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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
REFERENDUM PUBLIC
INFORMATION SESSION
OCTOBER 16, 2002
A Public Information Session was held in the All Purpose Room of Prudence Crandall Elementary School, Brainard Road, Enfield, Connecticut on Wednesday, October 16, 2002. Chairman Vayda called the Session to order at 7:40 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Hall, Jones, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, Tait, and Vayda. Councilmen Edgar, Egan, Fiore and Tallarita were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Recreation Supervisor, Mary Keller.
Present from the Enfield Board of Education were Board members Kenneth Hilinski, Joyce Hall, Roger Jones, Thomas Osborn, Sharon Racine, Lynn Scull, Nicholas Sinsigalli, and William Thomson.
Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni, provided an overview of the upcoming referendum. He noted six items are included in the referendum as follows:
Enfield High School Athletic Fields
Enrico Fermi High School Athletic Fields
Brainerd Park
Green Manor Park Pool
Shaker Soccer Complex
Little League Ball Field Lights
Mr. Vindigni provided illustrations and highlighted each project as follows:
Enfield High School Athletic Field Project
- A lot of drainage work and soil replacement
- Improvements would result in four ball fields (two baseball and two softball); fields for field hockey and soccer; a synthetic track surrounding a multi-purpose field with lighting which would accommodate football and regulation soccer; bleachers, a football practice field; basketball; expanded parking
Enrico Fermi High School Athletic Field Project
- Additional parking
- Elimination of one small ball field and re-doing of two fields
- A synthetic track surrounding a multi-purpose field with lighting
- Bleachers
- Irrigation
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Brainerd Park
- Expand existing field to 300' and add another 300' field
- Eliminate one of the entrances and have only one entrance
- Parking improvements
- Basketball
- Play area for handicapped individuals
- Tot lot
- Bank Ball
- Spray pool
- Pavilion (accommodates office and restrooms)
Green Manor Pool & Bathhouse
- New pool (from zero depth to 8.5 feet)
- Bath house facility (contains changing rooms and showers)
- A concession stand
- New playground equipment
- Parking improvements
Shaker Soccer Complex
- Some reconfiguration of existing fields so that two fields can fit and the creation of a new soccer field, which will result in a net gain of two soccer fields at this facility.
- Gravel parking added and expansion of current parking spaces
- A walking trail around the perimeter
Little League Ball Field Lighting
- The lighting of two fields - Powder Hollow and Asnuntuck Community College
He displayed a cost summary as follows:
- Enfield High School - $3,134,000
- Fermi High School - $1,745,000
- Brainerd Park - $2,710,000
- Green Manor Park - $1,675,000
- Shaker Complex - $ 550,000
- Little League Lights - $ 136,000
- Total - $9,950,000
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Mr. Vindigni stated the impact would be approximately one half mil per year for 15 years. Referring to maintenance, Mr. Vindigni estimated $150,000 per year.
Chairman Vayda stated an often asked question is why a referendum at this time when the economy is so bad. He explained this whole process began five years ago. He noted they did studies and surveys and they believe it's still important to make this available to the taxpayers. He pointed out there were many more items than those being included on this referendum. He noted it's not beneficial if the Town doesn't follow a capital improvement schedule because they would then be pushing things off into the future and other projects and priorities come up and things get further and further behind. He stated his belief it's important to stay on track.
Chairman Vayda stated the question was raised as to why the Council is trying to raise more funds when they just cut back on the budget. He emphasized the importance of taking care of the Town's assets so that value is maintained going forward. He pointed out the Town's assets do effect property values.
As concerns previous comments about Enfield having higher taxes than other towns, Chairman Vayda pointed out Enfield provides a lot of services that would be expected in any large city.
Chairman Vayda stated Enfield's per capita tax is 11.52% compared to the Hartford region average of 14.96%.
He noted the percentage change from 1994 through 1999 was a hike of 11.1% for the region, and Enfield stood at 16%. He pointed out all the major projects Enfield underwent during that period. He shared the percentages for the following towns: East Windsor at 17.2%; Manchester at 10.2% and South Windsor at 24.2%.
Chairman Vayda stated his belief Enfield has a relatively stable and lean tax rate.
He then shared the debt ratio - how much Enfield pays compared to other communities:
$1,068 - Region
$155 - Enfield
$2,000 - Windsor
$1,800 - East Windsor
$500- Manchester
Chairman Vayda stated a low debt ratio indicates there's not a lot of spending on capital improvement, but rather a community is "paying as you go". He added this also indicates delaying things that should have been done sooner.
Councilman Mangini encouraged taxpayers to support the referendum, which is an investment in Enfield. She spoke about the importance of recreation for health, mind and body. She stated the Enfield and Fermi High athletic fields are in very poor condition. She noted the Brainerd Park project would result in providing recreational opportunities for handicapped individuals.
Councilman Strom voiced her support of the referendum and stated these projects have been put off for too long. She stated her belief liability would increase the longer these projects are delayed. She urged voters to get all of the facts before voting.
Councilman Kaupin stated this is a very well thought out program that really just addresses the most critical issues that were identified through countless discussions and two studies. He noted this referendum only goes to the point of addressing existing facilities and bringing them up to standards. He encouraged people to get all the information they need and to feel free to contact Council members should they need further clarification.
Chairman Vayda explained the borrowing of $9,950,000 is a three-year process.
Chairman Vayda then invited speakers to come forward.
T.J. O'Neil, 7 Betty Road
Stated his biggest concerns relate to not getting full disclosure and future costs to maintain these facilities. He stated his belief this referendum is due to a lack of maintenance in the past. He stated his belief these facilities should serve the children of the community and not special interest groups. He pointed out children are not allowed to use the Brainerd Park fields. Mr. Shanley stated that should not be happening. Chairman Vayda stated he would like the Town to be informed if that ever happens.
Mr. O'Neil questioned the total maintenance cost. Chairman Vayda stated this Council is committed to maintaining these facilities.
Mr. O'Neil questioned when a revised package would come forward if this referendum fails. Chairman Vayda responded it depends on who is serving on the Town Council at that time.
Mr. O'Neil questioned why the Little League lights were added on later. Councilman Kaupin stated there was a question about funding the Little League lights out of existing dollars in the capital budget, but the Council felt it was appropriate to have this type of funding come out of the referendum.
As concerns Mr. O'Neil's comment regarding disclosure, Councilman Kaupin stated it's the bonded dollar amount that they are going to bond and that is what the voters are approving, and that should be the money spent on that project. He noted operational expenses couldn't be part of the bonding question. As concerns the $150,000 figure for maintenance, he pointed out that would be over and above what is budgeted today for maintenance.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief there's a new philosophy of staying on top of the Town's assets so that later on the costs are minimal.
Councilman Tait stated his belief perhaps the Council needs to do a better job getting information out regarding maintenance costs.
Patrick Droney, 11 Cozy Street
Stated his opposition to the referendum. He stated his belief some of the projects are very worthwhile. He stated his belief the figure for the Green Manor Pool appears very high. He stated he doesn't understand why it's the obligation of the Town to provide a pool for a small number of people. He pointed out spray pools which are less costly are becoming very popular. He questioned the need for a snack bar and community policing office at the pool site and noted these facilities would have to be staffed. He went on to state he did not believe Brainerd Park needs another softball field. He questioned why taxpayers have to subsidize the Little League lights. He suggested a centralized athletic facility.
Mr. Droney voiced concern about maintenance of these new facilities. He pointed out the Police Department is fairly new, but there are numerous maintenance problems in that facility, i.e., poor air handling, torn carpeting, etc.
He stated his belief this referendum should have multiple questions rather than one question. Chairman Vayda stated his opinion that as a community, they need to come together on this whole issue rather than dividing the community.
Chairman Vayda stated the previous Green Manor pool was closed due to poor conditions and liability concerns. He noted the Risk Manager stated there would be no additional liability costs for a new pool.
Councilman Kaupin stated many people use the Green Manor pool and many children throughout town take swimming lessons at this site. He stated his belief this pool is a vital asset and is fully utilized throughout the summer and anyone in town can use this pool.
As concerns Brainerd Park, Councilman Kaupin stated the thought process behind having an additional softball field was to move the women's softball from Higgins to Brainerd and give the Higgins field to the girls' softball.
Councilman Strom stated the new Green Manor pool is designed according to today's standards. She noted the zero depth entry level makes it much easier for handicapped individuals to use the pool. As concerns breaking up the referendum into multiple questions, she pointed out if any of these items were removed from the referendum, it would not make a significant difference on the mil impact.
Councilman Tait stated in the future he would like more information concerning the physical condition of the police facility.
Councilman Hall stated a plan would be drawn up by the Town and Board of Education to take care of the maintenance issues.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief this referendum isn't needed and education should be the main priority. He stated his belief too many projects are already underway.
Ms. Racine spoke about the importance of recreation to children. She noted recreation contributes towards a well-rounded individual.
Sal Fiore, 11 Grove Road
Spoke about his years of coaching various sports in Enfield. He noted current athletic fields are unsafe. He spoke in favor of the Green Manor pool, Brainerd Park and Shaker Complex projects.
Mr. Fiore noted he recently spoke with a football coach who informed him Enfield has the worst fields in the region and some schools have refused to play on Enfield's fields.
Norman Mayette, Pomeroy Road
Stated the Town is paying now for those years when there was a lack of maintenance.
Chairman Vayda stated the Green Manor pool was not constructed to last 40 years but it did, however, the Town was spending large sums of money just to repair this pool.
Chairman Vayda pointed out the Town has set up a maintenance program for Town roads.
Mr. Mayette questioned the status of Scantic River Park. Chairman Vayda stated this referendum is meant to address existing facilities first. Councilman Strom added the Town has made progress regarding Scantic River Park. She pointed out parcels of land along the Scantic River have been purchased by the Town.
Mr. Mayette stated he is disturbed when his children are shooed away if they wish to use school fields for a game of touch football. He added the Little League is looking for funding for their fields, but those would not be for the use of the general public.
Maryann Abar, 12 Holly Lane
Voiced support for this referendum. She pointed out this is a recreational package, not just a sports package. She noted Green Manor pool and Brainerd Park are for the use of the entire community. She added she is concerned about the maintenance of these completed projects. She questioned if this referendum fails, are there plans for repairs, i.e., the two high school football fields and bleachers. She noted the bleachers are in poor condition and pose a liability.
Councilman Strom stated if the referendum fails, perhaps they should look at replacing the bleachers. She noted they would have to look at how that would be paid for.
Mr. Sinsigalli stated the bleachers are inspected every year.
Ms. Abar stated her hope there will be a sharing of equipment for maintenance between the Town and Board of Education. She noted sharing or consolidating equipment would cut costs.
Pam Leitao, 76 Steele Road
Stated her belief this is a very worthwhile referendum. She noted Enfield has a phenomenal sports program. She went on to voice concern about the poor condition of the fields and the safety of the children playing on those fields. She noted those fields were in poor condition when she attended Enfield High School in the 1980's.
Ms. Leitao stated her belief the Green Manor pool is a beautiful design, and she feels this pool would benefit everyone in the community.
Joseph Zawrotny, 6 Harrison Avenue
Stated he does not support the referendum. He voiced his disturbance about poor maintenance over the years. He noted he does not believe another swimming pool is needed. He pointed out Brainerd Park has a history of being used by industrial leagues, and he does not support enhancing that park for that purpose. As concerns lighting for Little League fields, he stated his belief children should be at home when it gets dark. He added he would support separate referendum questions.
Councilman Kaupin pointed out this referendum is to improve existing facilities, and the Green Manor pool was removed because it was not up to standards. He noted the purpose of improving Brainerd Park is to make it into a family park. He spoke about the need for more soccer fields. As concerns lack of maintenance, he noted this Council is committed to funding maintenance.
Councilman Strom stated maintenance has improved over the last five years, and they've had positive feedback about those improvements, however, there's only so much maintenance that can be done on a field that really needs to be rebuilt.
Connie Boyajian, 165 Sherman Road
Thanked the Council for all their hard work. She stated her hope she will once again see children enjoying the Green Manor pool. She calculated the cost of this referendum to her would amount to $1.00 per week.
Lou Meyer, Carmella Terrace
Stated he has coached for 17 years, and he's in favor of this referendum. He stated his belief postponing this work will make it more costly. He stated it's everyone's responsibility to invest in the youth of the community.
Paul Howard, (student)
Stated he plays varsity hockey and is in favor of the referendum to improve facilities.
Ann Kirby, (student)
Noted she's a Fermi High School student and finds the track in terrible condition and very dusty. She stated her concern if the referendum isn't passed someone could be seriously hurt. She noted many athletes are complaining of shin problems. She added she's concerned the Town is gaining a bad reputation for it's poor athletic facilities.
Ashley, (student)
Stated she plays soccer and feels conditions are horrible. She noted the Town was supportive for a new senior center, and she feels there should be support for the high school athletic fields as well.
Kevin Collins, 14 Field Road
Estimated it will cost taxpayers about $2.00 per week to provide excellent fields for the schools. He encouraged everyone to support the referendum.
Russ Maylott, 10 Northfield Road
Stated his belief there needs to be a commitment regarding maintenance of the school fields. He suggested consideration be given to tax relief for long term members of the community. As concerns maintenance of field turf, he noted other towns in Connecticut use herbicides and pesticides to maintain their fields, however, Enfield does not.
Donna Szewczak, 35 South Road
Voiced her support of the referendum. As concerns maintenance, she stated her belief that nowadays there's a lot better understanding of how to maintain facilities.
Charles Wood, 11 Westerly Drive
Voiced his concern there will be more and more future referendums. He stated his belief the school system should pay for some of this work. He stated his belief senior citizens are not against the youth, but rather they are against spending more money right now.
Mr. Wood stated his belief the Town Council shouldn't be advocating anything in an informational meeting.
Councilman Mangini stated her belief it is fitting for the Town Council members to state their opinion. She pointed out the Town Council took a lot of time and effort to craft this referendum, and they believe it is a good referendum package.
Ms. Scull stated the Enfield Board of Education is having a forum at the Radisson and the public is welcome to attend. She noted they could discuss the school budget at that time.
Chairman Vayda stated the intent of this evening's Public Information Session was to provide information. He stated his belief Council members needed to explain to the public why they voted as they did. As concerns disclosure, he noted the State has very restrictive regulations on what the Town can spend money on in a referendum.
Councilman Strom stated according to state regulations, the Town cannot put anything into writing that isn't a fact concerning the referendum. She noted at this particular information session, they could give estimated costs concerning maintenance based on good information.
Chairman Vayda read the referendum question as it will appear in the voting booth.
Scott Vining, 10 Grove Road
Stated he is not against the referendum, but rather he is against excessive spending. He noted this is adding $13 million dollars to the Town's debt.
Councilman Kaupin stated the total debt service over the next 15 years is $60 million dollars if this new referendum passes. He noted this includes previous referendums as well.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her impression the Council is not supposed to advocate for a referendum. She added her belief both the pros and cons should be given out.
Chairman Vayda stated they did ask the Town Attorney what the Council's limits are, and it's his recollection the Council can advocate for the referendum as individuals.
Jeffrey Scott, 17 Connecticut Avenue
Thanked the Council for their hard work in putting this package together. He agreed the Council looked at the big picture. He expressed his appreciation for Council members voicing their opinion on the referendum. He thanked the Council for the newspaper ad which reached out to the community to inform them about this information session.
Norman Mayette, Pomeroy Road
Questioned the possibility of using inmates for maintenance work.
Chairman Vayda pointed out the Town has a bargaining unit they have to work with concerning maintenance issues. He added it's not a matter of course to use inmates.
Councilman Strom stated inmates have been used to maintain the Shaker Complex because that is a newer facility and as a past practice wasn't maintained by Town employees.
Jack Hartley, 19 Alban Road
Stated this work should have been done 50 years ago. He stated his belief the referendum might pass if it were broken down into separate questions. He questioned where they go from here if this referendum fails.
Chairman Vayda stated they'd have to regroup and have more discussions. He noted there is some ability to do some things, however, they would only be scratching the surface.
Councilman Strom stated if the referendum fails, they would try to learn from the public what would pass. She noted the problem with that is they would get a variety of answers, and this is one of the reasons they kept this package together.
Councilman Kaupin stated the only items on the referendum that could be funded and completed would be the lighting of the ball fields. He noted the Shaker Complex could be done in a couple years, but the high school athletic fields would take several years. He noted a referendum would give the Town a return almost immediately and spreads out the burden over the years of the bonds.
As no one else wished to speak, Chairman Vayda closed the Public Information Session at 10:45 p.m.
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