EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FEBRUARY 5, 2008
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Marcia A. Leclerc, Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Jason Rojas, Barbara-Ann Rossi, Patricia Harmon and Eric Thompson
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. He announced the exit locations in
accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 29-381, after which the Council joined him in the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Jason Rojas
to amend Item 9.C Referral to Fees Committee re: Building Fee Waiver –
Cellu Tissue as follows:
Referral to the Tax Policy Committee re: Cellu Tissue.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Marilyn Pet, 235 East River Drive, Chair of the Economic Development Commission, spoke in favor of the Referral to the Tax Policy Committee on the Cellu Tissue matter.
The following citizens came forward to support Circle of Life-Arts for All and the programs that are offered by that organization:
Franklin Villafane, Jr., 74 Bliss Street; Alphonse Labieniec, 12 Hilton Drive; Mayme Casady, 19 Pinetree Lane; Irene Cone, 52 Barbonsel Road; Herbert Barall, 821 Brewer Street.
Additionally, Mr. Barall read a letter from the town's Youth Director, Cephus Nolen, which indicated support of the Circle of Life and its programs.
Ben Rubin, a Journal Inquirer reporter, announced that he was offered a new position with the Journal News located in White Plains, New York. He thanked the Council and the Mayor for the support that he was shown over the last two years, and will miss the town and its people.
Attorney Joseph Williams, of Shipman & Goodwin, representing Cumberland Farms, Inc. spoke in favor of expanding the town's commercial node to include 241 and 249 Silver Lane.
Kathleen Stephens, 68 Silver Lane, addressed the Council on the following: (1) is in favor of expanding the town's commercial node to include 241 and 249 Silver Lane; (2) supports the Circle of Life programs; (3) in favor of the proposed business incentive for Cellu Tissue.
Greg Neary, Silver Lane, is in favor of expanding the town's commercial node to include 241 and 249 Silver Lane. Also, Mr. Neary expressed his support for the Circle of Life programs.
Patrick Sanzo, 23 Risley Street, spoke in favor of a zero dollar lease for Circle of Life – Arts for All, and the expansion of the town's commercial node at 241 and 249 Silver Lane.
Mayor Currey addressed the Council on (1) the Army Corps of Engineers' one-year extension for repairs to the town's dikes; (2) the results of the presidential primary will be announced later in the evening; (3) supports the Firefighters' contract, and noted the zero increase in revaluation year; (4) commends the Barall's for their dedication to Circle of Life – Arts for All.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 15, 2008 Executive Session/Tax Appeal Cases
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2008 Executive Session/Tax
Appeal Cases.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Pitkin, Horan
January 15, 2008 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Pitkin
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Resignation of Doris Frazier from the Patriotic Commission
The Chair announced that Ms. Frazier, regrettably, will be resigning from the Patriotic
Commission. He thanked Ms. Frazier for her dedication to the town.
NEW BUSINESS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
MOTION By Pat Harmon
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the following appointments:
1. Board of Ethics
Susan P. Skowronek; term to expire 12/12
2. Patriotic Commission
Melodie Wilson; term to expire 12/10
Motion carried 9/0.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Jason Rojas
to approve the appointment of Frances Ingallinera
to the Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities;
term to expire 12-09.
Motion carried 9/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $8,524.83
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Memorandum
DATE: February 11, 2008
TO: Michael Walsh, Director of Finance
FROM: Patricia Faucher, Collector of Revenue
RE: Refund of Taxes
Under the provisions of Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the following persons are entitled to the refunds as requested:
Name and Address |
Account |
Amount |
Reason |
Chase Man Auto Fin Corp PO Box 5210 New Hyde Park, NY 11042-5210 |
2006-03-56894 |
281.39 |
Assessor’s Adjustment VIN # 5TEHN72N94Z372593 |
Czercowy, Wladyslaw 66 School St A2Q East Hartford, CT 06108-2609 |
2006-03-59257 |
18.53 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 7161FD |
Diaz, Madeline 355 Garden St Apt 10 Hartford, CT 06112-2431 |
2006-04-82522 |
124.98 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 710RBR |
First American Real Estate Tax Service 1 First American Way Mail Code: DFW 1-3 Westlake, TX 76262 Attn: Tax Refunds |
2006-01-12363 |
1405.07 |
Incorrect Parcel 31 Canterbury Street |
First American Real Estate Tax Service 1 First American Way Mail Code: DFW 1-3 Westlake, TX 76262 Attn: Tax Refunds |
2006-01-1941 |
1493.20 |
Overpayment 62 Hollister Drive |
GE Capital Info Tech Solutions Inc C/O Property Tax Compliance PO Box 3649 Danbury, CT 06813-9661 |
2004-02-40693 |
2469.24 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # PPG01094 |
Gelco Corp 3 Capital Dr Eden Prairie, MN 55344 |
2006-03-64326 |
5.35 |
Assessor’s Adjustment VIN # 1FTNF20F1XEC85700 |
Gelco Corp 3 Capital Dr Eden Prairie, MN 55344 |
2006-03-64329 |
1227.14 |
Assessor’s Adjustment VIN # 1FMCU93115KE40021 |
Hyer, Robert 39 Bay St Apt # 1 Winslow, ME 04901 |
2006-03-68358 |
14.39 |
Overpayment Marker # 930RKM |
Martin, John 9 Craig Court East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-03-64962 |
54.18 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 0744 |
McIntosh, Tyshawn 4B St Regis St East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-03-74740 |
44.72 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 283TWG |
Murray, Kiesha 63 Millbrook Dr East Hartford, CT 06118 |
2006-03-76686 |
32.40 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 464RGK |
Nissan Infiniti LT PO Box 254648 Sacramento, CA 95865 |
2006-03-77406 |
607.91 |
Assessor’s Adjustment VIN # JNRBS08W03X404231 |
Nissan Infiniti LT PO Box 254648 Sacramento, CA 95865 |
2006-03-77422 |
317.97 |
Assessor’s Adjustment VIN # 1N4BA41E14C821755 |
Perleoni, Michael D 11 Depietro Dr East Hartford, CT 06118 |
2006-01-11426 |
62.27 |
Overpayment 11 Depietro Drive |
Samela, John 486 Goodwin St East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-04-88053 |
19.43 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 316TLP |
Savastio, Brian D 84 Ensign St East Hartford, CT 06118-1812 |
2006-03-84482 |
14.23 |
Overpayment Marker # 105SSG |
Shoemaker, Nina 24 Belden St East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-03-74306 |
23.30 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 753TKO |
Stavis, Marie PO Box 1166 Glastonbury, CT 06033 |
2006-03-86480 295.82 Tax 13.31 Int |
309.13 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # STAVIS |
TOTAL |
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8,524.83 |
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_____________________
Patricia Faucher, CCMC
Referral to Tax Policy Committee re: Cellu Tissue
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Bill Horan
to refer to the Tax Policy Committee a potential building fee waiver or other tax incentives for the Cellu Tissue Company located at 2 Forbes Street.
Motion carried 9/0.
Referral to Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Jason Rojas
to refer to the Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee the possibility of new job descriptions as follows:
1. Assessment Systems Coordinator
2. Assistant Zoning Enforcement Official
3. Emergency Management Coordinator
Motion carried 9/0.
Information Technology Department: Regional GIS Participation
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Jason Rojas
to authorize the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the Metropolitan District Corporation (MDC) regarding a
licensing of GIS software.
Motion carried 9/0.
Municipal Lease Financing – Computers
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A MUNICIPAL LEASE FINANCING AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to purchase certain computers and related equipment as part of the Town of East Hartford Approved Information Technology Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford budgeted monies in account G3300-63234 Information Technology - Leases to pay for such leases; and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford, through competitive bidding and the use of Western States Contracting Alliance pricing, will be provided with the requested computers and related lease financing; and
WHEREAS, the total cost of the computers designated for lease financing totals $17,970; and
WHEREAS, the annual cost to the Town of East Hartford for the next three fiscal years beginning in fiscal year 2007-2008 to pay principal, interest, and related administrative charges on the lease will be approximately $20,000; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of the lease, the Town will be responsible for the property taxes and insurance on the computers while they are in the town’s possession.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a lease agreement and related documents with Hewlett Packard Financial, or their financing affiliate, in the initial amount of $17,970. The interest rate, payment schedule and other details of the financing shall be mutually determined between the company and the Mayor, whose signatures will indicate approval of specific terms and conditions.
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Eric Thompson
to amend the motion as follows:
delete the word "annual" in paragraph 5 –
"WHEREAS, the annual cost to the Town of East Hartford for the next
three fiscal years beginning in fiscal…"
Motion carried 9/0.
On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carried 9/0.
Dike Repair and Certification:
Bid Waiver – Purcell Associates
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve a bid waiver for Purcell Associates to execute construction
administration and inspection of the dike deficiency correction plan and to
review and certify that such dike system can withstand a 100-year flood as
set forth in the Army Corps of Engineers' response to Governor M. Jodi
Rell dated January 25, 2008.
Motion carried 9/0.
Appropriation from Bond funds
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION CONCERNING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE DESIGN OF CORRECTIVE MEASURES FOR THE EAST HARTFORD FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2008
WHEREAS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a flood control system for the Town of East Hartford in 1943 to protect the town from the devastation of flood waters, and
WHEREAS, the annual inspections of the flood control system conducted by the town under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has generally found that the project remains in good condition, and
WHEREAS, after the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the impact that this natural disaster had on the New Orleans flood control system, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun the process of more rigorously examining the integrity of the town’s entire flood control system, and
WHEREAS, the town needs hired Purcell Associates to prepare the design of corrective measures for the East Hartford flood control system in order to adequately plan for necessary capital improvements, and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford requires the services of an engineering firm to perform construction inspection and contract administration services during the construction of these corrective measures, and
WHEREAS, The Army Corps of Engineers recently imposed additional engineering tasks to be completed within 45 days as a condition of the requested extension of time for the correction of maintenance deficiencies, and
WHEREAS the Town requires additional soil borings to affect a more economical sheeting design,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this Appropriation of funds in the amount of $195,800.00 from the Town’s special flood control bond fund for the purpose of funding the aforementioned items.
Funds certified as unobligated and available.
Distribution of Funds as follows:
Construction Inspection and Contract Administration |
$103,500.00 |
Based on 800 hours of field work; cost will vary depending on actual number of hours in the field |
Supplemental Engineering Services |
$42,000.00 |
Required to meet the USACE 45-day deadline |
Additional design expenditure: Sub-surface exploration |
$32,500.00 |
Required to effect a more economical sheeting design |
Contingency, 10% |
$17,800.00 |
|
Total requested amount |
$195,800.00 |
|
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
IAFF Local 1548 – Firefighters' Union Collective Bargaining Agreement:
Approval of Contract
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Bill Horan
to approve the tentative collective bargaining agreement between the
Town of East Hartford and Local 1548 of the International Association of
Firefighters, AFL-CIO for the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2011.
Motion carried 9/0.
Once fully executed, a copy of this contract will follow these minutes.
Contingency Transfer
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Eric Thompson
to transfer funds in the amount of $550,000 from account
#G9600-60201 Contingency Reserve – Contract Negotiations
to account #G5317-60110 Fire Suppression-Permanent Services
to cover the retroactive costs of the Firefighters' agreement from the
2006-2007 and 2007-2008 fiscal years.
Motion carried 9/0.
Town of East Hartford's Plan of Conservation and Development re: 241 and 249 Silver Lane – Cumberland Farms
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Eric Thompson
to take no action on the proposed amendment for the Plan of Conservation and Development as detailed in a memo from Mayor Melody A. Currey to Town Council Chair Richard Kehoe dated January 23, 2008 and advise the Planning and Zoning Commission to ensure that any action taken protects abutting residential areas and is consistent with existing small commercial and retail development in that area.
Motion carried 9/0.
Setting a Public Hearing Date of Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. re: Section 2-
113c, The Hockanum River Commission Ordinance
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. in Town Council Chambers to hear public comment on the proposed amendment to the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances by adding a new subsection (c) to Section 2-113 regarding the establishment of the Hockanum River Commission.
Motion carried 9/0.
Recommendations from the Fees Committee:
Circle of Life: Arts for All Lease
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Jason Rojas
to approve the lease renewal for Circle of Life Arts for All, Inc. at the
property known as 50 Chapman Street in the East Hartford Community
Cultural Center, more specifically as follows:
· Three rooms on the south-east side of the lower level of the building (3,404 s.f.) for 5 years beginning on March 1, 2008 for the cost of $1.50 per s.f., with annual cost increases of .15 cents per s.f. on the annual anniversary (see
below)* *, and with the following stipulations incorporated into the lease:
1. The lease is not transferable
2. No other organization or non-profit may utilize the space.
** March 1, 2008 1.50 s.f. $5,106.00
March 1, 2009 1.65 s.f. $5,616.60
March 1, 2010 1.80 s.f. $6,127.20
March 1, 2011 1.95 s.f. $6,637.80
March 1, 2012 2.10 s.f. $7,148.40
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Jason Rojas
to amend the motion as follows:
to approve the lease renewal for Circle of Life Arts for All, Inc. at the
property known as 50 Chapman Street in the East Hartford Community
Cultural Center, more specifically as follows:
· Three rooms on the south-east side of the lower level of the building (3,404 s.f.) for 2 years beginning on March 1, 2008 for the cost of $1.50 per s.f., with annual cost increases of .15 cents per s.f. on the annual
anniversary (see below)* *, and with the following stipulations incorporated into the lease:
1. The lease is not transferable
2. No other organization or non-profit may share the space.
3. And further that the new stipulations be incorporated into the terms and language of the existing expired lease and a copy of the new lease be returned to the Fees Committee for review prior to the signing on March 1, 2008.
** March 1, 2008 1.50 s.f. $5,106.00 being $425.50 monthly
March 1, 2009 1.65 s.f. $5,616.60 being $468.05 monthly
Lease to expire February 28, 2010.
Motion carried 7/1. Nay: Rossi, Abstain: Kehoe
On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carried 7/1. Nay: Rossi, Abstain: Kehoe.
Zoning Application Review Fee
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve a zoning application fee of $15.00 per application.
Motion carried 9/0.
Riverfront Recapture – Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Bill Horan
to grant Riverfront Recapture a waiver of the fees for Phase II of the
Sculpture Walk to be installed along the walkways between the Founders
and Buckley Bridges; waived fees associated with the project may not
exceed $1,000.00.
Motion carried 9/0.
Recommendations from Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee:
269-299 Ellington Road, a.k.a., School Street Square
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to accept the conveyance of land and an easement to the town from
Woodgreen Management, Inc. for School Street Square.
Motion carried 9/0.
Town-owned Land – Keeney Cove area (Goodwin College)
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Jason Rojas
to approve a Limited License Agreement between the Town of East
Hartford and Goodwin College, Inc. for the College's use of town-owned
land in the Keeney Cove area pursuant to a limited license agreement
drafted by Assistant Corporation Counsel Rich Gentile.
Motion carried 9/0.
A copy of said agreement is attached to these minutes.
Bantle Road – Country Way Development
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Don Pitkin
to not accept the offer of Country Way Development, Inc. to grant the
town a deed to 3.64 acres in the Bantle Road area and to refer to the
Tax Policy Committee the issue of outstanding taxes due and owing
on the property.
Motion carried 9/0.
Recommendation from Tax Policy Committee re: Tax Lien Sales – Mobile Home Delinquencies
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to authorize the administration to conduct a tax lien sale by way of a
request for proposal (RFP) and to seek and receive sealed bids pursuant
to an invitation to bid on a number of tax liens held by the town on
specific mobile homes as listed on an updated tax lien sale list produced
by our Finance Director and attached to a memorandum from the Mayor to
the Town Council Chair dated February 5, 2008 subject to the following
three conditions:
1. The Collector of Revenue shall notify the~record owner of each mobile home subject to a lien that is to be included in the tax lien sale, by certified mail, that the lien is being included in the request for proposal and invitation to bid, and that~the owner should
contact the Town immediately to pay the taxes or seek a payment plan if they wish to keep
the Town's tax liens on their property from being sold;
2. The letters from the Collector of Revenue to each mobile home owner shall notify the property owner that the purchaser of the tax lien on their mobile home shall have the right to foreclose on that mobile home, and
3. The Administration shall return to the Town Council with the results of the request for proposal and that the proposal for each tax lien must be approved by the Town Council before it is sold.
Motion carried 9/0.
Recommendation from Tax Policy Committee re: Tax Lien Sales – Real Property
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Don Pitkin
to authorize the administration to conduct a tax lien sale by way of a
request for proposal (RFP) and to seek and receive sealed bids pursuant
to an invitation to bid on a number of tax liens held by the town on
specific real property as listed on a "delinquent report" produced by the
Finance Director and attached to a memorandum from the Mayor to the
Town Council Chair dated February 5, 2008 subject to the following
three conditions:
1. The Collector of Revenue shall notify the~record owner of each property subject to a lien that is to be included in the tax lien sale, by certified mail, that the lien is being included in the request for proposal and invitation to bid, and that~the owner should contact the Town immediately to pay the taxes or seek a payment plan if
they wish to keep the Town's tax liens on their property from being sold;
2. The letters from the Collector of Revenue to each property owner shall notify the property owner that the purchaser of the tax lien on their property shall have the right to foreclose on that property, and
3. The Administration shall return to the Town Council with the results of the request for proposal and that the proposal for each tax lien must be approved by the Town Council before it is sold.
Motion carried 9/0.
Agreement between the Town of East Hartford and AFSCME Locals 818 and 1174 re: Golf Course Employees Transfer
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between the Town of
East Hartford and AFSCME Council 4, Locals 818 and 1174 outlining the
transfer of the town's golf course employees to other town positions
following the privatization of the town golf course.
Motion carried 8/1. Nay: Rojas
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Pat Harmon inquired on the condition of a fence located between 411 and 425 Park Avenue.
Also, Councillor Harmon asked the Administration to look into the condition of the catwalk in the Columbus Circle area to Norris School.
Jason Rojas asked that the Chief of Police address the Town Council on the possibility of any gang-related activity in town.
Don Pitkin asked if the proposed construction changes at Town Hall have been finalized. Also, Councillor Pitkin agreed with Councillor Rojas on having the Chief of Police address the Council.
Rich Kehoe congratulated the East Hartford Police Department for their professionalism on
the way they handled a recent burglary in his neighborhood.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Coleman B. Levy, Trustee v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel's office to settle
the tax appeal case entitled Coleman B. Levy Trustee v. Town of East
Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market
value of the property located at 103 School Street, owned by Coleman B.
Levy, Trustee, to the sum of $245,000.00, subject to rounding; beginning
with the Grand List of October 1, 2006; further that neither party will be
entitled to fees or costs of any kind; further that if the plaintiff is entitled to
a refund of taxes paid, the refund will be deducted from the next
installment of taxes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Commissioner Transportation v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel's office to settle
the case entitled Commissioner of Transportation v. Town of East Hartford,
Docket No. CV-07-4029477-S for the sum of $47,000.00 as compensation
for the taking of the subject property known as 337 Burnside Avenue.
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to postpone action until the next regular Town Council meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Patrick Sanzo, 23 Risley Street, commented on the voting process in today's primary and also spoke in favor of the Chief of Police addressing the Council on any gang-related activity in the community.
The Mayor announced the results of the Presidential Primary in East Hartford:
Republicans: Mitt Romney= 344, John McCain= 471
Democrats: Hillary Clinton= 2708, Barack O'Bama= 2736
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:00 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on February 19, 2008.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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