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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 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, September 6, 2005 at 7:33 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, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, Reveruzzi, and Tallarita. Councilman Tait was absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #7972 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the August 22, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7972 adopted 7-0-3, with Councilmen Egan, Mangini and Tallarita abstaining.
MOTION #7973 by Councilman Dodd, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the August 22, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7973 adopted 7-0-3, with Councilmen Egan, Mangini and Tallarita abstaining.
Chairman Tallarita read a proclamation declaring September 10 and 11 as Hometown Heroes Weekend.
Scott Ellis, Thompsonville/Hazardville Fire Departments, Local Union 3059, explained the weekend’s activities. There will be a collection of monetary donations, phone cards, gas cards, shopping cards to grocery stores. These items will be in support of National Guard families who have loved ones that have been deployed. There will be a memorial service on Sunday on the Green for all those effected on September 11, 2001, and there will be a candlelight vigil on the Green on Sunday night in support of U.S. troops. He noted there will be yellow ribbon cards available for Enfield residents who have family deployed overseas. He noted these cards will be placed on a yellow ribbon tree, and when the deployed person returns safely home, they can retrieve the yellow cards from the tree.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council recognizes there are a lot of families suffering financial hardships because a spouse has been deployed to Iraq, therefore, the Council will take up an ordinance this evening that will compliment what the State has allowed by waiving any interest payments on property tax for up to a year.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief some misinformation may have been disseminated throughout the high schools regarding the athletic fields. He noted the Council believes the fields are unsafe and a shame to this community, and they would like to address this issue through a referendum. He added the Council believes this investment should be made and that they should protect that investment. He explained the Council proposed working with the Board of Education to move the maintenance of the fields from the school side to the town side. He added the Council also believes they can appropriate the funding to do this. He noted this proposal isn’t saying the Board of Education has done a poor job with this, but the Board of Education’s concern is the education of children. He noted the Council can invest money into the fields without having the debate that the Board of Education has to have as to whether monies should go toward educating the children or maintaining the fields. He stated in order to accomplish this, the Council, the Board and union needed to negotiate, and it’s believed those negotiations are going well.
Chairman Tallarita stated in the beginning of July, the Council unanimously approved to move the referendum question forward concerning the athletic fields. He added the Council feels strongly about the maintenance issue and if the Town was not able to take over the maintenance of the fields, there needs to be a debate about going forward as concern not having that investment secured. He noted they will not have that debate this evening since it’s believed negotiations are going well, and they’re confident there will be an agreement within a week.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Karen Weseliza, 25 Renee Lane
Stated she’s co-chair of the School Readiness Council. Ms. Weseliza stated a couple meetings ago, someone came forward and spoke about Mass Mutual and the support they’re offering the School Readiness Council. She explained there is no money exchange between Mass Mutual, the Board of Education or Town Council. She noted Mass Mutual will provide parent training to a group of volunteer parents who wish to come forward and be trained on leadership, community engagement, etc. She pointed out the School Readiness Council worked hard to cultivate a relationship with Mass Mutual and other business community members. She noted they’re very proud of that effort and what came from that effort. She went on to note this is not about supporting young parents, but rather it’s about supporting parents of young children.
Michael Redloff, 17 Standish Street
Spoke about the poor conditions of the athletic fields. He pointed out this is a unique opportunity to move forward with addressing the fields. He urged the Council to do everything possible to overcome the obstacle relating to maintenance of the fields.
Peter Falk, Neelans Road
Stated he has been active in the Enfield Fire Commission and has several questions:
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The fire districts have been asked to and agreed to extend their EMS support between September 1st and 19th. Will there be any financial compensation for their services?
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The fire districts are working on a budget and staffing plans for the balance of this year. They are not sure what will be expected of them regarding manpower and financial resources in regard to their role as supplemental EMS providers beginning on September 19th. Does the Town have an EMS plan, and if so, can a copy be provided?
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If the Town’s start-up date slips past September 19th, would the Town be able to provide a minimum of one-week’s notice to allow the fire districts to schedule adequate personnel and resources to continue the EMS response at the current level?
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The budget that was approved by voters in early May did not anticipate providing EMS service after July 1st. The Town has provided some compensation to the fire districts for their assistance in providing EMS through September 1st. They are not sure about the period from 9/1 to 9/19 or what the plan is for compensation beyond September 19th in a supplemental role.
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Most of the previous planning scenarios indicated that a third ambulance would be needed to be staffed during the early evening hours. It appears that the Town is staffing up for two ambulances for 24X7. Will this level of staffing be able to handle the current and projected EMS call volume?
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Will having only two ambulances staffed 24X7 impact the amount/level of EMS assistance the fire districts will be required to provide? Will additional ambulances be housed in the fire district facilities to cover their supplemental services?
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In the new EMS plan will the Maciolek Post continue to provide funding for new ambulances and EMS equipment?
As concerns athletic fields, Mr. Falk stated his hope the Council will move forward with this referendum and not hold the students hostage when dealing with the union and whether or not they agree with the Council.
Lynn Scull, 6 Pinecrest Road
Stated she is a member of the Enfield Board of Education. She noted she is representing herself at this meeting.
Ms. Scull agreed it’s important for the Board and Council to work together regarding the maintenance issue, and that is happening. She requested the Council not be coerced into letting the public think it’s the fault of the Board of Education, the employees of the Board of Education or any negotiation strategies of the Board of Education if the Council decides to rescind the referendum. She stated while the Council represents the townspeople, the voters have the right to make the decision themselves.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Stated his belief the grounds maintenance expense should be on the school side, otherwise they will be changing the cost per student ratios.
Mr. Sheridan stated his belief they should change the Town Charter and let the people decide their budget.
He went on to state his belief the Town Charter should include something to protect people from eminent domain.
Mr. Sheridan stated he has not heard an update from the Blue Ribbon Committee. He stated his belief there does not need to be two IT departments.
He referred to newspaper articles about the amount of money needed for two bridges. He questioned whether that’s an error.
Richard Cavanaugh, 12 Glenwood Street
He urged the Council not to allow the maintenance issue to become a roadblock in getting the athletic fields addressed.
Tiffany Wopschall, 10 Circle Drive
Feels it’s ridiculous not to address the fields at this time. She noted she is a school athlete and spends a lot of time on the fields. She stated many injuries are a result of the poor quality of the fields.
Ms. Wopschall went on to state her belief there should be more recognition for the Girls’ Soccer team since they did a great job at the state semi-finals.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Recommended changing the format to let people know what the Council is actually going to talk about so that people can do the research.
Mr. Woods stated he would like to see cost centers so that they can actually count the money being spent within the school system. He noted this would help determine how much is spent per student.
He agreed that they should look at the Town Charter because he believes people should be able to vote on their own budget. He added he would also like to see something in the Town Charter that protects people as concerns eminent domain.
Referring to Item 11d., Mr. Woods stated if this item ever comes up for discussion again, the Council should be very open about that topic since this is a very sensitive issue.
As concerns Item 13d., Mr. Woods questioned whether this is something that will cost more money, and will the Town really benefit from this.
Referring to Item 13j., Mr. Woods stated his belief this is very questionable.
Mr. Woods stated he’s very proud that the Council will be talking about tax abatement for active duty personnel. He feels this is the right thing to do.
Jake Grossouw, 115 Parsons Road
Stated his sport is track and field. He stated his belief the school system has done a great job with what they’ve had to work with.
Mr. Grossouw urged the Council to move forward with the referendum even if they are unable to continue negotiations relating to maintenance.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated her belief it would be a good idea to video tape these meeting. She stated her understanding the cost is only $1,200 per year to tape the Council meetings.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief one of the reasons the Town wants to take over the maintenance of the fields has to do with the roofing scandal of the past. She feels this is a good idea because the Town doesn’t have a full audit of the school system.
She stated her hope that in consideration of the high cost of gasoline, there will be a tightening of the rules. She raised the following questions:
How much gasoline is used in total in the Town vehicles
How many people are entitled to have a key to the gas pump?
Is mileage checked on the vehicles so that no personal errands are run?
Are only personnel on 24-hour call able to take the vehicle home?
Ms. Jedziniak stated she has heard complaints that vehicles may have been used for personal reasons.
She stated the Town and School System should be as concerned about academic testing scores as they are about athletic fields.
Aaron Hayes, 57 Daro Drive
Andy Landry, 86 Jackson Road
Expressed their concern about the poor condition of the athletic fields. They pointed out they have to keep up their grades in order to play sports.
Brian Lowe, 10 Laurel Park
Nick Oleva, 2 Hemlock Drive
Stated they’re present to support improvements to the athletic fields. They noted they are embarrassed by the condition of the fields when visiting teams come to their school. It was noted there are injuries as a result of poor fields. They raised the question of whether a school’s accreditation can be negatively impacted by poor athletic fields.
Cheryl Hayes, 57 Daro Drive
Pointed out all athletes have to study hard and keep up their grades in order to qualify for sports.
Ms. Hayes stated her hope the Council will start videotaping meetings for parents who are too busy to attend these meetings.
She concluded stating her hope the Council will support school athletics.
Terry Preston, 15 Eleanor Road
Stated he graduated Fermi High School in 1980, and some of these issues were being talked about while he was in high school. He stated his belief these fields should be a top priority. He noted liability will be an issue if these fields aren’t fixed.
Ray Peabody, 370 Washington Road
Agreed with the idea of cost centers. He went on to state his belief the schools ought to be a center of the community. He noted fields aren’t only used by student athletes, but are also used by the general population, therefore, it’s not only a matter of cost per student, but they have to also look at the value for the whole community.
As concerns maintenance of the fields, the Council should do what’s best for the community. He urged the Council not to let anything get in the way of moving forward to address the athletic fields.
Kenneth Garek, 1 Lois Lane
Stated he’s a student athlete at Enfield High School. He noted the playing surface of the fields at Enfield High School is uneven and can cause tripping. He suggested giving the school department a chance to maintain the new fields, and if they fail, the Town could take over that maintenance.
Mark Sidecki, 7 Peggy Lane
Stated he is a senior at Enfield High School and runs cross country and outdoor track. He noted it was brought to his attention when he was a freshman that Coca Cola offered a deal whereby they would re-do one field if Enfield High advertised Coca Cola on the scoreboard. He stated his understanding this offer was passed up. He noted if this offer was accepted, there would be one less track and field to worry about.
Mr. Sidecki stated he won’t be here to use new fields, however, he’s concerned about the health and safety of future athletes.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated a lot of money would be saved if they combined the two high schools and converted the Enfield High School building into a junior high school. He suggested combined IT departments and Board of Education offices could be housed at JFK Middle School. He stated grades 7, 8 and 9 could be housed at Enfield High school. He noted if this were done, it would not be necessary to have Enfield High’s fields built to the same level as the Fermi fields.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Stated her hope young people are grateful for their homes in light of what has happened as a result of the hurricane down south.
Ray Peabody, 370 Washington Road
As concerns the suggestion to combine the high schools, Mr. Peabody urged the Council to consider the demographics of Enfield.
Brian Lowe, 10 Laurel Park
Andy Landry, 86 Jackson Road
Stated they are both in the Fermi High School band, and they have to march on the practice and game field. They noted these are not ideal conditions to march on because there are tripping areas. As concerns the idea of combining the high schools, they noted the competition and rivalry between the schools is fun.
They went on to note they have a Fermi High School summer track camp for young children and there’s concern about the high level of dust kicked up by runners on the track.
Frank Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated the Town of Enfield has a budget that’s over $100 million dollars with $65 million dollars going toward the school system. He stated Enfield residents are “up to their neck” in taxes right now, and he doesn’t feel this referendum is affordable.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Reveruzzi stated the Council received a memo from Mr. Vindigni about disaster and emergency plans for Enfield. He recommended this memorandum be published and put out in difference places so that people know where the rallying places are and where different services would be available.
Councilman Reveruzzi agreed with Mr. Sheridan’s comments about eminent domain. He requested the Town Attorney look into the possibility of creating some kind of ordinance to protect people from the eminent domain issue that came about as a result of the Supreme Court decision.
Councilman Dodd agreed with Councilman Reveruzzi concerning publicizing the Town’s disaster plan. He suggested including this information on the Town calendar and on the Town’s website.
Councilman Crowley requested the debris in the Freshwater Pond be addressed. He added perhaps some signage should be erected at the pond about fishing within the pond itself. He noted an individual in high waders was in the pond fishing, and he felt this was unsafe.
Councilman Crowley voiced his concern about the unsafe wooden bleachers at JFK Middle School.
Councilman Crowley stated his belief the school maintenance department does a great job, however, he feels the Town has more resources.
He questioned whether the Town is looking into cost-saving measures concerning fuel.
Councilman Peruta announced there will be an EMS update at the September 19th Regular Town Council Meeting. He requested a copy of the list of questions raised by Peter Falk. He suggested that EMS remain on future agendas to allow for discussions regarding EMS.
Councilman Peruta stated a great job is being done in his district regarding road overlays.
Councilman Peruta expressed his appreciation for the great outpouring of donations for the hurricane relief effort this past weekend.
He stated he would like to see more discussion about the videotaping of Council meetings.
Councilman Kaupin commended everyone for their hard work during the hurricane relief drive.
Councilman Kaupin announced the Educational Resources for Children are putting on a soapbox derby for children 6 to 14, and this raises money to benefit scholarships at the ERSC. He noted they’re looking for people to register and participate, and they have car kits. He stated the contact number is 253-9935. The event will take place on October 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Councilman Kaupin referred to military people who served and already returned and the status on the idea of sending them a letter welcoming them back to Enfield and expressing appreciation for their service.
Councilman Kaupin stated the Athletic Hall of Fame will have their annual induction ceremony and dinner on September 24th. He noted he and Councilman Fiore are liaisons to the Hall of Fame.
Councilman Kaupin stated a few months ago the Council talked about the dedication of a large baseball field at Powder Hollow to George Campbell. He noted George Campbell was a long-time coach in the old Hazardville Little League. He stated he met with the person spearheading this effort over the weekend. He noted there’s a flag pole in center field on the other side of the fence, and it was thought this would be a good location to place the recognition marker. He requested this be taken to the next step. He suggested talking with Mary Keller about this.
Councilman Kaupin stated he would like to see the referendum go forward. He noted the Council is attempting to put together the best package possible so that the referendum passes.
Councilman Mangini expressed appreciation to everyone who came out and supported the hurricane relief effort. She noted she received an e-mail from a councilman in Lafayette thanking the people in Enfield and Connecticut for their efforts to help out.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Peruta’s request to include a discussion item on a future agenda regarding videotaping Council meetings.
She requested an update regarding the bulletproof vests for the police and an update regarding the police dog.
MOTION #7974 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to suspend the rules and address Items 13b 1-5, 13c 1-2, 13e, g, and h under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7974 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Fiore stated every year, around June, the Social Services Director applies for a Child Day Care food program grant, however, he doesn’t recall that happening this year. He noted he would not like to lose that opportunity.
Councilman Fiore thanked staff for getting the kitchen floor in the senior center completed.
MOTION #7975 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to add to the agenda an item to discuss Section 7.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7975 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to see this referendum pass. He noted there is no back-up plan if the referendum fails.
Referring to EMS, Councilman Fiore noted he has some concerns and hopes the EMS Director can be present at the next meeting. He added he’s concerned about delays.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like to know specifically where Parkway Drive stands in Section 14.
Councilman Edgar questioned the status on the North River Street trimming.
Councilman Edgar stated whether the details are worked out or not, he would like to proceed with the referendum. He noted the voters have the final say.
Councilman Edgar commended Chairman Tallarita for his leadership during the hurricane relief effort.
Councilman Edgar stated he would like someone from the Finance Department to address Mr. Falk’s question concerning compensation for the fire districts from September 1st to September 19th or later. Mr. Shanley pointed out that was addressed, but apparently the communication didn’t get to the commissioner.
Chairman Tallarita referred to the hurricane relief effort and noted everyone was very willing to participate in this effort. He stated special thanks should go out to Bernie’s for donating a tractor trailer truck to deliver the items that were donated.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated the material used in police vests (zilon) began to break down, therefore, the integrity of the vest is in question. He noted he will recommend a line item to replace the vests with Kevlar. He stated the cost will be about $26,000.
Mr. Shanley stated they had a dog for the police department, however, the dog failed the physical at the veterinarian. He noted there was an offer of a donation of another dog, but it was determined the dog was too old. He stated they’re in the process of locating another dog.
Mr. Kazmarski stated he will speak to the contractor regarding Councilman Edgar’s question about Parkway Drive in Section 14.
Mr. Shanley stated one or two fire chiefs requested compensation if they were to continue EMS for a couple more weeks, and the Town agreed to that. He noted the request for the additional couple weeks was totally voluntary. He stated if anyone said they didn’t want to participate, that would have been fine because they knew a couple fire districts were more than willing to participate. He noted it’s up to the commissioners to determine whether or not it’s something they want to do. He added he doesn’t expect this to go beyond September 19th. He noted as of today, they have five additional people that have cleared all of the tests, except the psychological test.
As concerns the question of two units operating 24X7, Mr. Shanley stated one of the units will be as it is now at night – ALS level/paramedic level and one will be BLS level. He noted the plan does call for a third unit at 16 hours per day. He stated at the upcoming meeting, the EMS Director will explain the desire to operate two units 24X7 to be able to really assess the demand for the third unit. He stated while they’re assessing that demand, they’ll continue on with the interviewing and testing process and make a cost benefit analysis of whether or not it makes sense to take that last step, which would be the 16-hour, third unit. He noted next week they will begin a day shift unit. He stated Dr. Bazil of Johnson Memorial Hospital has required that all the paramedics will ride with the EMS Director for ten calls before they’re able to operate on a unit unsupervised.
Mr. Shanley stated it is up to the Maciolek Post as to what they wish to do. He noted the Maciolek Post has told him and the Council in the past that they would like to focus their efforts on fundraising for capital investment. He noted they did purchase an ambulance for the community this year, and they’re looking for them to purchase at least one next year. He noted this is a huge contribution.
Mr. Shanley stated he has not received anything formal in writing as yet from the federal government concerning the bridge. He noted the only communication received thus far is from Senators Lieberman and Simmons’ offices. He went on to note the total amount of funding for the Powder Hollow Bridge is $3.3 million dollars, and the total amount of funding for the train station was $2.5 million dollars, and $3.4 million dollars was for the river access tunnel. He added there’s $200,000, but that’s not well-defined. He noted that could be for the Enfield/Suffield bridge and a potential bikeway. He stated his belief Enfield did very well in this round of highway funding and this is a direct result of the work the Council does by meeting with its delegation on a regular basis. He noted it’s known what is needed and what the priorities are in this community.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson referred to the eminent domain issue and noted earlier in the summer there was a memo from the House and Senate instructing municipalities to hold off on doing any eminent domain. He stated his belief the State will severely limit what the law of eminent domain is and probably provide towns the enabling legislation to pass it as a municipality if they agree. He noted hearings are underway, and his office will monitor things. He stated at some point it will probably be appropriate to draft an ordinance in accordance with the state law that’s adopted.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Peruta stated the IT Committee had meetings throughout the summer. He noted everyone has worked hard on this committee. He stated they interviewed everyone
believed to be stakeholders at some point. He noted for the last number of weeks, they’ve been working through all the information they gathered and they’ve put together a very rough draft of recommendations. He stated they’re hoping for a joint meeting of the Board and Town Council between mid to late September.
Councilman Egan stated she is a liaison to Home and Community Health and she received a letter last week from Mr. Luhrs, the head of Johnson Memorial, informing her the Director of Home and Community Health has resigned. She noted someone in-house
will take over temporarily until they can find a new director.
Councilman Mangini stated the Health Care Reform Task Force had a teleconference meeting last week, and they discussed preparation for their final draft presentation. She noted they’ll be having another teleconference the end of November to prepare for the final draft which will be submitted to the National League of Cities Resolutions Committee. She noted at that point it will hopefully be voted upon at the business meeting in December in North Carolina, and it will go onto the Senate and House.
Councilman Mangini stated a lot of the Loan Review Committee projects are getting done. She noted Peter Bryanton and his staff are doing a fine job getting things together and getting some money for the residential rehab program. She stated the Loan Review Committee is doing a tremendous job assisting people with emergency loan repairs and with obtaining funding for first-time homebuyers.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #7975 by Chairman Tallarita, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7975 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: FACILITY/ASSET NAMING POLICY
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council should be prepared to discuss this at the next meeting.
MOTION #7976 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7976 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #7977 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7977 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FIFTEEN NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR ERSC
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council re-charged this commission several months ago. He noted they requested the current members to reapply and if anyone else in the community was interested, they could apply. He stated 12 individuals are willing to serve on the Commission.
MOTION #7978 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Fiore to appoint the following:
Kenneth A. Carlson
Joseph D. Cimino
Sonja Marie Dean
Kenneth W. Edgar
Gerald K. Fitzsimmons
Thomas R. Fornier
William F. Lee
Tophie K. Nowak
John Pereira, III
Jean Smith
Joan C. Smith
Darren L’Amore
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the motion to reflect any staggered terms.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7979 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7978 adopted 10-0-0. as amended.
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION #7979 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Consent Agenda.
Job Description Changes Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk
Commitment of NASA and American Library Association
Award of $400 for Children's Books
Councilman Edgar referred to the Town Clerk’s description and under Essential Job Functions, the last line says, “prepares annual budget, hires, removes and reviews staff”. Councilman Edgar stated his understanding any hiring or removal would be done through the Town Manager’s office. He noted department heads do not have that responsibility under the Charter. Chairman Tallarita questioned if this is consistent with the rest of the job specifications which reflect the Town Manager’s responsibility for hiring and firing.
Mr. Shanley stated he would have to review the other job descriptions, however, it’s not inconsistent with the Charter or past practice.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #7979 adopted 10-0-0.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
Appointments to the Historic District Commission and Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency will appear on the next agenda.
MOTION #7980 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution. (Item 12d) - 8-24 Action Shaker and Elm Property
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