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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 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, August 22, 2005. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 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, Fiore, Kaupin, Peruta, Reveruzzi, and Tait. Councilmen Egan, Mangini and Tallarita were absent. Also present were Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Acting Chairman Fiore made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7946 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to accept the minutes of the July 5, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7946 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7947 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the August 11, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7947 adopted 7-0-1, with Councilman Tait abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Scott Ellis, Thompsonville/Hazardville Fire Departments, Local Union 3059
Stated there will be a candlelight vigil in support of U.S. troops on September 11, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. on the Town Green. He explained in conjunction with the Junior Women’s Club they will be distributing yellow ribbon cards to those with loved ones serving overseas, and they can write the name, rank, duty and station on the card. The cards will be attached to a tree on the Town Green, and the tree will have a large yellow ribbon affixed to it. He stated once the loved one has returned from overseas, the card can be returned to the family as a keepsake. He stated they are requesting permission from the Council to use a particular tree on the Green for this purpose. He went on to note that Local Union 3059 will be sure to maintain the ribbon/cards on this tree.
Mr. Ellis stated they are holding a collection event on September 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the community assistance program sponsored by the Hartford National Guard Armory in conjunction with Westfield Shopping Towns in the center court at the Enfield Square.
Mr. Ellis left some flyers for these events.
Acting Chairman Fiore suggested adding this topic to the agenda.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Expressed her disturbance about Council members leaving the Council and giving advice to possible newcomers to the Council. She noted this advice is in the form of negative comments about people who frequently attend Council meetings. She stated her hope new Council members will stay wide awake and not only listen to special interest big spenders, but also to long-time residents who have paid taxes and not asked for much.
Ms. Jedziniak questioned whether the Town feels they can keep the school athletic fields in better condition than they are now. She noted most of the buildings and grounds that the Town has been taking care of over the years aren’t good examples of proper maintenance.
She stated her hope new Council members won’t make a career out of politics. She stated her impression the agenda for this Council has been to spend and spend. She stated her hope the new Council will have the desire to learn where all the money is going in the school system and why they’re hiring so many people.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her understanding the new insurance company in Enfield is going to give someone in the school department money in order to get parents more involved. She stated her impression they want more parents involved so that they can come before the Council and ask for more money. She stated her impression they never ask for teachers to do better teaching. She pointed out students are leaving the high schools unable to read.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Stated his hope new Council members will listen more carefully to what taxpayers have to say. He noted he read in the newspaper where one of the Council members who is not running again said they disregard what taxpayers say because those taxpayers are present at all the meetings and say the same things and don’t represent most of the people. Mr. Sheridan pointed out in the past there were those Council members who actually took notes and addressed concerns raised by taxpayers, however, he does not feel that happens any longer. He stated his belief this creates apathy.
As concerns field maintenance, Mr. Sheridan stated this seems as though they’re just taking four employees from the school side and bringing them over to the Town side. He noted if they’re just moving the money, they are just changing the net cost per student and it makes it appear as though they’re spending less per student than they really are.
Ed Abraham, 1445Enfield Street
Voiced his opposition to the Town removing the sidewalk near his home. He pointed out he installed this sidewalk and he maintains it.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Referred to a comment made by a current Council member in the newspaper about not listening to taxpayers who attend all the Council meetings. She noted that she and other people who attend all the meetings have had several people request they speak on their behalf because they’re intimidated to come before the Council.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Commended the Enfield Police Department for the good job they’ve done in the past.
Mr. Jedziniak stated his belief the Board of Education should applaud the parents of school children for giving them a good living.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Tait stated it has been five or six weeks since he requested information for a resident on Middle Road concerning a tree growing out of their sidewalk. He noted he would like a time line as to when this will be addressed.
Councilman Peruta explained the Parent Leadership Program grant from Mass Mutual. He noted this grant helps parents get involved enough to take over programs so that they become self-sustaining programs. He explained this teaches parents how to get involved in their children’s education. He emphasized this is not to advocate for teachers or administrators.
Councilman Peruta requested staff check into Mr. Abraham’s concern about the sidewalk.
Councilman Crowley expressed his appreciation for the crosswalk in front of Brainard Park. He suggested perhaps some signage could be installed to draw attention to the crosswalk. Mr. Vindigni noted some signage was just put up.
Councilman Crowley commended the fire departments for getting involved in the September 11th program.
Councilman Crowley stated one of the reasons the Council looked into maintenance of the athletic fields was to save money by combining the maintenance of the fields.
MOTION #7948 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait to add Item 10a to the agenda. (Discussion re: September 11th Program)
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7948 adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Kaupin agreed with Councilman Crowley about the goal to find efficiencies in combining the maintenance of the fields. He noted in the past the same attempt was made regarding the IT Departments. He noted although there may be some of the same workers, they will be under the management of Town administration. He noted Public Works does a good job of maintenance around town. He stated he personally believes the Town will take much better care of the fields.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated the School Board meeting for tomorrow night has been postponed until September 1st.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated he is also interested in the status of the Middle Road sidewalk issue raised by Councilman Tait. Mr. Vindigni indicated that would be looked into.
As concerns the sidewalk issue raised by Mr. Abraham, Acting Chairman Fiore stated the Town classifies this as a sidewalk that goes nowhere and it represents a liability to the Town. He noted it’s the Town’s policy to remove such sidewalks throughout Enfield.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
There were no reports this evening.
DISCUSSION RE: SEPTEMBER 11TH PROGRAM
Scott Ellis was present for this discussion.
Mr. Ellis invited everyone to attend the September 11th program.
Councilman Tait stated if there’s anything the Council can do to support this event, Mr. Ellis should let them know. He stated he is also the Commander of Post 154 and if there’s anything his Post can do to help, Mr. Ellis should let him know. He stated his belief this program is a great idea.
Mr. Ellis stated he has had an overwhelming response from almost every segment of the community. He stated he will leave a packet of information at Post 154.
Mr. Ellis stated there will be some appropriate music entertainment, and a concert violinist from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will do a rendition of Amazing Grace during the candlelight portion of the vigil.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether people should bring their own candles. Mr. Ellis stated he is still looking into that.
Acting Chairman Fiore suggested the Enfield Beautification Committee be involved in the designation of a tree for the yellow ribbon and card placement.
Councilman Peruta expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ellis for his involvement in this program.
Mr. Ellis stated they are going to great lengths to make this a non-political event. He emphasized this is to support U.S. troops as well as everyone who suffered as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Councilman Crowley advised they have a good sound system on the Town Green for this event.
Mr. Vindigni stated he will contact the Beautification Committee and meet with Mr. Ellis. He added he will follow up with the Town Council concerning this event.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #7949 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Crowley to remove from the table the appointment to the Health Department Board of Directors.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7949 adopted 8-0-0.
NOMINATION #7950 by Councilman Edgar to appoint Anne S. Warner (U) to the Health Department Board of Directors for a term which expires 6/30/08.
MOTION #7951 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Crowley to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7951 adopted 8-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Ann Warner appointed to the Health Department Board of Directors by an 8-0-0 vote.
Item c., d., and e. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business items.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The consent agenda items will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
Items b. and c. will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
MOTION #7952 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd to move Item 13d. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7952 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7953 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Crowley to move Item 13e. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7953 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7954 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Crowley to move Item 13f. to Miscellaneous
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7954 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7955 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Dodd to move Item 13g to Miscellaneous
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7955 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: AMERICA-THE-BEAUTIFUL GRANT
Acting Chairman Fiore stated this grant would be used for extra plantings around Freshwater Pond. He noted this is a $4,000 Urban Forestry Grant received by the Town.
Councilman Dodd referred to the removal of the chain link fence and replacement with split-rail fencing. He questioned the hazards of children being able to access the pond.
Mr. Vindigni pointed out about half of the pond is not chain linked and there is still access to the water. He went on to note that any vegetation reduction will be done according to wetland requirements.
This item will appear on the next agenda.
Item i. will be addressed at the September 6th meeting.
MOTION #7956 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Crowley to move Item 13j. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7956 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7957 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Peruta to move Item 13k. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7957 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7958 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Peruta to move item
13l. to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7958 adopted 8-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: LANDFILL WATER QUALITY MONITORING
Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond, was present for this discussion.
Mr. McAlmond stated before the landfill was closed, they had to file a Closure Application and get it approved. He noted this took place in 1994. He explained as part of federal regulations, they have to monitor the water quality beneath the landfill for 30 years to insure there’s no impact on the environment or that the contaminants are not moving off site. He stated they did this monitoring through 2001 and everything appeared steady. He noted DEP stated they could do less sampling. He stated last February new personnel at DEP determined they had to reinstate the original testing regiment on a full basis every quarter for six quarters, and they will then go through a process of a written approval to allow the Town to make an adjustment if things continue as they are.
Mr. McAlmond stated this will result in a $40,000 additional cost this year to do this work. He recommended the Council consider extending the agreement with the existing consultant since they paid this consultant a lot of money to gather their knowledge, and they have the background needed to do this monitoring.
Councilman Crowley questioned the length of the contract. Mr. McAlmond stated at this point they’re looking to extend the contract to the 6th quarter period, which would end after June, 2006.
Councilman Dodd questioned if it would be less expensive to continue with this company rather than going out for an RFP. Mr. McAlmond stated his belief they would not see any savings going out for an RFP.
Acting Chairman Fiore recommended addressing this item at the next regular meeting.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005 FINAL TRANSFERS
Acting Chairman Fiore explained at the end of the year the Finance Department does internal transfers in order to close out the books. He suggested addressing this at the September 6th meeting.
Councilman Crowley suggested e-mailing questions to the Director of Finance.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated it has been noticed it cost about $185,000 more than was budgeted for medical/dental insurance. He questioned this increase since those contracts were negotiated prior to the last budget and only a couple new employees were added.
Acting Chairman Fiore questioned the $10,000 increase in postage if they’re mailing out the same amount of tax bills.
Councilman Kaupin stated when they get transfers, the Council gets an explanation or justification. He noted he would like a brief explanation for these transfers.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #7959 by Councilman Kaupin, 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: 4500-6069-140 Police Overtime $ 7,448.00
4500-6069-339 Other Profess. Services 6,720.00
4500-6069-550 Printing & Reproduction 1,000.00
4500-6069-611 Instructional Supplies 600.00
4500-6069-619 Materials & Supplies 732.00
4500-6069-630 Food & Food Related 500.00
_________
$17,000.00
FROM: 220-01-40-4500-6069-000-00 Revenue $17,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $17,000.00 is available from Account #Revenue as of July 5, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7959 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7960 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfers is hereby made:
TO: Transfer to Other Funds $30,000.00
FROM: G/F – F/B $30,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $30,000.00 is available from Account #G/F – F/B as of July 19, 2005.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7960 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7961 by Councilman Edgar, 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: Northgate $30,000.00
FROM: CIP Contribution From G/F $30,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $30,000.00 is available from Account # see above as of July 19, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7961 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #7962 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Peruta to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7962 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7963 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
Authorization to sell Tax Liens/22 Broadbrook
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7963 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7964 by Councilman Tait, seconded by Councilman Edgar
WHEREAS, Galaxy Management, LLC has executed a Statutory Form Quit Claim Deed conveying to the Town of Enfield property consisting of 10.623 acres and known as “Open Space Lot 2” on the map entitled “Record Subdivision Map Galaxy Subdivision”, a copy of which Quit Claim Deed is attached hereto;
WHEREAS, Galaxy Management, LLC has executed an Easement conveying a sanitary sewer easement to the Town of Enfield, a copy of which Easement is attached hereto;
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2005 the Planning and Zoning Commission, per Connecticut General Statute 8-24, recommended the acceptance of these conveyances from Galaxy Management LLC; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield wishes to accept the Statutory Form Quit Claim Deed and the Easement from Galaxy Management, LLC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council hereby accepts the Statutory Form Quit Claim Deed and the Easement from Galaxy Management, LLC.
Councilman Crowley questioned whether there are any conditions regarding the development of this open space. Acting Chairman Fiore stated his belief there are no conditions regarding the open space area because the Town will be owning the open space.
Councilman Kaupin stated he did not read about any conditions concerning this.
Councilman Reveruzzi pointed out these documents have not been signed.
Attorney Bromson suggested deferring this since the documents have not been signed.
MOTION #7965 by Councilman Peruta, seconded by Councilman Tait to address this under New Business on the next agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7965 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7966 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tait.
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 State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, Policy Development and Planning Division for the Erase Grant – 07-01-2005 to 6-30-2006 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7966 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7967 by Councilman Edgar, 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: 4320-630 $500.00
Food
FROM : 4320-330
Professional Services $500.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $500 is available from Account #4320-330 as of June 30, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7967 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #7968 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: 4960-890
Enfield Food Shelf Contribution $3,300
FROM: 8020-160
Stipends $3,300
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $3,300 is available from Account #8020-160 as of June 30, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #7968 adopted 8-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Crowley stated his belief the Blight Ordinance applies to a property on Ganny Terrace. Mr. Vindigni stated his belief that property has already been cited. Councilman Crowley requested something in writing for the person who contacted him regarding this matter.
Acting Chairman Fiore stated although he is not running for the Town Council in November, he will continue to educate, advise and pass on knowledge to anyone who asks.
Councilman Tait agreed with Acting Chairman Fiore in that they should advise and mentor new upcoming Council members.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #7969 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Reveruzzi to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7969 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:52 p.m. |