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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 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 Wednesday, February 7, 2001 at 6:05 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Mangini, and Strom. Councilman Kaupin entered at 6:12 p.m., Councilman Vayda entered at 6:15 p.m. Councilman McGuire was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
WORK SESSION CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Present from the Conservation Commission were Mary Bergamini, Robert Grunert, Joanne Kneiss, Roger Olsen, Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall and Richard Szewczak.
Mr. Shanley stated the purpose of this work session with the Conservation Commission is to discuss the concerns that were discussed in the past with respect to having two separate bodies.
Chairwoman Strom read into the record an e-mail from Conservation Commission member, Robert Egan, to Scott Shanley dated February 4, 2001. (Copy appended to these minutes)
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall questioned if there was a split, would this mean two new commissions would be created. Chairwoman Strom stated she did not believe so. She stated her impression the Inland/Wetlands Commission would split off from the Conservation Commission. She noted the terms would still be in place. She recommended keeping Inland/Wetlands in tact as is and whoever is serving on that body keep those terms the same.
Mr. Olson stated his belief a two-year term for Inland/Wetlands wouldnt be sufficient since theres a two-year learning curve. He recommended a five-year term for Inland/Wetlands members.
Mr. Szewczak pointed out Inland/Wetlands has certain rules and regulations that must be followed, however, the Conservation Commission does not have any real rules and regulations. He noted for this reason Conservation Commission members should have a very good background of Enfield. He went on to state his belief they need committed people who will be there for a specific period of time. He added they also need long-term planning.
Mr. Olson stated his original thought was not to split, but now he has come around to wanting to split due to the workload issue. He noted with two bodies, they can accomplish the Towns goals and their own goals as well. He added his belief the split should not be done in a hurry and that there should be some plan of action put in place so that this can be a gradual occurrence with staff and money in place beforehand. He stated any new board thats created will require dedicated people. He noted he would also like to see volunteers in place.
Chairwoman Strom requested clarification about Mr. Olsons comment regarding having a budget in place. Mr. Olson stated his belief they will need a full-time staff person to support the Commission, and he feels this will benefit the Town.
Councilman Kaupin raised the question of what the target date might be if they were to create two bodies. He added current Commission members would need time to think about whether or not they wish to "wear two hats" and serve on both commissions. He suggested an effective date of July 1st. Mr. Olson agreed he was also thinking of a time frame of July 1st.
Mr. Szewczak stated he would not want to deplete one commission for another. He noted he would probably be in favor of having a larger Conservation Commission and maintaining the status quo for Inland/Wetlands.
Mr. Grunert stated he also was of the opinion that they should not split up, but he has changed his mind. He added he would like to remain on the Inland/Wetlands because he has knowledge in that area. He stated its important that the Conservation Commission get its fair share of the monies that are available.
Ms. Kneiss stated her main concern in splitting up was that members would not have the ability to be on both commissions. She agreed with Mr. Olson that this should definitely be a larger commission and should draw on other commissions that already exist and get input from all the various groups. She added her belief that by separating the meetings and charges, people can concentrate on those special charges. She stated she likes the idea of beginning this process in July. She stated her hope they will see a lot more volunteers. Referring to the idea of a large Conservation Commission, Ms. Kneiss voiced concern about the ability of having a quorum.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated her belief the need for splitting depends on the Council and how much support they are actually going to give to the Conservation Commission. She noted they already started the Open Space and Farmland Preservation, and she questioned whether the Council will truly support that. She pointed out part of the duties of the current Conservation Commission is to look at open space. She noted the Town has been purchasing pieces of property, and theyve never consulted with the Conservation Commission. She stated her hope if the Town does decide to create a Conservation Commission, that they really do have the powers that theyre supposed to have. She went on to note shes unsure whether shed be able to remain on both bodies since there would be four meetings per month. She added she would probably prefer to stay just on the Inland/Wetlands Commission at this point in time.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall questioned if the whole Council supports the acquisition of open space and is that the main charge that is sought for the Conservation Commission. She clarified this would be open space for passive recreation. The consensus of the Council was affirmative.
Councilman Vayda questioned how people feel about having a specific budget set which would allow the Conservation Commission to acquire property. Ms. Kneiss stated her impression the Conservation Commission would give input to the purchase of open space.
Ms. Bergamini stated she supports a split. She feels its appropriate and necessary at this time. She agreed with a target date for July to accomplish this.
Mr. Olson stated they will be looking to set up a task force for the open space program, and a good mix is something that is really desirable. He noted this organization is already in place doing great things for the Town. He stated his thought that perhaps there could be some connection when the task force is set up.
Councilman Fiore stated last year, this Council appropriated $100,000 into the Open Space Fund. He stated his belief this Town Council takes open space acquisition very seriously.
Councilman Giddings referred to his earlier perception that there might be a conflict of interest with members serving on both commissions. He noted he has learned that has never been a problem in the past, and theres no reason to believe that would be a problem in the future. He voiced his support for open space and noted open space increases everyones property value.
Councilman Falk spoke about the necessity of current members making a decision at some point in time as to whether they wished to serve on one or both bodies so that the Council can prepare to fill any vacancies. Ms. Bergamini stated her belief current members should be ready to make a decision in about a month.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether current members would want the benefit of knowing exactly what the structure of both bodies would be, as well as the meeting schedule and number of members before making a decision as to whether they wish to serve on one or both bodies.
Mr. Olson suggested May 1st as a date when current members need to determine what they want to do. He also recommended there be five-year terms for both bodies due to the learning curve required.
Mr. Grunert stated he would like to see in writing the length of terms for individuals serving on each commission. Chairwoman Strom stated that information can be provided.
MOTION #5068 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Falk 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 #5068 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 6:55 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairwoman Strom at 6:57 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato; 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 7:08 p.m. She reconvened the Special Meeting at 7:09 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.
Mr. Shanley shared an e-mail dated January 24, 2001 from Dr. Gallacher, Superintendent of Schools. He noted this was to notify the Council who the Enfield High School Library/Expansion Building Committee liaisons would be (Nicholas Sinsigalli and Joyce Hall), with an alternate member being Thomas Osborn.
Chairwoman Strom stated when the resolution was passed, it was to be two liaisons from the Board and two liaisons from the Town Council. She pointed out the School Board also appointed an alternate. She noted the resolution did not have any provision for an alternate. It was agreed that a letter will be sent to Dr. Gallacher and the School Board saying there was no provision for an alternate within the resolution.
MOTION #5069 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5069 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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