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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2005
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Tallarita in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, February 7, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 7:44 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Kaupin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Reveruzzi, Tallarita, and Tait. Councilman Peruta entered the meeting at 7:52 p.m. 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
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7577by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the January 18, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7577 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilmen Tait and Tallarita abstaining.
MOTION #7578 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of the January 18, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7578 adopted 8-0-2, with Councilmen Tait and Tallarita abstaining.
MOTION #7579 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of January 24, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7579 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Susan Hart, 5 Cynthia Circle
Voiced her support of the upcoming school budget even if it means an increase in her taxes. She added she is also in support of the budget for the Police Department and Library. She voiced her appreciation for the skating at Freshwater Pond.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated he would like to see lower taxes. He stated his belief it's a matter of how money is used. He noted he sat on the committee for the schools to look into areas of cost savings, however, the Board of Education did not follow through on big cost saving ideas. He stated his belief the Town needs to take a more pro-active stance with the federal government concerning No Child Left Behind. He feels there's no way every child can be taught to the same level.
Mr. Woods stated in some parts of the country, towns actually set their budgets by whatever revenues were brought in during the previous year. He suggested looking at that process. He feels the Town needs to be more innovative and they need to get a better handle on the education costs and town costs.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
He questioned who is better at putting school children first - the Town or the Board of Education. He feels teachers put themselves first, which he believe is obvious by their raises because they never offer a pay freeze as is practiced in private industry. He agreed with Mr. Woods' idea about setting a budget based on the previous year's revenue.
Mr. Sheridan reminded the Council they represent everyone in town.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her opinion the Board of Education should be asked to find an innovative way to make the school department work without an increase in their budget. She stated her belief that if the Board of Education can give out high pay increases, they can find money to use on books and other equipment to benefit the students. She noted 85% of the school budget goes toward salaries. She pointed out over $9 million dollars goes toward benefits. She stated eight years ago the school budget was approximately $32 million dollars and the Board is now asking for over $65 million dollars. She stated the former Business Manager's salary had risen from $50,000 to double that. She questioned how administrators can be given exorbitant benefits. She added her belief it's obscene for the Board of Education and its Chairman to cry foul about the money they receive which is supposed to be used to educate the children while such a large amount goes to salaries and very little to supplies and other necessities.
Ms. Jedziniak stated the dropout rate in Enfield is higher than the state average, and fourth graders are not reading up to state average. She questioned what taxpayers are getting for their money.
She stated she would not give any increase to the Board of Education unless there's a full audit of the school system. She noted she's not saying there's anything amiss, however, she feels they should do a much better job than they're doing.
Ms. Jedziniak stated the average amount of time a Superintendent stays in a town is 3.5 years, and she feels this Superintendent has been in Enfield much too long.
Donna Meagher, 30 Gordon Avenue
Voiced her support of a 4.5% increase in funding for the Board of Education. She noted if the Town doesn't fund the 4.5% increase to maintain staff and services, 34 teaching positions could be cut. She noted she doesn't want to see a property tax increase at a 2 mill rate, but her family would be okay with that if it means that Enfield children get the education they deserve.
Ms. Meagher stated her hope the Council will take a good look at the town side of the budget and make cuts, i.e., curbside leaf collection at a cost of a quarter million dollars. She noted she would choose education over leaf collection. She stated the money allocated for leaf collection would spare five teaching positions. She suggested the town treat curbside leaf collection like bulk pick-up. If a resident wants leaves vacuumed, they can call for that service and be charged a flat fee. She questioned what other waste is going unnoticed on the town side.
She questioned whether the $11 million dollars in the General Fund is earmarked for something in particular. She questioned if a portion of that $11 million dollars is slated for the expansion of evening programs and staffing at the senior center, why can't education be funded from that same account. She stated her belief taking $2.8 million dollars from the General Fund would be the answer to fund the increase in the education budget without taxing Enfield citizens.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated no matter what the Council does, the Board of Education ends up hiring more people during the year and adding more programs. He noted it appears they have the money, but they can't have a budget cut because it's going to effect the quality of education. He stated this is the same scenario every year, however, more staff and programs are added every year.
Mr. Tkacz referred to a letter in the reminder about an individual from a town office complaining about their department being overstaffed.
Mr. Tkacz stated his belief this Council should be looking for revenue enhancement, i.e., all cars should have a registration and there should be enforcement of handicap parking. He suggested eliminating condo trash pick-up which would save a lot of money.
He stated student enrollment continues to decrease in Enfield.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Suggested putting a spotlight on the meeting sign in front of Town Hall. He urged the Council to find a way to get more people to attend these meetings.
Mr. Jedziniak stated he hears many people complaining about high taxes in Enfield. He concluded stating his belief the school budget is very bloated.
Lisa Rogers, 8 Winter Way
Voiced her support of the school budget. She noted there's a silent majority that supports the school budget.
Jack Sheridan, 8 Buchanan Road
Stated his belief no money should be given to the school system without a full and complete audit.
As concerns the idea of people paying for leaf pickup, he suggested whenever the school budget goes up, they can divide it by the number of children each parent has and pass that cost onto those people.
Mr. Sheridan stated his understanding that at one of the newly expanded schools, teachers have to clean the gymnasium and a set of boys/girls bathrooms are locked because the janitors claim they don't have time to clean that area. He noted at that same school two new classrooms are not being used.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated he recently raised the question of how they are utilizing all the school classrooms and was told there are plenty of classrooms. He stated his belief if they have plenty of classrooms, then there are too many schools. He suggested perhaps they need only six elementary schools and one high school. He concluded stating his belief there are buildings in town not being used to full capacity.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #7580 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to move Items 13f., h., i., and j. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7580 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Fiore stated he does not want to see the town divided by economics or age group, i.e., people who do or do not support the school budget. He stated he understands people disagree, but he would not want to see this division widening.
As concerns losing any teachers as a result of budget, Councilman Fiore stated he would be very disappointed if anywhere close to 30 teachers were laid off. He feels that's the worst case scenario.
Councilman Fiore referred to the comment about the $11 million dollars in the General Fund. He pointed out the Town does not have $11 million dollars available in the General Fund for expenditures for programs. He explained that money is spread out over different funds. He agreed there is some cash available, but they don't have $11 million dollars of cash in hand. He noted he would be willing to go over these figures with anyone.
As concerns supporting tax increases for education, Councilman Fiore pointed out once they build up the bottom line, it just duplicates the following year.
Councilman Fiore reassured the public that the Town Council, Board of Education and school administrators are made up of good people, and they'll work things out.
Councilman Mangini stated they can't put a price tag on the value of the teachers.
Councilman Mangini stated last week she, Councilmen Dodd and Kaupin attended a celebration of Catholic Schools Week, which was celebrated by St. Bernard's School. She went on to note there was a great experience with an astronaut visiting Central Library.
Councilman Mangini commended Joanne Hayden of the Town Manager's Office and town staff for doing a terrific job with the recent United Way campaign.
Councilman Tait agreed with Councilman Fiore in that he does not want to see the community divided over budget issues. He noted people should take their concerns to the state level to get meaningful tax reform.
Councilman Egan commended Trish Vayda who has been named State Nursing Administrator of the year.
Councilman Kaupin commended the Town Manager and town staff for efforts made to reopen the Freshwater Pond for skating this year.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief it's very dangerous to go after the town's fund balance because once it's gone it does not replenish itself.
Councilman Kaupin stated he does not like pitting one program against another program. He feels they have to balance things and if they feel it's a service used by a certain section of town or a certain population in town and it really has value, it should be provided. He noted he is also willing to meet with people who wish to discuss figures.
Councilman Crowley expressed his appreciation for the Freshwater Pond ice-skating and the recent celebration held to mark this occasion. He went on to agree with Councilman Kaupin in that they should not be pitting one program against another. He concluded stating he would like to know which school has space not being maintained so that this can be discussed with the Board of Education.
Councilman Peruta thanked school supporters for coming to this evening's meeting, and he agreed there is a silent majority that supports education as a priority.
As concerns school utilization, Councilman Peruta noted he gets school utilization charts a few times per year, and he's not aware of there being too many classrooms.
Councilman Peruta stated he represents everyone - parents with children, people on fixed incomes, etc. He noted the budget process is extremely difficult and complex.
Chairman Tallarita stated budget discussion is just beginning. He encouraged people to ask questions and get the correct information. He urged people to come to the Council to let them know how they feel by coming in person to meetings, a phone call or e-mail.
Chairman Tallarita expressed his appreciation for the reopening of Freshwater Pond for ice-skating.
He commended the library for the recent astronaut program.
Chairman Tallarita stated there's a need for a Council representative to the Library Planning Committee, and Councilman Egan volunteered to serve.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Chamber of Commerce will be having their 36th Annual Home and Product Show at the Kohl's Plaza. He noted this begins on Friday, February 25th with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Tallarita stated on February 22nd at 6:00 p.m., there will be a meeting between the Council and Congressman Simmons at his Pearl Street office. He noted everyone is invited.
He commended the Public Works Department for doing a great job with the recent large snowstorm. He added town staff did a great job concerning the broken water pipe at Town Hall. He commended everyone who participated in addressing this problem.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated there is an audit of the school department. He noted a full and complete audit is very expensive. He stated he would be interested in seeing the scope of services Mr. Sheridan is interested in to determine the cost of that.
He highly praised the recent program at Central Library featuring Astronaut Story Musgrave.
Director of Libraries, Henry Dutcher, came forward. Mr. Dutcher spoke about the library's role as an educator in Enfield, and they strongly feel they have that role along with the School Department. He noted the only way to fulfill that role is to cooperate with each other. He stated a menu has been put together by Kristen, who heads the children's department, and these programs are available to both public and parochial schools. He noted he will be sure this menu is well-distributed.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Dodd attended the Loan Review Committee meeting on February 1st. She noted they discussed current projects and one deferment they had to make for year out, and they talked about some new rehab projects. She added there were several emergency repairs that had to be made to roofs, septic systems and boilers.
Councilman Dodd stated some of the projects also incorporate Home Front which is a part of Americares. He noted one of the functions of this group is to work with other groups in order to help people who are desperately in need of emergency repairs on boilers, roofs, etc.
OLD BUSINESS
MOTION #7581 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Fiore to remove Item #11 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7581 adopted 11-0-0.
NOMINATION #7582 by Councilman Crowley to reappoint Anthony DiPace (D) as an Alternate to the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission for a term which expires 12/31/05.
MOTION #7583 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7583 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Anthony DiPace reappointed to the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission by an 11-0-0 vote.
MOTION #7584 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Crowley to remove Item #12 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7584 adopted 11-0-0.
NOMINATION #7585 by Councilman Fiore to appoint James Hickey (D) to the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission for a term which expires 12/31/05.
MOTION #7586 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7586 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared James Hickey appointed to the CRCOG Regional Planning Commission by an 11-0-0 vote.
All other appointments remained tabled.
MOTION #7587 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item c. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7587 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: COUNCIL/BOARD INITIATIVES
Chairman Tallarita stated there's been an addition to the Council/Board Initiatives, and that is they've added athletic fields. He stated the Council would like to have discussion and move forward and be in a position to have this as a referendum in November. He pointed out they have begun to work with the Board of Education under this topic - to look at a plan to combine the school and town maintenance program. He stated he has been in contact with the State of Connecticut in trying to move along the funding Enfield would hope to get for the Asnuntuck property.
Councilman Crowley stated they will be contacting the Chamber of Commerce and booster clubs at the high schools in hopes of getting private sponsorships. He noted the Chamber of Commerce has the ability to contact many of the larger businesses in town as well as smaller ones. He stated he will be looking for volunteers from the private sector to help with this. He noted there will be more information in a couple weeks.
MOTION #7588 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7588 adopted 11-0-0.
Item d. remained tabled.
MOTION #7589 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7589 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: CHARGE FOR ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE
Chairman Tallarita stated they're committed to keeping this group together because they provide a valuable role in the community. He noted the question is what configuration dothey have. He stated Chairman Bill Lee agreed the group could be downsized to some degree to make it more manageable. He stated they also want to be sure this committee is as what Chairman Lee outlined in his letter to the Council and that is this group would be a "think tank" that works with the Council in meeting objectives set forth by the Council. He stated part of their charge would be that they would set up quarterly meetings with the Council to have frank discussions about what their priorities are.
Chairman Tallarita suggested looking over the objectives over the next week and include something in the next Council packet.
MOTION #7590 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7590 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #7591 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7591 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7592 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby accepts the amendments to the Alarm Ordinance as attached hereto.
Attorney Bromson stated initially there was a real concern about this ordinance having teeth. He noted they initially did that with the fines and hoped that alone would satisfy the need within the community. He noted it was agreed they would revisit this if they didn't get the desired effect. He stated there were several meetings regarding this and they came up with the current amendments. He noted the fine went down from $100 to $90 because the police are going to be using the state infraction tickets, and under state statute tickets can't be higher than $90. He stated the ordinance allows that a person can have two false alarms within a calendar year, and they would be forgiven and the fine waived, however, if they have a third false alarm within that same time period, then all three would come due and payable.
Attorney Bromson stated the Town Manager has already designated a hearing officer for the appeals process. He noted two important changes have been added. He explained state statute 7-152 provides for the same appellate and appeals process that they have in the blight ordinance so that people have due process if they wish to appeal. He noted once they've gone through that process, it allows the town to go to the superior court and get a civil penalty against them which they can translate and convert into an actual lien on the property. He pointed out they would reserve this route for those cases where they have a real problem with an individual or corporation.
Mr. Shanley stated this is one more step to not only save the police the time in responding, but the danger of responding to false alarms. He emphasized the town never wanted to make any money on this.
Attorney Bromson stated the discontinuance of a particular antiquated system that serviced many homeowners may help alleviate many false alarms.
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like to change Section 7-16, Imposition of Fines, by removing the word "calendar". Mr. Shanley stated they would have to look at how they would track that 12-month period.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if there's a need to register alarm systems with the town.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether a citation will still be issued in those instances when someone is making an effort to improve their system but continue having problems. Mr. Shanley stated this ordinance provides for the state having the final word.
Attorney Bromson stated they can issue an infraction if they haven't corrected their system or are not paying their fines.
Councilman Peruta voiced his support of the amended ordinance.
MOTION #7593 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7593 adopted 11-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA - ACTION:
MOTION #7594 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to accept the consent agenda.
Transfer of Funds 1700-0322 Personnel to 1700-0540 Personnel Advertising $3,500
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7594 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION WITH CONGRESSMAN SIMMONS
Chairman Tallarita noted he mentioned earlier that there will be a February 22nd meeting with Congressman Simmons.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
CONSENT AGENDA - REVIEW
All consent agenda items will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Appointments will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
Items c., d., and e. will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: NAMING CENTRAL LIBRARY
Chairman Tallarita stated a couple months ago there was a suggestion to re-name the Enfield Street School, however, that was rejected by the Board of Education. He noted at that time it was suggested to find another suitable location to name after Francis Burke, and it was suggested Central Library be named after him.
Henry Dutcher, Director of Libraries was present for this discussion.
Mr. Dutcher stated they are putting together a reading corner in the back corner of the children's room. Chairman Tallarita stated they are proposing naming this the Burke reading corner. He noted they are looking for feedback from the community regarding this
Councilman Crowley stated he spoke to members of the Burke family and they would like to start some fundraising toward this and will try to work something out.
Chairman Tallarita stated this item will appear under Old Business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: UPDATE FROM BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Chairman Tallarita stated the Chairman of this committee was unable to attend this meeting.
Councilman Peruta stated this committee has met three times, and the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening. He noted they are planning on building a communication plan and the Council should indicate what information they want, i.e., status reports, presentations, e-mail, etc. He noted there is a lot of information to digest.
Councilman Fiore stated something that came up in this evening's auditor's report had to do with the Town installing the fixed assets part of their software system. He questioned whether they should start that project yet because there's the question of whether that's the software they're going to stay with. He stated if this is the current software, how encompassing will that project get. He feels this is an opportune time to get this clarified.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #7595 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar.
WHEREAS, on September 20, 2004 the Enfield Town Council passed Resolution #7402; and
WHEREAS, subsequent activity for Housing Loans requires an increase in those funds and a decrease in the Housing Grants;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby amends Resolution #7402 to move $80,000 from Housing Grants to Housing Loans.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7595 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7596 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield had successfully removed small, isolated sections of sidewalks in the Green Manor neighborhood when there was a longer section of sidewalk on the other side of the same street; and
WHEREAS, there is a desire to continue this practice at specific locations when approved by the Enfield Town Council; and
WHEREAS, there exists an isolated section of sidewalk on the east side of Enfield Street that begins in front of 1431 Enfield Street and ends in front of 1445 Enfield Street, thus serving only five properties; and
WHEREAS, this sidewalk is presently in a state of disrepair that it must be either replaced or removed; and
WHEREAS, a longer section of sidewalk already exists on the west side of Enfield Street;
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the permanent removal of the isolated section of sidewalk that begins in front of 1431 Enfield Street, and ends in front of 1445 Enfield Street.
Mr. Kazmarski stated there's been discussion about removing this segment of sidewalk since 1987. He noted these sidewalks are a potential liability for the town. He stated they're seeking the Council's guidance to either remove them for a cost of about $3,000 and re-seed the area, or replace them with new walks for that short distance for a cost of about $21,000.
Councilman Fiore voiced his support of the resolution and expressed his appreciation to staff for putting their time into this.
Councilman Edgar stated he wants to be sure this is state property. Mr. Kazmarski stated these sidewalks are on state property, and the state does not maintain, repair or replace any sidewalks, therefore, the responsibility falls to the town.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7596 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7597 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: 100-01-80-8030-0000-930-10 $30,000.00
Fund Transfer to EMS Fund
252-01-20-2200-0000-619-00 $30,000.00
Other Supplies
FROM: 100-01-80-8030-0000-840-00 $30,000.00
Contingency
252-01-20-2200-18010-000-00 $30,000.00
Revenue - General Fund Transfer
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $30,000.00 is available from Account #8030-840 as of February 4, 2005.
/s/ Kimberly Marcotte, Deputy Director of Finance
Councilman Tait questioned whether the Maciolek Ambulance Fund Committee has been asked whether they might be willing to donate this money. Mr. Shanley stated he never checked that out, but he can do so.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7597 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7598 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby accepts the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2004.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7598 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Questioned the possibility of going after the alarm company if their system is faulty.
Referring to athletic fields, Mr. Woods reminded everyone that he made a suggestion to the Board of Education to turn one of the high schools into a middle school. He noted if this was done, it wouldn't be necessary to have two high schools at the same standard.
He questioned what other items might come up in the referendum besides the athletic fields.
Mr. Shanley stated they are doing an analysis of what failed with the alarm company concerning the water pipes breaking at town hall.
Chairman Tallarita stated when things need to be improved through a referendum, the Council puts it before the voters so they can make the decision.
Councilman Peruta stated the School Board is in the process of doing a demographic study and they are not yet prepared to do anything until that demographic study is complete.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7599 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7599 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
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