EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCTOBER 21, 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 7:44 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.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Currey (1) announced that the open house for the new location for the Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) offices in the East Hartford Community Cultural Center took place today; (2) November 4th is Election Day and sample ballots are located throughout the community. Mayor Currey reviewed the five questions that will appear on the upcoming ballot; (3) Governor Rell and Brad Davis will be coming to East Hartford Friday, October 24th to join the Mayor in a fundraiser for the town’s Fuel Bank.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 7, 2008 Executive Session/Modi-Fleetmasters-956 Silver Lane
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2008 Executive Session/ Modi-
Fleetmasters-956 Silver Lane.
Motion carried 9/0.
October 7, 2008 Public Hearing/Registrars of Voters & Overpayment of Taxes Ordinances
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2008 Public Hearing/ Registrars
of Voters & Overpayment of Taxes Ordinances.
Motion carried 9/0.
October 7, 2008 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2008 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Presentation by the Social Services Department: Fuel Assistance Program
Jo-Ann Dorn, Supervisor of the Social Services Department, addressed the Council on
the increase in the number of the town’s residents requesting assistance with their utility
bills. Since the funds available are limited, the Mayor spearheaded a fundraiser with Governor Rell and Brad Davis to hold a remote broadcast on Friday, October 24th from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM at American Eagle Federal Credit Union located at 417 Main Street in East Hartford. Ms. Dorn encouraged all to stop in and attend this important event.
Center Cemetery – New York Times Article
Chair Kehoe displayed an article that was printed in the New York Times on Sunday, September 14, 2008 highlighting the use of cemeteries for social events. The article mentioned Cedar Hill in Hartford and displayed pictures of Center Cemetery in East Hartford. Also, Ray Tubbs, President of the Friends of Center Cemetery and a town resident, was quoted in the article.
Presentation by the Metropolitan District Commission re: Strategic Plan
Pasquale “Bud” Salemi, Co-Chair for the MDC’s Strategic Plan Committee and a Commissioner from East Hartford, along with Al Reichin, Co-Chair for the MDC’s Strategic Plan Committee and a Commissioner from Bloomfield, addressed the Council on the latest Strategic Plan that was presented to the Councillors this past summer. Mr. Reichin stated that the goal behind the plan was to find a way to expand services to member towns to bring costs down. Additionally, Mr. Salemi stated that MDC’s new budget will be available soon and that all the Councillors will be pleased with the cost savings for the upcoming year. Chair Kehoe suggested that it would be helpful to the town’s residents for Mr. Salemi and Mr. Reichin to return to the Council to review the new budget, once available.
NEW BUSINESS
Revised Motion re: Railroad Enterprise Zone
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Don Pitkin
to rescind the motion to modify railroad depot zone boundaries
as presented at the October 7, 2008 Town Council meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
MOTION By Jason Rojas
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas, the Town of East Hartford has some vacant, underutilized or abandoned properties located along the extensive railroad network located within the town; and
Whereas, the State of Connecticut has established a program for the establishment of “Railroad Depot Zones” within communities faced with the challenge of revitalizing older industrial areas along railroad corridors and has authorized and provided for benefits and incentives for businesses expanding or locating in these zones; and
Whereas, the zone benefits and incentives include State assistance to eligible businesses and State reimbursement to the Town for 50% of any property tax abatement resulting in the Town receiving 60% of the additional taxes assessed on any expanded or new construction in the area; and
Whereas, it is in the best interests of the Town of East Hartford to utilize the Railroad Depot Zone benefits to entice new manufacturing businesses and encourage expansion of existing town businesses in the zone areas provided such expansion is consistent with Town zoning, health, and safety regulations; and
Whereas, the Railroad Depot Zone designation does not alter, amend, or otherwise change any existing land use regulation, and does not authorize any land use which is not permitted under current zoning regulations; and
Whereas, the Town of East Hartford would benefit from participation in the program through the revitalization of these areas and the expansion of our tax base.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL:
1. That the area depicted on the map entitled “ Town of East Hartford Railroad Depot Zone” be designated as the town’s Railroad Depot Zone within boundary modifications as detailed in a memo from Mayor Melody A. Currey to Town Council Chair Richard F. Kehoe dated September 26, 2008; and
2. That Melody A. Currey, Mayor be authorized to make application to the State of Connecticut for the establishment of the zone, and to execute necessary documents and assurances in connection with the application and the creation of the zone.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Marcia Leclerc (1) noted that the town has a new website and asked what features have been added; (2) asked how the space that the offices formerly occupied by WIC is being utilized; (3) asked for clarification on the start date of November 3rd for leaf collection.
Jason Rojas (1) inquired on the sale of municipal bonds due to the present economic conditions; (2) suggested that the town start its budget discussions for the 2009-2010 fiscal year; (3) reminded citizens that the first leaf pick-up will begin November 3rd.
Don Pitkin (1) asked for an update on the design of the new Youth Services offices to be located in the East Hartford Community Cultural Center; (2) inquired on the time schedule for the demolition of the DePietro property and also asked about plans for the DePietro Park.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
None
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (9:03 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on Wednesday, November 5th, due to the elections being held on Tuesday, November 4th.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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