Town Council Sets Date for Public Hearing on Scitico Schoolhouse Transfer

The Enfield Town Council met Monday evening in the Council Chambers and heard a good deal of feedback from the public concerning the proposed transfer of the old Scitico Schoolhouse on Broad Brook Rd to the Martha Parsons Trust. Though the Council's only action at the meeting was to set the date for a public hearing, several residents and interested parties offered information about the transfer and details of the litigation surrounding the property.

Enfield Historical Society member Russ Meyer voiced his objection to the deeding of the Grange Hall to the trust, citing a lack of involvement of the Property Management Committee. He also noted a deficiency in reporting of financial statements by the trust. Speaking in favor of the transfer was Martha Parsons Trust chairman Richard O'Brien and his attorney.

Town resident Margaret Jedziniak expressed concern over the future uses of the schoolhouse, and concern over the removal of historical property from the building by the Grange. The building currently serves as a Grange Hall and the Trust intends to renovate the building for use as a museum.

The public hearing was set on the proposed transfer for Monday, May 2, 2011 at 6:50 p.m. in Council Chambers.

The Council heard an update from Assessor Della Fromente on the property revaluation currently underway. She reported that Vision Appraisal, the party hired to conduct the revaluation, was on schedule having conducted inspections of roughly 10,200 of 14,000 residential homes in town, and all but six of the commercial, industrial, and exempt properties. All data is scheduled to be compiled by October 1^st and available by Thanksgiving.

Several sections of town have received letters requesting information about properties, and Fromente urged cooperation from the public. The better the participation, the more accurate the data will be and more accurate the revaluation will be. Deputy Mayor Kenneth Nelson stressed that the appraisal process was not connected to the permit process in terms of enforcement. The departments act separately and concern over proper permitting should not cause residents to avoid working with the appraisal company.

“Allowing them [appraisers] in your house only helps your case when going to appeal,” Nelson said.

Property Maintenance Inspector Kassie Huntanen presented to the Council on enforcement of the blight ordinance. The rise in foreclosures was noted as the cause for increased property maintenance complaints in recent years. Huntanen currently works fifteen hours per week fielding complaints, issuing citations, and checking compliance on remediation.

Councilwoman Cynthia Mangini asked whether part of enforcement included an awareness of whether the neglect of property was willful or a result of disability or hardship. Huntanen responded that she is trained in making referrals to social services should a property owner require assistance.

“Enforcement has to be not only heavy handed but we have to be teachers,” Huntanen said.

The Council voted to transfer $145,000 from contingency in order to cover costs associated with winter snow removal. Roughly $380,000 had been budgeted and actual costs came in at $525,000 due to higher than anticipated snowfall.

A seven year tax agreement was approved with Eppendorf, Inc for the expansion of its manufacturing business at 175 Freshwater Blvd. The $20-25 million addition aims to allow the company to create at minimum 90 new jobs. The agreement is an incremental increase in assessment for tax purposes from a beginning figure of 30% in the first year up to full assessment in the eighth year. Eppendorf opened the manufacturing business at the Enfield location in 2004. Mayor Scott Kaupin called them a “great corporate citizen.” The motion passed unanimously.

The Council also set a public hearing date for WPCA fees for Monday, Monday 2, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. in Council Chambers.