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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2005
The Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Acting Chairman Fiore in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 6, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Edgar.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Dodd, Edgar, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, and Tait. Councilmen Crowley, Egan, Reveruzzi and Tallarita were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher W. Bromson; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Acting Chairman Fiore made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7862 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the May 11, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7862 adopted 6-0-1, with Councilman Tait abstaining.
MOTION #7863 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the minutes of the May 16, 2005 Special Meeting.
Referring to Amendment #46 on Page 17, Councilman Kaupin stated this amendment should have been seconded by Councilman Egan.
Referring to Amendment #57 on Page 21, Councilman Kaupin stated this amendment should have been seconded by Councilman Egan.
Referring to the Roll-Call on Resolution #7846, Councilman Kaupin stated this should read “Councilman Dodd, Egan, Kaupin, and Tait voting against the resolution”.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7863 adopted 7-0-0, as amended.
MOTION #7864 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the May 16, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7864 adopted 7-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Scott Ellis-representing the Thompsonville/Hazardville Professional Firefighters Local 3059
Mr. Ellis spoke about proposed activities surrounding September 11, 2005. He noted activities would begin on Friday, September 9th. He distributed a handout to the Council detailing the event.
Donald Christmas, Lincoln Street
Spoke at length about the frequency of crime and speeding cars, including the Dial-A-Ride bus and school buses in his neighborhood. He pointed out there are many children in this neighborhood, and he’s concerned about their safety. He requested assistance from the Town to resolve these problems. He noted there are also many nice families in this area.
Mark Dube (a teacher and baseball coach at Enrico Fermi High School)
Spoke about the poor condition and safety hazards of the high school athletic fields. He stated his hope something is done before someone is hurt. He added the fields are a source of embarrassment when visiting teams come to Enfield.
Mr. Dube questioned whether there is an alternative plan if the referendum fails.
Jeffrey Beiler, 12 Brook Road
Stated he is an Enfield Public Schools coach. Mr. Beiler expressed his dissatisfaction with the condition of the fields and track. He noted every year students are getting injured due to the poor conditions. He stated he doesn’t want his own children to attend Fermi in the future and have to play on fields that are unsafe.
Dan O’Connell, 7 Dorothy Street
Stated he works at Fermi High School and is a track coach. He thanked the Council for improvements that have been made in the schools and on the roadways. He stated his belief this is the last big item that needs attention in Enfield. He noted he would like to see a referendum that addresses only high school athletic fields.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Stated her hope the Town will start a tipper barrel program in the fall.
Ms. Turner stated her belief that when someone applies for a membership on a committee, the Town should acknowledge receipt of the application. She noted if a person is not being selected for a membership, they should be notified.
Ms. Turner stated her belief the school system had a lot of money to spend, and they should have been taking care of the athletic fields.
She voiced concern that the Enfield Library is soliciting money on Town of Enfield letterhead and directing people donating funds to send the money through the Friends of the Library. She requested this be looked into.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Referring to the Freemont Road issue, Mr. Sheridan noted trucks unloading vehicles in this area drive through that development and go to Dunkin Donuts. He suggested a sign stating, “No Through Trucking”.
Deborah McCarthy, 2 Dover Road
Stated she’s in favor of dead-ending Freemont Road which will hopefully alleviate traffic problems. She expressed appreciation for some signage that was put up today. She stated her belief these traffic issues have come about as a result of the business expansion of Artioli Dodge.
Ron Prostka, 34 Foxcroft Road
Stated he frequently uses Freemont Road and he’s against dead-ending that road or making it a cul-de-sac. He attended a recent Planning & Zoning meeting and requested signage stating, “No Through Trucking”. He stated his belief this would alleviate all trucks from going through this area. He noted since that time, there have been various types of signage erected and taken down.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated his belief Enfield voters have a difficult time voting in favor of improving the athletic fields because they don’t believe Enfield should have two high schools. He noted in the past he suggested converting Enfield High School into a middle school to save money and they would be able to invest more money into Fermi High School. He added he doesn’t care what name is on the building.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated his belief there should be more enforcement regarding signs.
As concerns the solicitation of funds, i.e., for the library or senior center, Mr. Tkacz stated these funds should be deposited in the Town’s treasury.
Mr. Tkacz stated his belief the fields are not being well maintained. He added his belief a referendum isn’t needed to improve fields, but rather proper maintenance.
Andy Landry, 86 Jackson Road
Stated Fermi’s track is in poor condition. He noted there are holes in the track and students have been getting shin splints all season. He added some of the injuries are preventing athletes from continuing in sports.
Donald Christmas, 25 Lincoln Street
Stated Enfield police cruisers also speed down his street without flashing lights or sirens. He suggested if on street parking was again legal on Lincoln Street, perhaps it might serve to slow down vehicles.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #7865 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to move Item 13k to 10a.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7865 adopted 7-0-0.
Councilman Edgar stated he had an inquiry from Parkway Drive as to when Section 14 will start. He requested an update so that he may respond to this resident.
Councilman Edgar requested the Town Manager look into radar on Lincoln Street. He noted this street is used as a throughway to Enfield Street in order to bypass traffic lights. He also requested a listing of police activity on this street for the past six months, including motor vehicle violations. As concerns parking on Lincoln Street, he stated his belief this is a decision that would have to be made by the Traffic Safety Officer and the Fire Marshal.
Councilman Kaupin stated he had a phone call tonight from someone inquiring about a sign going up in Powder Hollow in honor of Coach George Campbell. He stated his understanding that the sign has been ordered. He questioned when this sign will be going up so they can have a ceremony in recognition of Coach Campbell.
Regarding the September 11th ceremony raised by Scott Ellis, Councilman Kaupin stated he’s grateful to see that this event will take place.
As concerns school buses and the Dial-A-Ride bus traveling too fast on Lincoln Street, Councilman Kaupin requested letters be sent out to request these vehicles slow down in this area.
Councilman Kaupin thanked people for attending and speaking at this evening’s meeting about the athletic fields. He pointed out at this time the maintenance of the fields is the responsibility of the Board of Education. He noted the Council has been working with the Board to get the maintenance of the fields over to the Town side. He explained it’s believed the sole responsibility of the Board of Education should be to educate the children, and it makes sense to streamline and get grounds maintenance under the Town side. He stated he would like to see a referendum on this in November. He stated his belief the fields are an embarrassment and need to be redone.
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like to know why there is no parking on Lincoln Street.
Councilman Mangini thanked Mr. Vindigni for effectively looking into a situation on
Connecticut Avenue.
Councilman Tait acknowledged the athletic fields have been in disrepair for many years. He noted he’s still committed to a November referendum to upgrade the fields.
Councilman Tait stated the Maciolek Post is having their annual banquet on June 19th.
Councilman Dodd agreed with Councilman Tait and noted he too is committed to addressing the athletic fields.
Councilman Dodd requested Public Works contact Mr. Ellis regarding a possible location for the 911 event.
Councilman Peruta pointed out Enfield was chosen as one of six cities to participate and receive assistance in supporting parents with young children.
Councilman Peruta stated even if half of what Mr. Christmas says is true, then that is a section of town that needs attention. He noted he was particularly bothered by his comments about the school buses and Dial-A-Ride bus.
Councilman Peruta stated he would like to see Scott Ellis supported in his efforts to put on the 911 activities.
Councilman Peruta requested clarification about the Freemont Avenue signage.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated there will be a status report on the athletic fields later this evening.
Acting Chairman Fiore requested the issue raised this evening concerning solicitations by Friends of the Library be looked into.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated when he’s aware of individuals applying for membership to a board or commission, he usually contacts them either way.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated the Town has tried different types of signage on Freemont Road to see what worked. He noted within that area that abuts the commercial business there are now “No Unloading” signs and the “No Parking” signs have been removed so that residents were able to park their vehicles. He stated his belief dead ending Freemont Avenue or creating a cul-de-sac probably won’t happen. He noted he has heard from 20 to 25 residents who do not want Freemont to have a cul-de-sac. He thanked the staff for their time in addressing this issue.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley agreed the athletic fields are in deplorable condition. He noted in the past the advice they’ve consistently been given by design experts is that the fields should be done every 12 years. He stated it has been a lot longer than 12 years since these fields were re-done. He noted even with good maintenance, at some point in time fields have to be re-done.
Mr. Shanley stated one of the issues with Section 14 is the validating act that’s necessary through the Legislature. He noted he has been tracking this, and he thanks Senator Kissel’s Office and Representative Tallarita’s Office. He stated both of these offices have been working on this in the Senate and the House to make sure this gets shepherded through. He noted he spoke to the senator responsible for that particular bill, and he knows exactly where it is. He explained this is what has been holding up this section. He noted they broke it up into two phases, and it appears they’ll award one phase now which will be under $400,000 so that they can move it forward. He stated as soon as the validating act happens, they will go into Phase II. He pointed out the price has been held for them.
As concerns the grant referred to by Councilman Peruta, Mr. Shanley stated this wouldn’t have happened if the Council did not make annual efforts to stay involved with the National League of Cities.
Mr. Vindigni reported on the Freemont Road issue. He noted there was an extensive staff review involving the Fire Marshal, Police Department, EMS, the Planner, the Public Works Department and the Town Attorney’s Office. As concerns the parking issue, one approach was a recommendation from the Police Department to make this a “No Loading/Unloading Zone”. He stated the various signs were a result of a miscommunication. He noted there was a meeting today and the matter was resolved resulting in no loading or unloading on that section of Dover Road. The staff unanimously agreed not to implement a cul-de-sac because this would create confusion and delay emergency response time. He noted this would also result in having to provide adequate fire hydrant protection at both ends. He added there’s not enough public space available to create a cul-de-sac and it would probably be necessary to take some private property and they want to avoid that at all costs. He pointed out school buses would not be able to pick up elementary school children in front of their homes if a cul-de-sac were created. He stated the other aspect is that this is one of three roads that access an extensive residential neighborhood to the east and by shutting down Freemont, traffic would flow onto Montano or Dover Roads. He concluded stating it’s their hope the “No Loading/Unloading” signage will address the problem.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee is doing a fine job of bringing everything together to put on a very nice Town celebration for the Fourth of July.
Councilman Mangini stated she serves as the Vice Chair of the FAIR Committee which recently had a meeting in Nevada and discussed bond issues and unfunded mandates. She noted she will submit a report to the Town Manager and Director of Finance.
Councilman Mangini stated there was a meeting of the working group for the Health Care Reform in Washington, D.C. She noted Senator Clinton and Majority Frist are working together on a bi-partisan bill. She stated this working group has been charged with the duty of putting forward some detailed resolutions and language to address such issues as disease management, chronic conditions, drug management, incentives, etc.
DISCUSSION RE: FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER GRANT
Present for this discussion were Amy Morales and Diane Wassenhove from the Family Resource Center.
Ms. Morales stated they are renewing their grant for the two-year period of July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2007. She noted the request is for $100,000 annually, and the grant is being submitted by the Enfield School Department with the Town Manger being the fiscal agent responsible.
Ms. Morales stated since 1998, the Family Resource Center has been a school-based child care and family support program.
MOTION #7866 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7866 adopted 7-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #7867 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #3 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7867 adopted 7-0-0.
NOMINATION #7868 by Councilman Edgar to appoint Judith Partridge (U), 23 Enfield Terrace to the Commission on Aging for a term which expires 12/31/2005.
MOTION #7869 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7869 adopted 7-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Judith Partridge appointed to the Commission on Aging for a 7-0-0 vote.
All other Town Council and Town Manager appointments remained tabled.
MOTION #7870 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to remove Item c. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7870 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: COUNCIL/BOARD INITIATIVES
(GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND ATHLETIC FIELDS)
Acting Chairman Fiore stated if they are going to put out a referendum in November, staff will need direction before they take their annual summer break. He suggested everyone think about this issue over the next two weeks so that they can discuss this at their next regularly scheduled meeting with the potential to advise the Town Manager to be prepared for a public hearing on this issue for the July 5th meeting.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether staff should put together a question so they can see what a proposed ballot question will be. Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated he is very supportive of the athletic field referendum, but he cannot in good conscience ask taxpayers to spend $5.6 million dollars if the maintenance issue isn’t resolved. He pointed out he isn’t faulting the Board of Education. He noted the Board of Education is there to teach people. He stated his belief the maintenance issue must be removed from the Board of Education and they should have a single point of responsibility, which is the Town Council. He stated unless the Town Council owns the maintenance issue, then he will not support a referendum.
MOTION #7871 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Tait to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7871 adopted 7-0-0.
Items d., e., and f. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
NOMINATION #7872 by Councilman Edgar to appoint Pamela Hall (D), 6318 Bigelow Commons to the Cultural Arts Commission
MOTION #7873 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7873 adopted 7-0-0.
Councilman Fiore noted Ms. Hall would also be interested in serving on the Fair Rent Commission.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Pamela Hall appointed to the Cultural Arts Commission by a 7-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #7874 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini
WHEREAS. Camerota Truck Parts, founded by Salvatore Camerota in Enfield in 1959, is a successful and established local business; and
WHEREAS, Camerota Truck Parts currently employs 134 people, of those, 101 are employed in Enfield off Shaker Road, and of these 80 are full-time employee; and
WHEREAS, Camerota Truck Parts has recently been designated as the factory authorized remanufacturer and dealer of Allison automatic transmissions requiring the investment of $1.2 million in a new facility to accommodate this growth; and
WHEREAS, a new 30,000 square foot remanufacturing facility is being constructed and a minimum of four new employees will be added in each of three years; and
WHEREAS, Camerota is committed to a system of training and development to fill these positions with highly skilled technicians and in operating an environmentally friendly remanufacturing operation; and
WHEREAS, the investment in real estate, equipment, and human resources is very desirable,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council, as an inducement to S. Camerota & Sons, Inc. d/b/a Camerota Truck Parts as Automatic Reman, LLC, the new property for the above described investment, and in compliance with CT General Statutes 12-65b, authorizes the Town Manager to execute a three year tax agreement, providing tax assessments at 50% for each year.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7874 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7875 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Child Day Care $1,528.00
Other Supplies
FROM: Child Day Care $1,528.00
Donations
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $1,528.00 is available from Account (Donations) of 5/4/2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7875 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7876 by Councilman Mangini, 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: Child Day Care $4,643.00
Food/Food Related
FROM: Child Day Care $4,643.00
Donations
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $4,643.00 is available from Account (Donations) as of 5/4/2005.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7876 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7877 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Account No. 1300-0332 $10,000.00
Town Attorney
Legal Services
FROM: Account No. 8030-0840 $10,000.00
Contingency Account
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $10,000.00 is available from Account #8030-0840 as of 5/3/2005.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7877 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7878 by Councilman Mangini, 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: Police $35,000.00
Overtime
FROM: Contingency $35,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $35,000.00 is available from Account (Contingency) as of 5/5/2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Acting Chairman Fiore explained this had to do with overtime for the execution and the homeland security demonstration. Mr. Shanley stated when they transfer to cover pay adjustments, they calculate what’s going to be necessary in the account based on the pay rates. He noted officers have continued to get step increases without the contract and there are also non-union personnel. He stated they calculate what’s necessary to June 30th and only transfer in enough to do that.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7878
adopted 7-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION RE: CONTINGENCY TRANSFER YOUTH SERVICES BUS
Acting Chairman Fiore stated they discussed this during their budget session.
MOTION #7879 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Peruta to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7879 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSISON RE: HARTFORD FOUNDATION GRANT AWARD
Mr. Shanley stated this is a very generous grant from the Hartford Foundation, and the Senior Center continues to anticipate filling the local share that will be necessary.
MOTION #7880 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7880 adopted 7-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: BID WAIVER/THOMPSONVILLE FIRE DISTRICT BUCKET TRUCK
Acting Chairman Fiore suggested addressing this item at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: APPROVAL OF PROPOSED NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT GRANT APPLICATIONS
MOTION #7881 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Dodd to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7881 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #7882 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move Items g. and h. to Miscellaneous.
Councilman Mangini stated she will not be voting on Item g. because one of her children benefited from this.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7882 adopted 7-0-0.
Item i. will be addressed at the next meeting.
MOTION #7883 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Tait to move Item j. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7883 adopted 7-0-0.
Items l., m., and n. will be addressed at the next meeting.
MOTION #7884 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to move Item o. to Miscellaneous.
Mr. Shanley stated it should be clarified in the resolution that the August 15th meeting is being cancelled.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7884 adopted 7-0-0.
Item p. will be addressed at the next meeting.
DISCUSSION RE: AUTHORIZING LAND AND EASEMENT TRANSFER/SALE TO MASS MUTUAL
Acting Chairman Fiore stated although he and Councilman Peruta are employees of Mass Mutual, they do not work in this particular facility, they receive no benefit, and this has nothing to do with employment or bonuses or anything of that nature. He stated there is no conflict.
MOTION #7885 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to move Item q. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7885 adopted 7-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #7886 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Town Manager, Scott Shanley, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the Connecticut State Department of Education of the State of Connecticut for a Family Resource Center Program 7-1-2005 to 6-30-2006 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7886 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7888 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Youth Services $18,692.00
Vehicles
FROM: Contingency $18,692.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $18,692.00 is available from Account (Contingency) as of June 1, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7888 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #7887 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to waive the reading of the resolution.
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