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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2005
The 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 Tuesday, July 5, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 7:48 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Fiore.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, Tait, and Tallarita. Councilman Crowley was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Assistant Town Manager, Colleen Brand; Director of Information Systems, Charlene Bond.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7917 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of the June 20, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7917 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7918 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the June 20, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7918 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Questioned the on-going cost for maintenance of the athletic fields. He voiced concern that future Councils may not want to spend as much money on maintenance resulting in deterioration of the athletic fields. He noted proper maintenance has to be a long-term commitment, therefore, perhaps maintenance should be on the Board of Education side since the fields belong to the school system and school athletes will be using them.
Ronald Prostka, 34 Foxcroft Road
Stated the Council should take into consideration the cost of lighting for athletic fields. He noted this can be very expensive.
Mr. Prostka stated this is the second time he has complained to the Council about damage to his driveway curbing caused by Town snowplows. He noted water runoff is causing damage to the road. He stated his hope this problem will be addressed.
He stated he would like to see snow removed that is piled up in front of handicap sidewalk ramps. He distributed pictures of this issue.
Mary Ann Turner, 7 Meadow Road
Stated a couple months ago she applied for a seat on the Cable Advisory Board, and the minority leader let her know that the Council had suggested that at this time she would pass because she’s new to the Republican Town Committee Chairman position. She noted if that’s the intent, she suggests it be used across the board.
Ms. Turner stated now that the Director of Libraries has been reprimanded, she questioned what disciplinary action will be taken. She stated her understanding the Director will becoming very actively involved in a volunteer capacity. She pointed out she volunteered for a committee, however, a Town employee is going to take on a very large position.
She questioned Councilman Peruta as to when they will start working in her district.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville section
Questioned the possibility of cutting back on the costs for athletic fields. She noted the enrollment of the high schools is much lower than it has been in the past.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Apologized if she did the wrong thing by mentioning anyone’s name that’s in the employ of the Town of Enfield. She stated her hope they will not get a reprimand because of her comment. She added in the future she will attempt not to do that. She added she would not like any repercussions from anything she said.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #7919 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move Items 12d and 13e to 10a and 10b.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7919 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7920 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move
Items 13 b (1 & 2), 13 c., d., f., g., h., and i. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7920 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Mangini explained she is dressed in colonial attire to bring to the foreground the Daughters of the American Revolution. She noted the Penelope Abbe Chapter was pleased to be included in the parade on Saturday. She explained the objective of this society is to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence and to promote the development of an enlightened public opinion and to foster patriotic citizenship.
Councilman Mangini commended EMS, Fire and Police on how well they worked together in a recent serious accident.
Councilman Mangini stated she was contacted by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and she took part in the user needs study. She explained the intent is to help the GASB gain a better understanding of what activities and what procedures are necessary for a Council to draw from with regards to budgetary issues. She noted this will also improve GASB’s ability to set standards which will result in the public receiving specific information that’s necessary to make decisions.
Councilman Edgar referred to Section 14 and noted at the last meeting the Council was assured that the price would be held to June 30th. Mr. Shanley indicated he will address this.
Councilman Egan encouraged everyone to take part in some of the wonderful recreation programs being made available this summer. She added the library also has outstanding programs for children and adults.
Councilman Peruta stated the Town Green celebration was amazing, starting with the parade all the way through to the fireworks. He commended everyone involved in putting on this event.
Councilman Tait commended the Fourth of July Committee for doing an incredible job.
Responding to a comment regarding the Director of Libraries, Councilman Tait stated on behalf of some of the Republicans in the Town of Enfield, they’re fully in support of the Director of Libraries.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief this was the best Fourth of July Town Celebration. He recognized the effort that went into putting on this event. He commended everyone who volunteered for this effort.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated if the community as a whole desires to have a commitment to the maintenance of the athletic fields in the Town budget, he believes that will be done.
As concerns Mr. Prostka’s comments about snow removal, Mr. Shanley noted in most sections of town the roads are wide enough so that after they push the snow back, there’s still ample room for fire trucks to move through the roads. He explained that’s not the case in Thompsonville where in some areas there’s only an eleven-foot wide road.
Mr. Shanley stated he sent a letter to the Council regarding examining the Town’s general relationship with non-profit supporters such as the Maciolek Post, the Veterans’ Council and the Friends of the Library. He noted no one is disciplined because this isn’t an issue that rises to that level. Chairman Tallarita stated involvement is important and volunteer organizations need to be supported on the Town side and encouraged. He stated they shouldn’t create such a divide that these volunteer groups feel abandoned by the municipal side. He stressed they are all working for the common good of the community.
Mr. Shanley stated Senate Bill #96, which is the Validating Act, was assigned a Public Act number, however, it has not yet been signed by the Governor. He noted CCM will keep him abreast of this. He stated as soon as it’s signed, they can move forward with Section 14. He noted they were able to get the prices extended for another week from today. He added the same goes for the overlay work planned for the summer.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini referred to the subcommittee to the health care reform and noted she received by e-mail 50 pages of a rough draft by Senators Hillary Clinton and Bill Frisk regarding sharing electronic records and the pharmaceutical aspect of the bill. She noted once everything is compiled and revisions are made, she can report back to the Council. She noted her subcommittee has to meet two more times before they give their input to Congress.
Councilman Mangini agreed the Fourth of July Town Celebration Committee put on probably the best event so far. She noted she’s proud to be a liaison to this committee. She commended all the volunteers who helped out for this celebration.
Councilman Edgar stated the Patriots’ Award was awarded to Ernest Maynard this year. He noted Mr. Maynard was very deserving of this award.
Councilman Edgar stated the Amvets sent $300 toward expenses for the Eagle Scout project to refurbish the Scitico veterans’ memorial.
DISCUSSION RE: CL&P SUMMER TREE TRIMMING PROGRAM
Present for this discussion were Alan Carey and Robert Allen from CL&P and Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski.
Mr. Shanley stated CL&P works very closely with the Town’s tree warden.
Mr. Allen stated they will start some work in Enfield next month. He noted a CL&P rep goes to every home where there are plans to trim a tree. He explained the paperwork involved in accomplishing this task. He noted at this time there are no removals planned, only trimming.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated at 1424 Enfield Street it appears a power line goes right through a dying tree. He went on to note that a lot of the trees on Route 5 appear to be on State property. He questioned how CL&P deals with trees on State property. Mr. Allen stated CL&P has a relationship with the State DOT. Mr. Allen made note of the tree at 1424 Enfield Street.
Chairman Tallarita stated DOT recently came through and marked trees that they believed were diseased and they’ve started to remove some of those trees.
Councilman Fiore stated his understanding that most of the tree trimming effort this year seems to be confined to one area – Weymouth/Raffia Road area. Mr. Allen explained they trim by circuits as opposed to trimming the whole town. He noted there schedule is every four or five years.
BRIEFING RE: SUMMER CONSTRUCTION WORK/LIBRARY, TOWN HALL
Present for this discussion was Colleen Brand, Assistant Public Works Director
Ms. Brand stated part of the CIP project was changing the entry to the Council Chambers. She explained the new design. She stated they also plan to replace the roof with the same asphalt shingles and same color. She referred to a design showing a possible dormer to the back of the Town Hall. Mr. Shanley stated the additional cost for a dormer is about $500,000 to $600,000. He noted the reason for including a dormer would be to do some records storage.
Councilman Fiore suggested the possibility of adding eye dormers to provide more light on the top floor.
Councilman Dodd questioned whether adding dormers could result in more office space. Mr. Shanley stated it’s possible the top floor could become office space at some point in the future and records could be stored on the cement floor on the bottom floor.
Councilman Dodd questioned if there’s still an air handler in that space, and Mr. Shanley responded yes and explained this would simply be the creation of the dormer and some minimal work with the air handling.
Councilman Dodd questioned the possibility of addressing the roof on the front side of the building and leaving the back side of the roof as is until they have time to consider the dormer. Ms. Brand stated she would be very cautious about that idea because of warranty issues. Chairman Tallarita questioned whether this is worth exploring. Mr. Shanley indicated they can explore this over the next week or so, but they do need to move forward on replacing the roof.
Councilman Reveruzzi suggested the possibility of grant monies to do the dormer work. He noted they could go forward with all the roof work and then explore all the other alternatives that may be available.
Chairman Tallarita suggested signage for the Council Chambers.
Councilman Peruta referred to the air lock design for the Council Chambers and voiced concern about that design cutting down on the number of people that can fit into the Council Chambers.
Ms. Brand spoke about the Central Library roof replacement. She noted there will be canopies at the entries in the front and back of the building. She stated the most cost effective material is the asphalt shingles. Mr. Shanley added they will be including an additional inch and a half of insulation.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the carpeting and heat/air conditioning have been addressed, and Ms. Brand responded yes.
Councilman Fiore questioned the status on the idea of creating a cathedral-like ceiling in an area of the library. Ms. Shanley stated the belief is they should get the work done that they can get done. He noted after that work is done, they have to determine what resources remain and what it would take to do the cathedral ceiling.
Ms. Brand stated the plan is to complete both projects during this construction season.
MOTION #7921 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add Item 10c to the agenda, which would be a briefing on the transfer station conversion.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7921 adopted 10-0-0.
BRIEFING ON THE TRANSFER STATION CONVERSION
Mr. Shanley informed the Council about this weekend’s operations at the transfer station. He noted there was a police presence at the transfer station, and that was scheduled days in advance.
Mr. Kazmarski stated some people were upset with the new procedure, specifically relating to the charges. He noted some of the venting that occurred may have had something to do with the receipt of new tax bills on July 1st. He went on to explain how the procedure worked and some of the questions raised by users. He noted they will be holding meetings with staff regarding the eventual permanent installation of the scales. As concerns revenues, it appears they took in about $1,000 on Friday and about $3,500 on Saturday. He noted no commercial vehicles came in with materials on Friday or Saturday. He stated this was a little strange because there are usually commercial vehicles showing up regularly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Chairman Tallarita stated he heard from some residents who were not happy with the cost of the landfill, however, they were less happy with the time it took to go through the process. He added his belief there was a lot of misinformation in the community. He questioned when the permanent scales will be installed. Mr. Kazmarski explained it would be the same scales, but they will be placed on a permanent foundation. He stated they have to develop a system that will document individual vehicle weights. Chairman Tallarita stated they have to find a more efficient way to move people through the landfill process more quickly. He added his belief it might be wise to have a fact sheet that can be distributed to vehicles coming into the transfer station. He stated it may be helpful if people understand the rationale behind this procedure. He questioned the average cost per resident. Mr. Kazmarski estimated $12 to $18 range.
Chairman Tallarita suggested if they can’t find a smooth way to move people through the transfer station, perhaps this could be done with a phase-in approach, i.e., commercial vehicles first, and then move onto residential vehicles. He questioned whether they should also consider waiting on this until the permanent scales are in place.
Mr. Shanley indicated they can get better information as to how much time people are actually waiting to go through the process.
Mr. Kazmarski stated 177 people went through the transfer station on Saturday during an eight hour period.
Councilman Fiore stated in past discussions he doesn’t recall any mention of temporary scales. He stated his understanding the staff is working hard on this.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
There were no Town Council appointments.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #7921A by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #2 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7921A adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7922 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Pamela Hall to the Fair Rent Commission as a tenant member for a term which expires 06/30/2007.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7922 adopted 10-0-0.
All other Town Manager appointments remained tabled.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #7923 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7923 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7924 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the Council established the “100 High Street Building Committee” to discuss future uses and costs; and
WHEREAS, said committee’s work resulted in appropriation of funds to repair and renew the facility for a community center; and
WHEREAS, future work and discussions regarding management, fees and scheduling will be handled by the Town Council and staff;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield appreciates the effort and contributions of the 100 High Street Building Committee and hereby discharges them from further responsibility.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7924 adopted 10-0-0.
Items e. and f. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION #7925 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to accept the Consent Agenda as presented.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7925 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7926 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: Water Pollution Control Fund
Other Professional Services $15,750.00
FROM: Water Pollution Control Fund
Water/Sewage $15,750.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $15,750.00 is available from Account – Water/Sewerage as of June 14, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7926 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7927 by Councilman Kaupin, 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: DPW-Water Pollution Control Fund
Overtime $34,300.00
FROM : DPW-Water Pollution Control Fund
Salaries, Full Time $10,000.00
Salaries, Temp. 500.00
Shift Diff. 2,300.00
WPC Cert’s 4,000.00
Retirement Contributions 17,500.00
$34,300.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $34,300.00 is available from Account # see above as of June 29, 2005.
/s/ Kim Marcotte, Deputy Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7927 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7928 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7928 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7929 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Councilman Fiore questioned the timing on this, and Mr. Shanley stated they have to have a question to the Secretary of State’s Office the first week in September.
Councilman Fiore questioned if he could rescind on this if things don’t move ahead regarding the maintenance issue. Mr. Shanley responded yes, but staff would need to know whether or not they were submitting this by the beginning of September.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council would like to see the maintenance issue resolved, however, they wish to move this forward so that they’re in the position to have this on the ballot.
Councilman Edgar questioned the vote tally to rescind a motion, and Ms. Olechnicki responded a two-thirds vote, and she noted she could check to confirm that.
Councilman Mangini noted a couple residents questioned the possibility of posting the question on the Town’s website. Mr. Shanley stated they could also post an explanatory text.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7929 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7930 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7930 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7931 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Egan.
Councilman Fiore expressed his appreciation to staff for putting this together.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7931 adopted 10-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #7932 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to reappoint Richard Szewczak to the Housing Code Appeals Board for a term which expires 6/30/05.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7932 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7933 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to reappoint David Wawer, who has agreed to serve until replaced on the Inland/Wetlands & Watercourses Agency.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7933 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7934 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to renter into a License Agreement with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, also known as ‘ASCAP”.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether this is a one-time thing, or something that has to be done on a yearly basis. Mr. Shanley responded this has to be done every year.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7934 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7935 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council authorizes Scott A. Shanley to sign an agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Enfield for Rights of Way activities in conjunction with Urban Systems improvements for the reconstruction of Post Office Road/Town Farm Road in the Town of Enfield utilizing Federal funds from the Highway Priority Projects Program.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7935 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7936 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: Personnel Department:
Salaries Part-Time $ 1,600.00
Professional Development 2,000.00
Legal 39,772.00
Professional Services 8,000.00
Advertising 2,600.00
Printing & Reproduction 200.00
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TOTAL $54,172.00
FROM: Contingency $35,000.00
Undesignated Fund Balance 19,172.00
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TOTAL $54,172.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $54,172.00 is available from Contingency and Undesignated Fund Balance as of June 25, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUITON #7936 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Edgar abstaining.
RESOLUTION #7937 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: DPW-Highway Maintenance Div.
Salaries, Full Time $14,500.00
FROM: DPW-Highway Maintenance Div.
Salaries, Part Time $1,500.00
Overtime 5,000.00
Recreation Programs
Salaries, Part Time 8,000.00
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$14,500.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $14,500.00 is available from Account # see above as of June 29, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7937 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7938 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: DPW-Building Code Enforcement Division
Salaries, Part Time $350.00
Overtime 500.00
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$850.00
FROM: DPW-Building Code Enforcement Div.
Land & Building Services $850.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $850.00 is available from Account #Land & Bldg. Serv. as of June 29, 2005.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7938 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7939 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
RESOLVED, in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: DPW-Administration Div.
Salaries – Full Time $5,015.00
FROM : DPW-Administration Div.
Salaries, Part Time $ 800.00
Professional Development 1,015.00
Recreation Administration 3,200.00
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$5,015.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $5,015.00 is available from Account # see above as of June 29, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7939 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
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