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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING
JULY 29, 2002
A Public Hearing was held in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, July 29, 2002. Chairman Vayda called the Public Hearing to order at 7:08 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Edgar, Fiore, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita, and Vayda. Councilman Hall entered at 7:10 p.m., Councilman Kaupin entered at 7:15 p.m. Councilman Egan was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons.
Chairman Vayda read the notice of Public Hearing which was published in the Journal Inquirer on Saturday, July 20, 2002 as follows:
TOWN OF ENFIELD
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
MONDAY, JULY 29, 2002
"Notice is hereby given that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall, Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, July 29, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the Proposed Recreation Question(s) to be presented to the voters of the Town of Enfield on November 5, 2002.
Copies of the proposals are available for public inspection in the office of the Town Clerk, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m."
Town Manager, Scott Shanley, stated this is the public hearing concerning the proposed referendum in November, 2002. He explained that during the winter of 2000, the Town Council requested staff to look at all facilities and do an analysis of the current conditions and what it would take to bring the facilities up to par. He noted there has been a lot of discussion to narrow down the priorities. He pointed out three engineering firms are present this evening to explain the projects under consideration.
Present from Milone & McBroom was Vincent McDermott.
Enfield High School Proposed Plans
Mr. McDermott described the layout and present conditions of Enfield High School's athletic facilities. He noted the fields behind Enfield High School are poorly drained. He pointed out the baseball team often can't use these fields until May because they are so saturated. Additionally, the fields are poorly configured with overlapping fields. He
explained the goal is to reorganize the field to get the maximum efficiency out of a fairly small site. He stated they're proposing a reconstruction of the playing fields at the toe of the slope running in a westerly direction. He detailed out the drainage plan for this site. The reconstruction of the fields would result in four baseball diamonds, soccer and field hockey fields, a practice field, a synthetic all-weather track encircling a football/soccer field. He noted the plan also calls for an expanded lower parking area accommodating another 50 parking spaces, as well as a basketball court.
Reconstruction cost is estimated at $3.1 million dollars
Fermi High School Proposed Plans
Mr. McDermott described the present conditions at Fermi High School, noting the track and football facilities do not have the surface conditions that would be expected at such a high school. He noted the bleachers do not comply with ADA requirements. Proposed changes include taking out the parking lot in the southwest corner of the property and putting in a field hockey area; more parking would be added in front so that there would be no net loss of parking; an unequal quadrant track encircling a multi-purpose field.
He pointed out both high schools would have lighting for their multi-purpose fields, irrigation and replacement of backstops.
Reconstruction cost is estimated at $1.75 million dollars.
Shaker Soccer Complex Proposed Plans
Mr. McDermott explained the current conditions. He noted they propose moving the fields around a little to get the most out of this site and create safer playing conditions. He stated there are a couple of hills at the southwest corner that they're proposing be flattened out to accommodate a small soccer field. Additionally, they're proposing expanded parking to accommodate 35 parking spaces for each field. He noted landscaping improvements are recommended along the edge of the wetlands.
Estimated cost is $540,000
Mr. Shanley pointed out tennis courts at Enfield and Fermi High Schools were completed in a previous project.
He went on to explain why the Shaker plan already went before Planning & Zoning and Inland/Wetlands. He noted there is a significant amount of wetlands on the Shaker site and the Town Council needed to understand what could be accommodated on this site.
Green Manor Park Proposed Plans
Present for this discussion was Joseph Bargmann of Bargmann Hendrie.
Mr. Bargmann explained the proposed new pool would handle 50% more users than the old pool. He described the new pool as being a community recreational pool, not a competition pool. Other amenities would include a lawn area with deck space, family changing rooms, a small concession stand, a community policing office, and optional spray park, toddler pool, or water slide.
He stated it's proposed to move the playground in the rear of the site up to the front of the site where it's more visible and secure.
Estimated cost is $1.645 million dollars. Optional items - spray park-$90,000; toddler
Pool - $90,000; water slide - $78,000
Mr. Shanley pointed out the Council already determined that initially they do not want to add the optional features, i.e., spray park, toddler pool, or water slide. He noted the relocation of the play area from the back to the front of the site is estimated at $30,000 increasing the total cost from $1.645 million to $1.675 million dollars.
Brainerd Park Proposed Plans
Present from Vollmer Associates was Gary Sword.
Mr. Sword detailed Alternative A as follows:
This would be a four field alternative. The entrance to the park would line up with Arthur Avenue. The parking lot to the east would accommodate 91 cars and the parking lot to the west would accommodate 161 cars. Possible activities that might be accommodated include a spray pool, pavilion, playgrounds, basketball, tennis, skateboard park.
Mr. Sword explained they tried to come up with an area that would be flexible and could accommodate multiple uses. He pointed out everything does not have to be built at once.
Alternative B is proposed as follows:
Keep existing two fields with upgrading and retain lighting of those fields. Include a 300 foot field. Tennis courts could easily be omitted to maintain a healthy buffer from the wetlands. Other features might include play area and pavilion. Mr. Sword pointed out this plan does not over burden the site and retains a nice green space. He added this plan also meets the ideas of the CDM plan. He displayed some photos showing typical play structures, i.e., bank ball courts, spray areas, and pavilions.
The estimated cost at Brainard Park is $3.4 million for Alternative A and $2.8 million for Plan B.
Mr. Shanley stated the Town Council was leaning toward Alternative B which calls for one additional field rather than two additional fields.
Chairman Vayda informed the pubic that at the last meeting the Town Council discussed field lighting for the Little League at Powder Hollow and Asnuntuck College. He noted the estimated cost to light the Asnuntuck field and two fields at Powder Hollow is $247,940.
Chairman Vayda thanked the engineering firms for their presentations.
He then announced the ground rules for the public hearing and invited speakers to come forward.
Mr. Shanley stated the referendum figure they are working with is $10.5 million dollars. He then explained the mill impact of the referendum.
David Fredrick, 2 Mulberry Lane
Voiced his support of the referendum. He stated his belief the referendum should address the Little League field lighting.
Mr. Fredrick stated he was a teacher at Enfield High School from 1967 to 1984 and he believes the current poor drainage at that site didn't always exist. He stated there are as built plans for Enfield High School which show drainage tiles for that site. He stated his belief those drainage tiles haven't been cleaned in years.
Eric Mundy, owner of Skate Lair, Enfield Street
Noted he has many years of experience in building and designing skateboard parks. He offered his expertise should the Town need any input regarding any plans to provide a skateboard park in Thompsonville. He went on to note his landlord has granted written permission for him to utilize acreage behind his business to construct a skateboard park. He expressed his hope the Town will support his endeavor.
Judy Mottolese, Community Police Steering Committee
Stated many members of the Community Police Steering Committee have expressed some interest in getting a skateboard park for Thompsonville. She noted her committee has spoken with Eric Mundy, owner of Skate Lair, the Community Police Officers, and youth who skateboard. She noted kids are skateboarding wherever they can, i.e., parking lots, business properties and private properties. She stated the Steering Committee is hoping this issue will be addressed. She thanked Mr. Vindigni and Ms. Keller for providing information. Noting the other skateboard parks don't seem very busy, she suggested perhaps the Town might consider relocating the skateboard equipment to Thompsonville. She stated her belief the Town shouldn't be charging a fee for the use of this equipment. She stated her belief the Town's skateboard equipment might be more suitable for the younger skateboarders, while Skate Lair's equipment might be geared to older skateboarders.
Thomas Toby, 12 Hamilton Court
Stated he is not opposed to the proposed projects, however, he feels this would be too many referendums in a short period of time. He feels more effort should be put into lowering the taxes.
Connie Boyajian, 165 Sherman Road
Stated her belief a concession stand for the new Green Manor Pool isn't important. She went on to note she is seeing a lot of debris in the area of Green Manor Park. She added she would like to see some lighting in the area of the brook at Green Manor Park. She stated her belief this area is too dark and lighting would make it safer. She went on to question whether the old playground equipment will be replaced if the play area is moved from the rear to the front at Green Manor Park.
Bob Keller, 10 Orchard Hill Drive
Raised the following questions:
- Where will football practice take place at Enfield High?
- Is there a safety factor when playing in both soccer fields?
- Is there a second soccer field at Fermi? He noted they do have boys and girls that practice every day.
- What is width, depth and length of Green Manor Pool and how will the shallow area be divided from the deeper area for the safety of the children?
- What type of filtration system will be used in the Green Manor Pool?
- Will the Green Manor Pool have showers?
Sal Fiore, 11 Grove Road
Voiced his support of the referendum. He noted he has been a coach for 32 years in Enfield. He stated he would like to see the Little League get their lights, however, he would like the high school fields addressed first. He went on to question what happened to the second JV field at Fermi. He stated his belief the Parks and Recreation Department does its best to maintain the Fermi fields; however, they're as hard as a rock. He noted he witnessed an injury this year. He suggested there be fences in front of dugouts at JFK for safety. He closed by stating his belief there should be emphasis on safety issues.
Vicki Mitchell, 7 East Forrest Drive
Stated she and her family support this referendum.
Robert Patacki, 9 Sun Street
Voiced his opposition to the referendum, stating his belief this is a burden on the taxpayers in light of the recent revaluation. He feels people need relief.
He stated his belief these fields should be maintained on a yearly basis.
Donna Szewczak, 35 South Road
Voiced her support of the referendum. She noted parents and other people involved in these recreational activities should help promote this referendum.
Marjorie Willis, 19 Rockland Drive
Stated she will not support another referendum until the Town Council develops some fiscal responsibility and cuts back on spending. She pointed out the Town has not yet completed the projects they're currently working on.
Ms. Willis stated as much as she's concerned about good recreation, she's also concerned about other things that need attention.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief every taxpayer should get a budget book. He stated he did not agree with the Journal Inquirer article entitled, "Planning & Zoning Clears Way for Soccer Fields".
Mr. Jedziniak pointed out Enfield has many senior citizens who can't afford this referendum. He added his belief it's ridiculous to compare Enfield with some of the other more affluent towns in Connecticut. He pointed out Enfield is a blue collar community. He concluded stating his belief Enfield residents can't afford the amount of money the Town Council is proposing in this referendum.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Agreed that recreation is a very important part of life, however, she feels the Board of Education didn't make it a priority to maintain their fields. She questioned how the Town Council could think of cutting a vital service such as leaf pick-up to save $460,000 and then propose an $11 million dollar referendum for recreation and pleasure.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief the Town should separate the Town and School capital budgets so that the Town can see the actual amount of improvements done at the schools. She pointed out most of the improvements at the schools are done on the Town side of the budget.
She concluded stating her belief the next referendum will be to address the Frank Mancuso Park, Higgins Building and offices for School Administration.
Donald Christmas, 25 Lincoln Street
Voiced his opposition to the referendum. He stated his belief the proposal to change parking arrangements at Fermi High School could create problems with teachers and students parking in the same lot.
As concerns adding community policing offices at different sites, Mr. Christmas stated his belief it will cost additional dollars to staff those offices.
He questioned the need for irrigating the Enfield High School fields if they're having water problems.
Mr. Christmas concluded by suggesting perhaps youth could help to raise some funds to help pay for these improvements.
Russ Maylott, 10 Field Road
Stated these proposed improvements are long overdue and will help make Enfield more attractive to businesses and people moving into Enfield.
Mr. Maylott stated he likes the high school proposals. He suggested purchasing additional land near the high school to provide more room.
He stated he likes the plan for the Green Manor Pool and would like to see a water slide in the future. He went on to suggest the Council consider busing children from other parts of Enfield so that they could use the Green Manor Pool.
Mr. Maylott stated he would like the Council to consider lights for larger soccer fields.
He concluded stating his belief these are great proposals, and this is work that needs to be done. He pointed out other towns have much better facilities.
Paul Clifford, 182 Elm Street
Voiced his opposition to the referendum. He stated he doesn't know how the Town can expect the taxpayers to pay anything more. He noted if the Little League wants lights, they can do that, however, he doesn't believe the Town should have to subsidize
them. He questioned whether new staff and equipment will be required to maintain the new fields. He concluded suggesting the Town first pay off their current referendums.
William Van Orden, 13 Riverdale Road
Stated his hope the Council will cut back on the referendum. He stated it seems extravagant to have three separate engineering firms for these proposals.
He stated his belief the Green Manor pool doesn't have to be huge and elaborate.
Keith Winans, 4 Lynch Terrace
Stated his belief Enfield should have some pride in itself rather than being known for fast food restaurants and shopping malls. He noted Enfield should have something for the children.
Steve Bartus, 72 Ridge Road
Noted he's a junior at Fermi High School. He stated after traveling around for sports, he's noticed Enfield is lacking comparing to other towns. He pointed out Bristol is also a blue collar community; however, they recently updated all their athletic facilities. He noted everyone in Bristol came together for the athletic needs of their town because it was for the good of the whole community.
Mr. Bartus stated athletics helps to bring people together to enjoy things as a group.
Leonard Kelley, 8 Impala Drive
Stated his belief half of the work proposed could be done by Town employees.
Joseph Saroce, Briarwood Drive
Pointed out the Town just passed a tough budget. He questioned why the cost is so high for this work. He went on to note that he doesn't care about doing work for adults who use Brainard Park. He added his belief the estimate for Green Manor pool is too high. He concluded questioning why the fields haven't been maintained.
David Wence, 244 Elm Street
Pointed out it took a couple years to put this whole package together. He spoke about the importance of recreation for Enfield.
Edward Poremba, 8 Overhill Road
Pointed out taxpayers took a big hit this year with revaluation and increased spending. He noted if he were to support this, he would like to see each item listed separately. He questioned the need for Green Manor pool at this time. He pointed out many people have above the ground and in ground pools in their yards.
As concerns lighting an Enfield High School field, Mr. Poremba suggested perhaps the Little League could use that field.
Mr. Poremba agreed with the idea of a skateboard park for Thompsonville, however, he doesn't believe it needs to be addressed in this referendum. He added his belief the Town shouldn't close down the existing skateboard parks. He noted one reason the usage may be down in these parks could be because last year Parks & Recreation went out and sold the passes. He pointed out this year kids had to find a way to get to the Lamagna Center to purchase their passes.
Mr. Poremba concluded with the suggestion the Town revisit this whole plan in four to five years.
Scott Vining, 10 Grove Road
Spoke in opposition to the proposed referendum. He noted the State doesn't have any money, the stock market is down, and elderly people are living on fixed incomes. He stated he will work toward the defeat of this referendum.
Mrs. Collins, 25 Gordon Lane
Voiced her opposition to the proposed referendum and noted her taxes went way up.
Steve Bartus, 72 Ridge Road
Stated sometimes people need to make sacrifices for the good of the community and for the sake of future generations.
Russ Maylott, 10 Northfield Road
Stated towns need recreational activities to keep children busy and out of trouble. He noted the society children are growing up in today is much more challenging with distractions such as drugs. As concerns the proposed referendum, he believes this isn't what the Council is proposing, but rather what the public has been wanting. He applauded the Town Council for bringing this proposed referendum to the community.
Connie Boyajian, 165 Sherman Road
Pointed out she and her husband have been retired for 12 years and still support this referendum.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her impression that nowadays people want the government to take care of everything.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated in the past the Public Works Department maintained the fields.
Mr. Tkacz stated curbs are not visible on Middle Road due to the overgrowth of weeds.
He noted he asked for a table of debt that the Town is going to have to bond and how it will affect the budget in coming years. He stated his belief people should know where the dollars are and what this will cost the homeowners. He added his belief the Town should be up front about this before they put this out for referendum. He pointed out there will be less federal and state money this year.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief taxes are too high now. He added his belief too much construction is now underway. He concluded stating he will vote against the referendum.
Councilman Fiore read a letter from Dan O'Connell. (Copy appended)
Councilman Mangini read a letter from Vicki Mitchell. (Copy appended)
Mr. Shanley stated the Green Manor Pool cannot be repaired and had to be closed for many legal and health reasons. He noted there will be a transitional plan, and there's a conceptual transitional plan and the details will be worked out once it's understood what the final direction of the Council and the voters is. He pointed out the Community Policing office proposed at the Green Manor pool is only a small office which isn't intended to be staffed regularly, but rather it provides a place for the officers to sit and place their gear.
Mr. Shanley stated the Town Charter for the Town of Enfield limits the amount of money that the Town Council can appropriate for any one project in any one year, and that limit used to be $200,000, and it's now about $390,000 per year. He noted even if the Council were to determine they wished to use more surplus to fund these projects, they would still need to go to referendum because by law, the Town Council is not allowed to spend more than a certain amount of money per year per project.
Mr. McDermott clarified an earlier question about a practice field at Enfield High and a second soccer field at Fermi. He stated there is a football practice field measuring 160 X 360 feet located to the north of the track in what is currently an undeveloped area. As concerns Fermi High School, he pointed out there are three multi-use fields outside the main one that's in the middle of the track. He explained one is 190 X 330 feet, the second is 180 X 300 feet, and the third is 180 X 300 feet. He stated they recognize the orientation isn't perfect, but the shape of that property isn't perfect either.
Mr. Shanley questioned if Milone & McBroom looked at a curtain drain. Mr. McDermott stated they did receive plans from the School Department as to what had been built and what had been planned, and they are not the same. He stated they were able to identify some drainage located in the field and based on its design and function, it does not function. He noted the nature of the design of that curtain drain does not assume that water will flow laterally, it only assumes that water flows vertically because the subsurface is not shaped. He stated additional drainage is indeed required.
Mr. McDermott referred to the question of a second JV softball field at Fermi, and noted that is the small field located at the north end of the track and below the baseball diamond. He stated its proximity to the playing surface of the existing field is not a safe condition in their judgment, and they recommended that field be discontinued.
Mr. Shanley noted there was a question about playground equipment for Green Manor pool as well as the depth, width and length of the pool, as well as the type of filtering system proposed for this pool. Mr. Bargmann stated the pool measures 75' long, 28' wide, and 40' length on either side to allow disabled access. The depth goes from 0" to 8 feet. He noted a buoy line would delineate the deep end from the shallow end.
Mr. Bargmann explained the filtration system as being a high rate sand filter. He noted there will be six indoor and two outdoor showers.
He stated they will be using new playground equipment.
Mr. Shanley stated the brook crossing at Green Manor Park was not envisioned in this plan.
Chairman Vayda referred to a suggestion raised by the public regarding building several small pools and noted that is not a viable idea since by law they have to keep to standards regarding health/safety and ADA requirements.
Referring to a comment about using General Fund monies to pay for these projects over time, Chairman Vayda stated these projects will require they go to referendum for projects of this magnitude. He noted this would be according to Charter.
As no others wished to speak, Chairman Vayda closed the Public Hearing at 9:34 p.m.
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