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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 15, 2006
A 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 15, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER – The Prayer was given by Councilman Crowley.
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 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; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand; Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz
FIRE EVACUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Chairman Tallarita made the fire evacuation announcement.
MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETINGS
MOTION #8803 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the April 19, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8803 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8804 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson to accept the minutes of the April 30, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8804 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8805 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Nelson to accept the minutes of the May 1, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8805 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8806 by Councilman Nelson, seconded by Councilman Mangini to accept the minutes of the May 1, 2006 Regular Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8806 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8807 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Maxellon to accept the minutes of the May 3, 2006 Special Meeting.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8807 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Joseph Saroce, 10 Briarwood Drive
Stated the Board of Education wanted a 6.9% increase and they stated this money was needed to meet the school system’s needs. He pointed out enrollment is projected to drop by about 86 students. He stated the Board of Education stated 4.3% was to cover fixed costs, i.e., teachers’ salaries and maintenance of education services. He noted the Board of Education examined the fixed costs and said 3.6% was sufficient to cover them, and that there would also be extra money for programs. He questioned why the Board of Education requested a 6.9% increase and accepted a 4% increase.
Mr. Saroce questioned why it seems the Town and Board of Education play a lot of number games at budget time.
He stated he would like to see the Town Council and Board of Education show more diligence when it comes to negotiating contracts, particularly as concerns fixed costs.
Mr. Saroce recommended reopening the Town Charter so that budgets have to go to referendum. He added his belief employees should contribute more toward benefits.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Thanked the entire Town Council, Acting Town Manager and Director of Finance for keeping Enfield’s tax rate down.
Ms. Jedziniak stated she attended the rededication of the Scitico World War II memorial yesterday. She noted the whole town should be grateful to Eagle Scout, John Hurst, who undertook the project of rehabbing this memorial. She stated she was sorry that the Mayor couldn’t be in attendance since this was a very nice gathering and moving ceremony.
She noted Scitico’s old two-room school should be looked after since it’s getting into some disrepair.
Ms. Jedziniak questioned the whereabouts of the Scitico school house photograph that she donated to Town Hall.
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Thanked the Town Council for keeping taxes down. She thanked the Chief of Police for taking care of securing the fence leading into Powder Hollow. She went on to question the status of the Fermi fields. She also questioned who is paying for the special fencing at Fermi High School.
Jack Sheridan, 7 Buchanan Road
Thanked the Town Council for keeping the increase at less than a mil. He added he does have some misgivings about what will happen with the revaluation in October.
He stated his belief it would be an easier process for everyone if taxpayers were allowed to vote on their budget. He stated his belief if the Town continues to fund increases, they’ll not only displace seniors, but young families as well. This will also contribute to dropping enrollment.
Mr. Sheridan stated someone needs to keep track of school budget supporters who come to budget hearings because some may be part of the PTO or part of the school system. He stated his belief these concerns could be addressed through a referendum budget because everyone gets to vote.
He pointed out the numbers in the ERG book come from the towns. He noted Enfield’s numbers don’t include all of the things on the Town side of the budget, i.e., boilers, windows, roofs, grounds maintenance, etc.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS
Councilman Mangini requested an update on the appropriations request made to Congressman Simmons’ office in March.
Councilman Mangini stated she cannot imagine putting a budget of this magnitude to a referendum. She stated she wants to believe that the majority of the citizens of Enfield have faith and are pleased with the results of the Town Council.
Councilman Mangini encouraged everyone to remember Memorial Day is coming up and everyone should remember all of the military men and women fighting in other parts of the world.
MOTION #8808 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini to add Item 13h. to the agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8808
adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8809 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Mangini to address Items 13 d., e., f., g., and h. under Miscellaneous this evening.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8809 adopted 11-0-0.
Councilman Kaupin stated he, Councilmen Edgar, Lee, Peruta and Ragno attended the rededication ceremony for the Scantic World War II memorial. He commended Eagle Scout, John Hurst, and all those involved in this project.
Councilman Nelson stated Enfield Soccer greatly appreciates using the field on Sunday.
Referring to Mr. Sheridan’s comment about school supporters supporting the 6.9% proposed increase, Councilman Nelson stated he spoke with people outside of that meeting who were totally against the 6.9% increase.
Councilman Maxellon stated the state-owned house on the corner of Elm Street and Freshwater Boulevard is slowly deteriorating. He questioned the possibility of that house being deeded to the Town of Enfield so that it can be maintained.
Councilman Maxellon referred to the property between Shaker Road and Elm Street and noted two tobacco barns are falling apart. He voiced concern about this safety hazard.
Councilman Crowley thanked Attorney Bromson for taking the position of Acting Town Manager during a difficult time. He noted Attorney Bromson did a great job with EMS, the Fermi field situation, the budget, as well as a lot of other issues. He expressed his appreciation for an outstanding job.
Councilman Peruta stated he attended the Scitico memorial rededication. He noted John Hurst did a great job with the memorial.
Councilman Peruta stated awhile ago a local firehouse hosted a program about underage drinking. He noted this was very well done. He suggested perhaps this presentation can be put on for the Town Council and Board of Education. He noted this program was very compelling and told about what’s going on in Enfield and what is being done to help.
Councilman Peruta stated someone in the audience suggested providing a drop-off place for hazardous waste materials so that people do not have to hold onto them while waiting for the yearly program.
Councilman Peruta thanked Mr. Vindigni for being so responsive to the referrals from the Town Council. He went on to commend Public Works for looking at those areas that had flooding in the past.
Chairman Tallarita commended Attorney Bromson for all his work while acting as Town Manager. He expressed the Council’s appreciation for Attorney Bromson foregoing his family trip to Europe to be in Enfield during this busy budget season.
Chairman Tallarita commended Eagle Scout, John Hurst, for all his work on the Scitico World War II memorial. He noted he did see the memorial and spoke with the Maynard family on Saturday. He stated he was unable to attend the rededication ceremony because his two sons were being confirmed at the same time.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Acting Town Manager, Chris Bromson, thanked the Town Council for their professionalism and civility during the course of the budget process. He expressed his appreciation to Messrs. Vindigni and Simmons and all members of the Town staff during the budget process. As to his tenure as Acting Town Manager, Mr. Bromson credited the professionalism and quality of all the employees and department heads of the town. He noted the Town is fortunate to have these employees, and he found it a pleasure to work with them all. He stated when his term is up, he’s very confident Mr. Vindigni will continue on in a more than capable manner. He also thanked Mary Ann and Joanne in the Town Manager’s office who were very helpful to him, and all the department heads who never let one thing slip in the six months he worked as Acting Town Manager.
Mr. Vindigni stated roof work will begin at Town Hall later this week. He noted the exit doors of the council chamber will be closed during the construction process, therefore, they will relocate primarily Council and Planning & Zoning meetings to the Thomas Alcorn School for June and July, until the project is complete. He added they will be sure the work area is safe during the Fourth of July Celebration.
Regarding flooding concerns, Mr. Vindigni thanked Public Works for their diligence in following up on different locations. He stated Enfield was more fortunate than other towns.
Referring to the state-owned house at Elm and Freshwater Boulevard, Mr. Vindigni stated he will contact the State DOT realtor to learn the status of this property. He added he can send the Zoning Enforcement Officer to do an assessment on property conditions to see if there are any violations.
TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
Attorney Bromson indicated he had no formal report this evening.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Councilman Mangini stated she and Councilman Lee attended an emergency Loan Review Committee meeting last week, and they looked at some emergency repairs that need to go forward, i.e., roofs and bathrooms. She noted the Committee had consensus and was able to make the necessary vote and make repairs.
Chairman Tallarita stated they hope to be able to announce a new Town Manager candidate within one or two weeks if all goes well with the negotiations.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS (TOWN COUNCIL & TOWN MANAGER)
All appointments remained on the table.
Item c. remained tabled.
MOTION #8810 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Peruta to remove Item d. from the table.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8810 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: VIDEOTAPING OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
Councilman Mangini expressed appreciation to the Council for allowing funding so they can go forward with the taping. She noted she and Councilman Lee will continue the work on the cable subcommittee to bring this to resolution so that they can have a policy to bring before the Council at some point.
MOTION #8811 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Lee to retable this item.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8811 adopted 11-0-0.
MOTION #8812 by Councilman Hilinski, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to accept the Consent Agenda.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8812 adopted 11-0-0.
Item 12b.will appear on the next regular meeting agenda.
RESOLUTION #8813 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Mangini.
RESOLVED, that the Assistant Town Manager, Dan Vindigni, 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 #8813 adopted 11-0-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
There were no consent agenda items.
All appointments will appear under New Business on the next regular meeting agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #8814 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
BE IT RESOLVED, that we AMEND RESOLUTION #8284 to state:
BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Charter, Chapter IV, Section 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 23, 2006, up to and including May 23, 2006.
Attorney Bromson explained the last time the Council did the reappointment, they dated it the date of the meeting instead of the date the first 90 days expired.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8814 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8815 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
BE IN RESOLVED, in accordance with the Charter, Chapter IV, Section 2, the Enfield Town Council does hereby appoint Daniel T. Vindigni as Town Manager. His term shall become effective May 24, 2006 and end when the new Town Manager is appointed whereupon he will immediately resign as Town Manager and resume his duties as Assistant Town Manager.
Attorney Bromson pointed out this is exactly what was done in the past.
Chairman Tallarita expressed the Council’s appreciation for Mr. Vindigni’s cooperation in assuming the duties for this period.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8815 adopted 11-0-0.
RESOLUTION #8816 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 : Enfield Senior Center
Food/Food Related $8,000.00
FROM: Enfield Senior Center $8,000.00
Sales
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the amount of $8,000.00 is available from Account # Sales as of 4/27/06.
/s/ Gregory Simmons, Director of Finance
Councilman Mangini requested clarification on this. Mr. Vindigni explained this is a reflection of the high volume of usage at the senior center and the number of activities and events going on. He noted while they do collect fees for programs and activities, they have to have enough money on the expenditure side of the ledger.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8816 adopted 11-0-0.
DISCUSSION RE: FERMI HIGH SCHOOL REMEDIATION – SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING
Present for this discussion were Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski; Assistant Director of Public Works, Colleen Brand, and Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz
Mr. Vindigni referred to the cover memo in the Council’s packet and noted he made reference to the 60% reimbursement. He clarified this is a possibility. He explained the Town would have to make application to the State, and it would have to go through a review process, and it may require legislative approval. He noted if this were approved, the Town could expect to be reimbursed sometime in 2007.
Mr. Kazmarski stated the Council has before them a copy of a memo dated May 12. He noted the first paragraph summarizes what is being looked at. He explained it basically consists of covering the playing fields with six inches of clean soil, and the balance of the school site away from the athletic fields would be covered with three inches of clean topsoil and a re-seeding of all of the disturbed areas. He stated this particular treatment was reviewed by DEP and the Department of Public Health, and based upon their recommendations, this is what they are in the process of developing as the remediation plan that they hope to be able to put out to bid soon. He stated this is probably the most effective and least expensive plan that was considered by all the offices concerned. He noted it was the recommendation of the two state agencies that the Town go with this plan because it meets their criteria for direct contact and it would preclude the necessity of trucking the material out to a licensed, environmentally secure disposal site in Massachusetts.
Mr. Kazmarski referred to two cost estimates within the memorandum and noted the first part is for the landscaped areas alone and that amounts to an estimated cost of $340,000. He stated the total cost of the proposed remediation is the next cost estimate and that addresses the treating and tilling of six inches of turf as well as re-seeding and that figure amounts to $1,350,000. He pointed out this second figure includes the $340,000 for the landscaped areas. He went on to note the estimate would jump to $2,310,000 if they excavated six inches of topsoil, or $3 million dollars to remove 12 inches of topsoil and deposit it at the Massachusetts disposal site. He pointed out the removal of six or twelve inches of topsoil is not required by DEP or the Department of Public Health for compliance with their required remediation action criteria.
As concerns the urgency of this, Mr. Kazmarski stated with the Council’s concurrence this evening, the consultant who is putting together the remediation action plan will start work immediately. He noted they had a preliminary review done by DEP and DPH, and they are comfortable with it, and they propose getting the remediation action plan out to bid as quickly as possible. He stated the design has to be done with one caveat, and that’s the fact that the Town cannot have a request for bid until the project is authorized by the State Facilities Unit. He noted Art Pongratz will be making an application to the State Facilities Unit on June 5th. He stated once that application is put in and SFU gives the indication they’re agreeable with the project, the Town can advertise this.
Chairman Tallarita stated the order of priority is health, economics and then the referendum question dealing with the athletic fields project. He questioned if those concerns have been addressed in that order with this plan, and Mr. Kazmarski responded yes and added the cooperative effort from DEP and DPH was very gratifying because they recognize the seriousness of this situation. He commended the two representatives from those agencies who have assisted the Town.
Councilman Crowley questioned if this work will be done when the school year is over, and Mr. Kazmarski stated that’s the intent. Councilman Crowley questioned whether the school system is aware that there’s to be no activity while this work is taking place. Mr. Pongratz stated there were several discussions about this with Art Pongratz and Dr. Gallacher, and it was determined that if this work is underway during the summer months, then there will be no school activities at Fermi High School this summer.
Councilman Crowley questioned the chance of this material being airborne around the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Kazmarski pointed out they are not removing any soil from the site, but rather only new, clean material will be trucked in. He added they will take measures to keep down the dust.
Councilman Maxellon stated his understanding all the grass areas will be taken care of as well, and Mr. Kazmarski responded that’s correct.
Councilman Maxellon stated his understanding this project will be in conjunction with the field project, but it will be separate and managed by Public Works. Mr. Kazmarski stated they will most likely be managing the first phase in-house, however, they will need the assistance of the design consultant because it is somewhat of a unique situation. He noted in conjunction with this, the plan is to not only be moving dirt and remediating the effects of the pesticide, but the installation of irrigation systems, indoor conduits for drainage, etc. can be installed now before they lay on the six inches of top soil over the athletic fields and then they can re-seed that immediately. He noted if everything works out okay, they should have grass growing this fall throughout that entire area. He stated that will jumpstart the entire project because they will be doing some phases of the actual implementation of the improvements in conjunction with the remediation.
Councilman Maxellon questioned whether the public will have an opportunity to ask questions at a public hearing. Chairman Tallarita responded yes. He noted Town staff will be present that evening to answer questions. He suggested they should be prepared to have some type of presentation for that evening. Mr. Kazmarski stated they’ve already requested DEP and DPH to be present for that public hearing. Chairman Tallarita stated the public can still utilize the process that was put in place from the beginning. He noted Tom McKee can be contacted at Public Works if they require information. He added the Town can place the remediation plan onto the website as soon as it’s available.
Councilman Mangini requested clarification on costs. Mr. Pongratz explained the total estimate for the remediation work is $1.35 million dollars.
Councilman Mangini questioned whether it will be necessary to go to referendum for any of this money. Attorney Bromson responded no and explained this is an emergency appropriation under the Charter. He noted that’s why they’re having a public hearing because this would be an emergency appropriation to address a situation relating to public health and safety. He added the Town’s website will include the Town Attorney’s opinion about this emergency appropriation and the remediation plan so that citizens will be continually informed. He went on to state his belief they had a prompt response from the DEP and Department of Health because of the professionalism of Town staff and the speed with which the Town informed the State about this situation.
Councilman Maxellon questioned if the fence that is now up will stay until the remediation is done. He noted he had a couple phone calls about this, and he told callers the fence is staying. Mr. Kazmarski stated it’s intended to leave the fence up. He noted some accommodations may have to be made for the graduation ceremony. He pointed out the Department of Public Health said the graduation ceremony could be held there at no risk to the participants for that one day.
RESOLUTION #8817 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Hilinski.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 5 of the Enfield Town Charter in the Thomas Alcorn School Cafeteria, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 5, 2006 at 7:15 p.m. to allow interested citizens an opportunity to express their opinions regarding the PROPOSED EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION FOR REMEDIATION OF THE FERMI HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELDS.
AMENDMENT #1 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Lee to start the hearing at 7:00 p.m.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared AMENDMENT #1 adopted 11-0-0.
Upon a ROLL-CALL vote being taken, the Chair declared RESOLUTION #8817 adopted 11-0-0, as amended.
RESOLUTION #8818 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin.
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Council will hold a Public Hearing at the Thomas G. Alcorn Elementary School Cafeteria, 1010 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, June 5, 2006 at 7:25 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 #8818 adopted 11-0-0.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mrs. Collins, the Hazardville Section
Thanked the Council once again for keeping taxes down.
Margaret Jedziniak, 232 Abbe Road
Apologized to the Mayor if he thought she was being critical about his absence at the Scantic World War II memorial rededication. She acknowledged he can’t be at every event.
COUNCILMEN COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Tallarita stated there was casual mention during budget deliberations about tag sale permits. He noted that although that one comment generated a lot of talk by the public, he believes that idea probably isn’t going anywhere.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #8819 by Councilman Mangini, seconded by Councilman Kaupin to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #8819 adopted 11-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:00 p.m. |