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Committees, Boards, Agencies & Commissions: Reference Manual |
Date Prepared: June 1, 2003
Area 25 Cable TV Advisory Committee
The Area 25 Cable Television Advisory Committee was established by Resolution #4519, by the Enfield Town Council, at a regular meeting held on April 20, 1981 (in accordance with Section 16-233-24 of the CT General Statutes, effective April 23, 1974). The committee was charged with the responsibility of fully investigating cable television, advising the Town Council on a periodic basis as to the state of the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) actions regarding Enfield cable service, and accumulating resource information that would be necessary for the community to make appropriate decisions for input to the company or DPUC. The committee is comprised of three (3) residents, such members to be representative of the cultural, educational, ethnical and economical composition of the community. The Director of Libraries, or his designated representative and a representative of the Board of Education were appointed to serve as ex-officio members. The term of office is two (2) years. This committee meets on alternate third Wednesdays.
Not Approved by Committee
Athletic Hall of Fame Committee
The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is a self-appointing agency. The Town Council, at a regular meeting held on December 4, 1995, adopted Resolution #2277, which established the Athletic Hall of Fame at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center. It was resolved that the Hall of Fame would be governed by a committee, which would have as permanent members, the Recreation Supervisor and the Board of Education Athletic Director (or comparable representative). The number of committee members and the appointment of committee members is the responsibility of the permanent committee. Terms of office would be indefinite. Funding for the operation of the Hall of Fame shall be from sources other than the Town of Enfield. The committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month.
Board of Assessment Appeals
The Board of Assessment Appeals is a three (3) member board established in accordance with Chapter V, Section 4 of the Enfield Town Charter. It is charged with the responsibility of hearing appeals related to the assessment of property. Meetings are held as prescribed by CT General Statutes. Members of this board serve for a term of three (3) years.
Building Code Board of Appeals
A board of appeals shall be appointed by each municipality. Such board shall consist of five members, all of whom shall meet the qualifications set forth in the State Building Code. A member of a board of appeals of one municipality may also be a member of the board of appeals of another municipality (C.G.S. 29-266(a)).
One member of the board of appeals shall be appointed from the general public. The other four members shall have at least five years experience each in building design, building construction, or supervision of building construction (C.S.B.C. 112.2.1 amd). The board shall annually select one of its members to serve as chairman (C.S.B.C. 112.2.2 amd).
Each appeal shall be heard in the municipality for which the building official serves within five days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the date of receipt of the appeal (C.S.B.C. 112.3 amd).
Source: Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) and the 1999 Connecticut State Building Code (C.S.B.C.).
Commission on Aging
The Commission on Aging was established to study the needs of and coordinate the programs for the aging. The responsibilities of the commission are:
1. To foster understanding, respect and involvement of older adults in the life of the community.
2. To encourage participation of older residents in all aspects of community life.
3. To assure older citizens equal access to Town resources, facilities, programs and development through consultation and participation in planning.
4. To continuously study and analyze the needs of the older populations in order to maintain innovative approaches to their changing needs.
5. To apply for state, federal and other grants that would support areas or needs that are important to older adults.
6. To coordinate local agency programs, both public and private, which provide services for the aged.
7. To submit a progress report to the Town Council every six (6) months.
This commission was established by ordinance adopted by the Town Council on July 1, 1971. The ordinance was amended on April 21, 1997 and became effective May 6, 1997. The amended ordinance provides for the appointment of nine (9) members and two (2) alternates. At least three (3) members shall be over 60 years of age, three (3) members between 50 and 60 and three (3) members younger than 50 years of age. The commission is appointed by the Town Manager with the approval of the Town Council to serve for a term of three (3) years. The commission meets on the second Wednesday of the month.
Connecticut River Assembly
The Connecticut River Assembly membership is made up of representatives from the municipalities of Middletown, East Hampton, Portland, Cromwell, Glastonbury, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor, South Windsor, Windsor Locks, East Windsor, Suffield and Enfield. Two representatives (one (1) member and one (1) alternate) are appointed from each of these communities to serve on the assembly to review and comment on applications pertaining to land use within the Connecticut River conservation zone. Term of office is for three (3) years. The assembly meets on the second Thursday of the month.
Connecticut Water Company Advisory Council
The Connecticut Water Company Advisory Council is comprised of one (1) voting member and one (1) non-voting alternate from each town of the northern Service District, appointed by the chief elected official of the town and at least one (1) non-voting advisory member from the Connecticut Water Company's northern district. The purpose of the committee is to provide the residents with advocates to air complaints about service, water quality and fees. The committee is scheduled to meet at least once every six months.
Conservation Commission
In accordance with CT General Statutes, Section 7-131a, (Town Code, Chapter 2, Article I, Section 2-6.1) the Town Council, in July 2001, established by ordinance a Conservation Commission for the development and conservation of natural resources, including water resources, within the territorial limits of the Town.
In general the commission has five goals: 1. the acquisition and preservation of open space, 2. the preservation of farmland, 3. aquifer protection, 4. archaeological protection and 5. special projects (projects that do not fall into any of the four aforementioned areas but further the commission's charge as set forth by the Town Council). Examples of work in each of the goal categories are:
1. open space preservation- the purchase of land along the Scantic River corridor and the designation of such as an official Greenway by the CT Greenways Council, advocacy of acquisition of properties currently owned by Northeast Utilities, presenting educational forums in collaboration with Northern CT Land Trust.
2. farm land preservation- the compilation of a document entitled Open Space and Farmland Preservation in Enfield that outlines an open space planning program, advocacy of Farmland Preservation Bill 1041.
3. aquifer protection - participation in the CT River Watershed Council's Conference focusing on creating a strategy for conservation and development within the watershed in the MA/CT region, participation in southern New England Soil & Water Conservation programs dealing with low flow problems and streams, development of information that will protect the drinking water supply for the Town (source of which is entirely deep well aquifers).
4. archaeological protection - collaboration with members of the Enfield Historical Society to assist the state with an update of a map showing archaeologically sensitive sites in Enfield, and the commitment to work with the historic policy work group of the Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee in order to address archaeological protection areas.
5. special projects - research and documentation of conservation easements throughout Enfield, CT River Clean Up, support of access to the CT River over Amtrak property.
The commission is comprised of seven (7) members and three (3) alternate members to be appointed by the chief executive officer of the municipality. The term of office is four (4) years. This commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month.
Cultural Arts Commission
The purpose of this commission is to encourage participation in and promotion, development and acceptance of artistic and cultural activities. This committee is comprised of seven (7) members, two (2) Town Council liaisons, and one (1) staff member. Members of the commission shall be selected from a broad cross-section of the community to include members of diverse economic, social and cultural groups who are interested in the aims and purposes of this commission. Commission members serve for a term of two (2) years. The Cultural Arts Commission meets on the first Tuesday of every month.
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission was created by an ordinance adopted by the Enfield Town Council at a Regular Meeting held on November 6, 1996, pursuant to Chapter III, Section 6 of the Enfield Town Charter and CT General Statute Section 7-136. The purpose of the Economic Development Commission shall be for the promotion and development of the economic resources of the Town of Enfield. The commission is comprised of nine (9) members who shall reside or conduct business in Enfield. The members are appointed by the Town Manager. In addition, the Town Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission shall each appoint one (1) liaison to serve as an ex-officio member. Term of office is five (5) years. Meetings are held at least on a quarterly basis.
Enfield Beautification Committee
The Beautification Committee was originally established by Resolution #3577, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Town Council on November 13, 1978. The purpose of the committee was to protect or improve the physical appearance of the community. The original members of the committee were appointed by the Town Council to indefinite terms of office and the resolution further stated that future members would be appointed on a self-appointing basis from the membership. With the creation of the Keep America Beautiful Committee (Keep Enfield Beautiful Committee) in 1990, several members of the Beautification Committee were absorbed into this committee. Eventually, the Beautification was dissolved and the Keep Enfield Beautiful Committee (KEB) took on the responsibility of the beautification of Enfield. KEB's main focus was the Adopt-A-Spot program. This committee became dormant during 1997 and requested that the Town Council find another group to take on the Adopt-A-Spot Program. By the adoption of Resolution #3341, on January 20, 1998, the Enfield Beautification Committee was re-established and the Keep Enfield Beautiful Committee was dissolved. The committee serves as advisors to the Town Council and any other board, agency, or commission desiring their assistance in planning for the orderly and growth and beautification of the community. In addition, the committee shall also be comprised of a liaison from each of the following: one (1) from the Town Manager's Office, one (1) from the Public Works Department, one (1) from the Town Council and nine (9) resident electors of the Town. Term of office would be for three (3) years. The committee meets the second Wednesday of each month.
Enfield Housing Partnership
This committee was created to develop ways to increase the supply and availability of affordable housing in the Town of Enfield. This committee is comprised of the Mayor, representatives of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Conservation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Housing Authority, Loan Review Committee, Development/Redevelopment Agency, Fair Rent Commission, Board of Education and representatives of the local business community, public interest groups, as well as Town staff. Appointments are made by the Mayor. Term of office is indefinite.
THIS COMMITTEE IS CURRENTLY INACTIVE.
Enfield Revitalization Strategy Committee
This committee was established by the Town Council as the Thompsonville Revitalization Strategy Committee to develop a strategy to create a sense of identity of place for Thompsonville. The ERSC works closely with Town staff to develop action plans and strategies to recommend to the Town Council for the implementation of various goals and objectives. There are 21 persons appointed by the Mayor with consent of the Council. The committee is also staffed by the Community Development Office, two town council liaisons---one from each party, one planning and zoning commission member, one economic development commission member and one beautification committee member. The committee meets the fourth Thursday of the month.
Ethics Commission
The Ethics Commission was established in accordance with the provisions of Section 7-148h of the CT General Statutes. The commission is empowered to investigate allegations of unethical conduct, corrupting influence, illegal activities or other behavior that would reflect adversely against the Town of Enfield, levied against any municipal official, officer or employee. The term of office of each commissioner is two (2) years. The Ethics Commission meets on the fourth Monday of alternating months.
Fair Rent Commission
The Fair Rent Commission was established in May of 1970 (Article VII, Town Code). The Fair Rent Commission shall have all the authority, powers, responsibilities and duties vested in such commissions under the provision #274 of the State of Connecticut Public Acts of 1969, as it may from time to time be amended. The commission is comprised of seven (7) members. It receives and hears complaints and conducts studies in order to control and eliminate excessive rental charges. The commission designates investigators to research complaints. The commission consists of two (2) tenants, two (2) landlords and three (3) individuals who are neither landlord nor tenants (i.e., homeowners). The appointments to this commission are made by the Town Manager for a term of two (2) years. Three (3) persons shall be appointed by the Town Manager as Complaint Investigators. The commission meets as needed.
Hazardville Water Advisory Committee
The Hazardville Water Advisory Council was established by Resolution #230 adopted by the Town Council at a regular meeting held on October 21, 1991. This resolution was drafted in accordance with Senate Bill 809 (also covered by Section 16-262a of the CT General Statutes), which allows the formation of the Water Advisory Council in conjunction with other municipalities which receive water service from the same company. Resolution #230 specified that the makeup of the committee would consist of three (3) voting members from Enfield and one (1) voting member from Somers. Each community would have one (1) non-voting alternate member. Members to be appointed by the represented town's chief elected body. Additionally, the Hazardville Water Company shall appoint an officer of the company to serve as a voting member of the Advisory Council and honor reasonable requests for documentation. Terms of office are for two (2) years. The Advisory Council meets on alternate months on the last Tuesday of the month.
Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission was established by ordinance adopted by the Enfield Town Council on July 17, 1972 and revised on June 6, 1983 (Section 4B-3 through 4B-14 of the Town Code). The powers and duties of the commission are as provided for in the CT General Statutes. In its deliberations, the commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use and shall take no action except for the purpose of preventing the erection, reconstruction, restoration, alteration or razing of buildings in the historic district obviously incongruous with the historic aspects of the district. The commission is comprised of five (5) regular members, not less than three (3) of these shall be residents within the historic district. In addition, the ordinance provides for the appointment of three (3) alternate members. The term of office is for five (5) years. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Housing Authority
The Housing Authority of the Town of Enfield was established in accordance with Section 8-40 of the CT General Statutes. The Housing Authority is comprised of five (5) members, one (1) of which shall be a tenant who lives in the housing owned or managed by the authority. The Executive Director of the Housing Authority is also a member, as well as two (2) liaisons of the Town Council. No commissioner of a housing authority may hold any public office in the municipality for which the authority was created. The authority is responsible for overseeing the operation and management of low and moderate-income properties owned by the authority. Term of office for members of the authority is five (5) years. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month.
Housing Code Appeals Board
The Housing Code Appeals Board was created by ordinance (Section 5A-7 of the Enfield Town Code) in accordance with the provisions of the CT General Statutes as they relate to the taking of appeals from municipal administrative bodies. This board is comprised of five (5) regular members and two (2) alternate members who are appointed by the Town Manager with approval of the Town Council. Each member shall serve until his successor is appointed and has qualified, and any vacancy shall be filled in like manner for the unexpired term. The Board consists of a fire chief or fire marshal from one of the Town's fire districts; a licensed architect or a licensed civil engineer; a building, plumbing or electrical contractor; a licensed physician or a registered nurse; a professional psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. The two (2) alternates may be chosen from any of the above categories of persons and shall serve for five (5) years. The purpose of this board is to hear the appeal of a property owner who has been issued a notice by the Housing Code Enforcement Officer that the property in question is unfit for habitation and, therefore, is condemned, or that the property does not comply with the minimum standards or requirements to which all housing must comply. This board meets as needed.
Human Services Advisory Commission
The Human Services Advisory Commission was established by Resolution #2520 adopted by the Town Council on April 15, 1996. The purpose of this ad hoc committee is to review and monitor non-profit human service agencies and programs which are supported financially by the Town, or provided directly by the Town and advise the council of strategies for improved service. The commission is comprised of seven (7) members appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the Town Council. Two (2) members of the commission shall be members of the Town Council, not from the same political party. The original appointment was for one year expiring July 1, 1997. The term of office was extended to June 1, 1998 by Resolution #3052, at a regular meeting of the Town Council held June 2, 1997. At their regular meeting of July 6, 1998, by Resolution #3536, the Enfield Town Council authorized the Human Services Advisory Commission to remain intact, and to meet as warranted in order to advise the Town Council and staff on human service needs and authorized the commission to continue to function in this manner until determined otherwise by the Town Council.
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency
Recognizing the importance of inland wetlands and watercourses to the health of the environment and quality of life in Enfield, the Town Council established, by ordinance, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency. The authority for creating this local regulatory agency comes from CT General Statutes, Sections 22a-36 to 22a-45 inclusive.
The duties of this agency involve carrying out and effectuating the purpose and policies of "The Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act" of the State, which also recognizes the importance of protecting and preserving these features in the public interest, for the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the State. The agency is responsible for regulating and permitting any proposed clearing, filling, excavation, paving, grading and discharge of storm water in and within 100 feet of any wetlands and/or watercourses. This 100 foot "regulated upland review area" extends to 200' for proposed activities along the Connecticut and Scantic Rivers, Beamans Brook and Freshwater Brook, upstream of Elm Street crossing (excluding tributaries). Activities occurring outside of these upland review areas that still have potential to negatively impact wetlands and/or watercourses may also be regulated by this agency.
The agency enforces all provisions of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act and shall issue, with or without modifications, or deny permits for all regulated activities involving inland wetlands, watercourses and upland review areas in the Town of Enfield. The agency also provides, through regulation, the manner in which the boundaries of inland wetland and watercourse areas in the Town shall be established, amended or changed. The agency is comprised of seven (7) members and three (3) alternate members and meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month (with the exception of January - only the third Tuesday).
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees, established within the Town Charter (Chapter V, Section 5) is a Town Council appointed board consisting of three (3) members, for a three-year (3) term of office. Said board shall be empowered to receive legacies and gifts on behalf of the library endowment funds and shall administer said endowment funds and grants that may be made to the libraries by the State of Connecticut. The Department of Finance shall have charge of financial record keeping for the Board of Library Trustees. Said board shall not take part in the administration and operations of libraries. This board meets quarterly on the third Monday of the month.
Loan Review Committee
The loan review committee was formed by the town council at its meeting of February 22, 1983. The committee was established to review and approve all loan applications, review and approve all deferred payment loan applications, review and approve all combination loans and deferred payment loan applications, review and approve all forgiveness loans and recommend from time to time changes in the policies and guidelines of the Residential rehabilitation program. The voting membership of the committee is comprised of the following: TWO members of the town council, THREE citizen members and two alternate members, each who shall reside in or have a place of business in one of the three designated target areas. the Term of office is for two years. The Committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month.
North Central District Health Department - Board of Directors
The North Central District Health Department Board of Directors was formed in accordance with Chapter 368f, Section 19a-241 of the CT General Statutes. Eight (8) municipalities make up the North Central District Health Department. They are East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Stafford, Suffield, Vernon, Windham and Windsor Locks. Each municipality appoints one (1) person to be a member of the Board of Directors of the District. If the town, city or borough has a population of more than 10,000 inhabitants, an additional representative is appointed for each 10,000 population of part thereof, provided no such municipality shall have more than five (5) representatives on a District Board of Health. The Town of Enfield is entitled to appoint five (5) representatives. The Director of Health is staff liaison and one (1) member of the Town Council serves as Council liaison. The term of office is three (3) years. This board meets on the third Wednesday of the month. The District Health Department's primary mission is public health promotion and disease prevention. It is responsible for epidemiological investigation and follow-up in areas of communicable diseases and food borne illnesses and immunization of children in the seven-town area. Also conducted are inspections of restaurants and other food service establishments, swimming pools, beaches, convalescent homes, wells, septic systems, physical plant and cafeterias of all public and private schools. In addition, the department approves all on-site subsurface sewage disposal systems and provides chemical and bacteriological tests for water as well as laboratory testing through the State Health Department for blood, stools and other samples when related to communicable disease investigations, food borne outbreaks, prevention or genetic screening programs. A new area of responsibility of the District is to develop plans for mass vaccination clinics and other activities related to the threat of bio-terrorism.
Planning & Zoning Commission
The Planning & Zoning Commission was established in accordance with Chapter V, Section 2 of the Town Charter. This commission is appointed by the Town Council and is comprised of seven (7) electors who shall be regular members, three (3) electors who shall be alternate members, all of whom shall be resident taxpayers of the town in accordance with the following provisions: no more than four (4) of the regular members shall be of the same political party and no more than two (2) of the alternate members shall be of the same political party. The commission shall have all the powers and duties not inconsistent with the Charter, which are prescribed in Title 8, Chapter 124 of the CT General Statutes. Broadly, the Planning & Zoning Commission is authorized to regulate, within the limits of the municipality, the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of the area of the lot that may be occupied; the size of yards, courts and other open spaces; the density of population and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes, including water-dependent uses as defined in Section 22a-93, and the height, size and location of advertising signs and billboards. The Planning & Zoning Commission is also responsible for adopting the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development which is designed to provide guidance in the Town's zoning and capital improvement decisions. By law, the Plan must be updated at least every ten (10) years. The Planning & Zoning Commission members serve for a four (4) year term of office. They meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Prison/Town Liaison Committee
The Prison/Town Liaison Committee was formed by the adoption of Resolution #9471, adopted by the Town Council at a special meeting held on July 23, 1990. The purpose of the committee is to open the lines of communication and the exchange of information between residents of Enfield, Town officials and prison officials, and regarding the operations of the prisons and the concerns of Enfield. The committee consists of a minimum of nine (9) members and a maximum of thirteen (13) residents. Also, the committee consists of wardens or their designees from each of the prisons, the Town Manager, and the Police Chief and three (3) Council liaisons. Meetings are scheduled four (4) times each year, or by special meeting, if determined as necessary.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The zoning board of appeals was created in accordance with title 8, chapter 124, section 8-5 of the ct general statutes. The responsibility of the board is to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement or decision made by the official charged with the enforcement of chapter 124 or any bylaw, ordinance or regulation adopted under the provisions of this chapter and to hear and decide all matters including special exceptions and special exemptions under section 8-2g upon which it is required to pass by the specific terms of the zoning bylaws, ordinance or regulations in harmony with their general purpose and intent and with the due consideration for conserving the public health, safety, convenience, welfare and property values solely with respect to a particular parcel of land. The board is comprised of five electors who shall be regular members, THREE electors who shall be alternate members, all of whom shall be resident taxpayers of said town, in accordance with the following provisions: no more than three of the regular members shall be of the same political party and no more than two of the alternate members shall be of the same political party. No member of the planning and zoning commission shall be eligible for appointment to the zoning board of appeals as a regular or an alternate member. The term of office is four years. The zoning board of appeals meets on the last Monday of the month.