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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING
APRIL 30, 2002
A Public Hearing of the Enfield Town Council was held in the auditorium of the JFK Middle School, 155 Raffia Road, Enfield, Connecticut on Tuesday, April 30, 2002. Chairman Vayda called the Hearing to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Edgar, Falk, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita, and Vayda. Councilman Egan entered at 7:05 p.m., and Councilman Kaupin entered at 7:06 p.m.
Present from the Enfield Board of Education were Board members Kenneth Hilinski, Roger Jones, Thomas Osborne, Lynn Scull, Nicholas Sinsigalli, William Thomson, Heidi Tibbetts. Kristen Hamilton entered at 8:00 p.m. Joyce Hall was absent.
Also present were Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Gallacher; Enfield Public Schools Business Manager, Patricia Brooks.
Chairman Vayda read the notice of Public Hearing which was published in the Journal Inquirer on Saturday, April 20, 2002 as follows:
TOWN OF ENFIELD
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED BUDGET FY 2002-2003
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2002
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the TOWN OF ENFIELD shall hold a PUBLIC HEARING on the Proposed Annual Operating and Capital Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003. The Public Hearing shall be Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the John F. Kennedy Middle School on Raffia Road, Enfield, CT. All electors and taxpayers will be provided an opportunity to express their opinions and further give written and/or oral comment regarding the proposed budget.
Also, in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 4 of the Town Charter, along with the Notice of Public Hearing was published a summary of the proposed expenditures and revenues, as well as the amount to be raised by taxation, and that this summary can be found on pages 2 and 3 of the budget.
At the Special Meeting of the Town Council on April 1, 2002, Resolution #5798 was adopted establishing the conduct for this hearing. The resolution is as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield values the opinions and comments of its constituents; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 4, of the Enfield Town Charter, any elector or taxpayer may have an opportunity to be heard regarding appropriations for the ensuing fiscal years and for the purpose of being heard on issues of vital community importance and concern; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council shall conduct a public hearing at the John F. Kennedy Middle School on Raffia Road on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the order of business of the 2002-2003 Budget Hearing be arranged as follows:
a. Presentation of the Town Managers Budget;
b. The Chairman of the Board of Education highlights Education Budget;
c. Comments from members of the public for the first time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each speaker be requested to register with the Town Clerk his name and address and that no speaker be allowed to speak more than five minutes each successive time the speakers name is called. Additionally, any speaker who has not registered with the Town Clerk will be allowed to speak only after those who have registered no longer wish to speak.
PRESENTATION OF THE TOWN MANAGERS BUDGET
Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance, presented the Town Managers Budget.
Mr. Simmons stated the budget document is available at and they plan to have the adopted budget posted on that website as well.
He stated the grand total of the budget, as proposed by the Town Manager, is $102 million which represents a 6.4% increase over the prior years spending. He noted this is broken down between the School System and the Town - $62 million for the School System and $39 million for the Town.
Mr. Simmons stated the areas of significant revenue loss based on the Governors proposed budget are as follow:
- Education Cost Sharing shows a reduction of almost $624,000 (this figure does include the revenue for transportation for school)
- A reduction in Revenue Sharing (for the prior two years there was a $400,000 grant that the Governor is no longer proposing in this years budget)
- The Housing Pilot has been eliminated by the Governor in this years budget ($177,000 of anticipated revenue that the Town wont be getting if the Governors budget figures hold true)
- Debt Reimbursement for School Construction The old way of calculating school construction grants had the state reimbursing the towns for the portion of principal and interest payments on debt. The current method of doing this is that the Town only issues debt for its share of the grant.
- Interest Earnings with interest rates declining and all the on-going capital projects, the Town does not have a lot of capital to invest.
Mr. Simmons stated gambling revenue provides for an additional $300,000 in revenue. He explained this is the Mashuntucket Pequot slot machine revenue which is shared by all the towns.
He stated the expenditure increases for the School System as proposed by the Town Manager is 6%. He noted originally the School System came in at 7.5%.
He stated the Towns figures, without Debt Service, show a 4.7% increase. He noted the Debt Service portion of the Towns budget shows a 35% increase. He explained the Debt Service increase, which is about a million dollars and relates to the debt that the Town just issued ($14 million dollars for the Elementary School projects and the Senior Center) amounts to approximately 1% of the total Town budget. He noted that although theyre showing a 35% increase in debt expenditures, its not a large portion of the budget in total.
Mr. Simmons stated some of the areas on the municipal side of the budget where expenditures have risen include:
- Emergency Medical Services
- CRRA fees
- Liability insurance
- Workers Compensation insurance
- Health insurance
- Debt Service
Mr. Simmons spoke about the recent revaluation in Town. He noted the total value, based on that revaluation over the prior year is up 9%. He stated typically in a year when there isnt a revaluation, theres a 1% growth in the grand list. He noted if everything were to remain the same and they didnt have all the state revenue cuts from the Governor and have to deal with increased costs, the mill rate would be 30.28.
Mr. Simmons explained different properties went up at different percentages.
He stated the proposed budget will generate a mill rate increase to 34.11, which is an 11.75% increase over the prior year, and this will generate $7.9 million in new local dollars which will help to offset the Governors reduction of revenue and the additional costs that the Town is facing.
Mr. Simmons stated there has not been a significant increase in State Aid for Education since prior to 1996. He noted without additional State funding all of the burden falls on local tax dollars to make up that difference. He stated the increase in local tax responsibility for education since then is $14.5 million dollars, which would take 7.63 mills to generate. He then referred to a graph which shows the disparity in the cost of education vs what the State is providing. He stated his belief towns really need to work on the State to provide more grants for education to all municipalities.
PRESENTATION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET
William Thomson, Chairman of the Board of Education, presented the Board of Education Budget.
Mr. Thomson stated the School Board budget is made up of several components - Board goals, financial detail, personnel detail, glossary of terms, and a listing of the increases and the reasons those increases are being requested. He stated this budget is on the Towns website.
He stated there is a 13.7% increase in health insurance; an estimated 50% increase in Workers Compensation; a 40% increase in property liability insurance (to some extent this is related to September 11th); an increase of $202,000 for outplacement tuition for Special Education; a 5% increase for utilities; a 10% increase for retirement contribution; $1,300 increase for Alternative Education.
Mr. Thomson stated starting in the Year 2006, they are mandated to develop some additional performance standards as regards graduating seniors. He noted the State is gradually raising the standards to get a high school diploma. He stated the School System has been working on this. He noted they do have programs in place at the early levels in order to insure that students will do well in math, reading and literacy. He listed some attempts to address this area:
- expand full-time kindergarten at Memorial, Parkman and Whitney
- additional reading support teacher
- increase the number of library aides
- start a Civics class (in 2004 the State will mandate each student have a half year of Civics)
- lower class size in Math and have more computer-based math classes
- an increase in custodians to deal with expanded school size
- a general maintenance person and electrician
- a Network Administrator Assistant
- replace computers in high school labs with newer computers
- new software
Mr. Thomson stated since theyve done this budget, theyve had some adjustments, i.e., additional retirement savings.
He stated last February the School System held a public forum on the School Budget and asked people their opinions regarding this budget. He noted there was a general feeling that they need to provide services to the students, especially with respect to those students that may be in the middle and dont get Special Education or the advanced accelerated courses. He noted they should be sure these students get the services they need so theyre able to do math and write. He stated this is what theyve tried to accomplish with this budget.
COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Chairman Vayda stated the Council has been meeting and reviewing the budget and considering different options to see what can be done to limit the impact on the budget. He invited the public to give their opinion about a one-year moratorium on leaf pick-up. He clarified the Town would still pick up the leaves, however, they wouldnt hire the contractor to vacuum up the leaves with trucks, but rather the leaves would have to be bagged for pick up.
Joseph Saroce, 10 Briarwood Drive
Suggested School Administrators and Teachers take a cut in pay and pay more for their insurance now. He feels they should stop presenting a wish list, but rather prioritize their needs.
Mr. Saroce stated his belief priorities should be based on monies taken in, not on whats expected from the State or Federal governments.
He noted the base line budget with the Board of Education boils down to approximately 85% for wages and benefits, and he feels the same probably holds true for the Towns workforce.
He voiced his dissatisfaction with taxpayers not being able to vote on the budget since the Charter doesnt allow this. He stated his belief the Town Charter needs to be changed to allow the budget to go to referendum.
Mr. Saroce stated he would like to see a change in the way the budget book is done by including an index.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Questioned why the technology departments for the Town and School systems were once merged and what was that cost. She questioned why they were separated and the cost of that separation.
Ms. Jedziniak stated in January, 2000 the School System and Town System had a Joint Technology Committee that selected Gardner Consulting to perform a study as to whether there should be one information technology organization or two separate technology organizations. She read from the study by Gardner which talks about a climate of mistrust between the two technology organizations. She noted Gardner's recommended a single information technology organization in order to be more efficient and cost effective.
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Voiced his opposition to the budget. He stated his belief people cannot afford this budget. He suggested the Town be more fiscally responsible like the State government.
John Kulungian, 29 Rockland Drive
Stated the Town is raising the mill rate and the property taxes. He stated his belief its not right for a retired person to bear these expenses.
Shirley Jensen, Glen Oak Drive
Voiced her support of a moratorium on leaf pickup.
Ms. Jensen voiced her concern about public safety and questioned whether any monies have been budgeted for a defibrillator. Chairman Vayda responded yes, this is included in the budget.
Referring to wages and benefits, Ms. Jensen pointed out teachers and police can go elsewhere if employee packages are not competitive with other towns.
James LaFountain and Janet LaFountain, 58 Elm Street
Stated he and his wife are opposed to the proposed tax increase. He stated his belief these are uncertain times, and this is not the time to be hiring more personnel or raising taxes. He pointed out many people live on fixed incomes and live from paycheck to paycheck. He noted most people get a 3% increase in pay. He concluded stating his belief this increase is not warranted.
Carol Santoshi, 288 Broad Brook Road
Urged the Council to give careful consideration to this budget and stated her hope there will not be a mill increase.
L.L. Collins, 25 Gordan Lane
Voiced her displeasure with the Board of Education. She referred to a Journal Inquirer article last winter where one Board of Education member spoke up for the taxpayers in Enfield and noted he was opposed to the high taxes. She noted another Board of Education member was in favor of an increase in taxes.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated his belief the Enfield Police force is big enough. He added his feeling Enfield needs to look at how to save money, not spend it.
Donald Christmas, 25-27 Lincoln Street
Stated he just purchased a home and is concerned about being able to afford his mortgage payment. He stated his hope taxes can be kept down.
Mary MacDonald, 71 Steele Road
Stated she cannot afford these taxes. She pointed out people are on fixed incomes and some people have to work beyond their retirement years so that they can pay their taxes.
Edward Deni, 19 Aloha Drive
Voiced his concern about the School Board hiring 17 more non-certified personnel. He stated his impression the Town is always hiring consultants.
Bob Maticke, 9 Sun Street
Stated hes frustrated with the Board of Education and disagrees with the proposals. He stated his belief its time to protect the people of Enfield. He went on to state he cannot afford this increase. He urged the Council to give the taxpayers some relief.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Raised the following questions:
Page 6 15% increase under Purchase and Professional and Technical
She noted she does not know what that means.
Page 7 94% increase
Road 2000 Referendum She questioned the status on this and questioned the need for a very large storm drain near her home.
Page 31 two outdoor pools She stated shes confused about two outdoor pools.
She questioned where in the budget is the $138,000 for the condo trash truck that was put into the budget last year. She stated the Town is going to match that again this year. She added her belief if its in the budget, it needs to come out.
She agrees with stopping leaf pickup. She commended the people who pick up the trash, noting they do a great job.
$55,000 for the Webmaster she feels this should be outsourced.
She questioned the increase for the Network Manager from $32,000 to $64,000
Page 53 Part-Time Receptionist she feels if its a part-time receptionist, they shouldnt have a receptionist at all.
Revenue Sharing Grants she noted the word grant should read giveaway and it should not be budgeted, because its a gift.
She questioned how much Town employees and teachers pay for medical benefits. She noted she pays 100%.
Ms. Turner stated there are people who havent paid taxes in many years. She stated her belief the Town should go after delinquent taxes full force, i.e., taking the property.
She pointed out this November there will be a referendum for recreation.
She stated her belief the Town needs to stop binding arbitration.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated his belief the Town should cut back on police presence at their meetings.
Referring to the ranking of the Connecticut Mastery Test, Mr. Tkacz stated the Enfield School System has dropped from 77nd place to 122nd place. He noted all the surrounding towns are ahead of Enfield. He stated his belief Enfield can do better.
Anthony Barone, 17 Manning Road
Questioned why the Town is so dependent on State monies. He stated he is very opposed to a tax increase. He voiced his concern there may be a lot of foreclosures in Town.
Carrie Barnes, 5 South Meadow
Stated shes not happy about paying more taxes. She stated when people vote for their Town Council, they expect to see more affordable taxes.
Ms. Barnes stated her belief the School System doesnt need more full-day kindergartens. She stated her impression the Town is paying day care costs for people.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated his belief the Town should distribute this tax book to every taxpayer in Enfield at least two to three weeks before budget time.
Mr. Jedziniak stated he cannot understand why the Town and School systems cant have professional signs produced to announce Town Council and Board of Education meetings.
He concluded stating his belief the townspeople have been very supportive to the Board of Education over the years.
Joseph Saroce, 10 Briarwood Drive
Referred to the $1,805,065,025 tax base and questioned why theres even a need to raise taxes.
Mr. Saroce questioned the high cost of window replacement at Parkman Elementary School.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief nepotism is very prevalent in the Town and School systems. She suggested a policy of one municipal job per family.
Lori Longhi, 1427 Enfield Street
Stated her opposition to the budget as it stands. She noted the evaluation people told her that most mill rates drop after revaluation. She stated her belief the Town should trim this budget. She added her belief the evaluation people did the Town a disservice by telling everyone that the mill rate would stay the same or drop. She requested the Council consider this when making their budget decisions.
David Brooks, 159 Shaker Road
Stated his impression the Towns budget is getting out of control. He feels they have to stop built-in raises for the School Board.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Stated her belief its time to audit the School Board budget.
James LaFountain, 58 Elm Street
Stated his home was revaluated for a high amount. He noted the evaluation people told him not to worry.
Anthony Barone, 17 Manning Road
Stated he made five complaints to the Police Department and called his council member, however, nothing has been done. He noted this relates to the tractor trailer trucks speeding in his neighborhood and the hazard this presents to children and people walking in this area.
Lori Spazzarini, 10 Enfield Garden Drive
Stated she was not happy with the revaluation on her property and met with the evaluation team. She noted she was told not to worry, that the mill rate would probably go down. She noted she received a letter and they dropped the amount slightly. She stated she then hired an independent appraiser and brought that appraisal before the evaluation team. She stated they then received a letter back with absolutely no adjustment. She questioned how this evaluation team can dismiss this appraisal.
Ms. Spazzarini stated her understanding the School System wants the best for the children, however, they are not producing the numbers compared to Somers or Suffield. She does not feel an increase is warranted this year.
Edward Poremba, Overhill Road
Spoke about speeding problems near JFK Middle School.
Mr. Poremba stated his belief the Council has to cut the budget. He added his belief the Northgate project should be put on hold as well as some other capital improvement projects.
He noted there are many foreclosures happening in Enfield.
Mr. Poremba stated the senior population in Enfield is increasing, however, they will be moving out because they cant afford these taxes. He urged the Council for a zero percent increase, noting the economy and market is unstable.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Pointed out Town Managers in other towns have cut back on school budgets.
Richard Woska, 37 Neelans Road
Stated his belief the Town Council is working very hard to bring this budget down, but its his impression more has to be done. He urged the Council to do their best.
Bruce Athler, 17 Silver Lane
He urged the Council and Board of Education realize what people in this town are earning and what they are expected to pay.
James Wesloski, 20 Duprey Street
Stated hes not in favor of a significant tax increase, and hes not in favor of
decimating the Board of Education. He challenged every department head and organization to go back and revisit what they have submitted to find savings.
As no others wished to speak, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:54 p.m.
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