EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FEBRUARY 19, 2008
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Majority Leader Marcia A. Leclerc, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Jason Rojas, Barbara-Ann Rossi, Patricia Harmon and Eric Thompson
ABSENT Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:32 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 Eric Thompson
to add, under New Business, Item 9. G. Recommendation from
Tax Policy Committee re: Building Fee Waiver – Cellu Tissue.
Motion carried 7/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Skowronek, 84 Syracuse Drive, spoke in favor of the building fee waiver for Cellu Tissue. Ms. Skowronek also read a letter from Cellu Tissue that had been presented to the town's Economic Development Commission.
Roger Coleman, 22 Kenneth Drive, spoke against the building fee waiver for Cellu Tissue.
Robert Pasek, 403 Burnside Avenue, spoke against the State taking of Burnside Avenue.
Mayor Currey addressed the Council on the following: (1) strongly supports the new Hockanum River Commission ordinance; (2) stated that the Cemetery Advisory Board unanimously supports the new cemetery fee schedule; (3) the Mayor's Ball, which is March 8th, is a charity event (not town-sponsored event) and both Circle of Life-Arts for All and the East Hartford Interfaith Ministries will be this year's recipients of all proceeds.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 5, 2008 Executive Session/Coleman Levy & Commissioner of Transportation
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2008 Executive
Session/Coleman Levy & Commissioner of Transportation.
Motion carried 7/0.
January 2, 2008 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve the minutes of the January 2, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 7/0.
OLD BUSINESS
See Council Action on Executive Session Matters, Item 11.A.
NEW BUSINESS
Recommendation from Ordinance Committee re: Section 2-113c, Hockanum River Commission
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to amend the East Hartford Code of Ordinances by adding a new
Section 2-113c, entitled The Hockanum River Commission
that is consistent with the draft of the proposed ordinance dated
January 20, 2008 (see below), and unanimously approved by the
Ordinance Committee.
Motion carried 7/0.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE REGARDING THE HOCKANUM RIVER COMMISSION
(January 20, 2008)
The code of ordinances for the town of East Hartford is amended by adding a new section 2-113c as follows:
Sec. 2-113c (a) There is established a Hockanum River Commission, consisting of nine members, at least seven of whom shall be electors of the town of East Hartford, and no more than two of whom may be residents of other towns in Connecticut. Members shall serve a term of three years.
(b) The commission shall, in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Director, develop and implement projects to improve the Hockanum River within the town of East Hartford and operate programs to encourage the use and appreciation of the Hockanum River. No project or program of the commission shall be implemented without the approval of the Parks and Recreation Director.
Recommendation from Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition Committee re: 269-299 Ellington Road, aka, School Street Square – School Street Plaza, LLC.
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to rescind the motion passed by the East Hartford Town Council on
February 5, 2008 regarding the conveyance of land and an easement from
Woodgreen Management, Inc. for School Street Square.
Motion carried 7/0.
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Eric Thompson
to accept the conveyance of land and an easement to the town from
School Street Plaza, LLC for School Street Square.
Motion carried 7/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Pat Harmon
to refund taxes in the amount of $8, 425.11
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 7/0.
Memorandum
DATE: February 26, 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 |
Environmental Office Sol 45 Belden St East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-03-62002 |
247.42 |
Overpayment Marker # 654UKV |
First American Real Estate Tax Service ATTN: Tax Refunds PO Box 961250 Fort Worth, TX 76161-9887 |
2006-01-2447 |
2066.88 |
Overpayment 157-159 Burnside Avenue |
First American Real Estate Tax Service ATTN: Tax Refunds PO Box 961250 Fort Worth, TX 76161-9887 |
2006-01-8179 |
1692.31 |
Incorrect Town 36 Westbrook Street |
GE Capital Information Tech Solutions Inc PO Box 1920 Danbury, CT 06813-1920 |
2006-02-40715 |
943.82 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Unique ID # PPG01094 |
Harting, Michelle 37 Rivermead Blvd East Hartford, CT 06118-2546 |
2006-03-66755 |
148.51 |
Overpayment Marker # 209NTB |
Murphy, Irene 434 School St East Hartford, CT 06108-1149 |
2006-04-86245 |
343.86 |
Overpayment Marker # MN5639 |
Pazdelavega, Lauren 163-16 25th Ave Whitestone, NY 11357-4059 |
2006-01-8579 |
15.00 |
Overpayment 233 Ellington Road Unit 312 |
Pelletier, Cynthia 46 Amato Dr East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-01-11313 |
2551.43
|
Overpayment 46 Amato Drive |
Pottabathula, Madhu B 200 Nutmeg Lane Apt # 214 East Hartford, CT 06118-1237 |
2006-03-80596 |
107.45 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 445UOZ |
Sparks, Stephen 25 Elmer St East Hartford, CT 06108 |
2006-04-88538 |
10.51 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 445UYW |
The Willows LLC PO Box 681 Orange, CT 06477 |
2005-01-6440 |
297.92 |
Overpayment 441 Main Street Lot # 901 |
TOTAL |
|
8425.11 |
|
_____________________
Patricia Faucher, CCMC
Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee re: Extension of Silver Lane Cemetery
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Pat Harmon
to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the issue
of the extension of Silver Lane Cemetery.
Motion carried 7/0.
Recommendation from Fees Committee re: Cemetery Fees Schedule
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the proposed fee schedule for Burial Plots, Grave
Openings Cost, and miscellaneous fees as presented by the Mayor and
members of the Cemetery Advisory Committee in a memo from Public Works Director Billy Taylor dated March 13, 2007 (see below) with an effective date of Wednesday, April 30, 2008, provided that disinterment and re-interment fees are waived for any person who purchased a plot in Silver Lane Cemetery and must be buried temporarily in other areas of such cemetery.
Motion carried 7/0.
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: 13 March 2007
TO: Melody A Currey, Mayor
FROM: Billy G. Taylor, P.E., Director of Public Works
RE: Cemetery Fees
____________________________________________________________________________
At its 1 March 2007 meeting, the Cemetery Advisory Committee recommended a number of changes in the fees charged for burial plots, grave openings, disinterments and recording as shown below. If you concur, please refer the proposed fees to the Town Council for its consideration.
Burial Plots
|
Traditional |
Cremation |
Infant* |
Indigent |
Veteran** |
Proposed |
$750 |
$200 |
$200 |
N/C |
N/C |
Existing |
$400 |
$50 |
$50 |
N/C |
N/C |
* Up to a 48” vault
** Also applies to veteran’s spouse
Grave Opening Costs
|
Traditional |
Cremation |
Infant |
Indigent |
Veteran |
Proposed Resident |
$750 |
$200 |
$200 |
$200* |
$750 |
Proposed Non-Resident |
$1,200 |
$300 |
$300 |
N/A |
N/A |
Existing |
$400 |
$30 |
$30 |
$200 |
$200 |
* No monument may be installed unless the Town is paid the applicable non-indigent fee
Miscellaneous Fees
|
Disinterments |
Recording Fee |
Overtime Cost* |
Proposed |
$750 |
No charge |
$420 |
Existing |
$400 |
$10 |
$100 |
* Applies to weekdays after 3 P.M. and Saturdays after 12 Noon.
Acceptance of the Meadow Lane Subdivision re: Footpath Lane and Cartway Lane as Town Roads
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to accept Footpath Lane and Cartway Lane as town roads as
recommended by the East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission at its
February 13, 2008 meeting.
Motion carried 7/0.
Recommendation from Tax Policy Committee re: Building Fee Waiver - Cellu Tissue
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas; Cellu Tissue has been an East Hartford business and a great neighbor since the 1700’s, and
Whereas; the proposed waiver of fees, if approved, would allow Cellu Tissue to move forward on their proposed major reinvestment in their manufacturing facility, which is an investment that is aimed at reducing the energy costs associated with the papermaking process, and
Whereas; the project is estimated at $6 million for the installation of a 3.0 megawatt electrical generator driven by a natural gas engine, reducing their yearly energy costs by $1,800,000 per year, and
Whereas; the project will allow Cellu Tissue to continue to thrive in East Hartford and remain competitive in their respective market; and
Whereas; the one-time fee waiver not to exceed $90,000 will bring an additional $180,000 of new tax dollars to the town of East Hartford annually.
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Town Council approve the waiver of inspections and permits fees associated with Cellu Tissue's $6 Million project. Such waiver shall not exceed $90,000.
On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
None
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Commissioner of Transportation v. Town of East Hartford (postponed from February 5, 2008 meeting)
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to postpone action until further notice from the Mayor regarding the
issue of Commissioner of Transportation v. Town, the State
taking of Route 44, Burnside Avenue.
Motion carried 7/0.
Eastbrook Towers, LLC v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Jason Rojas
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s office to settle
the tax appeal case entitled Eastbrook Towers, LLC v. Town of East
Hartford, Docket No. HHB-CV-07-4014655-S, and to authorize the Town
Assessor to reduce the fair market value of the property located at 40
Cumberland Drive, owned by Eastbrook Towers, LLC, to the sum of
$2,000,000.00, 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 7/0.
Eastbrook Towers, LLC v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s office to settle
the tax appeal case entitled Eastbrook Towers, LLC v. Town of East
Hartford, Docket No. HHB-CV-07-4014654-S, and to authorize the Town
Assessor to reduce the fair market value of the property located at 80
Simmons Road, owned by Eastbrook Towers, LLC, to the sum of
$2,000,000.00, 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 7/0.
96 Silver Lane, LLC 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 96 Silver Lane, LLC v. Town of East Hartford
and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market value of the
property located at 96 Silver Lane, owned by 96 Silver Lane, LLC, to the
sum of $2,105,000.00, 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 7/0.
Steven Camp v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to fully and finally
settle the case entitled Steven M. Camp v. Town of East Hartford, for the
total sum of $12,000.00.
Motion carried 7/0.
Saxon Comstock Partners, LLC v. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s office to settle
the tax appeal case entitled Saxon Comstock Partners, LLC v. Town of
East Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market
value of the property located at 2 Orchard Street, owned by Saxon
Comstock Partners, LLC, to the sum of $765,000.00, 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 7/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Ram Aberasturia, 36 Eric Way, spoke in favor of a Youth Task Force Coordinator position.
Roger Coleman, 22 Kenneth Drive, spoke against the building fee waiver that was granted to Cellu Tissue this evening.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adjourn (8:25 p.m.).
Motion carried 7/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on March 4, 2008.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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