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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 1, 2006
Before the Regular Meeting was called to order, Mayor Tallarita presented the following proclamations:
Proclamation on Fight Hunger Week - Enfield Food Shelf
Proclamation on Letter Carriers Food Drive Day
Proclamation on National Public Works Week
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, May 1, 2006 at 7:35 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, Edgar, Hilinski, Kaupin, Lee, Mangini, Maxellon, Nelson, Peruta, and Tallarita. Councilman Ragno was absent. Also present were Acting Town Manager and Town Attorney, Christopher Bromson; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne Olechnicki; Director of Finance, Gregory Simmons; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Director of Social Services, Pamela Brown
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #8773 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the April 10, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8773 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #8774 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the minutes of the April 12, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8774 adopted 10-0-0.
MOTION #8775 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 17, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8775 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Maxellon abstaining.
MOTION #8776 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 17, 2006 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8776 adopted 9-0-1, with Councilman Maxellon abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Pointed out a meeting was scheduled to be held in the Bigelow Commons conference room. He noted that meeting was cancelled, and he suggested in the future it be noted this is the Bigelow Commons “community” room, not “conference” room.
Mr. Sheridan stated he would like to thank the Council in advance for considering the taxpayers of Enfield during their budget deliberations.
Charles Woods, 11 Westerly Drive
Thanked the Town Council for looking more critically at the budget this year and trying to hold the costs down for the citizens of Enfield.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Spoke about erosion problems near her property after the October flooding. She noted the Town hauled in tons of fill to cover exposed pipes. She stated the nearby locked gates were broken open during last weekend, and she made a couple phone calls about this. She pointed out this area is wide open for children to ride through on bikes. She noted there are very large holes in this area. She added the pipes are exposed again. She questioned whether this area is checked on a periodic basis. She feels it should be checked once per month. Chairman Tallarita stated this will be looked into.
COUNCILMAN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini thanked all the volunteers who gave of their time at Loaves & Fishes, the Enfield Food Shelf and any of those organizations that go the extra mile to help people in need.
Councilman Kaupin stated two Saturdays ago, there was a tremendous outpouring for the community garden even though it was raining. He noted a lot of work was done that day, and it was nice to see this activity. He pointed out the community garden also has handicap accessible garden beds.
Councilman Nelson requested a Town Hall roof update.
Councilman Nelson stated he and Councilman Maxellon were questioning whether there’s any way to add Booth Road to the Road 2005 program. Mr. Vindigni stated they could get a pavement indicator assessment done and bring that information back to the Council.
Chairman Tallarita stated the Town Council has attempted to adhere to the original referendum for road projects. He noted if they add something to the Road 2005 program, they’ll have to take something away. He suggested getting information regarding Booth Road and they can discuss how they can address and pay for that project. He suggested Councilmen Maxellon and Nelson e-mail their thoughts to the Town Manager’s office and that can then be communicated to the Public Works Department.
Councilman Crowley stated he received a couple phone calls about cemeteries and trees.
Councilman Crowley commended the great job Public Works is doing with street sweeping, particularly in Thompsonville.
Councilman Peruta requested an updated schedule of the Road 2005 program.
Councilman Lee requested an update on when the curbing at Hazard Avenue and South Road will be repaired. He noted it was damaged during a car accident last summer.
Councilman Lee spoke about the Eagle Scout project which is nearly complete. He noted John Hearst is a life scout with Troop 188 in Hazardville, and he has been working on the Scitico veterans monument at the intersection of Hazard Avenue and Scitico Road. He stated Mr. Hearst wants the community to know that there will be a dedication ceremony at noon time on Sunday, May 14th. Councilman Lee stated his understanding this was a large project, and Mr. Hearst has been working diligently with the fire fighters’ unions in Enfield, the Maynard family, and the boy scouts in his troop. He noted the project is 95% complete, and they have some finishing work to perform at the monument.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson stated there is no Town Manger report at this time.
Mr. Vindigni referred to the tree issue at the cemeteries, and noted the Town employee who works with the contracted tree service is on vacation and will return next week. He noted they are hoping the tree service vendor will extend his bid price to the cemetery association so they can resolve this matter.
Mr. Vindigni stated the damaged cemetery pillar will be repaired, and the Town is working with the Risk Manager and insurance company to get this payment issue resolved.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if the Council can get an update from Public Works regarding the roof work. He suggested a status report be included in the next Council packet.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson indicated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated the Enfield Food Shelf had their volunteer appreciation dinner last Saturday. She noted that she and Councilman Hilinski attended, and it was very well received and a very nice event. She noted a pamphlet is also available which tells the history of the Enfield Food Shelf.
Chairman Tallarita provided an update on the Town Manager search. He noted the consultant did bring a number of candidates before the Council. He stated over last weekend, the Town Council interviewed a series of candidates and came up with some finalists from that group. He noted the Council hopes to announce a selection in the next few weeks. He stated his belief the Town was well-served by the consultant who brought a fine selection of people before the Council.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL) & (TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained tabled.
Items c. and d. remained tabled.
MOTION #8777 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to remove Item e. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8777 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8778 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Council does hereby establish a Solid Waste Advisory Committee to review the ongoing implementation plan of the Department of Public Works tipper barrel residential refuse collection program; and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee shall review the operations plan of the Enfield Transfer Station; and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee shall review the Solid Waste Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Collection programs; and
WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee shall further review the current Town Code of Ordinances pertaining to Solid Waste and determine amendments and/or deletions recommended thereto; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Advisory Committee’s recommendation will be in a report to be submitted to the Town Council no later than December 4, 2006 regular meeting; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said committee shall consist of:
Regular Members
Two (2) members of the Town Council shall serve as liaisons, appointed by the Mayor;
Five (5) citizens shall be appointed as members by the Town Council;
The Deputy Public Works Director shall serve as a staff liaison to Advisory Committee.
Councilman Kaupin questioned if the Council passes this resolution, will they be establishing this committee at the next Council meeting. It was the consensus of the Council to appoint members to this committee on June 5th.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8778 adopted 10-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no consent agenda items.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL
NOMINATION #8779 by Councilman Mangini to reappoint Harold F. Grout, Jr. (U) to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term which expires 5/31/08.
MOTION #8780 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8780 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Harold F. Grout, Jr. reappointed to the Cultural Arts Commission by a 10-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #8781 by Councilman Kaupin to reappoint Barbara E. Kelly (R) to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term which expires 5/31/08.
MOTION #8782 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hilinski to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8782 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Barbara E. Kelly reappointed to the Cultural Arts Commission by a 10-0-0 vote.
NOMINATION #8783 by Councilman Mangini to reappoint Yvonne L. Wollenberg (U)
to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term which expires 5/31/08.
MOTION #8784 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Hilinski to close nominations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8784 adopted 10-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared Yvonne L. Wollenberg reappointed to the Cultural Arts Commission by a 10-0-0 vote.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN MANAGER)
MOTION #8785 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the Town Manager’s recommendation to reappoint Karen H. Chadderton to the Housing Code Appeals Board.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8785 adopted 10-0-0.
All other appointments remained on the agenda.
RESOLUTION #8786 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Enfield hereby appoints the auditing firm of Scully & Wolf, LLP to conduct the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.
Councilman Maxellon requested clarification on the selection process. Mr. Simmons stated they go through the RFP process to select the auditing firm. He noted they typically do this every three years, and this is the third year of this contract, therefore, they will be going out for an RFP next year.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8786 adopted 10-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
CONSENT AGENDA – REVIEW
Consent Agenda items will appear under New Business on the next Regular Meeting agenda.
APPOINTMENTS (TOWNCOUNCIL)
The Enfield Beautification Committee appointment will appear under New Business on the next Regular Meeting agenda.
MOTION #8787 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini to move item 13c to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8787 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: CCM ENERGY COOPERATIVE
Attorney Bromson stated this is the first contract they’ve ventured into pursuant to the joint task force resolution for electrical supply from TransCanada. He noted everyone was involved in this, it was reviewed by the Town Attorney’s Office, and he signed off on this. He noted this is for five years at about 11 cents, therefore, they will be stable in their budget for the next five years.
Chairman Tallarita stated this shows continued cooperation between the Town and Board of Education and other entities to improve efficiency and get a better bang out of their spending. He expressed his appreciation to the Town Manager’s Office. Attorney Bromson thanked Director of Finance, Gregg Simmons for all his efforts on this.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PLANNING GRANT
Present for this discussion was Pamela Brown, Director of Social Services.
Ms. Brown requested permission to submit a grant to the Department of Social Services for a very unique grant. She explained this grant would supply $25,000 to the Town of Enfield. She noted a local match would be necessary. She stated this would be for the development of a private transportation system, and a core part of the model is that it would not take any tax dollars once it has been developed. She stated it would cost $50,000 for the first year to plan, and then it takes four to five years to develop the model to become self-sufficient.
Ms. Brown stated this would provide transportation through a combination of volunteers and paid drivers. She noted there would be donations from the community, businesses, civics groups and the participants pay to use the service. She noted right now the model has just been developed and exists in Portland, Maine, and the state is offering these opportunity grants for communities with populations over 25,000 to develop this innovative model. She stated this would not require any funding on the part of the Town. She noted they could also apply for a federal grant that could help with the first four or five years. She stated she wanted the Council to be aware of this project and even though they’re not requesting any financial support, they would like to get the Council’s blessing on this endeavor. She pointed out this would be a grass roots model, and they would need the community to support it in order for it to be successful.
Councilman Peruta stated this appears to be a very innovative and interesting plan.
Councilman Mangini voiced her support of this endeavor. She noted this would be a very beneficial service to those people who need transportation.
Councilman Kaupin requested Ms. Brown provide more information for the Council’s next packet regarding the ITN America and the Portland, Maine program.
Chairman Tallarita questioned how this program differs from Dial-A-Ride. Ms. Brown stated this would be a 24/7 service, and Dial-A-Ride currently operates between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. She noted passengers pay as they take their ride. She explained it’s based on the model that the average American family spends over $6,000 per year for transportation for the private automobile, and this model would probably cost under $2,000. She added this cost would be about half that of a taxi rate. She stated this program is cost effective because they make use of volunteers. She noted in this program a senior who is no longer driving can donate their car to this non-profit, and the non-profit sells the car and the senior would get credit which could be used toward free rides.
Chairman Tallarita stated this would be taking business away from private haulers in the community, i.e., private taxi service. Ms. Brown stated that would be something that they would look at, and there could be some collaboration worked out.
Councilman Crowley questioned how this would effect Dial-A-Ride. Ms. Brown stated they would need to look at what needs Dial-A-Ride is meeting and what needs this program would meet. She noted there may still be a need for both of the programs or there may not. She added it would take five years for this program to be fully up and running, therefore, they don’t really know the outcome at this point.
Mr. Vindigni stated besides their operating hours, Dial-A-Ride has a limited scope where they bring their passengers. He noted one advantage with this concept is the flexibility for evening transportation. He noted seniors cannot attend evening events due to the lack of transportation.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if the financial condition of the participants of this service plays a part in this. He questioned how someone gets involved with this program. He further questioned if anyone can participate on this no matter what their economic situation. Ms. Brown responded anyone can use this service. She explained the purpose of this program is to provide mobility and independence to people who can no longer drive, or should not be driving their car. She stated part of this is a public safety mission.
Chairman Tallarita questioned if there’s an age requirement for this service, and Ms. Brown responded yes and explained this model is for people over 65 and people who are visually impaired. She added this is a planning grant, therefore, that could change, but they are working with that assumption.
Councilman Nelson questioned if the state were to stop funding the $25,000, where would they expect the $25,000 to come from. Ms. Brown explained this is an application for that first $25,000, and then they would try to develop the resources from the community for the following years.
MOTION #8788 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Nelson to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8788 adopted 10-0-0.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION RE: CHILD DAY CARE REVISED JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Mr. Vindigni stated because of NAEYC, it was necessary to amend the job descriptions.
MOTION #8789 by Councilman Lee, seconded by Councilman Maxellon to move this item to Miscellaneous.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8789 adopted 10-0-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #8790 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Enfield Town Hall Council Chambers, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 5, 2006 at 7:20 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinion regarding the 2006 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE ACT proposals.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8790 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8791 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, the 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 of Connecticut, Department of Social Services to develop a financially self-sustaining community based regional transportation system for the elderly and disabled in the community for July 1, 2006 thru June 30, 2007 and to affix the Corporate Seal.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8791 adopted 10-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8792 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council does hereby approve the revised job descriptions for the positions of Executive Director of Child Day Care, Deputy Director of Child Day Care, Head Teacher, Teacher, Teacher Assistant and Teacher Aide.
(Job Descriptions appended to minutes)
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8792 adopted 10-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Stated she takes exception to senior citizens being singled out regarding their driving. She noted there are a lot of other people on the roads that shouldn’t be driving. She feels it’s not mostly the elderly that cause car accidents, but rather younger people who speed.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
There were no comments.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #8793 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8793 adopted 10-0-0 and the meeting stood adjourned at 8:35 p.m. |