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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2006
The Regular Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Acting Chairman Cynthia Mangini in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 7:36 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Mangini.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Councilmen Edgar, Kaupin, Mangini, Maxellon, Nelson, Peruta and Ragno. Councilmen Crowley, Hilinski and Lee were absent. Chairman Tallarita entered at 7:40 p.m. Also present were Acting Town Manager/Town Attorney Christopher W. Bromson; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Deputy Director of Public Works, Geoffrey McAlmond; Library Director, Henry Dutcher; Director of Senior Center, Susan Lather.
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Acting Chairman Mangini made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #8272 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Ragno to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8272 adopted 7-0-0.
MOTION #8273 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Maxellon to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2006 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8273 adopted 7-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Thanked the Council for voting not to accept the proposal to construct dormers on the Town Hall. He thanked Councilman Nelson for highlighting the fact that it would cost a couple hundred thousand dollars more to convert the new dormer space into office space.
Referring to Item 13d on the agenda, Mr. Sheridan stated he is concerned this would be detrimental to independent or third party candidates.
He referred to Item 12b and noted one of the items within this transfer of funds relates to non-union settlements. He questioned exactly what is that and how much is it.
As concerns Item 11g., he stated his understanding they cannot change the Town Charter without opening the Charter.
Mr. Sheridan stated according to the school demographic study, there are extra classrooms that could be better utilized. He noted it would also be helpful if students attended the correct schools.
Referring to the statement of revenues and expenditures on Page 19 of the recent audit report, Mr. Sheridan stated revenues show $116,716,000 and expenditures show $123,142,000. He stated his understanding there’s a state statute that states they cannot spend more than the revenues.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Referring to Item 11g, he stated his belief this calls for a full-blown study. He noted punctuation or simple word changes can actually change the meaning of a statement. He stated if they go forward with changes, the Town Charter should be re-opened to make those changes.
Referring to Item 13d on the agenda, Mr. Woods stated he is concerned about the detrimental effect on independent or third party candidates.
Mr. Woods referred to Item 13e and the reappointment of the Acting Town Manager and stated he knows the Town Attorney never intentionally did anything, however, he has detected a couple cases where the Acting Town Manager has made a choice, and the Town Attorney backed him up, therefore, he questions if there might be some type of conflict of interest, even if it’s subconsciously. He feels this needs to be re-addressed.
As concerns Item 13c, Mr. Woods questioned having a community garden on public land and liability implications. He noted the proposed site has no road access, therefore, vehicles would have to travel over the lawn of the senior center. He stated there is also the question of aesthetics. He suggested since Mr. Jarmoc graciously volunteered to plow this garden, perhaps he might agree to donate a half-acre of his land for that use. He went on to question whether they should be required to bond if this were to go forward.
Robert Tkacz, 150 Bernadino Avenue
Referring to the demographic study, Mr. Tkacz stated it appears 2005 will show the lowest births in Enfield in many years. He noted the demographic study shows an increase in kindergarten enrollment in the five-year study. He stated his belief this demographic study needs to be re-done.
Mr. Tkacz stated his belief it’s a terrible idea to eliminate the car tax. He pointed out when boats and planes were no longer taxed, the income from the higher registration fees disappeared from the towns. He went on to note that Massachusetts is considering allowing casinos, and if this happens, Massachusetts residents spending money in casinos in Connecticut will stay in Massachusetts. He noted this will result in less casino money coming to the State of Connecticut and less money going to the towns.
He referred to property tax on real estate and noted many states are having major tax revolts. He pointed out a handful of state legislatures are struggling with this matter now, i.e., in Texas, legislatures are under a June 1st deadline set by the state supreme court which ruled that the current property tax system is unconstitutional.
Mr. Tkacz stated President Bush is setting his budget at 2% and Governor Rell is setting her budget at 4.5%.
He concluded stating Enfield has a lot of money for property tax relief from the sewers and everything else, however, Enfield goes on spending and spending. He noted this has to stop.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Reminded the Town Council that 80% of the tax money in Enfield is being spent on 20% of the people. She referred to the school budget and suggested the Town Council resurrect the Old Town Farm poor house. She stated her belief it won’t be long before people run out of money in Enfield. She stated there were approximately 700 people on the circuit breaker for tax relief last year, and the rumor is that it’s expected to rise to about 2,000 people this year.
Ms. Jedziniak stated her belief the school system has a lot of gall to ask for a $4.6 million dollar increase in their budget.
She noted she previously raised questions about the Town’s day care. She stated her understanding that building is owned by a party from Waterbury who did not have the parking lot plowed when they should have as part of a bargain. She noted the Town of Enfield furnished Town workers to do work in that building in exchange for a reduction in rent which hasn’t happened up until now. She stated her belief they should not be making these types of deals. She noted Enfield taxpayers cannot afford this.
Ms. Jedziniak stated this is the second time money was wasted on a school demographic study. She read the following letter she received from the School Superintendent:
“You asked if we have a policy stating parents need to provide transportation for out-of-district requests. We do not have a policy, but the application used for requesting an out-of-district building assignment clearly states it. As you can see, the reference for the parent transporting the child is on the form prior to the parent’s signature line. With that said, understand that I will allow an out-of-district child to board a bus to their new school if the pick-up is part of an established route, there is an available seat and the child behaves on the bus. I try to accommodate the parent if the existing route permits, but I would not add a bus to accommodate an out-of-district request.”
Ms. Jedziniak stated if this is how it is to be, why did they even bother spending all this money for another demographic study.
She cautioned the Council to take heed because school management may lead them astray.
Ms. Jedziniak stated she’s certain the school population figure has been decreasing steadily and will continue to do so. She urged the Council to do the math. She pointed out from 2003 to 2005, school enrollment has gone down by 356 students, however, the instructional staff has increased from 556 to 742. She noted these figures come from the financial report of the Town. She went on to note the total amount of employees in the school system was 1,071, and that increased by 243 employees. She concluded stating 130 teachers come from Massachusetts.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Stated her belief the budget is obscene. She noted the Council has to learn where the money is going in the school system.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
MOTION #8274 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move Items 13b and e. to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8274 adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Kaupin requested information on 300 Broadbrook Road. He noted he received a phone call from the resident at this address, and this related to flooding issues. He explained a stream runs behind the property and since October, the stream has grown and begun to erode this property. He noted the homeowner is concerned this will damage the home. He stated this property owner has been in touch with the Town, Rep. Jarmoc and DEP.
MOTION #8274A by Councilman Maxellon, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move Item 13c to 10a.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8274A adopted 8-0-0.
Councilman Mangini commended the Library Department for the WOW Essay Contest. She noted 20 of the 21 entries from Enfield made it to the final round.
Councilman Mangini suggested looking at a traffic concern in the Bass Drive and Colonial Road area. She noted as vehicles turn the corner from Colonial onto Bass, there is no warning sign about on-coming traffic. She stated she had a near miss in this area, and residents in that area are concerned as well. She requested a police officer check out this area to see if this might be a hazard. She added this also poses a hazard to children and other pedestrians.
Councilman Nelson referred to an e-mail from the Town Manager’s office regarding trash hauling permits. He noted there was a question as to whether a particular trash hauler had these permits, and that was not answered. He requested a list be provided as to how many contractors in and outside of Enfield currently have these permits on their containers or trucks. He noted he has never seen one of these permits.
Councilman Nelson commended Public Works and Grounds & Maintenance for doing a great job on the cleanup from the last snowstorm.
Councilman Peruta also thanked Public Works for the good job they did with the last snowstorm.
Councilman Peruta stated he also has concerns about the demographic study and the unused rooms. He noted he spoke to a number of people in the schools. He stated his understanding that unused rooms refers to unused for primary education. He noted some rooms are being used for art, music, etc. He stated it should be clarified what is meant by “unused” classrooms.
Councilman Peruta requested Attorney Bromson address concerns raised about Item 11g.
Councilman Peruta stated in July of last year, there was discussion about having a meeting to discuss what kind of community does the Council want Enfield to be, i.e., a spend-as-you-go community, or do they want to get into more debt. He noted he would like more discussion regarding this topic. He added they also were to look at all the services Enfield provides and understand which ones were of the most value. He noted they should determine whether they provide all the services they need to provide, or are they providing services they should not provide. He suggested having a special meeting in the future to discuss these items.
Councilman Peruta agreed with a previous speaker in that there appears to be a discrepancy regarding total revenues and total expenditures. He requested this be clarified.
Councilman Ragno stated a few meetings ago he requested information regarding the South Maple Street bridge and possibly restricting some of the traffic crossing that bridge. He requested an update.
Councilman Ragno requested an update on asset inventory and what the process is as far as who signed for what and how often inventory is done. He noted he would like a 100% inventory of the Town including assets under $5,000 being signed for and accounted for. He stated he would like to insure there are tight fiscal controls on these items because some are significant, i.e., laptops, snow blowers, lawn mowers, weed whackers, etc. He stated he would also like to be reassured that every dollar spent is being controlled.
Councilman Ragno commended Public Works for doing a fine job with the last snowstorm.
Councilman Ragno stated he would like to see communication between public safety and public works regarding road conditions. He noted Town Farm Road is very turned up near the landfill. He added at the crest of Powder Ridge Road, vehicles have to straddle the line due to the condition of the road in that area. He stated as soon as the weather breaks, he would like to see these particular spots given attention since they’re in dire need of repair.
Chairman Tallarita thanked the Town Manager’s office, the Assistant Town Manager, the legal department, the Public Works Department and the Town’s legislative contingent for all the work they did in helping resolve the problems the Town was having with the Department of Corrections in getting the sewer money due Enfield.
Chairman Tallarita thanked Robert Tkacz for his comments about the elimination of the car tax. He noted in the first year such a proposal might look very good to many people, however, he believes the reality is it will come back to haunt them because things will just be pushed off to the local tax side. He feels this will be dangerous and burdensome to the Town. He stated his hope the General Assembly will see this as a bad idea as well. He added if they do go forward with this, there needs to be guarantees that the communities will be reimbursed at the levels they should be and it needs to escalate every year, and it needs to be fair to the communities. He pointed out Enfield still needs the monies to run the Town and provide the services that people have come to expect.
Chairman Tallarita appointed Councilman Edgar as a Council liaison to the police contract negotiations.
Chairman Tallarita requested the Acting Town Manager request the Public Works Director and Risk Manager to look at a phased program whereby Enfield could implement a mandatory tipper barrel program. He noted they should know what this would cost and how it would be implemented over a period of years. He stated he has seen this implemented in many communities and he feels it makes a lot of sense to have this type of program.
Chairman Tallarita requested Councilman Kaupin provide a report under Special Committees of the Council regarding the Hazardville section and the water problem being experienced in that area.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
As concerns the safety issues of the South Maple Street bridge, Attorney Bromson noted staff is looking at this and he will bring this up at the department head meeting tomorrow.
Attorney Bromson stated his office has already given Public Works the heads up in regard to proposals on the tipper barrel program, therefore, they should be looking at those estimates for the Council’s review during the budget process.
As concerns the Town Manager search, Attorney Bromson stated he spoke to the consultant today. He noted the ad went out nationally in the ICMA, and this week it went on websites for national and state. He noted the consultant received a half dozen applications before it was fully publicized. He stated the profile for the Town is at the printers and should be done by the end of the week. He noted that profile will be sent to potential candidates. He stated when the consultant has the pool of candidates, he will review that group sometime in April.
Regarding Item 11g, Attorney Bromson stated Senior Town Attorney Stavropoulos put in writing the recommended changes within the Charter. He noted there were five changes, and he reviewed them as well as the expert attorney who was looking at the entire process. He pointed out these changes are of a procedural nature and are not substantive. He noted if the Council is comfortable with these changes, they can proceed. He added these are minor changes and provides for more plain reading. He added the Council could leave out these changes altogether because the Charter has survived this long without making the adjustments. He noted this would not be the vehicle for reopening the Charter and having a Charter revision.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated Councilman Lee has been trying to contact Cox Communications regarding a couple outstanding questions. She noted they’re looking for additional detail on the return feed channel and they’re also looking for specifications as to the modulator. She stated when Councilman Lee hears back from Cox Communications, they’ll have a better understanding of the direction for the Council. She stated they also met with Ed Peruta who generously offered the donation of his truck, and they’re looking at that possibility.
Councilman Kaupin stated on February 9th there was a neighborhood meeting at Hazardville Memorial School. He noted the residents living on North Street, Allen Street, Hamilton Court, South Meadow, High Meadow, Valley View and upper School Street were all notified about this meeting. He noted they had a good turnout from this neighborhood. He explained this was more of a forum for Public Works to be able to gather information from residents as to what water problems they’ve been experiencing since October. He went on to note the Council received a memo from Public Works Director, John Kazmarski which outlined the issues. He stated his belief there are two distinct issues going on with one being the North Street/Allen Street area that is more structural on the Town’s part in that the system that takes the storm water runoff away may not be sufficient enough so that it’s causing a higher water table in that area and water in people’s basements. He noted there is also an issue at South Meadow, High Meadow, and Valley View and it seems very geotechnical and has to do with the topography of the land and the earth that the houses are built on and the groundwater table. He added some structural issues might be contributing to this. He noted it was suggested another neighborhood meeting should be called to share the findings.
Councilman Peruta stated it seems these water problems are being experienced elsewhere. He questioned if there’s an opportunity to bring Planning & Zoning into this as concerns proposed development and water table issues. Councilman Kaupin agreed Planning & Zoning should be aware of this issue.
DISCUSSION RE: ROTARY CLUB COMMUNITY GARDEN
Present for this discussion was the Director of Libraries and Rotary President, Henry Dutcher; Director of the Enfield Senior Center, Susan Lather; Rotary member and President of the Enfield Food Shelf, Linda Bridge; Emilita Grimes, a student in the Master Gardener Program at UCONN.
Mr. Dutcher stated the Enfield Rotary Club does quite a number of service projects. He noted it was learned the Food Shelf is in need of perishable food items, and a community garden would provide fresh produce. He stated a lot of study has gone into this proposal, and he asked Ms. Lather her thoughts on designating the senior center site as a location for this garden, and she was very enthusiastic about this idea. He noted Ms. Lather applied for a civic leadership grant which would allow for training civic volunteers in leadership skills to continue this project. He explained the Rotary Club doesn’t normally take on projects as a continuing thing, but rather they are looking to establish this project and then have a group take it over and continue it.
Mr. Dutcher stated he has also been in contact with Loaves and Fishes, and their need doesn’t tend to be as great for perishable foods as the Food Shelf, however, there is a need there, and Loaves and Fishes is definitely interested in the project and would take advantage of those things that are available.
He stated they determined the size of the garden should be about 150 feet by 100 feet, and this size would be manageable from a garden point-of-view. He noted Ms. Grimes worked up an amazing concept, and they’re now trying to go through the approvals. He pointed out they had a soil scientist at the site, and there are no wetland issues, and this has been certified. He noted if they get Council approval, they would move onto Planning & Zoning for approval to change the senior center’s site plan in order to allow for a shed and possibly a well.
Mr. Dutcher stated the Rotary Club is attempting to provide a needed service in Enfield, and they are before the Council to see if they are interested in this project.
Mr. Vindigni stated when he was briefed about this garden, he did ask about the risk liability. He noted the Rotary Club did make contact with the Risk Manager. He stated his belief a certificate of insurance will be issued by the Rotary Club while the garden is in its development phase, and the Town is named as additionally insured.
Mr. Vindigni stated a resolution is within the Council’s packet which states the Council’s support of this concept.
Mr. Dutcher stated the Rotary Club carries insurance for any project they’re involved in.
Councilman Kaupin stated his belief this is a great project. He noted he served on the Senior Center Advisory Committee, and they were trying to determine the long-term goals of the senior center. He stated at all the community forums it was repeatedly stated that people wanted something new and interesting and that the grounds behind the senior center were never utilized. He noted someone at the forum brought up the idea of a garden.
Councilman Kaupin questioned whether insurance stays in place during the entire growing season. Mr. Dutcher stated the Rotary Club carries insurance on anything they’re involved in while they are involved.
Councilman Kaupin requested clarification in that the Rotary Club is funding the entire project, and afterwards it would be funded by a community garden group, and Mr. Dutcher responded that’s correct.
Councilman Mangini stated she supports the project. She questioned whether Loaves and Fishes should be mentioned in the resolution. Mr. Dutcher stated it’s no problem to make the wording more generic, i.e., the food banks of Enfield.
Councilman Nelson stated his belief liability shouldn’t be a problem. He pointed out Enfield has skateboard parks, playgrounds, etc. He stated his belief this is a great idea.
Councilman Maxellon voiced his support of this project. He questioned if they should put a five to ten year expiration on this proposal in case the Town needs this land for another purpose.
Mr. Dutcher stated it’s understood that this is Town property. Councilman Maxellon questioned whether this should be expressed in the resolution so that there won’t be any question in the future.
Councilman Peruta questioned how they will keep out wildlife. Mr. Dutcher indicated there are steps they can take to discourage those types of problems.
Councilman Ragno stated his belief it’s a nice concept, however, he’s concerned about what kind of precedent they’re setting by allowing too many organizations to be conducting things on town-owned property. He noted he wished this concept wasn’t on town land. He stated he’d prefer to see a private individual donate some land.
Mr. Dutcher stated one of the reasons for the location at the senior center is due to the volunteers from the senior center. He stated his understanding the Enfield Food Shelf was housed in the Higgins building for years, and that is town-owned property.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief this is a great idea, and he cannot see any negative in this concept. He stated his belief town-owned land should be used for the benefit of the Town whenever possible. He added if someone comes before the Council with another proposal for Town land, the Council should treat that proposal according to its merit and what its benefit or drawback is to the community. He noted he’s not concerned about liability issues. He stated in this litigious society, everything is susceptible to litigation.
He stated he sees this as a very positive thing because of the innovative approach to using this land and for what it might do with the cooperation and the interaction at the senior center.
As concerns the resolution, Chairman Tallarita suggested making the wording more generic, i.e., food banks throughout Enfield; correct the acreage; a time limit so that other Councils have an opportunity to review this. He stated his belief it’s important that things come back before the governing body periodically.
As concerns a time limit, Attorney Bromson suggested, “at the Town’s discretion with 30-days notice of termination”.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
There were no appointments under Old Business this evening.
Items c., d., e. and f. remained tabled.
MOTION #8275 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item g. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8275 adopted 8-0-0.
MOTION #8276 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the ordinance.
Councilman Kaupin stated he does not see these as substantial changes.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8276 adopted
7-0-0, with Councilman Mangini absent at the vote.
DISCUSSION RE: JOINT FUEL VENTURE WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION
Attorney Bromson stated this is being worked on, and there will be something for the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION #8277 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Edgar to approve the Consent Agenda.
Transfer of Funds from Contributions/Donations Police to Furniture & Fixtures $1,500
Transfer of Funds from Records Management Professional Development to Town Clerk Professional Development $500
Transfer of Funds from Contingency to Town Attorney Legal $945
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8277 adopted 7-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8278 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Various Accounts – See attached $853,218.00
FROM: #8030-930 General Fund Transfers $853,218.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $853,218.00 is available from Account #8030-930 as of January 11, 2006.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Edgar questioned why the Police, Public Works and the non-union settlements are all lumped together.
Mr. Simmons explained it’s possible they can do this as three separate transfers. He explained doing this in this manner allows him to go through the payroll register which is alphabetical by department, not by union. He stated he could run that report by union and do these transfer as three separate ones if the Council prefers.
Chairman Tallarita suggested a summary could clarify the value of each area.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8278 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8279 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter V, Section 14 of the Town Charter the salaries and rates of pay for certain employees of the Child Day Care Center, part-time, seasonal, and other listed employees of the Town will be increased according to the attached schedule effective July 1, 2006.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8279 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8280 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : DPW-Refuse Collection & Disposal Division
Overtime $36,100.00
Dues and Fees 900.00
_________
$37,000.00
FROM: DPW-Refuse Collection & Disposal Div.
Disposal Services $36,100.00
Other Equipment 900.00
_________
$37,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $37,000.00 is available from Disposal Services-Other Equipment as of January 24, 2006.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Kaupin stated within the justification for this transfer it mentions FEMA reimbursement for collection and disposal. He questioned if any of this transfer is potentially being offset by any FEMA reimbursements. Mr. Vindigni stated any eligible damages will be reimbursed 75% by FEMA. He noted a letter has been sent to the Governor’s office requesting the State of Connecticut to kick in the balance.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8280 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8281 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : WPC Fund
Overtime $35,000.00
Other Professional Services $16,000.00
Food/Food Related $ 1,000.00
$52,000.00
FROM: WPC Fund
Construction Services $52,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $52,000.00 is available from Construction Services as of January 24, 2006.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Maxellon questioned if this was for the emergency repairs on Prospect Street. Mr. McAlmond stated this is for the permanent repairs made on Prospect Street that followed up on the emergency repairs made last March. He stated he expects a portion of this to be covered by FEMA money.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8281 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8282 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : DPW-Highway Maintenance Division
Other Professional Services $7,000.00
Rental-Equipment/Vehicles $7,500.00
$14,500.00
FROM: DPW-Highway Maintenance Division
Other Property Services $14,500.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $14,500.00 is available from Other Property Serv. as of 2/1/06.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Kaupin questioned where they required extra outside police services. Mr. McAlmond stated during the leaf collection program, when they were working on Route 5, Hazard Avenue, South Road, or any of the main thoroughfares, they had uniformed officers with the crew. He noted additional funds were spent due to inclement weather. He stated they also used some uniformed officers when doing repairs after the flood to insure the safety of the public as they closed off a portion or one lane of a road. He stated hopefully they’ll be able to recoup some of those funds from the FEMA reimbursement.
Councilman Maxellon questioned if the Police Department bills Public Works when they provide officers. Mr. McAlmond responded yes, the Police Department bills Public Works at a lower rate than they would bill an outside vendor.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8282 adopted 8-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
The consent agenda item will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
DISCUSSION RE: PILOT PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC FINANCING OF MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Councilman Kaupin stated at the municipal level, he does not believe they should be advocating public financing. He stated his belief they should pass on this PILOT program.
Chairman Tallarita agreed with Councilman Kaupin.
It was agreed to remove this item from the agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #8283 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
Other Professional Services $3,000.00
FROM: Senior Center
Instructional Supplies $3,000.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $3,000.00 is available from Instructional Supplies.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Mr. Vindigni stated this is just to help the senior center staff get through the balance of this year.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8283 adopted 8-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8284 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Ragno.
BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with the Charter, Chapter IV, §2, the Enfield Town Council does hereby reappoint Christopher W. Bromson as Acting Town Manager for a period of an additional ninety (90) days, effective immediately, February 15, 2006, up to and including May 15, 2006.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief Attorney Bromson has done a wonderful job filling the void at Town Hall. He noted Mr. Vindigni, Mr. Simmons and everyone have pitched in where they needed to and the Town is running solidly and in the correct direction. He expressed his appreciation to Attorney Bromson for everything he has done to make this transition period as seamless as it’s been. He added his appreciation for providing the Council with the type of information and the support they need in order to make the decisions they need to make to continue moving the community in a positive and forward direction.
Councilman Kaupin stated he will vote in favor of the resolution. He noted they are in a transition period, and the entire Town staff has done a fantastic job getting through this period. He expressed his appreciation for the job that Attorney Bromson has done, and he appreciates Attorney Bromson’s communication with the Council. He noted Mr. Vindigni has done a tremendous amount of work at all hours of the day.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Chairman Tallarita and Councilman Kaupin. She noted she also would like to recognize Joanne Hayden and Mary Ann Tucker in the Town Manager’s office for their support.
Councilman Peruta voiced his appreciation to Attorney Bromson and all of Town staff for their work.
Councilman Nelson stated the Town Manager’s office has been very responsive.
Councilman Ragno agreed with the previous speakers. He stated his belief it’s a testament to the depth of an organization when it can run as well as it has these past few months. He expressed his appreciation to Attorney Bromson and Mr. Vindigni.
Councilman Edgar praised Attorney Bromson’s leadership abilities.
Councilman Maxellon stated the whole Town Manager’s office has done a wonderful job as well as the rest of the Town staff.
Attorney Bromson stated the entire Council and Town staff has been very supportive of him over the past few months. He noted all of the employees, department heads, and particularly Mr. Vindigni made this possible. He stated they are tremendously dedicated, professional, loyal and talented.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8284 adopted 8-0-0.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no comments.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #8285 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8285 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:35 p.m. |