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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 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 Monday, September 19, 2005 at 7:45 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Reveruzzi.
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 #8007 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the September 6, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8007 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #8008 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan to accept the minutes of the September 6, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8008 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Anthony DiPace, Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission
Read a letter from the Planning and Zoning Commission to the Town Council.
Michael Redloff, 17 Standish Street
Expressed his appreciation for the work done to this point to move the referendum forward concerning the athletic fields. He stated his hope information will be provided to voters which explains the funding of this project.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated his belief it’s wrong to say something isn’t going to cost taxpayers anything because it does come out of their pocket.
As concerns Item 12f on this evening’s agenda, Mr. Woods stated he does not agree with tax abatement unless jobs are going to be generated. He noted he does not agree with tax abatements for developers.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini commended the Director of Finance for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for excellence in financial reporting. She noted this is a very prestigious award.
Councilman Mangini stated the Enfield Adult Day Care Week begins today, and they had a proclamation at Mark Twain Congregate Housing to celebrate this event. She went on to note there was a wonderful Family Day on the Town Green yesterday.
Councilman Crowley thanked the Public Works Department for taking care of the tree in the pond, the situation at the Ramblers field, and the Higgins building ramp.
MOTION #8009 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to add Item 13h – DISCUSSION RE: PLANNING & ZONING REQUEST FOR ROAD CUT PENALTY REVIEW
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8009 adopted 10-0-0.
Councilman Fiore thanked Mr. Vindigni for his assistance concerning the dumping of material in the storm drain at Prudence Crandall in August.
Councilman Fiore stated his understanding the Inland/Wetlands Commission will be having a discussion about escarpment slope issues. He questioned if everyone living near a major escarpment is getting a copy of the letter that’s being sent concerning this matter. Mr. Shanley stated the majority of those mailings are along the Scantic River, however, there are other escarpment areas that will be receiving mail. Councilman Fiore requested Town staff communicate with the Inland Wetlands Commission to be sure people on Tabor Road are included in that mailing.
Councilman Peruta stated in the past a speaker requested an audit of the Board of Education budget. He questioned whether anyone was more specific about that request.
Mr. Shanley stated the cost is enormous for a full audit.
Councilman Peruta questioned if there are degrees of audits. Mr. Shanley stated if it’s a function of accounting and testing accounting procedures, that is in essence done. He noted most audits are about accounting and whether or not the expense was properly processed and that there’s a proper paper trail to the expense.
Councilman Kaupin stated he was contacted by Gordon Lane residents regarding the escarpment issue and he believes the letter that was sent out was helpful.
As concerns funding and the referendum, Councilman Kaupin noted the question has to do with monies already existing and whether this is the appropriate way to expend those available funds.
Chairman Tallarita requested staff look into South Windsor’s claim that self-insuring health insurance would be less expensive.
Chairman Tallarita requested an update on the traffic poles in the historic district.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATION
Mr. Shanley invited Mr. Kazmarski to respond to Chairman Tallarita’s question concerning the light poles.
Mr. Kazmarski stated the old poles will be used in other locations, and the new poles will be a better product requiring less maintenance.
Mr. Shanley read the referendum question as follows: “Shall the Town of Enfield appropriate $5,700,000 for improvements to and/or new construction of high school athletic facilities and finance the appropriation by using not less than $4,200,000 of unexpended funds from the elementary school project and by issuing bonds and notes in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 which bonds or notes shall be reduced by any grants that may be received for the project and by any proceeds that may be received from the sale of the Asnuntuck Community College Campus.”
Chairman Tallarita stated it’s their hope they will not have to incur any bonding to do this project.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Enfield Food Shelf had a meeting on September 12th and they are getting ready for the holiday season. She noted they’re hoping to have a fundraiser in the near future and she will report back to the Council as soon as more information is available.
Councilman Mangini stated the FAIR Committee met in Portland, Maine recently and passed a resolution relating to the Katrina disaster. She explained they’re looking to the federal government to put forward some criteria so that in the future they can hopefully avoid these kinds of terrible incidents. She noted they also looked at the 1965 Civil Rights Act, which effects more the South than the North. She explained this relates to a redistricting of voters. She noted in order for certain cities and towns to be able to open polling places, they have to get authorization from the Supreme Court. As concerns Health Care Reform, the NLC President appointed a working group to address this issue. She noted the NLC President included the Human Development Committee and the Finance Committee. She stated this working group heard from 11 speakers and they spent a couple days working on reform because it was determined that systemic reform was needed to reduce health care costs. She noted she has a report available to the Council and this report will be presented to the Congress of Cities in December.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #8010 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #9 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8010 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #8011 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Robbie Staples (U) to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency for a term which expires 06/30/2009. Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8011 adopted 10-0-0.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #8012 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8012 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FACILITY/ASSET NAMING POLICY
Councilman Kaupin stated the Council has a draft before them establishing a policy on the naming and/or dedication of Town-owned assets. He noted this is basically a copy of the policy adopted by the Board of Education.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief the first sentence should be more concise. He suggested changing the wording to exclude buildings controlled by the Board of Education.
Referring to Item #3 in the draft, Councilman Fiore stated he is not comfortable with the term, “prominent names” because he feels that’s very subjective. He noted he would like to see that term removed.
Councilman Fiore stated he would like to see the first sentence in Item #4 removed.
Councilman Crowley referred to Item #1 and stated his belief this should say “two-thirds of the Council present at the meeting”.
Councilman Crowley stated his belief they need to be careful about renaming buildings and locations, i.e., Higgins building or Brainard Park.
Councilman Peruta questioned how other towns handle this, and Mr. Shanley noted he will check with CCM.
Councilman Egan agreed with Item #1 and the two-thirds vote because it would provide more of a consensus. She agreed with Councilman Peruta in that they should check into how other towns handle this.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated if the first sentence in Item #4 is retained, he suggests not limiting it to change of use.
Chairman Tallarita agreed they should check with CCM to learn what policies might exist and have been used.
Chairman Tallarita questioned the ability to change or suggest the names of roads. He noted he also isn’t comfortable with the term “prominent names” in Item #3. He added his belief this should be more general.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief there needs to be some sensitivity in this area. He noted he agrees with getting public input, but he does not want to see an individual’s character debated, and he doesn’t want to see families offended.
Councilman Mangini stated she is not a supporter of naming buildings. She went on to note the Fourth of July Committee has a process whereby they review candidates for the Patriots Award. She noted perhaps this same process can be applied in this case.
MOTION #8013 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8013 adopted 10-0-0.
Item e. remained tabled.
MOTION #8014 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item f. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8014 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #8015 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Dodd to remove Item f. from the agenda. (Discussion/Resolution re: Rescinding the Referendum Question)
Chairman Tallarita thanked all the parties involved in helping this item move forward.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8015 adopted 10-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no consent agenda items this evening.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
MOTION #8016 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move William Garner (D) from an Alternate member position to a full-time member position on the Connecticut River Assembly for a term which expires 01/12/2007.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8016 adopted 10-0-0.
Chairman Tallarita requested Councilman Crowley speak to Leonard DeLorge about the alternate position.
RESOLUTION #8017 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, historically, the Social Services Department has two municipal agents for the elderly. Since the retirement of Dorothy Allen, no one has been appointed to these positions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Manager is authorized to appoint municipal agents for the Social Services Department on behalf of the Town of Enfield.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8017 adopted 10-0-0.
Item d. will appear on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: TAX INTEREST ABATEMENT FOR ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL
Attorney Bromson stated his office checked with CCM and the municipal attorneys and no one else has done this yet, therefore, this is probably one of the first drafts done. He noted it mirrors the statute. He stated it will be up to the tax collector’s office to determine eligibility. He noted the only thing left open has to do with the time limit as to when someone might be eligible to qualify for the waiver.
Mr. Shanley noted this can be put on the next agenda to schedule a Public Hearing.
Chairman Tallarita stated if the Council is agreeable, perhaps they can have the Town Attorney’s office draft some type of letter to their legislative contingent asking them to see if they can broaden this beyond military serving in Iraq.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief they should pass something like this so that it sends a signal of support and intent. He raised the possibility of this being retroactive.
Councilman Crowley questioned if this is broadened, can a person come back and say they did qualify the year before. Attorney Bromson stated normally this wouldn’t be retroactive. He noted at some point there has to be closure, especially concerning taxes.
Councilman Peruta questioned if this has to be State driven since the Town already does tax abatements, i.e., volunteer firemen. Attorney Bromson stated interest and penalty are set by the state. Mr. Shanley stated the Town has done poverty abatements in those instances where people are able to show they are impoverished and unable to pay.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: TAX ABATEMENT
Councilman Fiore stated since 1979, the Town of Enfield has executed 19 tax abatement agreements with 17 private companies. He noted currently the Town has five tax abatements:
Martin Brower Company – expires in 2007 – tied to 60 jobs
Connecticut Wood Company – expires in 2006 – tied to jobs
Sterling Machine – expire in 2006 – tied to jobs
Bernies – expires in 2011 – tied to 79 jobs and redevelopment
Camerota Trucks – expires in 2008 – tied to jobs
He noted this amounts to five tax abatements out of 1,400 businesses. He stated his belief there’s a misconception about tax abatements.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
There were no Consent Agenda items.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Appointments to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee will appear under New Business on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS/RESOLUTION RE: INTERNAL TRANSFER POLICY
Mr. Shanley stated this is requesting authorization for the Town Manager to make those changes if they’re consistent with what the State has or has not approved. He noted this streamlines the process and avoids a two to four week wait.
Councilman Fiore stated he does not believe this circumvents their transfer policy, but rather it allows a little flexibility so those mundane state government funding transfers don’t have to be done. He noted this does not supplant anything or hurt the audit. He further suggested moving this to Miscellaneous.
MOTION #8018 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8018 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: ACCEPTANCE OF STATE-OWNED PROPERTY/ST. JAMES/ELM STREET
Councilman Fiore stated this is almost the final phase of what the Council has agreed to do. He recommended moving this to Miscellaneous this evening.
MOTION #8019 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Edgar to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8019 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION RE: GRANTING EASEMENT/71-73 CHURCH STREET
Councilman Crowley questioned if this is just an emergency exit and will they require a ramp. Mr. Shanley stated the Town would first have to give the easement, and then the Building Inspector’s office will approve an appropriate fire exit plan.
Councilman Edgar referred to the first page of the easement and stated his belief there should be a measurement included for the easement. He added his belief this should be signed and witnessed by the Town Manager and notarized before this comes before the Council. Mr. Shanley pointed out he cannot sign this until the Council authorizes him to sign it. He added the wording “not to exceed five feet” is to give him the authorization of no more than five feet. He stated once this resolution is approved by the Town Council, the Building Inspector’s office will determine exactly the width that’s necessary.
Councilman Edgar questioned if this is for egress, and Mr. Shanley responded yes.
Councilman Edgar stated the wording makes it sound as though the egress isn’t only for firemen, but for anyone. Mr. Shanley suggested revising the final paragraph of the resolution to read as follows:
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby grants the attached easement to the Church of Love and Hope for a width not to exceed 5 feet and for the purposes of egress only, consistent with fire code.”
MOTION #8020 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Peruta to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8020 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF FUDNS/RESOLUTION RE: BODY ARMOR POLICE DPEARTMENT - $27,000
Councilman Fiore questioned if the grant would be in addition to the $27,000, and Mr. Shanley stated in the end that would reduce the amount necessary.
Councilman Fiore questioned why this is being transferred to the Town Manager-Uniforms account rather than to the Police Uniform account. Mr. Shanley explained because it inflates the police budget.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether there will be a formal exchange once the new vests come in. Mr. Shanley stated they won’t destroy them until they’re confident they don’t need them for the lawsuit.
Councilman Kaupin questioned how long it will take to get the replacement vests. Mr. Shanley stated it depends on whether there’s a state bid for the vests. He noted they intend to move quickly.
MOTION #8021 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 #8021 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: VIDEOTAPING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Peruta requested this be placed on the agenda. She added they would like to encourage the taping of Council meetings. She questioned the status of this process.
Mr. Shanley stated he needs to know if the Council wants all their meetings videotaped and how much they’re willing to pay for that service. Chairman Tallarita stated his belief that would be the choice. He questioned what the cost might be.
Mr. Shanley stated he will contact Walter Shermer to learn what the costs might be.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief the Council should contact Cox Cable regarding this. He suggested getting an update on the DPUC ruling. He stated his understanding that ruling was going to go forward with drops in certain places. He noted they could then have a stationary camera in the ceiling and Cox Cable need only open up the feed for a live broadcast of meetings.
Chairman Tallarita voiced concern about live broadcasts being used as a vehicle for violence, threats, obscenity, etc. Mr. Shanley stated another downside to live broadcasts by a fixed camera is that they resemble security tapes.
Chairman Tallarita requested a letter be drafted from the Council to Cox Cable.
ILLEGAL DRAINAGE HOOK-UPS/FINES
Chairman Tallarita noted the fine does not necessarily deter the action. He suggested staff review this item and come back to the Council with a suggestion.
Councilman Reveruzzi stated his belief the fine should be quite a bit higher.
Chairman Tallarita agreed the fine has to deter the action.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #8022 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd.
WHEREAS, grant funds are often amended by grantor agencies for various reasons through the life of a grant; and
WHEREAS, the Town has been successful in integrating most grants into the Council authorized budget process; and
WHEREAS, administrative efficiency can be created by allowing the Town Manager to make the same Town appropriation transfers as already approved by the grantor agency;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT REOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Manager to make budget adjustments and transfers consistent with adjustments made by the grantor agency of previously accepted grants.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8022 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #8023 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8023 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8024 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Acceptance of State-Owned Property St. James/Elm Street
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8024 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8025 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Egan.
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield, on April 18, 2005, agreed in concept to grant an easement to the Church of Love and Hope for a fire exit; and
WHEREAS, the legal work has been completed and Planning and Zoning has granted the Town Planner administrative authority;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby grants the attached easement to the Church of Love and Hope for a width not to exceed five feet and for egress purposes only, consistent with fire code.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8025 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8026 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: Town Manager – Uniforms $27,000.00
FROM: Contingency $27,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $27,000.00 is available from Account #Contingency as of September 15, 2005.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8026 adopted 10-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Mangini requested an update on the police dog. Mr. Shanley stated they did find a dog, but it failed the physical at the veterinarian. He noted someone was willing to donate a three-year old dog, however, that was too old. He stated they are now in the process of purchasing a dog and using forfeiture funds, which are under the control of the Chief of Police, so that they can move forward.
Councilman Crowley stated the State Police might be able to help.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #8027 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Crowley to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8027 adopted 10-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:27 p.m. |