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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 3, 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 3, 2002 at 7:34 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Falk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Egan, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita, and Vayda. Councilman Edgar entered at 8:00 p.m. . Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons; Director of Public Works, John J. Kazmarski; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5927 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the May 15, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5927 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5928 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the May 20, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5928 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Kaupin abstaining.
MOTION #5929 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hall to accept the minutes of the May 20, 2002 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5929 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Kaupin abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
There were no speakers from the public this evening.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Tait questioned whether there is a vicious dog ordinance in Enfield. He stated if there is no such ordinance, he would like to see a sample of such an ordinance.
He noted he received a call from a terrified resident whose small dog was attacked by another dog.
Mr. Shanley indicated he would get some information regarding Councilman Tait's request.
Councilman Strom suggested the dog warden, Fred Provencher, may have some helpful information.
Chairman Vayda agreed that Councilman Tait's inquiry is worth pursuing.
Councilman Kaupin stated he was contacted by the Connecticut Public Affairs Network because they're interested in offering their services to the Civic Participation group that recently made a presentation before the Council. He suggested this group be made aware of this offer.
Councilman Kaupin stated Tim Slade submitted a list of questions last October and is still waiting for some answers. He noted one item raised by Mr. Slade was that the Town has not put into effect a Solid Waste Appeals Commission. He suggested the Council have a discussion on an upcoming agenda about this so that they can come into compliance with the ordinance that was passed. He noted if this commission isn't needed, they should change the ordinance.
Councilman Kaupin requested a definition be supplied as to the "building line" in the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Ordinance. He added his belief this term should be clarified.
Councilman Kaupin stated if the Town gets additional State revenue, he would like a discussion about reinstituting the leaf vacuum program.
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like to have a discussion about the idea of instituting the condo trash pickup with the tipper barrel program.
Councilman Mangini thanked Ray Warren and staff for researching the 100-year businesses in Enfield. She noted she would like a discussion item regarding presenting these businesses with a proclamation.
Councilman Mangini commended Father Joe from St. Bernard's Church who celebrated his 45th anniversary in the priesthood.
Councilman Tallarita stated he would like to see a discussion item on a future agenda about recognizing people who serve on boards and commissions.
Councilman Tallarita stated he received an angry phone call from a resident on Pearl Street who noted he was not informed that the sidewalks in front of his home were to be torn up. He noted the Public Works Department has met with this resident since that phone call. He recommended in the future an effort be made to contact people when work such as this is to be done.
Councilman Tallarita requested a status report regarding the tree belt along Route 5. Mr. Shanley suggested the residents who have concerns should call the Director of Public Works directly.
Councilman Fiore commended Town of Enfield employees for receiving an honorable mention campaign award from the Capitol Region Council of Governments.
Councilman Fiore thanked the Town Manager and DPW staff for holding a Section 15 neighborhood meeting last week. He stated his belief this meeting went very well.
Councilman Fiore noted the Town's website now lists all the revaluation figures for residential property. He stated a resident requested whether they could also list commercial properties as well.
Councilman Falk stated he appreciated seeing a note on the Town's website about the garden club planting flowers around all the Enfield entrance signs.
Councilman Falk stated Voices, Inc. will be holding their last concert of the season this weekend.
Councilman Hall requested an update on the Risk Manager position.
Chairman Vayda noted Filene's had a grand opening for their new facility last week. He stated Joseph Tyne, the General Manager for the Westfield Shopping Mall, will be retiring. He noted Mr. Tyne stated this corporation is looking for ideas that would serve the youth of town and will supply space to do so. He stated perhaps Social Services has ideas.
Chairman Vayda agreed the Council should further discuss the 100-year old business in Enfield. He went on to note perhaps the Town should have a plaque or some presentation item for new businesses opening in Enfield which could be presented at ribbon cutting ceremonies.
Chairman Vayda spoke about the React rally that took place on Fairfield Avenue. He noted he spoke on behalf of the Council in that he believed the Council would support working toward gaining access to the river. Councilman Egan questioned whether it would be appropriate for the Town Manager's office to draft a letter expressing the Council's support of the efforts of the React Committee. Chairman Vayda suggested this be raised at Thursday's leadership meeting.
Councilman Mangini stated she would like more information regarding the React Committee. Councilman Strom stated brochures are being made up that cover the whole React cause and she will see that these brochures go out in the Council's packets on Friday.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the Capitol Region Council of Governments recognized Town of Enfield employees for having one of the highest percentage of participation in the United Way Campaign.
Mr. Shanley stated the Risk Manager position closes again on June 12th, and on June 13th they'll know the quality of the applicants that have responded.
As concerns Mr. Slade's list of questions that was submitted in October, Mr. Shanley stated Mr. Vindigni did respond to 25 or 26 of the individual's questions. He noted there was a reaction to this response, whereby another list of questions was submitted, however, Mr. Vindigni has not yet responded to this second list of questions. He noted there are about 40 questions to be answered now.
Mr. Shanley stated prior to the React Committee being formed, there was a meeting which included himself, Councilman Strom, Mr. Vindigni, and representatives from Amtrack. He noted they met at the site to discuss the various options available to provide for continuing access to the river. He stated all of the ideas were capital intensive. He noted at that time, Amtrack stated all of their capital resources were being focused on security.
Mr. Shanley stated it's very unusual for residents not to be made aware of sidewalk work. He apologized for Pearl Street residents not being informed about recent sidewalk work.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Kaupin stated a few meetings ago, Mr. Courchaine inquired about the Hazardville sidewalks. He stated his impression the pavers were to go to the driveway past St. Bernard's Church and the driveway past Kelly Fradet. He stated his belief it's really skewed by a great deal. He stated his feeling the walkways on each side of the street should be more aligned. Mr. Shanley stated this is being addressed.
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee is doing a wonderful job, and the members of this Committee work very hard.
Councilman Mangini stated the Indoor Recreation Committee held what will probably be its last meeting. She noted a report is currently being generated.
Councilman Hall agreed with Councilman Kaupin about the Hazardville sidewalks not being aligned on each side of the street.
Councilman Hall stated the Route 190 Corridor Study group met this past week. She noted there will be an exclusive east-bound, left-turn lane onto North Maple Street. She stated two different plans will be presented to the Council - leaving the right turn only lane in the plan, along with taking the right turn only lane out. She stated the next discussion will be about the Scitico intersection.
Councilman Strom stated the Enfield High School Building Committee met last Wednesday evening and the RFP has been accepted by the Committee and it was sent to the Town Attorney's Office.
Councilman Egan stated she and Councilman Kaupin attended the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities meeting in New Britain two weeks ago. She noted everything is up in the air as concerns the budget. She stated they're putting out an ad trying to get the public involved so that people will call their legislators to encourage more funding to come back to the towns.
Mr. Shanley requested an additional item be added to this agenda concerning a bid waiver for a professional services contract.
MOTION #5930 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Hall to suspend the rules to add Item j. under Items for Discussion to discuss a bid waiver for a professional services contract.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5930 adopted 11-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #5931 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to accept the Town Manager's recommendation to remove Items 8 and 9 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5931 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #5932 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Fiore to accept the Town Manager's recommendation to appoint Ernest Maynard and Sophia Lynch to the Commission on Aging.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5932 adopted 11-0-0.
Items c., d., e., f., and g. remained tabled.
MOTION #5933 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Strom to remove Item h. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5933 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: OLD SENIOR CENTER
Chairman Vayda read a letter from Celeste Estvanik. (Copy appended)
Councilman Tait stated his belief there are multiple tenant possibilities in this building. He went on to state his belief they need to provide some services to the indigent people in the downtown area.
Councilman Mangini questioned whether Valley Repertory could submit a Neighborhood Assistance grant application. She noted Save the Strand, Inc. was able to submit an application. She raised the possibility of these two groups uniting since they're both involved with the arts.
Councilman Tallarita pointed out the Save the Strand group is attempting to save a structure to allow for performances to occur within that building in the future. He noted Valley Repertory is a performance group and they're searching for a location to put on their performances.
Councilman Kaupin spoke in support of Valley Repertory remaining in the senior center. He stated his belief to displace this group would be unfair and a loss to the arts in Enfield. He noted this is a great theatrical group made up of very committed people.
Councilman Tallarita questioned how much square footage is currently being leased, and Mr. Shanley responded 4,500 square feet. He added the current lease expires in approximately a year and a half.
Chairman Vayda noted this will be further discussed in the work session.
MOTION #5934 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5934 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #5935 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item i. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5935 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: LITTLE LEAGUE LIGHTS
Councilman Tallarita questioned whether information has come in from DPW, and Mr. Vindigni stated he has not yet received the information from Buildings and Grounds as concerns the conduit and trench work. He added at this time, his main concern is the land use regulation process and getting the site plan approved.
MOTION #5936 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5936 adopted 11-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
NOMINATION #5937 by Councilman Falk to appoint Jason Jones (R) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term which expires 12/31/05.
MOTION #5938 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5938 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Jason Jones appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals by an 11-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #5939 by Councilman Fiore to reappoint Walter Shermer (U) to the Area 25 Cable Television Advisory Committee for a term which expires 6/30/04.
MOTION #5940 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5940 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Walter Shermer reappointed to the Area 25 Cable Television Advisory Committee by an 11-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #5941 by Councilman Fiore to reappoint Karen Chadderton (D) to the North Central District Health Department for a term which expires 6/30/05.
MOTION #5942 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5942 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Karen Chadderton reappointed to the North Central District Health Department by an 11-0-0 vote.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #5943 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the Town Manager's recommendation to reappoint Kathryn McGann (D) to the Fair Rent Commission for a term which expires 6/30/04.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5943 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #5944 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address the appointment to the CT North Central Tourism Bureau under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5944 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION - TERRY HOUSE
Mr. Shanley stated a packet was distributed to the Council this evening. He noted this item will appear on the June 17th Regular Meeting agenda.
MOTION #5945 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Strom to suspend the rules to address Items c., e., f., g., h., and i., under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5945 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: ROUTE 220 - ASNUNTUCK RIGHT OF WAY
Mr. Shanley stated there has been some redesign of the plan and representatives from DOT will be present at the June 17th Regular Meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: BID WAIVER
Mr. Shanley stated the School Building Committee has authorized staff to find a third party to help during the peak of the construction process, probably from June through October. He noted in order to move things along quickly, they are requesting a waiver of the bid process because this is a short-term, temporary, part-time situation.
Councilman Falk questioned what type of help are they seeking. Mr. Shanley responded construction inspection services.
MISCELLANEOUS
NOMINATION #5946 by Councilman Fiore to reappoint Trudy Dorous (D) to the CT North Central Tourism Bureau for a term which expires 6/30/05.
MOTION #5947 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5947 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Trudy Dorous reappointed to the CT North Central Tourism Bureau by an 11-0-0 vote.
MOTION #5948 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tait to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5948 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5949 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
A Resolution re: Approval of Proposed Neighborhood Assistance Act Grant Application.
(Copy appended)
Councilman Kaupin thanked Mr. Vindigni for his work in this area every year.
Chairman Vayda agreed with Councilman Kaupin and stated his belief these are great applications.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5949 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5950 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 1500-550 Registrar Printing & Repro. $10,000.00
FROM: 1500-120 Registrar Salaries P/T $10,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $10,000.00 is available from Account #1500-120 as of May 21, 2002.
Councilman Fiore stated at the first meeting in July, the Redistricting Subcommittee will be coming before the Council to present their recommendation. He noted every voter in town will receive a mailing regarding their new voting place. He stated this cost will cover an outside service to do some mailings.
Councilman Kaupin commended Councilman Fiore, Charlene Bond, Suzanne Olechnicki and the Registrar of Voters for working on this. He noted they're doing a lot of work.
Chairman Vayda thanked everyone for their hard work on this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5950 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5951 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : Public Works-Bldg. & Grounds Maint. $200.00
Acct. #3400-810 Dues & Fees
FROM : Public Works-Bldg. Inspection Div. $200.00
Acct. #3300-810 Dues & Fees
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $200.00 is available from Account #3300-810 as of May 28, 2002.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5951 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5952 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hall.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : Public Works Administration $350.00
Acct. #3100-535 Postage
FROM : Public Works-Engineering Div. $350.00
Acct. #3200-535 Postage
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify the amount of $350.00 is available from Account #3200-535 as of May 28, 2002.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5952 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5953 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Strom.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : Public Works-Bldg. Inspection Div.
Acct. #3300-110 Salaries-Full Time $1,500.00
Acct. #3300-140 Salaries Overtime $ 750.00
$2,250.00
FROM : Public Works-Bldg. & Ground Maint.
Acct. #3400-110 Salaries-Full Time $2,250.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $2,250.00 is available from Account #3400-110 as of
May 28, 2002.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5953 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5954 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : Police
Acct. #2100-733 Furniture & Fixtures $6,521.68
FROM: Police
Acct. #2100-333 Health Services $6,521.68
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $6,521.68 is available from Account #2100-333 as of May 22, 2002.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Hall questioned if the EMS Director will be housed in the Police Department. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5954 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
No one wished to speak.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There was discussion about "No Parking" signs at the bottom of Fairview Avenue. It was agreed to include this topic as an item for discussion on a future agenda.
Councilman Tallarita expressed appreciation for the CCM report that was included in the Council's packet.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5955 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5955 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
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