|
ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 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, March 18, 2002 at 7:37 p.m.
PRAYER The Prayer was given by Councilman Tait.
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; Director of Finance, Gregory R. Simmons; Director of Information Technology, Charlene S. Bond; Assistant Town Planner, Roger W. Alsbaugh; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #5767 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the February 26, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5767 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5768 by Councilman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the March 4, 2002 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5768 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5769 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the March 4, 2002 Regular Meeting.
Referring to Page 4, the fourth paragraph, Councilman Falk noted this should read Partners In Education.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5769 adopted 10-0-0, as amended.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
John and Mary Weigel, 7 Susan Circle
Ms. Weigel stated from the March 14th Flood & Erosion Control Meeting, it was their understanding there was going to be some discussion or voting taking place, and the
Town Attorney was supposed to be present. She questioned why this item isnt on the agenda this evening.
Mr. Shanley stated he was not present at that meeting, however, he did put together the resolution that was passed at the last meeting.
Councilman Edgar stated when they passed the resolution at the Soil & Erosion Control Board, it then had to come back to the Council for the Council to approve it and then have the Town Attorney draw up the necessary papers.
Councilman Mangini pointed out Town staff was also requested to provide the Boggios with documentation to bring them up-to-date on this situation. Mr. Shanley stated the Flood & Erosion Control Board has independent authority.
Chairman Vayda stated they will check into this and get back to the Weigels before the next meeting to let them know the status of everything and what needs to be done.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like to direct Town staff to proceed immediately with the legal documents so that they can move this forward if its decided the Council does not have to take any further action. Mr. Shanley stated his assumption that the Flood & Erosion Control Board had given that direction. He noted if Council Members were told the Flood & Erosion Control Board doesnt have the authority to act and that they can only advise the Council, he will check with the Town Attorney since thats new information to him. He added this is already moving forward.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like to direct the Town Attorney to start working on this tomorrow. Chairman Vayda stated if there is anything further for the Council to do, they will bring that back at the next meeting, but as far as he knows, there isnt anything for them to do.
MOTION #5770 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Strom to add this as a discussion item under 9A on this evenings agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5770 adopted 10-0-0.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated the vigilante committee of Enfield has removed about 150 illegal signs that appear on weekends because the Zoning Enforcement Officer isnt working weekends. He noted these signs have been traced to a company in Springfield and as soon as more information is available, a complaint will be filed with the Town Council.
Mr. Tkacz stated he frequently sees Public Works employees visiting the Better Bagel shop.
John Klegg, 1 McConn Avenue
Raised questions about a dumpster on the site of the future Family Resource Center. He noted a Somers Sanitation dumpster has been sitting on the property for about three months.
Mr. Klegg stated he has heard that when the Senior Center is vacated, theres the possibility of a soup kitchen moving in.
Chairman Vayda suggested Mr. Klegg set up a meeting with the Town Managers office so that they can go over some of his concerns.
Ron Squires, 98 Steel Road
Stated six or eight months ago an EMS Committee was being formed and a notice went into the newspaper inviting residents to apply to serve on this Committee. He noted he did apply but has not heard anything. He stated his belief people should at least get a response.
Mr. Squires stated he would not want to see the Town take over the fire districts. He suggested turning emergency medical services over to the fire departments.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Commended the Highway Department for work they did over the winter months.
Mr. Jedziniak stated he would like to see Council Members paid for the meetings they attend.
He stated his belief the Town and School Systems are over-budgeted.
As concerns the teachers complaining about air quality in the schools, he suggests they open their windows.
Mr. Jedziniak concluded stating his belief the Frank Mancuso Park sign should be put up once the park is on line.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Fiore stated the Sixth Annual Hall of Fame Golf Tournament will take place at the Oakridge Country Club on Saturday, September 21st at 12:30 p.m.
Councilman Hall referred to Bid Package #3 and questioned why this did not get approved through the State. Mr. Pongratz stated today they met with the School Facilities Unit at the State Department of Education. He noted the architect did not identify the sprinkler system to the States requirement. He indicated thats being addressed and that package should be rolling again. He pointed out JFK Middle School and Head Start are already approved. He noted they are only waiting for the Enfield Street School.
Councilman Hall stated three large oak trees on Enfield Street have orange bands. She noted these trees are fairly far from the power lines. She requested more information on these trees. Mr. Shanley indicated hed look into this.
Councilman Hall stated she has not had a chance to review the letter from the State regarding aerial spraying near Route 190. She questioned if DEP and DOT were consulted on this. She questioned if the state is aware of all the letters that came out of DEP. She requested this be followed up tomorrow.
Councilman Falk stated Voices, Inc. will be having performances on April 11th and 12th at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. He noted they will be performing music from Disney shows.
Councilman Falk stated Somers has initiated talk in response to the Governor giving his blessing to move forward with prison expansion. He noted if this is going to happen, Enfield should get some return on that since all the roads to the prison go through Enfield, and Enfield controls the sewer system.
Councilman Falk stated they are entering the budget season and theyre coming out of revaluation. He noted hes trying to establish what the base line is before they start adding tax increases to support their programs.
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilmen Strom, Egan, and Falk represented Enfield by marching in the Hartford St. Patricks Day Parade on Saturday.
Councilman Mangini thanked Ray Warrens staff for information on businesses that are one hundred years or older. She noted she would like the Council to consider a proclamation honoring those businesses.
Councilman Mangini thanked the North Thompsonville Fire Department for allowing the nice ride along she had Friday night.
As concerns the prison situation, Councilman Mangini stated the State of Connecticut dictates what the Town will do, and it would be nice if the Council could come forward to say that Enfield would like something in return.
Councilman Tallarita requested an update as to when the Town Council would be relieved of its responsibilities acting as P&Z on Town properties.
MOTION #5771 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add an item for discussion on this evenings agenda regarding CRCOGs initiative to work with the City of Hartford regarding that citys clean-up campaign. She noted this is also an initiative under the Municipal Fiscal Disparities Law.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5771 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Hall questioned the status on the hiring of a Risk Manager.
Chairman Vayda read a statement on behalf of Frank Mancus
I would like to set the record straight. Recently a letter to the editor accused me of asking to have my name inscribed on the proposed World War II Honor Roll in Enfield. I did not ask that my name be placed on the Honor Roll. I was not an enlistee in Enfield and I lived in Hartford at the time. The reason I asked that my name be removed from the petition being circulated was because of the comments made at the Special Meeting of the Town Council held in Enfield High School. These comments not only hurt this Committees cause, but have tarnished the memory of the silent heroes who sacrificed their lives some 57 years ago. The former Town Green Advisory Committee and Beautification Committee that oversee the Town Green have both reminded the Town Council that there is a master plan for the Green and hopefully that will be taken into consideration when any decision is made to consider the proposal. $150,000 is a considerable amount of money to replace a wooden honor roll that was constructed by citizens in the 1940s and was destroyed around the time of the flood that occurred in the 1950s. Honor Rolls of this type were put up all over the nation during the 1940s to recognize the young men and women who were fighting for our country at that time. Very few if any of these honor rolls currently exist. I am sure that in their good judgment, the Town Council will make the right decision when deliberating over this expenditure of taxpayers money.
Councilman Edgar stated the public should know that the Municipal Site and Building Review Subcommittee which met concerning the Family Resource Center at 110 High Street took no action this evening, and this has been deferred to the first Monday in April.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATION
As concerns Councilman Tallaritas request for an update as to when the Town Council would be relieved of its responsibilities acting as P&Z on Town properties, staff is working on something and the Town Attorney will be asked to address this at the next Executive Session.
Mr. Shanley stated the Risk Manager position has been advertised and closed. He noted he will check with the Personnel Department for further information.
As concerns the revaluation and the budget, Mr. Shanley stated they have to look at the tax dollars they are paying, not the mil rate. Chairman Vayda suggested adding this as a discussion item on this evenings agenda or another meetings agenda.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Fiore reported the Redistricting Committee had their first meeting last week and it went very well. He noted they proceeded to assist the Registrars of Voters who were actually doing some physical tours of the new state legislation lines because they have to write up the booklet for that for the April meeting. He stated his hope that will be ready for April 1st.
Councilman Fiore stated the Municipal Site and Building Review Subcommittee met this evening regarding the Family Resource Center. He noted the Subcommittee decided they needed one more meeting and hopefully they will be ready for the April 1st Town Council meeting.
Councilman Egan stated the Prison Town Liaison Committee met last Wednesday. She listed the following totals of the prison population:
Previous # Latest #
Enfield Correctional Institution 724 727
Carl Robinson 1,150 1,151
Willard Cybulski 1,042 1,043
Northern 484 485
Councilman Egan stated there has been a request by the Committee to have someone representing the police department at their meetings. She noted they have requested this in the past and Councilman Mangini has mentioned this a few times. She requested someone get in touch with the Chief of Police to see if someone can be at the next meeting. She pointed out this Committee meets only quarterly with the next meeting in June.
Councilman Hall referred to the School Building Committee and noted Jeter, Cook & Jepson has given their word they would have this bid package ready for the end of March. She stated it appears part of the hold up is the fire sprinkler system that the State required to be put in the Enfield Street School. She noted that has held up the process, along with some oversight issues that are being resolved. She stated the plans should go out by the end of March and hopefully theyll be moving forward with everything quickly.
Councilman Mangini stated the Prison Liaison Committee did pass out copies of the resolution that was passed by the Town Council.
DISCUSSION RE: SUSAN CIRCLE
Councilman Strom stated there seems to be a little confusion. She noted some members of the Flood & Erosion Control Board did understand that they needed to approve this item in their own meeting and that it also needed to be approved by the Town Council in order to get things rolling. She stated if thats not the case, they certainly want to move along quickly. She noted if they dont have to get any further approvals, hopefully all of the legalities that needed to be worked on will be done as soon as possible. She added if it is necessary to vote on this, she would like to know how thats accomplished and can the legal documents still be prepared and moved as quickly as possible.
Mr. Shanley stated his assumption that this was done and it is moving forward. He stated his belief it would not be good to go before the Bond Commission at the same time theyre asking the State for a special act. As concerns the Bond Commission agenda, that is in the hands of the DEP.
MOTION #5772 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add Item n. to the agenda which would be the Town Councils acceptance of the actions of the Flood and Erosion Control Board.
Mr. Shanley stated they are moving ahead.
Chairman Vayda stated he would like to discuss the dual request to the State. He stated his understanding they arent going to wait two years for the State to come back on the special act. He noted they need clarification from the Senators office as to whether this was even viable. He stated they might want to pursue something in writing. He stated the first priority is to get this on the Bond Commission agenda.
Councilman Edgar questioned whether they can convey the message to the Town Attorney that they would like this done as soon as possible. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilmen Edgar and Mangini withdrew their motion.
Chairman Vayda requested the Town Attorney provide an update on where this is headed. He stated they will let the Weigels know when this will appear on the agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #5773 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to remove Item #5 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5773 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #5774 by Councilman Edgar to appoint John J. Rarus (D) to the Enfield Beautification Committee for a term which expires 1/20/04.
Chairman Vayda stated his impression they had an agreement on this and no one spoke to him until just prior to this meeting. He noted hes not ready to vote on this at this point in time.
Councilman Strom stated she wasnt under the impression this person was still looking for the appointment.
Councilmen Edgar and Mangini withdrew their motion at this time.
MOTION #5775 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #7 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5775 adopted 10-0-0.
NOMINATION #5776 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Fred Gelsi (D) to the Enfield Revitalization Committee.
MOTION #5777 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5777 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Fred Gelsi appointed to the Enfield Revitalization Committee by a 10-0-0 vote.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #5778 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Fiore to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5778 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: WORLD WAR II HONOR ROLL
Present from Milone & McBroom was Rod Shaw, Landscape Architect
Mr. Shaw stated he, Vince McDermott, Scott Shanley, and Jeff Bord met on January 25th to briefly discuss the five different sites, three of which are on the Town Green, one in the Freshwater Pond area and one in the Hazardville area.
Mr. Shaw stated he spent several hours walking and photographing the sites. He explained he considers the sites on the Green as Sites #1, #2, and #3, with the Freshwater Pond site being Site #4 and Site #5 is the Hazardville site. He stated Site #1 is closest to the intersection; Site #2 is a little further over toward the Town Hall; Site #3 is along North Main Street. He stated they listed advantages and disadvantages for each site. He then highlighted the possibilities of each site.
Councilman Edgar stated his understanding a copy of this report was to be given to the Committee, however, they have not received this report. He noted since the Committee hasnt had an opportunity to review this report, they are not present this evening. He stated his understanding the Council and Memorial Committee would receive this report jointly. Mr. Shanley stated it was supposed to be sent out on Friday.
Councilman Tait stated he would like to defer any recommendations until they have heard from the Committee.
Councilman Falk stated it does not appear what the landscape architects instructions were as far as design, but it appears they gave the architect the old design, and he just repeated it. He noted he thought the architects might have a better way to design the memorial. Mr. Shaw stated the first part of the charge was to make a site analysis of the five different sites and make a recommendation as to which site they thought was best. He noted they then looked at what was proposed and possibly incorporate that. He agreed there are certainly other things that can be done in those particular sites.
Councilman Falk questioned the possibility of reducing the size of characters from ¾ to 3/8 and what impact would that have on the overall size. Mr. Shaw stated they did not get into the specific design of the monument. He noted the charge was more site analysis and recommending the best site.
Councilman Falk questioned why the architect chose the west side of the street instead of the east side of the street as a site in Hazardville. Mr. Shaw stated his opinion the west side is more prominent and provides more visibility.
Councilman Falk spoke about the pond site and questioned whether a smaller monument would be more fitting. Mr. Shaw noted thats a possibility.
Referring to the Freshwater Pond area, Councilman Tallarita questioned why the vacant area near the Savvy Shopper wasnt looked at. Councilman Tallarita questioned whether thats Town property. Mr. Vindigni stated his belief it is. Councilman Tallarita stated he had suggested this area be looked at.
Mr. Shaw pointed out the original honor roll used to be in the downtown area.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief a decision has to be made now. He stated his preference are the old Option #1 and the Option #3 that was presented tonight.
Councilman Strom stated her preference for Option #3 on the Town Green because it has a lot of things going for it, i.e., its close to the parking lot and its ADA accessible because the sidewalk area is already there. She added shes not prepared to vote tonight because the Committee has not seen this report.
Councilman Edgar stated in Site #1 theres no mention of a drainage problem, however, in Site #3 theres mention of a drainage problem. He stated his belief the site work for Site #3 is going to be about double the cost of what it is for Site #1. He noted the water table is high in that area. He stated his big objection to Site #3 is the cost. He pointed out this Committee has different construction people in town that are willing to donate the site work in Site #1, therefore, there would be no additional cost to the Town. He stated he has no assurances the more expensive work in Site #3 would be donated by these construction companies.
MOTION #5779 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Fiore to adopt Site #1 this evening.
Councilman Egan stated her belief it would not be fair to go forward with a vote this evening since Councilman Kaupin is not present. She commended the architect for doing a lot of work in a short period of time. She added she would like more time to go over all the details.
Mr. Shanley pointed out as soon as his office received this report, they immediately mailed it to the Town Council.
Councilman Falk stated his belief $150,000 is a lot of taxpayers money, and he feels they should have a public forum, similar to the streetscape forum and get public input.
Councilman Strom stated the architect made mention of the visual distractions on Site #1, i.e., the traffic passing by, the Thompsonville signage, the proximity to the roadside, etc. She stated Site #3 is quieter and lends itself to an atmosphere of respect and contemplation. She feels they should at least get input from the Committee after theyve had an opportunity to look at this report.
Councilman Tallarita agrees this needs to move along, but not necessarily tonight. He agreed they should hear comments from the public.
Councilman Tait stated he wants feedback from the veterans regarding this.
Councilman Egan pointed out one advantage of Site #3 is that theres room for expansion.
Councilman Mangini agreed they need input from the veterans.
Councilman Tallarita questioned if expansion at Site #3 relates to expansion of the physical monument or that there be other monuments placed at that site. Mr. Shaw responded other monuments. He noted the World War II memorial can be designed differently, i.e., divided up into smaller section. He added the next step would be the design of the monument.
Councilman Tallarita voiced concern about the concept of expanding to other monuments because it may encroach more onto the open area of the Green, thus possibly losing flexibility of the Green in the open areas. He went on to state his belief they are showing respect to the veterans by doing whats right and theyre considering the rest of the community at the same time.
Councilman Hall stated her belief this Council has been extremely dedicated to this process. She went on to state her belief that wherever this monument is placed, other monuments will follow and she feels the monuments should be in the same general area. She stated her feeling the Town should honor all of its veterans.
Councilman Fiore stated he does not believe they need another public forum for this. He agreed the Memorial Committee should see this report.
Councilman Edgar questioned if theres room for expansion on all the sites. Mr. Shaw responded to a degree, but obviously theres more room on others. He went on to note there are already more things happening on Sites #1 and #2 and those sites are tighter.
Councilman Edgar stated he is dismayed that the members of the Committee will read about this in the newspaper tomorrow without actually seeing the document. He stated his belief any delays are a disservice to the veterans.
MOTION #5780 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Fiore to table MOTION #5779.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5780 defeated 1-9-0, with Councilman Edgar voting in favor.
Chairman Vayda questioned if the architect recommends Site #3, and Mr. Shaw responded yes.
Chairman Vayda stated his preference for Site #3 because its near the parking area and this site provides an atmosphere thats a little more contemplative and respectful. He noted another feature he particularly likes about this site is its accessibility to the parking lot. He added its a little more central to the activities that take place on the Town Green. He acknowledged it does detract some space from the Green, particularly as relates to the Fourth of July Celebration, however, what better opportunity to have people milling around a monument such as this. He raised the possibility of taking advantage of the slope on this site to build in some benches.
Councilman Hall questioned whether the Town Engineer could provide an idea as to what the development cost would be for Site #3. Mr. Shaw stated his belief there wouldnt be a drastic increase in price for Site #3.
Councilman Vayda questioned if this project could be done in phases, and the architect responded yes.
Councilman Fiore questioned what the next step would be. Chairman Vayda stated at the next meeting they should definitely have another discussion. He noted he would be sure everyone who needs to have a copy of this report does get a copy. He requested they have enough copies so they can leave some at each library and one for Town Hall. He suggested perhaps they could take out an ad to let people know this report is available.
Councilman Fiore questioned if they can get this report hand-delivered to the Monument Committee. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
MOTION #5781 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to table MOTION #5779.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5781 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5782 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Hall to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5782 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5783 by Councilman Falk, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5783 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5784 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait.
Resolution re: EMS Charge
(Copy appended)
Councilman Tait referred to Item #2 on the resolution and stated his belief (a.) should read: How is EMS in the Town of Enfield going to be structured? He noted this should address whether EMS should be privatized, a consortium, or five separate contracts with five fire departments.
Councilman Hall stated her belief that if this is too specific, they may be tying their hands to some degree.
Councilman Tait stated his belief they need some definition regarding fundamentally how is EMS going to operate.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait to reword the first sentence in Item #2 as follows:
Working with the EMS Manager in her/his capacity as Staff Liaison to the Commission, develop recommendations for an EMS Structure and Implementation Plan…
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 10-0-0.
Chairman Vayda questioned whether Earl Provencher has any concerns. Mr. Provencher indicated he is satisfied with this.
Chairman Vayda questioned whether Mr. Provencher feels the Council is going in the right direction, and Mr. Provencher responded yes.
Chairman Vayda commended Mr. Vindigni for his work on this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5784 adopted 10-0-0, as amended.
Item f. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #5785 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tallarita.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Account #7080-890 Celebration & Special Events $12,500.00
FROM: Account #8030-840 Contingency $12,500.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $12,500.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of February 26, 2002.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5785 adopted 10-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
MOTION #5786 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Items a., c., and d. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5786 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION REPORT/TERRY HOUSE
Present for this discussion were Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner and Richard Tatoian, Chairman of the Historic District Commission.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the utilization of the CGS Section 7-147 report to the legislative body is the attempt of the Historic District Commission to temporarily fill the gap between an actual policy and a complete lack of a policy. He noted recent events have indicated to them that the Terry House is in imminent danger of being lost. He stated it has been conveyed to him that the property owner intends to strip the large house on the corner and tear it down and dismantle the Terry House and have it sold and removed. He noted they had a volunteer engineer offering services for free. He stated they received the name and preliminary paperwork from a professional historian if they decide to look into this property further.
Mr. Alsbaugh shared some of the history he has learned about this property and the physical condition of this building. He noted he was able to trace the deed to this property back to 1755. He stated his belief this house is worthy of saving. He noted it will be a considerable amount of money to save this property. He spoke about some of the possibilities for this property, i.e., dismantling and relocating it. He explained the purpose of this report is to provide as much preliminary information as possible so that the Council could discus this and consider options.
Chairman Vayda stated his belief everyone would be interested in further discussion to take this to the next level to see where its leading.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he can get matching grants for archaeological analysis, as well as an engineering grant.
Mr. Tatoian stated the Historic District Commission wants to raise public awareness about the unique and historic houses in Enfield. He noted these homes are irreplaceable.
Councilman Edgar questioned whether theres any idea as to where they could relocate this home if it were dismantled. Mr. Tatoian responded no. He added there is the possibility of the Parsons House Complex, however, they would first like to gather more information about the Terry house.
Councilman Falk questioned if its intended that the Town get involved in the renovation business. Mr. Alsbaugh stated his belief its the Historic District Commissions intent to come up with a possible scenario for dealing with situations such as this.
It was agreed this item can be included on the next agenda for further discussion.
Items e. through l. will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: CRCOG INITIATIVE
Councilman Strom explained this has to do with the City of Hartford clean-up. She noted this is the kind of action taken under the Fiscal Disparities Law that was passed last year. She explained this involves various towns getting involved with a clean up in Hartford. She noted this would involve Public Work employees going to Hartford during their regular work day with no overtime.
Mr. Shanley explained the Fiscal Disparities Bill was passed by the legislature in the last session. He noted the intent of the bill was to require regions that surround three distressed communities (Hartford, Waterbury and Bridgeport) to come up with strategies to address fiscal disparities. He noted one of the things that CRCOG has identified that could be done is to assist in this way from time to time.
Councilman Tallarita requested a list of those towns participating in this.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Town Manager could proceed with this.
Councilman Egan questioned if there will be any union matters involved with this. Mr. Shanley responded if theres any major issue, they will not do this.
Councilman Strom requested the Council be kept informed about this.
MOTION #5787 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules to address Item h. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5787 adopted 10-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #5788 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that Scott Shanley, Town Manager, is empowered to execute and deliver
in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for an Historic Preservation Grant.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5788 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5789 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Tait to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION#5789 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5790 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Strom.
Resolution re: BR-1 Agreement
(Copy appended)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5790 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #5791 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolutions.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5791 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5792 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Egan.
Total - $107,679.31 Copy appended
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5792 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5793 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Egan.
Total - $185,476.99 Copy appended
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5793 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5794 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Strom.
Total - $145,033.63 Copy appended
Mr. Shanley explained the School Department requested wiring of the schools for school technology.
Councilman Fiore questioned if there would be a benefit for the school system to have this capital now. Mr. Pongratz explained this would allow them to accomplish this work over the summer months. He stated this would be the backbone wiring for JFK and Enfield High School. He added this will make them compliant with what the State is looking for in all the school systems.
Councilman Fiore stated his opinion this should be part of the budget negotiations.
Councilman Egan stated her opinion that it seems theres an incredible amount of money put into the budget every year for technology. She feels somewhere along the way it should be adequate for them to do what they need to do without the Council transferring that much more.
MOTION #5795 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to table this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTON #5795 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5795A by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Strom.
Total - $270,000.00 Copy Appended
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5795A adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #5796 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 2002-1210-8720-734 CIP $100,000.00
FROM: 2000-3200-8710-335 CIP GIS $100,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $100,000.00 is available from Account #2000-3200-8710-335 as of 3/11/2002.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #5796 adopted 10-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #5797 by Councilman Hall, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #5797 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 11:16 p.m.
|