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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 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, March 7, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER - The Prayer was given by Councilman Mangini.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, Tait and Tallarita. Councilman Fiore was 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 Information Services, Charlene Bond; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand; Director of Libraries, Henry Dutcher.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7631 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the February 22, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7631 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Tait abstaining.
MOTION #7632 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the February 22, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7632 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Tait abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Esther Hannum, 16 Copper Drive
Questioned why the Mayor is supporting only one business in the name of public health while other businesses would provide the same service. She stated her belief all similar services in Enfield should have been given the same opportunity to participate in the Mayor's Education for Health Program, i.e., Grey's. Personal Conditioning Center. She added participants should have been offered a list of participating health clubs.
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Stated he would like an update from the IT Joint Technology Committee. He added he would also like to learn what the status is on the live drop from Cox Communications.
Mr. Sheridan stated he is in favor of having a policy regarding the naming of buildings. He went on to state his belief buildings with existing names should be left as they are and the Town should concentrate more on budgetary issues and cutting spending.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini stated she received some calls from residents on Pleasant Street who have parking problems when there is a parking ban due to snow storms. She questioned whether Bigelow Commons can make parking accommodations during these periods. Mr. Shanley stated they can look into this. He pointed out the Town does plow municipal lots.
MOTION #7633 by Councilman Peruta, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move Item 11h to 10a on the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7633 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Crowley and the entire Council commended Mr. Vindigni for doing a fine job during the recent mishap involving a tractor trailer striking a home. Mr. Vindigni pointed out the incident commander was Assistant Fire Chief Paul Censki of the Thompsonville Fire Department. He noted this was a team effort.
Councilman Peruta stated Enfield Family Matters is this week and there will be a science night at Fermi High School tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. He noted a schedule of this week's events is available at central office of Enfield Public Schools.
Councilman Mangini commended Joanne and MaryAnn of the Town Manager's office for all the hard work they do.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council will be addressing the cable issue and a letter is being sent to Cox Communications requesting information concerning the live drop.
Referring to Ms. Hannum's remarks about the Mayor's Education for Health Program, Chairman Tallarita pointed out all health facilities in Enfield were asked to participate, however, this facility was the only one with the ability to do this. He stated he was under the impression that Grey's was a rehab center. He went on to note that the chosen facility
had to incorporate education and this facility's merger with Johnson Memorial Hospital made this program more feasible.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated he had no formal report this evening.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson referred to the defibrillator issue and noted at the Town Manager's suggestion, they sent a letter to the company making a demand for a refund. He noted a bankruptcy has been filed, and the Town is waiting to be put on notice for that so they can make a claim.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee met last night and they are on schedule for a wonderful celebration this summer.
Councilman Egan stated the Commission on Aging met last Wednesday and sponsored a program for seniors highlighting equipment that could be used in their home to assist in emergencies. She noted this was a very well attended program.
Councilman Egan stated she's a liaison to the Library Long-Range Planning Committee which meets weekly. She noted this is a very dedicated and enthusiastic committee. She noted she has a report which can be provided to anyone who may be interested.
Councilman Tait stated for anyone interested in making a nomination, he has nomination forms for the 2005 Patriot's Award.
DISCUSSION RE: UPDATE FROM BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Present for this discussion was Chairman Steven Moore.
Mr. Moore stated the Committee has held four meeting so far. He noted they received overviews of the technology needs from both the Town and School systems. He stated they reviewed the resolution and are currently in the process of building out a task plan in terms of being able to meet their charge.
He stated a couple concerns were expressed while reviewing the resolution. He noted the wording in the resolution could leave some with the impression that there's a pre-determined solution in mind. He noted the Committee discussed this in detail and very much felt they had the mission and charge to pursue using their experience and judgment to make the best recommendation to meet the Town's needs. He stated the Committee also feels that the June 1st time line may be something they may not be able to meet. He noted as soon as they complete the task plan, he can come back before the Council and provide a better idea as to when they can come forward with a recommendation.
Mr. Moore stated they felt that although the charge reads both "Commission" and "Committee", they are going to operate as a Committee, and that being one of giving recommendations to the Town and Board of Education.
He stated the Committee had very specific concerns about the fifth task that they were authorized to look at and that relates to outsourcing. He stated his belief no one on the Committee really has the will or means to address that issue as it truly needs to be addressed. He informed the Council that the Committee is really going after the first four activities.
Councilman Tait requested more explanation as to why the Committee cannot address outsourcing. Mr. Moore stated the different opinions expressed had to do with the time and energy needed to address that task properly, which was above and beyond what the Committee believes is their position to accomplish. He added there were some strong opinions expressed that indicated a very strong bias against outsourcing as a way to meet IT needs.
Councilman Peruta stated he is on this Committee. He agreed with Mr. Moore regarding outsourcing. He noted he has been in this type of business for 29 years and outsourcing is a very complex subject. He stated there might be services that can be considered, but he believes it's too early in the process to make that determination.
Councilman Tait stated after the Committee addresses the four tasks, possibly the Council can recharge the Committee to go back and look at the outsource issue. He added his belief outsourcing has the potential for some positive things. Councilman Peruta agreed that's a possibility.
Councilman Kaupin questioned what time line the Committee is looking at, and Mr. Moore stated it's too premature to determine a time line. He noted they had their first meeting in terms of building out a task plan and the focus of that task plan is that they're looking at unique and common functions. He stated his belief that by the middle of April they should be in a better position to determine how long this process will take.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether any Committee members have problems with extending the duration of this Committee. Mr. Moore responded none of the Committee members have indicated they have any problem with this Committee going longer.
Councilman Reveruzzi questioned if the Committee has gotten over the issue of there being some predetermination. Mr. Moore stated when the Committee reviewed the wording of the charge and Resolution #7156, there was the belief that some of the choice of the words almost implied a predetermined solution. He noted the Committee decided to take the spirit of what the Council has tasked them to do and look at the things they need to look at using their experience in technology.
Chairman Tallarita stated it wasn't the Council's intent to point the Committee in any particular direction, but rather the Council hopes the Committee will come back with an overall recommendation with the best interest of the community in mind. He added he would like the topic of outsourcing addressed within the Committee's recommendation and why it was eliminated, i.e., because it was so convoluted and difficult to proceed in that direction, or that it was felt that outsourcing was not in the best interest of the organizations.
Chairman Tallarita stated it's important to continue this dialog. Mr. Moore stated he would like to meet with the Council every two months to keep this dialog going.
Chairman Tallarita stated his concern things be done in the best interest of the community and that this doesn't become a public debate as soon as the Committee starts to head in a particular direction. Mr. Moore stated his belief the Committee can accomplish that task.
Councilman Egan questioned if this Committee has been given all the prior information and prior studies that were done that lead up to the split between the two technologies. Mr. Moore responded yes and they are receiving very good support from the IT Departments of the Town and Board of Education.
Chairman Tallarita questioned whether Mr. Moore is getting all the information promptly, and Mr. Moore responded yes.
Chairman Tallarita expressed the appreciation of the Council for the Committee's work on this task.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
There were no appointments this evening.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #7634 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7634 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: COMMUNITY CENTER/OLD SENIOR CENTER
Present from the 100 High Street Building Committee were Sonya Dean and Councilmen Dodd and Reveruzzi. Also present was Colleen Brand, Assistant Public Works Director.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated the Committee spent some time looking at the building facility and interviewing different organizations that might have an interest in using this facility, He noted they also looked at the possibility of selling this building, and there's always the opportunity to revisit that idea at any point in the future.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated the Committee put together a proposal which is before the Council this evening. He noted this proposal outlines a plan to convert the building into a community center. He stated it's recognized there are certain limitations on the building in terms of actually being able to sell the building due to some of the grants the Town used to make repairs to the facility. He noted as a result of those grants, the Town would not be able to sell this building until late fall of 2005.
He noted a budget is also attached to the proposal. He stated the Committee believes the addition on the back of the building should be demolished. He noted this would create more parking. He added the cost to rehab that addition doesn't really add to the constructive use of this facility as a community center. Further, the addition doesn't effect the building as a historical structure.
Councilman Dodd pointed out the addition has a severely deteriorated foundation. Ms. Dean added the addition dates from the 1950's and has no significant value and actually detracts from the overall historical integrity of this building.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated the budget provided incorporates immediate repairs that need to be done to protect the main structure of the building, i.e., repointing the chimney and the addressing of a number of intrusions into the building. He pointed out the Town spent a significant amount of money putting a new roof on the building and now they need to start protecting the structure.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated some community groups may be willing to work with the Town in terms of providing some sweat equity in helping with some of the minor repair work, i.e., painting. He noted they looked at a couple grants that may be available to help preserve this building which could help offset some costs.
He stated this facility could also accommodate some groups which are having difficulty finding meeting space. He noted it's believed the demand for use of this facility will increase over time. He stated the Committee is recommending a central scheduling location, i.e., Parks & Recreation could possibly handle the daily scheduling of this facility. He added it's further recommended the Public Works Department could pick this up as a building that they could maintain as part of their overall building maintenance plan.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated a policy will have to be developed as concerns the use and activities at this facility. He noted they have a copy of the School Board's policy regarding the use of the schools, and the Town Attorney could use this as a model for a policy for the use of this facility. He added perhaps they could use that same model to establish a policy for all Town facilities that have meeting space.
Councilman Dodd stated as the Council goes through the budget process, they could go through this shopping list and begin to prioritize items they wish to get bids for.
Ms. Dean stated the groups mentioned in the report are groups that have expressed an interest in an on-going, semi-permanent occupation of the building. She noted these don't represent all the groups that are interested in using this facility as a community center. She stated over 30 groups are looking for a more permanent meeting space on a monthly basis.
Councilman Tait expressed his appreciation for the work of this Committee. He stated his impression some of these groups will be intensively resident in this facility and in his opinion they would have to share some of the costs and not just sweat equity. He noted if there are 30 groups looking for meeting space, he believes scheduling might be a problem and groups will get denied. He went on to state his belief that spending $300,000 more on this building is not in the best interest of the Town. He stated his belief if the Town has $300,000 to spend, he'd rather pour it back into the Board of Education budget. He advocated selling the building with a deed restriction that the windows in that building would always be the property of the Town of Enfield.
Councilman Mangini disagreed with Councilman Tait and stated she does support the idea of a community center. She noted she would much rather see the Town maintain its buildings and make proper use of those buildings rather than selling them.
Councilman Mangini stated the Council should set a policy with regards to the usage and the scheduling for this facility.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated they do not have to spend money on this facility all at one time, but rather they could do the work in increments. He went on to note this would be a very difficult building to sell. He stated there may also be ways to generate some revenue with this building.
Councilman Mangini suggested they continue working with the CDBG office to explore more funding for this facility. Councilman Reveruzzi stated they can pick up between $45,000 and $50,000 in grants. He added there may be other grants they haven't explored in terms of community development. He noted depending on the activity, they may be able to pick up more grants.
Councilman Egan questioned if yearly maintenance costs have been considered. Councilman Reveruzzi stated they can't really do that until they know how much activity they will have in that building, i.e., utility, insurance and maintenance costs. He noted they first have to put together an operating plan and a maintenance plan would follow.
Councilman Peruta questioned the idea of using sweat equity and the liability involved. Mr. Shanley stated they would need to be careful, but this doesn't mean it can't happen.
Ms. Dean stated the windows in this building are very valuable. She went on to note that this building not only has historical significance, but it's a critical component of Thompsonville because a lot of original buildings are gone due to some of the revitalization efforts in the 1960's and 1970's.
Chairman Tallarita stated the real charge of the Committee was to establish whether there was a need for this type of building, and he feels the Committee has demonstrated that there's definitely a need. He noted the other question is whether the building is at a point where it's salvageable with reasonable dollars, and that would be a budget issue. He stated his belief this is a building that can be reasonably saved and put back into the Town's stock of available property to meet multiple needs. He agreed this building could be addressed through a phased-in approach.
Mr. Shanley suggested asking the Committee to meet one more time and identify which work would be necessary in order to occupy the building as a community center. Chairman Tallarita stated if they wish to fully occupy this building as a community center, they will ultimately end up spending all of this money. He noted if they wish to address that facility in pieces and use it in pieces over a period of time, they could do that.
Chairman Tallarita questioned whether the Committee could go back and look at how this might be phased in over two budget cycles. He requested more definition on grants and what groups might be the occupants initially. Councilman Reveruzzi indicated the Committee could do that. Ms. Dean added the Committee could provide more details. She added her belief there's a great deal more that can be explored through grants and other options that may be available. She noted this building really is at a critical stage, and she feels it would be in the Town's best interest to either immediately sell it, or do what's needed to make it useable.
Councilman Tait stated it would be helpful to get some budget numbers on recurring costs.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated they could come back with some type of operating budget.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether the back section can be sealed off at this time, and they could then deal with some of the issues inside the main building. He referred to the high cost of demolition.
Ms. Dean stated her belief that would not be a feasible option at this time because of the ADA compliance issues. She noted the only way for handicap accessibility into this facility is through the back.
Councilman Kaupin referred to Option #1 where it's recommended not doing any of the work on the demolition of the back until after October 31st. He questioned if it's recommended doing any of the work in the main building prior to October 31st. Councilman Reveruzzi stated they could start in the main building because there's a certain amount of interior work that has to be done in terms of patching the ceilings, sanctuary work and painting. He added when they come up with a budget based on time lines, then it will be seen where the activity is going to take place and what cost is associated with that work.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council will need more information so they can consider this within the budget process.
MOTION #7635 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Peruta to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7635 adopted 10-0-0.
Item e. remained tabled.
MOTION #7636 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7636 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION WITH CONGRESSMAN SIMMONS
Chairman Tallarita stated in leadership this week he and Councilman Kaupin were able to get a confirmed date of April 18th to meet with Congressman Simmons. He suggested removing this item from the agenda and post this as a meeting.
MOTION #7637 by Chairman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Edgar to remove Item f. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7637 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: NAMING CENTRAL LIBRARY
Chairman Tallarita stated four weeks ago he requested comments about the possibility of adding the name of Roxy Burke to the library. He noted it was about a 50-50 split as to whether people were in favor of or opposed to the renaming of the library. He voiced his disappointment that this has taken on a partisan tone. He noted that was not the intent.
Chairman Tallarita stated this issue was first raised by the previous Council and not long after Mr. Burke passed away. He noted at that time it was suggested naming the new Head Start building for Mr. Burke, however, it was learned a name was already chosen for that facility. He stated this issue was raised again in a caucus and it was suggested that a school that didn't have a name be renamed for Mr. Burke, i.e., the Enfield Street School or the Hazardville Memorial School. He noted it was then learned people did not want to rename Enfield Street School and the Council backed away from that idea. He stated it was suggested another building such as the library might be named for Mr. Burke. He noted before going public with this idea, he discussed this in leadership and discussed this with the Library Board and the head of the Friends of the Library. He pointed out no red flags were raised.
Chairman Tallarita stated he received good and bad comments from the public. He went on to note this has been an attempt to honor a person that had dedicated so many years to Enfield in so many different facets. He noted he appreciated what Mr. Burke did for Enfield in his volunteerism in many areas.
Chairman Tallarita stated he was upset by a comment about this being a done deal. He pointed out the Council has been looking for feedback about this idea. He noted the Council will not use its majority in order to inflict any division in this community. As concerns any process, he stated his belief there is a process whereby people elect individuals they think are responsible and reasonable and that these individuals are supposed to act on their behalf. He noted the Council is made up of individuals who have been elected and the Council has a responsibility to act on behalf of the community. He stated the Council looks for comment and debate, and then they make a decision. He acknowledged that the public will not always be happy with all of their decisions.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief they need to move forward so that they can take on more important issues. He stated his impression the overall sentiment he received from the community was that people were very much in favor of honoring Roxy Burke in some way. He noted the vast majority of the people that commented were in favor of naming the children's reading corner at the library for Mr. Burke.
RESOLUTION #7738 by Chairman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Mangini
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby name the children's library reading corner at the Enfield Central Library the Francis Roxy Burke Children's Corner.
Councilman Tait expressed disagreement about this being a partisan issue. He referred to his e-mails and conversations which were three-to-one against. He emphasized that he's been listening to the public all along. He stated in terms of naming buildings after people, the public just doesn't like it and it has nothing to do with partisanship. He added his belief this resolution is a great idea, but he feels prior to doing that they should set a policy first and then approve the resolution, which would be based on a policy. He pointed out such a policy would guide the Council regarding naming or dedicating buildings after people.
Chairman Tallarita clarified he stated it had taken on a partisan tone.
Councilman Dodd concurred with Councilman Tait. He stated his belief this is a good resolution and he can support it. He went on to point out that at the last meeting the Council discussed looking at adopting a process in naming buildings. He stated his belief they first need to consider the draft proposal of naming and dedicating town-owned assets.
Councilman Peruta stated his belief the naming of buildings after Enfield citizens aligns itself with Enfield's character and gives the town more identity. He noted at the last Council meeting he believed they should have a process, however, now he believes they do have a process. He explained that process is that items are brought before the Council, they are debated and brought to a vote. He went on to state his belief this issue wasn't partisan in any way. He noted he heard great things about Roxy Burke and he received overwhelming feedback in favor of this.
Councilman Edgar stated his belief the Council should vote on this resolution tonight. He noted the Council could then look at the policy presented this evening.
MOTION #7739 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Reveruzzi to move the question.
Councilman Edgar and Councilman Reveruzzi then withdrew their motion
Councilman Mangini expressed her regrets that this issue has gone on this long. She voiced her support of the resolution. She noted she would consider the policy at a later time. She stated the Council needs to start concentrating its efforts on the upcoming budget.
Councilman Kaupin pointed out a policy is a guide to follow and avoids what just transpired. He stated he just put this policy together yesterday. He noted some people believe this issue is personalized or politicized, but rather a policy takes the personality out of this. He stated his belief this resolution is a fitting tribute.
Councilman Reveruzzi agreed with Councilman Kaupin in terms of putting together some type of process in terms of dealing with the naming of places. He stated his belief it will take time to formulate such a policy and get the majority of the Council to agree with whatever that policy may be. He stated his belief they should move forward with this resolution and noted they are not renaming a building, but rather they're doing something small in nature but great in character.
Councilman Crowley stated he is the person who had the idea of naming something after Roxy Burke, however, he had no idea it would lead to this. He pointed out past Councils did vote in favor of renaming things in Enfield. He stated his belief that perhaps politics has played a role in this. He expressed his displeasure with some of the insensitive and callous comments made by the public. He stated his belief a public apology should be made to the Burke family for such comments. As concerns a question raised about raising money for the proposed renaming of the library, he noted money could not be raised because nothing has been passed. He went on to point out he had six phone calls with two from businesses that expressed interest in making a money donation.
Councilman Crowley stated Roxy Burke donated most of his life to Enfield, and he feels the renaming of the library would be a fitting tribute to him.
Councilman Crowley stated he will support a policy if it calls for a majority vote, rather than a two-thirds vote.
Councilman Kaupin stated the two-thirds vote idea was pulled from the Board of Education's policy. He went on to note he will support this resolution tonight and then they can address the policy.
Councilman Tait stated he will support the resolution this evening, but would like to go forward with a policy so that this doesn't happen again. He added his belief a two-thirds vote represents a fair vote, rather than a majority vote.
Councilman Egan stated the one similarity that came through in all the communications to her regarding this item was that everyone believed Roxy Burke should be honored in some way. She added another similarity in the communications was that people objected to changing the name of something that was already there. She voiced her support of the resolution. She pointed out the policy was modeled after the Board of Education's policy and the Board felt comfortable enough to have people on both sides making a decision and that is why this policy calls for a two-thirds vote.
Councilman Dodd stated that although he feels they should have a policy, he wishes to honor Roxy Burke's service, therefore, he will support the resolution.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7738 adopted 10-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION #7739 by Councilman Peruta, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adopt the Consent Agenda.
Transfer of Funds 220-01-40-4500-6060-120-00 Part Time Salaries Youth Services to 220-01-40-4500-6060-339-00 Contractual Services Youth Services $1,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7739 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: COX CABLE FRANCHISE RENEWAL
Present for this discussion was Director of Libraries, Henry Dutcher.
Chairman Tallarita stated a letter will go to DPUC expressing the concerns of the Council about the franchise renewal. He noted a copy of this letter will go to the rest of the communities within the Cox area and it will be suggested the other communities do the same.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief this letter summarized all the points that were discussed. He stated his hope DPUC will address these issues during deliberations.
Councilman Edgar questioned the possibility of getting another cable company in Enfield. Mr. Dutcher stated theoretically anything is possible, but practically he doesn't believe that will happen.
Councilman Tait referred to the digital gateway and noted there is a progression toward digital and there is an expense involved with going from analog to digital and there's an enormous expense involved in maintaining both the analog and digital networks. He stated it would behoove the DPUC to look at their construction program as part of their proposed increase and not penalize the $4.00 per month per person to migrate to the new digital network. He pointed out that's the cost of doing business for Cox Communications.
Mr. Dutcher stated it is considered a buy-through clause, and that clause is very specific in that it does not allow for a cable franchise to charge a fee in order to get a premium service. He noted the only place where the premium service is now is on the digital tier of service and by charging that $4.00, they are essentially making people buy a $4.00 service in order to have premium programming which is against the statute referred to.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The consent agenda will move to the next agenda.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: AUTUMN FIELDS SENIOR RESIDENTIAL DEVLOPMENT REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF AUTUMN OLIVE FROM SELECT AREAS WITHIN AN AREA SUBJECT TO CONSERVATION EASEMENT RESTRICTIONS
Mr. Shanley explained the Town granted a conservation easement to this residential development, and that conservation easement restricted removal of anything. He noted there has been a request to remove Autumn Olive which is an invasive, non-indigenous species. He noted this would grant the ability to remove the Autumn Olive. He went on to note that the issue of the dune beetle is no longer an issue in that area because the DEP has determined it's no longer in the same category it was before. He stated the Council will have a resolution for their next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Jack Sheridan, Buchanan Road
Stated his belief it's appropriate to have a policy in place for renaming buildings. He feels it's arrogant of the Council to take the position that it's their purpose to have a vote and "let the chips fall where they may". He stated he would feel better if these meetings were live televised.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief no one on the Council is opposed to televised Council meetings, but rather it has been the inability to have it. He noted they are looking into having the Council get this service.
Councilman Kaupin announced the St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for this Saturday in Hartford. He suggested the Council carpool to Hartford for this event.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7740 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dodd to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7740 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
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