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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 17 , 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, June 17, 2002 at 7:55 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Fiore.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Edgar, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita, and Vayda. Councilman Kaupin was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond Assistant Town Planner, Roger W. Alsbaugh; Chief of Police, Ronald G. Marcotte Sr.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5957 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the June 3, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5957 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5958 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to accept the minutes of the June 3, 2002 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5958 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Michael DeLisa, 12 Roseanne Street
Spoke about the hard work of the volunteers for the Enfield Food Shelf and the many families this organization feeds. He urged the Council to strongly consider allowing the Food Shelf to provide this service out of the old senior center. He invited Council members to visit their present location at the Higgins building. He pointed out this building is in very poor condition with leakage problems and asbestos.
Mr. DeLisa stated his impression the recent referendum for school expansion was to make more classroom space, therefore, he questions Dr. Gallacher's idea of distributing Alcorn students throughout the school district so that the Alcorn building might be used for administrative space. He stated his hope the Council will give this careful thought.
Mr. DeLisa questioned the position of Curriculum Director in the school system.
Mr. DeLisa spoke about the high taxes in Enfield. He pointed out his supplementary insurance is costing him an extra thousand dollars per year. He noted there are over 8,000 senior citizens in Enfield and he questions how they're going to come up with the extra tax dollars.
He stated although some of his concerns regarding dilapidated signage have been addressed, there are still some areas of concern remaining.
John Yelle, 3 Williams Street Ext.
Spoke about the need for a vicious dog ordinance. He noted a couple years ago, his daughter was bitten in the face. He went on to note recently a neighbor's dog attacked his small dog and his dog is now experiencing health problems. He pointed out there is nothing the Town can do and his only recourse is a civil lawsuit. He stated the Town has to help the people of this Town regarding vicious dogs. He noted there are too many children that could be hurt by these types of animals.
Chris Swenson-Clark, 1449 Enfield Street
Stated on August 24, 2001 she received a work stop order from the Town's Building Department concerning an electrical job being done in her home. She noted it has been almost a year, and nothing has been done. She went on to note she was treated in a rude and unprofessional manner by a Building Department employee. She noted she has an attorney handling this matter.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she had to go through the Freedom of Information Commission to get the information she wanted from the school system. She stated her belief it should be recognized that taxpayers pay the salaries of school employees. She concluded stating her belief the Town Council should call for a full and complete audit of the school system.
Mrs. Collins, 25 Gordon Lane
Agreed there needs to be some dog control.
Mrs. Collins stated she didn't think it was right to provide an office for a school employee in a Town building.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated he does not understand why the Town does not have more people attending the Council meetings. He noted perhaps a more professional looking sign placed in a prominent location would draw more people to these meetings.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated his impression the Town has a lot of violations regarding Freedom of Information. He suggested the Town take some courses on Freedom of Information procedures.
He noted he wanted to see his car taxes from last year, and he was told he would have to fill out a form and pay some money.
Michael DeLisa, 12 Roseanne Street
Stated the condition of the sign posts are of concern to him, especially in the Weymouth Road area. He added he has concerns about weeds and graffiti. He noted some areas were addressed, but there are still areas that need attention. He stated if the Town wants to attract new families, they need to keep things maintained.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini stated she attended the Enfield Girls Scouts' award ceremony. She noted Mrs. Vayda was the guest speaker and did an excellent job.
Councilman Mangini stated the Elks put on a nice ceremony to celebrate Flag Day.
Councilman Mangini questioned the current status of the Homeland Security issue.
MOTION #5959 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Strom to move Item 11 b. up to 9 a.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5959 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Hall requested more information about Ms. Swenson-Clark's complaint concerning the Building Department.
Councilman Hall requested Mr. DeLisa supply a list of the deteriorating signs that he referred to earlier this evening.
Councilman Hall requested an update on the Risk Manager position, and the Town Manager indicated he would provide more information.
Councilman Hall stated she's getting a lot of complaints from contractors regarding North Central Health in that they've been short with people.
MOTION #5960 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Strom to move Item 11a to 9b.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5960 adopted 10-0-0.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated he has a draft of improvements to the grease trap ordinance. He suggested the Council schedule a Water Pollution Control Authority meeting for July 1st.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee is doing a wonderful job. She noted the volunteer sign up will be held soon.
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Egan recently attended a Prison Town Liaison Committee meeting. She noted there was some discussion regarding prison expansion. She stated they're looking at environmental firms toward the end of the summer. She added they will also be looking at sewage issues, as well as Homeland Security issues. Prison population is as follows:
Up 45 inmates at Carl Robinson
Up 60 inmates at Willard
Same at other two facilities
Councilman Mangini stated the next Prison Town Liaison Committee meeting is scheduled for September.
Councilman Mangini stated the Revitalization Committee held a meeting and their agenda included an item regarding 9 North Main Street. She went on to note the Revitalization Committee has broken out into sub groups with people getting involved with the different aspects of the village concept.
Councilman Mangini stated she, Councilman Falk and Mary Keller attended the Indoor Recreation Meeting. She noted their July agenda will include an item concerning encouraging the Board of Education to add an addendum to their policy which would address these issues:
- that the school facilities usage policy be implemented equally among all schools and that the pecking order would be school first, then town, and after town usage any and all others
- that this policy be enforced
MOTION #5960A by Councilman Mangini seconded by Councilman Strom to add Item 12h under Items for Discussion. (Discussion re: Indoor Recreation School Usage Policy)
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5960 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5961 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the State Department of Transportation has been working with Asnuntuck Community College to improve the dangerous exit and entrance situation for the college; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has reviewed the plans and commented with the Department of Transportation subsequently making changes; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council is satisfied with the adjustments made to the plans to improve the size of the snow shelf on the north side;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, to execute agreements on behalf of the Town of Enfield to waive the appraisal process and to subsequently donate a section of frontage that the Town owns in front of Asnuntuck Community College approximately 15 feet in width over the entire length of the property adjacent to Elm Street.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that once all the appropriate documentation has been prepared, the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is authorized to execute the documents necessary to transfer the property.
Present for this discussion was Steve Egan, Project Coordinator from the Rights of Way Office of the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Egan highlighted the following areas:
- an increase in the distance of the snow shelf on the north side of the road
- the taper starts from Riverview Shops to Foxhill Apartments (north side)
- taper starts at Foxhill Apartments to first driveway at Asnuntuck (south side)
- proposed a five-lane cross section westbound, with an exclusive left-hand turn into the college; two through lanes, and one of the through lanes will be a right-hand turn lane to get onto Spring Garden Street
- on the opposite side of the intersection, there will be a six-lane cross section with two through lanes going eastbound and an exclusive left hand turn lane to get onto Spring Garden and an exclusive right-hand turn into the college
Mr. Egan explained how they tried to accommodate one neighbor's concerns by proposing a horseshoe so that the resident can pull out of the driveway, rather than having to back out of the driveway.
Councilman Fiore expressed his appreciation for the changes made by DOT. He raised the question of whether the neighbor's concerns have been addressed. Mr. Egan stated he met with this resident several weeks ago.
Roberta Kalva, 177 Elm Street - Stated she's very pleased with the rapport they've had with DOT.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5961 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION - TERRY HOUSE
Present for this discussion was Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the recommendations before the Council are generic recommendations because the Historical Society did not feel it was proper to be making recommendations.
Councilman Fiore questioned if the Historical Society would become the owners of this building if it were to be moved to the Martha Parsons property. Mr. Alsbaugh stated this building is not eligible for listing as a historic structure because its structural integrity has been extensively compromised. He went on to note the Historical Society would like to put together a small grouping of buildings, however, they do not have the money at this time to acquire and move the Terry House. He added they would commit to reconstruction at their own cost if the building is acquired and delivered to their site at no cost to them.
Mr. Shanley stated the North Central Connecticut Tourist Council is searching for a visitor's center.
Mr. Alsbaugh pointed out the Historic Commission is mainly concerned about the process which might be followed when occasions such as this arise, whereby the Council is provided enough information in order to make an informed decision.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #5962 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Fiore to remove Item 12. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5962 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #5962A by Councilman Mangini to reappoint Mary Ellen Hillis Bousquet (U) to the Greater Hartford Transit District for a term which expires 6/30/06.
MOTION #5963 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5963 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Mary Ellen Hillis Bousquet reappointed to the Greater Hartford Transit District by a 10-0-0 vote.
All other Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items c., e., and f. remained tabled.
MOTION #5964 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to remove Item d. DISCUSSION RE: WORLD WAR II HONOR ROLL from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5964 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Tait questioned the status on this.
Mr. Shanley stated they should have something in the next couple weeks.
MOTION #5965 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5965 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5966 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tait to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5966 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: BRIGHT MEADOW BOULEVARD SECTION 7A SIDEWALKS
Mr. Kazmarski stated a meeting was scheduled last Friday with the Radisson, CL&P and Phoenix. He noted Phoenix showed up, the Radisson couldn't make it, and he spoke with CL&P by phone. He stated these three entities are aware the Town wishes to go forward with sidewalks in this area. He pointed out the Phoenix was very negative and not willing to participate. He noted Phoenix does not see any positive need of a sidewalk for its employees.
He stated they did look at the impact of sidewalks on the Radisson property, and there's an alternate plan being looked at which involves shifting the sidewalk to the western side once it gets to the Radisson. He added they have to come up with a way to resolve the grading problem. He stated they are looking at some ideas and hope to report back at the July Council meeting.
Mr. Kazmarski stated CL&P expressed a desire to move forward with the sidewalks, and they're willing to grant an easement. He added CL&P is willing to participate in the landscaping associated with this sidewalk installation.
Mr. Shanley stated one item to consider is that pedestrians would have to cross the road to access the balance of the sidewalk.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief this is still a viable project. He pointed out the Phoenix is a lessor at that facility, therefore, he's not concerned about the Phoenix. He stated his belief they should proceed, and he would like a status report from Mr. Kazmarski in a couple weeks.
Councilman Strom questioned whether the cost for this project would be effected by continuing the sidewalk on the opposite side. Mr. Kazmarski stated this may reduce the cost. He added he was proposing to come to the next meeting with a couple alternatives. Mr. Shanley added some drawings will be made available for a future meeting.
Councilman Egan questioned if it's planned to meet with a representative from the Radisson, and Mr. Kazmarski responded yes.
MOTION #5967 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Fiore to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5967 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5968 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item i. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5968 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: LITTLE LEAGUE LIGHTS
Councilman Strom stated at the recent leadership meeting she learned this item is to be an application before Planning & Zoning. Mr. Vindigni stated an application has been submitted to Planning & Zoning on the proposed project.
Councilman Strom stated her impression the Council was to have more discussion on this item before moving forward. She stated her belief it's irresponsible to have something on Planning & Zoning's agenda that the Council has not approved. She stated her belief the Council should first decide if they want to go forward with this.
Councilman Tallarita stated his impression some information was to be supplied to the Council. Mr. Vindigni stated he has not yet finalized costs, but they should be ready in the next week or two.
Councilman Tallarita stated his belief this can be put on the Planning & Zoning agenda to keep this moving forward so that the Little League might be able to implement this as soon as possible. He noted if the information is supplied to the Council for the next meeting, they can go forward or withdraw this.
Councilman Egan stated her impression the Council has discussed this quite a bit already, however, she does not believe this should go before Planning & Zoning before the Council vote.
Chairman Vayda stated if this isn't put on the Planning & Zoning agenda, this project might not happen. He stated his belief they should encourage groups that raise funds to get things done.
Councilman Strom stated she has seen staff do a lot of the work on this. She questioned whether this is a priority for the Town Council.
Councilman Mangini stated she has been impressed with the Thompsonville Little League because of what they're trying to accomplish and they're aggressiveness in fundraising. She stated her belief the Council needs to stand behind their efforts.
Councilman Fiore pointed out the Little League is not part of the referendum package. All other sports have been addressed in the referendum and this initiative would, for a small amount of money, take care of baseball needs. He stated his belief this should proceed on the Planning & Zoning agenda. He added he would like the Council to take a vote on this on the July 1st agenda.
Councilman Tait stated at this time there is no plan for Asnuntuck and he can't support this without more information. He questioned why the Little League hasn't got the attention that soccer has. He questioned whether they should have something in the referendum for the Little League. He added that perhaps they should take another look at Asnuntuck and put together a complete plan for that area.
Councilman Tallarita reviewed the circumstances that led up to the proposal for the lighting at Asnuntuck. He stated that most of the plan is in place except for a few items that should be answered at the next meeting. He added that this is a simple request for four light poles and he thinks they should work with the group's proposal.
Councilman Tait pointed out that there is no plan for the Asnuntuck property.
Councilman Vayda noted that money has been spent on that field to be used for baseball and that this is a valuable addition to that field
Councilman Strom stated there really hasn't been good Council discussion on this. She noted they should have all the costs and the full picture, and then make a decision. She pointed out there are processes that have to be followed.
Councilman Fiore agreed with Councilman Tait's concerns with regard to a plan at Asnuntuck and that there are unanswered questions regarding that property and that various questions were outstanding as they prepared for the upcoming referendum. However, this is not a plan to redesign fields or make major renovations, but simply a proposal to install a few light poles at half the cost for the town.
MOTION #5969 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5969 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5970 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Strom.
WHEREAS, the voters of the Town of Enfield approved a referendum for the equalization and expansion of building school facilities; and
WHEREAS, a Building Committee was formed and authorized by the Town Council to plan and implement the improvements; and
WHEREAS, said Building Committee has expressed a desire to extend the existing contract for special inspection services to include Bid Package 3 work; and
WHEREAS, said Building Committee has also requested a supplemental part-time Project Monitor be contracted for the next three to five months; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Building Committee is hereby authorized to extend the existing contract for special services to include Bid Package 3, and the Town Manager to enter into a contract on behalf of the Town of Enfield, with a part-time Project Monitor for a period not to exceed five months duration.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5970 adopted 9-1-0, with Councilman Edgar voting against.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE
There was discussion about the summer meeting schedule and items that need to be covered. Chairman Vayda suggested the summer schedule/agendas be discussed at the leadership meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: BULKY WASTE FEES
Councilman Tallarita questioned how it's determined whether a user is commercial or residential. Mr. McAlmond stated their license would indicate if they are commercial.
Mr. McAlmond stated if they went with a scale process, they could charge five cents per pound and the Town would benefit because disposal expenses would be covered.
Discussion followed regarding the idea of using a scale process.
Councilman Fiore questioned what the payback would be for the initial $80,000 for a scale process. Mr. McAlmond responded two years, and that's conservative.
Councilman Tait questioned how they would know the tare weight of the vehicle, and Mr. McAlmond stated it would be on the barcode.
Mr. Shanley noted they have to look at having a consistent policy.
Councilman Fiore expressed concern about having trash on the side of the road if they charge too high a fee for curbside pickup. He added he does like the idea of the scale process and questioned if money could be found in the budget for that purchase.
Mr. Shanley stated that what would have to be done is a review of the projected revenues and then appropriate some of those increases in revenues for the expense of the scale or wait for the next budget cycle
Mr. Kazmarski noted they could work with the Police Department regarding illegal dumping.
There was a general consensus to move toward the scale process.
Councilman Tallarita stated his belief there needs to be more definition about fees for curbside pickup.
Mr. Shanley stated this will be refined with time frames, i.e., what decisions would need to be made and when.
Chairman Vayda stated his belief it would be valuable for the Police Department to get involved. He noted people should know their vehicles will be confiscated if they do an illegal dumping.
DISCUSSION RE: VICIOUS DOG ORDINANCE
Present for this discussion was Ronald Marcotte, Chief of Police.
Chief Marcotte stated this ordinance would be a preventive measure and will give dog wardens authority to declare a dog vicious and make requirements of the owners. He stated his belief this is a very good ordinance. He added this would need to be reviewed by the Town Attorney. He pointed out within one year, they had 67 vicious dog complaints. He recalled three children bitten and one mauled. He stated his belief the Council should approve this since this will help prevent bad incidents and will help in the long run.
Councilman Tait stated his belief Section 4 b. should be clarified.
Councilman Mangini questioned what's in place now to address this problem. Chief Marcotte responded nothing is in place for the dog warden to take action prior to an incident.
Mr. Shanley stated the Town Attorney can review the draft of this ordinance to be sure it passes legal muster, the language can be clarified, and at the July meeting the Council can set a date for a Public Hearing for this ordinance.
Councilman Edgar voiced his support of this ordinance. He questioned the appeal process. Mr. Shanley stated this is a concept that needs to be refined through the Town Attorney's office.
DISCUSSION RE: NO PARKING SIGNS
Chief Marcotte stated the "No Parking" signs were placed on Riverview Street by the railroad company as concerns blocking the railway's right-of-way. He noted the other parking signs were erected to help neighbors who were complaining about fishermen causing a nuisance around their property.
Councilman Strom stated her belief it makes no sense to have "No Parking" signs at the end of a dead end street when the railroad company already has signs in place.
Mr. Shanley stated it needs to be determined whether the circumstances continue to exist that placed those signs in that area two years ago and whether this is consistent with the signage policy.
Chief Marcotte stated he would look into this.
DISCUSSION RE: ABANDONED/INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLES
Mr. Shanley stated Councilman Kaupin raised the issue of consistent enforcement. He noted the issue was the enforcement of the portion that requires that the vehicle be behind the building line. He stated the Police Department has exercised some discretion, i.e., if a car is properly covered, the Police Department hasn't required removal. He noted they can't enforce that rule throughout Town, i.e., renters.
Chief Marcotte stated in some instances, people are covering their car and keeping the surrounding area neat.
Mr. Shanley stated the Council might consider reopening the ordinance and amending that section to address those instances where people do not have a backyard.
It was agreed by the Town Council that they look at this part of the ordinance.
Mr. Shanley stated this item will appear on a summer agenda.
MOTION #5971 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Strom to suspend the rules to address Item g. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5971 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: INDOOR RECREATION SCHOOL USAGE POLICY
It was agreed this item will appear on the next agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #5972 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Town Council wishes to return to the Planning and Zoning Commission its power under the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council and the PZC have signed a Stipulation relative to the matter entitled Town of Enfield v. The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Enfield, docket number CV 01 0812356S.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Council does hereby vote to rescind Resolution No. 5557 dated November 19, 2001 exempting municipal property from the Enfield Zoning Ordinance. This Resolution shall not become effective until Superior Court approval of the above-referenced settlement per Connecticut General Statute 8-8(n).
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5972 adopted 10-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Strom stated she has some material from the National League of Cities conference which can be distributed to the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5973 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Hall to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5973 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
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