Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
05-06-08 Regular Meeting
EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

MAY 6, 2008

PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe (left at 7:32 p.m.), 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 (arrived 8:25 p.m.)


CALL TO ORDER

Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:30 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.

At this point, due to a work commitment, the Chair left and turned the meeting over to Vice Chair Horan.


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

Mary Alice Dwyer-Hughes, 37 Greene Terrace, Chair of the East Hartford Board of Education, spoke in favor of the Municipal Tax Exempt Lease Purchase Financing resolution for the Board of Education.

Wanda Franek, 645 Goodwin Street, spoke against adult-oriented businesses in the town and distributed a model ordinance from the City of Bristol that she urged the Council’s Ordinance Committee to review and adopt.  

Paula Flack, 50 Chapman Place, thanked the Council for their support of the Hockanum River Race sponsored by the Hockanum River Commission.

Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, spoke on the proposed Pension and Retiree Benefit Board ordinance.  Ms. Kniep asked that (1) the total cost of the liability of healthcare for retirees be made available to the public; (2) urged the Council to post all information on the town’s website that would financially impact residents; (3) that all documentation surrounding the fund balance transfer of the Golf Course be released to the public; (4) suggested that the amount of money allocated to home improvement/repair on the Community Development Block Grant be evenly distributed among homeowners, not landlords; (5) is in favor of an ordinance blocking adult-oriented entertainment as a permitted use in any zone.

Mayor Currey spoke to the Council on the following issues: (1) announced that there is a link posted on the Finance Department’s homepage on the town’s website to the Milliman Report which indicates the financial impact of other post-employment benefits to the residents of the town; (2) the Golf Course transfer represents a cumulative loss since 1999; (3) if anyone is interested in joining the Mayor’s “Green Committee”, whose primary interest is environmental issues, contact her office either through phone or email; (4) the Mayor has sent the East Hartford Gazette a “Speaking Out” article regarding the potential deficit incurred by other post-employment benefits.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

April 15, 2008 Executive Session/Chapman Arms – Masters Club

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                        seconded by Jason Rojas
                        to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2008 Executive Session/Chapman
                        Arms – Masters Club.

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                        seconded by Marcia Leclerc              
                        to amend the minutes by adding the name of Councillor Barbara-Ann
                        Rossi as present.
                        Motion carried 6/0.  Abstain: Harmon

On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carried 6/0.  Abstain: Harmon


April 15, 2008 Regular Meeting  

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                        seconded by Don Pitkin
                        to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2008 Regular Meeting.
                        Motion carried 6/0.  Abstain: Harmon


April 23, 2008 Special Joint Meeting/Planning and Zoning re: Adult Entertainment

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                        seconded by Don Pitkin
                        to approve the minutes of the April 23, 2008 Special Joint
                        Meeting/Planning and Zoning re: Adult Entertainment.
                        
MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                        seconded by Jason Rojas 
                        to amend the minutes by adding the name of Councillor Barbara-Ann
                        Rossi as present.
                        Motion carried 7/0.  

On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carried 7/0.  


RESOLUTIONS

Community Development Block Grant 34th Program year (CDBG)

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                        seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                        to adopt the following resolution:


WHEREAS,  The Town of East Hartford is entitled to Thirty-fourth Program Year funding under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, totaling $ 635,687; and

WHEREAS, receipt of this entitlement grant is contingent upon the submission of a Thirty-fourth Program Year Action Plan, and Certifications of Compliance; and

WHEREAS, citizen input was obtained, in accordance with the Grants Administration Office’s Citizen Participation Plan, at a Public Hearing held on November 7, 2007, and two Public Hearings held on March 17, 2008.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding the objectives contained in the Thirty-fourth Program Year Action Plan and endorses this Plan as reflecting the Town’s Community Development needs.

AND, FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council does support and authorize the submission of the Thirty-fourth Program Year Action Plan, and Grantee Certifications to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and authorizes its Mayor, Melody A. Currey, to act as representative of the Town and to enter into contract with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0.

TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
34th YEAR ACTION PLAN
September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009

PUBLIC SERVICES

Senior Support Services (Social Services)                                              $23,353

CRT - East Hartford Community Shelter                                      $35,000

Housing Education Resource Center                                   $8,000

Substance Abuse Counselor (Youth Services)                                   $6,000

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford                                      $2,000     

Inter-Community Mental Health                                                            $2,000

East Hartford ChildPlan                                                                      $8,000

Interval House                                                                                     $2,000

Friendship Center Soup Kitchen                                                         $9,000

PROJECTS

Housing Rehabilitation                                              $225,00

Commercial Facade Improvement Program                               $146,947

Lead Abatement at Veterans Terrace                                                    $41,250

ADMINISTRATION

Program Administration                                                    $127,137

TOTAL                                                                     $635,687

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to take Item 9. O. 1 through 6, out of order to accommodate
                those present.
                Motion carried 7/0.

NEW BUSINESS

Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:

Riverfest 2008

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of Riverfront
Recapture to hold outdoor musical performances on Saturday, July 5,
2008, with a rain date of July 6, 2008, in the vicinity of Founders Plaza and
Great River Park from 4PM to 10:30PM with music occurring during the
same hours and a fireworks display occurring at 9:30PM to 10:00PM,
subject to compliance with adopted codes and regulations of the
State of Connecticut, the Town of East Hartford, and any other stipulations
required by the Town of East Hartford or its agencies.
Motion carried 7/0.

Riverfront Dancing

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of Riverfront
Recapture to hold open dances and dance instructions with a band at
Great River Park on the following dates and times in 2008:

                Friday, June 13th       7PM to 10PM
                Friday, July 11th       7PM to 10PM
                Friday, August 8th      7PM to 10PM
        (Friday, September 12th         7PM to 10PM – Raindate)
subject to compliance with adopted codes and regulations of the
State of Connecticut, the Town of East Hartford, and any other stipulations
required by the Town of East Hartford or its agencies.
Motion carried 7/0.

Olmstead Summer Classic Hartford Pops

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of Riverfront
Recapture for the purposes of conducting the Olmstead Summer Classic, a
Hartford Pops concert, to be held in Great River Park on Saturday, June
21, 2008 and Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 6PM to 10PM, with music
from 7PM to 9:30PM on both days, subject to compliance with adopted
codes and regulations of the State of Connecticut, the Town of East
Hartford, and any other stipulations required by the Town of East Hartford
or its agencies.
Motion carried 7/0.


1 2 5  Riverside Drive

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Pat Harmon
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of Riverone, LLC
                d.b.a. The 125 Restaurant & Lounge, for the purpose of conducting
                regularly scheduled outdoor musical entertainment (bands and DJ’s) at
                125 Riverside Drive from 6PM to 1AM on the following Thursdays, Fridays,
                Saturdays and Sunday evenings in 2008:

                                                 May 22,23,24,25,29,30,31
   June 5,6,7,8,12,13,14,15,19,20,21,22,26,27,28,29
      July 3,4,5,6,10,11,12,13,17,18,19,20,24,25,26,27,31
                 August 1,2,3,7,8,9,10,14,15,16,17,21,22,23,24,28,29,30,31
            September 4,5,6,7,11,12,13,14,18,19,20,21,25,26,27,28

subject to compliance with adopted codes and regulations of the State of Connecticut, the Town of East Hartford, and any other stipulations required by the Town of East Hartford or its agencies.
Motion carried 7/0.


International Homeless Animals Day

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Pat Harmon
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of The Queenie
                Foundation to conduct an informational forum on the Town Green, Main
                Street, East Hartford, with literature and fundraising items, along with 20-
                25 animal advocacy groups, regarding the plight of homeless animals, on
                Saturday, August 16, 2008 from 3PM to 8PM with music from 4PM to 7PM,
                subject to compliance with adopted codes and regulations of the State of
                Connecticut, the Town of East Hartford, and any other stipulations required
                by the Town of East Hartford or its agencies; and to waive the permit fees
                associated with this event.
Motion carried 7/0.

2nd Annual Masonicare Quality of Life Walk

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Jason Rojas
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of The Masonic
                Charity Foundation of Connecticut for the purpose of holding a Walking
                Fundraiser with information booths, food and a live radio remote broadcast
                event to be held at Great River Park on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 8AM
                to 12PM, with music being provided from 9AM to 12PM, subject to
                compliance with adopted codes and regulations of the State of
                Connecticut, the Town of East Hartford, and any other stipulations required
                by the Town of East Hartford or its agencies; and to waive the permit fees
                associated with this event.
Motion carried 7/0.

At this point, the Council returned to the order of the agenda.         


Recommendation from Ordinance Committee:

Section 7-8, subdivision (17), entitled “Chain Link Fence Slats”

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to repeal subdivision (17) of Section 7-8 of the Town of East Hartford
                Code of Ordinances and to substitute in lieu thereof a new subdivision
                (17) concerning chain link fence slats consistent with the proposed draft
                dated April 8, 2008 that was unanimously approved and recommended by
                the Ordinance Committee.
                Motion carried 7/0.


PROPOSED ORDINANCE CONCERNING CHAIN LINK FENCE SLATS
(April 8, 2008 draft)


Subdivision (17) of section 7-8 of the code of ordinances for the Town of East Hartford is amended to read as follows:


(17) Section 302.7 is amended to read as follows: All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. On or after September 30, 2002, no person shall erect or replace any fence exceeding four feet in height in the front yard of any residential property in the town.  As used in this section, "front yard" shall mean any portion of the property between the street frontage and the residential building but shall not include the side yard or rear yard of residential property that is a corner lot or through lot.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, a residential property owner may request permission to erect or replace any fence of more than four feet in height but not exceeding six feet in height in such owner's front yard from the Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals established pursuant to this section. Such application shall be filed with the Director of Inspections and Permits.  The Board shall meet to review such request within thirty days of the receipt of the request by the Director of Inspections and Permits.  In determining whether to approve such request filed pursuant to this paragraph, the Board shall consider the impact of the fence on the safety of the residents in the neighborhood and the physical, legal, or other reasons, why compliance with the four foot height restriction is a hardship.  On or after April 15, 2008, a person may erect a fence consisting of wood, wood composite, metal or plastic coated chain link, polyvinyl chloride or similar hard plastic compound material or such other material approved by the Director of Inspections and Permits.  No fence shall consist of tarp, canvas, or similar material. Any slats in between the chain links of a fence shall be of a uniform color pattern and shall be trimmed to grade level and to the top rail of the fence.



Section 10-51 and 10-52, entitled “Pension and Retiree Benefit Board”

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to amend the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances by adding
                Sections 10-51 and 10-52, establishing a Pension and Retiree Benefit
                Board, consistent with the proposed draft dated April 8, 2008 that was
                unanimously approved and recommended by the Ordinance Committee.
                Motion carried 7/0.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PENSION AND RETIREE BENEFIT BOARD
(April 8, 2008 draft)


The code of ordinances for the town of East Hartford is amended by adding new sections 10-51 and 10-52 as follows:


Sec. 10-51   (a)  There is established a Pension and Retiree Benefit Board consisting of five members as follows:  (1) the town treasurer serving a term concurrent with the term as treasurer; (2) a town councilor appointed by the chair of the town council serving a term concurrent with the term as Councillor; and (3) three electors of the town, one of whom shall be a member of the town’s retirement system serving a term of five years unless serving the remainder of another member’s term.

  (b) The Pension and Retiree Benefit Board shall supervise and maintain the town pension fund in accordance with rules and regulations contained in agreements between the town employees and the town of East Hartford regarding pension benefits.  The Board shall have such other powers and duties as provided to the Retirement Board in such contracts.  The Board shall ensure the pension funds are prudently invested for long-term, safe growth of invested funds.  The Board shall also supervise and maintain the Retiree Benefit Fund established pursuant to section 10-52 of the town ordinances.  

Sec. 10-52 (a) There is established a Retiree Benefit Trust Fund.    The purpose of the fund is to provide funds to meet long-term obligations of the town of East Hartford regarding health benefits provided to retired town employees in accordance with provisions for such benefits contained in any agreement between town employees and the town of East Hartford.

(b) Income to such fund shall include any amounts appropriated to such fund by the town council or as provided in this subsection and any return on investments of such funds.  If, at the close of any fiscal year, the undesignated reserve fund for the town exceeds eight percent of the total budget appropriation for such fiscal year, the budget surplus in such fiscal year, as verified by the town auditors, shall be appropriated to the Retiree Benefit Trust Fund

 (c) Expenses of such fund shall include those expenses necessary for the maintenance and administration of the fund, including but not limited to actuary and consulting fees.  Fund expenses shall not include compensation of any town employee or other general office-related expenses unless approved by the Town Council.


Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan: Supplemental Budget Appropriation and Fund Balance Transfer         

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION CONCERNING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND FUND BALANCE TRANSFER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2008 TO FUND APPROVED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ITEMS

WHEREAS, the East Hartford Town Council approved a 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan in a meeting held on March 11, 2008, and

WHEREAS, included in that plan was funding for renovations and moves within the Town Hall, renovations to the Community Cultural Center for the Youth Services move, renovations for the Probate Court move, renovations to the Middle School baseball and softball fields, and costs associated with rebuilding the rear porch at the Veteran’s Memorial Clubhouse, and

WHEREAS, the costs of these Capital Improvement items total $523,000, and

WHEREAS, the Town Council desires that the funding source for these Capital Improvement items be from the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this Supplemental Budget Appropriation of funds in the amount of $523,000 from the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance for the purpose of funding the aforementioned items and does hereby amend the current 2007-2008 fiscal year Operating Budget to reflect the addition of the attached Supplemental Revenue Appropriation and Expenditure Appropriation.

        G0320-55900     Fund Balance Appropriation                              $ 523,000
        G3200-67100     Transfers Out                                           $ 523,000

C1410-52200     Revenue Transfers In                                    $ 523,000
C1420-64504     Construction/Renovation Expense                 $ 523,000

Funds certified as unobligated and available.


On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0.



Municipal Tax Exempt Lease Purchase Financing – Capital Improvement Plan for Years 2008/2009 – 2012/2013

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A MUNICIPAL TAX-EXEMPT
LEASE PURCHASE FINANCING AGREEMENT


WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to purchase various capital equipment as part of the Town of East Hartford’s Approved 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan for the Years 2008-2009 through 2012-2013; and


WHEREAS, the cost of the various capital equipment and replacement furniture designated for lease-purchase financing after the designation of $200,000 from the 2007-2008 fiscal year expenditure surplus totals $1,180,500; and


WHEREAS, the Town will budget approximately $325,000 for four years beginning in fiscal year 2009-2010 in the General Operating Fund to pay principal and interest for the purchases.  


THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a master lease purchase agreement and related documents with Chase Equipment Leasing in the principal amount not to exceed $1,180,500.  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.


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town declares its intent to be reimbursed for any temporary advances from the General Fund to pay for any part of the equipment from proceeds of the lease financing in accordance with Treasury Regulation 26 CFR 1.103-18 and/or 26CFR1.150-2.

On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0.

At this point, Councillor Thompson joined the meeting.

Refund of Taxes

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to refund taxes in the amount of $3,564.26
                pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
                Motion carried 8/0.

Memorandum
DATE:   May 13, 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
AAA Human Capital LLC
dba Horizon Staffing Services
1169 Main St
East Hartford, CT 06108
2006-02-40846
111.15
Overpayment
Unique ID # PPH04210
Alexander, Judy A
42 Vineland Terrace
Hartford, CT 06112
2006-03-50611
160.70
Assessor’s Adjustment
Marker # 156SWH
Blondin, Jill
17 Echo Lane
East Hartford, CT 06118-1113
2006-03-53684
41.44
Overpayment
Marker # 162BPY
Campbell, Kisha
222 Park Ave
East Hartford, CT 06108-1752
2006-03-55497
6.60
Overpayment
Marker # 722UKB
Clarke, Georgia L
126 Silver Lane Apt 2
East Hartford, CT 06118
2006-03-57265
26.26
Overpayment
Marker # 701UUM
Costello, Helen
153 Oak St
East Hartford, CT 06118
2006-01-3174
280.44
Assessor’s Adjustment
153 Oak Street
Cotter, Dorothy M
235 East River Dr #1001
East Hartford, CT 06108
2001-01-3125
56.86
2002-01-3181
57.90
2003-01-3198
60.50
2004-01-3198
62.02
2005-01-3191
65.44
2006-01-3191
54.18
356.90
Assessor’s Adjustment
235 East River Dr #1001
Veteran Exemption
Cruz, Gloria E
23 Woodlawn Cir
East Hartford, CT 06108
2006-03-58921
40.63
Overpayment
Marker # 834VEH
Douglas, Precious A
509 Burnside Ave C-7
East Hartford, CT 06108
2006-03-61068
13.03
Overpayment
Marker # 102SCU
Eagle Wickham LLC
545 North Main St Suite D
Manchester, CT 06042
Multiple Accounts
1198.26
Assessor’s Adjustment
See List
Ergle, Alan D & Janis
5 Baypath Dr
East Hartford, CT 06108
2006-01-4801
185.12
Assessor’s Adjustment
5 Baypath Drive
Guzman, Sandy
198 Woodycrest Dr
East Hartford, CT 06118
2006-03-66186
26.91
Assessor’s Adjustment
Marker # 271UFD
Jimenez, Glenny
66 Brentmoor Rd
East Hartford, CT 06118
2005-01-15761
24.00
Overpayment
66 Brentmoor Rd
Levy Coleman B Trustee
74 Batterson Park Rd
Farmington, CT 06032
2006-01-8552
277.76
Assessor’s Adjustment
103 School Street
Litton Loan Servicing LP
ATTN:  Tax Dept
4828 Loop Central Dr
Houston, TX 77081
2006-01-12011
500.00
Overpayment
19 Mitchell Court
Smith, Anthony
50 Corey St
Windsor, CT 06095
2006-03-85782
79.14 + 10.68
Tax + Int.
89.82
Assessor’s Adjustment
Marker # 267UJZ
Squire, Lori
90 McKee St
East Hartford, CT 06108
2006-03-86331
44.79
Assessor’s Adjustment
Marker # 1AWM3
Stevenson, Carol
175 Holland Lane
East Hartford, CT 06118-1728
2006-03-86597
151.16
Overpayment
Marker # 966ASR
Stone, Harvey Jr.
184 ½ Center St
Manchester, CT 06040
2005-03-86998
29.29
Overpayment
Marker # 298SFY
TOTAL
3,564.26

_____________________
Patricia Faucher, CCMC


LoCIP Grant Application

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Jason Rojas
                to authorize the Grants Administrator to submit an application to the
State of Connecticut to secure Local Capital Improvement Plan funds
(LoCIP) in the amount of $510,000 for projects listed in our approved municipal capital improvement plan. The projects will be:
                1.      Town Hall Parking Lot: $118,000
                2.      Connecticut Boulevard median: $40,000
                3.      Carpeting for Mayor’s office, Human Resources Department and Corporation Counsel’s                      office: $42,000
                4.      Paving for Parks & Recreation Dept: Gorman Park, Veterans’ Memorial Clubhouse, East                     Hartford Community Cultural Center north parking lot: $310,000
Motion carried 7/1. Nay: Thompson

Municipal Tax Exempt Lease Purchase Financing: Board of Education

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to adopt the following resolution:


RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A MUNICIPAL TAX-EXEMPT LEASE PURCHASE FINANCE AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford’s Board of Education intends to purchase various computer technology, voice and data communication and computer software systems as part of the Board of Education’s operating budget for Years 2009-10 through 2012-13;

WHEREAS, the cost of the various technology equipment for lease-purchase financing totals $570,000; and

WHEREAS, the Board will budget approximately $158,175 for four years beginning in fiscal year 2009-10 in the general operating budget to pay the principal and interest for the purchases;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a master lease purchase agreement and related documents with the town selected lease provider in the principal amount not to exceed $570,000. 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 the specific terms and conditions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town declares its intent to be reimbursed for any temporary advances from the General Fund to pay for any part of the technology equipment from the proceeds of the lease financing in accordance with Treasury Regulation 26 CFR 1.103-18 and/or 26 CFR 1.150-2.

On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.



Tax Exemption for Religious Houses – Iglesia de Dios Evangelica el Refugio, Inc. of 178 Main Street

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                        to refund the amount of property taxes due on 178 Main Street, owned
                        by Iglesia de Dios Evangelica Refugio, Inc., in accordance with Section
                        10-4 of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances.
                        Motion carried 8/0.


Suspense List for Grand List Years 1991 through 2004

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Jason Rojas
                to approve the transfer of delinquent taxes from Personal Property and
Motor Vehicle taxes to the Suspense Rate Book for the 1991-2004 Grand
List years, as detailed in the Collectors’ Certificate dated April 25, 2008 from Patricia Faucher, Collector of Revenue for the Town of East Hartford to the Town Council.
                Motion carried  8/0.


Fund Balance Transfers – Golf and Golf Capital Improvement Funds

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Jason Rojas
                to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION CONCERNING A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION AND FUND BALANCE TRANSFER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2008 TO FUND THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF THE GOLF OPERATING AND CAPITAL FUND DEFICITS

WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford contracted with a Golf Course Management Company to take over the day to day operation of the golf course, pro shop, maintenance activities and restaurant at the East Hartford Golf Course effective January 1, 2008, and

WHEREAS, during the time that the golf course operation was under the control of the town, regular, annual, operating deficits were incurred, and

WHEREAS, the cumulative total of these deficits in both the Golf Operating Fund and the Golf Capital Improvement Fund totaled $884,000, and

WHEREAS, in order to maintain sound fiscal policy, these deficits must be extinguished.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this Supplemental Budget Appropriation of funds in the amount of $875,000 from the Town’s Undesignated Fund Balance for the purpose of extinguishing the combined Golf Fund and Golf Capital Improvement Fund deficits and does hereby amend the current 2007-2008 fiscal year Operating Budget to reflect the addition of the attached Supplemental Revenue Appropriation and Expenditure Appropriation.

        G0320-55900     Fund Balance Appropriation                              $ 884,000
        G3200-67100     Transfer Out                                            $ 884,000
        S1310-52000     Golf Fund (Operating) – Transfer In                             $ 670,000
        S1330-52000     Golf Capital Improvement Fund   - Transfer In           $ 214,000

Funds certified as unobligated and available.

MOTION  By Jason Rojas
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to amend the motion by correcting the dollar amount in the 5th paragraph
as follows:
                “…of funds in the amount of $884,000 from the Town’s…”
                Motion carried 8/0.

On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carried 8/0.


Approval of Union Contract AFSCME Local 1174 – Public Works/Parks & Recreation Department

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Don Pitkin
                to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the
                Town of East Hartford and AFSCME Local 1174 – Public Works
and Parks & Recreation Department for the period July 1, 2007 through
June 30, 2012.
Motion carried 8/0.

Once fully executed, a copy of this contract will follow these minutes.

Referral to Personnel and Pensions Subcommittee

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Don Pitkin
                to refer to the Personnel and Pensions Subcommittee the issue of
                revising the job description of Environmental Public Health Supervisor and
the new job description of Highway Services Manager.
Motion carried 8/0.


Recommendations from Personnel and Pensions Subcommittee:

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Jason Rojas
to approve the job description for the Assessment Systems Coordinator position with the revisions noted by the Committee under “Knowledge, Skills and Abilities”.  
Motion carried 8/0.

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the modified job description and grade increase for the Emergency Management Coordinator position.
Motion carried 8/0.

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Jason Rojas
to approve the modified job description for the Caseworker I position.  
Motion carried 8/0.

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the new job description and grade increase for the Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer position.  
Motion carried 8/0.

Recommendation from Fees Committee re: Resident and Non-resident Fee Schedule

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the following changes to the Parks and Recreation Department
Fee Schedule:
                ·       Youth League non-resident fee - $25.00 for participation in any youth sporting event
                ·       Adult Open Gymnasium Basketball Program:
                        1.      Resident $2.00; Non-resident $4.00
                        2.      Seasonal fee: Resident $20.00; Non-resident $40.00
                ·       Increases for the rental of the East Hartford Community Cultural Center, Brewer House                   and Veterans Memorial Clubhouse as presented to the Town Council in a memo from                         Roger Moss to Mayor Melody Currey dated February 27, 2008. (see below)
Motion carried 7/1.  Nay: Rojas

EHCCC – 4 hrs
Current
Proposed
Fee
Deposit
Fee
Deposit
Resident
$25
$50
$50
$100
Non-Resident
$50
$50
$80
$100
Business – Profit
$150
$50
$225
$100
EHCCC - Gymnasium
4 hrs
Resident
$100
$100
$150
$150
Non-Resident
$200
$100
$275
$150
Business  - Profit
$400
$100
$500
$150
EHCCC Auditorium – 4 hrs
Resident
$125
$200
$200
$300
Non-Resident
$200
$200
$300
$300
Business – Profit
$400
$200
$450
$300
Brewer House – 5 hrs
Resident
$75
$50
$150
$100
Non-Resident
$150
$50
$300
$100
VMC – Ballroom 5 hrs
Resident
$250
$100
$350
$200
Non-Resident
$350
$100
$450
$200
VMC – Dining Rm 5 hrs
Resident
$175
$100
$275
$200
Non-Resident
$250
$100
$350
$200
VMC – Rotary Rm 5 hrs
Resident
$225
$100
$325
$200
Non-Resident
$300
$100
$400
$200

Appointments to Boards and Commissions

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the following appointments:
        
                1.      Board of Ethics
                        Paul Sousa, 56 Columbus Street; term to expire 12/12

                2.      Hockanum River Commission
David M. Cannell, 25 Park Street; term to expire 12/11
Paula Flack, 50 Chapman Place #216; term to expire 12/11
Anthony Hollister, 907 Forbes Street; term to expire 12/11
Peter Klock, 94 Sunset Ridge Drive; term to expire 12/11
James Reik, 235 E. River Drive; term to expire 12/11
Kevin Riley, 623 Main Street; term to expire 12/11
Kenneth S. Sek, 285 Griffin Rd,, So. Windsor; term to expire 12/11
                Motion carried 8/0.

OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION

Marc Weinberg suggested that a fine for nuisance and/or unnecessary 911 calls to the Police Department be instituted to help reduce those particular calls.

Don Pitkin inquired on the following: (1) tree limbs and debris be removed from the tree belt on Rustic Lane; (2) Center Cemetery – broken glass be removed and torn flags be replaced; (3) update on the expansion of Silver Lane Cemetery; (4) a commendation for a woman in the Park Avenue area who cleans the street; (5) the reorganization of some staffing in the Police Department, specifically the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police position.

Eric Thompson asked about the completion of the road work on the corner of Silver Lane and Warren Drive, which is being repaved to meet the specifications of the Town’s Engineering Department.

Barbara Rossi asked about the public hearing notices posted along Brewer Lane and Saunders Street.  


COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS

Eunice Jones v. Town of East Hartford

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Don Pitkin
                to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel’s office to fully and
finally settle the case entitled Eunice Jones v. Town of East Hartford, et al
for the total sum of $30,000.00.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Thompson

OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK

Patrick Sanzo, 23 Risley Street, commented on excess litter along town roads, especially along riverfront properties.  Additionally, Mr. Sanzo asked that the Chamber floor be cleaned and that the clock be replaced.

Councillor Thompson asked for a point of personal privilege to congratulate his daughters for being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, as well as the other East Hartford students who were inducted with them.

Vice Chair Horan thanked Channel 5 for their work this evening and thanked the Council Clerk.


ADJOURNMENT

MOTION  By Don Pitkin
                seconded by Marc Weinberg
                to adjourn (9:24 p.m.).
                Motion carried 8/0.

The Vice Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on May 20, 2008.




                                        Attest________________________________
                                                        Angela M. Attenello
                                                          TOWN COUNCIL CLERK