percentages so that in Year 5 theyre at 7%. He questioned if Councilman Fiore intends to collapse down or just cut off the last two years. Councilman Fiore stated he prefers to cut off the last two years, or whatever the Finance Director recommends so that the Towns payback would be sooner.
RESOLUTION #5131 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, March 19, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the proposed Blight Ordinance (Abandoned, Unregistered and Inoperable Motor Vehicles and Unsightly Materials).
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5131 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5132 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5132 adopted 8-0-0.
Items d. and e. remained tabled.
MOTION #5133 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5133 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION RE: DAY CARE FACILITY LEASE APPROVAL
RESOLUTION #5132 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield will be looking for an alternative location for the Child Day Care Operation currently at the Felician Sisters Campus; and
WHEREAS, the Felician Sisters have agreed to a month-to-month lease arrangement without an end date; and
WHEREAS, the Council and the Felician Sisters seek a smooth transition over time;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager to enter into a month-to-month lease agreement with the Felician Sisters for space for the Enfield Day Care Facility.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5132 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5133 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5133 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Councilman Fiore referred to the draft within the Councils packet. He made the following recommendations:
Section 2.49 Composition of Inland/Wetlands Watercourses Agency there is no mention about the political breakdown of the new commission. He recommends this be set up similar to the Planning & Zoning Commission. He recommends the Inland/Wetlands Agency remain Town Manager appointed. Mr. Shanley pointed out this is governed by State Statute and there must be minority representation. Attorney Stavropoulos pointed out there is a legal opinion on this, and she can supply that at the next meeting.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to include the verbiage from the State Statute in the new draft.
Referring to the Conservation Commission, Councilman Fiore stated he prefers this as a semi-policy board. He stated his belief seven members and four alternates is a large commission, and they may not be able to fill those slots. He stated his recollection from previous discussions that there was a general consensus to lower those numbers, i.e., five members and three alternates.
Councilman Giddings referred to terms for the Conservation Commission and read the following: “initial appointments shall be two members for a term of one year; two members for a term of two years; three members for a term of two years; and one member for a term of three years. Mr. Shanley stated they will take another look at this.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the revised draft for Inland/Wetlands Section 2-50 Reserved and noted there is nothing underneath it. He questioned if that is a section that they had previously. He questioned if this means this section is reserved should someone wish to include something. Attorney Stavropoulos indicated thats correct.
Councilman Kaupin stated in previous discussions with the current members, they were looking for four-year terms to match those of Planning & Zoning and ZBA, but the draft has two. He noted this is something for the Council to think about in terms of whether they want to extend it to four. Referring to the draft, Mr. Shanley pointed out this is just the way it currently is. He indicated the Council can change this.
Acting Chairman Falk questioned whether theres anything in the Charter that controls the length of terms of this commission, and Mr. Shanley responded he did not believe so.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief the staggering can still work if they change the term to four years.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if Councilman Fiore would want both bodies appointed by the Town Manager, and Councilman Fiore responded yes.
Councilman Fiore stated his opinion the Inland/Wetlands is Town Manager appointed for a reason its a check and balance. He noted all the other land use boards in Town, i.e., Planning & Zoning, ZBA, and the Historic Commission are Council appointed, thus theyre part of the political process. He noted the Inland/Wetlands is not and is solely in the domain of the Town Manager, and he feels that provides a check and balance to the process in Town. He noted this has worked fairly well for the past 20 years, and he feels it will work fairly well for the future. He stated his belief the Town Council does not need another land use board under its direct domain. He concluded hes much more comfortable having the Inlands/Wetlands remain Town Manager appointed.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to see the new draft actually include the State Statute for the political balance of the Inland/Wetlands.
Councilman Egan stated up until about 15 years ago, the Inland/Wetlands was an arm of the Planning & Zoning Commission and at that point it was Council appointed. Councilman Fiore stated about 15 years ago, there were very good reasons why that was rolled over to a new commission with Conservation so that it was not part of the political process any longer. Acting Chairman Falk stated he was on the Planning & Zoning Commission at that time and that wasnt the reason, but rather they were over-burdened with work.
There was a consensus to quote the state statute in the new draft; include four-year terms, as well as this being Town Manager appointed.
MOTION #5134 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5134 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #5134A by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item. h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5134A adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FAIR RENT COMMISSION
Councilman Fiore questioned the status on this. Mr. Shanley stated there was a meeting regarding this and he has written to the Housing Authority members explaining to them the concept of utilizing the Housing Authority as a portion of the Fair Rent Commission and then appointing two more members (a landlord and a tenant). He noted he is waiting for a response from them.
MOTION #5135 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5135 adopted 8-0-0.
Items i. j., and k. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
The appointment to the Enfield Revitalization Committee remained on the agenda.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION RE: TOWN CREDIT CARD RESOLUTION
Mr. Shanley explained this resolution allows them to have a credit card in the Towns name. He explained this has tight restrictions.
Acting Chairman Falk questioned who uses this credit card, and Mr. Shanley responded the Director of Finance and himself.
MOTION #5136 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hall to suspend the rules to address Items a., b., and e. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5136 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: HAZARDVILLE STREETSCAPE COST ESTIMATE
Mr. Shanley explained he provided a written update where this stands, and theyve also provided general information on approximate costs. He noted when the final design is at 30%, it will come back to the Council for any further input or discussion.
Councilman Hall questioned the square footage and linear feet on the sidewalk, as well as locations. Mr. Shanley stated he will bring in the approved concept for the next meeting.
Councilman Hall stated the street signage is missing from the design and she would like to see that added.
Councilman Hall requested clarification on an “ash urn”, and Mr. Shanley stated his belief this is for cigarette disposal.
Councilman Hall questioned what 30% of the design means, and Mr. Kazmarski stated this refers to a plan that shows enough detail of what is desired and that plan could be submitted to the Connecticut DOT for review for the initiation of the permitting process.
Councilman Hall referred to the State project coming through Elm Street and Route 190 and questioned if they have any idea of what the Town is looking to do on the south side of that project so that it goes along with the brick work. Mr. Kazmarski stated they had a meeting with the project engineer a couple weeks ago, and they reviewed all of this. He noted they expect to have a contractor on board by the latter part of May. He stated about a year and a half ago, they saved a spot in the project plans for sidewalk work.
Councilman Kaupin questioned what the Revitalization Committee recommended for sidewalk width, and Councilman Hall responded five feet.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the numbers for square footage take into account the wrap around in the center of Hazardville at the intersection of Route 190 and North Maple Street. Mr. Kazmarski responded no, these are preliminary estimates and have to do with straight linear footage from whatever demarcation points were given to them for brick and alternate walks.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the center of Hazardville and noted its not just a simple four or five foot wide sidewalk. He noted there is a lot of sidewalk that leads right up to the building. He stated its his opinion that if they pull out all the sidewalk in this center section, they should either replace it all with pavers, or do natural plantings or grass, but not leave in old sidewalk on the edge.
Councilman Kaupin stated in crunching the numbers between renting and purchasing lighting, it appears renting is the best deal for the Town.
Councilman Kaupin stated he always saw Northgate and Bright Meadow as one project. He questioned why its broken out as two. Mr. Shanley stated Bright Meadow is identified as a Road 2000 Project.
Councilman Fiore stated his impression the purpose of the Bright Meadow project was to fix the road and sidewalks as well as work around the little bridge. He agreed this should be considered a separate project. He questioned whether the Bright Meadow Boulevard project will be done in the 2001-2002 budget. Mr. Shanley stated it will not be a 2001 Road 2000 project. He noted it could potentially be a 2002 project.
Referring to Hazardville, Councilman Kaupin questioned how the pavers in front of the Institute held up this winter. Mr. Kazmarski stated they havent really looked at them closely.
Councilman Hall referred to the proposal on Plan B, #1 and agreed with the idea that brick walkways should pass through driveways, with the exception of long spans, i.e., in front of the firehouse.
Acting Chairman Falk questioned if CL&P is paying for the trees, and Mr. Kazmarski pointed out it refers to planting costs only.
Bill Lee, the Chairman of the Revitalization Committee, was invited to participate in this discussion.
Acting Chairman Falk questioned if theres any plan to go to the business people in the area to see how they feel about the brick walkway. Mr. Lee stated they could possibly have a public information session once the design plans are complete.
Mr. Lee stated a list of recommendations from the Hazardville Subcommittee should be available to the Town Council late this month or early next month.
DISCUSSION RE: VETERANS MONUMENT ISSUES
Councilman Fiore stated a question was raised as to whether Town staff will begin to help maintain or maintain the monument that the Maynards are currently maintaining in Scitico. Mr. Shanley responded yes, if the Council provides policy direction to do so. He noted the question would be whether the Council wants this to be the responsibility of local government and who would do this work. He stated the 1988 resolution gives the Town responsibility for this. He noted if the Town takes this on, they need to integrate this into their budget.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief they need to be sensitive about this and learn how the Maynard family feels about this idea.
Councilman Fiore stated the question is whether the Town would be willing to help maintain this monument if the Maynards decided not to, or could not maintain this monument any longer.
Councilman Mangini stated she did have extensive conversations with Mr. Maynard, and the feeling is if the Town could and would step in to do the maintenance, he would not have a problem with that. She noted the problem has been that the Town had not maintained this monument, therefore, the Maynard family assumed that responsibility. She stated she and Mayor Strom discussed preparing a plaque or a proclamation for Mr. Maynard. She stated her hope the Council will do that and invite Mr. Maynard to come in.
Councilman Fiore stated the monument that is in the way of the Hazard Avenue/South Road construction will be temporarily moved to the Jablonski building. He noted after the construction, the veterans will work with the Revitalization Committee to have it re-installed into a proposed park area that they were told might be developed in that area. He noted the question was would Town staff be responsible for this work, and will the Town also end up maintaining this area. Mr. Shanley stated his belief the Hazardville Village Subcommittee wrote to the Veterans Council with this concept. He noted the Town has had no direction from the Council to develop a park or place the monument there. He stated the Town will store the monument and install it wherever the Council directs.
Councilman Kaupin recalled the Council wrote a letter to the Veterans Council suggesting they find a location for the memorial and the Town will install it in that location.
Councilman Fiore stated there is a little monument in the Hazardville Park on the corner of School Street and Hazard Avenue, and the Veterans Council would like to see this monument moved to the same area as that monument which had to be moved for road construction. He noted the question is whether the Town would move this memorial.
Mr. Shanley stated his office is putting together a complete inventory of all commemorative monuments in Enfield. He noted, historically, different monuments have been maintained by different people.
Councilman Fiore questioned who at Town Hall can the Veterans Council contact regarding this matter. Mr. Shanley responded Mary Ann Tucker in the Town Managers Office.
Councilman Giddings stated the original Honor Roll was placed outside, behind the Prospect Street garage, and it became greatly deteriorated. He noted a lot of research will have to be done to learn the names of all those people listed on that Honor Roll. Mr. Shanley stated if the Council wishes Town staff to undertake such a task, they need to be sure they well integrate into the budget and policies those responsibilities so that it actually gets done. Councilman Giddings pointed out there are members of the Veterans Council willing to help with this task.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the little monument in Hazardville Park and stated his recollection there was a family that was very involved in the placement of that monument. He stated his belief that monument was placed in that location for a reason. He noted he would not want this monument moved without the blessing of that family.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief theres also a memorial inside the Hazardville Institute.
Councilman Fiore stated he will pass on the Councils comments to the Veterans Council.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #5137 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield wishes to provide the Finance Department with a credit card to be used in those instances where purchases for goods or services cannot be accommodated through the traditional purchasing method, and
WHEREAS, in order to satisfy the requirements of a credit arrangement, authorization needs to be provided by the Town Council;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Finance Director is authorized to apply for and accept a credit card for the Town of Enfield to be used in those instances where the traditional purchasing procedures cannot be followed with the following conditions:
1. The maximum amount of credit available on the card cannot exceed .00001 of the grand list.
2. All other standard purchasing procedures must be followed including the
issuance of a purchase order signed by the department authorizing the purchase.
3. All payments for purchases made on the account must be paid in full to insure that the Town does not incur interest charges.
4. The Finance Director, or his/her designee, will be responsible for the safekeeping and use of the credit card.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5137 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5138 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hall.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby amend the attached Council Resolution No. 4471, adopted on February 22, 2000, by adding an additional alternate position to the Senior Center Building Committee.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5138 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5139 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hall.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Public Works-Highway Maintenance $80,000.00
Acct. #3700-140 Overtime
FROM: Public Works
Acct. #3700-110 Salaries, Full Time $30,000.00
Acct. #8030-840 Contingency $50,000.00
$80,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $80,000.00 is available from Account #3700-110 & #8030-840 as of March 1, 2001.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Mr. Shanley requested the Council amend this figure due to the last snowstorm and the anticipation of snow on Friday and programming one additional snow event. He suggested rather than $50,000 from Contingency, the figure be changed to $90,000.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini that $50,000 be changed to $90,000 for a total of $120,000.
Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons, agreed to certify the $120,000 figure.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 8-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5139 adopted as amended by an 8-0-0 vote.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5140 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hall to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5140 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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