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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 2002
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Vayda in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, October 7, 2002 at 7:37 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Vayda.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Fiore, Hall, Jones, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, Tait, and Vayda. Councilmen Edgar, Egan and Tallarita were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons and Mary Keller, Recreation Supervisor; Public Works Director, John Kazmarski.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #6180 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the September 12, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6180 adopted 6-0-2, with Councilmen Hall and Jones abstaining.
MOTION #6181 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Jones to accept the minutes of the September 23, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6181 adopted 7-0-1, with Councilmen Hall abstaining.
MOTION #6182 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Jones to accept the minutes of the September 16, 2002 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6182 adopted 8-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief the figures for the upcoming referendum are a little skewed. She noted the Town is not reimbursed by the state for recreation projects. She stated interest over the 15-year life of the bond for recreation is $3.3 million, making the cost to
taxpayers $13.3 million dollars. She questioned why the Town omitted the cost of maintenance each year. She also questioned the total debt owed by the Town. She
questioned when the increase in taxes kick in for this referendum. She pointed out there will be three revaluations during the life of this bond.
Ms. Jedziniak questioned why Enfield taxpayers should be subsidizing out-of-town people playing at Enfield's recreational facilities.
She questioned when the Council will proposed the Mancuso Recreational Park, and will that be another referendum.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief the School Board will be looking for a big budget increase in order to staff the new school additions.
She questioned Dr. Gallacher's possible plan to turn Alcorn into administration offices, and if so, the State will cancel the reimbursement money to the Town of Enfield for the Alcorn school project, and this would affect the budget and taxes.
She concluded expressing her disturbance by the cancellation of leaf vacuuming service.
Laurence Avery, 148 Pleasant Street
Noted he's still waiting for a reply regarding his concern about sidewalks on Pleasant Street. He noted walkways are being worked on in this area.
Mr. Avery stated his feeling that if the upcoming referendum passes, they will not need the Mancuso Recreation Park because they were supposed to make that into a football field with lighting.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Voiced his surprise that taxpayers don't attend these meetings to see how their money is being spent.
Mr. Jedziniak stated his belief this referendum should be thrown out because he feels Enfield has too many projects going on right now. He stated his belief Enfield is "biting off more than it can chew".
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated his belief all the facts aren't being given regarding the referendum.
Mr. Tkacz stated his impression businessmen at the state line are upset that their area is being called Northgate.
He stated Connecticut Water did some work near the Old Town Hall and did not notify people. He stated they drove over lawns and created ruts. He noted promises were made
to repair damage, however, nothing has been done as of today. He stated the Public Works Department repaired the lawn in front of the Old Town Hall. He stated his belief the contractor should have done that work.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini requested a handrail be considered for the gazebo to help people go up and down those steps. She added there are also several bricks missing on the gazebo stairs.
Councilman Fiore stated Mr. Kibbe's vacancy as an alternate to the ZBA was missing from the agenda.
Councilman Fiore stated a few months ago, Mr. Olson resigned from the Inland/Wetlands Commission; however, it seems he is still a member of that Commission. He added he has no problem with Mr. Olson remaining on that Commission since he has done a fine job for the Town for many years; however, he's confused as to whether or not he is a sitting member. He requested the status of that.
Councilman Fiore stated in the Council's packet, they received a proposal to go out to bid for the Family Resource Center on October 9th. He suggested adding this to Miscellaneous so that the Council can get an update.
MOTION #6183 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add an item to Miscellaneous regarding the Family Resource Center.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6183 adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Tait requested research be done on providing a better quality audio system for the gazebo.
Chairman Vayda referred to Ms. Jedziniak's comment about the next three revaluations and stated revaluations of shorter duration can be a positive thing.
Chairman Vayda agreed with Ms. Jedziniak in that Frank Mancuso Park probably would require a referendum.
As concerns Ms. Jedziniak's comment about Alcorn School, he stated he does not believe Alcorn would be closed as a school.
Referring to Mr. Jedziniak's comment about too many projects underway in Enfield, Chairman Vayda stated these projects show taxpayers' dollars at work.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated at the time bonds are sold, the price is fixed and the payback cost is fixed. He explained what happens to property values up or down has absolutely no impact on what is paid. He stated if a property value goes up, one's mill rate impact for that goes down.
Mr. Shanley stated about 3% of the Town's budget is to Debt Service at this time, and that includes the Road 2000 projects, all the schools, Enfield High School, and the Senior Center.
As concerns the timing of the bonding, Mr. Shanley stated in all likelihood the Town would not sell the bonds until projects were underway and they'd know exactly how much was going to be going out and for how long, therefore, this would probably be spread out over a few years so that it wouldn't come as a big hit in any one year.
As concerns the Family Resource Center, Mr. Shanley stated the bid package is out, and they are proceeding with tank removal at the site. He stated the bid is a one-story building with an alternate of a second story.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Stavropoulos stated she has no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Loan Review Committee had a lead abatement seminar, which was very interesting and detailed. She thanked Laura Watson McMenamin, the Director of Community Development, for taking the time for putting this seminar together.
Councilman Strom reported for the Enfield High School Building Committee and noted the architects are refining plans. She noted originally they looked at putting the library on the first floor and computer technology on the second floor, however, by reversing those departments, the flow becomes much better, and they pick up almost 830 square feet of additional space for the library.
Councilman Hall stated the Council should soon receive something in their packets regarding ribbon cuttings on some of the school projects.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
There were no appointments this evening.
Item c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #6184 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Jones to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6184 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: ALARM ORDINANCE
Councilman Hall referred to the memorandum from the Chief of Police, which is attached to the Wethersfield Alarm Ordinance and noted she had some basic questions. She questioned whether the Chief commented on the difference between Wethersfield's ordinance and Enfield's ordinance. Mr. Shanley stated one of the big differences is that there's no appeal.
The Council agreed they would like more time to review this.
MOTION #6184A by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6184A adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #6185 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Jones to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6185 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: RESIDENCY POLICY
Ms. Keller stated items she had questions on were forwarded to the Council from the Town Manager's office. She explained these are questions she had based on the minutes of the last meeting.
Ms. Keller asked whether the Council is looking at changing just the number of non-residents from two to another number, or are they looking to go to a percentage.
Councilman Kaupin stated he doesn't have an issue with keeping a set number per se as long as they have the understanding you allow teams to fill out the remainder of the league that don't correspond to the policy up to a percentage. He noted it was discussed in caucus they would never want a league that had more than 50% of the teams not complying with the policy. He stated his belief it's easier to work with a percentage.
Councilman Tait stated his belief Enfield residents and Enfield teams should get first consideration and anything left over could be set on the percentage basis. He noted he would like Ms. Keller's input on roster vs team or percentage vs number. Ms. Keller stated her belief it's easier as a set number.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief the system can be manipulated when going with a percentage basis. He noted the non-residency policy goes beyond the activities just under the Recreation Department, i.e., Thompsonville and Enfield Little Leagues, Men's Slow Pitch, Greater Enfield Men's Softball League, etc. He noted this policy gives some of these groups the tool they need to be sure the children and adults of the Town of Enfield always come first in the Town's recreation programs. He added his belief some accommodations have been made for the particular league that some Councilors have an interest in, and he believes they'll be able to play this year. He advocated the Council does not change the residency policy because it's working. He noted there are one or two upset leagues, however, they're learning to live with it and the rest of them are living within their means. He added there are some leagues that are actually thankful this policy has been passed.
Councilman Mangini thanked Ms. Keller and her staff for doing such an excellent job with the Town's recreation. She stated she does not support amending or changing the current policy that they voted for last year.
Councilman Strom questioned whether the Greater Men's Softball League has teams within its league that don't meet the residency requirement, but the entire league gets to play if one of the teams that meets the residency requirement hosts the game. Ms. Keller explained there are fourteen teams in that league and two of them met the residency requirement, and those two teams were allowed to have their home games at Brainerd Park, and they hosted a non-resident team out of that league. She stated the resident team always had to be on the field, and they could host one of the non-resident teams in that league, but two non-resident teams in that league could not be playing at the same time.
Councilman Strom questioned whether the Volleyball League could be a league because some of those teams were made up of people who knew each other for years, grew up in Enfield, but currently don't live in Town. She questioned could they play if the host team met the residency requirement even if the team they're playing doesn't. Ms. Keller responded yes.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief that when they are looking at recreation and they make an accommodation, a league should know whether they're going to be able to survive year after year. He noted if an accommodation is made, that accommodation can be pulled back. He questioned if that's necessarily fair. He noted if a policy is in place that has the flexibility that addresses Enfield first and no subsidization, the league would at least know they could subsist because the policy is known.
Chairman Vayda stated his belief they should be identifying what their goals and objectives are and then ask Ms. Keller to manage that process based on those goals and objectives. He agreed Enfield should come first. He raised the question of whether they want to allow out-of-towners and under what conditions they'd be willing to do that, rather than getting into numbers since that should be Ms. Keller's job.
Councilman Hall stated she doesn't want to see anyone that can't meet a residency policy
pushed out of Town if they can be accommodated. She agreed with Councilman Tait's philosophy of "Enfield first", and she feels the only thing they're trying to accomplish is not to exclude anyone and having to go year-to-year with these leagues. She cited the wrestling program as an example. She stated her concern is not to subsidize the out-of-town people, but make them pay to play. She added her belief the new gymnasiums coming on line will solve a lot of problems.
Councilman Fiore stated as the Council moves forward, he requests they not just think about the programs that Ms. Keller runs. He pointed out teams do stack, i.e., private organizations that use public facilities. He noted the Town is responsible for these facilities, and they're asking the taxpayers to spend $9.95 million dollars to improve those facilities and now they're talking about opening up the non-residency policy that will affect those leagues, unless they can find a way to word it so that those private leagues must adhere to a tougher non-residency policy. He stated his goal is no non-residents.
Mr. Shanley suggested some consensus as to what direction they're going so that staff can come back with some specifics in an attempt to meet some of those goals. He noted he sees a gradual prioritization of allowing non-residents to play, but within a certain confine and after Enfield residents.
Chairman Vayda noted there are some Council members missing this evening who should have input. He stated he sees benefit to some flexibility, but he believes one of the first priorities is that Enfield residents come first. He added he has no problem with charging more to out-of-town individuals, and certainly the Town shouldn't be subsidizing out-of-towners. He noted how that's worked out can be a little sticky, and this is why they have to worry about minimizing the impact of the out-of-towners. He stated out-of-towners should be allowed to the point where it's beneficial to the residents as a whole, but stacking is an issue. He feels they need to be wary of anything that's detrimental to the community as a whole.
Councilman Mangini suggested those Council members that have a problem with the current policy should review the policy and identify areas where they have concerns and make suggestions to Ms. Keller.
Mr. Shanley suggested letting staff get together to look at this policy a little more closely.
MOTION #6185A by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Jones to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6185A adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #6186 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Jones to remove item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6186 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: THOMPSONVILLE SKATEBOARD PARK
Mr. Vindigni reviewed his October 4th memo regarding the Thompsonville Skateboard Park as follows:
- Parkman School court to be re-fenced and the Thompsonville skateboard park will be paid with CDM funds.
- Developed a layout which school staff endorses that will meet their curriculum for the southern half of the court where the skateboard equipment is now and that will also be available during non-school hours for citizen use
- An un-staffed skateboard park with a waiver policy
Mr. Vindigni stated he's going before the Board of Education to brief them on the Parkman court proposal.
Councilman Tait stated his recollection a local skateboard storeowner offered something to the Town during Public Communications. He questioned whether Ms. Keller or Mr. Vindigni looked into this. Ms. Keller stated she spoke with this storeowner a couple times over the last year and told him to put together a business proposal for her, and he did not get back to her. She added he did send someone from the skate shop to one of the public meetings last year with what they deemed as a business proposal, however, it wasn't detailed, and she did not hear anything more. Mr. Vindigni stated they also put those gentlemen in contact with both the Town Planner's Office and the Economic Development Director's Office for any guidance or assistance if they wished to pursue this as an entrepreneur venture.
Councilman Fiore questioned the status of the fence replacement or repair. Mr. Vindigni stated if they do get the site plan approval and are able to relocate the structures over to the Higgins property, the northern half of the court surface rehab work would be done at Parkman and then the fencing would be done.
MOTION #6187 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Tait to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6187 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #6188 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 #6188 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: NORTHGATE
Councilman Fiore distributed and read from a copy of a newspaper article regarding the Northgate project. He noted the Bright Meadow Boulevard sidewalk project has been approved and will hopefully begin in the spring. He noted he has always considered this a part of this revitalization of that area. He stated he does not want to see the remainder of the Northgate proposals disappear. He added his hope they can move forward.
Mr. Shanley stated after the last meeting, there were a number of changes they wanted to make to the plan based on public input, and those changes were incorporated. He noted the issues were parking and traffic and improvements to Route 5 on the Longmeadow side in order to accommodate a signalization change. He added Roy Street traffic was a real issue, and there was not a lot of public support at that meeting for the improvements they've been talking about. He noted he's prepared to bring out the plans and have another work session.
Councilman Kaupin questioned what the people in that area want.
Councilman Jones stated his impression the main priority in that area is traffic and beautifying the area is secondary to traffic.
Councilman Strom stated her belief the Council should have a work session on this so they can review the plans, work on the traffic issues and still move ahead with some of the beautification.
Chairman Vayda stated with Council consensus they could plan a meeting in November to discuss this further.
MOTION #6189 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Jones to re-table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6189 adopted 8-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #6190 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Jones.
RESOLVED, that Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for Child Day Care Program 01-01-2003 thru 12-31-2003 049-CDC-32 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6190 adopted 7-0-0. (Councilman Hall out at vote)
RESOLUTION #6191 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for Human Resources Development Program - 01-01-2003-12-31-2003, 049-HRD-29 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6191 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6192 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Jones.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Counseling Program - 10-1-2002 - 9-30-2003 - 049-SSBG-22 and to affix the Corporate seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6192 adopted 7-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MOTION #6193 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Jones to suspend the rules to address items a3, d., e., and g. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6193 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #6194 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address items b., c., and f. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6194 adopted 7-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
NOMINATION #6195 by Councilman Fiore to reappoint Nancy Smyth (U) to the Historic District Commission for a term, which expires 10/31/07.
MOTION #6196 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6196 adopted 7-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Nancy Smyth reappointed to the Historic District Commission by a 7-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #6197 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, during the budget deliberations this year, $200,000 was authorized to be reallocated to the South Maple Street Bridge Project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby has approved the reallocation attached hereto. (Appended to minutes)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6197 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6198 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Jones.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, through the authority of Section 22-333 of the Connecticut General Statute shall increase the Animal Control Shelter Quarantine Fee to $10.00 per day.
Councilman Strom stated her assumption one of the reasons they're seeking this increase is because they really weren't covering costs on a daily basis. Mr. Shanley responded that's correct.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6198 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: LEAF BAGS
Councilman Jones feels the documentation regarding the Leaf Collection Program is too long. Mr. Shanley stated people may have a lot of questions, and he wanted to be able to answer those questions in a letter so that they limit the number of phone calls. He recommended the fee for bags be $1.00 for a bundle of five bags.
Councilman Fiore questioned the maximum for containers or bags of yard waste per week. Mr. Kazmarski responded ten containers per week and that includes yard waste and leaves mixed together. He added that is above and beyond the normal pick-up.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether Mr. Kazmarski feels comfortable ending this program on December 6th. Mr. Kazmarski stated they would be fighting the weather every time they do this. He added they like including a definitive cut-off date.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to see this service extended a little longer, i.e., December 13th.
Councilman Strom stated she has no problem with extending the cut-off date to December 13th.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief it makes no sense to tell people their leaves will be picked up the day after the normal trash day. He noted they should be picked up on the same day. He stated Mr. Kazmarski's letter to residents can state that due to heavy volume, their might be a chance they will have to pick up the subsequent day.
It was the consensus of the Council to extend this service to December 13th and that the charge for bags be $1.00/set.
MOTION #6199 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Jones to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6199 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6200 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Jones.
A resolution re: Requesting Governor to refrain from further Municipal Aid Cuts
(copy appended)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6200 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #6201 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Fiore to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6201 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6202 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Fiore.
A resolution re: State Street aka Old Enfield Street-Changing Town Records
(copy appended)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6202 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #6203 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Jones to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6203 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #6204 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Jones.
A resolution re: Application to the State for $300,000 in order to undertake the Town of Enfield's Housing Rehabilitation and Lead Hazard Control Program and to Execute an Assistance Agreement
(copy appended)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #6204 adopted 8-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief Enfield is a blue collar community.
Mr. Jedziniak stated his belief traffic in Enfield is terrible. He questioned if there's any possibility for radar markers to be put out around town which might help slow down traffic.
Laurence Avery, 148 Pleasant Street
Agreed with the residency policy as is.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #6205 by Councilman Jones, seconded by Councilman Hall to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6205 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
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