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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2005
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Tallarita in the Council Chambers of Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, January 3, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Egan.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Peruta, and Tallarita. Councilmen Mangini, Reveruzzi and Tait were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7544 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Peruta to accept the minutes of the December 20, 2004 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7544 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7545 by Councilman Peruta, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the December 20, 2004 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7545 adopted 8-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Ben Scavarra, 28 Taft Lane
Submitted a questionnaire and requested the Town Council complete it for a Civics Class at Fermi High School.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Referred to this evening's agenda and the discussion regarding the "Library Long Range Planning Committee" and voiced concern more programs may be generated and result in more space and personnel being required. He added there are a lot of people in town that feel a lot of other towns come here to use Enfield's facilities. He questioned why taxpayers of Enfield have to pay for programs that are attracting and serving out-of-towners. He suggested the Library Long Range Planning Committee think about these things.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief Enfield taxpayers will be stressed financially in 2005 and hopes the Council will consider that during the budget process. She referred to the huge deficit the State of Connecticut is facing. She urged the Council not to listen to the Board of Education regarding their budget. She feels the Board of Education needs to explain why they continually raise their budget. She pointed out taxpayers have seen their health, car and real estate insurance increased, however, Town and Board of Education administrators and teachers received nice raises. She questioned whether they will pay more on their insurances as do the rest of the taxpayers. She questioned when the Town will stabilize the taxes to give taxpayers relief.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated the State of Connecticut does have property tax relief and that helps all property owners and owners of automobiles. He noted this helps senior citizens as well. He then referred to gas tax and noted there's a hidden gross profit tax that the distributors have to pay, and that's why Connecticut's gas prices are way out of proportion with the rest of the surrounding states. He added that's why Connecticut doesn't have tolls because they pay the highest gas tax and highest gas prices.
Mr. Tkacz referred to pizza being provided to the Town Council on early meeting nights. He noted Council members are supposed to serve without compensation, except for the reimbursement of actual expenses and lost earnings incurred in the performance of official duties. He noted pizza may be a gift from the Town to the Town Council, and they're only allowed $100 per year. He pointed out pizza slices at Big Y are $1.95 plus tax. He questioned how many pizza slices Council members are allowed during the year, and he feels that anything over that limit, the Town should issue a 1099 because that's income or a gift from the Town. He requested the Town Manager keep a log on how many pizza slices are eaten and the Town issue a 1099 to all the people that exceed $100 because it's against the law to have a gift beyond $100. He pointed out if the taxpayers are paying for the refreshments, then the Council should invite the people who attend the meetings to partake in those refreshments.
The Council took a five-minute recess. The meeting stood recessed from 7:55 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #7545A by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to suspend the rules to address Items 13b, c., d., and e. to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7545A adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Fiore congratulated Senior Assistant Town Attorney, Maria Stavropoulos, for passing the examination for the American Institute of Certified Planners. He noted this is recognized nationally as the highest standard of professional designation for the planning profession.
Councilman Fiore questioned when the Council will be having its review with the external audit firm.
Councilman Fiore requested the CIP review take place earlier in the budget process.
Chairman Tallarita stated he had asked that they keep on the agenda the item regarding having the Congressman come before the Council. Mr. Shanley indicated that would be done. Chairman Tallarita requested they stay in touch with that office to see when they might be able to visit Enfield.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the audit was done December 31st and they just received it today. He noted they will be distributing that and setting up a meeting in late January or early February.
Mr. Shanley stated at the last meeting Mr. Sheridan inquired about the disposal of mercury thermometers. He noted Mr. Sheridan was given some erroneous information when he visited Windsor Locks. He stated when the fee is paid to the MDC for the hazardous waste collection day, people are allowed to visit any other participating community on their hazardous waste collection day. He noted the people in Windsor Locks didn't have good information regarding this and turned away Mr. Sheridan. He pointed out Enfield's Solid Waste Department is working with the DEP to try to find a place for disposing of mercury thermometers. He noted the Town cannot take this material and hold onto it because then the Town would be storing hazardous material, and this was a problem when they were holding paint. He stated they will contact Mr. Sheridan as soon as they have information.
As concerns the tax relief mentioned by Mr. Tkacz, Mr. Shanley stated part of the $1.3 billion dollar deficit that the Governor is talking about includes the fact that property tax relief is going to go up to $500 again. He noted one of the ways to cut the deficit is to not increase the property tax relief figure back to where it was. He stated there will be a lot of pressure to keep the figure where it is. He pointed out the $1.3 billion dollar deficit assumes certain growth in certain departments, certain growth in ECS and assumes that some of those things that are scheduled to happen, i.e., the property tax relief going back up to $500. He noted if all that happens, that is where the deficit is.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson indicated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Kaupin stated he attended the Prison Town Liaison meeting a few weeks ago. He noted he has the resignation from Joe Kowalski which will go out in the packets.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #7546 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to remove Item #9 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7546 adopted 8-0-0.
NOMINATION #7547 by Councilman Fiore to appoint William Sheele (D) to the Commission on Aging for a term which expires 12/31/07.
MOTION #7548 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7548 adopted 8-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared William Sheele appointed to the Commission on Aging by an 8-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7549 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to remove Item #10 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7549 adopted 8-0-0.
NOMINATION #7550 by Councilman Kaupin to reappoint Marguerite DuPrey (R) to the Commission on Aging for a term which expires 12/31/2007.
MOTION #7551 by Councilman Egan, seconded by Councilman Dodd to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7551 adopted 8-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Marguerite DuPrey reappointed to the Commission on Aging by an 8-0-0 vote.
All other appointments remained tabled.
Councilman Fiore pointed out that CRCOG appointments, Items #10 & #11, under Town Manager appointments are on their agenda for the next P&Z meeting. He added his belief these should actually be Town Council appointments rather than Town Manager appointments.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #7552 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7552 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: CHARGE FOR ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE
William Lee, Chairman of the Enfield Revitalization Committee was present for this discussion.
Mr. Lee referred to the report before the Council. He noted the conclusion of this report is that progress is being made, i.e., the community guide book for housing related programs; promoting the whole concept of the rail program is on-going at the local, state and federal levels; the comprehensive use and disposition plan of municipally owned buildings is on-going; designation of historic properties, places and districts still has a lot of work to be done.
He noted one of the big things left on the table in this term was the whole process for completing a certified local government certification process. He explained a large application has to be completed regarding this, and this isn't something the Revitalization Committee can do on its own. He stated this is something they feel the Town Council should initiate. He stated his recollection that when they last met jointly, there were requests made of staff to get the Town Council or the Town Manager's office some details as to how that can get started. He noted the application information was provided, however, he's not sure if at that time there was a strong enough understanding of what the Council needs to do and what would be left for the Revitalization Committee to continue to work on.
Mr. Lee stated as the Council evaluates any future charge for the Revitalization Committee, he feels the preservation policy and the different incentives that the community can come up with that are driven by how they identify historic assets is probably one of the more important things that the Committee can continue to study. He suggested putting a very definitive timeframe on when that should be accomplished and report back promptly with that progress.
He stated the remainder of the report from December talked about what they were doing with respect to the Planning & Zoning Commission's work in the village districts. He noted the Hazardville district overlay was completed as part of the work that the Council completed. He stated there was the suggestion to revamp the historic property tax abatement program in the different villages. He noted that was an excellent move, and he knows the Office of Community Development and the Building and Planning Departments are still working to promote that any way they can.
Mr. Lee stated the objectives that they have with respect to the National Main Street Center are still very good goals for the Revitalization Committee to pursue. He noted the principles that guide that whole association and movement and the different programs they sponsor are very valid, proven revitalization strategies for historic commercial centers, and those principles should remain part of the effort in any new charge. He stated how those can be brought into Enfield without formally applying for the full main street program would be a significant and valuable effort.
He suggested any new charge really not diverge in the scope of what they are now studying. He suggested perhaps placing some emphasis on working with the Council to complete the certified local government process once they get the results back from different surveys and consulting projects that are going on in the historic villages and the national registered districts. He also suggested that as part of the charge they formalize a process for some joint working sessions over the next 12 to 18 months.
Chairman Tallarita expressed his appreciation to Chairman Lee and the Revitalization Committee for all their work over the past few years.
Councilman Kaupin stated he, Councilman Mangini and Peter Bryanton, the Community Development Director, met with Chairman Lee and they reviewed the report and requested a one-page synopsis which was distributed this evening. He pointed out Objective #2 has been completed, and the ball is really in the Council's court for funding. Chairman Lee stated his belief there's some funding under the Revitalization Committee's budget which is earmarked for the initial design work and a short run of the proof pamphlets.
Councilman Kaupin stated they looked at the rail service item, but it's understood that will be a long-term item. He noted it's believed it would be a very appropriate focus for the Revitalization Committee to continue helping, knowing their input today is probably minimal until they get over the hurdles at the state level. He stated they also discussed membership, and he understands the large size of the committee is a concern to the Committee itself and some staff. He pointed out over time the Committee evolved into a core of 12 to 15 very active members. He added the Committee would be willing to bring down the membership but to keep that 12 to 15 member figure. He noted there's enough work for a group this size.
Councilman Kaupin clarified the Revitalization Committee provides strategy and they're not the workers. As concerns certified local government, he noted if this is a Council goal, it should be turned over to Town staff. He pointed out there are quite a few communities that are under certified local government. He noted this could be one of the bullet items in their goal discussions. He stated at that time they can rank it and determine whether they want certified local government as one of their top goals.
Councilman Fiore expressed his appreciation for this report. He noted last year the Council budgeted $5,000 for the Revitalization Committee. He stated there's approximately $18,000 in a separate capital improvement account. Mr. Shanley stated the $18,000 is in that account, however, it's not for use at the discretion of the Revitalization Committee.
Councilman Fiore referred to the second paragraph on Page 2 and questioned whether this is something that's on the Committee's agenda. Chairman Lee responded no and explained that is a P&Z Commission item. He stated his understanding this is one of the by-products of some of the surveys that are being conducted and will be studied to see how they can best create different areas of a village or historic district so that the planning and the zoning mesh.
Councilman Fiore stated he does not like overlap within government, nor does he like competing committees. He questioned Chairman Lee's opinion as to how they can be sure to avoid that. Chairman Lee stated his belief the Revitalization Committee has attempted to collect a lot of different information and in the course of its schedule brought in people from the Historic District and the Historic Commission to be part of formulating different strategies that the legislative arm of the municipality can consider in the development of policy. He added his belief overlapping isn't a problem. He noted the goals that they're pursuing are broad.
Councilman Fiore questioned if they're going to recommend the launch of preservation week again in this coming year. Chairman Lee noted they did not do this last year just based on resources and whatever was going on at that time. He added there is certainly a set of worthwhile programs out there. Councilman Fiore stated he would not want to see that fall by the wayside.
Councilman Fiore questioned if Chairman Lee identified what he thought should be more of a priority over the upcoming years. Chairman Lee responded he believes so and added his belief some of the work the Town is doing with the surveys will make things very clear shortly as to where the Council may want to prioritize some things, and the Revitalization Committee will be there to "pick up the ball."
Councilman Fiore stated in the last resolution they didn't make it mandatory to make sure there was a balance on the Committee between the four voting districts. He noted he comes from the political philosophy that there are no villages, but rather this is one town and no Hazardville, Thompsonville, Scitico, etc. He stated he will be emphasizing that philosophy again. Chairman Lee stated his belief that requirement didn't effect the way the ERC functioned or the way it formulated any of its strategy. He agreed it may be good to have such a requirement which at least insures that representatives from across the community can be part of a solution that effects everyone.
Mr. Shanley thanked Chairman Lee on behalf of Town staff. He pointed out the work this committee did regarding the New Haven/Springfield rail plan was very helpful.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief the Council needs to look over and discuss this report and focus in on what they believe are the objectives, as well as look at the make-up of the committee.
Councilman Kaupin requested a copy of the last charge be provided to the Town Council.
Chairman Tallarita agreed the Council and Revitalization Committee should meet on a more regular basis. He stated his belief it's critical that they do stay in touch. Chairman Lee stated his belief that will help both groups.
MOTION #7553 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Dodd to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7553 adopted 8-0-0.
Item f. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no Consent Agenda items on this evening's agenda.
The appointment to the Cultural Arts Commission remained on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #7554 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield wishes to replace the recently recalled Heart Defibrillator Units (AEDs) as soon as practical; and
WHEREAS, Johnson Memorial Hospital has just completed a thorough competitive analysis of AEDs for their facility; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has reviewed the process and is encouraged by the thoroughness of the review and testing, especially as it relates to medical reliability and maintenance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield consistent with Section 8(d) of the Town Charter finds it in the best interest of the community to waive the bid process and authorizes the purchase of 20 AEDs from Cardiac Science (Powerheart AED G3) in conjunction with our sponsor hospital Johnson Memorial for a cost not to exceed $1,500 per unit.
Councilman Fiore questioned which account this money will come out of, and Mr. Shanley responded Emergency Medical Services, and it may require a transfer. He added he'd prefer a contingency transfer because the balance of the EMS fund is going to be effected one way or another.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether they have an actual cost per unit. Mr. Shanley responded the last figure he heard was $1,490.
Chairman Tallarita questioned when they can expect to have these units, and Mr. Shanley stated his understanding they should have them within a couple weeks.
Councilman Peruta questioned whether these units are similar to those used by AMR or anyone else providing life support. He stated he heard there may be compatability issues. Mr. Shanley stated his understanding the units on ambulances are more expensive and he assumes they are more complex pieces of equipment. He noted these units are intended to be simpler to use.
Chairman Tallarita stated his understanding these units don't require a lot of training and the unit is fairly basic.
Councilman Crowley stated there is a universal plug for these units. He questioned whether Town staff will be trained to use these units. Mr. Shanley indicated he would check into that.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7554 adopted 8-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
There were no consent agenda items under Items for Discussion this evening.
DISCUSSION/CONSENSUS RE: LIBRARY LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Mr. Shanley stated the Council asked to see the names before they were formally appointed, therefore, this is fulfilling that request. He noted if the Council is comfortable with these names, they will move forward.
Councilman Fiore stated as concerns the expansion of the library and the generation of programs that causes the increased need for space, they have had these discussions with the Town Manager and Director of Libraries. He noted the Director and his staff are doing a great job and are generating a lot of new interest in the library. He pointed out that some of the monies the library receives for special programs require they do these programs from an area-wide standpoint. He understands the frustration because another nearby community consistently advertises for their library in that only their residents can attend. He added there are some functions whereby the Library Director could do the same. Mr. Shanley stated they do that with some functions. He noted they don't open up programs to non-Enfield residents until a program is not full.
Councilman Fiore stated the coming and going inside of the library is for Enfield and non-residents. He pointed out a library card is almost a state card. He noted it's understood Enfield's library program is so successful that it's generating a need for more space and he believes this Council and staff understand there is a balance.
Chairman Tallarita questioned when the Central Library was built, and Mr. Shanley responded 1968.
Mr. Shanley stated the reason for the plan is to look at where programming is going and why; where is the collection going and why; how big a collection is needed. He pointed out what people perceive that they need and want is different now than it was in 1968, i.e., previously they didn't need room for computers.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief the consensus of the Council is to move forward.
MISCELLANEOUS
NOMINATION #7555 by Councilman Fiore to appoint Karen Jarmoc (D) to the Human Services Advisory Commission for an indefinite term.
MOTION #7556 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7556 adopted 8-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Karen Jarmoc appointed to the Human Services Advisory Commission by an 8-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #7557 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Mayor as Chairperson of the Town Council to sign a Technical Assistance Grant Application to be submitted to the Greater Hartford Foundation for Public Giving that will result in the development of a Strategic Plan for the Enfield Senior Center, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in conducting this project, the vendor will receive payment directly from the Greater Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and not from the Town of Enfield.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7557 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7558 by Councilman Fiore, 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: Social Services - Child Day Care
Acct. #4320-0733 Furniture & Fixtures $8,065.44
FROM: Social Services-Child Day Care
Acct. #4320-17050-0000-00 Fundraising $8,065.44
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $8,065.44 is available from Account #4320-17050-0000-00 as of 12/27/04.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Fiore questioned the when and where of this fundraising event. Mr. Shanley stated to his knowledge, it wasn't a specific fundraising event. He noted they accept donations and do fundraising all the time.
Chairman Tallarita pointed out this is to pay for moving the playground equipment from 1335 Enfield Street to 132 South Road, the new child day care location.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7558 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7559 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Dodd to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7559 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7560 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan.
Adult Day Care Food Program
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7560 adopted 8-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Stated he spoke about this at the last meeting and is speaking about it again because he didn't receive a response. He acknowledged this pertains to the School Board, but since the Council will be reviewing the budget, he wished to reiterate that he did not believe any new budget should be approved for the schools until they are audited. He feels the recent $150,000 error is just cause to spend some money to save a lot. He noted he keeps asking about the status of the net budgeting in the school budget, and he still hasn't seen this corrected.
Mr. Sheridan referred to Enfield Schools Nutrition Services and noted that balance sheet at least has a revenue side, however, they don't see that in the school budget.
He referred to Item d. on the agenda and questioned if $8,000 was for just moving the playground equipment, and Chairman Tallarita responded yes.
Donald Lango,
Regarding the Michael Ross execution, Mr. Lango suggested sending Mr. Ross to Texas for execution if the Town is concerned about excess costs.
Mr. Lango referred to the Alarm Ordinance and noted the Town appears to exclude itself when it comes to the fines.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated he heard someone in the Town comment that $103 million dollars isn't a lot of money. He noted the taxpayers believe $103 million dollars is a lot of money.
Mr. Jedziniak questioned who is willing to take responsibility for the 101 lights erected in Hazardville, which he does not believe are attractive. He noted some of these light up at odd times of the day or don't light up at all.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Questioned the need for two police officers at a Council meeting. He stated his belief one police officer should be enough.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Voiced her displeasure with the new lights in Hazardville. She feels there are too many of these lights in a small area and they're not worth the money spent for them.
Ms. Jedziniak noted she occasionally makes a donation to the library and suggested perhaps they can ask out-of-towners to do the same.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Fiore spoke about net budgeting and explained those items that by law they don't have to net budget were not net budgeted in the last budget. He emphasized there are various grants that the Board of Education applies for and receives that they cannot, by law, claim as revenue. He stated those that they can claim as revenue are now being claimed, and even in that aspect, there's a dispute. He pointed out the Town has certainly attempted and will continue to attempt to at least maintain what they have now. He noted these items will show up in the audit, and there will be an audit presentation in another month.
Mr. Shanley stated it was never the intent of the Town Council to raise money with the Alarm Ordinance, but rather to get people to pay attention to dealing with their alarm situation so as not to waste police officers' time and taxpayers' money.
Mr. Shanley stated the lights in the Hazardville Village area were $18,000 per year for all the hardware and electricity, and they then have to net out of that the fact they turned off the cobras.
Mr. Shanley stated the cost regarding the moving of the playscape involved de-installation, reinstallation, impact area, the pouring of footings, etc.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7561 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Crowley to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7561 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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