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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2006
Before the Regular Meeting was called to order, Mayor Tallarita presented the World of Words Essay Contest Proclamation.
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, April 3, 2006 at 7:40 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, Edgar, Hilinski, Kaupin, Lee, Mangini, Maxellon, Nelson, Peruta, Ragno and Tallarita. Also present were Acting Town Manager/Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Library Director, Henry Dutcher; Assistant Library Director, Mary Palomba; Director of Social Services, Pamela Brown; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of EMS, Arthur Groux
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #8721 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski to accept the minutes of the March 20, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8721 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8722 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski to accept the minutes of the March 20, 2006 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8722 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Stated this evening’s agenda should show a second Public Communications to reflect the inclusion of public communications at the beginning and end of regular meetings.
Mr. Sheridan stated it has been brought to his attention that the footings on the Town Farm Road bridge are in bad condition. He presented some pictures to the Council to show the poor condition of the footings. He pointed out the rebar is all exposed and the footing itself is suspended in mid-air. He feels this is a serious problem and should be addressed.
Mr. Sheridan stated the Board of Education recently had a community conversation and they talked about various budget items and how things could have been done differently. He noted at that meeting it was pointed out that the Board of Education decided on June 14th to spend over $500,000 after the budget was already set. He explained that because there was an error in bookkeeping, it was decided to spend that money. He pointed out that was money that could have been held and used for the increased costs of fuel this year.
Referring to the pesticide issue at Fermi, Mr. Sheridan questioned whether there’s a regulation to check other ball fields to be sure there isn’t a similar problem. He questioned whether the Town has some regulations to prevent something like this happening again.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated besides the pesticide issue at Fermi, parents should also be concerned about the Lyme tick which is present in Enfield.
Ms. Jedziniak stated the Taxpayers’ Association attempts to look after residents by keeping track of what’s happening to the infrastructure in Enfield. She noted the Taxpayers’ Association felt it was their duty to make the Town Manager aware of the deplorable condition of the bridge crossing the Scantic River on Town Farm Road. She stated Jack Sheridan took the pictures of this bridge, and the taxpayers hope action will be taken promptly to protect the safety of those who use that road. She stated her hope Councilman Nelson has had some time to look into some of the problems the Taxpayers’ Association has come across.
She stated her hope that someday the Taxpayers’ Association will be looked at in a more favorable light rather than being used as a “whipping boy” for some Councilmen and the school department just because they know what’s going on in Enfield and they keep track of what’s going on.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Stated he spoke with older people in Town and they said that in the past when the Town took the Fermi land by default, they were given money by the State. He noted if the State gave the Town money in the past, it’s possible the Town won’t be able to get more money for remediation. He added he fully supports going back to the State to try and get funding.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Stated her belief the Fermi issue isn’t a big problem. She questioned the cost to change the fencing around Fermi from orange to green.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Nelson stated the Council meeting sign is not up for tonight’s meeting.
Councilman Nelson stated he has learned that the building, which houses the South Road day care, is under new ownership. He questioned whether the new owner will honor the promises the previous owner made to the Town about repairs, discounted rent, etc.
Councilman Nelson questioned whether Public Works is aware of the problem with the Town Farm Road bridge.
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Kaupin attended the Loaves & Fishes volunteer appreciation dinner recently, and it was well attended. She noted that although this isn’t the holiday season, it’s still very important to support Loaves and Fishes and the food shelf.
MOTION #8723 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to move Items 13 c. through i. to Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8723 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Peruta stated on Tuesday, April 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Weymouth Road fire station there will be a program called “Enfield Cares About Underage Drinking”. He noted this will be a very good event.
Councilman Kaupin referred to an e-mail he received from Sergeant Pat Droney who requested he mention the annual “Tip a Cop” fundraiser which will take place at the Country Diner on Sunday, April 30th from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He explained off-duty police officers will be waiting tables and serving coffee. He noted this is the eighth year for this fundraiser, and all proceeds go to the Special Olympics.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Council will get information on the Town Farm bridge. He questioned whether this is part of the whole Town Farm Road project, and was told it is.
As concerns the pesticide issue, Chairman Tallarita noted this pesticide was not applied by the Town of Enfield. He went on to point out that soil testing was done at other school locations when recent additions were done at all the elementary schools and JFK Middle School. He added there’s no evidence these pesticides were used in the tobacco industry, but it may have been used in corn or cotton, which leads him to believe that topsoil was probably trucked in. He pointed out none of this pesticide was found at the Enfield High School which was previously tobacco fields.
Chairman Tallarita stated fencing at Fermi was erected as a precautionary measure, not for aesthetic purposes.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated last Friday, Margaret Jedziniak called him about the condition of the Town Farm Road bridge. He noted he immediately called the Public Works Director who told him they were well aware of the problem. He stated the Town’s consultant visited the bridge the week before Jack Sheridan took his pictures. He added the State also inspected this bridge awhile back. He noted the State isn’t concerned this bridge is in risk of imminent collapse. He stated the consultants are coming up with a plan for this bridge. He noted the Public Works Director indicated this bridge is part of the Town Farm Road project, therefore, they will be getting a recommendation from the consultant. He added the bridge was inspected again on Friday.
As concerns fencing around Fermi, Attorney Bromson stated the main concern was to fence off areas and to do so as promptly as possible. He noted they tried to find a color that blended in rather than having an obnoxious color.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
There was no report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Fourth of July Committee has been meeting regularly, and the next meeting is scheduled for April 23rd. She noted they’re putting forth their best efforts to put on a great celebration as usual.
Councilman Lee stated he and Councilman Mangini are following up with some communities that have live cable broadcasts of their town meetings. He noted they should have more information at the second monthly meeting of the Council.
Councilman Maxellon stated the Chairman of the Athletic Fields Committee will be making a full report at the Special Meeting of the Council on April 5th.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
All Town Council appointments remained tabled.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #8724 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item #3 from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8724 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8725 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Manager's recommendation of Howard Coro to the Building Code Appeals Board for a term which expires 11/01/08.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8725 adopted 11-0-0.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #8726 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hilinski to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8726 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8727 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8727 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8728 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Joint Fuel Venture with Board of Education
Councilman Maxellon stated he would prefer the word “shall” instead of “may” within the fourth paragraph. He pointed out a liaison from the five fire districts could bring back communications and disseminate it between the five districts. He pointed out this could also result in a tax savings for the fire districts.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini to amend Paragraph 3 as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Committee shall include a liaison representing the five fire districts and a representative of the Enfield Housing Authority to attend and observe Committee meetings;
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 11-0-0.
AMENDMENT #2 by Councilman Maxellon, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to amend Paragraph 1 as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council, in conjunction with the Board of Education of the Town of Enfield, hereby approves the cooperative purchasing of utilities, including electricity, motor fuel, and heating fuel, when appropriate, to take advantage of increased purchasing power individually or as part of a collective purchasing group;
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #2 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8728 adopted 11-0-0, as amended.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
The appointment to the Human Services Advisory Commission will appear under Old Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION #8729 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to approve the Consent Agenda.
Transfer of Funds Town Attorney Legal Account from Contingency $1,100
Transfer of Funds from Social Services School Readiness Income to Child Day Care
Salaries $9,146
Transfer of Funds from Child Day Care Salaries to Various Accounts $9,146
Transfer of Funds Child Day Care Food from Client Fees $4,304
Transfer of Funds Human Resources Other Professional Services from Contingency
$5,000
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8729 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: TRASH HAULING PERMITS
Councilman Lee questioned if they formally established the Task Force. Chairman Tallarita stated that hasn’t been formalized, however, they did discuss this in leadership. He noted they need to get the documents that show details about this committee. He stated when those become available, they can address this.
RESOLUTION #8730 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby adopt the Policy and Procedure for the Enfield Town Council Meetings, dated April 3, 2006.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8730 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8731 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Acting Town Manager, Christopher Bromson, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the North Central Area on Aging for Adult Day Center Supportive Service Grant – 10/01/2006 to 09/30/2007, and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8731 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8732 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Acting Town Manager, Christopher Bromson, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the North Central Area on Aging for Respite Care Grant – 10/01/2006 to 09/30/2007, and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8732 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8733 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Acting Town Manager, Christopher Bromson, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of
Enfield with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for Drug Free Communities Support Program 2006 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8733 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
There were no Consent Agenda items to be reviewed.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL)
The appointment to the Ethics Commission will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
MOTION #8734 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8734 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8735 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
Set Public Hearing Date for FY06/07 Budget
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8735 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8736 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Acting Town Manager, Christopher Bromson, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with the State Department of Education for a Youth Services Bureau 7/1/2006 to 6/30/2007 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8736 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8737 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Nelson.
RESOLVED, that the Acting Town Manager, Christopher Bromson, is empowered to enter into and amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of the Town of Enfield with he Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a School Readiness/Child Day Care Program 7/1/2006 to 6/30/2007 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Present for this discussion was the Director of Social Services, Pamela Brown.
Councilman Peruta stated his understanding this is for 15 slots. He questioned if they had extra slots. Ms. Brown responded yes and noted the Town was granted five additional slots at the South Road facility in March. She noted at this time, those are not renewable, but rather a one-time gift to the Town because all the other towns that were eligible did not fulfill their requirements and did not apply for this. She noted those towns will have the opportunity to reapply this year, therefore, the Town is only eligible to apply for the 15 slots. She pointed out if the same thing occurs again next year, Enfield will reapply if there’s any extra money.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8737 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8738 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Youth Services Food/Food Related ($300)
Technology Supplies ($190)
Material & Supplies ($310)
Other Professional Services ($200)
FROM: Youth Services Revenue Account-Miscellaneous
Donations
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8738 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8739 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 8(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO: Town Council
Professional Services $11,417.00
FROM: Contingency $11,417.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $11,417.00 is available from Contingency as of March 30, 2006.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Kaupin stated at the budget adoption last May, he voted against the allocation of the $50,000 in the Town Council professional services for this mini-grant program. He noted he still believes it’s not the responsibility of the Council to provide mini-grants. He stated his understanding budget priorities change, and they had to go to this line item for different efforts and now they’re looking to move money from Contingency to fund the additional grant. He stated throughout the year, they’ve had the energy issues and the school system being short $500,000. He stated he is voting against this. He noted he looked at the project list, and it seems these are very worthwhile efforts going on, but he still believes it’s the Board of Education’s responsibility to be funding this, and not the Town Council.
Councilman Hilinski stated there was originally $50,000 allocated for the mini-grants in this year’s budget. He noted in February the Mini-Grant Committee awarded $21,902 worth of mini-grants to the school system. He stated they had a second session of mini-grants back in early March, and they awarded an additional $16,764 in mini-grants, and that basically finishes this grant program for this year for a total of $38,666. He stated his belief the Mini-Grant Committee was very conservative, and they didn’t use the whole $50,000 originally allocated and did a good job in deciding which projects would be the most effective for the students and school system. He pointed out a total of over $60,000 worth of grants were applied for, and the remaining grants beyond this were essentially sent back.
Councilman Ragno agreed with Councilman Kaupin. He stated he does not feel it’s the Town’s responsibility. He noted they already budget and allocate monies to the Board of Education to fund education. He added he also has a concern when he looks at the list of additional monies needed, i.e., Proposal #61 – Mr. Democracy. He stated his understanding this is a business, and “Mr. Democracy” is paid for his appearances. He feels it’s a conflict of interest to have a teacher being paid additional monies from these mini-grants. He noted he will be voting against this resolution.
Councilman Nelson stated his concern is that the School Board came to the Town saying they’re approximately $400,000 short on fuel. He noted the $50,000 could be used to offset the fuel expense.
Councilman Peruta stated he will be supporting this. He noted although it wasn’t unanimous last year, there was a commitment to fund this. He feels it might be unfair not to fund this now after the commitment was made. He stated his belief this is a very innovative program and although he had the same concerns over whether it should be funded here or through the schools, he was willing to try this. He noted he does not like to squash ideas such as this. He pointed out Enfield is all one town.
Councilman Mangini agreed and stated her belief this is a very innovative program, and she believes they need to continue going forward with these types of programs, whether it comes from the Town or School side. She noted they are benefiting the children, and that’s the bottom line. She pointed out the Town did make a commitment to start this program, and she feels it’s the Council’s responsibility to move forward.
Councilman Maxellon stated he was not on the Council when this was approved. He noted he will support this. He stated his belief it’s not fair to support a program and then decide not to fund it partway through the program. He pointed out the people who applied for these grants worked hard, went through a process, and a committee was set up.
Councilman Edgar stated he will support this. He noted they appropriated $50,000, and this only shows $25,000. He questioned where and when $25,000 was transferred out. Chairman Tallarita stated his belief it was taken out when the Town Manager was on vacation, and inadvertently $25,000 was taken out to pay for the demographic study. He noted they can get clarification of this. Attorney Bromson indicated he would follow up on this tomorrow morning.
Chairman Tallarita stated he supported this in the budget. He noted they are all involved in education. He pointed out the Council allocates $32 million dollars of General Fund money to the Board of Education every year. He added he believes in a cooperative effort, and this is a cooperative effort between the Town Council and Board of Education.
As concerns whether this money could be used for fuel, he feels that argument can be made for money spent on a lot of different things. Regarding fuel concerns, he pointed out the Appropriations Committee came out with $460,000 which is being sent to the entire General Assembly to help communities with their fuel needs.
Councilman Kaupin stated the full Council knew of the shortage in this account after the first round of the grants were awarded, therefore, they could have made the decision to stop it at that point saying they spent the account, or they could have just spent the $5,000 balance. He noted they did make the decision to fund the demographic study out of Professional Services, therefore, they could have stopped. He stated the issue that bothers him the most is that this was a partisan decision at budget time, and he recalls it being specifically called out in the democratic literature in November that they created a $50,000 grant program for the schools.
Chairman Tallarita stated his belief that the Council wasn’t fully aware the $25,000 was spent at that time because it wasn’t clear in the manner it was taken out. He stated the fact remains that the Council is holding to a commitment that they made.
Councilman Ragno stated he understands the decision that was made, however, he has a real concern when he sees a person on the list who is in a private enterprise and is receiving grant money from the Town Council. He feels funding private enterprise is opening a Pandora’s box, and he doesn’t feel this is philosophically right.
Councilman Nelson stated his understanding the previous Council approved this, however, he is not the previous Council. He noted the School Board isn’t making this initiative and they aren’t grateful for what the Council does give them.
Chairman Tallarita stated this wasn’t specific just to the School Department, but rather this initiative was for any program within the community that benefited school age children. He noted in the last round of grants, the library put in for money so that they could transport children from the schools to the library.
Councilman Hilinski stated several of the grants provided for people’s labor if it was outside the normal working hours. He noted the criteria that the Mini-Grant Committee tried to put together asked the question, “was it directly related to the curriculum in the school system and would it enhance that learning”. He stated Mr. Democracy does that. He noted the other criteria the committee used was whether the application was comprehensive enough and did it describe exactly what learning was going to be achieved and the process by which that learning would be achieved. He stated all of the programs that were approved met that criteria. He stated he is a little disconcerted by the implication that Mr. Democracy was doing this for profit. He stated his belief a profit isn’t being made, but rather it’s part of his social studies area. He noted it’s difficult for him to listen to a Teacher of the Year have his reputation besmirched.
Councilman Ragno stated he is not trying to smear anyone’s character, however, if a person believes so strongly in civics, why not donate his services to the children. He questioned why he has to be paid. He stated he sees monies being spent to pay a person, and he philosophically does not believe it’s right.
Councilman Lee stated he’s inclined to vote against this resolution, but not because he doesn’t believe there’s value in each one of these programs, but he’s more concerned this whole resolution is moot if the monies have been distributed. Councilman Hilinski stated the checks were cut for the initial round. He noted the $16,764 for the second round has not been allocated, and that is why the $11,000 is needed.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8739 adopted 8-3-0, with Councilmen Kaupin, Nelson and Ragno voting against the resolution.
RESOLUTION #8740 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Crowley.
RESOLVED, that in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 9(f) of the Town Charter, the following transfer is hereby made:
TO : Employee Separation $251,000.00
FROM: Reserve for Vacation &
Sick $ 16,500.00
Undesignated Fund Bal. $234,500.00
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $251,000.00 is available as of March 30, 2006.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Kaupin requested a breakdown by employee be included in the Council’s packet. Attorney Bromson indicated that can be provided.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8740 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8741 by Councilman Crowley, seconded by Councilman Hilinski to waive the reading of the resolution.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8741 adopted 10-0-0. Councilman Mangini absent at the vote.
RESOLUTION #8742 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Nelson.
Ambulance Lease
Attorney Bromson stated staff determined they needed a Council resolution authorizing the Acting Town Manager to sign this.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8742 adopted 10-0-0, with Councilman Mangini absent at the vote.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Referred to the problem at the Town Farm Road bridge and stated his belief heavy rains in October had an effect on that bridge. He feels this bridge needs a scrupulous inspection.
Mr. Sheridan stated when he checked on the mini-grants, he had difficulty finding that money in the budget book. He noted he finally had to ask the Director of Finance where to find this money. He stated he learned that the demographic expense had been taken from this. He noted it was not until he told Councilman Hilinski that this was so, and then Councilman Hilinski realized this is where the money was taken from. He stated he attended three mini-grant meetings, and they really toiled over who was to receive these mini-grants. He noted he was impressed with this process, however, he saw most of that money went toward salaries. He added it wasn’t well delineated on what constituted a good request.
Mr. Sheridan stated his belief a cooperative effort is a good thing between the Board of Education and Town Council, however, he does not understand it when the Board of Education goes out and spends $544,000 on June 14th after the budget was already set.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she was present at the June 14th Board of Education, and a former member of the Board who is now a Council person told her the figures she had were wrong. She noted these were the state’s figures, and the state got those figures from the Superintendent. She stated her belief things are very unethical.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
She questioned why the orange fencing was erected when it was intended to take it down.
Mrs. Collins stated her belief a teacher should not be “double-dipping” into taxes.
She urged everyone to attend the budget hearing on April 26th.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Councilman Hilinski referred to the $544,000 School Board allocation and noted this was a practice that was put into place several years ago when the Town Council graciously allowed the Board of Education to spend money at the end of the year that they had not spent as part of their budget. He noted this became an incentive for the Board, and it also became extra money for the Board to spend for those necessities that were needed within the school system. He stated during last year’s budget there was a 3.7% budget that was allocated to the Board of Education, and this was well below the fixed costs at that time. He noted at that point in time, several cuts had to be made within the education system. He stated one item related to new textbooks, and that textbook account was dropped down to a very low level (approximately $800). He pointed out for several years that textbook account was in the necessary range of $100,000. He stated $200,000 of the $544,000 was allocated for textbooks last year. He noted this was not a gleeful allocation of money, but rather one of relief because it was money that was absolutely needed within the school system.
Councilman Crowley stated a lot of teachers are paid twice, i.e., teachers that coach are paid to coach. He raised the question of why should one teacher donate time after school and not receive payment, while coaches are being paid.
Councilman Nelson stated it should not be the Council’s responsibility to pay these teachers because the School Board gets enough from the Town.
Councilman Peruta spoke about the need to respect one another.
Chairman Tallarita stated although the Charter allows reimbursement for personal expenses, the Town Council members do not do that. He noted this is the same for the Board of Education, Planning & Zoning and many boards and commissions. He pointed out this is truly a volunteer government. He stated his belief, as a group, this Town Council and government works well together, and they put forward what’s in the best interest of this community.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #8743 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Mangini to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8743
adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:13 p.m. |