EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
FEBRUARY 3, 2009
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, Barbara-Ann Rossi, Linda A. Russo (joined at 7:47 p.m.), Patricia Harmon and Eric Thompson
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:37 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.
Appointment of Linda A. Russo, Town Councillor
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to appoint Linda A. Russo to fill the unexpired term of
Jason Rojas on the East Hartford Town Council.
Motion carried 8/0.
At this point, Sharon Miller, Town Clerk, administered the oath of office to Ms. Russo. The Councillors welcomed her as she took her seat to the Council.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Currey (1) congratulated Linda Russo on her appointment to the Council; (2) thanked the town’s union members for their open discussions with the Administration in this tough economic climate; (3) stated that she will be distributing a survey to the residents of East Hartford asking them for the town services that are a priority to them; (4) is looking forward to the Governor’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year; (5) said that she will have the Administration’s recommended budget to the Council just prior to February 23rd; and (6) noted that the Development’s Department presentation will highlight the positive aspects of growth in East Hartford.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 20, 2009 Executive Session/UTC; Torres
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2009
Executive Session/UTC; Torres.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Russo
January 20, 2009 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the January 20, 2009 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Russo
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Update from Jeanne Webb, Director of Development
Jeanne Webb offered the Council a power-point presentation on the highlights of what
new development has occurred over the past year and what is planned for the near future. The Development Department had approximately forty-seven meetings with new businesses over the past year to discuss business plans regarding town regulations and requirements. In addition, Ms. Webb is hopeful that she can come forward next year with a comparable portfolio of finished projects.
Resignation of Wanda Franek from the East Hartford Housing Authority
The Chair announced that Wanda Franek has resigned from the East Hartford Housing Authority, effective December 31, 2008, due to her retirement to Florida. Mrs. Franek’s dedication to her community, through her involvement with the East Hartford Housing Authority and various other organizations, was praised by the Town Council.
NEW BUSINESS
Referral to Tax Policy Committee re: Tax Lien Sales
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to refer to the Tax Policy Committee the Finance Director’s recommendation to have a tax lien sale consistent with his memorandum and attached list of properties dated February 3, 2009 with instructions for the Tax Policy Committee to consider the recommendation and to report back to the Town Council with its own recommendation, if any.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Thompson
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
MOTION By Pat Harmon
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to approve the following appointments:
- Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities
Virginia Lynch; term to expire December 2010
- Board of Ethics (Alternate)
Stephen Roczynski; term to expire December 2013
- Veterans’ Affairs Commission
Paul Barry; term to expire December 2010
Motion carried 9/0.
Set a Public Hearing Date re: Section 2-3 of the Town of East Hartford code of Ordinances – Mayor’s Salary
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Don Pitkin
to take no further action on the recommendation of the Ordinance
Committee regarding the Mayor’s salary.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Pat Harmon noted several major potholes that need filling on Governor Street.
Don Pitkin suggested that the Town Council rebate 10% of their compensation due to the present economic climate.
Marcia Leclerc stated that a resident of Burnside Avenue was dissatisfied with the repairs that MDC performed on that section of Burnside Avenue where the water main collapsed.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
United Technologies Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Division v. Town of East Hartford
- HHB-CV-07-4014721-S
- HHB-CV-07-4014709-S
- HHB-CV-08-4017414-S
- HHB-CV-08-4017424-S
- HHB-CV-08-4019543-S
No action taken on any of the above.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Bill Horan spoke on the how the economic downturn has affected the issuance of tax lien sales.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Linda Russo
to adjourn (8:24 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on February 17, 2009.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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