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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 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, October 3, 2005 at 7:53 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Chairman Tallarita.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Crowley, Dodd, Edgar, Egan, Fiore, Kaupin, Mangini, Peruta, and Tallarita. Councilmen Reveruzzi and Tait were absent. Also present were Town Manager, Scott Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #8030 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the September 19, 2005 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8030 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #8031 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of September 19, 2005 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8031 adopted 9-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Ken Nelson, 6 Tabor Road
Referring to a policy for naming/renaming buildings, Mr. Nelson stated his belief that once a building is named, the Town Council should not change that name.
As concerns tax abatement for military personnel, Mr. Nelson stated his belief that should apply to any active call to duty.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Stated the Enfield Taxpayers Association was planning a “meet the candidates night”, however, this event had to be cancelled due to the lack of participation on the part of the Republicans.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she recently attended the meeting where the Blue Ribbon IT Commission presented their recommendations. She stated her understanding they’re recommending adding another position. She stated her belief the salaries for the two IT departments are already over $1 million dollars. She stated her belief the Pentamation software was wasteful spending if it’s not up and running. She questioned the practice of allowing teachers to take computers home.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Referred to a newspaper article questioning the legality of the Town taking over the maintenance of the athletic fields while the school system is supposed to have the right to control everything having to do with schools. He stated his belief the odd thing about the article was that there was no mention about the fact that the Town pays for the roofs and boilers in the schools. He stated his belief they are going in the right direction regarding combining the grounds people.
Mr. Woods stated taxpayers have been requesting an audit of the school funds. He clarified this doesn’t necessarily have to do with dollar-to-dollar spending, but more of an organizational type of thing, i.e., how do they spend their dollars. He pointed out taxpayers put trust in their officials to run the Town and the School system in a frugal way so as to get the best bang for the buck. He noted if taxpayers feel they aren’t getting that, they should have the right to investigate to learn what kind of management decisions are being made. He noted if bad management decisions are being made, they need to get rid of those managers. He pointed out this is frequently done in big business.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville section
Questioned if a person has to own a business to get tax breaks. She questioned the possibility of tax breaks for senior citizens. She questioned if the cable television topic will be on an upcoming agenda. Mr. Shanley pointed out it is on the agenda.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #8032 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to move Items 13b 1, 13d, e, g, and h to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8032 adopted 9-0-0.
Councilman Mangini stated the Knights of Columbus held a ceremony to honor the Police, Fire and EMS and the tickets were offered by Pizza Palace and the Country Diner. She noted this was a very nice event which is held every year.
Councilman Mangini stated they recently had a Greater Hartford Association Realtors reception for town officials and local realtors. She noted Ray Warren attended that function, and there was a nice conversation with local officials and realtors. She noted Mr. Warren represented Enfield very nicely.
Referring to Mr. Sheridan’s comment about the lack of participation on the part of Republicans for the Enfield Taxpayers Association meet the candidate function, Councilman Kaupin pointed out typically everything is run through the Republican campaign committee. He stated they told the ETA numerous times that the date they chose was not a good date because of a fundraiser going on that evening and scheduling conflicts. He noted it was suggested rescheduling it, and the Republicans would have been happy to attend, however, those calls went unreturned as of last night. He added they also believe there are enough non-partisan events occurring so there are the opportunities for the debate.
Councilman Edgar stated six months ago, the Council was supposed to have a status report on the Enfield High School addition. Mr. Shanley stated that can be scheduled for Executive Session at the next meeting.
Councilman Crowley thanked Public Works and the Town Manager’s office for addressing a recent situation.
Councilman Crowley stated there will be a dedication of the children’s reading center at the Enfield Public Library for Roxy Burke on October 13th.
Referring to a comment about tax breaks for senior citizens, Councilman Peruta pointed out there is a program in Enfield for this purpose. He noted there are criteria for salary/income, and this program is published in the paper from time to time.
As concerns the comment about auditing the school system, Councilman Peruta offered to speak to Mr. Woods regarding this.
Chairman Tallarita referred to the public comment about the renaming of buildings. He stated that is not the intent of this policy. He explained they are trying to put a policy in place which would guide a Town Council when it comes to naming places in the future. He pointed out it’s possible there could be a situation whereby a building has been named for someone, but it’s later found the honor wasn’t appropriate.
Chairman Tallarita referred to the comment about tax abatements for the military and noted he agrees. He stated they requested the Town Attorney look into this. He noted the Town can only give tax relief within the confines of State statute, and this statute was very specific to “serving in Iraq during this particular period of time”. He noted the Town Attorney was requested to draft the language to take full advantage of that legislation already passed, but also to send a letter to Enfield’s legislative contingent that asks that this tax abatement be broadened.
As concerns tax abatements to businesses, Chairman Tallarita pointed out this practice is very limited. He noted it’s only about five or six businesses involved. He stated this Council and previous Councils take this practice very seriously.
Chairman Tallarita questioned the status on the idea of opening the transfer station a couple times per year without having to be charged or setting a certain weight requirement. Mr. Shanley stated this can be discussed at the next leadership meeting.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Shanley stated tax abatements can result in job creation and investment creation. He went on to note that in addition to the tax break for seniors, the town provides a tax break for anyone wishing to make a significant investment in a property in Thompsonville village.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Councilman Peruta stated the Blue Ribbon IT Committee consists of seven IT professionals from the public and private sector, all with experience in excess of twenty years. He added this was a very honest group. He noted if anyone perceived any attitude it wasn’t aimed at anyone or anything. He went on to state his belief that both IT departments have been underfunded. He stated it’s amazing the amount of work they get done with the money they have.
Councilman Peruta stated the Blue Ribbon IT Committee recently had a joint meeting with the Town Council and Board of Education to review the recommendations. He explained the Committee came up with a framework which can be overlaid on the current organization so they can start realizing benefits over time. He stated it will take some investment to get a good return on investments over a few years.
Councilman Peruta stated it became apparent that they didn’t have a clear understanding of what the total cost of technology was in Enfield for both the Town and School systems. He noted they could tell what each technology department spent, but they couldn’t tell where the technology costs and charges permeated throughout the organization.
He stated the Blue Ribbon Committee thought the Town needed some help with an overall vision and strategy. He noted they felt it was important to have a more unified system so they could really understand how technology is really being used in Enfield and how much it costs.
Councilman Peruta stated most of the Committee members weren’t privy to the history of IT in Enfield. He noted they could tell there were some painful areas. He stated they believe it’s time to push collaboration between the Town and School system in the technology realm. He noted the Committee acknowledges the split between the IT departments actually drove some things forward faster, therefore, it wasn’t all a big mistake to split the departments, however, they believe the time is right to bring those departments back together for a central vision and strategy and to really understand what technology costs in Enfield.
He stated they need some next steps as to how to proceed. He noted the Commission is willing to come before the Town Council and Board of Education to do a more formal presentation. He stated the Committee understands a new Council is coming, and the Committee is willing to come before that Council as well. He stated the Committee did not have the opportunity to pass their recommendations by the Town Attorney.
Chairman Tallarita suggested the Town Council think about the Blue Ribbon Committee recommendations and they can have further discussions under Item 11 c.
Councilman Egan stated the Commission on Aging will present a Social Service forum on October 24th at the senior center. She noted this will be a review of all the services for seniors, and there will be a question and answer period along with a light dinner.
Councilman Egan stated October 22nd is “Make a Difference Day”. She explained this is the Wakey Sleepy Teddy Bear Project. She noted these teddy bears are sent all over the world to people/children in need. She noted there are workshops regarding this.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #8033 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #8 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8033 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #8034 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Robert LeMay (D) to the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency as an Alternate for a term which expires 06/30/2009.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8034 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #8035 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to remove Item c.1 from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8035 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8036 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Board of Education and their custodial union has transferred grounds maintenance responsibilities to the Town Council; and
WHEREAS, Town divisions will begin operations on or about November 28, 2005 following the fall athletic season and at the start of snow removal season; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education will reduce their staff by two and identify the balance of funding available for the function for the balance of the fiscal year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Enfield authorizes the establishment of four positions in Building and Grounds with funding allocations to follow at a subsequent meeting.
Referring to the third paragraph in the resolution, Councilman Fiore stated he was led to believe that should be three positions, not two positions. Mr. Shanley stated he had an extensive meeting with both staffs and he was told two. He suggested not having a number in the resolution.
Councilman Fiore stated if he thought it was going to end up with two positions, he would not have voted to remove from the agenda the resolution regarding rescinding the referendum question.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend the third paragraph to read as follows:
“WHEREAS, the Board of Education will reduce their staff and identify the balance of funding available for the function for the balance of the fiscal year.”
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8036 adopted 9-0-0.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief this Town Council isn’t in a position to endorse the IT recommendations. He stated his belief a lot of the items within the document make a lot of sense. He noted the volunteers who came onto this Committee approached this very subjectively and looked at things from a business standpoint and how the Town would best be served. He stated their recommendation was very similar to the last study done by a consultant.
He suggested inviting the Blue Ribbon IT Committee to present a formal presentation to the Town Council and Board of Education. He suggested forwarding comments or specific questions to Councilman Peruta so that the Committee will be prepared at the next presentation.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief the foundation of the recommendations has to do with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He noted this is a new position and something the Town Attorney should look at.
Councilman Egan stated her belief it would be helpful for the new Town Council to review the Gartner Report to see what they came up with in the past. She went on to note she was incredibly impressed with the group of people on this Committee. She added her belief they did an excellent job and worked very hard.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief this is all about turf, budget money and responsibilities. He clarified the resolution that was passed by the Town Council in the past. He explained this was an act on the Council’s behalf to protect the Town’s financial systems. He noted by Town Charter, the Town Manager and Finance Director are responsible for what type of software and how and when they report their financial systems, not the Board of Education. He noted if the Board of Education wanted to go out and buy their own financial reporting system, they still had to provide the data feeds into the current software.
Councilman Fiore stated the Blue Ribbon Committee is comprised of a good group of people.
Chairman Tallarita questioned whether the Committee is in a position to come before the Council and Board of Education with a final report, or would it be in the draft form. Councilman Peruta stated his belief it would be as close as they could get to a final draft. He added his belief it would be a good idea to come back before the Council. He stated the CTO position was just a result of the rest of the recommendations. He noted they saw this was a way of gluing all the recommendations together and providing the strategy and the vision.
Mr. Shanley suggested inviting all those candidates running for the Council and Board of Education so that they’re oriented to this report.
Chairman Tallarita suggested trying to have a special meeting the latter part of next week.
MOTION #8037 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8037 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #8038 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 #8038 adopted 9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FACILITY/ASSET NAMING POLICY
Councilman Kaupin stated the Republicans reviewed this policy and they suggest striking out “Prominent names” and “or people who had a particular impact” in Item #3.
Referring to Item #4, Councilman Kaupin stated they’re suggesting adding in the deceased factor and not allowing the renaming because it’s in memoriam.
Mr. Shanley suggested “if named after someone posthumously, it may not be changed”.
Councilman Mangini stated she is not a proponent of naming buildings. She stated there should be a respectful way of considering a person’s name on a building. She suggested perhaps there could be a special committee that reviews names and then they bring the name before the Council.
Councilman Peruta stated his belief they need an out if they wish to rename a building for some reason. He questioned why it has to be a two-thirds majority.
Councilman Fiore stated the two-thirds vote protects the rights of the minority. He referred to Item #4 and suggested if they wish to re-name something, they still need a two-thirds vote. He added they still have to have a public hearing and cost analysis. Mr. Shanley referred to Item #1 and suggested amending it as follows: “…if there are no deed restrictions, a cost analysis is necessary”. He pointed out Item #4 just duplicates the process that’s outlined in Items 1, 2, and 3.
Chairman Tallarita suggested Item #4 read a follows; “If renaming is considered, the Town Council shall conduct a public hearing to solicit community input. At said hearing an estimated cost analysis and a complete historical review of the name under consideration shall be provided”. He explained this would really fall into place only when they’re talking about renaming a building as opposed to naming a building.
Councilman Edgar stated he agrees with the two-thirds vote because it protects the minority. He stated his belief another resolution should be drafted and brought before the Council which takes into account everything stated at this time.
Councilman Crowley agreed with the two-thirds vote.
Mr. Shanley questioned whether there’s a consensus that the person whose name will be on a building needs to be deceased. There was a general consensus in the affirmative.
There was also a general consensus to strike the fourth paragraph of the original draft proposal.
Mr. Shanley stated he will re-do this resolution and bring it back to the next regular meeting agenda.
MOTION #8039 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8039 adopted 9-0-0.
MOTION #8040 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove item e. from the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8040 adopted 9-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: 8-24 ACTION SHAKER AND ELM PROPERTY/GALAXY
Chairman Tallarita stated there is a barn located on this property. He questioned whether the Town would also be accepting the barn. Mr. Shanley stated he suspects so. Chairman Tallarita questioned whether the Town is accepting an undue liability. Mr. Shanley noted he’s unsure. He added he will look into the discussion that the Planning & Zoning Commission had concerning this.
MOTION #8041 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8041 adopted 9-0-0.
Item f. will be addressed at the next meeting.
MOTION #8042 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8042 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8043 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public hearing in the Enfield Town Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, October 17, 2005 at 7:10 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the Tax Interest Abatement for Certain Middle East Active Duty Military for Grand List 2003.
Councilman Kaupin referred to the letter that is supposed to be sent to their legislators. He noted the last sentence refers to “combat forces”. He noted this doesn’t include non-combat calls to duty. He stated his belief this should be worded, “military personnel called to active duty”, and that would encompass military, combat support, and anyone else that’s called up to active duty.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8043 adopted 9-0-0
MOTION #8044 by Councilman Fiore, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to retable Item g.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8044 adopted 9-0-0.
Item h. remained tabled.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no consent agenda items.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL
Appointments to the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee remained on the agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: VIDEOTAPING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
Chairman Tallarita questioned if a letter was sent to Cox Communications, and Mr. Shanley responded they do have to make a formal request.
DISCUSSION RE: PLANNING AND ZONING REQUEST FOR ROAD CUT PENALTY REVIEW
Councilman Fiore questioned the status on this, and Mr. Shanley stated his belief this has not gone to Planning & Zoning as yet.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
Councilman Edgar stated the committee should be notified they need to come forward with names for the Patriots Award Committee.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
Town Manager appointments will appear on the next agenda.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: CHANGE IN TERM EXPIRATION DATE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PATRIOT’S AWARD COMMITTEE
Mr. Shanley stated this was a request by the Town Council to have the termination of the term at the end of July of the second year of service.
Councilman Kaupin stated he spoke to Jason Jones regarding this, and they do want to stagger the terms so there’s some continuity.
DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR TRANSFER/RESOLUTION RE: SOCIAL SERVICES TRAVEL ACCOUNT- $1,000
Councilman Kaupin questioned which fiscal year this involves, and Mr. Shanley stated his belief this is for the current fiscal year.
MISCELLANEOUS
NOMINATION #8045 by Councilman Crowley to reappoint Tadeus Buczkowski (D) to the Housing Authority for a term which expires 11/30/2010.
MOTION #8046 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Dodd to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8046 adopted 9-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Tadeus Buczkowski reappointed to the Housing Authority by a 9-0-0 vote.
RESOLUTION #8047 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that 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 Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for Child Day Care Program 01-01-2006 thru 12-31-2006 049-CDC-35 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8047 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8048 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Crowley.
RESOLVED, that 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 Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for Human Resources Development Program – 01-01-2006 to 12-31-2006, 049-HRD-32/04DSS4001JG and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8048 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8049 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: Senior Center $9,600.00
Other Professional Serv.
FROM: Hartford Foundation Grant $9,600.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $9,600.00 is available from Account Hartford Foundation Grant as of September 16, 2005.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8049 adopted 9-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8050 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby authorize the Town Manager to sell through competitive bid the following parcels which are owned by the Town of Enfield contingent upon the successful review and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission per Connecticut General Statute 8-24 at their meeting on October 6, 2005:
1. A parcel located on Bernardino Avenue identified in the Enfield Land Records as Volume 0741, Page 0275, Lot 110; and
2. A parcel located on Maple Road identified in the Enfield Land Records as Volume 0741, Page 0299, Lot 168; and
3. A parcel located on Connecticut Avenue identified on Assessor’s Map 035 as Lot 0098; and listed in the Enfield Land Records as Volume 0625, Page 0298; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Director of Finance is to establish a minimum bid price for each parcel as part of the competitive bidding process.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8050 adopted 9-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Referring to the naming/renaming policy, Mr. Woods stated he acknowledges they need a set of rules to go by because the naming or renaming of anything is a very emotional thing.
Mr. Woods voiced his support of the tax abatement for active duty military personnel. He stated they should know whether or not military personnel are federalized. He noted if National Guard personnel are replacing active duty personnel, they have to first be activated by the federal government. Chairman Tallarita requested the Town Attorney be aware of this.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Referring to the naming of buildings, Ms. Jedziniak questioned what would happen to a name if a building such as the old senior center were named and then torn down.
Ms. Jedziniak stated she does not believe they should hire another person who would supervise existing IT personnel.
She pointed out a school employee was speaking at a Blue Ribbon IT meeting, and he was not on the committee.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville section
Questioned why taxes increase even when new businesses are coming into town.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Crowley questioned if the school department is prepared if there’s an early snow, and Mr. Shanley responded yes, and they are working together on that.
Councilman Fiore stated two weeks ago they promoted Bill Garner to the full-time position on the Connecticut Watershed Conservation Commission. He noted the agenda should have included his old Alternate position.
Councilman Dodd stated if a building is torn down, a lot of sites in New England will usually display a stone indicating that former site.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #8051 by Councilman Edgar, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8051 adopted 9-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:00 p.m. |