ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 17, 2002
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Acting Chairman Tallarita in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 17, 2002 at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Edgar, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Mangini, Strom, Tait, and Tallarita. Councilman Hall entered at 6:09 p.m., Chairman Vayda entered at 6:10 p.m. Councilman Kaupin was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond; Parks & Recreation Supervisor, Mary Keller.
DISCUSSION RE: SHAKER RECREATION
Present for this discussion was Vincent McDermott from Milone & McBroom.
Mr. Vindigni stated the Council has a memorandum which details the projects they are attempting to do. He noted there's a cost estimate and corrected site plan. He stated this project has been contracted out to Milone & McBroom for design work and cost estimates. He pointed out this amount will have to be included in the referendum question as a not to exceed amount.
Mr. McDermott displayed an illustration of the Shaker Recreation Complex. He made the following points:
- three fields and a parking area exist today and the rest of the site is undeveloped
- a fairly significant part of the property is comprised of wetlands
- a slight modification of existing fields is proposed because two of the fields are a little too close together
- re-grading along the edge
- a field measuring 180 X 280 could be located in the area of the large mound
- the large mound would have to be removed (mound material is unsuitable for any use at that site)
- walking trails and pedestrian bridge are proposed
- there is also room for another youth size soccer field
- an increase in parking spaces
- tree and shrub plantings as well as plantings suitable for the wetland area
- preliminary numbers are before the Council since this is a preliminary design
- fencing and guardrail (Town's maintenance responsibility after installed)
Councilman Fiore commended the Milone & McBroom staff for a great job. He went on to question the cost for the walking trail/pedestrian bridge. Mr. McDermott estimated $90,000.
Referring to modifying existing fields, Councilman Tait questioned the reason for the modification and the cost. Mr. McDermott stated they want to be sure there's adequate separation between the playing fields and parking lot. He explained without this adjustment, the area is too congested. He noted the cost to modify the fields is very incidental.
Councilman Falk raised the question of lighting one or more fields. Mr. Vindigni noted that topic was raised in a meeting with Milone & McBroom and staff recommended not lighting the fields. He added if they were to go forward with lighting, they would have to check with the Department of Corrections. Councilman Fiore stated he has been in contact with the Board of Directors for soccer and noted they're appreciative this is moving forward and they don't want the issue of lighting to hinder this project from moving forward.
Councilman Tallarita questioned the life expectancy of the walkways. Mr. McDermott stated the boardwalk would require very little maintenance, and he expects the life expectancy to be 20 years if it's done right. He explained the walkways would be comprised of free-draining gravel which could be replenished as needed.
Councilman Tallarita questioned whether there are any numbers concerning the additional cost to maintain these fields. Mr. McAlmond stated currently the prison maintains the fields. He added the Town lines the fields and picks up the trash. Councilman Tallarita questioned whether the prison will still maintain the fields. Mr. McAlmond stated he could check into this. Councilman Tallarita stated he would be interested in seeing the maintenance numbers at some point.
Councilman Strom questioned how interested the soccer league might be in having lights on their fields. Councilman Fiore stated lighting is the lowest priority at this point.
Councilman Strom questioned if a gravel parking lot is going to be a problem with Planning & Zoning. Mr. Vindigni noted this was raised at the Administrative Review Team meeting and no objections were raised.
Councilman Mangini stated her belief soccer fields don't need lighting because those games are played primarily in daytime hours.
Chairman Vayda questioned the purpose of the walkways. Mr. Vindigni stated the CDM study called for all the parks to pursue perimeter walking trails as a site enhancement.
Chairman Vayda questioned the down time for these fields when the project is underway. Mr. McDermott stated one of the fields would have no down time and another field would have a year of down time.
Chairman Vayda questioned if irrigation is planned for the Shaker Complex, and Mr. McDermott responded yes, and the cost has been included.
Mr. Shanley stated he has a draft of a time line and it includes a July 29th Public Hearing for recreation.
DISCUSSION RE: GREEN MANOR POOL
Present for this discussion was Joseph Bargmann and Thomas Seretta of Bargmann Hendrie.
Mr. Vindigni stated Bargmann Hendrie has been engaged to come up with a site plan and cost estimate for the replacement of the Green Manor Pool. He noted the cost estimate is $1,645,000.
Mr. Bargmann showed slides of the existing Green Manor Pool site. He made the following points:
- the current pool can handle 117 swimmers - the new pool can handle 184 swimmers
- the current pool measures 2,900 sf - the new pool measures 4,600 sf
- the new pool would have the following features:
- improved sanitation
- lawn area
- family changing rooms
- exterior showers
- community policing office
- concession area
- separate year-round toilet facility
- 70 to 75 parking spaces
- handicap accessibility
- zero depth, beach-entry pool
- spray area in lieu of toddler pool
- shallow end of pool could contain optional play features as well as a water
slide at the deep end
Mr. Bargmann explained the different methods of pool construction and it's being recommended going with a Gunnite pool rather than concrete. He noted the cost of the concrete is much more expensive. He explained Gunnite pools must have some water in them throughout the winter months and be covered with a heavy pool cover. He noted these pools last 20 years with minor maintenance and some have lasted up to 50 years.
Councilman Mangini questioned whether any state or federal grants might be available to help with this project. Mr. Vindigni indicated this could be looked into.
Councilman Tallarita questioned the cost of maintaining this facility, and Mr. McAlmond stated they will put those numbers together.
Councilman Falk questioned the price and warranty period on the pool cover and could such a cover hold the weight of a child. The response was the warranty is ten to fifteen years at a cost of approximately $20,000, and that these covers are strong.
Chairman Vayda questioned whether the pool itself would have lighting inside of it. Mr. Bargmann responded lighting in these pools usually isn't included. He pointed out most evening swim programs end at sunset.
Mr. Shanley stated another matter the Council should consider is whether this pool will be free or whether there should be a fee structure.
DISCUSSION RE: BRAINERD PARK
Present from Vollmer Associates was Gary Sword.
Mr. Sword stated they looked at five items:
- existing conditions
- program elements
- goals
- Alternative A and Alternative B
- cost estimate
He used an illustration and explained Alternative A and Alternative B. He listed some of the features being considered: play area, including a toddler play area, interactive spray pool, two lighted basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, lawn area and passive recreation, pavilion with restrooms, dry concession, community policing office.
Mr. Sword stated they are trying to maintain the passive component of the park and improve the active components.
He detailed Alternative A as follows:
- centralized access to the park (in both alternatives)
- separation of play areas for older and younger children
- keep active fields in the back
- three tennis courts on far western end of site
- pathways throughout the park
- all of backstop areas will have new bleachers and fencing
Alternative B is proposed as follows:
- tennis courts moved up to northwestern portion of the site
- maintain a green area and great lawn
- position older children toward the road (more visible from the road)
- toddler playground area would be in close proximity to the pavilion and great lawn
Mr. Sword stated they want to minimize tree losses.
Councilman Fiore stated he prefers Alternative B. He went on to question the need for a 15% contingency. Mr. Sword explained the 15% is used for all consulting costs. He noted that figure will come down the larger the project is.
Councilman Mangini questioned the status on boundless playgrounds. Mr. Vindigni indicated they'd follow up on that. Councilman Mangini questioned the possibility of any state monies being available for this project. Mr. Vindigni indicated this can be checked into.
Councilman Tallarita expressed his preference for Alternative B. He suggested the Council be given some conceptual ideas for a pavilion design.
Mr. Vindigni suggested the Council provide their feedback regarding the different options.
MOTION #5956 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to recess the meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5956 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 7:48 p.m.
Chairman Vayda reconvened the meeting at 10:57 p.m.
MOTION #5974 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Egan to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5974 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood recessed at 10:58 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Vayda at 10:59 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Edgar, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni and Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki. Councilman Mangini excused herself for the first part of the Executive Session
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
Chairman Vayda adjourned the Executive Session at 11:04 p.m. He reconvened the Special Meeting at 11:05 p.m. and stated that during Executive Session they discussed Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations with no action or votes being taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5975 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Strom to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5975 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:06 p.m.
|
| |