EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MAY 20, 2008
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Majority Leader Marcia A. Leclerc, Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Jason Rojas (arrived 8:14 P.M.), Barbara-Ann Rossi, Patricia Harmon and Eric Thompson
ABSENT Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr.
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.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
East Hartford High School Class of 2008: Top Twenty Awards
Chair Kehoe read the following resolution:
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
WHEREAS, Matthew Ryan, Principal of East Hartford High School, has announced the names of the “Top 20 Students” in the Class of 2008 - the 122nd graduating class in the history of East Hartford High School; and
WHEREAS, inclusion in this elite group of scholars is the result of four years of consistent exceptional work and dedication to studies; and
WHEREAS, special honors and awards have been bestowed on the members of the “Top 20”, and the support and guidance of parents, family and teachers must also be recognized and commended; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford hereby acknowledges the academic excellence and selection as a “Top Twenty” student of
Christopher Testa, Valedictorian Jason Wolkon, Salutatorian
Michael Schuller Christine Zaleta Nicole Lavoie
Amber Jackson Alexandria Gagnon Michael Kurker
Anila Bakullari Caitlin Dillon Sandra Patrucco
Michael Tran Kevin Tran Jacqueline O’Leary
Keith Lombardi Angela McCluskey Luke Bajana
Kyle Edward Sluboski Dylan McCartney Rachel Macri
and extends its congratulations for this outstanding achievement and, with the entire East Hartford community, wishes for continued personal success.
LET IT FURTHER BE KNOWN:
That Mayor Melody A. Currey joins the Town Council in this affirmation of tribute and honor.
After presenting the students with their awards, the Chair and the entire Council congratulated them on a job well done and wished them well in their future endeavors.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Gary LeBeau, Four Gorman Place, East Hartford’s State Senator, announced that the next State Bond Commission agenda includes money for parking at Rentschler Field. Also, last year the State Legislature created a fund for housing rehabilitation and some of those monies will be released to Hutt Heights for roof repair and Veteran’s Terrace for asbestos abatement.
Mayor Currey addressed the Council on (1) the progress of the town’s mosquito control program; and (2) the Connecticut Preservation Award that Raymond Library received for the restoration work performed on the 2nd floor. She also thanked the legislative delegation for their diligence in working toward securing state funds to help offset and supplement town monies expended for flood control and for their work toward extending the town’s ability to change the real estate conveyance tax.
Donald H. Pitkin, 39 Timber Trail, Co-president of the Friends of East Hartford Senior Centers, pointed out a discrepancy in the payment requirements for the one dollar yearly lease for that organization.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 6, 2008 Executive Session/Eunice Jones
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2008 Executive Session/Eunice
Jones.
Motion carried 6/0. Abstain: Thompson
May 6, 2008 Public Hearing/Chain Link Fence Slats and Pension & Retiree Benefit Board Ordinances
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2008 Public Hearing/Chain Link
Fence Slats and Pension & Retiree Benefit Board Ordinances.
Motion carried 6/0. Abstain: Thompson
May 6, 2008 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 7/0.
During discussion on the following item, Councillor Rojas joined the meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Road Improvement Update: Public Works Presentation
Mayor Currey and Billy Taylor, Director of Public Works, gave the Town Council an
update on how the town’s road program is currently working and what the town will need
to do in the future to maintain the roads. The current crack/seal program has sealed
approximately 39 miles of town roads and patched another 17 miles of town roads.
Additionally, the Mayor is looking to address the town’s subsurface drainage issues by
allocating $2.5 million of her proposed $12.5 million in town bonding.
Rentschler Field Update: The Matos Group Presentation
Dan Matos, president and owner of The Matos Group who is the preferred developer at Rentschler Field, explained to the Council that, even while the present economic conditions are challenging, Rentschler Field is progressing nicely. He highlighted the one-mile of road that was installed in 2007, the 185,000 square foot building built by Cabela’s, and the creation of a 130-acre wildlife corridor dedicated to a nature preserve. Mr. Matos recognized the coalition of banks that work with The Matos Group to think through the challenges of the development of Rentschler Field and to help provide financing. Those banks are New Alliance Bank, The Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, TD BankNorth and Berkshire Bank. Mr. Matos stated that he will stay the course with the original vision for the development of
Rentschler Field.
NEW BUSINESS
Bid Waiver: Corporation Counsel – PrimeShares World Markets, LLC.
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to waive the bid requirement and to authorize the Town to enter into a contract with PrimeShares World Markets, LLC to sell the town’s claim against Reliance Insurance Company in Liquidation as outlined in the proposed agreement from PrimeShares World Markets, LLC to Cindy Bennett, Risk Manager for the Town of East Hartford dated May 6, 2008.
Motion carried 8/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $13,064.57
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Memorandum
DATE: May 27, 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 |
CAB East LLC Ford Credit Personal Property Tax PO Box 67000, Dept. 231601 Detroit, Michigan 48267-2316 |
2006-03-55215 |
143.37 |
Assessor’s Adjustment VIN # 1FMZU73W14ZA32652 |
Cartagena, Eliezer 39 Wells Ave East Hartford, CT 06108-2270 |
2006-04-81548 |
12.71 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 818534 |
Countrywide Tax Services PTXB-492 ATTN: Noemi Fematt 7105 Corporate Dr Plano, TX 75024 |
2006-01-16298 |
3129.81 |
Overpayment 1220 Burnside Ave Unit C (paid to wrong parcel) |
Crocker, Patricia 8 Proctor Rd Manchester, CT 06040 |
2006-03-58794 |
379.11 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # BYEBYE |
Desouza, Kerrieon P PO Box 380623 East Hartford, CT 06138-0623 |
2003-03-60347 |
6.20 |
Overpayment Marker # 464PJE |
Eastbrook Towers LLC 670 White Plains Rd Suite 310 Scarsdale, NY 10583q |
2006-01-04564 |
1264.20 |
Assessor’s Adjustment 40 Cumberland Drive |
Eastbrook Towers LLC 670 White Plains Rd Suite 310 Scarsdale, NY 10583q |
2006-01-04565 |
1264.20 |
Assessor’s Adjustment 80 Simmons Drive |
Glastonbury Holding LLC 3200 Cruger Ave Suite 201 Bronx, NY 10467 |
2006-01-14627 |
5025.18 |
Assessor’s Adjustment 41-71 Glenn Road |
Hernandez, Carmelo 146 Colby Dr East Hartford, CT 06108-1416 |
2006-03-67236 173.91 + 7.39 Tax + Int. |
181.30 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 689STE |
Melendez, Olga N PO Box 380576 East Hartford, CT 06138-0576 |
2006-04-85864 |
75.40 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 137WCU |
Monzon, Mercedes & Juan 79 Phillips Farm Rd East Hartford, CT 06118 |
2006-01-16467 |
1142.67 |
Overpayment 79 Phillips Farm Road |
Option One Tax Department PO Box 13922 Durham, NC 27709 |
2006-01-5789 |
188.03 |
Overpayment 102 Westerly Terrace (paid wrong parcel) |
Shirley, Eugene 83 Pratt St East Hartford, CT 06118-1528 |
2006-01-13391 |
26.64 |
Overpayment 83 Pratt Street |
The Willows LLC PO Box 681 Orange, CT 06477 |
2006-01-8160 |
126.58 |
Overpayment 441 Main St Lot 1004 |
Tummings, Carol 53 Ledyard Ave Bloomfield, CT 06002 |
2006-01-12471 |
48.68 |
Overpayment 18-22 Harmony Street |
Velazquez, William 61 Graham Rd Apt A East Hartford, CT 06118-2129 |
2006-03-89419 43.35 + 7.14 Tax + Int. |
50.49 |
Assessor’s Adjustment Marker # 178UAP |
TOTAL |
|
13064.57 |
|
_____________________
Patricia Faucher, CCMC
At this point, Majority Leader Leclerc and Minority Leader Pitkin recused themselves from discussion and vote on the following item.
Referral to Fees Committee: Friends of the East Hartford Senior Centers Lease (acting as the Committee of the Whole)
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
that the Town Council, acting as the Committee of the Whole, approve the
renewal of the lease for Friends of the East Hartford Senior Centers, Inc.,
at McCartin School for three years, beginning on February 1, 2008 and ending on January 31, 2011, for one (1) dollar per year and no charge for utilities.
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Pat Harmon
to amend the motion by adding the following:
“…for one (1) dollar per year payable in a one dollar annual installment
and no charge for utilities”.
Motion carried 6/0. Abstain: Leclerc, Pitkin
On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carries 6/0. Abstain: Leclerc, Pitkin
Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee: 590 & 671 Burnside Avenue
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Jason Rojas
to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition Committee the
Request for Proposal (RFP) for 590 Burnside Avenue, owned by the
Town of East Hartford, and for 671 Burnside Avenue, owned by the Town’s Redevelopment Agency.
Motion 8/0.
Referral to Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee: Retirees’ Pension 2-year Increase
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to refer to the Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee the issue of an
increase for retirees’ pensions.
Motion carried 8/0.
Outdoor Amusement Permits:
ING Greater Hartford Marathon
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of The Hartford
Marathon Foundation to conduct outdoor musical entertainment and road
races on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 7:30AM to 12:00PM, with
music between the hours of 8:30AM and 11:00AM, 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 8/0.
KB Memorial Criterium Bicycle Races
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of Capital Velo
Club Cycling Team to conduct a series of bicycle races on Sunday, June
29, 2008 from 9:00AM to 5:00PM from Founders Plaza and the following
streets: East River Drive, Pitkin Street, Meadow Street, and Hartland
Streets, 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 8/0.
Dike Repair: Appropriation of Bond Funds
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve expenditures in the amount of $5,663,305 as outlined in a
memo from Denise Horan, Town Engineer, to Mayor Melody Currey dated May 16, 2008 from Bond Account #C1620-63175, the $7M town bond initiative.
Motion carried 8/0.
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by
to rescind the motion appropriating flood control bond funds from the February 5, 2008 Town Council meeting.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Eric Thompson inquired on (1) the recruitment of individuals for the “Green Committee”; (2) suggested that the town’s recycling coordinator, James Kate, come before the Council to address seasonal issues of recycling, i.e., disposal of leaves, grass clippings, etc.; (3) what could be done in the near future to remediate Elizabeth Shea Park for the use of the residents in that area; (4) transitioning town vehicles to hybrid vehicles for cost efficiency in gas consumption.
Don Pitkin (1) commented on an update on the restoration/changes to Silver Lane at Forbes Street ; (2) asked what the estimated cost would be to move Probate Court to the East Hartford Community Cultural Center (The Mayor stated that Probate Court will not be moved and will stay in their present location at Town Hall); (3) asked for the total amount of square footage allocated to various organizations and/or town departments at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center; (4) questioned the ownership of 482-484 Burnside Avenue.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
None
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Councillor Thompson asked for a point of personal privilege to announce that he will be going to Guatemala for two weeks to visit an orphanage that his church sponsors.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adjourn (10:00 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on June 3, 2008.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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